Archive

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Thanks for such kindness

I HAD an accident in my street with my invalid trike. I was on the road and a police woman came and helped me and sent for an ambulance. I want to thank her, my neighbours and family for all they did. God bless them all. D HOLMES (Mrs), St Albans Road

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Bus station does not need moving

YOUR columns recently carried a plea for the retention of Darwen Bus Station on its present site. Correct and eloquent, it, alas, omitted some of the drawbacks, here itemised with suggested remedies. 1. Darwen Valley is deep and damp, the majority of

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Work of small schools goes unnoticed

ALONG with, I suspect, the majority of other headteachers in this area and nationally, I do not set a great deal of store by the tables showing the results achieve by individual schools at the end of Key Stage Two; there are a great many more factors

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Post office losses will hit elderly

ROYAL Mail's reported plan to close up to 280 post offices will be a significant blow to a great many elderly people. As Britain's largest provider of private sheltered housing, we know that many pensioners still reply on the post office as their source

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Hollins kids' not-so-sleepy performance

Children from the Hollins Pre-School Playgroup celebrated Christmas with their version of the traditional nativity story. The 30 youngsters from the Hollins Lane group, aged between two and four, performed The Sleepy Shepherd to their proud parents, telling

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Tottington tell it from fairy's viewpoint!

THE meaning of Christmas was told by the children of Tottington Primary. Two plays based on the nativity were staged by the pupils, with the infants performing The Bossy Fairy and the infants staging Follow Me. The infants put on three performances, and

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This Blake saga has to stop

THE Robbie Blake soap opera rumbles on and on and it needs putting to bed quickly - one way or the other. Wigan's persistence in keep topping up their bids by £100,000 leaves me to believe they have been given every indication from somewhere that the

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New ward at Fairfield

STAFF have checked in to Fairfield Hospital's newest ward. The Medical Investigations Unit (MIU) - Ward 3A - is now open to cater for short stay patients. It has helped take the pressure off acute beds needed by those arriving, for example, via accident

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Bikers rev-up to help kiddies

WALMERSLEY Motorbike Club will be in the festive spirit tonight as it holds its charity Christmas party. The celebrations will begin at 7.30pm in the function room of the Clarence Hotel and admission will be £1 on the door. The proceeds will be donated

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Sports car causes jam

THE driver of a Porsche 911 lost control of his sports car and crashed into railings in Angouleme Way, Bury, during the Wednesday 8th night rush-hour. Traffic was brought to a standstill as a result of the accident at 4.45pm and left the driver, who lives

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Party of the season

IT WAS a glittering affair at the annual Mayor's Ball in Prestwich on Friday 3rd. Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Couns Barry and Sharon Briggs welcomed guests to the Longfield Suite. Civic leaders from across Greater Manchester were invited and almost 400

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Irwell sewers to be improved

WATER watchdog Ofwat has announced the River Irwell in Bury is to undergo a series of major improvements to its sewers to improve water quality and protect the fish population. Ofwat's final investment settlement, which was announced last week, outlined

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Eight arrested in drug swoop

POLICE today hailed a series of dawn drugs raids in Burnley a success after making a number of arrests and recovering narcotics. Under "Operation Freeze" eight people were arrested yesterday -- with police warning there are more raids to come. Following

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A lie-in at last

AFTER almost 20 years of starting work at 5am, retiring newsagent Dennis Lomas has decided to swap the early mornings for a round on the golf course. Mr Lomas (66), of Elland Close, Unsworth, was joined by friends and fellow newsagents on his final Saturday

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Angry angels

HUNDREDS of medical staff working in East Lancashire's hospitals have been told they won't get paid any extra for working on Christmas Day this year -- while ancillary staff get almost double. Bosses at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust say their hands

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Family help group launches new centre in Whitefield

A NEW resource centre for Home-Start Bury has been launched in Whitefield. The volunteer-led charity has set up a new facility for families and volunteers at the Elms Community Centre. The centre, in Green Lane, will offer a regular drop-in session, stay

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New key to NHS services

A HANDY leaflet about health services in the borough is to be delivered to all households in Bury. Entitled "Your Guide to Local Health Services", the glossy pamphlet contains information on all of the area's doctors, dentists, chemists and opticians.

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Parking plan

A PLANNING application to create landscape parking and new access to Kersal Court, Kersal Close in Prestwich, has been submitted to Bury Council.

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Hughes reeling after Tugay blow

BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes was today left reeling by the news that Tugay could be missing for six weeks. The 34-year-old midfielder suffered knee ligament damage as a result of an accidental clash with Jay Bothroyd during a practice game in

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Hughes eyes deal for Nelsen

BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes is ready to offer Ryan Nelsen the chance to prove himself in the Premiership. The New Zealand international defender has made a big impression on Hughes and his coaching staff during a two-week trial at the club. And

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Ladies night on Toon

ROVERS Ladies were rewarded with a mouth-watering home tie against Premier Division high-fliers Leeds United after comfortably beating Newcastle United 6-0 in the FA Cup third round. Katie Anderton got the ball rolling with a shot into the bottom corner

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School fair success

PARRENTHORN High School Society is celebrating the fruits of a bumper Christmas fair. The event was held at the school, in Heywood Road, Prestwich, on Sunday and raised £2,134 for school funds. Chairman of the society, Andrea Sidebottom said: "It was

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Coffee morning in green

TWO seasonal events are approaching for the Friends of Heaton Park group. Their annual Christmas coffee morning will be held in the greenhouses at Heaton Park's horticultural centre this Sunday. Refreshments will be served from 11am and members of the

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Coffee morning in green

TWO seasonal events are approaching for the Friends of Heaton Park group. Their annual Christmas coffee morning will be held in the greenhouses at Heaton Park's horticultural centre this Sunday. Refreshments will be served from 11am and members of the

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Young dreams inspire Rick's charity running

FIREMAN Rick Warburton has given a lift to a national charity. The station officer, based at Whitefield, recently completed the 13 mile Great North Run in aid of the When You Wish Upon a Star appeal which helps make dreams come true for terminally ill

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Merry men in seasonal debut

WHITEFIELD Community Primary School is getting into the Christmas spirit with two seasonal performances. The junior pupils took to the stage this week with their story of Robin Hood, Hood Winked. Parents were invited to the show on Wednesday evening and

