Archive

  • On this day -APRIL 24

    1743: Edmund Cartwright, inventor of the power loom, was born. 1792: Claude Rouget de l'Isle composed the French national anthem, the Marseillaise. 1815: Novelist Anthony Trollope was born in London. 1889: Sir Stafford Cripps, Labour Chancellor who introduced

  • Drive to keep workers safe

    HEALTH bosses are cracking down on violent patients at Chorley Hospital by adopting a zero tolerance approach to the problem. Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust is taking a number of steps to keep its staff and other workers safe. These include

  • Burglaries bring sad end to breaks

    TWO Whittle-le-Woods families will return from Easter holidays this week to find their homes ransacked and cars stolen. Burglars struck at two separate addresses over the Bank Holiday weekend, breaking into both homes, stealing the car keys and filling

  • 'Super' Steve is just the job

    THE former right-hand man to the county's top policeman has taken on a new role. Steve Watson, 34, the youngest superintendent in Lancashire, is now in charge of the day-to day running of Southern Division, covering Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancs

  • National soccer museum axes entrance fees

    SIR Bobby Charlton was reopening the North West's National Football Museum today as a free visitor attraction. Until now, the museum, which is based at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium, has had to charge visitors nearly £7 to see its collection of

  • When brewing was a family affair

    WHEN Settle's Brewery and the Rose and Crown pub in Cross Street was mentioned in Looking Back some time ago, among those who wrote to me about it was Mrs Anne Edwards (nee Settle), of Newton-le-Willows. She has now sent me these two pictures taken in

  • Losing start for Lynx

    On Good Friday Lynx came away with defeat after dominating most of the opening half. Lynx started well pinning the Lions back in their own half for long periods but their only reward coming in the 23rd minute with a try from Mike Briggs converted by Mark

  • Magpies must win to go up

    CHORLEY will need to rely on other results going their way on Saturday, the final day of the UniBond League season, if they are to be in the promotion play-offs. The Magpies are now in seventh place on 70 points and a win from their final match would

  • Name: BARRIE ASPINALL

    Rank: L/BDR Regiment: 7 PARA RHA Unit: I B/TRY BFPO No: 660 Message: Hiya b,just to let you know how much we love you,we all miss you very much.look after youreself, come home soon.love from mum ,tone and the rest of the family.xxxxx address: anne.aspinall9

  • Name: Andrew Wilkinson

    Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: Royal Irish Unit: 1 PLT A Company BFPO No: 660 Message: Thinking of you every day, keep well and keep safe. Hurry home soon. Miss you love from Deb, Phil and kids, mum, Neil and Nat and all the rest of the family. From:

  • Pupil-gardeners given story-book challenge

    YOUNG gardeners are being asked to create a garden based on a favourite story or author for this year's Southport Flower Show. Three winners will see their designs blossom and have a chance to meet Prof David Bellamy, a patron of the show. Children from

  • New friends aim to aid station

    A VILLAGE railway station has a new set of "friends" who want to protect and improve it. The newly-formed Friends of Blackrod Station are launching their group on Saturday with razzmatazz and MP Ruth Kelly. The station has been at the centre of a row

  • Date for mini star with a maxi voice

    WITH her tiny frame, it is hard to believe that 11-year-old Alex Gaskell has such an amazing voice. But the miniature star's voice has stunned judges around the country because it is so loud! Weighing just four stone, Alex blew away the competition at

  • New Whites' kit will be 'stunning'

    WANDERERS will turn the clock back 30 years next season and switch to an all white home strip. Wanderers are breaking with tradition by abandoning their navy blue shorts and the revolutionary new kit will also have hardly any blue and red trim on the

  • Firm's Queen's award

    ENGINEERING firm AMEC, which has a major office in Adlington, has been granted The Queen's Award for International Trade. The honour is in recognition of the company's outstanding performance -- principally in the oil, gas, petrochemical and processing

  • Off the cuff laughter

    AFTER the success of last month's stage show, 'Comedysportz,' Chorley Youth Theatre is back with another airing of the laugh-a-minute production. The improvisation show is one for all the family and takes on a similar format to hit TV show 'Whose Line

  • Buskers on the square

    BRING the family into town on Saturday, May 3, to see the "Busking Bolton" competition sponsored by Crompton Place. This will take place around Victoria Square, Nelson Square and between Crompton Place and Marks & Spencer, culminating with the best

  • Music festival tickets bonanza

    TICKETS are selling fast for the Live Alliance Music Festival sponsored by the Big W, as part of the 750th celebration of the granting of the Charter to Bolton. The concert takes place at the Victoria Halls on Friday, May 2, from 7pm-10pm. Afterwards

