Archive
-
Date
EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2:
SUNDAY Flower Show, Chipping Village Hall, 1pm. The Ronald McDonald Theatre Show, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, 2.30pm. Romney Walk Residents Association Fun Day, 88 Sandwich Close, Blackburn, 1pm-4pm. A Touch of Brass, Centre Vale Park, Todmorden, 2.30pm
-
Date
When will they ever learn?
TODAY we learn the worrying news that 450 new school staff in Lancashire have still to be vetted before the start of the new term. Lancashire County Council said the staff are still awaiting clearance, while 40 classes in Blackburn with Darwen face being
-
Date
Ramsbottom beat the rain
THE rain relented just in time for Ramsbottom and Todmorden to play the minimum required 30 overs a side match on Saturday and the few supporters that hung around were treated to an excellent game. Put into bat, Nick Riley and sub professional Majid Saeed
-
Date
This week in 1977 25 years ago
DOCK AND ROLLS: The mayoral Rolls Royce was lying in dock for repairs which would cost £4,000. The black Phantom Five Limousine was being fitted with a £2,000 engine after clocking up 118,000 miles in 12 years. Repairs to the sub-frame and additional
-
Date
Brick halts speed campaign
A HI-TECH police speed trailer which was being piloted in East Lancashire has been put off the road -- after somebody threw a brick at it. Police were hoping the equipment would deter drivers from speeding by making them aware of how fast they were travelling
-
Date
We'll help fight homes closures
WE as a group in Bury have had 100 percent success in fighting the local government proposal to close residential homes in our area. We fully support your campaign to stop the closure of residential homes and would extend our campaign to help yourselves
-
Date
Can you offer a home?
TWO collie cross sisters and a German shepherd dog are among pets in emergency foster homes and Animal Kingdom Rescue, Padiham, is urgently seeking new homes for them. The sisters are six months old and have lived together since they were puppies. A change
-
Date
Beat the tide on charity bay walk
IF anyone would like to help the British Heart Foundation raise funds for the vital fight against heart disease, and take part in a really great event, then they should book a place on our Morecambe Bay Walk, starting at noon on Sunday, September 1. We
-
Date
You'd have to be mad to believe it
CONTRARY to many of your readers from the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council area, I have to say, that I think the ruling party is doing a wonderful job and deserve all of my £60 per month council tax, and every penny of its highly inflated expenses
-
Date
Stop war - for all our sakes
IT was announced on August 5 that 2,500 religious leaders have called on the British government to desist from war against Iraq. The Daily Mirror's telephone poll of over 20,000 people indicates that 91 per cent are opposed to aggression against Iraq,
-
Date
Garden couple steal £100 ring
A COUPLE posing as gardeners tricked their way into the home of an 85-year-old woman and stole a ring worth £100. The young man and woman called at the house in Rectory Green, Prestwich, and told the woman that they were students earning extra money working
-
Date
New car wrecked in petrol bomb attack
A NEW car was destroyed in a petrol bomb attack in the early hours of Friday (Aug 23). And another car had petrol poured over it. A Toyota Yaris parked in Nuttall Street, Bury, was burnt out when a home-made petrol bomb was thrown at it, setting the vehicle
-
Date
Ready "teddy" go for ELR picnic
VISITORS to Ramsbottom got a "big surprise" when they went into town on Bank Holiday Monday (Aug 26). For it is was the day of the teddy's bears' picnic! The beautiful summer weather drew out the families by their dozen for the annual festival in Nuttall
-
Date
Well, bless my soul!
ELVIS fans Juliet Massey and Dani Leighton got all shook up over their wedding plans after marrying twice in one day in two different countries. Hairdresser Dani proposed to his fiancee of nine years live on the radio after winning top prize in a national
-
Date
Feat for his brother
AT the age of 68 Mr Laurence Mahon accomplished a marathon feat in memory of his brother who died more than a year ago. Mr Mahon, who lives in Ainsworth Road, Bury, walked from Southport to Hull to raise money for Bury Hospice in the name of his brother
-
Date
Pride of Bury parade
THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to fall in to Bury next month to witness the borough's largest military parade. On September 19, 28 years after it was bestowed the honour, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will exercise its Freedom of Bury. The regimental
-
Date
Voters offered a prize
VOTERS are being given a prize incentive to make sure they are on the electoral roll. Forms will be soon coming through letter boxes carrying the names of every one registered to vote in local, national and European elections. Residents are being urged
-
Date
Children may have to stay home
PUPILS across Lancashire could be told to stay away from school after it was revealed almost 500 new staff are awaiting clearance to take up their posts. Teachers, support staff, cleaners and dinner ladies do not know if they can start work when schools
-
Date
Website for the young
A NEW website primarily aimed at young people in Bury and elsewhere in Greater Manchester was launched on Friday (Aug 23). The site has been set up by Greater Manchester Youth Network and can be accessed by logging on to www.vysion.info The main aim of
-
Date
Victims praise first-class police service
BURGLARY victims have praised Bury police for their "first-rate" customer service. In a Greater Manchester Police survey conducted force-wide, the N division, for the Bury borough, 97.1 per cent of victims of house burglaries interviewed were "satisfied
-
Date
City groups told 'place your bids'
A TREASURE trove of cash for local groups to dip into is about to be unlocked and looks set to benefit the city. The Community Chest is a fund available to organisations which work within the neighbourhood renewal area of Preston. During the next two
-
Date
Police step up crime fight
POLICE in Preston hope a new crime-busting initiative will save the city almost £1million. The Preston Community Safety Partnership, run by the police, local council and county council, have launched the three-year strategy to target youth crime, drug
-
Date
Blitz on speedy drivers
MOTORISTS who refuse to put the brakes on their speed were today told where 100 new speed cameras across Lancashire were to be installed. Work will begin on installing the equipment over the next month and will result in 230 cameras being in operation
-
Date
Leaders unite against plans
COUNTY Council plans for the future of the area's care homes were dealt a crushing blow this week when council chiefs in Preston teamed across political divides to criticise the ideas. The city council's three party leaders believe the county council's
-
Date
Army life's a ball for Richard
