Hundreds of people watched a fireworks display fundraiser for veterans without paying, leaving the event £2,000 out of pocket, the organiser has claimed.
Harold Payne of the Anglia Motel in Fleet says he himself will foot the shortfall but the event last Saturday won’t be able to provide funds towards helping veterans go to Normandy to commemorate the D-Day landings next June.
It’s something Harold has done for the last 30 years with the bonfire being part of the fundraising for more than two decades.
Harold claims around 400 people parked up and watched the display on surrounding roads rather than pay the £9 adults and £7 entry fees for children. Around the same number did pay to get in.
He’s vowed not to hold the bonfire, which cost £7,000 to run, again.
“It’s the last bonfire I’m doing as there were a lot standing on the roads watching it all free of charge,” he said. “I just call them rubberneckers.
“I don’t know why, when you’re trying to raise money for veterans, there’s people that won’t pay and instead you have around 400 watching from the road side for nothing.
“I’ve been doing the bonfire for over 20 years and the number of people watching from the road last year was bad, but this year it was just ridiculous.
“It’s just the way people are nowadays. Luckily I can afford to meet the shortfall.
“It was a fantastic show and a number of people shook my hand to say thank you on the way out.
“One person had come all the way from London to see it as he’d heard it was such a good display.”
Harold had already said next year’s trip to Normandy may be his last with the youngest veteran he takes being 97.
They’re hoping to make next year’s trip extra special and take 8,500 roses along with young people from south Lincolnshire towns with the veterans to pass on the message of remembrance.
“Luckily we’ve done fantastically well with collections in the motel and so far have raised more than £25,000 for the trip,” Harold added. “So we’re on the way.”
