Archive
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East Lancs events on August 19
Spring Vale Rambling Class, Darwen: Whalley, with Michael McNicholas and Tom Johnstone (8 miles). Meet car park Whalley 2pm. Accrington and Blackburn CHA Club: Rimington (B walk) with Jennifer Dean. Meet Bulls Head car park Wilpshire, 12.45pm for Black
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Bury FC: Wrexham news
TOMORROW'S visitors to Gigg Lane, Wrexham, got the season off to a miserable start last Saturday with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Danny Wilson's Bristol City. Goals from Tony Thorpe and Paul Holland put the skids under the Robins who were sickened
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Angling: Hard work pays off
ON Saturday there was an exceptional turnout of members of the Bury Society for the working party held on Parkers Lodge at Elton Vale. With the aid of two strimmers the heavy bramble growth inside the gates was cleared and the excessive amount of flytipping
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Today's the day
1977: Elvis Presley was buried in Memphis, Tennessee. An estimated 130,000 mourners turned out for the service to say farewell to the King of Rock and Roll. 1978: History repeated itself for Captain Antonio Misa of the Philippine Airlines, when a bomb
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Several injured in street fracas
POLICE were forced to break up a fight outside a Whitefield pub. Around 30 men were involved in the street brawl on Sunday night (Aug 13) at the Bulls Head pub in Bury Old Road. It is believed the fight broke out at 11.30pm following a domestic argument
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Woman, 89 is robbed
A THIEF robbed a Whitefield pensioner of more than £300. The offender called at the Bury New Road home of the 89-year-old woman at 10.50am on Tuesday (Aug 15). Claiming to be a builder, the thief talked his way into the house and stole the woman's handbag
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Ron's in the market for merriment.
IT'S Jester a bit of fun from toy stall owner Ron Gardner whose colourful costume was anything but a joke. Ron's get-up was just one of the attractions at a special event held in Radcliffe at the weekend. The town celebrated the climax of Great British
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Czeching out Lancashire
RAMSBOTTOM Rotary Club is breaking down international barriers. Czechoslovakian student Magda Novakova has been enjoying a taste of Lancashire hospitality courtesy of the community orientated organisation. Magda attends Charles University at Prague, where
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Fire visit was hot stuff.
HOT stuff! That's youngsters Andrew Paterson (left) and William Maginn who are pictured in suitable uniform during a visit to Bury Fire Station. Both youngsters, photographed with firefighter Darren Booth, were among a number of children from the 20th
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Sharron makes a big splash.
OLYMPIC swimmer Sharron Davies was in Bury on Saturday (Aug 12) to open a new fitness centre. And for once she was not on the receiving end when the medals were handed out... because it was her that was doing the presenting! Youngsters using the pool
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Bike smash witnesses sought
WITNESSES are being sought to help find a motorcyclist who was riding a stolen machine which crashed and burst into flames on a Bury road. A helmet and leather gloves were discarded by the rider who collided with a Peugoet 406 on Wash Lane at 11.50am
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Duo drove through rain
YOU can't blame teenagers Adam McCormack and Richard Kennedy for being a little "tee-d" off. The two were determined to finished their charity golf tournament, whatever the weather! And Junior Captain of Greenmount Golf Club, Richard (17) and team member
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Can you help vulnerable children?
VOLUNTEERS are needed to stand up for the borough's vulnerable children. Bury Advocacy Service needs people to serve as advocates. They will be expected to visit a children's home, encourage a young person's rights, take up matters on their behalf and
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Give a pet a home
CAN you provide a purr-fect home for some four-legged friends? If so, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary wants to hear from you. Over recent weeks the Edenfield-based animal shelter has been inundated with unwanted cats and dogs. And the situation is likely to
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Dance judge
A TEACHER connected with dance in Bury for more than half-a-century has returned from judging a national competition. For the past week Miss Pat Lupino Thompson, has been at Butlins in Skegness where the British Stage Dance Council Championships have
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Jack Walker dies aged 71
JACK WALKER, the man whose millions transformed Blackburn Rovers into the country's champions, has died, after finally losing his battle against cancer. The 71-year-old had been fighting the disease in hospital and at his home in Jersey
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Top marques as show draws in crowds.
THE Bury Times Motor Show and Gala Day 2000 moved into top gear at the weekend. And the cars certainly emerged as the stars during Sunday's (Aug 13) event, which attracted more than 1,000 visitors to Bury FC's ground. Many local dealerships were represented
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MP demands US takes action over landmines
BURY North MP David Chaytor has challenged top US politicians over landmines. He has written to President Bill Clinton and presidential hopefuls Al Gore and George W. Bush asking them to pledge support for the Ottawa-Anti-Landmine Treaty. Now Mr Chaytor
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George nets a bright fuchsia
A BARBER from Radcliffe has turned his fondness for flowers into international success thanks to the appliance of science. When crimper George Foster (57) of Warwick Road is not busy in his Bolton cutting room, he is boosting flower power via the world
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Saints and Wolves want teen star - but he stays at Hilton Park
RISING star Mick Higham will be thrilling Hilton Park crowds for at least another two years. The teenage hooker yesterday put pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him with the Centurions until 2002. It's a significant signing for coach Paul Terzis
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New era for old mill
PART of Bury's industrial heritage is disappearing to make way for a new era of business prosperity. Demolition work began this week to knock down a section of Peel Mills, located in Castlecroft, Bury. Built at the turn of the century and originally occupied
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Match preview: Crewe v Rovers
The Final word on Crewe BIG MONEY MAN: Dave Walton: Centre back Dave Walton is Crewe's club record signing. Gradi paid £500,000, plus £200,000 based on appearances, to take him from Shrewsbury Town. But a groin injury is set to keep him out of the action
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Blackburn Rovers skipper's vow to win promotion for Jack
BLACKBURN Rovers skipper Garry Flitcroft today vowed to win promotion in memory of Jack Walker as news of his death hit Ewood. And the 27-year-old intends to start that business at Gresty Road tomorrow when Rovers clash with Crewe Alexandra
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'Uncle' Jack turned Blackburn Rovers fans' fantasy into reality
JACK rubbed his hands in gleeful anticipation and sat back to enjoy the game. As usual, he was in the best seat in the house. But this time it was a wooden bench. He would have gladly sacrificed even that for a seat of nails.
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Steel man's gift of gold to Blackburn
TO Blackburn Rovers fans everywhere, Jack Walker will always be remembered as the steel magnate with the heart of gold. A life-long supporter of his hometown club, Uncle Jack's association with Rovers first began as a fan on the Blackburn End
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Tributes to Jack Walker from Blackburn Rovers stars past and present
TRIBUTES to Jack Walker today poured in from the world of sport. Tim Sherwood, captain of the championship winning side, said: "I remember seeing him drive to the training ground once in a 1.1 Fiesta Popular. "At first I thought it
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Rosehill scoops award
ROSEHILL Tenants' and Residents' Association is the first community group in Burnley to win a certificate of compliance to show it acts in a democratic and accountable way. The certificate will be presented to the association by estate landlord Burnley
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Reigning cats and dogs!
