Archive

  • Traffic changes

    Recent changes in the streets of Bolton in 1951 included parking spaces for cars on the south side of Victoria Square. Click HERE to view photo. And bollards were placed at the Trinity Street-Bradshawgate junction (with the Queen's Cinema on the corner

  • Moses Gate in 1938

    Moses Gate in 1938, where Bolton Corporation trams worked through to Farnworth (left) and Walkden (right). To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking Back Photogallery. The photo will open in a separate browser window. This screen will remain open at

  • Extensions to Moor Lane bus station

    Preparations were well under way for an extension to the covered waiting accommodation at Bolton's Moor Lane bus station when this picture was taken in August, 1951. The excavations were for concrete foundations To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking

  • View from Merehall Park

    This view from Merehall Park, Bolton, looked over Brownlow Fold towards Astley Bridge, was taken in the mid-1950s. Since then some of the well-known landmarks such as the Back-o'th'-Bank cooling tower and several mill chimneys have disappeared. To view

  • Trust is on wane

    A SURVEY by recruitment group Reed found that 45 per cent of workers and 61 per cent of managers believed trust in their bosses had fallen over the last year. Also, 52 per cent of workers and 68 per cent of managers said morale had also fallen in the

  • Charity lawyers

    BOLTON law firm Kippax Beaumont Lewis raised more than £200 for Children in Need during a day of fun and dressing down at their Mawdsley Street premises. Lawyers dressed down for the day and enjoyed handmade chocolate Pudsey cakes on sale in reception

  • Beefing up the fraud-beating team

    A BOLTON law firm has strengthened its anti-fraud team. Keoghs has appointed three new solicitors to its Specialist Claims Unit -- Ruth Gavin, aged 26, Laura O'Connor, aged 24 and Hesham Sabry, aged 26. The unit, which helps the insurance industry combat

  • Bosses who don't let you use the phone

    RESEARCH by website www.youatwork.co.uk -- Royal & SunAlliance's employee benefits division -- found that many companies are imposing measures on workers that undermine morale. Nearly half (44 per cent) of workers do not expect to be able to use the

  • Tram tracks led to pit and pub

    THE caption on the back of this picture, taken in October, 1955, says simply: "Tram tracks at Wigan Road." Perhaps interesting enough in itself, but fascinating for other things it shows, such as the Victoria Colliery (Deane Pit) on the right (where the

  • On the right route and playing it cool

    A BOLTON company which has built up a national reputation in a specialised field is planning further expansion in London and the south-east. Michael Ward Ltd, which services and maintains vehicles for refrigerated fleet operators, is set to invest a further

  • Amazing story of progress

    CAN you recognise which part of Bolton this aerial picture from 1970 shows? To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking Back Photogallery. The photo will open in a separate browser window. It was, in fact, Harwood-Bradshaw, and it told an amazing story

  • Connie would like to hear from more Etchells

    ON Saturday, 10 August, (with a picture the previous Tuesday), I told you about Etchell's shop on Bradshawgate which stood on the site where the Lido cinema opened in 1937. "I am the great great grandson of Henry Etchells who had the shop," writes Trevor

  • Hospital stars

    I WAS recently admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital after falling ill. When I was in A&E, the care I got was the best. Not only for myself, but other patients coming in were seen to on the spot. The doctors were not just doing their job, they were

  • Son risks life on a crossing

    MY son attends the new "Gates" school in Westhoughton. Overall, I am pleased with the new premises and facilities. However, what I am alarmed and astonished at are the crossing facilities on Manchester Road. My son risks his life four times a day as he

  • Anne isn't the Weakest Link

    I NOTICED the comments about Anne Robinson and I thought I should enlighten you about the woman. She is one of the most brilliant people I have ever met; she is kind, helpful, considerate and hugely funny, and she was the first person ever to publish

  • GEOFF Pollitt (November 9) is right about one thing.

    There's a deal of hypocrisy about, and never more so than when the old and influential seek to instruct the young as to how they shall conduct their lives. As to underage sex, at my age it is hardly a problem, and that specific age group hasn't turned

  • Tree planting

    IN December, 1938, the Minister of Transport, Mr Leslie Burgin, planted a tree at Temple Bridge on the Moss Bank Way part of Bolton's new ring road, to commemorate the opening. The Town Clerk, Sir John Haslam, MP, and Ald. Knott, were also in the picture

  • Upcoming events

    Chorlton Water Park, Manchester (tel: 0161 905 1100) - An exciting afternoon of survival fun. Sunday Lowther Pavilion Lowther Gardens, Lytham St Annes (tel: 01744 750606) Quality Craft Fair Around 60 stalls of quality crafts for sale and demonstrations

  • Portrait of two ladies

    This picture has come all the way from Argentina, sent by Mr Luis Stuart- Pennington. He writes: "It is a portrait of two ladies, Mary and Ellen Ferguson, nee Stuart. The latter was the wife of Fergus Ferguson, Mayor of Bolton. I am not certain when this

  • Dancing stopped when Falcons were on stage

    MY article about the Falcons Dance Band sparked this response from Eric Holt, of Quakerfields, Westhoughton, who tells me "it brought back many happy memories of when dancing was a contact sport and not a solo spasm! "The Falcons were fantastic. We followed

  • On this day - November 21

    1695: Henry Purcell, English composer, died of tuberculosis, aged 36. It is said that a friend asked him if he had made his peace with God. He replied: "We've never quarrelled." 1783: Man's first free-flight was made by Jean de Rosier and the Marquis

  • November 21

    From the Evening News, 1992 - THE task of evaluating the damage caused by the Windsor Castle fire was beginning today. Small fires were still burning in parts of the castle, with around 125 firefighters remaining at the scene. The magnificent St George's

  • My days working at 'Muzzies'

