Archive
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Youngsters in tenpin finals
FOUR Preston schoolchildren were bowled over by their opposition when they played in a regional final of the Go Tenpin Schools Championships. The team, from Lostock Hall High School, finished fourth in the competition held in Leeds last week. The team
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Gary's golden double spurs Tyldesley
TYLDESLEY RU faced opposition from a higher division for the fourth time this season. And again they came out ahead with a 15-5 victory against Rossendale. They began well with intense pressure leading to a try for Gary Corbett out on the right touchline
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Boxing events
THREE boxing events have been arranged to take place in Preston this month. On March 15, the East Lancashire, Cheshire and Isle of Man divisional youth championships are taking place at the London Road Labour Club. On March 22, Preston and Fulwood Boxing
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Athletic turn up the heat
LEIGH ATHLETIC made the most of their purple patch. It came in a 15-minute spell towards the end of the first half - and Bury GSOB felt the sting. Athletic, on a healthy winning run, fired in four goals in their hot spell . . . leaving Bury anxiously
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Can you help?
A READER would like to trace anyone related to Joseph and Dinah Brearley (nee Nuttall) who lived in Radcliffe after they wed in 1919. They had three daughters: Gladys (b. 1920); Edna (b. 1926); Joan (b.1930). Dinah died in 1931 and Joseph's next wife
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Easy for the PNE girls
PNE returned to winning ways with this comfortable win against lowly Bolton. Despite having four key players missing, the home side were always in control after taking the lead after just five minutes through Lucy Ireland. Ireland completed her hat-trick
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The Dog Inn: readers solve the puzzle
LAST week's query about the Dog Inn has certainly been answered! I have been almost snowed under with letters and calls from local history buffs, and even one anonymous note. A reader even sent me a painting of the Inn that he'd done, and another brought
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On this day
A look back at events in history on March 12 with Mike Badham 1609: Bermuda became a British colony. 1685: The philosopher Bishop Berkeley was born. His theory: that everything's in the mind, caused him to ask whether a tree falling would make a noise
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Council jobs saved
LOCAL jobs and services have been saved after multi-million pound contracts were won by Bury Council's in-house team. The local authority saw off private sector competition to win deals worth £5.5 million a year covering everything from repairs and maintenance
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Tuesday game headache for part-timers
BAMBER Bridge's title hopes have been given a potentially serious blow after UniBond league chiefs insisted they play a postponed match on a Tuesday. Brig face playing Whitby Town on Tuesday, March 23, after the game was postponed at the weekend due to
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Squeak up, please! Red Nose fun starts
YOUNG and old were going red nose crazy today with wild and wacky events to raise money for Comic Relief. Haslingden's answer to the Spice Girls were hoping to prove a hit with pub goers to raise money. Susan Henry, Vickke Burnside, Liane Johnson, Heather
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Welcome to Spice Boy
BLIMEY, so much has happened while I've been away. That's always the case isn't it. When you're home nothing happens and the minute you leave the country the whole world changes, of course the big news in the music and football world is the birth of little
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Soccer stunts boost hospice
GENEROUS regulars at a Pendle pub are just "champion" after choosing a local charity to benefit from fund-raising events throughout the year. Customers at the Shepherd's Arms, Church Street, Colne, have a full diary of events planned, starting with a
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Head slams NUT slur
TEACHERS' union leaders have come under fire from a head who says her name was included on a list of protesters without her permission. Heather Jamison, head at Pleckgate High School, Blackburn, today denied she had joined eight other heads to condemn
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Council man on Italian job
BURY is doing the Italian job to bring home cash for a cleaner borough. Town hall bosses are playing a leading part in moves to improve the environment across Europe. And the borough could ultimately be given £200,000 to test out a new underground commercial
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New bid to save Spen Moor
DOOMED Spen Moor is to receive new protection in the latest bid to save the land from developers. Planning bosses have officially thrown in the towel when it comes to saving the site through the courts. But they are determined to give the area, south
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JPs 'out of touch' on late drinking
COUNCIL chiefs have today criticised magistrates for being "out of touch" after they turned down an application from a Blackburn pub to serve drinks into the small hours. The Borough Arms in the town centre was set to become the first pub in East Lancashire
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Roland's life is Swede
ROLAND Nilsson is just the sort of short-term experienced signing that Blackburn Rovers boss Brian Kidd could use to help his battle to keep the club afloat in the Premiership. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old Swedish defender is not only unavailable, he
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LEYLAND WARRIORS U9s 52
BAMBER BRIDGE BULLDOGS 36 WARRIORS tamed the Bulldogs with a brave display in horrendous conditions to win a keenly contested local derby. Falling behind 12-0, Warriors recovered to lead 28-18 at half-time. The Warriors always had to be on their toes
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Tiny set for big time
BRIAN Kidd looks like being forced into handing teenage central defender Martin "Tiny" Taylor a Premiership debut in the relegation scrap with Coventry City at Highfield Road tomorrow. The Blackburn Rovers boss expects to be able to give a warm welcome
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Brian's frothy follow-up
GOOD news for those disappointed by missing out on the first run of Rainford author Brian Tarry's latest publication, 'The Lost Pubs of St Helens' (reviewed on this page last week). He plans a follow-up print run. But for those who can't wait, three copies
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Sport for all moves nearer
COUNCILLORS are hoping to launch the borough's sports and recreation strategy earlier than they had originally planned. Moves to bring forward the start date were announced during a sports and recreation strategy sub-committee meeting at Bury Town Hall
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The pink-faced escapologist!
THE blushing amateur Houdini, whose escapology act flopped in front of a laughing crowd, is brought back into the spotlight by reader Frank Leyland. He takes us back a few decades to halcyon times when an assortment of copper-cadging novelty acts entertained
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Where your Council Tax will go
WE'VE listened to you and now we've acted on what you want. That's the message from Bury Council leaders after imposing an inflation-busting 7.77 per cent rise in council tax. They justify the increase, the second highest in Greater Manchester, by saying
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How Bury saw the budget
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's Budget will have its fair share of winners and losers throughout the borough. Working families and pensioners, in particular, will benefit while smokers and motorists are worse off after the obligatory rises in tobacco and petrol
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Chris's motorway madness
NINE year-old Chris Myers is already nicknamed 'PC' by some of his mates. Because there's nothing the Leigh CE schoolboy would like better than to be a motorway cop. Chris, of Cavendish Street, Leigh is just mad about the Police force and has wanted to
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Smoking: what about my rights?
I AM writing in reply to Martin Ball of FOREST (Your Letters, March 5) who suggested that people ignore No Smoking Day. I agree with him that adults should be allowed to make choices. I am an adult, and my choice is not to smoke, even passively. When
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Jolly good show but at what cost to the public?
RECENTLY, due to a conversation I had with a local businessman, I thought about entertainment in this area, in particular, Morecambe's venues and festivals etc. There are a number of free events which attract vast crowds to the area, and no-one can dispute
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Treat all market traders the same
I READ that Margaret's flower stall will cease to trade on Bury Market on March 16 but I cannot see why the powers-that-be are being blamed. Market traders are allowed a certain amount of space to sell their goods and it would not be fair to other traders
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John's 20ft rock plunge miracle escape
POPULAR Leigh councillor John Lea miraculously escaped battered and bruised from a Caribbean waterfall plunge. John of, Rutland Street, broke three ribs, suffered kidney bruising and needed stitches in his head after falling 20 feet from rocks during
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Why doesn't MP seek Euro vote?
