Al Murray Shows Up to Help Turnham Green Poppy Sellers

Stand-up comedian and podcaster has been long-term supporter of veterans

Al Murray (left) with Cllr Gerald McGregor; Mark James; Tony Currie; Cathie James and Elisabeth Whittaker

Comedian and military history enthusiast Al Murray joined local volunteers outside Turnham Green tube station on Thursday 30 October to support the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal. His presence gave a visible boost to Chiswick’s fundraising efforts ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Known for his stand-up persona “The Pub Landlord”, shows of which are often previewed nearby at the Tabard Theatre, and his serious engagement with World War II history,he stood alongside fellow collectors organiser Elisabeth Whittaker to sell poppies and raise awareness. The station will host poppy sellers daily from 8am to 8pm until Sunday 9 November, with shorter hours on weekends and a 2pm close on Remembrance Sunday.

A long-time supporter of veterans, Al Murray has written extensively on military leadership and wartime decision-making. His books include Watching War Films with My Dad, Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War, and Arnhem: Black Tuesday. He also co-hosts the podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk with historian James Holland, exploring lesser-known stories and campaigns from WWII. His advocacy for veterans includes work with Walking With The Wounded and the Army Benevolent Fund, particularly around VJ Day commemorations.

The Chiswick Poppy Appeal has returned to Turnham Green station this year, thanks to a grassroots effort led by Elisabeth Whittaker, who became a member of the Kensington and Chelsea RBL branch after struggling to find poppies locally. “I decided that something should be done in Chiswick – and am delighted at the support we’ve received so far,” she said.

She is regularly joined by Mark James—known locally as “the poppy man”—and Graham Peach, chairman of the Chiswick RBL branch and commanding officer of the Chiswick Sea Scouts.

Poppies are also available at schools, churches, shops, and Chiswick High Road’s Sunday markets. Last year, the Royal British Legion awarded grants to over 23,000 veterans and their families, supporting needs that have intensified during the cost-of-living crisis.

Volunteers interested in joining the appeal can contact Elisabeth Whittaker on 020 8995 9255.

A Civic Parade and Ceremony will take place on Remembrance Sunday 9 November in Chiswick. The civic party will assemble at 10:00am at the Chiswick Memorial Club, located at Bourne Place, W4 2EL. At 10:40am, the parade will depart from the club and proceed to the Chiswick Town Centre Cenotaph, where the formal Act of Remembrance will be held.

The ceremony will be attended by Mayor Councillor Amy Croft, Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat, Deputy Lieutenant Ms Rosi Prescott, and Opposition Leader Councillor Peter Thompson, among other dignitaries.

The Chiswick War Memorial. Picture: Friends of Turnham Green

St Michael & All Angels Church will hold its Remembrance Sunday Choral Requiem Mass at 9:55am. Attendees are asked to note the earlier start time. Following the service, the congregation will process to the Bedford Park War Memorial, located outside the Parish Hall, to observe the traditional two minutes’ silence.

Each November, the church highlights its historical connections to World War I and World War II, including the 128 names inscribed on its war memorials. Stories and photographs of those commemorated can be explored on the church’s WW1 Project website, which was developed with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In 2025, the church is marking two significant anniversaries: 80 years since the end of World War II, and 110 years since 1915, with special remembrance of those listed on the WWI memorials from that year. An exhibition will be available both online and in the church, dedicated to the memory of David Beresford, who led the WW1 Project and conducted the original research.

St Michael’s Church on Elmwood Road will host a Remembrance Sunday service and attendees are asked to arrive by 10:55am to observe the Act of Remembrance at 11:00am, which will include the reading of Binyon’s Words, the sounding of the Last Post on a bugle, two minutes’ silence, and traditional prayers and reflections.

In addition, St Michael’s will hold a quieter Service of Remembrance for Loved Ones on Sunday 2 November, offering space for personal reflection ahead of the main commemorations.