    EDWARD (Ted) Bennett worked for many years both before and after the Second World War at Musgrave's Atlas Mills in Bolton (better known as "Muzzies", where Morrison's supermarket now stands on Chorley Old Road). During the war he spent some time at Bellhouse-Higson's

  • Village ideas wanted on park plan

    VILLAGERS in Withnell and Brinscall are to be asked for their views about a new park. Plans have been put forward to create a play and recreation space in Brinscall by Withnell Parish Council. Environmental organisation Groundwork Wigan and Chorley has

  • Radio station is back

    CHORLEY FM is back on air and organisers promise a great mix of music for listeners. The volunteer-run station will broadcast a mixture of dance, R'n'B, techno and trance music from its Market Street studios for three weeks. The station faced an uncertain

  • Drinks all round

    SMOOTH, silky . . . and very slinky. It is not difficult to see how Morrisons' new South American range of wines has been given its name. The supermarket has collaborated with Bottle Green to create Slinky Chardonnay, Slinky Shiraz and Slinky Pink. The

  • Security guards appointed after computer raid

    A HEADTEACHER has employed security guards at his school to protect it from thieves who have stolen more than £36,000 worth of computers in the past six months. Tony Buckley, headteacher of George Tomlinson School in Kearsley, has spent £5,000 on extra

  • Super food in a lovely setting

    La Scala, Chorley Road, Westhoughton - DINING out during a killer diet is not always the best way to appreciate a restaurant. But, well, a glutton's gotta do what a glutton's gotta do! Certainly, our anniversary meal at La Scala was no hardship at all

  • Do you know the date of this old photograph?

    Can anyone date a photograph for me asks A. Knibb, of 34 Bradshaw Brow, Bradshaw. "My dad John Lomax, grandad George and uncle Peter are on it." Actually, it looks as though it had something to do with an election, but perhaps a reader can help with more

  • Silver Jubilee celebrations

    Lots of happy children from the area of Bradford Park Drive, Radcliffe Road, the Haulgh, as they celebrated the Silver Jubilee in 1977 with a party at the Ukrainian Club, Castle Street. The picture has been sent to me by Mrs Pauline Armstrong, of Manor

  • Town Hall rally

    In 1880, the Town Hall Square was filled with Boltonians celebrating the centenary of the Nonconformist Sunday Schools in the town. The importance of Sunday Schools had been educational as well as religious, and most adult Boltonians who could read had

  • Mile long line of books raised money for war effort

    WHEN Mrs Laura Melling (married to Geoff of the bakery family) died recently, her neighbour in Plodder Lane, Farnworth - Mr Raymond Smith - cleared out her effects, and among them he found this photograph of a mile of books which was laid along the streets

  • Silk memory of Vienna for Herta

    THIS Viennese cover measured over six feet in diameter, and the longest row in it contained 3,024 stitches, said the paper in 1951. It had been knitted by Mrs Herta Rigby, 15, Athlone Avenue, Astley Bridge, who had come from Austria, but who had lived

  • Chelsea FactFile

    Who's Hot, and Who's Not! Ground: Stamford Bridge. Nickname: Pensioners or Blues. Manager: Claudio Ranieri. Current position: 3rd. Leading Premiership scorer: Gianfranco Zola - 9. Last time out: Saturday, November 16 - Chelsea 1 (Babayaro 47), Middlesbrough

  • Retirement worries

    TWELVE per cent of business owners quizzed in a survey by Alliance & Leicester Business Banking said not being able to afford to retire was their greatest fear.

  • Hotel investment

    PARK Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard has been awarded Investors in People accreditation. Operations Director Mark Leader said: "We are currently in the middle of a £1m investment programme."

  • Pupils bury moments to be lost in time

    A GROUP of school children went down in history -- by burying a time capsule beneath Bolton's newest school. They stuffed a steel tube with dozens of artefacts and a copy of the Bolton Evening News before placing it inside the foundations of Valley Community

  • Off to Somerford Hall Camp

    Somerford Hall Camp, in Congleton, Cheshire, received its first intake of Bolton pupils in July, 1945. They are pictured arriving from Castle Hill School, Tonge Moor. The party was led by their teacher Mr Hardman, and the photograph was sent to the paper

  • Skip and Auntie gave 88 years to Scouting

    SCOUTS and Cubs of the 6th Horwich Parish Church raised a cheer for their group Scoutmaster and Cubmaster in October, 1969. Between them Mr George Wilkinson, aged 69, and his wife Emily, aged 66 - better known locally as "Skip" and "Auntie" - had given

  • Snowmen all set for big night out

    EVEN a snowman has a makeover in time for Christmas. Bolton stages its Christmas parade for the first time for three years this evening -- and some of the stars of the show have been given a spruce-up before they meet the public. Perhaps one too many

  • Boy denies making up assault

    A BOY has denied making up an alleged indecent assault by a worker in a fast-food takeaway. But he agreed that, minutes earlier, he and his friends had been thrown out of Koolio's takeaway in Derby Street, Bolton, because of their unruly behaviour. The

  • Top award for deaf children soccer scheme

    AN innovative scheme designed to get deaf children in Bolton more involved in football has won a Government sports award. "Hear the Cheer" has won the Sportsmatch Special Award 2002 in recognition for outstanding good practice in the disabled category

  • Leaflets point the way

    DID you know that Peter Kay uses locations in Farnworth to film his award-winning Phoenix Nights series? Or that Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army used land in Bradshaw as an encampment during the English Civil War? These are some of the fascinating facts

  • Country clips

    Are you a Wainwright fan? Interest in Lancashire's master fell walker, who died in 1991, has now led to the initiation of a "Wainwright Society" with the backing of Kendal Museum. Wainwright's seven pictorial guides to the Lakeland Fells are legendary

  • Man hanged himself after splitting with girlfriend

    A MAN hanged himself from a tree in a park after splitting-up with his girlfriend of seven years. Andrew Williams, aged 37, from Bolton, was found in Leverhulme Park, Tonge Fold. A Bolton inquest heard that at the time of his death he had been living

