FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL
CHARITABLE TRUST

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal

 

 

Registered Charity No: 1002745

THE NATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL
Sermon Lane
London
EC4
Telephone: 01233 732348

THE FIRE SERVICE CHAPEL & BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
Fire Service College
Moreton-in-Marsh
Gloucestershire
GL56 0RH
Telephone: 01608 650831

Visitors must contact Mick Kernan-Verger
through the College telephone or website to
arrange a visit to the Chapel


THE FIRE SERVICE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE
The National Memorial Arboretum
Croxall Road, Alrewas
Staffordshire
DE13 7AR
Telephone: 01283 7922333

 

The Fire Service Chapel

In 2006 our Patron graciously agreed to attend the Fire Service Chapel at Moreton in Marsh and unveil a plaque to the memory of Lady Cuthbert CBE . This determined woman rose to become Chief Fire Officer (Women's Division) of the National Fire Service during the WW2 years.
 
2007 has seen the Trust fill a remaining panel in the screen at the entrance to the Fire Service Chapel. Shortly to be dedicated, along side that of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters, this panel has had the Trust logo engraved on it. We are grateful for the time given by the engraver Patricia Hilton-Robinson.

 

The National Memorial Arboretum

The idea for a National Memorial Arboretum was conceived by the Director, David Childs, during a visit to Washington in 1988. He felt that we should plant a living tribute to the war-time generations of the twentieth century in such way that it would be a gift in their memory for future generations to reflect upon and enjoy.

The Appeal to create The Arboretum was launched by the then Prime Minister, John Major, in November 1994. At the time the project had no money and no land. The latter was provided by the generous gifting of 82 acres of reclaimed gravel working alongside the banks of the River Tame, by Redland (now Lafarge) Aggregates. This gift has now been extended to a further 70 acres, including the wildlife lake.

Finally the project was first supported by the armed services and veterans‘ associations but the first planting, in the Spring of 1997, was funded by a grant from The National Forest, within whose boundary The Arboretum lies. The initiative was then shortlisted for a Millennium Commission grant of £1.8M provided such a sum could be match funded. It was, and the result is the Visitor Centre and the country‘s only Millennium Chapel.

The Arboretum and the Visitor Centre are open daily throughout the year (excluding Christmas Day and New Years Day) from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, or dusk if earlier. There is plenty of free parking for all visitors to the Arboretum. There is no longer a charge for admission to the Arboretum. The Firefighters Memorial is situated at plot 32 shown on the site plan opposite.

Link to the Arboretum website

 

‘Firefighters serving humanity’

The UK Firefighters Memorial Trust has, since 2004, been responsible for the Fire Service plot at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.

In 2006 the Trustees commissioned a Monument to be placed on the site that would be a tribute to all who are associated with the Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, Isle of Man and Channel islands.

As fund raising has progressed the project is moving towards its fruition and a considerable amount of work has already taken place at the Arboretum. This has resulted in the site being cleared as appropriate, installation of new paths and a main plinth which has recently had the monument stone placed on it. There is some remaining work to be completed by external contactors.

However, it is with great pleasure that the Trustees can announce that the formal dedication of the Garden and Monument will take place on Tuesday 20th May 2008 starting at 13.50 hours.

Formal invitations for a specific range of people have been made. It should be noted that the site is quite small. There will also be a number of other similar activities at the Arboretum on that day. Thus, any other person wishing to attend and view the proceedings will be welcome as general supporters.

For details of the Arboretum and its facilities CLICK HERE

As the numbers attending the site throughout the day are anticipated to be high, a Park and Ride sytem will be in place which will be signposted.