Barnet War Memorial Association
Service of Remembrance
at Finchley Memorial Hospital 2025
The 2025 annual ceremony of remembrance and commemoration took place at Finchley Memorial Hospital on the morning of Friday, 7th November.
Members of Barnet War Memorials Association were joined by The Worshipful The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Danny Rich, along with dignitaries, invited guests, and members of the public. Again, by kind permission of the management and staff of FMH, they gathered in the main reception area of Finchley Memorial Hospital beside the bronze memorial saved from the former building. After a short service and a thoughtful address from Reverend Philip Davison, Rector of St Mary-at-Finchley, we observed two minutes’ silence. Thereafter, the representative Deputy Lieutenant placed a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. All joined in singing of the National Anthem.
After the indoor service, the gathering moved outside to the War Memorial in the hospital grounds. Here, Rabbi Rebecca Birk from Finchley Reform Synagogue offered a few very pertinent thoughts and observations, before reciting a memorial prayer in English and in Hebrew. and Dr Harsha Jani, representing Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK, spoke of the service of the millions of Indians in two World Wars, before offering a Hindu prayer.
Further tributes followed, including a sombre tribute from Jeff Borsack who referred to the many civilian war dead, particularly those killed by enemy bombing. The first wreath was laid by the Mayor of Barnet, after adding his thoughts. Additional wreaths and poppy crosses were placed by Mr Barry Atkinson on behalf of the Association, Dr Jani, and other participants.
The Association extends its sincere thanks to the staff at Finchley Memorial Hospital for their invaluable assistance in facilitating the service, and for the provision of welcomed sustenance afterwards.
All images courtesy of Gerald Alterman and are Copyright of the BWMA.