THE CYCLISTS’ WAR MEMORIAL

[Si]

The below was included in the Feb issue of the North Birmingham CTC news letter: 'The Northern News'. I thought that some might find it interesting.

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THE CYCLISTS’ WAR MEMORIAL by Keith Lewis
A brief resume of its History

There stands in the heart of England on Meriden Green a simple pillar of grey Cornish granite with the
inscription which reads ‘To the Lasting Memory of those Cyclists who Died in the Great War 1914-1919’.
The late Mr. ‘Biddy’ Bidlake was the first to think of a national memorial to fallen cyclists. In October 1919
after the idea had been discussed in the pages of ‘Cycling’, a meeting to inaugurate the fund was called in
London by Mr. G.H. Stancer. An executive committee was appointed with Mr. G Howard Gritten MP as
chairman. Lord Birkenhead, the Lord Chancellor, accepted the invitation to become president of the memorial
fund.

Then commenced the task for the committee of selecting a suitable memorial. Should it be a library or a
wayside drinking fountain, as was first suggested? Or should it be an obelisk, and with commendable
forethought it was decided that this pillar of memory should stand as near as possible to the geographical
centre of England. Lord Aylesford of the manor of Meriden readily gave the scheme his sanction.
In less than a year a sum of money exceeding £1,200 was collected. The memorial was built on a concrete base
with a concrete core running up the column, with thirty-two tons of granite used to face the thirty feet high
column, at a total cost of £1,100.

The work of the committee was now accomplished. The balance of the fund, amounting to over £100 was
invested and members of the committee were appointed trustees of the memorial fund. On May 21st 1921
before an estimated 20,000 cyclists, the largest assembly of cyclists the world has ever seen, the memorial was
unveiled by Lord Birkenhead. The Rev.B.G. Bouchier gave the dedicatory prayer.
A bronze plaque was affixed to the memorial in 1963 to commemorate those cyclists who died during World
War Two.

Further notes by John Bedford. In our early cycling days in the area (1980s onward) Beryl and I joined in
the Saturday ride from Meriden led by Milford Blakelock.

After acting as organizer for 21 years he retired and I took over, holding the position for 10 years. I aimed to
develop this into a major national event. Unfortunately we received no support from Head Office. I devised a
100km Audax which went in a northerly direction, but which was run by the West Bromwich Section. I also
organized a wider range of Saturday rides, ably assisted by Val and Chris and other Section members. Saturday
evenings continued with slideshows, but musical evenings and a meal were also introduced.

Of course there was the usual memorial service on Sunday morning on The Green ably organized by Harry
Child. After the service many of the cyclists drifted down to the Village Hall where refreshments were
available, courtesy of club members. Later this was taken over by the Village Hall committee, and more
recently by the WI. Route sheets for the Arden Rides (approx 20 miles) were available for a Sunday afternoon
ride locally.

In our early days many cyclists camped in the village for the weekend, but the numbers doing this has
decreased considerably. Now many cyclists come for either the Saturday or the Sunday, with few staying
locally. As a consequence the numbers attending the service have gradually reduced, and the recent wet
weather hasn’t helped.

John Bennett of the Heart of England Group took over the organization of the weekend about five or six years
ago. Discussion on the future of the weekend seems to be taking place informally. What are your views on
this? If you are not sure why not come along on the weekend of 15-16th May and see more closely what it is all
about. This will be the 89th Memorial Service.

Incidently, Meriden is an interesting village. First, it is reputed to be the Centre of England. The stone cross on
the village green is thought to be over 500 years old. Also on the green is a stone seat inscribed ‘To the
memory of Wayfarer (WM Robinson) 17 September 1956. His devotion to the pastime of cycling inspired
many to enjoy the countryside and the open road.’ The Parish Church of St Lawrence dates from the 12th
century. It is at this church that the second ‘Meriden’ event takes place, namely the carol service, attended by
us and the Coventry and South Birmingham groups. This is also organized by Harry Child and is usually held
on the last Sunday before Christmas day.

[Colin63]

Those opening paragraphs are beautifully written. I like it when people take time to consider what they write.

What an idea, to build a memorial to cyclists killed in war. And what dedication to fundraise and see the project through. I can imagine the survivors enjoying their rides and mourning those who were no longer there to do the same, so I think it's a rather elegant and touching way to remember them. It must have brought lost friends closer.

[richardyorkshire]

Interesting. I think I might seek out that memorial next time I'm in those parts and pay my respects.

Though I do have a vision of a tommy climbing out of a trench with a bicycle over his shoulder, cyclo-cross style, then leaping onto it for the charge across no-man's land. Probably no madder than most of that war.

[Si]

I 'spose that the difference, back then, was that virtually non of the tommys in the trenches owned cars, and so there was a good chance that most used bikes, whether for pleasure or utility. Thus, it may be that the majority of the fallen were cyclists.

Anyway, whether we believe that the wars were justified or not, I think that we still have to believe that those that gave their lives were doing so thinking that it was to defend their countries (i.e. us), and so we owe them a debt of gratitude. So I always like to support the Meriden weekend when I can. I also stop there now and then for a bite to eat on the village green, next to the memorial, and have a think.

Supporting the Meriden weekend also supports local branches of the CTC and the good work that they do. Furthermore, it is one of the more tradition of the CTC 'rallies', and I know that some have been worried that the traditional elements were disappearing in some of the CTC events. Would be sad if this simple but enjoyable event were to be forgotten.

[Mr.Benton]

I cycled past the war memorial on my mini tour from the Cotswolds to York last year. I had no idea it existed until I stopped for a rest and came across it. Here is a picture of the war memorial and my bike resting against it.

Cyclsts War Memorial

[Basil W Bloke]

The weather wasn't great last time I went to the memorial service. Probably why the attendance was rather low.
Hopefully, this year wil be better.

[Si]

It is sunny sometimes, honest...(and some people even bring their own 'deckchairs')

[Colin63]

I love the look of that older chap relaxing on his recumbent in the background. He may be as mad as a hatter for all I know, but the look is great!

It's very pleasing to see so many people celebrating the lives of lost cyclists.

Chapeau

[monster]

so how did these cyclists give their lives? if you don't mind me asking. was it the SOE or the resistance in france or was it during the blitz?

[Si]

so how did these cyclists give their lives? if you don't mind me asking. was it the SOE or the resistance in france or was it during the blitz?

It was originally built as a memorial to all the soldiers who died in the Great War who were also cyclists (i.e. cyclists back in their civilian lives). A later plaque was added for those that died in WWII who were cyclists, as shown in the photo up thread.