Archive

  • Gordon Sharrock's Reebok Diary

    SATURDAY: WANDERERS crash to their third successive home defeat in the Premiership, beaten 4-0 by Newcastle. The game is an even contest with chances missed at both ends before Nolberto Solano gives the Magpies the lead in the 42nd minute in controversial

  • Rocket Ricketts is a shooting star

    SAM Allardyce confirmed today that he is prepared to make allowances for Michael Ricketts as long as he continues to score the goals that will keep Wanderers away from the Premiership danger zone. The Reebok boss revealed he has had cause to mildly chastise

  • Fergie is simply the best - Sam

    SAM Allardyce ignored the intense rivalry of the Old Trafford derby to pay the ultimate compliment to Sir Alex Ferguson. The Wanderers' boss has no hesitation in acknowledging the Manchester United chief as "The Greatest". "I believe a football club is

  • Jussi breaks through pain barrier to save Whites

    IT was said Wanderers would need a miracle to beat Manchester United ... and that was just what they got. Jussi Jaaskelainen's sensational double save to deny Paul Scholes and Andy Cole five minutes before half time ranks alongside the amazing goalkeeping

  • Return to state ownership not the answer

    ROGER Bannister of UNISON seems to think that the only way to run the railways safely is to take them into public ownership. I cannot think that Mr Bannister reads the Bolton Evening New's On This Day column column for otherwise he would have seen an

  • Progress of a cannabis kind

    ON the odd occasion I have had the pleasant experience of visiting our traditional English hostelries in and around Bolton. Over the years environments have changed, and many have taken on a more modern ambient outlook. However in some, when I have answered

  • The freedom to die with dignity

    MP DAVID Crausby is seeking to close legal loopholes which allow for the withdrawal of treatment for some terminally ill patients. He says he is ready to take a case to the European Court of Human Rights. Yet Mr Crausby also says he is concerned at the

  • More NHS reforms -- and excuses

    DURING the past few days, letters have appeared in the BEN from Dr Adams and Mr Banks, both senior members of the medical staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital, and Dr David Dennard a Bolton GP, all expressing the despair of the medical profession with the

  • Criticism of the US is misguided

    THE REVEREND Michael Williams in his slot "Thought For The Week" (Oct 22) condemns the US for their lack of humility in refusing a 10 million dollar hand-out from a Middle Eastern prince who condemned their foreign policies. He then says for the President

  • It's the yobs who should be forced out

    PLEASE could I make two comments. Firstly (Demolition date for crime estate) Monday, October 22, action to wipe out drugs and crime from De Lacy Drive -- A lot of decent people had to leave their homes who didn't want to, and I hope they are happy in

  • Parents lax over Internet chatrooms

    I AM writing this because I think that parents are becoming rather lax in the way they monitor their children's use of the Internet. As depicted in Coronation Street there are unscrupulous people out there who will try to pull the wool over children's

  • CCTV clue in hunt for hole in the wall gang

    POLICE were today examining CCTV footage in their hunt for the gang who ram-raided the Lloyds TSB Bank in Farnworth. Two men driving a stolen BMW 316i, registration A2 YAK, reversed into the rear of the premises in Market Street at about 10.30am yesterday

  • Pensioners behind bars

    TERRIFIED grandmother Hilda Conway is facing a life behind bars to protect herself from the thieves and burglars plaguing her estate. The 85-year-old has turned her home into a fortress -- with bars over the windows -- after a burglar broke into her house

  • Nice guy Fergie tells it as it is

    HAVING been one of the unfortunate and entirely innocent victims of "Fergie fury" in the past, it was extremely heartening and somewhat surprising to hear the Old Trafford supremo so magnanimous in defeat last Saturday. The Manchester United manager's

  • Gordon Sharrock's Reebok Diary

    SATURDAY: IT'S the stuff dreams are made of. Wanderers produce the result of the season when they come from behind to beat the Champions, Manchester United, 2-1 at Old Trafford. British record signing Juan Veron puts United in front on 25 minutes with

  • Big Sam brings his derby heroes back down to earth

    SAM Allardyce talked today of the difficulty of bringing his derby heroes down off cloud nine. "Apparently no team has won their next Premiership game after winning at Manchester United," the Wanderers' boss pointed out ominously on the eve of the trip

