5th Penwortham Beavers get creative, inspiring others to remember the fallen
Young people (6-8) from 5th Penwortham (URC) Scouts (Chinook Beavers) got all creative making a stunning wreath ahead of Remembrance Day 2021 while Exploring the origins of a national Remembrance following the First World War, discovering how the origins of the poppy and Looking at how different nations and communities remember across the UK and the Commonwealth today.
Their handmade wreath then went on a 1093-mile journey around the West Coast mainline thanks to the support of Avanti West Coast Staff, with help from British Transport Police and Network Rail. Stopping at London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Crewe, Blackpool, Oxenholme to name just a few allowing for staff to pause and take a moment to reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Chaplin Mike Roberts had this to say: “These young people have got so many people talking on the Trains. It’s been a pleasure to escort their handmade wreath on part of its journey around the West Coast Mainline. I feel really honoured to have been apart of it and also to talk to them around Remembrance and what it means to them.”
Thursday 11th November, 32 Beaver Scouts welcomed their wreath at Preston Train Station as it arrived on the 18:11 London Euston bound service alongside Army veteran Nick Wilson 37, who served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nick took the time to talk to the young people about the importance of Remembrance Day and what it means to him. Nick spent time having a Q&A with the young people sharing how he takes extra special time to remember, but always has friends and colleagues in his mind. shared why the symbol like a poppy for important things like Remembrance.
Nick had this to say: “I was really taken back by how much the young people were aware to why we remember and take the time to reflect. It was a privilege to join them this evening and share some of my stories, talk about Armistice Day and the importance of Remembrance Day, but also hear about their reflections. They are our future citizens and they should be really proud.”
They took a moment to reflect at the Preston Pals War Memorial, located between platforms 3&4 at the station for those who fought with distinction on the Western Front to fulfil their duty to their King and Country by confronting the face of battle. Before heading to the Cenotaph to lay their wreath to mark Armistice Day.
Annabelle Henley 6 was chosen to lay the wreath at the steps of the Cenotaph and lead a moment to silence.
Annabelle had this to say: “I’m really proud to lay the wreath at the Cenotaph, it’s important we remember all the hard work of our soldiers past and present for what they have done to protect all of us”
Once again a huge thank you to Avanti West Coast staff for all the support and sharing the wreaths adventure around the UK and you to the amazing volunteers who enable young people as well as themselves to learn new skills and make new friends. A special mention to volunteers Kelly Henley, Leonie Purvis, Sarah Jane Thomson, Alexandra McKenna, and Young Leader Lucy Melchers 14, who organised and supported the young people this evening.
Leonie had this to say: “It’s been fantastic! It’s the first activity I’ve led with the young people as a new volunteer and to my colleagues at Avanti West Coast who all rallied around to support the young people’s mission to mark Remembrance Day in a special way”
Asked about why she volunteers, Leonie had this to say: “I’ve only been volunteering for around 6 weeks, and I love it! Giving young people and myself the opportunity to try new things, make new friends and learn new skills is really good for you.”
Volunteering is good for you! See the difference it makes to your happiness. #GoodForYou Join us and see the difference it makes
