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| formation = 1922
| formation = 1922
| type = [[charitable organization|Charity]]
| type = [[charitable organization|Charity]]
| purpose = [[remembrance poppy|Remembrance poppies]] are made
| purpose = Veterans' employment charity
| headquarters =
| headquarters = Richmond-upon-Thames
| location = [[Richmond, London|Richmond]], [[London]]
| location = [[Richmond, London]]
| region_served = United Kingdom
| region_served = United Kingdom<br/>{{coord |51|27|20|N|0|18|10|W|type:landmark_region:GB-RIC|display=title,inline}}
| language = English
| language = English
| leader_title = [[Chief Executive Officer]]
| leader_title = [[Chief executive officer]]
| leader_name =
| leader_name =
| main_organ =
| main_organ =
| parent_organization =
| parent_organization =
| affiliations =
| affiliations =
| num_staff =
| num_staff = 30 disabled veterans and disabled dependents of ex-service personnel are employed in the factory with 30 home workers
| num_volunteers =
| num_volunteers =
| website = {{url|http://www.poppyfactory.org}}
| website = {{url|http://www.poppyfactory.org}}
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}}
}}


The '''Poppy Factory''' is a factory in [[Richmond, London|Richmond]], [[London]], [[England]], where [[remembrance poppy|remembrance poppies]] are made. It was founded in 1922 to offer employment opportunities to wounded soldiers returning from the [[First World War]], creating remembrance products for the [[British Royal Family|Royal Family]] and [[The Royal British Legion|The Royal British Legion’s]] annual [[Poppy Appeal]]. It is operated by a company that is a [[registered charity]] which provides employment support to disabled veterans across England and Wales. The factory makes approximately 36 million poppies each year.
The '''Poppy Factory''' is a factory in [[Richmond, London|Richmond]], [[London]], [[England]], where remembrance wreaths are made. It was founded in 1922 to offer employment opportunities to wounded soldiers returning from the [[First World War]], creating remembrance poppies and wreaths for the [[British royal family|Royal Family]] and the [[Royal British Legion]]'s annual [[Poppy Appeal]]. It is operated by a company that is a [[registered charity]] which provides employment support to veterans with health conditions across England and Wales. The factory's production team continues to make remembrance wreaths by hand today.


The corresponding organisation in Scotland is '''Lady Haig's Poppy Factory''' in [[Edinburgh]], which was established in 1926 and makes approximately five million remembrance poppies each year.
The corresponding organisation in Scotland is '''Lady Haig's Poppy Factory''' in [[Edinburgh]], which was established in 1926 and makes approximately five million remembrance poppies each year.


==The Poppy Factory in England==
==History==
Artificial poppies for the first poppy appeal in 1921 were imported from France by Madame [[Madame Guérin|Anna Guérin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alliancefrancaise.london/The-Poppy-Lady.php|title=The Poppy Lady|publisher=Alliance Francis de Londres| access-date=6 September 2023}}</ref>
⚫
Artificial poppies for the first poppy appeal in 1921 had been imported from France by Madame [[Madame Guérin|Anna Guérin]], but in 1922 the Disabled Society, a charity established in 1920 by Major [[George Arthur Howson|George Howson]] MC and Major [[Jack Cohen (politician)|Jack Cohen]], received a grant of £2,000 from the [[British Legion]]'s Unity Relief Fund to employ [[disability|disabled]] [[ex-service]] personnel to make remembrance poppies in England.<ref name=MoD>{{cite web|title=Veterans Minister visits Poppy Factory|url= http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/VeteransMinisterVisitsPoppyFactory.htm|work=A People In Defence news article|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|date=22 September 2011|access-date=10 November 2011}}</ref> Later that year, Howson wrote to his parents, ''“I do not think it can be a great success, but it is worth trying. I consider the attempt ought to be made if only to give the disabled their chance''."


