Archive

Date

A big 'ola' to Spanish medical staff

AS East Lancashire today greets twelve Spanish nurses recruited together with 51 others to work in North West hospitals, the step is hailed as a departure for the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust -- in that it is the first time that it

Date

Udall injury blow

RMI'S key central defender Jamie Udall will miss the rest of the season. Udall damaged a knee in an FA Cup tie at Scarborough back in October and has not played since despite several attempts to resume full training. Initially it was thought Udall had

Date

This week in 1976 25 years ago

REPENT: A £1 postal order with a scribbled message was received by The Mall newsagent Alan Booth. The message read: "This £1 for 2 boxes of chocs lifted at Christmas." Mr Booth said: "It was a real surprise. I hadn't a clue the chocolates had gone. I

Date

MP's praise for panto

CONGRATULATIONS to all those involved with the Burnley Pantomime Society's Babes in the Wood at the Mechanics. It was a really good traditional pantomime, enjoyed fully by the cast and audience who participated 100 per cent. Well done! I am sure all the

Date

Thanks from Marie Curie

MARIE Curie Cancer Care wishes to acknowledge the kind donations given by family and friends in memory of Carole Johnson, of Colne, who sadly died on December 20. The total received to date is £550 -- a truly amazing sum and a measure of the love and

Date

Slip up caused a broken arm

REGARDING the gritting of the roads during the recent bad weather, I also fell, fracturing my arm, in the Cathedral grounds, which had not been gritted. As a result, my arm could be in plaster for up to eight weeks. I think the comments in the paper were

Date

Tendering procedures are ignored

IN seeking to contract out some of its administrative activities, including the sensitive work of its housing benefits staff, Blackburn with Darwen Council is ignoring competent tendering procedures. Forming a 'partnership' with the only contractors who

Date

Council staff sacking threat

WIGAN Council office workers say they have been sent notices offering them the choice of working longer hours, taking a pay cut or being sacked. The 3,500 Wigan Metro staff at the centre of a bitter dispute have until February 9 to sign up to new working

Date

Killer truck driver plea

POLICE are to appeal to the nation for help in tracking down the truck driver who mowed down scooter rider Ron Cobbledick and left him to die. On BBC1's Crimewatch next Wednesday 24th at 9.05pm motorway camera footage taken on the M40 at Henley near London

Date

Brave John risks life in blaze

AN Ainsworth chef risked his life to avert a major catastrophe when he ran into the burning kitchen of a neighbour's house. Shy hero Mr John Smith entered a smoke and flame-filled kitchen at a house in Edgworth Avenue, Ainsworth, to turn off the gas and

Date

Fire chiefs find latest figures encouraging

BRIGADE bosses are hailing fire prevention schemes a success after a fall in the number of preventable fire deaths. Figures show that resources pumped into a community safety plan appear to have paid off with a dramatic decrease in avoidable fire deaths

Date

Anger over condom plans for under-16s

RELIGIOUS leaders and politicians have condemned plans to hand out condoms to under-16s in Bury. They say it condones under-age sex, is hypocritical and might even be breaking the law. But Labour leaders have defended the new sex guidelines policy, which

Date

Meeting aims to reduce exclusions

PARENTS are invited to play their part next week in reducing the number of pupils being sent home from school. Education bosses, who investigated Bury's controversial high school admissions policy, will now look at school exclusions. Members of the council's

Date

Souness urges Dailly

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today urged Christian Dailly to prove him wrong in response to criticism from the player following his move to West Ham. The Scottish international defender said he was 'angry and upset' at the way he was frozen at Ewood

Date

Poets' line-up

WINNING entries in a children's poetry competition are on display in the Regency Room at Towneley Hall, Burnley. Six winners were picked from more than 1,000 entries from youngsters aged between 7 and 16 in the competition run by Burnley Borough Council

Date

Firms warned about bogus leaflets

BUSINESSES are being warned about a bogus crime prevention company trying to get money for drug leaflets for schools. Four companies in the Burnley and Colne area have contacted the crime prevention department at Pennine Division to complain about a male

Date

Ex-club stewardess killed by blood clot

RETIRED club stewardess Dorothy Johnson died after developing deep vein thrombosis after an operation on varicose veins. An inquest heard that pieces of the clots in her legs broke off and lodged in her lungs. The complication could have arisen following

Date

Meet the top magici-Anne

BEING the first woman president of the Modern Mystic League is just magic for Anne Walmsley. Anne, who works in the community development section of Burnley Council, is the only woman among the 60 plus magicians in the Blackburn-based magic group which

Date

Twenty flee blaze at mill

TWENTY process workers on the night shift escaped unhurt when fire broke out Smith and Nephew's Brierfield mill, Glen Way, early today. The fire filled a locker and changing room with smoke which spread to other rooms in the works. Leading Firefighter

Date

Burglar sent to prison for five years

A HOUSE breaker who terrorised a 94-year-old woman in her bedroom, is behind bars for nearly five years. Burnley Crown Court heard how Craig Kennedy, 32, had burst in as the pensioner woke, demanded cash and then lifted her mattress causing her to cling

Date

Produce fresh from the farm

WHILE shoppers are making the most of a farmers' market in Colne town centre they will be served up a tasty treat by Nelson and Colne College students. The college's award winning catering department will cook up mouth-watering dishes at the market from

Date

Teacher Sue's first class work!

A TEACHER born and raised in Lowton is playing a major part in ground-breaking work at a Hertfordshire school. Sue Lawrence, 51, is part of a team helping to integrate severely physically handicapped children into her mainstream school -- Bushey Meads

Date

Shopping centre work well under way

LEIGH'S multi-million pound Spinning Gate Shopping Centre expansion is well under way -- and work has now started on the new outdoor market site. According to town centre co-ordinator, Laurie Barton, the first priority is to finish work on the market

Date

Couple's row in bed boils over

ANDREW Seed told police to take his wife away or he would stick a knife in her throat, a court heard. Blackburn magistrates were told the threat came during an early morning domestic dispute which ended with Seed being handcuffed and taken away threatening

Date

Helping to cope with the loss of a pet

WHEN her dog died in April last year at the age of 13 heartbroken Lisa Fairhurst had no one to talk to about her loss. Laddie, her boxer-border collie cross, had been her best friend and constant companion through good times and bad. The 31-year-old mum-of-three

Date

Cash plea as dry rot hits Pals' memorial church

A CHURCH dedicated to the heroic Accrington Pals is battling against the threat of closure after a survey revealed it is riddled with dry rot and damp. And people were today urged to help raise the £150,000 needed to repair the building as they were reminded

Date

How did my son die?

