Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, Date: March 21
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Jimmy Cricket Show, Thwaites Theatre, Bolton Road, Ewood, Blackburn, 7.30pm. The Pendle Jazzmen and Ian Roylke, Whitchaff Inn, Bury Road, Rawtenstall, 9pm. Mayor of Rossendale's
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Winter bowls
JOHN Cooke won the 22nd winter merit at Pennington Park on Sunday by beating Jimmy Glover in the final 21-18. The consolation final was won by Bill Griffiths who beat Alan Lambert 21-16.
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Big winners
ATHERTON U11s played won 8-2 at Golborne Sports with goals came from Danny Bithell, Callum Green, Matty Jackson, Liam Ardrey, Callam Wailshe, Lewis Murray and man of the match Gareth Copper (2).
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Football fun
ATHERTON LR FC are staging a football competition/fun day at their Crilly Park ground on Sunday. All the proceeds with go to the youth football section. Gates open at 12.30 with games kicking off at 1pm. There will be a raffle, including a prize of a
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Straw: 'We were left with no option'
BRITAIN and America were left with "no option'' but to use force to disarm Saddam Hussein, Jack Straw said today. The Foreign Secretary said that in the last four months since the United Nation's ordered Iraq to disarm, the world had seen the "familiar
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Unity must be our mission - comment
THE outbreak of war on Iraq has been greeted with regret by East Lancashire's religious leaders. But both the Bishop of Blackburn and the Lancashire Council of Mosques have outlined the need to end Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. The Rt Rev Alan Chesters
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Hundreds stage anti-war protest
HUNDREDS of town centre protesters objected to the conflict today and the Bishop of Blackburn spoke of his regret that war had broken out. The large group, made up mostly of teenagers, packed outside Blackburn Town Hall and chanted their opposition to
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Mercy woman ready for front line
A TEENAGER who dedicated her life to caring for others after paramedics saved her sister was today preparing for war with Iraq. And the mother of Aly-Joy Haworth, who is just 4ft 10ins tall, spoke of her fears for her little "angel on the frontline" after
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Sheikh's visit counter-productive
I WAS disgusted and shocked by the visit of Sheikh Abu Hamza to Blackburn (LET, March 12). With all the tension of the Iraq situation, this is the last thing the people of this area want to see or hear. This has to be the biggest mistake my Muslim friends
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Iraq now - where later?
SO the war has finally arrived. There is no doubt that the UK/USA axis will be successful in taking control of Iraq. But at what cost? After Iraq what? I was present at one of the series of meetings that Jack Straw held on Friday, March 14 in Blackburn
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Truth the first casualty of war
TELEVISION transmitters in Iraq will be a first military target. Bush will want to ensure that we hear talk of 'smart' bombs and limited 'collateral' damage, not see pictures of innocent people being mutilated by our weapons. It may be years before we
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Don't be duped by the conmen
HELP the Aged was saddened to read (LET, February 27) about two women posing as charity workers stealing cash from a Clitheroe pensioner. Unfortunately, many older people feel such an incident is inevitable and this is unacceptable by any standard. Help
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Blair truly a man of courage
AS we watched Tony Blair speak at the Azores Summit, we were once again amazed at this man's courage and strength, amidst the terrible backlash from his own people at home. Here is a principled, moral man, with such strong convictions. You should be thanking
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British government on wrong side
THE other week I visited the war memorial in Little Harwood in Blackburn to see my grandfather's name among others. His name also appears on the military war memorial in Basra, for he was killed in Mesopotamia, now Iraq, in 1917. He was told that he was
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Armed forces deserve support
WHILE I have never been a supporter of New Labour and Tony Blair, I must give him some credit for his stance on Iraq. In many ways, he is being derided in the same way as Winston Churchill was in the 1930s. All this tub-thumping and marching! Take Manchester
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Take off the rose-tinted glasses, councillor
I AM always amazed at the attitude of Councillor Dave Smith (Letters, March 8). The people who write to your newspaper about their beloved Darwen want to live in a clean, safe environment. During his recent walk he should have gone past the Sunnyhurst
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Fine line between winning and losing
IT was great to be back in the side against Leicester on Tuesday night, even if it was another disappointing result. It has been a very frustrating season for me and it seems to have been stopping and starting, never getting any real rhythm going. I have
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Memorial to road victims
A MEMORIAL for those who died in Lancashire road accidents will be unveiled after a service attended by the families of victims. Lancashire County Council has paid £10,000 for the 4ft stone, inscribed "Always in our thoughts". It is intended to become
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Author brings words of advice
STUDENTS at Gawthorpe High School were given inspiration to write their own stories when children's author Hazel Townson visited during the lower school's book week. Years seven and eight pupils were given advice on how to build a story and were asked
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Mother gave manager a bust lip
A MOTHER-of-seven gave a Burnley pub manager a bust lip after she had been repeatedly asked to leave the premises, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates were told how Angela Richmond, 35, hit victim David Coupe in the mouth after he had tried to get her
