Archive
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East Lancs events Tomorrow
Blackburn Lions Gala, Witton Country Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn. Clitheroe WI Handicraft and Produce Show, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Chatburn Road, Clitheroe, 10am-5pm. Charity Gala, Holy Trinity and St Michael's Church Grounds, Larkhill,
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Secret weapon of Her Majesty
WHATEVER role royalty may now have in the 21st Century, surely today even its most ardent critics will admit that, in reaching her 100th birthday today the Queen Mother merits not just the congratulations of millions. For though born in an age of deference
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LANCS COUNTY LEAGUE: Woddbank wasted by neighbours
HAVING rolled over Sale Moor for just 35 the previous Sunday, Prestwich handed out more of the same treatment to Bury neighbours Woodbank last Saturday when they had the Kenyons outfit back in the pavilion for a mere 54. It was the fifth time in the campaign
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CRICKET: Greenmount and Prestwich bid for cup glory
TWO local cricket teams will be looking for cup glory this Sunday when they appear in their respective knockout finals. Bolton League Greenmount travel to Horwich to take on Tonge in a Hamer Cup showdown while Prestwich have home advantage in the Lancashire
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Bury FC: Shopping with a broken eye socket!
HALF way through shopping at the Trafford Centre with his missus, Bury's Dean Barrick knew there was something wrong. Even two painkillers had failed to dull the ache in his eye which he had smashed playing at Chesterfield two days earlier. Typically,
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BURYLOOK-today's the day
1900: Happy birthday to the Queen Mum, born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in Glamis, Scotland. 1979: Roy Plomley's fifteen hundredth Desert Island Discs was broadcast today. 1875: The great Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen died. Although Hans became
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All credit to government
IN May and June this year, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut back their production of oil, causing petrol prices to rise. In July, OPEC started to increase production, with the result that petrol prices are starting to fall.
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Weather off!
COULD I bring to your attention your weather forecasts for last weekend? Saturday: showers will get rather beefy, with a risk of some long thundery downpours. Sunday: cloud will build up and showers will develop, some heavy. But in Great Harwood it was
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Disappointed at 'last night'
I WISH to say a big-thank you to whoever organised the Arts in the Park extravaganza in Blackburn and contributed to the cost. It was great to see the people of Blackburn with Darwen coming together and taking part in an event which will probably never
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Park arts a delight
REGULAR readers of Your Letters will no doubt be aware that I am not exactly a fan of Blackburn with Darwen Council. However, after spending one of the most pleasurable weekends I can remember, being entertained by the excellent musicians in the Arts
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Carry on 'popping'
HOW reassuring was Coun John Milburn (Letters, July 27) in his support for the local constabulary, represented by retiring Chief Supt Eddie Walsh. He obviously does not confer with his electorate, for one of the big complaints of members of the public
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Street star launches raffle
SOAP star Denise Welch found it was right up her street when she was asked to launch a local raffle. The Coronation Street favourite, who plays Rovers Return licensee Natalie Barnes, toasted the success of the Manchester Jewish Community Care Grand Raffle
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Dunn due back
GRAEME Souness is hoping to welcome back David Dunn for tomorrow's clash at Richmond Park. The England Under 21 international has recovered from the foot injury he picked up against Everton last week. And Jason McAteer and Garry Flitcroft should also
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Kelly: I'll battle for place
ALAN Kelly has thrown down the gauntlet in the battle to become Graeme Souness's number one by vowing 'I won't give up my shirt without a fight.' As Rovers flew out to Ireland today in preparation for their final friendly against St Patrick's Athletic
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You should be ashamed
I WOULD be grateful if I could, via your letters page, express my disgust at certain so-called 'supporters' of St Helens RLFC. I, myself am a supporter of the Saints, and was absolutely ecstatic at the win over our great rivals. However, come Monday morning
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Fine by me
I WOULD like to respond to the many letters that have been printed in the press over the last few weeks concerning the new McDonald's at Windle Island. I am in favour of the new restaurant. Why? I hear you cry. McDonald's will employ 15 to 25 local people
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What about Carr Mill?
I AM writing regarding the proposed application for a McDonald's restaurant on the site of the old Carr Mill Cafe at Carr Mill crossroads. I support the views were put forward in Ms Barbara Walsh's recent letter to the Star regarding the planning application
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Bridge over troubled water
ONE of Preston's most historic bridges is at the centre of a row following fears over children's safety. The Health and Safety Executive and Preston council are being called in to investigate the old railway bridge that forms the boundary between Miller
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Police take action against racism
A UNIQUE hard-hitting video designed to teach officers how to tackle racist incidents and crimes has been developed by Lancashire police. The video, called Action Against Racist Crime, features an introduction by Home Secretary Jack Straw and is presented
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Demand on life-savers
AMBULANCES in the North West will be expected to reach more than three quarters of all emergencies within target times it was announced last week. By next March, as part of a new government plan aimed at saving more lives, ambulance services will have
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Looking good
A NEW top of the range health club is to be built on Preston's redeveloped docklands. At a cost of £3million, the hi-tech sporting venue is a joint venture between Club Carrefour and Complex Development Projects (CDP). And with sophistication being at
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Search on for racist thugs
DETECTIVES are hunting a gang of racist thugs who smashed more than thirty headstones at an Muslim cemetery in Preston. Police were called to the graveyard on New Hall Lane shortly after 5am on Sunday (July 30) after reports of four youths running from
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Fury at battle for pension
AN ELDERLY woman from Preston has attacked social security bosses over how and where she can draw her pension. Stunned Margaret Grime, who turns 60-years-old in November, has been told by Preston's DSS office that if she wants to collect her pension from
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Village in despair
VILLAGERS in Goosnargh and Whittingham are distraught after councillors gave the go-ahead for a massive housing development on the former Whittingham Hospital site. Residents in the area have campaigned for years against the development which they say
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Knife thug in vicious attack
A FIFTY-year-old man was viciously attacked and stabbed as he walked along New Hall Lane, Preston. The man was chased for a short distance before being grabbed by the attacker at around 8.45pm on Saturday, July 29. The victim was then punched in the face
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Biker fined for 'idiotic' move
A MOTORCYCLIST who went on to the footpath to undertake two vehicles chose the wrong moment -- as police were watching, Burnley magistrates heard. Lee Graham Howard, 25, of Hunslett Street, Burnley, was stopped by police at a roundabout. Howard, whose
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Drink-driver gets three-year ban
A PART-time lecturer who overturned her car while over the drink-drive limit, faces the loss of her job along with her licence. Burnley magistrates heard how Lisa Jane Ashworth, 30, whose boyfriend was injured in the smash, had a previous conviction for
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South Bank Show host on air
LORD Bragg will be interviewed by pupils at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley when their radio station goes on the air for the third time in October. His 20-minute telephone interview will be the star spot in the school's three days on the air waves which
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Healthy prospects for new look trust
THE Government has given the go-ahead to the creation of a huge health trust to cover the whole of Morecambe Bay - from Lancaster to Barrow. The new Morecambe Bay Primary Health Care Trust will come into effect on April 1, 2001, and will cover an area
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Festival promises to be best yet
IT'S the Festival of Light and Water in Morecambe this weekend and it promises to be the best yet with fireworks by one of the country's leading display teams. With top music all day and fireworks at night - what more could you want. Live bands hit the
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Bring out the gypsy in you!
