Remembering Our Fallen: The Livery Garden of Remembrance Service at St Paul’s Cathedral

The Worshipful Company of Communicators joins the City’s Livery Companies in honouring those lost in service

Each year, in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Livery Companies of the City of London pause to remember. This year, the Worshipful Company of Communicators took its place among them at the annual Livery Garden of Remembrance Service on Monday (November 2nd), organised by the Livery Committee.

Our Company was represented by the Master, Justine McGuinness, and the Clerk, Ian Wingfield.

The Garden of Remembrance Service honours fallen service members, veterans and lost comrades, including those from within the Livery Companies themselves. It is a moment of quiet reflection at the heart of the City, bringing together a community that has long carried the memory of those who served.

The service was led by the Lady Mayor of the City of London, joined by the Sheriffs and the Dean of St Paul’s. Masters, Prime Wardens and Clerks from all 114 Livery Companies were in attendance, alongside representatives of the Royal British Legion, members of the armed forces and youth cadets. School children were also present, a reminder that remembrance is something each generation passes to the next.

Music was provided by the band of the Royal Grenadier Guards, lending the occasion both solemnity and dignity.

140 Crosses, One Shared Act of Remembrance

At the centre of the service is a simple and deeply moving tradition. 140 wooden crosses and symbols are placed in the Garden, each sourced from the Poppy Factory, in memory of lost comrades. Alongside them was laid the official City of London wreath.

Each cross represents a life, a family and a story.

Justine McGuinness: “As a Livery Company, the Communicators share in the City’s long traditions of service, fellowship and charity. Taking part in occasions such as this connects us to that heritage and to the wider community of Livery Companies who stand together in remembrance.

“We were honoured to be represented at this year’s service, and we extend our thanks to the Livery Committee for organising such a dignified and moving occasion.”