Hampton’s historic railway will stage a special steam weekend this autumn to celebrate 100 years of The Poppy Factory in Richmond upon Thames, bringing together two much-loved local institutions for a programme of rides, stories and displays dedicated to veterans and remembrance.
Steam, remembrance and a Richmond centenary
The Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway will operate its Hanworth Loop throughout the weekend of 26–27 September, with the 1903-built Darent locomotive hauling trains adorned with poppy wreaths and bouquets. Visitors will hear a newly recorded audio commentary charting the evolution of The Poppy Factory, which began supporting former service personnel after the First World War and was established in the borough in 1926.
Alongside the rides, the railway plans a one-off cavalcade featuring its historic engines, while displays will showcase the giant wreaths seen each November at Remembrance services. Exhibition boards, created with the Museum of Richmond, will trace the charity’s local roots and its nationwide work helping more than 1,200 veterans and family members into employment each year.
Hands-on activities and shared proceeds
Volunteers from The Poppy Factory’s visitor centre will join the railway’s team for the two days, offering demonstrations on poppy-making, serving refreshments and cakes, and making a selection of limited-edition gifts available. All funds raised across the weekend will be shared equally between the two charities, directly supporting heritage preservation and employment support for veterans.
"We’re very excited to be joining The Poppy Factory in celebrating its centenary with a stunning weekend. Our 1903 heritage steam engine will be running throughout the day, alongside our miniature sit-on railway. We plan to stage a cavalcade of our historic engines, something we’ve never done before," said Roger Harris, Creative Director at Hampton and Kempton Waterworks Railway.
What visitors can expect
- Steam-hauled rides on the Hanworth Loop behind the Darent locomotive.
- Audio storytelling of The Poppy Factory’s century of work with veterans.
- Displays of Remembrance wreaths and heritage engines.
- Poppy-making demonstrations, refreshments and special gift items.
Two local institutions, one community weekend
The collaboration highlights the borough’s distinct mix of industrial heritage and social history. The waterworks railway—frequently cited by enthusiasts as a family-friendly hidden gem—offers an accessible day out close to the Thames, while The Poppy Factory’s century-long presence in Richmond underscores the borough’s enduring connection to national remembrance and veterans’ employment.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 26–27 September |
| Location | Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway, Hanworth Loop |
| Feature locomotive | Darent (commissioned 1903) |
| Beneficiaries | Proceeds split between Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway and The Poppy Factory |
Background: The Poppy Factory’s impact
Founded in the wake of the First World War, The Poppy Factory set down roots in Richmond in 1926. Today, the organisation supports veterans and their families across the UK to move into employment, adapting to individual needs and circumstances. Its connection to the borough remains strong, with its visitor centre helping to tell the story of remembrance and the people behind it.
For local families, heritage enthusiasts and those keen to learn more about the borough’s role in national remembrance, the September weekend offers a concentrated mix of history, learning and community spirit—delivered in the evocative setting of a working steam railway.
