For 130 years they have been part of Christmas, filling the air in towns across the land with music and carols.
But one thing is missing from the repertoire of Salvation Army bands this year - the percussion of rattling tins.
Members have been forbidden to shake their charity tins - even if it's done in time to the music - in case it harasses or intimidates people. One said she had been told it might also offend other religions.
Hmm, I think the real problem is in the first line of that extract: “For 130 years they have been part of Christmas…”. I’m guessing
that’s the part that the tinpot dictators have problems with.
Guidelines for branches organising public collections say tinholders should simply keep the tin still.
It means that when the brass bands start up they can rock and roll all they want - but if they shake and rattle, it could put them in conflict with the law.
And yet, chuggers infesting our streets 24/7, and not even having the decency to whistle a happy tune in return? No problem! In fact, the
’Guardian’ will even give them space to whine about how
needed they are…
If there are really people out there who feel "intimidated" by the Sally Army then we're in a worse state than even I thought.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about the comparison with chuggers, but it's a valid one - they are intimidating.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I've never felt intimidated by a chugger - the ones in my local high street at mostly gangly students who look like they haven't started shaving yet.
ReplyDeleteAlmost always male, though, which is odd.