The new Minister for Defence People, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, dropped in to The Poppy Factory in Richmond upon Thames for his first official visit at the start of the Remembrance period.
The Minister met members of our production team on 2 November and tried his hand at making one of the Remembrance wreaths that will be laid in services across the UK and around the world.
He also inspected the new visitor centre and took the opportunity to discuss the positive impact of employment support for veterans with health conditions, hearing how the charity works closely with NHS services and regional partners to offer joined up support for the ex-Forces community.
Dr Andrew Murrison MP, Minister for Defence People, said: “The Poppy Factory is an excellent example of how society comes together to support the Armed Forces community. The poppy wreaths made here help people across the country pay respect to service personnel who have died in conflict. The wreaths I lay each year in Warminster and Trowbridge are made here, and The Poppy Factory works all year round to support service personnel into employment after they leave the Armed Forces.”
Deirdre Mills, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Minister was able to come and look around and see what we do, both in the factory making the wreaths, and also across the country helping veterans with health cond itions back into employment. We are so grateful that he came and listened.”
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