Archive
-
Date
On this day - November 29
1907: Florence Nightingale was appointed to the Order of Merit at the age of 87. 1937: 999 was introduced as Scotland Yard's emergency number. 1937: German people learned that parents failing to instill Nazi values in their children would have them taken
-
Date
October 11 - this week in 1977
FARES FAIR: Taxi operators in Bury applied to increased hire charges claiming that the present fare structure was not realistic. LOLLIPOP FEAST: Despite increases in the cost of school meals, 'lollipop' patrols who manned crossing points at lunchtime
-
Date
On this day - February 7
1845: The Portland Vase, a Roman cameo glass vase dating from the 1st century BC, was smashed by a drunken visitor to the British Museum. 1924: Helena Normanton became the first woman barrister to practise at the Old Bailey. 1943: Americans were restricted
-
Date
January 17: This week in 1978 25 years ago
LOST WAGES: Security guard George Glover was attacked, gagged and bound and £800 in wages stolen from him while he was on duty at the Stubbins firm of Scapa Porrit Ltd. Mr Glover was found three hours later by another employee of the firm. The money was
-
Date
This week in 1978 - Feb 21
JERSEY JUMPERS: Fed up with heavy taxes, three local men left Bury to live and work in what they described as "the promised land". . . Jersey. Brothers Howard (21) and David Williams (25) of Cotswold Crescent, Bury, and Tony Martin (21) from Kenmore Road
-
Date
On this day - October 11
1899: The Boer War began. 1939: Albert Einstein warned American president Franklin Roosevelt of the possibilities of the atomic bomb. 1948: The BBC broadcast from Downing Street for the first time. 1957: The largest radio telescope in the world was switched
-
Date
On this day - December 6
1492: Columbus discovered Hispaniola, now known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 1768: The first edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica was published in Scotland. 1774: Austria became the first nation to introduce a state education system. 1877:
-
Date
This week (April 4) in 1978 25 years ago
COACH SMASH: A coach carrying Tottenham Hotspur supporters home after their teams 2-1 defeat at Burnley had one of its windows smashed by stone while parked in Walmersley Road, Bury. COLLAPSE: Angry residents of Britain Street, Bury, are due to hold a
-
Date
Today's the day - January 17
1773: Captain Cook's Resolution became the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle. 1827: The Duke of Wellington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. 1912: English explorer Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole. Norwegian, Roald
-
Date
October 17 - this week in 1977
25 years ago - A young married couple and their 13-month-old daughter were forced to flee their Fern Grove home in Bury after petrol spilled on to the living room carpet and burst into flames. After visiting relatives Mr Gerard Hisscott returned home
-
Date
January 10 - this week in 1978 25 years ago
Soccer night misery: A 600 name petition was drawn up by fed-up Fishpool residents who said match nights had become reminiscent of the wartime blitz. People living near to the Gigg Lane football ground blacked-out their homes and sat on the stairs in
-
Date
This week (from February 28) in 1978 25 years ago
SKATE-BORED: Bury was looking to become the first local authority in the country to draft a by-law banning skateboarding in the streets. STRANDED: British Rail staff swung into action in 1978 after 12-year-old Joanne Booth was left stranded in Bury while
-
Date
Jan 3 - This week in 1978 25 years ago
NEW YEAR SURPRISE: Farmer Tom Lord had a pleasant surprise on New Year's Day when he discovered two newly-born lambs among his flock. Mr Lord of Springbank Farm, Tottington, said the lambs had been born six to eight weeks early. LUCKY NEW YEAR: Almost
-
Date
December 13 - this week in 1977
ROYAL VISIT: Prince Charles cut out the red tape of his visit to Bury as he laughed and joked his way through his two-and-a-half hours in the town. The Prince of Wales dispensed with the usual royal visit formality as he stepped away from his security
-
Date
From the Bury Times of Friday August 25, 1978
SHAKERS played their part in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Southend United at Gigg Lane. The Shakers twice came from behind to level the scores as Southend showed why they are favourites for promotion. Peter Farrell, Andy Rowland and Bill Tucker were
-
Date
This week (March 28) in 1978 25 years ago
CAR WASH: A twelve month fight by residents in Wash Lane, Bury, to reduce the "nightmare" problems caused by heavy lorries using the road suffered a set back when Greater Manchester Council refused a local council request for temporary weight restrictions
-
Date
From the Bury Times of Friday August 11, 1978
TWO talented teenagers currently knocking on the first team door at Gigg Lane are Craig Madden and Paul Hilton. Craig, aged 19, was born in Gorton and played his early football at Dialstone Comprehensive School in Stockport. He went into the plastering
-
Date
From the Bury Times of Friday July 28, 1978
BURY FC: SUPPORTERS get their first chance of the season to see the Shakers in action when the first team and reserve squad face visiting Huddersfield Town. It will be a first chance to see the new forcing tactics due to be employed by player-manager
-
Date
Local lad takes humorous look at life!
BORN in Radcliffe, a black pudding fan, Shakers supporter and a well-known businessman, There's no-one more loyal to his roots than Gordon Lomax, apart from the fact that he now lives in Florida! But home is where the heart is they say, and Gordon's northern
-
Date
Scaring robbers off our streets
THERE are few offenders more despicable than criminals who prey on the elderly and infirm. It's difficult to exaggerate the lasting effect their actions have on those least able to protect themselves - and the anger such crimes provoke among the rest
-
Date
Winter bowls
THE 16th winner of the Pennington Park Winter Bowling competition was Cliff Berry who beat Billy Rigby in the final 21-20.The consolation final was won by Alan Bolger who beat John Prestwich 21-20.
-
Date
Leigh RUFC Fixtures for Saturday
1st XV: West Park, meet at 12.30 pm. 2nd XV: Pool away, meet at 12.15 pm. 3rd XV: Colne & Nelson at home, meet at 1.30 pm. Tofts: Pool away, meet at 12.45pm. Vets: Macclesfield at home, meet at 1.30 pm.
