BROWN HILLS Police cover in the Brownhills area

ISSUE No. 36 SEPTEMBER 1992

DISTRIBUTED TO OVER 6,000 HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES MONTHLY

We hear a lot of talk about cen­tralising the administration for greater efficiency, but how is this measured and by whom? What is the overall effect?

I attended a meeting recently where it seemed to me that other people in other areas were making decisions regarding Brownhills. I am not saying whether they were good, bad or indifferent, the point I am mak­ing is that there was no other

Brownhills 1 Bobbies'

~EN are both based at Brow­nh· s stalion and are .vishing to

-x:•ease -.,e .e g-bo.,•tiooc ~atcn scroel""es ·..., i e B •o . n-

s a•ea ......,., ese schemes have reducec c.;IT'e ·n areas where mev "OW operat e; the schemes are organ·sed by the police and need some commitment from members of the community w ho act as co-ordinators who hav e a special "hotline" tele­phone number fo r Aldridge

c

po · ce. The schemes are c..-eated 'rorn tne ·n·tia m eetings, lecture and video film from the Beat Officer.

Please help yourselves, the police and your com m unity by taking part in these schem es.

Fo r further information con­tact either of the aforemen­tioned police officers on 0543/ 374165.

°"'hat do you do when yo~r bonnet gets dented, or your wing gets crunched? Wouldn't it be magic if someone would take the problem off your hands?

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representation from Brownhills. It seems there is opportunity

to make representation but how do we find out about it in the first p lace? This is something I trust we will be able to discover at a later date.

The point in question was a proposal to close Brownhills Police Station during the night. It would appear that the Reserve man has very little to do during the hours from 10 pm to 6 am whilst indoors, which to him is very frustrating, he hasn't spent his working life training and working to be a Policeman just to sit around. I would have thought that his presence was a deterrent in itself. On the other hand if this man power was released to patrol the beat -there is nothing to compare with the "Bobby on the Beat" - is t his going to be a greater aid towards solving crime, which on the face of it does seem to have increased of late, in our little spot anyway? Have you tried to get hold of a Policeman during the night? How long did it take? W here did the police vehicle come from? What was the out­come?

We are right on the edge and, in fact, the gateway to the West Midlands I feel that w e should be proud of our status, not an em barrassment where nothing matters, w ith problems swept under t he carpet. My concern is great.

I have had the privi lege of Speaking to Superi ntendent K Evans, stationed at Ald ridge, w ho assures me that no deci ­sions wi ll be taken lightly and all possible will be done in t he best interests of the Police Force and the Community of Brownhills.

I think the first step we must take is to build up greater and closer com munication between the Po lice and ourselves and let it be known w ho represents the voice of Brownhills.

Come on - y our strength is needed !

L.S.

When misfortune strikes call

LAUTO REFINISHERS

PHONE 0543- 7658 UNIT F, CHASE ROAD, BROWNHILLS

2 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992

BROWN HILLS

9A Coleshill Road , Hodge Hill,

Birmingham 836 SOT Opening Times

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9.30 - 12.30

Editorial:

Lorraine Stanistreet Brownhills 373508

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Editor

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Rosalie Bott

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Final thoughts on The Carnival Dear Lorraine,

Having been partly responsi­ble for the report in the July Brown hills Gazette on the Carni­val, I feel it is my prerogative to reply to some of the misconcep­tions contained in Mr. Glyn Hol­loway's letter published in August's magazine.

I would hardly call the mem­bers of our Round Table 'Bodies purporting to come from Brow­nhills!' To be a member of Round Table you either have to live or work in the area or both.

The judges in the photograph look solemn because of the responsibility being thrust upon them of disappointing an awful lot of youngsters wishing to become either the Carnival Queen or a princess. I can assure you there was a lot of anxiety in that group, as I took the photo­graph.

Ratner man aen grare their efforts I think they should be applauded for taking the time and trouble on a Sunday to help choose the Queen and Princes­ses.

The Carnival has hardly been taken out of the hands of ordi­nary people - what makes Mr Holloway think Round Tablers are extraordinary; I feel this is something they would immediately deny.

