HRH Prince William of Wales to Visit the National Memorial Arboretum
Friday 24 April 2009
Launch of £8 million NMA Future Foundations Appeal
Special travel arrangements
HRH Prince William of Wales is to visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire on the afternoon of 24 April 2009. During the visit, Major General Patrick Cordingley DSO will formally invite Prince William to become Patron of the NMA Future Foundations Appeal.
The Arboretum, supported by The Royal British Legion, honours the fallen, recognises sacrifice and fosters pride in the country. Following a huge surge in visitor numbers, to the 300,000 mark in 2008, the NMA Future Foundations Appeal is tasked with raising £8 million which will be used to expand the site’s infrastructure and enable it to become a world-renowned centre for remembrance. The funds will go towards a new education facility, Veterans Pavilion and central space where major memorial services can be held.
Prince William will meet the National and Regional Appeal Councils and families and friends of the people that are remembered on the site.
Members of the public are welcome to be a part of this very special day and watch Prince William’s tour of some of the Arboretum’s 150 memorials. Given the number of people expected to attend, and the additional security, the Arboretum urges that everyone planning to visit allows plenty of time to get to and from the site. All visitors should aim to arrive on site no later than 2.00pm.
Special travel arrangements will apply on the day:
There will be restricted access to Croxall Road and all visitors coming by car will be directed to the park and ride operating from nearby Catton Hall. This free service will operate from 08:45am and includes facilities for disabled people.
Arriva Midlands buses, travelling from Burton Railway Station to Birmingham and which usually stop at the Arboretum, will be diverted to Catton Hall, allowing passengers to complete the last part of their journey on the park and ride buses.
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