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Ideas wanted for the new look
RESIDENTS living in Burnley's first Home Zone were today urged to get involved and put forward ideas for improvement as plans for a £900,000 regeneration scheme are finalised. The project is part funded by Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council
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Early patrols posted in new hunt for clues
POLICE were today hoping a dawn patrol outside Padiham Post Office would provide vital clues to last week's raid. Officers were stationed outside the premises in Burnley Road in a bid to jog the memories of passers-by who may hold information about the
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Paul pacs 'em in
LOS Pacaminos are a band you can absolutely count on for a great night out - and they will be performing at the Platform in Morecambe on Saturday, April 5. Some of the best musicians in the business have teamed up to present an incendiary mix of Tex-Mex
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Films at the Dukes
THERE are some absolutely brilliant films to see at the Dukes in April, covering the whole spectrum from Scorsese's acclaimed 'Gangs of New York' to 'Abouna' - described as an African Western. Also scheduled in April, film manager Tim Young hosts an event
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Hundreds attend special clinic
A CITIZEN appeal has inspired hundreds of its readers to sign up as bone marrow donors this week in a bid to rescue a Lancaster mum from her hospital bed. Jennifer Wilson, 35, of Derwent Road, is being kept in isolation at the Christie Hospital, Manchester
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Dad slams needle danger
A MORECAMBE father is demanding action after his daughter was 'stabbed' by a discarded drugs needle. Seven-year-old Hollie Tillett was injured after climbing over a low wall to retrieve a ball from an area behind Lloyds Pharmacy in Hanover Street, Morecambe
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Drugs crackdown
POLICE stormed the homes of suspected drug dealers across Lancaster and Morecambe in a series of dramatic dawn raids. Dubbed 'Operation Nimrod', the crackdown followed months of undercover work and is expected to inflict a major blow to local street suppliers
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Advice on child care careers
A CHILD CARE networking event will be held at Railway Street Community Centre, Nelson, on Thursday, March 27, between 9.30am and 2pm. The event is being organised by New Era Enterprises, based in Burnley, and is for anyone who works in child care or would
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Award puts Gayle in the money
NELSON woman Gayle Dunkley has beaten off stiff competition to win first place in a prestigious worldwide finance competition. Gayle, 31, of Walton Lane, won £1,000 and the Continuing Professional Development Award from the Institute of Financial Services
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Water torture
WATER bill just did not add up for Radcliffe accountant Phillip Bailey. He was threatened with court, bankruptcy and debt collectors calling at his house because he had not paid the outstanding amount. The only problem was that the bill was for the grand
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Will US find weapons?
UN weapons inspectors have spent four months diligently searching for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq without success. What's the betting that within two days of its unprovoked attack on Iraq the US manages to discover them? L LAWES, Bold Street,
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Ban quiz man had hidden knife in trousers
A BANNED driver who got behind the wheel claimed he did not know he had been ordered off the road, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard Jason McCourt, 27, told police he did not know he was banned - but he was expecting to be disqualified as he
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Brew with puppets
ENJOY a coffee break with puppets from 10.30am on Saturday at Leigh Salvation Army, Cook Street.
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Advice centre moves
BROOK, the advice specialists for young people, have moved to town centre premises. The stylish new base at Leigh Connexions Centre, Bradshawgate, offers free confidential information and help on sexual health and contraception. The centre, redesigned
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Five years ago
A NELSON man was among a team of 30 to make history by reaching the bottom of the world's deepest ravine. Simon Latimer abseiled down the notorious 8,500ft Low's Gully in the jungle of Borneo -- known as the Place of the Dead.
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Save a life - give blood
AN appeal for new life savers has been launched. The National Blood Service needs donors to help maintain an adequate supply to the NHS which uses 10,000 units a day. Two sessions will be held on Thursday, March 27 (1.30pm - 3.30pm and 5.30pm - 7.30pm
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'Goaded' biker ran over the arms of boy
A BIKER who revved his Kawasaki machine in response to being goaded went on to run over the arms of a schoolboy. Preston Crown court was told that the 1000 cc bike, ridden by 37-year-old Paul Greenwood, had suddenly shot forward. A van driver who saw
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Fan's crime could be final straw
CELTIC fan Martin Rolfe watched in a Church pub as his favourite team were beaten in a Scottish cup final on Sunday, and then drove off in the barman's car. Blackburn magistrates heard that when he was arrested later in the evening, Rolfe was over the
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Drug dealer drove into unmarked police car
A MAN who fell in love with a woman 19 years his junior turned to crime to fund her addiction to drugs, a court heard. James Holden had found out his lover was soliciting to raise funds for drugs, Preston Crown Court was told. But the couple had a child
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Bedtime's magic with Harry Potter
A LITTLE girl waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant was whisked away to Hogwarts when her bedroom was magically transformed into a Harry Potter wonderland. Sarah Coupe, 13, was born with a hole in the heart and only one kidney. She had been waiting
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Now Sean's getting a kick out of life...