  • We live with the fear of the sack says Sam

    SAM Allardyce, generally regarded as having the safest job in football, admitted today that the sack could be "just around the corner". The Wanderers' boss has the security of a 10-year contract - believed to be the longest in the game - a supportive

  • Flower power for shop staff

    FLOWERS are an ideal way to say "thank you" to women -- and men. So, when Gail McGrath wanted to show her appreciation of the extra service that a Bolton town centre shop gives to her daughter, she nominated them for the BEN Bouquet of the Week. She writes

  • Guest appearance

    AMERICAN singer Wendy Phillips will be appearing at Atlantis tomorrow night to perform her track 'Stay'. The song has been attracting plenty of airplay on Radio 1. Wendy, who has had hits in Spain and the States, will be on stage at 11.45pm.

  • Teen's dream contest offer

    YOUNGSTERS can look forward to letting their hair down when the Teendreem night comes to Atlantis on October 31. The national clubnight attracts 90,000 teenagers to the event held every month at one of 50 venues in the region. This time all the fun will

  • HALF-TIME: Aston Villa 2, Wanderers 1

    THE BEN's Gordon Sharrock has all the latest news from Villa Park as Michael Ricketts gives the Whites a great start only for Villa to lead 2-1 at half-time Click HERE for latest news plus a full-time verdict

  • Fergie reflects on Wanderers result

    SIR Alex Ferguson reflected on that shock defeat by Wanderers in the programme notes for the Leeds game the following Saturday. He wrote: "The run up to the Olympiakos match was certainly not ideal and our performance against Bolton was especially lethargic

  • Team of the Week!

    WANDERERS' shock win over Manchester United at Old Trafford has earned Sam Allardyce and his team the Scottish Mutual Performance of the Week award. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson joined Howard Wilkinson and Dave Bassett on the panel which chose the 2-

  • Award winning Whites

    WANDERERS' memorable 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford earned them their third League Managers' Association Performance Of The Week Award, sponsored by Scottish Mutual. Their previous awards came for their 5-0 win over Leicester City

  • Anti-racism kicks off at match

    ANTI-racism flags were handed out to fans at the Manchester United v Wanderers match on Saturday as part of a nationwide bid to kick into touch racism in soccer. Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly has pledged her support to end racism in football. Hundreds of

  • Workrate the key to dream result

    PER Frandsen gave an insight into the effort Wanderers put into the game at Old Trafford when he revealed why he admitted he did not have the energy to celebrate with matchwinner Michael Ricketts. "The goal came at a great time for us," the midfielder

  • Match brings back happy memories for honeymooners

    A COUPLE who enjoyed their honeymoon at Old Trafford are eagerly awaiting the big derby match. Joe and Joyce Powell, of Montserrat Road, Johnson Fold, have been dedicated Wanderers fans since they were youngsters. They got married on March 23, 1957, and

  • What Sam said before the match

    SAM Allardyce flew in the face of widespread popular opinion when he set out the reasons he believes Wanderers should have no fears about taking on the might of Manchester United at Old Trafford. The consensus is that the David and Goliath derby is the

  • Dads v Lads at Old Trafford

    IT'S men against boys in the battle for Premiership glory as footie fans across Bolton showed their true colours for the derby clash between the Whites and Manchester United. Super White dad Steve Dwyer will watch the clash at Old Trafford with his son

  • We must keep up our away form - Nolan

    KEVIN Nolan insisted today that Wanderers must maintain the standards they have set themselves with their formidable away record. The teenage hero of Saturday's incredible derby triumph at Old Trafford, says they have developed a recipe for success that

  • First meeting

    BOLTON'S Bangladesh Association (BBA) held its first public meeting to introduce its proposals to the town's Bengali community. Guests included Bolton Mayor Cllr Kevan Helsby, Chief Supt Mel Pelham and the Assistant High Commissioner for Bangladesh.

  • Backroom boys pull their weight

    WANDERERS backroom staff will play a dual role when they take part in a charity truck pull tomorrow. They will not only be flexing their own muscles but also making sure the other teams do not damage theirs. The willing Wanderers, including club physician

  • Reward offered for van's return

    A REWARD has been offered for information about the whereabouts of a van stolen from an antique and furniture store in Bolton. The custom built vehicle with registration A5COT was taken from a compound at the back of the Emporium in Blackburn Road, Astley

  • The ancient Trotters!

