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RNLI sends poppies to Paddington

Monday, 11 November 2024 12:03

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

RNLI / Nick White

The Vale's two lifeboat stations joined forces to take part in an annual railway event to mark Armistice Day.

The Poppies to Paddington initiative sees wreaths being placed on trains bound for London Paddington to symbolise a shared tribute to the armed forces.

It was launched during the pandemic in 2020 and has since become an annual tradition.

RNLI volunteers from the two lifeboat stations at Barry Dock and Penarth gathered at Cardiff Central on Monday morning, where they handed over two poppy wreaths to staff from GWR, who organised the operation.

They were taken on the 8.12am train to London Paddington, before being laid on Platform 1 at the station's war memorial, where a special Remembrance service is held.

The tribute was led by Laurie Pavelin: chairman of RNLI Penarth: "It was an honour to represent our lifeboat stations and the wider community in this meaningful act of remembrance."

"The Poppies to Paddington event provided us with a unique opportunity to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service, and we’re proud to have been part of this powerful journey."

Both wreaths represent a collective effort from RNLI volunteers and the community at large.

Lee O'Brien, a water safety officer at Barry Dock, organised a callout for crocheted and knitted poppies, which were assembled into a wreath by Ann Gripton, who was recruited earlier this year as a water safety officer at Sully Causeway.

Lee was joined at Cardiff Central by standard bearer Jim Lock, who was awarded his long-service medal for 50 years with the RNLI in Penarth.

Also representing the lifeboat charity was Nicky Anderson, a member of the Penarth-based crew on the Atlantic 85 and D-class lifeboats.

She said: "This important event honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who still serve today. We are reminded of their courage, dedication, and resilience."

"The wreaths will be a tribute to those past and present who have committed themselves to the safety and protection of others. By coming together for this event, we’re not only remembering history but also reinforcing the strong sense of unity and purpose shared."

Another crewman at Barry Dock, Dave Phillips, attended the memorial service at Barry Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, having previously served in the Royal Navy.

He said: "When I signed up as a 17-year-old, I was at the start of my journey but honoured to be joining a long tradition in the Royal Navy. When I joined the RNLI after leaving the Navy, I joined another organisation built on the courage and service of those who had been before."

"Remembrance keeps their memory alive and honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’ll be thinking of them all this Remembrance Day as I meet with fellow veteran friends to remember them."

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time and skills to create wreaths as symbols of our shared respect. This joint effort highlighted the unity and dedication of RNLI volunteers across the Vale and underscores the strong community support for both lifeboat stations as together, we act as one crew to keep our coastline safe."

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