Rolls-Royce devotees took a road trip to Richmond-upon-Thames to appreciate classic design in a different form at The Poppy Factory.
The 25-strong group visited the factory on Friday, March 10 to learn about the specialist craft of Remembrance wreath-making, established by a community of veterans with health conditions 100 years ago.
Members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Middlesex Section pulled up at the charity’s visitor centre in three cars from three different eras: a 1936 silver grey Rolls-Royce 25/30, a 1980 gold Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2, and a 2007 Bentley Arnage.
They drew on their mechanical expertise to try their hand at wreath-making and learned how The Poppy Factory now supports members of the Armed Forces community to move towards all kinds of employment across England and Wales.
Nigel Sandell, Chair of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ club Middlesex branch, said: “We organise an event every month and it’s great to get together in places of interest like The Poppy Factory. It’s been fantastic to hear about the rich history of the charity and the work it does for so many people today.”
Branch member Stephanie Lee said: “It’s been a very moving visit. It’s incredible that The Poppy Factory exists and the help it gives to the Armed Forces community is fantastic and quite overwhelming. It’s something I will take away and remember for a long time.”
Hundreds of veterans with health conditions are able to transform their lives each year with help from the Poppy Factory’s employment service. Funds raised through the visitor centre help the charity to continue delivering a national network of support.
Around 100,000 wreaths are also still produced by hand at the Richmond site each year, to be laid in Remembrance services around the world. Specialist wreath-makers work year-round to produce the intricate wreaths laid by members of the Royal family.
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club members and to see such a stunning collection of classic cars in front of our visitor centre. Every visit makes a difference and I’d like to thank the Middlesex branch for rallying behind our efforts to help veterans with health conditions transform their lives.”
Book a visit or find our more at poppyfactory.org/visit
