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 . 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 ­ 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, , 3. You can't go around CAROL SINGING collecting other engine or instrument for the purpose of KILLING OR WS8 6HW money for charity - unless the local Chief Constable T Al

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walked into things in the darkness not She was also informed by the Central News ITV on Frida Street being able to see where tlzey are going, M.E.B. that quite a lot of people had December 9th last. this not 011/y applies to tile elderly but phoned them to report the lights being We are concerned the questio also to younger people as well. out, they phoned the Neighbourhood arises. Lighting As one of tlze Neiglzbourhood Office to find out more and was told Watch Co-Ordinators for this partic­ that there was not much wrong with Are you. Dear Editor, ular stretch, I am concerned about the the lights, with this information the Glyn Holloway Since Monday the Sth of amount of break-ins tlzat could hap­ M.E.B. thought it was only one light December, a section of street lighting pen during tlzis period of darkness. out, not a complete street. fro111 tlze gully by the bungalows in Since Monday al least five people Catshill Road, all the way round to to my knowledge, maybe more lzave V. Llewellyn tire bungalows in Hodgekins Close reported tlze liglrts being out to tire has not been on during the night. Neighbo11r'1ood Office including Stadium Tlris means every night from myself. around 3.00 p.m. right through till We are now into our second week 9.00 a.m. tlze next morning, our sec­ and tl1e lights ;till lzave11't bee11 put Mining on needed t ion lzas been in total darkness, back on. My wife plwul'd tire M.E.B. Dear Sir/Madam, alt'1011gh Fullelove Road and tile rest and was informed llzat tlz e the Common On reading the front page of /as ofCntsllill Road have been lit up. Neigl1 bo11rlwod office did not report months Gazette, I felt I had a dut! During this total blackout, old tlzem being 0111 1111til Tlr11rsday Btlz Dear Sir, even if only to write this letter. people lzave fell down, others have December. Jn the interests of the people of At the age of twelve/thirteen 1 wo; Brownhills, Wallace Estates which a few minor athletic awards. Th QUALITY ITEMS BOUGHT & SOLD own the mineral rights to mine in majority of my training was done a large area's of Brownhills, have school, although showing promisin, expressed their views about mining results was encouraged to attend a; at THE TRADING PLACE (Opencast) on the common facing athletic club, the nearest one bein· 26-27 SILVER COURT, BROWNHILLS. Coppice Lane and stretching to the Chase A.C. With only ha~ Tel: (0543) 453008-Mon-Sat9.30-5.30 Chester Road, following the old rail­ ing my Mom lo look after me, I had t way line. rely on older brothers to come hom FURNITURE TOOLS VIDEO TAPES This threat is very realistic, in fact COOKERS SPORTS GEAR AMPS from work then have to take me i1 FREEZERS FRIDGES MOTORCYCLE GEAR amounting to blackmail. rn sh hour traffic lo Hednesford RECORDS WASHERS BRIC-A-BRAC Mr. Wal/aces is of the opinion, if Maybe that isn't that fa r, but to a 1. CD's TUMBLE DRYERS GUITARS planning is not forthcoming for year old, being at school all day, corn COMPLETE HOUSE CLE ARANCES ALMOST ANY QUALITY ITEM Yorkes Bridge area in Pelsal/, ing home doing homework, the1 B 0 U G Hy· F 0 R CA S H ! Brownhills will be next. going out training and not getting