-
Date
From the Bury Times of Tuesday, September 19, 1978
BURY FC: Things went from bad to worst for Bury when they suffered another home defeat. This time, Watford inflicted a 2-1 loss on the Gigg Lane outfit. Watford star Luther Blissett was a real thorn in Bury's side throughout and it was against the run
-
Date
From the Bury Times of Wednesday, October 14, 1953
BURY FC: BURY'S poor form of late continued when they lost 1-0 to Rotherham in a result that leaves them teetering dangerously above the Division Two danger-zone. On the other hand, Rotherham went to the top of the table after this dour game. Imlach returned
-
Date
From the Bury Times of Friday April 14, 1978
BURY FC: Bury are hoping centre half Bill Tucker will be back at the heart of their defence for tomorrow's visit to Sealand Road where they face a Chester side with one of the most remarkable playing records in the Football League. Tucker is still feeling
-
Date
From the Bury Times week ending Saturday, October 24, 1953
BURY FC: The Shakers went down to a crushing 5-2 defeat at the hands of Leicester City. On target for Bury were Plant and Fletcher while the visitors' goals came from Morris (2), Rowley, Small and Hines. They stood fifth from bottom of the Second Division
-
Date
Boatyard built yachts and racing dinghies
IT may lie far from the sea, but Radcliffe has been home to more than one boat building yard in its time. Most well known was the lifeboat builders at Allens Green, which was bombed on Christmas Eve, 1944. But less famous was another yard where yachts
-
Date
Support brewing for a beery good idea
AFTER reading about Mr Tyson's micro brewery (LET, January 20 and 26) I have to say well done sir. I was so pleased to read of someone wanting to go on an adventure, but, alas, his dreams, like many in Darwen, have been knocked back. I ask the councillors
-
Date
Get in touch and I'll give you the facts
I AM surprised that Mr David Wild, of Clifton Street, Darwen (Letters, January 26), can quote a council report that he has, more than likely, not even read! If he has read the report, then he will have noted that the ward he lives in, Earcroft, receives
-
Date
Teenager Phil is a walking miracle
ALMOST a year ago teenage motorbike rider Phil Gregson was badly hurt in an accident. Had it not been for the quick actions of a crew from Leigh Fire Station, he might not be here today to tell his story to BRIAN GOMM. Crash victim owes his life to the
-
Date
Man is held in hunt for letter bombers
ITALIAN police have arrested a man in connection with the sending of letter bombs to Euro officials, including Radcliffe MEP Gary Titley. Officers believe 25-year-old Luca Farris may have sent a package containing threats to European Commission President
-
Date
Farmer reaps reward for making time for others
MAKING time to help others has earned a retired farmer the Bury Man of the Year title for 2004. Mr Jack Kenneford was presented with a glass tankard engraved with the arms of the borough and the logo of awards sponsors Bury Hospice, by the Mayor of Bury
-
Date
Pensioners fight back
PENSIONERS who are too frail or frightened of going to court are to fight back against crooks by providing live video evidence from their homes. Police hope the pioneering move will lead to thugs who have escaped jail because of the health or fears of
-
Date
Magical for Martin
NEW signing Martin Andresen marked his Rovers debut with a well taken goal and showed some fine touches in this one-sided encounter. Birmingham were first to press when Alan Morgan lost possession to Andrew Barrowman near to the left hand touchline. The
-
Date
Handyman cleared of molesting girl ten years ago
A MIDDLE-AGED handyman has been cleared of repeatedly molesting a schoolgirl more than 10 years ago. Alfred Scott, 51, who also buys and sells jewellery, was found not guilty of four charges of indecent assault by a Burnley Crown Court jury on the direction
-
Date
Jazz man Fred's back in town
ATHERTON's Market Street will soon see the opening of a new over 25's club called The Atmosphere. Owner's Richard and Julie Martin are hoping to attract a wide variety of live musical acts from around the North West region, anything ranging from blues
-
Date
Padiham and Hapton Bulletin
COMMUNITY beat manager, PC Tony Himycz, attended the recent meeting of the Ruskin Grove and Carter Avenue Neighbourhood Watch Committee. He told the members that opportunist thefts were targeting the village. He stressed the importance of keeping doors
-
Date
Residents tackle problem youth group
RESIDENTS in Burnley are launching a new community group to tackle the problems that led to a group of young people being given court orders to curb their bad behaviour. Stoneyholme and Daneshouse Action Group will be modelled on the successful Brunshaw
-
Date
Hospital's joy at £1.25m scanner
EAST Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trusts' £1.25million scanner unit was being officially opened today. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner at Burnley General Hospital will be used to detect life-threatening diseases such as cancer. It has been funded
-
Date
Girls' night out then Polly heads for tip
IT WAS hair today, gone tomorow for one of Burnley's most popular landmarks. One minute, lifesize mannequin Polly was enticing punters into Woman 2 Woman nail and beauty salon. The next minute, she was flattened by a reversing car, leaving her with broken
-
Date
Problems go on at shops centre
A REPRESENTATIVE from the construction firm involved in the controversial Nelson town centre development is to be asked to appear before councillors. The development of the Pendle Rise shopping centre by Manchester-based developers Modus has attracted
-
Date
Why you should go walkabout
A SERIES of walkabouts have been announced for the people of Nelson to tell planners what they want for their town. Six two-hour sessions have been planned for residents in different parts of the town to walk the streets with consultants and have their
-
Date
Birthday mum's battle for life
A MOTHER remained in a critical condition in hospital on Wednesday after she was seriously injured in a road accident on her 28th birthday. Michelle Williams has undergone more than 10 hours of emergency surgery as doctors battle to save her life. Parents
-
Date
50 years ago
MPs from Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington and Clitheroe were preparing for one of the most bitterly-fought battles parliament had seen for many months. Worried over the latest proposals in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trades they were to seize their
-
Date
Regulars do their bit for Jacob
ATHERTON pub regulars will roll out the barrel to help boost funds to beat childhood cancers. Staff at the The Glass Barrel at Hindsford have organised a charity bash on February 15 in aid of six-years-old Jacob Marsden who is being treated at Royal Manchester
-
Date
Charlotte celebrates big day with early night
IT was early to bed for Mrs Charlotte Arnold on Sunday, just like any other day. But Sunday was far from ordinary for Charlotte -- because it was her 100th birthday. So on Sunday, Charlotte, who lives at Lyndhurst, a residential care home in College Street
-
Date
Tour buses set to roll
THE first organised coach trips to bring tourists into Accrington are set to roll next month. Plans to promote the town as a tourist attraction have been in the pipeline since last year, when work on the new town centre market square and shops was underway
-
Date
MP calls for car insurance disc
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham wants to make it compulsory for motorists to display a windscreen disc to show they are insured. Mr Burnham decided to act after speaking with local people who had been involved in motoring accidents with drivers who had no insurance
-
Date
Memorial to tragic Stephen
A MEMORIAL shield has been created by a therapy and education centre to ensure the memory of a young horse rider lives on. Stephen Binns, who had cerebral palsy, died suddenly last November after contracting flu. The 13-year-old, of Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle
-
Date
Village sees red over green plan
ASTLEYITES are stepping up their fight against plans to build an office block on their village green. Proposals to build a three storey development on the vacant land which once housed pit baths and a canteen were submitted in December 2003 and met with
-
Date
Have guitar will travel
FOLK star Bram Taylor will see his magnificent seventh solo album hit the music stores next month before heading off for his sixth US tour and a debut trip to Canada. The Leigh singer has recently put the finishing touches to his latest CD 'The Night
-
Date
Lookalike Tony off to start a new life in Oz
MATTHEW Kelly lookalike Antony Jenkins is heading for a new life Down Under. Next month Antony, his wife, Angela, and seven-years-old son, Jack, will swap the sights of the Leeds-Liverpool canal for the Great Barrier Reef. The family are moving to Townsville
-
Date
Get three tenors for just eight quid!
THREE top tenors are hitting the high notes for charities close to their hearts. Tenori, made up of Leigh singers John Marsden and John Christodoulou plus Alex Grove from Didsbury, are staging Three Tenors-style concerts at venues throughout the north
-
Date
5% tax rise -- unless public offer way out
A COUNCIL tax rise of five per cent is on the cards, but residents may suffer cuts in services. Although finance experts have described it as a "standstill" budget, there will be a shortfall of £2.1m unless a higher increase is agreed. Now it is up to
-
Date
Assault charge dropped
AN assault charge was dropped against a taxi passenger after a video showed the driver throwing a punch, a court heard. Rochdale Magistrates heard that Ian Peter Royle, aged 33, of Simister Lane, Prestwich, had admitted criminally damaging the taxi. But
-
Date
Vow to fight on merger plans
BATTLING Ribble Valley Council has called two public meetings to discuss plans to merge the rural borough with neighbouring authorities in a proposed local government shake-up. The special "open floor" meetings will give residents the chance to have their
-
Date
Bus lance change
ELEVEN months ago, the Council introduced a bus lane scheme along Bolton Road in Atherton. After numerous complaints the Department of Engineering Services decided to change the permanent order to a temporary one. I am pleased they have decided to abolish
-
Date
We trust Robert
IN a letter last Saturday to an evening newspaper Philip Loudon wished to contest the point that allegations brought against Robert Bleakley were 'trivial'. His letter stated "the public's faith in local democracy has been damaged". He is right; our faith
-
Date
Rule changes not way to beat BNP
I HAVE read some whacky things in my time but the latest report of the Electoral Reform Society - in this case on the BNP and Burnley - takes some beating. Like people who sometimes write to me, using green ink and loads of underlining, it starts off
-
Date
School takes a 'break'
TV Stars and break dance experts "Street Dance" were at Westleigh High last Friday working with students at dance clubs. Students enjoyed the workshops which covered street dance, breakdance and robotics routines. School drama head Laura Kidd said: "We
-
Date
Brassed Off? Not Gareth
A LOCAL music teacher has been in the USA, competing in an international brass band festival. Gareth Daniel, a newly qualified teacher, got back into training for a knockout trip to Philadelphia. He has been granted a sabbatical from his new position
-
Date
Dancers wanted
FRED Longworth High is seeking new members for the Masc Dance aned Drama Company. Anyone aged 16-25 years with a learning disability and a keen interest in dance and drama is welcome. Workshops are held at the Tyldesley school each Wednesday (6pm-7pm)
-
Date
Help wanted to deliver meals
VOLUNTEER drivers and helpers are needed to help deliver meals on wheels in the Leigh area. Out of pocket expenses will be paid to those who can spare a couple of hours between 11am and 1pm. Contact Eunice or Margaret at Leigh Conservative Club or phone
-
Date
It's time for old tyme...
