I’ve not been around as long as some, so it might just be this year’s media coverage, but it seems like there is far more negativity towards poppy sellers this year.
This year I’ve had two (negative/abusive) comments from strangers about my poppy (which isn’t even particularly noticable - it’s one of the small metal pin types), and one more serious incident, and I’ve never had anything in the past.
Has anyone else noticed a difference? Are tensions higher this year because of the ISIS situation? Both the attacks above were on Army cadets, presumably wearing DPM/MTP. Is this seen as more militaristic, or is it purely chance that they were Army and not Air Cadets?
Nothing untoward from our efforts yesterday. Good response from the public (numerous banknotes being pushed into the collecting tubs) & lots of positive comments. Not having enough of the “centenary” enamel poppies was the only minor issue, could have sold several hundred easily, but they ran out first thing!
The attack on the ACF cadet yesterday was not related to poppy selling, he wasn’t selling poppies at the time. He was a youth in uniform attacked. Which is sickening, but not poppy related.
[quote=“juliet mike” post=21748]The attack on the ACF cadet yesterday was not related to poppy selling, he wasn’t selling poppies at the time. He was a youth in uniform attacked. Which is sickening, but not poppy related.
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Thanks for the clarification JM.
[quote=“jacques” post=21749][quote=“juliet mike” post=21748]The attack on the ACF cadet yesterday was not related to poppy selling, he wasn’t selling poppies at the time. He was a youth in uniform attacked. Which is sickening, but not poppy related.
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Thanks for the clarification JM.[/quote]
News item on Radio One around 1400 this afternoon definitely referred to an ACF Cadet poppy seller, in uniform, being attacked.
Poppy selling has gone rather smoothly for us this year. Plenty of support from the public and we even had to get new pots from the RBL as ours were full up. No negative comments. The only issue we had was he lack of the pin badges. Considering they sell out every year you would think they would get more made for this year!
It seems like the attacker was drunk (or drugged?) = difficult to assess the proper motive. Anyway, anywhere in public, in uniform or not, personal awareness is very important. It amazes me at all the “youff” who meander about, very expensive smart 'phones in their hands, earphones in, oblivious to their surroundings.
i would say that the situation is more polarised than i’ve noticed before - 95/99% of people are more enthusiastic, more generous, and happier to see Poppy sellers than in the past, but that those who are hostile are more hostile than before, and that a much higher proportion of the hostiles are downright scary rather than just the annoying/cretinous of previous years.
99.9999999% positive. I get people come up to me saying how good it is to see youngsters giving up their time to do this and likewise when we collect for RAFA. I use these as a proper guide than odd gobsh!te.
I wouldn’t worry about the supply of metal pins, I don’t think any branch could get enough to satisfy demand. I know my branch got caught with a massive number of pins the other year, so is now highly cautious, due to the way the Legion dishes them out and expecting the money back.
[quote=“JBWD97” post=21761]You guys get the pins?
:blink:[/quote]
Ask your branch Poppy Organiser.
Most of ours go to those collecting in the shops, but I always get some for our street collections.
is 1800 on a Saturday in November…a bit late to be selling poppies?
I too heard the story on the news at 1730 Sunday and thought…hang on its dark now, I wouldn’t plan an event to be running on so late…there can’t be much “trade” once the light goes…
something doesnt add up to me…unless the Cadet was working that late?
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