Alan Calvert  RSS feed | About

Now retired after more than 40 years in full-time journalism, Alan takes a wry look at life in the 21st Century. You can also read Alan's column every Monday in The Bolton News . . .

Hoping for laughs with Headcases IN my youth I came across the word "satire" when it was applied to That Was The Week That Was - a very clever television show hosted by David Frost. Enjoy the ride while you can . . . that free travel perk may not last for ever NOW that my new over-60s bus pass has arrived I can look forward to using it wherever I happen to be in the country. Trafalgar group in victory talks YOU may remember that I told you last week about the trip to Penzance undertaken by 13 members of the Trafalgar Day Society, based in the House Without A Name pub in Harwood. Shopping madness OUR microwave oven blew up the other day and I learned something about the wacky world of modern electrical retailing when we toured local stores looking for a replacement. Give the young a sporting chance, despite all politics POLITICS and sport look set to mix with great rancour between now and the completion of the summer Olympics in Beijing. Trip is an inspired idea BACK in 1805 Penzance became the first town in the country to learn about Nelson's victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar. Not just for old men THE motto of the Longsight Veterans' bowling club in Harwood is as follows "To play well, to win well, and if fate deems it, to lose well". On thesubject of art A week or so back I caught an item on the BBC's ONE show about public art. Postcard tradition is under threat YET another great tradition is under threat, I see. The Mayor is entitled to feel a little hurt SOME of the comments provoked by the revelation that Bolton's mayoral car was parked on double yellow lines for more than an hour were way over the top. Reader comments (2) More ...

EDITOR'S CHOICE TODAY'S VOTE VOTE: Do you still have confidence in the NHS? Vote HERE. THE BIG BOLTON HEALTH CHECK Get Health-checked now, urges grandad Healthy future in store after our Health Check Hundreds drop in for health check-up Trainers ready for The BIG Bolton Health Check launch Supermarket staff sign up to health campaign BIG Bolton Health Check will save thousands of lives - top doctor WANDERERS NEWS Jussi set to sign imminently Reebok rush boosts Whites Braaten: I have no Reebok regrets Barton 'not for Wanderers' Meite set for Reebok exit NEIL BONNAR: SHOOTS FROM THE LIP Points do make prizes for our children What it takes to talk a good game Patriotism is not why I'm warming to Murray Is it art or just people running? Steaming made over cold call gang Ince deserves his crack at the big time Get 7p off the current edition of The Bolton News by Direct Delivery HERE Check out our updated TV and Video section. Click HERE. The Bolton Blog is now up and running - and you can join. Click HERE. If you are in the middle of a major incident or see something interesting taking place you can now send Your Pictures directly to us. Click HERE. GET OUR NEWS BY E-MAIL Just register Most read Comments 1 Body is that of 66-year-old walker 2 Man and boy arrested on suspicion of murder 3 Pensioner to be re-interviewed over rape 4 Body found in Smithills 5 Ruth Kelly's home is 'flashmobbed' 6 New aqueduct planned for North-west 7 Pastie Shoppe owner recovering from illness 8 Reebok rush boosts Whites 9 Jussi set to sign imminently 10 Noisy smokers could put landlord in court Today | 7 Days 1 Amir faces biggest fight yet 2 Steaming made over cold call gang 3 A6 danger warning: Call to cut speed limit 4 TK Maxx shop move 'good for Bolton' 5 Main road will close for six weeks 6 Save cash — move into the pub . . . 7 Baby boy for Castaway star Erica 8 Wanderers strike out 9 Mulvaney on an Olympic mission 10 TALKING CRICKET: It’s time for the top teams to impress