A wreath. A gun. A village. And a connection that has survived more than a century. The chance discovery of an old receipt, took soldiers from L (Néry) Battery 1RHA on an extraordinary, heartwarming journey. Proof that remembrance is about more than looking back. And there was even a surprise 🍺

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…

More happy pics of PTSD Resolution @ The Chelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach picnic yesterday... 📷 Working with our friends at @fightingwpride & @PoppyFactory 📷 Delighted to meet the Governor of @RHChelsea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL 📷 Hot dog! 🌞

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…

Holiday fun in Richmond! 🎨🔎🌺 Join us 11 & 25 Aug for a family activity morning packed with crafts, a treasure hunt, poppy-making, refreshments & cakes as part of the centenary celebrations at @PoppyFactory 🎟️ £5 per adult, up to 2 children free. 👉 shorturl.at/wUTRO

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/

Last week Kenny and Kelli visited the South West VALOUR Hub and caught up with Karen Langley, VALOUR Partnership and Engagement Lead, volunteer Cathy, and Joanne from @PoppyFactory, to talk about how best we can keep working together to support veterans across the region. The purpose of VALOUR, led by the @VeteransGovUK (OVA), is to streamline and coordinate the currently fragmented services for veterans and their families. It aims to create a single joined-up network of support, via regional VALOUR Hubs, so that all veterans in the UK can receive the help they need. It was great to see Karen, Cathy and Jo and hear how things are progressing. #EntrainSpace #VeteransSupport

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…