Great Western Railway names train after inspirational Scout leader as it celebrates 100 years of Scouting in Wales

‘Great Westerners’ recognises past and present heroes from across the GWR network. Others to be celebrated by GWR include Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, NHS founder Aneurin Bevan and best-selling author Agatha Christie.

Download

Gill, 87, granddaughter of Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell, last year became the 399^th person to receive the Bronze Wolf Award, Scouting’s highest honour.

It recognises the outstanding service, commitment and contributions of volunteers to the Scout Movement and is the only award presented by the World Scout Committee.

Gill, a Beaver leader in Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, said:

“Having a train named after me and ScoutsCymru is an enormous honour. My family started Scouts in 1907 and the skills shared with young people have stood the test of time and continue to stand them in good stead for their lives, their challenges and the choices they make for wonderful futures.

“Being one of the Great Westerners named on the GWR fleet is a privilege that I am grateful for and feel very proud about.”

Download

Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer of ScoutsCyrmu, added:

“We are so proud that over 18,000 Scouts of all ages in Wales are being recognised with a train named after one of our most famous members. This year we are celebrating 100 years of devolved Scouting in Wales and this train, launched the day before Founders Day, marks the start of our celebrations.

“Founders Day is a celebration of the shared values and common goals of 57 million Scouts all over the world as we work towards peace, unity and international friendship.

“We make these big ambitions a reality with simple acts of kindness in everyday lives – supporting people in our communities and living our promise to help other people. This train is a great reminder of that, and Gill Clay embodies those values and our ambition to leave the world a better place.”

Joe Graham, GWR Business Assurance and Strategy Director, said:

“”We’ve been thrilled to celebrate Gill today with her family and so many members of the Scout Movement in attendance.

“Gill has made an extraordinary contribution not only to local Scouts but also to the global Scouting community. Intercity Express Train 800021 will help to pay tribute to her commitment and celebrate 100 years of Scouting in Wales as it journeys through communities across the GWR network.”

Following the ceremony, 800021 formed the 1322 service from Swansea to London Paddington.