you can't walk through manchester city centre without being pestered by either Homeless beggars or those pesky chairty people who ambush you smiling like a cheshire cat asking you if you want to donate.

example: today I walked from my flat, past Vic station got collared by some guy from Shelter, 100 yds further a Beggar, 50 yrds later, NSPCC girl with Clip board (not even got past the Arndale yet!). Market street another NSPCC person. Walked to Waterstones through St annes Sq, NSPCC at one end, Shelter at the other (luckily only got collared by one of them). Walking back from waterstones towards Vic station inbetween M&S and Harvey nics ANOTHER NSPCC person (managed to dodge that one!), back to where I started got collared again by Shelter and ANOTHER beggar!

I don't know what it is they like about me but I do have better things to do that talk to these people (although some of the girls are quite hot and I have been know to chat for a while to a couple of mins!).
There is no excuse for the beggars tho!

The chuggers – don't break stride. Just walk on past ignoring them

I'm too polite tho, esp if they are hot! I just think there are too many of them!

Dont let them catch your eye 😉

If they do just march straight ahead speaking the words "No Thanks" quite loudly in a rude manner.

If they still persist…run

They are being incredibly rude to you by accosting you on the street. Same as folk who phone you up cold calling. Deserve nothing but contempt. Feel free to be rude back. Remember they are on commission.

I must be too polite as I always feel like I have to lie to them about why I can't spk to them. from now on I will tell them the truth: as much as I appreciate that there are people in situations less fortunate than myself but currently I AM NOT F***ING INTERESTED IN GIVING YOU MY MONEY!!

Just smile and shake your head, although I find the Big Issue sellers a pain, the way they wave it in front of you and say hello my friend BIG ISSUE grrr, I'm not your friend stop hassling me. I don't say anything I just ignore them, its weird how they operate as I was standing outside a store waiting for my Mrs to come out & watching a big issue seller, he finally sold one and quickly disappeared only for another guy to appear out of nowhere and take his spot. ❗

"Any change mate?"

"No. Still got the big salary, big house, nice cars and lovely wife and kids, but thanks for asking"

I have no big issue…issues, its more the Charity ambushers that p*ss me off. you just can't avoid them no matter where you walk in town. is this just a manchester thing or does this occur in other towns?

"Any change mate?"

'no, can you break a £50?'
'no, do you take Amex?'

Accosting you in the street….. grrrr.. How about the Christian Aid woman knocking on my door last night! I donate to charity already thanks, I don't need to be made to feel guilty for not giving even more whilst tucking into my tea!

The New Jehova's?

Once saw a programme on tv where they interveiwed a bloke who worked in the london stock exchange earning about 60K a year , every evening after he'd got home and eaten he'd get his rags on and go begging on the streets! Reckoned he cleared 50K tax free by begging 😮

Remember they are on commission.

I was wondering this the other day after seeing a pack of them in Harrogate town centre.

The thing that really gets me, though, is after they have had you sign up to a monthly DD (this happened to my wife, not me) they then call on evenings asking you to give even more.

its extortion i tell you!! its a conspiracy!!

aren't poor people illegal yet ?

Them "Can I talk to you about *insert charity name here*

You [shrug/] Ik begrijp niet, droevig

Walk away…

I normally ask them which charity they're working for, then politely explain that the charity will go on my blacklist for paying people to harass me in the street. Used to work in Nottingham city centre and just popping out to buy some lunch was a nightmare

I walk down the street with my c0ck out, nobody accosts me.

"Can I talk to you about *insert charity name here*"

Lo seinto, Yo estoy estrenyido, Adios

none of you tried the why response game?

to every question they asks you respond "why?" and nothing else in an innocent and humble tone; a bit like a 4 year old does.

you usually get to about 5 whys before they realise that your taking the mick and leave you alone

The Chuggers started in Chiswick and they used to do all their training in the High Road. When you've been chugged 20-30 times within a less than 5 minute walk you soon develop a poker face nad brush off that is most helpful in other areas of life.

I do think they can tell who will be the easy touches though – when I have seen them in action, they are always homing in on some 20-something female.

Or is that for another reason?…

aren't poor people illegal yet ?

Surely there can't be any left after 13 years of socialism.

I do think they can tell who will be the easy touches though – when I have seen them in action, they are always homing in on some 20-something female.

I'm 27 and male and no soft-touch when it comes to people trying get at my money!

A Barnados one bounced in front of me once so I scowled at her and said "I hate children" and walked on. She didn't know what to say. When I was about 10 yards past her I turned and grinned, and she burst out laughing, but I was safely out of range by then.