How to get a new job in Government
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A MINISTER who would like a change of job has, it seems, only to address the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, although he or she might be falling out of the frying pan into the fire.
J. Harry Hooper, president, speaking at the society's Motor Show banquet, pointed out that Patrick Jenkin was moved from his Government post shortly after addressing the CBI-SMMT conference 18 months ago. Toni King's departure from the Department of Transport followed smartly on his speech to the motor industry a year ago.
This year Norman Lamont, Minister for Industry, deputised for his indomitable chief, Norman Tebbit, who lay in bed after cheating his would-be assassins.
"All of those present tonight wish Norman Tebbit a rapid and complete recovery to take on all opposition again in his own inimitable way," said Harry Hooper. To Norman Lamont he added: "It is not only good of you to come this evening . . but with our track record it is extremely brave of you, tool"
Bridge too much in Oxfordshire
OXFORDSHIRE County Council has finally abandoned its plans to use a compulsory purchase order to acquire Swinford Toll Bridge and discontinue the toll.
Michael Cox, owner of the bridge, failed in his attempts to raise the toll to 10p but is still able to collect a tax-free 2p from every vehicle crossing his particular stretch of the River Thames. Only amphibians can avoid it.
In order to placate local residents compelled to use the bridge daily, Mr Cox issued books of 25 tickets, but some nefarious printer has produced counterfeit books. Then Mrs Cox had her foot run over while collecting two pences.
More a bridge too much than a bridge too far.
The 'HGV' vicar takes aid to Poland
THE VICAR who, "more or less as a bet" with Eric Vick, past chairman of Hardwick Parish Council and a local haulier, qualified as a heavy goods vehicle driver in a week, is putting his skill to good use. He is Geoff Stickland and he has driven a Volvo tractor, lent by the Wincanton Transport Group to International Medical Aid for Poland, on a two-week round trip to that ill-starred country with urgently needed supplies.
The tractor was accompanied by two trailers, one supplied by Eric Vick. The vicar of Hardwick drove one to Warsaw and the other to Rabka. He is no stranger to long hauls, for during sabatical breaks he has made trips to North Africa and to various European countries.
A bright star shines in the North
YORKSHIRE and the North are not all gloom, doom, decay and soup kitchens. Marks and Spencer's business in the area has increased so much in th past three years that the company's nationwide carrier of packaged goods, the NFC subsidiary, Fashionflow, has