  • South Asia - a living history of its people

    PHOTOGRAPHS, tapes, live drama and workshops all feature in the new exhibition at the People's History Museum, at Bridge Street, Manchester. Moving Stories: South Asian Communities in Manchester and Beyond features new photographs by the critically acclaimed

  • Arrest after crash

    A MAN was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after his Ford Sierra car was in collision with a Range Rover before crashing into a wall in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge early today. Fire crews were called at 12.30am. They feared the driver of the Sierra

  • Owner pines for pet dog Holly

    A DOG lover from Little Lever is still trying to find his missing pet Holly. The border collie corgi cross went missing on Wednesday October 30 and was last seen in Starmount Country Park, heading towards the Bury Road/Somerton Road area of Breightmet

  • Maggot farm fears of residents

    AN accountant is considering taking legal action to stop a maggot farm opening in his neighbourhood. Colin Bowers, of Bryn Lea Road, Barrow Bridge, is one of a number of residents campaigning against a move to turn a former garden centre in nearby Bazley

  • A new chapter for Pamela

    A FORMER Bolton woman is hoping for literary success with her first novel. Pamela Rogers -- who now lives in Lytham St Annes -- has just had her book published, Paso Doble, which draws heavily on her experiences of working life. The book is an enjoyable

  • Funeral of Porsche tragedy victim

    THE funeral of a motorist killed when the Porsche he was driving burst into flames after colliding with an electricity sub-station was due to be held today. Father-of-one Michael Ettridge, aged 32, of Bentley Street, The Haulgh, died instantly in the

  • Stephen and the Kearlsey bells

    On July 1, I printed a couple of pictures of the new bells at Farnworth and Kearsley Parish Church before they were hung to celebrate the coronation of the Queen. It has brought this picture from Mr T Bleakley, of Finch Avenue, Farnworth, who says it

  • Deansgate in the 1800s

    WHEN I came across this picture in the Bolton Evening News' library files, no details were included. So I went into the Sherlock Holmes mode, got out the magnifying glass, and looked at the wording on some of the notices. You will be able to see the words

  • EXCLUSIVE: Angry Sam blasts French over Mendy injury

    SAM Allardyce was today bitterly critical of the French Football Federation after loan star Bernard Mendy returned from under 21 duty with a broken leg writes Gordon Sharrock And he is demanding cash compensation after discovering the young Reebok full-back

  • Peter Kay's tour dates

    NOVEMBER 24 Leeds: Grand Theatre 0113 2226222 26 Portsmouth: Guildhall (On Line) 27 Bournemouth: Pavillion Theatre (On Line) 28 Cardiff: St Davids Hall 029 20878444 29 Cambridge: Corn Exchange (On Line) 30 Blackpool: Opera House (On Line) DECEMBER 2 Manchester

  • Now Nik follows Formula One trail

    NIK Goodfellow is hitting the trail which led Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen to Formula One fame. The Bolton School student is following in the motor racing stars' footsteps by racing in the Formula Renault Winter Series. After a successful career as

  • Saints ready for Reebok return

    ST HELENS will return to the Reebok Stadium for their defence of their world club title as they again do battle with Australia's finest next season. The Rugby Football League today announced the Super League champions' clash with Australian National Rugby

  • Happy days at St Simon and Judes

    SCHOOL DAYS: Happy pupils (and teacher Mr Redmond) at St Simon and Judes School, Newport Road, Bolton, in March 1970. The picture has been sent to me by reader Mrs Jackie Greenhough (nee Kay), who is on the middle row, fourth girl from the left. "I believe

  • Henrik the provider

    NOT all footballers are thick, greedy or above themselves. Take a look inside the Wanderers squad. Gudni Bergsson's is as intelligent as they come, Mike Whitlow would run through a brick wall for Bolton and if there is a more approachable Premiership

  • Premier sides fail to live up to their name

    IT is becoming hard to swallow the much vaunted line that the Premiership is the most exciting league in the world. We continue to be brainwashed by SKY and ITV's marketing spin doctors into believing that no other league can compete with the dear old

  • On the buses

    A FEW weeks ago, an album of photographs of buses over the years was handed in at the Bolton Evening News reception desk, addressed to me, but with no information of who had sent it. There was the indication that I could use some of the pictures in this

  • Leaflets point the way

    DID you know that Peter Kay uses locations in Farnworth to film his award-winning Phoenix Nights series? Or that Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army used land in Bradshaw as an encampment during the English Civil War? These are some of the fascinating facts

  • May 10: Non-stop whir

    BANK Holiday weekends might mean rest and recuperation for you (okay, probably not), but for me it was a non-stop whir of social activity. After catching the wonderful Kylie Minogue at the Arena on Thursday, I was celebrating at Infinity on Friday with

  • Top award for deaf children soccer scheme

    AN innovative scheme designed to get deaf children in Bolton more involved in football has won a Government sports award. "Hear the Cheer" has won the Sportsmatch Special Award 2002 in recognition for outstanding good practice in the disabled category

  • All smiles at dental surgery

    STAFF at a dental practice are celebrating after being shortlisted for a national award. Carhill Dental Surgery on Higher Bridge Street has received a certificate of merit for marketing from a national dental magazine, and staff were invited to take part

  • Pagers for patients waiting treatment

    PATIENTS at the Christie Hospital in Manchester have been given pagers to help reduce the stress of waiting for chemotherapy treatment. The pagers allow patients with long waits to leave the hospital's chemotherapy suite to go for a walk, enjoy refreshments

  • Iddon backs health food campaign

    A CAMPAIGN has been launched against new European laws that could devastate the UK's thriving health food sector and badly damage businesses in Bolton. Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, said the Government must act to protect local health stores

  • A new chapter for Pamela

    A FORMER Bolton woman is hoping for literary success with her first novel. Pamela Rogers -- who now lives in Lytham St Annes -- has just had her book published, Paso Doble, which draws heavily on her experiences of working life. The book is an enjoyable

