Technically three Poppies belong to me after November 11th, so if Boris gets his way do I get royalties from the money the tourists spend i.e. a share of the calculated extra Vat from sales in London.
Unfortunately, Tony, selfishness, rudeness and total lack of consideration for others or the occasion has no age limit. These wretched "smart phones" only seem to make it worse too. Some of the worst offenders I meet on a daily basis are my age or even older and that just stinks. Thankfully I missed the queue where the "I am entitled" button was handed out - or at least I hope I did. 'Tis to be hoped that my lack thereof has helped our kids and theirs be just that little more human in their daily lives. There ARE some nice people around though, so hang onto them and preserve your own sanity and hope for the world!!
I am in the same boat as you, Findem. I want my 3 poppies - but if Bo-Jo wants to delay, I have no objection.
I agree too Artful although I wouldn't want the extra period to go on for too long though, I'm quite looking forward to having a look at them. I was thinking the other day when looking at the spectacle, what a mammoth task it will be packing all those Poppies. Especially with the care packing will require, the overseas bound Poppies will really need some care too. I just hope those landing at Sydney aren't carried by a delivery firm we witnessed on the Telly the other day. Handlers were videoed throwing packages to the far corners of the truck, those particular three men have been suspended but it makes you wonder what other employees and those of other companies get up to.
Steady on you young chaps, wasn't it all about voluntary work putting this field of poppies together. Perhaps you could consider the 'use' of your poppies your voluntary bit?
I'm trying hard to balance my charitable side against my desire to have the Poppies in my possession, taking into account the price I'm paying and the fact that I live in Australia, London's economy hope is struggling to keep ahead. However when I consider it will give a lot more people a chance to view the magnificent spectacle London is winning.
Just been back to see the poppies again today(half day from work) - boy it was heaving but lovely to see the moat a deep red colour in honour of our boys. Bravo to all the volunteers who have tirelessly worked to install such a wonderful tribute (Lone Pine this means you)
I got up at 06:00 and went to see the poppies, almost on my own, it was so quiet and a very moving experience. I wanted to miss the crowds and as I needed to be in London at 10:00 I woke up and thought I'll do this now. I am so pleased I did.
I heard on the news this morning that the poppies will be removed as planned on 12th November - "apart from the Weeping Willow and the Wave segments." According to the news. "These will now stay in place until the end of the month before being sent on a tour across the UK until 2018."
My husband and I went yesterday it was an incredibly moving sight to behold, so many died in that war, including my great grandfather, and to see all those poppies representing all those fallen, one can't help to be moved. Even more poignant when there is someone you know who fell and you have researched their war service. As an Aussie I was so pleased to be here in London when it was happening, and in my own way representing those back home who could not.
I haven't worked out how to quote from a posting but Philippa said in answer to my comment about rudeness "These wretched "smart phones" only seem to make it worse too.". Smart phones have certainly given devilish birth to the "selfie" but it's not the phones of course, it's their owners who are the problem. Selfies are simply a symptom of our modern obsession with ourselves, which I believe is a pretty base and regressive instinct (I place in on the same level as tattoos, but that's another issue!). But it was the incongruity of the substantial few who took selfies in the context of the symbolism of the poppies. There is a subtle but important distinction between doing that and the understandable wish to take photos of the poppies themselves and indeed the crowds who formed the backdrop which is both understandable and fine. It was a unique occasion and most of the crowd were good-humoured and respectful which made the ones who did behave badly look so out of place. I watched the Remembrance Service at the Albert Hall on the TV this evening and although there were some cameras in evidence I doubt that anyone took a selfie, or at least while Her Maj was there!
Hi Tony, If you highlight the part, as would for copy and paste, the part you've highlighted will have a small tag entitled Reply, click on that tag and it will come up in the reply section at the bottom of the page in the manner of the quote in this post.
HI-light, copy/paste the bit you want to the reply area, hi-light that, hover your mouse over the icons-3rd one past the smiley,'insert' click then click on 'quote', OR click on the blue REPLY button, & delete the bits you don't want. snap Findem.Tony, 'what findem said'. I was just being chatty. Off to garden now.
I thought you said they were asking other people to take their photos? Haven't people been doing that since cameras were invented?