AN ‘HONOURABLE’ veteran who spent more than 20 years selling poppies in Basingstoke has died.

Eighty seven-year-old Maurice Bastable was an ex-Coldstream Guardsman and Drummer and for many years residents would spot him outside Marks and Spencer in Festival Place in the run up to Remembrance Day.

The veteran would regularly spend his days collecting for Armed Forces Day and The Poppy Appeal and he was also the chief coach at the Basingstoke swimming club in the late 80s.

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His son Mark Bastable has paid tribute to him.

He said: “I have heard my father in the preparation of the funeral be described as honourable, a gent, flirtatious, dutiful, would do anything for anyone, and from ex-Basingstoke Swimming Club swimmers, saying he instilled in them values they have carried through their life and onto their children.”

Mark said that Maurice served the community in many ways and was loved by many.

He added: “Being a former side drummer, he was also heavily involved in the ‘Coldstream Guards Core of Drums,’ and they would perform at royal and public venues, in London and throughout the south.

“He sold poppies for over 20 years after retirement. He could be seen 9-5 daily outside Marks and Spencer in Basingstoke for weeks in the lead up to Remembrance Day. He became a well know and expected attraction for many in his blue blazer, and later his guard’s tunic. 

“He enjoyed meeting the public and, pinning poppies to women’s’ lapels, with a twinkle in his eye but he was immensely proud of his achievements for that charity.”

As previously reported he was packing up one evening when he noticed two boxes containing cash were taken.

The very next day, Maurice was again targeted by thieves, following the incidents more than £300 was raised via an online fundraising page and Festival Place also donated.

At the time, Maurice said: “I was quite upset at the time but people have been coming up and saying how sorry they are and then there is the social media fundraising. The response from Basingstoke people has been absolutely fantastic.”

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Mr Bastable died at the end of last year in December and his funeral was held at St Michael’s Church on Tuesday, January 25.

A bugler played the Last Post at the church and the Guards Division Corps of Drums Association played for 15 to 20 minutes at the wake, following the funeral. 

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