I remember th 10 pence man, as you said was always polite, i always gave him a few bob also.
does anyone remember the really tall tramp that used to say a little poem asking for money, he was always really polite as well, i think he passed away a good few years ago.
About 30+ years ago, used to see on regular occasions in Western Road, old lady with empty plastic carrier bag in one hand, broken umbrella in other hand waving them about and swearing at any one walking past :)