Oldest poppy seller Wally dies aged 104
takes is being positive and doing something for your community.”
Best friend Paula Jones, 58, said: “She’s lovely company.”
Billy Welsby, digital and creative editor at the Warrington hospice, said Gladys was renowned “for her impeccable style, fabulous customer service and determination”.
Retail manager Paul, added: “She’s never short of a smile and works like a Trojan. Everyone needs to be more like Gladys.”
DEVOTED Walter “Wally” Randall – Britain’s oldest poppy seller – has died at the age of 104.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) announced Wally’s death, saying he was a “remarkable man” who would be “greatly missed” after raising money for 55 years.
Wally, a popular figure in his home town of Leighton Buzzard, Beds, had turned out for every poppy appeal since 1966.
Now the town council is considering a way to honour the local hero in the town centre.
The former soldier joined the Royal Army Service Corps in 1940, serving in Egypt, Libya and Italy during the Second World War. Shortly after his 103rd birthday in September 2018, Wally said: “I like to do my little bit to help the
Passion for fashion... Gladys at the store and, inset, helping a customer. Left, Gladys at St Rocco’s old shop in the Nineties heroes, like those on the Invictus Games. I’m going to keep on selling poppies while I’ve still got the energy to do it.
“My favourite thing about selling is people’s generosity.
“When someone puts money in but says, ‘I’ve already got a poppy’, it’s very gratifying.”
The RBL said it believed Wally, who had been branch and club chairman for the legion in Leighton Buzzard, had been Britain’s oldest poppy seller. A spokeswoman said: “He was a remarkable man and his service to his country and support for the legion should be highly commended. “He will be greatly missed, but certainly not forgotten.”
YOUNG people are put off joining the police because of violence on the streets.
According to a study by the University of Law, which has launched a Professional Policing degree, 53 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds said a career in the police was too dangerous.
Others said they did not consider joining because of uncertainty over its job prospects.
Senior tutor Salome Verrell said: “Our research has highlighted that a significant proportion of young people do not see policing as an accessible career, which presents challenges for the police in recruiting young and talented individuals.”
Data compiled by the Police Federation suggests an attack on frontline police officers happens on average every four minutes.
There have also been a series of high profile attacks on front-line officers. Ministers have pledged to recruit 20,000 extra bobbies.