IF our MP, Mr David Chaytor, is so committed to scrapping the pound in favour of the Euro, he doesn't have to wait for Tony Blair to call a snap General Election in 2000 to convince the electorate of his arguments (Bury Times, March 5). There is nothing
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Bus stop attack
AN 18-year-old man was beaten and robbed by a gang of teenagers as he waited for a bus in Garstang Road, Preston, at around 8.30pm on March 7. He was approached by five men, who asked for money and cigarettes. When he refused, they started hitting him
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Savage pruning has gone too far
HAVE Bury Council voted for a "scorched earth" policy because everywhere I go I see evidence of it? Shrubs that should be coming into flower in early spring are being taken out or being savagely pruned. Trees are also being removed. Manchester Road park
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Hair today, gone tomorrow
TWO Preston shopworkers are feeling the chill after having their lovely locks shaved off for charity. Staff and customers at Sainsburys, in Deepdale, raised a smile as they watched Claire Hayhurst and Shelagh Nixon have their hair cut off by fellow employees
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Halt called on school work
WORK has stopped on a school building project because it hasn't got planning permission. Now Wigan Education Committee have applied to continue with a bus turning area and parking bay at Lowton High School. But school neighbours aren't happy with the
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Town back on track for Xanadu
XANADU developers have put in a planning application for a new railway station. It would serve as a replacement station for Leigh as well as transporting visitors to and from the leisure complex. If Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott approves Xanadu
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Family search
I AM looking for descendants of Josephine Fish (nee Finlan/Mythen). I believe she was born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, and came to England after the death of her father in about 1875. She had a brother Martin and half-sister Kate. Her mother married
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Enlightened cycle policy
I WRITE in reply to "Overweight Car Driver" (Feb 19) who was warning about the "creeping silent disease" of cycle lanes which prevent him parking outside his house, impede the flow of traffic and eventually paralyse the town. He thought taxpayers' money
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On the road to safety
MORE than £6 million is to be spent making Preston's motorway network safer. The Highways Agency has announced plans to invest the money in new Variable Message Signs (VMS) which warn motorists of problems ahead. The signs are already used elsewhere in
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New-look cenotaph saved
TOP TALKS have overcome delays to restoring the tranquility of Leigh's war memorial gardens. Contractors bidding for the £90,000 scheme, which is an attempt to rid the area of the 'undesirable element' who vandalise the Church Street site, have put in
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Neither desirable nor 'inevitable'
DAVID Chaytor, MP for Bury North, would be far better employed calling for an early referendum on entry to the European Monetary Union before the Government spends £29 million in an attempt to bulldoze us into accepting the "inevitability" of entry. He
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Battle for safety on the buses
A PROSPECTIVE Liberal Democrat candidate has made a scathing attack on Preston bus station for being dirty, unsafe and inaccessible to disabled people. James MacGregor has launched his own charter for safety on the buses and is campaigning to have the
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Mystery of hidden photograph
DO you recognise this picture of these three bonny babies? If you do, Ribbleton resident Richard Jones would like to speak to you. For he found the picture hidden behind a Christmas card among a selection of photograph frames he bought. Richard knows
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Pastor pledges to fight on in college community bid
A LOTTERY hitch has left community revivalists more determined to succeed in Tyldesley. In an ambitious scheme aimed at bringing prosperity to the town and boosting employment Tyldesley Top Chapel bought the Upper George Street college building. But their
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Mole tackles mountain
THERE'S a mole at the heart of South Ribble Borough Council. But don't be alarmed, the offices are delighted to play host to this furry creature. The mole is Lancashire's mascot for the Waste Awareness Campaign, which aims to reduce the mountains of rubbish
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A legal charter for bad cyclists
I WRITE to support 76-year-old Mr Whyte (Your Letters, March 5) who complained about cyclists using the Interchange walkway as a cycle track. I have complained about this kind of behaviour for years. I have had a police inspector in my home asking him
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Cyclist warns of rail track dangers
A CYCLIST is demanding that a busy stretch of road is renovated after he broke his arm in an accident. Michael Chattell, of Arnside Road, Savick, was injured when his bike tyre became stuck in one of the sunken railway tracks which run across Strand Road
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Moving response to drugs film plea
A FORMER drug addict who once slept rough on the streets of Preston has been overwhelmed by the number of people from the area wanting to get involved in the film of his life story. Stephen Smith wrote Addict, an autobiographical account of his 20-year
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Agenda is just for the ladies
DOMESTIC violence, women's rights, career opportunities and local issues were on the agenda of Preston's International Women's Day. The event, held on Monday at the Guild Hall, attracted community groups, advice teams, education organisations and artists
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Liberal stands down
LIBERAL Democrat stalwart Marie Kirkham has decided to retire from South Ribble politics. The prominent politician, who has represented the Leyland St Ambrose area for 16 years, has decided to quit after suffered a string of heart attacks - the most recent
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Prisoners work for their keep
KIRKHAM Prison has become a victim of its own success. The prison has become so efficient at raising its own capital through its industrial workshops, further budget cuts are to be brought in to save government cash. And soon, every prisoner could soon
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Homes sweet homes?
MORE than 600 people have vowed to fight a massive housing estate development which, protesters say, would be a disaster for the area. The angry residents, mainly living in the Farington area of Leyland, want councillors to throw out the plans for the
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Help us to help others
A LITTLE-known charity which provides overnight care for terminally-ill people is appealing for support. Tender Nursing Care was founded in 1979 by Dr Maire Bellew, then a Bamber Bridge GP, when she arranged a rota system for local retired nurses to look
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Going green on the campus
A LEYLAND college plans to get back to nature after launching a go-green project for the Millennium. Although Runshaw College, based in Langdale Road, has long boasted about its picturesque grounds, which include several wooded areas, it has never worked
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90 jobs to go, 250 to come
AROUND 90 people are to be made redundant when one of Leyland's landmarks is demolished later this year. Kwik Save, in Southern Towngate, will be bulldozed to make way for a new Tesco supermarket. Staff at the Kwik Save store, which was known as Food
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What a knockout
QUEEN Mary pupil Laura McCabe proved a knockout when she competed in the Blackpool District Schools Badminton Association tournament. She won both singles and doubles matches at Hodgson School, Poulton, and will now travel to Blackburn to compete in the
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RUGBY UNION: Metrovicks 32 Calder Vale 8
CALDER Vale yet again proved that no matter how poor the opposition they can be worse. Due to no line-out possession and very poor ball retention - so poor that even Vale's Under-eights team would have been embarrassed -Vale's hosts were handed a somewhat
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Grab a bargain
TWO fund-raising events have been planned in aid of Manor Beach School, Cleveleys. A car boot sale will be held at the United Reformed Church, Rossall Road, on March 20 with doors opening at 9am. More bargains are up for grabs on March 25 at a jumble
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NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Dark days ahead?
ROSSENDALE United boss Micky Graham could quit at the end of the season unless the club can find new investors., writes ANDY NEILD. The Dark Lane club are desperate for a new cash injection and officials want to set up an Annual General Meeting as soon
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Bolton team news
ICELANDIC striker Eidur Gudjohnsen could get his first full start for Bolton at home to QPR tomorrow - but Colin Todd's major headaches involve stopping goals rather than scoring them. Todd has seen his team leak 12 in four games during which time they
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We're the cream
FREE school milk is back at Bispham Endowed C of E School. Pupils at the Blackpool school are enjoying free pints after taking part in an initiative by Express newspapers, dairy company MD Foods and ABN. Supply teacher Tina Shaw spotted the competition
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Ansdell Sevens update
ANSDELL Sevens small-sided soccer results: Premier Division - Blackpool Airport 4, Everybody Casuals 5; Zeroes Heroes 9, Universal Products 5; Statestrong 2, Dudley Industries 0; Sportsman 2, South Shore Silk 4. Division One - Old Timers 0, St Annes Victoria
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Referendum needed now
THE recent announcement by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on the National Changeover Plan to the euro that a referendum on the single currency would follow the next general election came as no surprise to me. The Referendum Party said that the offer
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Total success
DUNCAN Brown from Year 7 of Hodgson High School, Poulton, writes: RECENTLY 24 students from Year 7 took part in the annual school maths challenge. Students had to qualify for this by taking home a question sheet and filling it in during the holidays.
