News Release

9th June 2002

SHOULD BOWER MOVE DATE?

After the wash-out last Monday Bank Holiday which reduced the income of the Golden Bower in Lichfield announced last night (8th June) in Lichfield's Guildhall, Michael Fabricant wonders: "Should the Bower now change its date? I know this is heresy. The Bower has been on the Whitsun weekend for hundreds of years. But with climatic change, should the Bower be moved to the late June Bank Holiday or even into July when the weather is more settled? I think the Bower Committee should consider this.

"Meanwhile, I will continue talks with the Staffordshire Police to see if their high charges made for the policing of the Bower can be reduced or eliminated. This event is not a commercial activity like a football match. People put considerable effort and time free of charge into running this great Lichfield tradition and it raises much needed funds for local charities. It is a real sign of the times that the police feel it necessary to charge for this event. Where is all the extra money promised for policing from Tony Blair?" Michael asks.