National Memorial Arboretum Thursday 12th November Visit
Our first trip in the new programme is to a very special place in nearby Staffordshire on the day following Remembrance Day.
The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s national site of remembrance to honour the fallen and recognise service across the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations. Set within a 150-acre site, within the National Forest, with nearly 30,000 trees, the Arboretum is home to over 400 memorials.
The grounds are free to enter and have accessible paths, mobility support and extensive gardens designed for reflection. There are good catering and refreshment facilities. From September 2026 the site will become known as the British Legion National Remembrance Gardens
I visited a few years ago and am keen to return. Yes, there is sadness at the lives lost and a deep respect for the sacrifice made by others – but at the same time, there is inspiration, hope and belief in the future.
Around every corner there is something new. Tributes you would expect like the vast stone circle of the Armed Forces Memorial with the engraved names of those killed on duty since 1948. A beautiful wall of coloured glass, symbolising the sea, honouring Royal Navy personnel. The Polish Forces memorial and the quiet space of the Far East Prisoners of War Memorial. Emergency workers, police, medical care, RNLI help us to remember that sacrifice is still being made.
Sculptures honour the 240,000 ‘Land Girls’ and ‘Lumber Jills’ who supplied food and timber during the Second World War recognising the role of women in wartime. A ‘Shot at Dawn’ memorial remembers soldiers executed in WW1 as a powerful reminder of injustice and changing attitudes to military discipline. A popular memorial is the Animals in War Memorial recognising the role of animals in conflict.
This visit is not to be missed. It is provocative, emotional and a celebration of all that is best in humanity.
Tickets for the coach will be available at the 8th September Monthly Meeting and online from 9am on that date using Ticket Tailor. A link to the site will be sent with my next Bulletin at the beginning of September.
The ticket price is being set along with the final details of travel. A visit to remember.
Michael Williams Chair, Ravenshead u3a 20th August 2026