i1 It must be noted Pelsal/ have a until after 10 o'clock at night it di, Civic Society who takes great pride in become a bit monotonous, no matte th eir village, Civic pride in how much I loved running I soo1 Brownlzills is non existent, great pity, gave it up. I also became hostil some of you might have seen, towards sports at school as facilitie Councillor McMenemy, Mrs. L. compared so badly to a club. Teacher Slanistreel and yours truly on don't have the time to spend on on/: one child, and what child wants t stay longer of an evening at schooi SPECIAL DAY when they have to be there all week. A stadium is exactly what is need SERVICES ed in our area, as what else is there fo Daimler Limousines & the kids. It is too late for me to do an: • urur~ Chouff~ training, but who knows, if this take e Family nm business l""AIam off, how many quality stars of th • Viewing welcomed t::!ml future there may be. • Ribbons & Flowers to complement your Wedding Colours Good Luck Call for more details Mrs. Helen Rawlands Barons laxis 0922 31060· CONTINUED OPPOSITE Radio Controlled Private Hire Cars Contracts - Airports - Parcels - Mini-bus - Nightclubs - Parties THE PET SHOP 53 Norton Road, Road, Pelsall ~ 685871 Christmas Bookings & New Year 23 YEARS SERVICE TO PELSAU PET OWNERS We are your local stockist for:- Turners Gold Medal Pigeon Corns and Bookings Now Being Taken Bird Seeds, Febo Dog and Cat Foods, Denes Health Meal (in cans), Omega Dog and Cat Foods, Plus many many more. Christmas Toys and treats now in stock Walsall Wood We would like to take this opportunity to wish all (0543) 452222 or 453050 our customers a Very Merry Christmas 5 High Street, Walsall Wood. Please note:- We are closed all day Wednesdays BROWNHILLS GAZETIE, DECEMBER 1994 7 FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 'head of sl<'nm' nnd lo gntl1er 1110111e11- lum, wl1en sig11als nre agai11sf us, alld one can see very little light nl the end 1:r Re-opening of the funnel. l'illage Jliakerp Pclsall 1 nm pleased lo relate t/111/ f/1e ' IPei;'all High class bakers and confectioners R.D.S. is still C{ln/inuing tl1e fig/it as 684822 684822 of Rail part of tl1eir strategy for the whole of 55 High Street, Pelsall the regi"n, nnd we slzould be grateful Link? for their hnrd work on our /Jel111lf For all your fresh crusty 1 pers"nnlly believe flint tlte re­ Dear Sirs, opening of the line will depend on n ;;;. bread & con.fect:ion.ery I note with great interest the arti­ political decision allied perhaps to ..;:: ..<::'°1."·. all freshly baked daily cle in your November issue relating European Grant Aid. N"thing will ..., ~;;,''-' ·· ' to the potential re-opening of the happen however, unless pul1/ic opin­ ,··'··. Walsall, Brownhills, rail ion forces politicians to act, t/1rrefore link. it is vitally i111p{lrfnnt t/1111 people Many of your readers will be write as many individual letters as awn re of my numerous letters on this possible to the Minister "f Transp{lr/, CAN ALSO DELIVER subject over the years since the clo­ British Rail, M.P's nnd local council­ sure in Ille early 1980's. As a direct lors in supp{lrf nf renpening, allied opening hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm result of my concern at this time a with n fir111 intention lo use such a co111111iltee was formed as an off s/J oot service on n regular basis. of //1e Pelsa/l Road Community A working railway serving our Group. This commilfee tinder my co1111111111 ity effeclivelv relieving the clzairmnnship forged links with the horrend"us c