    ADVENTURER Eddie Corley was on the trail of the ancient Incas in the Peruvian Andes, but instead he found the trail of the awesome Trotters at 11,000ft. During his dream holiday to Peru, Eddie, aged 64, of Bradshaw Brow, Bradshaw, was on holiday high

  • Rolf's planet plea

    TV star Rolf Harris is inviting Bolton schoolchildren to take part in a new schools awards scheme to "save the planet". The Barclaycard LivingLand Awards a re-run in conjunction with the Young People's Trust for the Environment. Local youngsters can undertake

  • FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 3, Wanderers 2

    HOW the drama unfolded at Villa Park with the BEN's Gordon Sharrock. Michael Ricketts gave the Whites a great start only for Villa to lead 2-1 at half-time and add another through Angel early in the second-half. In the 76th minute Ricketts added a second

  • Van hunt after fatal hit-run

    DETECTIVES are investigating a fatal hit and run accident in Atherton early today. A 22-year-old man was lying in the middle of Cross Street being helped by a friend when he was struck by a Vauxhall Astra van. He was dragged along the road by the van

  • Mystery donor boosts playgroup

    STAFF at a playgroup were amazed when a letter arrived containing cash from an anonymous donor. The letter, sent to the ToyBox playgroup, Tottington Road Methodist Church, Harwood, was hand delivered and contained a large amount of cash and a message

  • Inquest opens on baby, 11 months

    AN inquest has been opened and adjourned in the case of an 11-month-old Radcliffe baby certified dead at Fairfield General Hospital earlier this month. The infant, Chloe Turrell, daughter of Keeley Turrell, aged 18, of Chapel Field, Radcliffe, was born

  • Heating offer could help save lives this winter

    ENERGY giant Powergen has teamed together with Age Concern to provide cut price heating bills for Bolton's elderly this winter. The North-west has the worst record in Britain for winter deaths. And Age Concern say that 8,000 people die in the UK every

  • Can't wait to see Liam Gallagher

    TELLY star Vernon Kay can't wait to bump into Liam Gallagher after seeing Wanderers score that incredible triumph at Old Trafford. The pair are good pals and every time they get together the conversation inevitably turns to football with the Bolton celebrity

  • Cousins scar soldier for life

    A SOLDIER was left scarred for life following an unprovoked knife attack by two cousins. Philp Sharples was attacked in Church Street, Golborne, just hours after attending his father's funeral. The unprovoked assault happened when Sharples thought two

  • Homeless aid group has helped 2,500

    A CHARITY for the homeless based in Bolton has helped 2,500 people in the town since being set up eight years ago. Bolton Bond Board was one of the first charities of its type, and is now desperate for male volunteers to step forward. Of the thousands

  • Proud Wanderers go down fighting

    WANDERERS lost their proud unbeaten away record but they made a real fight of it at Villa Park, taking a shock early lead then stunning Villa with a brave fightback. Michael Ricketts maintained his incredible scoring streak to stun John Gregory's men

  • Treasure chest is open

    BOLTON has received the lion's share of a £50 million community grant to boost the town's most deprived areas. The town has been handed the third biggest slice of the grant -- £126,112. Only Liverpool and Manchester have been given more. It comes as the

  • Hospice lottery is proving a winner

    AFTER six weeks the new Bolton Hospice Lottery already means Happy Families in the borough. The weekly fundraiser has brought cash prizes for more than 100 families in the Bolton area -- and a vital cash boost for the hospice. Lottery manager, Louise

  • New pastures for accountants

    LANCASHIRE-based chartered accountancy firm Jackson Stephen has added farming accountancy to its portfolio of services. The new division is headed by Lisa Whalley at the firm's Bolton office. Lisa has warned farmers to ensure that their financial plans

  • KARAOKE VENUES

    ANCHOR INN, Bolton. Friday and Saturday. BARNSTORMERS, Lostock Lane, Horwich. Dave's Cabaret Karaoke and late bar. Every Saturday. Starts 8pm. BEEHIVE, Horwich. Karaoke with free draw for all singers and a prize of a gallon of beer. Every Tuesday. Starts

  • MUSIC AND DANCE VENUES

    ALBERT HALLS, Bolton. Details 01204 842678. BRIDGEWATER HALL, Manchester. Tel: 0161 907. DERBY WARD LABOUR CLUB, Deane Road, Bolton. Ring 531114. LYRIC THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Ring 0161 876 2000. QUAYS THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Ring 0161 876 2000

