AN army veteran who owns a fish and chip shop in Chepstow that offers discounts to former soldiers is paying tribute to the fallen by wearing a poppy all year round.
David Foxford-Brown, 47, served as a sergeant in the First Battalion of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment in 1985-2001 and was stationed in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Canada and Belize.
Originally from Devon, Mr Foxford-Brown moved to Chepstow with his wife, Lisa, to take over the Coach and Horses pub last year.
Last August, the couple set up a fish and chip shop, Poppy’s Plaice, near the Cenotaph on Chepstow high street following a Facebook poll to decide the name.
All army veterans have been given a 20 per cent discount in tribute to their service and the couple, who are aiming just to break even, are donating five per cent of profits to a military charity.
The venture has the support of the Royal British Legion and the Rifles, and a giant Toblerone raffle raised £150 for Help for Heroes last week.
The Foxford-Browns have also sponsored the Chepstow Ladies Hockey Team who, like the staff in the takeaway, will now wear a poppy on their jersey all year round.
Mr Foxford-Brown said that the aim of the campaign was to promote support for the armed forces throughout the year, as opposed to just in November,.
He said: “When I was standing there on Sunday, it was a time to remember good friends that are no longer with me.
“It’s emotional but when we walk around and see everyone wearing a poppy, it makes it worthwhile.
“I’m not trying to put pressure on people to do it but if they want to they shouldn’t feel bad wearing a poppy 12 months a year.
“It shouldn’t have to be so in your face. It’s just a reminder to people that we do remember. All I’m trying to do is to encourage people to wear the pin badges.
“For me, I’m prouder now than when I was serving and it sounds bizarre to say that.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here