AN NHS drug trial allowing pregnant women to smoke a "safe" cigarette strikes me as daft. The makers of NicoBloc claim it blocks out 99 per cent of nicotine and tar, so mothers to be are being given it as an alternative. Smoking in pregnancy can harm
IF you've got a spare £25,000 you can, apparently, have Bolton comic Peter Kay at your corporate do. He is among a whole clutch of A list stars for hire. A sliding scale is involved with people like Tom Jones, Peter and Lulu at one end and Christine Hamilton
HOT pants are back with a vengeance, thanks to Kylie Minogue and the Cheeky Girls. These skimpiest of garments are going to be everywhere this summer -- including nipping between pubs on Bradshawgate on a Friday night and parading in Victoria Square on
WHEN we saw coaches from Liverpool, Birmingham and Shrewsbury parked outside Oswaldwistle Mill we realised that this is a popular place. And when it is just half an hour's drive from Bolton there really is no excuse not to visit. It was my wife who wanted
1728: John Gay's The Beggar's Opera was first performed, with a score derived from popular ballads of the time. 1820: George III, longest-lived and longest-reigning King of England, died at Windsor aged 81. 1856: Queen Victoria instituted Britain's highest
From the Evening News, 1993: A BAN on smoking in public places should be brought in by the Government . . . say Bolton smokers. That's the starting result of a survey the Evening News conducted after a woman was awarded £15,000 by her employers when she
IF your correspondent Stuart Murray had read the previous correspondence on the subject of speed restrictions. Instead of jumping in with two feet part way through, he would have seen that my letter quoting Government figures on pedestrian casualties
HAVING just driven past our local fire station and witnessed the firefighters striking once more, I have decided to share my feelings and tell this story. It was four days before Christmas 2002, and I awoke at around 5am to a loud banging noise. I went
I CAN'T remember the last time I saw children playing on the motorway. However, only yesterday I saw children playing in a nearby street. The street in question has speed humps, and only yesterday I saw a car of youths speed over these humps at what I
THE inspectors in Iraq have yet to find any evidence of "weapons of mass destruction". This seems to enrage President Bush. He says "I am sick and tired of Saddam Hussein's antics", and adds "it is like seeing a bad film over again". He is eager for war
MAY I bring, once again, to your attention the traffic on Crown Lane, Horwich. We who live here are waiting for a disaster that's going to happen, caused by heavy goods vehicles creating a dangerous situation for all users. We have school children in
IN October 2001, while on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East, Tony Blair told the ruler of Oman that no steps would be taken against Iraq unless there was "absolute evidence" that Saddam's regime had been complicit in the September 11 attacks. No
Wildlife Attractions, Bolton Aquarium, BOLTON MUSEUM, ART GALLERY & AQUARIUM, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton. Fantastic fish on display from all over the world, some highly threatened in their natural habitats. From Piranhas to Pufferfish, huge Catfish
A STALWART of a Bolton Scout group was presented with his Queen's Scout Award in September, 1971. David Ingham, aged 19, of Parkdale Drive, Astley Bridge, a member of the 7th Bolton Open Troop since he was nine and a Cub, received his award at the troop's
THERE was trouble down't park in 1950. A letter to the Bolton Evening News highlighted the problem. A disgruntled ratepayer wrote: "I wish to draw attention to the disgraceful condition of Hatfield Rd. Park (if it is a park). "It is more like the Thames
BOLTON is now relatively well-catered for in the matter of entertainment (some would say over-catered), but there was a time when the townspeople who wanted a night out went to "The Old Museum." There was little else in the shape of amusement, apart from
HERE are some of the best websites to follow all the England action Click HERE for the Beeb's comprehensive Ashes website And don't forget our own link to the Press Association sports file HERE Click HERE for all the latest news from the official Australian
OFFICIALS at Blackrod Cricket Club are counting the cost of an arson attack on their ground -- the latest in a series of attacks on the club during the last two years. Police are investigating reports that youths were seen near to the ground in Vicarage