CITIZEN reporter Paul Wilkinson talks to Lancaster-based musician Howard Haigh, whose flamenco guitar skills are currently wooing audiences at the Dukes' play in the park, Don Quixote If it's a roving gypsy guitar wizard you're after - Howard Haigh's
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Look smart to win a car
"SMART" shoppers with the lucky touch will be given the chance to pick up a brand new car when they visit markets in Nelson and Colne. Two Smart cars will be up for grabs, one at the Admiral's Market Place beneath the Admiral Shopping Centre, Nelson,
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Bowled over
WHITTINGHAM and Goosnargh Cricket Club has been bowled over by their latest sponsorship deal. BNFL's UK Fuel Business, at Springfields, near preston, has helped the combined village club by supplying a dozen match balls to be used in the current season
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Preston left champing at the bit
PRESTON lost their ninth league match of the season when Darwen the current league champions beat them by five wickets. Manoj Parekh, captaining the home side during Tony Hesketh's absence to manage Lancashire City Football Club won the toss, and elected
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Price of Saints' success
IT is often said that an organisation is in good shape when its annual meeting attracts few shareholders and business is completed in record time. Despite a £314,133 loss, hopefully that was the case at Saints' yearly get-together last week, which was
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Chemists on duty
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, July 23, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Boots the Chemists, 42 Eccleston Street, Prescot; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); Lloyds
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Shop rent rises by 500 per cent
PENDLE'S first ever Council Shop is in danger of being forced to "shut up shop" because of a disagreement over rent. Council officers are in talks with the Council Shop's new landlord after being told rent on the Barnoldswick property is going up from
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Plan your route
THE VISION of a single telephone number for public transport information came a step closer on Monday (July 31) when a new call centre was switched on in Preston. Originally pioneered in Lancashire, the new number 0870 608 2608 was part of a government
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Local Plan raises vital duty issue
A RECENT article purporting to correct information I had provided in respect of the Manor House Farm development and councillor Alcock has just been brought to my attention. The Planning Committee, not just councillor Alcock, voted to accept the April
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'Crime-buster' appointed
AN ex-assistant chief constable from Lancashire is among nine new Crime Reduction Directors to be appointed by the Home Office to tackle crime across the country. David Smith, who retired from the police service in 1999, will be taking up his North West
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Carry on growing
A BLACKPOOL homeless organisation, praised by Mo Mowlam on her recent visit, has been given the go-ahead to expand its work in the town. And they are looking for the help of three volunteers to join them for a year. Streetlife, who run the emergency homeless
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Over the Moon!
TOURISM chiefs in Blackpool had 20 million reasons to be cheerful yesterday (August 2) as the resort received the full amount of its bid for Single Regeneration Budget money. The Blackpool Challenge Partnership is overjoyed at the news from the North
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Grim prospect for mast
CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect a mobile phone mast in a built-up area of Ashton could end up being scrapped because of a council blunder. BT Cellnet has applied to put up an antennae on its premises in Prospect Place, but the site is in the middle of a
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Dare devils' charity stunts
ADVENTUROUS types are needed to try exhilarating whitewater rafting trips, tandem skydives, abseiling and much more to raise cash for the East Lancashire Hospice. Individuals and teams of up to eight people can take part in the challenges for free by
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What a curry on!
CURRY mad shoppers in Blackburn spiced up their life yesterday with free curry giveaway in the town centre. Around 1,000 people, lured by the tempting smells wafting down King William Street took part in the mammoth sampler session celebrating Asian food
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Chaos at merge of surgeries
A CLERICAL blunder left more than 9,000 people thinking their doctor's surgery times had changed -- and caused chaos when pensioners started adopting the new times, a practice manager has claimed. The mistake followed a decision by three doctors to merge
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Golf: Scott victory
BEN SCOTT is believed to be the first player to have won the Harry Ryden Trophy and the ELGA Junior Championship in the same season after clinching the second title at Green Howarth yesterday. The Burnley player fired a 66 to equal the course record of
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Local cricket: Temple hopes tactics pay off
IN-FORM Barnoldswick professional Mark Temple is hoping his new tactics pay off again to put a spanner in the works for Jennings Ribblesdale League title hopefuls Ribblesdale Wanderers tomorrow. Temple has taken 11 wickets in the past two games to help
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County cricket: Ganguly injury blow
SOURAV Ganguly was in the wars at the Oval today as Lancashire's hopes of beating Surrey virtually disappeared. The Indian aggravated his groin problem and was then struck a painful blow on the finer as Surrey extended their first innings from 191-6 to
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Superbikes: Hodgson out to Hatch world chance
NEIL Hodgson has learned his lesson about predicting his races. The Burnley ace rides at Brands Hatch this weekend as a wild card entry in European round of the World Superbikes. On his last appearance in the World Championships at Donington in May, the
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Edmund in the driving seat
JUNIOR racing cyclist Edmund Leary enjoyed a good weekend in his build up to the National Junior Road Race Championships. Competing in the Shadsworth event just outside Blackburn, the Provision Power Bar rider finished third in his first event (riding
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We don't want European union
I WISH to alert people to the fact that there is to be a new treaty signed and finalised in December. How many people know? In the past our Government has changed our currency to decimal, made us change to metric weights and measures, changed to VAT and
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Spartans grab final spot
PILKINGTON Spartans claimed their place in the final of the St Helens Rounders League's Emily Collins Cup. But they were given a real run for their money by TNT. TNT had Michelle Hilton, Kerry Mather-Waters and Gill Crawford (3) to thank for their rounders
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Crime figures 'disgraceful'
AFTER reading a report by Frances Bickerdike in The Citizen (July 20) the reduction in crime levels is very welcome, particularly when living in one of Chief Supt Ricard Taylor's crime hot spots -- Alexandra Ward. But why aren't we given a balanced report
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Uncaring attitude
NEARLY six years ago I wrote to the Citizen about the uncaring attitude of councils and social workers concerning the care of old people. My mother's carers were suddenly changed (to save money) and it caused a lot of distress to my mother. Happily, with
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Closure threat
AFTER reading the statement by Councillor Bancroft emphasising the need to close the eight council-run homes for the elderly, I feel I would like to comment. It was stated that most of the elderly are now "voting with their feet" and demanding to remain
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Decisions cost P&O dear
PRESCOT & Odyssey CC slipped defeat to the hands of Aigburth on Saturday. P&O skipper Carl Oughterson won the toss and put Aigburth in to bat. The opening bowling attack of Paul Dagnall and Alan McComb bowled with accuracy and guile to frustrate
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Music in the park
MUSIC lovers are in for a treat this weekend when Mesnes Park, Newton-le-Willows plays host to The Newton Music Festival 2000. This tuneful extravaganza runs from Friday to Sunday, July 21 to 23. On Friday from 6 to 9pm and on Saturday from 1 to 10pm
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Let's hope action will stop bikers
I HAVE been informed that Bury Metro security officers, in conjunction with police officers, detained three people and confiscated a motor bike in the Chesham Woods area of Bury on Thursday last week at 7pm. This action follows investigations into the
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Rearching Shakers' glory days
I AM researching the FA Cup Finals played at Crystal Palace in London during the years 1895 to 1914 for a proposed book. I am keen to make contact with the families of players, or supporters, who may have been at the matches in 1900 and 1903 when Bury
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Cycling: police are failing us
I WRITE in support of Mr Ryder and Mrs Sankey regarding the behaviour of certain cyclists (Your Letters, July 28). I have been trying for years to get cyclists off pavements and other places that they have no right to be. The Highway Code (1999) states
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Why must they be Tories?