A GOLBORNE businessman is demanding to know how his sports-mad son, aged 22, died just a few weeks after a long-haul flight. Former international rugby league star Bernard Ganley, now an accountant, was devastated when his son James died from a heart

Date

Bare necessity for Vincent

A NUDIST protester from Tyldesley wants everyone in the country to join him in a mass strip. Campaigner Vincent Bethell has set a date and a time for the whole country to bare all -- Sunday, July 1, at 2pm. The 28-year-old, who now lives in Coventry but

Date

Man charged with attacking MP

A MAN appeared in court charged with assaulting Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans. Gary Clinton Beddows, 24, is alleged to have carried out the attack on Christmas Eve outside the Tory politician's family store in Swansea after stealing lager worth £15. Mr

Date

Delay likely over park shelter plan

YOUNG people may have to wait another two years for their own shelter in Henthorn Park, Clitheroe. Councillors want to wait until 2002/2003 before releasing money for the project. Members debating spending plans over the next five years were told the

Date

Disgusting

I DO wish they wouldn't put puking scenes on TV. I was just eating on Saturday when Minnie Driver threw up all over a nurse in Casualty -- a clip on "Before They Were Famous". I find nothing more gut wrenchingly disgusting.

Date

The lamp that lasts

THE longest lasting lightbulb in Britain has finally gone out after illuminating a shop toilet for 70 years. The distinctively shaped 25 watt Edison has lit up, if that's the right expression, the gents since 1930. Things really were made to last in those

Date

Chamber bemoans interest rates status quo

BUSINESS leaders in Bury and Bolton have had their hopes of a reduction in the level of interest rates dashed. For at its latest meeting, the Bank of England has decided to maintain the rate at six per cent. Andrew Ratcliff, Chief Executive (designate

Date

Neil's in the driving seat at Bury Motors

IT'S life in the fast lane for Neil Birchall. Neil, who works for Renault dealer Bury Motors, has been promoted from sales manager to general manager of the Rochdale Road dealership. The 36-year-old joined the company six years ago as a salesman. In his

Date

Ring in the changes

ADULTS in Bury have an opportunity to ring in the changes in the New Year thanks to Bolton and Bury Chamber's free open door adult guidance service. If you are at a crossroads in your life or career, the independent advice service can give you the information

Date

FINAL WORD

Barnsley BIG MONEY BUY: Striker Mike Sheron cost the Tykes £1 million when he moved from QPR in the spring of 1999. However, the former Manchester City and Norwich front man has had a lean spell in front of goal this term with just one in the League and

Date

Davis is hoping for home comforts

CLARETS captain Steve Davis is looking for a win over Barnsley at Turf Moor tomorrow to prove that Burnley are over their mid-season slump. Stan Ternent's side ended their five-match League losing streak with a goalless draw at Gillingham last Saturday

Date

Vandals rampage at school

CHILDREN at a Whitefield primary school were forced to sit through lessons in their winter coats after vandals went on a window-smashing rampage. In the attack on Heaton Park CP School during Tuesday night (Jan 16) thugs shattered classroom and corridor

Date

Abusers 'B' safe

DRUG abusers, particularly those who inject substances, are being urged to get themselves vaccinated against the potentially lethal hepatitis B condition. Bury and Rochdale Health Authority has started a borough wide vaccination programme for those most

Date

High profile look at streets

THE borough's potholes and faulty street lights are coming under the steely glare of official inspectors. A team from the Audit Commission's Best Value inspection service have arrived to take a detailed look at all matters concerning the borough's highways

Date

Stolen car taken to the cleaners

A CHEF had his stolen sports car returned in better condition than when it was snatched. Food critic and masterchef Tom Bridge's £24,000 high-powered imported Mitsubishi FTO Mivec was found in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, and the thieves had completely

Date

Never forget

RELIGIOUS leaders, community groups and young people are coming together in two weeks to mark Britain's first Holocaust Memorial Day. A range of events are planned in Bury to cross religious and ethnic divides to commemorate and highlight crimes against

Date

Milestone for miracle child

TINY Callam Entwistle has earned the title of "miracle baby" after celebrating a milestone birthday his family thought he would never see. Twelve months ago the tot was fighting for his life after being born ten-and-a-half weeks premature. But on Sunday

Date

Global plans for town's dead

A CONTROVERSIAL £1.5 million crematorium could be serving the people of Radcliffe within a year. Global funeral firm Service Corporation International (SCI) has submitted a full planning application to build the crematorium on land adjoining Radcliffe

Date

Top bodgers wanted

A TV company is seeking the Leigh area's top bodgers to star in a new show. Lion Television wants to hear from anyone driven to distraction by DIY disasters. Anyone interested should call Victoria or Sarah on 020 8735 4020.

Date

Hidden treasure?

TYLDESLEY Methodist Church are holding a 'Trash and Treasure' day on Saturday February 10. Doors open at 10 am at the church on Elliott Street. There is a 20p entrance fee and refreshments will be on sale. Stalls can be hired for £5 and anyone interested

Date

Rotary thanks

THREE charities will benefit from Atherton Rotary Club's Christmas street collection. Donors gave £929 which will be split between the McMillan Nurses, Christie Hospital and Derian House children's hospice. Secretary, Mr Colin Mickleburgh, said: "The

Date

What to do with that old mobile

OLD mobile phones can still be put to good use -- in a fund-raising scheme organised by the British Red Cross. They will be sold abroad where the cost of handsets is considerably more expensive than here. Any brand will be accepted. To donate call into

Date

Las Palmas eye Ostenstad

SPANISH giants Las Palmas are stepping up their attempts to lure Egil Ostenstad away from Ewood. The injury-hit outfit were knocked back in their efforts to sign the Norwegian international on loan earlier this month. But Ewood chief executive John Williams

Date

Guides wanted

OFFICIALS at Wigan Pier are looking for volunteers to act as tour guides around the landmark museum. They want people with an interest in local heritage to act as tour guides, give talks and to answer questions from the general public. Carole Tyldesley

Date

Teens on murder bid charge

TWO teenagers have appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a soldier in Golborne. Michael Higham, 18, of Nook Lane, Golborne and a 16-year-old youth appeared separately this week at Wigan Magistrates after Phillip Sharples, 26, was injured

Date

Woman look to finance career

MORE high-flying women graduates are opting to train as chartered accountants each year. The number of female entrants to the profession is increasing annually by around 2-3 per cent, and latest figures show that 42.7 per cent of new recruits were women

