COULD I, through your column, thank the Bolton Evening News on the way my son Mitchell's death and funeral was reported. Although it was distressing for me to read, it was done with sensitivity. Could I also thank the hundreds of people who came to say
TORY councillor Andy Morgan rightly praises Labour-run Bolton Council as being judged as an "excellent" authority by the Independent Audit Commission. (Bolton Evening News, January 26). At first I thought: "Well done for your honesty, Andy. You have the
ssIN response to the letter published in the Bolton Evening News (January 22) from Peter Johnston, I would like to inform your readers that the former Director of Housing, who has doubled his salary from about £70,000 to over £140,000 since his Local
FURTHER to Karen Francis' letter, there are other items in the Bolton Evening News report on recycling (January 8) which need querying. Mrs Ellison was putting soap powder boxes (ie cardboard) in her waste paper sack, despite the fact that cardboard is
1756 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg. He composed 20 operas, 17 masses, 41 symphonies, 27 string quartets and 21 piano concertos - and still died a pauper in 1791, aged 35. 1778 Joseph Bramah patented the valved flush toilet. 1832 Lewis Carroll
BLACKROD Cricket Club is appealing for sponsors to help them develop the game in the village. The club, which has its ground at Vicarage Road, plays in the Bolton and District Association and runs two adult teams and four junior teams for youngsters aged
A TEENAGER who twice raped a 17-year-old girl and threatened her with a Gurkha knife in a Bolton park, has had the number of years he must spend behind bars more than halved. Aytekin Yildirim, aged 19, was given a life sentence at Manchester Crown Court
JAY-Jay Okocha has been working with a familiar figure since he arrived in Tunisia with Nigeria's African Nations Cup squad. Sam Allardyce has sent Wanderers' assistant physiotherapist Faz Page to shadow the Reebok skipper for at least the first week
SAM Allardyce is too imaginative and far too innovative to resort to those much-maligned sporting cliches, even though it is "only half-time" in the Carling Cup semi-final. But he almost fell into the trap as he did his utmost to prevent anyone suggesting
BOLTON and Bury Inland Revenue offices are extending their opening hours on three days this week. This will help customers with last-minute inquiries on Self Assessment tax returns and payments before Saturday's deadline. The Bolton office at Stone Cross
AN international company is so sure of its market that it has equipped a local store before it has anyone to run it. Domino's Pizza has built and fully fitted out a shop in Westhoughton after extensive market research, and is now searching for someone
IT'S not everyday that a top army general drops in on a school unannounced -- especially when he makes an emergency landing by helicopter and lands on the school playing field. It left teachers and pupils at Firwood Special School in a real spin. They
BOLTON woman Sarah Holmes has been appointed general manager for communications at Greater Manchester Ambulance Service. Formerly Planning and Communications Manager for NHS Direct in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the Wirral, Sarah takes a lead role
PLANS to put up to 40 homes on the site of a Westhoughton timber yard have been rejected by the town council. The yard's owners, Firwood Timber, had applied to site a residential development on land on Wigan Road. Concerns over traffic volume, as well
MOTORISTS suffered long delays on Monday night after a rush hour smash on the M61. A car and a fuel tanker collided on the inside lane of the motorway at around 5.45pm. Although, neither driver suffered any injuries, fire crews and police were called
HORWICH 66650/04 - Mr R Edge, 8 Vale Coppice, Horwich. Erection of car port at side together with single-storey extension to form utility and WC with pitched roof over. WESTHOUGHTON 66657/04 - Mr & Mrs D Healey, 42 Cow Lees, Westhoughton. Erection
A VICAR has won a bursary award from Ecclesiastical Insurance to enable him to study for an Open University theology honours degree. The Reverend Paul Ellis is team vicar of St Andrew Over Hulton in the parish of Deane. He was given his award at a ceremony
WESTHOUGHTON historians are planning to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their town hall. Organisers would like to hear from anyone who may have artefacts or information which could contribute to an exhibition highlighting the hall's 100 years as a
A MAN accused of robbing an 80-year-old woman in her home appeared before magistrates at Bolton on Tuesday. Michael Peter Hennessey, aged 31, of no fixed address, was accused of aggravated burglary at the home of a 68-year-old man and robbery of an 80
WESTHOUGHTON Townswomen's Guild has donated £440 to two hospices from a fund-raising event last year. Derian House children's hospice in Chorley and Bolton Hospice will each receive £220.