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Driver trapped in crash

A MOTORIST had to be cut free from her badly damaged car after an early morning rush-hour crash. Traffic was reduced to a crawl shortly before 8am on Tuesday when a black Vauxhall Vectra was in collision with a red Ford Mondeo, driven by a 56-year-old

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BLAST party time

YOUNGSTERS can enjoy their Christmas holidays with the BLAST festive club. Sessions will be run for children aged eight to 14 years old from December 20 to December 23 at Prestwich Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club and Sedgley Park RUFC between 8.30am

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New challenges for church duo

TWO of Preston's most respected religious figures are set to leave the city for pastures new. Reverend Cannon Martyn Griffiths, vicar of Preston, and his assistant, Father Tom, both based at the Minster, Church Street, leave this month and in January,

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City's spicy film debut

MIX together a handful of celebrities, a list of Preston's who's who and a pinch of extras, film makers and crew, and the result is a spicy preview of Chicken Tikka Masala, the first film to be set in the city. More than 200 people, including stars of

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Driver trapped in crash

A MOTORIST had to be cut free from her badly damaged car after an early morning rush-hour crash. Traffic was reduced to a crawl shortly before 8am on Tuesday when a black Vauxhall Vectra was in collision with a red Ford Mondeo, driven by a 56-year-old

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Schooling's more than stats

A SCHOOL that was branded one of the worst performing in Lancashire in this year's national league tables, has been defended by its headteacher. Moor Nook Primary, Mitton Drive, Ribbleton, saw just 30 percent of its 11-year-olds achieve level 4 in maths

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Warm up with fuel grant

A WHITEFIELD resident gave MP Ivan Lewis a warm welcome when he visited his home in Rufford Drive. Ronald Hodgkiss has succeeded in turning up the temperature through the Government's Warm Front scheme. He received grants to fit his two-bed semi with

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Warm up with fuel grant

A WHITEFIELD resident gave MP Ivan Lewis a warm welcome when he visited his home in Rufford Drive. Ronald Hodgkiss has succeeded in turning up the temperature through the Government's Warm Front scheme. He received grants to fit his two-bed semi with

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Moyar host to covic leaders

IT WAS a glittering affair at the annual Mayor's Ball in Prestwich last Friday evening. The Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Couns Barry and Sharon Briggs, were dressed in their ceremonial chains as they welcomed guests to the event at the Longfield Suite.

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Trainees build-up skills

THREE lads from Whitefield will be heading into the New Year with brighter job prospects thanks to an EU-funded scheme run by Bury Council. Mike Davies, Philip Higgs and Dale Healey are among six young men, all previously unemployed, taking part in a

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Santa's tour of the town

SANTA embarks on his final tour of the area before returning to Lapland for Christmas Eve. The Rotary Club of Prestwich and Whitefield's festive sleigh will be at Sainsbury's in Heaton Park on Saturday from 10.30am to 4pm. Then the float will tour the

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Robbers threaten couple for BMW keys

A PRESTWICH couple fell victim to carjackers on Wednesday night. The man and his wife were returning to their home in Bland Road at 9.45pm after visiting relatives when they discovered their driveway had been blocked by a wheelie bin. When they got out

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Rosegrove Bulletin

THE Christmas tree lights have been switched on in Rosegrove and also at the peace garden. Residents have said it gives Rosegrove the Christmas spirit. LOCAL folk are invited to call in at the action group shop to get a Father Christmas letter for their

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Would-be thief takes a kicking

A WOULD-be cash machine bandit got more than he bargained for when he tried to rob a Morecambe businessman. Instead of money, he got a kick where it hurts most for his troubles. The 46-year-old man was trying to make a withdrawal from a machine on Marine

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Council chiefs fight back after gloomy economic report

COUNCIL bosses today insisted that Burnley was booming - despite the fact that the town has lost 3,000 manufacturing jobs in five years. According to Paul Gill, the council's economic development officer, Burnley is to benefit from over £90million pounds

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Thieves make off with Santa

THIEVES have been branded as 'Scrooges' after an eight-foot high Father Christmas was stolen from a Bolton-le-Sands retirement home. Staff at the Abbeyfield Home in the village's Main Road proudly put the illuminated Santa outside the building last Saturday

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Council gets cash surprise

THE city of Lancaster has received a surprise cash boost as part of its local government finance settlement. The city council will be handed £12.789 million by the Government for 2005/2006 - that's a 4.4 per cent increase and more than it expected when

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Walk this way

LANCASTER people are being asked to say what they think about walking... Officials at the city council have produced a 'Draft Walking Strategy' and now want to hear the views of locals. They say although walking can improve health and fitness and create

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How can I join the BNP

I KEEP reading what an evil party the BNP is. But how do people know if they never get the chance to put their policies across? All the other parties do is give away our country's heritage and its tax-payers' money. I am 71 and I have always voted Labour

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Ploice 'racism' record is not good

RACISM has once again reared its ugly head with incidences of chanting at football matches in Spain and Blackburn. But in my view the people paid to deal with the problem - the police - have a terrible record on racism themselves! Unless, and until, the

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There is no deterrent

I WAS disgusted that 12 jurors found Paul Madeley not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after he had actually made a chilling admission in court that he was driving 'dangerously' just before the fatal accident in Radcliffe in which Natalie

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God bless you all

MAY I thank Brian of Hollins and his teenage friends for returning to me my handbag which I left on a bench in The Mall, Bury, on November 19. On realising what I had done I returned to The Mall with a sinking heart, thinking my chances of recovering

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Are any of our children safe?