WHEN Saturday comes, there is only one thing on soldier Richard Milner's mind -- football! Despite being thousands of miles away in Canada, Richard still manages to keep up with the latest goings-on at Preston North End by badgering his girlfriend Laura
-
Date
Strike 'will risk lives'
THE chief of Lancashire's fire fighting force has warned that people's lives will be put at risk if firefighters press ahead with plans to strike. It comes as members of the Fire Brigades Union lock horns with employers to secure a pay rise. If next week's
-
Date
Return my MBE pin - blind woman's plea
A BLIND pensioner has slammed thieves who stole a piece of her MBE award during a jewellery raid at her home. Eileen Lloyd, 81, of Juno Street, Nelson was at Holy Saviour's church with her husband Ken, when burglars struck at their home on Sunday morning
-
Date
Parekh on fire for Preston
AN unbeaten knock of 84 by Mavla helped Leyland cling on to a draw against Motors in the derby match on Monday. Kahn, with 5 wickets for 60, had put Motors in with a chance of victory as Leyland chased a target of 180 but they were denied by the last
-
Date
Brig pay for missed chances
BAMBER Bridge were under pressure from the start as Rossendale created several chances, most of them falling to their centre-forward Gary Williams. In the 32nd minute he was clear on goal when he was brought down by Lee Pryers just outside the box but
-
Date
Final farewells as day nursery closes its doors
TINY tots waved goodbye to their favourite teachers at the closing party of North Valley Day Nursery in Colne. News of the of the closure came out of the blue in November last year when the County Council decided to shut five pre-schools including North
-
Date
Biker nearly twice over limit
A MOTORCYCLIST over the limit had gone to get glass cutters after his girlfriend had punched their door and two window frames fell out. Burnley Magistrates heard how Neil Southworth, 39, and his partner had been rowing before she cut her arm open and
-
Date
Vintage stuff from Buster
BUSTER Bloodvessel and the boys rolled back the years with a vintage display as Blackburn enjoyed one of the best party nights in years. The larger-than-life frontman gave his all in the name of entertainment displaying a barely credible amount of stamina
-
Date
Delilah writer heading home
THE SONGWRITER who penned 'Delilah' and other hits for the likes of Tom Jones and Elvis is returning to his roots for a special concert. Barry Mason, who lived in Chorley as a child is one of the world's leading songwriters and helped launch the careers
-
Date
Party fever strikes!
FUN-SEEKERS had a ball at the weekend as Larches and Savick housing estates united for an event at Ashton Primary School, Ainsdale Drive, on Saturday (August 24). From line dancing to bingo, revellers were stuck for choice at the all-day event which included
-
Date
Five years ago
A HEAD prefect was chosen to join other young people from around the world at the National Young Leaders' Conference in Washington DC, USA. Laura Watson, of Lower Parrock Road, Barrowford, was nominated by her teachers at Walton High School.
-
Date
Ten years ago
A SCHOOLBOY saved his family after bedding near a gas heater in his room caught fire. Adrian Barraclough, 12, of Regent Street, Nelson, followed a drill he had been taught. He shut his door and warned little sister Marion and mum and dad Marion and Ronnie
-
Date
What's on around Preston
THE annual New Longton Flower Show will be held on Saturday, August 31, at the New Longton Village Hall, Boundary Close. Along with the exhibits there will be refreshments on sale, a produce stall, raffle and tombola, and an auction. Schedules for the
-
Date
Attack man home
A MAN assaulted by two thugs outside a snooker club has returned to his Accrington home after three weeks in hospital. Dennis Shaw, 32, spent time on a ventilator at Royal Preston Hospital. He sustained serious head injuries in the attack outside Imran
-
Date
Tributes to 'friendly' Minnie, victim of house blaze
TRIBUTES have been paid to a pensioner who died after suffering burns to her head in a fire at her home. Minnie Stevens was rescued from the house by neighbours after another resident heard the smoke alarm at her home in Birch Terrace, Accrington. The
-
Date
Dressing to impress
DRESS to impress will be the theme of a special workshop to be staged in Bury for local businesswomen. Members of Mosaic, a corporate women's forum for those working in Bury and Bolton, will be taking part in an "image workshop" at the Village Hotel.
-
Date
Wom £5,000 for business ideas
A NEW business ideas competition for technology entrepreneurs has been launched. It is being organised by the North West Development Agency's TEChINVEST service and E-Synergy and the objective is to identify the greatest commercial potential for a North
-
Date
Mines charity recruits locals
A PRESTWICH-based marketing and communications company has joined the battle to clear landmines from war ravaged regions of the world. The move comes after Appleby Bowers, located in Bury Old Road, secured an account with a leading international charity
-
Date
Bury firm take design award
A BURY company got on board to help win a bus station and interchange project a top design award. Thomas Barnes and Sons PLC were the main contractors in the construction of the station and interchange in Eccles. The Bury company, together with other
-
Date
Firms get aid to innovate
FORWARD-thinking Bury companies combining imagination with innovation could secure vital cash to turn their blueprints into reality. For in addition to the Government sponsored SMART awards for innovation, Business Link North Manchester has secured European
-
Date
Stan aware of the Palace threat
THERE are plenty of links between the Clarets and the Eagles, beyond the fact that they have made a slow start to this season. Not only was Stan Ternent manager a popular coach at the club more than ten years ago, key players Glen Little and Ian Cox began
-
Date
Ternent reflects on goals
STAN Ternent reflected wistfully on another two goals for striker David Johnson in midweek and admitted: "It is not just him I wanted to bring in." The Nottingham Forest striker has been in electric form this season netting four times already and he has
-
Date
Mines charity recruits locals
A PRESTWICH-based marketing and communications company has joined the battle to clear landmines from war ravaged regions of the world. The move comes after Appleby Bowers, located in Bury Old Road, secured an account with a leading international charity
-
Date
Shed more light on poverty battle: council
THE Government's commitment to eradicate poverty is bound to fail, says a leading UK think-tank. Bury Council leaders say the findings prove that they need more money to tackle local problems. The Social Market Foundation (SMF) argues that the current
-
Date
OAP home closure "scandal"
CAMPAIGNERS say it is "scandalous" that Bury Council is pressing ahead with the closure of Claremont old folks' home. Liberal Democrats accuse town hall bosses of forcing through the closure to bail out the cash-strapped social services department. They
-
Date
Shocked villagers call for safer road
