Page 74 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Remembrance Centre

The National Memorial Arboretum

By Major (Retired) Joseph Bright MBE

On the 18th of October 2016, Remembrance Centre In the main concourse there is also the
I was privileged to be invited addition of an exhibition space dedicated
to the interpretation of Remembrance and
to represent the Adjutant The previous visitor centre has been how it impacts us. Moving on down we
completely transformed into a modern
General’s Corps Regimental purpose built Remembrance Centre with a can see the new restaurant situated on the
Association, at the preview re-modelled restaurant and separate café. right hand side with generous seating that
provides views over Heroes Square and
As you enter, there is a feeling of space
to the opening of the new and light as you walk through the doors beyond. Across Heroes Square is the new
Remembrance Centre at into the large Welcome and Orientation Café.
the National Memorial area. To the left is the Reception Desk Meeting Comrades
where you are warmly greeted by members
Arboretum. of staff, who want to make your visit as
memorable as possible. To the right is the As I walked into the Remembrance Centre,
shop where you can purchase numerous I met Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Colin
The Façade mementoes and souvenirs of your visit. Kemp, who retired from the Corps and is
Walking on through the main concourse, now a member of the Royal British Legion
The modern, single storey façade is the first there are large windows to the left where and sits on the Board of Trustees at the
thing that strikes you as you walk from the you can look over Heroes Square, a large Arboretum. I hadn’t seen Colin for nearly
parking area towards the Remembrance open air paved area with engraved paving 20 years and we did a lot of catching
Centre. The large round atrium allows light stones depicting the Regiments and Corps up. Very kindly, he gave me a guided
to filter into the Welcome and Orientation of the Army. Behind Heroes Square, you tour of the new building and took me to
area to illuminate the large entrance can glimpse the Armed Forces Memorial, Heroes Square, where he pointed out the
concourse. which was still undergoing refurbishment six paving stones with the Corps badges
ready for opening in early November 2016. engraved. They are situated together in

Looking down towards the restaurant and seating area
Major Joseph Bright MBE with Lieutenant Colonel Colin Kemp

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