A CONSUMER watchdog for water supplies says customer debt is increasing massively each year. Watervoice North West, which represents people receiving water and sewerage services from United Utilities, is meeting the company to discuss how the issue will
ANGLERS who fish without a licence are being warned that they will be prosecuted. Last month, the Environment Agency successfully prosecuted 13 people in the North-west for fishing without a licence, and fines amounted to more then £800. Coarse and trout
REGULARS at a Kearsley pub flew to Mexico at the weekend after winning an all-expenses paid trip in a national competition. The team of 18 from the Moss Rose won the week at the Costa Real hotel in Cancun after showing their skills in traditional and
COUNCIL homes in Leigh judged to have a high fire risk are to have mains-linked smoke detectors installed. Mains-linked detectors give long lasting protection, are difficult to switch off and have battery back-up in case of power failure. Greater Manchester
A SHOW put on by disadvantaged children is to take place at the Bolton Albert Halls. Stars of the Millennium, a Bolton-based charity which helps children from poor backgrounds, will perform a series of songs from West End shows on April 8. It follows
PLANS for a seasonal marquee at Tesco in Horwich have been given the thumbs up by town councillors. Horwich councillors approved the company's proposals to install a marquee to house garden plants and outdoor products on the car park at the Middlebrook
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock reporting on the Carling Cup semi-final second leg from Villa Park. Find team news and Half-time reports Full-time report and all the reaction on Wednesday Plus reports from all matches this season
TWO schools were not informed of the toxic dangers of neighbouring land for four days after the problem was identified, it has been revealed. Bolton Council's commercial services department admitted it was slow to hand out information. And the Environment
APROJECT involving students and pensioners is proving that there is a lot of truth in the adage that you are never too old to learn. Pensioners are currently spending one afternoon a fortnight learning about technology from students at Turton High School
A BOLTON school is to hold a night of whodunnit-style suspense. Thornleigh School Parent Teacher Association is holding a murder-mystery evening on Saturday, February 7, in the school hall. Visitors are asked to arrive from 7pm, with the performance starting
STUDENTS are being offered prizes of up to £7,000 for new ways of teaching children their university subjects. They have to produce a teaching method that conveys an idea in maths, science, IT or design to both pupils and the general public. These ideas
YOUNGSTERS could soon swap the classroom for the workplace in a shake-up of the school system. Bury South MP Ivan Lewis has revealed plans for a junior apprenticeship scheme which could see 14 to 16-year-olds allowed regular work experience if they choose
PLANS to raise admission numbers of a popular Breightmet school have moved another step closer. Bolton's Council's executive has approved proposals to increase the admission limit at Red Lane Primary School from 45 to 60 places. Director of education
A BOLTON School pupil is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for a children's charity by running the London Marathon. Anushka Patchava, aged 18, is hoping businesses and local people will step forward to sponsor her when she takes part in the gruelling
Eagley 2 Wyre Villa 2: EAGLEY twice came back from behind to claim a West Lancs Premier Division point on Saturday. The Villagers -- hit by injuries and suspensions -- went behind in the first minute, but equalised on the half-hour when the Wyre defence
CANCER Research UK is appealing for post-menopausal women in Bolton to take part in a major breast cancer prevention trial. The cancer is more common in older women, with more than 80 per cent of cases happening after the menopause. Every year, more than
LATEST details RESULTS: Walkden Labour 6 Cuemasters A 2; Hawkers 7 Farnworth CC 1; Dixon Green A 6 OLOL 2; Farnworth Snooker B 1 Farnworth Snooker A 8; Top Club 3 Dixon Green B 6; Armitage 2 WRBL 7; Cuemasters B 5 Hare/Hounds 3. P W D L Pts Farn Snooker
GRAND Masters Individuals sponsored by Horwich:Ex-Servicemen's Club Quarter-finals: Wednesday, January 28 at Emmett Street: G Frodsham (Ellesmere) v J Hodgkiss (Plodder Lane Cons); G Kay (Deane Cons) v A Markland (Ellesmere). INTER LEAGUE TOURNAMENT:
A BOLTON School pupil is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for a children's charity by running the London Marathon. Anushka Patchava, aged 18, is hoping businesses and local people will step forward to sponsor her when she takes part in the gruelling
IT'S not everyday that a top army general drops in on a school unannounced -- especially when he makes an emergency landing by helicopter and lands on the school playing field. It left teachers and pupils at Firwood Special School in a real spin. They
