Forum Topic

Waitrose Poppies

If you are shopping in West Ealing Waitrose in the afternoons come and say hello to the poppy vendor in the red mobility scooter. Last year I collected just over £1000 in my tins thanks to the generous and kind shoppers, it would be nice to top that this special year and to meet fellow members of Ealing Today.

roy bartlett ● 4164d14 Comments

Thanks Roy.  You're a scholar and a gentleman - a rare and unusual combination these days.

Gerry Tan ● 4160d

Alan - I've whacked a score into your tin leaving the station earlier this year and did give you a "Thank You"... it just never feels enough!I just wished every single person stopped for a second and appreciated the fantastic work yourself, Roy and others like you do. In amongst all the doom and gloom there are reasons why our country is still great and you two are part of one of them.Keep up the good work

Colin Goodman ● 4160d

Hi Gerry,  I am always reticent to self promote but your kind comments sparked several enquiries as to the 'handiest' local outlet for my book 'A Little Boy's War'Undoubtedly this is West Ealing News Agency opposite the Drayton Court Hotel. Prolific sales and always in stock or within 10 minutes!  Best wishes Roy

roy bartlett ● 4160d

I can only say well done Alan as well.

Nigel Brooks ● 4162d

Well done ! I've just finished two weeks collecting outside South Ealing tube station and this year people have been more generous than ever , I'd say I've filled an extra 3 tins compared to last year . I've enjoyed meeting some lovely people while raising money for this wonderful cause at the same time . Happy collecting Roy !

Alan Baverstock ● 4162d

Brilliant job Roy.I was talking to the two gentlemen collecting at Tesco in Osterley and, they too, were packing up early as their tins were full.There was a queue to buy poppies and the wonderful '1914-2014' lapel pins.

Nigel Brooks ● 4162d

Well done Roy with your Poppy duties at Waitrose - and thanks for info on your book Little Boy's War, I'll try to buy a copy, it sounds interesting. Yes like yourself, I did Nat Service (mine in 1950), but I had a 'cushi number' stationed in Pembroke Dock and Kinloss - but that's another story for a different topic thread.

Gerry Tan ● 4162d

Hi Gerry, snap - also RAF. Your service life sounds rather more exciting.  I was only 9 when war broke out, was evacuated for a short while, came home in time for the 'Blitz' and was injured by the blast of a parachute mine in South Ealing.  Recovered enough to be called up for National Service aged 18 in 1948. Served almost 3 years as a munitions storage and bomb disposal bod. Some lovely bonfires out on the Yorkshire moors getting rid of surplus munitions!  My book a little Boy's War tells the story. Try Amazon under the title.......Sales pitch!!  Another good Waitrose day - 5 £20 notes and had to pack up early as tin was jammed full

roy bartlett ● 4162d

May I ask Roy, were you a serving soldier, sailor or airman please?  I was in the RAF - I was a radio bod(wireless operator then!) and worked as the radio operator on board high speed rescue craft at RAF Pembroke Dock in Wales and later on radio direction finding at RAF Kinloss in Scotland.  Good luck Roy.

Gerry Tan ● 4163d

Difficult to say really Gerry. Sometimes the most unlikely people.  Had four £20 notes yesterday, plus innumerable £10 and £5 notes.  One very harassed lady with 4 excited children in tow stuffed in a £20! Another rather scruffy young man did the same, shook my hand and said ' Thank you and your colleagues for the way of life that I enjoy today'Some of the comments are very touching, as are the odd kisses and hugs from attractive young ladies!  Thanks for posting Gerry.  Roy

roy bartlett ● 4163d

Btw Roy, who are the most generous givers when donating into your poppy box?  Good luck.

Gerry Tan ● 4163d

Great fundraising strategy, Roy. You deserve to do well and beat your target. Good luck!

Ben Owen ● 4164d

Good luck Roy - its a windy and cold place is Waitrose entrance - hope you've got your winter woollies on and I'm sure you'll get more than last year. A good cause.

Gerry Tan ● 4164d

I will make a point, although already 'poppied up' with pins, car poppies and crosses, of stopping to say hello.Good on you, stay warm.

Nigel Brooks ● 4164d