As conflict tore through Europe, Beryl Watt was one of thousands of youngsters evacuated away from the cities expected to be targets for German bombing runs.
She later served with the Wrens – the Woman’s Royal Naval Service – and for the past 27 years has worked with the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Now, as it prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, Poppyscotland is looking for volunteers to follow in her footsteps and support its work in the north-east.
It hopes to secure a new poppy appeal area organiser for Macduff as well as people to volunteer to distribute the iconic poppies in the town and surrounding area.
Mrs Watt volunteers as Poppy Appeal area organiser for Whitehills, visiting local schools, businesses and organisations to educate people and recount her memories from the Second World War.
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The 81-year-old said: “It’s great. It lets you get to know people and I like going around schools to talk about what it was like being a child during a war.
“It’s very good the schools keep the children involved in this and let them hear what it was like.
“I was evacuated from Manchester as a child and give people an insight into what it was like being taken away from your home to be sent some where you didn’t know.
“The children are so responsive and very thoughtful.”
Mrs Watt added: “I was in the Wrens so I understand how the veterans need the money more so now than ever before.
“I enjoy meeting people and getting to know local businesses and it’s brilliant how kind and generous people are.
“The role is rewarding, gets you off your backside and out raising funds for the veteran community, making new friends in the process.”
Poppyscotland head of fundraising Gordon Michie said the charity is searching for people with “good organisational skills” to take positions in Macduff.
He said: “Last year more than £1,500 was raised in the area but without help we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount and this will have a profoundly detrimental impact on our beneficiaries.
“By volunteering for Poppyscotland you will be helping us transform the lives of veterans in Scotland, those currently serving and their families who are in need.
“The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide life-changing support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability.
“Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and, without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to run the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”
For more information, contact Sally McNaught, deputy head of fundraising on 01315 501559 or 07941 851589 or e-mail volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk.
