Archive
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Action needed on poor food
IT seems that school meals have been a major cause for concern amongst parents for decades. It also seems that the reassuring noises being made by those in charge of providing them in recent years have lulled us into a false sense of security, if nutrition
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Means test our MPs' allowances
I'M writing about the expenses that MPs get. They get £57,845 salary and then the allowances they claim, which in some cases treble their salaries. Some MPs have "personal fortunes" and they still get these allowances in full. To me this should not happen
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Bring an end to our motorway madness
ON the subject of motorway driving, I drive 150 miles a day, every day. Bob Stevens is of course correct according to the law. I would think at times though that the law is an ass. I will go so far as to say most accidents on the motorways are caused
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School 'threat' to Towneley parkland
RESIDENTS have mobilised to protect Burnley's "jewel in the crown" which they claim is under threat from the plans to revamp secondary schools in the area. The Towneley for the People campaign group have discussed Lancashire County Council's proposal
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Health alert over school meals choice
POOR school dinners are in danger of creating a health crisis among East Lancashire children, an expert warned today. And Jenny Slaughter, the dietician in charge of improving local primary school children's eating habits, said that if nothing was done
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McRea's late show
BLACKBURN Rovers Ladies put last week's rare defeat behind them to grab an important three points at the expense of Tranmere Rovers. And once again Rovers struck an injury-time winner, courtesy of a Sarah McRea back post finish, to leave the visitors
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Jansen injury battle
BLACKBURN Rovers striker Matt Jansen may need an operation in order to cure a knee problem. The 27-year-old forward was ruled out of Saturday's thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool after a scan revealed he had torn his cartilage. And if the problem deteriorates
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Tommo stakes claim
BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder David Thompson is eyeing a possible first team return against Norwich on Saturday. The former Liverpool and Coventry star took another major step on the comeback trail with an eye-catching performance in the reserves' 3-0 win
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Hughes was the spark I needed
JAY Bothroyd has revealed how the new regime at Blackburn Rovers is making him blossom into a Premiership player. The 22-year-old scored his first top flight goal on Saturday in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool to repay manager Mark Hughes for giving him his
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MP Pike in call for more arts funding
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has called for extra cash for the town's Mechanics arts centre. He told Culture Minister Estelle Morris that the local authority was finding it increasingly difficult to support the crucial body. Labour back bencher Mr Pike told
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Cab firm worker in cue attack
A TAXI firm worker who attacked two would-be customers with a pool cue on New Year's Day was today awaiting sentence. A jury found Sheraz Bhatti, 23, guilty of two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court
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School 'threat' to Towneley parkland
RESIDENTS have mobilised to protect Burnley's "jewel in the crown" which they claim is under threat from the plans to revamp secondary schools in the area. The Towneley for the People campaign group have discussed Lancashire County Council's proposal
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Red Card held up as good example
A CAMPAIGN to crack down on anti-social behaviour has been highlighted by the Home Office as an example of "good practice". Operation Red Card is featured in the Home Office Good Practice report "Working Together" which looks at ways of tackling anti-social
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Judge delighted to be back
A NEW Honorary Recorder of Burnley has been installed and she is truly "at home" with her title. For Judge Barbara Watson was born in the town, raised in the area and sat at Burnley Crown Court on her very first day as a judge almost four years ago. The
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MP rebels against gambling switch
MORECAMBE MP Geraldine Smith reckons new, more relaxed gambling laws could mean the death of seaside towns - and increase the number of gambling addicts. Ms Smith was one of a group of back bench MPs who voted against the Gambling Bill in Parliament on
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Mumps is back
THOUSANDS of students at the University of Lancaster are being offered the MMR immunisation after cases of mumps across the North have gone through the roof. So far this year, 371 cases have been reported in Lancashire, way up on figures for 2003. And
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Rapist challenges conviction
A CONVICTED rapist is challenging his conviction, claiming a member of the jury who sentenced him was biased. Matthew Kennedy Roy Peters, 32, of Chapelhouse Road, Nelson, and formerly of Colne, was jailed for six and a half years at Burnley Crown Court
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Station protest went to the top
OUR look back at Hoghton Station on October 21 prompted a flurry of railway recollections from readers. Among them was 90-year-old Fred Rose, of Pleasington, who revealed he had written to then Blackburn MP and Minister of Transport, Barbara Castle, in
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'Danger' plans rejected
KELBROOK residents have seen off two schemes they claim would have brought extra danger to the village's roads. People living on Dotcliffe Road turned out in force at West Craven Committee's meeting to voice their opposition to plans to build 11 houses
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Gothic horror story
AFTER their triumphant productions of Les Miserables and West Side Story, St Mary's Catholic High School at Astley is staging the wonderful gothic horror story of Ruddigore. The young and talented cast will present witches, ghosts and romance set to the
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Missing pervert spotted after appeal
A PAEDOPHILE at centre of a police manhunt has been spotted several times after an appeal in the Evening Telegraph. Paul Whiteley, 47, fled an address in Accrington last Wednesday. He had been ordered to stay there following his release from prison on
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Protest at pubs move
RESIDENTS living near two Great Harwood pubs have written to the council objecting to applications for public entertainment licences for the venues. People living near the Park Hotel, in Harwood Lane, and the Weavers Arms, in Crossgates, are opposed to
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Cadet Craig all ready to remember them
CADET Corporal Craig Matthews has been invited to take part in a special Remembrance event overseas. The 15-year-old from Leigh was selected to represent Greater Manchester as one of 30 cadets who will attend three Remembrance parades in Europe. The cadets
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Norah's new book of poems
RETIRED teacher Norah MacKinnon joined a writing circle earlier this year to regain confidence after a stroke. As a result Norah, 82, is publishing a book of mainly humorous poems later this month. The former business studies mistress at Woolston High
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Steve puts his stamp on new invention
ENGINEER Steven Walsh has stamped his name on the invention business and is hoping to revolutionise post rooms throughout the commercial world. Director Steve wanted to speed up the office side of his work so he devised an ingenious stamp dispenser which
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Hunt for kidnap bid driver
POLICE in Whitefield are investigating an incident in which a man tried to entice an 11-year-old boy into a car. The boy was running an errand for his mother in the Victoria Lane area on Saturday teatime, when a car pulled up alongside him. The driver
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Quick or dead?