BURY South MP Mr Ivan Lewis (Yours Truly, July 27) assumes that anyone who writes to the Bury Times to disagree with a Labour councillor, the Government or himself, and who signs their letter with a nom-de-plume, are Tory party members. Are our elected
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Life or death season for Bury FC
THE new soccer season is almost upon us, and for Bury FC the months ahead may prove to be as critical a period as any experienced by the club during its long history. The lack of sufficient financial clout has long been an issue but this becaame more
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Put pen to paper
THE Citadel Arts Centre in St Helens is looking for new members for its creative writing class aimed at anyone with a disability. The free, weekly class at the venue in Waterloo Street every Wednesday from 10am to noon and includes instruction in poetry
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Take the plunge
THE BICC Swimming and Instruction Club based at Scotchbarn Lane, Prescot is looking to recruit new members. The Swim 21-registered club is open to everyone, including non BICC employees, and meets every Tuesday and Friday from 8.15 to 10pm with qualified
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Riddle of body on track
TRANSPORT Police are trying to identify a man whose body was found on the railway line near to Thatto Heath Station at the weekend. The body was spotted by the driver of a Liverpool-Blackpool train at about 8.30am on Sunday, July 30. The man, who was
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Terry milks it
EUROPEAN funds for subsidised school milk are to continue -- thanks to the efforts of Euro MP, Terry Wynn, whose constituency includes St Helens. Following discussions with the European Commission and the 15 Finance Ministers, the decision to maintain
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Super show smashes records
THE 2000 St Helens Show has been hailed as the most popular one yet with record crowds piling through the gates. A spokeswoman for St Helens Council told the Star: "This year's show went very well and other than a couple of arrests and minor skirmishes
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Get in the mood
MUSIC-lovers are being asked to dig out their musical memorabilia from the 30s, 40s and 50s. The appeal has come from eight-piece dance band Jazz it Up! who are getting ready for an exciting concert at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall. The musicians need
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School earns glowing report
OUR Lady's RC Primary School in Prescot has been widely praised in a report by Government watchdog, OFSTED. The report found that over the last three years standards in English, Mathematics and Science have been consistently above the national average
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Mum dies in horror accident
A FACTORY worker and mother of three was crushed to death as horrified workers watched helplessly. Mrs Margaret Shaw was killed instantly when her arm and head were pulled into a warping machine at Bury's Andrew Textile Industries on Tuesday (August 1
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Window smashers on the rampage
AN ASTLEY school faces a bill of £1,200 after vandals hurled rocks at its windows. The louts smashed 12 panes of glass at St Mary's RC High School on Manchester Road at 11.30pm on Monday, using boulders from the ornamental garden to pelt the building.
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Police bid to find poison pen writer
A COUNCILLOR who was investigated by local authority chiefs after he was accused of malpractice in a series of malicious letters has called in the police in an attempt to find the poison pen writer. Coun Dave Parkins was yesterday cleared of any wrong
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Great knit aids disaster-hit children
KATHLEEN Wildman stitched up the members of Astley St Stephen's with a charity appeal. At a church service earlier this year the Mothers' Union stalwart called on the congregation to knit sweaters and teddies for the children of disaster hit Mozambique
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Plank Lane now much better
THE Plank Lane area is tons better this week after a major clean up. The church, community and council has dug in together to clear the estate of rubbish and brighten up residents' gardens. The campaign started on Saturday and skip loads of rubbish have
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Roadworks from heaven
A MASSIVE pipeline was laid across a busy dual carriageway near Leigh - under the wheels of unsuspecting motorists and without a workman's cone in sight. Temporary lights and contraflows were avoided by gas engineers laying a 61 metre-long pipe beneath
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Morecambe 'like a ghost town'
I REFER to a letter published in your paper (Citizen: July 13) from a despairing hotelier and I reply as a disgruntled holidaymaker that the letter writer hit the nail on the head. My first grievance is that my family could not even get a bus to Morecambe
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Don't mention the beef war!
FRENCH farmers forgot about their country's ban on British beef to swap ideas with their East Lancashire counterparts. A group of 40 farmers from Limousin were invited to the area by the Bowland Transitional Group of Farmers. The Gallic visitors were
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Roof tile man sentenced
A MORECAMBE man who barricaded himself in his council house and threw roof tiles in an act of protest has been given an 18-month suspended prison sentence. Police officers and negotiators attended the eight hour incident which saw neighbours removed from
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Things aren't so bad in Leigh NHS
IN an article in the JOURNAL Town life can be deadly, it was claimed that Leigh was one of the worst places to live if you wanted to survive hospital treatment. As this article was talking about Department of Health figures, I would challenge them, and
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Rich form beats poor start
MORECAMBE overcame a poor start to Saturday's game against Blackpool at Woodhill Lane to manage an impressive draw. Third placed Blackpool pinned them down to 23-3 in the early stages of their innings. But commanding batting from professional Ashwell
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CIS shows it cares
CO-OPERATIVE Insurance Society (CIS) is taking the lead in Business in the Community's project, Manchester Cares. The company is pledging £40,000 over three years and has seconded Alison Platt to the post of project co-ordinator. CIS is a regional sponsor
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Christmas comes early for TK Maxx
A BURY fashion store is celebrating Christmas in August, but they're not off their tree. TK Maxx, based at the Angouleme Retail Park in the town, is offering budding artists the chance to design the Christmas card of their dreams. Three lucky winners
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HSBC Banking on a winner
HSBC Bank is seeking to reward UK small firms which make a valuable contribution to the economy, both in terms of wealth and employment. With the backing of the Small Business Bureau and BBC for Business, the HSBC Small Business of the Year competition
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Financial reward for teacher training
BURY MP David Chaytor has been instrumental in securing an "earn while you learn" package for trainee teachers. For adult students who wish to train for teaching positions in further or higher education at Bolton Institute will now receive financial support
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Streets ahead on road safety
PUPILS at St Mary's Catholic High School in Blackpool have proved they are streets ahead when it comes to knowing about road safety after winning a specially created quiz. St Mary's were up against competition from Collegiate and St George's High Schools
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Teaching trio bow out at top
A TOP teaching trio have just said farewell to King Edward VII and Queen Mary school in Lytham after a period of exceptional service. Teachers Gordon Grundy, Sheila Rousseau and Ron Naylor have served at King Edward and Queen Mary School for a combined
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Fireworks at last
REVELLERS to this year's Leyland Festival will no doubt recall that the evening firework display was a complete washout! After the rain poured down all day long, festival organisers had to call off their cracking Millennium Festival Firework display.
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Royle visit for the Axe
Lancaster City 2, Bangor City 2 TELEVISION cameras and the FA Cup are on their way to Giant Axe on Friday when the Dolly Blues face Manchester City. SkySports.com TV are to send a cameraman to the match and Joe Royle's new signing, former world player
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Tea party to mark the Millennium
ANYONE for tea and cakes? The Blackpool Abbeyfield Society residential home celebrated the millennium recently by holding an afternoon tea party for their residents, volunteer workers and friends at the Edenfield Country Hotel, Clifton Drive, Lytham.
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Teaching trio bow out at top
A TOP teaching trio have just said farewell to King Edward VII and Queen Mary school in Lytham after a period of exceptional service. Teachers Gordon Grundy, Sheila Rousseau and Ron Naylor have served at King Edward and Queen Mary School for a combined
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School's out!
SCHOOL'S out for summer and up to 800 local children have been having bags of fun as part of the council's summer playschemes. The Council team of 59 staff and 30 volunteers have been busy organising 12 different activities everyday including mini-Olympics
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Man digging for spuds finds relic
A MORECAMBE man has unearthed a 5,000 year-old axe head while digging for potatoes. Michael Arrowsmith, a keen viewer of archaeological television programmes, guessed that he had found something ancient but he had no idea just how old it was. Mr Arrowsmith
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Go on, then, lock me up with the lions!
