Archive

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Leigh RUFC ixtures for Saturday

1st XV: Birchfield away, meet at 12.30 pm. 2nd XV: Sandbach away, meet at 12.15 pm. 3rd XV: Liverpool St Helens at home, meet at 1.30 pm. Tofts: Sandbach at home, meet at 1.15pm. Vets: Liverpool St Helens away, meet at 1.00 pm.

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Harsh lesson for Boothstown

BOOTHSTOWN U12s were given a harsh lesson in football and knocked out of the League Cup by an excellent Fletcher Moss Eleven. Trailing 2-1 at half time the game was still there to be won for Boothstown but Fletcher Moss dictated the second half and ran

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Make a date with LISA

THE next LISA (Leigh Independent Supporters Association) will be holding their next meeting on Thursday, February 19. All Centurions fans are welcome to the evening in the Mark Martyn Bar and starts at 7.30pm. There is also the chance to win two match

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Tragedy waiting to happen

I AM amazed at the hypocrisy being shown by the authorities over the unfortunate deaths of the Chinese cockle pickers. Their activities have been going on for the last year and have been the subject of countless media items and spoken about in councils

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48,000 memories of Daniel

THE family of a teenager who lost his 18-month battle with leukaemia will donate the £48,000 that was raised in his name to charity to mark the first anniversary of his death. Daniel Berry died on February 15 after six courses of treatment, two trips

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Access row delays unit

PLANS for a new industrial unit in Ainsworth Vale have been delayed following a controversy over access. The building would lie north of Vale Mill and east of the boundary between Bolton and Bury. But residents of Vale Street complained that too many

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Sprinklers move for new homes

TONY Blair has sent a message of condolence to the Hapton fire tragedy family -- and said the deaths could strengthen the case for sprinklers in all new homes. The Prime Minister spoke as Burnley MP Peter Pike raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions

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Form guide...

THE key stats and moments from the match against Newcastle. BRAD FRIEDEL: Could have been more decisive in the build-up to Newcastle's goal when he failed to win a challenge with Alan Shearer 6 LUCAS NEILL: Got caught for pace by Craig Bellamy on a couple

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Pool of money rescues ponds

THREATENED ponds across East Lancashire are being restored thanks to a five-figure grant. Three ponds, in Cliviger, near Burnley, Nelson and Oswaldtwistle are to benefit from a cash boost to help carry out work - from building viewing platforms to repairing

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Sprinklers move for new homes

TONY Blair has sent a message of condolence to the Hapton fire tragedy family -- and said the deaths could strengthen the case for sprinklers in all new homes. The Prime Minister spoke as Burnley MP Peter Pike raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions

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Thief on bicycle snatches handbag

A 59-YEAR-OLD woman was left shaken after her handbag was snatched by a man riding past on a bicycle. The Nelson voluntary worker was walking to her car parked at the rear of Oak Street, Nelson, near to Scotland Road, when the thief struck. Police said

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£1.9m sale of homes?

PENDLE councillors are to be asked to sell more than 100 homes in Nelson to a Government regeneration body in a deal worth £1.9million. The homes, in the Whitefield area, were among those marked by the council for demolition in the clearance proposals

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Diamond couple really sparkle!

WHEN Barbara Hadcroft met the young electrician who worked with her father, she never suspected that he would be the man for her. But on Thursday Mrs Hadcroft (80), and her husband, William, (82), celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple,

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Priceless collection on show for first time

ILLUSTRATED books with tales of Jack the Giant Killer, Mother Goose and the Pied Piper of Hamelin are going on public show for the first time. Over 50 exhibits from the Dootson Collection will be on display at the History Shop alongside books of fables

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Planning applications

LATEST plans submitted to Wigan Council include: 83 Sydney Avenue, Leigh, two storey side extension and conservatory; demolish 279 Manchester Road, Astley and erect new house; 5 Coltsfoot Close, Leigh, two storey side extension; St Thomas's Church, Chapel

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The earth moved for them...