LADIES and gentlemen, for your delight -- an old tyme music hall has been organised to boost the borough's Shopmobility Scheme. Maghull Operatic Society will take the stage at Lowton Civic Hall on February 20. Tickets at £6.50 including a hot pot supper
-
Date
Living for kicks...
PURPLE belt Bethany Harper collected the best kick-boxing student trophy at her last grading session. The nine-years-old Leigh St Peter's School pupil decided to take up the sport two years ago following in the footsteps of a friend -- and has excelled
-
Date
Winter Hill Fell Race
THE annual Winter Hill Fell Race takes place on Sunday, February 15. The 11-mile race includes a 2,700ft climb and is not suitable for novices. Starting at 10am from Higher Rivington Barn, Rivington Lane, Horwich, the race visits nine check-points before
-
Date
Miners look to shoot down Eagles
RESPECTED Challenge Cup fighters Leigh Miners Rangers will hope to add another professional scalp to their already impressive list when they clash with Sheffield Eagles on Friday. Even though the Eagles were shock Challenge Cup winners in 1998, the Miners
-
Date
East topple champions
TWELVE-MAN Leigh East U13s put on a great show of skill and commitment to beat previously unbeaten league champions Haydock Warriors 12-10 on their own patch. East dominated the first half with Haydock not looking likely to score. Stand-off Philip Sproston
-
Date
Tom's best run earns bronze
LEIGH Harrier Tom Boardman produced his finest cross country run of the season to lift his first Northern Championship medal. Running at Sherdley Park, St Helens, in the youths' 6k race, Tom stormed to bronze after breaking away with the leaders to clock
-
Date
Jay fears for season
BLACKBURN defender Jay McEveley fears he could be ruled out for the rest of the season. The 18-year-old Academy starlet has had surgery to cure the knee problem he sustained during a recent loan spell with Burnley. And specialists have told the talented
-
Date
Letter bombs suspect held
ITALIAN police have arrested a man suspected of sending letter bombs to Euro officials, including North-west MEP Gary Titley. Officers believe Luca Farris, aged 25, may have sent a package containing threats to European Commission President Romano Prodi's
-
Date
£200,000 safety move near school
A ROAD safety scheme in Radcliffe has been allocated £200,000 to cut down on the number of child casualties. The School Street area gives access to Radcliffe High School and has a history of mishaps, particularly at junctions along Lord Street and Abden
-
Date
Car smash survivor gets on his charity bike
A MAN seriously injured in a road accident is helping raise money for disabled youngsters by cycling from his home in Radcliffe to Blackpool. Peter Crane (35), of Haworth Walk, was involved in a horrific car accident in 1988 which left him in a coma for
-
Date
Help Blind Society
WIGAN, Leigh and District Society for the Blind is seeking new committee members. Anyone interested in helping is invited to the annual meeting on Monday, February 16, at 7pm in Wigan Town Hall.
-
Date
Mass for married life
A MASS to celebrate married life has been arranged as part of centenary celebrations at Sacred Heart Church in Walmesley Road, Leigh. Everyone is welcome at the mass which begins at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 19, with refreshments afterwards.
-
Date
Dancers wanted
FRED Longworth High is seeking new members for the Masc Dance aned Drama Company. Anyone aged 16-25 years with a learning disability and a keen interest in dance and drama is welcome. Workshops are held at the Tyldesley school each Wednesday (6pm-7pm)
-
Date
Church celebrates
BICKERSHAW Methodist Church will celebrate its 105th anniversary on February 8 with a range of activities. Everyone is welcome to join the Morning Worship led by Reverend Adrian Perry at 11am followed by a musical service led by the James Hedley Singers
-
Date
Back to Sunday school with Diane
LEIGH Townswomen's Guild members went back to Sunday school when Diane Allen recalled classes past and present. Next Tuesday (February 10) Minnie Lowe will examine verse and entertainment in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.15pm. Everyone welcome.
-
Date
Allan tells mining history
LEIGH archivist and former curator of the Lancashire Mining Museum, Allan Davies, returns to Atherton Heritage Society on Tuesday, February 10, at 7.30pm where he will speak on "A History of Mining Through Art". He will give visitors a comprehensive history
-
Date
Marathon man's time tonic in Athens
DARWEN athlete Brian Cole has been told he is well on his way to beating his personal best when he takes part in the London Marathon in April. The 32-year-old Royal Marine, of Woodville Terrace, met his team-mates in Nike's Team Bowerman - a specially-selected
-
Date
Sean stars in debut album
ONE of opera's rising stars has put together his first ever recorded work. Irish tenor Sean Ruane, who grew up in Bacup, has produced 'She Moved Thro' The Fair' -- the singer's response to numerous requests from fans for a CD. He said: "It's a very personal
-
Date
Society gets new worker
THANKS to a donation from the Atherton and Leigh Round Table the Leigh branch of the Parkinsons Disease Society how has a community support worker -- Jill Strickland. Jill can provide information and support for people with Parkinsons, their families
-
Date
Chartists accuse council of wasting money
A ROSSENDALE pressure group has accused council bosses of wasting money after they put forward proposals to spend £100,000 on improving the controversial benefits system. Rossendale Chartists spoke at last night's council meeting to raise their concerns
-
Date
Jill's Parkinsons Society role
THANKS to a donation from Atherton and Leigh Round Table the Leigh branch of the Parkinsons Disease Society now has a community support worker -- Jill Strickland. Jill can provide information and support for people with Parkinsons, their families and
-
Date
Cottages flooded in rivers red alert
HOMES in Rossendale were flooded as heavy rain put parts of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale on flood alert. Firefighters in Rossendale went to Holcombe Road, in Haslingden, to pump out water in the basement of two cottages last night. Fire crews from Rawtenstall
-
Date
Virtually certain to be a success
A NEW £2.8m business centre in Rossendale has opened its doors via the virtual world of the internet. Through a revolutionary computer mock-up of the development potential tenants can now take a virtual tour of the building. Construction of the Kingfisher
-
Date
Stabbing victim was 'like a brother'
A MAN facing a murder charge told a jury that he loved the victim like a brother and he had been defending himself at the time of the killing. Preston Crown Court has heard that Brian Jeffers would have died within minutes after being stabbed in the heart
-
Date
Undercover booze crackdown
A CRACKDOWN on illegal alcohol sales has moved to Tyldesley and Astley. Trading watchdogs are stepping-up their battle against sales of booze to underage buyers following success in other parts of Wigan borough. An undercover operation is being mounted
-
Date
School takes a 'break'
TV Stars and break dance experts "Street Dance" were at Westleigh High last Friday working with students at dance clubs. Students enjoyed the workshops which covered street dance, breakdance and robotics routines. School drama head Laura Kidd said: "We
-
Date
Brassed Off? Not Gareth
A LOCAL music teacher has been in the USA, competing in an international brass band festival. Gareth Daniel, a newly qualified teacher, got back into training for a knockout trip to Philadelphia. He has been granted a sabbatical from his new position
-
Date
Pensioner's scream scares off attacker
A MAN who forced his way into a 78-year-old Golborne woman's home ran off when she screamed after he grabbed her. The leather-jacketed attacker, described as white and just five feet tall, wore a balaclava and gloves and escaped after being chased by
-
Date
Charity warns of ticket scam.
