Home Committee Letter from the Chairman Interest Group Diary Interest Group News Thursday Lectures Articles Noticeboard Gallery Rules News and Dates Newsletter deadline How to join Contact us Links
Visit to Staffordshire
	We visited the National Memorial Arboretum, near the village of Alrewas. It consists of 150 acres of wooded parkland within the National Forest and was established in 1997 on a former gravel and sand pit. It is the UK’s living and lasting memorial to commemorate and celebrate those who have given their lives in the service of their country, those who have served and suffered as a result of conflict and others who for appropriate reasons are commemorated on the site. First we went to the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness. The chapel roof is supported by twelve trunks of Douglas Fir, carved to represent the Apostles. At the heart of the Arboretum, on a six metre high earth mound, is the moving Armed Forces Memorial, inspired by the landscapes of prehistoric Britain and the classical forms of ancient Rome. This is a stone structure with curved and straight walls constructed of brick faced with Portland stone panels, which contain the names of those honoured.
First we went to the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness. The chapel roof is supported by twelve trunks of Douglas Fir, carved to represent the Apostles. At the heart of the Arboretum, on a six metre high earth mound, is the moving Armed Forces Memorial, inspired by the landscapes of prehistoric Britain and the classical forms of ancient Rome. This is a stone structure with curved and straight walls constructed of brick faced with Portland stone panels, which contain the names of those honoured. The Arboretum also houses some 150 memorials, with over 50,000 trees, many individually dedicated.
Groups of trees represent the Police Force and Merchant Navy convoys. A Road Peace wood commemorates people who have suffered bereavement or injury through road accidents. There are colour coded walks through the parkland and woodland, and areas for contemplation and tranquillity. There was time for a short visit to the lovely city of Lichfield, where visitor attractions include the Samuel Johnson Birthplace museum, Erasmus Darwin House and the Lichfield Heritage Centre. Most of us chose to visit the stunning three-spired medieval cathedral, built in beautiful mellow pink sandstone, containing many ancient treasures. We had a super day with good weather, great company, efficiently organised by Meg Brumpton. Barbara King