IT was 1914. Britain was at war and desperate measures were deemed necessary. The Defence of the Realm Act provided them, including temporary restrictions on pub opening hours. That war has, happily, been over for more than 80 years. The restrictions,
WE would like to express our deep concern following Saturday night's disgraceful attacks on Asian taxi drivers in Bolton town centre. We value the distinctive contributions of the Hindu and Moslem sectors of our community & are glad to share with
IN reply to Mrs V Lucas's letter in the BEN on July 19. She states: "You can go to see a film without having to catch two buses or drive for miles." This is in reference, of course, to the Trafford Centre. Well, unless I am mistaken, the Trafford Centre
I FEEL I must write regarding the excellent service I received at the Astley Bridge Asda branch. When I finally arrived at the check-out with my tired two-year-old daughter, I was greeted with a smile from the young assistant girl and she even offered
POLICE chiefs today offered a £10,000 reward to catch the killer of Bolton criminal Billy Webb, on the day he was buried. The 42-year-old was gunned down two months ago as he lay sleeping in his bed in a first floor flat. Earlier this year Webb was released
A COMPRESSOR at Hampsons Composites, Vale Street, Breightmet, was damaged by a fire which started at 7pm yesterday.
THE Bolton Branch of the RSPCA celebrates Cross Breed Dogs of The Year 2001 with "Doggy Mixtures" Novelty Dog Show including the official heat of RSPCA Dog of the Year on Sunday, August 5, from noon. Registration is at 11am at Moss Bank Park, Bolton.
A PLUMBING merchant has pulled out all the stops to help a hospice caring for children. The Plumb Center in Chorley has donated £100 to Derian House Children's Hospice, Astley Village. The money was drawn from the firm's Top Tap scheme which helps community
BOOKWORMS are invited to a readers circle meeting at Marsh Lane Library in Farnworth. It will be held at 10.30am on August 14. Tea and coffee will be available. Details available on 01204 332363. Bolton Central Library's reading group will meet on August
GEOFF Capes, strongman and athlete, is making a plea to the nation to help prevent the demise of the great British takeaway industry. The Save Our Takeaways Campaign aims to get people back to their local takeaways which Geoff feels are taking a pounding
BUDDING Bolton writers have been invited to submit poems to a regional competition. The closing date for Preston Writers Guild's poetry competition is August 31. All poems must not exceed 32 lines. Entry fees are £2 per poem. Any amount of poems can be
THE Confederation of British Industry is demanding a radical shake-up of the UK's "slow and uncertain" planning system. CBI bosses say it is damaging productivity and thwarting economic growth. Their "Planning for Productivity" report says that while
Debut visits will be made by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony and Japan Philharmonic. Return trips will come from the Oslo Philharmonic and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. Celebrity recitals will begin with the Italian superstar
A JURY at Bolton Crown Court has cleared one man of unlawful wounding but was sent home to consider its verdict on two other men. Victim Neil Yates was attacked and allegedly beaten by his former wife's new partner and the boyfriends of his two daughters
BOLTON MP Dr Brian Iddon has backed Railtrack's new chief who has slammed his predecessor's £1 million golden handshake. Chairman John Robinson has ordered an independent review to ensure the situation does not happen again, claiming Gerald Corbett's
DOORMEN at a Bolton club who searched Mark Callan called police when they found what they believed to be Ecstasy tablets on him. And when police searched his father's car parked nearby they found more tablets and a small piece of cannabis. Callan, aged
FORGET the dancing queen, meet the little dancing princesses. Jayde Hall, aged six, and her seven-year-old cousin Megan McDonald, from Kearsley, have amassed 14 trophies and 24 medals since they started entering competitions just eight months ago. The
ROUND-the-clock repairs have enabled a Bolton bowling club to host the Australian Commonwealth Games team just days after their green was vandalised. The BEN reported last week that the visit was in the balance after motorbikers rode across the green
THE first detailed plans describing how the council will replace a troubled estate have been revealed. The BEN reported in March that 99-home De Lacy Drive would be demolished after 65 per cent of residents said it was their favoured option. Housing chiefs
GOVERNMENT proposals to encourage better handling of workplace disputes and create a more efficient employment tribunal process have been well received by Bolton and Bury Chamber. Chief Executive of the chamber, Andrew Ratcliff said: "The Government has
ANDY FLINTOFF has his sights set on another Lord's final. The Lancashire all-rounder has had a thin season in the Championship, but he has saved his best form for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy, and yesterday he entertained a sun-baked Blackpool
Until August 11 PHILLIP Schofield has built a career around talking to puppets. In the late 80s and early 90s, the greying presenter-cum-actor spent many years in the Children's BBC Broom Cupboard conversing with Gordon the Gopher. But it seems that experience
HARRY Marshall may be 70 years old but that does not stop him taking to the the deep blue sea for big game fishing titles. The Bury man's latest catch was a 496lbs blue marlin taken off St Martin in the French Caribbean, winning him the island's top angling
THE PDSA's Pet Protectors' club teaches youngsters about the responsibilities of owning a pet in a friendly and fun way. For an application form, contact the Pet Protectors' office on 01952-290999 or send a SAE to Pet Protectors Office, PDSA, Whitechapel
