I was out Poppy Selling with my ATC unit on Saturday and whilst chatting to the RBL chaps we were supporting they mentioned they can't sell poppies until after the 28th October. They usually get out a couple of days to sell them but rely on shops etc selling them on their behalf the rest of the time.
It was interesting to see who actually donates and wears a poppy. There was a real mixed bag of poeple, old and young, male and female, and whilst there were a lot of people not wearing poppies we had numerous donations from passers-by who didn't actually want one including a couple of donations of £20. So whilst it may appear that not everyone supports the appeal the truth may be very different.