Lord Mayor's Show

Just a quick note to say that I'm going to be on the Royal British Legion Float for the Lord Mayor's Parade tomorrow on Saturday... shout if you see me!!

graffiti

I love the vibrant art scene around London, whether it's the National Portrait Gallery, or just some of the amazing painted walls. This really energetic piece is just in East London, near trendy Brick Lane.

a nation of shoppers

I thought I'd try and get some Xmas shopping in early, but the crowds are absolutely crazy already around Oxford Circus. Even in all those people I still managed to stick out like a sore thumb - I ought to have one of those "golf sale" signs...!

some poetry

I know this blog is normally just about me posing around London, but I just got this email from Helen Walker at secondary school, who wrote two pretty good poems about Remembrance day.

Helen's email has put me in a thoughtful mood and I spent the morning reading some very touching poems on http://www.forcespoetry.co.uk/ - check it out if you get the chance.

my attempts at disguise: #2

Saw a load of paparazzi coming and tried to quickly conceal myself!

for the little ones

All the children I've met on my travels seem to love the bright colours of the poppies. Now, don't think I'm getting broody or anything, but here's a really nice activity for kids to get them involved in Remembrance Day. Click through to the iChild website to get some themed colouring in activities.

I think I've fallen in love...

I was in Devon, minding my own business, when I met the delectable Poppy Woman, hanging around The Sidmouth Florist. I may be visiting Sidmouth a little more in the future!

I love London, but...

...come on! I was there for less than a minute!!!

Guess who?

Thought I’d go incognito and escape from the press pack in celeb hang-out the Stockpot (they know how I take my coffee). I’m going to need all my energy in the run up to Remembrance...

A different kind of veteran

Saturday I was in London for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. It's the UK's longest running car rally, with around 500 cars from the year 1905 or even earlier. I would have loved to cruise down to Brighton with them, but those open topped cars are bit too exposed - I don't really like the wind whistling through my Poppies.

Monday morning blog round up

It's been really good to see loads of support and noise for Poppy Appeal week around the blogosphere. Here's some highlights:

The Pub Philosospher
A poppy is also a sign to those who lived through the war that you still give a damn... It is right that we should show our appreciation for those who gave up the best years of their lives to fight in jungle or desert so that we can be free today.

This made me laugh, from the Corporate Presenter
So I dropped my £1 coin in the red charity box and the lady from the British Legion said "here's your poppy". "Would you like a pin"? "Yes please", I replied with glee...

Rogue Gunner and the US-based Blue Crab Boulevard both blog about WWI veteran Harry Patch.
109 [years old] the last veteran of the war - and still in service to others. Thank you for your example, Mr. Patch.






There are loads of different ways people are helping the cause, even by spreading the word online. If you're a blogger, get in touch - be good to hear from you.

Eye of the storm

Yesterday I was trying to escape the press in the London Eye. I'm just about getting used to all the fuss but it's quite unnerving, having lots of cameras pointed at you while you're just trying enjoy the sunset over London.

I've joined Facebook!

I said I wasn't going to, but like all the popular guys around town I've given in to peer pressure and joined it.

You can leave me a message or write on my wall by clicking here (I promise to write back!), and there's also a great Poppies Application you can add to show your support for The Royal British Legion too.

a well earned break

Stopped off at a nice little pub near Borough... after all, travelling around London is hard work!

Me and the Golden Age

I just don't understand how they manage to stand so still for so long - it's incredible. They're like statues.