TWELVE months ago little Sean Ward couldn't kick a football without falling over. The asthma sufferer lacked confidence and was picked on by other children. Now the eight-years-old martial arts fan and Leigh CE pupil is a completely different child --
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Bobbies urged to get on the buses
A BUS company boss has called on police to ride his buses after a driver was threatened and a seat thrown through another vehicle's window. Alan Pilkington, of Pilkington's Coaches, said that although Hyndburn has a similar scheme like Blackburn's whereby
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Former bobby's diamond day
A FIGHT or two and a cautionary clip around the ear were all part of a night's work for a Leigh policeman in the 1950s. And retired PC Tommy Humphreys still laughs when he remembers what a bobby's job was like on the Plank Lane beat. Great-grandparents
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Tail of woe as Matty is penned
A WOMAN who rescued a dog from kennels says she is distraught after it was seized by a dog warden and taken back. Barbara McVety says she will have to pay £53.02 for the first day's fees at Aspen Valley kennels, in Oswaldtwistle, to retrieve Matty the
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A butty with a difference!
A BAKERY boss is preparing to market a new lip-smacking line in designer sandwiches -- exclusively created by imaginative youngsters. Richard Waterfield has challenged Leigh Sacred Heart RC School pupils to produce a fresh and modern baguette and promises
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Asbestos fire man fined
AN Astley man has been fined £500 for burning rubbish. Anthony Lythgoe of Green Avenue was also ordered to pay £812.25 costs to the Environment Agency which brought the prosecution. Magistrates at Wigan heard how on August 23 last year two Agency officers
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'Sharpy' topped the Cavern bill
A SURPRISE party arranged to celebrate guitarist John Sharples' 60th birthday has been cancelled. Instead family and friends will toast the memory of the Atherton musician and comedy fan next week. The former Vulcan, known as 'Sharpy', whose group The
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Hammer thieves target post office
RAIDERS who targeted a village post office fled with a small amount of cash after trying to smash down a door. Police revealed how the incident began at 10.45am last Friday when a silver coloured Ford Mondeo with false number plates was driven up onto
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We need an open debate
RECENTLY published census details provide further evidence of Britain's expanding population resulting primarily from record levels of immigration. In 2002 alone, more than a quarter of a million immigrants settled in the UK, increasing the net population
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Now it's hospital workers reunited
A NEW website has been set up to help reunite past workers at Calderstones in Whalley. Taking its cue from the tremendously successful Friends Reunited website which has put thousands of old school friends back in touch, Calderstones Reunited aims to
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Country is in a terminal decline
THE nation appears now resigned to the fact that we should place our manufacturing and service industry jobs abroad to stay competitive. Indeed, every paper and technical magazine that one reads these days is forever pushing this as the 'only' solution
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Ignorance mars language and politics
GRAHAM Cunnington, defen-ding John Whitelegg's use of the phrase 'if it was' rather than 'if it were' to convey a contrary-to-fact statement, informs us (Citizen, March 13) that English is a living language with no fixed grammatical rules, only guidelines
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College helps women get kicks
MORE women students will have the opportunity to study football at levels ranging from First Diploma to Higher National Diploma at a college near Lancaster. The demand to learn about and play football is so huge that a special female football academy
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City's super salvo sinks Runcorn
SUPER City bounced back from two straight defeats to take out their frustration on hapless Runcorn on Tuesday night. Tony Hesketh's side took a giant step towards finishing in the Unibond Premier Division's top ten with three further points from a commanding
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Youngsters send swim records tumbling
IT WAS a record-breaking weekend for swimming clubs who flocked to Salt Ayre Leisure Centre to take part in the North Lancashire Age Group Competition. The Carnforth Otters were on outstanding form - winning 37 races and breaking an incredible 23 club
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Clarets star backs his boss
BURNLEY'S players never had any doubt Stan Ternent was going to be their boss for the foreseeable future, Glen Little claimed today. "We all know the gaffer is never going to walk out on Burnley because he has so much more he wants to achieve," admitted
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Shearer and co. don't scare us
WHAT a fantastic end to the season we have in prospect! Last week's magnificent victory over Arsenal puts us in with a great shout of a top six finish. And there's no reason why we can't kick on from here given the way we've been playing recently. Make
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TLT get their man
TYLDESLEY Little Theatre director Ian Taylor knew just the man to call to save the company's latest production. When a member of the cast of Your Turn to Clean The Stair dropped out just as rehearsals were about to start, an SOS went out to Mike Rimmer
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Royal family
WHEN Sarah Coleman becomes Queen of the May she will be keeping the title in the family. The 10-years-old Lowton St Mary's Primary School pupil will following in her mother's and sister's footsteps as May Queen of Golborne St Thomas' Parish Church. Her
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Easy win for squash team
CLASSIC World of Fitness first squash team played host to Moss Side's second team and met with little opposition from what appeared a weakened team. It was an easy 5-0 win for the Classic players. It was a different story for Classic's second team who
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Promotion hope blow
LEIGH RMI Ladies' promotion prospects took a knock when they were beaten 4-3 by top of the table Droylsden. From the first whistle RMI dominated and played Droylsden off the park. The opener came from a long ball by Thompson which Sumner latched onto
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Tyldesley enjoy a seaside special
TYLDESLEY RU enjoyed their visit to the seaside after a slender 9-6 victory virtually ensured their place in the league for next season and condemned hosts Blackpool to a end of season battle for survival. Tyldesley started the brighter of the two sides
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Winning stories
HISTORY pupils at Darwen Vale High School gained international recognition in a recent story competition. The year-eight students were entered alongside children from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Panama and Bordeaux and made a real impression on
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National Park Talk
LEIGH Ornithological Society will be given an illustrated talk on the Peak District National Park at their March 21 meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome.
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Charity quiz night
LEIGH Lions Club has organised a quiz night to boost the Mayor's charity, Scope. It starts at 8pm tonight (Thursday) at Leigh Conservative Club. Entry is £2 per person. Call 01942 262285.
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Astley WI
AFTER watching Dr Anna Start's parchment craft demonstration Astley WI members made bookmarks, birthday cards and book covers. Meetings begin at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month at the Pensioners' Centre, Manchester Road, Blackmoor. New members
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School pupils enjoy their taste of democracy
PRIMARY school pupils are enjoying a taste of democracy after setting up a student council. Edenfield CE Primary School wants the junior authority to give youngsters a platform to discuss school issues. The council is made up of ten pupils, two from each
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Awards for Asda
ASDA has scooped a top Children in Need award. In-store antics at both Leigh and Golborne helped the company win the charity's Top Fundraiser of 2002 title. Following a summer of money raising antics the stores are proud to be part of the team that contributed
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Invite to register for fast service
PEOPLE living in Bacup are being asked to register their interest in a fast-link Internet service to make it available in the town. At the moment people living in Bacup do not have access to Broadband. Dale Connearn, Community Development Officer, Rossendale
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The heat is on as homes win cash
MORE than 600 householders have gained up to £2,500 each in a Rossendale Council bid to beat fuel poverty. Council staff have teamed with the Eaga Partnership, who distribute government cash, based in Newcastle, to organise a B Warmer tour across the
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Special award from Bishop
ST Peter's CE Junior School were presented with a special award by the Bishop of Bolton for a glowing school inspection. The Leigh school was commended by the Bishop of Bolton, The Right Reverend David Gillett, at a ceremony held last week at Leigh Street
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Save a life - give blood
AN appeal for new life savers has been launched. The National Blood Service needs donors to help maintain an adequate supply to the NHS which uses 10,000 units a day. Two sessions will be held on Thursday, March 27 (1.30pm - 3.30pm and 5.30pm - 7.30pm
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Drugs raid warning
ROBBERS armed with a gun and a knife stole drugs from a Platt Bridge chemist's shop on Monday night and police fear the haul could end up in Leigh. They stole drugs including temazepam and methadone. The gunman is described as white, with a yellowish
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Has Alf spotted a UFO in Astley?
ALF Shacklady loves to keep abreast of the latest technology but he got a surprise when he tried out his latest digital camera. The Princes Avenue, Blackmoor man was surprised to see an object in the sky when he downloaded images he'd taken around 4pm
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Councillors surgeries
WIGAN Council members will hold the following advice surgeries: THURSDAY, March 20: Golborne Library (10-11) B Strett, D Kelly; Lane Head Methodist Church, Lowton (7-7.45) P Franzen; Abram Library (10.30-12 noon) B Hampson. FRIDAY, March 21: Albert Tatum
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Memorial to road victims
A MEMORIAL for those who died in Lancashire road accidents will be unveiled after a service attended by the families of victims. Lancashire County Council has paid £10,000 for the 4ft stone, inscribed "Always in our thoughts". It is intended to become
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Rover returns with taste sensations
A GLOBETROTTING father-of-three who has visited 25 different countries wants to share tastes from all over the world with his home town. Matthew Mayman, 33, of Briar's Croft, Wilpshire, has travelled the world and spent two-and-a-half years in Australia
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Soap's Tricky Dicky gave me some pain
A FINANCIAL adviser claims he is a victim of Corrie-killer backlash as a result of the antics of evil Richard Hillman. Nick Thompson, of DTE Financial Services, Wellington Street, Blackburn, said the 'soap' character had lowered the public perception
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'Work's worth every penny'
THE rebuilding of St Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn, has been worth every brick -- and penny, as Clare Cook found out... FROM the roadside it has looked like any other building site. But the £13million work going on behind the rubble will thrust St
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Stanley eye title
ACCRINGTON Stanley need just 14 points from their remaining nine game to secure promotion to the Nationwide Conference. And they will hope to put more distance between themselves and promotions chasers Stalybridge Celtic, Barrow, Vauxhall Motors and Worksop
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Missiles fired into Kuwait
IRAQI missiles were launched into northern Kuwait and air raid sirens sounded over Kuwait city. The missiles were believed to be of a conventional type and did not contain any chemical or biological material, no one is reported injured. The all-clear
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Baghdad in flames as troops move
AMERICAN cruise missiles have hit buildings in the centre of Baghdad, as Allied troops in the north of Kuwait move closer to Iraq. Loud explosions have been heard in Baghdad, with a building used by the Republican Guard hit, smoke is now filling the night
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Special award from Bishop
ST Peter's CE Junior School were presented with a special award by the Bishop of Bolton for a glowing school inspection. The Leigh school was commended by the Bishop of Bolton, The Right Reverend David Gillett, at a ceremony held last week at Leigh Street
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Shop and help your school
BURY families can save money on their shopping and help their local schools at the same time, thanks to a revolutionary new scheme called Schools Plus. From April 21, schools registered with Schools Plus will be provided with money-saving voucher books
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Young Sean's war protest
PART of my column is given over this week to Sean Davies, a pupil at Leigh St Mary's High School, Astley. As part of the school's Industry Week I invited year 11 pupils to air their views on subjects on which they had strong feelings. Three pieces of
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No promotion forces Centurions to scrap youth side
LEIGH Centurions have been forced to scrap their Senior Academy team this season. The squad - last season's Under 19s - went through the entire campaign undefeated, beat Dewsbury in the Grand Final and had expected to be promoted to the Super League Under
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Leigh stumble towards Cup knockout stage
Oldham 26 Leigh Centurions 31 by Mike Hulme: THE Centurions continue to flatter to deceive as they stumble their way towards qualification for the knockout stage of the Arriva Trains National Cup. Although they probably only need one more win to book
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Big day looms for RMI
TELFORD is a strange place. The Bucks Head ground is a complicated dual dose of a modern day footballing megadome and a North-West Counties field, the players are as consistent as Clare Short's war statements and the manager is the only Glaswegian ever
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Oil wells alight, troops prepare
REPORTS from southern Iraq are claiming that there are two oil fires to the south and west of Basra, close to where Allied troops are stationed. In other news Allied troops in the north of Iraq have been told to prepare for combat by 1630GMT. Earier today
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Saddam issues warning
SADDAM Hussein spoke to the Iraqi people a few hours after the first attacks on Baghdad, here is a transcription of his speech. "He carried out his criminal act - with those who cooperated with him - and has added with his accomplices to the series of
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Speech by George Bush
A TRANSCRIPTION of President Bush's speech from Washington annoncing the beginning of the war in Iraq. "MY fellow citizens, at this hour American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and
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Another step to success
AN award-winning dancer has landed a place on a prestigious training course. Estelle Broadhurst, 15, of Lomond Gardens, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, has studied dance with Blackburn teacher Pat Eaket since she was five and says she is "thrilled" at the chance
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Poetry with pints
THE new landlady at a Blackburn pub is giving drinkers a bit of poetry with their pint. Gibraltar Hotel boss Alison St Pierre, 43, has introduced a weekly poetry night. Punters can read their own poems or their favourite verse. More than 50 people attended
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Bush has always had Iraq in his sights
IT has been clear since he became president that George W Bush intended that American Forces would invade Iraq. Let us pray that the troops quickly find the weapons of mass destruction and destroy them before they can be used -- how embarrassing if they
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No need for so many people to die
MUSLIMS are convinced that American and UK strategy seeks to politically reshape the Middle East, which, if true, would be the most ambitious restructuring of the region since the colonial carve-up after World War One. With one eye on oil and the other
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EXCLUSIVE by Mike Hulme
Murphy supports Sports scheme RUGBY League legend Alex Murphy has thrown his weight behind the proposed Leigh Sports Village. Murphy, one of the game's greatest players and characters, says the whole town should get behind the project and make sure it
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'Be patient' appeal to motorists
WORK on a £2million bridge to ease traffic congestion in and out of Blackburn is due to begin this month. Phase one of the improvements, scheduled for completion by January 2004, also includes widening the existing carriageway from Eanam to Copy Nook.
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EXCLUSIVE by Mike Hulme
Murphy supports Sports scheme RUGBY League legend Alex Murphy has thrown his weight behind the proposed Leigh Sports Village. Murphy, one of the game's greatest players and characters, says the whole town should get behind the project and make sure it
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Harkins keeps side on course
BLACKBURN Rovers' Academy Under 19s remain on course to finish top of their group after picking up four more points during the last few days. On Saturday, Rob Kelly's Under 19s won a thriller against Derby at Brockhall after two-goal hero Gary Harkins
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Cole back in fold
ROVERS striker Andy Cole will be in the squad bound for Newcastle this weekend after agreeing a truce with Graeme Souness. The Blackburn boss met with his striker yesterday, and the pair patched up their differences. The meeting ended with a cordial handshake
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Expert view of antiques
HOUSEHOLDERS with collectable junk hidden away in lofts and garages are being urged to cash in through a new TV gameshow. Trading Treasures is heading to Burnley and hoping to find contestants to take part in the BBC1 programme. Researcher Laura Cockcroft
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Police plea for Watch 'partners in crime'
POLICE in Hapton are asking residents to become "partners in crime" by helping set up a new Neighbourhood Watch. Community beat manager Tony Himycz is hoping to set up a new scheme to cover the Castle Street, Wordsworth Street, Water Street, Manchester
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Police will help five charities
FIVE local charities have been chosen to receive a £200 cash boost each from kind-hearted police officers in Burnley. The Mayor's Charity Fund, Burnley and Pendle Hospice, the Anthony Nolan Trust and Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, will
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Town facts put into cyber space
PLANS to boost the local economy and encourage new business into a market town will gain a worldwide footing this week when a new community website goes live. Padiham Life will initially focus on the Market Town Initiative funded by the Countryside Agency
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Keep up the good work!
