High Street History

Wickford Memory Wall in the Library

Wickford Memory Wall in the Library

Wickford Memory Wall in the Library

Wickford Memory Wall in the Library

Old photos showing changes - South end of the High Street

Old photos showing changes

Old photos showing changes - North end of the High Street

Old photos showing changes - Runwell Road end

Old photos showing changes - North end of the High Street

Old photos showing changes - Broadway

Old photos showing changes - South end of the High Street

Old photos showing changes - South end of the High Street

The Wickford High Street Memory Wall was one of several which were set up in local libraries in 2010. Their purpose was to invite local people to record their memories of how the local scene had changed over the years. It marked the beginning of the Wickford Community Archive.

A frieze of pictures of the High Street today was set up in the entrance to the Wickford Library and visitors could use post-it notes or cards to comment on what had altered over the years.

Old photographs were also included so that people could see how things had changed. Nobody is alive today who can remember the High Street before the railway bridge but some will remember when the new bridge was put in place. Some will remember when the library itself was housed in the High Street and when the Congregational Church was the biggest building there. Even more will remember the Castle pub before it was replaced by Aldi. Changes continue to occur every year. Have they all been for the better?

There are still regular displays of old photographs and memories in the Library and anyone can take theirs there or send them to this web site.