A LABOUR MP wants to clamp down on motorists driving without insurance by introducing new legislation. Leigh MP Andy Burnham wants to make it compulsory for drivers to display a disc in their windscreen to show that they are insured. Mr Burnham decided
THE wife of a convicted terrorist chief who has been living in Bolton has opened secret talks with loyalists to allow her to return home to Northern Ireland. Gina Adair, who is married to Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair, fled Belfast with her four children last
A HUGE shed is on "red" alert -- ready to release tonnes of salt for the county's roads. As the region braces itself for its first real wintry blast, the Highways Agency depot at Junction 6 of the M61 -- home to 2,500 tonnes of salt -- is coiled to spring
Lancashire Amateur League: RADCLIFFE Amateurs were overpowered as Gregorians beat them 4-0 to move three points clear at the top of the Premier Division. The defeat saw Radcliffe slip to fourth, as Chaddertonians overtook them with a 3-0 win against Bolton
Bolton Sunday League: DAVE Walker scored an extra-time golden goal to give Greenwood a 4-3 Open Cup first round win over Beaumont. But the Premier Division side had to work hard to beat their First Division opponents. Beaumont scored a last-minute equaliser
WANDERERS' backroom staff were on weather watch, working out which boots would be best suited to the Villa Park pitch conditions. "We don't know if the weather is going to be a significant factor," Allardyce admitted "It could take away some of the home
SUNDERLAND'S former skipper Michael Gray is having talks with Graeme Souness with a view to joining Blackburn Rovers. Souness moved in for the left back after Wanderers were believed to have dropped their interest when Sunderland refused their proposal
BOLTON County AFC are looking for a manager to work with the current management team in 2004/2005. The club run three teams in the Lancashire Amateur League. Anyone interested should contact Graham Tyldesley on 01204 523775.
BLACKROD Town's reserves enjoyed their day in the spotlight, beating BAC/EE Preston 7-1 in the Houston Cup second round on a weekend when the first team had no game. A goal down after eight minutes, Blackrod drew level on the half-hour with an Andy Morris
DAVID Brent's comic antics in The Office have ended, but lawyers are warning that real-life Brents are still on the loose and could land their companies in hot water. The TV series reflects a small generation of insecure 30-something middle managers.
BUSINESSES across Greater Manchester are being offered the chance to increase their bottom line in 2004 with free advice. Action Energy -- the free Government- backed programme to help business and public-sector organisations become more energy efficient
THE Government has welcomed a move to stop solicitors charging sick miners for compensation claims. The Government already pays solicitors' fees for all successful coal-related health claims so that the full amount of compensation awarded goes to the
WITH regard to postal ballots. I lost my vote in 2003, not because I didn't understand the ballot paper, but it's supposed to be a secret vote. I objected having to sign the ballot paper. Come on, Bolton Council, "secret voting" again. N Brooks Fairhaven
IT is reported that in the North West this year's local and European elections are to be entirely by postal ballot, despite the views of the Electoral Commission and North West Authorities, because the Government has insisted. So much for democracy! Are
IN reply to Miss Shirley Dunn, I congratulate her on the respect for bus lanes, and the consideration for bus drivers. Having been a driving instructor for 32 years, part of which included bus drivers, I have a good understanding of her anger. Bolton,
I WOULD like to correct a mistake in a letter from F Platt ('Gold service is tarnished', Bolton Evening News, January 23), who bemoans the poor reliability of the 524 bus service. This "gold" service is operated by bus operator First, not the Greater
From the Evening News, January 27, 1904: THE dangerous practice of leaving dolly-tubs unprotected when little children are about, was manifest on Tuesday afternoon when the three-year-old daughter of John Hall, collier, Brindle Square, Farnworth, was
WANDERERS may have to delve into the unknown again as they reach desperation point in their search for reinforcements. Sam Allardyce has drawn a blank on all his top targets and fears he may have to opt for players he has not seen before if he is to get
SAM Allardyce is confident the players he drafts in to replace Jay-Jay Okocha and Kevin Nolan will have the experience and the quality to see Wanderers safely through the Carling Cup semi-final decider at Villa Park. Ibrahim Ba, the player most likely
EMERSON Thome put himself in Villa's shoes as he warned his Wanderers team-mates to brace themselves for a Carling Cup backlash. The big Brazilian reckons David O'Leary will be telling his players to "give everything they didn't give in the first leg"
CONSUMERS of financial products are going to have to take on greater responsibilities for themselves in the future, according to the Financial Services Authority. The Financial Risk Outlook 2004, published by the FSA, highlights a number of short and