AS residents of Bolton Road, and as parents, we were utterly disgusted by the death of Natalie Jones. For a young girl to lose her life in that manner is unthinkable and unacceptable. Also, for a jury not to find driver Paul Madeley guilty of causing

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Appointment was delivered by taxi

THE NHS claims it is short of funds for important things, even life-saving equipment. So you can imagine how shocked I was one Friday at 7.30 pm when I received a knock at the door and was greeted by a taxi driver who handed me a letter from Fairfield

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It may cost more in the long run

AS a parent of a child who has attended the Re:d Centre, I was extremely upset to hear that Bury Council is to cut funding by 50 per cent. Children with disabilities have so few opportunities to socialise outside of their families. This is the only place

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I could not believe the verdict

I FEEL I must write after attending the court case which followed the tragic death of Natalie Jones in February. I could not believe the verdict of not guilty on the charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Paul Madeley admitted he was driving dangerously

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New law really is no joke, says MP

EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice has lined up with comedian Rowan Atkinson to object to government plans to create a new offence of stirring up religious hatred. He expressed concern that people cracking jokes could end up breaking the law and was particularly

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10 years ago:

MILKMAN John Walmsley was handed an award for delivering pints of a different kind. Mr Walmsley, from Hoghton, was praised for donating 50 pints of blood at a presentation by the Mayor of Preston. He donated his first pint in June 1965 and had carried

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25 years ago:

VANDALS caused £4,000-worth of damage to a Blackburn snooker hall. All nine tables at Starline Snooker Centre, Railway Road were slashed and spray painted with obscene slogans such as "mod's ok" in the attack. Fire extinguishers were set off and one-armed

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50 years ago:

A BURNLEY vet advised security-conscious businesses to ditch their guard dog in favour of a monkey or goose. Mr J King-Shaw, who kept a range of animals at his home for 20 years as an experiment, said while dogs sometimes sleep, monkeys and geese would

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Vandals target tanning shops

A SHOP owner has vowed it is "business as usual", despite two of his sunbed shops being targeted by vandals in one night. Mark Overton, 34, owns Sunseekers tanning shops in Clayton-le-Moors, Rishton and Great Harwood. The front windows of two of the shops

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Tony's wonderland

A DAD is lighting up the lives of hundreds of youngsters across East Lancashire this year after turning his home into a winter wonderland to raise money for charity. Tony Jenkinson (above) has transformed his home in Aspen Fold, Oswaldtwistle with thousands

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Sunday opening to restaurant

BURY'S mayor and mayoress have a mouthwatering engagement on Sunday. They will officially open the new Tikka Indian restaurant which has just been established in Bury Old Road, Prestwich. And it will be a double celebration. For Mr Badsha Mia, who runs

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Are you smarter than your kids?

S it really true that todays schoolchildren only have to turn up for an exam in order to get a GCSE? ITV is making a programme called Smarter than your kids? and is looking for parents to sit a few GCSEs alongside their children next spring. Find out

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Backwards move nets award

IT was certainly a case of back to the future for Prestwich-based PR design, marketing and communications specialist Appleby Bowers when the business invested £500,000 in their new headquarters. And the move proved a happy return for the ten-strong company

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It hasn't changed for the better

YOUR correspondent Tony Burke, writing about smoking (Letters, December 3), says that "Culture has changed since 1944". He is a good example that it has not changed for the better. He has managed to insult both a lady, correspondent Mrs Jones, and those

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Environment efforts are rewarded

CHAMPIONS of the environment representing businesses, schools and the community were rewarded for their commitment at the seventh annual Groundwork Bury Dinner and Awards. The event at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich attracted 260 guests and paid tribute

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'No smoking pubs' may be amnswer

I FEEL I must respond to Mr Hill's letter (November 26) about providing smokers with designated areas so that they can indulge in their insensitive habit. Such amateurish demarcation will not cure the problem. Smoking is an addiction; addiction is a disease

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We cannot afford to keep street wardens

"BRASSED-OFF resident" (Letters, Nov 26) complains about the Home Zone work on the Victoria Estate in Whitefield. His reaction shows why the work is necessary. The "pinch points" will reduce traffic to single file and slow it down. The purpose is to improve

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Burglars raid two pubs

POLICE are hunting thieves who struck at two Ribble Valley pubs on the same evening. Cash and personal items worth around £350 in total were stolen during the break-ins at the De Lacy Arms, in King Street, Whalley, and the Bay Horse, on the A59 at Osbaldeston

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Pervert ice cream seller is shunned

A 76-YEAR-OLD ice-cream man exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl, her mother and her aunt as they queued for cornets at his van has been "ostracised" by the community in which he lives. Blackburn magistrates heard that Fred Watson had even been dropped

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Students seek cashback

STUDENTS at St Martin's College are demanding part of their tuition fees back - and some are even threatening to quit the classroom over computer problems. St Martin's is undergoing a complete upgrade of its IT network and systems - but that upgrade is

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Vince back to oversee youth drive

BURNLEY have appointed former defender Vince Overson as Head Of Youth Development and Centre Of Excellence manager as they seek to establish an Academy. Overson will oversee all youth football played at the club, from under-nines to the under 19s, and

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Backwards move nets award

IT was certainly a case of back to the future for Prestwich-based PR design, marketing and communications specialist Appleby Bowers when the business invested £500,000 in their new headquarters. And the move proved a happy return for the ten-strong company

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Church part of huge carol service

PARISHIONERS of a Whitefield church will join 100,000 singers from all over the region in a huge carol service for Christmas. Members of St Andrew's Church, on the Hillock estate, will take part in a carol service on Sunday, December 19 at 6pm. At the

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Launch of substance users' group

BURY Substance Misuse Service which caters for those with drug and alcohol problems, their carers and families is to officially launch its users group. An open day will take place at Oddfellows House in Manchester Road, Bury, on Tuesday, to inform the

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Star Trevor 'mortified' at switch-on mix-up

MANCHESTER City Football Club has held its hands up over a "mix-up" which left soccer fans disappointed. Blues player Trevor Sinclair was booked to switch on Prestwich's Christmas tree lights on Monday evening - but failed to turn up. The former Mersey

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Prestwich and Whitefield Probus Club

TERRY Perkins chose "Lancashire's Fair Face" as the title of his slide show and commentary to Prestwich and Whitefield Probus Club. War-time evacuation to the Ribble Valley had revealed to him the rural beauty which lay beyond the urban smoke of those

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Environment efforts are rewarded

CHAMPIONS of the environment representing businesses, schools and the community were rewarded for their commitment at the seventh annual Groundwork Bury Dinner and Awards. The event at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich attracted 260 guests and paid tribute

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Smoking: It's the young we must protect

THE ban on smoking, with one of the main targets being restaurants and pubs where food is served, will undoubtedly make the air cleaner and healthier for non-smokers. However, as these places are mostly frequented by adults, they will be the ones who

