1977: continued from our November issue:

In light of the ban imposed on the sale of Never Mind The Bollocks, P.Dory, of Worthing, wrote to the stuffy old Argus:

"Having in mind the new controversy over the punk rock group the Sex Pistols, I should like to ask why WHSmith, Woolworths and Boots are refusing to sell the group's latest album. I think this is an infringement of my liberty. I am eighteen. Can I not decide for myself what I want to hear?

I feel the reason for the action taken against the Pistols is that they are, through some of their songs, making valid criticisms of some aspects of a society which is slowly sinking into apathy and complacency. If the reaction to the Sex Pistols is an example, on a small scale, of British freedom of speech, then the group are right when they say "There is no future and England is dreaming...""

Woolworths came back with a typically pithy reply: "The Sex Pistols new album did not meet our laid-down criteria. Therefore it will not be stocked. We will continue to exercise our discretion." Yeah, well, bollocks!

Meanwhile, the Depressions signed a deal with Barn records for the single 'Family Planning". And the Official Receivers put the 111 year old West Pier on the market...so now you know.