HOW is it that some people can not even so much as pick their nose surreptitiously at their desk without being spotted and castigated publicly while others quite literally get away with murder in their spare time? Do you know? Because I, for one, don't
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LEIGH and DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE
THE Leigh and District Youth Soccer League, sponsored by Garswood Trophies, is going from strength to strength with 52 teams now registered. Anyone wishing to enter teams into the League should contact the League Secretary, Duncan Tighe, 01942 516218,
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Sizzling rugby
THREE weekends of summer fun and sizzling rugby get underway tomorrow when the 20th Carlsberg Tetley The draw has thrown up some mouth-watering ties at Twist Lane between eight of the best amateur teams in the country. Arguably the match of the round
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Leigh Pubs Cricket League
THE Avenue edged closest rivals Railway by just four runs at Westleigh Meths. The Avenue finished on 165 for 5, Mark Hudspith scoring 90, and Trigger Jones and Tony Libby providing another valuable partnership. The watching donkeys provided entertainment
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Dawn raid on farm
CUSTOMS officers seized a large quantity of alcohol and tobacco during a dawn raid on a Walshaw farm. The Customs' Local Fraud Unit raided the rented business units on Wednesday. The exact location of the farm has not been revealed pending further investigations
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On a wing and a prayer
A DESPERATE search is on for a kestrel which flew its suburban nest over the weekend. The bird-of-prey, known as Kessie, is said to be completely helpless in the wild and needs to be traced quickly. His devastated owners, Mr Rodney Fisher and his wife
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Bid to protect school meals
SCHOOL meals bosses want to fight off hungry predators by carving up the lunch market. The town hall is asking schools to enter a profit-sharing agreement to bring in more money and beat private competition. Councillors say it's the only way to generate
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Democracy in danger claims
OPPOSITION councillors have hit out at rampant secrecy in town hall corridors. They fear that the all-Labour Cabinet is becoming all-powerful to the detriment of local people and democracy in general. The Tories and Liberal Democrats joined forces to
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Slippery customer cornered by constabulary
A PRESTWICH woman has praised the actions of the police after a 4ft long snake "terrorised" neighbours on a quiet Saturday afternoon. Although the slippery character was discovered to be a harmless corn snake, believed to be an escaped pet, families on
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Wartime survivor makes pilgrimage
A SURVIVOR of the doomed Second World War ship the Lancastria re-kindled a friendship first established 60 years ago when he made a special pilgrimage to honour those who had lost their lives on the vessel. Local lad, Mr Norman Driver was in his twenties
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GREENMOUNT crciket: Saeed has a ball
GREENMOUNT paid man Saeed Anwar led the Bolton League to a fine Trinity Cup win over their Bolton Association rivals on Sunday. The Pakistan all-rounder scored a 62 ball century including 12 fours and three sixes and the League ended the Association's
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Toffees leave a bitter taste
A GLANCE at the 5-0 scoreline to Everton and you could be forgiven for thinking that this Monday night friendly (July 31) was a walkover for the "Toffees". But it was never like that and had North End not pressed the self-destruct button with some poor
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Anyone spotted Basil?
A KIND-hearted cat lover is appealing for people to keep their eyes peeled for her beloved pet which disappeared from an address in Windle three weeks ago. Audrey Hartley and her family, from Blackrod in Bolton, were on holiday last month and had left
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Bury FC: Derby clash will be pointer
SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is looking forward to a tasty Lancashire hotpot against arch rivals Bolton tomorrow. Thousands of fans are expected at Gigg Lane to enjoy the revival of the traditional derby clash between the two enemies. And Preece is hoping
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Pub gang plan big trek for charity
A GROUP of walkers are set to put their best feet forward for a worthy cause -- and they are calling on other volunteers to join them. The 22-mile sponsored walk, from Southport back to the Anfield Arms pub in Cooper Street, St Helens, has been organised
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Bid to curb drugs crime
AN innovative project to reduce drug-related crime has been launched in St Helens. The U-Turn Project encourages problem drug users who are arrested to take up appropriate treatment or other effective programmes of help. It will operate throughout Merseyside
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Gala reveals all-day star line-up
AN EXCITING line up of acts has been announced for Darwen Gala 2000. The event will take place in Borough Road on Saturday, August 19. For the first time in its 20-year history the fun will continue into the night. Star attractions include Fizziks Acrobats
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Teenagers gain a few unusual skills
TEENAGERS in Edgworth and Belmont have just completed a week of exciting events planned by young people for young people. Almost 200 youths aged between 12 and 17 years took part in a variety of challenging activities. They tried their hand at circus
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Euro cash brings jobs joy
AROUND 5,000 new jobs could be created in St Helens following the announcement of the new Merseyside Objective One programme which provides £844 million of Euro funding over the next seven years. The focus of activity will be around the Southern Corridor
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Gay flag 'should not fly'
PRESTON Council should be congratulated for refusing to support a gay pride festival and for not flying the rainbow flag (Citizen July 20). This may disgust councillor Fitzgerald, but many residents of South Ribble feel disgusted that their council have
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Old boy backing park fight
A FORMER parks superintendent is delighted that the people of Tyldesley are fighting to have their park restored to its former glory. In the days when Mr Bob Russell was in charge at Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley, the Astley Street gardens were a blaze
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Calling all victims of switchboard misery
I HAD to put pen to paper to sympathise with poor Moira Walker, the woman left hanging on the phone by British Gas (Citizen, July 27). I too have suffered this experience, being passed from pillar to post by monosyllabic switchboard operators. These utility
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LOUISE CROLLA: Netball starLouise hits top form
BURY netball star Louise Crolla returned home empty-handed from the World Youth Netball Championships but her reputation has soared after a string of top-class displays. Louise, 19, of Pembroke Drive, Bury, was praised by critics for "running" England's
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LANCASHIRE LEAGUE CRICKET: Blistering Brad blasts Rams to top
RAMSBOTTOM professional Brad Hodge sent his club roaring to the top of the LANCASHIRE LEAGUE with a marvellous display of batting. The Australian blasted 152 against Colne - the highest score for a Rammy pro in limited overs cricket - hitting six sixes
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Cycle speedway: Dashes, crashes and hospital visits
RACING went to the form book when the mighty Leicester came to Goshen for Midland North Regional Fixtures last Sunday. The day started with Bury border flooring second team joint top of their combination Division and needing to win to retain their position
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Angling: Irwell pollution is to be investigated
SADLY the past week has seen severe pollution of the River Irwell in the upper reaches between Irwell Vale and Stubbins. About 36,000 fish, many mature brown trout to 1.5kgs together with stone loach, bullheads, minnows and sticklebacks, have been lost
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Cycling: Around the clubs
BURY CLARION ON a glorious summer day, cub captain Frank Jefferson decided that there was no better Sunday ride than the Trough of Bowland which site astride the county boundary of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Although it is a trough between the fells, there
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CENTRAL LANCASHIRE LEAGUE: Skipper's Sunday best
TITLE chasers Middleton proved too hot to handle in the first match of the weekend but Radcliffe managed to bounce back to record an exciting last over win the following day. And what a different story it might have been on the Saturday had Middleton
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Rounders: Fishpool close the gap
LAST Monday evening, Bolton Road found their Bury Ladies Rounders League championship charge temporarily halted as their game against Ramsbottom Ladies was postponed until Wednesday. Fishpool A took advantage of their inactivity, claiming both points
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This week in 1975 25 years ago
M66: Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2000 is Bury's M66 motorway. The 4.8k link between Simister and Heap Bridge was officially opened in 1975 by Mr Leonard Fairclough, president of the construction company which built the new easterly by-pass.
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Carl, no hero in my eyes
REGARDING Carl Fogarty's comments (LET, July 24), I agree entirely with Olive Marsden (Letters, July 28), but why does she not cancel Fogarty's book, which she intends to give to her husband for his birthday. I wouldn't give it shelf room in my house
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'Third way' is the right way
IT IS obvious S King (Letters, July 31) is not fully informed of the alternative to full pedestrianisation of Church Street in Blackburn and has not studied schemes in other towns. The alternative to Blackburn with Darwen Council's proposal for Church
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No profit, no smuggling
IN reply to your Comment (LET, July 28) about tobacco smuggling, does not asking people to snoop and sneak (your words) on their neighbours, with rewards for informers, remind you of Hitler's Nazi Germany? Secondly, the government's coffers are overflowing
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Mother of three dragged to death
A TYLDESLEY man has spoken of his grief at losing his wife who was killed after being dragged into a textile machine at work. David Shaw said he was still in shock after being told by police officers that Margaret, his wife of 23 years, had tragically
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East Lancs toasts Queen Mum
SOME of East Lancashire's leading citizens today added their tributes to the nation's grandest centenarian. And Burnley MP Peter Pike told of his fond memories of the day he was able to raise a glass to her in person when she lunched at Manchester Town
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Safety lessons for firebugs
WOULD-BE firebugs are to be given lessons in fire prevention following the tragic death of a mum and her four-year-old son, who is believed to have started the blaze which killed them. Assistant Divisional Officer Aidan Fortune today revealed Lancashire
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Norman storms 'em!
