The Poppy Factory

On the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour, we pause to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and to honour all who have served and continue to serve. We will remember them. This photograph was taken at our Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, which remains open to the public until 15 November for everyone to visit, pay their respects and remember those who have served and sacrificed. #Remembrance

Today, we pause to remember and honour all those who have served and sacrificed their lives in conflicts past and present, defending the freedoms we enjoy today. We remember the courage, bravery and selflessness of our Armed Forces, those who never returned home, and the families and loved ones whose lives have been changed forever. The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey provides a poignant opportunity for people from across the country to come together, place a tribute and remember those who gave so much. Anyone may visit and pick up a tribute to plant in person at the Field until 15 November. #RemembranceSunday #LestWeForget #WeWillRememberThem #FieldOfRemembrance #WestminsterAbbey

We're proud to announce that we have been awarded funding to become part of the UK Government's nationwide veteran support network - VALOUR. If you're a veteran in London and need help with housing, health, employment or welfare, The Poppy Factory and our VALOUR partners are here for you. Details on our website to follow, and you can find more information at gov.uk/valour #VALOUR #UKVeterans #VeteranSupport

Coming together in Remembrance. Preparations are underway for the 98th Field of Remembrance at @wabbey, with the opening ceremony taking place tomorrow. We were delighted to be joined by volunteers from @StateStreet and @PA_Consulting, who generously gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to help prepare for this special occasion. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and played their part. We would also like to recognise our dedicated production team, who have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready and that tomorrow's opening ceremony goes smoothly. It takes a tremendous team effort to bring this important event together, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped make it possible. poppyfactory.org/field-of-re… #FieldOfRemembrance #WestminsterAbbey #LestWeForget #Remembrance #Volunteering #StateStreet #PAConsulting

Join us in our visitor centre in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, with an extra discovery session this Wednesday 4 November, plus limited extra tickets available for previously sold out dates: poppyfactory.org/discoveryda…

Finding connection and community beyond the Armed Forces. After 20 years in the Army, Ian found the transition to civilian life challenging. With support from Ben, one of The Poppy Factory’s Navigators, he turned a personal ambition into reality. Ian helped establish an Armed Forces support group at his beloved football club, @TRFCarmedforcesy, creating a space where fellow ex-Forces fans can connect, build friendships and find the support they need. Ian’s story shows how the right support can help veterans build confidence, find their community and make a real difference to others. poppyfactory.org/ian-tranmer… #ThePoppyFactory #VeteranSupport #ArmedForcesCommunity #Veterans #TranmereRovers

100 years in Richmond. A truly special milestone. Yesterday, we celebrated 100 years at our home in Richmond — a remarkable milestone and a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history, our community and the people who have been at the heart of our work. Our founder, Major George Howson, had a vision: to support soldiers returning from the First World War to find meaningful employment and build new futures. We are incredibly proud that, 100 years later, his vision continues to live on as we support veterans and their families across the UK. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our Centenary Afternoon Tea yesterday — Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, members of the Howson family, our supporters, old friends, staff, veterans and family members we have had the privilege of supporting. We were also honoured by a very moving performance from the #MilitaryKidsChoir which made the afternoon even more special. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that has been achieved over the past 100 years, while also looking ahead. As we reflect on our past, we look forward to the future — and to continuing to support veterans and their families for generations to come. poppyfactory.org @LBRUT

If you're a veteran and you'd like to build your confidence, learn new skills and become more job-ready, Poppy Pathways might be for you. Our free five-day residential course is a chance to gain hands-on work experience, meet others and benefit from our specialist support. Register your interest here: poppyfactory.org/poppy-pathw…

Build your confidence. Take the next step. Are you a veteran or family member of a veteran looking to boost your confidence? Join us for our free Confidence Building Workshop with our Veterans Employment Support team. We’ll explore what confidence is, how to identify your skills, the link between body language and confidence, and practical ways to build your confidence. 📅 Wednesday 15 September 🕙 10am–12pm 📍 Blue Light Hub, West Ashland Fire Station, Milton Keynes Take some time to invest in yourself, recognise your strengths and step outside your comfort zone. Places are free, but registration is required. Register via the link below. bit.ly/ConfidenceBuildingMK #Veterans #VeteranSupport #ConfidenceBuilding #EmploymentSupport #MiltonKeynes

