Veterans missed chance to show that unity is strength

Published: 19 November, 2010

• MAY I explain why I am now an ex-member of Islington Veterans Association (IVA)?

The 2009 and 2010 Poppy appeals were the perfect time to assist the Royal British Legion (RBL), as well as promote IVA as it seeks new members. An opportunity also arose when a supermarket chain ran a “Help the Heroes” week.

As an activist, it depresses me that as an organisation, or as an individual, no one volunteers. Surely, the backing of the unelected chairman, a Lib Dem councillor, and the leaders of the Labour and Lib Dem parties on Islington Council, as well as Colonel Brian Kay, the Queen’s representative in Islington, and members of the IVA could have persuaded it to act?

Perhaps it is opposed to affiliation with the RBL, as I am aware of opposition within to this much respected and much-loved organisation. Have they forgotten that “unity is strength”?

Why did they spend funds, supplemented by other contributions, when a sponsor would have purchased the new flag, and given publicity to IVA?

Why, after at least three years, is there no outline of a proposed constitution?

Comrades, you need to get out among the public and sell yourselves. Otherwise you will fail.

I hope this letter will galvanise a positive response.

• Sincere thanks to the management of Sainsbury’s at Angel for the facilities provided, and to the staff who supplied cups of tea to sustain me during my collections for this year’s Poppy appeal.

Thanks also to the management of the NI Centre, to Morrison’s and to the Nag’s Head Centre, who – despite a rocky start – persevered with me, and to “Phil”, who once again provided ample copies of In Flanders Field.

Finally, thanks to all those who generously contributed.

DAVE CRAIG
Ex-Gordon Highlander 
and Royal Engineer 
Activist, nonconformist 
and rebel Scot