I am sorry he felt obliged to compare 1934 with 1992. The figure of £1000 became nearer £1500 but this was the Round Table 's profit and nothing to do with the money made for other various charities on the 30 stalls and although we do not have a definitive figure this was proba­bly nearer £5000.

I do not think anything went wrong, do you??

Finally more accurate assessment comparing 1934 with 1992 would be to say £160 with an attendance of some 5,000 meant each person spent 3.2p (7.68 old pence) and assum­ing the factor of 150 to be correct this would be £4.80 today, a not unrealistic figure. uMac" Stanistreet

Carnival Floats Last month I promised to give

a mention to anyone w ho pro­vided a vehicle for this years Carnival procession but appa­rently the Round Table have no records, as individual groups made their own arrangements and turned up on the day. How­ever, if float organisers will let me have the date or hauliers themselves let me know at Baker Bond, High Street, I'll still ensure a plug. B. Stringer

For the good of the community? Dear Lorraine,

I was very pleased to see a let­ter from Brian in the last edition. I agree with everything he states and it would appear you are car­rying on the campaign for a bet­ter Brownhills, following in Brian's footsteps.

In respect of Glyn Holloway's letter, with all due respects to him, having known him for many years, I can only agree with him on two points, to use his own words "before you think this is the ramblings of an old man". I must agree with this. I also agree with his comm ents on the success of the carnival (as stated in a previous letter to the Gazette).

According to Glyn the Round Table have hi-jacked the Brow­nhills Carnival. He states that this organisation has been taken over from the ordinary people of Brownhills. The organiser Robert Downes is an ordinary person born and bred in Brow­nhills and as a member of the Round Table would natura '" have received cors·oeraa e rie;p frorr his comrades wti"cr.ever

part of England they come. They achieved a fine carnival, putti"g the community spirit before me amount of money colfected.

It is feft that Glyn was most unfair in his letter stating that you would not have been pre­sent if you were not connected with the Gazette, when all the other papers only sent repor­ters.

In the 1930's the guide books stated Brownhills was a small mining village on the edge of Cannock Chase. I think that Glyn is living in the age of the tram cars, street lamps lit by gas, back to back houses, outside toilets, no television, radios worked by accumulators, very few houses with a telephone or even a car. Houses to rent at 6s 6pence per week. Along the High Street several pawnbrokers shops also credit traders supplying goods for payment on a weekly basis. Mens socks 4 1/zd, ladies stock­ings at 1/11d, also boys T-shirts at the same p rice.

When I started work I was paid '0 sh"llings (50p), working a 62 "'OU' week. Christmas week ~~ '10<..rs. t.arrc ·tted the

.lT'or>ey was ow. hours were ong Dfr. ;:he o· s \vere not so h gh.

- oo.r, ·,... rre aepth of a reces­sion ana so rr..,ch unemploy­ment with so many bills and taxes to pay, Schoo uniforms around £100, Trainers from £20 to £100. At Christmas r·me com­puters, camcorders and many electrical games at a colossal cost to the parents.

May I say Glyn any young per­son bringing up a family and buying a house have my sym­pathy as they are in the position of having less monet ro give to any charity howe~·er worthy. In view of the commur>h} spirit this carnival generatea outweighs the £1 OOO collectior ar the carni­val. To the Round -able I give a personal vote of thanks for all the work they do throughout the year, particularly at Christmas so carry on the good work. I am approaching 70 and trust you will consider that I am a rambl­ing old man but not a critic of those people w ho work so hard for the community.

(Mr. R. Breakwell)

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Brownhills must be a good area for marriages that last. We have the pleasure of reporting yet another golden wedding celebrated recently.

Mr. and Mrs. Gladys and Frank Westwood, of 24 Cedar Avenue, Brownhills, recently reached their golden wedding day. It is a long time since those wartime days of 1942. Things seemed to be more romantic in those days, perhaps the war played a part I don't know, may be it was the uniform . Whatever it was it has stood the test of t ime and I was delighted to meet Mr. and Mrs. Westw ood. They seemed to be perfectly content w ith one another, who cou ld ask for more?

Mr. Westwood joined the army in 1942, and was stationed at Budbrooke Barracks close to Warwick Castle. On his first leave he met the girl who was to be his wife, there was no doubt in his mind from the moment he saw her. They were married at St James Church on the 20th June, 1942. They have two daughters­Pauline and Ruth, they have six grandchildren and one great grand child.