HAVE you got a pet with unsociable habits? Reporter Paul Wilkinson finds out more about man's best friend from local animal behaviour consultant, Gill Aitken... Ever since my lovable pet pooch got to grips with an unsuspecting rabbit, "walkies" has never
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Shoplifting sparked by depression
A TEENAGER depressed after a miscarriage went out shoplifting, but was given a chance by magistrates because of the effect her recent "misfortune" had had on her. The Burnley bench heard how Julie Anne Rafferty, 19, had helped herself to perfumes and
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Rugby feast planned
AN amateur Rugby League bonanza is in store this weekend. For the Thatto Heath Crusaders' junior section has organised a 10-a-side competition at Broadway High School, Grange Park. The under sevens, 13s and 14s take the field on Saturday morning. And
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Royals calim cup final spot
Blackbrook Royals under 13s 34 Widnes Moorfield 12 DESPITE several regulars missing through holiday commitments, Royals progressed to the final of the Fred Hilton Trophy at Leigh Miners this Saturday, kick off 1.30pm, with an outstanding performance against
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Wildcats strike stuns Saints
Wakefield Wildcats 32 Saints 16 HORROR SHOW! Rock-bottom! Unprofessional! Any of these charges could be levelled against sorry Saints after this shock result of the season on Sunday. Picture the scene. League leaders Saints seeking an eighth successive
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That night of terror
THE gap in the street remains to this day, marking the wartime night when Mrs Tunstall, the local toffee-shop keeper, made the tragic mistake of seeking shelter with a neighbouring family. A German bomb scored a direct hit on the house in Farnworth Street
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Place where 'rainbow' grass grew
WE'VE hit the yedscratter jackpot! A cluster of keen old-timers have come up with answers about the origins of such old St Helens blots on the landscape as the Burgy Banks at Haresfinch, the towering Kimmicks spoilheaps, now mercifully removed from the
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Borrowing books has never been easier
FLIMSY library cards have become a thing of the past in Oswaldtwistle with the introduction of the new Linnet Library Information Network. Under the new system, borrowers can now take out books from any library in Lancashire. The system will provide staff
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Hitting road to beat burglars
COMMUNITY crime fighters have scored a first in Platt Bridge! Anti-crime campaigners are taking their fight against the burglars out on to the road. And they have won £25,000 from the government to appoint a community warden for 12 months, who will patrol
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Boulevard: Keep on shopping!
DEFIANT shopkeepers have vowed to re-establish their businesses after the £1 million Boulevard blaze. And town centre management bosses have pleged speedy help in relocating businesses devasted by the Leigh town centre inferno. Already TCM chairman Cllr
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£1 billion for pit pensioners
OVER £1 billion has been paid in to the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme reinstating benefits for thousands of miners. About 60,000 members quit the MPS in the 1980s when, in the aftermath of a bitter year-long strike, they were persuaded to transfer to personal
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Pig protest over 2000 party in park
VEGETARIANS have criticised a Leigh church for having a pig roast at an event to celebrate 2000 years of Christianity. Rev Peter Leakey, of Christ Church, Pennington, has received five letters from people who say it is inappropriate to have a skewered
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Anybody home to help catch conmen?
POLICE in Leigh want more people to join crime-busting Homewatch schemes to stop elderly neighbours falling prey to conmen. Two pensioners have recently been fleeced by criminals and it is hoped a more vigilant community could have prevented the offences
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Police take it softly softly!
BLACKPOOL police are to take the softly-softly approach towards loutish and drunken behaviour in the town, The Citizen can reveal. Despite public calls from readers of The Citizen for more bobbies on the beat to make the streets safer, Det Chief Insp
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I smell a rat on the road
IN response to the article by Prof Helmut Holzapfel. He is quite right to point out the mistakes of the past and of course we should learn from these, or keep on making the same mistakes time and time again. But I smell a rat. I think the anti-bypass
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Plenty could help to save church
I WAS so sad to see your front page of August 10 on the situation at St Peter's Church at Heysham. The thought that this wonderful place would no longer be there for the spiritual needs of local people would be very hard to take. There must be hundreds
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Preserve this treasure
THANK you for publicising the financial problems at St Peter's Church, Heysham. We are blessed with large congregations but these days a Grade 1 listed building needs the support of the wider community if it is to survive. St Peter's is a treasure that
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Pool derby win hopes washed away
BLACKPOOL had to settle for four points when rain brought a premature end to their match at Stanley Park, which finished Blackpool 215-4, Leyland 20-2. Leyland won the toss and put Blackpool into bat and openers, Chris Cornall and Steven Croft shared
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Hockey girls hot in the Caribbean
YOUNG hockey players from Lytham have returned from the Caribbean with a string of victories to their name. A three-week stay in Barbados brought five wins in six games for the senior team from King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Lytham. The opening
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Morecambe's toughest outing of the season
LANCASTER have a home fixture this Saturday against next to bottom Leyland and should pick up some points from this encounter. Morecambe have probably their toughest fixture of the season this Saturday when they travel to Cumbria to play the current league
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Sex beast sent down for life
A LANCASTER sex beast has been caged for life after being convicted of another sick attack. Paul Robson, 35, was given the life sentence at Oxford Crown Court on Monday after a psychiatric report read to the court said that reducing the risk he faced
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MD backs being a member of Chamber
TICKLED pink! That's Summerseat businessman Tony Tickle who has reaped rich returns via membership of Bolton and Bury Chamber. His company, The Tickle Group, has won more than £100,000 of business in the past 18 months as a result of member-to-member
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Bury brothers survey thriving business
TWO Bury brothers who launched their quantity surveying practice from their homes have now opened the door on a thriving and successful business. Five years after Peter and David Vinden established The Vinden Partnership (TVP), the firm now commands an
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Clarets: we're ready
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent rates Wimbledon as top-six prospects but has backed his players to mix it with the best ahead of tomorrow's Turf Moor opener. Ternent believes the Dons are in with a chance of an instant Premiership return following their relegation
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They'll never forget visit
THE children of Chernobyl would like to thank you most sincerely for advertising our Garden Fete. They would also like to thank Mr John Inman for opening the event which took place at Bispham Court on July 23. The children would also like to thank the
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Sleaze and vulgarity
JUST a short note in response to the article "Sleaze and vulgarity in Blackpool today." Over the past ten years, ourselves and other hoteliers have complained about the depressing carrying on of groups of males and females. There is often drunken, often
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Nicholas looks forward to a cool 21st
A THORNTON soldier is swapping Bosnia for birthday cake this month as he takes a break from his tour of duty to celebrate his 21st back home. Nicholas Barber has been serving in Bosnia for three months with the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment, Arnham
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Trapped... by the tide
QUICK-THINKING lifeguards rescued three girls stranded on a sandbank at Fleetwood this week in an incident chillingly like the tragedy in Norfolk which claimed the life of five-year-old Jake Parker. Willie Scott and Andy Karapiperis spotted the young
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I knew they'd catch up...
REMEMBER I told you I couldn't get away with anything? Well, here's the proof. I received this e-mail from Chester Zoo last week and almost died of a heart attack: Dear Shelley, interesting to read you owe us £3.50. We normally feed shoplifters to the
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Thick and glossy - or just thick?
I HAVE never been a massive fan of those thick, glossy women's magazines but every now and again I must admit I do pick the odd one up. Now, OK, I'm not saying I actually go and fork out £2.50 or whatever price they are these days, but I do usually get
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Glazebury earn draw
GLAZEBURY earned a draw against a strong Westleigh side in their Manchester Association game at Leigh. The home side batted first and got off to a flying start thanks to Moon (67), Blood (58) and Entwistle (49). Glazebury tightened their attack and picked
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Tough start for Daisy Hill
WITH Blackpool Mechanics tomorrow's visitors to Daisy Hill, managers Brian Richardson and Brian Smith are under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead for their young side. Smith says: "Blackpool are favourites for the Division Two title
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Latics ready for a step into unknown
LEIGH Athletics' new venture into the Manchester League begins in earnest tomorrow with a home game against Milton. After many years in the Lancashire Amateur League the Madeley Park outfit decided on a switch of competition to fall in line with the long
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Veteran Reds keeper dies
A MANCHESTER United player in the 1930s, who became a local hero in Whitefield, has died at the age of 87. John Hall, known to many as Jack, was with the Reds between 1933 and 1936 and became the club's number one goalkeeper. He made his debut with the
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Ready to spring into action
RESIDENTS in Bury East have been awarded cash to set up their own version of Ground Force. A cheque for £2,000 has been presented to the New Springs Community Gardening Project to help people tackle their unruly gardens. The money will buy gardening equipment
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Acting the goat!.