CHILDREN who go to church often wonder what the 'quick and the dead' means in the Creed. In Lancaster we have a perfect example. Take them to the crossing of King Street, by Waterstone's. After the green light for pedestrians to cross goes out there are
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40mph limit on way at 'Elbow'
TRAFFIC calming measures at a notorious accident blackspot came under the spotlight this week. Ribble Valley councillors had the chance to quiz the county council on future measures to be installed at Devil's Elbow on the A671, near Whalley. Re-opened
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Give us firework arrest figures
THE October 21 edition of the Citizen highlighted an incident where a firework was pushed through a letter box, setting fire to items of mail and causing smoke damage. The same story detailed a pledge by a PC Craig Mossop, who is beat manager for Skerton
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Back my plan to help the aged
I RECENTLY received a charity leaflet asking for donations for 'Help the Aged'. It was a good advertisement but it made me wonder just how much of any donation 'the aged' would actually receive - and that set me thinking. If your parents or an elderly
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Sadness over 'baby killer' trial date
A WOMAN accused of killing 19-month-old Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson will not face trial until after the first anniversary of his death. And today the tragic baby's parents said they were "bitterly disappointed" over the timing of the trial. Wendy Barlow,
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Make a date to solve parking problem
IN AUGUST St Martin's College applied for planning consent for a 186-space car park on the campus. The application has been refused by the planning and highways committee, creating an acute parking problem for local residents. On several occasions bad
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Leave CAP well alone
WEEK after week, newspaper after newspaper, Labour councillor after Labour councillor seem to be having a say on Cllr Peter Franzen or the Community Action Party in general. Why spend so much valuable time following the C.A.P's every move? You seem to
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Boxing clever
SOME of the brightest hopes in amateur boxing across the North West are to feature in a tournament at Lancaster's Ashton Hall. Following the Olympic success of Bolton teenager Amir Khan, interest in amateur boxing has reached new heights, with children
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Lighting brightens up memorial
FOR years I have approached Atherton every day to see at the gateway of the town, and sitting in pride of place, the war memorial. It was a scene of tranquillity, with the magnificent weeping willow adding to the ambiance. I could not conceive how it
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Shrimps pull out a plum
MORECAMBE landed the plum FA Cup draw that every club craves after being paired with Hull City in the first round proper. The Shrimps booked their massive KC Stadium payday after a 5-1 win over Hucknall Town at Christie Park on Saturday - but the game
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Auf Wiedersehen to the old stereotypes!
IN April it was Paris and Toulouse. Today, it is Berlin. I am engaged in what I can only describe as a "smart" event for a British Foreign Secretary -- accompanying Her Majesty the Queen on a State Visit. This one is to Germany. Taking part in such visits
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Ellis out to plot Clarets downfall
SAM Ellis is ready to put old friendships to one side at Elland Road. Former Clarets assistant manager Ellis will cut a strange figure in the opposite dug-out tonight. The Stan Ternent-Ellis partnership helped put Burnley back on the footballing map during
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Blood sweat and beers
BLOOD, sweat, tears and beers - Lancaster City's heroes pulled off the biggest win in the club's 99-year history at Scarborough on Tuesday night. The Dolly Blues outclassed Nationwide Conference oppo-nents on their own turf to book a place in the first
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Panthers have the edge
LEIGH Miners Rangers U15s lost 26-8 to Chorley Panthers. Miners Trailed 22-2 at half time with their only points coming from a Lee Mahdavi penalty. Lee Hudson scored early in the second half with Madhavi converting but in a poor effort they went down
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Under 11s triumph
LEIGH RU Under 11s put in a good second half display to see off Lymm by 49-0. The best try of the match came late on when good work from the forwards and good handling from the backs capped a fine display. Leigh's tries came from James Wilkinson (2),
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Another washout for Parkside
FOR the second week running Golborne Parkside faced a wash out when their NWCARL First Round Cup fixture against Oldham St Annes was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. With no second fixture it was another frustrating weekend. Even more so when this
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Clarke's late try seals it
Leigh East 18 Wigan St Patricks 16: A LATE try from Peter Clark snatched a Leigh East victory in a tense, close thriller to end a three-game losing streak and ease their worries of slipping into the relegation zone. But it was victory at a price for East
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Gothic horror story
AFTER their triumphant productions of Les Miserables and West Side Story, St Mary's Catholic High School at Astley is staging the wonderful gothic horror story of Ruddigore. The young and talented cast will present witches, ghosts and romance set to the
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Pupils love turning up for class
JUNIOR school pupils at Leigh St Peter's have an impressive attendance record. Over the past year 15 of the seven to 11 year-olds have had a 100 per cent attendance record at the Leigh Street school. Delighted head Mrs Pat Jolley said: "Attendances have
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School sets new attendance high
WESTLEIGH High School pupils' good attendance record earned them two DVD players donated by Asda. Attendance champions Amy Hawkins and Caroline Barker received their rewards from Asda's Sheila Unsworth and Ann Ash. Impressed head teacher John Banks said
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Physics professor is youngest in his field
A FORMER Atherton schoolboy has become the youngest person to be awarded the position of professor in his field. Thirty-six year-old Professor Jeffrey Robert Forshaw, who attended Hesketh Fletcher High School, is now a professor in theoretical particle