Christmas Tree's & Holly Wreath's Bowls of Hyacinths - Cyclamen Bowls of mixed plant arrangements LLOYDS FOOTWEAR Christmas Cacti - Poinsettias - A Family Business - Stephanotis - Azaleas 29 NORTON ROAD - PELSALL - TEL: 682291 Primroses - Jasmine Foliage Plants - Ferns etc. Stockists of: * We also hire plants for schonl LOTUS - ELMDALE evenings and special events * JEN - LOAKE A lways a good selectio n of RAIL§WOOD l\IUR!iERIE!i quality shoes, boots, school shoes, plimsolls, train ers, slippers and wellingtons.

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ARRIVING SOON...... I>R.UIVIS • lVIUSICAL ACCESSORIES • GIG BAGS REEDS • RECORDERS ETC ••wE ARE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER•• 125 - 129 HIGH ST, BROWNHILLS, WSS &HG TEL:· 0543 373168 FAX:· 0543 372920 ·OPENING HOURS:· 9.00am 5.30pm AMPLE PARKING AT REAR - MONDAY TO SATURDAY BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, DECEMBER 1994 9 LOCAL CHAMPION GOLFER Rikki Rigby (33), of Castle between North and South (4 Road, Walsall Wood started preliminary) rounds and a bye playing Golf three years ago, took Rikki to the Semi Final in on local Municipal Courses. He Lancashire and then to the now has a handicap of 18, and Final which recently took place recently entered the Annual in Vale Do Lobo - Portugal and "Daily Star" National Golfing Rikki won a five day holiday in Competition which attracted Portugal and the winners cup some 2000 Amateur Golfers to keep as a memento of his nationally. The country divided v ictory. CRIME THIS MONTH Burglaries down this month from them when parked in Silver but theft of bicycles are up - an Court G;:i rdens, Pels;:ill Road and easy thing once stolen to sell Wessex Close and an attempt to before Christmas. Why not put a steal a car occurred in Chapel request for a chain for your cycle Drive. on your Christmas list. Cars were stolen from the fol­ Burglaries at houses occurred lowing locations - have you seen at Third Avenue, Lichfield Road them? An Orion (F596 YFR) from and Clifton Avenue this month. Blithfield Road, a Metro (C592 Cycles left unattended were JOG) from Chester Road, and two stolen from New Road, High from the Shire Oak Pub car park - Street, Poplar Avenue, and out­ A Fiest;:i (BUE 638Y) and an Astra side T&S Stores and the Hussey (D778 EHA). Arms Public House. Have a good crime free O ther buildings entered were Christmas (next edition next a shed in Albion Road and year). Thanks again to all the par­ Warren Place and New Road and ticipants of Clayhanger Vil lage, a garage at Silver Court and Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Valley View. Vehicles had property stolen WPC Anne Dickinson Rikki Rigby, with the trophy from the tournament in Portugal.

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Anne Hassall (12 years) from and a 2nd year pupil at Brownhills Community School recently successfully particip.itcd in and was one of 4 winners in a cookery competition held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birm ingham. It was organised by the Guild of Food Writers and British l ..1s 1994 School Cookery Competition, the contestants had to cook a di-;h of their choice in front of a panel of judges. Anne's di,,h comprised a Chinese stir fry, based on the colours of Autumn. Its int; " dients consisted of chicken, peppers, rice and mush­ rooms, she wa~ allowed 20 minutes preparation and 20 minutes cooking time, this was to provide a meal for four people. Anne said she ha ~ o:ilways enjoyed cooking and it is one of her hobbies. As a result of her enterprise she now has a cash prize of £150 and a "Stoves" Cooker worth Cl,000 and a set of "Meyer" saucepans for her school, congratulations, well done Anne. Cycle Sales 8 Spares

Anne Hassell with another of her creations (Chocolate Cake) Afford a "Very" Merry Christmas at Jaz's Jaz's Off Licence, 93 Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood (01543) 453595

Saturday 12 noon-10.30pm Sunday 12 noon - 2pm & 7pm - lOpm Monday- Friday 3.30pm -10.30 m ~~ ~~ BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, DECEMBER 1994 11

The staff and pupils at Christmas Party and Disco will be Oakwood School, Walsall Wood held, there will also be a Christmas have a full and varied activity Party on 20th December for the schedule leading up to Christmas, parents. these include: Mrs. Kay Mills - Head Teacher at the School also said that the Preparing Christmas school recently held a successful Cards/Calendars Christmas Fayre and on behalf of Christmas Decorations the school wished to thank the Gifts for Parents many shops and businesses in the Christmas Food, Brownhills Walsall Wood area (Biscuits and Mince Pies) who gave such tremendous sup­ Father Christmas Masks port for this and other events in Chrisbnas Gift Bags aid of the school. Christmas Paper - Make Baubles Nativity Puppets (R.E. Assembly)