A GARDEN party in aid of a Tottington-based pets charity proved to be just animal magic. More than 450 visitors attended the event staged by Pets in Need at its sanctuary at Reynard's Bank, Turton Road on Sunday (Aug 11). And pictured meeting "Bell" the
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Campaign to keep village bus
VILLAGERS have mounted a last ditch attempt to save a community service which is due to be terminated next month. The 560 First Bus service, from Bury to Bolton, is to end on September 4. Operators claim the bus, which travels through Tottington, is under-used
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Masked raiders stage raids on news shops
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two newsagents in the same street were targeted by armed robbers within the space of five days. Two masked thugs struck at Lomas's Newsagents in Parr Lane, Unsworth, on Tuesday afternoon (Aug 15) and threatened
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Clarets boss pays tribute to Walker
THE local rivalry was put to one side today as the powers that be at Burnley paid tribute to Rovers owner Jack Walker. Clarets chairman Barry Kilby said: "You can't help but admire what he did for Blackburn Rovers and for smaller town clubs in general
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Cricket: Simply the best!
WALSHAW under 11s have had a tremendous season winning the Bolton and District League Championship after being unbeatable all summer. And six of the team can boast that they are true all rounders ... because when they're not playing cricket, they play
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Want to lend a hand?
ORGANISERS of an innovative scheme designed to help protect the elderly during the winter are looking for volunteers. Dawn Patrol is a voluntary scheme designed to check that elderly people living alone are kept safe, warm and well. It has the support
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Bury FC: Preece wants more of same
A WEEK into the season, maximum points on the board and a fit squad... boss Andy Preece has a smile a mile wide. And his message to his team for tomorrow's clash with Wrexham is simple: "Same again please!" Preece and the Shakers are brimming with confidence
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Salute for brave bobbies
FOUR police officers have received awards for bravery for trying to save a man from a blazing car four years ago. DC Andrew Johnston and Constables Ian Critchley, Paul Gibson and Paul Fletcher, were each nominated for the Giancarlo Tofi Award by Chief
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Caring cabbie does the honours
A PENSIONER who left her handbag in the back of a taxi after an evening out thought that was the last she had seen of it. But the following day the relieved 80-year-old was re-united with the bag, containing vital medical papers, thanks to the honest,
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Taxi drivers put to test
ROSSENDALE has become one of the first councils in the country to put would-be taximen to the test -- by ordering them to pass a new government driving examination before they can carry passengers. The taxi tests are being carried out by the Driving Standards
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Independence Day
PAKISTAN'S Independence Day was honoured in special style here in Leigh. Members and friends of Leigh Ethnic Elders gathered for a double celebration. Apart from the nation's big day, it was the first anniversary of the forming of a group which seeks
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Angela's award
LEIGH Citizens Advice Bureau's only Millennium Project volunteer, Angela Yates, has won a top award. The 19-year-old mum followed in the footsteps of her mother, Carol, to become an adviser at The Avenue bureau. Since joining in March she has attained
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Stitchers' plea for vital equipment
STITCH in Time duo Cilla Gill and Vera Grimes have been promised practical help to re-start their successful business. But they are short of a vital piece of equipment which will help things along. "We need an industrial blind hemmer and wonder if any
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William banks on pedal power!
TV star William Travis is looking forward to a saddle-sore Sunday. But it's all in a good cause as he joins around 30 intrepid cyclists for the annual Southport to Tyldesley Sponsored Bike Ride. The Leigh-based actor, who features in TV's 'Where the Heart
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Coroner leaves on health grounds
LEIGH'S coroner Martin Coppel has been forced to retire on health grounds. The district has not had a senior coroner for about three months since Mr Coppel -- whose role is to oversee inquests into sudden deaths -- went on sick leave. But officials are
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Mike's mission for mate David
INTERNATIONAL weightlifter Mike Pyke has been given a real uplift in his record-breaking quest at the winter world championships. The wheelchair strongman from Green Street, Hindsford will be out to set a new British record for himself and his late, great
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Learning to live with Big C
A LANCASHIRE woman is continuing a crusade against cancer by writing a booklet about her experiences which she is sending out to health centres and hospitals. In 1995 Margaret Seed was told she could have just two years to live -- a bitter blow to the
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Towerathon!
A TOP radio DJ has been using a bit of Tower power to keep himself going during a three-day marathon charity broadcast. Brian Moore, breakfast DJ with Rock FM, has managed to stay on the air for more than 62 hours beneath Blackpool's biggest landmark,
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Boy robbed of £100 chains
A CALLOUS thief who pounced on a boy and stole jewellery worth more than £100 is being hunted by police in Blackpool. The boy, aged 14, was sitting on a wall in the Central Coach Park on Spine Road during the afternoon of Tuesday, August 8, when a man
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Shooting stars!
OKAY everybody, that's a wrap! Three St Annes students have finished their first film -- and it's got them hungry for more! James Wolstenholme, Jemma Twist and Simon Morgan, pictured here left to right, have been filming for their 20-minute short, Psycho
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Eddie strikes note of hope
WHEN Thornton man Eddie Peacock suffered a debilitating stroke eleven years ago this Saturday (August 19), he feared his music career was over. But now he is using his one-handed musical skills to raise charity cash. The stroke had cost him the use of
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Jack Walker: Politicians unite in tribute
ONE memory of Jack Walker will live with Home Secretary Jack Straw for ever. "It was at Anfield when we lost the game but Rovers won the Championship," explained the Blackburn MP. "I had taken my daughter Charlotte who was nine at the
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Jack Walker: Local sports pay tribute
FOOTBALL was not the only sport Jack Walker backed - both Pleasington Golf Club and East Lancashire Cricket Club benefited from his support. Mr Ian Woolley, president of the golf club said: "He was very generous but never wanted it to be publicised. "
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Jack Walker dies aged 71
JACK WALKER, the man whose millions transformed Blackburn Rovers into the country's champions, has died, after finally losing his battle against cancer. The 71-year-old had been fighting the disease in hospital and at his home in Jersey for several months
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Blackburn's sad farewell to 'Mr Rovers'
A TOWN in mourning today paid tribute to the man who has done so much for its people. Politicians, businessmen and friends all spoke of the impact Jack Walker has had through business and his beloved Rovers. And although he is gone,
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Local cricket: Lancs League
RISHTON have named former Pakistani Test batsman Asif Mujtaba as their substitute professional, in place of Jason Gillespie, for their trip to Rawtenstall in the Transco Lancashire League tomorrow. Mujtaba is currently playing for Norden in the Central
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Soccer: Big Sam on the defensive
BOLTON boss Sam Allardyce has warned his Bolton defenders to be on red alert tomorrow as they come face to face with one of the First Division's most potent strikeforces. Allardyce admitted admiration for the West Brom duo of Jason Roberts and Lee Hughes
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Soccer: Tepi in late fitness test
PRESTON North End Manager David Moyes is waiting on a late fitness test for his Finnish international goalkeeper Teuvo Moilanen for tomorrow's game against Sheffield United at Deepdale. "Tepi has had a sore back but he came through training yesterday
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Local cricket: In form Kirby on the Rib attack
IMPROVING Edenfield are planning to put a spanner in the works for Jennings Ribblesdale League title favourites Ribblesdale Wanderers -- spearheaded by in-form professional Steven Kirby. The 22-year-old former Leicestershire seamer has taken a glut of
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Local cricket: Ian's not ready for retirement
EAST Lancs stalwart Ian Howarth once attempted to retire from first team cricket -- but it's now the last thing on his mind as he bids to help his side to their first Tranco Lancashire League title for ten years. The 48-year-old describes himself as "
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Local soccer: It's Over to Haworth at Padiham
FORMER Burnley favourite Vince Overson has put Padiham through their paces as they prepare for life back in the North West Trains League -- but he won't be leading the charge this season. Overson was the Storks joint player-manager last term and helped
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Load of garbage
WHAT a load of garbage. With regard to letter "double bobbies on beat to improve town's image" (Aug 10). I always thought the Citizen was a good read. However, after reading this letter I was amazed it was even printed as it was inciting trouble. This
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Anyone for hockey?