⚫
In 1922 the Disabled Society, a charity established in 1920 by Major [[George Howson (British Army officer)|George Howson]] MC and Major [[Brunel Cohen|Jack Cohen]], received a grant of £2,000 from the [[British Legion]]'s Unity Relief Fund to employ [[disability|disabled]] [[ex-service]] personnel to make remembrance poppies in England.<ref name=MoD>{{cite web|title=Veterans Minister visits Poppy Factory|url= http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/VeteransMinisterVisitsPoppyFactory.htm|work=A People in Defence news article|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|date=22 September 2011|access-date=10 November 2011}}</ref> Later that year, Howson wrote to his parents, "I do not think it can be a great success, but it is worth trying. I consider the attempt ought to be made if only to give the disabled their chance."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-big-question-why-are-we-asked-to-wear-a-poppy-and-is-its-significance-being-lost-1807573.html|title=The Big Question: Why are we asked to wear a poppy, and is its significance being lost?|date=23 October 2009|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=6 September 2023}}</ref>
⚫
They set up in a former collar factory on the [[Old Kent Road]] in London. Soon the factory was employing 50 disabled veterans.<ref name="TPF">{{cite web|title=The Poppy Factory: History|url=http://www.poppyfactory.org/history-2.html|publisher=The Poppy Factory| access-date=10 November 2011}}</ref> The factory made a million poppies within two months.


⚫
They set up in a former collar factory on the [[Old Kent Road]] in London. Soon the factory was employing 50 disabled veterans.<ref name="TPF">{{cite web|title=The Poppy Factory: History|url=http://www.poppyfactory.org/history-2.html|publisher=The Poppy Factory| access-date=10 November 2011}}</ref>
⚫
In November 1924, the [[Prince of Wales]] (later [[Edward VIII]]) visited the Poppy Factory, which made 27 million poppies that year. Most of the employees were disabled, and by then there was a long waiting list for prospective employees.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/37577 | title=Howson, George (1886–1936)|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|work=[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]| year=2004 | access-date=7 February 2013 | author=Philip Waller}}</ref>


⚫
In November 1924, the [[Prince of Wales]] (later [[Edward VIII]]) visited the Poppy Factory, which made 27 million poppies that year. Most of the employees were disabled, and by then there was a long waiting list for prospective employees.<ref>{{cite ODNB| url= http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/37577 | title=Howson, George (1886–1936)| year=2004 | access-date=7 February 2013 | author=Philip Waller| doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/37577}}</ref>
The old collar factory eventually proved too small as demand increased, and in 1926 the factory moved to a disused brewery in Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey. Housing for the workforce and their families was built on adjacent land and in 1932 the present factory was built. The original factory was demolished in 1972.

The old collar factory eventually proved too small as demand increased, and in 1926 the factory moved to a disused brewery in Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/11607964.Original_poppy_factory_to_become_luxury_flats_and_offices/?ref=rss | title=Original poppy factory in Richmond to become luxury flats and offices | work=[[Richmond and Twickenham Times]] | date=18 November 2014 | access-date=19 November 2014 | author=Odling, George}}</ref> The Poppy Factory organised the first annual [[Field of Remembrance]] at [[Westminster Abbey]] in 1928.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fany.org.uk/News/opening-of-the-field-of-remembrance-2|title=Opening of the Field of Remembrance |publisher=First Aid Nursing Yeomanry|access-date=6 September 2023}}</ref> The current Art Deco Poppy Factory building was built on the brewery site and was completed in 1933.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/people/22601673.poppy-factory-richmond---lest-forget/|title=Rhe Poppy Factory in Richmond - lest we forget|date=11 November 2011|newspaper=The Great British Life |access-date=6 September 2023}}</ref>


==Present day==
[[File:A volunteer constructs poppies at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Richmond MOD 45148164.jpg|thumb|A volunteer assembles remembrance poppies at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Richmond]]
[[File:A volunteer constructs poppies at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Richmond MOD 45148164.jpg|thumb|A volunteer assembles remembrance poppies at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Richmond]]
[[File:A volunteer constructs poppies at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Richmond MOD 45148161.jpg|thumb|Each remembrance poppy is put together by hand]]
Approximately 30 disabled veterans and disabled dependents of ex-service personnel are employed at the Richmond factory to hand-make [[remembrance poppies]], wreaths and symbols. Together with around 30 home workers, they produce approximately 11 million poppies, 135 000 wreaths and 1.1 million remembrance symbols<ref name=":0">''The Poppy Factory Annual Review 2015'' http://www.poppyfactory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AnnualReview2015.pdf</ref> (originally remembrance crosses, now a variety of shapes for different religions, including for 'no faith') for [[The Royal British Legion|The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal]], as well as special wreaths for the [[British Royal Family]].

