National Arboretum in line for huge grant

Jul 27 2010 by Jasbir Authi, Birmingham Mail

THE NATIONAL Arboretum was a step closer to getting a £1.5 million grant after passing the first round of judging.

The Heritage Lottery Fund had asked the Arboretum, in Alrewas, to draw up a full application to create a Remembrance and Learning Centre after giving initial plans the nod.

The Arboretum has two years to submit detailed plans to secure the grant, which will go towards its £8 million appeal total.

Major General Patrick Cordingley, chairman of the NMA Appeal, said: “Gaining this initial support for our project from the Heritage Lottery Fund builds our confidence.

“The National Memorial Arboretum is now drawing large numbers of visitors from across the UK and if we were to win the HLF grant it would help to ensure that it has the facilities to provide a uniquely memorable experience to every person.

“We shouldn’t underestimate the scale of the task still in hand.”