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MP leads school sport battle
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham is calling for competitive sport to be made a key part of the school time table. Mr Burnham is spearheading government plans to make pupils take part in more competitive fixtures after school. He claims the policy will help combat
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First cycle path has been 'wheelie' great
THE first school cycling path in Wigan borough has been a great success in easing rush hour congestion. Pupils at Lowton St Luke's CE Primary put the new route to good use when it was officially opened just before the end of term. Two years ago the school
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Children not affraid to speak
OVER 50 children from 15 Leigh Excellence Cluster schools took part in "Let the Children Speak" organised and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Leigh and held at Leigh Masonic Hall. An enthusiastic and appreciative audience enjoyed a variety of subjects
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Tommo stakes claim
BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder David Thompson is eyeing a possible first team return against Norwich on Saturday. The former Liverpool and Coventry star took another major step on the comeback trail with an eye-catching performance in the reserves' 3-0 win
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Cotterill: That win was for the fans
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill insisted last night's stunning victory at Leeds United was payback time for the fans. The Clarets bounced straight back from the heavy weekend defeat at QPR to stun the former Premiership club at Elland Road with a gritty
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Craft fair choice
VISITORS to the twelfth Howe Bridge Parish Church craft fair will have the choice of over 50 stalls. The event takes place in the Leigh Road school between 11am and 4pm on November 13 .
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£100,000 plan to revamp club
A MAJOR redevelopment is being planned to rejuvenate Edgworth Cricket and Recreation Club. Trustees of the Barlow Memorial Institute, which manages the premises, off Bolton Road, have applied for funding in excess of £100,000 from Sport England. They
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Meet MP Andy
LEIGHMP Andy Burnham will hold advice surgeries on Saturday at: Church Lane Community Centre, Lowton (9.30-10.30); Atherton Town Hall, Bolton Road, Atherton (10.45-11.45) and 10 Market Street, Leigh (noon-1.00).
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Heritage society talk
ATHERTON Heritage Society will hear John Aldred speak on the life of "Samuel Coulthurst" at their meeting on Tuesday, November 9, at 7.30pm in St Richard's Hall. Admission is members £1, non members £1.50.
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Hospice coffee morning
A COFFEE morning in aid of Wigan and Leigh Hospice will take place on Friday, November 12, between 9.30am and noon, at Kingsleigh Methodist Church, King Street, Leigh, where there will be Christmas gifts, cakes and book stalls.
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Police give speed camera talk
TRAFFIC police are preparing to give a talk to Ramsbottom residents after fears were raised over speeding traffic. Greater Manchester Police traffic unit will be giving the presentation at the next meeting of the Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor
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The bird life of Lesbos
MAGICAL moments spent among the bird life on the Greek island of Lesbos can be shared by members of Leigh Ornithological Society from 7.30pm on Friday at the Derby Room above Leigh Library. Colin Smith's talk will be illustrated with excellent photographs
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Age Concern website
AGE Concern is launching a new website to enable older and younger people to share their memories, stories and experiences online. History will come to life with www.thetimecapsule.co.uk through the words of those who lived it.The site has already had
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Roadworks on the M61
DRIVERS using junction 5 of the M61 will be hit by overnight closures this weekend. Resurfacing work to improve safety will take place on the southbound exit slip road at Westhoughton along with adjoining lengths of carriageway lanes 1 and 2.Work begins
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Help on pension claims
PENSIONERS are being urged not to miss out on credits they are entitled to. Leigh MP Andy Burnham said: "Gone are the days of 40 page application forms and the intrusive weekly means tests. Instead we have made applying straightforward, less intrusive
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Mum's £27,000 bingo win
A YOUNG mum who only started playing bingo a year ago has hit the jackpot with a £27,000 win. The winner, who has asked not to be named, scooped the prize at BJ's Club, Leigh, on October 25, and will share the bonanza with her mum, dad and former boyfriend
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Roadshow for the elderly
A ROADSHOW for older people living in the Lowton and Golborne area is being held from 1.30 to 4 pm on Friday, November 12 at the LINC Centre in Worsley Street, Golborne. Organised by Wigan Borough's Over 50s Forum the event aims to bring young and old
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Police declare war on van thieves
POLICE have launched an armed crack down on cash van attacks. This week forces from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and North Wales began working together to safeguard security vehicles during delivery and pick-up timesand
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Plans in the news
LATEST planning applications received by Wigan Council include: 322 Holden Road, Leigh - retain use of living accommodation as shop extension; 34 Heath Street, Golborne - use vacant retail premises as hot food takeaway; 11 Tavistock Road, Hindley - single
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Award for Kathryn
THE ThreeTowns Operatic Society have collected a nationwide award, thanks to the artistic talent of their programme designer. Kathryn Smethurst has lifted the Best Show Programme for 2003 with her production for the groups performance of "Orpheus in the
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Meet MP Andy
LEIGHMP Andy Burnham will hold advice surgeries on Saturday at: Church Lane Community Centre, Lowton (9.30-10.30); Atherton Town Hall, Bolton Road, Atherton (10.45-11.45) and 10 Market Street, Leigh (noon-1.00).
