Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Wednesday, Date: February 26
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Clitheroe Ramblers meet Chester Avenue car park, Clitheroe, 1pm, for Mellor. Leader Alan Bibby. Padiham Photographic Society meet at the Cricket Club, Arbory Drive, Padiham
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Health milestone only the start
A MILESTONE in health care is reached this week in Burnley with the completion of the £14million Phase Four development of the town's General Hospital - ten years after it began. But it is not only the culmination of a giant project, one that has already
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Stage Whispers...
RATS, the Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society, meets every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm in the Parochial Hall, Ribchester. Theirs next production is the play The Chalk Garden, to be performed in May. They will also be taking part in the Ribchester
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Colin's correct, town's a dump
COUNCILLOR Colin Rigby (LET, February 12) was nearly right -- Blackburn is a dump. Church Street is not to good standard and the Pavilions should have been demolished years ago. My wife goes shopping in other towns -- Bolton, Preston and Chorley -- which
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Out of town and glad of it
THE only thing I like about Blackburn is the name! But, seriously, I lived in Cherry Tree for 25 years but moved to Preston about six years ago -- and I love it. I have fond memories of Blackburn, but it is stuck in the past. Look at how Preston is always
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Donkey stoned grave a gem
REGARDING donkey stones (LET, February 12), my late husband spent many years researching his family tree, and found a family grave at Tockholes. It was very old and neglected, so we decided to spruce it up. We planted many spring bulbs and also arrived
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Council sick list is appalling
AS someone who has taken 15 days off sick -- 12 of which were for incapacitating injury -- over a 21-year working life, I am appalled at the data in respect of Blackburn with Darwen Council workers (LET, February 14). This is a sad indictment of not just
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Refugees and asylum seekers - the difference
THE timely warning from the Clitheroe Methodist Minister concerning the British National Party (LET, February 4) raises an important issue which is being neglected in the national scene -- the distinction between refugees and asylum-seekers. Refugees
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Work starts on youth centre
BUILDING work has started on a village youth and community centre. Two disused rooms in Tottington Library are being refurbished after listed building and building regulations approval was given. Phil Parkinson, Ramsbottom and Tottington area co-ordinator
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Girl and 'curry-covered masseur'
A MASSEUR molested a frightened student in a room above a chip shop while his wife served lunches downstairs, a jury was told. And Burnley Crown Court heard that after the girl's mother told Joan Downey what her husband had done he was seen walking down
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Schools call in the A-team
A TEAM of consultants has been called in to raise standards at three struggling high schools after a series of disappointing exam results. Around £300,000 is being spent on specialists to help pull up GCSE grades at Queen's Park High School, Darwen Vale
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Games helpers get their reward
THE borough's army of Commonwealth Games volunteers are to be rewarded for their efforts. They are invited to a buffet reception at Bury Town Hall on March 13, where they can find out how to volunteer in other ways. Councillor Gill Campbell, executive
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RMI show angers Patterson
LEIGH RMI's embarrassing Lancashire Trophy performance against Chorley will not be tolerated again insists Mark Patterson. "Things are changing down here and that is the lowest we will reach. There is only one way to go up and that is up," fumed the manager
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Sukur comeback delayed
HAKAN Sukur's proposed comeback against Manchester City could be a game too soon. Rovers manager Graeme Souness initially hoped the Turkish international would be fit in time for Saturday's clash at Ewood. But heavy frost meant the striker, who is recovering
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Matt Jansen joy at engagement
BLACKBURN Rovers star Matt Jansen today spoke of his joy over his engagement to the 'fantastic' girl who helped rebuild his life. Lucy Corner, 22, was Matt's pillion passenger when their scooter was hit by a taxi in Rome last June. The striker, who had
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Future's Taylor made, says Short
CRAIG Short believes Rovers will soon be building their team around central defender Martin Taylor. Taylor has been battling to regain his place in the starting line-up since Rovers' 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa earlier this month. But Short urged the 23
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Wedding dowry stolen in attack
