As Remembrance Sunday approaches, Richmond prepares to honour its extraordinary legacy of service and sacrifice through a powerful seasonal campaign: Be Remembered, a collaboration between Be Richmond and The Poppy Factory.
From 1 to 15 November, the town centre will be transformed into a living tribute, with hundreds of poppies blooming in planters across Richmond - each one a symbol of remembrance and resilience.
This year’s campaign marks the beginning of a historic countdown: in 2026, The Poppy Factory will celebrate 100 years in Richmond. Founded to support wounded veterans returning from the First World War, the charity has grown into a national beacon of hope, helping thousands of ex-Forces personnel and their families rebuild their lives through employment and support.
A special wreath maker prepares a Remembrance wreath for King George VI, c. late 1930s.
A Remarkable History Rooted in Remembrance
Richmond’s connection to remembrance runs deep. During the First World War, many of its young men joined the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, fighting in some of the bloodiest battles on the Western Front. The war left 1.75 million British soldiers disabled, and the need for meaningful employment was urgent.
Enter George Howson, a decorated British Army officer who envisioned a factory where disabled ex-servicemen could craft Remembrance poppies. In 1922, The Poppy Factory was born in London. Just four years later, it moved to Richmond, settling into the former Lansdown Brewery site on Petersham Road. Howson and his wife Jessie used their inheritance to build not only a new factory but also purpose-built flats for veterans and their families, creating a unique and close-knit community.
The current Art Deco factory building opened in 1933 and remains a Richmond landmark. Inside, the tradition of hand-making Remembrance wreaths continues, with skilled workers crafting tributes that are laid at the Cenotaph and across the UK each November.
The Poppy Factory in Richmond Upon Thames Present Day
The Heart of a Community
The Poppy Factory was never just a workplace- it was a home. By the early 1930s, over 58 flats had been built, housing hundreds of men, women and children. Cardigan House, once a stately residence, became “The Remembrance Club,” a social hub with a lounge, cinema, and games room. Sports competitions, concerts, and Christmas parties brought joy and connection to a community shaped by shared experience and mutual support.
Even in times of tragedy, the spirit of Richmond endured. During the Second World War, the town suffered devastating bombing raids, including a direct hit on a Poppy Factory shelter in 1940 that claimed eight lives. Factory staff, including foreman Fred Williams, were praised for their courage in the rescue efforts. Despite the war’s toll, poppy production continued, and the factory welcomed new veterans injured in the conflict.
A Living Legacy
Today, The Poppy Factory is a national charity supporting over 1,000 veterans and their families each year. From its Richmond headquarters, it offers specialist employment services to those facing some of the most complex challenges in the Armed Forces community. Its visitor centre, opened by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in 2021, invites guests to explore the factory’s history, meet the production team, and even try their hand at poppy-making.
As the centenary approaches, The Poppy Factory is planning a series of special events, including an upcoming ‘in conversation’ with Kirsty Dougal the author of The Poppy Girls on Monday 10 November.
Veterans make poppies in the current factory building, c late 1930s.
Join the Tribute
The Be Remembered campaign is the perfect way to begin these celebrations - honouring the courage, creativity and compassion of generations who have shaped Richmond’s remarkable story of remembrance.
Be Richmond invites residents and visitors to share their own stories of remembrance. Whether it’s a photo, a memory, or a tribute to a loved one, these personal reflections will enrich the campaign and deepen the town’s connection to its past. Tag @berichmondUK and @thepoppyfactory on social media to be part of this collective act of remembrance.
To learn more, donate or book a visit to The Poppy Factory, go to www.poppyfactory.org