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Wilkes lays down the

law before derby clash A GAP of six places and ten points separate rivals Padiham and Nelson as they go into a derby clash at the Arbories tomorrow. Sixth in the table Nelson, boosted by manager Dave Hill's award of manager of the month, travel to the

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Moly set to field his new faces

Nationwide Conference ROSSENDALE United manager Mark Molyneaux has one new signing in the bag and will have made another before tomorrow's away trip to Ossett Albion. Molyneaux will talk to Maine Road's Andy Roberston tonight with a view to signing a

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Demolition man reversed into two cars in fit of temper

A driver has been jailed for a total of six months after he reversed into two cars on a supermarket car park and drove off in a rage. Sam Thomas (23), of Hulme Street, Bury, admitted driving without due care, failing to stop after or to report an accident

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Vigil to save lives

THE parents of Radcliffe teenager Natalie Danielle Pickwick Jones joined 180 protestors during a poignant candlelit vigil at a notorious accident blackspot in the town. The peaceful and dignified protest was designed to highlight the dangers of speeding

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The Met boss quits and calls for funds

THE director of The Met arts centre has resigned - and called on the venue's funders to cough up more money to give it a brighter future. Ged Kelly, who has held the job for five years, told the annual meeting that he was leaving to fulfil a lifetime's

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Service launches users group

BURY Substance Misuse Service, which caters for those with drug and alcohol problems, their carers and families will officially launch its users group next week. An open day will take place at Oddfellows House in Manchester Road, Bury, on Tuesday to inform

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Wigan back out but Blake future at Turf still in doubt

WIGAN look set to call off the hunt for Clarets skipper Robbie Blake. But Blake's Burnley future remains uncertain after it emerged the striker has backed out of contract talks over a new, extended two-year deal. Latics boss Paul Jewell last night claimed

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Ammies go nap at Bolton

OLD BOLTONIANS RES 0, BURY AMATEURS 5: BURY travelled to Bolton on Saturday and showed no sign of slowing in their pursuit of the title. In a thoroughly professional performance, Bury were always in control. The opening twenty minutes saw the hosts defend

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Boxing club scoops top awards

BURY Amateur Boxing Club had plenty to celebrate at the BBC North West Sports Personality of the Year ceremony at Manchesters Midland Hotel. Both the club's Olympic lightweight silver medal winner Amir Khan and coach Mike Jelley were on the receiving

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Scott says no to Celtic

RADCLIFFE Boro have been boosted by the news that influential midfielder Scott Wilson has rejected the chance to join Stalybridge Celtic. The 24-year-old hub of the Boro engine room was approached by the Conference North strugglers but decided against

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Ex-council leader's takeover warning

THE former leader of Rossendale Council today fired a warning shot that the authority is in danger of a takeover by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. David Hancock, leader of the opposition Labour party, made the stark warning after Peter Steen

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Shunted into the sidings?

A PRIVATE railway company is facing a £50,000 repair bill and possible compensation claims after passengers were injured in a collision during an Autumn Steam gala. A stationary eight-coach train was struck by the "Duke of Gloucester" locomotive at Rawtenstall

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Hands-on training

SCHOOLS are being urged to build on pupils' skills at an event to promote "hands-on" vocations. Students at St Monica's RC High in Prestwich will attend the SkillCity Northwest careers fair. The four-day event at Manchesters G-Mex Centre will feature

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Clssy clowning around

CLOWNING around was not on the agenda for pupils at Prestwich Community High School even though they took part in a circus skills workshop. The youngsters tried their hand at juggling, stilt walking and plate spinning, with the help of the Circus Zapparelli

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Volunteers wanted for raffle

A PRESTWICH-based charity is launching its Christmas appeal and urging volunteers to raffle a cuddly toy. MedEquip4Kids, which raises money to improve healthcare services for sick and injured children across the north west, is asking volunteers to hold

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Launch of substance users' group

BURY Substance Misuse Service which caters for those with drug and alcohol problems, their carers and families is to officially launch its users group. An open day will take place at Oddfellows House in Manchester Road, Bury, on Tuesday, to inform the

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Robber makes death threat

A KNIFE-WIELDING robber threatened to kill a woman unless staff at a Blackpool Bureau De Change to hand over £1,000 worth of US currency. The man walked into Euro Change, Birley Street, at 9.30am on Tuesday morning and asked staff for $3,000. On being

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Man denies fatal stabbing of wife

A BLACKPOOL man has denied murdering his wife by stabbing her through the heart as she babysat for four children. Christopher Stanley Price, 52, of Chepstow Road, Grange Park, pleaded 'not guilty' to murdering his 25-year-old wife, Lisa, during an appearance

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Big deal for Little Theatre

THORNTON Little Theatre has had a 'phenomenally successful' first year, says Wyre's arts development officer, Ian Lamond. The venue - launched in Thornton's revamped lecture hall, Victoria Road East - has attracted high ticket sales to several events

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We can recycle!

BLACKPOOL homeowners could soon be able to recycle glass, tins and paper, without having to leave their homes. Blackpool Council has joined forces with Onyx, one of the UK's leading waste management companies, to roll out doorstep recycling schemes across

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Sanctions on abuse of staff

BLACKBURN with Darwen Primary Care Trust has welcomed a new hard-hitting approach to tackling verbal abuse against medical staff launched by the NHS Security Management Service. Action against offenders will now be dealt with by a system of sanctions

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Eight arrested in drug swoop

POLICE today hailed a series of dawn drugs raids in Burnley a success after making a number of arrests and recovering narcotics. Under "Operation Freeze" eight people were arrested yesterday -- with police warning there are more raids to come. Following

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Angry angels

HUNDREDS of medical staff working in East Lancashire's hospitals have been told they won't get paid any extra for working on Christmas Day this year -- while ancillary staff get almost double. Bosses at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust say their hands

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Dad's ASBO for gun alert

A 41-YEAR-OLD man who caused a terror alert at a children's centre has been hit with an ASBO. Blackburn magistrates banned Romesh Hira inhaling lighter fluid in public after he was seen outside the Shadsworth centre in October carrying imitation firearms

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Reds must beware old boy Williams

ACCRINGTON will have to beware one of their old boys as they seek to put their Nationwide Conference play-off push back on course. Stanley travel to Leigh RMI tomorrow knowing they need to take three points to ensure they stay in the pack hunting a play-off

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Big fuss over Christmas smalls stunt!