Date

Demand extends range

A BLACKBURN-based display company has expanded its range due to customer demand. Graphic Supply Network, based at Lower Philips Road, is now manufacturing smaller graphic displays as well as their existing Symmetry Systems, and early sales indicate a

Date

Would-be MP's local appeal

KEEP it local -- that's the advice from MP hopeful and Wigan councillor Keith Cunliffe. Cllr Cunliffe, speaking to the Journal, said he failed to be impressed by the number of Labour "outsiders" in contention for the role of Parliamentary candidate for

Date

Investors award for training group

A COMMITMENT to the provision of quality training for its own staff has enabled an East Lancashire training organisation to achieve the Investors In People recognition. With support from ELTEC, Training Solutions (Burnley) Ltd has reached the nationally-recognised

Date

Tories name would-be MP

LEIGH Conservatives have named Andrew Oxley as their choice as prospective parliamentary candidate for the next General Election. Mr Oxley, lives in Leigh, with his wife Rosina and their 11- year-old son who goes to a local primary school. He is an economics

Date

Street drinks ban for April?

ANTI-SOCIAL street drinking could be banned in Leigh town centre in April. It is a hoped that a new by-law will bring an end to problems on the civic square and in the parish church gardens which came to a head on Friday October 13 when a gang of 50 drinkers

Date

TV Anthea's cancer plea

ANTHEA Turner is calling on people in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley to run a marathon to fight breast cancer. The TV presenter wants to encourage everyone to take part in the 2001 London Marathon to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care to top the total

Date

Car repair firm moves

CAR repair specialist Briarcroft Service Centre has relocated in Atherton town centre. Proprietor Paul Taylor had to hurriedly find new premises when the Leigh Road filling station from where he operated was closed by fuel giants Total Fina Elf. Now settled

Date

Asda ladies clean up for hospice charity

CLEANING ladies from a Golborne supermarket have raised hundreds of pounds for a charity dealing with desperately ill children. Cleaners from Asda in Golborne, known as the Asda Aces, raised £295 for Derian house, the hospice in Chorley for terminally

Date

PDSA appeal

THE People's Dispensary for Sick Animals is appealing for volunteers. The charity, which has a shop in Bradshawgate, Leigh, provides free veterinary treatment to pet owners on low incomes. To find out more contact the freephone volunteer line on 0800

Date

OLD mobile phones can still be put to good use -- in a fund-raising scheme organised by the British

Date

Hundreds of homes without power in cut

HUNDREDS of homes in Darwen were left without power yesterday,Thursday, after the electricity supply was cut off. Houses on Lightbown Street, Exchange Street, Stanhope Street and Quakerfields were affected by the cut after an underground cable failed

Date

Shop crime scheme is a success

CRIMEBUSTERS have declared the new Shop Watch scheme in Leigh a success after eight out of 10 shop thefts resulted in an arrest over Christmas. Arrests for shoplifting between December 4 last year and January 1 were 56 our of 68 reported crimes, a slight

Date

Power off for twelve hours

HOMEOWNERS in Darwen spent more than 12 hours without power following an electricity cut. A fault developed in an underground cable in the Lightbown Street/Quakerfields/Exchange Street/Stanhope Street area of the town at about 6.20am yesterday. Emergency

Date

Casting a Net for ex-pupils!

HI-TEC ex-pupils of Newton Grammar can find long lost pals through the school's web-site. Last week Leigh-born old boy Colin Sumner, Salford University's newly-appointed, professor of criminology, asked old acquaintances to contact him. The legal eagle

Date

Disabled group's successful communication

A LEIGH-based group for disabled people have been looking at alternative forms of communication. Disability Action Group members celebrated the International Week of Disabled People at a conference held at Ince community centre. It gave them the opportunity

Date

Friends dates

THE Friends of Rossendale Museum have announced a programme of meetings for the first three months of the new year. On Thursday, January 25, the association is to hold their annual general meeting. This will be followed on Thursday February 22 with a

Date

Help to catch these meat cleaver raiders

POLICE are hunting two armed masked raiders who terrified a female shop assistant by threatening her with a knife and a meat cleaver. The two thugs went into the off-licence on Atherton Road in Hindley Green, at 7pm, four days before Christmas -- Thursday

Date

Killer truck driver plea

POLICE are to appeal to the nation for help in tracking down the truck driver who mowed down scooter rider Ron Cobbledick and left him to die. On BBC1's Crimewatch next Wednesday 24th at 9.05pm motorway camera footage taken on the M40 at Henley near London

Date

Thomas praises under-fire centre

A PENSIONER has praised the publicly criticised walk-in centre at Leigh Infirmary as his "life-saver". Thomas Kelly, 74, of Walton Close, Leigh, said that only the quick action of nurses had saved his life. As reported in The Journal, the walk-in centre

Date

Courses for volunteers

A SERIES of courses from understanding HIV to preparing budgets will run until May for volunteers wanting to improve their knowledge. The Leigh-based Leigh and Wigan Council for Voluntary Services have organised the sessions at various venues. Fees range

Date

It's no go for 'ice injury' claims, says council

LEIGH, Atherton and Tyldesley pedestrians who received their winter bumps by slipping on snow or ice on pavements - will not be able to claim compensation off the council. A number of people contacted the council enquiring about making claims following

Date

Hot new group met in Leigh

THE TUNES from one of the hottest new groups in the country could, not very long ago, be heard drifting down Railway Road in Leigh. Four-piece band Starsailor are on the brink of stardom after forming when they all met at the Leigh campus of Wigan and

Date

Legion set to bounce back!

