Steam railway weekend to mark 100 years of The Poppy Factory in September
17 July 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Two of south-west London's lesser-known gems are teaming up this autumn for what promises to be a memorable weekend. Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway will run special services around its Hanworth Loop track on 26 and 27 September, in celebration of the centenary of The Poppy Factory — the veterans' charity that has been based in Richmond upon Thames since 1926.
The historic Darent locomotive, dating from 1903, will be in steam throughout the weekend, decorated with poppy wreaths and bouquets. A cavalcade of further historic trains is also planned. Passengers will hear a specially recorded audio commentary telling the story of The Poppy Factory, which today supports more than 1,200 veterans and family members across the country in finding employment and rebuilding their lives after service.
Information boards, produced in partnership with the Museum of Richmond, will be on display, and visitors will be able to see the large-scale wreaths used in Remembrance services each November.
It is a good outing for families and anyone with an interest in either railway heritage or local history — and a chance to support a charity with deep roots in the borough. More details are on the Richmond Council events page.