Inspirational Scout leader Gill Clay today unveiled an Intercity Express Train named in her honour by Great Western Railway (GWR).
A special ‘Great Westerners’ ceremony at Swansea station paid tribute to Gill’s lifetime of dedication to Scouting and also celebrated 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.
Gill, 87, granddaughter of Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell, last year became the 399th 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.”
Joe Graham, GWR business assurance and strategy director, commented:
“”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.
Image credit: GWR
