From the Evening News, September 23, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

AT least eight shipyard workers died in a blaze which swept through a new guided missile destroyer after an explosion today. The tragedy happened on HMS Glasgow, which is being fitted out in Swan Hunter's Neptune at Wallsend, Northumberland.

A BID to save plans for a youth and community centre at Kearsley was rejected by Bolton Borough Council last night. Members agreed to scrap an £11,000 scheme to convert the former Kearsley Mount Methodist School despite fierce opposition, mainly from Labour councillors.

RHODESIA's government has accepted the Kissinger proposals for black majority rules in two years - on the understanding that the guerrilla war will cease.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, September 24, 1951

THE most nervous man in the biggest star-studded show ever seen in Bolton was Jack Hylton, who made the show possible. Almost every performer was able to get at least one laugh out of the fact that no "props" are allowed in Sunday shows. So the Crazy Gang went through their antics in well-cut lounge suits; Norman Evans called on his "Uncle Charlie" to help him because he could not lean over the garden wall.

No restrictive measures were encountered by Bill Johnson, who sang "Ol Man River". Harry Dawson, vigorous young tenor from "Take it from us"; dynamic Adelaide Hall; diminutive Anona Winn, who sang the sad little song of "The little white duck; Frank Cook, strumming a guitar and blowing the tune at the same time on what looked like a small mouth organ.

To wind up, Bud Flanagan prevailed on Jack Hylton to accompany on the piano his sister Dolly Elsie, who, although she had not sung for six years, sang zestfully "Oh Johnny".

Bolton has now had one show worthy of being called a Festival show.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, September 24, 1876

AT ten minutes past twelve o'clock on Thursday, an alarm of fire was received at the Fire Brigade Station that a fire had broken out in a bakehouse behind the shop of Mr Southern, 27, Bradshawgate, baker and confectioner. Superintendent Aspinall and his brigade with the Firefly were on the spot in a few minutes and were quickly playing on the flames, which spread rapidly through the ceiling, and also through the roof of the building. The damage to the stock is estimated at £80, and the property about £200, Both are insured.

AT the annual brass band contest held in connection with the Cheadle Wakes, near Stockport, the Halliwell band divided the second (£10) and third prizes (£7 10s) with Lee's band, Oldham. This, making the third prize they have taken this year, is very gratifying, considering that in securing these prizes they have beaten bands such as the Stalybridge Borough, Denton Original, and Rochdale Borough, &c., which speaks volumes for the conductor (Mr J. Briggs, and the leader (Mr R. Mellor).