The Poppy Factory also provides individualised employment support to hundreds of ex-Service men and women with health conditions or impairments. A team of regional Employability Consultants work with veterans in their communities to provide career guidance, CV advice, interview coaching, opportunities with local employers and information about funding and training sources.

Around 62% of Poppy Factory veterans experienced [[mental health]] conditions and 58% reported physical health challenges,<ref name=":0" /> such as [[visual impairments]] and [[Musculoskeletal injury|musculoskeletal problems]]. Many veterans have a combination of both mental and physical health challenges.

According to a recent report, the charity’s "Getting You Back to Work" employability programme has close fidelity to the [[IPS Supported Employment|IPS model of Supported Employment]].<ref>''The Poppy Factory Employment in Mind Report 2016'' http://www.poppyfactory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MH_report_2016.pdf</ref> Owing to this tailored approach, around 75% of Poppy Factory ‘clients’ remain in work for over 12 months.

Since 1928, The Poppy Factory has also organised the annual [[Field of Remembrance]] at [[Westminster Abbey]].<ref name="Christian">{{cite news|last1=Christian|first1=Alex|title=Queen visits Richmond Poppy Factory to celebrate charity’s anniversary|url=http://www.swlondoner.co.uk/queen-visits-richmond-poppy-factory-to-celebrate-charity-s-anniversary/|access-date=16 July 2017|work=swlondoner.co.uk}}</ref>


In November 2016, former chief executive Melanie Waters became the chief executive of [[Help for Heroes]] charity.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ricketts|first1=Andy|title=Melanie Waters appointed chief executive of Help for Heroes|url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/melanie-waters-appointed-chief-executive-help-heroes/management/article/1404816|publisher=thirdsector.co.uk|access-date=16 July 2017|date=5 August 2016}}</ref> Deirdre Mills was later appointed the new chief executive; she had previously been a Director at the [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New Poppy Factory Chief Executive Appointed|url=https://www.cobseo.org.uk/new-poppy-factory-chief-executive-appointed/|publisher=cobseo.org.uk|access-date=16 July 2017|date=7 November 2016}}</ref>
In November 2016, former chief executive Melanie Waters became the chief executive of [[Help for Heroes]] charity.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ricketts|first1=Andy|title=Melanie Waters appointed chief executive of Help for Heroes|url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/melanie-waters-appointed-chief-executive-help-heroes/management/article/1404816|publisher=thirdsector.co.uk|access-date=16 July 2017|date=5 August 2016}}</ref> Deirdre Mills was later appointed the new chief executive; she had previously been a Director at the [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New Poppy Factory Chief Executive Appointed|url=https://www.cobseo.org.uk/new-poppy-factory-chief-executive-appointed/|publisher=cobseo.org.uk|access-date=16 July 2017|date=7 November 2016}}</ref>
The factory in Richmond is open to the public for [[guided tours]].


In July 2017, [[Elizabeth_II|The Queen]] visited the Factory to celebrate the charity’s 90th anniversary.<ref name="Christian"/>
In July 2017, [[Queen Elizabeth II]] visited the factory to celebrate the charity’s 90th anniversary.<ref name="Christian">{{cite news |last1=Christian |first1=Alex |title=Queen visits Richmond Poppy Factory to celebrate charity's anniversary |work=swlondoner.co.uk |url=http://www.swlondoner.co.uk/queen-visits-richmond-poppy-factory-to-celebrate-charity-s-anniversary/ |access-date=16 July 2017}}</ref>
In February 2024, [[Queen Camilla]] held a reception at Clarence House to mark the Poppy Factory’s centenary.<ref>{{cite news |title= The Queen thanks Poppy Factory for work supporting veterans |work=ITV News|url= https://www.itv.com/news/2024-02-15/camilla-thanks-poppy-factory-for-work-supporting-veterans |access-date= 15 February 2024}}</ref>