THE tragic death of eight-year-old Billy Dean has prompted calls for better traffic-calming measures for Stoneclough village. Billy was walking past the Hare and Hounds pub in Market Street with his parents, Joe and Elaine, and brother Grant, on Saturday
-
Date
Rovers head to Bulgaria in UEFA Cup
ROVERS will face CSKA Sofia in the opening round of the UEFA Cup, with the first leg at Ewood Park. The Bulgarian team will provide stiff opposition to Rovers on their return to Europe. CSKA Sofia, will visit Ewood Park on Thursday September 19, with
-
Date
Rovers head to Bulgaria in UEFA Cup
GRAEME Souness will be taking his team to CSKA Sofia for the first round of the UEFA Cup. The Bulgarian team will provide stiff opposition to Rovers on their return to Europe, with the first leg to be played in Sofia. In the preliminary round of the UEFA
-
Date
Preston confirm Lewis contract
FULHAM winger Eddie Lewis has agreed a three-year deal with Preston and will complete his long-awaited switch to Deepdale subject to passing a medical. The clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for United States international, who impressed Lilywhites manager
-
Date
Mick's a hit with New York City party people
BY day he fries fish and chips, but after dark it's the dance floors of New York that Mick Baldwin is cooking up. And it's all thanks to the Hacienda nightclub which shut five years ago ... but has become hugely popular in Manhattan following the release
-
Date
Relax! We've put dark days behind us
WHEN JJ72 released their debut album in 2000, main man Mark Greaney already sounded wiser than his 20 years and teenage looks would suggest. The album went on to spawn a trio of hit singles -- Oxygen, October Swimmer and Snow -- but, although it sold
-
Date
Blood clot holidaymaker sues Airtours
EAST Lancashire holiday company Airtours is facing one of the country's first legal actions against deep vein thrombosis. A holidaymaker is suing the Rossendale-based company after she developed DVT -- a serious blood clot -- during a 12-hour flight from
-
Date
Help plea from show
THE Rossendale Horticultural Show Society has appealed for new members. The show has been going for more than a hundred years and was formed during the early 1900s. The organisation is now looking forward to staging their next autumn show in November
-
Date
Horticultural Society in plea for members
THE Rossendale Horticultural Show Society have appealed for new members. The show has been going for more than a hundred years and was formed during the early 1900s. The organisation is now looking forward to staging their next autumn show in November
-
Date
Leisure cuts bring rising tide of anger
THE backlash against Rossendale Borough Council gathered pace today as groups hit by the closures of leisure facilities vowed not to lie down without a fight. And council tax payers in the borough also expressed outrage that a council which announced
-
Date
Walk for charity
IF any of your readers would like to help the British Heart Foundation they should book a place on our Morecambe Bay Walk on Sunday, September 1. For further information ring Dennis Tobin on 01254 209747. Carole McCarney, Area organiser Lancashire, British
-
Date
Moral fibre at an all time low
WHAT a world we live in when children can not pursue every day activities they enjoy -- with their friends --without the fear of being molested by some sadist. However rare, the threat is always there. Whatever makes these sad people tick beggars belief
-
Date
Vintage stuff from Buster
BUSTER Bloodvessel and the boys rolled back the years with a vintage display as Blackburn enjoyed one of the best party nights in years. The larger-than-life frontman gave his all in the name of entertainment displaying a barely credible amount of stamina
-
Date
High hopes for city gig
BLACKBURN metal band Missed Her Bliss have beaten 500 other bands from as far away as Toronto to win a place on the fringe at this year's In The City festival. By taking part at the internationally-recognised music conference in Manchester, the band hope
-
Date
Relax! We've put dark days behind us
WHEN JJ72 released their debut album in 2000, main man Mark Greaney already sounded wiser than his 20 years and teenage looks would suggest. The album went on to spawn a trio of hit singles -- Oxygen, October Swimmer and Snow -- but, although it sold
-
Date
Robert's towering 500 mile cycle marathon
A CLEVELEYS cyclist who only took up pedalling a year ago, will be tackling the 500-mile Tower to Tower Cycle challenge which starts on Sunday (Sept 1). Robert Nelder, 43, of Holmefield Avenue, is one of 22 cyclists who will set off from Blackpool Tower
-
Date
Top security at conference
POLICE are planning the biggest ever security operation seen in Blackpool when the Labour Party conference is held in the resort next month. More armed police patrols, checks, searches and road closures than ever before are planned as part of a huge £3million
-
Date
Speed cameras blitz
MOTORISTS who refuse to put the brakes on their speed were today told where 100 new speed cameras across Lancashire were to be installed. Work will begin on installing the equipment over the next month and will result in 230 cameras being in operation
-
Date
Man found dead after flat blaze
A MAN died in a fire at his home despite frantic efforts from a friend to raise the alarm. The man, 25, was already dead when paramedics and fire crews arrived in Ennerdale Close, Shadsworth, at 8.16pm yesterday. Neighbours today said a man called Steve
-
Date
Ex-patient quizzed over hospital fire
A FORMER patient has been questioned by police in connection with a suspected arson attack on a hospital, it was revealed today. But detectives have been unable to pursue the line of inquiry after the man was sectioned for a 28-day assessment by doctors
-
Date
Sure Start looking to promote services
A MAGICAL pantomime will tomorrow take centre stage at Blackburn's Party in the Marquee. Families with children up to four years old are invited to join the fun afternoon at Griffin Park between 12.30pm and 4pm. The main attraction is three performances
-
Date
Police act to stop attacks on old folk
EXTRA police patrols are being deployed around a community where a robber has preyed on four pensioners inside a week. Detectives think the man is becoming more aggressive and desperate and fear he will strike again in the Knuzden area of Blackburn. They
-
Date
Help make bonfire a roaring success
ORGANISERS of Blackburn's annual bonfire today appealed to local businesses to help make this year's event a roaring success for the Magic Eye appeal. Blackburn and Darwen's four Rotaract clubs have written to businesses across Blackburn and Darwen looking
-
Date
Stanley full of confidence: Mullin
ACCRINGTON STANLEY striker Paul Mullin believes his team have lots of confidence going into the top-of-the-table clash with Harrogate on Saturday. "We couldn't have started better, we are all very pleased. Everyone is extremely confident at the moment
-
Date
Kelly 'delighted'
RAMSBOTTOM manager Mike Kelly says he was the happiest he has ever been after a game in the wake of the Rams' 3-2 win at St Helens. The Rams came from a goal down to win the NWCL Division One game against one of the title hopefuls. And Kelly says it was
-
Date
Have some pride retailers!