LEIGH'S devastated Royal British Legion Branch is aiming to bounce back stronger than ever. Thanks to ex-servicemen answering a rallying call a committee of new, younger blood has been set up -- and their first priority is to find a new base. The group

Date

Why the mowers are out already

FOR the first time in history Wigan council's grass cutters are out mowing in January. The drastic move follows the wettest autumn since records began in 1766. And waterlogged ground has forced the council to hire specialist smaller machinery, instead

Date

'Supermums' are parents' voice

TWO supermums from Journal-land are to help manage the borough's education authority. Tyldesley mother-of-seven Sharon Cunliffe, aged 42, who is a parent governor at Shakerley Juniors, and mum-of-four Anne Farnworth, 31, a parent governor at Rose Bridge

Date

Barbara is latest Labour candidate

BARBARA Keeley-Huggett believes she has the right qualities and experience to be the next Leigh MP. The 48-year-old is the latest political figure to throw her hat in the ring for the Labour nomination. She is an executive councillor on Trafford Metro

Date

Atherton store plan sparks row

A THIRD supermarket could deal a knockout blow to Atherton's town centre trade. Traders' champions fear such a store would effectively become a barrier dissuading shoppers from venturing further in to town. Atherton Traders' Group chairman Jean Hart warned

Date

Cash boost in effort to prevent CJD in hospitals

WIGAN and Leigh health chiefs are investing in new surgical instruments to prevent transmission of variant CJD -- known as 'mad cow' disease. Two hundred million pounds is to be pumped into hospitals across the country to modernise contamination and sterilisation

Date

Woman facing driving charges is bailed

A WOMAN was bailed after pleading guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and failing to surrender to bail. Paula Schoon, 26, of Brentwood Drive, Leyland, was remanded on bail until February 16 by Blackburn magistrates. They ordered

Date

Burglary case turns into 'farce'

A BURGLARY charge dating back to August 1998 was discharged by Blackburn magistrates after the prosecution admitted that committal papers were not ready and accepted that they should be. Neil Standage, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the matter

Date

Appeal reaches £1.2 million mark

£100,000 to go! HOSPICE staff and volunteers were today celebrating reaching the £1.2million mark in their £1.3million appeal for a new day centre. East Lancashire Hospice chairman Geoff Braithwaite said he was delighted to reach the last milestone in

Date

Music bar to close for facelift

A POPULAR Blackburn entertainment bar is to close for four months this spring while it undergoes a £100,000 plus refurbishment. Blakey's Cafe Bar at King George's Hall is to transfer its weekend entertainment to the recently revamped Windsor Suite and

Date

Spanish 'invasion' of nurses begins

SPANISH seoritas and a single seor are winging their way to Britain today for a two-year stint in Blackburn's hospitals. And nursing bosses hope a real Lancashire welcome will encourage them to set up home here permanently. The group of 12 nurses heading

Date

Fear of job meltdown

BUSINESS leaders and a local MP today called on the Prime Minister to visit Lancashire amid claims that the area was on the verge of a 'job's melt-down.' Ribble Valley Tory Nigel Evans made his call for Tony Blair to "come and see for himself" after Industry

Date

Doubt over trio

RAMSBOTTOM: Ken Bridge has doubts over a trio of key players for their NWCL Division One clash at Atherton. Danny Goodall (foot) and David Yorke-Robinson (knee) are struggling while David Roach (cartilage) is definitely out. The Rams, who haven't lost

Date

No complacency for Nelson

NELSON: They'll be no room for complaceny when table topping NWCL Division Two side Nelson travel to second off bottom Ashton (ko 2pm). "They are fighting for their lives so they will be full of endeavour," said boss John Bailey, whose side have already

Date

The case of Moran's missing shirt

BACUP manager Brent Peters is turning detective to solve the mystery of the missing number three shirt -- although he thinks the strange world of superstition has the answer. The shirt -- belonging to skipper Damian Moran -- was last seen after being

Date

Great Harwood under pressure

UNDER-PRESSURE Great Harwood boss Denis Underwood today insisted he's still the man to save the struggling Reds from relegation. The beleagured Showgrounders are currently second bottom in the NWCL First Division having won just twice all season and last

Date

Appleton turned down bumper deal

MICHAEL Appleton turned down a contract which would have made him one of the best paid players at Deepdale. The midfielder was offered a new contract four months ago as his current deal expired at the end of the season but instead the 25-year-old chose

Date

What next? A tax on talking?

HAPPY New Year from Councillor Boden! The leader of our gloriously run Labour council has come up with what must be his dream scheme. His idea is to dictate people's lives as, according to the Bury Times (Jan 5) "the days when you can drive whenever and

Date

Our unsung winter heroes

DURING the recent bad weather, with heavy snow lying on the ground and most of the side streets in this part of the borough barely passable, the milk, the post and the newspapers were all delivered as usual. As a newsagent's daughter, and once having

Date

Attendance a threat to sale

IT was interesting that your article "Do you know your borough?" (Jan 2) did not include a photo of Gigg Lane. For it must be the case that only a diehard few seem to know where it is! The lack of support for this famous old football club from the people

Date

This is an event worth saving

IN November we held our annual general meeting to which all were invited. Unfortunately, only eight members did attend. To make matters much worse, I was devastated to hear that due to personal and private commitments Dorothy Gunther and Derek Edwards

Date

We know exactly what we are doing

IN response to correspondent Derek Ryder (Dec 29) I will correct, hopefully, his misunderstanding about how we as a council operate. We would be criticised rightly if we had no idea how much money we had available to spend in various areas! But that is

Date

We have all been conned

AT last the cat is out of the bag. Edward Heath did know in 1973 that what he was volunteering the nation for what was not a simple trading organisation, called the Common Market, but was the forerunner of the gradual integration of Britain into a federal

Date

Charging only adds to the trauma of disability

I WRITE again following on from my letter headed "Vulnerable people are being forgotten" (Dec 1). I am not surprised the council has not replied to my expressions of disgust at the way some disabled people are being treated and the possibility of the

Date

'Pop stars' well out of tune

I DIDN"T think I would, but I've loved the first two programmes on the TV search for a "Pop Star". The documentary is following thousands of kids from all over the country who have high hopes of grabbing a place in a new man-made band. I'll guarantee

Date

Lousy litter...

I HAVE a bee in my bonnet about rubbish -- and the area's awash with it. I suppose a lot can be blamed on the holiday and bad weather backlog, but the by-pass is a disgrace yet again, Findlay Street and Grasmere Street are a mess and some backs are a

Date

Falling foul of fines

I READ a letter from a dog owner who pointed out that she faces a £1,000 fine if her pet fouls the pavement, and asked why horse owners never get done when their charges leave pyramids of steaming dung in the street. I've often thought the same thing

Date

Hello again, Janet and John

HOT on the heels of the welcome return of Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men comes a new look for more long time children's favourites. Remember the chant "This is Janet. This is John". Who can forget it? They set millions of infants on the reading road.

Date

A good basis . . . QED

PUPILS are to be given the chance to learn Japanese as part of a drive to make British business more competitive. In Leigh older students are already -- thanks to a course introduced three years ago at Wigan and Leigh College. People were this week signing

Date

Vincent's display makes streakers seem a little tame!

