Poppy planters will be placed throughout Richmond to commemorate the work of veterans as part of a new campaign launched by a historic charity.
Be Remembered memorialises the veterans who have worked at and benefited from Richmond’s Poppy Factory through a collection of poppy planters that will include QR codes offering more details on the charity’s work.
The Poppy Factory has been based in Richmond since 1926, four years after its founding in 1922, offering employment support to veterans.
The Poppy Factory’s Head of Communications Dan Hodges said: “This was a restorative location where veterans could come and be supported in their recovery.
“We’re really pleased to see the poppy planters out and about in Richmond.”
Founded to employ veterans, The Poppy Factory continues this work through the employment support service it offers veterans and their families.
This is the first year the charity has supported over 1,000 veterans in their journey back into employment.
Most lapel poppies are now machine-made, but the factory continues to make 70-100,000 remembrance wreaths, including those laid by the royal family.
The Poppy Factory also organises the Field of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey, which was opened by Duchess of Gloucester on 7th November, and remains open until the 17th.
RAF veteran Steve, 59, is one of the key organisers of the field and works in the factory’s production team and described The Poppy Factory as a “safe space” which accepted people.
He said: “I am proud to be a veteran, I’m proud to have served.
“I’m also very proud to work at The Poppy Factory, because they’re a great charity, they really are.”
The charity’s work continues all year round, not just at this time of remembrance, including its wreath production.
Be Richmond was contacted for comment.