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Heritage society talk
ATHERTON Heritage Society will hear John Aldred speak on the life of "Samuel Coulthurst" at their meeting on Tuesday, November 9, at 7.30pm in St Richard's Hall. Admission is members £1, non members £1.50.
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Art group exhibition
CULCHETH Art Group open their latest three day exhibition later this month. Over 120 pieces of work will be on show, with some for sale, at the villages Jackson Avenue Day Centre on Thursday November 25 from 7-9pm, on Friday from 10am to 9pm and on Saturday
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The bird life of Lesbos
MAGICAL moments spent among the bird life on the Greek island of Lesbos can be shared by members of Leigh Ornithological Society from 7.30pm on Friday at the Derby Room above Leigh Library. Colin Smith's talk will be illustrated with excellent photographs
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Cabbie tells of horror at ear-bite attack
A TAXI driver today told of the sickening moment a thug bit a chunk out of his left ear in a savage attack. And Jangeer Ahmed, 36, of Revidge Road, Blackburn, said he may quit his job as his wife and six children are terrified of him going to work. He
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Health alert over school meals choice
POOR school dinners are in danger of creating a health crisis among East Lancashire children, an expert warned today. And Jenny Slaughter, the dietician in charge of improving local primary school children's eating habits, said that if nothing was done
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QLR reach deal in name wrangle
THE Queen's Lancashire Regiment looks set to retain the county name in the title following a proposed merger - after an agreement with other North West regiments. QLR sources are remaining tight-lipped about the agreement but said they have reached the
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Lights out at Jumpin' Jaks
A 2,000-capacity nightclub has shut its doors just months after a rival opened in Blackburn town centre. Bosses at Luminar Leisure, which owns Jumpin' Jaks, in St Peter Street, Blackburn, have confirmed the club has been closed by management 'pending
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Cavanagh and Craney make the cut
ACCRINGTON Stanley players Peter Cavanagh and Ian Craney have made the cut for the 16-man England National Game XI squad to face Italy in an Under 23 international next month. Manager Paul Fairclough selected the Reds duo for the initial, bigger, squad
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Brother and sister are reunited after 40 years
CHRISTINA and David Pilkington have recently been reunited after 40 years apart. Now they are searching desperately for their two younger brothers, who they haven't seen for nearly half a century. Reporter ANDREW TAYLOR takes a look at a tragic family
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Reds let it slip
JOHN Coleman believes a lack of concentration for the full 90 minutes cost Accrington Stanley a place in the LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section quarter-final. Stanley were knocked out of a domestic cup competition for the second time in a week after they
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Walk your way to fitness
WALKING your way to fitness has never been easier, thanks to a new series of relaxing treks across Bury parks. Organised by Bury Sports Development unit and the park rangers, the afternoon walks are designed for anybody, of any age, wanting to improve
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Preston up bid for Hume
Preston have admitted that they have increased their offer for Tranmere striker Iain Hume, after already having had one bid rejected. Following the departure of David Healy to Leeds, the Canadian International was earmarked as a possible replacement and
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Use it - or lose it!
