EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF HALTON GROVE WORKING GROUP STUDY

 

*      The Working Group express their thanks to Jack Neville, Bill Woodward and all those who have contributed to establishing and maintaining the Halton Grove (Section1 Para1a)

 

*      The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is situated at Alrewas. Within the Arboretum lies Halton Grove, a plot dedicated to Halton Apprentices that was opened in 2000.  The Grove is the 4th Apprentice memorial alongside The Tribute, St Georges Church and the Trenchard Museum. The Grove is the only one of the current memorials situated outside of Halton. Located in central England, it is well positioned for visitors. (Section 1)

 

*      The NMA is a national centre for remembrance and education attracting some 300,000 visitors annually.  Halton Grove is situated in a prominent location where the majority of these visitors pass by. (Section1)

 

*      There have been significant changes to the management of the NMA and its infrastructure since the Grove was inaugurated. (Sections 2 and 4)

 

*      The Working Group considers that the Grove should be a Commemoration of the Trenchard Apprentice scheme at Halton and that it would be best managed by the appointment of a Management Committee based on the existing Working Group with formal Terms of Reference and representation including a Council Member.(Sections 1 and 2, Annex D)

 

*      The Grove lends itself ideally to the concepts of both Entry and individual Apprentice commemorations. The Working Group recommends that such schemes should be introduced. The schemes must be inclusive and allow all Entries the opportunity to provide their commemorations. The recommended way forward would be through the introduction of engraved stone Sets set within a pathway.  In addition to commemorations the Grove would benefit from the inclusion of the facility of a visitors’ book. (Section 3)

 

*      A major attraction of the Grove to members when visiting is its well kept appearance. This achieved by the frequent attendance of the ex-Apprentice volunteers who maintain the Grove for the HAAA. Without this volunteer support the Grove would lose much of its current character and attractiveness, The Working Group recommends formal funding and support mechanisms are put in place to preserve the volunteer role. (Section 4)

 

*      The Grove is in need of further developments to maintain its valuable role within the NMA and as a major heritage site for the HAAA. The Working Group recommends (Sections 3 and 4):

 

Ø    Installation of a new access path commemorating the Apprentice Scheme,

Ø    A disability access path, which would house the proposed commemoration Sets,

Ø    A purpose built visitors’ book and tool storage facility

Ø    An entrance gate

 

*      There is a need to exercise some control over Entry and Individual commemorations. A Change / Approval structure is required to manage activities. (Section 5)

 

*      The Working Group considered how best the wording on the memorial plaque could reflect all the requirements of the Grove and makes recommendations accordingly. (Section 6)

 

*      The total costs of the improvements identified by the Working Group are estimated at £17,700 over a 5 year period (Section 4)