From the Evening News, 1992 - BOLTON has received a bumper £15 million Christmas package for major home improvements.

The much-needed cash windfall has been awarded by environmental bosses for being one of only two North-west housing "top performers". It will be spent on both public and private sector housing, and will help bring much of the borough's battered housing stock up to decent living standards.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 18, 1977

IMITATION, they say, is the sincerest form of flattery. But Bolton motor cycle manufacturer Alan Clews is not letting praise go to his head even though the Japanese giants are trying to copy his idea.

Mr Clews, 39-years-old boss of CCM, built his first machine in his garage just five years ago. Since then his firm has rocketed to international acclaim for its craftsman-built product. Now the Japanese are trying to build a rival four-stroke moto-cross machine. Mr Clews is not bothered. "Their bike will not have the scarcity value of mine," he says.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 18, 1952

BOLTON mill-girls are in high spirits again this Christmas. Inquiring at local mills this week, the Evening News found that seasonal "footings" are to be held as usual - and the mince pies and delicacies will not be in short supply. The "footings" are unofficial celebrations (unlike the Christmas parties), but one operative said: "We've been saving up for weeks, although many of the girls, especially those with families, have found it rather hard to find the money as in previous years."

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 18, 1902

AS arranged by Mr R. Pike (the Markets' Superintendent), the annual New Year's fair promises to be on as large a scale as in previous years, and some novel features will be introduced. Every available inch of space on Victoria-square and the Wholesale Market has been taken, though the new underground conveniences have somewhat curtailed the accommodation.

A menagerie will again occupy a prominent position, and in addition to the usual fine art exhibitions, photographic studies, roundabouts, cocoanut shies, etc., there will be a swimming exhibition. There has, as usual, been a great demand for space on the Wholesale Market, where there will be the usual roundabouts, gondolas, etc., in addition to cinematographic exhibition, circus, and other entertainments.