GREEN-MINDED homeowners who have helped recycle more than 230 tonnes of rubbish in just four months were today urged to "keep up the good work" as the scheme was extended. Burnley Council is to provide enough money to continue the borough's innovative
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Salsa turns up resort heat
SPICY salsa rhythms will make waves across Morecambe Bay as the resort gears up for a hot Latin American Week-end at The Plat-form starting next Friday (March 28). Brazilian fusion music from the Mr Hermano band, Latin-loving DJ Donald and the Cuba funk
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Padiham and Hapton Bulletin
THE return match between Clitheroe Town and Padiham which was cancelled last week due to the pitch being waterlogged, took place on Saturday. Among the enthusiastic crowd were the Mayor of Clitheroe Mary Robbins and her consort, and the Mayor and Mayoress
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Mollie has the right stuff
MOLLIE Baxter has delighted audiences at Spotlight in Lancaster as a singer/songwriter on many occasions - but this week it's going to be different. She steps up to the 'mike' in Yorkshire House tomorrow (Friday) with her own unique brand of short story
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New rules threaten pharmacies
SCORES of local pharmacies could close if moves to deregulate the industry go ahead, according to campaigners. The Office of Fair Trading is recommending the Government to abolish legislation restricting dispensing licences in a bid to free up the market
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MPs unite to back Britons at war
LANCASTER and Morecambe's MPs stood on opposite sides of the divide over Iraq this week - but have united in support of troops now going to war. As peace vigils were being staged around the area, Geraldine Smith used her vote in Parliament on Tuesday
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Abbott wants to stick with the Shakers
ON-LOAN Shakers striker Pawel Abbott wants to stay at Gigg Lane until the end of the season. Preston's Polish goal ace has returned to Bury to complete the final 15 days of a three-month loan spell cut short last autumn. His future after that remains
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'Peace' message unlikely
HAVING seen a video of "Sheikh" Abu Hamza ranting and raving about what he would like to do to all of us "infidels" (and exhorting other Muslims to do the same), I find it highly unlikely that he appeared at Bangor Street Community Centre in Blackburn
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Health survey focuses on heart disease
PEOPLE in Pendle will be quizzed on their lifestyles and knowledge of heart diseases as part of a new health scheme. A survey has been commissioned through Activate Pendle, a new project from Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust. It will
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National Park Talk
LEIGH Ornithological Society will be given an illustrated talk on the Peak District National Park at their March 21 meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome.
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School quiz
A QUIZ night in aid of St Catherine's Primary School begins on Friday night at 7.30pm in Lowton Labour Club. Entry is £3 including a hot pot supper. More information from 01942 729680.
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Money talk...
COLLECTOR Clifford Stockton will speak to Leigh Local History Society about "The Coins and Tokens of Bolton" at the group's meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at 7.30pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.
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Football fun
ATHERTON LR FC are staging a football competition/fun day at their Crilly Park ground on Sunday. All the proceeds with go to the youth football section. Gates open at 12.30 with games kicking off at 1pm. There will be a raffle, including a prize of a
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Ten years ago
EIGHT youngsters from Edge End High School, Nelson, won through to a televised programme which tested their ingenuity. The team led by technology teacher Dennis Warhurst appeared on the 'Granada Powergame.'
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Councillors surgeries
WIGAN Council members will hold the following advice surgeries: THURSDAY, March 20: Golborne Library (10-11) B Strett, D Kelly; Lane Head Methodist Church, Lowton (7-7.45) P Franzen; Abram Library (10.30-12 noon) B Hampson. FRIDAY, March 21: Albert Tatum
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Shelley's up 4 fame with girls
A TEENAGER could be on her way to stardom after being picked from hordes of pop wannabes to be the fourth member of an all-girl band. Shelley Lane, of Edgar Street, Huncoat, was chosen to complete 4play's line-up from more than 100 hopefuls who turned
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Duo are a cut above the rest
WHEN it comes to singing, mother and daughter Christine and Amelia Gregory are a cut above the rest! The Gregorys are part of a harmonious Lowton family and sing with The Cheshire Chord Company -- Britain's barbershop chorus champions who have beaten
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Makeover scheme for Hindley centre
PEOPLE can have their say on a transformation scheme for the borough's biggest traffic bottleneck. Planners want reaction to proposals on how to solve Hindley's road chaos and boost its town centre. Experts say because of the tight layout of the Bird
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Billy Webb murder plot trial: Men deny false alibis
TWO men accused of conspiring to murder a Bolton drugs boss claim they were nowhere near his home on the night he was shot dead, a court heard. Brian Roper said he was asleep in bed with his girlfriend and Paul Swann said he was driving around the Bolton
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Sort it out for Thora
WE must all be sad at the death of Dame Thora Hird, but wouldn't it be a great idea and a tribute to the great lady to sort out the mess of the Winter Gardens theatre and rename it after her? It has been done before in cases such as the Yvonne Arnaud
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College pupils' 'green' club gets hands-on
PUPILS at Oakhill College, in Whalley, are going green after setting up an Eco Club at their school. They have set up the club in response to the Government's Eco-Schools Initiative, which encourages youngsters to work towards improving the environment
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Blame Government for crime wave
THE Government's proposals to criminalise persistent begging are obnoxious and socially unjust. A TV commentator recently declared that there are sufficient state benefits to live on. This depends on the perception of sufficient - because most live on