HOMES shook and the ground rumbled as an earthquake hit parts of Leigh. A British Geological Survey report shows that the Leigh tremor was felt just after 10.11pm last Tuesday night and registered 1.6 on the Richter Scale. Journal receptionist Emma Pugh

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Desperate John still can't spend a penny

OH dear what can the matter be? That's the question public toilets campaigner John Corbett has been asking for years. But the public-spirited Butts Bridger is angry because he says despite promises that new loos were on the cards, the town is still off

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Stars sign up for charity auction

STARS from Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers have signed soccer balls which will be offered at a charity auction in Tyldesley. There will also be the chance to win a giant teddy bear at the fun night being locals are urged to show their support at

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Priceless collection on show for first time

ILLUSTRATED books with tales of Jack the Giant Killer, Mother Goose and the Pied Piper of Hamelin are going on public show for the first time. Over 50 exhibits from the Dootson Collection will be on display at the History Shop alongside books of fables

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Play garden dinner sell-out

ROTARIANS have organised a sell-out fund-raising dinner to provide a play area for one of the most deprived areas in the borough. Leigh branch members are aiming to raise £18,000 towards the £23,000 needed for their Centenary of Rotary Project -- a Higher

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Social Services 'serve people well'

WIGAN Social Services serve most local people well and the prospects for improvement are promising, according to a report from the Audit Commission and Social Services Inspectorate. The Joint Review found that the council provides many high quality and

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New wildlife garden on school doorstep

CHILDREN are exploring nature on their doorstep thanks to a £15,000 school wildlife garden. The garden, at Pendle Primary School, Clitheroe, has taken three years to create -- transforming derelict land. Lancashire County Council cabinet member for education

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Parents in debt borrow from kids

PEOPLE in East Lancashire are becoming so crippled by debt that over a quarter of parents borrow from their young children's savings every year. Local financial advisers fear this trend may be as a result of increasing debt. Independent adviser Doug Parker

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Ternent: We have nothing to fear

BURNLEY insist they have no fear about being thrown into FA Cup battle in the Lions' Den. The Clarets will travel to First Division rivals Millwall in the fifth round on Saturday after Dennis Wise's team finally saw off Conference minnows Telford 2-0

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E Lancs in fight for Louw

JOHANN Louw could still be the professional at East Lancs this season, despite Northamptonshire unveiling him as their new signing this week. The Lancashire League champions have hit back at Northants' claims they have snapped up the 24-year-old South

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Church celebrates

BAG Lane Methodist Church, Atherton will stage anniversary services this weekend. Showtime concerts start at 7.30pm on Friday and 7pm on Saturday. On Sunday the Rev Kathy Selby will take services at 10.45am and 2.30pm.

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Lunch vacancies

ASTLEY Luncheon Club have vacancies for people who would like to share the company of others for a meal and a friendly chat every Wednesday. Organiser Joan Elsby invites newcomers to the 11.45am-1.15pm lunches held each week at the Pensioners' centre

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RMI Ladies shoot down Gunners

DESPITE being two players short, Leigh RMI Ladies defeated Greyhound Gunners 4-3. Minutes after the start, Leigh went in front courtesy of a superb solo run and finish from Lou Sumner. Playing into the wind, RMI conceded a 30 yard goal which left the

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Miners win derby battle

LEIGH MINERS Rangers U11s won bragging rights in their derby clash with Leigh East but had to work hard for the win as the match was more evenly contested than the 18-4 scoreline suggests. Slater opened the scoring with an unconverted try to give the

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Miners ruffle Eagles' feathers

Leigh Miners Rangers 12 Sheffield Eagles 14: LEIGH Miners were within 10 minutes of again becoming Challenge Cup giant-killers when Sheffield Eagles snatched an unlikely victory at a rain-soaked Hilton Park. The 1998 Challenge Cup winners looked on their

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Fisher puts the boot in for Leigh victory

ICE-COOL nerves from Stuart Fisher brought Leigh RU first XV a 19-16 win at Old Anselmians. Fisher kept his head, and his accuracy, to land a touchline penalty in the last minute to snatch victory. The home team missed an early penalty chance but converted

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Striker Stead 'living a dream'

BLACKBURN Rovers' hero of the hour, Jonathan Stead, was the toast of Ewood last night after he pounced to score his second goal in five days. Fresh from his match-winning strike against Middlesbrough on Saturday, the former Huddersfield striker netted

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Radcliffe Literary Club

LAST Thursday Colin Harrison of Stalybridge gave an illustrated talk entitled "Rhodes World Heritage Site History and Geography". He first showed an artist's impression of the Colossus of Rhodes -- one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was

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Radcliffe Probus Club

LAST Wednesday, members of Radcliffe Probus Club were fortunate to acquire the services of Ray Turner and Terry Ashworth, who entertained us for 90 minutes with their movies, with appropriate background music. Their first film must have brought back many

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Concert at Mill on the Pier

WIGAN Jazz Club guests the popular Jamil Sheriff Octet and the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra are in concert from 12 noon on Sunday, February 29 at the Mill At The Pier, St Thomas Street.