THE chairman of the Tyldesley and District Partnership, Mike Norris, has written saying he was sorry to see comments from a resident who felt the town centre was too lawless to venture into after 9pm. He concedes that the flats on the Market Square house
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No post office 'hit list' - bosses
BOSSES have denied that Crown post offices in Bury and elsewhere in Greater Manchester are on a closure "hit list." Although the network of main post offices nationally is losing £70 million a year, the Post Office says no plans have been drawn up to
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Asda take over at the top
ASDA Golborne are the new leaders of the Leigh Soccer League. Thier victory over Leigh Legion and AFC Tyldesley's defeat at Aspull means its all change at the top with Asda now holding a two point lead. A hat-trick from Spencer and two goals by Hill gave
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College handed a lesson
LEIGH College went down 5-2 to South Trafford who dominated the early possession. Marshall Street were second best to every ball in the opening 20 minutes and deserved to be 2-0 down with just over half an hour played. Instead of crumbling this seemed
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Cheap trick for the taxpayers
IREAD in my Sunday paper that the government is going to give parents up to £450 in holiday vouchers if they promise not to take their children on holiday during term time. This is to stop parents taking advantage of cheap holiday deals. A deal has been
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Vandalism not a new problem
I WOULD suggest that Mrs Ainsworth joins the real world. Vandalism, be it minor or major, has been going on for years now and a lot of us have suffered to some degree, mainly from drunks, mindless youths with irresponsible parents etc. Does she not recall
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The future is looking good for the town
I HAVE written letters on many occasion regarding Blackburn Town Centre needing a huge "make-over". The centre is stuck in the 1970s. The EN magazine editor was right in some of the comments saying many major retailers have deserted the town and leaving
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Schoolboy in steel spike horror
A SCHOOLBOY, aged 15, who was speared by a rusty steel spike in an horrific school accident is expected to make a full recovery. James Boylan was trapped in agony on top of fencing, skewered by the three-quarters-of-an-inch diameter spike which had pierced
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Martin Dobson
I MET up recently with distinguished author Leo McKinstry who is currently researching the life and career of Sir Alf Ramsey. McKinstry has just started the project, but from interviews already undertaken, he has quickly established the fact that Ramsey
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Starbuck looks for good cup run
PHIL Starbuck says Leigh RMI can go on a fairytale cup run after making the First Round of the FA Cup for the third time in seven seasons. The boss described the win at Accrington as "the biggest win in the club's history" for both financial and footballing
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Double signing for Centurions
VASTLY-experienced Australian half-back Jason Ferris and Samoan second rower Mark Leafa have become Leigh Centurions seventh and eighth new recruits for Super League X. Ferris, aged 29, is a tried a tested scrum-half with over 150 first grade games under
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Hot-shot Gally proves he's ready for recall
PAUL Gallagher staked a claim for a first team recall with two goals in this comfortable victory over Wolves at Christie Park. The Scotland international has failed to force his way into Mark Hughes's plans since the Welshman took over from Graeme Souness
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EastEnders' Shaun to open store
FORMER EastEnders star Shaun Williamson will be opening Padiham's revamped Kwik Save store. The actor, who played no-hoper Barry Evans in the BBC soap, will unveil the Burnley Road store's £500,000 new look on November 24 between 9am and 9.30am. And while
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Film festival dates
DIM the lights, pass the popcorn and roll the trailers because Wigan International Film festival is almost upon us! The festival begans on Wednesday with a schedule so jam-packed that you'll need a holiday to recover from it! On the first day alone you
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Vow to beat aniti-social behaviour
HOUSING bosses today vowed to continue tackling anti-social behaviour after a Padiham family were ordered to get out of their luxury house following a catalogue of alleged threats, intimidation and violence towards neighbours. Janis and John Gabriel and
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'Justice closer' says dead trooper's sister
THE Burnley sister of former paratrooper Christopher Alder said today her fight for justice over his death was a step closer. Janet Alder, who has campaigned for justice for her brother since he died in a Humberside police station six years ago, said
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Make Christmas special
LANCASTER'S Total Fitness centre wants local people to make Christmas special for disadvantage children. It is asking locals to buy an extra gift and donate it to the centre to be passed on to the Children's Society - and anyone making a donation will
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Treat yourself to a bonfire party
BONFIRE Night goodies including traditional gingerbread and treacle toffee plus a free tombola will be on offer to a select band of people at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary tomorrow (Friday). The gifts from the National Blood Service will go to anyone
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Crimewatch appeal turns up new leads
A NATIONAL TV appeal for help to solve a Carnforth bank raid has given police several new lines of enquiry. The brutal heist, which saw armed robbers raid the town's Barclays Bank branch in August, was reconstructed on BBC 1's Crimewatch programme last
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Church under attack
YOBS ripped a statue erected in memory of a road accident victim from its foundations outside a Lancaster church. The vandals caused hundreds of pounds of damage by ripping down the statue of Saint Bernadette in the grotto outside St Joseph's Roman Catholic
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Sue makes a difference
A LANCASTER mother of four, who stomped out of school without sitting any exams, is enjoying a new career helping other people to turn their lives around. Thirty-nine year-old Sue Arthington, who has battled against a debilitating heart condition all
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Stop the park pain
THE woman in charge of Lancaster's famous Williamson Park has blasted 'mindless' vandals who have been on a wrecking spree. Over the last three months vandals and burglars have besieged the park - now Elaine Charlton wants to see the rampage end. She
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Virus threat to Shakers hopes
BURY manager Graham Barrow is hoping a virus will not damage his side's hopes of victory at Cheltenham this Saturday. Several Shakers players have been struggling with illness this week, with midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy forced to miss training on Monday
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Award for safe park
CLOSE Park is one of the safest and best maintained in the country. That is the view of the Civic Trust and government parks group CBE Space which has presented the Radcliffe park with a Green Flag award for 2005. The awards are given annually to green
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Music complaints may strike a chord
WE'VE all heard someone pipe up - 'music isn't what it used to be; it's all noise now.' So, maybe we shouldn't be too surprised to learn people were saying it even back in 1953. Looking Back took a peep into the pages of the Northern Daily Telegraph from
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Bishop's sermon stirred up religious fervour!