16th December Visits to Walsall Wood Church TO LET Pentecostal Singers Preparation of Set for Christmas Suite of 2 offices, play /including props reception area and A party of the children were parking in High Street, taken by a W.M.P.T.E. double decker bus to to Brownhills purchase a Christmas Tree and Tel: 0543 454329 or they then decorated it upon their return to the school. 0543 279156 On the 19th December a

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!.1/ml :_:_:_~- -. ·. ~. ··--..- ... - 12 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, DECEMBER 1994 Trolley Grab A two minute dash in the fonn of a Trolley Gmb around the 'In Shops' Supermarket in the Brownhills Precinct was the reward for the lucky winner of the free entry draw which was held on Saturday, 10th December. The winner first out of the hat was Mrs. Teresa Cooke of Church Road, Clayhanger, Brownhills. Sandra Prew, Manager of 'In Shops' said it was the first time they had held this type of draw, in Brownhills and there hnd been a good response locally. Santa Claus would also be in attendance on Tuescfay and Saturdays, and there daily the week before Ch.ristmas, and he would be giving presents away for a pound a time.

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FOR PRIME MEAT AND FRIENDLY SERVICE COME AND SEE Ray Williams YOUR FAMILY BUTCHER 28 SILVER COURT, BROWNHILLS. Manageress Jackie Jones with trolley grab winner Mrs. Teresa Cook TEL: BROWNHILLS 360910 and her £79.63 haul.

§ ~AITN § The Electrical Specialists !:For peifect CliristTna..s gifts The only authorised service agents in the area for: Braun• Philips• Remington• Wahl• Goblin• Moulinex •Swan• Krups • Dirt Devil • Delonghi • Glen • Morphy Richards • Grundig shavers Electrical appliances & shavers ** For Him & Her: Braun, Philips, Remington & Grundie Shavers. FREE service after 12 months on all mains or rechargeable shavers. e Haircare products • Toasters • Irons • Kettles As seen on T.V. the new Braun Quattro Multiquick Mixer Multisystem & Braun Kl OOO Processor System Personal stereos, Radios, Cassettes BASF Video Tapes only £1.75, Scotch Tapes El80 4 pack £9.75 Electronic Chaser Christmas lights from £11.50 Musical £15.75 Standard sets from £4.50 (All sets comply -with British Standards) FERGUSON DEALS MORPHY RICHARDS VHS long play video £199.95 CD Micro System 5lcm Nicam Stereo TV £349.95 Saving unbeatable price of only £99.95 £80.00 on M.R.P. Full range of spares & accessories

**Remember. no ma/fer where you buy we carry out both guarantee & 11011 guarantee service for all the listed brands. T.R. S"WAIN (Electrical) Ltd. 14 Norton Road, P e lsall Call in or Telephone u s on: BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, DECEMBER 1994 13 Bro-wnhills Central To-wns-womens Guild At the November Guild nervous tension. Mrs. Kendall also Meeting Members were pleased to practises aromatherapy and other welcome Mrs. Mary Kendall as forms of alternative medicine. their guest speaker, on the subject Sheila Hipkiss gave the vote of of Reflexology. The art of thanks. Reflexology has been practised for TI1e Barn dance at the Memorial many hundreds of years and prob­ Hall at the beginning of November a b I y originated in China. It has was successful and thoroughly gilined popularity in this country enjoyed by everyone. in recent years and is invaluable in The next Guild Meeting will be the relief of stress and anxiety. It is held on Monday 12th December, also a means of d iagnosing other when the speake r will be Mr. P. ai lments and pinpointing which Coxhead who will give a talk on parts of the body are affected. The Wild Life in Sutton Park. theory is that the soles of the feet Many thanks to all those who are 'mapped' out into areas that have supported Guild events correspond to the heart, lungs, throughout the year, especially to liver, spine etc. and by applying local traders who have generously pressure to these areas it is possi­ provided raffle prizes for the Barn ble to stimulate the blood supply Dance. and relieve many symptoms, such Best wishes for Xmas and the as rheumatism, arthritis, stress and New Year to all Gazette readers. Pictured above accepting the T.V.'s on behalf of the Manor Hospital, CARE AGENCY Childrens Ward from (left to right), Andy and Simon with members of King Street Club, Mr. Stuart and daughter and Mr. J. D'arcy Janet Lakin, member in charge of the Brownhills division of the St. John (Photograph by Mick Benton) Ambulance brigade featured in our May issue of the Gazette is selling up a care agency at 15A High Street, Brownhills to begin on 9th January 1995. During the past months the members of King Street, Progressive The services will include all aspects of personal care as well as domestic Club & Institute with the help of their once a week Charity Bingo have help, but where ACE care agency will differ is it will include services such been able to provide some £106.00 for the McMillan Nurses Institute. as painting and decorating and gardening for people who are unable to Purchased two television sets for the Childrens Ward, Manor perform these tasks for themselves. AU services will be conducted by expe­ Hospital and provide a music centre for the Local Streets Comer Day rienced staff. Centre. Should you or anyone you know require these services, please contact The next venture is to raise funds for the air ambulance service. Janel on 0543 378660.

Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood, Shire Oak Grant Maintained Walsall WS9 9PA Telephone: Brownhills (01543) 452518 Community School Facsimile: (01543) 373204

6th Form courses available in 1995-1994 'A' Level courses in English, Maths, Statistics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Science, Design and Technology, Art, Textiles, Business Studies, Sociology, History, Geography, German, French and General Studies. GNVQ Foundation and Intermediate Courses in Health and Care, Information Technology, Leisure and Tourism, Art and Design and NVQ in Administration (Levels 1 and 2). Our school offers excellent study and recreational facilities including 3 IT suites, language laboratory, graphic design suite with video production capabilities. The school's record at Advanced Level and in Vocational Courses is excellent. With a 92.3% pass rate at 'A' level in 1994 and many distinctions awarded in our vocational areas. For further details and a Sixth Form Course Booklet contact - Geoff Edwards, Head of Sixth Form. (01543) 452518

-----Building for the future----- 14 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, DECEMBER 1994 '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I DISCOVERING REAL I CROWN GREEN I JOY OF CHRISTMAS I BOWLING GREEN i Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of happy families i i gathered round the Christmas tree in a spirit of warmth and laugh- i REQUIRED a ter. i i Now it seems to have become more of a 10 day Bank Holiday, i Members of Brownhills in the Walsall Community i because most firms shut down for at least a full week. We find our- i Bowling Club presented a petition Bowling Association but at present i selves that due to our business skills we have earned this longer i to a local Councillor in 1989, call­ can only play indoors in the local i break. i ing fo r a new Crown Green Annexe. Mrs. Taylor and the Of course to the Super Stores its one big sales bonanza. Buying Bowling Green at Hollands Park. members feel that Brownhills are ! presents for the siblings has become very big business. The kids of ! However, Mrs. Taylor a former losing out and that their club lot today no longer write out their 'Dear Father Christmas' letters. « secretary of the club recently visit­ needs are not being met, whereas i Most don't even believe in 'Santas'. They now demand exceedingly i ed the park and she discovered their Bowling opponents in other i huge priced sophisticated toys. No more talk about a Christmas i markings on the site. After con­ areas of Walsall Borough have IJ stocking, apple and orange. All the surprise of present-giving has i tacting various officers of the good Bowling Greens and facili­ i evaporated. i Leisure Services Department, she ties. i Give me the old rituals of the 1940's. A roaring coal fire, home- i was surprised to learn the hopes Mr. G rey of Walsall i m ade decorations and an average size Christmas Tree. In those i for resource for the club would Metropolitan Borough Leisure days TVs were practically unheard of, it belonged to the radio era. i still not materialise as the Forestry Services Department said that he ! My highlight was to sit round the radio and listen to fast-talking Ill Commission were to plant young w as now aware of the Clubs R 'Tommy Handley' in ITMA. 'This is FUNF speaking'. Jack Train R s