Remembrance Garden
"Proudly and thankfully we will remember them"
As our dedication states, we will remember them. What better way to remember our comrades and friends by remembering them in a special place where family, friends and comrades can go and visit and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones.
This is the main idea behind a new RAFA initiative based at the National Memorial Arboretum near Tamworth, Staffordshire. We are going to create a Garden of Remembrance which will enable the whole membership of RAFA, their family and their friends to celebrate the lives of anyone from the RAF past and present, who have passed away.
The Association has secured the last remaining plot in the RAF section of the Arboretum site and the idea has been approved by our Executive Board on behalf of Council.
Located in the centre of the RAF section of the Arboretum, next to the RAF Boy Entrants Garden, the RAF RAF Wood, and close to the banks of the River Tame we are seeking to develop a place of quiet contemplation, of celebration and remembrance.
Set in the Staffordshire countryside at Alrewas, The National Memorial Arboretum has been created on a 150 acre site and is home to over 100 major memorials representing military and civilian organisations. The site is a living and lasting focus of remembrance for people, essentially for those that have lost their lives or suffered in the service of their country.
The Arboretum is the home of the new Armed Forces National Memorial, a substantial tribute to all service personnel who have lost their lives while in service since World War II. Opened in early October by Her Majesty The Queen, the National Arboretum is the Nation's national focus for remembrance outside of London. The National Arboretum is projected to receive over 100,000 visitors each year, people who come to pay their respects to the heroes of our nation.
What might the RAFA Remembrance Garden Look Like?
The appearance of the garden is constrained by the Landscaping Committee of the Arboretum. Keeping the Garden simple and low maintenance is a key consideration.
Our initial proposal is influenced by the Pilot's wings brevet which also forms the basis of the RAFA Wings Appeal logo (see below). The annual Wings Appeal is also the focal point for much Branch activity. The Garden will be formed into the shape of the Wings emblem, rising some 18 inches from the ground with walls made from stainless steel, and a wingspan of some 30 feet. It will use coloured ceramics to pick out the detail of the RAF roundel and fine gravel or same to form the wings. The image (right) gives an artist's impression of what the Garden could look like. We have offers from two RAF stations to build the structure in their station workshops.
What do you think of this suggestion? Do you have an alternative?
Please contact Neil Everall at RAFA CHQ via our contact form email us with any further thoughts, recommendations or ideas for the design of our garden, alternatively you may telephone us on 0116 268 8756 or log onto RAF-Comrade-Contact and visit the Member Forum where we are currently asking for Member's opinions on the Rememberance Garden and it's design.
Boss Bear's Adventures to RAF Leuchars
Boss Bear has once again been taking to the skies on his adventures in an attempt to raise money for the RAF Association.
Read more »
Please contact CHQ directly on
Telephone: 0116 266 5224 or
Fax: 0116 266 5012
- © Copyright The RAF Association (RAFA) 2008
- Contact us
- Sitemap
- Privacy
- Terms
- Accessibility
- Internet Works
- Back to top
Postal Address: 117½ Loughborough
Road, Leicester, LE4 5ND Phone: 0116 266 5224 Fax: 0116 266 5012
Registered Charity 226686 (England & Wales) - SC037673 (Scotland) Email General Enquiries:
Click here