  • LIVE MUSIC VENUES AND EVENTS

    ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON -- Midge Ure, Live in Concert, Saturday November 3. Box Office 01204 34400. CHARITY EVENING in aid of Bolton Hospice at Greenfield Members' Club, Westhoughton Friday November 2. DJ and local band Shine On. Tickets £3 from the club

  • GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS

    BOLTON MUSEUM, ART GALLERY AND AQUARIUM. Bridgeman Printmakers -- An exhibition of printmaking by Bolton based artists, runs until November 3. Lubaina Himid recounts anecdotes and stories about Farnworth, runs until December 1. Lancashire and Cheshire

  • BOLTON AND DISTRICT SNOOKER LEAGUE

    RESULTS: SECTION A -- Cuemasters A1 3 First Bus Social 6; Hawker Siddeley 7 Cuemasters A2 1; Northfield 6.5 Horwich RMI 1.5; Rileys A1 1 Ellesmere 8; Greenfields 5 Rileys A2 3; Deane Cons 0 Halliwell Cons 9; Bradshaw Cons 7 Plodder Lane Cons 1. SECTION

  • Cricketers on the up after hitting rivals for six

    CRICKETERS moved into second place in the Premier Division on the strength of their 6-3 win against Ramsbottom C. Lostock, who beat Hilton A 5-4, are now third -- both the moves are at the expense of Horwich Hilton A who drop to mid-table. Trebles in

  • Life is beautiful for former mechanic

    BOLTON'S Tony Clegg is living a fairytale existence. The former car sprayer is set to embark on the premiere tour of Walt Disney's West End and Broadway hit musical, Beauty and the Beast. The multi-award winning production opens its long awaited run at

  • Let's go to town on fair trading

    THIS is One World Week and each day we are highlighting a different aspect of our world and how we can help Third World countries. A YEAR ago the idea was launched that Bolton could be declared a Fairtrade town. Garstang has already declared itself, Stockport

  • PUB MUSIC NIGHTS

    BAROC CAFE BAR, Halliwell Road, Bolton. Talent Competition with £1000 first prize. Every Thursday. Starts 8pm. Phone 847300. THE WRIGHTS ARMS, Belmont Road, Bolton. For details of all events phone 01204 811206. BULLS HEAD PUB, (Bottom Bull), Bury Road

  • DERBY DARTS

    P W L F A Pt Three/Bed ... 16 15 1 144 89 30 Boardwalkers ... 16 12 4 156 84 24 Shirley's Girls ... 16 12 4 150 90 24 Jackie's Girls ... 16 11 5 137 103 22 Guns/Roses ... 16 9 7 119 121 18 Carol's Girls ... 16 5 11 98 142 10 Farmers ... 16 4 12 83 157

  • Mixed fortunes for RMI

    IT'S been a case of good news, bad news on the injury front for Leigh RMI this week. The good news is that key midfielder Steve Thompson is almost ready to return after missing the first two months of the season. But the anticipated return of Thompson

  • Thompson on the way back

    IT'S been a case of good news, bad news on the injury front for Leigh RMI this week. The good news is that key midfielder Steve Thompson is almost ready to return after missing the first two months of the season. But the anticipated return of Thompson

  • Gary Neville praises super Sam

    OLD Trafford star Gary Neville hailed Wanderers' "fantastic" manager Sam Allardyce writes Neil Bonnar The United and England defender even likened Big Sam to his own legendary manager Alex Ferguson and said Wanderers would be mad to ever let him go. Bolton-based

  • Revenge sweet for Whites fans in family feuds

    FATHERS and sons were left reeling with shock after Bolton Wanderers' fantastic win over champions Manchester United. Delivery driver Steve Dwyer was celebrating the win and gloating after getting one-up on his teenage son while dedicated United fan Nick

  • Fans' delight as Whites end Old Trafford jinx

    THEY have beaten the best so bring on the rest. It was certainly time for celebrations in Bolton this weekend when the mighty Wanderers shook Old Trafford to its foundations with an historic victory over Manchester United. Everyone wanted to pat the Whites

  • Match Stats from Old Trafford

    Manchester United 1 WANDERERS 2 Wanderers (4-5-1) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 9 Breathtaking, matchwinning saves, despite his injury BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 An outstanding first full Premiership game GUDNI BERGSSON ... 9 Towering at the heart of the defence MIKE