KEARSLEY 66654/04 - Mr D Dodds, c/o Agent, Land adj 22 Melville Road, Kearsley. Outline application for erection of a two-storey building to form two flats (siting and means of access details only). LITTLE LEVER 66658/04 - Mr & Mrs D Grime, 2 Windermere
A SHOW put on by disadvantaged children is to take place at the Bolton Albert Halls. Stars of the Millennium, a Bolton-based charity which helps children from poor backgrounds, will perform a series of songs from West End shows on April 8. It follows
A MAN threatened to turn himself into a human torch in Tonge Fold on Monday night. Police were called to a phone box near Tonge Moor Road at around 9pm after receiving reports that a man was threatening to set himself alight. He had doused his clothes
FUNNY man Dave Spikey is leading a hunt for new comedy talent. The Phoenix Nights star will host the North-west regional final of a competition to find a comedian in the same league as his pal Peter Kay. Spikey is hosting J20's Last Laugh Comedy Search
A MEMORIAL service for a Bolton-born paramedic who died from a rare form of meningitis will be held on Friday. Robert Cavenay died just after Christmas in Bristol after being struck down with the deadly illness. The funeral of the ambulance technician
A MOTHER whose son suffered serious head injuries after a road accident is trying to set up a self-help group. Jennifer Lyons, aged 52, wants other parents and carers who look after people with brain injury to come forward and help set up a Bolton branch
DANCERS Rebecca Gerrard and Sally Beardall put their best foot forward to win matching titles at a prestigious international disco competition. The pair, who are students of Sandham's Dance Studios in Farnworth, beat off thousands of competitors from
WANDERERS are heading for the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff despite a desperately brave challenge from Aston Villa, down to 10 men for almost half of this Carling Cup semi-final second leg. Wanderers were forced to defend desperately in the closing stages
THE Workers Educational Association, founded in 1903, has just celebrated its centennial year of providing adult education. The North Western District has 25 branches with voluntary members, staff and tutors working together to meet local needs. Founded
CHILDREN are more worried by schoolwork and lack of money than sex, drugs or bullying, a survey has shown. Exams, falling out with friends, and homework topped the list of worries of 11 to 16-year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, according
TUESDAY night's Bolton Sunday league league meeting will start at 7.30pm to allow everyone to watch Wanderers' televised Carling Cup tie with Aston Villa.
AFTER the completion of the resurfacing of their 10 pitches, Premier Fives are re-launching their junior five-a-side leagues. The Leagues will take place on Sunday morning, each game being of 40 minutes duration and officiated by FA qualified referees
HOMES will be built on the site of a Victorian mill if new plans get the go-ahead. Developers Stanley Group Holdings Ltd are seeking permission to build on the site of Causeway Mill, Longcauseway, Farnworth. Planning chiefs have approved the scheme in
MAJOR donors to Bolton Hospice have been rewarded by being made the first ever patrons in recognition of their financial support. The Patron Scheme, launched last September, has already secured £40,000 funding for the next three years and hospice fundraisers
A FIREMAN from Kearsley is recovering after a fire engine collided with a car, killing the driver. The 42-year-old fireman -- who was driving the vehicle -- suffered minor injuries in the crash with the Ford Escort in Barton, Manchester. The driver, a
A FORMER civilian police worker faces a possible jail sentence after being convicted of impersonating a police officer. Mark Walton, aged 19, of Greencourt Drive, Little Hulton, produced a bulletproof vest and play-acted into a walkie-talkie to persuade
ELECTRICITY bosses are to go ahead with work to solve cable problems that have caused a series of power cuts in Bolton recently. Workmen from United Utilities will carry out major underground cable work to improve the electricity supply to more than 3,000
A POPULAR Bolton town centre attraction which has entertained youngsters for more than a decade is to close its doors for the last time. Laser Quest, in Bradshawgate, will shut down on Sunday to make way for new apartments. The attraction, which is on
Horwich RMI 2 Walshaw 0: SOLID defending proved to be the foundation for a victory which moved Horwich RMI up to third in Division One. RMI were relieved to get to half-time without conceding after playing into a stiff breeze for the first 45 minutes.
BOLTON under-15s suffered their heaviest defeat of the season when they went down 7-1 to Stockport in their Greater Manchester Schools' County Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday. The game was evenly balanced in the opening quarter, but Stockport broke
Manchester League: ATHERTON Town moved through to the third round of the Gilcryst Cup with a 3-1 win over Leigh Athletic. John Hyde and Andy Morris scored to set Atherton on their way at Howe Bridge, before Gordon Walker pulled one back from the spot
