[John Whitworth]

Oh come, Jayne. Lighten up. I actually bought a poppy today from my nearly-blind neighbour down the street. But lots of people think as I do. I'll bet neither of my daughters buys a poppy. Poppy day commemorates Armistice Day November 11th 1918. Poppies in Flanders Field, don't you know. If we want to help soldiers wounded and killed in Tony Blair's wars then let's have another day altogether. But, as I said, I bought a poppy today.

I don't actually approve of little flags to show I have given money to a charity. A sort of boasting, don't you find? My poppy is about half an inch across and I shall wear it under my coat. I give money to my local hospice (after all I may need it soon). I hand over a fiverand the chap says thank you very much. No flag.