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Probus laughs

nLANGUAGE and laughter with a Lancastrian flavour amused Tyldesley Probus Club members who were entertained by Lancashire Dialect Society member Brian Clare.

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'We're making your town safer'

POLICE are making Darwen a safer place by targeting prolific offenders, residents have been told. But they admit juvenile nuisance is becoming one of the area's biggest problems. Details came from Darwen policing co-ordinator Insp Graham Ashcroft at a

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Church celebrates

BAG Lane Methodist Church, Atherton will stage anniversary services this weekend. Showtime concerts start at 7.30pm on Friday and 7pm on Saturday. On Sunday the Rev Kathy Selby will take services at 10.45am and 2.30pm.

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nA £6m scheme to help improve the environment has reached its final phase. United Utilities says se

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Drama and beauty of Pennine landscape on show

AN EXHIBITION is set to showcase the talents of Rossendale-born photographer Chris Speake. Chris' work shows his love of the Pennine landscape shown in dramatic weather conditions that highlight the contours of the land. He has been a member of the Royal

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Groups could cash in

IF you're in a community group, you could enjoy a good night on Monday. Members of groups ranging from toddlers to writers or home watch volunteers can share their experiences with others in Wigan's Borough Wide Community Network. If you want to have

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View of India

A COLOURFUL view of life in India, including a wedding ceremony which lasted for days, were described by Sylvia Cook to members of Astley WI. She spent a month in India where she witnessed the lifestyles of the rich and the poor and visited Bombay, Delhi

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Who wants Asda's rock?

A LEIGH store is seeking a new home for a giant piece of rock. The two tonne, four foot high, Whitkirk stone, which stands at the main car park entrance is up for grabs. It will go to the most innovative application sent to the supermarket's events co-ordinator

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Medal for National Service

NATIONAL servicemen who completed their two years duty with pride are clamouring for a medal struck in their honour. The Royal British Legion has produced a distinctive National Service Medal, a fitting tribute to people who served their country between

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Blueprint for future

A NEW version of the blueprint for future development in the Leigh area has gone on display. Wigan planners have published a revised version of the Unitary Development Plan which will decide how land is used over the next few years. Since UDP proposals

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The sound of silence...

CHATTERBOX Keeley Talbot set herself a tough task to help cancer sufferers. She organised a sponsored silence with schoolfriends to raise funds for Marie Curie nurses. Twelve-years-old Keeley, of Naunton Avenue, Lowton, a pupil at Lowton High, is following

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Historian dies, 89

A HISTORIAN and university don with Leigh links has died at the age of 89. Lord Bullock, whose father was a gardener and former minister at Leigh Unitarian Church in Twist Lane, wrote a famous biography on Hitler and was the first Master of St Catherine's

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Drugs and rifle in car

A POLICEMAN who stopped the driver of a car parked in Accrington Road, Whalley, became suspicious when the occupant began to sweat profusely, a court was told. And his suspicions proved to be well founded as a search of the car uncovered an air rifle,

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Gayle's ape for apes!

