Michael Fabricant MP
Michael Fabricant MP

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant added a light-hearted twist to his role as charity collector at this year’s Bower.

In the midst of the MPs expenses scandal, Mr Fabricant opted to collect under the slogan ‘Collecting for local charities and not for my expenses’.

The slogan was even emblazoned across a Royal Marines helmet which he jokingly claimed he had to wear for protection!

The Lichfield MP added:

“The Bower Day was great fun and the crowds were good natured and generous. Only one person asked me if the money was for a duck house.

“I was delighted that the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas lead the procession.  I voted for their right to live in England when the Government was recently defeated in Parliament on this issue.  It was my privilege to meet some of the Gurkhas in the parade. What a coup this was for the Bower Committee.  They booked the Gurkhas back in November last year little realising what a campaign would develop for them in the coming months.”

Despite the current financial climate, the crowds turned out in force to support the Bower as they lined the streets of the city to watch the parade pass by.

And Mr Fabricant believes the Bower is tradition which must be continued. He said:

“With increasing charges, the Bower now costs around £50,000 to stage so I am delighted with the numbers of people who attended this year.  We must keep this tradition going.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.