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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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