The National Memorial Arboretum's appeal

The National Memorial Arboretum’s £1.5 million grant application has successfully cleared the first round of judging by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and has been asked to further work up the application for its ambitious development plans. Overall, the NMA Appeal is tasked with raising £8 million to create a world-class Remembrance Centre.

The HLF first-round pass* means that the Arboretum will progress to the second stage of the HLF application process. It has up to two years to submit more detailed plans and apply for a grant towards its Appeal total.

The National Memorial Arboretum, which is part of the Royal British Legion group of charities, opened in 2001 and is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance. Comprising 150 acres of trees and over 160 individual memorials, it is a spiritually uplifting place that honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice and helps to foster pride in our country.

A key component of the NMA Appeal is the creation of a Remembrance and Learning Centre, with a strong a focus on explaining to visitors the importance and meaning of Remembrance and the significance of the Arboretum.

Plans include the recruitment and training of 70 new volunteers to assist the 130 people who already work as volunteers at the site.

Commenting on the award, Major General Patrick Cordingley, Chairman of the NMA Appeal, said: “Gaining this initial support for our project from the Heritage Lottery Fund builds our confidence. The National Memorial Arboretum is now drawing large numbers of visitors from across the UK and if we were to win the HLF grant it would help to ensure that it has the facilities to provide a uniquely memorable experience to every person who passes through its gates.

“We shouldn’t underestimate the scale of the task still in hand, not least that there remain many more millions of pounds to raise.”

Anne Jenkins, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: "The National Memorial Arboretum is an incredibly moving and peaceful place to visi t . The Her i tage Lottery Fund recognises how important it is as a place of Remembrance and is pleased to be able to give its initial support for plans to develop the site. This is the first step in the journey to secure a full grant and we look forward to seeing how the project develops over the next year."

To contribute towards the NMA Appeal and play a part in creating a world-class Remembrance Centre, please visit: http://www.justgiving.co.uk/themna/donate.