WHAT a pants idea! After Blackpool's summer 'anti-sleaze' campaign, sour reactions have greeted a Christmas publicity stunt by Brannigans fun pub - involving knickers, 'phone numbers and a Christmas tree. The promenade pub, part of a chain owned by Leisure

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Parking fines raised only £57,000 0f total

THE headlines 'Parking fines earn council £731k in one year' and 'Drivers paid £1m into town hall coffers - parking fines payout - (Bury Times, December 3) are misleading. They do not take account of the expenditure in running the parking service. The

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So show me your manifesto

LET me try and answer some of the points made on the Letters page (November 23). One BNP member writes: "I am disconcerted to see the number of mosques and other non-Christian religious buildings in this English city". Sorry, but surely one of the important

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You wont get away with it

ONCE again we have been let down by Bury Council. Four years ago, when Bury first approached Hurdles to work in partnership, we were promised that the new Re:d Centre in Morley Street, Bury, would have a four-bedded respite unit for children with disabilities

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Get spending priorities right

YOUR article (December 3) giving details of the number of fixed penalties for parking offences which then had to be revoked, gives a clear indication that either the operatives have not been trained to a high standard or the payment NCP receives is directly

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The waiting game's not for me

I have met many famous people in my life - Gail from Coronation Street, Christopher Biggins and Councillor Mehboob Ahmed of Nelson to name but a few. None of them ever kept me waiting. This week I was lucky enough to be invited to meet the President of

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£1,000 win from 25p lotto ticket

From the Guide files of Friday, December 14, 1979. A 25p lottery ticket resulted in a £1,000 win for Whitefield woman Mrs Jean Winterbottom. After buying the ticket at her local newsagents in Beech Avenue, Mrs Winterbottoms number came up first in the

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Time to make up their minds

DECISION-making seems to have been causing problems for Ribble Valley councillors in recent months. First there was all the controversy over repeatedly unsuccessful attempts by Muslims in Clitheroe to find a building which they could use as a mosque.

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The facts speak for themselves

HOW politically correct is the letter from Mr Watson (LET, November 26) in reply to the earlier letter from N Johnson regarding the poor turnout at the Corporation Park War Memorial. "It may be correct that only 10 people were paying their respects" in

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Win tickets for the Christmas Tree Ball!

WHETHER you're a regular on the Fylde club scene or just an occasional reveller - get set! The 18th annual Christmas Tree Ball is getting ready to kick off on Saturday, December 18 and it's looking bigger and brighter than ever before... The night kicks

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Toddlers sign the way to Christmas

YOUNGSTERS at Elton Primary School's nursery dazzled their parents with a performance of this year's nativity play The Bossy King. The 37 children, aged three and four, performed two shows recounting the tale of a bossy king who decides to visit the new

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Time for the awards

MORE than 60 eager youngsters were honoured with a range of awards at Bury Town Hall. They received Millennium Volunteers, Duke of Edinburgh and Youth Achievement awards in the presence of their families, professionals and mayor and mayoress. Youth workers

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Narrow miss for top PC

A BURY policeman has narrowly missed out on a top national award. Greater Manchester Police's Probationer of the Year PC Jason Ramm travelled to London to vie for the national title. While still not yet on independent patrol, PC Ramm clinched the county

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Fireman's cash lift

FIREMAN Rick Warburton has given a lift to a national charity. The station officer at Whitefield completed the 13-mile Great North Run and raised £500 for the When You Wish Upon a Star appeal which makes dreams come true for terminally ill children.

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Thinking of the needy

WORSHIPPERS at Bury Unitarian Church have ensured that Christmas will be enjoyed by the less fortunate. Children and members of the congregation have presented parcels of food and other items to two charities, the Porch Box Project and Lifeline. Bury's

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Armchair music expert Jackie

CLASSICAL music fan Jackie Young didn't have to go far to hear some of her favourite tunes. For Mrs Young, of Manchester Old Road, Bury, enjoyed a home visit from musicians of Manchester Camerata, who are regulars at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester

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Emmerdale villain is roguish hero in Met show

ACTOR Anthony Bessick is quickly gaining a reputation as a villainous character after appearing in The Met's Christmas production as well as ITV soap Emmerdale. Anthony made his Emmerdale debut on Tuesday as Cain Dingle's blackmailer at the same time

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Meals on wheels are set to double

THE number of hot meals delivered to the homes of elderly and disabled people across Bury will double by next spring. From April, up to 2,500 hot meals on wheels will be delivered to every part of the borough seven days a week to people not living in

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Thief stole £4,000 from his mother

A mean thief pinched his mother's cheque book and drew out £4,000 of her cash from a building society, a court heard. Burnley magistrates heard how former drug addict Mark Bowers (30) was currently serving two years nine months in prison after being convicted

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Bus depot plans are 'on hold'

BUS company First is calling a temporary halt to plans to redevelop its depot facilities in Bury. The firm has withdrawn plans for The Rock Triangle, which had already been outlined for rejection by planners. Proposals by property group Morbaine Ltd and

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No-one can hold a candle to Amir, 18!

IT was the icing on the cake as Amir Khan celebrated his 18th birthday on Wednesday 8th, marking the end of an unforgettable year. The Bury Amateur Boxing Club's Olympic sensation celebrated the landmark birthday with family and friends on Sunday 5th

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Ewood bus

THE Queen's Hotel, Accrington are running a coach to every Blackburn Rovers home game. The coach leaves an hour before kick off and returns an hour after the match has ended. For fur ther details ring Pete Jackson on 01254 389413.

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Parking plan

A PLANNING application to create landscape parking and new access to Kersal Court, Kersal Close in Prestwich, has been submitted to Bury Council.

