National Memorial Arboretum Project
At the 2008 AGM I proposed that BOBA should investigate the possibility of erecting a memorial to Chepstow Army Apprentices at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, just north of Lichfield. This was met with approval by the members present and I was asked by the Chairman to take forward the project. The central point of interest at the Arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial opened by the Queen in 2007 (photo below). This carries the names of all servicemen and women who died on duty since WW2.
There are hundreds of memorials at the Arboretum, many thousands of young trees, a Far East museum and a chapel where an 11a.m. daily service is held. The memorials have been erected by many different organisations including all arms of the services.
It is initially envisaged that the Beachley memorial will be of a design using local stone with engraved detailing. Once the memorial is completed there will be a dedication ceremony.
The cost of designing, manufacturing, installing and holding the dedication ceremony is likely to cost £5,000 to £10,000. We will need to raise much of this from BOBA members by means of donations. Once we have established a cash fund we will approach the regimental associations for help. It may take some time to raise the necessary money.
If you would like to donate to the project now please send your cheque in favour of BOBA to David Chapman, 6 Century Road, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7LE. (If the project does not eventually go ahead all donations will be returned to the BOBA main fund and used for the good of the Association).
For information contact David Chapman on 01379 870084 or at dc.chapman@tiscali.co.uk.
'The project has been running for more than a year and over £800 has been donated by individual members. At the 2009 AGM David Chapman advised members of the progress of the project. A proposition will be put to the membership that BOBA donates substantially to the project fund at the 2010 AGM.
The BOBA Committee is considering whether we should join with the other apprentices old boys associations to install a joint memorial at Alrewas. The Arborfield Association is keen to do this, which would probably mean a grander memorial. Members' views are welcome. David Chapman, 60A B Coy