TYLDESLEY'S naked protester Vincent Bethell is Britain's most notorious nude after his stand for the right to walk round in public in his birthday suit. The 28-year-old former Leigh St Mary's RC High pupil, now living in London, hit the headlines last

Date

Six out of six equals the best start for 50 years

LEIGH'S six game winning start to the season is the club's best for half a century. And if they make it a magnificent seven by beating Workington at Hilton Park on Sunday, Leigh will re-write a record that has stood since 1951. Even Leigh's Division One

Date

Leigh close in on Final

THE Centurions look almost certain to reach the Trans-Pennine Cup Final for a second successive year after their stunning 44-18 victory at Oldham on Sunday. Leigh, the only NFP club with a 100 per cent record intact after Keighley were held 22-22 by Featherstone

Date

A happy birthday for Simon

SIMON Svabic got the perfect 21st birthday present this week when he was named the NFP's Player of the Month for December. An off-season signing from Salford, Svabic, 21 yesterday, has enjoyed a sparkling start to his career with his home-town club. The

Date

Driver's sentence reduced

A YOUTH sent to custody for getting behind the wheel while banned has had the term cut, even though a judge said he would have liked to have given him a sentence twice as long. Burnley Crown Court heard how Andrew Parkinson, 18, caught red-handed, had

Date

I bought historic NASA photos of the moon at a car boot sale

A PENSIONER from Hindley has snapped up some of the first ever close-up pictures taken of the "dark-side" of the moon . . . at a car boot sale. Douglas Seal, 66, from Brookdale Road, paid just £25 at the boot sale for the historic black and white images

Date

Ex-MP could be in running for Leigh

A HIGH-PROFILE Bolton councillor is hoping to become an MP for Leigh and take his seat in parliament for the second time in his political career. Cllr Frank White has admitted that he has "expressed an interest" in the prominent Labour seat up for grabs

Date

'Pupils being bullied for not having right uniform'

BOSSES at Leigh's Citizen's Advice Bureau have claimed schoolchildren are being bullied and their education is suffering because their parents cannot afford proper uniforms. The CAB branch on The Avenue in Leigh has led calls for more money to be dished

Date

Fighting for its survival

AN Atherton servicemen's club is mustering its wartime fighting spirit in a bid for survival. The town's Discharged and Demobilised Sailors' and Soldiers' Association Club may be forced to sell spare land for housing to boost the coffers -- and is planning

Date

Get in touch with old friends @ the Journal!

THE Journal has been flooded with emails from around the world by people wanting to get in touch with relatives and friends in the Leigh area. The electronic letter writers have contacted us from all sides of the globe, as far away as New Zealand and

Date

Parking misery plan 'may fail'

A NEW plan has been drawn up in a bid to end the Whalley car parking nightmare -- but there are already fears that it may not be suitable. The village's car park steering group, made up of members of the parish council, chamber of trade and residents,

Date

Horse dumps

'Why do horse owners never get done when their charges leave pyramids of steaming dung in the street?'

Date

Definition of the week

How about this for DEFINITION of the week: Shin -- a device for finding furniture in the dark.

Date

Wrong job?

I HAD to go and see a solicitor this week. He kept me waiting for three quarters of an hour -- that's £90 in his time, a fiver in mine. Who's definitely in the wrong job?

Date

Head transplant

KEN Barlow's long-lost daughter Susan returned to Coronation Street this week -- with a head transplant. And fans said goodbye once more to Liz Macdonald who left by taxi -- nothing new there then.

Date

Eclipse bore

THE long-awaited eclipse of the moon was something of a damp squib. Experts claimed it would be one of the most dramatic for years, a once in a red moon experience. Not from my garden it wasn't. I've had more excitement watching paint dry.

Date

Removals firm gets coveted standard

MOVERS and shakers. That's Britannia Frank Hill Removals Ltd which has been awarded coveted British Standard EN 12522 which embraces domestic removals for private individuals. The company, which has an inquiry point in Bury, is only the second firm in

Date

Sterling praises pound

BUSINESS for Sterling North West says the latest inward investment figures strengthen its campaign to keep the pound. The statistics showed record-breaking foreign confidence in the UK. And Business Sterling says that this backs the cause for Britain

Date

Launch of new ethnic agency

A NEW company is spearheading the provision of home care to minority groups throughout Bury. And the aim of Intercare Employment Agency is to ensure care assistants are aware of the Muslim culture and can speak the required languages. Intercare, which

Date

Spackman arrival factor threatens Clarets

BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is hoping to leave Nigel Spackman waiting for his first win as Barnsley's new manager when the two sides clash at Turf Moor tomorrow. Ternent expects the Tykes to have an extra spring in their step following the recent appointment

Date

Spack is on the way back

THINGS have got so rough at Barnsley that new manager Nigel Spackman is considering putting his boots on again to help them out of relegation danger. The struggling Tykes have lost the services of five midfield men to leave their squad severley depleted

Date

Daisy Hill march on

DAISY Hill's victory against Padiham made it seven wins out of nine for the young side. Manager Brian Richardson says: "Last week's win was gained without three of our regular players and shows the overall playing strength of the first team squad. Lee

Date

Harriers go for bronze

LEIGH Harriers' Thomas Boardman and Adele Swanton won bronze medals in the Greater Manchester Cross-Country Championships. And Adele led the U15s girls team to gold. Leigh's golden girls of Swanton, Lizzy Heaton, Amanda Fearnley, Laura Morris and Amy

Date

Sad Leigh go down again

Leigh RU 12 IOM Vagabonds 22 LEIGH drafted in a number of former regulars in an attempt to improve their recent poor form but they still went down 22-12 to Isle of Man touring team the Vagabonds. Leigh defended strongly early on but were lucky when an

Date

13 for Tyldesley

TYLDESLEY top of the table trip to Trafford MV brought them a 20-8 victory - their 13th in a row. Eddie Wallbank hit a well struck penalty after 15 minutes and Tyldesley went close to scoring tries through Mark Swanton and Lee Berrisford. Skipper Lee

Date

Late burst sees the Miners home

Redhill 24 Leigh Miners Rangers 31 LEIGH Miners made it two wins from two in 2001 as the edged out Redhill in a thrilling tussle. Inspired by stand-off Mick Warburton and loose forward Chris Flynn, the Miners wrapped up their victory late on after they

Date

Atherton's Lynch mob on the march...

QUIETLY but confidently is the traditional Atherton Town way of doing things. Lead by example and don't go blowing your own trumpet until you have a tune worth listening to. Steadily but surely this season manager Shaun Lynch and his team have been getting

Date

Nice-Lee does it...