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Why the secrecy?
IT has been revealed that Labour ministers have been receiving leaked copies of select committee reports prior to them being made public. But this kind of thing is not restricted just to Parliament - as similar things have been happening at Hyndburn Council
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Euro opt-out would cost dear
I WAS one of the 33 per cent who voted in the 1975 referendum to come out of the European Community in spite of the mainstream advice of our three largest political parties. It is significant that this referendum was not offered to the British public
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Nick lands new role
FORMER Saints Academy and Alliance coach Nick Halafihi has landed a top job in Rugby League - just a week after departing from Knowsley Road! Nick, who left Saints by 'mutual consent,' has been appointed Director of Player Development at the game's Red
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Pit rail link makes sense
MR G. Blackburn's letter (Journal Mailbox) makes very good sense. To make a railway link from Plank Lane to Wigan has endless possibilities because from Wigan you can get to anywhere in the country. If the station was on the old colliery site, there is
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Badgers dig in for victory
LYTHAM ST ANNES 1ST XI 0 DEESIDE RAMBLERS 1 IN this Northern Counties Hockey League (Div 2) match played on the excellent new astroturf pitch at Deeside, LSA can consider themselves slightly unlucky to lose by the only goal of the match, scored in the
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Let's get together!
OFFICIALS of a well-established amateur rugby league club are hoping to stage a grand reunion get-together of all the players who have represented the club since its formation in the mid 1970s. West Sutton ARLFC are currently in Division One of the North
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Now it's plastic bag trees
MY hatred of rubbish has still not waned. I fume every time I travel down Atherleigh Way. It gets no better. How many of you have noticed the latest addition to the litter strewn main road ? Plastic bag trees. The new species of flora has sprung up in
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Axe threat man quizzed by police
CS gas was used on a man who allegedly threatened police with an axe after barricading himself into a house in Burnley. Two officers suffered superficial injuries as they tried to arrest the 34-year-old man after forcing their way into the property. A
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Jolly good Gordon
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's Budget has been greeted by a mixed response from the region's MPs. So was William Hague right in describing the Chancellor as a pickpocket or has he come out as Flash Gordon? Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood,
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Ted's one-man mercy bus bid
HEART patient Ted Cwiakala has launched a one man campaign for a bus from Leigh to Wigan Infirmary. A Parkinson's Disease sufferer on top of that, he has spent weeks in the Royal Albert Edward - and to make matters worse he is now awaiting operations
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Promenading the dog
IT'S been many things in its time - Camelot, Oz, even the Taj Mahal - but this summer Lancaster's Ashton Memorial will be transformed into Baskerville Hall for the latest promenade play. With money tight at the Dukes they've gone for just one play in
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Finch claim derby spoils
Haresfinch 24 Parr Hare & Hounds 10 FINCH completed a league double over near neighbours Hounds in a typically hard-fought local derby. There was little to choose between the sides for much of a game played in gluepot conditions, but a four-try burst
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A tidy prize for J R
BLUNT-spoken Pleasure Beach manager Jim 'JR' Rowland and the resort's new lifeboat house have been honoured in this year's Keep Blackpool Tidy awards. They won the two premier prizes at the annual Town Hall ceremony on Monday (March 8) night. Funny Girls
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Homes sale plan gets go-ahead
BURNLEY has been given the Government green light to press ahead with the £74 million transfer of its entire council house stock to a new local housing company. The go-ahead was announced by Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong who named Burnley as one of
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Hoyle's bid for City job
TEMPORARY manager Mick Hoyle was busy on the transfer market this week after Alan Tinsley's resignation. And now Hoyle has thrown his hat in the ring to become manager full time. He said: "I just want a chance to get few results together and turn the
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Brook are doomed
Kirkholt WMC 16 Blackbrook A 7 BLACKBROOK'S slim hopes of escaping relegation from the NWC Third Division ended in the mud at Rochdale on Saturday in their final league game of the season. The only consolation from a miserable afternoon for the visitors
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Funeral tributes to former mayor
THE funeral was held this week of a popular ex-Mayor who died less than a week after being made an honorary alderman of the borough. Reg Allen died from cancer on February 27 at the age of 67, and colleagues from Wyre Borough Council joined family and
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Ruskin put Sunlight in the shade
Ruskin Park 17 Port Sunlight 10 DESPITE being two division below Ruskin, Port Sunlight produced a creditable performance. The difference in the scoreline was the accurate goal kicking of winger Pilkington. It was obvious from the outset, that the visitors
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Shrimps final result!
Morecambe 3 Bamber Bridge 2MANAGER Jim Harvey didn't use either of his star new signings in this exciting ATS Trophy semi-final on Tuesday night. That they're to return will leave him in even better spirits ahead of his team's match at Woking this weekend
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Saints count their blessings
THIS weekend's open date could prove a blessing in disguise for Saints, because it should give them chance to have the 'walking wounded' fit for the first home game with Gateshead Thunder on Sunday, March 21. And they received a big boost this week when
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St John need your skills
IF your only image of the St John Ambulance is someone in black uniform tending the sick and injured at galas and open days, then it's time to think again. There's a lot more to the organisation these days - you might even have something to offer. So
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Enough's enough!
RESIDENTS in Bare are hoping people power will force the council to take tough action against nuisance neighbours and irresponsible landlords. A petition calling on the council to do more has collected 38 names and residents say they are fed up with the
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Inter-league squads move into action
THE cream of the town's young footballing talent swings into action this weekend. The St Helens McDonalds JOL representative sides are in action at under 14s and under 12s level. RESULTS Under 16s: Penlake 1 Rifle 0. Under 14s Kevin Grundy Cup: Blackbrook
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Heath on title course
Thatto Heath 27 Rose Bridge 4 HEATH kept their NWCL Premier Championship challenge on track with this emphatic win over Rose Bridge. But the Wiganers took the lead after six minutes when scrum-half Wes Else slotted over a one-pointer. Rose Bridge' were
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Fylde RU club tackle their future
FYLDE Rugby Club members will scrum down to a decision on the club's fragile future this month. Under pressure from bankers to clear a £360,000 deficit, Woodlands Memorial Ground, owned by Fylde Rugby Union Football Club Ltd, has come up with a trio of
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Calling ex-16 Signal Regiment personnel
CALLING all ex-16 Signal Regiment personnel - all ranks and trades, male or female. Are there any Citizen readers who served in 16 Signals through the 1960s or know of anyone who did? If so, would you be interested in joining our 60s 16ers Association
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Ellery's men of steel
Salford Reds 12 Saints 30 UNRELENTING defence, attacking flair and a marked improvement in discipline . . . These were the vital ingredients for victory as Saints got their Super League campaign off in style at the Willows on Sunday. Pre-match forecasts
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You can keep the money
A BLACKPOOL man at the centre of a catalogue on TV's a Who Wants To be A Millionaire quiz show - can keep his £125,000 prize money. Warehouseman Tony Kennedy equalled the highest ever paid out on any British quiz show, even though he wrongly answered
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Dead heat in road poll
THE results of Lancaster's biggest ever "people's poll" on transport issues in the city went all the way to a photo finish on Saturday. Of all the votes cast, exactly a quarter were in favour of a bypass and a quarter were in favour of measures to make
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Help available to trace war graves
ANY Citizen readers who wish to find out where their relatives are buried and all particulars of when and where they were killed during the First World War, should write to Mr Ron Bratherton, The War Research Society, 40 Greenway, Coppenhall, Crewe, Cheshire
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There's a Blackpool song in my heart
IF you want to know the address of the leading newspaper in Blackpool just ask the British Consulate General in Los Angeles. That's just what an ex-Brit from California did when he wanted to send a song he had written about Blackpool to someone who would
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Comb faces fixture chaos
THE St Helens Combination's fixture back-log is now at a serious level following the near wash-out of the weekend's matches. Only three league and a Rainford Potteries semi-final got off the ground on Saturday. The Potteries semi-final ended in a 3-0
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Pensioners should get free TV licences
SIR, - I THINK it is time that pensioners and the disabled in the UK were given television licences free of charge. Why should pensioners pay the same as millionaires? Some countries don't even require TV licences, but the BBC seem to throw licence fee
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Town penalty heartbreak
Vauxhall GM 1 St Helens Town 2 (aet) (aggregate 3-3) Vauxhall won on penalties 3-1 A FINE St Helens effort ended in bitter disappointment following the lottery of a penalty shoot-out which sends Vauxhall into their second successive league cup final at
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Rugby League: Kiwi set to make his debut
FORMER Super League star Richard Henare is in line for his Swinton Lions debut on Sunday. The Kiwi speedster is in coach Les Holliday's squad for the trip to York after winning temporary clearance from the Home Office to resume playing. His inclusion,
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Heritage group say thanks a million
LOTTERY winners are delighted at the way work is progressing with their multi-million pound community dream. Morts Astley Heritage Trust members (pictured) this week checked out the first stages of their ambitious project to safeguard historic Astley
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Tinsley gives refs the red card
ALAN Tinsley, who resigned as manager of Lancaster City this week, blamed referees as a major reason for his shock resignation. Tinsley has made a number of complaints to the FA and had a half-time dressing down by a referee at Gateshead earlier in the
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Rugby League: Lions back in business but it ain't pretty!
