ASCL - Social

Associates Social Activities

The ASCL Associates Committee organise regular events and reunion activities which are open to all Associate members.

ASCL Associates Reunion at the National Memorial Arboretum | Thursday 14 May 2026

You are warmly invited to the National Memorial Arboretum, near Alrewas, Staffordshire on Thursday 14 May 2026.

The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s year round place to remember and is a space where everyone can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost.

A beautiful and inspiring place, the 150-acres of the Arboretum form a living landscape, a home for more than 400 memorials waiting to be discovered.

Tales of bravery shown in the most extraordinary of times, selfless service and sacrifice, camaraderie and care are represented by the memorials. From the Armed Forces and Emergency Services to civilian organisations that supported our Nation in times of need, people from all walks of life are represented by the memorials, with designs that are rich in symbolism reflecting those they remember. For more information please visit the website at www.thenma.org.uk/

The National Memorial Arboretum is free to enter but there is a charge to park your car. It can also be reached by a bus service from and to Tamworth railway station. We could arrange pick ups from Lichfield or Burton on Trent stations if required. There is a large restaurant and smaller coffee shop at the Arboretum and the site is fully accessible.

We will be guided by two Arboretum volunteers - Rachel Bertenshaw and Alan Brady - who are also ASCL Associate Members.

We will meet for coffee at 10.30am. We will then participate in the daily Act of Remembrance (optional) and hear a very informative welcome talk. There are brief talks at some of the memorials throughout the day and a (paid for) Land Train that gives a 50 minute tour of the site. Rachel and Alan will be able to tell you the stories of some of the memorials and give you a tour if you so wish. You will be in for a moving and memorable day.

Please drop a line to Alan Brady at alan.brady@ascl.org.uk if you are coming. It will be great to see you.

Meet the Associates

"I joined SHA in 1986 and then became a member of ASCL. I worked in comprehensive schools in London as a deputy headteacher and was encouraged to join by my head.

During my time as a full member working in schools I had roles on ASCL Council and was a district convener.

The most important things about Associate membership to me is the support and sense of companionship. I also continued to benefit from the professional support and information in my role as a school governor post-retirement.

I am now deputy editor of Associates News, a member of the Associates Committee and a trustee of the ASCL Benevolent Fund.

I have also been involved in the ASCL Associates Voluntary Service and have supported members in various challenging situations.

Being an Associate member has also allowed me to attend information seminars which has been very useful.

I would encouraging any member approaching retirement to become an Associate member. I will help to keep a professional link and offers social activities and other opportunities to stay involved with the education community."

Christine Shellard