Newbury care home resident sells poppies again after 50 years for Remembrance

A long-serving poppy seller was back in action for Remembrance.

A Newbury woman who sold poppies for over 50 years was running her own stall on behalf of the Royal British Legion from Willows Edge Care Home in Newbury, where she currently resides.

Dot Huntley, 91, first started selling poppies with her father in Chaddleworth, where she grew up.

And now, more than five decades later, she was again selling poppies to staff, residents and visitors on Tuesday, November 7 — raising £123.88.

As a young adult, Mrs Huntley would visit the Legion every Friday evening to go dancing, which she still enjoys to this day.

“Dot is very much a valued member of the Newbury community and of Willow’s Edge,” said the care home’s activity & well-being coordinator, Kelly Staples.

“We know how much selling poppies has meant to Dot throughout the years, and we wanted to support her to carry on doing what she loves.

“Dot said she really enjoyed the morning and she hopes to do the same again next year.”

Mrs Huntley was also “over the moon” to learn the Newbury RBL branch has raised over £88,000 for the appeal — a marked increase on last year’s sum.