I HAVE come back to live in Blackpool after living away for over thirty years. I now have my own business on the outskirts of the town centre and would like to know - why the businesses and shopkeepers cannot keep the front of their premises swept, washed
-
Date
You ain't seen nothing yet
NORTH End boss Craig Brown has fired a warning to this season's opponents: "The best is yet to come." Despite a heart-stopping victory against Stoke and a draw against bogey team Gillingham, Brown reckons his players will get better. And his team will
-
Date
No argument...
IS it a sign of arrogance? A hangover from the days when the British Empire covered much of the globe? Whichever, our record on learning foreign languages lags behind the vast majority of European countries. We are used to stereotypical images of Brits
-
Date
You must check your builder
BARBARA West ("Cowboy cost me £4,500", Your Letters, August 9) should have checked the status of the contractor she so willingly handed her savings to. Such people can not expect any amount of legislation to protect them from rogue traders when they don't
-
Date
Critic should check his facts
ONE thing is certain, correspondence from Victor Hagan (Your Letters, August 20) will be something of a ramble, and always with the same ending. We might have hoped that now he has been elevated to information officer for Liberal Democrats in East Ward
-
Date
Education has to meet 21st century needs
THE first riposte to Ray Honeyford's exam doubts (Yours Truly, August 22) is that if you lay-in materials to make 500,000 cars you expect all of them to work and sell, or your accountant and shareholders will transfer elsewhere. A sailing ship needs only
-
Date
No vacancies at my own Fawlty Towers
I'M thinking of getting a sign put up outside my house: "Hotel Jamie -- stragglers especially welcome." I don't begrudge having visitors -- in fact, with having the number of friends I could count on one hand (even if I lost most of my fingers in an industrial
-
Date
What's on...
SHOWS at the Winter Gardens, the Tower and more. Winter Gardens and Piers (01253 292029) Legends -- two different tribute shows featuring sound-alike Roy Orbison, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart and more. Venue: Central Pier every Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat and
-
Date
Grieving manager sacked
A GRIEVING shop manager claims he was sacked after taking five days off following the sudden death of his partner's mother. Ryan Hall was stunned to receive a letter from bosses of Music Zone stating he was being dismissed for "gross misconduct". Now,
-
Date
Rammy up for the cup
WARREN Brierley misses Ramsbottom United's FA Cup clash with Chadderton at the Riverside tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) writes STEVE BOTT. The Rams' defender was forced to come off at St Helens Town on Tuesday night with a toe injury he has been carrying since
-
Date
Soccer selections
SATURDAY BURY GSOB v Boltonians, away. Meet 1pm. Crompton, Jackson, Croft, Wilde, McGinty, S. Brown, Beesley, Lee, Williams, I. Brown, Riggs, Myers, Tarran, A. Mills. BURY GSOB II v Rochdale, home. Hudson, Hornby, Hagan, Haydock, Teasdale, Walmersley,
-
Date
Wilson back in Boro fold
SCOT Wilson will be available again for Radcliffe Borough's FA Cup preliminary round tie at Clitheroe on Saturday after being suspended by the club. Midfielder Wilson was given a ten-day suspension following his sending off in the home game against Kendal
-
Date
Brett to go pro
WALSHAW'S exciting all-rounder Brett Collins is joining the professional ranks next season. Collins has decided to take over at Darcy Lever after the Bolton Association side decided not to retain current professional Yasir Bashir. Walshaw, although reluctant
-
Date
Radcliffe pile up the points in fabulous finale
WITH just three games left to play, Radcliffe may have left it too late to force themselves back into the Central Lancashire League title reckoning, but their current form is none the less impressive. Two more wins at the weekend brought them nine more
-
Date
Rams have the class at St Helens
St Helens Town...2 Ramsbottom United...3 RAMSBOTTOM United picked up three superb points from this trip down the East Lancs Road, and it was just reward for a fine, all-round display. Yet it was the Rams who came under pressure in the opening minute with
-
Date
Lively Latics lash Oldham
Oldham Town...0 Stand Athletic...3 MEMORIES of last season's championship-winning form came flooding back as new-look Stand turned on the style against Oldham. The Latics started the game off very brightly, Paul Thompson threatening the home side's net
-
Date
Today's the day
1860: The first British tramway was inaugurated by an American, George Francis Train. 1901: Hubert Cecil Booth patented the vacuum cleaner. 1939: In anticipation of German air raids, children were evacuated from British cities four days before the outbreak
-
Date
Tents stolen from scouts
A SCOUT leader has appealed for help after thieves stole five dome tents. The culprits broke into St Gabriel's scout hut, in Cornelian Way, Roe Lee, Blackburn, and smashed seven storeroom doors. Leader Jim Grogan said: "If anyone is offered a two-man
-
Date
New delay in baby death probe
AN inquest into the death of a Blackburn baby at Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital has been adjourned for the seventh time while more evidence is gathered. Jake McGeough was admitted to the children's hospital last summer with what his parents thought was
-
Date
Thanks to run sponsors
I WOULD like to thank all my family, friends and colleagues at BT for helping me raise £1450 for 'The race for life'. I did this at Witton Park on 26 June 2002. All the money raised has now been forwarded to 'Cancer Research UK'. I am battling against
-
Date
Lost Arnold a Super Trooper
MORE than a dozen dogs who were on a canine death row have been re-homed, thanks to a story in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Hyndburn Council's dog warden Stephen Wood appealed for a new owner for 'Arnold', a German Shepherd cross, rescued from a
-
Date
More 'buried alive' pups need homes
A WOMAN who rescued five tiny puppies from being put down after they were buried alive has made a further appeal to house three more. Freda Khan found the other cross-breed pups after she learned that some children had taken them before she knew how many
-
Date
Grit's a hit in this musical
IF GRITTY social satire doesn't sound like the stuff of musicals -- think again. International hit musical Blood Brothers will soon arrive at Blackpool's Opera House, and producers promise a "captivating story" coupled with memorable music and heart-felt
-
Date
No Besses but Eddie isn't brassed off!