FANS and well-wishers of Sir Norman Wisdom were in for a treat when he dropped in at Slattery's Patisserie in Whitefield. The comedy great was a hit with the crowds on Saturday (July 29) as he performed his popular routine and clumsily tripped up over
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Relative values?
WITH regards to the article in the Star (July 13) about Clock Face Road, it is typical of this council to come up with the same old cry: "There's no money left." Councillor Hargreaves says they are looking at ways to reduce accidents. Well, there is one
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Out of Africa
AN AFRICAN student in Preston will be putting the wheels in motion when he sets of on a marathon bike ride. Tendai Tsanga, 28, who comes from Zimbabwe, will be on the mission of a lifetime when he cycles the length of the country from Land's End to John
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Worker killed
A WORKMAN has been killed in a building site accident in Fulwood. Andrew Jacques, 37, from Heywood, Manchester, was working on site at Longsands Lane when the gable end of a building under construction collapsed. A team of eight men were working on a
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Holiday man dies in Spain after stabbing
A SPANISH holiday ended in tragedy when a 20-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows was attacked and fatally wounded just four hours after arriving in Barcelona on Sunday, July 23. Gareth Mather, who was on holiday with his friend, Neil Danner (22) from
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Retailers creates 45 local jobs
A MAJOR retailer has given Morecambe a boost after it announced plans to open in the resort. Clothing giant Matalan is to move in to a new unit on the White Lund industrial estate. And the fast growing firm has promised to offer the 45 new jobs it will
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Bootleg stash costs £20,000
A SHOPKEEPER who evaded more than £18,000 in duty, has walked free from court -- with a "bill" for a similar amount. Father-of-five Masharat Khan, 48, who had bootleg cigarettes and tobacco stashed away, was fined £20,000, by a judge who gave him three
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Plaque and blue
SPY author Ian Fleming's bond with Lancaster look set to be recognised with the town's first official blue plaque. Blue plaques have so far been restricted to the cities of London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Portsmouth. Smaller towns and cities including
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Cash boost to build business connections
LANCASTER University is to receive £500,000 to build links with local businesses, under a new Government scheme. And the university intends to pump the money in to a long awaited new business and enterprise centre, similar to a successful scheme at Warwick
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Soldier indecently assaulted boy, 12
A SERVING soldier who indecently assaulted a 12-year-old boy while on leave in Morecambe has been fined £250. A judge told Neil Burnett he had carried out a disgraceful piece of conduct, but the two offences he had admitted were at the lower end of the
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MP in a business jam!
REGIONAL business leaders on a fact finding visit to Lancaster were forced to abandon their minibus and walk after getting stuck in a city centre traffic jam. Mike Shields, chief executive of the North West Development Agency, Peter Styche, deputy chief
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Resort is tourism role model
GOVERNMENT tourism minister Janet Anderson says Morecambe is the model other seaside resorts must follow if they are to become successful. Ms Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, says the town's recent redevelopments provide a template for other resorts
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City should learn from our mistakes
GERMAN transport expert Professor Helmut Holzapfel stopped off for a few days in Lancaster this week and reporter Paul Wilkinson met up with him to discuss Lancaster's traffic problems; Back in the 1980s when the German economic miracle looked unstoppable
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Saints' rallying call to fans
SUPER League leaders Saints will be hoping turnstiles click more merrily than of late when London Broncos come to Knowsley Road on Sunday, kick-off 6.35pm. For, despite the team's entertaining rugby, the hard core of home support has dwindled with the
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DAF's Twist in the tale
DAF lost to St Annes by seven wickets at Sandy Lane. Put in to bat Leyland DAF were reduced to four for two when both their openers, James Aspinall and Neil Dasgupta, were dismissed respectively by Dave Callaghan and Steven Twist. Only seven runs later
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Chemists on duty
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, July 30, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Lloyds Pharmacy, 473 Warrington Road, Rainhill; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); Lloyds
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Fuel campaign gathers pace
TORY campaigners were out in force last weekend campaigning against the rising cost of fuel. Adrian Owens, conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for South Ribble, led the group to parts of Longton and Penwortham collecting signatures for a
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£20 million for town
PRESTON has been awarded a £20 million cash windfall to regenerate the town's most deprived areas. The money, from the North West Development Agency, is designed to tackle social exclusion in the borough and to ensure residents have the relevant skills
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Scouting for new recruits
LAST year the 2nd Tyldesley Scout Group had a pack with no Cubs. It was operating with just a Cub Leader, Scout Leader, one Scout, two Venture Scout leaders and two Venture Scouts. Thanks to an appeal in the JOURNAL the relaunched Chameleon Venture Scout
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Safety lessons for firebugs
WOULD-BE firebugs are to be given lessons in fire prevention following the tragic death of a mum and her four-year-old son, who is believed to have started the blaze which killed them. Assistant Divisional Officer Aidan Fortune today revealed Lancashire
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Spice queen to speak at awards night
SPICE queen Meena Pathak will be guest speaker at the 2000 Wigan and Leigh Business Awards. The international businesswoman, entrepreneur and food expert, who with husband Kirit has played a key role in the dynamic growth of food giants Pathak, will launch
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Double cancer loss inspires two women and a dog to an epic ride
A TYLDESLEY fitness instructor, who was dealt a double cancer blow, is now preparing for an epic sponsored solo cycle ride to help boost funds for two charities. In 1992 Sheila Williams, 40, was devastated when she lost her older sister Heather, at 36
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Your chance to play at Wembley
Enjoy a VIP day for two at the Chelsea v Man. Utd. Charity Shield, worth more than £1,000 and one of you will get to join Kevin Keegan for a priceless opportunity to play on the Hallowed Turf ! FSauctions.co.uk, in partnership with One 2 One, is offering
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High-rev farewell for 'Mike the bike'
A VILLAGE came to a standstill on Tuesday when a convoy of motorcyclists joined fellow mourners to give enthusiast Michael Spencer a fitting send-off. The 27-year-old engineer from Astley died nine days earlier in a mystery crash. Michael was killed when
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I'm glad loony is in jail for life
AN ELDERLY Leigh farmer who thought he was going to die as a thug beat him unconscious has welcomed news that his attacker has received a life prison sentence. Harry Tomlinson, who lives at Bowland Field Farm, said he was pleased that 43-year-old Gary
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Capital of sleaze and vulgarity?
