The restored Avenue of Remembrance and new Home Front Garden were formally opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre on May 23, 2014. This brought to a successful conclusion over three years of funrdraising and effort by our group to bring this project to a conclusion. To all our sponsors and donors big and small a huge thank you. More details on our news page.

We are a small group dedicated to commemorating the men of Wickford, Runwell & District, Essex, who gave their lives in the two World Wars and later conflicts and ensuring that local memorials are kept in a fitting condition and teaching people about the sacrifices made for our freedoms. We are always looking for new information and particularly photographs of any of the men who are featured on here, as well as any that have a connection to the area that we have missed. 

Our original campaign was to ensure that our town finally had a fitting war memorial after our original was demolished in 1976 to make way for a new road, After nearly six years of efforts, successes and set backs along the way we finally achieved that aim when our new memorial was unveiled on November 4, 2011. Have a look at our 'Story so Far' page to see some of the things we have done or are now doing.

The second stage of this project is to repair and restore the World War II Avenue of Remembrance which is a tree lined footpath running through the centre of the park. Over the years some trees have been felled, plaques are missing and new names that need to be included have been discovered. To complete this project we are seeking £35,000 and are hoping that the first works will start in late Atumn 2013, for more on Stage 2 visit our News section.

We also now can give talks, lectures and background stories at the memorial or at local schools, for groups or interested parties, to try and help bring the names to life and to provide others with an interest in our past.

We trust you will enjoy and find this site informative and take time to reflect on the sacrifices made in one small location that was mirrored in thousands of others around the world, lest we forget.

For all our stories do visit our 'News' and 'Gallery' section, where we cover: Our recovery of the Runwell Hospital Memorial, The fundraising and opening of the Wickford War Memorial, The planting of the Heroes Arboretum, The restoration and rededication of Downham Memorial, as well as our latest and ambitious ongoing project- Stage 2 of Wickford War Memorial Park- The restoration of the Avenue of Remembrance as well as the award of the prestigous Tony Guyon Memorial Cup -For Volunteer of the Year to our Chairman Steve Newman. 

'Wickford's Heroes' - The Wickford and Runwell Roll of Honour Book, released November 11, 2007

Over 140 pages with more than 200 images!

Limited to 600 copies, so get your copy now!

This book helped to help raise funds for the renovations and improvements to the War Memorial.
A Roll of Honour covering all the men of both World Wars, linked to Wickford and Runwell, who made the supreme sacrifice. Details include pictures (where possible), newspaper quotes, brief civilian life details, service life and details of the action that they were lost in, photos of commemoration or place of burial (with a few exceptions such as those buried in Iraq or Burma).

The book also sets the scene by looking at the effects of war on a small English town.

Ideal for those interested in local history, military research, medal collectors or simply for those of you who would like to show your support for this very worthwhile project.

Order your copy now >>