National Memorial Arboretum

Thursday August 4
Janet and John return from their European holiday tomorrow, so we left this morning to drive down to my sister’s near Gloucester for a few days. We’ll be seeing more of Janet and John later. We decided to make a detour on the way down and visit the National Memorial Arboretum, south of Burton upon Trent. This was the first time for us, but I I have seen a number of pictures in recent years, and my sister Janet has talked about it and said it was well worth the visit, and it’s free, apart from parking! As everywhere else in the country, it is showing the results of the heat and lack of rain. The memorials represent not only. The various branches and regiments of the Armed Forces, but also emergency services, charities and individuals. The largest memorial is the Armed Forces memorial, top left, to remember and recognise those who have given their lives in the service of the country since the end of the Second World War. Since 1948 the men and women of the Armed Services have taken part in more than 50 operations and conflicts around the world, often working as part of theUnited Nations, NATO or other coalitions. One of my favourites was the Naval Services Memorial, lower centre, the coloured glass panels representing the oceans of the world. Panels of yellow and red represent the rising sun and blood spilled at sea and on land. The arboretum is located in a lovely setting, adjacent to the confluence of the River Tame with the River Trent and directly neighbouring Crowall Lakes, so there are some calming meditative walks beside the water. A great day out.
We reached Janet’s late afternoon/early evening, in time for an evening meal, where we were joined by my nephew Andrew, who popped in for a meal after his weekly 5 a side football. When we arrived we were given an exuberant welcome, by Janet’s puppy Trixie, a cockerpoo, about 5 months old (picture in extras). She’s an extremely friendly dog, and jumped up at us both, then zoomed round the living room a few times, then came back and jumped up some more - she has some more training in store! She’s looking a little shaggy in the picture - she’s due to go to the groomers on Monday!
Step count: 13,050