The Railway Industry Memorial

On 22nd May 2022, it was 10 years since the British Transport Pensioners’ Federation proudly unveiled and dedicated their memorial, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. In 2012, more than a thousand people gathered on a hot, sunny day to witness the event.

BTPF members came from around the country by train, coach and car to see special guest, Sir Bob Reid, former Chairman of British Rail and Ian Dudson, Her Majesty the Queen’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, jointly perform the unveiling and dedication ceremony. Current BTPF National Chairman, John Harrison, told RailNews “22nd May 2012 is a day all those of us who were there, will remember for the rest of our lives”.

The memorial is situated within sight of the Derby to Birmingham railway line and celebrates the achievements of the railway family, who gave their lives in times of both conflict and peace. The BTPF holds a ceremony twice a year, at which prayers are said and a commemorative wreath is laid. Ceremonies are planned to take place each year on the anniversary day of 22nd May at 14.00 and on 11th November at 11.00, which gives railway people a chance to meet and an opportunity to reflect.

This year was no exception as it was the 10th anniversary and again the weather was kind. John was delighted that the Rev James Lindsay accepted his invitation to lead this year’s event, as it was James who led our unveiling and dedication event in 2012. At that time, James was the Railway Mission Chaplain for the East Midlands.

The National Memorial Arboretum is well worth a visit and is growing in size each year. The Railway Industry Memorial itself is quite spectacular and receives a high number of positive comments from visitors.

Rev James Lindsay leading this year’s service.

John Harrison in front of the Memorial and some of the visitors on the day.

The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas (near Lichfield) in East Staffordshire is our national site of remembrance.  It was inspired by a visit to the Arlington Cemetery in the USA. 

We lay a wreath twice per year.  One on the 22th May at 14.00 to commemorate the anniversary of the original unveiling in 2012 and on 11th November at 11.00 to commemorate Armistice Day.  You are most welcome to join us at either or both of these events, to remember railway people and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us

Around 50,000 young trees have been planted to mark the 20th Century and the people who lived, worked and died during that period.  The trees represent the armed services, the Merchant Navy, many civilian organisations and even ordinary families.
Following an ambitious project led by the BTPF, a memorial to the Rail Industry was finally unveiled.

The unveiling – an audible gasp of admiration from the audience!

Armistice Day 2022

11 November | Watch Online

On Friday 11 November a service will be held on the Armed Forces Memorial. This is a ticketed service, however visitors to the Arboretum without tickets will be able to view the service on screens in Heroes’ Square. We will also be broadcasting our service via our YouTube channel and Facebook page for those unable to attend on the day.

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The Railway Industry Memorial 2021

On Saturday 22nd May the BTPF was represented at our Railway Industry Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, for the annual commemorative service. With Covid restrictions still applicable there were four members there and we were delighted to welcome Colin Fraser, the new Railway Chaplain as well. Once again the sun shone on us and after saying a few prayers, a short reading and poem a wreath was laid.

Tony Cotgreave, John Harrison, Reg Sargeant and Les McDowell represented the Federation.

Let us hope in 2022 we can hold a commemorative service without the need to restrict numbers.

Les McDowell, Tony Cotgreave, Reg Sargeant, Colin Fraser and John Harrison