Bygone Burnley, with STEPHEN CHILD THE history of St Augustine's Church all started when discussions took place in 1895 and 1896 about a new mission for the Catholic Church in the Lowerhouse area. In 1897 a terraced house at 10 Kiddrow Lane was used for
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Facelift may see return of Pot Fair
HYNDBURN Council today revealed plans to transform Accrington's main shopping street. In designs seen publicly for the first time in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Broadway will undergo a £250,000 facelift, with the street being resurfaced and new
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Reunion for Oxo workers
WORKERS from the former Great Harwood Oxo factory -- who helped make the famous gravy cubes until the plant closed -- are holding a reunion. The plant ran for about 50 years in Great Harwood until owners Unilever relocated to a larger site, in Nottinghamshire
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'Political' boundary changes rapped
PLANS to change the boundaries of Lancashire County Council's electoral divisions in Hyndburn have been slammed by the leader of the borough council. Councillor Peter Britcliffe called the proposals from the Boundary Committee "political engineering"
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Film festival dates
DIM the lights, pass the popcorn and roll the trailers because Wigan International Film festival is almost upon us! The festival begans on Wednesday with a schedule so jam-packed that you'll need a holiday to recover from it! On the first day alone you
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Funding row after £500k reduction
HYNDBURN Council is calling on MP Greg Pope to make sure the borough gets its fair share of local government funding. When the Government introduced its new funding formula for local authorities in 2002 Hyndburn was one of those to benefit. But a system
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No more building, say residents
RESIDENTS in Astley are petitioning to save land at The Ley from development. They are protesting against council plans to change the use of part of the land from a playing field to a Surestart play garden and car park. Wigan Metro's Leisure and Culture
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Neighbours rescue blaze puppies
A LITTER of four-week-old puppies and their mother have been rescued from a fire in Leigh. The seven black labrador pups and their two-year-old mother Bramble were sleeping in an outhouse at the rear of their home in Ferndale Walk when it caught fire
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More dentists needed, says MP Andy
MORE NHS dentists are needed in the Leigh area MP Andy Burnham has told Health Minister Rosie Winterton. Speaking in the Commons Mr Burnham asked the minister to look at placing more directly-employed NHS dentists there. He drew her attention to a recent
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Happiness at last for orphan family
A FAMILY torn apart by cruelty is finding new happiness after more than 40 years in the wilderness. Christine Anderson and two of her four long-lost brothers, who were deserted in the 50s by their drunken parents, have been reunited thanks to a vow from
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I risk the dash of hell
I AGREE with G Clarke (Letters last week) that traffic calming measures are a waste of time - his reference to Barley Cop Lane striking a real chord. I have seen several incidents there where speeding cars have hit stationary vehicles when trying to avoid
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Regime change is needed here
WE ARE told that the recent deployment of the Black Watch troops near to Baghdad is for purely military reasons. This is on the back of the admission, finally, that the war was started on the basis of a lie - the non-existent weapons of mass destruction
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Gambling with the Midland?
THERE have been many excellent letters published in the Citizen in recent weeks, detailing the extra cost to the local taxpayer of things like cycleways, bridges, lighting in parks and primary schools. It would seem that many of these costly problems
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Skate park is a step closer
PLANS for a £170,000 skate park in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle moved a step closer to becoming a reality today. Councillors on Ribble Valley Council's community committee have voted to proceed with the construction of the new skate facility. The park
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It's not all about cuts
I SEARCHED in vain for any reference on last week's Letters Page to festivals - either to extra measures we are putting in place to encourage new festivals or to the council's financial position. Cabinet increased the funding available for community groups
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Atoms run ends
Heysham Atoms' five match winning run was brought to an end by Eccleston Lions in the North West Counties Bowl. Without free-scoring loose forward Russell Birkett, the Atoms never found their rhythm. Despite that, they were in the lead for much of the
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Police hunt city attacker
POLICE have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward after a violent attack on a young woman in Lancaster city centre. The 21-year-old was walking along St Leonards Gate at around 2.20am on Tuesday when she was attacked by a handbag thief. She had
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Pool hoping for hat trick
After winning the LDV Vans Trophy twice in the last three years Blackpool are looking to go all the way again, but they were made to work on Tuesday to make it to the Third Round. After battling to a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield on Saturday, in the league
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Clarets suffer a hammer blow
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill was today coming to terms with a full-blown injury crisis that leaves him with a shell of a squad. The injuries to goalkeeper Danny Coyne and midfielder Richard Chaplow now appear to be worse than first feared, with both players
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Cotterill: That win was for the fans
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill insisted last night's stunning victory at Leeds United was payback time for the fans. The Clarets bounced straight back from the heavy weekend defeat at QPR to stun the former Premiership club at Elland Road with a gritty
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Clarets play a hand against the gamblers
HOW ironic that Leeds United are hoping to build a casino on land adjoining Elland Road. For such a building would instantly become a symbol for a club that gambled everything - and lost. Just three short years ago, Leeds were Premiership high-rollers
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Duffy takes one big bite
THE LOOK etched on Norman Hunter's ashen face was a picture. The former United hatchet man swept through the hospitality lounge moments after last night's game all shaking head and puffing cheeks after witnessing Burnley's demolition job on his beloved