Leigh East 40 Millom 16 MILLOM'S 10 injury time points may have made East's National Conference defeat of the Cumbrian side to look a little less convincing than it really was. From start to finish, third-placed East controlled and commanded this fixture

Date

Late call off fury

OFFICIALS, players and supporters of Atherton Colls were furious on Tuesday with the late cancellation of the midweek NWCL Division One fixture at Newcastle Town. "Twenty past six they let us know it was off," fumed secretary Emile Anderson. "What use

Date

Cup struggle for favourites

THE last two weekends have seen Division One leaders Higher Folds if not quite struggling, then certainly not coasting, in cup ties against lower graded opposition. A 4-0 win over Fir Tree Rangers the previous week, in which three of those goals came

Date

Waywell's blast!

Leigh RMI 1 Hucknall Town 0 STEVE Waywell launched a scathing attack on RMI's missing fans after his side eliminated UniBond Premier League outfit Hucknall Town in the FA Umbro Trophy third round. He said: "Leigh RMI is, and always has been, a town team

Date

Website to attract more visitors

BURY'S presence on the worldwide web is now easier for people here and abroad to look at and enjoy. The site has also been improved for people with visual impairments, and now boasts better links to other sites. And over the coming weeks, tourist information

Date

Blood transfusion refusal man died

A 22-YEAR-OLD Jehovah's Witness who refused a blood transfusion after being injured in a road accident died after an operation at Bury General Hospital, an inquest was told. Bury District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams said that further reports were being

Date

Census countdown

THE countdown to Census Day has begun with a huge recruitment drive being launched in Bury. And a jobs hotline has been set up to help fill 18 team leader vacancies and 180 enumerator posts. The census will take place nationwide in April and, in Bury,

Date

Great Wall charity bid

A DAISY Hill man is seeking sponsors to help him on his way to walk the Great Wall of China for the Cancer Research Campaign. But first Paul Brown, 25, of Hunts Bank, who is paying his own travelling expenses, is aiming to raise £2,500 for the charity

Date

CCTV launch

TOWN centre surveillance cameras should be operational in Tyldesley by the end of March. Stanchions for CCTV are in place at key sites along Elliott Street, Shuttle Street and Castle Street as part of a £ million security upgrade. The next stage is camera

Date

'Chuters' wanted

PARACHUTE jumpers are wanted to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. Three types of leap are available including a tandem skydive strapped to an instructor from 10,000ft up. Dates are available in March and April and all training is included. Jumps are

Date

Davis is hoping for home comforts

CLARETS captain Steve Davis is looking for a win over Barnsley at Turf Moor tomorrow to prove that Burnley are over their mid-season slump. Stan Ternent's side ended their five-match League losing streak with a goalless draw at Gillingham last Saturday

Date

Welfare rights

A LEIGH welfare rights group has played host to more than 100 delegates from across the country. The Leigh and District Voluntary Welfare Rights Group hosted the quarterly meeting of the national Association of Welfare Rights Advisors in Wigan Town Hall

Date

Mums and tots

A MUMS and tots group starts on January 30 at Mee Brow Community Centre between Glazebury and Culcheth. Parents are invited to join like minded carers between 1.30-3pm every Tuesday afternoon and enjoy a chat and light refreshments while the young ones

Date

Advice line

A NEW advice line has been set up for school governors. GovernorLine was launched on January 9 and will offer information and professional support across all aspects of school life. The new support line has been set up because governing bodies have grown

Date

Charity bike challenge

A CHARITY is seeking 100 fit mountain bikers to take part in the ultimate Alpine challenge -- to help the disabled. SCOPE, formerly The Spastics Society, has organised its second ride through the largest ski area in the world, the Porte du Soleil in the

Date

Councillors do the spade work!

ATHERTON councillors beat as they sweeped as they cleaned! The Beat It Team were in town giving a special 2001 spruce-up to the area after a request by local councillors Sue Loudon and Reg Holmes. The grot spot marvels from Wigan MBC engineers' department

Date

Master class on the latest buzzword

FORWARD-thinking Blackburn firms are being invited to find out more about one of the hottest buzzwords of the business world -- customer relationship management. Leading expert professor Francis Buttle, Littlewoods Professor of Customer Relationship Management

Date

We're bottom of earnings table

WORKERS in the North West take home a smaller wage packet than colleagues in the country as a whole, according to the latest research. The study showed the average weekly wage for a man in the region is £415, compared to £442 nationally. North West women

Date

Brass band appeals for new blood

THE Ellenbrook and Boothstown Band are appealing to the area's youth who can play a brass instrument to join their ranks. The band's musical director, Mr Brian Peacock, a past student of the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall, is keen to fill

Date

Bedtime story competition

IF YOU'RE good at making up bedtime stories, a children's writers competition could see your tales put in print. The annual Write a Story for Children Competition is searching for the best unpublished children's writer. First prize is a cheque for £1,000

Date

'Matchstick' pet appeal

CHILDREN in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley are being given the chance to exhibit their work alongside a master of the art world. Youngsters aged between five and 11 are invited to write about their cat or dog (or one belonging to a friend or relative)

Date

Firms sign up to beat crime

MORE Leigh businesses have joined forces to beat town centre crime. Forty seven have now signed up to the Radio Link Network which warns of approaching known thieves and shoplifters. The scheme keeps them in touch with the police and each other through

Date

Bury seek new striker in time for Stoke clash

THE Shakers will put money problems firmly behind them to concentrate on matters on the pitch. But they won't find things easy against a Stoke City side gunning for a top two spot. To add to problems Paul Reid is suspended and Sam Collins and manager

Date

Dreamers' date

FREDDIE and The Dreamers star in a Culcheth ARLFC fund raiser on Saturday, February 3. The evening starts at 7.30pm in Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road and there is also a late bar and disco. Tickets priced £10 are available at the club or from Colin

Date

Class of 90 reunion

THE Class of '90 at Fred Longworth High School, Tyldesley is staging a reunion in Atherton Sailors & Soldiers Club on February 24. Tickets cost £6 and there is a buffet, DJ and late bar. Anyone interested email Louise Barton at fredlongworth@hotmail.com

Date

States trip for truants

LEIGH youngsters who persistently play truant from school or do badly in exams are set to go on a trip to New York in summer funded by taxpayers. Despite protests when the idea was first announced last year, organisers at Leigh Education Action Zone said

