Last October HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales attended a ceremony of dedication at The National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire. The Armed Forces Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to the men and women of the United Kingdom Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) killed on duty or as an act of terrorist action since the Second World War.
The stone circle bears the names of 16,000 service personnel who have died since 1945. There is room for 15,000 more names to be carved on the Portland stone walls of the memorial.
Earlier this year the National Memorial Arboretum requested help with regard to transportation around the 150 acre site. Many of the thousands of visitors who call to pay their respects are unable to wander freely around the site due to age or grief.
Eight members of the golfing community (Colin Mayes – Burhill; Kevin Hart – Club Car; Andrew Brown – Toro; Bruce Glasco – Troon Golf; Christian Grisard-Van Roey – Toro; Jonathan Gaunt – Golf Course Architect; David Cook – Burhill, and Andy Owen – Burhill) have joined forces with the aim to raise £20k to purchase four 6 seater Club Car vehicles which can be used by the National Memorial Arboretum.
They are planning to complete a sponsored cycle along the arduous 150 mile Coast to Coast route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth between Friday 15th and Sunday 17th August 2008. www.c2c-guide.co.uk
“We are asking for your kind support to reach our target of £20k,” said Kevin Hart. “With your help we can make a significant contribution to the National Memorial Arboretum. Please support the team by making a contribution at www.justgiving.com/burhill-coast-to-coast
“If you are ever passing through Staffordshire please make a point to call in to the National Memorial Arboretum. You will be very moved by what you see.”
National Memorial Arboretum www.nationalmemorialarboretum.org.uk