IT used to be the capital of candy floss and kiss-me-quick hats. But trends have changed. Huge plastic boobs and bottoms such as those pictured here replace the traditional souvenirs of rock and snowstorms. Have the hen and stag parties who invade the
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Tragic death
THE appalling death of David Wilkinson (Citizen: 27 July) reflects the immensely high price society unquestioningly pays in granting freedom - above all others - to the motor vehicle. Having cycled past the poignant bunches of flowers placed at the accident
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I did not abstain
I WAS surprised to read in The Citizen that Cllr England accused me of not listening to my constituents on the issue of Safeway at Carnforth and even more surprised to be accused of abstaining on this issue. When the Safeway site was being developed a
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MPs and councillors are weak link
IN your last report on the bypass debate, you quote Hilton Dawson MP as saying: "Anyone who disrupts our bid will have something to answer for..." Does he accept that the bid for the Western Bypass has already been disrupted and rejected by two planning
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Low calibre stuff from Davies
ONCE again Chris Davies irrationally attempts to slur anybody that does not believe in the European Community and its institutions. Sadly I was too young to vote in the referendum but was then, and still am, involved in various campaigns for freedom from
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The last word on Socialism
Brothers, sisters, comrades, friends! As briefly as possible this time, Mr Editor! Comrade Shannon (you don't like the Trade Unionist address 'brother') I have no intention of withdrawing one word of my opinions recently expressed. Like you, I will try
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Charity bags that no-one collects
I WISH the people who ask for clothes, the ones who leave bags on the doorsteps, would keep to their word and collect them when they say they will. I left bags of good clothes on my doorstep all day and no-one has been for them. You'd have to be blind
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A big thank you from dog club
WE would like to thank everyone who supported our show on July 23 at Gin Pit village. The backing from sponsors Adams Garage, Tyldesley Tyres, P & R Salvage, Mark Lancaster, John Mansley, J White Carpets, Michelle and Tony Taylor, A & T Miners
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Touching article made better about tragedy
I WOULD like to make a couple of comments about the article Brian Gomm wrote on Michael Spencer's motorbike accident in Friday's JOURNAL. I was a personal friend of Mike's and found the article deeply touching and very true to life. All the comments made
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Sad indictment of arrogant Councillor
I MUST protest at the sheer arrogance displayed by Cllr Strett. If he feels Lowton village requires a supermarket and parade in preference to what amounts to the village green he is as far out of touch with the electorate as is possible. The fact that
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McIlhargey on the move
LANCASTER City's new goalkeeper will be former Blackpool and Morecambe veteran Steve McIlhargey. The 35 year-old-shot stopper will continue his behind the scenes work at Christie Park, but he will be between the sticks for City's first game of the season
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War widows encouraged to make pilgrimage of love
THE Government's Grant-in-Aid scheme for war widows who wish to visit their husband's grave overseas, which was due to end next March, will now run for a further two years. The Government extended Grant-in-Aid following a request from The Royal British
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Shrimps' warm up continues
MORECAMBE'S pre-season build up continued, and they looked useful as neighbours Blackpool visited Christie Park for a seaside derby. Despite the last minute winner by new Blackpool signing Neil Murphy, the Shrimps looked well capable of living with a
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Prison officers take industrial action
LANCASTER prison officers took industrial action for the first time ever this week amid fears over jail privatisations. Staff took the extraordinary step of attending a union meeting rather than starting work on Wednesday morning to discuss their fears
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Seminars for next seven months
BUSY Bury Environment Association (BEA) has announced its seminar programme for the next seven months. The events cover a wide range of environment-related topics which will be of particular interest to many companies throughout the Bury area. Dates and
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Tapping into success
BUSINESS is certainly buoyant for a Bury-based water treatment company with its hope of an eventual £1 million turnover now in the pipeline. And young entrepreneur Chris Halliwell is tasting success with his firm, set up originally as a one-man band,
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Carnival blow
ST ANNES Millennium carnival has been cancelled this year after organisers were blighted by a series of set-backs. First the date was moved from its usual July slot to September 2 to accommodate a special Millennium torchlight parade. But it was only
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Thousands enjoy Last Night of Proms
AS dusk fell on a warm Sunday evening in Lytham, crowds of people flocked from all over the Fylde coast to wonder at the sound of the Last Night of the Proms concert on Lytham Green. And as the last light of day disappeared, a fantastic fireworks display
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Stroll along to the Prom Prom Prom
A FOLK singer who taught herself to play the guitar at the age of 13 is one of the performers at the Last Night of the Proms concert on Lytham Green this Sunday (July 30) Joan Aitchison, from Fulwood, Preston, is partnered by Stephen Carter at the concert
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Fans go ticket crazy
BURNLEY are heading for an opening day sell-out at Bolton Wanderers after a ticket frenzy at the Turf Moor box office today. The Clarets have been allocated 5,225 tickets for their First Division curtain-raiser at the Reebok Stadium a week tomorrow with
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Weller up for Dale clash
PAUL Weller continues to mount a strong challenge for a place in Stan Ternent's first-team plans as he looks to put almost two years of misery behind him. Weller won the sponsor's man-of-the-match award for his performance against Manchester City on Wednesday
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MP's Dunlop jobs pledge
SOUTH Ribble MP David Borrow has pledged to do all that he can to help salvage dozens of jobs at one of Leyland's oldest manufacturing firms. Dozens of workers are facing redundancy after the Dunlop Enerka Belting's factory, off Centurion Way, Leyland
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Friendly ends in agony for Franny
PRESCOT Cables first pre-season friendly ended in disaster for new boy Franny Hill. The summer signing from neighbours St Helens Town's Town suffered a suspected broken leg against Leigh RMI at Hope Street. The match was held up for 25 until an ambulance
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Little gems!
GREEN fingered pupils and staff from Singleton C of E Primary School were invited to St Annes Town Hall to receive their first prize in the Fylde in Bloom schools garden competition. They scooped the top prize of £40 after creating a magnificent garden
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Test stars out to shine
INDIAN Test stars will be on view at Sutton Cricket Club on Sunday, August 6, at 2pm, in a match organised by the Overseas Doctors Association. They include Lancashire's Sourav Ganguly (pictured), plus Anil Kumble, Paras Mhambrey, Abbey Kuruvilla, Nilesh
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Streets ahead on road safety
PUPILS at St Mary's Catholic High School in Blackpool have proved they are streets ahead when it comes to knowing about road safety after winning a specially created quiz. St Mary's were up against competition from Collegiate and St George's High Schools
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Swap gives Cheryl some new ideas
A FLEETWOOD nurse just can't make up her mind about what she wants to do in life. But that's the point of a new "job-swap" scheme designed to stop what the health services call "the steady haemorrhaging" of nurses from the profession by letting them try
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Hunt the gorilla!
IT was more like gorillas in the rain than the mist but even the wet weather could not dampen the spirit of the crowd who had come to see the opening of Blackpool Zoo's latest attraction. Gorilla Mountain, opened by Mary Talbot-Rosevear (pictured), the
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Crash witnesses sought after rider injured
POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a motorcycle rider was seriously injured in a crash at Heaton-with-Oxcliffe. The victim, Carol Crundell, 30, from Melville Road, Heysham, hit two cars after being forced to swerve when another rider pulled out
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Pauline's quietly made of write stuff!