THOUSANDS of pounds of jewellery has been stolen in an attack on a house in Penwortham that left a teenager with a broken leg. Two men are believed to have stolen items worth £20,000 meant for a young Asian girl's wedding dowry, including a laptop computer
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Strike threat over pensions changes
LANCASHIRE'S 8,000 BAE Systems workers are threatening strike action if the company goes ahead with its plans to cut retirements benefits. The Transport and General Workers' Union and Amicus, the engineering union, are meeting senior BAE management today
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Attacked man 'stable'
POLICE are appealing for information after a weekend town centre attack. The victim, not named by police, is now in a stable condition after the attack which left him with a serious head injury. Police said the man was hit on the back of the head while
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Zahid's first advice surgery
LOCAL students and residents in the Top o' the Town area of Burnley have an opportunity to meet their new community support officer Zahid Ahmed. Zahid will hold an advice surgery on March 6 at Burnley College from 5pm to 6.30pm. As well as answering questions
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MP puts country before the Clarets
BURNLEY MP and staunch Clarets fan Peter Pike today revealed how he will miss the club's crunch FA Cup replay clash against Fulham -- to take part in a debate about a war with Iraq. The Labour backbencher was set to return to Burnley tomorrow to watch
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It's all keepy uppy and pushy downy!
A YOUNG footballing prodigy put his talents to use when he launched a bid to beat his best 'keepy uppy' record for charity. Eight-year-old Kenny Taylor, of Bridge Street, Padiham, was spurred on by an elite cheerleading squad as his favourite Claret players
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Tommy hits a million
A GRANDAD who has broken more than 52 world records has now achieved his ultimate goal -- one million press ups. Tommy Gildert, 59, of Halifax Road, Briercliffe, reached the staggering total in front of a home crowd at Turf Moor after more than 20 years
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Thief had 49 convictions
A THIEF who struck at B&Q apologised to police and said his behaviour was completely out of character. But Burnley Magistrates heard Ian Shepherd had 49 previous convivctions for theft. Shepherd, 50, of Smith Street, Nelson, admitted stealing safety
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Cleaning up the streets
RESIDENTS in Nelson's Southfield Ward joined in a clean-up campaign. The Council's Neighbourhood Pride Officer Nasreen Khanam was joined by ward councillors to encourage residents in the ward to come out and help clean up litter and other debris. Neighbours
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Plea to improve sports facilities
SPORTS fans in Earby are hoping for money to improve changing facilities at their recreation ground. They have been campaigning for improved facilities and pitch in the town for several years and are hoping to secure half of the £80,000 needed to transform
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Stan makes strong case for defence
JUST what is it about Burnley and sides in this division with a recent Premiership history? Saturday's 2-0 success saw the Clarets complete the double over Derby County. In their previous league game at Highfield Road, they did the same to Coventry City
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Enterprising youngsters trade goods
PUPILS from six Hyndburn and Ribble Valley high schools got involved in a young enterprise trade fair this weekend. Fifteen and 16-year-olds from all over the area joined in the event at the Oswaldtwistle Mills. Participants in the young enterprise scheme
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Youths arrested following fake gun incident
FOUR youths were arrested after reports that an imitation hand-gun had been pointed at a bus driver in Accrington town centre. Officers said four youths aged 15, 17 and two aged 18, were arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent
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'Help me find my priceless medal'
A FORMER Royal Marine and Special Services soldier has made a heartfelt appeal for people to help him find a 'priceless' lost medal. Lee Collard, 62, of Church, lost his silver Hors de Combat medal while walking around the cenotaph in Oakhill Park, Accrington
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Council bosses turn to Europe
AMBITIOUS council bosses are bidding for European money to help turn Accrington into a tourist attraction. And the plans for the town, famous for Accrington Stanley and the Accrington Pals, have received encouragement from the North West Tourist Board
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It will be a cracker - Boa Morte
FULHAM star Luis Boa Morte starred on his return to the side at White Hart lane last night and said: "It will be another cracking match against Burnley." Clarets fans will be hoping that the effort put in by the ten-man Cottagers, following the dismissal
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Ticket news latest
ALMOST 10,000 tickets have been sold for tomorrow night's FA Cup replay against Fulham at Turf Moor and the Clarets are hoping that they will better the gate from the original tie. The gate at Loftus Road nine days ago was 13,062 but, with Burnley fans
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I can wait for perfect pressie
BURNLEY birthday boy Gareth Taylor will be happy to wait 24 hours for his perfect present - an FA Cup victory against Fulham. Taylor, 30 today, believes there is no reason why the Clarets can't spring a Cup shock and he is hoping that the home fans at
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Step by step refurbishment
A LANDLORD who moved into a Great Harwood pub at the end of last year is taking the next step in his planned refurbishment. Peter Brinksman, 52, took over the Lidgett Hotel, in Blackburn Road, in December, after moving from Warrington, where he has worked
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Clegg saves Nelson's blushes
York City 1 Bury 1 - MICHAEL Nelson's first game as skipper of the Shakers was memorable for the wrong reasons until George Clegg came to his rescue. The central defender had been handed the captain's armband after manager Andy Preece decided Jon Newby's
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5,000 ecstasy tablets found in street
KILLER drugs destined for the streets of Bury have been seized by police. A cardboard box holding the drugs, with a minimum street value of £125,000, was found on a corner in Bolton Street, Bury, on Friday afternoon (Feb 21). The haul of 5,000 ecstasy
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Frame fame!
SNAP happy Stephen Redfern has been exposed as one of the North West's top photographers after being told at college he would never make it. Self-employed Stephen (36) has gained a much coveted certificate of merit from The Master Photographers' Association
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Mike's crash course at driving school
HAD a motoring accident? Facing points on your driving licence? A Bury-based scheme is giving some motorists the chance to take a driver improvement course instead. But sub-editor Mike Whalley discovered that it is not a soft option. THE policeman gave
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I can wait for perfect pressie
BURNLEY birthday boy Gareth Taylor will be happy to wait 24 hours for his perfect present - an FA Cup victory against Fulham. Taylor, 30 today, believes there is no reason why the Clarets can't spring a Cup shock and he is hoping that the home fans at
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Strike threat over pensions changes
LANCASHIRE'S 8,000 BAE Systems workers are threatening strike action if the company goes ahead with its plans to cut retirements benefits. The Transport and General Workers' Union and Amicus, the engineering union, are meeting senior BAE management today
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Shopping helpers required
DARWEN residents are invited to take part in a new service to provide shopping trips for elderly people. Age Concern in Darwen is in need of volunteers to provide support to older people in the new service being tried out in partnership with Blackburn
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MP backs action to cut down fireworks nuisance
ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has pledged her support for a private member's bill to introduce new controls on fireworks. The bill, sponsored by Bill Tynan, MP for Hambleton South in Scotland, is seeking to promote the responsible use of fireworks
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Teenager butted woman in row
A TEENAGER who headbutted a mother following a disagreement with her son told police he slapped her. Burnley Magistrates heard how Daniel John Stott, 18, now had three convictions for assault on his record and his solicitor said he should not have done
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Taking careers aim
PISTOL shooting, guided missile launching and artificial resuscitation were among the activities on offer at a careers afternoon at Brookhouse Access Point in Whalley Range, Blackburn. Teenagers were given the chance to sample life as a soldier with the
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Musical milestone
THE man who has conducted Blackburn Music Society for 25 years is set to celebrate his anniversary in style. Musical director Dr James Eastham will mark the occasion by leading the Society's choir in a special performance of Verdi's Requiem with the Northern
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Social services support on offer for carers
CARERS of people with mental health problems can share experiences at a special information day next month. Lancashire County Council's social services department has organised the event as part of its commitment to working with and supporting carers
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They were all heroes then
IN 1947 I was 16 and never missed a Burnley match. What a team Burnley were then! Harry Potts was the most handsome, as well as a brilliant player. What a night we had singing in front of the Town Hall after the tour of Burnley. MARGARET BONNEY (nee Foulds
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Stephen makes Rovers laugh
I READ with amusement the usual efforts by Stephen Cummings (LET, February 11) whose team travelled to Fulham in the knowledge that there is more chance of Saddam Hussein being the next president of the USA than their team winning the FA Cup. If only
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Dunny is one to be proud of
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank David Dunn and his girlfriend, Sam, for their kindness and generosity. They recently spent a couple of hours with me, and the children could not believe their eyes when they walked through the door. After
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Boomtime dream is a firm reality
THE announcement of a £19million development creating 1,500 new call centre jobs is more than just a boost for the area -- it marks the virtual completion of a dream at Blackburn with Darwen Council's Shadsworth Business Park. Local Government reporter
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Branding madness in sport's world
HOW much is $188 trillion? It's one of those numbers that is so incomprehensible the answer almost doesn't matter; it's like saying, "If you won £25m on the Lottery tomorrow, what would you do?". The answer to each question is invariably prefaced with
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Man (27) killed in Thailand
THE parents of a brilliant young English teacher from Bury found murdered in Thailand have made a passionate plea for his alleged killer to be spared the death penalty. Paul Mason (27) had only been in Bangkok for five days when he was brutally stabbed
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Hit squads the right response
AS hit squads of consultants are sent into three Blackburn with Darwen high schools with the worst GCSE results, it is clear that though their performance may be 'satisfactory,' the borough's much-praised education authority sets a higher standard. It
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Take a trip with the Gondoliers
ONE of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operettas, The Gondoliers, is running at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre. Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society (left) is putting on the show until Saturday. Tickets priced £7.50 (concessions £7) are available on
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Musical magic
ST STEPHEN'S Players will bring a touch of musical magic to Burnley tonight when they open with South Pacific. This will be the third time in 46 years that the society will be performing this popular show. It runs from tonight until Saturday at St Stephen's
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Funeral tributes to someone who was an inspiration to all
A SIMPLE ring of red flowers surrounding a Manchester United football -- signed by his soccer heroes -- provided a poignant tribute to the life of teenager Daniel Berry. The floral tribute was placed on top of the coffin of football-mad Daniel who fought
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£7 million Pimhole revamp one step nearer
A £7 million million pound plan to transform the Pimhole area of Bury is one step nearer. Town Hall bosses say they are "minded" to declare it a Renewal Area and provide cash to improve run-down housing and derelict land. However, they want to examine
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Smiles all round for new dental service
LOCAL people will have no excuse not to brush up on their dental hygiene with the opening of a new NHS surgery. Following the success of the NHS Dental Access Centre (DAC) in Bury for non-registered patients, a two-day satellite surgery has opened in
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Sainsbury's debate is open to all
ORGANISERS of a special meeting to debate the future of the former Sainsbury supermarket hope to welcome supporters of the controversial plan as well as those who oppose the scheme. The issue has prompted much interest among the community and it was thought
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Inspectors say friendly school is a joy to attend
CHRIST Church (CE) Primary School in Ainsworth has received a glowing report from its diocesan inspectors. The Denominational Inspection by the Diocese of Manchester was carried out at the Tommy Lane school last month. It highlighted the school's friendly
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Jansen aims to give Coventry a lift
MATT Jansen is hoping to score the goals and breed the confidence Coventry need for their play-off push. The Rovers striker signed for the Sky Blues on loan until the end of the season to regain his fitness after sustaining serious head injuries in a
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BAE's Saudi staff on security alert
AEROSPACE staff who work for BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia have been placed on security alert following the fatal shooting of one of their Lancashire colleagues. Robert Dent, 37, from Tarleton, was killed by a gunman who pulled up alongside his vehicle
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Wedding fayre at historic hall
WEDDINGS experts will be at a wedding fayre at Towneley Hall, Burnley. On Sunday March 2 from noon to 5pm experts will be on hand at the historic hall to advise couples on how to make the big day run smoothly. The event is being held after the hall was
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Fame at The Pier
ON Sunday, March 2, Georgie Fame, born in Leigh, returns to his roots when he and his sons appear in concert at The Mill At The Pier. The concert starts at 12.30pm and tickets can be obtained from Wigan Pier Booking Office on 01942 323666.
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Sweet shop kidnap bid of girl
POLICE are investigating the attempted abduction of a seven-year-old girl as she walked out of a sweet shop in Burnley. Alicia Bailey, of Printers Fold, Burnley, was told to get into a car by three strangers as she left the shop in Lowerhouse Lane. Officers
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New jobs hope
NEW jobs could be on the cards at a Burnley wrought-ironsmiths, as part of a massive new investment in the firm which is going from strength to strength. B Rourke and Co. Ltd, based at the Vulcan Ironworks, in Accrington Road, is spending almost £750,000
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New hospital unit is state-of-the-art
HEALTH CARE will receive a £14million boost when phase four of Burnley General Hospital is completed this week -- 10 years after it began. Work on the multi-million pound redevelopment is set to be unveiled on Friday by Burnley MP Peter Pike. The new
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Nugent set to sign on
SHAKERS wonderkid David Nugent is set to sign a new contract this morning writes PHIL THORP. The highly rated young striker will put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal that will keep him at Gigg Lane until the summer of 2005. It's a real weight
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Nelson eases Newby burden
MICHAEL Nelson had no hesitation in taking on the Shakers' captaincy when asked by boss Andy Preece last week. The influential defender has been appointed skipper until further notice as Preece attempts to help Jon Newby back to his early season goalscoring
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Arts venue in Bury worth visit
I HAVE discussed on occasion in this column the impressive list of attractions staged at The Met, Bury's live arts venue. Of course, it is the monthly jazz concerts we are most concerned with here but anyone who fancies a good night out and is prepared
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Would-be drug dealer remanded in custody
A WOULD-be hard drugs dealer is in custody awaiting sentence after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court. Mark Haywood, 37, was found guilty of possessing heroin with intent to supply. The defendant, of Burnley Road, Colne, had denied the allegation
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Ten years ago
AN exhibition of decorative Chinese wares took place at an historical East Lancashire hall. The exhibits in 'A Touch of the Orient' were at Samlesbury Hall.
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Five years ago
MOTHER-OF-TWO Julie Kirkwood decided to go back to class to raise money for school funds. Dressed in a school uniform, Lesley, 36, of Barons Way, Lower Darwen, spent the day making pancakes, drawing pictures and telling stories with the four to 10-year-olds
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If this is slumming it, keep your mansions!
AS we boarded the coaches after Saturday's game we were cordially invited to disappear off back home to our slums by one disgruntled home fan displaying typical cockney charm. Only he didn't use the word "disappear". This fit of pique was greeted with
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Handler didn't keep to bargain
A DRUG handler given a deferred sentence didn't keep his side of the bargain -- but a judge told him it had not been a disaster. Joseph Gibson, 28, who had been told to kick his drug habit and not reoffend, had relapsed back into drug use and committed
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Strike threat over pensions changes
LANCASHIRE'S 8,000 BAE Systems workers are threatening strike action if the company goes ahead with its plans to cut retirements benefits. The Transport and General Workers' Union and Amicus, the engineering union, are meeting senior BAE management today
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Mosque plan: Invite goes out to objectors
RESIDENTS opposed to plans for a town centre mosque have been invited to the site to discuss their fears. The move came as Muslims in Clitheroe were told to put forward their case for the development to a Government inspector on March 18. A three-year
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MP 'appalled' at Tory in-fighting
EAST Lancashire's lone Tory MP Nigel Evans, has told his colleagues to stop their 'silly navel gazing' and rally behind opposition leader Iain Duncan Smith. The shadow cabinet member is appalled at the latest round of party in-fighting which has put a
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James glad to see win
CLARETS legend Leighton James returned to Turf Moor at the weekend for the first time in seven years and was delighted to see them beat another of his former teams, Derby County. Now he believes they have got what it takes to spring an FA Cup shock when
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Tigana assesses his tired troops
FULHAM boss Jean Tigana surveyed his injury hit squad after last night's derby draw at Spurs and admitted: "We are running out of players." The Cottagers will be at Turf Moor tomorrow night fighting for a place in the last eight of the FA Cup and their
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Inn position
ALAN Hawthorne and Christine Willan have taken over at The Dog Inn, Revidge Road, Blackburn. They spent three years at Jennings pub Hartleys, Preston. Prior to that Christine ran Sam Smith's Old Blue Bell, reputedly Preston's oldest pub.
