HRH The Countess of Wessex, patron of Lions Clubs International in the British Isles and Ireland, has today officially opened the shelter.

The Lions raised over £30,000 to pay for the building and Lions members from across the four countries gathered for this special event.

The National Memorial Arboretum, part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises Service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. Visitors from all walks of life number around 300,000 per year and include Service personnel, veterans, students of all ages, groups and individuals.

The new building has a screen where the names of members of the Lions family, who have passed to higher service during the last 12 months, are displayed. This will be renewed each year.

Proud of its work with young people in developing the ethos of peace around the world, Lions will also place the winning picture from the annual Peace Poster and Poetry Competitions on a screen for people to read as they sit and reflect.

Chair of Council, Tony Gadsby, comments: "Today's dedication shows the spirit of Lionism and our role in serving the community. We're delighted to provide this building so that the Arboretum's many visitors can shelter from the elements and take time to remember their relatives, friends and colleagues.

Charlie Bagot Jewitt, the Arboretum’s chief executive, said: "We’re very grateful to the Lions for their months of fundraising and their members' generosity. This shelter is a very welcome new facility and it will be much appreciated by the many visitors who explore our expansive site."

For further information:
Andrew Baud
PR Consultant
The Royal British Legion
T: 020 3397 3383 E: andrew.baud@talapr.co.uk 

HRH The Countess of Wessex opens the new Lions shelter

The new Lions shelter

Charlie Bago Jewitt show HRH The Countess of Wessex the Armed Forces Memorial