  • Diana award for first aid hero John

    A SCHOOLBOY'S community spirit has earned him a community award in memory of the Princess of Wales. John Culshaw, a Year 11 pupil at Harper Green School, Farnworth, has been chosen for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award, which annually recognises

  • Giving drugs the red card

    FOOTBALL coaches from across the country are coming to the town to learn how to teach children about the beautiful game -- and keep them away from the evils of drugs. Managers who run teams for youngsters aged between six and 18 will visit the Bolton

  • £2 million will give under-4s a Sure Start

    NEARLY £2 million of government funds will be invested in four areas of Bolton to give children a better start in life. Sure Start Rumworth is to receive £1,783,125 from the government over the next three years to provide a range of services and support

  • Me and My Girl gets underway

    HORWICH Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society have begun rehearsals for its 2003 production of Me and My Girl. Me and My Girl will take place May 20 to 24, 2003 at The Albert Hall, Bolton. For further details or for advance ticket sales contact 01204

  • A star farce

    AN all-star cast appears in a new show this week at The Lowry until Saturday. Don't Dress For Dinner is a classic farce by Marc Camoletti. The cast includes Robert Duncan, from Drop The Dead Donkey, Vicki Michelle from 'Allo 'Allo, Melanie Stace from

  • Panto stars to join Christmas parade

    THE cast of Bolton's pantomime, Dick Whittington, will be swapping the boards of the Albert Halls for the cold streets when they star in the town's Christmas parade tonight. Two of the panto's stars, Granada TV personality Paul Crone and funnyman Bernard

  • Death Row dog owner supports Princess Anne

    A PENSIONER from Liverpool whose beloved dog is on Death Row travelled more than 200 miles to lend her support to the Princess Royal who has been fined £500 and become the first member of the royal family to have a criminal record after one of her dogs

  • Swing back to the 60s

    AUDIENCES have an opportunity to enjoy a "Slice of Saturday Night" on Thursday, Friday AND Saturday, of this week courtesy of the Children's Amateur Theatre Society (senior group). The musical, which is set in the 60s will be staged at the Theatre Church

  • Key date for organist David

    WORLD renowned organist Bolton's David Titterington returns to the town on Saturday night at 7.30pm. The event is the Bolton Choral Union's In Praise of Music -- a concert of organ, choral, solo and orchestral works. The programme includes works by Kodaly

  • PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY: Kindly Keep It Covered

    Chorley Old Road United Reformed Church Hall. Runs until Saturday THIS is a farce in the best tradition of the word -- fast, furious, and funny. Roland Dickerby and his wife Julia own and run a health farm. The money to pay for it came from the proceeds

  • Remembering Bolton battalions

    WHEN in February I printed an appeal for Mr Roger Morlidge in Kent, who is writing a screenplay about his grandmother's experiences in Bolton in the First World War, he received a number of responses. You may recall that at the time I wrote that the local

  • 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

  • Tolson scores winner nobody wanted!

    Marsden Trophy First round Leigh RMI 1 Radcliffe Borough 0 - NEIL Tolson scored the goal six minutes from the end of this lack-lustre affair that saw Leigh through to the second round of a competition nobody really wants to win writes STEVE BOTT Leigh

  • The Long Gud-bye!

    GUDNI Bergsson - the man who was "discovered" twice - began his long goodbye to the game he has graced with pride and distinction on Tuesday night. Click HERE for The Bergsson Years The Bolton Wanderers captain will hang up his boots at the end of the

  • Burnden Sevens

    LATEST tables BURNDEN SENIOR SEVEN-A-SIDE FOOTBALL SUNDAY PREMIER DIVISION P W D L F A Pt Heartbeat ... 9 7 1 1 24 4 22 Alliance Windows ... 9 6 2 1 18 5 20 Church Hotel ... 9 3 4 2 12 10 13 Freemasons Arms ... 9 4 1 4 13 14 13 Consumer Plant ... 9 4

  • Scene of change - how things used to look in 1938 . . .

    ROAD MEMORIES: A view of Chorley Road, Wingates (as you will see from the sign of the left, looking towards Manchester) taken in November, 1938. To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking Back Photogallery. The photo will open in a separate browser

  • How the town centre has changed over the years

    STREET SCENE: This view of Great Moor Street, taken in 1959, is barely recognisable these days. In fact the only part of it still standing (I think!) is the George Hotel in the foreground. Note the horse and cart with its massive load! To view the photo

  • Bakery firm's pies on menu in Falklands

    A BOLTON bakery has found an unexpected new market -- in the Falkland Islands. Islanders and some of the soldiers still stationed there have developed a taste for steak pies, pasties and sausage rolls made 8,000 miles away at Greenhalgh's Craft Bakery

  • New sewers on Chorley Old Road

    DOWN THE DRAINS: Re-laying sewer pipes beneath Chorley Old Road, Bolton, in March, 1955. The project, which began at the Crofters, extended to Victory Street. To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking Back Photogallery. The photo will open in a separate

  • Sing-a-long at Winifred Kettle

    Friends of Winifred Kettle House, Westhoughton, round the piano in November, 1980, for a sing-a-long at a Lancashire Evening, held in the home, with proceeds in aid of residents. To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking Back Photogallery. The photo

  • Need for a children's playground

    IN 1954, the Rev Ernest Wright, Vicar of St George's Church, Bolton, had pointed out the need for a children's playground in the School Hill area and suggested that spare land in the neighbourhood could be used for that purpose. The picture showed vacant

  • Character study of Bury Road

    A character study of Bury Road, Bolton, taken in the spring of 1949, complete with cobble-stones, gas lamps, and even a trusty horse providing a sedate form of transport. Nowadays, only the solid outline of Bolton Parish Church remains. To view the photo

  • Who's got the best boss?