For 46 years Mr. Westwood worked in the mine.

Mr. and Mrs. Westwood had a surprise party arranged by thei r fami ly and altogether it was a very happy day.

Pauline and Shirley welcome you to the

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BROWN HILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992 3

Local Crime A run down of local crime not

only for your information but you may be able to assist us in the detecting of these offences.

An Astra car was stolen this month from Watl ing Street, Brownhills and three vehicles had property stolen from them, two in Fullelove Road and one at Watling Street.

Sheds have been attacked and mowers and garden equipment stolen from them at the follow­ing locations, Pelsall Road, Seeds Lane and at several homes in Clayhanger.

Four pedal cycles have been stolen this month, 3 from along Brownhills High Street and one from Warren Place. They are as follows: (Have you seen them in your area since the thefts bet­ween 7th and 19th August 1992). uBarracuda u purple - Mountain Bike uUniversalu pink - Mountain Bike " Oakland" black- Mountain Bike "Emmelle" red - Mountain Bike

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Details: 0543 375784.

A motorcycle was stolen from Brownhills market area.

At the following localities burglaries took place and cash, electrical and video equipment was stolen.

Cherwell Drive - daytime, Wayne House - overnight, School Avenue - late evening and High Street Brownhi lls -Midday.

Other breakins occurred at Brownhills Cricket Club, Chase­water park and Kwiksav e, Brow­nhills: Also another shop win­dow in Brownhills High Street, was smashed. Vehicles were damaged in Hodgkins Close and Holland Park, Brownhills.

A heavy goods trailer unit has been stolen from Brownhills Business Park, have you seen this, this month, valued at £10,000.

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4 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992

Why has Ravenscourt been left to go to rack and ruin?

Dear Editor, In support of your comments

featured in the July edition of the Gazette, I WOULD ENDORSE TOTALLY YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS regarding the state, not only of Ravens Court precinct, but also the general state of Brownhil/s Town Centre.

I am no doubt, classed as the 'new boy', opening up a shop in Brownhills, and as that, feel that comment from myself in an effort to achieve remedial action is necessary, to improve the environment that we as retailers work in, and more important, that the public shop in.

If we are to encourage more people to shop in Brownhil/s,

improvements M UST be made. Why has Ravenscourt been

left to go to rack and ruin? I would suspect that the original developers consider Brownhills a second class town, and would suggest a strong Jetter be sent to the Chief Executive of the relev­ant Company.

The only way to encourage other businesses to open shops in Ravenscourt, and in Brown­hills altogether is to improve the environment:-

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Chamber of Trade My fears are increasing daily,

the greatest of w hich is that Brownhills should become a ghost town. I am worried about the Post Office, the Police Sta­tion, the High Street, The Pre­cinct, the Bye-Pass, Pedestr iani­sation of t he High St reet.

I do implore the Traders and Industria lists of Brownhills to make an attempt to reform the Chamber of Trade to be a vo ice in the futu re development of Brownhills. Why are we allow-

ng ou.-se . es m be brow beaten wne" .-. e CO.J a and should be a great insp ·a~ or and an area of significance and ·mportance, after allv.e a•eagatewayto Wal­sall Borough and the West Mid­lands and snould be proud of our opportunities and potential.

Let us stand up and shine our light. We are an important com­mu nity in the Borough and w e must prove it. Come on, COME ON, COME ON

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BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992 5

Klu Klux Klan WEST MIDLANDS CO-OPERATIVE

Funeral Services It is with great reluctance that I w rite this article, much against my better feelings as I have no wish to sensationalise anything which involves such pain, suf­fering and hatred. I would like to close my eyes, my ears and my heart and pretend it never hap­pened in our midst, but it has and it is too serious to be ignored.

Perhaps it is an isolated inci­dent organised by others mov­ing in from another area, I hesi­tate to think it could possibly be connected with local people, unfortunately loca l youngsters of an impressionable age could be influenced. I refer of course to the activity reported in the press concerning subversive happen­ings in Brownhi lls. I have spoken to the police and they are taking the matter seriously, I suppose they cannot do otherwise. We all know w hat happens when we let these th ings continue unchecked . Do we really want history to be repeated. I think not!