MORECAMBE granny Pauline Butler set herself a special challenge when she had a serious throat operation this year. Although she could talk, she was instructed not to by doctors -- and she used her quiet time to raise cash for the hospital ward which saved
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DAISY HILL ENTERTAIN UNIBOND DIVISION ONE TEAM CHORLEY
KEN Wright, manager of UniBond Division One team Chorley, brings his full first team squad down to the News Sirs ground of Daisy Hill on Tuesday, August 8, kick off 7pm. Assistant manager Brian Smith said: "It will be a great experience for our young
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Wonder goal sinks brave RMI
MARK Fish was back in action as a Wanderers X1 beat Leigh RMI 1-0 on Tuesday. After a summer in which he appeared to be leaving Bolton, Fish was back wearing a Reebok shirt in the Hilton Park friendly. The South African, who quit international football
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Atherton LR face keeper setback
ATHERTON LR 1st team manager Steve Plant has been rocked by the news that star goalkeeper of last season, Mark Winstanley, will be unavailable for regular North West Counties League action until at least the end of October due to work commitments. Plant
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Pooch is brave prize-winner
PRESTWICH pooch, Barnie the Bichon Frise, proved he was a real survivor after an accident left him badly burned and needing round-the-clock medical attention. The cute canine literally landed himself in hot water when a game with his favourite toy ended
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Cancer man pays debt of thanks
A PUBLICAN who won a harrowing battle with cancer is leading fund-raising efforts to help the hospital which saved him. Norman Harris (62) had to have part of his jawbone removed and replaced with a piece of his leg bone last year after he was diagnosed
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Your chance to play at Wembley
Enjoy a VIP day for two at the Chelsea v Man. Utd. Charity Shield, worth more than £1,000 and one of you will get to join Kevin Keegan for a priceless opportunity to play on the Hallowed Turf ! FSauctions.co.uk, in partnership with One 2 One, is offering
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Elms residents demand action
WHITEFIELD residents turned out in force to put forward their demands for any future "vision" of the town centre. Top of their list as part of any redevelopment of the Elms Precinct are local, affordable shops, free car parking and community and religious
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MANCHESTER ASSOCIATION CRICKET: Bury pip Brox in derby clash
IN last Saturday's Manchester Association local derby both Bury and Brooksbottoms were desperate to win. Brox elected to bat first and set off confidently reaching 60 without loss until debutant Bilal made the breakthrough. Wickets fell steadily from
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Croquet: Honours even as Caesars meet Saints
BURY Caeser team visited Bowden where St Mary's had assembled a very strong team. In the doubles Tony Phillips and Colleen Forkin were defeated, but captain Len Forkin with Richard Harvey held together for a narrow victory, so that honours were even at
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Victory so near
ST ANNES 230-7 NETHERFIELD 208-9 St Annes nearly inflicted a first Bay 96.9 Northern Premier League defeat on Netherfield in an exciting game at home on Saturday. Having made 230-7 in their 60 overs and St Annes looked set for victory after a clatter
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Group scouting for help
A SCOUT group may have to be wound up -after 21 years. The 25th St Helens Billinge unit needs more volunteers to look after the children. The group, based at Billinge Methodist Church, Main Street, comprises a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack, Scout Troop and
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Firesquad to check out home hot spots
A 'HOT Spot' team of officers from Merseyside Fire Service will be visiting homes in the Parr area to advise residents about fire safety. The move follows the recent serious fire in Stretton Avenue, Parr, caused by an unattended pan. A third of all fires
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Little Harry hits heights
FOOTBALL fan Harry Hardman got a taste of being on the winning side when he walked away with the title of Starlad at the St Helens Show at the weekend. The five-year-old from Rainford would love to follow in the footsteps of his Anfield idol Michael Owen
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Takeover effects big changes at gym . . .
THERE'S a new team in charge down at one of the oldest established gym sites in town at the former Pace Fitness Centres Ltd. at Boundary Road, St Helens on July 25. A new company Body FX (St Helens) Ltd., has been set up by Keiron and Leanne Pickavance
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Tears of joy for Jackie
PROUD mum Jackie Peters wiped away the tears as she stepped up on stage with 16-month-old Kira after being named as this year's Star Mother and Baby winners. And there to watch them walk away with the title was doting husband and dad, Barry, who had persuaded
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Man made drugs deals on wheels
ANDREW Lamb offered drug deals on wheels to workers at a local factory -- but it was more like a pizza delivery service than a Mafia operation. Blackburn magistrates heard that Lamb's world of illicit drugs was a million miles from the Mafia glamour world
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Woman leapt from car to death
A WOMAN who had an argument with her partner after a day out in Blackpool seeking work died after running into the path of a car on the M55. An inquest heard that Tracy Wilding, 41, from Bury Fold Lane, Darwen, was in a distressed state after a confrontation
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Amy's our little star
OUR St Helens Star Miss Starbud 2000 winner is Amy McPherson. Dressed in a beautiful pink dress adorned with tiny rosebuds, the cute three-year-old wowed audiences at the final with her rendition of Britney Spears' hit, 'Baby, Hit Me One More Time' and
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Drive for divers
THE Dolphin Scuba Society holds meetings at 9.30pm every Thursday in the Regent hotel, Haslingden. The society has more than 50 active members who enjoy several events each year, including murder/mystery weekends, diving off Mull and Tiree, holidays in
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Special fathers
RAWTENSTALL Asda held a contest in which children where asked to say why their dad was the best. The youngsters were given an activity sheet on which they drew their dad in his favourite clothes, and then wrote why he was sepcial. Rebecca Marie Fernandez
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Good will group plea
IT was interesting to see the signs being erected at Penwortham Hall to deter would-be thieves, and a call being sent out for yet more neighbourhood watches. A far cry from the days when one could always rely on neighbours for the elderly or distressed
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Needles worry for parents
YOUR recent article entitled 'Needles horror in park' on July 13 is extremely worrying for the local community. The dangers from carelessly discarded syringes are very real and there is a potential risk of Hepatitis B or even HIV transmission from accidental
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Sir Trevor joins racism battle
A UNIQUE hard-hitting video designed to teach officers how to tackle racist incidents and crimes has been developed by Lancashire police. The video, called Action Against Racist Crime, features an introduction by Home Secretary Jack Straw and is presented
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Thousands enjoy Last Night of Proms
AS dusk fell on a warm Sunday evening in Lytham, crowds of people flocked from all over the Fylde coast to wonder at the sound of the Last Night of the Proms concert on Lytham Green. And as the last light of day disappeared, a fantastic fireworks display
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A summer movie worth seeing twice!
THE burning question is, has Nick Hornby's cult novel translated to the big screen via re-location Stateside? Unfortunately, having never read it I can't judge, writes Richard King? What I can tell you though is that High Fidelity is a good slice of cinematic
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The 8 minute deadline
AMBULANCES in the North West are expected to reach more than three quarters of all emergencies in record times, it has been revealed. As part of a new government plan aimed at saving more lives, ambulance services will be forced to reach 75 per cent of
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'I'll take my own life'
AN 82-YEAR-OLD Blackpool pensioner told a shocked meeting that she would take her own life if the care home in which she lived was shut down. Beatrice Hindle, from Kipling Manor -- one of the eight care homes threatened with closure by Blackpool council
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'Dump the pump' day ignored
DUMP the Pump day? Maybe not.... On the day that was supposed to be the nation's protest against Britain's high petrol prices, local drivers bucked against the advice and filled up regardless. Petrol sales in the North West were down by a half, but motorists
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Girl,14, flees attacker
POLICE are hunting a pervert who indecently assaulted a 14-year-old girl while she was out walking along Lytham Road, Blackpool. The incident happened at around 9.45pm on Saturday, July 22, when the girl was in a phone box near St Peter's Church. He approached
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East Lancs toasts Queen Mum
SOME of East Lancashire's leading citizens today added their tributes to the nation's grandest centenarian. And Burnley MP Peter Pike told of his fond memories of the day he was able to raise a glass to her in person when she lunched at Manchester Town
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Lorry driver gives account of fatal crash
AN ELDERLY couple died when they pulled out of a layby in their car straight into the path of a lorry driven by a man from Chorley. The Saab 900 belonging to William Young and wife Phyllis, of Glebe Close, Frampton-on-Severn, near Gloucester, was shunted
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Happy birthday Ma'am - and Rene!
TODAY millions of well-wishers raise a glass to Britain's favourite grandmother but none will probably wear a smile quite so wide -- or indeed as proud -- as Elsie Irene Miles. Elsie, known to her pals as Rene, has spent her life one day ahead of the
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Soccer: Fish back for Gigg clash
BOLTON are expected to give defender Mark Fish a run-out for the first time this summer when they take on neighbours Bury at Gigg Lane tomorrow. The South African missed Wanderers' tours to Denmark and the United States.
