The Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association (MVRA) is to hold a Families Day at the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE13 7AR on Sunday 14th September 2014 starting at 11.30am.

The event aims to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World war and to remember all those members of the territorial battalions of our antecedent regiments who answered the voluntary call to arms in 1914.

It will take the form of a gathering of ex-Mercians, a short service of commemoration led by a former Mercian Volunteers officer now in holy orders, a march past and salute at our Mercian Grove situated at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire and will be followed by a bring your own picnic lunch.

The Tenbury Town band has been engaged to provide the music. The band was formed by an ex-Worcestershire bandsman who was the town policeman. Members of the former band of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and the Mercian Volunteers band join with them to play on a number of occasions throughout the year.

The standards of the seven branches of the Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association will be on parade along with branch members, their families and friends. A very warm welcome is extended any member of the public, their families  and friends who wish to join us on this memorable occasion.

For further details please contact Major Lawrence Chell, telephone 01332 768221