  • Defence the leakest link - Bo

    BO Hansen tempted fatewhen he suggested Manchester United's "dodgy" defence was not up to scratch before the match. The dashing Dane has seen chinks in the Reds' rearguard that offers Wanderers a glimmer of hope in the Old Trafford derby. "Comparing this

  • Sam's glory boys

    THE top managers who raised a glass to Sam Allardyce on Saturday will have seen more than just a chink of light at the end of the Premiership tunnel. Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United are not going to dominate the title race this season as they

  • Holy days and ceasefires

    THIS is in response to the letter from Grenville Moor regarding respecting holy days. OK, we can have a ceasefire on Fridays (Muslim holy day), Sunday (Christian holy day) -- so why not Saturday (Jewish holy day). So there are four days left for war.

  • Being a city won't change a thing

    RECENTLY I've read several letters, including one from the BEN, strongly supporting Bolton's third attempt at gaining city status. Bolton, why do you want to be a city? It wouldn't alter either the environment or quality of life of the "citizens" one

  • Anything Goes was first class

    ONE cannot let time pass without giving a mention and praise to the Bolton Catholic Musical & Choral Society for their production of Cole Porter's musical comedy ANYTHING GOES at the Albert Hall. The production was first class, colourful and may I

  • Whitlow a wonderful Wanderer

    I WOULD like through The BEN thank Bolton Wanderers defender Mike Whitlow for keeping his promise and coming up to Morecambe to train our team of 10 yr olds on the 24th October. Mike had promised me in the closed season that he would come up but we thought

  • THE BEN SAYS: Welcome boost for town's groups

    CALLING community groups and voluntary organisations in Bolton. . . Would you like some money? That is a silly question in a world where such organisations are almost always short of the necessary funds. Welcome So when we learn that Bolton has been allocated

  • Giving peace a chance

    WE have had so much bad news recently that IRA decommissioning comes as a real uplift. The troubles in Northern Ireland are so long-standing that this breakthrough is a real joy. We don't know exactly in what way the weapons have been put beyond use but

  • Farrelly ready for action

    GARETH Farrelly told Sam Allardyce he is ready and more than willing to return to frontline action at Villa Park. The Wanderers' boss says he will choose between the Dubliner and Djibril Diawara, who both figured in a midweek reserve team win at Leeds

  • Banks aims to clean up

    STEVE Banks had two objectives when he makes his Premiership debut at Villa Park - a clean sheet and a soiled shirt. The clean sheet would mean he had helped extend Wanderers' much-envied unbeaten away record as well as doing his own job prospects a power

  • Can we play you every week!

    THE 3,000 Wanderers fans loved their big day out at Old Trafford writes Chris Sudlow And they made sure the opposition fans knew all about it. After Michael Ricketts scored the sensational winner in one of the most famous victories in the club's history

  • We'd love it to be 2-1 - and it was!

    WANDERERS-mad staff at a nursing home banned their residents from wearing red on the big match day. And they even guessed the correct scoreline! Staff at the ironically named Red Bank home in Doffcocker decided to support Sam Allardyce' s men by making

  • THE BEN SAYS: Can we play them every week...?

    IT was definitely one for the fans. And a result which the 3,000 faithful who went to Old Trafford with crossed fingers and left with arms aloft will relate to their grandchildren. A win against Manchester United, at Old Trafford, by Premiership newcomers

  • Wanderers phone fan was calling to gloat

    AN ecstatic Bolton Wanderers supporter photographed in the BEN on her mobile phone during last weekend's Old Trafford clash was ringing a Manchester United fan -- to gloat. Geography teacher Jenny Norton, aged 23, could not wait to rub it in when the

  • Nice guy Fergie tells it as it is

    HAVING been one of the unfortunate and entirely innocent victims of "Fergie fury" in the past, it was extremely heartening and somewhat surprising to hear the Old Trafford supremo so magnanimous in defeat last Saturday. The Manchester United manager's

  • Fan's View by Steve Abbott

    SINCE its inception some nine years ago, Manchester United have never lost a Premiership game at Old Trafford to a team that they have taken a lead against. Until now that is! Most Wanderers supporters claim their most harrowing match witnessed at Burnden