A BRASS band would have been the icing on the cake for Unsworth man Eddie Cocken's 90th birthday celebrations. For Mr Cocken is the son-in-law of the founder of the famous Besses Boys Band, Tim Galloway. Alas, however, the band had a prior engagement
-
Date
Abseiling saves lives
MONUMENTAL efforts will be made at Peel Tower next month, in support of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Participants are needed to take part in an abseil down the landmark on Saturday, September 14. Qualified instructors will be on hand to show novices
-
Date
Raiders flee empty-handed
DETECTIVES are appealing for information following an attempted armed robbery at a post office. Two men wearing balaclavas and armed with a sledgehammer entered the shop in Whittaker Lane, Prestwich, at 9.30am on Friday (Aug 23). The men tried to smash
-
Date
Police hunt firebugs after cars set alight
FIREBUGS are being hunted by police after four cars were set on fire in the south of the borough over the weekend. Whitefield fire fighters dealt with all the burning vehicles between Saturday and the early hours of Monday (Aug 26). The first involved
-
Date
A limo lift to London
THERE was plenty of room to stretch one's legs when guests of honour from Radcliffe arrived at a London film premiere. Kerry and Kevin Muggeridge were delivered to the British premiere of the film Spy Kids 2 in a ten-seater Limousine, after emerging as
-
Date
Conmen target village elderly
POLICE have issued a warning to the elderly after conmen struck at three nearby houses within 30 minutes. The would-be thieves targeted elderly residents in Moorside Avenue, Sumner Avenue and Church Street in Ainsworth between 11.30am and 11.50am on Thursday
-
Date
Life-savers on patrol
TRAFFIC wardens could soon be saving lives on the streets of Blackburn and Darwen after being re-trained by council bosses. And as well as acting as on-street medics, the wardens will also give tourists information on attractions, watch out for anti-social
-
Date
Flower power
A SPECTACULAR four day festival with flowers brought to life the past and present of St Philip's Church in a colourful finale to its 75th anniversary celebrations. Beautiful flower arrangements sponsored by local firms and organisations adorned the Stubbins
-
Date
Assembly leader hopes summit is wake-up call
A BURY councillor who is leader of the North West Regional Assembly hopes a global summit currently being staged could act as a key "wake up" call. That's the hope of Councillor Derek Boden who is also anxious that more people in the region become involved
-
Date
Snub for autistic schoolboy
A MOTHER whose autistic son was forced to quit his school because of bullying has been told she will have to teach him at home. Mrs Victoria Burgess, of Birkinbrook Close, Whitefield, says 12-year-old Jonathan has been sidelined by the system, and fears
-
Date
CAB planning "help" appeal
BURY District Citizens Advice Bureau, which helps thousands of local people every year, is appealing for volunteers. The call will be going out during the fourth national Advice Week from September 3-10. And the week will also allow the CAB to highlight
-
Date
The old heads will hold the key
AS with Wednesday's game against Liverpool, all eyes are likely to be on the strikers tomorrow as Rovers go head-to-head with Boro at the Riverside. So managers Graeme Souness and Steve McClaren will call for cool heads at the back. And in Premiership
-
Date
Draw for UEFA Cup
GRAEME Souness will be taking his team to CSKA Sofia for the first round of the UEFA Cup. The Bulgarian team will provide stiff opposition to Rovers on their return to Europe, with the first leg to be played in Sofia. Some of CSKA Sofia's recent results
-
Date
Rovers head to Bulgaria in UEFA Cup
GRAEME Souness will face CSKA Sofia in the opening round of the UEFA Cup, with the first leg at Ewood Park. The Bulgarian team will provide stiff opposition to Rovers on their return to Europe. CSKA Sofia, will visit Ewood Park on Thursday September 19
-
Date
Back in the big time
BLACKBURN new-boy David Thompson today said 'it's great to be back in the big time' as he prepared for a possible Rovers debut at Middlesbrough tomorrow. Thompson trained with his new team-mates yesterday for the first time since completing his £1.5 million
-
Date
Big plans for blind society
GALLOWAY'S Society for the Blind is planning to build new flats for disabled people following the closure of its former residential home. The group hopes to spend nearly £m pounds on the facilities over the next three years. And to meet the costs Galloway's
-
Date
Grand's a big help
A LOCAL volunteer bureau, under threat of closure due to a lack of funds, has been given a few months reprieve thanks to a cash donation. Staff at the Guild Volunteer Bureau, Cannon Street, feared they would have to close their services to the public
-
Date
All our staff are checked
PARENTS of school children are being reassured following media speculation that police checks on education staff are not as strict as they should be. The move follows reports over alleged delays by some authorities in checking up on education workers'
-
Date
Winner vows to work on
A PRESTON man is in the taxi drivers' syndicate that hit the lottery jackpot this week. Joe Kenyon, 54, scooped £372,000, when he and four colleagues at the taxi firm picked up their biggest fare ever -- £1,859,900 in Saturday's Lotto draw! But Joe, who
-
Date
Arson raid terror
A MUM of two spoke of her terror after arsonists tried to set fire to her house by pushing burning paper through the letter box. Pam Wickington, 31, was in the living room of her house in Branch Road, Burnley, at about 9.45pm yesterday when the attack
-
Date
Mum's terror at home arson bid
A MUM of two spoke of her terror today after arsonists tried to set fire to her house by pushing burning paper through the letter box. Pam Wickington, 31, was in the living room of her house in Branch Road, Burnley, at about 9.45pm yesterday when the
-
Date
DIY school as mums protest
BURNLEY mums whose children have been refused places at their chosen school are setting up their own community school as the row over school places continues. After staging a sit in protest at Habergham High School last week the mums have promised to
-
Date
Workers go back to school
BURNLEY College is helping to boost training and job opportunities in the area through the Learn Direct scheme. In addition to providing easy access to Learn Direct courses, Burnley College has provided European Social Funds to support the cost and delivery
-
Date
Preece's blast at defence
A WORRYING defensive malaise is threatening to hold back the ambitious Shakers -- and the sooner it's sorted out the better. Those are the views of Bury boss Andy Preece, who reckons that too many individual and collective mistakes could scupper any promotion
