The tree is planted at the National Memorial Arboretum

A Midlands voluntary group has celebrated its 80th anniversary by planting a tree at the Garden of the Innocents at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The tree is planted at the National Memorial Arboretum
The tree is planted at the National Memorial Arboretum

The members of District 6 of the Inner Wheel took part, alongside Jackie Fisher, who launched the idea of the memorial to children whose lives have been lost or affected by war or conflict in 1995.

The group’s chair Liz Ostroumoff said: “Jackie’s vision has been kept alive and nurtured by Inner Wheel members.

“We are very proud to have made such an important contribution to this imaginative project.”

Jackie, who lives near Lichfield and worked as a volunteer at the National Memorial Arboretum for 12 years, said: “I am overwhelmed by the way my original idea has developed into the splendid garden we have today.”

The design of the garden is a jigsaw puzzle in which the pieces do not fit, to symbolise the confusion and puzzlement of a child when its world is shattered by uncontrollable events.

Liz added: “Inner Wheel is one of the largest, worldwide, voluntary organisations for women who work together to give humanitarian aid nationally and internationally. Our members make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people both at home and abroad, and make firm and lasting friendships.”