A HEADTEACHER has issued a warning after tickets were sold supposedly in aid of a children's special school. Colin Myers, head of Two Porches at Atherton, was alerted to the scam by charity champion Brian Strett after a woman claiming to be selling scratch
-
Date
Regulars do their bit for Jacob
ATHERTON pub regulars will roll out the barrel to help boost funds to beat childhood cancers. Staff at the The Glass Barrel at Hindsford have organised a charity bash on February 15 in aid of six-years-old Jacob Marsden who is being treated at Royal Manchester
-
Date
Tales of chemist Harry
CHEMIST Harry White has retired as manager of an Atherton pharmacy after 34 years -- with a few tales to tell. Harry, of Upton Road, Atherton, who will continue at the Church Street branch of Cohen's Chemists on two days a week, recalls the time he used
-
Date
Boro under friendly fire
WITH the Unibond cup at the weekend leaving Boro without a fixture, manager Kevin Glendon was anxious to get his side some match action before entertaining Spennymoor United at Stainton Park on Saturday. A hastily arranged friendly at Unibond First Division
-
Date
Boro in action and a top 13 target
AFTER a weekend's enforced rest due to the Unibond Cup, Boro are back in action on Saturday when they entertain North East side Spennymoor United. Having not lost at home so far this year - beating Bradford Park Avenue and Frickley United in the league
-
Date
Fright in car park
A WOMAN felt frightened and intimidated when approached by a man asking for money on a Blackburn town centre car park. And Blackburn magistrates were told it was not the first time John Michael Hosty had been convicted of similar offences. Hosty, 29,
-
Date
Help Blind Society
WIGAN, Leigh and District Society for the Blind is seeking new committee members. Anyone interested in helping is invited to the annual meeting on Monday, February 16, at 7pm in Wigan Town Hall.
-
Date
Lanky comedians in focus
A FUN night is in store for Leigh Literary Society on Monday, February 16, when Tony Hilton gives an illustrated talk on "Lancashire Comedians" in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm. Non-members £1.50.
-
Date
Blackburn firm's goggles protect stars
STAR-studded TV show I'm a Celebrity..Get Me Out of Here! has proved an eye-opener for one Blackburn company...in more ways than one. For staff at swimwear suppliers Aqua Sphere Ltd make the plastic goggles which are all that stand between the squeamish
-
Date
Trust backs pharmacies
AN EAST Lancashire Primary Care Trust has spoken out in support of the area's pharmacists following a report by Which? magazine. Researchers from the magazine went undercover on 84 pharmacy visits in England, Scotland and Wales with a variety of medical
-
Date
Dunny loses out on a 'Win'
EX-ROVERS star David Dunn says it may not be all over between him and actress Sammy Winward. David, 24, split from his soap star fiance - who plays Katie in ITV Emmerdale - last week. The Great Harwood-born football star blamed the break up on Sammy's
-
Date
RC website to boost parishes
AN internet enthusiast is transporting Blackburn and Darwen's Roman Catholic churches into cyberspace. Web master Damian Brown, of Carlton Gardens, Shear Brow, wants to encourage more people to attend church services in East Lancashire by publishing his
-
Date
Pensioners fight back
PENSIONERS who are too frail or frightened of going to court are to fight back against crooks by providing live video evidence from their homes. Police hope the pioneering move will lead to thugs who have escaped jail because of the health or fears of
-
Date
Stanley's Lutel on the list
LUTEL James has rocked Accrington Stanley by slapping in a transfer request following a bitter row with manager John Coleman. James accused Coleman of "hanging him out to dry" by playing him on the right side of midfield for most of the season. But the
-
Date
School makes the grade
ST MARY'S Catholic High has been awarded specialist college status in computing and maths. The Astley seat of learning -- the biggest secondary school in Wigan borough -- is the first to gain such distinction in those subjects. Staff at the school have
-
Date
School bobby Jeff makes learning safer
A UNIQUE scheme to make schools safer is being piloted in two local schools. Since last September, PC Jeff Williams has devoted and divided his time between Westleigh and Hindley high schools. Full-time, uniformed police officers have become a permanent
-
Date
Lowton obstacle
A LOWTON resident has written asking me to try and reclaim the pavement for pedestrians facing a daily obstacle route! Apparently drivers are swinging on to the pavement outside shops near Church Lane leaving walkers with no option but to step out into
-
Date
Thoughts to lift those blues
MY Monday morning blues were lifted by a self discovery article I read in Wigan and Leigh Pensioners' Link's helpful magazine "Linkline". Every point rang a poignant bell. I started with nothing and still have most of it My wild oats have turned into
-
Date
Charity Cup donations
DONATIONS of £1200 were made to various local charities as the proceeds of the Atherton Charity Cup. Cash went to Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Manchester Children's Hospital, Two Porches School, Fourways, Derian House, Manor Fold, Blakeborough House, Atherton
-
Date
Weather wipes out all games
THE entire programme of games in the Leigh and District Youth League was wiped out by bad weather at the weekend. The league started in 1996 and, until recently, was the fastest growing league in the country. It is virtually the only league in the North
-
Date
February 7 - This week in 1978
CUTLERY CHARGE: An idea to make children pay a service charge for taking packed lunches to school was quashed by education bosses in Bury. It was considered charging 5p a day for kids taking sandwiches to offset the cost of supplying and washing up cutlery
-
Date
Today's the day - January 3
1777: George Washington's forces defeated the British at the Battle of Princeton in New Jersey, during the War of Independence. 1892: J R R Tolkein, author of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, was born. 1900: The new Royal yacht, Victoria and Albert
-
Date
Today's the day - December 20
1928: Harry Ramsden opened his first fish and chip restaurant in a hut near Bradford. 1933: Flying Down to Rio premiered in New York and marked the first time Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had appeared in a feature film together. 1955: Cardiff became
-
Date
Today's the day - Nov22, 2002
1247: According to legend, Robin Hood died on this day. 1918: One hundred women police patrols were appointed. 1928: The first pound and ten shilling notes came into circulation. 1946: Biro ball point pens went on sale in Britain. 1963: John F Kennedy
-
Date
Centurions fans whet their appetites
FANS of Leigh Centurions will be treated to a whole series of bar promotions and entertainment before all future home games at Hilton Park. This week the club management announced a special match-day package for fans in the Mick Martyn Bar prior to every
-
Date
On this day - November 8
1793: The Louvre was opened to the public by the Revolutionary government. 1895: Wilhelm Rontgen discovered X-rays during an experiment at the University of Wurzburg. 1954: The Highway Code was introduced. 1957: Peasants fled in terror when paratroopers
-
Date
January 24: This week in 1978
TALENT TANTRUMS: Chants of "it's a fix" and "rubbish" greeted the result of the first round heat of Radio Manchester's "Town Team" talent competition between teams from Bury and Trafford at Bury Town Hall. When the Trafford were declared winners by one
-
Date
Town hall puts out the flag for new citizens
HUNDREDS of Bury "foreigners" will soon be publicly swearing their allegiance if they take British nationality. Bury Town Hall is preparing to hold the first citizenship ceremonies in April, now required by law as the final part of the procedure for becoming