ORANG-UTANS have always fascinated Gayle Hart -- now she is travelling from Baxenden to Borneo to help the threatened apes. The 39-year-old mother of two has numerous orang-utan ornaments at home and sponsors one particular great ape, called David. She

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Teachers head for Deep South

TEACHERS from East Lancashire have been promised "lots of Southern hospitality" when they head for the United States in a bid to raise standards in Blackburn with Darwen. Senior teachers from Cedars County Infant School, Intack County Primary, St Aidan's

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Kat's the cream of Darwen ladies

DARWEN travelled to The Cliff in Manchester with a depleted squad containing four 15-year-olds from their under 16s team, and fought valiantly to grind out a win against a strong United team in a seven-goal cup thriller. Kat Forshaw opened the scoring

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Testing times for Fogarty

FOGGY Petronas Racing riders Troy Corser and Chris Walker were today provided with an indication of the task ahead for the new World Superbike championship season. On the first day of the championship's three-day official winter test at Valencia, both

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ATHLETICS: Valley relay back on the right path

ROSSENDALE Harriers plugged a gap in the fell running calendar with the inaugural Pennine Bridleway Relay, held last Sunday. The Rossendale Way Relay has traditionally been held at this time of year and it became the Valley's largest sporting event with

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Help out with a giant mural

HOLIDAYING school pupils are invited to put their artistic skills to good use by helping colour a giant mural at Asda in Leigh. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck masks will go to the youngsters who help colour the mural characters who star in the new Back In

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Half-term fun for kids

OUTDOOR fun and a free cafe to chill out in will bring half-term to life for young people in Golborne. Next week, from Monday through to Friday between 12.15pm and 3.45pm, Wigan Council's Outdoor Education Team is offering mountain biking, orienteering

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The power of Bay tide

LAST week's Chinese cockle picking tragedy brought back long forgotten memories for an old colleague, former Journal reporter Clive Cook. Back in the late 20s he witnessed the power of the tide at Morecambe Bay when as secretary of Atherton Swimming Club

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A gift with a difference

ATHERTON Parish Church's February magazine reveals a touching story of a gift with a difference from two thoughtful children. It was sent to me by Sylvia Cook who thought readers would like to share a good story concerning youngsters, instead of reading

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Five hours waiting for a bed!

TREATMENT may have improved fantastically in hospitals over the years, but hanging around time hasn't. My sick father was told to report at a Liverpool hospital at 9.30am and five hours later we were still unsure whether he would get a bed that day. We

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Sale was wrong for TV couple

MY Cash in the Attic piece last week prompted a response from the featured couple David and Linda Sykes. They were amused by my article but felt obliged to set the record a little bit straighter! They volunteered for the show but say the sale that they

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Cup stroll for Centurions

Elland 4 Leigh Centurions 64 by Mike Hulme MISSION accomplished. The Centurions completed the job they'd been set by coach Darren Abram with plenty to spare. Pennine League champions and Yorkshire Cup winners Elland may be top dogs in their own competition

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Colls scare leaders

ATHERTON Colls collected another precious survival point when they drew 1-1 at Alder House with league favourites Mossley. Colls made a dream start, taking the lead after just two minutes when new signing from Kendal, Phil Brown, glanced in a header.

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Leigh boss still believes they can beat the drop

LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck will be hoping his team can take their revenge for an early season mauling against Stevenage when they face the southerners at Hilton Park on Saturday. RMI were soundly beaten 4-0 by Stevenage, managed by Graeme Westley, back

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RMI have two sent off and then lose seven-goal thriller

Tamworth 4 Leigh RMI 3 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck left The Lamb enraged after watching his side lose the lead three times and finish with 9 men as they lost a seven-goal thriller. Starbuck was angered by the card count and the awarding

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Compo culture or common sense?

WE live in a world where more and more people contact a solicitor at the drop of a hat to see if they can sue for compensation. Many professional people, notably doctors and dentists, have to pay out large sums of money in insurance premiums to protect

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Winter bowls

THE 17th winner of the Pennington Park Winter Bowling was John McCaul who beat Roy Causey in the final 21-15. The consolation final was won by Cliff Berry who beat Alan Williams 21-15.

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Speed cameras a cause of concern

IN support of J A Clegg's comments (February 2) the subject of speed cameras has been very emotive and much discussed topic for very many months. I particularly agree with his observations regarding the camera situation in Great Harwood, which I believe

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Church is asking for too much money

I AM writing as I was shocked and disgusted with an article about a church in Brindle asking people for £5 for the collection plate. I was always under the impression that you put in what you could afford. Surely it's up to the church council to meet

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We pay our road tax too!

