100th Anniversary Meriden Cyclists' Memorial Service 2021

Each year hundreds of cyclists from all over the UK come together in the West Midlands village of Meriden - traditionally regarded as the centre of England - to pay tribute to fallen cyclists. 

Cyclists from around the country make their way to Meriden to attend a service to commemorate cyclists who have died in combat. 

While the memorial service has a solemn moment with the minute's silence to remember fallen cyclists, the event is generally uplifting. Cycling and cyclists are celebrated and groups come together to socialise and provide each other with support and friendship. 

Dave Hearn has organised the service for the past four years with help from his wife Margaret, and Lynda Lilley the Vicar of St Lawrence Parish in Meriden, and a number of other fellow cyclists.

Lynda led the service, which consists of hymns, readings and prayers plus a wreath laying ceremony in which members of local sections of Cycling UK plus other cycling clubs and organisations lay their wreaths in turn at the cenotaph.

The event is supported by the Bulkington Silver Band who provide the much-appreciated musical accompaniment.

The organisers are keen to involve all faiths in the service. One year a poem was read out by a member of the Sikh Cycling Union.

The event concludes at the Village Hall which is open afterwards for refreshments and cakes baked by the local Women’s Institute.

2021 Event

This year's event, which is a 100 years since the first one in 1921, should take place, pandemic restrictions permitting, in its usual format on the village green in Meriden starting at 11am.

Note that due to coronavirus still being in circulation, you are advised to bring your own snacks and drinks this year.

Information from previous events

2020 Event

This was an online event only due to the pandemic.

 

2019 Event

Around 400 people attended the annual Cyclists’ Memorial Service at Meriden Green on Sunday 19 May. 

Cyclists from all over the country attended including members from many other Cycling UK groups such as the Cannon Hill Cycling Club in Birmingham who attended for the first time.

2016

Cyclists pay tribute to the fallen at 95th Meriden service

2014

We will remember them 

BBC news article - Meriden service marks WW1 cyclists' sacrifice

Listen to BBC World War One at Home - National Cycling Memorial, Meriden: Remembering Fallen Cyclists

1950

Video of the Anniversary Service At Cyclist's War Memorial