Early Morning Tribute: Poppies to Paddington Train Departs Penzance

Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11th November, when wreaths were laid on the 5.03am Great Western Railway ‘Poppies to Paddington’ service as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025.

Wreaths Travel from Cornwall to London

The Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, joined representatives from Armed Forces charities at Penzance Station to take part in the tribute. Wreaths placed on the early morning train joined others from across the network, travelling to London and other major cities for remembrance services.

Those laid in Penzance made their way to the Paddington Station War Memorial, arriving in time for 11am.

Stephen said:

“It’s always an honour to take part in this wonderful initiative, and once again I would like to thank The Veterans Charity and the railway staff at GWR for bringing together all the communities on one of the world’s most famous railway lines in this symbolic act of remembrance.”

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

From Pandemic Tribute to National Tradition

Poppies to Paddington began during the Covid pandemic, created in partnership with Great Western Railway after elderly veterans were unable to attend remembrance events due to restrictions.

The Veterans Charity expanded the idea in 2021 into Routes of Remembrance, which now involves rail, ferry and air operators across the UK, all transporting wreaths to memorials in time for Armistice Day.

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

Services Across Penzance Parish

On Sunday 9th November, Remembrance Sunday was marked in Penzance with a parade and service organised by Penzance Council. People gathered at the War Memorial at Battery Rocks to remember those from the parish who gave their lives.

Services were also held in Newlyn, Mousehole, Paul, Heamoor and Gulval, each honouring the service and sacrifice of those from their communities.

Penzance Council thanked everyone involved in organising and attending the commemorations.

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Acts of Remembrance began early in Penzance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, when the Mayor of Penzance joined representatives of Armed Forces charities to lay wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train as part of Routes of Remembrance 2025. Photo by Penzance Council