Very little help.

[S.K.SWEDEN]

An old soldier with one leg and blind in one eye, has been banned from selling poppies outside a Tesco supermarket in the Midlands.
A spokesman said his unsightly appearance was upsetting customers. What did he fight for, the right to buy cheaper beans?

[rov1200]

I'm surprised Tesco allows any organisation to rattle their tins in our face before we shop there. It seems a daily occurence. Do they get a cut from the proceeds?

[cazzz1975]

where's the link SK, I live in the midlands and have read no such article...

[Lonnie]

I can't find anything at all, although I did find links to a couple of Tescos that didn't allow Poppy Sellers, but thats a different thing.

[ELVIS68]

Poppies are a con, only a tiny portion of the money collected goes to those who are supposed to benefit

The rest is spent on expenses of the British Legion top brass, luxury cars, holidays, lunches, hotels etc

I was shown an expenses form from an employee at the BL and it was an eye opener to say the least

[Lonnie]

Elvis,
I would suggest you read this, and research yourself.

Admittedly, a certain amount must go on administration, but the majority goes on good causes.

If you have a grouse, the head office is in Pall Mall, take it up with them.

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/content/Can-We -Help-You-508940.shtml

[ELVIS68]

No Lonnie, a certain amount goes on good causes and the majority goes on administration

I have every respect for those who fought in the war but that doesn`t mean I have to pay for the lavish lifestyles the top brass have through your donations

[Gromit]

The 2007 Poppy Appeal raised �30Million.

The last accounts (2006) giving a full breakdown of money raised and monies spent can be seen here...

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/uploads/docume nts/finalproof06.pdf

[youngmafbog]

Not easy to see from these accounts exactly where the poppy money went. There are some surpising amounts like nearly 700K for wreaths (cant they get a better deal) and 1/2 million on travel (could be used to transport veterans or could be used for top brass Rolls )

On the face of it it appears over 1/2 of the money raised (not just poppy money) goes directly to welfare services. Could be more but difficult on the figures given.

If anyone seriously doesnt think their hard earned is going to the right place then use one of the other charities that are around. Smaller charities often give a larger percentage as their overheads are less and generally rely more on volunteers.

[slark]

Aston Villa put a ban on selling them

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/52499/PRE MIERSHIP-CLUB-BANS-POPPY-COLLECTIONS-Fury-over -Aston-Villa-Rememnbrance-snub.html

[JackDanielsU]

That story was proven to be bogus. Villa were splitting the collection 50/50, had a guard of honour etc at the ground. NoTW getting it wrong again