“Whilst on Front of House duties at the NMA covering the “replicate” Armed Forces Memorial (AFM) during the improvement works to the AFM. Trainee MOD photographers asked to take my photograph and discuss reasons for being a Volunteer.”

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Today 9th December 2015 Mr Alan ‘Simmo’ Simmonds continues his dedication to voluntary work at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire. Alan one of a 200 strong volunteer team has been at the Arboretum since March 2015 and said “The Arboretum is emotionally thought provoking.” Alan decided to volunteer after visiting the centre, he helped a member of staff clean up and mentioned he could do with some help, this started the process and after 13 weeks of training/mentoring he now stands proud and ready to serve. Born in Sutton Coldfield, he now lives with his wife Tina (66) in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and passes the time fishing, pig farming and watching his favourite football team Aston Villa FC. The National Memorial Arboretum based in the heart of the country is the UK’s centre of remembrance, to honour the fallen, recognises services and sacrifices. The arboretum part of the Royal British Legion family of charities is undergoing an improvement program, as of 19th October 2015, following an award of £3 million from the London Inter-Bank Lending Rate (LIBOR) fines grant, the Armed Forces Memorial is to benefit from new stone paved surfaces, drainage and lighting, the programme of work will see maintenance to stonework with some worn and damaged panels being replaced. Works are expected to take up to 12 months and expectations are that it will be complete in time for Armistice Day 2016. CONCENT HELD YES For further information please contact CPL Gascoigne Defence school of photography, RAF Cosford, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3EX 01902 377044

Today 9th December 2015 Mr Alan ‘Simmo’ Simmonds continues his dedication to voluntary work at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire. Alan one of a 200 strong volunteer team has been at the Arboretum since March 2015 and said “The Arboretum is emotionally thought provoking.” Alan decided to volunteer after visiting the centre, he helped a member of staff clean up and mentioned he could do with some help, this started the process and after 13 weeks of training/mentoring he now stands proud and ready to serve. Born in Sutton Coldfield, he now lives with his wife Tina (66) in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and passes the time fishing, pig farming and watching his favourite football team Aston Villa FC. The National Memorial Arboretum based in the heart of the country is the UK’s centre of remembrance, to honour the fallen, recognises services and sacrifices. The arboretum part of the Royal British Legion family of charities is undergoing an improvement program, as of 19th October 2015, following an award of £3 million from the London Inter-Bank Lending Rate (LIBOR) fines grant, the Armed Forces Memorial is to benefit from new stone paved surfaces, drainage and lighting, the programme of work will see maintenance to stonework with some worn and damaged panels being replaced. Works are expected to take up to 12 months and expectations are that it will be complete in time for Armistice Day 2016. CONCENT HELD YES For further information please contact CPL Gascoigne Defence school of photography, RAF Cosford, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3EX 01902 377044