We Will Remember Them.....

We went to a 40th birthday party at the weekend... well actually we didn't! We thought it was on Sunday morning so gladly spent the morning on Sat doing the usual routine of swimming, ballet and rugby tots. Were just finishing off lunch and packing the car up at about 1205hrs, when we looked at the invite, and yes, you guessed it - we got the day wrong - It was on Sat!! So after a mad dash up the motorway we made it for the last 20mins!!! - Sorry George, we are officially muppets!!

So what to do on the Sunday? We decided to go and visit the National Arboretum just outside Lichfield (and only about 2 miles from where we stayed).

With me as a 'Veteran' and Mrs Boyzee as a still serving Servicewoman, we really wanted to go and see the memorial. I took the opportunity to find the names of a couple of friends, which I did :'( .

It is a truly magnificent place; very moving, and despite the road noise from the A38 and the InterCity railway line, incredibly peaceful. In 20 years time, when the trees have matured some more and in the Spring or Summer, it will be even more spectacular. I urge you all to go and pay a visit if you are in the vicinity.

It was also great to see the 'Basra Wall', which records the names in brass plaques of all those who fell during our time in Southern Iraq. The last time I saw that was when I was there in 2005.

PS - Woody, Matt - it was nice to find your names on the wall - RIP.