Swinton Lions 23, Bramley 8 SWINTON finally got off the mark at the third attempt with victory over a dour Bramley side at Gigg Lane on Sunday. Although there will be relief all round that the Lions managed a win, the quality of the play from both sides
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Rivers to get 5-year clean-up
POLLUTED rivers in Leigh are set for a major clean up in the next five years. Water company bosses are set to plough millions of pounds into a huge programme of investment to clear waterways of sewage. It comes after Government ministers outlined a series
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Tiny set for big time
BRIAN Kidd looks like being forced into handing teenage central defender Martin "Tiny" Taylor a Premiership debut in the relegation scrap with Coventry City at Highfield Road tomorrow. The Blackburn Rovers boss expects to be able to give a warm welcome
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Schools ring to sound of music
SCHOOLCHILDREN struck a chord with music lovers at an annual festival at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre. The Schools Celebration of Music, organised by Accrington Rotary Club, was originally held over one or two days, but hit such a high note that it was
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Grandma's hate mail hell after tragedy
A GRANDMOTHER was in tears as she revealed to a Leigh inquest how she had received hate mail since her two-year-old grandson died in a neighbour's garden pond. The Leigh inquest was on Matthew Howard, of Brook Lynn Avenue, Lowton. His grandmother Mrs
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Profits are on the up
PROFITS at Meggitt, which owns two sites in Blackburn, have jumped more than 12 per cent. Pre-tax profits in 1998 rose to £35.3 million compared with £31. 4 million in 1997. In 1998 the firm had sales of £293 million compared with £265 million in 1997
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Ding-dong goes Hampson's way
STEVE Hampson walked away from Victory Park with a big grin on his face after watching his injury-hit side dominate the second half in atrocious conditions. His side have proved to be nobody's mugs after rising into the first division. They emphasised
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Drunken sex ordeal of girl, 13
A SHOPKEEPER who plied a schoolgirl with drink and took advantage of her has gone to prison for 12 months. Tahir Mohammed, 25, twice sexually assaulted the 13-year-old after taking her back to the flat above his shop and challenging her to a drinking
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Wendy writes her way to happiness
LEIGH writer Wendy Seddon studied her future - and found a novel "weigh" to success. She shed seven stone and set out to carve herself a new life. Now Wendy (pictured), of Hope Carr Road, Leigh, is a lecturer, has an Outstanding Achievement Award thanks
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Carole warmsto new role as a boss
CAROLE Cunningham hasn't got cold feet about launching her own business - even though it is a frozen food shop! After managing a shop for a large company for ten years Carole decided she wanted to run her own venture. She took part in the ELTEC business
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Paving the way
A fledgling local business which was raided by thieves will open as normal say the owners. The Paving Company in Morecambe St was targeted by thieves while the shop was being fitted out and tools and equipment were stolen but owners have vowed to open
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PNE take point from tough Gillingham game.
IF anyone ever doubted Preston's promotion prospects then Saturday's tremendous performance against Gillingham will have set them thinking. Every PNE player played with battling determination reminicent of the glory days, while David Lucas was outstanding
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Brave Linda answers Alex's plea for walk
CAFE owner Linda Buckley was being treated for a stomach ulcer when she discovered she had breast cancer. That was last May. Now after intensive treatment 44-years-old Linda is keeping her fingers crossed that her body is clear of the disease and is getting
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The waiting game
FYLDE Councillor Margaret Procopides will mark her 21st year in local politics by becoming the borough's new mayor. Coun Procopides, of Church Road, St Annes, will be inaugurated in May. But the part-time teacher is refusing to get too excited about the
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Justify fuel rise, is MP's challenge
RIBBLE Valley MP NIgel Evans has challenged transport minister Glenda Jackson to come to his constituency and justify fuel prices to local haulage firms. Mr Evans said that lorry firms in the UK were paying the highest petrol and diesel prices in the
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Blind society requires drivers
THE Blind Welfare Society is looking to recruit more volunteer minibus drivers so the 15-seater minibus, based at the Morecambe Blind centre can be put to its best possible use. Tony Kimpton, development worker, said: "The majority of the groups requiring
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Putting the Millennium on the map!
LOCAL history lovers are missing out on the chance to make their mark on the Millennium. Soroptimist International are pulling together a huge history-making Parish Map in time for the celebration, and are appealing to more people from the Leigh, Lowton
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Police team up for crime crackdown
FYLDE folk can sleep easier in their beds as agencies all over the area have joined to form a safety strategy. The aim is to address problems affecting the quality of people's lives and the issues raised include road safety, youth nuisance and disorder
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Tuesday game headache for part-timers
BAMBER Bridge's title hopes have been given a potentially serious blow after UniBond league chiefs insisted they play a postponed match on a Tuesday. Brig face playing Whitby Town on Tuesday, March 23, after the game was postponed at the weekend due to
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Woodeaves still waiting
WORKERS at the threatened Woodeaves fabrics manufacturers will have to wait for a few weeks to learn of their fate after a special meeting this week. There will be another meeting on Thursday, March 18 after a number of surveys into the company have been
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Bid to revive biker tradition
A WHITEFIELD landlady wants to revive a great local tradition. Julie Keating, landlady of the Frigate Inn in Thatch Leach Lane, is trying to contact former members of the Horse and Jockey Motorcycle Club so that she and her husband, Kiwi, can revive the
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Cheek of masked thief
A MASKED gun-wielding robber asked for a single pack of his favourite cigarettes during a raid on a Lancaster off license this week. The robber grabbed £180 cash from the till from the shop on Ullswater Road in Freehold before asking for his cigarettes
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Pit victims remembered 20 years on
TEN victims of Golborne's 1979 pit disaster are still remembered - 20 years on. And this month, the tragic anniversary will be a time of reflection and memories in the pit village. Former NUM branch president Eric Foster and Rita Williams are finalising
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A capital prize?