ST HELENS Hockey Club start pre-season training on Wednesday, August 23, and anyone interested in playing in either the men's or the ladies section should attend. The women l train 7.15 - 8.15pm and the men will train 8.15 to 9.15pm. St Helens played
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I READ this week's Citizen regarding the present state of Blackpool which you published on your fron
If fines, community service or detention don't work then it's time for corporal punishment to be brought back. The do-gooders should concentrate on the victims of the parasites on our streets. I also read that money is to be used for the good of the residents
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Sutton frustrated
RUBEROID Sutton Cricket Club were left pondering what might have been when they played host to Aigburth CC on Saturday. They won the toss and decided to bat first. Aigburth bowled well and Sutton were in trouble at 67-6 but contributions from Keiron Barr
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New boys join the Comb
THE St Helens Combination's planned 14 team-per-division set-up was fulfilled when new teams Ramford Rangers FC and Owls Nest FC joined Division Two. Meanwhile, in the North West Alliance Champions Cup Tournament, Carr Mill, Premier Champions of the Combination
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Home bonus for Cables
PRESCOT Cables kick-off their season with two home games. They entertain Fleetwood Freeport this Saturday (3pm) and on Tuesday, August 22, they meet Maine Road (7.45). And Cables have also been drawn at home against St Helens Town in the Liverpool Senior
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Rainford denied victory
RAINFORD'S victory surge was thwarted by the weather in the Beesley and Fildes sponsored home clash against Tarleton. The visitors chalked up 176-8 against the Rainford attack for whom Harrison (2-33) and Curran (2-36) were the main wicke- takers. The
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TNT are dynamite
TNT just had the edge in a tense game with Windle in the St Helens Rounders League. TNT have had a good run of late, while Windle were keen as ever to get two more points in the bag. Windle bowler Carmel Parr was in her usual excellent form and linked
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Don't blame the visitors
I FULLY applaud your newspaper's campaign to improve the image of our town. My wife and I are now pensioners, having lived here since 1972. But we remember the days when we used to come here on day trips as teenagers and, later on, with our children.
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Rainhill in a hurry
RAINHILL CC made mincemeat of Tranmere Victoria at Victoria Terrace on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of Division Two of the Bromborough Paints Merseyside Competition. The visitors won the toss and paid the price for batting first. Rainhill's
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It's all change for Town
A NEW ground, new colours and a host of proven new players is St Helens Towns' scenario as they open the new season with at Maine Road on Saturday. Kick-off at the Manchester County FA headquarters is 3pm. Following this, Town's historic first ever league
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Stand was for girls as well
I READ with interest the recent article concerning the demolition of Stand Grammar School and I deplore the fact that it appears that it is now regarded as having been predominantly a boys' school. I admit that there were more years when that particular
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Like a modern-day Colditz
YET more fencing has appeared around the playing fields at Hazlehurst School in Ramsbottom. Perhaps they are hoping for a trophy for the best fenced school field! I am amazed that one small primary school is allowed to use its budget on perimeter fencing
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Self-interest will hinder our efforts
WITH regard to the campaign by residents of Parkhills Road, Bury, who are demanding action to rectify their traffic problems, may I say that they are not the only ones whose quality of life is being adversely affected. Residents in Wellington Road and
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Woodbury: an opportunity lost
IN order to reply to recent critic Brian Attree in a constructive manner, I asked Woodbury for a breakdown of what their community contributed towards our recent "Sailing in the Millennium" celebration which was such an overwhelming success. It's a pity
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Knockout day in store
LOCAL firm, Nichols Plc, is holding an It's a Knockout competition at Newton-le-Willows High School, Ashton Road, on Sunday, August 20, between 12pm and 5pm, to raise money for the Variety Club of Great Britain. Fifteen teams will be taking part in the
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Sand gets everywhere
PART of St Helens Linkway was closed for over eight hours when a lorry overturned, dumping a huge pile of sand onto the road. It happened at 4.55pm on Tuesday, August, 8 near the McDonald's Drive Thru. Emergency services visited the scene although no
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Police seek taxi women
POLICE in St Helens are appealing for two women who took a taxi home in the early hours of Sunday, July 16, to contact them. The women got into a Delta cab in Claughton Street at about 3am, but a man whom they didn't know got in after them and after an
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Robbers jumped over counter
THREE men threatened staff and stole cash from Harden Associates insurance firm in Hardshaw Street, St Helens on Friday, August 11. The three robbers entered the premises at 4.25pm and demanded money from the tills. They then jumped over the counter and
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Police curb on young drinkers
POLICE are to launch a crackdown on under-age drinking in St Helens town centre this weekend. Operation Calm will take place between tomorrow evening (Friday) and the early hours of the following day and will see officers focusing their attention on the
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New blow for young Louis
A HEARTBROKEN youngster grieving over his grandfather's death, was dealt another blow when thieves stole his treasured bike from the driveway of his gran's home. Nine year old Lewis Battersby, from Newton, had left his adult-sized silver-coloured Robinson
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Gran grabs big win
A 74-YEAR-OLD woman has won more than £58,000 at bingo and is sharing the money with the friend who goes with her to the bingo hall. The lucky winner, who doesn't want to be named, has been a member of the Hippodrome in Corporation Street, St Helens,
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New plea on attack
POLICE have issued a renewed appeal for information about an incident in which a man suffered facial injuries after being assaulted and robbed while out for a walk with his girlfriend and eight-year-old nephew. The 25-year-old victim was approaching the
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Seasiders late show special
THREE fine goals allowed Blackpool to overcome a Hull City side which had dominated much of the opening day match which ended Blackpool 3 - Hull City 1. And the two late strikes which sealed three points for Steve McMahon's side were a welcome change
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Jack Walker - the man who made dreams come true
JACK WALKER was a man who made dreams come true. He lifted his beloved Blackburn Rovers, a team he had supported since he was a toddler, from obscurity to the heady heights of number one spot in the Premiership. But before that he
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Boxing: Ady's looking good!