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Local cricket: Chorley double
CHORLEY face a Lakeland double this weekend. On Saturday they entertain Kendal at Windsor Park, while on Sunday a large crowd is expected for the Nuffield Hospital Cup final at home to Netherfield. The league leaders will prove a stern test for Roland
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Golf: Dougherty's Faldo dream is over
NICK Dougherty's bid for glory in the English Amateur Championship came to an end yesterday when he crashed out at Royal Lytham. And local interest disappeared when Blackburn's Tony Jackson saw his brave run come to an end with a three and two defeat
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Visitors spoil the party
VISITORS Parkfield killed off Ruberoid Sutton's game at New Street on Saturday. On a great batting track Sutton won the toss and decided to have a knock. Mike Rimmer made 40 and Bapa Mukherjee 50 not out as Sutton made 199-4 declared in 40 overs. Parkfield
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Teeing up great day out
A GREAT golfing challenge is moving into extra time. The third Pilkington Recs annual golf classic was due to be staged at Eccleston Park Golf Club on Wednesday, August 16. But many players would have been forced to miss the pupular competition through
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Road sign madness
ADJACENT to the No 3 Pub and traffic lights on Newton Drive, Blackpool, they have erected an imbecility. The erection, a simply supported road sign, comprises two tubular columns clearly capable of carrying a massive load. Presumably structural engineers
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Thank you to The Citizen
I WRITE to thank and congratulate you on your July 27 edition giving Marion Friend's letter front page prominence and also your headline that every councillor should read. It beggars belief that it was necessary in the year 2000. The council leader took
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Eccleston in the wars
A DEPLETED Eccleston team were beaten at Hindley on Saturday. Put into bat, Hindley made139-8. Pick of the Eccleston bowlers were R Creak with (5-29) and Johnson (3-34). When Eccleston batted a lack of experience told and they were unable to reach the
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Pensioner Pressure
I AM writing in disgust at the closure of the homes for the elderly. A lot of these people have had to sell their homes to pay for their care. Some are in their 90s and what harm it will do to uproot them and put them in a strange place with people looking
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Rainhill on title course
LEAGUE leaders Rainhill crushed Moorfield at Victoria Terrace on Saturday. They amassed 200-5 declared off 48.4 overs. Top scorer was Captain Mike Rotheram with 46. Peter Mercerwho steadied the innings for a very patient 27 which took 95 minutes. Even
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Searching for her ancestors
I AM researching my family by the name of Axon. My great great grandfather Charles Axon and his wife Eliza Axon lived at Poolside, Thornton until her death in 1889. Charles moved to Shard View, Thornton. They had four children, Alfred, Frank, Amelia and
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Touchline beat for bobby Ian
A POPULAR policeman was called in to control a heavyweight confrontation on Saturday. Acting sergeant Ian Fairweather, who is based at the College Street station and lives at Eccleston, was a touchjudge at the Leigh Centurions versus Dewsbury Rams NFP
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Rare blow for Rainford . . .
LEAGUE leaders Rainford slumped to a rare defeat at Southport Trinity on Saturday. The hosts batted first and rattled up 80 without loss from only 10 overs and a big score looked a formality. But the Rainford bowlers, led admirably by Harrison and Calland
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A black day for St Helens
GIANT West Indian fast bowler Marlon Black was the difference between the sides as St Helens lost to Huyton on Saturday. The St Helens bowlers were on top in the first innings with only Huyton captain Mark Wilkie (58) making any impression in an all out
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Grim prospect for mast
CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect a mobile phone mast in a built-up area of Ashton could end up being scrapped because of a council blunder. BT Cellnet has applied to put up an antennae on its premises in Prospect Place, but the site is in the middle of a
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The shape of things to come
SOUTH Ribble Borough Council chiefs have unveiled the first image of the blueprint for Leyland's new town centre market. Work on the site, in Northcote Street, off Hough Lane, has already started and the modern development is expected to open later this
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Capital of sleaze and vulgarity?
IT used to be the capital of candy floss and kiss-me-quick hats. But trends have changed. Huge plastic boobs and bottoms such as those pictured here replace the traditional souvenirs of rock and snowstorms. Have the hen and stag parties who invade the
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Why embarrass or humiliate them?
I READ with amazement the letter from Sainsbury's branch manager Frank Almond (July 28) in which he stated that the alternative to the voucher system "is for civil servants to hand out bags of shopping to asylum seekers". No, Frank, the alternative to
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A grudge? We will have . . .
MR T. R. Miles (Your Letters, July 28) writes about drivers and retired people who, he thinks, are likely to have a grudge against this government. I am retired and a driver, and perhaps we do have some grudges but I am not going to be charged for my
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We must be more patient
MAY I applaud Ivan Lewis MP for his reply (Your Letters, July 28) to the anonymous writers who have attacked him recently in the press. "Ex-Labour Voter", in particular, seems to be using the race card himself by accusing our MP of being racist! It is
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Luck of the draw
THIS week's lucky jackpot winner in Willowbrook Hospice lottery draw was Mr J. Shard from Prescot who takes home the £2,000 jackpot. Other big winners were Mrs B. Melling from Huyton who won £200; Mrs B. Ormerod, (£125); Mrs D. Ashcroft, Moss Bank (£75
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Can you help trace church roots?
ST JULIE'S church, Eccleston, celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and parish priest Father Tom Neylon is seeking help in tracing its roots. Writing in the parish newsletter, he stated: "Father Cyril Higham said Mass at Notre Dame School on Sundays
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Parish marks special anniversary
ST JOHN'S church, Earlestown, will celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend with the following events: Today, Thursday, August 3, 7.30pm: Opening of celebrations and exhibitions; talk by Frank Simcock; refreshments. Friday noon: Exhibition open; 7.30pm
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Hawk found in house
DRUGS officers from St Helens Police called in the RSPCA when they discovered a young sparrowhawk during a house search. The officers raided the house in Sussex Grove, Parr, and found the bird -- which is a protected species -- in a cage. They also found
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Passenger 'critical'
A FIFTY-nine-year-old man is critically ill in Whiston Hospital's Intensive Care Unit following a two-car accident on Saturday night. The accident happened at the East Lancashire Road junction with Green Leach Lane, Haresfinch, at about 7.50pm and involved
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Brownies in cave drama
BROWNIES from the 3rd St Helens Unit got more than they bargained for when they tackled one of the country's deepest potholes as part of a Millennium Challenge. For the youngsters, who were accompanied by their Guiders and police officers Michelle Harrison
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Boost in war on drugs
A DRUG support help group aimed at families of drug users has been set up at Newton Family and Community Centre. The Footsteps group is run completely by four volunteers who have all had their own experiences of family members suffering from drug addiction
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Crash drive lucky to be alive
A MAN rescued from a smoke-filled car in the early hours of the morning has been described as "lucky to be alive." Firefighters were called out to the 4 x 4 vehicle in City Road, St Helens at about 2.50am on Friday, July 28. When they arrived they found
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Toffees leave a bitter taste
A GLANCE at the 5-0 scoreline to Everton and you could be forgiven for thinking that this Monday night friendly (July 31) was a walkover for the "Toffees". But it was never like that and had North End not pressed the self-destruct button with some poor
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Fun day with serious aim
THE Eagle and Child in Billinge will be holding a family fun day this Saturday to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. Licensee Phil Round decided to hold the fundraiser day after his four-month-old niece Megan Blackburn of Westhoughton contracted meningitis
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Meating tough new standards
TONY Cook, of J. E. Cook Ltd., Ormskirk Road, Rainford is the first butcher to be licensed in St Helens after receiving his special certificate from St Helens Council's Chief Environmental Health Officer, Steve Massey. To qualify for the licence, a butcher
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Rachel goes for gold with paddle power!
FORMER Rainford High School pupil Rachel Smith is going for gold. She's been selected to represent Great Britain in the 2000 European Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Malmo, Sweden, on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13. Marketing manager Rachel
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Lookin' good at Cables Retail Park
WORK on the Cables Retail Park development at Prescot is near completion. The main building work on the new Tesco superstore was finished on July 24 and the retailer is now fitting out the 6,260 square metre unit. Other retailers already signed up include
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Curtain up on antiques
IF you have a family heirloom which you think could be valuable, don't miss 'An Evening with Henry Sandon' at the Theatre Royal on Sunday, September 3, from 7.30pm. For Harry has spent 21 years on 'The Antiques Roadshow' has spent 21 years on 'The Antiques