=={{anchor|Lady Haig's Poppy Factory}}Lady Haig's Poppy Factory==
=={{anchor|Lady Haig's Poppy Factory}}Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Scotland==
[[File:Lady Haig Poppy Factory (14772857731).jpg|thumb|Former site of Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh from 1931 to 1965]]
[[File:Lady Haig Poppy Factory (14772857731).jpg|thumb|Former site of Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh from 1931 to 1965]]
Lady Haig's Poppy Factory is a charity based in [[Edinburgh]], [[Scotland]] to provide employment to disabled veterans. It is an independent charity, but the name Lady Haig's Poppy Factory is a trading name of [[Poppyscotland]] of which it is a subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk|title=Poppyscotland|last=paul|date=2015-05-18|newspaper=Poppyscotland|access-date=2016-11-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104021205/http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/|archive-date=4 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Lady Haig's Poppy Factory was founded in [[Edinburgh]] in March 1926, shortly after the Royal British Legion's factory in [[London]],<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/the-start/|title=The Start - Lady Haig Poppy Factory|newspaper=Lady Haig Poppy Factory|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-11-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104011724/http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/the-start/|archive-date=4 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> as independent charity to provide employment to disabled veterans. Lady Haig's Poppy Factory became a trading name of [[Poppyscotland]] of which it is a subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk|title=Poppyscotland|last=paul|date=2015-05-18|newspaper=Poppyscotland|access-date=2016-11-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104021205/http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/|archive-date=4 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


The factory was created at the suggestion of and by Dorothy, Countess Haig, wife of Field Marshal [[Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig]], who had created the [[Haig Fund]] to assist ex-servicemen and which still raises funds through the [[UK|UK's]] annual poppy appeal.<ref name="auto"/>
Lady Haig's Poppy Factory was founded in March 1926, shortly after the [[Royal British Legion|Royal British Legion's]] factory in [[London]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/the-start/|title=The Start - Lady Haig Poppy Factory|newspaper=Lady Haig Poppy Factory|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-11-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104011724/http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/the-start/|archive-date=4 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was created to serve the demand for [[Remembrance Day]] poppies in Scotland.


It was established in a former wood-chopping factory in the grounds of Whitefoord House. The factory moved to its current premises, a former printing works in Warriston Road, in 1965.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/armistice-100-lady-haig-poppy-factory-is-on-the-move-218812|title=Armistice 100: Lady Haig Poppy Factory is on the move|date=10 November 2018|newspaper=Falkirk Herald| access-date=6 September 2023}}</ref>
The factory was created<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/the-start/|title=The Start - Lady Haig Poppy Factory|newspaper=Lady Haig Poppy Factory|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-11-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104011724/http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/the-start/|archive-date=4 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> at the suggestion of and by [[Dorothy Maud Vivian|Dorothy, Countess Haig]], wife of Field Marshal [[Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig]], who had created the [[Haig Fund]] to assist ex-servicemen and which still raises funds through the [[UK|UK's]] annual poppy appeal.


⚫
In November 2018 the factory was moved for two years into [[Redford Barracks]] while major renovations could be made while also adding a new learning facility.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Currie |first1=Julie |title=Armistice 100: Lady Haig Poppy Factory is on the move |url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/armistice-100-lady-haig-poppy-factory-is-on-the-move-1-4827468 |website=Falkirk herald |access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref>
It grew from two employees in a former wood-chopping factory in the grounds of Whitefoord House to employ over 100 people by the mid-1930s, with a waiting list of over 300. In addition to the main task of making poppies, the employees made other goods by hand which were sold at three shops in Edinburgh and by a travelling shop throughout Scotland. The factory moved to its current premises, a former printing works, in 1965. Staffing levels and the range of goods made at the factory gradually declined after the [[Second World War]], and increasing annual deficits were funded by contributions from the [[Earl Haig Fund Scotland]]. In 1998, the factory became an independent charitable company, The Lady Haig Poppy Factory Ltd