BURY'S British and Commonwealth bantamweight boxing champion Ady Lewis is counting down the days to his first defence of his new titles. The 'Mighty Atom,' the nation's shortest boxer at 4 foot 10 inches, faces Belfast's Tommy Waite at Bowlers, Trafford
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Cricket: League round-up
RAMSBOTTOM kept their LANCASHIRE LEAGUE title hopes alive with a rain affected eight wicket victory over Enfield at Acre Bottom. The visitors were restricted to 129 for 9 from their 47 overs with David Bracewell heading their scoring list with 33. For
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Cycling: Club news
DESPITE the drenching rain, two prospective new members Christine Duckworth and Philip Ball, turned out on our evening invitation run last Wednesday. Not surprisingly, there were no objections to Peter Roscoe's suggestion that we abandon the planned route
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Athletics: Israeli youngster hits the Olympic trail
ISRAELI athlete Erez Aisenberg is aiming to take another step to Olympic glory when he competes in the Millenium Waterfronts Triathlon at Salford Quays on Sunday. The 17-year-old is over here staying with his uncle and aunt in Prestwich on only his second
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Amateur soccer: Tough test for Heys
PRESTWICH Heys kick-off the new Finnair Manchester League Premier Division season, by making the short trip down the M60 to face Willows at Salteye Park tomorrow (2.30pm). The match will present a tough opening day hurdle for Heys, who lost both league
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Cricket: Central Lancashire League
RADCLIFFE were celebrating a tremendous victory over Central Lancashire League champions Rochdale at the weekend. Three fine innnings' of 41, 24 and 23 from Bruce Cruse, Michael Ramsbottom and Steve Dearden, backed up by a great knock that yielded 27
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Motorcycling: Grand Prix Steve aims to deliver goods
BURY racer Steve McDonald is heading for the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix next week - on a motorbike usually used by a postman on the streets of Warrington. Steve's mate, postie Phil Jolley, leant him the bike so he could fulfil his dream of riding in
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This week in 1975 25 years ago
FIRE!: Bury's firefighters were disgruntled with the condition of many of their fire engines. One fireman said:"When drivers climb into their cabs they wonder whether the engines will start." At a minor town centre fire, a Bury Times photographer reported
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Jack Walker: 'His word was his bond'
BURNLEY Liberal Democrat leader Gordon Birtwistle said Jack Walker had put both the football club and the town on the world map. "His contribution to Blackburn cannot be overstated," said Coun Birtwistle, a Rovers season ticket holder for over 40 years
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Rise in jobless total
BURY'S latest jobless figures have bucked the national trend by showing an increase. Statistics for July disclose the claimant count number throughout the borough was 2,101, an increase of 69 over the previous month. The latest figures embrace 1,569 males
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Young mum found dead
A MOTHER of three has been found dead at her home in Whitefield. Miss Rachael Scull was discovered by her boyfriend on the living room floor at the house in Victoria Avenue on Wednesday afternoon (Aug 16). It is believed the 22-year-old had taken a heroin
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Asian leaders gathered for celebrations
ASIAN leaders gathered in the borough on Monday (Aug 14) to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Pakistani Independence Day. They were joined by the borough's mayor and mayoress, Councillor Bill and Mrs Joyce Johnson, during the unfurling of the Pakistani
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More misery for commuters
BUS passengers throughout Bury face chaos again with a further two days of stoppages planned by First Manchester drivers. The latest in a series of strikes will take place on today (Fri Aug 18) and Monday, August 21. While First Manchester will not be
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Health cash boost
PRESTWICH Hospital is to receive Government cash to help improve care for patients. The specialist mental hospital has been earmarked to receive most of a £35,000 Government grant to Bury and Rochdale Health Authority to improve mental health care for
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Couple con OAP
A MAN and a woman are being sought by police after they stole from a Greenmount pensioner. The duo, who are both said to be in their 30s, approached the 77-year-old woman as she sat in the garden of her Holcombe Road home on Saturday afternoon (Aug 13
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Milestone ministers at celebration
CHURCHGOERS gathered on Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tyldesley Methodist Church and centre. A dinner to mark the opening of the Elliott Street building on August 9, 1975 was also a farewell gathering for minister the Rev John Leech and
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Oh mum! Look who's starring on the telly
YOUNG Joshua McNicholas from Whitefield has a face you won't forget in a hurry. The cheeky eight-year-old is the latest star of the "rollback" advertisements being shown on television by Asda. Joshua, a Sunny Bank CP school pupil, gets his "just desserts
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Work on two wheels wasn't car-lamity
A BURY woman who left her car at home for a month has been rewarded for her pedalling prowess. Jean Hewitson rode from her Bolton home to her job at the Benefit Agency offices in Bury for 17 days, clocking up 168 miles. Her efforts were part of The Bury
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Special challenge
BURY special constable Chris Patton is getting saddled up for a special assignment. The 32-year-old, who normally patrols a beat on his bike along the Manchester Canal on Sundays, will be absent from duty on September 10. Chris is taking part in a 100
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Town centre group to expand?
A SPECIAL task force focused on Radcliffe town centre may extend its influence further afield. The town's area board town centre sub-group is considering including other areas such as Ainsworth, Bradley Fold and Water Street into its remit. The suggestion
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Hignett fancies Gresty hot seat
BLACKBURN Rovers new-boy Craig Hignett would relish the prospect of succeeding Dario Gradi when he finally decides to step down as manager of Crewe. Hignett has a lot of admiration for Gradi after he gave him his big break at Gresty Road during the early
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Trust fund put in place
"A NUMBER of years ago I put in place a family trust structure to own my various business interests including Blackburn Rovers. "The structure ensures continuity of management and provides the necessary financial support for all my businesses for the
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Match preview: Crewe v Rovers
BLACKBURN Rovers game with Crewe at Gresty Road tomorrow has now taken on new significance following the sad death of Jack Walker. But however difficult the circumstances, Graeme Souness's men will desperately want to give Walker a fitting send-off. And
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Four of a kind
CAN your Saints correspondent, Denis Whittle, tell us where Wakefield Wildcats stand in his Super League of four? Parr Saint, (name and address supplied)
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Sting in the tale
I FIND it puzzling that Lynda Veevers (Letters, August 10) got a wasps nest removed so easily from her house the day after asking. How come, when I asked Environmental Health, two weeks ago, to remove a bees nest in the garden, they said I would have
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Thanks Lisa!
ON Monday, August 7, I had shopped in Asda. Before leaving I used the female toilet, foolishly leaving my purse behind on a ledge. I left the store and felt for my purse in my bag, realised what I had done and went back in the store explained what I had
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Tornado Terror
A MINI-TORNADO zipped through St Helens on Tuesday bringing trees crashing down, blasting off roofing tiles and causing chaos and confusion for motorists and residents. Motorist Eddy Grundy was driving along North Road, St Helens, at about 5pm when the
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Police search for canal attacker
POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a woman was attacked as she walked her dog over the canal aqueduct in Lancaster late on Sunday night. The 46-year-old victim was approached by a man at around 10.30pm on the canal towpath. She was grabbed around
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Drugs 'not the cause of death'
AN investigation is continuing today into where a 22-year-old man bought a £10 wrap of heroin which he took shortly before he died. Police are still making inquiries about where exactly Paul Douglas got the substance which he acquired during a visit to
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Dad 'groomed' girl, 12, for sex
A FATHER-OF-TWO who is said to have "groomed" a schoolgirl for sexual contact may be facing jail for suggesting she commit a sex act on him. Derek Kearney, 32, was found guilty of incitement to commit gross indecency by a Burnley Crown Court jury, after
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Number comes up for bingo regular
A MORECAMBE woman's twice weekly visit to her favourite bingo club paid off when she grabbed a national prize of more than £100,000. The 63-year-old winner, who has not been named, called 'house' in the nightly National Bingo Game, which she plays regularly
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Armed raid on Mardsden
POLICE are continuing to investigate an armed raid on a Lancaster Building Society. A man walked in to the Marsden Building Society, Common Garden Street, pretending to be a customer at 3.25pm on Friday. After entering through the door, which has a security
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Tourism chiefs have Bacon for breakfast!
