Merrythought is extremely proud to be working with the Royal British Legion during its centenary year. Ahead of Remembrance Day, we were honoured to welcome ex-servicemen and Royal British Legion volunteers to Ironbridge to meet the new Royal British Legion Poppy Bear. 

The Poppy Bear has been lovingly hand-made by our skilled team here at our historic Shropshire factory, and will help to raise funds for serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, as well as their families and dependants.

Merrythought Veteran

Managing Director, Sarah Holmes, commented;

“It was a privilege to meet with local Poppy Appeal volunteers here in Ironbridge, most of whom are ex-forces themselves. Their stories are inspiring and remind us why we chose to work with such an important charity.”

84-year-old Jeffrey Turley, who is the current president of the Royal British Legion Oakengates branch, joined us on the day.

He said: “We’ve known about Merrythought and its famous bears for years as we live locally so we we’re delighted to hear they had chosen to support the Poppy Appeal this year during the centenary.

“It was wonderful to meet Sarah Holmes and hear about the making of the special bear.

“We must never forget those who gave their lives for us, no matter how much time passes by. The Merrythought teddy bear is a great idea to help keep the Poppy Appeal in the minds of new audiences.”

Jeffrey was joined by his wife of 60 years Glenys Turley, 79, who also volunteers for the charity and fellow volunteers and veterans Corporal Tony Lloyd, 75, John Forster, 65, and Moira Wallace, 69.

 

Royal British Legion Bear

 

The beautiful Poppy Bear is made from rich golden mohair and finished with a red satin bow featuring embroidered poppy flower detailing, symbolising hope and remembrance. Made to a limited edition of 1921 pieces to mark the charity’s founding year, the bear is also filled with 100 per cent recycled fibre, so he’s doing his bit for the environment too!

The Poppy Bear makes the perfect gift for someone special or as a memento to remember a loved one by. We hope each bear will become a much-loved member of the family, and for generations to come.