Pictured above: Andy Hartshorne of Right Outside,
landscape contractors, Mitch Westwood of Westwood Solutions,
Maureen Upton, Commander of St John Ambulance, Staffordshire, and
also representing St John Ambulance, Emergency Care Assistant Emma
Hodson and Technician David Dawson.
Work has started at the National Arboretum in Alrewas on the St
John Ambulance memorial garden, with construction equipment
provided free of charge courtesy of world leading manufacturer,
JCB.
Designed by BBC TV's landscape guru, Staffordshire based Mitch
Westwood, the garden will be a thoughtful and moving memorial to
members of St John Ambulance, based on the charity's well
recognised Amalfi Cross.
Commissioned by The Order of St John it will commemorate the
service and sacrifice of the many members of St. John Ambulance who
have provided humanitarian help at home and overseas, both during
wartime and in peacetime.
Local organisations have been quick to support the project,
including earthmover giants JCB, who are providing a two-tonne 8020
mini excavator free of charge.
The first ground was broken by Andy Hartshorne of Right Outside,
landscape contractors, on Tuesday June 9th, watched by Maureen
Upton, Commander of St John Ambulance, Staffordshire and Mitch
Westwood. Also in attendance, representing St John Ambulance, were
Emergency Care Assistant Emma Hodson and Technician David
Dawson.
Mitch Westwood commented, "I am extremely proud to be involved
with this important national project in the heart of Staffordshire.
The St John Ambulance Memorial Garden has been designed to reflect
the values and heritage of the organisation, whilst creating a
fitting tribute to the selflessness and commitment to humanitarian
aid it embodies."
Speaking on behalf of St.John Ambulance, Staffordshire
Commander, Maureen Upton, added: "This National Memorial is
intended to honour all those whose dedication and commitment over
the decades deserves such recognition. We are delighted with the
positive response our plans have elicited and are grateful to JCB
for their generous support."
The garden is scheduled for completion in September.