    PARENTS At Work and Lloyds TSB are calling on employees around the country to nominate their managers as "Britain's Best Boss." They want to hear about team leaders and small business owners who encourage flexible working, understand about family emergencies

  • Allan keeps window customers satisfied

    BOLTON window installer Allan Lever has become one of only a few organisations in the country to be awarded 100 per cent for customer satisfaction in a national survey of thousands of households. The independent traders' organisation, Network VEKA, analysed

  • Big Apple flights take off

    FLIGHTS from Manchester Airport to New York are soaring, the airport says. BA and Continental are reporting increased passenger numbers on their New York services as people return to flying following the terrorism attacks of September 11. British Airways

  • Historic sites

    SMITHILLS HALL, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton. One of the oldest halls in Lancashire. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm and Sundays & Bank Holidays 2-5pm. Book for guided tours and workshops. Phone 01204 332377 or 332250. LION SALT WORKS, Ollershaw

  • Tram tracks were down for 80 years

    LAST Saturday I printed a picture of Wigan Road, Bolton, taken in 1955, and showing the Victoria Colliery (Deane Pit) and the Three Pigeons pub. Mr Geoff Gubbin now tells me that "at this point the Westhoughton/Bolton boundary zig-zagged across the road

  • On the town

    Bolton town centre in 1981; the aerial picture was taken our photographer who hitched a lift from local councillor John Hanscomb, a member of the Lancashire Aero Club based at Barton, who , according to the caption at the time, "whenever he wants to have

  • Snydale water tower - and an intriguing tram

    I am sure that many of you will immediately identify this 1939 picture. Yes, of course, it is the Snydale water tower, which stood on Bolton Road, Hunger Hill, but has now been turned into a home. However, perhaps the most intriguing part of the photograph

  • Places to go

    SMITHILLS HALL, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton. One of the oldest halls in Lancashire. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm and Sundays & Bank Holidays 2-5pm. Book for guided tours and workshops. Phone 01204 332377 or 332250. BOLTON AQUARIUM, Bolton Museum

  • Where is Lostock Junction Lane?

    I would love to be able to tell you all about this photograph, but I can't, simply because I cannot work out where it is. To be fair, I do know where it is, but I can't recognise it! The aerial picture - which you can view by clicking HERE - was taken

  • Cinema stood on site of old shop

    ON TUESDAY, I printed a picture of Etchell's shop, on Bradshawgate, as you see from the photo (see instructions on how to view below), an old-fashioned building. By co-incidence, I have just come upon more details, in an article in the Evening News about

  • A mystery solved

    MY "mystery" picture of Lostock on Saturday certainly created a lot of interest, so much so that I cannot possibly name everyone who contacted me, so please forgive me if I don't - I am grateful for your help. You may recall that I told how the picture

  • On this day - November 21

    1695: Henry Purcell, English composer, died of tuberculosis, aged 36. It is said that a friend asked him if he had made his peace with God. He replied: "We've never quarrelled." 1783: Man's first free-flight was made by Jean de Rosier and the Marquis

  • November 21

    From the Evening News, 1992 - THE task of evaluating the damage caused by the Windsor Castle fire was beginning today. Small fires were still burning in parts of the castle, with around 125 firefighters remaining at the scene. The magnificent St George's

  • Steaming back in time...

    Students of all ages can experience the history of steam and diesel travel The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Britain's last remaining branch line. Off line, gaslights and coal fires at the authentic stations create a unique steam railway experience

  • Veterans from both sides

    HOW exhilarating it was to see those two Falklands conflict veterans laying their wreaths of poppies on behalf of both sides after all these years, as I shared the same experience after the Second World War. That is surely the way for everlasting peace

  • Reflections on this attack in town centre...

    I WAS sorry to read of the schoolgirl, aged 15, who was attacked, along with her boyfriend, aged 16, in the middle of the town centre, as reported on November 12. Sorry that they were attacked -- (why can't people leave each other alone to get on with

  • Spraying on wreath was a shameful act

    LIKE hundreds of other Boltonians, I attended the Remembrance Day service on Sunday, November 10. We were there to remember those soldiers and civilians, men, women and children, who have lost their lives in war. During the service, the Vicar of Bolton

  • Deansgate in the 1800s

    WHEN I came across this picture in the Bolton Evening News' library files, no details were included. So I went into the Sherlock Holmes mode, got out the magnifying glass, and looked at the wording on some of the notices. You will be able to see the words

  • When the band came to call

    I recall that when I was young and living with my parents (and my grandfather after his "better half" died) in Grove Avenue, Adlington, the local band used to come along to the house - among numerous others, of course - during the festive season playing

  • Looking out for the girls in the 1930s

    WHEN I first saw this photograph, I thought the women looked so serious that perhaps they were at a funeral! But no, says Mrs Daphne Tillotson, of Westcombe, Victoria Road, Bolton, who lent it to me, they were committee members and supporters of the Bolton

  • Ashes glory for ton-up Vaughan

    MICHAEL Vaughan today became the second-highest runscorer in Test cricket this year . He overcame an injury scare to hit another big hundred and steer England into a commanding position in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. The Yorkshire batsman, who

  • Laptop thieves targeting the high rollers

    POLICE have issued a warning to car owners following a spate of vehicle break-ins in Chorley. Thieves are targeting expensive models parked outside hotels and restaurants. Police believe the raiders may be hunting for laptop computers, often left in cars

  • Hunt for armed robber behind gun raid

    POLICE today renewed their appeal for information after an armed robber terrified staff and shoppers when he burst into an off-licence brandishing a handgun. The man fled Bargain Booze in Talbot View, Euxton, with £200 cash and 500 cigarettes. There were

  • Red letter day for historic village postbox

    ONE of East Lancashire's oldest surviving postboxes is to be covered by a new conservation policy designed to protect the historic red landmarks from becoming extinct. The George VI pillar box at Top o'th' Lane Post Office, Brindle, will be preserved

  • We love lamb!

