I have been given a cheque for £2,000 to make poppies with. It is a large responsibility and will be very difficult. 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. I consider the attempt ought to be made if only to give the disabled their chance.
As The Poppy Factory celebrates the fact that it has helped over 200 wounded, injured and sick veterans back into civilian work, Her Majesty The Queen came to visit its premises in Richmond, Surrey on Wednesday 7 November 2012.
Her Majesty was welcomed by President of The Poppy Factory Sarah Jones CBE, DL, Chairman Bernard Cook and Chief Executive Melanie Waters and then was accompanied on a tour of the factory where remembrance poppies and wreaths are made by hand.
Below are some of the images we captured on this memorable day.
Photo 1 of 14The Queen's Visit 0002
Her Majesty The Queen arrives at The Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey on Wednesday 7 November 2012 and was met by Sir David Brewer, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.
Photo 2 of 14The Queen's Visit 0008
HM The Queen is greeted by President of The Poppy Factory Mrs Sara Jones CBE, DL and Chairman Bernard Cook.
Photo 3 of 14The Queen's Visit 0011
Chief Executive Melanie Waters shows HM The Queen images depicting the work to help wounded, injured and sick ex-Service men and women back into work in the communities where they live around the UK.
Photo 4 of 14The Queen's Visit 0116
The official signing.
Photo 5 of 14The Queen's Visit 0119
HM The Queen is presented with a poppy posy by Iris Kellett, who designed and made the posy. Iris is accompanied by Brian Edwards.
Photo 6 of 14The Queen's Visit 0019
The Royal Party, including Mayor of Richmond Cllr Rita Palmer, tours the production area.
Photo 7 of 14The Queen's Visit 0025
Former Coldstream Guard, Philip Hayton, shares a moment with HM The Queen.
Photo 8 of 14The Queen's Visit 0033
HM The Queen meets 59 year old Sheila Nutbeam and her guide dog Kerrie. Sheila, from Teddington, has worked at The Poppy Factory for 29 years.
Photo 9 of 14The Queen's Visit 0036
Brian Edwards explains to HM The Queen how he makes the Royal wreaths.
Photo 10 of 14The Queen's Visit 0047
Iris Kellett has made poppies for 29 years.
Photo 11 of 14The Queen's Visit 0065
Ian Lindsay helps Her Majesty The Queen make her own poppy.
Photo 12 of 14The Queen's Visit 0071
HM The Queen, Chief Executive Melanie Waters and President Sara Jones look at some of the historic photographs of previous royal visits.
Photo 13 of 14The Queen's Visit 0096
HM The Queen meets Jack, one of The Poppy Factory's successful clients from North Tyneside.
Photo 14 of 14The Queen's Visit 0127
Upon her departure, HM The Queen meets members of the public outside.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
