 The
National Memorial Arboretum is
situated at Alrewas, near Burton-on-Trent and has been created on a 150
acre site as a living tribute to the wartime
generations of the Twentieth Century as a gift in their memory for
future generations to reflect upon and enjoy.
Planting began in 1997 and numerous plots and
groves have been created for the armed and merchant services, the police
and fire services and associations and groups as well as individuals.
The site includes the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, which
was the only place of worship built in the country to celebrate the
Millennium. A ‘Millennium Avenue’ has been planted with cuttings
taken from a small-leafed Lime, which is Britain’s oldest tree, possibly
over 6,000 years old. There is also the Ash Grove planted
in tribute to the many members of the security services who were
killed in Northern Ireland.
The Adjutant General’s
Corps Plot is number 15 next to the Army Grove and was formally
dedicated on 16 September 2001. Other plots in the Arboretum are
interesting and include the many Regiments and Corps in the Army. The
other Armed Services are well represented as is the Merchant Navy and
Police.
The most poignant area is the “Shot at Dawn Plot” that
commemorates those who were executed during the First World War
and a symbolic post with a name plate has been erected for each person
suffering that fate.
Until the
trees become established and grow to their mature height, the area
strikes you as a little bare, with the wind being very noticeable due to
the flatness of the place. But given the passage of time, the young
trees will mature and the entire area will take on the appearance of a
managed woodland. Visiting all the Plots within the Arboretum takes
quite a while and sensible footwear is recommended.
On a wet day, a pair of boots is best as the ground is not very well
drained in places.
To relax after
wandering around the trees and grass walkways, there
is an excellent Visitor Centre with a Café where one can sit back and
enjoy a cup of tea or other refreshments. The Millennium Chapel,
situated within the Visitor Centre is also well worth a visit as there
is a short Remembrance Service every day at 11 a.m.
The Arboretum is open 7 days
a week. Opening times are:
April to October: 10
a.m. to 5 p.m.
November to March: 10
a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Parking is free and there is
no charge for entry to the Arboretum. However, a small donation is
always welcome. The
Arboretum can be contacted on 01283 792333.
Arrangements can be made for any individual or group to have a tree
planted.
For more
information about the
Arboretum you can visit their website by following the link below:
Link to the
National Memorial Arboretum
website
The Adjutant General's Corps Regimental
Association is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Picture Gallery of the
National Memorial Arboretum - June 2006
|