  • Fergie hails Premier class Wanderers

    SIR Alex Ferguson has assured Wanderers that they should have no fears about life in the Premiership after seeing his Champions humbled at Old Trafford. The United manager was magnanimous in defeat, conceding that Wanderers deserved to win, praising Sam

  • Dunscar Golf Club

    pTHE results from the closing day 4 BBB(Stableford) at Dunscar Golf Club were: Winners - S Greenhough & M Riley 44 pts CPO; Runners up -D Torkington & I Legall 44 pts; Third - P Borek & D Shepherd 43 pts CPO; Other scores -A G Taylor &

  • Blonde ambition

    A NEW film hit the cinema screens yesterday dispelling the myth of the dizzy blonde. Legally Blonde stars fair-haired Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon. She is dumped by her senator-to-be boyfriend, who thinks a golden-locked lovely on his arm will

  • Charity thanks

    STAFF at Asda in Farnworth have thanked customers who supported their Tickled Pink event. The supermarket team raised £1,510 for Breast Cancer Care by building a pink wall of bricks, raffling a pink hamper and wearing pink. Check out operator Ian Warburton

  • FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 3, Wanderers 2

    THE BEN's Gordon Sharrock has all the latest news from Villa Park. Michael Ricketts gives the Whites a great start only for Villa to lead 2-1 at half-time and add another through Angel early in the second-half. In the 76th minute Ricketts added a second

  • Sam tells Ricketts to target England

    GOAL star Michael Ricketts has been urged to keep scoring and think of England. Sam Allardyce reckons it is only a matter of time before his top scorer's Premiership strikes earn him a call from Sven Goran Eriksson. "I think he should hang on for England

  • Teenagers are on a winner at Wanderers

    YOUNG achievers Emma Young and Chris Poole were given the red carpet treatment at Bolton Wanderers in an exclusive tour of the Reebok Stadium -- by their VIP guide, player Mike Whitlow. The two teenagers were celebrating gaining their Youth Achievement

  • £130,000 boost for elderly people's unit

    A HIGH dependency unit has benefited from a £130,000 refurbishment. The funding, by Bolton Council's Housing and Social Services departments, has meant improvements to The Eldon Street High Dependency Unit, a complex of 32 flats which helps people live

  • 300 attend a colourful religious festival at Bolton mosque

    CROWDS of Hindus gathered in Bolton as they celebrated a major religious festival with dances of worship. More than 300 people descended on the Hindu temple on Thomas Holden Street, Bolton, to mark a huge event in their calendar, the Navratri Festival

  • Can't wait to see Laim Gallagher

    TELLY star Vernon Kay can't wait to bump into Liam Gallagher after seeing Wanderers score that incredible triumph at Old Trafford. The pair are good pals and every time they get together the conversation inevitably turns to football with the Bolton celebrity

  • Teenagers are on a winner at Wanderers

    YOUNG achievers Emma Young and Chris Poole were given the red carpet treatment at Bolton Wanderers in an exclusive tour of the Reebok Stadium -- by their VIP guide, player Mike Whitlow. The two teenagers were celebrating gaining their Youth Achievement

  • The changing face of town's jobs statistics

    MAJOR job losses in Bolton in recent years have included more than 1,000 in the clothing and textile industries. Other job losses among manufacturers include: 160 announced this month at yarn manufacturer Shiloh Spinners 145 at Robert Fletcher Paper Mill

  • Saying 'no' to euro

    A NEW poster campaign against the euro has been launched by local supporters of the "no" campaign. The poster aims to show the relationship between the cost of joining the euro -- £30 billion -- and the money spent on the NHS each year -- £35 billion.

  • He's in charge

    CASH Generator in Bradshawgate, Bolton, has appointed Stephen Mahon as managing director. Mr Mahon was previously MD of Great Universal Stores' Retail Division. Entrepreneur Brian Lewis established the business in 1994 and has seen it grow to the point

  • Man with drive

    A HORWICH man has been appointed as an independent agent for city2U, a Government-approved learning provider for the European Computer Driving Licence. Mr Robert Mills, of Stoneycroft Avenue, covers the North-west. The internationally-recognised ECDL

  • Windows smasher

    THE launch of the latest Microsoft Windows product -- Windows XP -- is expected to take the small business world by storm. Windows XP outperforms Windows 98 by 46 per cent, offering small businesses increased security, reliability and performance. Windows

  • We live with the fear of the sack says Sam

    SAM Allardyce, generally regarded as having the safest job in football, admitted today that the sack could be "just around the corner". The Wanderers' boss has the security of a 10-year contract - believed to be the longest in the game - a supportive

  • UB ready to rock . . .