ALL the results AUGUST 17 Fulham... 1-4 A Ricketts (pen)16,338 24 Charlton...1-2 H Djorkaeff23,850 SEPTEMBER 1 Aston Villa...1-0 H Ricketts (pen)23,501 11 Man Utd...1-0 A Nolan67,623 14 Liverpool...2-3 H Gardner, Campo27,328 21 Arsenal...1-2 A Farrelly37,974
A NEW South American wine promises to be a good mover as it hits the Sainsbury shelves this month. Lo Tengo comes in revolutionary lenticular packaging which mimics the movement of the Tango. The image moves when the label is shifted from side to side
JERIATRIC JAZZ: The Jolly Carter, Church St., Little Lever, Bolton. With special guest Howard Murray (tenor/baritone). Wednesday, January 29. 8.30-11.30pm. Free. The Cotton Tree, Prince Street, Bolton. With special guest David Luckhurst (bass). Thursday
VALENCIA striker Salva Ballesta has signed a loan deal until the end of the season according to the Spanish club's website. The reigning Spanish champions confirmed a deal had been agreed with a short statement published on their official website. "Valencia
Former Coronation Street actress Denise Welch starred in the role of an overweight mum who turns her life around -- by belly dancing in one of the BBC's afternoon plays. Angela Kelly went along to a Bolton class to try out the art. "YOU are treading grapes
PRIMARY school heads across Bolton are throwing away in disgust a letter from education minister Stephen Twigg telling them that they must try harder to improve English and maths results. Key figures in the town's teaching circles have reacted with fury
CHORLEY came from behind to embarrass Conference high-flyers Morecambe with a stunning victory in the second round of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy at Christie Park last night. The Shrimps manager Jim Harvey's gamble in resting half his regular first-teamers
THE next meeting of the Young at Heart Fellowship will be held at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lord's Stile Lane, Bromley Cross from 2pm on Monday (February 3) Canon Noel Proctor, the former chaplain of Manchester's Strangeways Prison, will conduct
COMPANIES bidding to take over Bolton's leisure centres have been given until the end of the week to submit their proposals. Bolton Council is looking to go into partnership with a private sector firm to slash the amount of money it spends on maintaining
A NATIONWIDE search to find Britain's oldest dog is underway. So far, the oldest dog discovered is a 25-year-old Collie called Bramble, living in Somerset. But, VetPlus, a complementary pet treatment company based in Lancashire, is hoping to find a dog
HE IS a legendary Hollywood star with dozens of films to his name, fans across the world and a huge Beverley Hills mansion. But one thing is annoying him. The film legend knows little about the history of his family in his mother's hometown -- Horwich
Bolton's own Peter Kay headlines the array of acts lining up to appear at the Albert Halls . . . along with such well known names as Ken Dodd (January 29), Harry Hill (March 21), Bobby Davro (May 30), and Aussie comic and songwriter, Kevin Wilson (June
Q: I have a dish about 12ins across and it is in the shape of an anemone, and is bright purple and red. On the base it says Shorter. How old is it and what is it worth? Mrs G A. Shorter and Son is a pottery firm based in Stoke-on-Trent. Founded in the
SAM Allardyce today admitted that last night's home defeat by Everton plunged his side into "grave, grave danger," with the next two games against Birmingham and West Brom now crucial in the fight for survival. "The 21 points we have taken from our 25
The story of the Pretoria Pit disaster at Westhoughton on December 21, 1910, is well known, of course. It was one of the country's worst-ever mining disasters with 344 miners losing their lives. But just a moment. Are we sure? Were they all miners? It
COLIN Rigby lead the way for Harriers in the Ashurst Beacon Fell Race from Upholland. The 5.9 mile race, with a 950-foot climb, saw a good turnout of Horwich runners but it was Rigby, one of RMI's most consistent performers, who finished first for the
The Lancashire Countryside Service runs a programme of events and guided walks throughout the year. There are two walks with a ranger in February: Saturday, February 1 -- Guided Walk around Wycoller Dene staring at Wycoller Country Park, Sunday, February
THE Bolton Cricket League have thrown out a move to bring back overseas amateurs for next season writes Peter Mensforth They have played without them for the past two seasons but a resolution for their return went before the League's annual meeting this
Flixton 0 Leigh RMI 7 by Martyn Hindley RMI ran riot at Valley Road last night - their biggest victory since coming to Leigh taking them into the Lancashire Cup quarter-final. The Railwaymen will now meet either Rossendale United or Marine in the last
