When to start wearing a poppy

[blueg33]

It looks like I have to do some media interviews with the BBC and local media on friday. I noticed poppy's are appearing in shops, do people think I should wear one on friday or is it too early? I do't normally wear one until November.

Thoughts?

[TownIdiot]

Do what you feel comfortable with, but the official poppy appeal doesn't start until the last week of October.

[Time4another]

Whenever you want to

[soad]

I’m yet to put one on a car.

[Dave.]

Time4another said:

Whenever you want to

This ^

[The Gauge]

I'm a bit weird when it comes to wearing a poppy.

Other than attending the local parade on armistice day and the pub crawl afterwards I never wear a poppy, and even then I normally wear the previous years poppy which I keep in my car.

I do always chuck some money into the collection tins but only when it's someone stood shaking the tin and not when it's just left on display such as placed by the till tin a shop. I put extra money in when the collector is an old boy wearing a beret and blazer with motif. Bonus money is donated if he has an impressive moustache. In fact each year I try and hunt down the latter as I like to see them.

Edited by The Gauge on Tuesday 15th October 09:06

[911hope]

Any time after you have bought one.
It is a sign of respect and having donated.

Many of the car ones are used year after year.

[Boringvolvodriver]

911hope said:

Any time after you have bought one.
It is a sign of respect and having donated.

Many of the car ones are used year after year.

And in some cases never removed!

I prefer to just donate these days - at times it feels like there is some competition as to who can wear the most lavish poppy.

[The Gauge]

Boringvolvodriver said:

I prefer to just donate these days.

Same here. I don't feel the need to wear something just to let others know I've donated.

[Gastons_Revenge]

I don't like how performative it's become. I'm more than happy to donate, but it does leave a sour taste in the mouth when every other Vauxhall Mokka has a sun-bleached poppy in the grill. One town near me I used to visit a BMW specialist in would put poppies the size of dinner plates on every lamp post. IMO it detracts from remembering the fallen. I must admit it has put me off wearing a poppy.

[Tommo87]

Seeing someone else wearing a poppy reminds me to donate myself.

I certainly dont think the wearer is virtue signaling about having donated. I guess you have to be one, to know one.

[MadCaptainJack]

This Friday? Too early.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

The Gauge said:

Same here. I don't feel the need to wear something just to let others know I've donated.

That isn't why I wear a poppy. I'm not sure you are in the majority with that opinion. The poppy isn't a badge of honour for anyone except those that died for freedom.

I wear a poppy to show respect for those that gave their lives for us. I do it around Armistice Day and also around Anzac Day.

[blueg33]

TownIdiot said:

Do what you feel comfortable with, but the official poppy appeal doesn't start until the last week of October.

Thanks all.

the above has helped me make the decision - no poppy

Now all I have to do is find a way to not sound like a moron on camera - that is challenging.

[hurstg01]

blueg33 said:

It looks like I have to do some media interviews with the BBC and local media on Friday. I noticed poppy's are appearing in shops, do people think I should wear one on Friday or is it too early? I don't normally wear one until November.

Thoughts?

Just for comparison, when do your Christmas decorations go up?

[The Gauge]

Tommo87 said:

Seeing someone else wearing a poppy reminds me to donate myself.

I certainly dont think the wearer is virtue signaling about having donated. I guess you have to be one, to know one.

You certainly shouldn't need to be reminded to buy one.

[blueg33]

hurstg01 said:

Just for comparison, when do your Christmas decorations go up?

Around 20th December

[The Gauge]

nuyorican said:

I understand this opinion. For me though it’s not really about the money. I’d rather give to homeless organisations for example. It’s more of a respect thing. And never forgetting. This little ritual every year keeps it fresh in people’s minds. That’s how I see it anyway.

You're right. Though the vast majority who donate probably don't know where the money is actually going or how it is spent, it's just seen as a good thing to do so we do it. I donate, but I don't donate to other similar charities such as Help for Heros etc which might be more worthwhile charities. It's just something people do.

In fact I don't donate to any other charities apart from supporting a local elderly bloke who's dedicated his life to raising money for McMillan. I usually go out on Xmas Day morning to meet him on one of his fund raising walks, but even then I do it more for him than the charity and if he stopped, so would I.

Edited by The Gauge on Tuesday 15th October 10:48

[Petrus1983]

911hope said:

Any time after you have bought one.
It is a sign of respect and having donated.

Many of the car ones are used year after year.

If you can’t afford one you can still take one to show respect if you find yourself if that situation. The general guidance is atleast £1. I put £2.50/£3 in each time but seem to get through about 5 year!

[The Gauge]

I wonder how much is spent on making the poppies? Was it last year they did away with the plastic stems? I've kept a couple of the older plastic ones as they are easier to wear as they don't need a pin