I’ve received the green light from the NMA that Remembrance Sunday will go ahead as normal, including the group package. So, I can now announce that the Queen’s Own Highlanders and Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders will be holding a seated event under the title of ‘Highlanders’ Veterans’ at the National Memorial Arboretum on Remembrance Sunday, 14th November 2021. Members of antecedent and successor regiments (including families) are also warmly welcome to join us.
The National Memorial Arboretum is an amazing place to visit and provides a fitting alternative for those who cannot attend the Cenotaph or one of the all-important parades in our regimental areas. The group package is particularly suited to those with limited mobility, and in the event of inclement weather the venue will provide the group with a warm and dry base for our visit to the Arboretum.
Groups booked in on this Remembrance Sunday lunch package have access to the ‘Aspects’ Events Venue (which is close to both the Queen’s Own Highlanders and the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders’ memorials). The interior is warm, light and airy, with glass walls enabling views over the Arboretum. The main service at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial will be live-streamed to wide drop-down screens, so guests can if they wish take part in the service whilst seated inside at their table. Alternatively, guests may wish to join the crowds outside by the Armed Forces Memorial but are advised that seating and standing room is extremely limited in this area. Those attending previously recommend taking full advantage of facilities within the Aspects Centre.
A short march past will be held after the service. Its optional for those wishing to participate, but those who are able are encouraged to take part. It’s only a short distance on level ground and it will be good to display our Highland presence.
Included in the package is tea and coffee on arrival. There’s a hot buffet and dessert, with tea and coffee for guests from 12.30pm, after the service and parade have concluded. The food is of a high standard with choices. The menu will be released nearer the event date. The private groups event space also has a bar. Drinks are reasonably priced (beers are bottled but a good selection is available) – and it’s nice to know that 100% of the profits go back to the upkeep of the Arboretum.
After lunch, we will have our own short gathering at our respective regimental memorials which are close by. The names of our fallen will be read out and Association wreaths laid. Attendees are invited to lay their own personal wreath or Poppy Cross if they so wish. We hope to have a piper playing a short lament (equidistant to both memorials).
The NMA have pegged the price at £22 (same as last time).
Payment should be made to:
Bank: LLOYDS BANK
Account: 26837560
Sort Code: 30-99-83
Please include your name as reference
Once your booking is made, it would be helpful if you would message or email me.
Those wishing to pay by cheque should first email me for my address details: mickeymucker@btinternet.com
A log will be kept of time/date received. In the (now seemingly unlikely) event of government restrictions affecting numbers, places will go to those booked first. Anyone below the threshold will have their money refunded.
Further details of the day will be emailed to all attendees nearer the time.