SOCCER mad actor Ralf Little is preparing himself for a football tour of Africa. The star of the BBC's popular Royle Family is polishing his boots in readiness for a series of matches against local African sides. He will be using the skills he learned
CHILDREN'S hospice Derian House has finally been blessed by lottery luck and been given a cash boost of almost £1million. It is the first time in its 10 year history that the charity has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery, despite making several
Here is a vibrant collection of wonderfully hilarious poems (both old and new) put together by a master compiler and well-known poet. And what a perfect introduction to poetry for eight to 12-year-olds. Full of fun, they make poetry a pleasure and, as
VOTED the Greatest Briton in the recent BBC TV series -- as we forecast he would be on our TV pages -- Winston Churchill packed more into the years between his birth in 1874 and death in 1965 than just about anyone else on this planet. His life and times
'Exhibition of Paintings' by local artist Brian Barlow, Harwood Library, Gate Fold, Bolton. Runs throughout January. Bury Museum and Art Gallery Moss Street, Bury On a Scottish Tartan An exhibition exploring proportion in new and old tartans featuring
A FORMER policeman has been cleared of drink driving following a trial. Matthew John Hanson, aged 27, of Warwick Road, Radcliffe, had denied a charge of driving in Warwick Road, Coventry Road and Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, with twice the legal level of
CLAIMS by an ambulance chief that speed humps can cause as many deaths as they prevent have been denied in Bolton. The debate about measures to slow motorists has been stepped up by London Ambulance Service chairman Sigurd Reinton. He said: "For every
OFFICIALS at Blackrod Cricket Club are counting the cost of an arson attack on their ground -- the latest in a series of attacks on the club during the last two years. Police are investigating reports that youths were seen near to the ground in Vicarage
A TODDLER died after choking on a sweet while on a shopping trip with his mother, a Bolton inquest was told. Mohammed Akhtar, aged 21 months, died after being given the Troofy Gel sweet, a large candy stick sucked from a tube. The inquest was told that
HE IS a legendary Hollywood star with dozens of films to his name, fans across the world and a huge Beverley Hills mansion. But one thing is annoying him. The film legend knows little about the history of his family in his mother's hometown -- Horwich
PETER Cropper is a member of the Sweet Green Trinity quiz team and a stalwart of the Bolton Premier Quiz League. Here he explains why the pub quiz has become part of the local way of life. ON which river does Berlin stand? Who was Britain's last Stuart
SOLICITOR Sally Clark jailed for life for the murders of her two baby sons was today dramatically freed by the Court of Appeal. Three judges in London ruled her conviction "unsafe". Clark, 38, was present in the dock of the packed court as Lord Justice
A MIXTURE of the familiar and new are set to star at Bolton's Albert Halls this coming season. Bolton's own Peter Kay headlines the array of acts lining up to appear at the town centre venue . . . but tickets for his shows were sold out before the season's
BOLTON will be echoing to the sound of laughter within the coming month when the town's premier entertainment venues play host to some of the country's top funnymen. Evergreen favourite Ken Dodd returns to the Albert Halls on Tuesday and Wednesday in
THIS play is something of a rarity -- a comedy about that most serious of organisations, the Inland Revenue. But not only that, it is a comedy with a sharp twist in its tail, that keeps the audience guessing about what's going to happen right up until
SAM Allardyce believes the next two home games could sort the men out from the boys. The Reebok boss knows tonight's clash with Everton and Saturday's game at home to Birmingham represent a huge challenge to his players' character. He has urged them to
COMPANIES bidding to take over Bolton's leisure centres have been given until the end of the week to submit their proposals. Bolton Council is looking to go into partnership with a private sector firm to slash the amount of money it spends on maintaining
SUNDAY was another disappointing day for the BSF Winter Rounders League with only three games being played. The Halliwell League matches were called off following a morning pitch inspection which revealed even more water on the surface than last week.
