Two Special Wreath Makers who have worked together at The Poppy Factory for more than 35 years will each be honoured with the BEM (British Empire Medal).
The 100th Anniversary of the Poppy Factory at Clarence House.
Peter Wills and Paul Hammerton, both 64, are cited in The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to Remembrance, making bespoke wreaths for members of the Royal Household.
Peter, who is hard of hearing, first joined our Production team in 1983 and initially made wreaths to be laid at memorials across the country. He was joined by Paul, who is deaf, in 1990. The pair, who both have family members who served in the Armed Forces, have worked side by side ever since. They became Special Wreath Makers in 2010, taking on responsibility for a proud tradition dating back to the 1920s.
Peter Wills said:
“It’s a great honour. We were both very surprised to find out we’re getting the British Empire Medal after making special wreaths together for such a long time. It feels very nice for our work to be recognised in this way.
“It makes us both very proud to see the special wreaths we’ve worked on being laid at the Cenotaph every year, and it’s always a great feeling when we get to meet members of the Royal Family. The last time was at Clarence House in 2024, when we gave Her Majesty Queen Camilla a memento to celebrate 10 years as Patron of The Poppy Factory.”
There have been many other notable moments over the years, when visiting dignitaries, politicians and celebrities have stopped to admire the painstaking handiwork of the two Special Wreath Makers. The wire frames for each wreath are cut by hand and each paper poppy is shaped individually, with stamens cut from a broom and dipped in glue and green sawdust.
Paul Hammerton said:
“I’m a life-long West Ham United fan, so I was also proud to meet some of the players and club legend Sir Trevor Brooking when they came to collect special wreaths honouring the West Ham Pals Battalion. I’m very pleased to now be receiving this great honour from The King.”
Sir David Steel, KBE, KStJ, DL, President of The Poppy Factory, said:
“I am delighted that Peter and Paul will receive the tremendous honour of the British Empire Medal, in recognition of the vital contribution that they have made to our Remembrance tradition. Their work requires great practical skill but has national significance, ensuring our continues acknowledgement and gratitude to all those who have given their lives in Service.”
Al Kett, Chair of The Poppy Factory, said:
“In a year in which our charity celebrates 100 years in Richmond upon Thames, it’s fitting that two of our longest-serving production team members are to receive this great honour. We are all immensely proud of Peter and Paul.”
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said:
“It’s wonderful to learn that after so many years of hard work in the service of Remembrance, our Special Wreath Makers, Peter and Paul, will each be awarded the British Empire Medal.
“Through their painstaking craft, commitment and positive attitude, Peter and Paul demonstrate every day how disability need not prevent anyone from thriving in the workplace. That principle guides our wider work as a charity, helping veterans and family members across the UK to feel more independent and better connected through employment, no matter what obstacles they face.”