Date

Shoppers ripped off, says Euro MP

LEIGH, Atherton and Tyldesley shoppers are being "ripped off" according to the North West Labour Euro-MP.The European Union block on branded imports is hitting the pockets of North West shoppers says Euro-MP Terry Wynn. The battle between Tesco and Levi

Date

Firemen in toxic fume poison alert

DANGERS of carbon monoxide fumes and the need to keep fire flues clean have been highlighted by environmental watchdogs. A warning to householders has been issued after a Leigh couple called firemen to their council home in Regina Crescent, Higher Fold

Date

Trips planned at institute meeting

NEWCHURCH Women's Institute have held their first meeting of the year in the Parish Hall, Culcheth. Future trips were discussed, including a further theatre visit to The Taming of the Shrew and to Duerrs Jams. Guest speaker Mr T McNicholls gave a talk

Date

Local planning applications

THESE are the latest local planning applications submitted to Wigan Council. 57 Hough Lane, Tyldesley -- first floor rear extension with alteration to the roof; Golborne Library, Tanners Lane, Golborne -- install roller shutter over single door to main

Date

Giant leap forward for scheme to help young children get good start

A £2m scheme to give children a better start in life takes a major step forward a week today. Hindley and Hindley Green's Sure Start programme will open a new shop at 40, Market Street. It will become the HQ of the programme, home to its co-ordinator

Date

Cleo the missing falcon is found in tip-top condition!

CLEO the wayward falcon is back on pest patrol -- thanks to an eagle-eyed reader. Last Friday's edition of your Journal related how a three-year-old Saker Peregrine, worth around £600, took a break from its role of scaring gulls and crows on an Astley

Date

Starting out on the business ladder

BANKERS hope to nurture the entrepreneurs of the future with this year's Young Enterprise Scheme. The scheme helps pupils from schools across the area find out what it is like to run their own businesses for a year. A team of of advisers from HSBC in

Date

Transport policy wins approval

COUNTY chiefs have welcomed praise from the government for their ideas to improve transport. The Department of the Environment described Lancashire County Council's plans for the next five years as "well considered and in accordance with government policy

Date

'Sailors' set a course for the stars

A SINGER in a band tipped for the top today branded East Lancashire folk a bunch of cynics -- and thanked them for it. James Walsh, the frontman with indie band Starsailor said it was the 'inbred cynicism' he found among the people he grew up with which

Date

Sargeson doubt

ROSSENDALE: Manager Jim McCluskie has a worry over top striker Craig Sargeson (thigh strain) ahead of their NWCL Division One match at home to Great Harwood. "Great Harwood were on the end of a thumping last week so we expect a reaction to that," said

Date

Take Stock

CHORLEY: Manager Ken Wright wants revenge on Stocksbridge, the last team to beat the Magpies in the UniBond First Division way back in November. A late goal sealed the win but Wright aims to build on the his side's recent form, which has seen them fly

Date

Bolton count cost of success

HIGH-flying Bolton Wanderers travel to meet struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough tomorrow, looking to notch their eighth win in nine games. But the continued success is not without cost. Last week's victory over rivals Tranmere was marred by

Date

Coleman eyes Conference for next season

STANLEY boss John Coleman will use the rest of this season to assess his team -- ready to launch a challenge for the Conference next time out. The Reds have slipped away from the UniBond Premier Division's leading pack and Coleman will now take the opportunity

Date

Clitheroe aim to conquer Wessex

CLITHEROE assistant boss Lee Sculpher daren't yet dream of running out onto Villa Park -- but if the Blues reach the FA Vase quarter-finals tomorrow his mind might just wander. The 30-year-old defender has spent his football career around the local scene

Date

There but for the grace of God . . .

I AM sitting here on a cold, frosty morning and thinking that, but for the grace of God, I would now be under the earth. On April 13 last year, at 5am, I had an aneurysm. My husband woke and saw me in the throes of it. I don't remember much about it except

Date

Letters reeked of racist overtones

THREE letters in the BuryTimes of Jan 12 were on the subject of racism and need to be answered. Ray Honeyford, David Behar and "A Bon Droit", all take the same racist stance despite the fact that they all deny being racists themselves. In fact, Mr Honeyford

Date

But you only see it for 80 minutes!

WE were concerned to read the comments of Mr John Lawrence, the Sedgley Park Rugby Club spokesman, in your report about the club's plans for a new spectator stand (Jan 12). We have never objected to the sporting facilities provided by the club, especially

Date

Dame Judy will bounce back

CONDOLENCES to Dame Judy Dench, daughter of a Tyldesley doctor, who lost her actor husband Michael Williams to lung cancer this week. The devoted couple who were married for 29 years, had "A Fine Romance" in life and on the TV show in which they played

Date

Mobile phone nuisance

THEFT of mobile phones is the 'in' crime. Home secretary Jack Straw has called for action to reverse the 400pc increase in two years. And he wants the phone companies to come up with ideas that will render stolen phones useless. In this day and age surely

Date

Back to the Forties

THE 1940's House is a must for nostalgia fans. We're back with a family which has been willing to give up the comforts of modern life to return to authentic living when Britain was at war. And what a difficult time it must have been. It's hard to imagine

Date

End of an era

THE auction house I have frequented for 15 years has shut down -- depriving me of one of my great interests. I curse all the TV programmes that have killed off antique collecting for amateurs. Until the new year I delighted in viewing goods, from the

Date

Centurions in a different league

Oldham 18 Leigh Centurions 44 ON a frozen pitch and on a freezing day, the Centurions turned up the heat on the rest of the Northern Ford Premiership. Six wins on the bounce and the only team with a 100 per cent record in the NFP, Leigh outclassed another

Date

So who did murder Linda?