THERE is no doubt that the new 60-bedroom hotel almost ready on land next to the Beehive pub in Horwich will boost the local economy. It will bring jobs and trade to the area, and on that basis alone is welcome. Unfortunately it opens amidst a local row
MAY I take issue with Angela Kelly (January 22), in referring to footballer Michael Owen as a "hero". What does it say for today's society, when his alleged gambling of thousands of pounds is dismissed as mere "pocket money", for a 23-year-old whose main
I NOTICE with dismay the new walls (back and front) of the houses in Ainsworth Lane. I am not saying that they don't look nice, because they do. The only thing I am dismayed at is that nothing is ever done on Crompton Way. There are a variety of fences
IN February, 1941, a number of people were taken to hospital after two trams crashed on Folds Road, Bolton. I use this picture, actually, just so that I can refer back to the tram photograph I published taken on Blackburn Road. Mr Alan Ralphs, of Musgrave
1728: John Gay's The Beggar's Opera was first performed, with a score derived from popular ballads of the time. 1820: George III, longest-lived and longest-reigning King of England, died at Windsor aged 81. 1856: Queen Victoria instituted Britain's highest
From the Evening News, 1993: A BAN on smoking in public places should be brought in by the Government . . . say Bolton smokers. That's the starting result of a survey the Evening News conducted after a woman was awarded £15,000 by her employers when she
WALKDEN proved the masters of the indoor cricket game as they swept to another convincing win in the Bolton League's Anthony Axford Trophy. The former league champions have now won 19 successive games over the last four years in the competition as well
THRILL-seeking youngsters have been playing a potentially fatal game of "chicken" by ducking down in a deep drain between railway lines as 70mph trains pass over their heads. The teenagers, some as young as 13, climbed into the drain between the tracks
PETER Cropper is a member of the Sweet Green Trinity quiz team and a stalwart of the Bolton Premier Quiz League. Here he explains why the pub quiz has become part of the local way of life. ON which river does Berlin stand? Who was Britain's last Stuart
WANDERERS are deeply embroiled in the relegation countdown so here is a handy guide to find where and when the opposition is playing over the closing months: WEST HAM Fixtures Wed Jan 29: Blackburn Rovers H 19:45 Sun Feb 2: Liverpool H 14:00 Sat Feb 8
WANDERERS fans woke up today to the desperate fact that relegation from the Premiership is fast becoming the likely scenario. One short look at the league table shows last night's depressing defeat at the hands of Everton has linked Wanderers as one of
WANDERERS are deeply embroiled in the relegation countdown so here is a handy guide to find where and when the opposition is playing over the closing months: WEST HAM Fixtures Wed Jan 29: Blackburn Rovers H 19:45 Sun Feb 2: Liverpool H 14:00 Sat Feb 8
VALENCIA striker Salva Ballesta is still a Wanderers target. Manager Sam Allardyce said today: "We have a chance with Salva. It's not certain, but I have pushed hard most of the day and made progress." Allardyce is keen on the 23-year-old, who cost Valencia
WHO did what at the Reebok Wanderers 4-4-2 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 Beaten twice but denied Naysmith and Watson with good saves BERNARD MENDY ... 6 Unpredictable and unorthodox but the talent is there and can be effective GUDNI BERGSSON ... 7 His goal
JUDGE Lindsey Kushner decided not to send a 16-year-old boy from Tonge Moor to youth custody for pointing a fake gun at a woman's head. The court heard that he was "bored", and the judge felt that he would become a man with "vicious criminal intent" if
THE new headteacher of a Bolton primary school is determined pupils will not only receive top quality education but also an introduction to Manchester City Football Club. Nigel Ashton the new head of Roscow Fold CP School in Breightmet is an avid Man
A SCHOOL that is improving all the time not only has the support of parents and pupils, but now education watchdogs too. Ofsted inspectors found plenty to praise when they paid a return visit to East Ward Community Primary School, in Bury, five years
CHORLEY Lynx progressed to the fourth round of the Challenge Cup with a victory over amateurs Leigh Miners - securing a fifth round home draw against Swinton. Lynx had a frustrating first half and on seven minutes Miners went ahead when Alan Beath made
BOLTON Police will be holding a drop-in session at Brownlow Fold Community Centre in Eskrick Street on Wednesday (Feb 5), between noon and 8pm.
