A new collection of commemorative poppy glasses is bringing a personal story of service, recovery and creativity to the pub table this autumn – with 161 Marston’s pubs across Wales taking part in a campaign supporting the Royal British Legion.
For South Wales readers looking to support this year’s Poppy Appeal, Raise a Glass offers one way to get involved through a participating local pub. The campaign is already under way and continues until 11th November, combining limited-edition glassware with a new travelling poppy initiative.
The Welsh venues form part of a wider campaign across 1,134 Marston’s pubs nationwide. The 161 figure covers the whole of Wales, so use the campaign’s pub finder to check the options near you.
The veteran behind the artwork
The glasses have been designed by Army veteran and award-winning artist Jane Wilkes, whose own experience gives the campaign a particularly personal meaning.
Jane, 50, from Shrewsbury, served for 15 years in the Army’s Adjutant General’s Corps, completing operational tours in Macedonia, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. During her final deployment, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and flown home for treatment.
During her recovery, she received support through the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Recovery Centre and subsequently took part in its Recovery Through the Arts programme. Rediscovering her creativity helped her rebuild her confidence, and she has since become an award-winning artist.
Jane said……
“It is a true honour to have designed Marston’s and the Royal British Legion’s commemorative glasses for this year’s Poppy Appeal and to play a part in raising essential funds and awareness.
The Royal British Legion supported me during one of the most difficult periods of my life, helping me rebuild my confidence and discover what I was still capable of after my treatment. Seeing my artwork brought to life on these glasses was incredibly special, and I hope people across the country will join me in raising a glass this November in support of veterans and the Armed Forces community.”
What the glasses cost – and what goes to the charity
Featuring Jane’s interpretation of the poppy and the words “We Will Remember Them”, the limited-edition glasses come in two sizes:
- Pint glass: £3.50, with £1.26 donated to the Royal British Legion.
- Half-pint glass: £3.00, with £0.85 donated to the Royal British Legion.
Those are the donations from each glass sold; the full purchase price does not go to the charity. Glassware is available at participating pubs while stocks last.
Raise a Glass is now in its third year. According to Marston’s, last year’s partnership raised more than £128,000, with this year’s campaign aiming to build on that support for the Armed Forces community and their families.
A poppy travelling between communities
There is also a new addition for 2026: Pass the Poppy.
A specially created 3D-printed poppy is travelling between Marston’s pubs from 23 October to 11 November, helping to raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal as it moves from community to community.
The initiative is intended to encourage reflection on the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, alongside the fundraising taking place in participating pubs. A local stop should not be assumed: check with the venue for details of any planned visit or fundraising activity.
Jen Monaghan, Senior Campaign & Partnerships Manager at Marston’s, said the company had been proud of the support shown by guests, pub teams and local communities over the previous two years.
She said…..
“This year’s glasses carry a powerful and deeply personal design from Jane, whose story perfectly demonstrates the life-changing impact of the Royal British Legion’s work.”
How to take part
The campaign runs until 11th November, with the commemorative glasses available while stocks last. Before making a special trip, check participation and availability with your chosen pub.
Visit the Marston’s Raise a Glass campaign page HERE to find a participating pub and learn more. You can also find out about the charity’s wider work through the Royal British Legion.