    New research has revealed that the nation's ultimate meal choice, ahead of even fish and chips, curries or fry-ups, is the traditional Sunday roast, complete with all the scrumptious trimmings. But when you're busy, no matter how much you might crave

  • What's showing on TV on Thursday and Friday

    CRICKET: Australia v England, day two of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide - Sky Sports 2 0000 (Fri); Today at the Test - Channel 4 1930 GOLF: Asian Open from Taiwan - Sky Sports 1 0700; LPGA Tour Championship from Florida - Sky Sports 3 2000 RACING:

  • What the papers are saying on Thursday

    THE SUN: Leeds will ask England striker Alan Smith to name his price to stay at Elland Road. DAILY STAR: Sir Bobby Robson has been swamped with hate mail from angry Wales fans over the Craig Bellamy club-versus-country row. DAILY MIRROR: Sir Bobby Robson

  • The dying art of puddling

    "Puddling", the traditional, tedious and skilful process by which wrought iron is refined, had died everywhere in the world in 1973 apart from at Thomas Walmsley and Sons, Atlas Forge in Bridgeman Street, Bolton. A BBC team went to televise the process

  • Not an election photo

    YOU may recall that last Thursday, I printed a "mystery" picture of a group of men with rosettes on and asked if anyone could date the photograph. I also wondered if it could have been taken at an election. The answer seems not. Mr William McCarthy of

  • Those wonderful Wakes weeks

    WHEN I saw recently that Bolton Little Theatre are producing a play about the local holidays, called "Wakes", I thought it a good excuse to print a couple of photographs from those years which people remember with affection. The play (it will be the world

  • Naming the faces

    "I WAS most interested to see the photographs on June 26 of the Catholic processions," writes Mr Derek Birch, of Greenmount Court, Greenmount Lane, Bolton - click HERE in our Looking Back Photogallery. He says that he has had one of the pictures in his

  • Blues copy Whites

    BIRMINGHAM hope to follow Wanderers' lead by signing continental players on short-term deals to keep them in the Premiership. Youri Djorkaeff and Fredi Bobic were key players in Wanderers' survival squad last season and the Blues are planning a similar

  • Mendy injury blow to Sam's hopes

    BERNARD Mendy's broken leg injury is the latest blow to Sam Allardyce's hopes of building on the Elland Road triumph, starting at home to Chelsea on Saturday. Bruno N'Gotty starts a three-match ban, Mike Whitlow is out with a knee injury, Gudni Bergsson

  • Rugby League honours Reebok Stadium again

    WANDERERS' Reebok Stadium is to stage the Rugby League World Club championship between the best of Britain and Australia next year. The Rugby Football League today announced the Super League champions' Saints' clash with Australian National Rugby League

  • Henrik the provider

    NOT all footballers are thick, greedy or above themselves writes Neil Bonnar Take a look inside the Wanderers squad. Gudni Bergsson's is as intelligent as they come, Mike Whitlow would run through a brick wall for Bolton and if there is a more approachable

  • The Long Gud-bye!

    GUDNI Bergsson - the man who was "discovered" twice - began his long goodbye to the game he has graced with pride and distinction on Tuesday night. Click HERE for The Bergsson Years The Bolton Wanderers captain will hang up his boots at the end of the

  • Bert and Jim both to lift an honour

    THE names Bert Loveday and Jim Halliday will not spring to mind as modern-day sportsmen. In their day, though, they were big names. And when at the third annual Tom Temperley Re-union Dinner on September 18 they were presented with a trophy not only for

  • Concert venues

    ALBERT HALLS, Bolton. Ring 334400. BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, Water Street, Buxton. Dancing In The Streets. Box Office 01298 72190. OLDHAM COLISEUM. Ring 0161 624 2829. LYRIC THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford Quays. Ring 0161 876 2000. ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC

  • Twinkle, twinkle our Bolton star

    BOLTON'S Maxine Peake is an actress at the top of her profession, playing Ophelia on stage opposite one of the country's leading actors. But, she says, that, along with her impressive track record working with some of the country's foremost theatre companies

  • Email filers

    FILOFAX, which markets personal organisers, claims "astonishing proportions" of e-mail users print off their messages and store them in filing cabinets.

  • Nick's new role

    FORMER Royal Navy aircrew officer Nick Thompson has joined Bury business advisory firm DTE as an independent financial adviser. Nick, aged 26, from Bolton Road, Anderton, is responsible for building professional links with accountancy and law firms.

  • Folk music venues

    FOLK CLUB, Westhoughton. Mrs Patricia Batty, The Golf Club, Long Island, Westhoughton. 01257 230508. www.folkclub.org.uk. LEIGH FOLK CLUB, meets at the Conservative Club, Railway Road, Leigh. Phone 01942 604603. LYRIC THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Phone

  • Non-stop soccer at St Dominic's

    More than 300 goals were scored in a night of non-stop soccer at St Dominic's Youth Centre, Bolton, in 1979. Seventeen players, including 15-years-old girls Marie Pennington, of Victoria Road, and Marian Riggs, of Russell Street, kept a series of five-a-side

  • Wesleyan pupils didn't miss a day

    The children on two photographs taken at Blackrod Wesleyan School in the 1920s were being honoured because they had not been absent from school over the previous 12 months. The pictures have been sent to me by Mr Joe Randell, of Ridgeway, Blackrod, who

  • Owner devastated after rare pony is stolen

    A MINIATURE Shetland pony has been stolen from a field near Blackrod, police have revealed. Four-year-old stallion Cherokee, who stands at just 30 inches tall, was taken from fenced-off land, known locally as Tanner's Brew, near the A6 in Blackrod and

  • School memories

    WHEN a Bolton Evening News photographer took the picture shown above in 1960-61, these pupils at Markland Hill CP School were still in the old building. It has been sent to me by Mrs Jean B. Hurst (nee Hickson) -- she is the girl holding the watering

