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About Us
After the First World War (1914–1918), the local community resolved to create a building that would serve both as a memorial to the fallen and as a center for village life.
Funds were raised through public subscription, and the Hall was constructed by local volunteers, reflecting the collective effort of families in the parish to both honor those who served and provide a space for the local area.
History of Kidmore End War Memorial Hall
Origins (Post–World War I)
After the First World War (1914–1918), the local community resolved to create a building that would serve both as a memorial to the fallen and as a centre for village life.
Funds were raised through public subscription, and the Hall was constructed by local volunteers, reflecting the collective effort of families in the parish to both honour the dead and provide a space for the living.
Opening (1922)
The War Memorial Hall was officially opened on 11 November 1922 (Armistice Day), four years to the day after the end of the First World War.
The opening was marked by a formal dedication ceremony, attended by clergy and local dignitaries, which established the building as the parish’s official war memorial.
Commemoration of the Fallen
A Roll of Honour was installed inside the Hall to record the names of those from the parish who lost their lives in the First World War.
Following the Second World War (1939–1945), the memorial was extended to include those who died in that conflict.
In total, the Hall commemorates 35 villagers from the First World War and 13 from the Second World War. The memorial thus stands as a record of sacrifice across two generations.
Later Use
From the beginning, the Hall was conceived not only as a memorial but also as a working community building. It quickly became a hub for parish life, hosting meetings, social gatherings, performances, and events of all kinds.
Through the decades, the Hall has remained in regular community use while continuing to serve its memorial purpose. It has been a place for both remembrance ceremonies and everyday village activities, ensuring that the memory of the fallen remains embedded in the rhythm of local life.
Today
The Hall stands on Reades Lane, originally within the parish of Kidmore End in South Oxfordshire.
It continues to operate as a registered charity (No. 242685) and remains both a living war memorial and a valued community centre nearly a century after its opening.