TOURISM bosses have challenged TV star Richard Bacon to discover Morecambe's good points after he mocked the resort in front of millions of viewers. Former Blue Peter host Bacon -- sacked from the kiddies' favourite for snorting cocaine -- visited the
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Saints bid to bounce back
STILL reeling from the shock defeat at Wakefield, second-placed Saints will be anxious to get back into winning vein when Warrington Wolves appear at Knowsley Road on Sunday (6.35). The Knowsley Road side are a point behind Wigan and one in front of third-placed
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Lucky 13
IT WAS lucky 13 for Pendle Council staff when they picked up health and safety awards. The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Ian Gilhespy, presented certificates to the staff who successfully completed the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health's managing
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Ever-rising cost of drinking
EVERYBODY'S aware of the ever-rising cost of drinking. It's nothing short of a national scandal. For in pubs and clubs around the land, groaning men are to be witnessed grasping the bar-top for support as latest increases in the price of a pint are announced
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Couple's lives go full circle
LIFE has gone in a complete circle for Gerard and Dorothy Fairclough. For, after a working life spent in South Africa and in Australia (where they lived for quarter of a century) the couple finally returned to their Haydock roots. They now live in West
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All smiles for blaze bride Kim
CUPID smiled on sweethearts Kim Seddon and Tony Jones. All's well that ends well -- as the newlyweds discovered on Friday when their threatened wedding at Leigh Town Hall turned out perfectly. Kim, from Hindley Green, had been in tears when her wedding
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Mum dazed in station seat collapse
A MOTHER has called for seats at train stations across the North West to be inspected after she sustained severe bruising when a bench she was using gave way. Cathy Heaton suffered concussion, cuts and bruises after she fell through a seat at Church and
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Addict let himself 'rot to death'
HEROIN addict John Steven Catlow literally rotted to death rather than seek medical help. An inquest heard that he died as a result of infection introduced into his body probably by contaminated needles. And a family friend told how on her last visit
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Boy, 10, found dad's body
A 10-year-old boy came down for breakfast to find his dad hanging in the living room of their Accrington home. Deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton said the last action of 31-year-old Andrew Grimes was "extremely selfish." "The thing that concerns me most
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Friends flock to celebrate with Peter
FRIENDS of Rev Peter Hughes celebrated his decade of service at the 355-year-old Chowbent Unitarian Chapel. The congregation gathered after the Sunday morning service for their regular refreshment break and time of friendship together. But Peter had a
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New store for fire arcade?
DEVASTATED shopping arcade boss Eddie Grindrod has warned looters they are facing death. Following the £1million damage to the Leigh town centre Boulevard - which Eddie and his wife, Alex, have owned for the last seven years - extra security has been
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Court decision delay hits new security measures
COURT users in Leigh risk becoming victims of violence because of a lack of security on the premises. Bosses at courts up and down the country are currently reviewing their safety arrangements following the escape of two prisoners in Slough and it is
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£500,000 transformation of cricket club
WIMBLEDON, Lord's and Waterloo look out - Leigh is on a £ million-plus sporting roll. Exciting plans to boost tennis, cricket and bowling facilities at Leigh Cricket Club's Beech Walk ground were revealed this week. Lottery cash in the shape of a £326,000
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£1billion bid to be 'casino capital'
BLACKPOOL could become the casino capital of the world if a £1 billion bid by Tower owners Leisure Parcs is successful. And the "Las Vegas" style project promises to bring an extra 25,000 jobs to the region and aims to bring more than 30 million visitors
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Surgery of MP is mobile
THE wheels of politics have been turning in the Ribble Valley this week with local MP Nigel Evans' summer mobile surgery. A gruelling schedule has been undertaken by Mr Evans and his entourage and by the time the tour was due to finish this afternoon,
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Still praying for a miracle
AS a long-time parishioner of St Peter's Church, Heysham, I write to say a heartfelt thank you for your excellent article last week making more widely known our very real and distressing difficulties. This church in its beautiful setting has an aura of
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Roof beams date back 1,000 years
BEAMS dating back more than 1,000 years have been uncovered at a Ribble Valley church during a £250,000 restoration programme. The Reverend John Birbeck said that the beams are believed to pre-date All Hallows' Church in Mitton. The £250,000 millennium
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Victory stroll
FLEETWOOD beat Preston (121-3/120-8) by seven wickets on Saturday (August 12) after restricting the home side to just 120 from their full 60 overs, writes John Richardson. They required 24 overs to secure their seventh victory of the season, and move
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Perfect, just perfect
WHAT can you say about Atherton Flower Festival? Well, it was beautiful. Betty Alty and her team must have put much thought in to the whole thing. The flowers and the arranging of everything was perfect. There was a piper who played a few times and St
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4x4 prices going down
4x4 drivers in Bury are set to benefit from price reductions. Lex Land Rover has announced it is permanently reducing the prices of its Freelander, Range Rover and Discovery vehicles. The news heralds improved customer value with Lex Land Rover combining
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Appeal to kids to carry the can
BURY-based Swinnerton Brothers are offering "canny" youngsters the opportunity to earn extra pocket money during the school holidays. The business, based in York Street, is encouraging them to collect valuable aluminium drink cans for recycling. And as
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Beware rating con warning to retailers
BURY retailers are being warned not to fall victim to an apparent rating appeal scam. Mr Bob Craven, of Bury Chamber of Trade, is urging businesses to be on their guard against cold callers offering to undertake a "no win, no fee" rating appeal. He said
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Store helps to donate kitchen
BURY'S MFI furniture store has helped provide a new £6,000 kitchen for North Manchester General Hospital. The kitchen comes complete with a set of Bosch appliances, courtesy of MFI and MFI Homeworks stores in the area. Furniture stores in Bury, Ashton
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Suitable case for celebration
BURY-based luggage firm Antler has bagged a key award. The company, based in the town's Alfred Street, has been one of the first businesses to be awarded "Supplier of the Quarter" by BT Tools and Consumables. Antler's award is in recognition of the firm's
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Weller'a happy return
PAUL Weller is looking forward to a "special day" as he prepares for a long-awaited Turf Moor return. Illness problems have kept the Clarets' midfielder on the fringes for the past two seasons. But having impressed at Bolton last Saturday he looks set
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Climbing Clarets have class - Overson
THE boot will be on the other foot tomorrow when Burnley and Wimbledon renew their rivlary after a 16-year gap. The two sides last met at Turf Moor in May, 1984 when the Dons won 2-0 in front of just 3,382 fans. Wimbledon, who had also humbled the Clarets
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Match preview: Clarets v Wimbledon
BIG MONEY MAN: John Hartson: Welsh international John Hartson smashed the Dons' previous tansfer record of £2 million when he arrived from West Ham for £7.5 million in January, 1999. However, the big striker is suspended tomorrow following a sending off
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Match preview: Clarets v Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON went for a Burton at the back end of last season as they crashed out of the Premiership in abject fashion. But rather than triggering a slide back towards oblivion, the Dons believe the appointment will spark a change in fortunes. After a disastrous
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Please return this plant pot
TO the person who stole my green plant pot from my front door on Claremont Court on Sunday, August 6. Underneath the flowers and plants growing is an urn with my late husband's ashes buried there. I have no garden. Please bring it back. Upset pensioner
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Leader should stand down
IN a recent article in the local press, the illustrious George Bancroft described two of the world's top artistes, Tom Jones and Bob Hope, as ageing geriatrics eking out their pensions in Las Vegas and then saying Blackpool is a superior venue. How can
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Where has the money gone?
