The Poppy Factory marks 100 years with afternoon tea and railway events
17 September 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
One of Richmond's most storied charities turns 100 this autumn, and The Poppy Factory on Petersham Road is marking the milestone with a run of events through late September.
First up is an afternoon tea at the factory's visitor centre on Wednesday, 24 September. Tickets cost £50 and include a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic building and a chance to meet the team who hand-craft the remembrance wreaths used in services across the country each November. Freshly baked cakes and scones are promised, with proceeds going towards the charity's employment support work for veterans and their families. Tickets are available via the Poppy Factory website.
The celebrations continue over the weekend of Saturday, 26 and Sunday, 27 September at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway. The railway's 1903 Darent locomotive will carry visitors around the Hanworth Loop with a specially recorded audio commentary telling the factory's story. A lunchtime cavalcade of historic trains, display of the giant ceremonial wreaths, cakes and limited-edition gifts round out the weekend.
Full details and booking links for both events are on the council's news page.