IN reply to Derek Jackson (LET, February 7) I take exception to his comments about the Fernhurst traffic lights. I am a resident on this prestigious development (not estate), and I work at Queens Park Hospital every day including weekends, and therefore

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Church Street dream lacks any real vision

IT seems that the 'vision' of some councillors concerning Church Street, Blackburn, is coming apart at the seams. Such is the lack of anything worth talking about in early nineteenth century architecture in Blackburn, that even three, very ordinary boxes

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Homes plan thrown out to protect heritage

AN important part of Lancashire's industrial heritage would be lost if a housing estate was built on a former colliery workshop site. That's the view of experts who assessed Bett Homes (Northwest) Ltd plans to redevelop the former William Hare Gin Pit

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Glad to see back of Bucks

IT sounds strange, but I'm glad Millwall beat Telford last night. When I looked at the draw and saw we had the winners of that tie I started thinking about when higher division teams play Conference sides they know nothing about. It's a venture into the

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Litter-picking ban for pupils

PUPILS have been banned from picking up litter at some East Lancashire schools amid fears for their health and safety. The "widespread" move was today condemned by litter campaigners and councillors, who said making children tidy up their school could

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Treat Leigh with respect, says Hull boss

SHAUN McRae has issued a stark warning to his Super League stars with still more than two weeks to go before his Hull side visit Hilton Park for a tasty Powergen Challenge Cup tie against Leigh Centurions. Director of Rugby McRae has told his players:

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Striker Stead 'living a dream'

BLACKBURN Rovers' hero of the hour, Jonathan Stead, was the toast of Ewood last night after he pounced to score his second goal in five days. Fresh from his match-winning strike against Middlesbrough on Saturday, the former Huddersfield striker netted

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Stead's display is shear class

JON Stead must be wondering just what all the fuss is about. Two goals, four points, and his manager drawing comparisons between him and the legendary Alan Shearer. It's been one heck of a week for the former Huddersfield striker. So much for struggling

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Arrested fan slams stewards

A LIFE-long Burnley fan arrested after enjoying a half-time cigarette at a match has slammed heavy-handed stewards. Clint Shackley had gone to watch his Clarets heroes play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light when he was told he wasn't allowed to light

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Jackson Band's first night Atmosphere

A NEW live venue has opened in Atherton for established and up-and-coming bands. The club, Atmosphere, in Market Street, opened this week. Friday, will see the first weekend live act, The Nick Jackson Band. Singer/songwriter Jackson and his cohorts have

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Optician in appeal plea

AN OPTICIAN struck off the medical register after he defrauded the NHS and told his staff to do the same is to find out if he can be re-instated next week. Stephen Penrose, of Red Lees Road, Burnley, was sentenced to 200 hours community service and ordered

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Padiham & Hapton Bulletin

LAST Saturday saw an extremely successful table top sale being held at Padiham Town Hall. The packed hall saw bargains being snapped up by an enthusiastic crowd who also took part in the raffle and tombola. Many charities will benefit from this event

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Schools' bid fails because they do too well

BURNLEY'S bid for £150million to build eight new "super schools" in Burnley and South Pendle failed because the boroughs' schools were performing too well. But education bosses are now confident the town will be able to press ahead with its plans by 2007

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D-day for the MP hopefuls

BURNLEY MP Peter Pike will bow out after 30 years in the job at the next General Election. Tonight the race to find his Labour successor from an all-female short-list reaches its finale when Kitty Ussher, Debbie Brannan and Carole Galbraith will face

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Shakers striker given a new lease of life

BURY striker Gareth Seddon has spoken of his relief after winning a contract until the end of the season. The 23-year-old striker was on a short-term deal at Gigg Lane as he fought to re-establish himself following a year out with injury and illness.

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Pub attack trial charge

A RADCLIFFE woman is to face a trial after she allegedly attacked a customer in a Bury pub. Susan Gunshon (36), of Stand Lane, appeared before Bury magistrates on Tuesday where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting Miss Tracy Kingston, causing

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Victim in 'critical' state in hospital

A 29-year-old man is to appear in crown court next week in connection with the stabbing of a teenager in Radcliffe. Jason Durkin, of Moss Row, Bury, appeared before Bury magistrates on Monday charged with unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to

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School opens 9th extension in 20 years