FANCY a free weekend for two in London? Local MP David Chaytor certainly doesn't! The Bury North member was embarrassed at having won first prize in the Mayor of Bury's charity ball raffle. And he was an even more reluctant winner when told that the prize
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Teresa's 10 hour ambulance wait
PENSIONER Teresa Short knows what it's like to wait for an ambulance. After being treated at a Wigan Infirmary clinic for a broken knee-cap, the 82 year old Atherton woman (pictured) had to wait 10 HOURS for an ambulance to take her home. And then she
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Radio DJ Zoe's on the ball for Comic Relief
RADIO 1 breakfast babe Zoe Ball brought a laugh to East Lancashire today. The chuckling chick sent crew members Zoe A and Piers to get their hands dirty at a Nelson garage - all in aid of Comic Relief. The duo, who normally spend their mornings helping
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Hat-trick for John
BURY businessman John Davenport has netted three goals in life. Firstly, he was appointed sales director of DTE Financial Services, based at the town's Hollins Mount. This is a high-profile, fast growing firm offering independent financial advice to individuals
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Gay doctor's job fight
A GAY doctor has been fighting a ground-breaking discrimination case this week. Dr Nicholas Priestley has taken management at Bury's Highbank brain injury unit to an industrial tribunal claiming he was "edged out" of his job because of his sexuality.
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Proud Andrew makes a killing
A BURY businessman has every reason be proud. For Andrew Wilson, who works for Rentokil Initial Management Services, has been chosen to join the list of other outstanding employees on the company's "Be Proud" roll of honour. Andrew, an in-store technician
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Detectives to name rape suspect
POLICE hunting a town centre rapist are to appeal for help in catching their number one suspect. At the moment they are not prepared to name the man they want to interview but hope to do so next week. Details of the police plan were accidentally released
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Nine hurt in crash
NINE people were taken to Whiston Hospital following an accident involving two cars in City Road, St Helens on Thursday evening, March 4. The two cars involved, a Citroen and a Toyota Land Cruiser, collided near to the St Helens Ford garage at about 10.50pm
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Inspector gets praise for off-duty action
A TRIP to Eastbourne became a busman's holiday for a Whitefield-based police officer. Detective Inspector Jane Antrobus sprang into action when a pensioner was knocked down by a speeding car on the sea front. The officer helped give first aid to the 83
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Millward puts refs 'on report'
IAN MILLWARD is calling for a review of the game's 'on report' system. The Leigh coach reckons some referees are 'hiding' behind the 'on report' rule. Instead of making a decision on the pitch, they are leaving the matter to be decided in the committee
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Lend a hand!
OFFICIALS of the St Helens and Knowsley Hospice are seeking new recruits for their expanding Haydock Fund-Raising Group to help raise cash for the hospice. Anyone interested is invited to an open meeting to be held at St James Church Hall, Haydock, at
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Brave Dean defies ankle injury
LEIGH skipper Craig Dean is to play on despite needing major ankle surgery. He is back in full training five weeks after damaging ankle ligaments and could even make his return in Sunday's game at Rochdale. But he will be playing on a wing and a prayer
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Chamber is on a charge and better to come
ABOUT 1,500 companies are harnessing the experience and expertise of Bolton and Bury Chamber. And the business-to-business organisation has also played a pivotal role in helping local would-be entrepreneurs get their firms off the ground. Next year, the
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Got any problems?
BLACKBROOK Ward councillors have announced a change of day and venue for their surgeries formerly held in Park Road Centre. From April 3 the surgeries will be held in the Chain Lane Community Centre on the first Saturday in each month from 11am to noon
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Mystery man...
POLICE are appealing for information about a man found unconscious outside a pub in Newton-le-Willows. The man was found by a woman pensioner on the pavement outside the Railway pub in Queen Street, Earlestown, at about 11,45pm on Monday, March 8. An
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Primary school to shut
A BURY primary school is being closed because it does not have enough pupils. The decision to axe Brandlesholme County Primary School has dismayed staff and parents who were hoping it could be saved. It is thought to be the first time Bury LEA has actually
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Wonders of the worldwide web
THE wonders of the internet are being opened up to visually impaired people. Bury's library service played its role in staging a "Seeing the Sites?" seminar on Wednesday, March 10 at the town hall's Elizabethan Suite. The event, with ISaware and the Royal
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Teachers really cop it
TEACHERS swapped the classroom for the cells of Bury Police Station as part of a week-long work placement. Seven teachers from primary schools across the borough got the lowdown on law and order this week as part of their GNVQ studies. The first three
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Bury FC: Yellow Peril
BURY FC's fight for First Division survival is about to be tested to the limit by a freak disciplinary problem. No fewer than six Shakers players are walking a suspension tightrope that could end in tears during the crucial Easter programme. Chris Billy
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Tragic loss
A PRIEST who served at St Anne and Blessed Dominic Church, Sutton, for many years, and ministered to injured troops on the Anzio beach-head during World War Two, has died age 94. Passionist Father Jeremiah Donovan passed away in Ince Blundell Hall after
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Gun raid terror
TWO robbers clad in balaclavas burst into a house and threatened the occupier with a gun before escaping with a small amount of cash. The men forced their way into the house in Lingholme Road, St Helens, at about 9.15pm on Saturday, March 6. They threatened
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Going down fighting
A BILLINGE woman and her neighbours are waging war against the Liverpool Archdiocese over plans to demolish an historic school building. Following months of uncertainty over the future of the now derelict Birchley St Mary's school building on Main Street
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Our girl Emma lands plum musical part
A SINGER who took her first steps to stardom by winning the Star's popular 'Young Stars of Tomorrow' competition is set for a leading role in a top musical production. Whiston-born Emma Dears wowed the Star judges back in 1990 and she has never looked
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Fears for future of Bobbies Lane
MEMBERS of a talented amateur boxing squad are flexing their muscles for their biggest fight yet. The future of the United Glass recreation complex at Bobbies Lane, Eccleston - home to the highly-successful St Helens Town ABC - has been shrouded in uncertainty
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Chill winds for stumbling Miners
THE chill wind blowing off the Humber brought an ill message for troubled Leigh MR. They returned empty-handed from Skirlaugh, their bad form underlined in a 26-10 defeat. Yet it all began so well with Miners matching the all-action starters, second row
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Brig's conference vision
BAMBER Bridge Football Club believe their football is up to scratch - now officials are working behind the scenes to bring their facilities up to Conference standard. If Brig win the league, they won't be promoted to the Nationwide Conference because
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Tyldesley swimmers scoop seventeen medals
TYLDESLEY swimmers added more medals to their giant haul at the latest Central Lancashire Age Groups. They came away with 10 gold, four silver and a trio of bronze. They were also overall winners in both the 12-Year and 14-Year groups. Gold went to Kasha
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Scare for Hoppers
A RARE friendly fixture almost provided an upset as the home side's perseverance was rewarded with a rush of second half points. But it wasn't enough as Hoppers walked away with a 41-33 victory against Kirby Lonsdale. Missing leading points scorers Iain
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Falcons lead in tight finish
FALCONS are in pole position in the final laps of the Stretton Leisure Indoor Bowling League. They hold a one-point lead at the top - but only two points separate the first four teams. And there are only two games to play. Week 15 scores: Red Rose 11
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Baby death: Mum charged with manslaughter
THE mother of a baby girl who died just hours after it was born has been charged with manslaughter. The child, which was never given a name but was referred to as Baby Greenwood when coroner Andre Rebello opened an inquest into her death, was found abandoned
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Minis secure Lancs cup final place
Lancashire Cup Semi Final GRASSHOPPERS U13s 20 FYLDE 12 GRASSHOPPERS face a tantalising Lancashire Cup Final against old rivals Vale of Lune after collecting this eight point win. Battling against falling rain and a boggy pitch, Hoppers took an early
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Treetop Tom stays put for two days
NOT even a cold jet of water from a fireman's hose could get Tom the cat out of his tree. The fluffy black and white cat spent TWO DAYS 25 feet up a tree rather than jump down. And he was only brought back to earth by the efforts of a helpful teenager
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Huckerby hits goal drought
DARREN Huckerby has seen the goals dry up since a purple patch in January brought him seven in just three games, including two hat-tricks. Macclesfield in the FA Cup, followed by Nottingham Forest in the League, were the hat-trick victims of Coventry
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A Mexico marathon for the cycling doc
PENWORTHAM GP and Preston North End club doctor Nick McCraith has returned to duty at his practice in Penwortham after cycling across Mexico for the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity. He cycled 400 miles in eight days with a rest day in Acapulco at the
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Playground hit-list
YOUNGSTERS in the South Ribble area may lose their playgrounds after council bosses drew up a hit-list of sites which will be allowed to deteriorate. South Ribble Council has decided that seven playgrounds will not receive future funding. Once existing
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Plea for Millennium cash
THE architect of Bury's "Sailing Into the New Millennium" project has issued a plea for major sponsors to "get on board". And yesterday, March 11, Mr Melvin Magnall was holding a high-powered meeting in the House of Commons in a bid to unlock £200,000
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Ternent backs his players
STAN Ternent is backing his players to rescue Burnley's season - starting with Sunday's televised Turf Moor showdown with Preston North End. And he remains hopeful of strengthening his squad before the derby clash as he continued to scour the loan market
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Lights could be going out all over county
FESTIVE decorations could cause some street lights to collapse and fall on people, a shock report has revealed. Lancashire County Council may ban decorations, including festive lights, from being strung between many street lights as a result. And that
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Has anyone wseen our cup?