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Creative Xmas

BRING out your creativity skills this Christmas with a craft afternoon in Victoria Park. Bury Councils park rangers will be holding a marquee in the Whitefield park on Saturday December 18 between 2pm and 4pm offering the chance to create anything from

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Re-born Todd is the key

THERE was a time earlier in the season when Andy Todd must have feared he had played his last game for Blackburn Rovers. A fall-out with previous manager Graeme Souness led to the 30-year-old being axed from the first team and his agent was instructed

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School fair success

PARRENTHORN High School Society is celebrating the fruits of a bumper Christmas fair. The event was held at the school, in Heywood Road, Prestwich, on Sunday and raised £2,134 for school funds. Chairman of the society, Andrea Sidebottom said: "It was

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Churches together for Christmas

OUR Lady of Grace Church is the venue for a special seasonal service organised by Churches Together in Prestwich. The service will take place at the church in Fairfax Road on Wednesday from 7.45pm and will feature Dobcross Silver Band. Admission is by

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Churches together for Christmas

OUR Lady of Grace Church is the venue for a special seasonal service organised by Churches Together in Prestwich. The service will take place at the church in Fairfax Road on Wednesday from 7.45pm and will feature Dobcross Silver Band. Admission is by

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Pipe check

UNITED Utilities customers are being advised to check the pipes in their homes amid warnings that the region could be facing a series of cold snaps. A sudden drop in temperature could cause misery if pipes burst.

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The fun starts here...

A NEW £750,000 children's centre for families in Preston was unveiled by a special guest last week. Six-year-old Ceri Fisher was treated like a princess for a day after designing the winning logo for the Sure Start Preston West Children's Centre, at the

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Singing for their kit

A CHEERLEADING troupe will get the chance to raise cash for a new kit while spreading Christmas cheer as they grab their pom poms and hot foot it to Preston city centre for two performances. The group of 11 to 15-year-olds, from Lostock Hall High School

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Hands-on training

SCHOOLS are being urged to build on pupils' skills at an event to promote hands-on vocations. Students at St Monica's RC High in Prestwich will attend the SkillCity Northwest careers fair. The four-day event at Manchesters G-Mex Centre will feature chances

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Budding scientists on case of shallowgraves

BUDDING forensic scientists at the University of Central Lancashire unearthed 'human' bones in the grounds of a run-down building The skull, leg, spine and shoulder bones, buried in the old croquet lawn of the grade two listed Bank Hall, Bretherton, near

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Time Preston started acting like a city

CHAIRMAN of Preston North End Derek Shaw has said what some people may have been thinking for a long time -- that Preston needs to start behaving like a city if it wants to be one. His outburst came after city councillors denied PNE planning permission

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Volunteers wanted for raffle

A PRESTWICH-based charity is launching its Christmas appeal and urging volunteers to raffle a cuddly toy. MedEquip4Kids, which raises money to improve healthcare services for sick and injured children across the north west, is asking volunteers to hold

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Tax hike expected next year

COUNCIL taxpayers in Preston could face a five per cent hike on their council tax bill because of a "disappointing" grant from central government. Preston will receive a below inflation increase of 2.5 per cent in its funding from the Revenue Support

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Festive family fun day

A FESTIVE family fun day will be held on the Hillock estate on Saturday. Santa will give out early Christmas presents. The event will be held at St Michaels Church hall, Ribble Drive, from noon to 4pm and all activities are free of charge. The fun day

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Christmas service at chapel

WORSHIPPERS and guests are invited to join Stand Unitarian Chapel for a programme of Christmas services. The chapel, in Ringley Road, Whitefield, will hold its children's Christmas service this Sunday at 11.30am followed by a congregational lunch and

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Rare disorder that took my girl

A FATHER whose daughter died from a rare genetic disorder has urged people to be more aware of the potentially fatal syndrome that took her life. Georgina Cooper, 37, of Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, was admitted to hospital a fortnight ago with a brain tumour

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Volunteers wanted for raffle

A PRESTWICH-based charity is launching its Christmas appeal and urging volunteers to raffle a cuddly toy. MedEquip4Kids, which raises money to improve healthcare services for sick and injured children across the north west, is asking volunteers to hold

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Home at last

A LANDMARK regeneration scheme in Morecambe has unveiled a £1 million facelift which has been four years in the making. The Poulton Home Zone - the first scheme of its kind in the country - has completely changed the face of the area around Clarence Street

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PRacist chants ban is backed

A POLICE chief today welcomed a three-year football banning order given to a fan for racist chanting and said work would continue to eradicate racism in the game. Inspector Jeff Brown was match commander when Kenneth Morrow was arrested for making monkey

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Town centre ban is lifted

A THIEF banned from Burnley centre for two years has had an anti-social behaviour order quashed after a judge slammed it as "wholly inappropriate". Judge Barbara Watson told Burnley Crown Court ASBOs should be imposed if a defendant had caused harassment

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Let there be light

CYCLISTS are to be targeted by police officers - and could face fixed penality tickets. Bike riders are being warned to use cycle lights and wear bright clothing during the winter. If they do not then they could fall victim to a string of operations planned

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Police seek 'friendly' car thief

POLICE are hunting a car thief who befriended a Heysham pensioner before stealing his Ford Granada. The thief previously spoke to the 73-year-old and said that he would carry out some work on the car to save him taking it to the garage. A few days later

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Protests block West End blueprint

A £75 MILLION master plan to radically reshape the West End of Morecambe has run into a spot of bother... More than 300 residents turned out to discuss the proposed Morecambe Action Plan at a meeting at the resort's Platform. And many of them were far

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It's payback time

A LANCASTER man captured on camera playing golf after pocketing £17,683 in disability benefits has been handed a 12 month community rehabilitation order. Henry Calvert has also been fined £150 and has to pay back all the cash he claimed fraudulently.

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Jones to end nightmare run

GRAEME Jones aims to put his injury nightmare behind him Saturday when he returns to the Shakers' first team fold against one of his former clubs. The experienced striker has only started one game since arriving from Boston United in the summer, due to

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Oh that a year for boxer Amir

IT was the icing on the cake as boxer Amir Khan celebrated his 18th birthday on Wednesday marking the end of an unforgettable year. The Bury Amateur Boxing Club's Olympic sensation celebrated the landmark birthday with a special party for family and friends

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Sunday opening to restaurant

BURY'S mayor and mayoress have a mouthwatering engagement on Sunday. They will officially open the new Tikka Indian restaurant which has just been established in Bury Old Road, Prestwich. And it will be a double celebration. For Mr Badsha Mia, who runs

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Praise for Fairfield

I WOULD like to thank the staff of wards 9 and 30 at Fairfield Hospital. A lot has been said and written about Fairfield - not all of it good - but during my long stay in there nothing was too much trouble for them. DOREEN ROSE FLYNN

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£5,699 Poppy cash

RAMSBOTTOM British Legion would like to thank the people of Ramsbottom, the Ramsbottom Lions, Rotarians, navy and army cadets, collectors, counters and distributors who were involved in any way with this year's Poppy Appeal. The sum raised was £5,699.

