Arboretum welcomes former Prime Minister
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major visited the National Memorial Arboretum to observe how the site has evolved into the nation 's year-round place to remember.
In 1994, Sir John launched the appeal to create the Arboretum, with his early endorsement proving crucial in establishing the legitimacy of the project and helping to secure the funds necessary to bring to life the vision of founder Commander David Childs.
Sir John was shown the Arboretum 's award-winning Remembrance Centre, opened in 2017 by HRH the Prince of Wales.
He learned that the facility had been desperately needed following a five-fold increase in visitor numbers following the dedication of the Armed Forces Memorial in 2007.
Philippa Rawlinson, director of the National Memorial Arboretum, accompanied Sir John during the tour, highlighting examples of how the Arboretum 's pledges to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion are reflected throughout all aspects of the visitor experience.
In Heroes ' Square, a cloistered courtyard featuring commemorative paving stones engraved with the cap badges of assorted Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Forces units, and the crests of many City livery companies. Major General Patrick Cordingley DSO, OBE, FRGS Rtd, who chaired the Arboretum 's appeal committee from 2008 to 2017, explained how collectively the organisations represented in Heroes ' Square had contributed £1.5m toward the funding of the £15m Remembrance Centre.
While atop the memorial, Sir John was introduced to Jacqui Thompson, whose husband Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment was killed by an IED in Kandahar Province in Afghanistan on 13 April 2008.
Pausing by her husband 's name on the wall, Jacqui discussed her personal relationship with the Arboretum, emphasising the continued importance of having a dedicated place to remember people who have lost their lives in service to the Nation.
Upon descending from the Armed Forces Memorial, Sir John was given a buggy tour of the 150-acre garden and woodland site, with commentary provided by Sue Elliott, another Arboretum volunteer with 25 years of service.
The group finally gathered at the Tree of Cherished Memories, a stunning 4-metre-tall bronze sculpture inspired by a hawthorn tree from the Arboretum that had been felled at the end of its natural life. Set within a tranquil glade, the sculpture is adorned with ornate leaves and figures inscribed with personal dedications, each commissioned in memory of a subscriber 's loved one or to commemorate a special occasion.
Sir John was then presented with a leaf celebrating his friendship with the Arboretum, carrying the inscription: “A true friend who shared our vision ”. He was then invited to present leaves to Richard Thorpe and Sue Elliott, commemorating their 25 years of service to the Arboretum.
Sir John said: “I did not know quite what to expect when I arrived at the National Memorial Arboretum - except in the most general of senses.
“Moving across this 150-acre site, one is taken in, not only by its sheer scale and all it represents, but also by the obvious love and attention lavished upon it by all those who care for its upkeep throughout the year.
“It is impossible not to be moved by a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum, and I found my own visit immensely poignant and reflective - yet also inspiring. It truly is the most remarkable place. ”
Philippa Rawlinson said: “During his visit Sir John saw how the National Memorial Arboretum continues to grow and evolve, providing a space where families can forge new memories together as well remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Nation.
“It was fantastic for him to see first-hand how we have realised the vision sketched out by David Childs many decades ago; today we welcome more than 300,000 visitors every year, including over 20,000 young people, preserving the stories encapsulated within the memorials and passing the baton of Remembrance to future generations. ”
