Pupils from Monkton Park Primary School in Chippenham have played a key part in marking Armistice Day, by crocheting 60 poppies for a special wreath that travelled with Her Majesty Queen Camilla as part of Great Western Railway’s ‘Poppies to Paddington’ initiative. 

 Organised by the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership (CRP), the poppies were crocheted by pupils in Years 5 and 6, helped by teachers and their families. Seven of the talented pupils attended Chippenham Station, meeting The Queen and presenting the wreath to the ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train manager. 

Great Western Railway’s ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train is the annual Armistice Day commemoration remembering those who lost their lives in conflicts from World War 1 up until the present day.

The wreaths travelled to Paddington Station, being ceremoniously laid at the foot of the station’s ‘Tommy’ war memorial statue ahead of the remembrance service. 

Sophie Martin, TransWilts CRP manager, said: “The railways played an incredibly important role during the World Wars and continues to do so today. 

“We were so pleased that pupils from Monkton Park School joined us in this year’s commemorative events and that their work and creativity will play an important role in how the nation is marking the day.” 

Mrs Penny Hamilton, teacher at Monkton Park Primary School, said: “This project has been such a meaningful way for the children to learn about remembrance. Crocheting the poppies gave them time to reflect on why we mark this day, and they were so proud to see their work become part of a national tribute.”  

Year 5 pupil Eira said: “It was amazing to see our poppies go on the train and know they would be at Paddington Station. Meeting the Queen was really exciting too – I’ll never forget that!” 

Year 5 Jacob said: “I liked making the poppies because it felt like we were doing something important. When we gave the wreath to the train guard, I thought about all the people who fought in the wars and how we were remembering them.” 

Learn more about Great Western Railway’s work in the community here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from TransWilts CRP via their website.