LIKE humans, hedghogs need plenty of water in hot weather. As rain dries up as soon as it hits scorching ground, puddles may be in short supply. So remember to leave a tipover-proof bowl of water in a cool place for your garden hedgehogs, urges the British
(Compiled by Direct Line Pet Insurance) 1. There are approximately seven million dogs and eight million cats in the UK. 2. One in three dogs and cats is injured or falls ill every year. 3. The most common reason for either a dog or cat to visit a vet
A MAJOR event in the doggy calendar takes place next month when the 13th Bolton Town Show is staged at Leverhulme Park. The cancellation of many agricultural and country shows means that this year's local event promises to be the biggest ever, with over
THE OFFICIAL opening of Bradshaw's newly-repaired bridge is in the pipeline -- to coincide with the village fair. The community celebration will mark the end of the Bradshaw Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club's headache over their crumbling bridge. In the
A COUPLE whose three children were born premature have been fundraising for the special care baby unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Angela Davies gave birth to Sarah at 29 weeks, Melissa at 31 weeks and Mark at 26 weeks. Sarah, who has just celebrated
A BOY with severe autism has benefited from a second meeting with a renowned expert on the condition. Mobeen Ahmed is gradually learning to communicate with his family thanks to a pioneering teaching system called Facilitated Communication. Mobeen, aged
WHEN Elaine Simkin was told she had just three months to live she replied to the doctor: "I haven't got time to die!" The busy mum, charity campaigner and fitness instructor proved them all right -- and she is still fighting fit 20 years later. She has
IT will be an event watched by 1.5 billion people across the world. There will be 15 venues, a million live spectators, 5,250 athletes and 15,000 volunteers, making the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games the biggest multi-sport event ever to be held in
A MAN renowned for war-torn images and pictures of devastation and deprivation, has focused on "A Little English City" for his latest exhibition. Dave Clark, course leader of photography and video at Bolton Institute, has drawn inspiration from the banks
THE owners of a garage and car dealership are in despair after raiders hit the premises for the ninth time in three months. Kearsley Car Sales and Kearsley Service Station in Manchester Road, Kearsley, has been repeatedly targeted despite its main road
Eagley win a lifeline EAGLEY put themselves in contention for Group A progression as they brushed aside Golborne Sports in the Goldline Trophy last night. The visitors took the lead as early as the sixth minute when Barry Derbyshire netted from long range
I AM on a short break in Horwich, and on Monday, July 9, I felt very privileged to be asked to attend a small celebration in the Horwich Resource Centre. This was to acknowledge the fact that three St John Ambulance Cadets had been placed second in the
I MUST reply to R Fairhurst (BEN:July 18), about Jillian Harrison (July 12). Jillian was right about Westhoughton Carnival, I saw the same carnival. What Mrs R Fairhurst and the committee forgot to mention in their reply, was the band never played, the
I WAS extremely sad to hear, while I was away on holiday, that Neil Midgley had died after a short illness. Many tributes have been expressed through the local and national media re his international referee status. Neil was a referee the players loved
BOLTON is heading for a £30 million Commonwealth Games cash bonanza, the BEN can reveal today. The vast majority of the cash will be brought in by tourism with more than 500,000 visitors expected to descend on Bolton during the 10-day sporting extravaganza
IT may still be a year away, but Bolton's celebrations for the 2002 Commonwealth Games began in earnest yesterday. Hundreds of people flocked to Victoria Square to watch the one-year launch party. With the sun beaming and music from boy and girl tribute
A PENSIONER was taken to hospital suffering from shock after an accident involving five other vehicles. The driver was in the car park at Tesco, Campbell Way, Walkden, when the accident happened at 3pm yesterday.
THE next meeting of the Carers Forum will be held on Thursday, August 2, at Friends Meeting House, Silverwell Street, Bolton, when the topic is "Housing Issues". Everyone involved in caring for someone is welcome.
BOLTON Hospice is appealing for volunteers to man its charity shop on Chorley Old Road, opposite Morrisons. Volunteers are needed for three hours a week between Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm, Saturday 10am to noon. Just call in to the shop.
A SECOND hand car dealership was targeted by arsonists early today. A wheelie bin was pushed up against a Ford Transit van on the forecourt of Moses Gate Motors, Egerton Street, and set alight. A passing motorist alerted firefighters at around 12.55am
A READERS' Circle meeting will be held at Marsh Lane Branch Library. Anyone who enjoys reading, a cuppa and a chat can go along on August 14 at 10.30am. Details from 01204 332363. The Reading Group meets at Bolton Library on August 2. Details from Carol
A MAN who denied threatening behaviour had his court case adjourned to August 22 by Blackpool magistrates. Brian Raynor, aged 20, of Dove Bank Road, Little Lever, also denied two offences of causing damage. He was told to live at his home address and
Mark Elder will conduct a cast of international soloists. He will also be conductor at a concert on Thursday, October 11, featuring soprano, Norah Amsellem. Call 0161 907 9000 for further details.