⚫
Like the Poppy Factory in [[Richmond, London|Richmond]], it employs ex-service personnel, all of them disabled. It makes five million remembrance poppies in Edinburgh each year, to a slightly different design with four-lobed petals rather than two for English poppies, and 12,000 wreaths.<ref>{{cite web|title=How It's Done|url=http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/how-its-done|publisher=Lady Haig's Poppy Factory|access-date=10 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115211157/http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/how-its-done|archive-date=15 November 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
⚫
In November 2018 the factory was temporarily moved for two years into [[Redford Barracks]] while major renovations could be made while also adding a new learning facility.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Currie |first1=Julie |title=Armistice 100: Lady Haig Poppy Factory is on the move |url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/armistice-100-lady-haig-poppy-factory-is-on-the-move-1-4827468 |website=Falkirk herald |publisher=Falkirk herald |access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref> With a Virtual Reality Application being made to preserve the memory of the old factory and to continue to bring the message of remembrance to a whole new generation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Poppyscotland: Their Memory |url=https://pocketsizedhands.com/our-work/Poppyscotland/|publisher=Pocket Sized Hands |access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref>

⚫
The factory is operated in partnership with [[Poppyscotland]] and, like the Poppy Factory in [[Richmond, London|Richmond]], also employs ex-service personnel, all of them disabled. It makes five million remembrance poppies in Edinburgh each year, to a slightly different design with four-lobed petals rather than two for English poppies, and 12,000 wreaths.<ref>{{cite web|title=How It's Done|url=http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/how-its-done|publisher=Lady Haig's Poppy Factory|access-date=10 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115211157/http://www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk/factory-history/how-its-done|archive-date=15 November 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


==Remembrance poppies==
==Remembrance poppies==
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==See also==
==See also==
*[[Richmond Brewery Stores]]
* [[Richmond Brewery Stores]]


==References==
==References==
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{{LB Richmond}}
{{LB Richmond}}

{{coord |51|27|20|N|0|18|10|W|type:landmark_region:GB-RIC|display=title}}


[[Category:1922 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1922 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Aftermath of World War I in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Aftermath of World War I in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:British veterans' organisations]]
[[Category:British veterans' organisations]]
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:Charities based in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Charities based in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Charities based in London]]
[[Category:Charities based in London]]
[[Category:Organisations based in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:Organisations based in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1922]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1922]]
⚫
[[Category:Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:Richmond, London]]
[[Category:Richmond, London]]
[[Category:The Royal British Legion]]
[[Category:The Royal British Legion]]
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]

Latest revision as of 04:14, 25 August 2024

For the band, see Poppy Factory (band).

The Poppy Factory
Formation1922
TypeCharity
PurposeVeterans' employment charity
HeadquartersRichmond-upon-Thames
Location
Region served
United Kingdom
51°27′20″N 0°18′10″W / 51.45556°N 0.30278°W / 51.45556; -0.30278
Official language
English
Websitewww.poppyfactory.org

The Poppy Factory is a factory in Richmond, London, England, where remembrance wreaths are made. It was founded in 1922 to offer employment opportunities to wounded soldiers returning from the First World War, creating remembrance poppies and wreaths for the Royal Family and the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal. It is operated by a company that is a registered charity which provides employment support to veterans with health conditions across England and Wales. The factory's production team continues to make remembrance wreaths by hand today.

The corresponding organisation in Scotland is Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, which was established in 1926 and makes approximately five million remembrance poppies each year.

