Arnhem Oaks

27/04/2026

Check out this moving poem that was read out at the event by Lydia Sydney and Eliza Haith of Branston Community Academy

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

Statement Regarding Event Promotion and Attendance – Woodhall Spa

We regret that some members of the public were unaware of the event and that some attendees experienced parking difficulties.

Event promotion was necessarily reduced following concerns raised by highways and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) regarding traffic and potential attendance numbers. As a result, publicity was intentionally limited.

The event was scheduled for late morning on a school day and normal working day to further help minimise traffic impact. Despite this, the organisers faced a very real possibility that the event would have to be cancelled within days due to constraints beyond their control.

In relation to parking, nearby options that would have best supported the event and allowed wider attendance were not made available to us. We are therefore extremely grateful to Woodhall Spa Football Club and Woodhall Country Park for providing alternative parking solutions which, while not as close or convenient, enabled the event to proceed safely and within requirements.

It is disappointing that, due to these circumstances, more people were not able to attend. This was certainly not through lack of intent, but due to factors outside the organisers’ control.

We would like to once again thank everyone involved, as recognised in our previous communications, for their support in making the event possible.

The project will continue, and we look forward to welcoming many more people to future plantings and events.

No further comment will be made on this matter.

24/04/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the Arnhem Oaks dedication 🌳

What we witnessed at Woodhall Spa Cricket Club was more than just an event, it was a powerful coming together of people committed to remembrance, education, and legacy.

This project simply would not exist without the vision and dedication of Brian Dingley, Chairman of the Arnhem Oaks Project and a member of The Parachute Regimental Association, who created and drove the Arnhem Oaks initiative, maintaining that vital link with The Parachute Regiment. Alongside him, Andrew Almond-Bell, whose work behind the scenes has been instrumental in ensuring the project continues to grow and move forward.

A huge thank you also to Gary Brown MBE, whose Knight School Education Programme plays such an important role in educating future generations, and to Charlie McColgan of 9 Parachute Squadron RE, who continues to strengthen the unique bond between Woodhall Spa and Oosterbeek through his work with the Flower Children of Arnhem.

For the launch event itself, we were incredibly fortunate to have an expanded team whose support and expertise made the day possible, including Colonel Andrew Wareing, Les Ratcliffe MBE TD DL, Del Davison, John and Ann Luffman, and Nick Cook of the Military Vehicle Trust Lincolnshire.

Our sincere thanks to Simon Casswell and everyone at Woodhall Spa Cricket Club for not only enabling the first of many Arnhem Oaks to be planted, but for being truly exceptional hosts. The staff and volunteers were outstanding from start to finish, and we are incredibly grateful for the warmth, professionalism, and care shown throughout the day.

A special thank you to Woodhall Spa Rotary Club for their support with marshalling and hands on help throughout the day. Your efforts were essential in keeping everything running smoothly and safely.

Thanks also to Woodhall Spa Parish Council for the use of your land. To the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, for his formal attendance, alongside the Mayor of Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns, Cllr Natalie Oliver, and Craig Leyland ELDC for coming along to support.

Thank you to the teachers and staff of the local schools who attended with the children. Your presence helped ensure the next generation remains connected to this important legacy.

We would also like to thank Jelle Vos, a former student of the Marienborn School in Oosterbeek and one of the Arnhem Flower Children, for delivering a message from Marcel Franzel, representing the municipality of Arnhem and Nijmegen. Your contribution was a meaningful reminder of the enduring connection between our communities.

We would also like to thank Paul Whitelam for his valued advice and support in the delivery of the event.

To our sponsors, SPA Construction, AJET, Bar 11 and Grod, Crowders Nurseries, Blackrow Engineering, and Grimsby Signs, thank you for standing with us. We could not have done it without you. Also to Elly Foster for the nurturing of the sacred saplings and her steadfast support for this project.

We are also hugely grateful to The Parachute Regiment, The Parachute Regimental Association, and the incredible Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team for their display on the day, and to Pegasus, the Regimental Pony, for bringing history and pride so vividly to life.

A very special mention to the veterans who attended, especially Geoff Roberts MBE, the last surviving Operation Market Garden veteran, and to The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for bringing them to the event. Your contribution made the day all the more meaningful. And to those who quietly support our veterans every day, The Airborne Riders, Airborne Tulips Memorials, and so many others, thank you.

We also extend our thanks to Woodhall Spa Football Club and Woodhall Country Park for their support in providing additional car parking options.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the businesses of Woodhall Spa for proudly displaying St George’s flags. It was noticed, and it made a real difference to the atmosphere of the day.

Events like this do not happen by chance, they are built on passion, commitment, and a shared determination to honour those who gave everything.

To everyone involved, and to all who attended to pay their respects, thank you.

And if we have unintentionally missed anyone, please know it is not by design and we are truly grateful to you as well.

This is how we ensure their legacy lives on.

More Photos and Red Devils Aerial footage to follow.......