STAFF at Silcoms Social Club in Piggott Street, Farnworth, are to get on their bikes for charity. More than 32 riders, many of them employees, will cycle to Southport to raise funds for research into Cystic Fibrosis on Sunday, July 29. Cyclists will leave
BOLTON Wanderers are booming on and off the pitch. Local and national businesses are flocking to the Reebok Stadium to watch the Whites take on Premiership stars such as Michael Owen, David Beckham and Thierry Henry next season. The sales team at the
IT WILL be a regimental homecoming when Bolton's Victoria Square plays host to a full day of army events to swell the ranks. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will invade the Town Hall Square on Monday, August 6, from 9am until 4pm. There will be a up to
A ROOFTOP drama unfolded in Bolton this morning as emergency services were forced to close off roads after a man climbed onto the top of a three-storey house and refused to come down. Police were forced to seal off streets around Empire Road, Breightmet
A KEARSLEY man has been disqualified from becoming a company director after it was found he did not keep the books of his failed firm up to date. Paul Riley, of Higher Market Street, has been banned for four years after the Official Receiver was unable
A MAN caught with 43 Ecstasy tablets and £175 cash when he was arrested in a pub escaped a jail sentence. Connor Kane was arrested by police on another matter at the Clarence pub in Ramsbottom. But when he was searched he was found to be in possession
Sam Allardyce is running the rule over the two Scots at the club's training camp in Spain and will make a decision before the squad returns to the Reebok at the weekend. The Reebok boss had earlier indicated he had dropped his interest in former Newcastle
BOLTON South-east MP Dr Brian Iddon has welcomed proposals to combat voter apathy during future elections. Dr Iddon's constituency had the lowest turnout of any of the town's wards, 50.9 per cent, in June's general election. Bolton West and North-east
A FORMER soldier with a history of heart problems died in hospital a week after collapsing as he walked in Bolton's Morris Green Park. Retired gas administrator John Hodgon, aged 77, of Morris Green Lane, Bolton, died at the Royal Bolton Hospital on January
WITH the dawn of another new season fast approaching may I be one of the first to wish Wanderers every bit of good fortune for whatever lies ahead in what is sure to be long, hard and at times exciting season. For while congratulating the team on their
A HISTORIAN from Bolton is joining others to raise £2,500 to buy a headstone for a forgotten hero. Neville Wantling of Horwich and members of a group of historians known as the General Staff of The Blue and Grey are hoping to buy a new stone for the grave
A CALL for Bolton newborn babies to be automatically screened for deafness has been made by Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon. Dr Iddon is urging health minister Yvette Cooper to make the test, and crucial follow up support, available to all of his
A CALL for Bolton newborn babies to be automatically screened for deafness has been made by Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon. Dr Iddon is urging health minister Yvette Cooper to make the test, and crucial follow up support, available to all of his
THE OFFICIAL opening of Bradshaw's newly-repaired bridge is in the pipeline -- to coincide with the village fair. The community celebration will mark the end of the Bradshaw Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club's headache over their crumbling bridge. In the
AN up-and-coming Bolton band have gained an unlikely new listener -- the President of Ghana! Mazeppa are hoping to make a real impression with their debut EP, released on Bradshaw-based independent Cityscape Records. But they never expected the chain
JUSSI Jaaskelainen is facing a race against time to be fit for Wanderers Premiership kick off. The mighty Finn has admitted for the first time that he is not certain to be between the posts when Sam Allardyce's team take on Leicester City at Filbert Street
Match tactics prove a winner SMALLER fish decided the outcome of Bolton Rivers charity match on Doe Heys top water. Paul Ayres from GTI Rochdale tried a novel approach for the water when he fished pellet on the pole. Skimmer bream found the offerings
LEISURE, SPORT AND KEEP FIT BOLTON Excel, Lower Bridgeman Street, tel: 334456: Lifestyles Fitness Suite, Yoga, Judo, Circuits, Short Mat Bowling, Aerobics, Pilates. Open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm. DEANE Leisure
Gareth Farrelly, Ricardo Gardner and Jussi Jaaskelainen have all agreed new and improved contracts that will keep them at the Reebok until 2005. Now the manager is aiming to secure top scorer, Michael Ricketts, on a long-term arrangement. The new contracts
BOLTON will hope it is third time lucky when it enters the race to become England's newest city to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The town has been disappointed twice in previous contests. Last year, it lost out to Brighton and Hove, Inverness and Wolverhampton
IT HAS seen two world wars, the swinging sixties, the Queen's silver jubilee and the birth of a new millennium. And now a Bolton primary school is celebrating a jubilee of its own as staff and pupils celebrate its 100th birthday. SS Simon and Jude's CE
Homeowners court threat HOMEOWNERS in Bolton are threatening to take their landowner to court claiming they are the victims of an insurance row. Around 200 people have been sent letters telling them to either pay up to £500, use a preferred insurance
