Treasured personal objects including a karate black belt, a nurse’s fob watch and a vintage eight-track music cartridge are among the surprising items on show in a new exhibition at The Poppy Factory’s visitor centre in Richmond.
The belongings, which all hold particular meaning to veterans connected to our 100-year-old charity, are part of four new displays that have been unveiled this summer. Visitors are encouraged to consider how the objects reflect the experiences the ex-Forces community.
Extra date added
An extra date has now been added to discovery sessions running throughout July, August and September, giving individuals visitors and small groups the chance to explore the whole of the visitor centre and meet the factory team.
Each discovery session is led by an expert host. Guests can explore veterans’ stories and the history of The Poppy Factory, meet the production team and try making their own poppy. Visitors can also enjoy tea, coffee and artisan cakes in the shaded comfort of the café, or outside on the sunny terrace.
Tickets are available now for sessions on Wednesday 20 July (11am), Monday 25 July (11am), Tuesday 2 August (11am and 2:30pm), Friday 12 August (11am), Thursday 18 August (3pm), Monday 22 August (3pm), Tuesday 13 September (3pm) and Monday 19 September (11am and 3pm). Larger groups are also encouraged to book visits this summer and throughout the year.
Platinum Jubilee postcard offer
All guests who book to visit over the summer will receive a limited edition Platinum Jubilee postcard of The Queen’s first visit to The Poppy Factory in 1946, as Princess Elizabeth.
Funds raised through ticket sales go directly to The Poppy Factory’s employment service, which helps hundreds of veteran each year across England and Wales to transform their lives.
Deirdre Mills, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “The Poppy Factory has long enjoyed a strong sense of purpose and community, which extends to those who choose to visit and support us at our home in Richmond. We are therefore delighted to launch this new exhibition in our centenary year. My sincere thanks go to all those who have contributed objects and shared their personal stories.”
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