Nail bomb anniversary – 12 years on, special service to remember victims of Admiral Duncan pub attack

Published: 6th May, 2011
by TOM FOOT

SURVIVORS, friends and family members of victims marked the 12th anniversary of the Admiral Duncan nail-bomb attack during a moving ceremony on Saturday.

The blast at the Old Compton Street pub in Soho killed three people and injured dozens in 1999.

The vicar of St Paul’s the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden, Father Simon Grigg, was joined by around 50 people by the Triangular memorial bench in St Anne’s Gardens in Wardour Street for the short act of remembrance.

A minute’s silence was observed at 6.37pm – the time of the explosion – for John Light, Nik Moore, Andrea Dykes, who lost their lives.

Mark Healey, from the 17-24-30 No to Hate Crime Campaign, said: “Whilst the past for some is painful to remember, these acts of remembrance serve to provide people with some comfort and hope. Hope that by coming together we can prevent this from happening again.

“They also provide the communities attacked with opportunities to raise awareness of the need to tackle hate crime, to educate new generations so that they remain vigilant and work together to challenge racism and homophobia in all their forms.”

The Triangular memorial bench was designed to represent the importance of the relationship between the three communities that were attacked by David Copeland – Brixton and Brick Lane were also targeted.

Three candles were lit representing the three acts of remembrance that are held each year, symbolising life, remembrance and hope.

Councillors Jonathan Glanz and Frixos Tombolis attended representing West End ward, along with Cllr Jan Prendergast acting as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster.