Archive
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Put your dancing shoes on
GLAMOROUS Leyland pensioners are being invited to dust off their dancing shoes for a special competition. The YOURS magazine Silver Stars Talent Contest is searching for Leyland's top performing pensioner at the local heat on Thursday, April 4, at the
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Elton's new name for a bright future
THEY may have a new monicker but it's the same aim for sporting excellence that will take Bolton Road Sport Club on to a bright future. The famous old Bury set-up who moved from their 80-year-old sports ground on the A58 to a superb brand new site two
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Stand are hegg-static
STAND Cricket Club has appointed Martin Hegg - brother of Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Warren - as their new professional. The 6ft 3in all-rounder also takes the captaincy of the Hamilton Road outfit - in the same month that Warren starts out on
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Park held by plucky strugglers
RFU National League Two: Sedgley Park...20pts, Waterloo...20pts THERE was a distinct end-of-season feel to this game. Waterloo are doomed to relegation, while Sedgley are assured of third place in the league, but with only pride to play for, it was the
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A thrilling time
A SUSPENSE thriller based on the novel by Shirley Jackson is the next production by Oswaldtwistle Players. Adapted for the stage by F Andrew Leslie, the play will be performed at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre in Union Road from Wednesday to Saturday, April
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Fancy playing Happy Families?
ROSSENDALE Players will be performing their version of John Godber's play at the New Millennium Theatre, Waterfoot from Saturday, April 13, to Saturday, April 20 (excluding Monday, April 15) at 7.30pm. Cast includes Paul McGowan, Stella Kelsall, Richard
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Stop the feuding and work together
CONSERVATIVE spokesman Councillor David Pearson (Letters, March 18), states, quite rightly, that the people of Blackburn don't get value for money from their council services. Once again, however, he failed to offer any tangible alternative proposals.
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Consultation means nothing
IHAVE worked at the Fir Grove home for the elderly in Burnley for more than 20 years on nights and love my job. To even think of closing these care homes is crazy. the problem is, the people who make these decisions don't know what's involved. Most of
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Fact-finder talked to wrong folk
ACCORDING to your report on how Blackburn with Darwen won the Council of the Year award (LET, March 14), one of the judges, Brian Briscoe, chairman of the Local Government Association, praised the council for their strong community leadership and partnership
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Cherry Pickers head charity gig
THE Cherry Pickers will be bringing their new brand of rock and country music to Blackpool Winter Gardens this Saturday (April 6)-- all in the name of charity. The five talented musicians, who have only been together for a year, have already built up
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Stroll down Broadway just got better
THERE could have been more pzazz in All That Jazz at Blackpool Grand Theatre on March 21. But the man in the seat next to me for Beyond Broadway's hit musicals tribute should have stayed longer than the first 10 minutes, because after a lukewarm opening
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All singing, dancing Des is here!
CHUCKLING chat show host Des O'Connor is in the spotlight himself this month with a live one-man show in Blackpool on April 13. What would Morecambe and Wise say? The popular personality with the permatan is live at the Opera House for the first time
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Radical idea to encourage youngsters to mix
A MASSIVE shake-up of Burnley's secondary schools is being proposed in a bid to bring youngsters from different ethnic backgrounds together and end the division which led up to last year's riots. Three schools are initially set to be transformed by the
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Blame the square not the public
IN RESPONSE to Mr Peel's letter of March 21, can I just say that if more councillors had voted withy the MBI to keep Crinkley Bottom for the duration of the three-year contract, we wouldn't have had all the adverse publicity resulting from NIMBYs like
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Ban for Souness
ROVERS boss Souness has been banned from the touchline for one match and fined £10,000 after pleading gulity to a charge of misconduct at a Football Association hearing in Manchester yesterday. Souness admitted using "offensive and insulting language"
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Preston families pay respects to Queen Mother
A PENWORTHAM family will be among those lining the route as the Queen Mother's coffin is carried from the Queen's chapel, in St James's Palace to Westminster Hall to lie in state until the evening of Monday April 8. Tony and Carole Green and their 15-
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Tomorrow's world arrives
PRESTON'S firefighters were treated to a hands on demonstration of state of the art equipment from Sweden, which featured on the top science programme Tomorrow's World. The device that can punch holes through brick, stone, steel and wood will allow firefighters
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Lisa's art has world admiring
A TALENTED local artist will be swapping her desk job at the council for an art gallery in Spain this summer. Lisa Ashcroft, from Fulwood, has been picked by a gallery in Barcelona to spend two weeks working with six other artists from around the world
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Mother's meeting remembered
A FULWOOD mum remembered, this week, the special visit she had from HRH The Queen Mother after giving birth to her daughter in a Berlin hospital in 1987. The Queen Mother -- as Colonel in Chief of the Black Watch -- was meeting members of the unit and
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Queen Mother's meeting remembered fondly
A FULWOOD mum remembered, this week, the special visit she had from HRH The Queen Mother after giving birth to her daughter in a Berlin hospital in 1987. The Queen Mother -- as Colonel in Chief of the Black Watch -- was meeting members of the unit and
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Crusader honoured
A PRESTON prison officer has been congratulated by the Princess Royal for raising awareness about dyslexia. Jason Parkington, 35, attended Buckingham Palace, where he was presented with a Butler Trust Award by the charity's patron, Princess Anne, in recognition
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Care trust starts up
THIS week saw local health care change forever -- with the creation of the new Preston Primary Care Trust (PCT). The trust, which started operating on Monday from its headquarters at the old workhouse in Watling Street Road, replaces the primary care
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Caught in crossfire
A PRESTON man was caught up in the sectarian violence erupting across India over the past month. Mahmud Yusuf Amirat, of Moor Lane, flew out to his troubled homeland with his wife in February. He was in his village, Korad, when violence between Hindus
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Pupils break records with Oxbridge offers
RECORD numbers of Bury Grammar pupils are dreaming of the spires of Oxford and the colleges of Cambridge. A total of 13 students, eight girls and five boys, have been offered conditional places at prestigious Oxbridge colleges, dependent upon their exam
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Grammar school head to leave
THE headteacher of Bury Grammar School (Girls) is to leave. Miss Caroline Thompson will take up the post of headteacher at King Edward's School in Bath later this year. She has held the position at Bury Grammar since 1998 and her original intention was
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MP's tribute to Queen Mother
EAST Lancashire MP Peter Pike has told how he first saw the Queen Mother as a schoolboy and how even then he realised it was her simplicity and friendliness that made her special. The Labour backbencher was among a group of pupils from Abel Street Primary
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Blow as diocese backs school closure
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to close a church school in Ramsbottom are being supported by the Diocese of Manchester. The revelation has shocked SOS (Save our School) campaigners battling to stop the closure of St Paul's CE primary. Local education authority
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Radical idea to encourage youngsters to mix
A MASSIVE shake-up of Burnley's secondary schools is being proposed in a bid to bring youngsters from different ethnic backgrounds together and end the division which led up to last year's riots. Three schools are initially set to be transformed by the
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Dougherty delay
Shaw Hill-attached pro Nick Dougherty completed only 14 holes of the weather-affected Algarve Portuguese Open at Vale do Lobo yesterday. He was seven over par when heavy rain and gusting winds brought play to a halt. Clitheroe-attached Paul Dwyer - who
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Rams are tough now
RAMSBOTTOM manager Mike Kelly says his side are now becoming very difficult to beat. They have lost just once in seven NWCL Division One games and have conceded just one goal in the last three. They face Atherton LR at home tomorrow. "We haven't conceded
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Taxi plans face axe
COUNCILLORS are expected to reject plans to operate two private hire vehicles from a house in Green End Avenue, Earby. The application is to run the taxi business from the house, which is in a residential area, until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and
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Councillor renews Knotts Drive battle
THE on-going battle over whether houses should be built on land next to the former railway sidings, off Knotts Drive in Colne, has taken a new turn. Last month at the Colne Area Committee, Waterside councillor Ian Tweedie proposed that the planning application
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Five years ago
BUS driver Ina Watters was nominated for an award by 18 of her passengers from Jubilee Court sheltered housing in Helmshore. She was honoured for her willingness to help and friendly approach.
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Queen Mum will be sorely missed
EVEN the strongest anti-royalist can't help but feel some sympathy for the Queen who has lost her sister and mother in the space of seven weeks writes Lesley Richards of the Leigh Journal The tragic double blow has not got her golden jubilee year off
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Pals turn clock bacy 50 years
AFTER not seeing each other for more than 50 years, East Lancashire school pals Bob Pearson and Jack Bannister met up in the shadow of one of the world's most famous landmarks -- thanks to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. The two renewed their friendship
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New party aims to stamp out the yobs
A NEW political party aims to regenerate Golborne town centre and stamp out vandalism. The Community Action Party wants to create youth facilities, ban on-street drinking and backs a zero tolerance policy for troublemakers. The Party -- only registered
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Memories are made of this...
A UNIQUE exhibition of spoken memories opened in Leigh this week. "Mondays Was Washdays" is the culmination of 10 months of work by Leigh's artist in residence Suki Chan. Her reminiscence project, which aims to bring young and older generations together
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Pool's final hangover
IT was not a happy return to the County Ground for Steve McMahon, last Saturday (March 30), as a solitary goal from Alan Young sealed the points for Swindon. The home supporters still blame former manager McMahon for their team's downfall over the past
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Off the Ball with Steve Dunthorpe
AS I write it is transfer deadline day. Of all the days in the year when no football is played, it is probably the most important for the football fan. Yet today, nobody is talking about transfers. Six clubs are reported to have prepared papers to go
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Tax manager moves
A LOCAL man has been appointed tax manager by the Manchester office of chartered accountants and business advisers HLB Kidsons. Mark Chapman (33), who lives in Bury, was previously a tax manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mark will be responsible for
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Double deligth for Dave
FORMER Shrimps assistant boss Dave Miller had a double celebration this week. He began his managerial career at Stalybridge Celtic with three wins out of three, then won the National Lottery! Former Stockport player and Leigh assistant Miller, a member
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Michael achieves exam excellence
AN Ainsworth-based independent financial adviser can certainly count himself among the elite. For Michael Norris has reached a level of excellence in an exam which was previously achieved by only one other person in the country. Michael has gained an
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Roof protection reaps rewards
GIVE Walter McDonald some bad weather with a few storms and he's a happy man. For Walter is managing director of Edenfield-based Fastnet, a company specialising in giving roofs protection against storm and gale damage. "The idea came to me 10 years ago
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Hotshots are all fired up
STRIKERS David Johnson and Marlon King go into tomorrow's Turf Moor clash seeking to extend their current goal-scoring form. Both have bagged four goals in their last five League outings with the Gills striker serving up nine points with match-winners
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Stan keen to take Johnson
STRIKER David Johnson could be set to get his wish and rejoin forces with Stan Ternent - permanently. The Clarets boss has confirmed that he is eager to take the 25-year-old, who worked with him at Bury, on board during the summer if a deal can be struck
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Gills boss sets new target
GILLINGHAM may seem to have little to play for but the Clarets should beware. The Gills reached the 60-point return that manager Andy Hessenthaler had set for them with their 1-0 home win over Crewe last weekend, but the Priestfield boss will not let
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Clarets aim to prove pundits wrong
STAN Ternent is ready to make a few people eat their words. The Clarets boss is confident that his side will reach the play-offs and rounded on the 'pundits' who reckon that the Turf Moor club won't make the cut. "A lot of the pundits are saying that
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Race against time for Accrington
ACCRINGTON chairman Peter Barratt is in a race against time to find a professional for the new season. The Thorneyholme Road club has been rocked by the news, revealed in later editions of last night's Lancashire Evening Telegraph, that Ashwell Prince
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Put your dancing shoes on
GLAMOROUS Leyland pensioners are being invited to dust off their dancing shoes for a special competition. The YOURS magazine Silver Stars Talent Contest is searching for Leyland's top performing pensioner at the local heat on Thursday, April 4, at the
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A haven of atmosphere at Octagon
BOLTON'S Octagon will be a haven of atmosphere when Shakespeare's Macbeth takes to the stage. The famous tragedy, starring Emmerdale's Gary Turner (aka Carlos Diaz), plays from April 9-13. Andrew Walkington, successfully directs a 14-strong cast to re-create
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Feel-good production in Manchester
FAME: The Musical is hitting Manchester in style from April 8. The feel-good production, based on the Academy Award winning motion picture, will run at the Opera House until April 13. Set over four years Fame takes the audience through the highs and lows
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A Beauty of a musical at the Palace
TICKETS are on sale for the acclaimed West End and Broadway production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The extravagant musical will show at Manchester's Palace Theatre from October 24 until February 8. Demand for tickets is forecast as high. The much-loved
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Don't open door
POLICE are issuing a warning, particularly to South Shore residents, not to respond to knocks on front doors late at night unless they know who's calling. On Sunday and Monday a female appearing to be in a "distressed state" is reported to have knocked
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Step forward you Copycat Kids...
ARE their Stars In Your Eyes? Open auditions are being held at Blackpool Winter Gardens this Sunday (April 7) for this year's Copycat Kids tribute show on Central Pier courtesy of Scream Management. And the whole process is being filmed by Libra Televison
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Royal visitors to steam into Blackpool
A DUCHESS, and possibly a princess, will arrive at Blackpool's North Station on April 13. But there will be no red carpet because the visiting "aristocrats" are two of Britain's biggest preserved steam locomotives. Rolling in with an excursion from Derby
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MP goes on night patrol
MP Hilton Dawson hit the beat to check out the problems with Poulton's nightlife. The Member for Lancaster and Wyre joined Poulton police on night duty on a Friday night in March to witness first hand the problems they face. Mr Dawson joined Poulton-based
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Wildlife diary
JOHN Powers will open his "Wildlife Photographer's Diary" at the meeting of Leigh Ornithological Society at 7.30pm tonight (Friday) in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.
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New cycle path planned
A NEW cycle path could be winding its way through Lancaster if the wishes of one local neighbourhood are granted. Lancaster City Council is backing a new cycle route, which has been put forward by Marsh residents. The proposed route will connect local
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Come and see Midland plans
AN EXHIBITION opened in Morecambe over the Bank Holiday to explain to the public the ambitious plans for the £10m restoration of the resort's famous art deco Midland Hotel. The exhibition has been put on by the new owners, Kalber Leisure, in the former
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MP's advice
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham's Market Street advice centre office in Leigh reopens on April 15. Telephone enquiries can be made 9-5 from April 8-12 on 01942 682353. Mr Burnham will hold surgeries on Friday, April 5 (6-6.45pm) at Atherton Town Hall and (7.15-
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When Queen Vic visited Atherton
ATHERTON Heritage Society will hear of Queen Victoria's canal boat ride and her 1851 visit to Worsley New Hall at Tuesday's 7.30pm meeting in St Richard's Jubilee Hall. Ann Monaghan's illustrated talk is intriguingly entitled Queen Victoria's Visit or
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Council paypoints
INFORMATION about the borough's PayPoint facilities issued last week by Wigan Council along with new payment cards omitted arrangements for Atherton and Hindsford. Following the closure of the cash office at Atherton Town Hall, the Council is stressing
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Local service for Queen Mother
A MEMORIAL service in honour of the Queen Mother will be held on Sunday at Atherton Parish Church of St John the Baptist. The Rev Bill Baldwin, who will lead the tribute, stresses the service is open to everyone, whatever denomination. Messages of condolensce
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Derby day for East and Miners
ARCH-RIVALS Leigh East and Leigh Miners Rangers go head-to-head at Grasmere Street on Saturday with third place in the National Conference Premier Division likely to be at stake. Whoever finishes in third spot will get a home tie in the new end of season
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Player-coach wanted
BOLTON Association side Golborne CC are looking for a player-coach for the coming season. The candidate must be of a 1st XI standard, an enthusiastic team player, and a person willing to help younger players to develop their skills. All applications considered
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Fans' unique opportunity
LEIGH RL fans are to be given the unique opportunity to meet and greet the Division One championship team of 1981-82. John Woods, Des Drummond, Terry Bilsbury, Ray Tabern and co will be guests of the club at the home clash with Chorley on April 21. The
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Ellis lifts final competition
MERSYSIDER Barrie Ellis lifted the final competition of the winter season at Pennington on Sunday. Barrie, from Runcorn, making only his third visit to Leigh beat Jim Noon in the final 21-16. Results- semi-finals - Ellis 21-15 A.Lambert and Noon 21-19
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Harriers pair win national titles
LEIGH Harriers have had outstanding results over the last couple of weeks. Derek Howarth and John Taylor both won national veteran's titles. In the National Vet's Championship at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall, Derek won the Over 70s 800m, second in the 1500m
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Leigh ease relegation fears
Leigh 30 Dukinfield 15 LEIGH RU opened the scoring in this relegation clash when a catch and drive from a line-out saw Paul Hampson touch down for a 5-0 lead. A break by S Lee was halted short of the line but a simple penalty by Hudspith saw the score
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Time running out to cast your vote
VOTERS who want to make their mark in the local elections in Bury in May, either by post or through a third party, need to act soon. They have until Wednesday, April 24, to make an application for a postal or proxy vote, says Bury Council. Postal voters
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Ex-homes chief abused police
A FORMER housing developer who continued to be aggressive and abusive to police more than five hours after he was arrested has been banned from a Bury town centre pub for a year. Paul Kiely, aged 37, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly outside
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Supporters trust first move
BURY FC Supporters Trust took a massive step forward on Tuesday evening when they agreed its primary constitution. More than 50 people turned up to the second meeting of the Trust working party at Bury FC Social Club and elected 11 people to a steering
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Lively Lee saves stand
Stand Athletic...2 Daisy Hill...2 LEE Anderson was a hero at the double for Stand on Wednesday night as they came from behind twice to share the points with Daisy Hill. The Westhoughton outfit took a first half lead through left back Steve Brockley before
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Duncan bowls into town
TOTTINGTON Conservative Club have pulled off an amazing coup by signing the most successful crown green bowler in the history of the game - Brian Duncan, writes PHIL THORP. Preston-based Duncan has won the prestigious Waterloo Cup three times and pretty
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Souey facing Karpin battle
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is facing a potential tug-of-war with Spanish superpower Deportivo La Coruna over Russian winger Valeri Karpin. Souness is a known admirer of Karpin and sent scouts to watch the 33-year-old in action for Celta Vigo last month
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Clarets aim to prove pundits wrong
STAN Ternent is ready to make a few people eat their words. The Clarets boss is confident that his side will reach the play-offs and rounded on the 'pundits' who reckon that the Turf Moor club won't make the cut. "A lot of the pundits are saying that
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Clyde is hungry for success
WITH every game for the last month seeming to have the same status as a cup final, it appears Preston boss Kelham O'Hanlon has pulled off a masterstroke in signing Clyde Wijnhard. The flying Dutchman took little time in winning the fans at Deepdale over
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Buyers Beau walks out on Shakers
POTENTIAL Shakers saviour Beau has sensationally pulled out of his bid to buy the crisis-hit club. The claim was being made on the official Bury FC website last night: but the Horwich-based pensioner has refused to confirm or deny it. The 71-year-old
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Million pound refit for resort
MORECAMBE'S Gala Bingo's has been brought into the 21st Century with a major refurbishment. Gala, the largest operator of bingo clubs in the UK, has invested just under £ 1million into making the club one of the most modern in the country. Work on both
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Friends forced out of rest home
THREE elderly friends who were able to find accommodation together when a rest home closed with just 24 hours notice today spoke of how they had coped with the ordeal. The owners of Scout Rest Home, in Waterfoot, Sheila Birt and her brothers Michael and
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Cricket balls worry
NEW homes face being damaged by flying cricket balls when the season begins later this month after a neighbouring club claimed its warnings were ignored. Haslingden Cricket Club warned Rossendale Council that the plans for homes on the old auction mart
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Delivery vans burned out
TWO delivery vans went up in smoke on the car park of Waterfield's bakery off Manchester Road in Leigh. A Ford Transit and a Ford Iveco were set alight on the Crompton Fold car park at around 8.30pm on Monday. The Transit van was completely destroyed
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Thousands line Royal procession
A NATION united to honour the Queen Mother as three generations of the Royal Family joined a parade carrying her coffin through London. Thousands of people were bathed in glorious sunshine as they turned out to pay their final respects to the royal icon
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Council paypoints
INFORMATION about the borough's PayPoint facilities issued last week by Wigan Council along with new payment cards omitted arrangements for Atherton and Hindsford. Following the closure of the cash office at Atherton Town Hall, the Council is stressing
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Newchurch WI
NEWCHURCH Women's Institute celebrated its 42nd birthday meeting in Newchurch Parish Hall. A birthday cake was on display and tea was provided by hostesses P Gretton and A Langridge. Displays included Mrs T MacDonald's impressive spring flowers arrangement
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Missing boy found safe
A TEENAGER who went missing from home at Easter was found safe and well on Wednesday morning. The hunt began for 16-year-old Anthony William Carter after he didn't return to his Norfolk Road home on Atherton's Hag Fold estate after going out on Saturday
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Electrical store raided over Bank Holiday
SECURITY is being increased at a Leigh electrical store after more than £1000 worth of stock was stolen. Thieves broke into the Minster Electronics' Railway Road store around 8pm on Easter Monday after removing a steel door. They dismantled intruder alarms
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Hilton fans to converge on home town
FANS of Leigh's best known novelist and scriptwriter James "Goodbye Mr Chips" Hilton are to converge on his home town in May to discuss his books set in Lancashire. The James Hilton Society will meet on Saturday, May 18, in Leigh Town Hall between 12.30pm
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Cricket stalwart dies
ASTLEY and Tyldesley Cricket Club has lost one of its oldest members with the death of 80-year-old Roy Carrick. Roy's first love was football and he was an outstanding player with Tyldesley United, Hindsford and A & T during the days of semi-professionals
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Deeper problem
AS a resident of the Deepdale area I was interested to read the article by Ben Hewes in last week's Citizen about the latest police operation. These kerb crawlers present a danger to residents in this area and I am always worried about letting my young
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Ex-miners meet Energy Minister
EX-MINERS turned out in force to tell Energy Minister Brian Wilson their concerns about compensation claims. At a frank meeting in Leigh Miners Welfare Club -- almost 10 years to the day since the closure of Leigh's last pits and on the eve of a reunion
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Another turn for Carousel
POPULAR musical Carousel will provide a springtime treat for Burnley theatregoers next week. Greenbrook Methodist Operatic Society's production from Monday to Saturday is at the Greenbrook Methodist Church in Lowerhouse (7.15pm nightly) and stars Elaine
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Having fun with party people
BLACKBURN film director Michael Winterbottom is clearly a man who doesn't stand still for long. As his latest big screen offering -- 24 Hour Party People -- goes on national release, the talented 41-year-old film maker is already hard at work filming
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New start in life for kids
NEEDY children in the heart of Blackpool are to be given the right start in life, thanks to a new Government initiative. A Sure Start centre is being set up in Talbot and Brunswick Ward to join the proposed Grange Park, Mereside/Clifton and Fleetwood
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Tram 147 rides into history
CROWDS gathered at North Pier in glorious sunshine to take a trip down memory lane on a tram that made its maiden voyage along Blackpool promenade in 1924. Historic tram number 147 cruised down the Prom on April 4, re-kindling long forgotten memories
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Lecturer named for work with disabled
A UNIVERSITY lecturer from Poulton has been short-listed for a national teaching award and is in the running for a £50,000 prize for his work with students with disabilities. Alan Hurst, 57, of Skippool Avenue, has worked at the University of Central
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Why Steve is kicking up a stink
A BLACKPOOL hotelier is fuming after sewage water flooded his basement. Steve Whitemore, of the Tremadoc Hotel, is steadily losing business after filthy, yellow water began seeping into the basement of his Dickson Road property in October last year. And
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Language of love
EIFION and Brenda Watkins fell in love in church and were married within months - despite a significant language barrier. The couple met at Blackburn's Randal Street Apostolic Church despite the fact Eifion barely spoke any English, having followed a
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Fury over mast 10 metres from door
A BUSINESSMAN who refused to have a mobile phone mast on his land is outraged after the firm behind the scheme put it up 10 metres from his door. Gordon Chadwick said he turned down thousands of pounds from mobile phone giant Orange in return for permission
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Labour councillor's promise back-firesGive us your views NOW...click here.
COUNCIL bosses were today blasted for spending £1,800 a week to keep three women in an old folks' home -- thanks to a Labour promise made in 1998. The weekly bill to look after them is half of what it would cost to refurbish one of the 35 care homes set
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Gallery in limelight once more
ART lovers will be surrounded by talent when they visit Bury Art Gallery over the next two months. The Moss Street gallery is hosting the 143rd annual open exhibition by Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA). This is the fifth year it has been held at
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Irvine off the mark
COLNE welcome third placed Squires Gate to Holt House boosted by a derby win over Bacup midweek. After a run of four matches without a victory, Colne got back on the right track with Ben Callon and Jonathan Irvine netting the goals in a 2-1 win. It was
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Op for Blues star Neil
CLITHEROE'S Neil Reynolds will have an exploratory operation on his knee in two weeks time. It was first thought that the midfielder had torn his cruciate ligament but a second doctor has suggested the injury may only be cartilage damage. Striker Neil
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Nelson sharp-shooter
JOHN Bailey just can't believe his luck in recapturing sharp-shooter Carl Howarth. The 22-year-old striker has scored seven goals in the last seven games for Nelson - including the last gasp winner over Darwen on Wednesday night. It has taken the Blues
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Axed Baker earns recall
DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes dropped club captain Paul Baker in midweek because of a breach of discipline but the star striker will return for tomorrow's trip to Ashton Town in NWCL Division Two. Baker took part in a clubhouse prank after the game on Easter
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Simon made it look so simple
ANYONE who saw the piece of skill from Simon Carden in Monday's win over Bamber Bridge couldn't have failed to be impressed by the Stanley midfielder. Even Gazza would have been proud of it as Carden got the ball around 25 yards out, made a jinking run
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Why don't they help RSPCA?
WHY don't Pat Simpson and the local animal rights people do some thing about the RSPCA shelter instead of whingeing on about the zoo all the time. If they care for animals as much as they say they do they should start on their own doorsteps and do something
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Bad time to knock
I WONDER how many more elderly people, like myself, answered their door recently on a Monday night at 7pm to be asked by a persistent young woman if I used British Gas. I would not normally open the door at this time as it is dark -- but I was expecting
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Zoo paddock in awful condition
HAS anyone else noticed the appalling condition of the zoo animal paddocks that border on the south end of East Park Drive? Walking past this part of the zoo every day I have been more and more disgusted at the struggle these animals have just to cross
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Brave voice for elephants
I WOULD like to say a special thank you to Councillor Maxine Callow for raising questions about those poor, poor, suffering creatures, the prisoners of Blackpool Zoo -- the elephants. I say, thank God for a woman who is brave enough to be a voice for
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Zoos are animal prisons
PLEASE excuse my lateness in answering A M McCarthy's letter "Zoos educate the young and old". I've been to four different zoos in my life, one when I was young, one when my children were young and the other two to observe the conditions of animals in
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A word that strikes fear
WHY does the big R for Redundancy strike so much fear into the hearts of employers and employees alike? Why is it the no-no word of a CV? Company takeovers always leave the dilemma of having duplicated departments and it's economic madness to keep both
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Oscars of Ambrose
TALENTED young actors from the St Ambrose Players, based in Moss Lane, Leyland, have received their annual awards. For their work in plays, Joanne Duckworth was named best actress; Kath Creer, best supporting actress; Colin Woods received best actor;
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A real sense of community
AS a member of the "Save Affetside School" campaign it is clear to me that there is a real sense of community in our village. When I knocked on doors for signatures for our petition, I was overwhelmed by the amount of feeling and support for the village
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999 response will not be "rapid"
I HAVE it on very good authority that Bury's ambulance service is going to lose its one and only Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) to Rochdale, whilst Bolton, which has two RRVs, will keep them both. Are Bolton and Rochdale more important than us in Bury?
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Come and spend a week at my house!
SUE Archer (Your Letters, March 22) complains about mothers with young children getting in her way. Yes, Ms Archer, it is quite obvious that you are not a mother. Just what does she think we stay-at-home mothers do all day? I suggest that she take a week
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Potholes filled in
I'M pleased to report that the dangerous pot holes that ran the length of Platt Lane, the narrow link road from Atherton, to Chequerbent, which I featured recently, have been filled in making the route safer. Sadly the other peril, the juggernaut, still
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Walk to school earns top marks
HIGHWAYS chiefs are rolling ahead with their drive to discourage the daily school run and make streets safer. As part of Bury Council's Safer Routes to Schools programme, street markings and parking restrictions are to be introduced outside 30 more schools
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Surprise bunny
I PRESENTED the man in my life with a surprise Easter chocolate bunny and 10 little eggs on Sunday. The response was not one of thanks, but "silly sod" -- so I ate them myself! That's the last time he gets a prezzy. Has anyone else had such a touching
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Geri's silly mistake
I'D like to know how many Leigh girls who followed the fashion fad for tattoos feel like ex-Spice girl Geri Halliwell. The maturing 29-years-old is cleaning up her image by having the two works of art she now hates - an eight pronged star and a black
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Gardening loopy...
SPRING has sprung, the sun's reared it's head at last, and with it comes the gardening season and the annoying hum of lawn mowers. I must admit I like a nice garden, it's the toil that I'm not too keen on. I've already potted some cuttings and seeds and
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Tormented by the shower from hell
I STRETCH my foot across the shower curtain with more than a little trepidation. I know that as soon as the icy cascade hits my body, it will unleash unimaginable pain - like a thousand of the sharpest knives piercing into my flesh at once, or being forced
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What's on
A LOOK at what's on around the local area. Pubs and Clubs THE ROYAL OAK, Lytham Road, South Shore, Blackpool. Live music: Acoustic set with Rob and Tony. Fri -- Richard III. Sat -- Rupert Fabulous. THE ROYAL HOTEL, North Promenade, Cleveleys. Thurs --
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Ten arrested in dawn swoop
TEN people from Whitefield have been arrested in a massive crackdown on crimes of carjacking, robbery and burglary. A further four people from the Higher Broughton area were also arrested in dawn swoops on Wednesday when more than 70 police officers raided
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Swann chases off Lions
LEIGH CENTURIONS...60, SWINTON LIONS...4 Mike Hulme reporting from Hilton Park THE fans might not think too much of the new Buddies National League Cup but a competition-opening runaway win was just what the doctor ordered for the Centurions. Just 1500
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Town's farewell to "remarkable" Queen Mother
A BOOK of condolence has been opened at Bury Town Hall for residents to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who died on Saturday. The Mayor of Bury, Coun Paul Nesbit, led the civic tributes by signing the book, describing Her Majesty as a
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RMI stretch away record to five
Woking 1 Leigh RMI 1 RMI stretched their run of unbeaten games on the road to five as they soaked up a second half onslaught at Woking on Saturday. The Railwaymen grabbed a first half lead when Marcus Hallows rounded Scott Bevan to score after a miscalculation
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, April 6, 2002
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Sequence and Ballroom Dancing with MC's Frank and Denise, Tony's Ballroom, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm-11pm. Zinyuku plus Dhol Foundation, The Mechanics, Manchester
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Record your memories
THE Harris Museum, Preston, is holding an oral history day on Tuesday May 7 between 11am and 4pm when people will be invited to record their memories for the North West Sound archive. Emma Heslewood will give a talk about the coronation and Preston Guild
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Oscars of Ambrose
TALENTED young actors from the St Ambrose Players, based in Moss Lane, Leyland, have received their annual awards. For their work in plays, Joanne Duckworth was named best actress; Kath Creer, best supporting actress; Colin Woods received best actor;
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Robbie's rival is back
THE unknown singer who almost beat Robbie Williams to the Christmas number one is visiting Preston as part of a nation-wide tour. Gordon Haskell, who releases his new single, There Goes My Heart Again, on April 8, first hit the music scene in the Seventies
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Shakers starlet inspires shock win
SHAKERS starlet David Nugent could have played his way into Bury's starting eleven for their vital final three matches writes CHRIS HALL. The 16-year-old striker made his second substitute appearance against Brentford on Monday and proved the inspiration
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Get it sorted!
KEVIN GLENDON wants Radcliffe Borough to make sure of promotion to the UniBond Premier Division well before the final match of the campaign, writes STEVE BOTT. The way things are shaping up, Boro may have to battle it out with automatic promotion rivals
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Shakers to rattle rivals
SHAKERS supremo Andy Preece claims their relegation rivals will be rattled by Bury's late survival charge. The Good Friday defeat to drop zone dodgers Northampton left them teetering over the Division Two trapdoor. But Monday's stunning 2-0 win over promotion-chasing
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Oh, what an away day!
Clitheroe...0, Ramsbottom Utd...0 THE Rams were playing their third away game within the space of five days and as 0-0 draws go, this was a highly entertaining game. The local side were without Smith, Langhorn, Blore and Porter, all defenders and missing
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Another turn for Carousel
POPULAR musical Carousel will provide a springtime treat for Burnley theatregoers next week. Greenbrook Methodist Operatic Society's production from Monday to Saturday is at the Greenbrook Methodist Church in Lowerhouse (7.15pm nightly) and stars Elaine
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West End moves North for show
A STUNNING production of songs from the shows will fill the auditorium at the Hippodrome in Todmorden later this month. The Magic of the West End will feature the musical talents of local singers, including Debbie Mitchell, Glenn Cannon, Andrea Barker
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Working hard to combat crime
ONCE again, D Pearson criticises the Government and the Home Secretary (Letters, March 28) -- this time, over crime being up by 31 per cent in Lancashire. But what about Blackburn, the town he is supposed to represent? I and many of my colleagues on crime
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Home a haven from the yobs
IN response to county council leader Hazel Harding's comments suggesting that a lot of old people would prefer to live in their own homes with daily help, I point out the case of a friend of mine in the Ebor House home, in Burnley. I have never seen him
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Shotgun robber's terror raid on off-licence
TERRIFIED shop assistants found themselves staring down the barrels of a sawn-off shotgun when a robber burst into busy off-licence. Police are now appealing for information after the armed robbery at Tamar Stores in Nel Pan Lane, Leigh. A man armed with
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Leigh's tribute to Queen mother
MESSAGES were pouring in this week in tribute to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, whose death marks the end of royal era writes Lesley Richards Her only visit to Leigh, Atherton, and Tyldesley came in May 1938, and this week residents mourning her loss
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Rock 'n' role
CATCH The Citizen's film reviewer Richard King playing live with his band Razor Dog at the Vic pub, Church Road, St Annes, on April 6. It's also Mr King's 41st birthday so expect a celebratory atmosphere.
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Curtain up for the Gang Show
THE curtain goes up on the 36th Live Wyre Gang Show tonight (April 4) and that's Scouts' honour! Cubs, Scouts, Guides and Ventures and members of the newly formed Scout Network have been hard at work since the first week of January under the direction
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Sizzler of a season ahead
SOMETHING for everyone is the proud pledge from Blackpool's Winter Gardens this year with the announcement of its full 2002 summer season. And it's a sizzler led by monster musicals Fame (June 10-15), Whistle Down The Wind (Oct 14-26 ), Joseph and His
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Casino debts led to father's suicide
A COUNCIL officer hanged himself after running up debts of more than £53,000 playing the tables at an internet casino. Mario Opalka, 44, took on new credit cards to fund his addiction, always believing that the next throw of the dice would be in his favour
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Contract talks are underway
NEW contract talks are underway between the Centurions and coach Paul Terzis. And chairman Mike Nolan says he is confident that a deal can be struck. Terzis is also keen to work out an extension to his current contract which expires at the end of the
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Souey facing Karpin battle
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is facing a potential tug-of-war with Spanish superpower Deportivo La Coruna over Russian winger Valeri Karpin. Souness is a known admirer of Karpin and sent scouts to watch the 33-year-old in action for Celta Vigo last month
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Misplaced tributes
FURTHER propaganda in the local press, this time from Cllr Sheila Denwood, who pays tribute to the stream of top ranking officers who have recently retired at the council for their 'long service and loyalty'. I do hope that this tribute does not refer
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Citizen power
THERE has been some truly outstanding correspondence in the Citizen from public spirited local people during the month of March regarding the truth of the past management performance at the town hall (viz: Cllr Nick Westwell, Michael Jackson, Council
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Back in your court
THE mealy-mouthed hypocrisy of the many trendy Green is wonderfully demonstrated by Barry Bell's response to my recent letter. First he writes to the paper describing myself and former councillor, Richard Newman-Thompson as 'gruesome'. He did this because
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Sensible council needed
MR BLOBBY is alive and kicking! Just who is he kicking this time? Why - the taxpayer, of course. When my wife received the annual bill for council tax we considered it sensible to pay this account (for the first time) by direct debit. On March 14, we
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Parade ordered 'eyes front'
HEARING of the Queen Mother's death has prompted happy memories for a Preston standard bearer, including the time she sneaked a smile at her when she was ordered to keep her 'eyes front'. Fran Coles, of Victoria Street, Lostock Hall, loved the Queen Mum
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Youngest ever mayor
SOUTH Ribble borough council is set to install their youngest ever mayor. Councillor David Pownall, representative for Middleforth Green, will take over from current mayor Norman Crossley. The Labour councillor is the son of a former Preston mayor, Joseph
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Wall to wall history lesson
A GIANT celebration of a school's 150 years has been officially unveiled. Pupils at Holy Trinity CE Primary School in Cecil Street, Bury have created a colourful mural on wall in the main hall. It took them four months to paint, with the help of local
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Success schools' reward
STAFF at 26 schools in Bury will get a bonus in their pay packet for helping pupils achieve high or improved test results. A total of 23 primary schools will each receive an award of about £5,500 and three secondary schools will each get an amount in
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Simply a question of quilts
TALENTED craft workers gathered at Barley Village Hall to show off a range of quilts. These included an antique one which was more than 100 years old. There were also highly decorative modern quilts and miniature dolls house versions. Other crafts demonstrated
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Rugby Union- Hoppers hammered again
HOPPERS shocked Kendal by enjoying the better of the opening exchanges. Paul Bailey's weaving run was ended inches short of the line before Chris Glynn's fourth minute penalty opened the scoring. Kendal looked dangerous when they released the ball to
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Lacrosse - Keely gets call up for England
Preston College student Keely Watt, from New Longton has made it through to England U19 team. Having been introduced to lacrosse at Penwortham Girls High, Keely joined Timperley Lacrosse Club (Altrincham) more than two years ago. Following the territorial
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Councillor renews battle over houses
THE on-going battle over whether houses should be built on land next to the former railway sidings, off Knotts Drive in Colne, has taken a new turn. Last month at the Colne Area Committee, Waterside councillor Ian Tweedie proposed that the planning application
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Probe into operation errors
AN INCIDENT where a patient died as a result of an error that had been made during a hernia repair operation is being investigated. The incident is one of two serious cases under investigation that was reported at the last meeting of Clinical Governance
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Ten years ago
ENGINES which once powered everything from sheep shears to drainage schemes went on show at the Helmshore Textile Museums. Visitors to the rally on the museum car park were treated to machines with names like Tom Thumb and Tiny Tim.
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What's on
A LOOK at events taking place around the area. ASHTON Methodist Church, Wellington Road, Preston, is holding an opera evening on Friday, April 12, from 7.30pm. Opera Plus, a charity singing group, will be performing to raise funds. Tickets are £5, including
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Farewell to a former shipmate
AT a presentation at the Rope and Anchor in Atherton the Atherton branch of the Royal Naval Association bade farewell to founder member shipmate Frank Wilson and his wife, Doreen, who have retired to Spain. President Bernard Leaver is pictured (left)
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Driver, 64, struggles with car-jacker
A 64-YEARS-OLD driver bravely struggled with a teenager who tried to steal his car from a supermarket car park. But after the vehicle collided with a parked car the thief's accomplices rushed to his aid, threatened the owner with a hammer and smashed
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Apartments set for landmark site
NEW apartment blocks are planned on the site of an Atherton landmark. Rosedale Developments Ltd are to build 33 two- bedroomed apartments on the Briarcroft site at Howe Bridge on cleared land formerly occupied by a large Victorian detached dwelling last
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Now Bernard enjoys his regular pint!
WHEN local hero Bernard Brundrett answered a call to give blood almost half a century ago he only managed to donate a few drops. As a result he was determined to return to prove that he could manage a pint. Now the 64-years-old Atherton grandfather has
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Helen's a shadow of her former self
A CHANGING rooms nightmare prompted a change of life for Helen Abel. On Boxing Day 2000 while trying on a jacket in the sales she discovered to her horror she needed a size 24. Sick to her stomach, she decided that rather than go up another size she had
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Society wedding
AN organisation struggling for survival will celebrate its milestone 125th anniversary without its golden girl -- who this week starred at a society wedding. Hilda Gaskell, the stalwart president of Leigh Literary Society, who has been with the group
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Family recovering
TWO brothers who were severely burned in a gas explosion at their home are still in hospital. Andrew Marsden, aged nine, is 'stable but poorly' in Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Manchester, while Stephen, six, was expected to be taken out of intensive
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New faces on the beat
TWO new policemen have been appointed to pound the rural beat in the Ribble Valley. Clitheroe-based officer PC John Burke will replace PC Paul Atkinson, who has taken up a communications post in Blackburn, as the officer for the Waddington area. Non-urgent
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Clitheroe future goes in the spotlight
THE chairman of the Countryside Agency is to visit the Ribble Valley next week to look at the work of the Clitheroe the Future regeneration project. Ewan Cameron has chosen Clitheroe from five Lancashire towns currently taking part in the Market Town
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Builders win chalets war
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build a 30-chalet holiday village on the outskirts of Longridge has been given the go-ahead despite hundreds of objections. But a further proposal by developers Paceform Ltd to build a restaurant, reception area, and staff accommodation
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Darts stars are doubles tops
WORLD darts champions Tony David and Trina Gulliver will be in Morecambe this month, along with legendary commentator Tony Green. Tony and Trina, the reigning Embassy world men's and women's champions, will be at the Chieftain Hotel, Pedder Street, Morecambe
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Rally sponsors gearing up for Group 4
A NEW sponsor for the Kirby Lonsdale Motor Club Stage Rally Championship has come forward to back the area's premier club series for 2002 in the shape of ProPrep, a locally based company which prepares Group 4 Escort Mk IIs, hence the web address www.grp4escort.co.uk
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Shrimps robbed
MORECAMBE can feel more than a little aggrieved after failing to take a share of the points against league leaders Dagenham and Redbridge. Jim Harvey's side outplayed their promotion chasing hosts either side of the opening goal and looked the more likely