A SCHOOL'S £330,000 multi-pronged extension has been opened -- the ninth expansion in 20 years. Children at Gorsefield Primary School, on Robertson Street, Radcliffe, have new ICT facilities and a junior library. There will also be a new classroom and

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Open coach to the big match

TAKE a ride on a modern coach and you will wallow in the luxury of air conditioning, in travel movies, hostess service and on-board toilets. A far cry from this picture sent in by Lancashire Evening Telegraph reader Allan Wearden, of East Lancs Road,

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'SureStart' for children

A NEW centre to help children in Pendle get the best possible start in life could soon be built in Colne. SureStart Waterbridge is proposing to build the new centre on the site of Walton Street car park, opposite Colne Parish Church. It would house activities

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Society date

LEIGH Ornithological Society meeting starts at 7.30pm on Friday and features a talk on the "Birds of Teeside." All are welcome in the Derby Room above Leigh Library.

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10 years ago

BARNEY the dog had a lucky escape after being trapped 20ft deep in a caved-in rabbit hole for over two hours. His relieved owner thanked the fire crew who used pick axes to dig the terrified animal out. It was revealed that massive cuts in government

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25 years ago

A SHORT-CUT was cut short when a Blackburn bus driver tried to take his double decker bus under a low bridge. Luckily, there was no one on board as the driver smashed his 14ft bus into the 12ft high bridge, tearing most of the roof off. When his house

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50 years ago

THE Red Cross flew an East Lancashire woman to Toronto to be with her fiance, so she could fulfil her dream of getting married on her 21st birthday. The bride was on a ship to Canada which was being slowed by gales before the Red Cross intervened. And

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Guest spot for opera star Jane

THE Lancashire Sinfonietta orchestra is to welcome Lancastrian opera star Jane Irwin to perform a romantic programme. The concert in Accrington will be directed by Andrew Watkinson, leader of the City of London Sinfonia and Britain's top string quartet

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Jackson Band's first night Atmosphere

A NEW live venue has opened in Atherton for established and up-and-coming bands. The club, Atmosphere, in Market Street, opened this week. Friday, will see the first weekend live act, The Nick Jackson Band. Singer/songwriter Jackson and his cohorts have

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'Just missed jugular'(CAP:Oliver Thompson says he's lucky to be alive

A RISHTON man today spoke of how he is "lucky to be alive" after suffering stab wounds in an alleged attack while out celebrating his birthday. Oliver Thompson lost five pints of blood and had to have more than 50 stitches in two stab wounds after the

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Horror finds as RSPCA officers swoop

ANIMAL welfare officers have found the badly decomposed bodies of five ferrets at a house in Accrington following concern about animals being kept there. The RSPCA also took five dogs from the house, in West Crescent, after they were called by Hyndburn

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MP joins war heroes' battlefield campaign

SECOND World War veterans are signing up for a multi-million pound Lottery-funded scheme to revisit the battlefields where they saw active service. The Heroes Return funding programme is being rolled out by the New Opportunities Fund, the Lottery good

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Rare stone head moves to museum

AFTER 35 years in a Lancashire garden, a rare medieval stone head is to be displayed at the Ribchester Roman Museum. The red-sandstone carving was originally discovered by Lancashire resident, Ronald Spencer, at the bottom of a trench near Tarleton during

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Festive attack man in court

A 22-YEAR-OLD Clitheroe man punched, head butted and kicked his partner during a Christmas Day domestic attack, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that when Carly Miller complained that she felt dizzy Paul Laycock slapped her on the other side

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Loyalty is a fine thing

Can I compliment James Stackhouse on his loyalty to his friend and fellow Liberal Democrat. Loyalty from one's friends and colleagues should be cherished and not abused, however I feel that after listening to the full evidence in the three cases brought

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Disc is the solution

I just wanted to assure Mr Abbott that there is a serious purpose behind my Parliamentary Bill requiring drivers to display an insurance disc. He is absolutely right to point out that a valid insurance document is needed to renew road tax. However, it

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Thanks to those who have supported me

I would like to thank all those people who have kindly written to me expressing their support since the Standard Board's decision to bar me from being a councillor for three years. Their support has helped me get through a very difficult few weeks and

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Lessons in how to build for a better future

WHEN our children were a lot younger, I recall a period of incessant demand for a computer game which I thought was called "Sin City". "All our friends have got it, Dad. It's wicked. Go on, you can afford it." All the usual stuff to persuade Dad to give

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YOUTH: New Clarets dates

BURNLEY completed their Youth Alliance fixtures with a 3-0 home defeat to Lancashire rivals Preston. The result means that Terry Pashley's side will now compete in the Northern Division Three of the Merit League, following a mid-season format change.

