During the first year, over 500 bronze oak leaves with personal inscriptions have been purchased from the Bradgate Park Trust and installed on distinctive feature wooden oak pillars within the Memorial Wood. This represents a net income for the charity of over £70,000.
The Memorial Wood at Bradgate Park, funded by the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons to celebrate their 300th anniversary, and Leicestershire County Council , was officially opened by the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, Peter Lowndes on the 5th October 2017. Since then, the wood has settled down nicely after its opening, and the Bradgate Park volunteers ensure that it continues to look its best.
Peter Tyldesley, Director of the Bradgate Part Trust said: “We are delighted by the public reaction to the Memorial Wood, which has become an attractive, peaceful and dignified place of remembrance and reflection.” He continued: “The Memorial Wood has been successful beyond our wildest expectations and we are already planning an extension. The Trust is extremely grateful to all those who have purchased leaves and to the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons for their support in enabling us to make it a reality.”
The Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire and Rutland, David Hagger said: “Freemasonry has always been part of the local community and we are thrilled to leave a lasting legacy for the people of Leicestershire and Rutland as part of our 300th anniversary celebrations.”