  • Jail for man who had sex with girl, aged 15

    A MAN had sex with a 15-year-old girl after she drank two-and-a half litres of cider, a court heard. Dennis McHugh, aged 45, began to indecently assault her while she lay drunk on the floor and while a friend of the girl was still in the room. Then, when

  • Cashing in for cancer charities

    FRIENDS of a woman fighting breast cancer are holding a fund raising day on Saturday. Gillian Pimblott, aged 37, has been fighting breast cancer for the last two years. Despite her illness, she has managed to stay positive and has raised several hundred

  • A rare chance to see a capital show

    TICKETS for the Bolton Evening News reader holiday offer to see Peter Kay in London have been selling like hot cakes -- and now there is the chance for more people to get in on the act. Our office has been flooded with calls for tickets with people placed

  • Start of Radio Ramadan

    A RADIO station celebrating Ramadan will be on air 24 hours a day until December 7. People can tune into the religious station on frequency 87.7 FM and broadcasts will be aimed at the Muslim community. Mian Aqeel Akhtar, one of Radio Ramadan's organisers

  • Funeral of Porsche tragedy victim

    THE funeral of a motorist killed when the Porsche he was driving burst into flames after colliding with an electricity sub-station was held today. Father-of-one Michael Ettridge, aged 32, of Bentley Street, The Haulgh, died instantly in the horror crash

  • Giving drugs the red card

    FOOTBALL coaches from across the country are coming to the town to learn how to teach children about the beautiful game -- and keep them away from the evils of drugs. Managers who run teams for youngsters aged between six and 18 will visit the Bolton

  • Helping others was the love of Ida

    FORMER Bolton mayoress Ida Johnson has died aged 74. Mrs Johnson, of Blackrod, passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday. Her husband Eric was Mayor of Bolton in 1996-1997 and the pair raised £141,000 for charity during their year in office. Charities

  • It's party time for a town of culture

    A FIVE-YEAR cultural plan for Bolton is launched today. It will mean a double celebration in Victoria Square as television star Vernon Kay, who is returning to his home town to launch the plan, will also be switching on the Christmas lights. The cultural

  • What to do in Bolton on Friday

    Museums - Bolton Museum, Art Gallery & Aquarium, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton. Tel: 332211. www.boltonmuseums.org.uk. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Admission free. Wildlife Attractions - Bolton Aquarium For unique views into the aquatic world

  • What to do in Bolton on Thursday

    Bolton Metro Community Centres - For further information or to book a room please call 01204 334300. BLACKROD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Greenbarn Way, off Vicarage Road, Blackrod, BL6 5TA The centre houses a main hall with a stage and a side lounge. Other facilities

  • What's on at theatres in the area

    Library Theatre, St Peter's Square, Manchester (tel: 0161 236 7110) - Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Come along to George and Martha's for an evening of fun and games and a night of drunken recriminations and revelations. Runs until Saturday, 7.30pm,

  • Celebration time as youth club wins prize

    HAPPY MEMBERS: In 1977 St Andrew's Youth Club, Bolton, were celebrating the presentation of a disco unit won in a competition; it was handed over by representatives of the soft drink firm and newspaper which sponsored the national competition. To view

  • Big day for Boys Brigade battalion

    IMPORTANT VISITOR: Mr I G Nielson, national secretary of the Boys' Brigade, on a tour of the North-west, pictured with members of the Bolton Battalion at Wesley Church, Castle Street, Bolton, in November, 1969. To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking

  • Can you spot Barbara?

    This picture of the Blackrod Wesleyan School has been sent to me by Mrs Barbara Foster (nee Buckle), of Station Road, Blackrod. She tells me that in the 1940 class picture - click HERE - she is the girl in a blazer on the left of the middle row. The teacher

  • Flying high at school field day display

    AIRCRAFT MEMORIES: Tony Langford, of Roseneath Road, Bolton, chairman of Leigh Flying Club, showed his model of an American second world war Tomahawk to a group of children watching a display at a field day held at Gaskell primary school, Bolton in 1979

  • Stepping out

    THESE pupils of the Sheila Batten School of Dancing gave a display, with proceeds going to the Bolton Society for Mentally Handicapped children, at the Technical College Hall, Bolton, in October, 1968. To view the photo, click HERE in our Looking Back

  • Venables' reputation is exposed

    YOU wonder why people are surprised at Terry Venables' worse than expected performance as Leeds United's manager. The media touted him as the returning Messiah but why, when all his managerial career has brought him is one league title (with Barcelona

  • Roaring night with the Leos

    WERE you a Bolton Leo? Bolton Lions Club is extending an invitation to anyone who was a Leo -- the junior version of Lions -- to attend a reunion at the Watermillock on November 26 at 8pm. "Although we do not have a Leo section today, 25-years-ago Bolton

  • May 3: More good news

    IF you have been listening to my show this week (and if not, why not?) you will already know that we have more good 'Feel The Noise' news - namely that chart-topping trio The Sugababes will be joining Pop Idol's Gareth Gates at the Key 103 festival on

  • August 23: Breakfast Show delight

    WELL I have to say I'm enjoying the Breakfast show - it certainly makes a difference finishing your day and pootling off home at noon! And I seem to be meeting some interesting people too. Christine Hamilton has been on the show this week telling me about

  • April 19: Sunning and funning in Tenerife

    HAVE you been missing me on your favourite radio station this week? Well, I hate to rub it in, but while you lot have been grafting away I have been sunning myself on the wonderful Island of Tenerife -- but, of course, I've been thinking of you all .