MYSTERY surrounds the disappearance of a hallowed football trophy which was stolen from a house in Radcliffe. As the search for the Myles N. Kenyon Cup goes on, current holders MPG Landscapes are on their way to a successful defence of a trophy that may
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Warriors round-up
LEYLAND WARRIORS U9s 52 BAMBER BRIDGE BULLDOGS 36 WARRIORS tamed the Bulldogs with a brave display in horrendous conditions to win a keenly contested local derby. Falling behind 12-0, Warriors recovered to lead 28-18 at half-time. The Warriors always
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Cheers to 100 years
AUNTY Mary Murray raised a 100th birthday glass but puckered her lips at the contents. Champagne or not, after a non-alcoholic century Leighite Mrs Murray wasn't about to change the habit of a lifetime. Her sister-in-law Janet Crusham explained: "She
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Down with knickers!
KILLJOY councillors are making sure knickers will never be seen again on Bury's streets. And public buildings will never again be festooned with bras, knickers and boxer shorts! Community services chiefs have vowed to have more control of the May festival
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Mum and baby in runaway lorry terror
A YOUNG mum and her baby daughter looked on in horror from the kitchen window as a runaway lorry smashed through the back garden fence and headed straight for them. But Tracy Pendlebury, 27, and her two-year-daughter Leah, had a miraculous escape when
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What's On tomorrow, Saturday 13 March
St Patrick's Ball, King George's Hall, Blackburn, 8pm. Ileostomy Association meet Blackburn Royal Infirmary (Education Department), Bolton Road, Blackburn, 1.45pm. Speaker: Colin Cunliffe. Buffet tea. All ostomy patients welcome. Ladies Weekend Coffee
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Missing link?
AS the year 2000 approaches, many people's thoughts are turning towards both the Millennium and the computer bug. But another important event is looming - the abolition of every Briton's right to buy a pound of sausages. For the sake of harmonisation,
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Who is running scared?
FOR several weeks now I have read in the local press letters from Labour councillors (and their supporters in different guises) trying to scaremonger the local electorate into not voting for the MBI in the forthcoming elections in May. But why is the
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Life is good again
A BIRTHDAY celebration went horribly wrong for Phillip Luckner, who was violently beaten and left for dead. Two days before his 19th birthday, Phillip, who lives in Bury, was savagely attacked in Prestwich while making his way home alone. Two thugs kicked
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Nitty gritty!
I AM writing to tell you how appalled I am with St Helens and Knowsley Health regarding our old friends, the head lice. This is a problem which is not going to go away, not even with the bug buster (if I could afford the £23.99 to buy it!). As a single
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'That's us' say the Likely Lads
THE Likely Lads snapshop featured in The Journal has been claimed. Frank Tamblin took the picture of Ken Andrews and Cliff Yates in Henry Street where he lived in 1951. The duo still live in Leigh, but Frank moved to Bolton a couple of years ago. He was
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Joe's escape from silent world
THE amazing life story of Joe Hatton, a blind and deaf genius who learned to 'hear' with his thumb-tip, has taken another astonishing twist. For, 67 years after being plunged into a world of silent darkness, he's struggling to puzzle out the wall of sound
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There's a sound explanation for wrong council tax bills
Can I suggest readers look at the articles on council tax bills again and in the meantime consider the following? The flu epidemic had a big impact on the whole department with more than 150 person days being lost during November, December and January
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Mobiles: is it one law for us?
I WRITE in response to an article published in the Star (February 25) about Operation Bad Call entitled 'Getting Tough on Mobiles.' I would like to quote two statements from this article which I find rather thought-provoking. The first was by Inspector
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Pauline blasts eco-vandals
A LEIGH resident has accused Wigan Council of ecological vandalism at its worst on Monday. Now Miss Pauline Holbrook, of Briar Grove, is planning to write to Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe about the felling of mature poplar trees near the old rail line on
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Utter contempt for the electorate
Last week in your letters pages Councillor Henig advocated "fair, honest and open political debate" - fine words, rendered hollow by his persistent refusal to discuss or explain how and why senior officers misled the council over Crinkley Bottom, and
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Crying foul over dog fine
REGARDING your article about dog fouling (Star, February 25) I fully agree that all irresponsible people who allow their dogs to foul public places should be dealt with. But I was concerned about Councillor Ward's comment when he said that "people should
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20,000 of the best top dogs
TOP dogs from the area are preparing to do battle at the world famous Crufts this week. Over 20,000 dogs will be fighting to be named best in show at the event, which starts at the NEC Birmingham on Thursday and runs to Sunday. Among the local owners
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Hedgers gear up for big lay day
HEDGELAYERS from across the North are expected to take part in a competition in Ribble Valley tomorrow on the A59 near Pendleton from 9.30 to 2.30pm. The event, sponsored by Lancashire County Council, encourages rural skills and promotes good hedgerow
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I'll let the readers judge
THE hypocritical behaviour of the city council leadership is reprehensible. Cllr Henig's letter last week was just another example of the way they totally gloss over the truth to justify their actions. In his letter he quotes an internal memo from me
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Cellar Bar, Blackburn: LOST CAUSE, indie, 8pm
Manchester University: LYNDEN DAVID HALL, £8.50 The Witchwood, Ashton-under-Lyne: THE POPES, £5, 9pm King George's Hall, Blackburn: ST PATRICK'S BALL, 8pm Padiham Town Hall: DOUGHBOYS ZYDECAJUN BAND, £6/£7.50, 7.45pm Jazzy Kex, Blackburn: MELON GONDOLA
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Ex-head Alice dies, 89
A FORMER Leigh head teacher had died - just two months before her 90th birthday. Mrs Alice Hatton, of Dorothy Grove, Leigh (pictured), who retired as head of Bedford St Thomas' CE School in 1969, died in the early hours of Sunday after a short illness
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Judo John blasts centre wreckers
JUDO expert and coach Mel Dodd is used to keeping his cool. But his patience is at the limit because of repeat vandalism and break-ins at the community centre which he and like-minded volunteers have worked hard to keep open. In the latest raid hooligans
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Died days after theft trauma
YOUR story (Feb 26) about the 94-year-old man who was robbed in his home for just £20 brought back horrific memories for me. In December it was also reported on the front page that my grandmother was robbed in her home for £20. A week later she died.