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Groups could cash in

IF you're in a community group, you could enjoy a good night on Monday. Members of groups ranging from toddlers to writers or home watch volunteers can share their experiences with others in Wigan's Borough Wide Community Network. If you want to have

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East leave it too late

ON a pitch more suited to snorkelling than rugby, Leigh East U12s suffered from their three week break due to bad weather by not getting into the game until the second half. Westhoughton came out strongly and were 14 points up at half time. East rallied

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Clayton returns with a winner

NEIL Clayton returned from 16 months of injury hell to smash the winner as Leigh Athletic returned from a tricky trip to East Manchester with three points. Leigh were strengthened by the return of long term casualties Clayton and Keiron Halliwell and

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Woods is Ideal for East

Ideal Isberg 2 Leigh East 14: CENTRE John Woods scored all of his side's points in an otherwise dreary game which nevertheless saw Leigh East leapfrog into sixth place in the Arriva Trains Conference Premier Division. The East ace scored two tries and

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Golborne snatch epic Cup win

GOLBORNE Parkside won a GMB National Cup epic against bank Quay Bulls by 20-16. Bank Quay came with the reputation of being the North West Counties highest scorers, current Division Two leaders and undefeated in the league for two and a half years. Golborne

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Hopes rise for car crash mum

BATTLING mum Michelle Williams has shown the first signs of recovery since she was seriously injured in a road accident 12 days ago. The mother-of-two has undergone more than 15 hours of surgery and remains unconscious in the intensive care unit at Hope

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Ternent: We have nothing to fear

BURNLEY insist they have no fear about being thrown into FA Cup battle in the Lions' Den. The Clarets will travel to First Division rivals Millwall in the fifth round on Saturday after Dennis Wise's team finally saw off Conference minnows Telford 2-0

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Town tops national table as one in three light up

ADULTS living in Radcliffe are more likely to be smokers than people in the rest of country. New figures show that more than one third of over-18s in Radcliffe, East Ward and Besses smoke. In total 29 per cent of Bury residents smoke compared with 27

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I covered my face as driver ran into mum

A COURT has been told of the moment the car being driven by a teenager struck and seriously injured a Blackburn mum-of-three. A 17-year-old boy, who was a back seat passenger in the car, said Elaine Haworth had been standing with her arms outstretched

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Help out with a giant mural

HOLIDAYING school pupils are invited to put their artistic skills to good use by helping colour a giant mural at Asda in Leigh. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck masks will go to the youngsters who help colour the mural characters who star in the new Back In

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Win a guided tour of Parliament

LEIGH Rotary Club's fund-raising dinner later this month is already a complete sell-out. The event at The Rendezvous, Astley, will raise cash for a play garden on the Higher Folds estate. One of the major raffle prizes, donated by Leigh MP Andy Burnham

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Pub work woman claimed benefits

A WOMAN who worked while claiming benefits has ended up with a criminal record -- and prompted council bosses to use the case as a warning to other fraudsters. Delia Foster, 58, of St Andrew's Close, Ramsbottom, was found guilty of working at a pub with

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Troupe needs help

LEIGH Zodiacs morris dancers are fund-raising to support their energetic troupe. The group hope to attract sponsors to help them meet the cost of in need of new outfits, which could total as much as £3,000 and also to hire a coach to take dancers to fortnightly

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Half-term fun for kids

OUTDOOR fun and a free cafe to chill out in will bring half-term to life for young people in Golborne. Next week, from Monday through to Friday between 12.15pm and 3.45pm, Wigan Council's Outdoor Education Team is offering mountain biking, orienteering

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Lunch vacancies

ASTLEY Luncheon Club have vacancies for people who would like to share the company of others for a meal and a friendly chat every Wednesday. Organiser Joan Elsby invites newcomers to the 11.45am-1.15pm lunches held each week at the Pensioners' centre