A MURDER investigation which focused on three suspects, the only people in the house at the time of the killing of Linda Southwood, has been shelved. After a year-long investigation detectives have decided not to charge either her husband Albert Southwood

Date

Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, January 20

Accrington and Blackburn CHA -- Ollerton Fold, meet Witton Park Gates, Blackburn, 12.30pm for Brindle car park at 1pm. Praise Party, St Barnabas Church, Johnston Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm. Dance Night Out with MC's Stand and Olwyn, Concert Hall, King

Date

A county of thatch

Drive & Stroll, with Ron Freethy - a leisurely walk back in time along the Lancaster Canal WE do not usually associate Lancashire with thatched cottages as we are more used to stone and brick terraces. There are, however, some wonderful old thatches

Date

Today's the day

1809: The creator of the first detective story was born today. Edgar Allan Poe's first novel, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," was published in 1841 and his works were to inspire the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and scores of others fiction

Date

No favours from council

TO all the football supporters who went to Ewood Park and returned to their cars on Saturday and Wednesday and found fixed-penalty tickets on their windscreens, we wish to say sorry. This council is certainly not doing any favours for the Rovers, but

Date

'Cheap shot' at Straw

TORY Councillor D Pearson's cheap shot at Jack Straw regarding police numbers in Blackburn and Darwen (Letters, January 16) is, of course, way off the mark. Since 1997, police numbers have actually increased from 349 to 381. Yet from 1992-1997 (the period

Date

Public has the right to choose

IT has been reported that the Clean Water Act prevents the Government from passing legislation to add fluoride to the water supply so they are putting pressure on North West Water to do so, claiming that there is no detrimental effect. Whether fluoride

Date

New transport guide

CONFUSED passengers could find bus, train and tram journeys easier to plan by using a new map. A guide showing high frequency transport links has been produced by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority. Tram lines, rail services and road

Date

The future of dentistry

HEALTH Minister Lord Philip Hunt visited Manchester to detail government plans for the future of dentistry and efforts to tackle high rates of tooth decay in the region. Bury and Rochdale Health Authority has already been assured funding for a dental

Date

Give us your views

TENANTS have a chance to win prizes for saying what they think about their council house bosses. Thousands of residents are being sent questionnaires concerning the rent collection service. And, as an incentive, everyone who takes the time to fill in

Date

New life for old cards

"GREEN" MP David Chaytor is urging residents to recycle their Christmas cards and help the countryside. He led the way by taking his cards to Boots the Chemists, who have teamed up with the Woodland Trust to create new woodland across the UK. Campaigners

Date

Seaside parliament time for elderly

POLITICALLY-minded pensioners from Bury will assemble beside the seaside this spring to take part in a special parliament for the elderly. Members of Bury Pensioners' Association will join delegates from across the country on April 30 for a three-day

Date

Fear of job meltdown

BUSINESS leaders and a local MP today called on the Prime Minister to visit Lancashire amid claims that the area was on the verge of a 'job's melt-down.' Ribble Valley Tory Nigel Evans made his call for Tony Blair to "come and see for himself" after Industry

Date

Giddy up for a grand day

EIGHTY years on and the people of Ainsworth are still horsing around. A steeplechase meeting first held in the village in 1921 which continued locally until housing developments blocked the route will take place on Saturday, March 24. The annual Holcombe

Date

Inquest after woman died in hospital

THE outcome of toxicological tests are awaited by a coroner in the case of a Radcliffe woman who died in hospital three days after being admitted. Bury District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams has opened the inquest in the case of mother-of-two Mrs Beverley

Date

Joanna's peace poster prize

THE hands of friendship have extended to pat a talented Bury artist on the back. For Joanna Brain (11) has become the 2001 winner of the Bury Lions Club Peace Poster competition. A pupil of Bury C of E High School, Joanna's poster has been chosen from

Date

Overhaul of PCCG meetings

CONCERNED residents are to find it easier to grill Bury's high-ranking police chiefs about crime. However, the public will have fewer chances to quiz chief inspectors and more senior ranks following a revamp of the existing Police and Community Consultation

Date

Fans encouraged to pump up the volume

LEIGH Centurions and their most vocal fans are back in harmony as the drive for NFP glory starts to gather momentum. Starting with Sunday's Hilton Park clash with Workington, the 'Barmy Army' will be welcomed back to their traditional area in the Supporters

Date

Las Palmas eye Ostenstad

SPANISH giants Las Palmas are stepping up their attempts to lure Egil Ostenstad away from Ewood. The injury-hit outfit were knocked back in their efforts to sign the Norwegian international on loan earlier this month. But Ewood chief executive John Williams

Date

Drinks swap allegations

A COURT case alleging a landlord supplied alcohol which did not comply with the branded name on the label has been adjourned. Malcolm John Meikleham, 62, of the Kettledrum Inn, Red Lees Road, Cliviger, is alleged to have supplied different spirits in

Date

Concert in need of sponsor

ORGANISERS of Burnley's Bands in the Park event are looking for a major sponsor to repeat the success of last year when a record 15,000 people attended. Demos from unsigned bands are wanted for the 2001 event which will be held on July 29. All kinds of

Date

Mother, 82, died after hospital fall

NURSING staff are to be questioned about events leading up to the death of a pensioner found on the floor at a hospital. An inquest opening heard how Mrs Eva Kelly, 82, died in the toilets Burnley General Hospital last Friday. Her daughter-in-law told

Date

Pup cruelty charges

A MAN has been accused of causing unnecessary suffering to two puppies. The allegations against Richard Andrew Hutton, 33, of Every Street, Nelson, came before Reedley magistrates court and were adjourned until February 1. Hutton was granted unconditional

Date

Drinks driver spared jail

A 50 year old woman has escaped jail for her third drink driving offence and second driving while disqualified. Stella Kneale had sobbed as Burnley magistrates heard how she had turned to crime after her husband of 25 years deserted her and had gone on

Date

So how's the fox?

NOW that we have been appraised of the health of the Prince of Wales following his fall from a horse whilst out hunting recently, can anybody tell us how the poor fox got on? ROGER BANNISTER

Date

Padiham lost the plot

PADIHAM: Manager Graham Howarth admits his side have 'lost the plot' in recent weeks but aims to put it right in the NWCL Division Two local derby at Darwen tomorrow. Three defeats in their last three games has knocked them off track but the Storks boss

Date

Drivers heeded drink warnings

POLICE in Pennine Division have praised motorists who heeded warnings not to drink and drive during the Christmas campaign. Although the percentage of motorists who provided a positive breath test or failed to give a specimen increased slightly on 1999

Date

FIVE YEARS AGO: Hospital bed closure shock

NURSING staff at Rossendale General Hospital revealed that sick people had been turned away despite the fact the hospital was planning to close 31 beds that were not being used. Employees were shocked at the possibility of losing their jobs.

Date

TEN YEARS AGO: Branson boost for Burnley

FACTORY workers in Burnley were celebrating after Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson completed the first hot air balloon crossing of the Pacific using their products. Branson visited engineering firm AIT before his adventure and decided to use the burners

Date

Trade ruled out as cause of death

THE death of retired carpenter Derrick King had nothing to do with his trade and the extensive exposure of wood rust, an inquest heard. Coroner Michael Singleton said he had originally opened an inquest into Mr King's death because it may have been related