Could be going to Newark the (very) long way round just to throw us off 😀

Probably didn’t want other people in silly dresses and costume jewelery standing round telling people what to do or how to think.

Who cares about some old Jags? :diablo: More shots of the Harrier please 😉

It is nice to see the 6 Sqn special scheme has been kept and still looks very clean.

This year I bought my poppy and badge in ALDI. They have never allowed any charity collections in that store since it opened no matter what the cause until this.

Interesting that you say that, our local one not only sells Spitfire ale but every year has the Wings appeal collection, probably at the discretion of the local store manager.

Sadly for many kids school is the only exposure they are likely to have to history.

I found Inkworm’s opinions to be somewhat at odds with mine, but that is his right. I would, however, question his reasons for reaching certain conclusions.

Fair enough, I probably should have added that most of this feeling is not from the general public but the press who obviously look for a story where there is none and may well be stirring things up for the sake of a few sales. Or on the tv where everyone has to be seen with one (as Alan pointed out). Take for example strictly come dancing where there are a range of poppies on show. As for the fashion comment was it last year or the year before when pin badges, enameled versions or some other permanent variation were going on ebay for silly amounts?

On reflection there are probably some people who have nothing better to do than stir up and complain about anything and everything.

However the plus side is that my 4 year old understands that sometimes people want to hurt other people and when they die we have a red flower to remember them. Good foundation to build upon.

I think John Snow summed it up a couple of years ago with his opinion and yesterday on the BBC News 24 one of the presenters had a rant at the poppy fascists who were complaining at the leaf being at the wrong angle and a host of other perceived etiquette infringements.

Whilst I support the charity there does seem to be a feeling now of it being compulsory. Also looking at some shows it seems to be a bit of a fashion statement with the original meaning being lost or diluted.

Certainly it is important to remember those who have been injured, suffered or lost their lives in conflicts but can we not be allowed to do it in our own way instead of being dictated to?