  • Roeder health scare lessons for Preece

    BURY boss Andy Preece wants fans to learn the lessons from Glenn Roeder's health scare. The relegation-threatened West Ham chief was rushed to hospital this week after collapsing through a blocked blood vessel in his brain, sparking further concerns over

  • Bolton Cons Snooker Ass

    LATES results Section One: Plodder Lane A 5 Dunscar C 3; Rumworth D 1 Tonge Moor B 8; Tonge Moor A 6.5 Rumworth C 1.5; Rumworth A 3 Halliwell C 6; Halliwell A 6 Rumworth B 2; Deane C 7 Bradshaw A 1. Section Two: Smithills A 6 Horwich B 2; Dunscar A 1

  • THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, MANCHESTER

    Myths and Monsters Magical moving models tell the story of dragons, unicorns and The Yeti exploring the legends behind them. Until June 1, 10am to 5pm, £3.50, £2.50 conc. IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM NORTH, TRAFFORD PARK. In The Mood A look at the music, dance

  • Bolton Museum is looking to the future

    MUSEUMS are no longer buildings with "things in glass cases and hanging on walls", just ask Bolton Museum's curator Steve Garland. Feature writer Frank Elson did STEVE Garland is in overall charge of 350,000 items for Bolton Museum -- from a pin-head

  • BGA Fourball draw

    THE BGA fourball better ball stroke play competition takes place at Old Links on Saturday. The competition was over-subscribed, some entrants were balloted out. Players report to starter five minutes before start time. 8.00: W Laverty 4 (Bt), N Woolfrey

  • Town trio to be honoured

    SOME of Horwich's most valued residents are to be honoured for their services to the town. Father Henry Jones, mountain rescuer Geoff Seddon and retiring town councillor Betty McCracken will all be rewarded. Fr Jones and Mr Seddon are receiving Horwich

  • Town centre thieves clampdown success

    A CRACKDOWN on pickpockets in Bolton town centre has achieved a significant success with NO crimes reported over the last seven days. The campaign was mounted after police figures revealed that teams of pickpockets were preying on people in the town's

  • It's Jerry St Clay!

    PHOENIX Nights star Dave Spikey came face to face -- with his bust! The Bolton comedian who was was voted Chorley's Face of Culture, was at the final sitting for a bronze cast of his head. And his verdict: "I think it is fantastic. It takes years off

  • Bolton Museum is looking to the future

    MUSEUMS are no longer buildings with "things in glass cases and hanging on walls", just ask Bolton Museum's curator Steve Garland. Feature writer Frank Elson did STEVE Garland is in overall charge of 350,000 items for Bolton Museum -- from a pin-head

  • Radio show date

    BOLTON Market Radio road show and Tommy Tower will be in Victoria Square for the children with the Tower FM road show on Friday, May 30.

  • Jiving display

    MEMBERS of Barnside Modern Jive Dance School will appear on the patio next to Index in The Market Place where dancers will display jiving skills between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, May 3.

  • It's Jerry St Clay!

    PHOENIX Nights star Dave Spikey came face to face -- with his bust! The Bolton comedian who was was voted Chorley's Face of Culture, was at the final sitting for a bronze cast of his head. And his verdict: "I think it is fantastic. It takes years off

  • Childcare exhibition

    THE annual Childcare Exhibition by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership is in Victoria Square on May 30 & 31. This year's exhibition will also include training advice and childcare placement.

  • Soccer boys will be boys

    From the Evening News, April 24, 1903: SEVEN pence halfpenny a kick is pretty expensive for street football, especially when the court costs have to be added, but if "boys will be boys" someone has to pay for the privilege. In this case, Harry Whiston

  • Mal in the record books

    MAL LOYE hit his second century in two innings for Lancashire to earn a place in Red Rose history. But the former Northampton man still insisted: "I'm not really playing that well." Loye followed his 126 against Surrey at the Oval with 113 on the first

  • What's going on around Chorley

    DO you like soul music? Do you like live bands? If so then this is a night for you. The Pines Hotel, Clayton-le-Woods, is holding a Power and Soul night on Friday, May 2, consisting of a five-piece band performing all your favourite soul and Motown hits

  • Traders' joy at car park

    A NEW town centre car park for Chorley shoppers could be built in Gillibrand Street if council planning chiefs give the scheme the green light. A West Midlands company has submitted an application to build the 71-space pay and display parking area on

  • Putting an end to prejudice

    CHORLEY services are using Mental Health Action Week to draw attention to organisations dedicated to helping those affected by issues surrounding the illness. The week, April 20-26, is co-ordinated by the Mental Health Foundation and it is an opportunity

  • Worker's brave attempt to foil robbery

    A HAVE-a-go hero flung himself across the bonnet of a getaway car after a thief grabbed £2,000 from an open till at a busy store. The incident occurred when the raider walked into B&Q on the Northfields Industrial Estate, North Street, Chorley, and

