BROWNHILLS ISSUEN0.63 DISTRIBUTED TO OVER DECEMBER 1994 7,500 HOUSEHOLDS AND 25p WHEN SOLD BUSINESSES MONTHLY Is the Governtnent tnorally fit to Govern? The Govemment"s ignominious avert what could have resulted in a was better to raise cash from next have to pay the full amount on defeat on its proposals to increase crisis for every financially hard­ April through the VAT increases dental health care? VAT on domestic fuel brings to a pressed household in the country. and then use it for income tax cuts This is the Government which head various matters which, clear- Mr. Shepherd, who had already which would help the party to win has allowed a situation to arise, 1y, are of concern to some of its lost the Government "whip" over the next general election? notably in Brownhills only recent­ own MPs as well as the vast major­ his stand on certain European mat­ This, of course, is the same ly, where a pensioner has been ity of people throughout the ters, is also well remembered for Government which stood back in struck off her family doctor's list United Kingdom. opposing other Government policy silence, prepared to let innocent with no explanation. Their frus tration with Prime - notably the extensive closure of businessmen go to prison for its CALLOUS Minister John Major, Chancellor coal mines and accompanying job own shortcomings in the infamous In this particular case, the only Kenneth Clarke and those who losses only two years ago. Mr. Matrix Churchill affair. reason that her family can find for meekly follow them, no matter Shepherd tells why he opposes the This is the Government which is what, can be summed up in one Government on some aspects of this callous act, relayed to her via now totally discredited over our an impersonal letter, is that she is question: Europe and the VAT on domestic once coveted National Health Is Britain being governed fuel fiasco in the exclusive Gazette now costing the doctor's practice Service, which it said was "safe in too much money for its budget to according to the wishes of the article accompanying this. our hands." Perhaps Mr. Major and electorate? The Gazette goes much further stand. Quite rightly, Mr. Shepherd Health Secretary Virginia has called for an inquiry into this It is not just a matter of party and asks, in the light of various Bottomley can tell us whether or politics and a belief in one system events over the last few years:- disgraceful and dangerous situa­ not it is true, as rumour has it, that tion. or another, whether it be right, left Is the Government morally fit in all but a very few exceptions or centre. The fact of the matter is to Govern? everyone from next April will CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 that the Government is clearly going against the pledges it made ARROGANCE in the election campaign of Spring Did you note Kenneth Clarke's 1992 - promises which turned an arrogance following that fateful almost certain hiding into a victory Commons vote when he stated that which the Government hardly a 17' /,% VAT levy on domestic deserved. fuel would hit the rich rather than At that time Ministers categori­ the poor and pensioners? What cally stated that there would be no arrant nonsense! The Scrooge-like increase in or extension to VAT! "compensation" offered, grudging­ Yet, only the steadfast resolve of ly increased to sway rebels towards a few Tory MPs, loyal to their the Government just before MPs country and their constituents, pre­ went into the voting chambers, vented a travesty of justice on would hardly be enough to pay for Tuesday December 6th. 1994 - a a lighted candle let alone the cost day which may yet be recorded as of already expensive fu el. the beginning of the end for Mr. It was a sop which, h;ippily, did Major and Mr. Clarke. not work! At le;ist some Tory MPs One of the few was Aldridge­ realised it was almost Christmas. Brownhills MP Richard Shepherd, Scrooge received his come­ whose vote against the uppance and had to scrap the Government on the cruel propos­ increases. als to increase VAT on domestic Was it Mr. Clarke who high­ fuel from 8% to 17%, helped to handedly told Tory MPs that it 2 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, DECEMBER 1994 BROWNHILLS EDITORIAL Articles and photographs to There was once a great King, the doll so that it looked just iike missionary explain what he had be considered for leader of a mighty warrior nation the king's little girl. Then he wait­ done. But the missionary said, publication should be