Friday brief: Museum pulls monarchy book from shelves over ‘disrepute’ fears
Plus another stabbing in Northamptonshire, staffing issues within council benefits department, campaigners plan protest over death of Chris Kaba, and some things for the weekend
A Northampton author has had his popular book about the monarchs of England taken out of the town’s museum over fears it could bring it into ‘disrepute’ during the period of national mourning.
Tony Boullemier’s Little Book of Monarchs has a front cover illustration by celebrated local cartoonist Adrian Teal, showing an image of the former Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, pretending to take the crown from the late Queen, who sits on a throne in front of him.
Tony, who published the book in 2012 and has sold several thousands of copies, received an email on Tuesday from a member of the museum’s staff saying they were temporarily removing the book because it wanted ‘to try and avoid any potential issues of the museum being brought into disrepute.’
He told NN Journal: “I was surprised - everyone who has seen it has said what a great cover it is and I have had nothing but complimentary comments.
“I can see the thought process behind it [the museum’s decision] but who would be offended?
“I’m totally a monarchist. It would be a disaster if the country abandoned it and I look forward to the reign of King Charles III.”
The book is a pocket sized history book which charts back the country’s 42 (now 43) monarchs to William I. Avid historian Tony wrote it as a way for children to have a complete overview of the country’s royal history.
The museum in Guildhall Road, which opened last year, is run by West Northamptonshire Council and Cllr Adam Brown said although the museum had not had any complaints it had decided to remove the book as a precautionary measure.
He said: “Upon reflection, the museum management decided that given the nature of the cover, imitating the King taking the crown from behind the Queen’s back, that the cover wasn’t appropriate for display during the official period of mourning.
“During this period of national mourning for a beloved Queen, the council believes it was correct to temporarily remove the book which will be back on the shelves after the period of mourning.”
The country is in national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II until Monday, when the state funeral takes place at Westminster Abbey. Currently her body is lying in state in Westminster place, with hundreds of thousands venturing down to the capital to pay their respects.
The temporary censorship of Tony’s book comes following other accusations of heavy handedness by officials. A number of people in Scotland were arrested by police for public protest against the royal family, with one man arrested even though his banner was blank.
Police have been using powers given under the new police and crime bill which allows them to shut down protests which are considered to be disturbing the peace. There were a number of protests across the country last year against the bill, including one in Northampton, with protestors saying it shuts down one of the fundamental rights of a functioning democracy
You can buy a copy of Tony’s book from the publisher at: www.troubador.co.uk/shop.asp , from Amazon.co.uk’ and it is also stocked in the Jeyes of Earls Barton.
News in brief
There has been another stabbing of a teenager on our county’s streets. As reported by the Chronicle and Echo a 16 year-old was stabbed in the arm while walking through an alley near Sansom Court close to Northampton College on Wednesday. This comes as councillors this week called for more funding to be directed to youth services amid concerns over serious violent crime involving young people.
There appears to be unrest within the West Northamptonshire Council’s Revenue and Benefits department. At a cabinet meeting this week Cllr Danielle Stone said:
“I understand that Revs and Bens [Revenue and Benefits] is in a desperate situation at the moment with a shortage of staff, high absence of staff, sickness and a major trade union dispute to deal with. Can I suggest this gets referred to Corporate Scrutiny to get looked at please?”
The Executive Director of finance Martin Henry told the meeting that although there were issues with staffing he did not agree that the service was in crisis.
“It’s fair to say that the benefits team is going through a state of change, we’ve brought three different operating methods together…We are seeing some sickness within the service and some vacant posts within the service,” he said.
“I’d be delighted to bring a factual report to Corporate Scrutiny. I think what it would show is that if we look at unallocated payments compared to last year it would be much lower…I’ve just pulled up the information in relation to performance for collection of business rates and collection of council tax and it doesn’t appear to me that the service is in crisis at all, in fact it’s performing very well.”
Campaigners will take to the streets of Northampton on Saturday to join a national day of action following the death of Chris Kaba. The 24 year-old was unarmed when he was shot by a Metropolitan Police officer earlier this month. The protest will start at 2.30pm outside Kall Kwik on Abington Street.
NN Culture
For the Sake of Song showcases three songwriters each month and is happening tonight at the Keystone Centre on Rockingham Road, Kettering. This month’s lineup features local songwriters Tom Oi and Kim Chamberlain and Liverpool based performer James Murray. Tickets are free and can be booked at https://www.keironfarrow.com/ftsots
Northamptonshire Walks is doing the 10.9 mile Lyveden Way walk on Thursday from 10.30am. Join its popular Facebook group to sign up and find out about more upcoming walks.
It’s the Oktoberfest beer festival at the Kings Arms in Thrapston on Saturday from 3pm. There will be a marquee, BBQ and a live oompah band
We will not be publishing on Monday, so we’ll be back in your inboxes again on Tuesday.
Precautionary censorship? Wow. That's a new one on me, but I suppose it reflects the kind of country we are becoming.
Or shooting?