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Car park death man is named

A MAN found dead in a car park has been named as 44-years-old Elias Shaw of Leigh Road, Hindley Green. Shortly after 8am on Sunday police were called to the Fisherman's Park area of Smiths Lane, Bickershaw after the body of a man was discovered by member

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Views wanted on plans for new park

RESIDENTS are being offered the chance to have their say on the future of their estate park. Families in Hag Fold, Atherton, are invited to comment on plans for the Devonshire Road park which will become the People's Place following a £100,000 makeover

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Pie makers join the upper crust

A TYLDESLEY bakery's potato and meat pies are the best in the North-west -- according to radio show listeners! When 105.4 Century FM DJ Tony Wrighton asked his audience to nominate the best piemakers, he was inundated with calls... and pies! And top of

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Society date

LEIGH Ornithological Society meeting starts at 7.30pm tomorrow (Friday) and features a talk on the "Birds of Teeside." All are welcome in the Derby Room above Leigh Library.

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Drivers en-route to road snarl-ups

WEEKS of traffic disruption will start in Blackburn and Darwen on Monday, as new water pipes are installed. United Utilities is replacing 4km of cast-iron pipes with plastic ones in three locations. Work starts on Monday, on Whalley New Road, Blackburn

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Soccer must have a level playing field

BLACKBURN Rovers could have to give more TV cash to lower league sides - including Burnley and Accrington Stanley - under a major shake-up of football finances suggested by MPs. They recommend all clubs should have their budgets approved two seasons advance

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Couple turn over their home to TV experts

AFTER 26 years in the same house, Stephen and Audrey Keryk decided it was finally time to leave. And they are doing it in style by inviting a Canary Wharf-based property expert, a film crew and a team of designers and labourers to help. The Keryks and

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Farewell to the nursery

A DAY nursery set up to cater for the children of workers in the cotton mills has closed its doors after more than 50 years. Thousands of children have passed through the doors of Lincoln Road Day Nursery since it opened on April 17 1951. But yesterday

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Modern matrons easing the pains

MODERN matrons in East Lancashire have been congratulated for their hard work improving circumstances for patients in accident and emergency departments. Last year the Government set aside £10,000 for every accident and emergency matron in England to

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Litter-picking ban for pupils

PUPILS have been banned from picking up litter at some East Lancashire schools amid fears for their health and safety. The "widespread" move was today condemned by litter campaigners and councillors, who said making children tidy up their school could

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Cavanagh and Kennedy impress

ACCRINGTON Stanley duo Peter Cavanagh and Jon Kennedy shone for England last night. Reds captain Cavanagh picked up his second cap for the England National Game XI as he started against Italy Under 23s at Shrewsbury's Gay Meadow. And goalkeeper Kennedy

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Burley completes 90 minutes

Craig Burley completed his first 90 minutes of footballing action since arriving at North End last night. The Scottish international, signed by Craig Brown on a short-term deal, is believed to have been struggling with match fitness since arriving at

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Briscoe wants slice of the action

FORGOTTEN man Lee Briscoe is just weeks away from returning to action on the training field at least, North End confirmed this week. The left-sided midfielder, who opted for a move to Deepdale instead of staying on at Burnley in the summer, has been battling

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The sound of silence...

CHATTERBOX Keeley Talbot set herself a tough task to help cancer sufferers. She organised a sponsored silence with schoolfriends to raise funds for Marie Curie nurses. Twelve-years-old Keeley, of Naunton Avenue, Lowton, a pupil at Lowton High, is following

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Hero pub boss gets bravery award

A PUB landlord, who was twice stabbed in the back when he fought with armed burglars, has been honoured for his bravery by police. Andrew Grant suffered needed life-saving surgery after he caught two intruders trying to sneak out of the Hare and Hounds

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Seconds out...

HINDSFORD'S second team lost a close game at home to Swinton Town 3-2. On a difficult pitch, Hindsford had plenty of the game game and Danny Woods put them in front after a good run and shot but Swinton replied with two quick goals. A third came when

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Back on top

JUST one game survived the poor weather in the Leigh and District Amateur League. But that game saw Kersal Vale return to the top of the table after a comfortable 5-1 away win over Three Crowns. Vale's goals came from Smith (3), Hill and Shelgrove with