sent in a land far from here. There came ed until the king was in his boat "first answer me a question. Why to The Editor, to him a missionary who wanted with his servant and oarsmen. did you go to save your daughter. Brownhills Gazette; to share with him the story of He took the doll in his arms You are a great king and a king clo Baker Bond, Christmas but the King could not and went to walk along the bank does nothing himself but sends his 183 High Street, Brownhills accept the story. of the treacherous river so that the servants. Why did you not send "You tell me that God is a great king would see him. Just as he your servants but go yourself?". ..... WS86HW · ~ king, but that he came himself in a hoped the king thought that his "Because I love my daughter so small baby born in a stable. I know friend was holding his daughter in much" said the king. "I could not Advertising that could not be true. I am king, I his arms and called out for her to send another, I had to help her''. 0543 45284011 or send my servants to do my will be handed into the boat to share "Now you know why God 0217896768 not myself. This God of yours the journey. came Himself in Jesus, He loved us could not have been born in a The missionary leaned over the too much to send another, He had Group Editor manger." This was always his deep fast running water and at the to come Himself". Rosalie Bott reply so the missionary made a vital moment let go. At once the 0217896855 plan. current pulled the doll under and God so loved the world that He got a doll and borrowed at once the king dived in to save He gave His only begotten son. some of the clothes belonging to her. He soon realised he had been His name is Emmanuel which Gazette Series the king's little daughter, dressing tricked and demanded that the means God is with us. Sheldon/South Yardley, Hodge Hill, Castle Bromwich, Chelrnsley Wood, Christmas Crackers! Coleshill/Water Orton, Whilst we are all participating in the Season of Goodwill, Christmas Puddings! - as "abominable and idolatrous things Brownhills, Harborne, we have unearthed a dozen archaic Jaws stating what you to be avoided at Christmas". From his girth did he break his Bearwood/Warley can't do at Christmas! own law? l. If, as an employee of a company, you are strictly 8. Whilst Henry VIII got up to all sorts of games during and Pelsall ordered to refuse CHRISTMAS GIFTS, other than calendars his reign - including "Pass the Axe!' - the Unlawful Games Monthly Gazette Series or diaries, then you should do so under the Prevention of Act passed in 1541 states that you can't take part in any Circulation 67,500 Bribery & Corruption Act. SPORTS, other than Archery, leaping and vaulting at 2. In this era of Equal Opportunities, a store-owner Christmas. Publishers advertising for a FATHER CHRISTMAS must take it clear 9. Whilst there is a need for c:ertain occupations to contin­ that women can apply as well. If a man is required, the Baker Bond ue WORKING on Christmas Day, in 1677 Charles II advertisement must state that 'Father' Christmas is a "gen­ decreed that "it is illegal for any person whatsoever to do, or (Printing & Publishing) Ltd uine occupational qualification", which allows the store­ exercise, any worldly labour on 25th December''. P.O. Box 1 keeper to specify the applicants' sex under the Sex 10. William N's Act of 1831 states that "no person what­ 183 High Street, Discrimination Act of 1975. soever shall kill or take any game or use any dog, gun, net or Brownhills, Walsall, 3. You can't go around CAROL SINGING collecting other engine or instrument for the purpose of KILLING OR West Midlands WS8 6HW money for charity - unless the local Chief Constable T Al<ING GAME on Christmas Day". approves. It's a £400 fine or 6 months in prison! 11. Again, William N's, The People's Charter, five years 4. Edward VI made a Law of the land in 1551 stating that later in 1836, clearly stated that you shouldn't have more you should not RIDE OR DRIVE to church on Christmas than THREE COURSES if you are eating your Christmas DEADLINE Day. Dinner at a hotel or Restaurant. 5. 230 years later, George ll's Act of 1780, warned his sub­ 12. Finally, KISSING UNDER THE MISTI.ETOE is com­ ISSUE No. 64 jects that the police can CONFISCATE AND SELL "any pletely out or order! This ancient custom holds no water in vehicle parked close to - or outside - a church, the proceeds law. Only a few years ago, a young lady objected to being COPY DEADLINE being distributed among the poor and needy".