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Conference for carers
ADVICE and information for carers will be the topic of a one-day conference in Preston on March 18. The Lancashire Carers Forum was set up last December, to give people who look after elder or disabled relatives or friends a chance to meet with county
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Blame politicians not the builders
HOW dare Coun Crossley imply that builders would knock trees down on purpose (Save trees from JCBs, March 4)! His accusations are outrageous, if not seriously libellous! It isn't the builders who have ruined our countryside, it's the politicians who can't
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We're still living in Victorian era
REGARDING the letter from E Sanderson concerning the prostitutes in the Fletcher Rd area of the town, I would like to point out that if the UK was to adopt the same attitude towards sex as our European partners instead of insisting on still living in
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'Jewel' only has herself to blame
PHASE One of the Bury Market refurbishment is near completion. Affected traders have endured the winter months and much hardship, while shoppers have remained loyal. Congratulations are due to all concerned. But there is one trader who feels hard done
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Just the job
CHOOSE life, choose the University of Central Lancashire, choose finding an easy way to get a job. Perhaps not the exact words of Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting, but the message still rings true for Preston's students after a new survey revealed that
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What has EU done for us?
I TOTALLY refute the idea that the EU represents the good of anyone other than those same transnational corporations against whom Frank Adams (Your Letters, March 5) is railing. Had we still control over interest rates, exchange rates and imports, a responsible
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Christians gather for Millennium
PRESTON North End football club is to stage Lancashire's biggest Christian service to mark the new Millennium. Churches Together is forming plans to stage the massive event, pencilled in for June 11, 2000, which it hopes will attract Christians from across
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Meeting descends into chaos
MORE than £90,000 of Preston Council tax payers' money will be sunk into a range of community regeneration schemes. A further £96,000 will go towards environment schemes and £79,400 for leisure services including £10,000 for public toilets at the Harris
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Doctor Verdi!
THE founder of Preston Opera has hit the high note after completing a PhD in the operas of Verdi. Retired university lecturer, Dr Frank Salter, 58, of Fulwood, won the prestigious qualification after taking a decade and a half to complete his research
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TEN YEARS AGO: Cathedral vandals
A PRICELESS 18th century window in Blackburn Cathedral was smashed by two young vandals during a Passion Sunday service. The Provost of Blackburn, the Very Rev Lawrence Jackson, said he had just started an £800,000 appeal to repair the Cathedral but they
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FIVE YEARS AGO: 'Soft touch' magistrates
MAGISTRATES at Blackburn were branded the softest in the county by victims of criminals on bail for other offences. Senior police officer Inspector Michael Kellett admitted he had never been so frustrated with the legal system as scores of bail bandits
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Three days of action adventure
FORGET the Ironman Competition - one Penwortham resident is to take up Hardy's Triple Challenge. Paul Hardman will perform a 12,000ft tandem parachute jump, 300ft bungee jump and the London Marathon - in the space of three days. He will run the marathon
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Leader reader
HANNAH Shillito was the winner of a reading competition held by Queen Mary School's English department. She read an extract from The Diary of Anne Frank for the annual competition in memory of former pupil Sharon Simcock. Converted for the new archive
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Scientists can get it wrong
CORRECT me if I am wrong, but, as I understand it, the Flat Earth Society exists to remind us that scientists are fallible and susceptible to outside pressures like fame, money and, in earlier days, religious persecution and torture, which led some to
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Peril of dog virus
DOG owners risk having to fork out more than £1,000 as a killer virus sweeps through the area's canine population. Scores of dogs are being struck down by a new strain of parvovirus, a disease which dehydrates the dog, often killing it within days. Dogs
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Lorry snaps sought
WHEN I was a child, my late father drove for a haulage company in Bacup which was on contract to Graham and Brown wallcoverings of Blackburn. I am trying to trace a photograph of the lorry he drove. It was an E.R.F. four-wheeler, with the registration
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Tax battle over unfit home
A PRESTON pensioner is vowing to carry on fighting for justice after being forced to pay council tax on a house destroyed by thugs looking for a police informer. Widow Evadne Whyte, 73, has had to pay half council tax rates on the vandalised house in
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Hawks look to end on a high
BLACKBURN Hawks bring the curtain down on their English Premier League campaign tomorrow night with an away day trip to Swindon (face off 5.30pm). After a mixed bag of recent results, Hawks need to take away two points to hold on to a third place spot
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Brussels monster more than ready for slaughter
THAT the EU's Common Agricultural Policy needs reform hardly needs stating. For it is a scandalous and wasteful scheme that systematically plunders the purses of millions of people. Costing £30 billion a year - half of Brussels' spending - it was originally
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Reunion for RAF pals
SINCE 1996, more than 150 people who served at RAF Uetersen in Germany have joined the Ole Uetonians Association. The base, now an NCO school for the German Air Force, has hardly changed since it was an RAF station from 1945-1955. Our association holds
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Science points towards fun
FLIGHT, feathers and fun will be explored on Saturday (March 13) during a family science fun day. Organised by and held at King Edward and Queen Mary Infant School in Lytham, the event gives budding scientists the chance to design their own aeroplanes
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Darts and dominoes summer league
NEW teams and old are invited to the annual general meeting of the Blackpool Darts and Dominoes Summer League on March 29. Teams play on Thursday nights and anyone interested in joining should turn up at the Devonshire Club, George Street, Blackpool,
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Benefits squandered
AS prescription charges are set to rise again, it is time the government made everyone on Income Support pay a nominal fee towards theirs - say £1 per item. When I visit the Post Office, I see people collecting their Income Support. Some are smoking;
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Leader in pledge to townsfolk
ST HELENS has set the second lowest council tax in the country to date. Last night (Wednesday 10th) it was agreed to bring in a 1.95 per cent increase. And there was further good news for the town as Council Leader Mike Doyle pledged that Council Tax
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TABLE TENNIS: Hyndburn League
DIVISION Four title contenders Whalley enjoyed a thumping 9-1 away victory over Slammers. Eric Ronnan and Graham Davie were unbeaten on the night and two wins from John Price sealed their win. Baxenden's quest for promotion took a backward step when they
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Bury team news
DESPITE two vastly improved performances Bury will be seeking their first win since December as Barnsley visit Gigg Lane on Saturday. The Shakers have shown much of their old spirit in the last two games and really should have taken three points from
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Don't miss allowance
MANY older people are missing out by not claiming a state benefit called Attendance Allowance. This can be claimed by some sick or disabled people, and you may be able to obtain it if you need help with such things as dressing, washing, bathing, or even
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NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Weekend team news
ACCRINGTON STANLEY boss Wayne Harrison will place the emphasis firmly on attack in the Reds basement battle with Bishop Auckland at the Crown. It's a game Stanley simply must win to have any chance of escaping the drop after Colwyn Bay's midweek victory
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Clitheroe blast seven to book semi-final spot
CLITHEROE 7 ATHERTON COLLIERIES 2 CLITHEROE booked themselves a semi-final date with Darwen after an emphatic performance destroyed Cols in this NWTL Floodlit Trophy quarter final clash. After a series of postponements, Steve Parry's men finally made
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Introduction to SeaLife
KIRSTY McKelvey from Year 9 at St Mary's RC High School, Blackpool, writes: TWO people from the SeaLife Centre in Blackpool visited St Mary's recently to talk to us about some of the environmental issues surrounding us. The whole class joined in the discussion
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Triple battle for top spot
THE Untouchables still top Division A of the Rossall Sixes small-sided soccer league after a 6-2 win against David Halsall FC. Sporting QCS stay in second place after they beat Supreme Plastics 2-1. Team Macprint are still in third after a 12-1 win over
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Layton lads cruise towards final frame
FYLDE teams have been getting the thick end of it in the Lancashire small table snooker championship and fill only five of the last 16 places. However, the well-fancied Layton No 3 and Falcon No 2 teams are well there and could yet fight out the final
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Stripped for action
