
The members of Matlock Travel Society ended their 2024 season on a real high with a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum for a Christmas Lunch with a swing. The Arboretum is the nation’s year-round place to remember, a special place that honours those who have served and who continue to serve our nation. People from all walks of life are represented, with over 400 memorials and 25,000 trees dedicated to the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations. Founded by Commander David Childs CBE, on a reclaimed mineral extraction site donated by Redlands Aggregates, now Tarmac, it has flourished from a muddy open field to a beautiful growing landscape. Sadly, owing to some flooding following the recent heavy rain, the Land Train tour we had booked was not available but instead we enjoyed a talk by a member of the team following an act of remembrance in the chapel at 11am, dedicated that day to the sinking of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales in 1941.
He gave us a wealth of interesting information about the early days and how the site has developed since then. Having visited Arlington and the National Arboretum of the States in the USA, David Childs met Grp Captain Leonard Cheshire in 1992 who knew John Major. He liked the idea and the project got the go ahead. The National Memorial Arboretum Charity was founded and the central site acquired on a 999-year lease at a peppercorn rent of £1. In 1997 the first trees went in. National Lottery funding enabled further development and the Chapel was built, consecrated in 2,000. A beautiful building, it has 12 pillars, each one containing one of the Apostles. It was a peaceful and moving place to be.
We stepped up a gear as we moved into the restaurant for a welcome drink and an excellent Christmas lunch accompanied by the Antonio Sochi Jive and Swing Band. It was an occasion to remember and sent us off on our homeward journey with a glow!
We are now planning the 2025 season and welcome new members and enquiries. Details in a February issue. Please contact Marion on 01246 466925 if you would like to receive a brochure when available.