    EVERYONE'S favourite reggae band makes a welcome return to Manchester on Sunday. UB40, who are celebrating their 21st birthday, have notched-up so many hit singles and albums that the eight members had to sit down and vote on what songs to include in

  • REVIEWS by Steve Canavan

    ALBUMS Pulp -- We Love Life First things first. This is an excellent album. But it's almost as much fun reading the lyrics (kindly printed in the cover sleeve) which are -- for a modern day pop group -- brilliant. It is, without doubt, Pulp's best ever

  • Radcliffe Pool

    Premier Division -- Staff of Life A 5 Staff of Life B 2; LLWMC 1 S/Seat Lib A 6; Derby Arms A 3 Rainsough Brew 4; Hamers Arms 4 Roach Hotel 3 Church C Sp St 5 Old Tower A 2. First Division -- Derby Ht A 2 Swan A 5; S/Seat Lib B 2 Swan Tott 5; Bridge Tav

  • Teen ace stuns British tennis

    SUPERKID Alex Bogdanovic has shocked the tennis world by storming through to today's final of the National Tennis Championships at the Bolton Arena. And most surprised of all will be his coach - who assumed his protg would not get this far and booked

  • JAZZ VENUES

    EAGLEY JAZZ CLUB, Dunscar Conservative Club, Hardmans Lane, Bromley Cross, Bolton. Jazz concerts on Mondays throughout October. The Yorkshire Stompers -- October 29; The Harlem Hot Stompers -- November 5; The Kid Boyd Jazz Band -- Monday November 19.

  • MARKET DATES

    BOLTON MARKET, Ashburner Street. adjacent to Moor Lane Bus Station. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Sunday fleamarket. Tel 336825. FARNWORTH MARKET, King Street. Open Monday, Friday & Saturday. Tel 336840. HORWICH MARKET, Curteis Street

  • CRAFTS

    THE BOLTON BRANCH of the Embroiderer's Guild meet in Annexe B at Clarence Street Community Education Centre and welcomes anyone interested in embroidery and textile arts of any kind. November 20. DOLL AND TEDDY BEAR FAIR at Rivington Hall Barn, Horwich

  • CLUBS

    JUBILEE CENTRE, Darley Street, Bolton. Social evening for all disabled carers and friends hosted by 'Groups Together.' Every Saturday 7.30-11.30pm, bar and live artist, Admission is free. Details 841289. LITTLE HULTON LABOUR CLUB, Manchester Road West

  • PLACES

    THE HAWORTH ART GALLERY, Manchester Road, Accrington. One of the most beautiful art galleries in Britain, the Haworth is set in a park with a wonderful gallery and has been featured on BBC's Fantasy Rooms. Open Wednesday to Friday, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday

  • Working out the perfect fitness regime at Reebok

    A FITNESS exhibition is making its way to the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on November 27 and 28. Called WorkOut 2001, the event will feature new and refurbished fitness equipment, sunbeds, leisure clothing, nutritional supplements and much more. Show Director

  • Rob battles against tough course

    THE Burnden 10k road race was held on Sunday over a new, tough, two-lap course. The only runner to complete the event in under 36 minutes was Rob Jackson of Horwich RMI Harriers. Peter Speake (Bildeston) and Ed Gamble (Stockport) followed in second and

  • Talented Tom is the tops

    BOLTON Harriers teenager Tom Lancashire proved he is a man for all seasons with a commanding victory in the first Reebok Challenge Cross Country League Under-17 race at Liverpool last Saturday. After his runaway win in the local Red Rose League at Bury

  • Jackson's strength comes to the fore in victory

    LAST Sunday's Burnden Road Runners Bolton 10k Road Race was a tough, challenging course, but suited Horwich RMI's Rob Jackson down to the ground. Using his strength on the hilly course he powered his way to a superb victory. It was the first time this

  • Bag robberies could be linked

    POLICE believe four robberies on different elderly women across Bolton could be the work of one man. The victims, who were aged between 65 and 83, were robbed in Harwood, Farnworth and Astley Bridge between October 20 and 23. The first took place at the

