Genealogy Chat

I will admit that until I started my family research I did not comprehend what any wars meant. Having family members that died in WW1 and now an avid watcher of all the programs I think that we need to make sure interest is maintained and continued. Unfortunately last year it was very hard to try and find somewhere to buy a poppy! I dont know what we as like minded people might be able to do about it ,but as a passionate bloody minded sole would like some opinions

Julie Do you live in Outer Mongolia?! I generally find it would be impossible to avoid buying a poppy (not that I would want to). I've seen them in supermarkets, petrol stations and various other shops as well as people on the streets collecting. The kids come home from school asking for money to buy a poppy and we even get a gentleman from the British Legion knocking on the door asking if we would like to make a donation. Come and live in Hull - there's more poppies than you can shake a stick at here! Jeanette

Why not contact the British Legion and offer to sell them yourself next year? I would imagine it is too late for this year. They are always glad of volunteers. Sue

My interest in family history started when I visited a g Uncle's grave in Epehy Wood Farm Cemetry in France. Compared to some this was only small - but it still knocks you for 6 - seeing all those graves. Regarding Poppy collections - there is a gent near to where I work in London who is ex army. (His daughters run a cafe near by work) He is in his 80's and a very active man and still collects for the Legion, every year. He also arranges an outing for the war widows every year, as well as collecting for other causes - including the burned children charity. Last year for comic relief - he dressed up a a "pink fairy" with DM's and collected money around the streets- he raised nearly £500!!! He was awarded the MBE a couple of years ago for all this work. Liz

Julie They are always looking for people to sell poppies, I think it would still be possible to volunteer for this year. However you should be able to find them as has been said in supermarkets and most of the larger shops, petrol stations etc. I lost relatives in both WW1, my uncle, and WW2, my Dad and his brother so this is one way of making sure they are not forgotten. Kathleen

The British Legion, collect all year, although this time of year is their busiest, as everyone wants to have a poppy. Donations can be made all year through. They have a main office in Pall Mall, London SW1. Liz

Just thought Id let you all know your replies were very contructive. I did contact the British Legion and am now very happy to have a box of poppies on my desk at work ( I am an estate agent - an honest one - with a prominent office on the High St). It has been very interesting listening to the little children getting a history lesson as they leave with their poppies. Feel as if Im doing something......... Regards Julie

julie, managed to buy my poppy today in Basildon (eastgate) there are 2 ex vets and a young girl selling them. Kim

well done Julie! Janet