A ST Annes primary school football team really look the part, thanks to the sponsors of the FA Cup. Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School have received a new strip, courtesy of insurance firm Axa. The team travelled with manager Sean Kellett to Blackpool
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Welcoming new faces
THERE'S a lot going on at Blackpool FC this week. A 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Stoke City on Saturday (March 6) and a postponed mid-week match against York City meant the Seasiders were denied the chance to climb further up the table. In her weekly
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MP steps up supermarket fight
SHOPPERS who visited Poulton on Saturday (March 6) found themselves being asked to fight the plans to build a supermarket on the fringe of the town. Wyre MP Hilton Dawson, who has been against the plans by Trinity Investment to build on the Station Road
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Happy ending
I WAS sorry to read that Mr Cyril Young from Atherton was discouraged from switching to British Gas for his household electricity (Journal Mailbox). However, I'm delighted to report a "happy ending" to his tale. Mr Young was under the impression that
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Clock lost for an answer
Clock Face Miners 14 Lunts Heath Lions 32 CLOCK Face had no answer to a devastating second half display from Lunts Heath as they ran in 22 unopposed points to secure a fine win. The Widnes side opened the scoring in the first minute, when they gathered
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Leave our Cenotaph alone
MR BANNER, how dare you suggest Leigh's war memorial be removed from its present site! (Journal Mailbox). In its own remembrance garden it is the envy of most towns. It is a quiet haven where people can relax and where, each year, tributes are paid to
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The waiting is over - for some
WAITING times for people needing specialist medical treatment at Preston Acute Hospitals have been slashed according to health chiefs. Figures released this week show the number of people waiting for treatment stood at 7,658 last month, a drop of three
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Clarets fans in court after City game
CLARETS fans arrested on the day their team was thrashed 6-0 by Manchester City have appeared before Burnley magistrates. The men, who all appeared separately, were arrested at Tuesday's match at Turf Moor. Market stall holder Timothy Redman, 27, of Old
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Busway: just lip service
I CAN'T understand how the Busway proposals have come to life again after the resounding thumbs-down the project was given last August. After last year's supposed consultation meetings with GMPTE, public opinion was very strongly against the destruction
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Paramedics call for action on roundabout
A MORECAMBE paramedic has called for action to be taken before someone is seriously hurt at Ovangle Roundabout after a teenage girl's lucky escape this week. The 19-year-old local woman lost control of her car as she was breaking on approaching the roundabout
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Hockey aces stage late show
St Helens Hockey Club Winnington Park 1 A LAST-gasp winner by Phil Travis kept St Helens on the promotion trail. The Blues needed to win their last two games to guarantee promotion, but the visitors dominated the first half. Man of the match Mike Hall
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Mal's TV date with one billion viewers
AN end to race-hate victim Mal Hussain's nightmare could be in sight following unprecedented publicity in the national media. A pioneering scheme has been set up which aims to raise funds to buy Mal's Ryeland's shop so he can escape racial harassment
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Thanks for finding long-lost friend
MANY, many thanks. My friend Pearl Davidson, whom I last saw in 1958, read my appeal notice in last week's Citizen (March 4) and called me on Friday evening (March 5). What a lovely surprise, we talked for two hours! I am looking forward to our reunion
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Reunion for HMS Dainty shipmates
HMS DAINTY Association is searching for former shipmates in preparation for a reunion to be held in October. The reunion for former shipmates of HMS Dainty has been arranged for the weekend October 8 to 11 at Babbacombe, near Torquay. Anyone who served
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One lapse, one goal, no points!
BLACKPOOL dominated the match on Saturday (March 6) from start to finish, but were punished when the defence made their one error of the day. Apart from that the Seasiders hardly put a foot wrong. From the whistle they were passing fluently and looked
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Police criticise light sentence
POLICE are disappointed with a 'lenient' sentence given to a convicted paedophile from Morecambe this week. James Kelly was jailed for five years for rape and other serious sex offences committed when he was 13. But one investigating officer, DC Christine
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Park set sights on trophy glory
Southport 3 West Park 34 PARK marched confidedntly into the semi-final of the Lancashire Trophy. For apart from two 10-minute periodseither side of the half-time they were well in control of this game. During this period Southports goalkicker Matt Murphy
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Youngsters aim for cup glory
YOUNG football teams set their sights on cup final places this weekend. The Byrne Hire Rainhill Junior League stages the semi-finals of its competitions at under 10s and under 11s levels. RESULTS Saturday Under 10s: Bleak Hill Rovers 4 Eccleston United
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Appleton boost for 'derby' clash
MICHAEL Appleton is expected to make his first start in two months when Preston travel to Burnley on Sunday. The former Manchester United midfielder completed the full 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors training fixture earlier this week, much to the
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Grand target for the chopper cops
FROM tracking stolen vehicles to emergency airlifts - Lancashire's police helicopter has been buzzing around the skies since coming on duty in 1994 and has taken part in 1,000 arrests. Crewed by a pilot with two police observers and operating from the
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Reunited after 40 years
A LETTER to the Citizen has paved the way for an emotional reunion between two former nurses who have not seen each other for more than 40 years. Moira Miller, who lives in Florida, wrote to the paper asking for help in tracing Pearl Marsden, who she
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Supermum
FEW people would dispute Donna Cartmell's claim to the title of Supermum. As well as being a mother to nine children, Donna finds time to be a Badger leader for St John Ambulance, a student at Blackpool and the Fylde College, while helping to raise funds
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Family baffled by son's suicide
THE death of the Vale of Lune rugby team's popular and talented player Jason Bamber, 27, was a recorded as a suicide at a Lancaster inquest this week. Jason Bamber, a farmer, shot a bullet through his own head on Christmas Eve. He was discovered by farm
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Bury FC: Will we ever win away?
BRISTOL CITY 1, BURY 1 NEIL Warnock warned his First Division relegation rivals to expect a fight to the finish after scrapping for a point at Bristol City on Tuesday night. Bury were 10 minutes away from their first win on their travels this season,
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Rangers match is cancelled
PRESTON North End's blockbuster clash with Glasgow Rangers has been scrapped just weeks before kick off. The testimonial game had been provisionally arranged with the Scottish side in a bid to raise cash for the Make A Splash Appeal which was aiming to
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New blood gives Lynx big boost
LANCASHIRE Lynx's flying start to life in Division One has been given another boost with the arrival of two new players. Ex-Wigan prop Ian Gildart and former Leigh back Jason O'Loughlin have arrived at the Victory Park outfit, giving the team an extra
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Sport awards: Cyclists lead the way on awards night
PEDAL power won the day at this year's Bury Metro Sports Gala presentation. Four of the evening's top awards went to cyclists, including that of Sportsman of the Year, won by Lancashire West Pennine Road Club's John Bunting. The 43-year-old was the fastest
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Bury FC: Stalemate but Shakers get back to basics
Bury 0, Crystal Palace 0 IS there a welcome light at the end of the tunnel for the Shakers or is it some fool messing around with a torch? Only time - and the remaining 12 games - will tell, but encouragingly there was something of the Bury of old about
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Brother act in Jane's bloke jokes
Lancashire's 'Little Voice' star Jane Horrocks tells of role in TV rock comedy ACTRESS Jane Horrocks, last seen on screen impersonating stars like Judy Garland and Shirley Bassey in Little Voice, turns to another musical style for her latest role. Jane
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SINGLES
KAVANA: Will You Wait For Me (Virgin) - Plastic pop pin-up Kavana takes himself very seriously with this cheesy electro-ballad. I expect I will spend the next few weeks flicking through the stations on the car radio trying to avoid this mind-numbing drivel
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Casual economy reflects new working patterns
THE casual economy is on the increase in Lancashire according to figures out today. Statistics show that the number of part time workers in the county has risen by 18,000 to 159,000 in the last six years. During the same period the number of people in
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Dying message of miner Kevin
A FORMER coal miner "spoke" from beyond the grave at an inquest into his death. A catalogue of complaints against British Coal - made by Tyldesley coalface worker Kevin Corcoran months before his death - were read out in the coroner's court by a family