-
Date
Tighten up, warns Bury boss
A WORRYING defensive malaise is threatening to hold back the ambitious Shakers -- and the sooner it's sorted out the better. Those are the views of Bury boss Andy Preece, who reckons that too many individual and collective mistakes could scupper any promotion
-
Date
Canal plans win support
PENDLE'S canal could see major changes after plans for a £400,000 redevelopment scheme was backed by local residents. More than 500 people took part in a consultation exercise designed to let local people have their say on how the canal corridor in Brierfield
-
Date
Floodlit festival a success
LEYLAND'S floodlit cricket festival has been hailed a success and could be repeated again next year. The festival, at Fox Lane, started on Sunday when an Asian Select XI beat a Northern League select side. Leyland Farrington CC chairman David Bradshaw
-
Date
Sara nets a top award
A BASKETBALL coach from Bamber Bridge has received a top sports award for her "fantastic" contribution to the community. Sara Abbis, 21, a Millennium Volunteer has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Sport England in recognition of completing
-
Date
Teenager given one last chance by judge
A YOUTH given community punishment after a fight in which three men were attacked has been given another chance to complete it. Gavin Ledger, 18, was given 120 hours of work last August but had only done one hour -- and that was when he turned up for
-
Date
Ticket latest
BRING your dancing shoes for a night to remember at Preston Guild Hall when the legendary Edwin Starr headlines a special charity event, Soul in the City. The man responsible for hits such as War, will be backed by top rated soul band The Team at the
-
Date
Gala goldfish giveaway under threat
PRIZE winners at next year's Penwortham gala could be leaving with a toy instead of the traditional goldfish-in-a-bag. It follows a complaint to South Ribble Borough Council about the use of the animals as prizes. Now the matter is being looked into by
-
Date
Police probe thefts of stone slabs
POLICE are appealing for the public's help in catching thieves suspected of stealing vintage stone flags. Officers say there have been a spate of incidents in Rishton involving the popular traditional slabs. During one incident four flags were removed
-
Date
Lost Arnold a Super Trooper
MORE than a dozen dogs who were on a canine death row have been re-homed, thanks to a story in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Hyndburn Council's dog warden Stephen Wood appealed for a new owner for 'Arnold', a German Shepherd cross, rescued from a
-
Date
Beaten up twice in 20 minutes
A CLUBBER who was attacked twice in 20 minutes today relived his terror and said the assaults had left him frightened to go out. Gareth Jones, 22, was assaulted in the Opium nightclub, in Willow Street, Accrington, just before midnight on Sunday. He was
-
Date
CCTV costs under fire
WORK starts later this week on the installation of a controversial £600,000 CCTV system in Clitheroe and Whalley. The 15-week installation programme will see 24 closed circuit television cameras erected at various sites in the centres of Clitheroe and
-
Date
Crackdown on belts and unsafe cars
A POLICE blitz against unroadworthy vehicles and non-use of seatbelts has been launched in a bid to stop travelling criminals targeting the Ribble Valley. Operation Enclosure saw a dozen police officers spot-checking motorists in Chatburn for seatbelt
-
Date
New man at the Village
THE Village Hotel and leisure club in Prestwich has welcomed aboard Richard Grey as their new manager. And one of the 56-year-old's first tasks will be to oversee a £500,000 refurbishment of the popular George Street establishment. Richard comes to the
-
Date
Taylor aims to be top of the Pops
HAVING failed to score past one of his former sides a week ago, Clarets striker Gareth Taylor will be desperate to notch his first goal of the season against another old team, Crystal Palace. That will involve getting the better of Australian international
-
Date
Clarets chiefs meet
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent will finally get his meeting with chairman Barry Kilby on Monday - with both men hoping victory against Crystal Palace tomorrow will have eased the crisis at Turf Moor. And while he repeated he has no plans to quit the current
-
Date
Ternent demands more commitment
IRRESPECTIVE of form and fitness, Clarets boss Stan Ternent is demanding one thing ahead of tomorrow's clash with Crystal Palace - commitment. "That is what I demand and that is what the fans deserve," he said. "I wasn't happy the other night because
-
Date
Burnley star wins praise from coach
FORGET the threat of relegation - Lancashire could now finish second in the Frizzell County Championship! That's the way things look today after Earby's Glen Chapple and Burnley bowler James Anderson combined to polish off Somerset in Blackpool in spectacular
-
Date
New man at the Village
THE Village Hotel and leisure club in Prestwich has welcomed aboard Richard Grey as their new manager. And one of the 56-year-old's first tasks will be to oversee a £500,000 refurbishment of the popular George Street establishment. Richard comes to the
-
Date
Tanya's our model Miss
TELEPHONE company worker Tanya Robinson rang bells for the judges when she was crowned the new Miss Blackpool in a final at the Pleasure Beach. Tanya, 21, and an administration clerk, beat 15 other competitors and comes from Richmond in Yorkshire. Her
-
Date
Lunch ladies help
BLACKPOOL and Fylde Ladies Luncheon and Supper Club have raised £400 for Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Heart Unit. Other recent club donations include £400 to the Blackpool Lifeboat together with a video machine which will be used for training purposes
-
Date
Strike a light!
BLACKPOOL is all ready for the great Illuminations Switch-on and here's what some of them will look like. Pop heart-throb Ronan Keating does the deed from the Radio 2 arena behind Blackpool's Coral Island at around 9.30pm Friday, August 30. Popstars Darius
-
Date
Police claim success
POLICE are already heralding success in a clampdown on trouble. Their Operation Arrival managed to reduce crime by 30 per cent over a six-day period and they made 220 arrests, a 14 per cent increase on last year. "The clear message is that troublemakers
-
Date
Preece eyes long stay for Dunfield
WITH the transfer situation for the Football League still uncertain Bury boss Andy Preece has been exploring the possibility of keeping Manchester City midfielder Terry Dunfield at Gigg Lane for a longer period. The 20-year-old Canadian has become a firm
-
Date
Bowlers' loos to stay open?