  • No reason not to vote

    THIS year's borough and parish council elections take place on Thursday, May 1, and Chorley's electors have more ways than ever to vote. Once again the council is taking part in pilot voting schemes after the runaway success of the full postal ballot

  • They're on the write lines

    ARE you the next Agatha Christie, Enid Blyton, Noel Gallagher or Peter Kay? Well, even if you're not, a three-month long festival, organised by the Chorley Writers' Circle, will give you the chance to explore your fledgling artistic skills. The Chorley

  • Face it, Spikey, you're fit to bust

    CHORLEY'S Face of Culture Dave Spikey is to be presented with a familiar face when his tour comes to the town. A bronze bust of the comedian, best known for his role in Phoenix Nights, has been commissioned by Chorley Borough Council, and it will be presented

  • 2002-3: The story so far

    ALL the results, scorers and attendances 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

  • Teenager impaled on fence

    A TEENAGE boy is undergoing surgery after being impaled on fencing by his wrist. Promising young cricketer Andy Hough, aged 15, was playing in the grounds of Astley Bridge Cricket Club when the accident happened after practice. He slipped on scaffolding

  • Jay Jay's cub mascot!

    THIS tiny fox may be only four weeks old and eight inches long but no one can doubt he is a fighter . . . In his short life he has battled against the odds to stay alive. But as he is named after one of Bolton's sporting heroes perhaps it is hardly surprising

  • What's on offer in the region this year

    Here we take a look at what's on in the pick of the North West theatres. One of the highlights at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, is the classic Harold Brighouse play, Hobson's Choice. This will be its first showing at the Royal Exchange. Trevor

  • Amateur rugby league - Rangers finish on a high

    RANGERS recorded a fine victory in their last league game of the season after withstanding an early onslaught from Cuthberts. Rangers lifted their game and the pack started running the ball in strongly and tackling aggressively no more so than John Cookson

  • Future full of promise

    CHORLEY Cricket Club captain James Fazackerley believes the future is bright for his team despite Saturday's home defeat against Netherfield. A period of transition has seen many of the team's experienced players retire in recent years and the team finished

  • Brilliant knock by Smith is not enough

    A TERRIFIC game kicked off the season at Windsor Park, though unfortunately for Chorley it didn't prove to be a winning start. The crowd though were treated to a quite magnificent feast of batting particularly by Chorley's Tom Smith and Netherfield professional

  • Community awards

    THE Mayor will be in the Market Hall to present the Rotary Club of Bolton Le Moors "Cup of Kindness" Awards, for meritorious work in the community on Saturday. Nominations came from schools and organisations involving young people.

  • MP's surgery

    DAVID Crausby MP will be holding a surgery at the Windsor road Community Centre, Bromley Cross, on Saturday from 11am to 1pm. No appointments are necessary.

  • Police officer in car drama

    A POLICE officer was dragged more than 300 yards along a road after he stopped a car after a robbery at a garage at Over Hulton. The 26-year-old, based at Eccles station, was attempting to get into the passenger side door of the Vauxhall Nova to speak

  • Louise -- soccer-loving dancer

    SHE may want to be a classical ballerina, but 15-year-old Louise Flanagan still enjoys football. The teenager has beaten tough competition to gain a place at the Royal Ballet School at Covent garden, London, in September. Louise has been dancing since

  • Happy nurse went loco

    WHEN pretty young nurse Doris Raynor came to work at Bolton hospital as a 17-year-old, she was soon smitten by Horwich loco works fitter Bill. The teenagers hit it off but tragedy threatened to wreck their relationship when Doris's parents were killed

  • Shirt deal boost for Shakers

    BURY FC's current financial plight has been eased, thanks to a £50,000 deal with Bury Metro. The council has agreed for the second year running to sponsor the club's shirts. The local authority's logo will continue to be worn at grounds nationwide. The

  • Eric's back to suds after soap interlude

    FIFTEEN years after he appeared as the character 'Andy' in Tony Roper's hilarious comedy, The Steamie, at Oldham Coliseum, actor Eric Potts is back, this time behind the scenes directing a new production of the play. The Steamie has been resurrected in

  • Yo-yo ball toy alert after girl injured

    TRADING Standards Officers are alerting the public and retailers to the potential hazards posed by the latest craze -- yo-yo ball toys. The warning comes following a complaint from a Preston consumer whose seven-year-old daughter had the toy wrapped around

  • Learn to compost at free workshop

    CHORLEY residents are being encouraged to compost in a series of workshops throughout the county. The free sessions can help with dilemmas such as how to make your own compost and why it is not rotting down. Each workshop lasts around one-and-a-half-hours

