The 1851Trust – Land Rover BAR – has a very strong relationship with Gomer Junior School and recognises how the school fully embraces the ethos of STEM and sustainability in our curriculum, as well as being part of the Trust’s Pioneer Schools network. Due to this fabulous relationship we were lucky enough for the Paddington invitation to be extended to us – one adult and two children.
The day started with and early train from Fareham station. This journey went so quickly as all that Harry and Ariane could think and talk about is what would the day encounter little did they know about all the celebrities that they were going to meet.. Paddington Bear was there to meet them on Platform 1 at Paddington Station and direct them to the BBC presenter that would look after them through out the whole experience. When boarding the The Belmond British Pullman, all you could hear were hoots of excitement and comments regarding the smartness of the environment.
Harry and Ariane had been allocated their own booth within the IBIS carriage of a British Pullman Steam Train. The IBIS carriage was built in 1925, full of marquetry, medallions and Liberty-print upholstery that captured their imaginations. Recognising an increase in activity outside the carriage, Harry and Ariane peered out of the window hoping to gain a glimpse of Royalty. All of a sudden Prince William , Princess Kate and Prince Harry walked across the platform waving, at that point Prince Harry cheekily came over to Harry and Ariane window playing a game of Boo. It was then announced that they would be lucky enough to meet a royal in person. Harry and Ariane had their fingers crossed that it would be Prince Harry. Twenty minutes later their wish had been granted and Prince Harry stayed for a conversation about football and of course that all important photograph.
After the royal visit, the Belmond British Pullman left Paddington Station. Throughout the next hour the children where treated like celebrities in themselves, meeting the cast from the new Paddington 2 as well as staff from the CBBC channel.
The train journey ended but it didn’t stop there, Paddington was ready to greet them with a goodie bag that Mrs Toone was envious of – they had been given their own Paddington Bear! This experience will be etched in both Harry and Ariane memories for ever. We were delighted that the children could represent Gomer and 1851Trust – Land Rover BAR so well.
