Hollingbourne Meadows Trust is spear heading an ambitious project for 2018 Code named Project 100

HMT are working in partnership with the Leeds Hollingbourne and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, who mooted the idea of planting 100 trees to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the end of WW1. This gained the full support of the County Chairman & committee of the RBL.

We are looking to raise more than £250,000 in donations from both public and commercial entities.

These funds will allow both charities in partnership to plant a 100 tree Avenue of Remembrance. This ambitious project is designed to be a living and growing memorial to mark the historic event, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.

After the initial cost of the project is covered by the funds raised, all surplus funds will be evenly divided between the two charities. The ultimate goal is to raise at least £100,000, (representing £1000 per year), for the Leeds Hollingbourne and District Branch of the RBL. They will in turn discharge these funds into the appropriate approved Royal British Legion charities funds and causes, with County advice and approval.

100 hawthorn trees will be planted in 4 lines of 25 trees, with a “Circle of Peace” in the middle of the Avenue.

It is envisaged to be a place of contemplation and reflection. The Avenue will extend over 130m from one end to the other. There will also be an appropriate central focal point.

The hawthorn tree was chosen from a long list of trees native to the Kent country side as it best embodies and personifies the soldier and comrades that so valiantly marched into battle to defend our liberties.

HMTL Ranger, Benedict Williams, took inspiration from the tree’s red berries, white blossom, rugged trunks and windswept frames as these symbolise the growth, maturing, valour, determination, blood, camaraderie, courage and devastation that our boys went through.

The Symbolisation: The red berries for the blood, the white flowers for the peace, gnarled trunks look similar to the stumps left after the shelling. They started as saplings and they grow and come together, it is like the naive young men from across the country who came together, as they grew in stature, confidence and camaraderie to prevail together.

Project 100 is looking for everyone who feels that they want to be a small part of this project to make a small (or larger) donation towards it. If we can get at least £2 from every person whose social media platform this comes across, then we will successfully be able to achieve all our goals and build this beautiful Avenue of Remembrance for all too freely enjoy.

We are also looking for businesses, commercial entities and companies to get behind the project and support it in any way that they can.

We are looking to have an official launch of the finished project in time for Armistice day / Remembrance Sunday 11-11- 2018 All will be welcome to attend and enjoy, the spectacle of our living memorial, on this historic occasion.

Please re post this out to all your connections. We need as many people as possible to help us raise these monies to be able to complete this beautiful and living memorial.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with the project, so if you feel you can help in anyway, please get in touch, all help great appreciated.

Thank you for giving generously and please follow our social media updates and to view the project progress.