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PC World appoints two directors
HEAP Bridge-based PC World Business, the business arm of the UK's number one computer retailer, has announced two new significant appointments. Simon Moorehead becomes the finance director and David Gould is trading director. Both will be based at the
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Defensive boost for boss Ternent
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is hoping to have an injury boost for the Gills clash - and that he can keep the rest of his walking wounded active until the end of the season. Club skipper Steve Davis could be ready to make a welcome return after missing five
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It's yet another spell in the physio's room
CLUB physio Dave Fevre must be getting sick of the sight of me! Just when it seems like I've shrugged off one injury problem, another one crops up and consigns me back to the physio room once again. It's starting to feel like I've seen more of the medical
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Military Tattoo
THE country's armed forces are being given the opportunity to show off their discipline, courage and skills during The Manchester Military Tattoo. The event, at the Manchester Arena on June 7 and 8, will be the country's biggest indoor military tattoo
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Special schools must merge
AMBITIOUS proposals to merge Tanfield School and Two Porches School to create one multi-purpose state-of-the-art special school have been approved. The schools cater for pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD) from the ages of two-19. Both buildings
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Girl,10, injured in hit-and-run
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a hit-and-run which left a 10-year-old Blackpool girl with a fractured skull. Jade Bianca Parker, of Erdington Road, Blackpool, was cycling along Bethesda Road, Blackpool when she was in collision with a Ford Escort
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Summer college open day
LANCASTER University is hosting an open day on Saturday April 13 for people interested in joining the summer college in July. The Summer College is an intensive five week course for students who have the ability but who think they may need extra preparation
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Rail strike leaves passengers stranded
A LOCAL rail firm has come under fire after commuters returning from the Easter break found no trains or replacement busses serving Lancaster station. First North Western scrapped all services from the city on Tuesday morning as the latest one-day strike
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New sheriff sworn in
A LOCAL man was sworn in as the new High Sheriff for Lancashire on Thursday. Thomas Geoffrey Bowring of Hawkshead Farm, Halton, will continue an office stretching back to at least the middle of the 10th Century. The High Sheriff is appointed by Her Majesty
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Hilton fans to converge on home town
FANS of Leigh's best known novelist and scriptwriter James "Goodbye Mr Chips" Hilton are to converge on his home town in May to discuss his books set in Lancashire. The James Hilton Society will meet on Saturday, May 18, in Leigh Town Hall between 12.30pm
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Put them in the hot seat
RESIDENTS are being invited to put local politicians in the hot seat by taking part in a specially adapted version of the popular BBC political debate programme, Question Time - in Morecambe. Representatives from each of Lancaster City Council' s political
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Adviser forced to quit job over deception
A FORMER adviser to the Archbishop of Canterbury has been forced to quit his job after lying about his Lancaster University qualification. The Very Rev William Taylor was forced to resign as Dean of Portsmouth after being confronted by the Bishop of Portsmouth
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Ron ends tour of duty
LANCASTER City Council's Head of Tourism, Ron Sands, retired this week after 12 years promoting the district as a top holiday destination. In honour of his services to the Council the Mayor, Cllr Pat Quinton, will today present him with a bronze Eric
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MP's Sudan mission
Lancaster's MP Hilton Dawson will fly out on a mercy mission to war-torn Sudan this weekend to offer help on behalf of the British Government. As Chairman of the All Party Sudan Group at the House of Commons, Hilton will be briefed by the British Ambassador
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Biggest game in Shrimps' history
SATURDAY'S FA Trophy semi-final is the biggest game in Morecambe FC's history. That's according to club director Mark Hallam, who wants the whole area to get behind the Shrimps as they bid to reach their first major cup final in almost 30 years. Mr Hallam
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Huge blaze at Heysham
FIREFIGHTERS from across the district fought a massive blaze at a Heysham warehouse on Wednesday morning. The Moll Industries site at Middleton Road on the Heysham Business Park was gutted in the blaze, except for a small wing which was saved by the efforts
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Classic squash
TOP of the league Horwich 1 visited Classic 1 and as with previous encounters with top ranked teams, no Classic man played badly. Tod Bulmer was outplayed to lose 3-0. Mike Howard, losing 3-1 against the Lancs U17 champion, was once again relegated to
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Shot fired in store raid
A SHOT was fired in Prestwich on Thursday after a gang armed with a handgun and a spanner raided a security van delivering cash to Tesco supermarket in Valley Park Road. Armed police were called just after midnight last night. A spokesman said one shot
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Pilgrims return for Easter trek
BELIEVERS and non-believers alike flocked to Holcombe Hill to once again mark Good Friday in the traditional way. The onset of foot-and-mouth forced the cancellation of the annual walk last year. And although there is no religious service at the top of
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New fire engines are the pride of the fleet
BURY'S new state-of-the-art firefighting appliances have been officially presented to local crews. The two £37,000 engines form part of a £260,000 replacement programme by Greater Manchester County Fire Service. The engines have been used by Bury fire
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Rent dodgers face "name and shame"
COUNCIL chiefs are planning to name and shame rent dodgers. More than 20 people have been taken to court by Bury Housing Services in the last two weeks over their rent arrears. But bosses are intent on stepping up their pursuit of non-paying tenants and
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Final journey of road haulage pioneer
ONE of the last "pioneers" of long-distance road haulage in Britain will make his final journey by lorry on Monday. The coffin of 90-year-old Ramsbottom businessman Herbert "Bert" Hinchliffe will be carried on the back of one of his trucks for interment
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Denney dumps Scots
FORMER Shakers footballer Phil Denney was the hero of the hour when he grabbed the winning goal for England Students in a 1-0 triumph over their Scotland counterparts. The victory earned Denney, who is a striker with UniBond League outfit Ashton United
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Terry Mac backs Shakers
SHAKERS legend Terry McDermott has returned to Gigg Lane to boost their desperate fund raising drive. The former Newcastle and Liverpool star has donated one of his England jerseys from 1983 to the Save Our Shakers appeal, which must raise £400,000 by
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'Help stop horror in my homeland'
A WOMAN whose childhood home is baring the brunt of the Israeli offensive on Palestine today spoke of her fears and said: "I dread turning the TV on." Karimeh Foster's Darwen home is thousands of miles away from the current crisis engulfing the Middle
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Three in hospital after crash
THREE people were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital after a road accident in Atherton on Monday night. A Vauxhall Astra and a Volvo collided at the junction of Formby Avenue and Gloucester Street at midnight.
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Family flee bedroom blaze
A FAMILY had to flee their town centre home as a bedroom fire broke out. The mother noticed the flames at around 9pm last Wednesday and managed to get her two young children out of bed and outside their home before calling the fire brigade to their terraced
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War on terror cannot be won
WITH the United States still in shock over the terrorist attack on September 11, they had to act decisively and show they meant business. But as well as Afghanistan there are more terrorist outposts to clear -- a thankless task. This is all well and good
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I want value for money for my Council Tax
FURTHER to the letter (The Citizen, 28 March 2002), concerning the problems regarding the refuse collection in Boundary Street, Leyland, I feel that Mr Heald has a good point. How do we make sure that the council carry out the duties that we are paying
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A thrilling time
A SUSPENSE thriller based on the novel by Shirley Jackson is the next production by Oswaldtwistle Players. Adapted for the stage by F Andrew Leslie, the play will be performed at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre in Union Road from Wednesday to Saturday, April
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Tormented by the shower from hell
I STRETCH my foot across the shower curtain with more than a little trepidation. I know that as soon as the icy cascade hits my body, it will unleash unimaginable pain - like a thousand of the sharpest knives piercing into my flesh at once, or being forced
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Marcus is riding high
CHILDHOOD dreams have come true for a talented young rider and his beloved horse who have been selected to compete with the British Young Rider International Squad. Marcus Feeley, from Singleton, was over the moon when he found out he had been picked
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Their golden memories...
