The National Memorial Arboretum

Anyone in the UK can hardly be unaware of the Remembrance ceremonies which take place in the Nation in November each year, nor of at least one of the thousands of memorials scattered throughout the Kingdom, which commemorate the sacrifices of those who served during the two World Wars.

Now those personnel, both service and civilian, who have continued to serve in the nearly fifty foreign theatres of conflict and the many national and international disasters and tragedies that have occured since the end of the Second World War, have their own memorial site at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas near Burton on Trent, which comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials. Established in 1997 on a former gravel pit, the Arboretum is becoming the primary focal point for remembrance outside London.

The magnificent Armed Forces Memorial, shaped like a Roman fort and on top of a hill overlooking the Arboretum, contains the names of almost 16,000 service personnel who have died since 1st January, 1948, which gives continuous coverage with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which records all service deaths up to 31st December, 1947. In addition, there are over 160 other memorials sited amongst the trees and shrubs in the grounds, commemorating other civilian and service organisations.

Admission to the National Memorial Arboretum is free and there is plenty of parking. Visitors are free to wander at will throughout the Arboretum or, for a small fee, you can join a guided tour. For those less energetic, there is a Land Train to take you around and you can even hire an electric buggy for the duration of your visit; the Arboretum is anyway very disabled friendly! The facilities are first class. These include a small Chapel, a licensed self service restaurant providing everything from a quick cuppa to a three course meal, plenty of restrooms, a gift shop and places where you can just sit and watch the world go by or eat your own picnic.

For details contact the National Memorial Arboretum at Croxall Road, Alrewas, DE13 7AR, phone 01283 792333 or email info@thenma.org.uk or web www.thenma.org.uk. David L. Milner. battle.veterans@btinternet.com