I AM writing about the closure of the homes for the elderly and also the day centres. Firstly, the day centres. A few people who attend have had letters saying they owe between £300 and £500. Some of these people have paid by direct debit and others by
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Well done, children
MAY I express my very warm and sincere appreciation of the stage shows put on by the children of Thames Primary School. The opening and extensive dance routine involving some rapidly changing groupings was executed with seemingly tireless energy and precision
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Too hasty
I AM a worried member of the Blackpool public. I have been to meetings regarding these proposed closures and I am concerned at the speed that the social services are acting to throw these elderly people out of their home. I have heard in the past that
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Rugby club stage fun day
THE young take on the old brigade in the highlight of Vulcan RUFC's fun day this Sunday. The club's under 17s take on the Veterans' XV in a match that kicks off at 1pm. Other attractions at the Sportsfield, off Wargrave Road, Newton-le-Willows, are a
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Happy birthday tooth you!
WHAT do you give sharks as a birthday treat? A birthday cake of course. And the "residents" at Blackpool's Sealife Centre certainly got their teeth into it when Jimmy Cricket, from the Grand Theatre's Comedy Bonanza 2000, fed them a special cake made
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£1billion bid to be 'casino capital'
BLACKPOOL could become the casino capital of the world if a £1 billion bid by Tower owners Leisure Parcs is successful. And the "Las Vegas" style project promises to bring an extra 25,000 jobs to the region and aims to bring more than 30 million visitors
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David nets angling prizes
KEN Buxton, the NFA Regional Coach, has just complete a series of successful angling seminars for local youngsters. The overall winner was David Stephens who had an average of 19.8 points per match. In joint second place were P.Prescott, Sean Keaveney
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Atherton's old hands may hold key to success
ATHERTON CC won't lack big time experience when they walk out to meet Adlington in Sunday's Bolton Association Cross Cup final at Walshaw. Skipper Steve Walsh will be taking part in his eighth final who professional Andy Hall has made it to this stage
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Voyage of discovery
LEIGH RMI set sail into uncharted waters tomorrow when their Nationwide Conference campaign gets underway with a Hilton Park clash against Dagenham and Redbridge. And the voyage is already planned to finish outside the bottom three. It is the highest
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Voucher scheme for disabled to continue
EASIER and cheaper travel for disabled and blind people is set to keep on running. Town hall bosses will continue to operate a local version of the Greater Manchester travel voucher scheme to help residents get about by taxi. The voucher scheme was set
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Council to capitalise on parking bounty
TOWN hall bosses will be coining it in once they take over the job of dishing out parking tickets from traffic wardens. They want to take over the running of the service which could turn into a goldmine in future years. The borough-wide bonanza is expected
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Polo wish granted
A MILLENNIUM grant has enabled Radcliffe Swimming Club to stir up interest again in junior water polo. The club has operated a water polo team for most of its 100-year history but the popularity of the game had decreased over recent years with many swimming
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Paddy's missing from gnome!
A GLOBETROTTING gnome which disappeared from a Bury garden is bombarding his baffled owner with postcards from Europe. And the mysterious missives, signed by the gnome calling himself "Paddy", have brought pleasure as well as puzzlement to pensioner Mrs
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Crash pilot had gap in training
A FORMER Bury man, killed when his helicopter crashed on moorland near Bolton, had little experience of flying in poor weather, a report has revealed. Accident investigators acknowledged Wayne Burgess was an accomplished pilot, but he was not qualified
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Rugby League: Coussons joins Vikings
SWINTON centre Phil Coussons has joined Northern Ford Premiership rivals Widnes Vikings. Coussons was lured by a significant increase in wages and is thought to be the first of a number of players set to leave the Lions in the close season. Meanwhile,
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Athletics: Martin takes high road to success!
BURY athlete Martin Lee heads for Scotland this weekend to compete in Sunday's Glasgow Marathon. The 36-year-old Rossendale Harrier is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment and is currently lying eighth overall in the South Pennines fell running
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Seasiders late show special
THREE fine goals allowed Blackpool to overcome a Hull City side which had dominated much of the opening day match which ended Blackpool 3 - Hull City 1. And the two late strikes which sealed three points for Steve McMahon's side were a welcome change
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Desperately seeking Basil...
A CAT lover whose family pet escaped from a house in Windle last month is repeating her appeal for information leading to his safe return. Audrey Hartley, from Bolton, has already called for Star readers' help in tracing her pedigree cat, Basil, who has
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Delays likely at old bridge
WORK is due to start this week on the historic bridge in Rainhill first built in 1829 by George Stephenson. The bridge takes A57 traffic along Warrington Road near Rainhill railway station, and although the main structure is sound, the newer steel extension
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Mayor Pat's big cash drive...
MAYOR of St Helens, Councillor Pat Robinson is seeking sponsorship from local firms to support the annual golf tournament which raises funds for charity. This year's event, at Sherdley Park Golf Course on Saturday, September 2, will benefit the Roy Castle
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Are you the woman in the white Metro?
A FATHER of two whose family dog ran off a fortnight ago is calling on whoever has her to get in touch. John Cunliffe, from Sutton Manor, St Helens, says that Sal, their seven year old, dark brindle-coloured, greyhound/lurcher cross, was badly frightened
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Helen sets sights on Olympic gold
POOL torpedo Helen Don-Duncan has got the green light to jet Down Under on a medal mission. For Garswood-based 19-year-old Helen has been selected in the British team to compete in next month's Olympic Games in Sydney, and will jet out from Manchester
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War on crime award hopes
EFFORTS to cut crime on a troubled Darwen estate have received national recognition. Youth Works Sudellside has reached the premier league in this year's British Community Safety Awards, organised by Norwich Union and national charity Crime Concern. The
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Mystery blast baffles police
FIREFIGHTERS and police were left baffled when they were called to investigate two mystery explosions in Atherton. Worried residents who live close to the site of the old bus depot on Leigh Road, Howe Bridge, called the emergency services after they heard
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Graham's music maestros
MUSIC students under the tutorship of Leigh's Graham Collier are pass masters when it comes to exams! The following students passed recent exams of the Associated Board of the Royal College of Music: Laura Hindley and Kerry Cook passed their grade one
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Keeping the Trail warm
LEIGH Town Centre Trail exhibition is on the move! It is being switched from Leigh Town Hall to Atherton Library. Produced by Wigan Council's Planning Department, the trail is the first detailed account of Leigh's built environment, providing walkers
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Alan heads heritage project
HISTORIAN Alan Davies has been appointed administrator of the Dam House community project. The ex-Leigh Grammar School pupil and university graduate will oversee the exciting scheme centred on the ancient Astley Hall. Morts Astley Heritage Trust spokesman
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Councillors' surgeries
FRIDAY, August 18: Albert Tatum Siddow Community Centre, Hope Carr Road, Leigh (6-6.30) K Anderson, M Hale, Mrs L Liptrot; Howe Bridge Sports Centre (6-7) Mrs S Loudon; The Sanctuary Church at Bethel, Hindley Green (6-7) S Murphy, S Simmons, P Turner;
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Boulevard: insurance fight for traders
WYNN Donnelly and three other traders are taking legal advice after difficulties over insurance claims. Two traders have cover through a Marker Tradeers Association scheme but to others have no insurance. The difficulty at Wynn's Wallpaper is contradicting
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Stunning show of 20th century in flowers
FLOWERS were truly blooming in Atherton at the weekend. The Atherton Parish Flower Festival 2000 was a stunning success. Three days of the colourful show in the Parish Church ended on Sunday evening with Songs of Praise and an auction of flowers with
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Royal Lytham U-turn over road scheme
ROYAL Lytham St Annes Golf Club have bowed to extreme public opposition and made a shock U-turn on plans to build an access road in preparation for next year's British Open. Nigel Hill, director of planning for Fylde Borough Council, confirmed that the
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Residents flee from flats fire
RESIDENTS in a block of Blackpool Promenade flats were dramatically evacuated when fire broke out -- just hours before a new alarm system was due to be switched on. Eight fire crews from the the Fylde coast and as far away as Blackburn raced to Regent
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Jack Walker: the Backstreet Millionaire
RUDYARD Kipling's 'If' was a rather fitting poem for Jack Walker to hang on the wall of his Blackburn office. His favourite verse spoke of those who came out on top whatever life threw at them and in business Jack did come out on top more often than not
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Local cricket: Chorley aim for top four
UNBEATEN now in eight league matches, Chorley travel to Preston in the Northern Premier League tomorrow. A victory over the league's bottom club could lift Chorley into the top four in the table, the qualifying position for next season's Lancashire Knockout
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County cricket: Pace pair spare blushes
MIKE Smethurst and Peter Martin staged a late rescue act to wipe the egg off the faces of Lancashire's batsmen -- not for the first time this season. Lancashire could only manage 236 batting first on a good pitch in their Championship match against Kent
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Local soccer: Coleman cuts the mustard
THE word 'consolidate' doesn't feature in the vocabulary of Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman. After leading the Reds to promotion during his first season at the Crown Ground last term, the likeable scouser could be forgiven for using buzz words like
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RU girls' big date
NINE St Helens girls were representing the town in the BAA Millennium Youth Games in Southampton this week. They were competing in the Tag Rugby Event and are all members of Liverpool St Helens Rugby Football Club. The nine strong team is: Helen Callaghan
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Some of homes will have to stay open
CAN I inform your readers that C.A.R.E. (the Caring Alliance for Rest home Elderly) is stepping up our work to keep the Care Homes open. We have a more formal organisation now, with Maureen Horn as chairperson. As friends and relatives we have been asked
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St Helens in the wars
A WEAKENED St Helens travelled to Maghull on Saturday. Their woe continued as Maghull compiled 150-3 before the rain intervened. Maghull declared on this total and when rain finally put paid to matters St Helens had scored 15-2. The Second XI's run of
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People come first? Not with council
I NOTED the letter from CJ Thomas in your readers column of August 3. It was very interesting as the letter came from a Terry Regan. Both letters deal with complaints about Blackpool council and while not of a similar nature they do have a common theme
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How can they sleep at night?