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Someone to Phil vacancy at Bay Horse
REGULARS at a Baxenden pub will see a new face behind the bar when they visit their local for a pint. Phil Green, 51, has moved into the Bay Horse Hotel, Manchester Road, with his wife Kathy, 44. The couple bought the pub with Dennis Gregory, landlord
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Fears new watchdog will have no teeth
BURY'S health watchdog will be put down on September 1, sparking fears that hospital bosses will no longer be held accountable for their actions. Under Government plans, Bury Community Health Council (CHC), along with CHCs across the country, will be
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Future's Taylor made, says Short
CRAIG Short believes Rovers will soon be building their team around central defender Martin Taylor. Taylor has been battling to regain his place in the starting line-up since Rovers' 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa earlier this month. But Short urged the 23
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New jobs hope
NEW jobs could be on the cards at a Burnley wrought-ironsmiths, as part of a massive new investment in the firm which is going from strength to strength. B Rourke and Co. Ltd, based at the Vulcan Ironworks, in Accrington Road, is spending almost £750,000
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Roadside checks on danger vehicles
POLICE set up roadside checkpoints to detect dangerous vehicles and illegal fuels. Darwen police pulled vehicles over on the sliproad of junction four of the M65, close to the new services. Police joined staff from the vehicle inspectorate, as well as
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School set for a new direction
A DARWEN special school facing closure in August will be transformed into a service for young people with educational and behavioural difficulties. Tullyallen Secondary School on Salisbury Street will be transformed into a Turnaround centre, a new council
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'Danger' path fall breaks man's neck
A MAN who broke his neck after falling into a ditch next to a secluded footpath is urging council bosses to erect a fence to protect the public. David Hepple, of Balmoral Road, Darwen, has been backed by Coun Karimeh Foster, who said she had been campaigning
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War fears pair flee Kuwait
A ROSSENDALE councillor was waiting to welcome his family today as they headed back home from Kuwait. Michael McShea said he had spoken to his son Sean and his pregnant wife Sharon and was hoping to meet them from the plane at Manchester Airport. The
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Girl and 'curry-covered masseur'
A MASSEUR molested a frightened student in a room above a chip shop while his wife served lunches downstairs, a jury was told. And Burnley Crown Court heard that after the girl's mother told Joan Downey what her husband had done he was seen walking down
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Appeal for witnesses
AN APPEAL for witnesses has been issued on behalf of the man accused of murdering asylum seeker Mokhliss Mostafa in Blackburn. Mokhliss died following an incident in Infirmary Street on Sunday January 19. Solicitors acting for Farhan Hamad, 20, who has
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Collision course on regional assembly
EAST Lancashire councillors are on a collision course with their county counterparts after backing a referendum on a regional government. Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive board has agreed to write to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to say
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Matt Jansen joy at engagement
BLACKBURN Rovers star Matt Jansen today spoke of his joy over his engagement to the 'fantastic' girl who helped rebuild his life. Lucy Corner, 22, was Matt's pillion passenger when their scooter was hit by a taxi in Rome last June. The striker, who had
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Management skills seem poor
I WAS amazed and disgusted to read the article by Andy Neild (LET, February 22) reporting the latest attack by Graeme Souness on David Dunn. This continuing vendetta by the manager against Dunn is incredible. Dunn is one of the few really class players
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I never complain about refs, but. . .
I AM well-known for my love of referees. But after watching Spanish football for a few weeks I have to say if I was a ref I'd go over there because they are awful! The commentators on Sky said the refs think they are more important than the players and