The Poppy Factory in England

[edit]

Artificial poppies for the first poppy appeal in 1921 were imported from France by Madame Anna Guérin.[1]

In 1922 the Disabled Society, a charity established in 1920 by Major George Howson MC and Major Jack Cohen, received a grant of £2,000 from the British Legion's Unity Relief Fund to employ disabled ex-service personnel to make remembrance poppies in England.[2] Later that year, Howson wrote to his parents, "I do not think it can be a great success, but it is worth trying. I consider the attempt ought to be made if only to give the disabled their chance."[3]

They set up in a former collar factory on the Old Kent Road in London. Soon the factory was employing 50 disabled veterans.[4]

In November 1924, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) visited the Poppy Factory, which made 27 million poppies that year. Most of the employees were disabled, and by then there was a long waiting list for prospective employees.[5]

The old collar factory eventually proved too small as demand increased, and in 1926 the factory moved to a disused brewery in Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey.[6] The Poppy Factory organised the first annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 1928.[7] The current Art Deco Poppy Factory building was built on the brewery site and was completed in 1933.[8]

A volunteer assembles remembrance poppies at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Richmond

In November 2016, former chief executive Melanie Waters became the chief executive of Help for Heroes charity.[9] Deirdre Mills was later appointed the new chief executive; she had previously been a Director at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.[10]

In July 2017, Queen Elizabeth II visited the factory to celebrate the charity’s 90th anniversary.[11] In February 2024, Queen Camilla held a reception at Clarence House to mark the Poppy Factory’s centenary.[12]

Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Scotland

[edit]
Former site of Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh from 1931 to 1965

Lady Haig's Poppy Factory was founded in Edinburgh in March 1926, shortly after the Royal British Legion's factory in London,[13] as independent charity to provide employment to disabled veterans. Lady Haig's Poppy Factory became a trading name of Poppyscotland of which it is a subsidiary.[14]

The factory was created at the suggestion of and by Dorothy, Countess Haig, wife of Field Marshal Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, who had created the Haig Fund to assist ex-servicemen and which still raises funds through the UK's annual poppy appeal.[13]

It was established in a former wood-chopping factory in the grounds of Whitefoord House. The factory moved to its current premises, a former printing works in Warriston Road, in 1965.[15]

In November 2018 the factory was moved for two years into Redford Barracks while major renovations could be made while also adding a new learning facility.[16]

Like the Poppy Factory in Richmond, it employs ex-service personnel, all of them disabled. It makes five million remembrance poppies in Edinburgh each year, to a slightly different design with four-lobed petals rather than two for English poppies, and 12,000 wreaths.[17]

Remembrance poppies

[edit]
  • Royal British Legion pin poppy
    Royal British Legion pin poppy
  • Royal British Legion wreath poppies
    Royal British Legion wreath poppies
  • Royal British Legion remembrance cross
    Royal British Legion remembrance cross

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Poppy Lady". Alliance Francis de Londres. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Veterans Minister visits Poppy Factory". A People in Defence news article. Ministry of Defence. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
  3. ^ "The Big Question: Why are we asked to wear a poppy, and is its significance being lost?". The Independent. 23 October 2009. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  4. ^ "The Poppy Factory: History". The Poppy Factory. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
  5. ^ Philip Waller (2004). "Howson, George (1886–1936)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/37577. Retrieved 7 February 2013. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  6. ^ Odling, George (18 November 2014). "Original poppy factory in Richmond to become luxury flats and offices". Richmond and Twickenham Times. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  7. ^ "Opening of the Field of Remembrance". First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  8. ^ "Rhe Poppy Factory in Richmond - lest we forget". The Great British Life. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  9. ^ Ricketts, Andy (5 August 2016). "Melanie Waters appointed chief executive of Help for Heroes". thirdsector.co.uk. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  10. ^ "New Poppy Factory Chief Executive Appointed". cobseo.org.uk. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  11. ^ Christian, Alex. "Queen visits Richmond Poppy Factory to celebrate charity's anniversary". swlondoner.co.uk. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  12. ^ "The Queen thanks Poppy Factory for work supporting veterans". ITV News. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  13. ^ a b "The Start - Lady Haig Poppy Factory". Lady Haig Poppy Factory. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
  14. ^ paul (18 May 2015). "Poppyscotland". Poppyscotland. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
  15. ^ "Armistice 100: Lady Haig Poppy Factory is on the move". Falkirk Herald. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  16. ^ Currie, Julie. "Armistice 100: Lady Haig Poppy Factory is on the move". Falkirk herald. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  17. ^ "How It's Done". Lady Haig's Poppy Factory. Archived from the original on 15 November 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
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