  • Appalling carnage on town's roads

    THE number of motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians injured on Boltons' roads this year has increased dramatically. According to the latest figures from the town's traffic unit, a total of 245 people have been injured in accidents since January. This

  • Pub rediscovers its identity

    THE Crofters Arms has rediscovered its true identity after decades of featuring the wrong profession on its sign. The painting of the Bradshaw Road pub now correctly depicts a bleach crofter at work, rather than a sheep crofter gathering his flock, complete

  • I was stupid to risk career and marriage

    A TEACHER told a court how he had sex with a schoolgirl a day after meeting her at a student trade fair. Sharples School head of history Lee Savage said after chatting to the 17-year-old pupil during a night out at the Young Enterprise convention they

  • 50 not out for Neil's soccer stars

    THEY might not score as many hat-tricks as they did in their younger days... But a group of friends are still just as passionate about playing football as they were when they took up the "beautiful game" -- THIRTY years ago. Despite having a combined

  • Developer wants to build 20 homes

    A DEVELOPER has applied for permission to build an apartment block and 20 homes with detached garages on land at Bloomfield Road, Markland Hill. Crosby Homes (Lancs) Ltd, of Sceptre Way, Bamber Bridge, has submitted the plan and a request to demolish

  • EVENTS

    HALLOWEEN FUN AND GAMES NIGHT with Jim's Karaoke at Lee Clough Mission Church, Old Road, Astley Bridge, Bolton. Saturday October 27, 7-10pm. Hot pot supper, prizes and raffle. Admission £2 inclusive. THE RETIRED FIRE FIGHTERS of Bolton and Wigan are holding

  • BOOK EARLY

    MEN ARENA, Manchester. Classical Spectacular, Saturday December 8, starts 7.30pm, tickets £27.50, £24.50, £19.50 and £15.50. Russell Watson, Saturday December 15, starts 7.30pm, tickets £32.50, £27.50, £22.50 and £17.50. Ring 0161 930 8000. MANCHESTER

  • Shakers lose a future star

    THERE has been an air of calm at Gigg Lane this week, with everyone recovering from a hectic few days of transfer activity. The end result of Jon Newby staying, Jamie Stuart signed and Chris Armstrong at Oldham was not ideal, the fans wanted all three

  • COMEDY

    BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE, Church Street, Blackpool. Stand-up comedy and sketches from Frank Carson, Duncan Norvelle, Norman Collier, Jimmy Cricket and compere Paul Adams. One night only Sunday November 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £12.50 to book ring

  • Dave Dunn good

    Dunn the best FORGET Kevin Nolan, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Ashley Cole - David Dunn is the best young player in the country, according to John Barnes. The former Liverpool and England winger believes the 21-year-old Ewood Park star will be a superstar

  • PIONEER SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

    ASTLEY Miners still remain top of the Pioneer Sunday Football league after a 3-0 away victory over Masons Arms. Neil Moss opened the scoring after 23 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box. John Powell made it 2-0 after he raced on to a ball from

  • TRIPLE 'D' LEAGUE

    Ladies late fixture change ALTERATIONS to Winter fixtures Ladies Section 1 -- Letter K, Wellington Ladies phone no 387 005 Ladies Section 3 -- letters F & J now Open Men's Section 3 -- Letter K -- now reads Spitting Feathers (Feathers -- Breightmet

  • BOLTON DARTS LEAGUE

    LADIES PAIR ARE EARLY LEADERS Ladies set the pace IN THE Bolton Darts League in aid of the Bolton Senior Gateway Club for mentally handicapped adults, the Ladies and Men's format for winter have been playing for two weeks, with most of the players having

  • Saturday's fixtures

    Unibond League Division One - Radcliffe Boro v Ossett Albion North West Counties League - Division One - Atherton Colls v Winsford Utd, Precot Cables v Atherton LR, Skelmersdale Utd v Ramsbottom Utd Division Two - Daisy Hill v Oldham Town LFA Amateur

  • Pitch comes under fire again

    HE scores goals for fun for England, but life is anything but that when Paul Scholes pulls on a United shirt nowadays. The playmaker, who also ghosts in to notch vital goals for the national team has been delivering but a shadow of that expected performance

  • Weaver winning his battle

    NICKY Weaver's clean sheet in midweek could not have come at a better time. The 22-year-old keeper is returning to form but you would never know it as the microscope continues to magnify every mistake he makes out of all proportion. Weaver, still a baby