History of the Alrewas Branch
Alrewas branch was formed in 1921, the same year as The Royal
British Legion. We moved to our current headquarters, a refurbished
Roadchef, in 1995. Alrewas branch and club has over 400 members of
which 30 are members of the Women's Section.
Alrewas is one of the most picturesque villages in
Staffordshire. Situated on the A38, four miles north of the
historic cathedral city of Lichfield and seven miles south of
Burton on Trent, its history dates back to the Domesday
Book.
With its many black and white cottages it is popular with
tourists, boasting several shops and hotels. The river Trent flows
through the north and east of the village and the Trent and Mersey
canal flows through the centre. Many canal boats pass through and
holidaymakers stop off for a walk around the village.
This is the nearest branch and club to the National
Memorial Arboretum (1/2 mile) - see www.thenma.org.uk.
This centre of Remembrance occupies 150 acres on the edge of the
National Forest and has over 160 memorials including the
magnificent Armed Forces Memorial. Admission to the
Arboretum is FREE.
Its inspiration came from the late Lord (Group Captain)
Cheshire. Many organisations both regimental and civilian have
planted trees and memorials - The Burma Star Association, Dunkirk
and Normandy veterans, The Children of the Far East Prisoners of
War (COFEPW), The Irish Regiment, The RAF regiment, WRNS, Korean
Veterans Association, and many more. There is also a Millenium
Chapel on the site, the only one to be built during the Millenium
year. Visitors can reflect and remember and the Last Post is
sounded every day at 11.00am. The Arboretum was officially opened
by HRH the Duchess of Kent in the year 2000 and is well worth a
visit by all ex-Service personnel and families.
Visitors to the Arboretum are most welcome to visit us and
refreshment and catering facilities are available by prior
arrangement. Smaller parties and individuals are welcome during
Club opening hours for drinks. See club information section.