Ledbury Focus November 2019 Ledbury Focus November 2019 v3 | Page 66

Lest We Forget article and photographs by Pamela Green T he perfect way to not forget is to visit The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire, the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance. The idea for the Arboretum was conceived by Commander David Childs, CBE during a meeting with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, and in 1994 the idea was born. The future of the idea depended on three proposals to be agreed. The first was the location, second was for the M.O.D to pay a large grant to allow free entry, and the third was for the Royal British Legion to accept the gift of the site, as focus for the Nation's year-round Remembrance Centre. The project began with no money, staff or trees, but with a grant from the National Lottery of 40%, which was matched by thousands of donations, from both military and civilian organisations. The site was developed on 150 acres of reclaimed gravel workings, gifted by Lafarge Cement Company, and with grants from the Forestry Commission, thousands of volunteers planted trees. Now the Remembrance Centre was born, and was opened to the public on 16th May 2001. Nearly all the plots are designed so that every group can feel a sense of ownership. 66 At the heart of the Arboretum is the iconic Armed Forces Memorial, which was dedicated on 12th October 2007, by the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, in the presence of Her Majesty, The Queen. This is a tribute to over 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or terrorism, since the end of WW2. It is a fantastic and thoughtful design. At 11am on 11th November, each year, the sun shines through two slips in the outer and inner walls, casting a shaft of light across a wreath in the centre of the memorial. The grounds of the Arboretum are now home to over 300 memorials, dedicated to all the associations that supported the UK through two world wars and many other conflicts. Both military and civilian associations are represented, alongside tributes dedicated to individuals. My husband Michael and I, always visit the REME Memorial as this was his corp, when he served. He also pays his respects to Colonal Harry H. Jones, under whose command he served. I am always touched by many of the tributes that I've seen, especially by the memorial to The Women's Land Army. It makes me feel very proud as my mother was in the Land Army and worked here in Bromyard. To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]