Be part of a tradition that's here to stay - Great Western Railways x The London Christmas Company
For decades, the sight of the GWR Class 43 HST pulling into a station has meant the same thing for countless families: the moment they reunite for Christmas. From children racing into the arms of grandparents to loved ones eagerly awaiting each other at platforms, the GWR Class 43 has been a silent witness to some of the most heartwarming moments in life. This isn’t just a train—it’s a thread that ties generations together, carrying parents, children, and now grandchildren home for Christmas.
Every year, as the festive season approaches, families from across the UK and returning home from around the world, step aboard GWR trains to return to what matters most: each other. Whether its students returning home from university, parents gathering their little ones, or siblings making the annual trek to celebrate together, the GWR Class 43 HST has quietly carried the weight of those holiday traditions, year after year.
This ornament isn’t simply a tribute to a rail icon—it’s a tribute to the countless journeys it has made possible. It’s about the long-awaited hugs on train platforms, the laughter shared in carriages, and the tears of joy as families come together for Christmas. The GWR Class 43 HST has been more than a train—it’s been a bridge between hearts, a bearer of love, and a keeper of memories.
As the GWR Class 43 nears retirement in England and going in to 2025’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, I am proud that The London Christmas Company can commemorate not just a piece of railway history, but the magic it has brought into the lives of so many. This ornament marks the beginning of an annual series with GWR and throughout 2025 see other new designs launched as part of Railway 200. Each will capture the spirit of togetherness, the tradition of homecomings, and the joy of reuniting with those we love. For all the miles it has travelled, the Class 43 has carried with it something far greater than passengers—it has carried the stories of love, belonging, and the priceless moments that make Christmas truly special.