Edward Y. Clarke, El izabeth Tyler and William J. Simmons may not be household names in Brownhills in 1992, and all things considered it is to be· hoped that their ideology does not become widely known in the area. The reason is simple - in 1915 William J. Simmons founded an organisation known as the Klu Klux Klan. Clarke and Tyler then helped him to turn it into a successful business ven­ture.

The original Klan had arisen among white Southerners after the Civil War and was thankfully stopped at the end of t he Recon­struction. This Klan had been a white supremacist group ter­rorising Negroes and prevent­ing them from exercising their right t o vote. That in itself is abhorrent but t his second incar­nation of the Klan encompassed not only racism but also anti­Semitism, anti-Catholicism, in fact anti-anything or anyone who threatened the "tradi­tional" American way of life. This ideology appealed to the many small-minded Am6ricans

worried about the " mongrelisa­tion" of America and the smothering of w hite Americans by Negroes and immigrants and in the 1920s an estimated 1.5 m illion Americans were Klan members. However, even the white Protestant middle classes were not immune. The Klan ruled by fear, using phone tap­ping and intercepting mail in order to uncover any scandal and setting themselves up as upholders of strict moral values - the transgressor would be at best ostracised, at worst beaten or tortured.

The Klan increased its hold on the American popular imagina­tion by their use of ritual and pageantry and of course the cloak of secrecy surrounding their activities. Whether from cowardice o r a perverse desire to maintain their fantasy world meetings were in secret, mem­bers hooded and they even had a secret language. High officers were known as Grand Goblin, Grand Dragon or Exalted Cyc­lops- but this was no fairy story.

Organisation was certainly one of their strong points and this enabled them to become very act ive in the political life of several states. This ultimately lead to their downfall when a member of this "moral" organi­sation in Indiana, espousing truth, justice and the American way was imprisoned for abduct­ing and molesting a young woman and then refusing to allow medical aid w hen she poisoned herself. The scandal coupled with the opening of t his man's secret files exposing Klan lawlessness heralded the end of t his insidious organisation. By 1930 the bubble had burst, but not before many lives had been ruined, hearts hardened and w hole states corrupted. We in Brownhills may think that the latest activities of the KKK could not possibly harm us, but the inhabitants of downtow n Chicago probably thought the same about a bunch of extremists burning crosses back in the Twenties.

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2 x Mixed Grills· Lamb Chop - 5oz Steak, Kidney, Gammon, Egg-£7.00 - SAVE £2.90

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LUNCHTIME SPECIALS FROM £1 .30 Childrens Menu 99p up to 12 years

We now serve home cooked Sunday Lunch £3.95

Ansells Traditional Beers

Orders now being taken for Christmas Parties and Christmas Day

7.00. 9.30

6 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992

Brown hills Archives This month's archive p icture

shows Scouts from Brownhills as they set out for an annual camp in Kirbeymoorside, York­sh ire. This was 24 years ago in 1968. How many of these Scouts still live locally, where are you now? Baker Bond or Lorraine will be p leased to hear from you.

Leaving by coach today from their headquarters in Barnetts­lane, Brownhills, for a camping holiday in Yorkshire, are 16 members of the 15th Walsall (2nd. Brownhills) Scout Group. They are in the care of leader, Mr. Alistair Mayo and assistant leader Mr. Martin Addine ll.

Last Months Archives

Last months photo we called " on strike" stirred a few memories and more informa­tion has come to light.

Mr. Sid Fullelove of Shire Oak remembers a previous Archives shot of 1a group of people by Brownhills West chapel doing a "Whitewashing Bee". This we gather is when volunteers got together and decorated any

large community building, the only way available at that time i.e. buckets, brushes, w ater, a ball of whitening, and a bag of blue.

This is confirmed in a letter from our friend Gwen James who has given us a detailed let­ter giving us all the facts.

She tells us that during the miners strike in 1921 the trus­tees of Clayhanger Methodist Church bought an Army Camp

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Hut from Hednesford Army Camp, at a very reasonable price, which they urgently needed for their ever growing

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Poxon, their sons, Will, Michael and daughter Winn ie were also pic­Sunday School, and for use for Social Activities, Plays, Pan­tomines, Parties, etc.