HAPPY memories of a childhood spent in Blackpool during the war have led one couple to retire and celebrate their golden wedding anniversary back on the Fylde. Phyllis and Denis Shiels moved from their home in Fallowfield, Manchester, to Kings Road in
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Civic salute to Seasiders
HUNDREDS of loyal Seasiders' fans turned Talbot Square tangerine when Blackpool FC's LVD Vans Trophy victory was honoured at a civic reception. Jubilant Blackpool FC manager Steve McMahon raised the trophy on Tuesday (April 2) to cheers from the crowd
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Lease of life for old solarium
A NEW LOOK for Blackpool's Harrowside Solarium is on the cards after a futuristic design was rejected by the public. Blackpool Council wants the derelict Solarium at South Shore to have "a new lease of life" as a hi-tech environmental centre. But residents
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Burns man 'stable' in hospital
A BLACKPOOL man was rushed to hospital with serious burns after a blaze tore through a house in Layton on Easter Sunday teatime. Around 40 firefighters on seven fire engines battled fierce flames and thick smoke to reach a man trapped in his terraced
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Fylde pays tribute to Queen Mother
BLACKPOOL and Fylde residents are recalling bygone times and paying their own tributes to the Queen Mother who visited the Fylde Coast four times in her life. Her first trip to Blackpool -- which she described as "a wonderful place" -- was in1938 with
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Don't come back!
DRIVERS spotted cruising around Preston's red light area on a regular basis could soon be in for a nasty shock. For in the latest crackdown on prostitution, the police are writing directly to suspected kerb crawlers warning them to stay away or face the
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Teenage burglar feared drugs dealers
A TEENAGE burglar caught by police told them he resorted to crime under pressure from drug dealers but refused to name them out of fear. Anthony Hart, 19, of Abraham Street, Blackburn, carried out four burglaries in the Blackburn area. He pleaded guilty
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Child hurt in fall from funfair ride
SAFETY inspectors have launched an investigation after two girls were injured on a ride at an Easter funfair. Sheila Cheetham, of Fielding Crescent, Blackburn, today claimed her six year-old granddaughter could have been killed in the accident at Witton
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Rail repairs blow to tourism
RAILTRACK is being warned that engineering work on a major rail line could cripple tourism in Lancashire as it tries to recover from the foot and mouth crisis. The route which links Lancashire with London will be closed between Milton Keynes and Hemel
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Casino debts led to father's suicide
A COUNCIL officer hanged himself after running up debts of more than £53,000 playing the tables at an internet casino. Mario Opalka, 44, took on new credit cards to fund his addiction, always believing that the next throw of the dice would be in his favour
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They're set for Copacabana premier!
NEWS of a local amateur dramatic group's latest production has spread worldwide! Members of PADOS have been inundated with letters and good luck messages for their production of singer/songwriter Barry Manilow's blockbuster musical, Copacabana. The PADOS
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Peters: We gift goals too easily
BACUP boss Brent Peters was fuming after Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat to Colne in NWCL Division Two. His side face bottom side Castleton Gabriels tomorrow in a match the West View side are expected the win. But Peters said: "We won't win if we keep giving
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Harwood look for new boss
GREAT Harwood have launched a search for a successor to manager Denis Underwood who resigned on Wednesday night. The former goalkeeper called it a day after a 6-0 drubbing by Skelmersdale left his side rooted to the foot of the NWCL Division One table
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Storks will rise to Stand challenge
PADIHAM boss Graham Howarth says his side have 'nothing to lose' going into the NWCL second division clash with leaders Stand tomorrow. The Storks have nothing to play for whereas neighbours Stand are chasing the title. "I would be disappointed if the
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Dale boss sets play-off target
ROSSENDALE UNITED manager Jim McCluskie has set his side a target of seven wins from the last nine games to ensure a UniBond first division play-off place. It is a tall order for a side that has won just once in the last 12 league games and has scored
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Twiston-Davies yard can triumph in National
FORMER Racing Editor of Today and in the Guinness Book of Records as the first man to tip all seven winners in a card at York, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Fred Shawcross previews tomorrow's Grand National... BEAU, partnered by big race specialist
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Thank you for tickets
BEING a big fan, I was thrilled to win tickets to the Grand to see the Queen tribute concert and a charcoal drawing of Freddie Mercury in your recent Queen competition. Thank you so much for a very enjoyable evening and long may Queen's brilliant music
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Animals need someone who cares
HOW can animals possibly "get in the way" at a talk about Blackpool Zoo? Where is the logic to this? Surely animals are central to any discussion about Blackpool Zoo. Why isn't animal welfare at the top of the agenda? Is it only big business and profit
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Nor enough care about animals
WHAT a disgraceful situation we have reached when a local councillor is prevented from raising animal welfare issues at a meeting to discuss the future of Blackpool Zoo (Citizen, March 21). I am appalled that the animals who are unfortunate enough to
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Getting under garments in a twist
MY recent letter which gave details of several government grants given to Blackpool for various projects also mentioned the many government initiatives that have benefited all residents. They have all been supported by our Labour MPs. These facts certainly
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We need to play for 90 minutes
WE still have a chance of making the play-offs even after a bad defeat like the one at Barnsley! But what the hell are we playing at leaving out Etuhu and bringing back a less than fit Mark Rankine? And why bring a player in on loan, tell him if he makes
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Keane signs for keeps
NORTH End have announced that three of this years six youth scholars have been given professional contracts. Michael Keane, was given a pro contract last season and has already become a first team regular, before his scholarship was complete, but he has
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Tory chief wants zoo probe
A BLACKPOOL councillor has lodged an official complaint against zoo bosses after a row about an animal rights group turned sour. Tory leader Peter Callow has called for an investigation after Blackpool Zoo staff made what he described as "an attack" on
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We can win fight for hospital road
I MUST comment on two letters in the Bury Times (March 29). Firstly may I congratulate Ainslie Dures for his excellent letter calling for support of the campaign for a new access road to Fairfield General Hospital. I would just add that there will be
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D-day on future of five primary schools
FIVE primary schools threatened with closure will learn of their fate next week. Councillors will meet on Thursday evening (April 11) to rule on the controversial proposals affecting schools in Ramsbottom, Bury and Radcliffe. The executive committee will
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Blame it on Mr Blobby
JIM Davidson has quit as host of the BBC's Generation Game. Ratings for the TV gameshow have plummeted, and no wonder. I blame it on Mr Blobby. I used to enjoy the first section of the game in which Waterfields have appeared a few times showing contestants
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Only my pride suffered
I SUFFERED one of life's embarrassing moments on Wednesday . I was just thinking how I must try to avoid a wobbly flag near the office when, low and behold, I tripped over the thing and went flying like a ton of bricks face first to the floor. My handbag
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Back on top
A 3-0 VICTORY returned Golborne Sports FC back to the top of the Mid-Cheshire Football League at the end of a successful week in which they also lifted the divisional cup with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Daten. In a scrappy game where it seemed that
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Leigh weather Easter storm
Leigh RMI 1 Scarborough 1 LEIGH RMI had to face the elements as well as a Scarborough side desperate to avoid relegation. RMI were up against a strong wind in Monday's first half, but after the break a storm blew up which turned the wind around. Michael
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Home and dry
BLACKPOOL secured their Division Two status in style with a 3-0 victory over doomed Wrexham at Bloomfield Road on Monday. The win puts Pool on 53 points, a figure that means Pool definitely cannot fall into the relegation zone unlike the Welshmen who
