Poppies in Paddington
Saturday 11 November will mark 99 years since the end of World War One. Those of you who have travelled through Paddington Station over the past week or so will have seen the Royal British Legion volunteers selling poppy pins, pens and phone charms, alongside the iconic paper poppy. You may have even been lucky enough to hear the rousing sounds of the Scots Guards Band across the concourse.
This Friday (10 November) morning a remembrance service will take place in Paddington Station at 10:45am, led by a chaplain from the charity Railway Mission. Whether you can attend this dedicated service, or just slow your pace a little as you pass through Paddington over the coming days, do take time to reflect on the pivotal role the station has played during times of war.
Picture the emotional goodbye hugs and frantic waving as children were evacuated to the south coast, the volunteer-run buffets served in the station to exhausted soldiers returning on leave and remember the 3,312 men and women of Great Western Railway who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
The money raised through the sale of poppies funds the ongoing work of the Royal British Legion to support service men and women, veterans and their families who are still affected by conflict almost a century on from the end of World War 1. If you are interested in other ways you could support those affected by conflict in the local community, contact our Community Programme Manager, Emily.
07.11.17