When the hut was erected all the internal work had to be done by the members and volunteers to keep the costs down.

The photograph was taken to celebrate the completion of the work done by the miners who were on strike at the time.

The little boy on the middle of the back row is Gwen's brother David (aged 5) on the shoulders of Bill Smith, and in front of him (with moustache) is her father. Most of the young men were in his senior Su nday school class or his young men's class which

today would be called a Youth Club. tured. Mr. & Mrs. Poxon were caretakers at that time. Also on the far right of the back row, wearing a cap is Mr. George Wil­lets, whose son Albert is fea­tured.

The Willets and Poxons families were the backbone of the chapel, when Gwen's father joined in 1913.

Gwen writes "Why the photo­g raph is so real to m e is because, I was at the beginning of my ill­ness, and I was taken by my father, in my brothers pushchair, to the chapel and I was actually inside when the photo was taken. That was the last time I went to the chapel until 1932, as I realised that I was incurable and would never walk again".

Thanks for your continued interest and involvement Gwen.

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GAZETTEPOSTBAG ·~

Dear Lorraine, I have recently married a

HBrownhil/ian" and thought It would be nice to announce our wedding through the Gazette. You see we receive the Gazette monthly from my father-in-law Stan, who lives on Lichfield Road, and when it arrives there is no disturbing my husband until he has read it from cover to

Central Townswomens

Guild Owing to the summer holiday

period, there was no Guild Meet­ing in August, but this did not prevent Guild Members getting together for a trip out to Milford 'Common and sampling the delights of an informal fish and chip supper at The Little Fawn. An excellent meal was enjoyed in a relaxed and friendly atmos­phere, followed by musical entertainment played by the resident organist.

Members and friends thoroughly enjoyed their even­ing out and plan to pay a return visit at Xmas in celebration of the festive season.

A Fashion Show is being organised to take place on Thursday 22nd October, at The Barons Court Hotel in the very glamorous surroundings of The Champagne Suite. This exciting event has been arranged by Guild Arts and Crafts Secretary Mrs. Brigit Brookes, in associa-

cover. I too enjoy the Gazette and since my holiday time is spent in and around Brown hills I am beginning to recognise places that people write about.

Enclosed is a photograph and below an outline of wedding details.

July 24th, 1992 on the island of Antigua, Kathleen daughter of Mr & Mrs H O'Brien, East Kil­bride was married to Neil, only son of Stan and the late Edna Stringer, Brownhills. The couple will continue to reside in Canada.

I noticed Lorraine in one edi­tion you describe yourself as a 'nosey parker' - interested in the human side of things, I call that 'women's intuition' and applaud you for bringing it to the Gazette.

Thank you for your assistance Sincerely,

Kathleen Stringer

tion with Tres Bon of Aldridge, and the Management of The Baron's Court Hotel, w ho have generously agreed to support the event. Proceeds are in aid of The Rainbow House Childrens Hospice.

Tickets cost £4 and are obtain­able from The Ticket Secretary, Tel. Brownhills 375605 - but hurry - tickets are in great demand and are going fast.

A Barn Dance is being organised to be held at The Memorial Hall in the Autumn. The last Barn Dance held by the Guild three years ago was a great success as everyone has the opportunity to join in and no­one gets to be a wallflower - the caller sees to that!

Our Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7.30 p.rn. at The Lichfield . Suite, Memorial Hall, Lichfield Road, Brownhills. There is a half hourly bus service and a bus stop outside the Memo. Also there is ample car parking space. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Stella M. Hodgkiss Press Officer

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BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992 7

The National Deaf -Blind and

Rubella Association (Sense) Fol lowing a recent appeal by

the above, a total of £22.71 was received from nominated resi­dents in Catshill Road, to whom I extend my appreciation in sup­porting so worthy a cause.

A. W. Goodman

Clean Up On Saturday 24th October, St.

James Church. C.Y.F.A. (Christ­ian Youth Fellowship Associa­tion), will be having a grave yard clean up, at Great Charles Street Cemetery.

If like us you feel concerned about our environment, please come along and help.

We will be starting work at about 10.o'clock in the morning. Bring packed lunch, stay all day or just come for an hour or two.

One person can make a differ­ence! is that person you? Look­ing forward to meeting you.