STAFF from Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) will demonstrate life-saving techniques in Manchester this Sunday. Visitors to China Town can discuss a career as a paramedic with officers. GMAS will be near the Archway, off Portland Street from
WORK has begun to resurface the busy A665 Bury Old Road at Prestwich. The work is expected to last about 14 weeks, during which the the pavement kerbs and flags on both sides of the road will be replaced.
THIEVES stole property from cars after smashing their windows in seperate attacks in Whitefield and Bury yesterday. A radio worth £200 was stolen from a 65-year-old woman's Ford Fiesta in Apden Road, Prestwich at 4pm and a CD player worth £1,700 was stolen
A DOCTOR has been struck off after he hired a man convicted of kidnapping, forgery and assault to work at his surgery. Dr Colin Ogdon, from Holcombe, was banned from practising after the General Medical Council heard that he gave Darren Gerrard access
Mum's anguish over injured daughter THE mother of a schoolgirl seriously injured as she crossed a major Bolton road has spoken for the first time about the accident. Vicky Launders, aged nine, was still unconscious in hospital today after she suffered
SAM Allardyce today admitted that last night's home defeat by Everton plunged his side into "grave, grave danger," with the next two games against Birmingham and West Brom now crucial in the fight for survival. "The 21 points we have taken from our 25
MOST households these days will perhaps have an umbrella or two on standby for those rainy days that are all too frequent, and the usual place for the umbrella is perhaps in a hall cupboard or perhaps in the porch. A century or more ago, the umbrella
EVERY so often I notice one of the advertisements on television and the name of the product registers with me. This is not a regular occurrence and I suspect that most of my fellow citizens have a similar glaze button fitted in their brains. But I did
MANAGER David Moyes believes Everton will face a tough battle against determined opposition for the visit to the Reebok on Tuesday. Moyes watched Wanderers battle bravely in defeat against Newcastle United on Wednesday night. He said: "Bolton played very
WANDERERS are looking for victory against Everton at the Reebok tonight ahead of even more vital games against fellow Premiership strugglers Birmingham and West Brom. It is a crucial spell for the club, with manager Sam Allardyce admitting: "The next
JUDGE Lindsey Kushner decided not to send a 16-year-old boy from Tonge Moor to youth custody for pointing a fake gun at a woman's head. The court heard that he was "bored", and the judge felt that he would become a man with "vicious criminal intent" if
THE British National Party must be rubbing its collective hands, if not with glee then with something approaching "We told you so" satisfaction, following the death of a Special Branch police officer in the raid on a house in Crumpsall, North Manchester
YOUNGSTERS in the North-west know all about healthy diets but can not resist the lure of burgers and chips. A survey into the eating habits of 15 to 21-year-olds showed that of 10 regions surveyed nationwide, this was ranked as the fourth worst area,
WALKDEN proved the masters of the indoor cricket game as they swept to another convincing win in the Bolton League's Anthony Axford Trophy. The former league champions have now won 19 successive games over the last four years in the competition as well
THE Meningitis Research Foundation is calling on the people of Bolton to help combat life-threatening diseases which can kill in hours. Charity representatives are appealing to people to help them raise money to continue funding research into and promoting
Fiction: The Plague Lord by Paul Doherty; The Watchman by Brian Freemantle; A Detective Under Fire by HRF Keating; A Different Kind of Love by Sheelagh Kelly; Kentucky Heat by Fern Michaels; Some Bitter Taste; Marshal Guarnaccia Investigates by Magdalen
A CAMPAIGN to get rail passengers to complain more about train services was due to be launched at Manchester Piccadilly station today with the Rail Passenger Council promoting their "Have a Pop" scheme.
