Picture Past: November 29, 1968 – Drunken man ‘plays football’ with bin
These children in national costume took part in a concert at Weston-super-Mare to mark Human Rights Year. Pupils of Winthorpe Academy, they gave displays of folk dancing. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
A drunken man ‘played football’ with a litter bin after having one-too-many drinks after a night out. The Weston Mercury and Somerset Herald reported the story 50 years ago.
Over £400 was raised at a Christmas Fair organised by the Children's and Young People's Church at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall. Pictured is the opener Mrs. M. Woodham receiving a bouquet from Linda Tarr. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
More than 800 people in the Weston and Axbridge area were unemployed in 1968.
The Weston Mercury and Somerset Herald reported a slowing down in the expansion of industries in Weston and Axbridge had left 865 people unemployed.
The area had the worst unemployment rate for years.
• The addition of a new hospital in Weston had been a hot topic of debate in the Mercury for some time in 1968.
Work due to start on Nailsea's new town centre costing £1 million funded by Somerset County Council. The new shoping area leading into High Street. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
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It all came to a head when it was suggested a protest march be held outside 10 Downing Street and in front of the Minister of Health.
It was suggested marchers brandish signs proclaiming ‘Weston needs a new hospital’ should be carried to get the Prime Minister’s attention.
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However it was later decided a letter of protest should be sent to the two ministers instead.
It was also copied to the South West Regional Hospital Board.
Work due to start on Nailsea's new town centre costing £1 million funded by Somerset County Council. The Mizzymead development area. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
• Girls were given the opportunity to train to become part of the Roll of Nurses thanks to a new two-year programme.
It was announced a new course based on practical work and a new system of nursing training will start up in Weston in January.
The idea of the scheme was to give a course without the detailed three-year training required by those who wish to train as state registered nurses.
• A drunken man was sentenced for ‘playing football’ with a litter bin.
Work due to start on Nailsea's new town centre costing £1 million funded by Somerset County Council. Nailsea High Street. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
He was arrested and charged for being drunk and disorderly at Weston Bus Station when he kicked a litter bin – damaging it beyond repair.
The court was told: “He decided to play football with the bin and kicked it altogether some 75 feet across the floor.
“He then walked over to the door and banged his head against it several times.”
He was fined £5 for the drunk and disorderly and £2 for the wilful damage.
The Rev. F. J. Costeloe pictured with a visitor, Mrs. S. R. Cooper, her daughter Juliet and some of her friends, at Kewstoke Church Christmas Bazaar which was held in the church hall. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
He was also told to pay £1 in compensation, totalling £8 (around £135 today).
• Weston’s horticultural show was set to grow from two days to three.
Plans to greatly enlarge the show were approved by the Weston and District Allotments and Gardens Association.
The change meant a rise in subscription costs to five shillings to allow for the extra day.
Pupils at Weston-super-Mare Boys Grammar School prizegiving. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Weston-super-Mare Technical College Annual Prizegiving at the Royal Hotel. Pictured with other prizewinners are (seated) Christine Fear and Anne Jones (hotel and catering department) and John Hecht (sportsman of the year). Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Ads 29th November 1968 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Ads 29th November 1968 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Front Page 29th November 1968 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Weston's Mayor, Cllr Peter Hess, completing the topping out ceremony on the roof of the new Weston Playhouse. 25-11-1968. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
