In June, the WCB Charities and Education Committee were delighted to be asked to visit The Poppy Factory in Richmond Surrey. The Poppy Factory is just one of the worthy charities that the WCB actively supports and so it was an amazing opportunity that we could not miss.
After a warm welcome upon arrival, we were treated to a video presentation of the history of the factory and the good works that it does. There are also display cabinets illustrating its development from its beginning and over the years.
Although aligned to the Royal British Legion the two charities are totally separate, the Royal British Legion was formed the year before in 1921 and they celebrated their centenary last year. The Poppy Factory was the ‘brain child’ of George Howson who had served in France during the First World War with the 11th (Service) Battalion Hampshire Regiment. After the war, he set up The Disabled Society to campaign for better quality artificial limbs and job prospects for disabled veterans. This year is their centenary year having been formed in 1922.
A French lady, Anna Guérin, began to make silk poppies as reminder and tribute to those who had fallen. Guérin tried to persuade the American Legion to adopt the poppy but this fell on deaf ears. In August 1921 she met with the British Legion to persuade them to buy her silk poppies in time for Remembrance Day that November and they agreed. Hearing that the British Legion wanted to buy Remembrance poppies made in Britain, George Howson proposed that the poppies should be made by disabled war veterans. He proposed setting up a factory here in the UK – and the Legion agreed. In May 1922 the British Legion gave Howson £2,000 to establish a poppy-making factory in Richmond. Howson wrote to his parents:
If the experiment is successful it will be the start of an industry to employ 150 men. I do not think it can be a great success, but it is worth trying
Well, just look at what the symbol has come to represent in those 100 years!
The Poppy Factory’s production work today is focused on Remembrance wreaths, and the production team still includes veterans with health conditions. Even before Remembrance Day, work has already started for the following year. The wreaths produced include all those laid at the Cenotaph including those of the Royal Family. Wreaths are also sent round the world in time for Remembrance Day.
In Richmond and beyond, the charity has continued to build a supportive environment for members of the ex-Forces community, developing a strong understanding of the complex challenges that many face.
Today, its UK employment service helps hundreds of veterans with health conditions throughout England and Wales on their journey into meaningful employment. Each year it helps hundreds of veterans with a mental or physical condition to thrive in the workplace, wherever they are based.
We had a very enjoyable visit and were made very welcome by those we met, and The Poppy Factory are very appreciative of the support they receive from the WCB. Should any Liveryman wish to visit the factory, details can be found on their website www.poppyfactory.org
ASSISTANT JULIEN PURSGLOVE