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If they dont like it, tough!

WHAT is this country of ours coming to? Santa banned in Birmingham in case it offends muslims? Just because people come here from other countries should not mean us having to ban the traditions we have grown to love. We enjoy Christmas and everything

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Band music was a breath of spring

WALKING the well-worn path between Summerseat and Ramsbottom town centre has always been a pleasure to me, but one recent Sunday it was made doubly pleasurable by the presence of Besses Boys Band, who were playing traditional seasonal music at Ramsbottom

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Centre needs expanding not cutting

I WAS most disturbed to see the news of the 50 per cent funding cut to Bury's one and only Re:d Centre, which has been providing a most valued service for disabled children of Bury. As the clinical lead for Burys Child Development Centre (located In Fairfield

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'Muni' is the name for more appeal

COLNE's Municipal Hall is being officially relaunched as 'The Muni' in a bid to widen the venue's appeal. The hall has been known as the Muni for many years by locals and the new look hall will be unveiled today alongside the launch of the new Spring

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My bosom buddy

CELEBRITY couple Peter Andre and Jordan now have a new bosom buddy thanks to Accrington animal expert Kevin Horkin. Peter, the boyfriend of Jordan, real name Katie Price, called Kevin for help when he struggled to find a special Christmas present for

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A Christmas thank you

ON behalf of the Parrenthorn High School Society I would like to thank all who contributed to making Sundays Christmas Fair such a success. A special thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress for their visit, to Ivan Lewis MP and, of course, to Santa. The Christmas

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NORTH-west women are the biz

NEW businesswomen in the north west are certainly making their mark. Barclays has disclosed that the region is one of the top for female start-ups with 11 women per 1,000 setting up in the north west. And in the UK as a whole, entrepreneurial activity

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Christmas bells ring out your joy

For Mary's precious angel boy, Christmas chimes long sound God's peace To a troubled world's unease. Christmas bells sing high and clear So that all who doubt may hear. 'Neath frosted skies to sunlit sands "He holds the whole world in His hands". May

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Mavis makes her mark

WHITEFIELD woman Mavis Warner, who played a vital role in writing a new chapter for a forgotten and empty community centre, now has her own success story to tell. The 65-year-old worked tirelessly to revive the closed Elms Community Centre and since its

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We need the EU market

WILLIAM Pitt the Younger said politics is the art of the possible - and he meant the practicable as well. It's no use depending on a can opener if you don't have one. Those who want a UK independent of the US, the EU and NATO, are stuck in the Boer War

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Street wardens axed

WHITEFIELD street wardens will be axed in four months, despite their acclaimed success. The five wardens will patrol Victoria and Hillock estates for the last time in March, along with two neighbourhood wardens in East Bury, because Government funding

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Old-fashioned fun on agenda for village

ORGANISERS have declared this year's Pickwick Night a resounding success. Police estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 people thronged the streets of Whalley for the traditional Christmas shopping extravaganza. Traders and stall holders donned Victorian costumes

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Housing sell-off deadline

A COUNCIL could face a damning audit report if it fails to resolve the sale of its housing stock by next summer. Under government rules, Ribble Valley Council has until July to reach a decision on whether to sell its 1,225 council homes. But after councillors

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Best of enemies

PRESTON boss Billy Davies is looking forward to locking horns with new drinking buddy Steve Cotterill. The two opposing managers, who clash in tomorrow's Lancashire derby, are close neighbours who share the same bar in the Ribble Valley. And Davies admitted

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Ding - Dong

Derby Classics PRESTON 1 BURNLEY 1, April 1973 ALREADY promoted Burnley needed just a point to win the Second Division and a return to the top flight, while North End required a draw to avoid relegation to Division Three. The pitch was narrowed by six

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Wigan back out but Blake future at Turf still in doubt

WIGAN look set to call off the hunt for Clarets skipper Robbie Blake. But Blake's Burnley future remains uncertain after it emerged the striker has backed out of contract talks over a new, extended two-year deal. Latics boss Paul Jewell last night claimed

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Jensen bids to exorcise the ghosts

PRESTON beware. For Brian Jensen aims to bury the memory of the worst day of his Burnley career in tomorrow's tasty Lancashire hot-pot. Exactly twelve months ago, Jensen was on the receiving end of a verbal volley from Stan Ternent after being blamed

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Trainees build-up skills

THREE lads from Whitefield will be heading into the New Year with brighter job prospects thanks to an EU-funded scheme run by Bury Council. Mike Davies, Philip Higgs and Dale Healey are among six young men, all previously unemployed, taking part in a

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Prestwich Co-op Camera Club

THE last of the Prestwich Co-op Camera Club assignments for 2004 was held on Tuesday and, in honour of the occasion, there was an outside judge in the shape of Norman Thompson (BIPP) from Bury. In the 20 slides there was quite a variety; a few landscapes

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Launch of substance users' group

BURY Substance Misuse Service which caters for those with drug and alcohol problems, their carers and families is to officially launch its users group. An open day will take place at Oddfellows House in Manchester Road, Bury, on Tuesday, to inform the

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Mavis makes her mark

WHITEFIELD woman Mavis Warner, who played a vital role in writing a new chapter for a forgotten and empty community centre, now has her own success story to tell. The 65-year-old worked tirelessly to revive the closed Elms Community Centre and since its

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Why Sparky just holds the edge over Dowie

The Simon Garner column WHEN Blackburn Rovers began the search for a new manager to replace Graeme Souness, the two names on everyone's lips were Mark Hughes and Iain Dowie. Tomorrow at Selhurst Park, Hughes and Dowie will find themselves in direct opposition

