BARNSLEY’S oldest poppy seller is set to retire after this weekend - at the grand age of 98.
Agnes Byrne, who has been helping the Royal British Legion at her local Co-op supermarket in Cudworth for the last four years, was reluctant to stop but failing eyesight has forced her into the decision.
Mrs Byrne, of York Street, Cudworth, was part of the vital domestic services branch in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) in World War Two.
Having joined as a 22-year-old, she was responsible for keeping up morale in camps where she recalls fond memories in times of hardship.
“The men came to play bingo, the piano, have a glass of beer and get their cigarette rations,” Mrs Byrne, who is also the oldest member of the congregation at St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth, told the Chronicle.
“We moved wherever we were requested to but it was very much the social life and I have some good memories of that, despite it being in the war.”
She got involved with selling poppies through her church, whose members often take part at the Co-op in the run-up to the Remembrance period.
“I’ve really enjoyed doing it as it gets you out and about,” Mrs Byrne added. “People are very generous at this time of year and it’s nice to talk to shoppers.
“I’d love to continue but my eyesight is failing me so this is my last year selling poppies.”
