I posted here recently of my attempts to get a flagpole erected in our town square, adjacent to our war memorial so that the British Legion could have a ceremony with a Union flag, and that other times of the year we could fly the cross of St George, the Town Coat of Arms, the Wessex Flag, the coat of Arms of our twin towns etc.
This morning I have resigned from the Civic group I co founded because I received an email from the Chairman, on the eve of Armed Services day. This is the salient line.
The St Georges flag had connotations of association with far-right politics and that they felt very uncomfortable about this-
They were uncomfortable on having a flagpole at all, they were equally uncomfortable with the £2000 cost would detract from the fundraising for the Christmas Lights for shoppers.
The British Legion are outraged that ‘Tesco-think’ is far more important than remembering the dead in current conflicts, and honouring the dead of two world wars.
To be told that my country’s flag since 1545 has far-right connotations is an utter outrage, and anybody who has read my little duels with BNP supporters will know that I am not by any stretch of the imagination far-right, though I am not ashamed either of my English heritage. The easiest way that anything can be derided by these jokers as Dolly Draper tried is just to shout racist.
I have told the British Legion that I will carry on fundraising, £2000 is needed to get this pole up by November 11th.
If you want to help out with a donation please contact Guthrum through the Old Holborn email address. I am meeting the Legion next week, and I can then give details of which town, which Legion and where the money can be paid.