A MAN who was badly hurt at the same spot on a major road where a child was injured at the weekend says a pedestrian crossing should be installed before someone else is injured or killed. Richard Brocklehurst, aged 73, spent a week in hospital after breaking
A BRITISH Airways plane with nearly 100 passengers on board was forced to make an emergency landing at Manchester Airport. The plane, flying from Heathrow to Glasgow, battled through high winds to land safely at around 8.50pm last night. Buses took the
A STAGE group which is set to put on a performance of Singin' In The Rain at the Albert Halls next month has been awarded £8,350. Imagine! Productions was handed the cash from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. It will use the money to purchase projection
SOCCER mad actor Ralf Little is preparing himself for a football tour of Africa. The star of the BBC's popular Royle Family is polishing his boots in readiness for a series of matches against local African sides. He will be using the skills he learned
IN February, 1941, a number of people were taken to hospital after two trams crashed on Folds Road, Bolton. I use this picture, actually, just so that I can refer back to the tram photograph I published taken on Blackburn Road. Mr Alan Ralphs, of Musgrave
LEARN the art of relaxation with Dorothy Scully's Tai Chi Qigong techniques. The yoga-like classes, which are often recommended by doctors for recovery, run between 1.30-3pm every Monday at Leigh Miners' Institute in Twist Lane, Leigh. People of any age
A STAGE group which is set to put on a performance of Singin' In The Rain at the Albert Halls next month has been awarded £8,350. Imagine! Productions was handed the cash from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. It will use the money to purchase projection
MICHAEL MEARS was the lucky man hired to measure screen star Gwyneth Paltrow's inside leg. But the actor's big screen moment was scrapped when the filming schedule for Shakespeare In Love had to be cut short -- and his scene was scrapped. Instead, the
FRIDAY saw England's Paul Williams beat Shaun Liptrot in a close and exciting final with an unlucky Pete Jones and Paul Halliwell just losing out in the semis. Best lady prize went to Jackie Wright. Sunday saw Wayne Merrick and Tony Green produce an excellent
JAY JAY OKOCHA and Per Frandsen could boost Wanderers ahead of Tuesday night's clash against Everton after they both returned to training on Sunday. Okocha injured his hamstring during the recent Premiership clash against Fulham at the Reebok while Frandsen
WANDERERS fans woke up today to the desperate fact that relegation from the Premiership is fast becoming the likely scenario. One short look at the league table shows last night's depressing defeat at the hands of Everton has linked Wanderers as one of
WE run the rule over the Toffeemen Ground: Goodison Park Nickname: The Toffees Manager: David Moyes Position in table: Fifth Last time out: Premiership - Everton 2 Sunderland 1 How they lined up: Wright, Pistone, Weir, Stubbs, Unsworth, Watson, Li Tie
SURPRISE guys Ivan Campo and Bernard Mendy could give Sam Allardyce a massive boost for the Premiership run-in - starting at home to Everton on Tuesday night. The outstanding performances of Bernard Mendy and Ivan Campo in unusual positions at Newcastle
WANDERERS' players have no problem with wantaway striker Michael Ricketts. Defender Simon Charlton says the dressing room understands Ricketts' desire to play at a higher level. Ricketts is expected to be given a rough ride by sections of the Reebok crowd
HOW Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock reported for this website. WANDERERS 1, EVERTON 2: Wanderers' Premiership survival prospects were dealt a severe blow by David Moyes' high-riding Everton on a disappointing and depressing night at the Reebok. Desperate
MICHAEL Ricketts knows only too well that he is in danger of suffering a backlash from Bolton fans starting with the home clash with Everton on Tuesday. Life at the Reebok could become a shade uncomfortable for the Wanderers' top scorer. Supporters, as
Wanderers 1, Everton 2: STRAIGHT-TALKING Sam Allardyce voiced the fears that are haunting worried Wanderers fans today when he admitted the team is in big relegation trouble. Allardyce has a reputation for telling it like it is and sees no reason to ignore
WHO did what at the Reebok Wanderers 4-4-2 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 Beaten twice but denied Naysmith and Watson with good saves BERNARD MENDY ... 6 Unpredictable and unorthodox but the talent is there and can be effective GUDNI BERGSSON ... 7 His goal
TEMPEST United suffered a severe blow to their West Lancashire League promotion hopes as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat against a youthful Burnley team. They were two goals down after ten minutes but fought back with a brilliantly headed goal from Andy