19/04/2026

Arnhem Oaks Launch Event Schedule Thursday 23rd April 2026

10.50 hrs – Dignitaries to proceed to the planting site

11.00 – 11.10 hrs – Consecrate the tree including speech by Padre, last surviving Arnhem Veteran and Head Boy/Girl

11.10 – 11.15 hrs – relocate above to the front of the pavilion with other dignitaries

11.15 – 11.20 hrs Lord Lieutenant Speech

11.20 – 11.25 hrs – Regimental Colonel Speech

11.25 – 11.30 hrs – Branston School Student speech

11.30 – 11.35 hrs – Jelle Voss (former student of Marienborn School in Oosterbeek and also an Arnhem Flower Child) speech

11.40 – 12.00 hrs (weather conditions permitted) Red Devils Freefall team followed by ‘Salute to Lord Lieutenant and Colonel’

12.00 – 12.30 hrs – Public Relations with Red Devils Freefall Team and viewing of Static vehicle displays

12.30 hrs Close

Public car parking IS NOT available at the event, please refer to the information in photograph within this post

Please be advised, due to the relatively short duration of the event, we would like to advise people attending that there are no provision on site for refreshments though, only a walk away, there are numerous where refreshments can be purchased, such as:

Sweet Emporium
Archers Fish and Chip shop
The Mall
Bar Eleven
India Village
Woodlands Cafe
Tea House in the Woods

Have a great day

18/04/2026

Friday was a truly special and meaningful day for the Arnhem Oak Project, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to ASDA Scunthorpe Superstore for their incredible support in allowing us to fundraise in-store and in and in particular, Sue Bradley their Community Champion.

Your support is helping us do far more than raise funds — it is helping us grow a living legacy across Lincolnshire. Through remembrance, education, and community engagement, the Arnhem Oak Project is creating lasting outdoor learning spaces that will ensure the story and sacrifice of the Airborne Forces are never forgotten.

Each contribution brings us closer to establishing a countywide tribute — a network of sites that will connect people, places, and generations through shared history, reflection, and education. This is remembrance not just for today, but for the future.

If you missed us and would still like to support us, please consider donating via the link on this page — every donation helps us continue building this lasting tribute.

Thank you, ASDA, for standing with us, supporting remembrance, and helping us create a legacy that will educate and inspire generations to come.

16/04/2026

This week, Jelle Vos met with the Mayor of Renkum, Marcel Franzel, (the municipality of Arnhem and Nijmegen).

The reason being was because Marcel was unable to attend the Arnhem Oaks event on the 23rd April at Woodhall Spa, he wrote a letter for Jelle to read out at the event. Jelle being a former student of the Marienborn school in Oosterbeek and also an Arnhem Flower Child, will be saying a few words on the importance of remembering the fallen…

11/04/2026

On Friday 27th March 2026, six children from St. Andrew‘s School in Woodhall Spa had the privilege of meeting three Chelsea Pensioners at St. Paul‘s Cathedral as they travelled from Lincolnshire to lay flowers at the Airborne Forces Memorial in the crypt.

This became possible as a consequence of the Arnhem Oak Project as this generation learns about the conflict in 1944 and pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Arnhem Oak is so much more than a living memorial as it has a carefully structured schools education strategy to ensure that the past is not forgotten.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at St. Paul‘s, Chelsea Pensioners, Parachute Regimental Association Standard Bearer and of course the children for making this such a memorable occasion.

04/04/2026

Today has been a truly special and meaningful day for the Arnhem Oak Project, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to ASDA Grimsby Supercentre for their incredible support in allowing us to fundraise in-store.

Your support is helping us do far more than raise funds — it is helping us grow a living legacy across Lincolnshire. Through remembrance, education, and community engagement, the Arnhem Oak Project is creating lasting outdoor learning spaces that will ensure the story and sacrifice of the Airborne Forces are never forgotten.

Each contribution brings us closer to establishing a countywide tribute — a network of sites that will connect people, places, and generations through shared history, reflection, and education. This is remembrance not just for today, but for the future.

If you’re not in Grimsby and would still like to support us, please consider donating via the link on this page — every donation helps us continue building this lasting tribute.

And if you’re in the Scunthorpe area, we’re looking forward to seeing you at ASDA Superstore on Friday 17th April — come along and be part of something truly special.

Thank you, ASDA, for standing with us, supporting remembrance, and helping us create a legacy that will educate and inspire generations to come.

Special thanks to Ellice, Community Champion

25/03/2026

🌳 A Living Legacy Begins – Arnhem Oaks Arrive in Lincolnshire 🌳


We are proud to announce a deeply meaningful milestone in the Arnhem Oak Project – the official receipt of Arnhem Oak saplings, grown from acorns gathered at the sacred soil of Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands.

These saplings carry with them the legacy of courage, sacrifice, and international remembrance from Operation Market Garden in 1944. Now, that legacy has been entrusted into the care of Lincolnshire.

🤝 A Special Handover
In a moving and symbolic moment, the saplings were formally received and handed into the expert care of Crowders Nurseries in Horncastle, who will nurture them as they grow into future living memorials across the county.



🌱 These young oaks will, in time, be planted at significant sites across Lincolnshire – creating a lasting trail of remembrance that connects communities, generations, and nations.

🙏 Our Heartfelt Thanks
We extend our sincere gratitude to:
• Elly Foster, whose dedication in nurturing these saplings from the hallowed ground of Oosterbeek has made this project possible
• Crowders Nurseries, proudly established since 1798, for their generous support and commitment to carefully growing these trees for future generations

🌿 As outlined in the Arnhem Oak Project, this initiative is more than planting trees – it is about preserving heritage, inspiring young people, and strengthening community bonds through a living, growing memorial.

Each oak will stand as a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and the enduring connection between Lincolnshire and the brave Airborne Forces who served at Arnhem.

🇬🇧 🇳🇱 From Oosterbeek to Lincolnshire – the legacy lives on.