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Can you help Shakers

THINK you can help out Bury FC's Commercial Department in any way? Then you should be attending a special meeting at Bury FC Social Club on Monday evening at 7.30pm. Shakers commercial manager Peter Young and director Ross Johnson will be on hand to discuss

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Blues turn

to Byron CLITHEROE have appointed former Bamber Bridge boss Paul Byron as their new manager. The former Accrington Stanley, Lancaster City, Morecambe and Southport defender, who also saw Football League service with Hartlepool United, has joined the Blues

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Duo have

chance to climb ladder PROMOTION chasing Bacup Borough and Ramsbottom United will both be looking to overtake local rivals Colne tomorrow. With Colne on FA Vase duty, it provides sixth in the table Rams and Bacup, a place behind them, with the chance

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Blues bank

on Byron We turned the corner - Hughes CHORLEY manager John Hughes believes his side have turned the corner following last week's impressive 3-1 win against promotion-chasing Gresley Rovers. Hughes' decision to ring the changes brought instant rewards

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Colne still fighting on all fronts

TALK of the double was unheard of last season when Colne embarked on the season in the North West Counties League Division Two, but after storming to league and League Cup trophies you'd be forgiven for dreaming again. Nigel Coates' side currently sit

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Think again for sake of town's economy

BURY will benefit in terms of employment, business opportunities and lifestyle choices if the Government backtracks over its decision not to fund a new Metrolink extension. In an effort to ensure that the borough ultimately reaps the rewards of a multi-million

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'We just acted on instinct': fire hero

A RAMSBOTTOM ambulanceman who risked his life to help save a family of four from a burning house said he wouldn't hesitate to do it again if he was confronted with a similar situation. In March, Sean Brady and his paramedic colleague Martin Collier were

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Mum who stood up to hellish residents

A BRAVE single mum who defied threats, intimidation and anti-social behaviour to evict a 'neighbour from hell' has been hailed a local hero. Tracy Stewart kept a 14-month diary of her ordeal at the hands of a woman and her three sons who brought misery

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Hughes eyes deal for Nelsen

BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes is ready to offer Ryan Nelsen the chance to prove himself in the Premiership. The New Zealand international defender has made a big impression on Hughes and his coaching staff during a two-week trial at the club. And

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Man charged with rape of schoolgirl

A 21-YEAR-old man has appeared in court charged with a "predatory" sex attack on a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Waterfoot in the early hours of Saturday. Stephen Ainscow, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, is charged with rape, attempted rape and attempting

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Elevate is blamed for homeless hike

A MAJOR probe today has highlighted the plight of an East Lancashire family living in squalor - and put the blame on a major housing regeneration programme. The report published today warns that plans to revitalise rundown homes could be pricing people

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Stand chapel

STAND Unitarian Chapel will hold a President's Evening in the New Year. The event will take place in the school room, which is situated at the chapel in Ringley Road, Whitefield, on Saturday, January 29. The informal evening of entertainment and potato

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Churches together for Christmas

OUR Lady of Grace Church is the venue for a special seasonal service organised by Churches Together in Prestwich. The service will take place at the church in Fairfax Road on Wednesday from 7.45pm and will feature Dobcross Silver Band. Admission is by

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Christmas service at chapel

WORSHIPPERS and guests are invited to join Stand Unitarian Chapel for a programme of Christmas services. The chapel, in Ringley Road, Whitefield, will hold its children's Christmas service this Sunday at 11.30am followed by a congregational lunch and

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Coffee morning in green

TWO seasonal events are approaching for the Friends of Heaton Park group. Their annual Christmas coffee morning will be held in the greenhouses at Heaton Park's horticultural centre this Sunday. Refreshments will be served from 11am and members of the

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Festive family fun day

A FESTIVE family fun day will be held on the Hillock estate on Saturday. Santa will give out early Christmas presents. The event will be held at St Michaels Church hall, Ribble Drive, from noon to 4pm and all activities are free of charge. The fun day

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A new chapter!

A FORMER Blackpool library, controversially closed earlier this year, is to be resurrected as a community centre. Highfield Library shut its doors for the final time in September as part of the resort's library modernisation programme. But the building

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County will have to count the coppers

CASH-strapped police chiefs have warned council tax increases could be ahead next year after government budget announcements revealed a "significant shortfall" in funding. Under budgetary settlement figures for 2005/6 issued earlier this week, Lancashire

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Over-limit lawyer crashed car after a tiff

A NEWLY-qualified solicitor fell foul of the law after a night out with her boyfriend ended in a row. Blackburn magistrates heard that Dona Leander McIlwane was involved in a crash as she drove home from her boyfriend's flat where she had intended to

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Battered mum: 'I still love him'

A WOMAN battered by her partner on two occasions pleaded with magistrates to allow them to be together at Christmas. Laura Devine, partner of John Wilson and the mother of his three children, told magistrates that she still loved him after he pleaded

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Help us to get it right

AFTER yesterday's unveiling of plans to transform Blackburn town centre Regeneration chief COUN ANDY KAY explains what he and the council hope to do over the next few years. TWO years ago the Council published a strategy to find out what was needed to

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Tigers face Brum dilemma

VICTORY for Sedgley Park Saturday may well depend on which of the opposition's two teams turns up. Will it be Birmingham-Solihull, or will it be the Pertemps Bees? Will it be the team that won its first six league games to go top of the table, or will

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Bruised egos would be preferable

ON November 5 the bus stop outside my home was again demolished by a car. This is the seventh time a vehicle has hit it. There have been a further eight incidents involving collisions with residential frontages adjacent to, and across from, the bus stop

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Natalie won't be the last

PAUL Madeley, the driver who was cleared of killing 15-year-old Natalie Pickwick Jones after he drove his car at close to twice the 30mph speed limit - in the dark - said in his defence: 'Until I saw Natalie I did not know there were any pedestrians about

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Wrong time to axe regiments

I THINK it's scandalous that under the Ministry of Defence's latest spending review, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, which recruits heavily in this part of the world, may soon face the axe. The regiment, which was formed in 1968 from four illustrious

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Drink drive death crash man win's sentence appeal

A DRUNK whose "appalling" driving killed a council official when he careered the wrong way down the M66 at Bury had his sentence reduced on Thursday in London's Appeal Court. Patrick Fanning (48) was jailed for seven years at Bolton Crown Court earlier