A legend turns 100

Everybody knows the story of Captain Tom Moore - an incredible Marston Moretaine resident, who walked 100 laps of his garden for his 100th birthday, raising over £31 million for the NHS in the process. It's mind blowing that any one person could achieve that - regardless of age or ability, but I think we can all agree - the man is a total legend! We’re especially proud to have someone like Captain Tom representing Bedfordshire in such a fantastic way so when we got the opportunity to join with HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis and the county to present him with his own area of woodland in the Millennium Country Park - we jumped at the chance.

It was an honour to present Captain Tom Moore with his 100th birthday card from The Queen. While observing strict social distancing rules, it was a pleasure to meet this wonderful gentleman who has inspired so much generosity towards the outstanding staff of our NHS. We in Bedfordshire are incredibly proud of his contribution, which alongside the thousands of people who are working incredibly hard to keep us safe and well, demonstrate how individual acts, as well as people working together, can help us to build strong, compassionate and courageous communities.

HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis

Captain Tom with daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and his certificate, Credit to Carver PR

Captain Tom was presented with a certificate from the people of Bedfordshire and the Forest of Marston Vale, showing the area of woodland in Marston Moretaine that will be now be named ‘Captain Tom Moore’s Spinney’ (the other side of the pond behind the Forest Centre, as you head into the Wetlands). We’re so proud to have been able to get involved in such an incredible day, and despite all of the social distancing it was still a pretty big show. Locals will have seen the branded lorry and hopefully the banner message flying above, as well as the amazing fly over from the Hurricane and Spitfire (which went right over the Wetlands.)

 

Area of Millennium Country Park that is now Captain Tom's Spinney

We’d like to thank HM Lord-Lieutenant for involving us in such a special occasion and obviously, we want to say a huge happy birthday and thank you to Captain Tom - when all of this is over, we can’t wait for you to come and see your new woodland!

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If you have any questions about the Millennium Country Park, please send us an email.