-
Date
Police 'nick' keys to idling cars
POLICE will be pinching car keys -- in a bid to reduce vehicle thefts on cold mornings. Officers are hitting the streets on icy mornings to track cars left unattended on driveways with their engines running and the keys in the ignition -- while the windows
-
Date
On this day - December 13
1577: Francis Drake set out from Plymouth in The Golden Hind on his journey around the world. 1878: The first electric street lighting in Britain was erected in London. 1904: The Metropolitan underground railway in London was electrified. 1923: Dr Lee
-
Date
From the Radcliffe Times of September 25, 1953
A lifting of textile sanctions against Japan by three East African nations would have little adverse impact on the textile trade in Lancashire, according to the Radcliffe Cotton Manufacturers Association. IN an attempt to stave off an anticipated shortage
-
Date
On this day - October 25
1415: The English Army defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War. 1839: The world's first railway timetable, Bradshaw's Railway Guide, was published in Manchester. 1854: Lord Cardigan led the Charge of the Light Brigade
-
Date
Today's the day - March 14
1891: The submarine, Monarch, laid the first underwater telephone cable. 1905: Chelsea FC was founded. 1939: The longest ever Test match was abandoned after 12 days because the English had to catch their boat home. The total playing time was 43 hours
-
Date
October 6 - this week in 1977
RTA RESCUE: Striking firemen left the picket lines to help an RAF rescue team free a man who was trapped in his car following an accident at the junction of Bolton Street and Millett Street. Three cars were involved in the crash. After being released
-
Date
Today's the day - March 21
1916: Importing pianos was banned for the duration of the war. 1922: Waterloo station was opened by Queen Mary. 1923: Scientists claimed smoking was good for you as nicotine acted as an anti-bacterial agent. 1925: Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh was
-
Date
January 31 - Today's the day
1606: Guy Fawkes and his associates were hung, drawn and quartered in London. 1747: The first clinic specialising in the treatment of venereal diseases was opened at the London Dock Hospital. 1876: All Native American Indians were ordered to move into
-
Date
January 31 - This week in 1978
SCHOOL EXPULSIONS: Bury Community Relations Council was calling a conference of local head teachers and parent-teacher groups to decide how to guard children from National Front intrusion into local schools. Its chairman, the Rev Gerald Downing, emphasised
-
Date
Stanley was always at home with a takeaway
WHEN he was a child, the smell of fish and chips was always in the air for Stanley Perrins, of Higher Dean Street in Radcliffe. Mr Perrins committed his memories to paper for Days to Remember of the chip shop in Robert Street that his parents kept until
-
Date
November 1 - this week in 1977
OLD MONEY: Twenty pensioners were refusing to pay a rent increase. The old folk who lived in sheltered accommodation at Taylor House, Brandlesholme, claimed that in the past rent increases had been covered by the DHSS but this time they had received nothing
-
Date
January 10 - today's the day
1828: The Bank of England issued a one penny banknote. 1840: Sir Issac Pitman began the first correspondence course for his shorthand system. 1868: The last deported convicts landed in Australia. 1920: The Treaty of Versailles was ratified, officially
-
Date
November 29 - this week in 1977
Motorists gave the £2 million cut-price solution to the town's Bury Bridge traffic problems a massive thumbs down. Tuesday, normally regarded as the easiest day with half-day closing turned out to be "late for work day" for commuters using the new system
-
Date
This week (March 21) in 1978
WHAT'S IN A NAME: The new £4.2 million road-rail bus station being built in the town centre was to be known simply as "Bury Interchange." Local councillors decided on the title after being asked by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive to choose
-
Date
Today's the day (March 28)
1868: The leader of the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade, the Earl of Cardigan, died. 1906: The New York Meteorological Office announced that it would soon be possible to forecast the weather. 1917: The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps was founded.
-
Date
Today's the day - February 28
1912: The first parachute jump made over Missouri, America. 1931: Sir Oswald Mosely formed the British Fascist Party. 1950: The French Assembly curbed the sale of Coca Cola on French soil. 1966: The Cavern Club in Liverpool closed. 1971: Lichtenstein
-
Date
December 20 - this week in 1977
Bury man Anthony Keane, a non-swimmer, had a lucky escape when he fell into the River Roch. The 40-year-old of Manchester Road was seen by a taxi driver as he fell from Blackford Bridge. The driver informed two passing police dog handlers, Sgt Tommy Flemming
-
Date
November 8 - this week in 1977
SUITS YOU SIR!: For the third year running, Andrew Tryfon of Apollo Avenue, Sunny Bank, was among the top award winners at the British Federation of Merchant Tailors' annual show and competition in London. The 37-year-old beat the best that Saville Row
-
Date
Today's the day - January 24
AD41: Roman emperor, Caligula, was assassinated. 1890: The first train passed over the Forth Bridge. 1900: The world's oldest badminton club was founded in Newcastle. 1916: The American Supreme Court ruled that income tax was unconstitutional. 1935: Beer
-
Date
November 22 - this week in 1977
STRIKE A LIGHT: Bury's striking firemen revealed plans for a mass resignation was being considered. They claimed to have public opinion on their side in the fight for better pay and conditions. However, they felt that the longer the strike went on, the
-
Date
Musings of a Black Pudding Man by Gordon Lomax
BORN in Radcliffe, a black pudding fan, Shakers supporter and a well-known businessman, There's no-one more loyal to his roots than Gordon Lomax, apart from the fact that he now lives in Florida! But home is where the heart is they say, and Gordon's northern
-
Date
Last letter from the trenches
A LETTER from the trenches tells the poignant story of a First World War soldier who was all too aware of his likely fate. Private Thomas Hubbard wrote a letter to his father two weeks before an allied attack on Montauban, Flanders. Aged 24, he was fatally
-
Date
Fountain gave rector hope for town's future
"A LITTLE oasis in our desert", was the description given to Radcliffe's first public monument -- an ornate drinking fountain writes Richard Connor Those were the words of the Rector of Radcliffe Rev Stanley Swinburne, a very outspoken man. Chronicling
-
Date
Councils get cash incentive to recycle
MANY more homes throughout East Lancashire could be getting new kerbside collections to help them recycle more of their rubbish. The county council has approved plans to offer district councils more cash to improve their waste collection and recycling
-
Date
Vandals hit bus for blind people
ON Sunday, December 7, 2003, I was due to transport a party of blind people to a Christmas lunch. On arriving at the car park I found the minibus had been vandalised for the second time, the windows broken and various items stolen. The most important
-
Date
Blair has spun once too often
AMID all the discussion about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, the Hutton report and the alleged lies from Downing Street everyone seems to be missing the real point. Not once has Tony Blair stated that he KNEW that there were WMDs in Iraq, just that
-
Date
Achievements worth a mention
WHILE I agree with some of the points raised in the Ofsted report about the standard of education in Moorland, I feel I should write about the good the school has achieved. It was only two weeks ago when your paper issued an article on Year 11 business
-
Date
Gym'll fix it for us!