This year's Richmond May Ball raised an extraordinary £150,000 in support The Poppy Factory and @thepurple_ele, in one spectacular evening of fundraising, entertainment and community. Our most heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for delivering such an amazing event and for making this contribution possible. poppyfactory.org/richmond-ma…

It's hard to describe a typical day at The Poppy Factory. So we're very pleased that The Factory Next Door came to capture it live for their latest podcast - featuring our Director of Production and the Estate, Jeff Short, with guest appearances from our production team members and a visiting chapter of Harley Davidson riders! open.spotify.com/episode/3z6…

Supporting a partner with complex PTSD while losing her career as a midwife led Nikkie almost to breaking point – until she found a new support network. The Poppy Factory and @theripplepond helped Nikkie regain confidence in herself and her future. poppyfactory.org/nikkie/

We've been in Richmond for 100 years. Come and see what's inside. Special centenary discovery sessions this August. Join us as soon as next week - Thursday 6th at 12:30pm - book now: poppyfactory.org/event/disco… #visitrichmond #poppyfactory #remembrance #poppy @Visit_Richmond1 @BeRichmondUK

We’re incredibly grateful to @JuliaRTrust for supporting our work with a significant new grant, a real vote of confidence in our ability to help veterans change their lives through employment. This vital funding will help many more veterans feel healthier, more independent and better connected over the next three years. poppyfactory.org/julia-rausi…

This weekend, Centre Stage: Richmond Myths brings myths, monsters and legendary tales to life through pop-up performances, storytelling and unexpected encounters across Richmond town centre. On Sunday we're excited to welcome young people from @OrangeTreeThtr to perform 'She was the land' at The Poppy Factory. Performance starts at 1:30pm - pop in for free and enjoy. @Visit_Richmond1 @LBRUT @BeRichmondUK centrestagerichmond.co.uk/19…

To celebrate 100 years of The Poppy Factory in Richmond, we’re inviting you to create a piece of artwork inspired by a century of employment support for the Armed Forces community. Whether you’re a professional artist, hobbyist, student, or if you enjoy making art for fun, we’d love to see your interpretation of what The Poppy Factory means to you. Submissions by Monday 7 September. Spread the word, download the poster & how to submit: poppyfactory.org/summer-art/

Two of south west London’s best-kept secrets are joining forces for a special celebration involving a vintage steam engine fuelled by poppy power. We're very proud of this unique partnership with @Hampton_Kempton, forged through the @Visit_Richmond1 network in @LBRUT. More here: poppyfactory.org/steam-weeke…

Every year, thousands of visitors to @wabbey pause at the grave of the Unknown Warrior, one of the nation’s most significant memorials. What many people don’t see is the work that takes place behind the scenes to ensure the poppy surround remains in pristine condition year after year - that's where our Production team come in! As part of our centenary celebrations in Richmond, we’re welcoming visitors throughout the year. Where possible, tours will also include a visit to our replica of the grave of the Unknown Warrior. poppyfactory.org/unknown-war…

We're excited to welcome @OrangeTreeThtr's 15-18 Young Company to perform on Sunday 19 July at 1:30pm, as part of Centre stage - Richmond Myths. 'She Was the Land', inspired by the myth of Persephone, written by Jack Fairey, directed by Jordana Golbourn. Free to attend - pop in and enjoy! orangetreetheatre.co.uk/what…

This Armed Forces Week, we join the nation in recognising the dedication, courage and sacrifice of those who serve, have served, and the families who support them. The Armed Forces community makes an invaluable contribution to our country and our communities, and we are proud to support veterans and their families into employment. #ArmedForcesWeek #ArmedForcesWeek2026 #Veterans #ForcesFamily #SupportingVeterans