National Memorial Arboretum

We were last moored in Alrewas in July 2005 when we had our shared boat Tickey.   That time we walked to  the National Memorial Arboretum.  It is only a mile and a half but it is along busy roads with no footpaths along most of the way so we were very pleased when John came and told us we could catch a bus this time.  So mid morning the four of us set out (3 of us with bus passes!!)

For those of you who would like to know more about this magnificent place go to National Memorial Arboretum website

There have been some changes since our last visit, the major one being the opening of the huge memorial seen in the distance in the picture above.  It was opened by the Queen in 2007 and is a memorial to all the fallen military personnel since the end of the second world war.  All their names are inscribed on the walls inside and there is a long wall standing vacant.................

Inside are two sculptures.

The many separate memorial areas are all very moving and central to them all is the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness.  It has twelve wooden poles as part of it's structure with humorous carvings of the 12 apostles.

This is the altar where two of the poles can be seen.

This carving inside the chapel is dedicated to Leonard Cheshire and his wife Sue Ryder.

One of the very imposing memorials is the Royal Air Forces Association

On a much more modest scale is the memorial to the members of Coastal Command.  It is one in a row of three such benches which are sited right on the edge of the grounds. but it is at least in much better condition than when we last visited.  

Right down at the end along the river I found this memorial to Popski's Private Army of which I had never heard.   I was forced to google it and if you want to know more you will have to do the same!!

The rest of the day spent quietly sitting by Petroc on a very pleasant mooring...a good day's stopover.  There were plenty of boats going up and down and the village has all we needed including pubs for Geoff & John to have their pre-supper pint.......