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Mobile police station hits the road
CRIME prevention in rural Ribble Valley has gone on the road with the launch of a £34,000 mobile police station. The station will be staffed by Police Community Support Officer Nigel Williams and offer police surgeries in Ribble Valley villages. Insp
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Time for leader to stop stifling debate
I WRITE with regard to the continuing fiasco that involves the local government in this city. I apologise for returning to the matter of Crinkley Bottom, some-thing that by now must elicit groans of 'oh no not that again' from many members of the public
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Club adopts a Monopoly position
LANCASTER Rugby has commissioned and produced a rugby league edition of the board game Monopoly. Professionally manufactured by Hasbro, the game includes all the usual features of the game - metal counters, Community Chest and Chance cards, the traditional
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Driver cut free
A WOMAN was cut free from her car by firefighters and taken to Burnley General Hospital after a collision in Pendle Way. It happened at 8.42am yesterday at the junction with the roundabout at Gannow Top. Three cars, two Rovers and a VW Golf, were involved
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Northern sign South African
BLACKBURN Northern have moved swiftly to sign up South African all rounder Gareth Flusk as their professional for 2003. The 28-year-old, a friend of Accrington pro Andre Seymour, replaces West Indian Wilden Cornwall, who hasn't played enough first class
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Blackpool Scorpions 23 Leigh Miners "A" 37
Blackpool scored first before Miners replied with tries by Reddicliffe , Disley and Foster , with four goals by Hartley to lead 20 - 4 at the interval. Scorpions stung Miners with an early second half surge to take the lead 22 - 20 before tries from Hartley
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Rangers' final joy
LEIGH Miners Rangers U12's marched into the final of the North West Counties Shield competition with a convincing victory over Leigh East. Miners never looked liked losing this one. They led at half time by 16-0 with two tries cloming from S Marsh and
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Classy East
LEIGH East U11s outclassed Crosfields in all departments. Shaun Bowden opened the scoring when he powered over from 10 metres out, Daniel Gunning added the conversion. Crosfields hit back immediately and scored what was to be their only try. In the second
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That's better...
ATHERTON LR U14s are showing signs of improvement. After losing to North Walkden 16-2, LR only lost their last match 7-1. All the team worked hard and their goal was scored by Daryl Hughes directly from a free kick. Man of the match was keeper Ian Surples
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Frustration for Latics
LEIGH Athletic were held to a 3-3 draw in a rollercoaster of a game against last season's champions Stockport. Controlling the early part of the game, Leigh took the lead from a Gordon Walker cross shot. The advantage was doubled when Steve Bevan latched
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Tom runs out of luck
LOWTON High School's Thomas Boardman was unlucky to miss out on a place in the national squad following a terrific performance for his county. Representing Greater Manchester in the English Schools' Cross Country Championships in Brighton on Saturday
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Clarets star backs his boss
BURNLEY'S players never had any doubt Stan Ternent was going to be their boss for the foreseeable future, Glen Little claimed today. "We all know the gaffer is never going to walk out on Burnley because he has so much more he wants to achieve," admitted
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Cole back in fold
ROVERS striker Andy Cole will be in the squad bound for Newcastle this weekend after agreeing a truce with Graeme Souness. The Blackburn boss met with his striker yesterday, and the pair patched up their differences. The meeting ended with a cordial handshake
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Union pickets travel giants
THE GMB union was today picketing the annual meeting of troubled holiday giant MyTravel in its bid to seek recognition for its members. Union officials were looking for the support of shareholders in their campaign for workers who face up to 700 redundancies
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Foreign office issues warning
THE Foreign Office has today issued a worldwide threat warning to alert British nationals to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks during military action in Iraq. The department headed by Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has issued the
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Brew with puppets
ENJOY a coffee break with puppets from 10.30am on Saturday at Leigh Salvation Army, Cook Street.
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Green AGM
TRUSTEES of Whitehead Hall Meadow Millennium Green will hold their annual meeting on Thursday, March 27 at 7pm at Viridor offices, Lower Green Lane, Astley.
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Warning to parents of street troublemakers
POLICE are threatening action if parents fail to stop their children cauing a nuisance in Springfield Street and Alice Street, Darwen. Residents have complained about youngsters playing football and damaging property and cars, and now area beat officer
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School quiz
A QUIZ night in aid of St Catherine's Primary School begins on Friday night at 7.30pm in Lowton Labour Club. Entry is £3 including a hot pot supper. More information from 01942 729680.
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Town's future in people's hands
TRADERS and residents in Darwen have been urged to attend two meetings that will shape the future of the town. A multi-million pound strategy for Darwen will be drawn up by the council over the coming months and meetings at Derwent Hall day care centre
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Big names on Darwen theatre's tiny stage
SELL-OUTS and big name appearances are the stuff that most theatre managers' dreams are made of. But two Darwen dreamers are quickly discovering that the reality can be achieved, with forward planning, good contacts and, of course, a touch of stage magic
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Money talk...
COLLECTOR Clifford Stockton will speak to Leigh Local History Society about "The Coins and Tokens of Bolton" at the group's meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at 7.30pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.