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Award for Kathryn
THE ThreeTowns Operatic Society have collected a nationwide award, thanks to the artistic talent of their programme designer. Kathryn Smethurst has lifted the Best Show Programme for 2003 with her production for the groups performance of "Orpheus in the
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Norah's new book of poems
RETIRED teacher Norah MacKinnon joined a writing circle earlier this year to regain confidence after a stroke. As a result Norah, 82, is publishing a book of mainly humorous poems later this month. The former business studies mistress at Woolston High
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Roadshow for the elderly
A ROADSHOW for older people living in the Lowton and Golborne area is being held from 1.30 to 4 pm on Friday, November 12 at the LINC Centre in Worsley Street, Golborne. Organised by Wigan Borough's Over 50s Forum the event aims to bring young and old
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Rangers triumph in derby clash
LEIGH Miners Rangers U13s beat old rivals Leigh East 12-2 in a tense derby clash. East played their played their part with a tremendous display. Rangers' points came from tries by Kenny (2) and Ashton,
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Athletic's poor run continues
LEIGH Athletic's poor recent run continued as they went down 3-2 to East Manchester despite dominating for much of the game. Goals from Phil Sheehan and Scott Lewis gave Leigh a 2-1 lead going into the the last 15 minutes but East Manchester equalised
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Riley on road to recovery
LEIGH Harriers' Great Britain international Peter Riley made a winning comeback to racing following a devastating injury which put him out of the running for an Olympic 10,000m place earlier in the year. Competing in the second Reebok Challenge Cross
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Rangers knocked off the top
Wigan St Judes 29, Leigh Miners Rangers 14: LEIGH Miners Rangers were swept off top spot in the National Conference Premier Division after wilting under a late rally by Wigan St Judes. The Premier Division newcomers had all the answers as they fought
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School wins mag award
FRED Longworth High School has won the New Statesman magazine's New Media Award for Best Secondary School ICT Project. Information Computer Technology is used throughout the Tyldesley school, including smartboard technology. The school uses Open Source
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Graduates from nursery that's closed its doors
TODDLERS in Atherton took part in a graduation leavers party to mark the closure of an Atherton nursery. ABC Nursery closed its doors for the final time after being in business for 17 years. The closure of the nursery based at the Independent Methodist
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Panto tickets on sale
TICKETS are now on sale for Tyldesley Little Theatre's 17th consecutive panto "Sinbad the Sailor." The show, which promises to be a fun-filled family extravaganza, will run from December 4-11, and will ring in some changes. The exotic plot means that
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Foods firm has £8m plan to expand
BLACKBURN-BASED Interlink Foods has announced plans to raise £8million to finance its bid to become the second-biggest cake-maker in Britain. The company, founded just 10 years ago, supplies cakes and pastry products to most of the big supermarket chains
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Glendon gets tough and axes three
BORO boss Kevin Glendon this week showed his ruthless streak by getting rid of three players prior to Tuesday night's home clash with Wakefield-Emley. "I have released Simon Carden, Karl Marginson and Rory Patterson," he said. "We are at a critical point
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Putting on the glitz!
STAFF and volunteers at Darwen's Help the Aged shop are getting ready for a Glitz and Glamour Party to be held on the premises in School Street. The event, on Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13, will give customers the opportunity to buy fashionable
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Fraudster saw £5,000 in benefits as dead pal's "gift" to him
A 44-YEAR-OLD man and his drinking buddies toasted the memory of a deceased pal with booze bought with benefit cheques. A court heard Andrew Douglas Martin looked on the regular cash handouts as a "gift or legacy" from his dead friend. In six months he
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Operatic society in concert
THREE Towns Operatic Society are in concert on Saturday (Nov 6) from 7.30pm at Atherton Baptist Church, Lee Street. Admission is £3 adults, £2 children, including refreshments.
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Court boasts finest of staff
COURT staff in Rawtenstall are among the best in the country, according to judges who awarded them a prestigious prize at a national ceremony. Staff at Rawtenstall Magistrates Court were presented with the Charter Mark accolade for their excellence in
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Art group exhibition
CULCHETH Art Group open their latest three day exhibition later this month. Over 120 pieces of work will be on show, with some for sale, at the villages Jackson Avenue Day Centre on Thursday November 25 from 7-9pm, on Friday from 10am to 9pm and on Saturday
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Caution for speed camera 'jammer'
DRIVERS have been warned not to use camera-busting equipment to try to avoid a speed fine after a motorist was arrested for obstructing police. A 29-year-old man from Rawtenstall was cautioned and had his jamming device confiscated and destroyed. He told
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Gothic horror story
AFTER their triumphant productions of Les Miserables and West Side Story, St Mary's Catholic High School at Astley is staging the wonderful gothic horror story of Ruddigore. The young and talented cast will present witches, ghosts and romance set to the
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MPs meet carers
LOCAL MPs Andy Burnham, Ian McCartney and Neil Turner will meet the Wigan & Leigh branch of Carers UK which represents thousands of 'unsung heroes' who look after family, partners or friends who are ill, frail or have a disability. Branch members
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Panto tickets on sale
TICKETS are now on sale for Tyldesley Little Theatre's 17th consecutive panto "Sinbad the Sailor." The show, which promises to be a fun-filled family extravaganza, will run from December 4-11, and will ring in some changes. The exotic plot means that
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Painting made easy
WHEN retired teacher John Whalley was a pupil at Leigh Grammar School in the Sixties he was told he was rubbish at art. Now the self-taught artist is opening his first water colour exhibition on Sunday at Leigh Cricket Club. The recently retired head
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Craft fair choice
VISITORS to the twelfth Howe Bridge Parish Church craft fair will have the choice of over 50 stalls. The event takes place in the Leigh Road school between 11am and 4pm on November 13 .
