Women's wartime contributions to be honoured with memorial unveiling
A new memorial recognising the vital role played by women during war and times of conflict will be officially unveiled in St Helens this Sunday (26 April), following the granting of planning approval.
Article date: 23 April 2026
The women's war memorial, located on the grassed area in front of St Helens Town Hall, will provide a permanent and fitting tribute to the many women whose service, support and sacrifice have historically been under‑recognised. Crafted from Portland limestone, the 1.4‑metre‑high memorial features inscriptions on three sides - including the message 'in recognition of the role of women during war and conflict' - and has been designed to sit sensitively within the civic and historic setting of Victoria Square.
The unveiling will form part of a special service marking the 100th anniversary of the St Helens Cenotaph, which stands at the heart of the borough's Remembrance commemorations. The Cenotaph was unveiled on 4 April 1926 following a public fundraising campaign to replace a temporary First World War memorial and bears the names of local armed forces personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First and Second World Wars, as well as later conflicts.
Mayor of St Helens Borough, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE, who will unveil the memorial on Sunday, said:
"As we mark 100 years of the Cenotaph in St Helens, it is fitting that we also recognise the often overlooked but extraordinary contributions of women during times of war.
"Their strength, skill and resilience were essential to the nation's war efforts—both on the frontline and at home. This memorial would ensure that their stories, sacrifices and achievements are permanently acknowledged at the heart of our borough. A prime example of this is our first ever woman Mayor, Alderman Margaret Shard, who during both World Wars, worked in munitions and suffered life-changing injuries after covering a volatile package with her bare hands to protect others. Her story is representative of what lots of women did during difficult times and their contribution is priceless."
As part of Sunday's service, a special dedication will also be made to St Helens‑born Private William Arnold, who was killed in action on 10 September 1916 while serving in the First World War. Private Arnold's name will be formally added to the Cenotaph in recognition of his sacrifice.
The commemorative event will include a parade, music from the award‑winning Valley Brass Band, prayers, poems, reflections and a two‑minute silence.
Following the service, members of the public are invited to St Helens Town Hall for light refreshments and a St Helens Borough Council Archive Service exhibition marking 100 years of the Cenotaph, alongside local military and wartime contributions. Guided tours of St Helens Town Hall will also be available as part of celebrations marking the iconic building's 150th anniversary.
The St Helens Cenotaph centenary commemoration and women's war memorial unveiling will take place on Sunday 26 April, starting at 1.30pm.