NOT everyone is moaning about the atrocious weather. As a Burnley player, I am well used to September arriving and bringing with it the reality of a long winter training down at Gawthorpe - or as the players call it - 'The Bog!' It only needs the odd
-
Date
Cottages flooded in rivers red alert
HOMES in Rossendale were flooded as heavy rain put parts of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale on flood alert. Firefighters in Rossendale went to Holcombe Road, in Haslingden, to pump out water in the basement of two cottages last night. Fire crews from Rawtenstall
-
Date
Doorstep clothing donations warning
TRADING standards inspectors are urging people to take care when donating clothes to charity. They say that "misleading" leaflets have been put through doors, saying that the clothes will go to poor families in Eastern Europe, and using names including
-
Date
Car smash survivor gets on his charity bike
A MAN seriously injured in a road accident is helping raise money for disabled youngsters by cycling from his home in Radcliffe to Blackpool. Peter Crane (35), of Haworth Walk, was involved in a horrific car accident in 1988 which left him in a coma for
-
Date
Jay fears for season
BLACKBURN defender Jay McEveley fears he could be ruled out for the rest of the season. The 18-year-old Academy starlet has had surgery to cure the knee problem he sustained during a recent loan spell with Burnley. And specialists have told the talented
-
Date
Driver over drink limit was newly qualified
A DRINK driver caught out by police had only passed his driving test two weeks before, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how Zamshed Miah, 23, told police he had had a bottle of WKD alcopop. Miah, of Brougham Street, admitted driving with excess
-
Date
Jail threat to accused drunk in the dock
A DEFENDANT who turned up at court drunk was warned not to do it again - or he could end up in the cells. Shaun Waling, 34, who admitted the allegations he was charged with and constantly apologised, was told by a district judge he could have faced contempt
-
Date
Labour group snub for would-be MP
BURNLEY man Shahid Malik is appealing against the decision to eliminate him from the race to stand as the Parliamentary candidate for Brent East in London. Despite winning the most nominations in the first stage of the process, members of Brent East Labour
-
Date
'Age check' on trouble teens
UNDERAGE drinkers and smokers are being tackled in Burnley through a new 'Agecheck' scheme aimed at helping shopkeepers get to grips with trouble teens. Lancashire County Council Trading Standards officers and Burnley Community Safety Partnership have
-
Date
Plea on doorstep menace
CAMPAIGNING East Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice wants the Government to legislate to tackle the problem of uninvited doorstep traders. The Pendle Labour backbencher has backed a new campaign to give powers to Trading Standards officers to crack down on
-
Date
Cabbie more than twice over drink limit
A PART-time cabbie who smashed into a wall was more than twice the drink drive limit, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates Court heard that father-of-two Shafqat Ali, 25, told police he only had one bottle of WKD. Ali, of Every Street, Nelson, admitted
-
Date
Pub with a colourful history, by George!
THOUSANDS of vehicles pass a prominent building in Blackburn every day of the week -- but few realise what history lays behind its door. And far from being a historical building that has laid down to rest the former George Inn -- on the corner of Darwen
-
Date
25 years ago
BLACKBURN'S hospitals were hit by further industrial action as porter began a work to contract and overtime ban. The action by 50 men at Queen's Park Hospital and Blackburn Infirmary meant that certain shifts might not be covered, warned a union official
-
Date
Ten years ago
WORLD Cup soccer legend Nobby Stiles helped to boost the Chaigley Manor Children's Appeal. The former England and Manchester United hero was chief guest at a sportsman's dinner when a grand raffle raised more than £300 to help the Ribble Valley Convalescent
-
Date
RUGBY: Mistakes cost Dale dearly
ROSSENDALE were caught cold on a wet and windy day in Ormskirk. The home side went ahead early with a breakaway try that should have been halted before the half-way line was crossed. Some poor tackling from both forwards and backs allowed the Ormskirk
-
Date
Mum: We'll find her say police
POLICE searching for the dismembered body of missing mother-of-six Zeinab Begum say they are hopeful of finding it. Officers are still examining three sites in two separate towns, including an Accrington town centre kebab shop. Although the 56-year-old's
-
Date
School bobby Jeff makes learning safer
A UNIQUE scheme to make schools safer is being piloted in two local schools. Since last September, PC Jeff Williams has devoted and divided his time between Westleigh and Hindley high schools. Full-time, uniformed police officers have become a permanent
-
Date
'My son was in tears'
A FURIOUS mum is seeking an apology from a bike dealer for customer service which she claims upset her 12-years-old son. Single mum Julie Barton bought a Mongoose stunt bike from Ratcliffe's in Bradshawgate, Leigh, as a special Christmas treat for son
-
Date
Beer Bash organisers are in good spirits...
AN estimated 2,500 visitors raised their pint glasses to ensure Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table's 15th Bent and Bongs Beer Bash was another huge success. "It went very well," said Honorary Round Tabler and beer festival stalwart Brian Gleave. Organisers
-
Date
Downpour sparks red alert on rivers
RESIDENTS and business owners living near the Ribble and Darwen rivers were placed on flood alert last night as East Lancashire was hit by a deluge. Steady rainfall prompted the Environment Agency to put the Ribble in Ribchester on flood warning, the
-
Date
Insurance anger
ANDY Burnham's proposal re car insurance seems to be another means of self-publicity. As a car driver who pays up for insurance regularly, I know, as does every other legitimate car owner, that to get a road tax disc, one has to produce certain documents
-
Date
I thank Standards Board for barring councillor
MAY I say 'thank you' to Sir Anthony Holland, Chair of the Standards Board for England, for his decision in barring ex-Cllr Robert Bleakley from office. Maybe, with Mr Bleakley gone, local politics will return to what they once were. Over the years Mr
-
Date
Local History Society
FOLLOWING its successful Christmas celebration in December, shared with the Literary Society and guests from Edenfield, Radcliffe Local History Society was pleased to welcome one of its own members, Ian Southern, to give an illustrated talk on The Romans
-
Date
Telford washout
BURNLEY are licking their wounds after missing out on a £265,000 FA Cup windfall. I can reveal that the BBC have decided against screening the Clarets fifth round tie after the second wash-out of Telford's fourth round clash with Millwall last night.
-
Date
Education watchdog praises top school
A LOWTON school has been praised for its outstanding success by the nation's top education watchdog. On Wednesday St Catherine's Catholic Primary School was highlighted as exceptional in the Chief Inspector of Schools' annual report. Proud head Mrs Liz
-
Date
Charity warns of ticket scam.
A HEADTEACHER has issued a warning after tickets were sold supposedly in aid of a children's special school. Colin Myers, head of Two Porches at Atherton, was alerted to the scam by charity champion Brian Strett after a woman claiming to be selling scratch
-
Date
Mass for married life
A MASS to celebrate married life has been arranged as part of centenary celebrations at Sacred Heart Church in Walmesley Road, Leigh. Everyone is welcome at the mass which begins at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 19, with refreshments afterwards.
-
Date
Back to Sunday school with Diane
LEIGH Townswomen's Guild members went back to Sunday school when Diane Allen recalled classes past and present. Next Tuesday (February 10) Minnie Lowe will examine verse and entertainment in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.15pm. Everyone welcome.
-
Date
Allan tells mining history
LEIGH archivist and former curator of the Lancashire Mining Museum, Allan Davies, returns to Atherton Heritage Society on Tuesday, February 10, at 7.30pm where he will speak on "A History of Mining Through Art". He will give visitors a comprehensive history
-
Date
Daten men lose tight game
DATEN Hockey Club's men's first team went down 2-1 to Sale last Saturday. Sale started well and scored a goal in the first half and although Daten did put the pressure on, they were unable to get an equaliser. In the second half it was end to end action
-
Date
Tofts make a point-less trip to Park...