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Focus falls on plants
GROUNDWORK Rossendale is hoping to give Bacup a spring makeover by holding a planting event in the town this weekend. On Saturday volunteers will get to work in the Market Street Gateway together with Groundwork and the Bacup Consortium. Claire Sims,
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New times for MP's surgery
LEIGH MP Andy Burham's surgery times have been revised. The Hindley meetings will take place on Friday, March 21, from 6.30pm to 7.15pm at Hindley Town Hall and from 7.30pm to 8.15pm at The Bethel, Hindley Green. The Leigh surgery has been put back one
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Advice centre moves
BROOK, the advice specialists for young people, have moved to town centre premises. The stylish new base at Leigh Connexions Centre, Bradshawgate, offers free confidential information and help on sexual health and contraception. The centre, redesigned
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Kids keep on truckin'
CHILDREN from Atherton Baptist Youth Club have turned to truck spotting. They helped launch two new trucks for Charity fund-raiser and youth leader Ken Irwin who named his new ready mix concrete trucks Energy and Powerhouse after the two 'houses' in the
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Ex-photographer Gladys is 100
GLADYS Thornton celebrated her 100th birthday in style at the Rock of Ages nursing home with a big birthday bash. Gladys, right, who lived in Platt Bridge and used to be a professional photographer has been at the Firs Lane, Leigh home since it opened
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Ice cream vendors wanted
ARTIST Anna Best is hoping for a scoop from local ice cream sellers. The next exhibition at the Turnpike Gallery, Leigh, includes Anna's project as part of Art For Networks, a national touring exhibition which will be on show from April 5 to May 31. For
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Apology from LibDem over fares mix-up
PENSIONERS' concessionary bus fares are to remain at 40p. The Greater Manchester Transport Authority decided the flat rate fare which has been in place since April 2001 will stay the same for a further 12 months. At Friday's GMPTA meeting Wigan member
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Royal family
WHEN Sarah Coleman becomes Queen of the May she will be keeping the title in the family. The 10-years-old Lowton St Mary's Primary School pupil will following in her mother's and sister's footsteps as May Queen of Golborne St Thomas' Parish Church. Her
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Car-jacker used stun gun on pensioner
A WOULD-BE car-jacker used a stun gun on a pensioner as he tried to wrestle the car keys from him. Thirty-three-years-old Kevin Draper put the stun gun to 66-year-old Brian Coffey's temple three times and pressed the trigger. Each time the pensioner felt
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Council backing for helmets
LANCASHIRE County Council has responded to calls from a cycling organisation not to make helmets compulsory by saying there is no substitute for the protection they offer. CTC, the UK's biggest cycling organisation, representing more than 70,000 members
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Name and shame yobs, says Straw
A CAMPAIGN to allow local newspapers to name teenage hooligans has been backed by Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. Mr Straw introduced anti-social-behaviour orders in 1999 when he was Home Secretary. Until now, the press have not been allowed
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Family event ended in 'brawl'
POLICE called to a disturbance came upon a "mass brawl" outside a house in Canterbury Street, Blackburn. About 13 adults who had been at a christening party were shouting and fighting with each other and young children were screaming and crying, Blackburn
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Assembly hits back at county
THE North West Regional Assembly has renewed claims that Lancashire County Council was wrong to say it was campaigning illegally. Earlier this month the council pulled out of the partnership as leader Hazel Harding said it had been deliberately campaigning
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'Be patient' appeal to motorists
WORK on a £2million bridge to ease traffic congestion in and out of Blackburn is due to begin this month. Phase one of the improvements, scheduled for completion by January 2004, also includes widening the existing carriageway from Eanam to Copy Nook.
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Hundreds stage anti-war protest
HUNDREDS of town centre protesters objected to the conflict today and the Bishop of Blackburn spoke of his regret that war had broken out. The large group, made up mostly of teenagers, packed outside Blackburn Town Hall and chanted their opposition to
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Why pub landlord got so upset
LARGER than life character Tony Manniex has never let life get him down, but the former publican was a bit upset when a vandal smashed the window and crowbarred the door on his old Ford Sierra outside his Tyldesley home. The door wasn't locked in the
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Appalling TV ad
I AM so pleased that 580 viewers had the nous to complain to the powers that be, the ITC, about an appalling TV advert for chewing gum. I thought it might just be me who found it disgusting, but I was obviously wrong. I pride myself on having a sense
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Canal plunge happened first in Leigh!
THE best Corrie storyline in the programme's history saw serial killer Tricky Dicky plunge to his death after driving his family into the canal. The tale brought back memories of a similar real-life incident which happened in Leigh in 1960 when Leigh's
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Missiles target Saddam: Our 24-hour news service
PRESIDENT George Bush launched his war on Saddam Hussein today with a surprise attempt to take out the regime's leadership. More than 40 cruise missiles began raining down on Baghdad, but within three hours of the strikes Iraqi TV screened pictures of
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New signings boost RMI cause
MARK Patterson has moved decisively to recruit the services of former Wigan left-back Ian Pendlebury until the end of the season writes Martyn Hindley The 19-year-old Bolton-born trainee will almost certainly replace Paul Williams for RMI's crunch match
