Looe Lifeboat Station Volunteers Place Commemorative Wreath Onboard GWR Poppies To Paddington Train

Looe Lifeboat Station Joins GWR’s Annual Tribute

Looe RNLI volunteers, Sue Bungey and Marilyn Berry, took part in Great Western Railway’s (GWR) annual Poppies to Paddington event, a tradition now in its fifth year, which sees wreaths from RNLI communities across the south west, south Wales, and the south east transported to London’s Paddington Station to honour the nation’s fallen heroes.

A Morning of Remembrance in Liskeard

Sue, Looe RNLI’s volunteer shop manager, along with shop volunteer Marilyn, joined a network of RNLI volunteers placing wreaths on early-morning services to London on Monday, 11 November. The duo waited on Platform 2 at Liskeard Station, where they handed over Looe RNLI’s specially crafted wreath to GWR train staff Chris and Nick for the journey to Paddington. Also in attendance was Christina Whitty, Mayor of Liskeard, who entrusted Liskeard Town Council’s wreath to the GWR staff.

Knitted with Dedication

The Looe RNLI wreath was a product of Sue’s handiwork, having knitted poppies during a recent knitathon held at Cornubia in Par, an event organised by RNLI Education and Water Safety volunteer Gaynor Williams. Sue assembled the wreath with help from her assistant shop manager, Trish Calloway, who was unable to attend the early morning handover.

A Wider Partnership with GWR

This year’s Poppies to Paddington will feature ten GWR services carrying hundreds of wreaths, including the Night Riviera sleeper service from Penzance, marking a poignant display of remembrance upon arrival in London. GWR Operations Director Richard Rowland commented, “Poppies to Paddington will involve 10 train services covering the length and breadth of the Great Western network, including the use of our Night Riviera sleeper service from Penzance for the first time, and it promises to be another poignant occasion at London Paddington.”

This partnership marks a special year for the RNLI, celebrating its 200th anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative RNLI 200 livery on a GWR train in May. The RNLI’s connection to the armed forces and its history of bravery in wartime adds a layer of significance to the partnership, with today’s lifeboat crews including current and ex-service personnel.

Upon arrival in London, the wreaths will be laid at Paddington Station’s war memorial on Platform 1 ahead of a remembrance service, a testament to the dedication and service of RNLI volunteers past and present.

Photo credit: RNLI / Ian Foster