TOILET facilities for bowlers in Wyre could yet be saved. The loos were threatened with closure in a money-saving operation, but after a meeting with Wyre Council, the chance of a compromise has opened up. The bowlers have been told the toilets can be
-
Date
Charlotte's coast walk triumph
FYLDE's eight-year-old Charlotte Burke has completed a coast-to-coast walk for charity and is believed to be the youngest ever to beat the 190-mile challenge. Walking with her dad Doug, she has so far raised £500 for the Christian Charity Tearfund which
-
Date
French nurses do the rounds at Fairfield
TWO French student nurses have gained a valuable insight into the NHS thanks to the borough's strong twinning links. Sandra Borie and Alexandra Jacquement have now returned home to Tulle after spending nearly a month on a work and training placement stint
-
Date
Give yourself up, taxi victim's dad pleads
GIVE yourself up. That is the plea from the father of Prestwich youngster John Roberts who was mowed down and left for dead by the driver of a speeding taxi. Eighteen-year-old John suffered serious injuries and has only just come off the critical list
-
Date
Benefit battle for widowers
WIDOWERS in Bury are being targeted in a Greater Manchester-wide campaign to ensure they receive any backdated benefit due to them. Salford Unemployed & Community Resource Centre has received a £5,000 grant grant to fight for equal rights for men.
-
Date
Sylvia to the rescue of wild cats
AS we hurtle head-first into the 21st century, some factories and paper mills of Radcliffe and Bury's yesteryear have been left derelict, with many facing closure. They were often home to families of stray and wild cats, attracted by the promise of food
-
Date
On stage for one night only
ONE of the most popular live acts over the past decade, The Chameleons, have announced a one-off warm-up date before they embark on a sell-out tour of the States later this month. They will be playing Manchester Jilly's/Rockworld on Wednesday, September
-
Date
High hopes for city gig
BLACKBURN metal band Missed Her Bliss have beaten 500 other bands from as far away as Toronto to win a place on the fringe at this year's In The City festival. By taking part at the internationally-recognised music conference in Manchester, the band hope
-
Date
Colne R&B festival shines
GARY Hood leans back in his chair and the merest hint of a contented smile crosses his lips. Through his office window workmen can be seen removing the final banner advertising the Great British R&B Festival from the front of Colne Municipal Hall.
-
Date
Theatre to spread its wings
DARWEN Library Theatre is set to be extended to house a resident theatre company. The move was revealed as the autumn programme was released along with plans to turn the Knott Street venue into the town's first 'cinema', regularly showing classic films
-
Date
Sue makes a wheel effort
PEDAL powered grandma Sue Nangle got a big "push off" on Tuesday to mark the start of her 350-mile cycle ride. On Tuesday evening, sponsors and friends joined former nursery nurse Sue for a meal to mark the start of her mammoth journey from Bacup to Jersey
-
Date
Mine sparks demo march
OBJECTORS to plans for open-cast mining on the moors above Bacup are to march from Todmorden to the proposed site to highlight their protest. Demonstrators will march through the town centre and on to the moors to protest against plans to extract 242,000
-
Date
New sign of hope for PNE
IT seems the new advertising hoardings at PNE have done the trick with a 4-3 win over Stoke City on Saturday and an away draw on Monday against Gillingham. The team needs all the support and encouragement it can get if it's to win promotion to the Premier
-
Date
Quest for ashtrays
I COLLECT ashtrays and beer mats from long deceased breweries. I have over 520 and my aim is to collect one from each brewery which existed. I recently visited Preston, but I had no luck in tracing a mat or ashtray of either W and R Wilkins Ltd (acquired
-
Date
Tourists ripped off
LAST Saturday, I saw in a national newspaper an advertisement for a holiday cruise costing £1,645 for 11 nights. The small print stated that there was a single room supplement (SRS) of £49 per night, £539 for the cruise which equals a premium of 32-per
-
Date
No vacancies at my own Fawlty Towers
I'M thinking of getting a sign put up outside my house: "Hotel Jamie -- stragglers especially welcome." I don't begrudge having visitors -- in fact, with having the number of friends I could count on one hand (even if I lost most of my fingers in an industrial
-
Date
Neal in training for charity cycle
BUSINESSMAN Neal Philo has been cycling the highways and byways of the Fylde training for a major fund-raising challenge. Neal, who lives in Fairhaven, is preparing to take part in the Cork to Kerry Bike Ride cycling over 250 miles in aid of the Anthony
-
Date
Colne R&B festival shines
GARY Hood leans back in his chair and the merest hint of a contented smile crosses his lips. Through his office window workmen can be seen removing the final banner advertising the Great British R&B Festival from the front of Colne Municipal Hall.