LEIGH RU Tofts came away with nothing when they visited Broughton Park, losing 5-0. Broughton took the lead when a defensive mix-up between scrum-half Isherwood and Ken Hilton presented the opposition centre with a clear path to the line. In the second
-
Date
Tough draw for Golborne
GOLBORNE Parkside have been given a tough draw in the first round of the GMB Union BARLA National Cup. They will meet Bank Quay Bulls, currently undefeated for two years in the NW Counties League. The match kicks off at 2pm at Intex Sports Golborne were
-
Date
Five per cent tax rise, unless public offer way out
A COUNCIL tax rise of five per cent is on the cards, but residents may suffer cuts in services. Although finance experts have described it as a "standstill" budget, there will be a shortfall of £2.1m unless a higher increase is agreed. Now it is up to
-
Date
Telford washout
BURNLEY are licking their wounds after missing out on a £265,000 FA Cup windfall. I can reveal that the BBC have decided against screening the Clarets fifth round tie after the second wash-out of Telford's fourth round clash with Millwall last night.
-
Date
Lanky comedians in focus
A FUN night is in store for Leigh Literary Society on Monday, February 16, when Tony Hilton gives an illustrated talk on "Lancashire Comedians" in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm. Non-members £1.50.
-
Date
MP's surgery times
MP Andy Burnham will hold surgeries on Saturday, February 7 at the following venues: Church Lane Community Centre, Lowton (9.30am-10.30am); Atherton Town Hall (10.45am-11.45am) and Leigh Advice Centre, 10 Market Street (noon-1pm).
-
Date
Man in court on GBH charge
A LEIGH man accused of a serious assault appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. Aaron Lilley, 23, of Westleigh Lane is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Michael Barker on November 9. Lilley was further remanded on bail until
-
Date
Help wanted to deliver meals
VOLUNTEER drivers and helpers are needed to help deliver meals on wheels in the Leigh area. Out of pocket expenses will be paid to those who can spare a couple of hours between 11am and 1pm. Contact Eunice or Margaret at Leigh Conservative Club or phone
-
Date
It's time for old tyme...
LADIES and gentlemen, for your delight -- an old tyme music hall has been organised to boost the borough's Shopmobility Scheme. Maghull Operatic Society will take the stage at Lowton Civic Hall on February 20. Tickets at £6.50 including a hot pot supper
-
Date
Director in debt went on trading
A CONSTRUCTION company director carried on trading after running up debts of £117,000. But Damien Francis McSwiggan has now promised not to get involved with company management again before June 2006. McSwiggan, 35, of Cranberry Close, Darwen, sent written
-
Date
Better rates for delivery
YOUNGSTERS looking to earn a few more pounds can do so by delivering the Journal in their locality. From February 1 distributors aged 13-21 will receive the national minimum wage of £3.80p per hour, and those 22 and over will get £4.60 per hour. All existing
-
Date
Bowlers wanted
A TOP womens' team is seeking good class crown green bowlers to strengthen the squad. County player Barbara Mealor, of North Road, Atherton, plays for the Bolton and District Evening League Champions, Westhoughton Sports and Social Club A team, which
-
Date
Three arrested after Moss drugs swoop
TWO men and a woman were arrested after police seized drugs worth £25,000 in a raid on Astley Moss. Officers from the pro-active unit found five kilogrammes of what is believed to be amphetamine paste in a search at Parnell Pits, Lower Green Lane. They
-
Date
Couple targeted
A LOCAL couple have been targeted by a latest scam through the post. Pete and Hazel Wrotchford-Thomas of Leigh received the letter last week purporting to be from a Mr Sonni Mark Pepple from the Department of Minerals & Energy in Pretoria, South Africa
-
Date
Disco queen
DANCER Rebecca Clamp has boogied away with first place in a top competition. The 12-years-old Leigh girl won the U14 starter disco dancing section of the Dancer of the Year competition in Bundoran, Ireland, against contestants from all corners of the
-
Date
Education watchdog praises top school
A LOWTON school has been praised for its outstanding success by the nation's top education watchdog. On Wednesday St Catherine's Catholic Primary School was highlighted as exceptional in the Chief Inspector of Schools' annual report. Proud head Mrs Liz
-
Date
Ex-Council clerk dies
A FORMER clerk to Atherton Urban District Council, Kenneth Hanney, has died. He was 82. War hero Mr Hanney, a pilot officer in the RAF who trained in Canada, was awarded the DFC, Distinguished Service Cross, for his bravery. The former Leigh Grammar boy
-
Date
Ex-RL star facing 25-year jail term
FORMER Leigh Centurions RL star John Elias faces a 25-year jail sentence after being found guilty of shooting a business associate. A Sydney jury handed down the verdict on the Australian last Friday after three and a half hours of deliberation, finding
-
Date
Grow cannabis in the living room, says MEP
AT one time no home was considered to be complete without an aspidistra in the living room. Now Leigh Euro MP Chris Davies is calling for every householder to be allowed to grow a single cannabis plant without fear of prosecution. Chris Davies says he
-
Date
Bowlers call in MP to help in site row
LEIGH Bowling Club have called in MP Andy Burnham to help clear up a mess. Club secretary, Frederick Tuttle, has written a complaint to local Mr Burnham about Balfour Beatie's work site at the bottom of Pownall Street which he says has been in a 'disgraceful
-
Date
Tom's best run earns bronze
LEIGH Harrier Tom Boardman produced his finest cross country run of the season to lift his first Northern Championship medal. Running at Sherdley Park, St Helens, in the youths' 6k race, Tom stormed to bronze after breaking away with the leaders to clock
-
Date
School makes the grade
ST MARY'S Catholic High has been awarded specialist college status in computing and maths. The Astley seat of learning -- the biggest secondary school in Wigan borough -- is the first to gain such distinction in those subjects. Staff at the school have
-
Date
Jordyn's in the swing
TIGER Woods beware - Radcliffe has its own budding champion golfer in eight-year-old Jordyn Fitton. Jordyn, who goes to Cams Lane School, Radcliffe, has been taking part in the sport's 'Playgolf4kids' initiative, held at the golf facility close to the
-
Date
Demand for better rail links
ANY upgrade of the West Coast main line must include improved links to East Lancashire, transport ministers have been told. Burnley MP Peter Pike raised the issue in the Commons and his Hyndburn Labour colleague Greg Pope has given him full backing. Mr
-
Date
Firms being hit by huge skill shortage
HUNDREDS of jobs in East Lancashire could be impossible to fill because of a yawning skills shortage, a major survey revealed today. More than 600 local employers have been asked by the National Employer Skills Survey 2003 to identify why their jobs are
-
Date
One hole of a mess
SHOCKED Michael Clements was saved by his waistline after paving slabs in the town centre gave way right underneath him. Michael, 54, has been left thanking his lucky stars for being a "big bloke" after he found himself jammed in the hole created -- protecting
-
Date
Pay and stay
I WOULD just like to ask a large amount of fans that attended the game against Chelsea, why bother spending £25 plus travel expenses if you're just going to walk out on the game when Chelsea scored the winner? The game wasn't spectacular but we didn't
-
Date
Let's berate each other!