  • Darren Proctor -- Key 103's DJ in print

    BANK Holiday weekends might mean rest and recuperation for you (okay, probably not), but for me it was a non-stop whir of social activity. After catching the wonderful Kylie Minogue at the Arena on Thursday, I was celebrating at Infinity on Friday with

  • McDermott, Morley recalled by GB

    GREAT Britain have made two changes to the side that drew 14-14 in the second Test for Saturday's series decider against New Zealand. Coach David Waite has recalled Leeds prop forward Barrie McDermott in place of Wigan's Terry O'Connor and named Sydney

  • Centurions set for power struggle

    A GROUP of local businessmen are bidding to take control of Leigh Centurions. One attempt to win control from chairman Mike Nolan and the current Hilton Park board has been unsuccessful. Now the new backers have decided to go public with their proposals

  • Giving drugs the red card

    FOOTBALL coaches from across the country are coming to the town to learn how to teach children about the beautiful game -- and keep them away from the evils of drugs. Managers who run teams for youngsters aged between six and 18 will visit the Bolton

  • Six trapped in hotel lift

    SIX people -- including a duty manager -- had to be rescued by firefighters from a lift at a Bolton hotel early today. Firemen were called to the Pack Horse Hotel in Nelson Square, Bradshawgate, at 1.30am. The trapped people also included a man with claustrophobia

  • Mum's black widow spider drama

    A SOUTHPORT mother has told of her horror after finding a deadly black widow spider in a bunch of grapes. Noelle Bolzern was washing the Californian grapes, bought from Tesco, when she spotted the dead creature, which was about the size of a 5p coin.

  • Emma pows it to 'em!

    MEET Bolton's answer to Lara Croft -- 21-year-old Emma Saville who has been displaying her combat skills on a martial arts reality television show. The Horwich karate instructor is currently starring on Sky One's Fight School after spending a gruelling

  • Property expert and MEP clash over house prices

    A BOLTON-based property expert has attacked scaremongers who claim the housing market is on the brink of collapse. Andrew Thompson, a senior partner for Miller Metcalfe, on Bradshawgate, has comforted homeowners by saying there will not be a repeat of

  • Join us in a caring Christmas

    CAN you buy a small gift for a local child to make their Christmas special? Readers are being asked to support the Bolton Evening News and the Bolton Lions' annual Caring Christmas Campaign -- the town's main appeal for local needy families. The aim is

  • Help just a call away

    THE calls to the house in Dovedale Road, Breightmet, come at any time of the day or night. At the other end of the line is a person in total distress, unable to cope. Their pet has died. And while for many people this may seem hardly a major trauma compared

  • Votes cast in key by-election

    VOTING got underway today in a council by-election in Daubhill. It follows the death of Labour councillor Dennis Barlow. The Conservatives are hoping they can pull off an upset with their candidate Yakub Jiva. A Tory victory would wipe out Labour's majority

  • The under-16s who are drink or drug addicts

    SHOCK figures have revealed that more than 40 schoolchildren in Bolton are being treated for drink and drug addiction. A total of 41 children under the age of 16 -- some addicted to heroin -- are registered as receiving help, new statistics have revealed

  • Key date for organist David

    WORLD renowned organist Bolton's David Titterington returns to the town on Saturday night at 7.30pm. The event is the Bolton Choral Union's In Praise of Music -- a concert of organ, choral, solo and orchestral works. The programme includes works by Kodaly

  • Best kind of farce

    Phoenix Theatre Company, Kindly Keep It Covered, Chorley Old Road United Reformed Church Hall. Runs until Saturday - THIS is a farce in the best tradition of the word -- fast, furious, and funny. Roland Dickerby and his wife Julia own and run a health

  • The Lowry, Opera North: Der Rosenkavalier

    RICHARD Strauss's most famous -- and longest -- opera is a feast of luscious music, glorious singing and knockabout humour. At four hours long, with intervals, it's not for those with short attention spans, but get through the first act and you are captivated

  • Comedy is on the agenda at Halliwell and Phoenix

    THE situation in Bolton's amateur theatre scene is nothing short of farcical this week. While members of The Halliwell Theatre Group are asking audiences to Pull The Other One, the cast at Phoenix are advising them to Kindly Keep It Covered. Both plays

  • Inspection time

    The Bolton Women's Junior Air Corps at drill in 1944 when their efforts were inspected by WAAF officers. The pictures show the unit's band and Squad 'A' marching at "eyes right". To view the photos, click HERE and HERE

  • James was a soldier in the Lancashire Fusiliers

    ON August 5 I printed a couple of "mystery" pictures sent to me by Mrs Anita Forth, of Bromley Cross. One of them was of soldiers, with the words "The Lads" written on it, but no further identification. Now, Mr Jim McClusky, of Anglie Grove, Bolton, has

  • Country parks

    BLACKLEACH COUNTRY PARK, Hill Top Road, off Bolton Road, Walkden, Worsley. A beautiful 100 acre park with walking and angling, a bird sanctuary and Visitor Centre. Open dawn to dusk. Ring 0161 790 7746. CLIFTON COUNTRY PARK AND WET EARTH COLLIERY, Clifton

  • Clubs, community centres & drop-ins

    DAY CENTRE, Kershaw Avenue, Little Lever and The Haulgh, Bolton. All sorts of activities for older people - including music therapy, card games, and support packages to help people live independently in their own homes for longer. HALLIWELL CENTRAL REFORM

  • When the band came to call

    I recall that when I was young and living with my parents (and my grandfather after his "better half" died) in Grove Avenue, Adlington, the local band used to come along to the house - among numerous others, of course - during the festive season playing

  • Dancing stopped when Falcons were on stage

    MY story and picture about the Falcons Dance Band a couple of weeks ago brought some response. Mr Eric Holt, of Quakerfields, Westhoughton, tells me that "it brought back many happy memories of when dancing was a contact sport and not a solo spasm! "The

  • Gardens

    ARLEY HALL AND GARDENS, near Great Budworth, Northwich, Cheshire (01565 777353 or 01565 777284) Herbaceous borders, topiary, rhododendrons and roses; walled, scented herb and woodland gardens. BRIDGEMERE GARDENS, Bridgemere, Nantwich, Cheshire (01270