Sir – As I approach Didcot town centre from the Harwell end, I notice the Remembrance Day poppy seller, standing in a doorway silently, proudly (and rightly so) still doing their bit for Armed Forces, present and past. The Big Issue seller whispers his title to me as if he is selling something from under the counter.
The Gospel preachers stand by their boards not uttering a word. I ask them why they are silent but am not convinced by their explanation that they are trying a new approach, not uttering a word but allowing people to approach them.
On reaching the Cornerstone square I am greeted by disco music from a local radio station blaring out at full blast. Getting down to the Orchard Centre car park, there are new cars on the forecourt, sales people offering me a chance of a lifetime.
I think back to other groups I’ve seen here selling their wares, Sky, the AA, RAC, farmers’ market, Didcot market, markets from abroad. In the hallway of the supermarket are charity collectors rattling their tins.
As I leave the supermarket, I ponder on why one end of Didcot town centre is so vibrant, while at the other, they seem frightened to speak. Anyone any ideas? Then, along came the chuggers.
Keith Polley, Didcot
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