When I read the article in the August 3 edition of The Citizen, concerning the the fact that an 82-year-old lady had said she would commit suicide rather than allow anyone to move her out of Kipling Manor, I was sickened and ashamed to be British. How
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Don't blame the visitors
I FULLY applaud your newspaper's campaign to improve the image of our town. My wife and I are now pensioners, having lived here since 1972. But we remember the days when we used to come here on day trips as teenagers and, later on, with our children.
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No need to close them
I WOULD like to pen a thank you, firstly to the press for allowing letters relating to the closures to be published and also, on behalf of the elderly residents, a big thank-you to the people of Blackpool and the Fylde for their continued support in trying
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Police take it softly softly!
BLACKPOOL police are to take the softly-softly approach towards loutish and drunken behaviour in the town, The Citizen can reveal. Despite public calls from readers of The Citizen for more bobbies on the beat to make the streets safer, Det Chief Insp
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Greyhound needs muzzling
WOULD the owner of the large greyhound which roams unleashed around the Whittingham Drive area of Ramsbottom take note that on Saturday, August 5, this dog savagely attacked two of my pet cats. This was distressing, especially to my daughter who loves
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Dangerous and ugly
THE new fence around Hazlehurst Primary School playing field in Ramsbottom has made the school look like a prison and is much too high. And if it seems high to me as an adult, imagine what it looks like to a four-year-old pupil on the inside looking out
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The animals keep their dignity
IN his letter (August 4) headlined "Fantasy World of Animal Saviours", Mr A. J. H. Pilkington, Lancashire County chairman of the Countryside Alliance, writes: "Towards those animals that compete with us we should show respect and make sure they die with
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Go on, prove me wrong!
LABOUR had 18 years to prepare for government and then proclaimed that there were only "24 hours to save the NHS". Now, more than 28,500 hours later, we are still waiting for the rescue. Messrs Chaytor and Lewis boldly announced that there will be in
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You are right as I am angry!
ONCE again, Mr Pilkington (Your Letters, August 4) avoids the issue. Banning hunting has nothing to do with ethnic cleansing, nor do arguments about rights to employment have any relevance to this issue. Hunting is about people killing animals for "sport
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School fields need to be accessible
I WAS dismayed to read that "Ex-pupil" (Your Letters, August 11) feels that their school now looks like "a prison" following some remedial work to the perimeter fencing. In turn, correspondent "Sad 7-year-old," whom I assume attends the school,expresses
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Blaze hits bank
CUSTOMERS and staff of the St Helens branch of Halifax in Church Square, had to be evacuated following a fire which started amongst some cardboard and stationery in the basement. The fire was first reported just after 9.30am on Monday, August 14 and no
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Lady Luck smiles
MRS P. Webster from Whiston was this week's £2,000 jackpot prize winner in the weekly Willowbrook Hospice lottery draw. Other big winners were Mrs M. Collins of Rainford who won £200; Mr R. Weaver, Dentons Green (£125); Mrs S. Clough, Parr (£75); and
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Cash tonic for young patients
ST HELENS and Knowsley Health Authority have been awarded £111,000 as part of a nationwide Government initiative to improve services for young patients who suffer from serious mental health problems. The money, a share of £780,000 awarded to health authorities
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You ungrateful dog!
A FIRE officer assisting in the rescue of a dog from St Helens Canal had to be rushed straight to hospital after the animal bit him on the arm. The sub-officer from St Helens was given a tetanus injection and treated for lacerations to his left hand at
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Golfers chip in
THE annual St Helens Chamber Golf Day, held at Houghwood Golf Club, Crank proved once again to be a 'sell-out' success with 14 teams made up of Chamber members and non-members. Held in association with Tyresave First Stop, other local sponsors included
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Gang steal rifle from teenagers
A GANG of youths attacked two teenagers and stole an air rifle from one of them. It happened on Saturday, when the two 17 year olds and their lurcher dog, were heading for a farmer's field in Garswood where they were planning to go ratting. However, as
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Michelle's in the fast lane
STAR fundraiser, Michelle Lewis beat the odds to complete her first ever wheelchair half marathon event last weekend, and was first woman home too. Last week, the Star reported how 18 year old Michelle, from Rainhill, feared she might not be able to enter
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Charity night at the Travs
A CHARITY night in aid of the British Epilepsy Association will be held at the Traveller's Rest pub in Crab Street, St Helens on Friday, September 8. The event has been organised by Peter Urbanowski, of Fox Place, St Helens, who is also preparing to scale
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Summer fun is a big hit
A PROJECT which aimed to provide summer entertainment for 1,500 youngsters aged between 10 and 19 is proving a major success. The Summer Splash project is funded by the National Youth Justice Board (£16,000) and money from Newton 21 SRB (£6,000). The
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Police hunt for armed raiders
TWO men armed with sticks and hammers robbed ed security guards collecting money from a council rent office. It happened at the rent offices in Chester Lane, Sutton, at about 4.30pm on Thursday, August 10. The guards were returning to the van when they
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£50,000 benefits boost
A NEW health advice centre has raised more than £50,000 for clients. And the amount was achieved in just six months following the launch of the Health Centre Advice Service. The initiative is part of Bury District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and one
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The write stuff!
STUDENTS across Bury were celebrating their A-mazing success as four schools and colleges boasted pass rates above the national average. Scores of teenagers wore huge smiles yesterday (Thurs Aug 17) as their A-level results put them on the path to their
