People often say that life is brimming with chances, opportunities and challenges, and to a certain extent, I would agree. However, as for life itself, the reality is that you only get one chance. Circumstances can change in the blink of an eye and without any warning. Life has its ups and downs, and having had a fair few of these myself in recent weeks and months makes you appreciate what matters. It's a sad fact of life that there is someone somewhere in a worse position than you are. The periods of darkness test our resilience, mental strength and the belief that light is at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Our so-called 'First World Problems' pale into insignificance with everything else going on in the world.
The Great Western Railway War Memorial at London Paddington station - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
As I'm writing this on the 11th November, it's exactly one year to the day that I was out on the footplate of 7903 'Foremarke Hall' with John, Ade, and Liam, operating the 'November Race Specials' between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse. Readers may recall at the time that I found the day very moving, and it only feels like yesterday that we were observing the 2 minutes silence before carrying out the run around of the coaching stock at Cheltenham. This year we weren't scheduled to run trains on 'Armistice Day', with the race trains taking place next week on the 17th & 18th November. Nonetheless, the fact that trains aren't operating today doesn't make the date in question any less significant.
A Lancaster Bomber drops poppies over Green Park in London. This was taken in 2012 just after a ceremony took place by the late Queen Elizabeth II to unveil a memorial for 55,573 men of Bomber Command who never came home - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
Regular visitors and commuters to London's Paddington station will no doubt be familiar with The Great Western War Memorial that is located on platform 1. It was designed by the renowned sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger and architect, Thomas Smith Tait. Jagger was known for his powerful and evocative war memorials, and his work often depicted the grim realities of warfare. The memorial was unveiled on 11th November 1922, and it commemorates the employees of the Great Western Railway who lost their lives during World War I. It was later updated to include the casualties from World War II. 3312 men and women gave their lives. Around one third of the GWR's workforce left to serve in 'The Great War'.
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The memorial after Remembrance Sunday, 2021 - Photo © Andrew Davidson
(CC BY-SA 4.0)
The inscription, updated to include Second World War casualties - Photo © Cnbrb
(CC BY-SA 3.0)
The slogan "The war to end all wars" is commonly associated with World War I and originates from the 1914 book by H. G. Wells. Sadly, as we know, the slogan was somewhat idealistic and the aftermath of the war contributed towards the outbreak of World War II. Over 100 years later there is still war and conflict ongoing somewhere in the world, whether that be in Ukraine, or in the Middle East, to name but a couple of examples. It's a stark reality that no-one could have imagined all those years ago. I mentioned at the beginning of this piece about 'First World Problems', and seeing others endure unimaginable suffering puts the aforementioned problems into perspective. Hopefully things will get better for all.
7903 Foremarke Hall crossing Stanway Viaduct during October - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
In terms of our heritage railway in the Cotswolds, now more than ever, it's time to remember why we volunteer.
We volunteer because we enjoy it.
We volunteer because we care.
We volunteer because it's our history.
We volunteer because it's our heritage.
We volunteer because it makes a difference.
We volunteer because it gives something back.
We volunteer because it matters.
We volunteer because it helps to preserve a railway for current and future generations.
We remember those volunteers who gave their time, dedication, skills, and knowledge with effort and enthusiasm.
We volunteer because we care.
We volunteer because it's our history.
We volunteer because it's our heritage.
We volunteer because it makes a difference.
We volunteer because it gives something back.
We volunteer because it matters.
We volunteer because it helps to preserve a railway for current and future generations.
We remember those volunteers who gave their time, dedication, skills, and knowledge with effort and enthusiasm.
Without the sacrifices of the generations before us, we would not be fortunate to have the wonderful railway that we have here today. We owe it to them to continue forward and 'carpe diem'. Like all heritage railways, we're always on the lookout for new volunteers, so if you're interested, please do get in touch with us! Any help would be most appreciated!
Video courtesy of Jack Boskett
Armistice Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a living testament to the enduring resilience of a nation and the railways that bore witness to its trials and tribulations. Our railway network, like the veins of a living being, continues to pulse with the memories of heroes who, in their silent departure and triumphant return, left an indelible mark on the tracks of time. On the 11th November, we stand on the platforms of history, not simply as humble passengers but as custodians of a legacy forged in the crucible of war and preserved in the quiet dignity of remembrance.
7820 'Dinmore Manor' receiving attention inside the DP Shed at Toddington - 10th November 2023
With
a world that seemingly never stands still in both the literal and
figurative sense, it's important that we never lose sight of our past,
our history, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. War and conflict
shows humanity at its most raw and vulnerable, and demonstrates how
fragile and precious life really is. We thank all those who fought for
our freedom.
Many lives were lost, many lives were saved, and many lives will be remembered.
Remembrance means different things to different people, whether you are someone who has served in the armed forces or not. It gives us the opportunity to remember friends, family, comrades, special occasions, the good times and the bad, but probably most of all, it makes us remember what really matters and to give thanks and respect to those who never came home. For me, it's appreciating the things that you have rather than those you do not. I have a loving family, friends, food and water, a roof over my head, and my health. Many people throughout the world do not have these things.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
As the sun goes down on another day, I will leave you with this to listen to here.
