'Christmas' to be back in festive programme
A COUNCIL has pledged to reinstate the word Christmas in its festive lights programme – after complaints that leaving it out was "political correctness gone mad".
Publicity material for Broxtowe Borough Council's celebrations on November 28 simply referred to a "Beeston Lights Switch On Event".
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However, after the council was made aware of the "strength of feeling" over the issue, it has promised to use the word again next year.
It follows three years where Christmas was not used because of the "diverse" nature of events.
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Sam Blacklock, chairman of Beeston and Chilwell Business and Residents' Association, had said: "I think it is political correctness gone mad. It is absolutely absurd. People accept we live in a multicultural society."
Beeston father-of-two Ron Glen, 67, said: "It is plain daft. We have had Christian tradition in this country for thousands of years."
The pamphlets sent out by Broxtowe Borough Council only make reference inside to Christmas. There is mention of "Christmas Elves", "Christmas pop tunes", and a special dance "to link the Diwali and Christmas celebrations".
A spokeswoman for the council said: "Broxtowe Borough Council has always supported and celebrated the season of Christmas, and has not 'diluted' the occasion as suggested.
"On the contrary, over the last 15 years it has held successful and extremely popular Christmas events across the borough.
"The programme of activities prior to, during and after these events is varied and diverse, so three years ago the title only on the publicity material changed to read 'Lights Switch-On'.
"However, leaflets, the website and press releases all detail the relevant activities, including all the Christmas titled activities.
"The council is concerned to hear of the public's strength of feeling about this issue and because of that, it is intending to include Christmas in the title of next years publicity material."
Council leader Councillor Michael Rich said he was making sure Christmas was reinstated.
He said: "It is petty to me that we took it off the front.
"There were excuses that there was no room for it but I am not accepting that.
"Appropriate words have been said to appropriate staff."
Councillor Richard Jackson, leader of the Conservative group on the authority, said: "We have various things all year round for various cultures like a Chinese New Year.
"We have a Christmas tree and Christmas lights. It does not offend people."
chris.birkle@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
Comments
by Sukie, Far Away Place
Thursday, November 19 2009, 6:12PM
“A-N-T-H-R-O-P-O-L-O-G-Y
thats how my boyfreind spelles it but it is mr tumnus that should be shot as he reads fary stories and thinks they are true live like if he red brer rabbit he woud think that american rabbits lifed in briar paches and suh so his letters make me and my boyfreind laff”
by Miltona, Paradise Found
Thursday, November 19 2009, 12:46AM
“I am happy to see that the word 'Christmas' is no longer deemed to be offensive. It is celebrated in many non-Christian societies, where the concept of Peace on Earth, Good Will To All is welcome.
The Supreme Being, whatever name different religions may give him, does not ask for money, power, or silly rules that say what you should or should not wear when you address him. It is mankind that has corrupted his messgee, organised faiths that have hijacked his message and put so many people off the whole idea of religion.”
by Tom, Ruddington
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 11:51PM
“Well whatever 'Christmas' means, it's something special to many people. And not saying it annoys us. In this hyper sensitive and ultra-PC world can't we just enjoy someting without moaning and crying about who potentially might be offended? C'mon Nottingham let's try ok?!”
by mr tumnus, narnia
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 10:41PM
“sorry aboot the spellling..key board on the fritz..i`ve just watched demons and angels..very good and yet another pointer towards the church being corrupt with no interest in religion at all...unless its to line its pockets.”
by Steve, Notts
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 10:09PM
“It¿s never been against the law to talk to yourself so let these religious cranks get on with it, Let all the Christians, Muslim nuts get on with their delusional life¿s but please just leave the rest of us alone, we don¿t want any part of your psychosis. You might be the owners of the only sociably accepted form of insanity but fight around your gods between yourselves and leave normal people alone.”
by new order, follow or die
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 10:06PM
“your cullture has been replaced , now get to the mosque or else”
by Doc, Farnborough Road
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 8:19PM
“Are you really serious mr tumnus telling that delightful Sukey that she cannot spell.
i bet she would make better job of the word "anthropology" than your attempt or are you trying to reach her on her level of grammatical prowess?
Give it a shot Sukey”
by m, gedling
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 8:15PM
“mr tumnus jesus isnt very good with money in america, he is the all seeing ,he can turn water into wine,he can give you anything you pray for yet for some reason he cant handle money, he always wants more money.”
by Sukie, Far Away Place
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 8:15PM
“you cheekie munkey mr tumnus I was 22 last burthday in september and that makes me a virgo i would have to ask my boyfreind the answer to yuor question because last time we talked about the age of the universes planets and moons and such i got a bit confused when he told me it was 13 billion years or more since the big banger and that the milky way and the earth was more than 4 billion years old cause it took a long time to cool down so that life could start growing on it and such with all that water needed for the litle animals to swim in before they couldbecome bigger animals and things so i will wait until next day when my boyfreind comes over”
by mr tumnus, narnia
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 7:36PM
“hey sukie..if its not past your bedtime answer this question......how old is the universe?..i`ll give you a clue,its more than 3000 years..go on have a go.”