Croft War Memorial

Decision Made by Croft Village Memorial Hall

​Croft Village Memorial Hall committee voted 4 to 1 against adding the missing WWI names to the memorial, except for Samuel Yates, which they will add subject to further criteria being met.

UPDATE 07/11/2024
The Memorial Hall have now decided not to add any of the missing names. 
Read about Samuel Yates and the reasons behind their decision here.
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The reason they have given is that the missing names are on the Risley War Memorial, in a different parish. Whilst this is true, Harold Houghton is also named on the Risley memorial as well as on the Croft memorial. If he can be on both, why can't the others, especially his childhood friend George?
 
I'm deeply disappointed that they have refused to honour our fallen heroes by adding the missing names to the memorial. These men made the ultimate sacrifice, and it is our duty to ensure their names are remembered and respected. Failing to include them not only overlooks their contributions but also diminishes the significance of the memorial itself. It's heartbreaking to think that their service could be forgotten in the very place meant to keep their memory alive.
 
I have decided to leave them to do whatever they see fit from now on. I provided 8 pages of written evidence answering all their questions and they have just come back with more random reasons not to add the names. Every time I provide what they want, they change the goalposts. I don’t understand why anybody would fight so hard against this proposal.

The missing names from both World Wars that need adding to our memorials

Moving Forward From This Decision

They have already refused outright to add the three men from WWII to the memorial hall and so I feel that the only way forward is one memorial, inclusive of all our heroes.
 
I am committed to raising funds for the creation of a full war memorial that will honour the names of all our fallen heroes. Every individual who made the ultimate sacrifice deserves to be remembered, and it is our responsibility to ensure their legacy is preserved for future generations. This new memorial will be a place where our community can come together to pay respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom. I am confident that with the support of our community, we can build a fitting tribute that ensures no name is forgotten.

Currently, to pay tribute to our heroes you would have to visit the Memorial Hall, then to Christ Church for Samuel Yates grave, then onto Risley War Memorial. After this two mile walk you would still have not paid tribute to all of them, as the only WWII memorial is inside Christ Church and so only available when the church is open (3 or 4 times a month).

Thank you to everyone who has shown their support so far.

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We have now achieved our goal!

Read about the new memorial

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