POPPY wreaths from Teignmouth and Dawlish were taken to London for Remembrance Day thanks to the annual service from Great Weather Railway.

The Poppies to Paddington early morning service stopped at stations along the route early on November 11, taking commemorative wreaths to the war memorial at Paddington Station.

This is the fifth year the service has operated, started during the pandemic when travel was not possible.

Teignmouth RNLI and Mayor Cllr Cate Williams at Teignmouth Station. Photo Teignmouth RNLI
Teignmouth RNLI and Mayor Cllr Cate Williams at Teignmouth Station. Photo Teignmouth RNLI (MDA )

Yesterday, volunteers from Teignmouth Lifeboat Station handed over a specially-created poppy wreath.

RNLI volunteers from across the GWR network joined the operation by placing commemorative wreaths on board the early-morning services, at 90 stations along the route.

The wreath handed over by representatives from Teignmouth Lifeboat was handcrafted using handmade knitted and crocheted poppies which were donated by volunteers and supporters of Teignmouth RNLI.

Anne Steele Arnett, who oversaw the creation of the handcrafted wreath said: ‘It’s fantastic to be able to create something so personal to Teignmouth, made with the donations of volunteers, their hard work is evident in the beautiful poppies received – its an honour to know the wreath is on its way to a special service.’

HM Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Gordon Evans and Mayor of Teignmouth, Cllr Cate Williams were also in attendance at Teignmouth Train Station this morning handing over wreaths for the commemorative service. Rev'd Carol Green said a few words to mark the occasion in front of a small crowd who had joined to send the poppies on their way.

An RNLI Teignmouth spokesman said: ‘It was a wonderful moment to be a part of on this special day in recognition of those who have sacrificed their lives.’

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Rosie Dawson and RBL representatives put their poppies on the GWR train. Photo Bob Simpson
Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury, Cllr Rosie Dawson and RBL representatives put their poppies on the GWR train. Photo Bob Simpson (MDA Bob Simpson )

The RNLI’s participation holds special significance as its connection to the armed forces and acts of bravery during wartime are woven into the charity’s history. Lifeboat crews continued to save lives throughout both World Wars.

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury and Revd Linda Cronin at Dawlish Station with the wreath. Photo Bob Simpson
Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury and Revd Linda Cronin at Dawlish Station with the wreath. Photo Bob Simpson (MDA Bob Simpson)

In Dawlish, Mayor Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury, Dawlish branch of the Royal British Legion, and Revd Linda Cronin were waiting to present their poppies to the train manager.