By Ian Smith
For many shoppers at Waitrose in Andover, Max Barnikel is a familiar face of the Poppy Appeal. He has become so well known that people stop him in the street to donate.
At 92, the former Army sergeant has personally raised approximately £60,000 during 12 years volunteering for the Royal British Legion. Behind that remarkable total is a simple motivation: meeting people, having a sense of purpose and doing something good for fellow veterans.
Speaking on Armistice Day, Max shared a story of military service, community commitment and the support of his wife, Marian.
Max joined the Army in 1952 and served for 22 years. His first four years were spent in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a coach trimmer, before 18 years in the Army Air Corps. There, he worked on aircraft fabric coverings, including those of Austers and de Havilland Beavers. He left the Army with the rank of Sergeant.
Today, his contribution takes a different form. Through his Poppy Appeal collections at Waitrose, he gives people in Andover an opportunity to support the veteran community while enjoying a conversation with someone who has served himself.
The money raised is a considerable achievement, but Max’s enjoyment of meeting people is just as much a part of his story. The fact that donations find their way to him even away from the collection stand speaks to how recognisable he has become locally.
Steve Pavey, Vice Chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Andover Branch, summed up what makes Max special to those around him:
“He always gives back to the community. Always.”
Marian has her own part in that commitment. Married since 1958, she helps Max get dressed and checks his uniform before he heads out to volunteer. Her support is one of the quieter contributions behind the familiar figure people meet at the stand.
For Max, Remembrance is also personal. His thoughts turn to his father, who served in the Army as a dog handler.
His own years in uniform, his father’s service and his wish to help fellow veterans all form part of the story behind his fundraising. Across 12 years of collecting, individual donations from local people have grown into approximately £60,000.
Asked what he would like to say to the people of Andover, Max offered a simple message:
“Thank you very much for all the support over the years.”