St.James C.Y.F.A.

NOTICE OF THANKS DENISE & STEVE WOODHOUSE would like to thank family and friends for gifts on the occasion · of their wedding. Special thanks to Dolly and Roy Heath for a wonderful day.

EDWARDS FLORENCE MARY Many thanks to friends and rela­tives for their expressions of sympathy on the loss of our dear morn and nan. Grateful thanks to Rev S. P. Girling of Brow­nhills. Staff of Rowan Ward Manor Hospital. John Short and son and everyone for their kind help and support.

OBITUARY

EDWARDS FLORENCE MARY Morn reunited with dad on 29th July. Everyday in a very special way, loving thoughts come our way. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

LETTERS Any letters submitted to the

Gazette for publication must be accompanied with the writers name and address even though they do not want it to be printed. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Shire Oak Community School Association

SKITTLE EVENING

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8 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992

Brownhills School and Community Centre News Higher Education at Brownhills School

Planning to build on their out­standing success at GCSE sixty students have enrolled on Post-16 courses in Brownhills Sixth. Form. Forty students have com­menced 2 year "A" level courses, thirteen (this number expected to rise) have begun vocational courses (CPVE and Business Administration) and a further seven students are studying for a BTec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing.

This is a new course being taught in association with Wal­sall College of Technology and our own students are being joined by five students hoping to obtain this advanced qualifica­tion in the education and care of young children.

This year's intake of sixth form students is a record for Brow­nhills. We are delighted to see so many of our students having the confidence in themselves and in our school to continue their edu­cation with us and through the hard work this will entail seek to

secure their progression into higher education, training and employment.

Exceptional Exam Results for Local School

Pupils at Brownhills Com­munity School produced excep­tional results in the Summer GCSE "A" level examinations.

54% of all entries to the GCSE scored A to C grades (the o ld "O" level) with one pupil gain­ing 1 O A- C grades and another9 grade A's. 10.3% of all entries were at Grade A placing the school just outside the top 150 schools in the country. Head­teacher, Allan Jarrett said he was very proud of the pupils' achievement and of the effort and support given to them by the teach ing staff.

Results at u A · levels, whe,-e subjects are taught in a conjoint arrangement with Shire Oak, showed a combined pass rate of 74% . All "A" level students have now been placed in degree courses, HND courses, or into employment.

RSA Results -Summer Examinations

Adult Student Results We are pleased to reportthat7

out of 8 students gained their Book-keeping RSA certificate.

3 out of 4 students passed their Typewriting examination, one student passed with Disti nc­tion.

12 out of 14 students gained their Word Processing certifi-

cates, with 6 students receiving Distinction.

GCSE Results: Adult students We are delighted that the

results of our adult students at · GCSE level show a 75% pass rate at Grades A/C, 25% above the national average.

We congratulate our students on their successful examination results.

CALENDAR: BROWNHILLS SCHOOL

15th September Years 10 and 11 Parents Information Evening 4th October - Year 13 students to visit Radley College 18th October - Radley Students to visit Brownhills Community School 26th October - Half-Tenn 30th October Sth November - Home and School Association AGM and Annual Parents' Evening 23rd November - Awards Day 26th November - Bal(er Day 27C h November - Occasional Day 7th December - Christmas Fayre 15th December - Christmas Concert and Senior Citizens' Party 16th December - Christmas Concert 18th December -School closes for Christmas

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Celeste 3 Piece - Our Price £449 - normally £599 Other Suites from £229 Top Part Exchange Allowance on your Old Suite Orthopaedic High Seat - High Back Chairs £129 .50

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Mediterranean Trip

During August, 24 pupils were taken on a watersports trip to France by Mr Powell and Mrs Geldard-Williams.

The group canoed down the Ardeche Gorge for two days and then travelled to Marseillan -PI age, on the Mediterranean, for five days of snorkelling, w·nd­surfing, wave-canoeing, sa ing and sunbathing.

The highlight of the holiday was undoubtedly Kevin Astin attempting to take a shower in a French hole-in-the-floor toilet!

New Staff at Brownhills School

Brownhills Community School welcomed new staff to a number of departments at the beginning of term.