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Cash bid for crime fight weapon
LANCASHIRE police are bidding for a share of a £15million government windfall to increase the use of number plate reading technology. Since ANPR was first used in the county in June 2003 it has become a key weapon in the fight against crime. Police say
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'Learn to use the county's museums'
COUNCIL bosses want more children to use museums in a bid to "change young lives." A new booklet from Lancashire Museum Education Service hopes to inspire more to visit castles, textile mills and country houses. The Simply Schools for teachers focuses
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Pain-by-post win over 'junk' threat
HUNDREDS of thousands of items of junk mail are being posted to deceased East Lancashire residents, causing pain to grieving relatives. Burnley was one of the worst hit areas of the UK for receiving junk mail addressed to people who have passed away,
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Travel firm boss in customs advice
A TRAVEL firm director who had a coach seized when passengers tried to bring the equivalent of 700,000 cigarettes into the UK has issued a warning to other operators. Paul Critchley, a director of Mill Hill-based Dreamline Travel, was speaking after finally
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New tragedy rocks family
A 37-YEAR-OLD dad became depressed after leaving his wife for another woman and hanged himself, an inquest heard. The hearing was told that Gwyn Thomas had been suffering from depression after splitting from his wife of 15 years and setting up home with
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FA Cup disappointment was too much to take
The Paul Mullin Column THERE was no excitement for me in Saturday night's FA Cup draw - I didn't even want to see it! Losing to Leigh blighted the whole weekend and it was a relief I hadn't arranged to go out on Saturday night because the last thing I
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Home sweet home
MIKE Flynn returns to the ground where his football career began tonight, hoping to put the spark back into Accrington Stanley's season. The Reds central defender believes an LDV Vans Trophy scalp over Oldham Athletic, on the back of their first round
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Cup curse strikes again for Stanley
"WE'VE lost the belief that we can go and win a game." That was Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman's damning synopsis as his side were knocked out of a second national cup competition in the space of four days. The bewildered boss was struggling
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The fight for Premiership survival
THE stakes for Premiership survival have never been higher. The bottom four clubs in England's elite league come head to head this weekend - and they only have to look down to the murky depths of League One (the Third Divison in old money) to see the
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THE fight for Premiership survival
THE stakes for Premiership survival have never been higher. The bottom four clubs in England's elite league come head to head this weekend - and they only have to look down to the murky depths of League One (the Third Divison in old money) to see the
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Wrong complaint, Fred
OBVIOUSLY not everyone agreed with my comments about Leigh MP Andy Burnham last week. Fred Pilkington who lives in Astley tells me he and friends were shocked by my comments supporting his expenses and asks how I can support this robbery from taxpayers
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Painting made easy
WHEN retired teacher John Whalley was a pupil at Leigh Grammar School in the Sixties he was told he was rubbish at art. Now the self-taught artist is opening his first water colour exhibition on Sunday at Leigh Cricket Club. The recently retired head
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Plea over war graves
AN ATHERTON mum is appealing to people to adopt neglected war graves. Pauline Wright, of Second Avenue, who recently lost her son, has become a frequent visitor to Tyldesley Cemetery and has discovered 33 of them, many sadly neglected. As the time comes
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Players wanted
SOCCER side Simply Fresh Foods needs players aged 16-plus for its side which plays in Wigan and District Amateur League and stages home games at Atherton. Ring Bob Billingham at work on 0161 703 7023.
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Rose award
LEIGH RMI captain Karl Rose has been nominated for The FA's prestigious FA Cup "Player of the Round" award after his fourth qualifying round heroics. Rose's 75th minute penalty and inspirational leadership, despite sustaining a head injury at half-time
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Hindsford held to a draw
HINDSFORD drew a close game 3-3 at home to Rochdale Sacred Heart on Saturday. Hindsford started well and took an early lead following a good run from Tony Brown,his pass found Dave Fashou who finished from close range. Hindsford continued to create chances
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Colls miss out
ATHERTON Colls went down by the odd goal last Saturday at home to Congleton Town but had only themselves to blame in a match which on the balance of play they had more than enough chances to win. The local side started off totally in control and the Congleton
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Will anniversary triumph prove the turning point?
Accrington Stanley 0 Leigh RMI 2 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI produced a genuine FA Cup upset to win away for the first time in 2004 and book their place in the First Round Proper. Manager Phil Starbuck was forced to start a game for the first time since