-
Date
Jenny's all star quality
STARDOM is beckoning for a talented 11-year-old Blackpool girl. Jenny Leigh Matthews has been chosen from 50 finalists in a nationwide competition to star in a television advertisement for Nestle All Stars. Now, she and five other of the UK's most talented
-
Date
Collision toddler 'serious'
A TODDLER was seriously injured in a collision with a car on Blackpool Promenade at the weekend. Annas Faris, a 21-month-old girl from Tavistock Crescent, Nottingham, was in collision with a car driven by 57-year-old George McCaffer of Westwood Avenue
-
Date
Crunch bunch in car combat
FORGET the Whacky Racers! Blackpool's own Team X were the drivers to watch during the final of Channel 5's car-crunching Combat Cars this week. Team X manager Pat Masters, of Anchorsholme Lane West, Cleveleys, and fellow enthusiasts Duncan Speirs and
-
Date
Pensioner dies in house blast
A CLEVELEYS pensioner has died after suffering severe burns in an explosion which ripped through his home in the early hours of Saturday morning. Cornelius Duffy, aged 70, died in hospital on Sunday after suffering 60 per cent burns when an apparent series
-
Date
Animal rights zoo protest
ANIMAL rights demonstrators protested outside Blackpool Zoo on Monday, shouting to drivers and passers-by in an attempt to stop them going in. Around 20 protesters, including children aged 13-16, waved banners and handed out leaflets outside the zoo on
-
Date
Bumper parking fees rise uproar
A STORM has broken out over a bumper increase in car park charges in Wyre. Although residents will get free parking in some areas, charges are going up from 30p to 80p for a maximum two hours. Council opposition groups have failed to get a debate on the
-
Date
PM in safe hands
THE Prime Minister couldn't be in safer hands when he visits Lancashire for the Labour Party Conference next month Thanks to Preston PC Fred Orford, Blackpool Winter Gardens should be safe as houses for the annual gathering of the party's members and
-
Date
'Fight' rumour man died of epilepsy
AN epileptic found dead with blood on his face after a night out died as a result of his medical condition. An inquest heard that rumours had circulated among friends and family that Gordon Glover had got into a fight on the night of his death in June
-
Date
More 'buried alive' pups need homes
A WOMAN who rescued five tiny puppies from being put down after they were buried alive has made a further appeal to house three more. Freda Khan found the other cross-breed pups after she learned that some children had taken them before she knew how many
-
Date
Clergy will battle on over bar plan
NIGHTCLUB bosses who want to open a new cafe bar just yards from Blackburn Cathedral have lodged an appeal against a council decision to reject their plans. Leading clergy have vowed to carry on fighting the plan. It was first rejected in June amid concerns
-
Date
Straw to polish up French
JACK STRAW has admitted that his failure to study languages properly when he was at school has hampered his job as Foreign Secretary. And he has resorted to regular lessons in a bid to improve his French. The Blackburn MP said UK pupils should make a
-
Date
Life-savers on patrol
TRAFFIC wardens could soon be saving lives on the streets of Blackburn and Darwen after being re-trained by council bosses. And as well as acting as on-street medics, the wardens will also give tourists information on attractions, watch out for anti-social
-
Date
North east trip for Colne
COLNE travel to the north east to kick off their FA Cup campaign against Ashington. Manager John Lister, whose side are on a high after their 3-0 drubbing of Castleton Gabriels on Wednesday, welcomes back George Craddock from Chorley, who was one of the
-
Date
Hodgson ready to conquer Germany
BURNLEY biker Neil Hodgson hopes to put the mid-summer break to full use when the World Superbike Championship returns to action in Germany on Sunday. The HM Plant Ducati rider, lying third in the standings going into the Oschersleben round, knows his
-
Date
Do you know David Milroy?
I AM looking for my uncle, David Ferris Milroy, who I have not seen for nine years. The last known address I have for him is 57 Chapel Street, Central Drive, Blackpool, FY1 5HF. His date of birth is July 12, 1955. If anyone can give me any infomation,
-
Date
The future's bright with broadband
THE Government's suggested answer to pressures urban businesses have to contend with, inadequate communications and public transport, a restrictive planning system and enough red tape to strangle the best of businesses, is the internet. But without faster
-
Date
Put best feet forward for walk
IF any of your readers would like to help the British Heart Foundation raise funds for the fight against heart disease, and take part in a really great event, then they should book a place on our Morecambe Bay walk, starting at noon on Sunday, September
-
Date
Cresswell's late show - part two
RICHARD Cresswell came to the rescue for the second time in three days with a late strike which ensured North End remain unbeaten on the road. On the stroke of full time, Cresswell slotted an upfield cross from Graham Alexander beyond keeper Jason Brown
-
Date
Yes argument...
ONE Darwen company has proved that if the will is there, we Brits need not be such stick in the muds when it comes to foreign languages. When Chapman Envelopes was taken over by French company GPV in 1999, courses were set up for employees, to learn the
-
Date
Tame the stag rowdies
BLACKPOOL is planning firm action to tame stag and hen parties that are ruining its reputation. The move comes as police slammed licensees for stoking up trouble by selling cheap booze. A code of conduct is to be discussed to keep trouble off the streets
-
Date
It pays to break the law
IF you are a pensioner in Britain today, and particularly if you are in one of the elderly people's homes in Bury Metro, you could find yourself out in the street and on the scrap heap! But if you are an illegal immigrant, I hear, you could get £2,500
-
Date
Only herself to blame
I CERTAINLY do not agree with the mother (Bury Times, August 20) who said that pointed metal railings should be banned after her daughter injured her leg climbing over some. This girl should have used the gate as she had been told to do. People pay an
-
Date
Yes, such a "tale of woe"!
WHAT a tale of woe from Mrs Allison (Your Letters, August 13). How on earth do we manage with the lowest mortgage rates, inflation and unemployment for 20 years? A Minimum Wage, more police, nurses, doctors and teachers. New hospitals, schools, sports
-
Date
We need "quiet" burglar alarms
NOT long ago, I was wakened in the early hours by the sound and flashing of a burglar alarm in the avenue back to back with my own. I was not in a position to take any steps to help and am not aware of the outcome. But it is sad that people are in danger
-
Date
Bush is the real threat!
THE prospect of George Bush waging war on Iraq because, he claims, Iraq has defied international law on weapons inspection, is complete hypocrisy. Since coming to office, Bush has torn up more international treaties and defied more UN conventions than
-
Date
A-level results: brighter pupils or an illusion?
THE predictable increase in A-level passes and high marks is again the subject of controversy. Are standards really improving, or are A-levels easier then they were? The issue is made the more difficult to resolve, since those who support the status quo
-
Date
What's on...
SUNDAY Shows at the Grand, Opera House and North Pier. Blackpool Grand Theatre (01253 290190) Reelin and a rockin -- non stop sixties hits from Gerry Marsden of Gerry & The Pacemakers, Mike D'Abo from Manfred Mann, Dave Berry from The Cruisers, Brian
-
Date
Make sure you're listed
TO be listed in What's On, let us know what is happening at your venue by telephoning (01253) 292005, faxing details to (01253) 626948, or e-mailing us at ssharp@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk PUBS AND BARS THE ROYAL OAK, Lytham Road, South Shore, Blackpool
-
Date
Mum in mystery stairs fall death
DETECTIVES are investigating the death of a woman who was found at the bottom of the stairs at her Bury home. Although they have currently ruled out any third party involvement in the death of Mrs Susan Stephenson of Devon Street, police are trying to