Elizabeth Lloyd and Christine Harris joined the Modern Lan­guages Department and Patricia Tarrant-Brown took over in the textiles section of the Art, Design and Technology Depart­ment.

In addition to these full-time staff, Deidre Little and Jackie Birch have joined the school on a temporary basis to replace staff on extended leave.

The school is now fully staffed and looks forward to another

. successful year.

Survival on the Chase

Pupils from Brownhills Com­munity School spent a windswept and rainy night on Cannock Chase equipped only with very basic shelter mate­rials.

The pupils were taking part in a survival challenge and the weather decided to play as well! Plastic bags, string, cardboard boxes and bamboo canes pro­vided the means to keep out the wet - some managed to survive.

Brownhills School Travel News

Saturday, 17th October 1992 Visit to the Pottery Factory

shops in Stoke-on-Trent. Leave school at 9.00 am and return approximately 6.00 pm. £3.50 per person.

Saturday, 21st November 1992 London - Christmas Shopping Trip

Leave school 8.00 am return approximately 9.30 pm. £6.00 per person. Book your seats on the above trips by sending appropriate cheques made pay­able to Brownhills School Excur­sion Fund.

May 1993 - Florida We may be taking another

visit to Florida, USA next May. If you are interested in receiving further details please contact Mrs Jackson at the school on Brownhills 452886.

BROWN HILLS GAZETIE, SEPTEMBER 1992 9

New signs at Brownhills School

Visitors to Brownhills Com­munity School can no longer be confused over where they are.

Large new signs advertise the school and the various depart­ments. The signs have been pro­vided as part of the recent Technology Schools Initiative Award won by the school, and

form part of a plan to improve the design of the front of the school.

FOR SALE SUPER SER CALOR GAS HEATER £30 o.n.o. Tel: 0543 377602 ICE SKATING BOOTS ladies, white, size 7 £15 o.n.o. 0543-377602

~ Wedding Flowers~ ~ Bridal Bouquets ~

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10 BROWNHILLS GAZETTE. SEPTEMBER 1992

54321 - Thunderbirds were go!

You may not have read it in the papers or seen it on TV but at the end of August the world was under threat from Colonel Dog­breath and his men the Nasty­means. They flooded market stalls around the world with their T-shirts which looked harmless but when people wore them they turned nasty and mean, the world was being

destroyed by violence and hatred. Thunderbird 2 came to the rescue from a small but sig­nificant corner of the planet - St James Church Hall, Brownhills. The ship was manned by 7-11 year old 'Troopers' who helped fly a week long mission to save the world ... the T-shirt factory on the moon was zapped with phaser rockets by Admiral God's

son Virgil in Thunderbi rd 3. People who had been wearing the T-shirts were made to realise that if they followed Admiral God rather than Colonel Dog­breath they could become kind and good not nasty and mean.

It was a dangerous mission but about 60 Troopers came to crew the ship, each had their own identity pass with daily codes from the ship's handbook (known on earth as the Bible) to prevent Nastymean intruders from coming on board. Trapper skills were tested with exercises once they were on board - co­ordination, accuracy, speed, memory etc. Troopers worked in teams to make the mission a success - doing everything from space collages to futuristic clay space models and redesigning and building Thunderbird 3 to boost the thrusters to get Virgil to the moon.

Trooper teams competed in · relay races, parachute games,

and 'It's a Knockout' contest and

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for the loudest team shout: "HO­Troopers" (reply) "FAS-Troop­ers". Ships songs included 'Father Admiral has many troops' (with full aerobic dis­play) and the favourite 'Be bold, be strong for the Lord your God is with you'.

Crew and leaders were enthusiastic volunteers from earth command at St James Church, 20-30, some in full Thunderbird costume, keeping t he ship on course and Troopers on stations. They deserve much thanks and praise for withstand­ing a breathtaking and exhilerat­ing mission.

A final warning: If anyone offers you a Dogbreath T-shirt on the cheap say NO! Do you really want to be nasty and mean? Instead why not join Admiral God and with his help become kind and good. Ask a Trooper what happened to Tin­tin, it was a miracle to see how she was changed by turning her back on old Dogbreath and burning her T-shirt; she fol­lowed Admiral God instead!

