MERIDEN GREEN, MERIDEN

23rd May 2004 saw the 83rd cyclists memorial service held on the Green at Meriden.

As in past years several tandems from V.I.S.T.A made their way to Meriden. Those in attendance this year were Anthony Arlidge who piloted for Ted Adlington, Sue Walker who piloted for Stuart Berry and Malcolm Whinmill who piloted for Mohammad Mansha. Also present were Tony and Janet Jenks and Anne Arlington.

The Reverend Michael H. Dawkins, Rector of Meriden and Packington gave the welcome address. The lesson, which was read by Louis Hall of British Cycling, was taken from Philipians, Chap. 3 v 12-14 and Timothy, Chap. 4 v 6-8. The Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence, the minutes silence was broken by a bugle call playing Revelle, accompanied the wreath laying ceremony. The Reverend Jenny Dyer, Methodist Minister, Meriden read the address the benediction completed the service. Music was by The Bulkington Silver Band with the Atherstone Chorale leading the singing.

CYCLISTS’ WAR MEMORIAL

‘TO THE LASTING MEMORY OF THOSE CYCLISTS WHO DIED IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918’ is the inscription on the memorial.

After an idea by the late Mr. ‘Biddy’ Bidlake, an executive committee was formed in 1919, and in less that a year 1,200 pounds was raised from cyclists and cycling organizations throughout Britain.

The obelisk was built on a concrete base with a concrete column the column is thirty feet high and is faced with Cornish granite

On May 21st 1921 in the radiance of the lowering sun at six o’clock before an estimated assembly of 20,000 cyclists, Lord Birkenhead, the Lord Chancellor unveiled the memorial. The keynote of the whole memorial service was to be simplicity and strength without ornament and this is still the tone today.

The Green was packed as far as the eye could see, the throng overflowed on both sides of the highway, all traffic ceased. The visiting cyclists had parked their machines in adjacent meadows. Buglers sounded the last post. After the commemoration service the Reverend R.J. Bouchier, who had been a most generous patron of the memorial fund read a simple dedicatory prayer. Following the dedicatory prayer the school children led the singing of the Doxology to the tune of the Old Hundredth. The pronunciation of the Benediction concluded the official service. What followed was an informal wreath laying at the foot of the memorial by representatives of the various clubs and organizations including the CTC, NCU and the many district associations of the CTC. Amongst the wreaths was a touching floral dedication made up from the racing wheel from the cycle of an unnamed hero fallen during the Great War.

A service has been held every year since the unveiling, with the highest attendance in the 1920’s and 1930’s. On the 14th June 1923 His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales visited the Memorial whilst on his way to Coventry. It is worth noting that the Memorial Service at Meriden is still one of the largest gatherings of cyclists in the country.

In 1963 a bronze plaque was added to the memorial to commemorate all the cyclists who died during World War II.

Author unknown.
Taken from the order of service dated 23rd May 2004.