Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes recently held a Remembrance Day event at The Poppies development in Maidstone, welcoming councillors David Naghi, Fay Gooch, Stuart Jeffrey and Michelle Hastie, alongside Michelle York, Managing Director of Social Enterprises for the Royal British Legion Industries to the service. The event honoured those who have given their lives to serve our country, both past and present, whilst paying homage to the rich military history in the area.

The RAF has enjoyed a long and prominent history in Maidstone and the surrounding areas. Detling, to the North of the town and now the home of the Kent Showground, was a Naval Air station during the First World War and served the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Around 1939, a number of other airfields were developed near the town, including RAF West Malling and RAF Lashenden.

To honour this rich military history, the event saw guests meet with representatives from David Wilson Kent to commence the service at The Poppies. The attendees witnessed a speech commemorating those who have served, followed by a two-minute silence accompanied by the playing of The Last Post by bugler Sergeant Tony Adie, and finally the laying of a memorial wreath. The event later presented an opportunity for attendees to learn about David Wilson Kent’s longstanding relationship with the RBLI, and a chance to find out about the future plans for development at The Poppies.

Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for David Wilson Kent, comments: “On Remembrance Day, we stand in unity across all backgrounds, honouring those who have lost their lives and served to protect the freedoms we are able to enjoy today. What a privilege it has been to host local stakeholders for such an important day at The Poppies, whose very name shows respect to our important armed forces history and celebrates the invaluable work of the Royal British Legions Industries. We believe the service, as well as our development being named ‘The Poppies’, offers an opportunity to pay our respects, and encouraged us all to take a moment to pause and remember those who laid down their lives in war.”

Michelle York, Managing Director of Social Enterprises for RBLI, adds: “This year marks the 104th year of the birth of the tradition of Remembrance, and serves as a reminder of peace and hope, a message that grows ever more important with each year that passes. We would like to express our gratitude to David Wilson Kent for honouring such a heartfelt day at The Poppies, where it was so special to share our military history and reflect on the past as new communities are being created for the future.”

David Wilson Kent has recently launched the first phase of homes at The Poppies development in Maidstone, with prices starting from £464,995 for a three-bedroom home.