So the world is safe from Dog­breath and the Nastymeans thanks to the children of Brow­nhills. The church and hall have returned to normal and an air of quiet victory has descended, but remember we must always be on our guard! The Christian message we acted out and which we celebrate each week at St. James is therefor us all: God has come to the rescue of the world, of each of us, by sending his son Jesus, that by trusting in him we might be his Troopers · (followers) for life, become kind and good not nasty and mean. "HO-Brownhills" - "FAB-Brow­nhills" !

Yours, from Tracey Island, Scott. (Revd. Stephen Girling)

P.S. I would like to pass on special

thanks to Walsall Education Dept. and Walsall Lithographic for much of the craft materials that made this week such a suc­cess.

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Scouting in Brownhills and Walsall Wood

The a~de -n August Gazette i ntrod\Jcec readers to the tlll'O

very a~ .e Scoi.r. Grou::>S - - e area COi- erec :: · e Gaze=e This mor:-- e a·e a::i;e -a g 1e more -,,'orna; on ~ act ."ties Which ~L·: regu a n their prograrr"""'e Scou· ng activities are abotr. act or and involve­ment and '""'ean more than just camping and weekly meetings. ·

For Beaver Scouts (aged 6 & 7 years) the emphasis is on activities which are a combina­tion of learning and having fun. Local Beaver Scouts have this year taken part in a "Wellie Walk", an Activity Day at Beaudesert and pond dipping and conservation activities at Park Lime Pits.

Cub Scouts (aged 8, 9 & 10 years) enjoy the experience of challenge and adventure byway of wide range of indoor and out­door activit ies. In March Cub Scouts held a Cook Fun Day when they were challenged to produce a Greek Starter, an Ita­lian Main Course and a French Sweet. By complete contrast, their Adventure Weekends at Beaudesert in May and June created opportunities to cook out of doors, follow trails, learn map reading and take part in a mini-expendition.

Aged between 10 and 15 years, the Scouts' activities a re

aOOut action and involvement. '-! ~ ng, rock climbing, abseiling,_ irarting, canoeing, are a few of. the out of door activit ies; whilst indoors they may be involved in mechanics, electronics, survival skills, cooking and fi rst aid, all important parts of training for community involvement.

Venture Scouts, aged bet­ween 15 and 20 years, plan their own programmes which demand high standards of leadership, activity skills and service to the Community, lead­ing to the Queen's Scout Award. They will also have the oppor­tunity to complement their Scout Training with the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme_

The 1\'liO local Groups, 2nd Brov.....,~" s based ·n Bametts ume, Brownh-lls and the 1st Walsall .Vood who meet at The Hall in Brook Lane, Walsall Wood, provide opportunities for many of these activities. The next major event for the Walsall Wood Group is Jamboree on the Air an annual weekend for amateur radio enthusiasts sup­ported by radio societies and individual operatorswhotry and contact each other over the radio waves. Their base for the weekend of 17/18 October 1992 will be Shire Oak Park where they will welcome visitors to observe the plotting of incoming calls on a world map.

Brownhills Town Football Club Town started their new sea­

son in the staffs County Premier League with two consecutive wins. In the first game Town recorded their highest score ever when they had a 12-0 vic­tory over Tipton Town with goals from Mark Gnosill 6, Dave Watson, 1, Adrian Hughes 4 and Andrew Davies, 1. On Saturday 29th August Town followed this up with a convincing 2-0 win over Lichfield, with goals com­ing from Mark Gnosill and Dave Watson.

Off the field the bad news is that the club changing rooms have again been b roken into on two occasions, luckily very little damage was done. On the good side, following Town's appeal for a first aider, local man Steve

JOHN SPARKY Equity Member

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Hughes has taken up the posi­tion and had plenty to do in his first game. Well done Steve! Also Town's appeal for local shops and businesses to sup­port the team by advertising in the Club programme paid dividends with advertising by Brownhills Motor Salvage, Cen­tury Snooker and Steve Paul (plastering and rendering) and Alan Payne Joinery. There is also a possibility of 2 or 3 more for the next edition.

Town officials have had a meeting with Councillor Gardly with a view to leasing a piece of land that would enable Town to progress to a higher league in the future.

HOLIDAY COTT AGE Mousehole, Penzance

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BROWN HILLS GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 1992 11

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