WHILE in a state of deep depression, drowning my sorrows and watching Dwight Yorke's ex-girlfriend on TV, I chose to reflect on the reaction of Chelsea's defenders after Rovers' first goal. They berated each other with great passion and no doubt a few
-
Date
Put Matt on
AS a season ticket holder and a supporter for 60 years, I entirely agree with your columnist's comments that Rovers are now in the main 'gutless wonders'. However, my main worries are connected with substitutes being left to rot on the bench, in particular
-
Date
Interest-free
THE real reason for Rovers' failure to get anything from the match against Chelsea was the complete lack of interest from three of our midfield. The two exceptions being Douglas, who did his best but was outclassed, and Flitcroft who did at least put
-
Date
'I thought he was going to hit me'
A TEENAGE ice hockey player who hit a fellow player during a derby match at Blackburn Ice Arena claimed he was acting in "self-defence", a court has heard. Robert Brownbill, 19, is alleged to have struck Richard Hulme in the face with his hockey stick
-
Date
I agree
AS a season ticket holder and a supporter for 60 years I entirely agree with your columnist's comments that the Rovers are now in the main 'gutless wonders' . However, my main worries are connected with substitutes being left to rot on the bench ,in particular
-
Date
Coleman faces FA charges
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman faces three FA raps following recent touchline bust-ups. The Reds boss was today officially charged with violent conduct during a Conference game against Aldershot at the Interlink Express Stadium in December. And
-
Date
SCHOOLS SOCCER: Jarvis leads goals rout
BLACKBURN Under 13s hit the goal trail, beating Barnsley 5-0 in their challenge match in South Yorkshire. Sean Jarvis gave them an early 10th minute lead and they added another couple before the break through Chris Mason and Anthony Lynch. Blackburn continued
-
Date
ATHLETICS: Ron is just oceans apart from the rest
ONE of the great servants of athletics in the north west is planning his last and maybe his greatest challenge yet. Ron McAndrew will be taking part in the Two Oceans 56km Challenge in Cape Town, South Africa on April 10. The 56-year-old serves on the
-
Date
ATHLETICS: King of the road warms to task
ONE of England's leading internationals of recent years made a surprise appearance at the Blackburn Road Runners Winter Warmer 10K Road Race - and Carl Thackery showed that, as an over 40 veteran, he is still a class act. The Hallamshire Harrier led from
-
Date
Education watchdog
praises top school A LOWTON school has been praised for its outstanding success by the nation's top education watchdog. On Wednesday St Catherine's Catholic Primary School was highlighted as exceptional in the Chief Inspector of Schools' annual report
-
Date
£200,000 safety move near school
A ROAD safety scheme in Radcliffe has been allocated £200,000 to cut down on the number of child casualties. The School Street area gives access to Radcliffe High School and has a history of mishaps, particularly at junctions along Lord Street and Abden
-
Date
More choice in the streets please
LEIGH'S newest charity shop opened on Wednesdayday, the ninth in the town centre, this time for the YMCA in the former Johnson's the cleaners. I'm not complaining, but it wouldn't it be nice to see the return of more choice to the main street?
-
Date
Who are the two Marys?
nATHERTON Sailors' Soldiers' and Airmen's Association member Dennis Wood is seeking help to solve a long standing mystery. He wants to know who the two Marys are who have their names on the war memorial at Tyldesley Cemetery? Despite inquiries at the
-
Date
Not much cash in this attic...
THE treasure seeking BBC TV programme"Cash InThe Attic" started last Thursday with a view of Pennington Flash in Wigan! It does annoy me. The programme was in town to help dig out £1,250 worth of hidden riches to help towards paying for Linda and Eric
-
Date
Guards get lesson in how to handle automatic rifle
MEMBERS of the Bolton, Bury and Manchester branches of the Coldstream Guards Association were shown an automatic rifle during their meeting at Fletcher Street Barracks, Bolton, in June, 1967. They were to use this rifle on camp later that year.
-
Date
Buy a 'Looking Back' tea towel
The Bolton Evening News is offering a tea towel of historic significance at the low price of just £1.95 plus 50p postage and packing. The tea towel - called 'Looking Back' - depicts four modes of transport: A Horse tram on Blackburn Road, circa 1900.
-
Date
How Bury used to be
THE latest in a series of maps of Bury at the start of the last century has been published. The 1908 plan of north west Bury includes Elton, Woolfold, Walshaw Lane (as was) and Tottington. It shows cotton mills and associated bleach, dye and printing
-
Date
This week (March 14) in 1978
GERMAN INVASION: All the excitement of England v West Germany soccer was being revived at schoolboy level by a party of 35 players and three staff from Bury's Derby School. The boys, members of the school's under 14s and under 16s squads, were to spend
-
Date
This week in 1978 - February 14
BIRTHDAY LOVE: Eight mothers gave birth to Valentine's Day babies. The new born were Stacey Walsh, Angela Ward, Lisa Hamer, Glyn Farren; Paul Bill, Joanne Hutton, Nicholas Poynton and Shelley Baglin. NOT SO JOLLY: A row was brewing over the Jolly Carters
-
Date
Today's the Day - April 4
1931: The first airmail left Australia for England. 1933: 73 people were killed when the airship, Akron, crashed into the sea off the New Jersey coast. 1934: Cats' eyes were used for the first time on roads near Bradford. 1949: NATO was founded in Washington
-
Date
Today's the day
1431: Joan of Arc was burnt as a heretic in Rouen, France. 1889: The bra was invented. 1940: The evacuation of Dunkirk began. 1949: A test pilot made the first escape by ejector seat in Britain. 1955: An advertising hoarding of Marilyn Monroe with a billowing
-
Date
Ex-RL star facing 25-year jail term
FORMER Leigh Centurions RL star John Elias faces a 25-year jail sentence after being found guilty of shooting a business associate. A Sydney jury handed down the verdict on the Australian last Friday after three and a half hours of deliberation, finding
-
Date
Today's the day - February 21
1804: British engineer Richard Trevithick demonstrated the first steam engine to run on rails. 1858: The first electronic burglar alarm was installed in Boston. 1931:The New Statesman was published for the first time. 1952: Identity cards in Britain were
-
Date
On this day - November 1
1512: Michelangelo's work in the Sistine chapel went on show for the first time. 1604: Shakespeare's Othello was performed for the first time. 1848: The first WH Smith railway bookstall opened at Euston Station in London. 1906: The England football team
-
Date
On this day - October 17
1887: Russia sold Alaska to America for $7.2 million. 1992: The British Broadcasting Company (later Corporation) was officially formed. 1967: A Russian spacecraft made the first soft landing on Venus. 1968: American Bob Beamon set a world long jump record
-
Date
This week (beginning March 7) in 1978 25 years ago
FEEDING FRENZY: Pupils at some schools in the borough would have to go without school dinners because of sanctions being imposed by teachers in support of a fight for more pay. Some places were even preparing to send youngsters off the premises during
-
Date
Lions scare Centurions
Swinton Lions 6 Leigh Centurions 22 by Mike Hulme THE sighs of relief at the final hooter were as genuine as they were deafening. The Centurions will be happy to have got their first game and first win under their belts - but apart from that there won't
-
Date
Farmer reaps reward for making time for others
MAKING time to help others has earned a retired farmer the Bury Man of the Year title for 2004. Mr Jack Kenneford was presented with a glass tankard engraved with the arms of the borough and the logo of awards sponsors Bury Hospice, by the Mayor of Bury
-
Date
Today's the day - March 7
1876: Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. 1900: A fire at Buckingham Palace destroyed part of the roof. 1908: Women were declared unfit to drive in Cincinnati. 1912: French aviator, Henri Seimet, made the first non-stop flight from Paris to
-
Date
Today's the day - February 14
1477: The earliest recorded Valentine's care was sent, in Norfolk. 1852: Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London admitted its first patient. 1895: Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest was staged for the first time in London. 1929: The
-
Date
Tough test facing Colls
ATHERTON Collieries were again left kicking their heels when Saturday's scheduled game at Bacup became a victim of the bad weather. Colls are joint bottom of the league at present, but since the arrival of Alan Lord as manager the club's fortunes have
-
Date
Starbuck confident RMI can beat drop
LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck believes his team has turned the corner after their morale boosting win against Morecambe -- and he is confident they can beat the drop. The Railwaymen got three valuable points against the Seasiders two weeks ago in a 3-1
-
Date
This week (May30) in 1978 25 years ago
RED HOT POKER: Pensioners at Wesley House flats in Tottington were just settling down to a quiet game of cards when a team of fire fighters burst into their communal room. However, the only fire they had to deal with was the glowing tip of great grandmother