  • How they line up

    Who's playing where ASTLEY BRIDGE Professional: Amal Dalugoda Captain: Paul Tebay Prospects: Bridge bring in a Sri Lankan pro and he together with experienced Tim Barry it is hoped they can bring out the talent that lies with several of the side's younger

  • Thursday date

    UPSTAIRS AT THE BALMORAL, BOLTON Richard Davenport, Kevin Bates and Dave Top quality comedy night hosted by Hovis Presley. Thursday, 8.30pm, £2

  • Paul Zerdin

    Who: Contemporary ventriloquist . . . wait, don't turn the page, he really is pretty good. Admittedly ventriloquism is generally the vestige of Royal Variety Performances, but Zerdin's cheeky twist on the technique means that his act, though hardly cutting

  • BAR JUICE SESSIONS

    A mix of DJs and live music From jazz and blues to funk and house Thursday, 9pm CLUB INDIEGO, BOLTON Perfect For the nu-metal crowd -- DJ Neil plays skate metal, punk and rock through the ages Thursday, 9.30 to 2am, £1 to £3

  • Thursday dates

    MULDOONS, BOLTON Buskers Ball Open mic night welcoming musicians and singers Thursday, 8pm till late. Free ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON Illegal Eagles Impressive tribute band perform classic tracks in a powerful live performance. Thursday, 8pm, £15.50. Blues

  • MP's surgery

    DAVID Crausby MP will be holding a surgery at the Windsor road Community Centre, Bromley Cross, on Saturday from 11am to 1pm. No appointments are necessary.

  • Strange sound of silence

    RECENTLY someone said to me they thought it was obscure that asylum seekers could come into this country and tap into the benefits system that they had never contributed to. I replied that a person who hasn't worked for 20 years claiming every conceivable

  • Coming clean on pond

    I WOULD like to say thank you to the Citizen for contacting North British Housing to come and clean up the pond in Astley Village. Once again it seems that they don't do anything until there is the threat of adverse publicity. The pond should always be

  • Figures speak for themselves

    IN the 1997 General Election when Chorley Labour MP Lindsay Hoyle was first elected, he was pleased to hand out his red pledge cards saying what a Labour government would do for us all. So I am surprised that despite all the monies being, apparently,

  • Staying slim could put health at risk

    STARS and celebrities who eat a certain way to keep slim may be causing long-term damage to their kidneys, according to doctors And it is not just the Hollywood A listers who could be putting their health at risk, because thousands of people are following

  • Exhibitions

    THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, MANCHESTER Myths and Monsters Magical moving models tell the story of dragons, unicorns and The Yeti exploring the legends behind them. Until June 1, 10am to 5pm, £3.50, £2.50 conc. IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM NORTH, TRAFFORD

  • Co-op sales boost

    THE Manchester-based Co-operative Group is reporting a boost in sales and profits for the year ending in January. Income across the world's largest consumer co-operative, which includes farms, finance, funerals and food, was up by nearly £2.5bn at £7.8bn

  • Financial adviser is sent to prison

    A FINANCIAL adviser who stole almost £500,000 from clients who trusted him to invest their life savings has been jailed for four years. Kevan Berry became friends with his five victims by gaining their trust through his job at the Lancashire-based Bowland

  • Jay Jay's cub mascot!

    THIS tiny fox may be only four weeks old and eight inches long but no one can doubt he is a fighter . . . In his short life he has battled against the odds to stay alive. But as he is named after one of Bolton's sporting heroes perhaps it is hardly surprising

  • Debbie's walk of life

    CANCER patient Debbie Worthington was determined to repay the hospital which gave her life-saving treatment. The 32-year-old financial consultant was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, in August 1999. And as soon as her cancer

  • New friends aim to aid station

    Music train funsters in launch A VILLAGE railway station has a new set of "friends" who want to protect and improve it. The newly-formed Friends of Blackrod Station are launching their group on Saturday with razzmatazz and MP Ruth Kelly. The station has

  • Tragic Arctic journey into the past

    A PHOTOGRAPHER retracing a tragic Arctic expedition has reached the graves of some of the 129 that died. Martin Hartley, from Manchester, is one of eight following Sir John Franklin's 1845 trek 200 miles from Victory Point to Starvation Cove. "To think

  • Fashion exhibition

    BOLTON Town Centre Ltd will be hosting the annual Fashion, Health & Beauty Exhibition in a large marquee on Victoria Square on June 6 & 7.

  • Bolton suffer damaging weekend

    BOLTON club had a frustrating weekend with very little rugby played due to a lack of opposition and the clubhouse being damaged considerably by vandals over the Easter period. 9The clubhouse had windows smashed and several roof tiles and security lights