On the 10th November, Poppies were installed at Lowdham Station with the help of Children from Burton Joyce School. Below The Friends of Lowdham & Burton Joyce Stations talk about the Routes of Remembrance Train:
The focus for the EMR Routes of Remembrance this year is on Billy the Pigeon who was one of 35 pigeons who were awarded medals for their contribution during the war. A bomber crashed landed, killing two of the crew. Two days later, the pigeon that was on board was found exhausted close to the Lincolnshire coast with a message attached to his leg. Billy had flown over 250 miles into strong winds with sleet and snow. He only just managed to reach land before his strength gave out.
Billy was awarded the Dickin Medal – known as the animal VC in 1942.
Pigeons were routinely taken on board Bomber Command operations until November 1943. Messages could then be sent back to their home station if they came down or were in need of assistance.
The Routes of Remembrance Train passed through the station on the morning of 11th November on the 10:03 train from Newark. Children from Lincolnshire Schools were on board with their wreaths and poppies.
We installed our poppies at the station with children from Burton Joyce School. The school also made some wonderful silhouettes and wreaths. Thanks to the school for their support.
We also want to thank Burton Joyce WI who crocheted and knitted poppies for the display at the station.
Burton Joyce Parish Council kindly funded the project. Many thanks to them.
It was great to see the children in their new hi-vis jackets. Specsavers new outlet, which is in the Sainsbury’s store at Colwick, opened on Tuesday 9th November. The new store agreed to sponsor us by providing a class set of jackets for the school. Many thanks to everyone concerned.
