Archive

  • Brave Mets fall to late tries

    BOLTON Mets rugby league side travelled away to Crossfields of Warrington on Saturday with just 13 players. The first half was evenly contested with both sides breaking through the defensive lines to score. Prop Colin Crompton was soon on the score sheet

  • Tour collapse families flown home from Malta

    From the Evening News, October 1, 1976 25 YEARS AGO HUNDREDS of Northern holiday-makers - including many from the Manchester area - are being shuttled home from Malta in a rescue operation following the collapse of the Medair tour firm. Many more passengers

  • 1,000 protest at Jesus Christ film

    From the Evening News, September 30, 1976 25 YEARS AGO More than 1,000 people at a Bolton church have signed a petition protesting at the proposed making of a film on the sex life of Jesus Christ. The petition, gathered at St Ethelbert's, Deane, will

  • A community of proud people has disappeared

    Reader ERIC TATTON, of Plodder Lane, Farnworth, remembers a part of Bolton - now the site of a superstore - more than 50 years ago when the area was full of streets where life may have been hard, but people were happy and proud. I RECENTLY attended the

  • Ring of steel around school

    A PRIMARY school headteacher is counting the cost of vandalism -- for the fifth time in two months. Vandals uprooted a concrete perimeter fence during a weekend attack at St Michael's Church of England Primary School in Green Lane, Great Lever. They damaged

  • Driver smashed into cyclist, court is told

    A HIT and run driver crashed into a cyclist and hurled him into the air, a court was told. Witnesses estimated the car was travelling at 50mph in a 30mph zone and showed no signs of braking before hitting the cyclist. Andrew Stuchbury was found in a pool

  • Savage attack brothers jailed

    TWO brothers who beat a 62-year-old man in a savage attack leaving him with a broken arm and appalling head injuries have been jailed. Bolton Crown Court was told that victim David Jones was punched, kicked and held in a stranglehold and he heard one

  • Get your skates on and go tobogganing at Christmas

    CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect another synthetic skating rink in Bolton have been put on ice -- in favour of a six-metre high "snow" tobogganing slope. Festive shoppers will be able to pay £2 for three slides down the synthetic snow tube on special rubber

  • Children step out to get streetwise

    PRIMARY school pupils in Bolton have given the school run the boot this week in a bid to be fit for the day ahead and learn valuable road safety skills at the same time. Across the town youngsters are swapping the car and bus for good old-fashioned shoe

  • Leigh League

    10-goal Vale hit top spot KERSAL Vale lead Division One on goal difference, a statistic hugely boosted by a 10-1 home win over Limelight. John Smith had a great day for the Salford outfit scoring six, Mark Gartley got two and Martin Loughrey and Jim Rafferty

  • Latics' trio pile up goals and points

    THE three Junior Latics teams are well-placed in their respective age groups after all three of them recorded great wins at the weekend. Paul Gregory, in the under 16s, bagged a high five and Daniel Mahoney netted a hat trick for the under 15s. In the

  • Brass band event

    SMITHILLS School Senior Brass Band's next concert is at St Anne's Church, Turton, on Saturday, October 13 at 7.30pm. Admission is £4 and £3 concessions, with tickets available on the door -- but people are advised to come early to be sure of a seat. So

  • Society dates for October

    BOLTON Amateur Theatre Societies' dates for October are: St Catherine's Amateur Music Society presents Mame at Harper Green School, Farnworth, tickets from 402052 -- runs from October 8 to 13; Bolton Premier Productions presents Guys and Dolls at the

  • Close defeat for winless U14s

    BOLTON Under 14s are still waiting for their first win of the season after going down 6-5 to a Glasgow XI in their challenge match at Hacken Lane. The local youngsters were quick off the mark opening their account after 10 minutes through Joe Whittaker

  • ASDA Logic West Lancs: Vital point for Tempest

    WITH survival the name of the game for Tempest United following promotion to the Premier Division the point picked up in a 0-0 home draw with Barrow Sports Club has to be counted as satisfactory. Chairman Alan Westhead explains: "With Mick Bennett and

  • with pic.

    Musical takes cast down memory lane SEVERAL members of St Catherine's Amateur Music Society's latest cast list could be excused for developing distinct feelings of deja vu . . . The group is presenting the musical Mame for its next production -- a show

  • Flying start

    Bolton 1sts 4 Morecambe 2 AN unusual start to the season for Bolton, a full side, glorious weather and a convincing win, showing enough class when required to see off hard working opponents. It was left to Aitken, poaching at the far post, to convert

  • We must be positive - Sam

    SAM Allardyce accentuated the positives today in a determined effort to prevent a second Premiership defeat undermining Wanderers' confidence. "We must remain positive," the manager said in the wake of Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Sunderland - their

  • Sam admits penalty mistake

    SAM Allardyce admitted that it was his decision to put Per Frandsen on the spot in the defining moment that ultimately cost Wanderers a second successive home defeat in the Premiership. Dean Holdsworth was all set to take the 65th minute penalty until

  • Wanderers' 'team building' in the Lakes

    PAINT-BALLING, raft-building and "toilet racing" were on the itinerary today as Wanderers headed for the Lake District after suffering a second successive confidence-denting Reebok defeat. The two-day event - known to desk jockeys from the corporate world

  • THE BEN SAYS: Your forum needs you

    NEIGHBOURHOOD forums do not have a particularly catchy ring, nor does the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. They are, however, very important schemes, pertinent to local communities and involving large amounts of money which are already being put

  • Get your finger on the pulse of modern life

    I READ with interest today that, in a "Quality of Life" survey, Bolton was ranked just 321st out of 367 local authorities nationwide. No surprise. What did make me raise an eyebrow, though, was the fact that Councillor Howarth, the supposed leader of

  • Using religion to muddy the waters over terror attack

    FOR a terrorist organisation to say they have committed an act of violence in the name of their God should be given as much creedance as serial killers who claim to have murdered after hearing voices in their head from God telling them to do so. As such

  • Time to eat your words

    QUITE clearly Julie Holt is not properly informed to advise or write on the subject of nutrition. While I'm greatly relieved that she didn't tell us we SHOULD have saturated fatty dairy products in our baskets, I'm horrified that she thinks we must have

  • New estates will only have narrow roads

    From the Evening News, September 4, 1976 25 YEARS AGO HOUSING estates are to be built soon in Bolton with roads as narrow as ten feet in places. The plan is to improve the estates by giving less space to roads and more to landscaping. The small access

  • Workmen hurt in mill office explosion

    From the Evening News, September 19, 1976 25 YEARS AGO BURY'S rain hit "Free People's Pop Festival" looked like turning into a giant flop festival today. No more than 100 rock fans were sitting round their smouldering camp fire this morning. The three-day

  • Scouts went to Jamboree 50 years ago

    MANY local men will have been members of the Scout movement when they were young - but not many of them will have had the opportunity to go to a World Scout Jamboree. However, just 50 years ago, a group of local Scouts went to the Austrian spa of Bad

  • Car crash trio fight for life

    TWO men were still fighting for life today after suffering severe injuries in a car crash. Police said Jason King, aged 30, of Tottington Road, Harwood, and Karl Entwistle, aged 21, of Chapman Road, Hoddleson, remain in a "critical" condition in the Royal

  • My voice was banned by M&S - worker

    A BOLTON worker at a Marks and Spencer store was barred from the public address system because of her Indian accent, an industrial tribunal was told. Pravita Parma, aged 40, is claiming racial discrimination against Britain's world famous retailer at

  • Auld Firm Reebok game called off

    THE Auld Firm Challenge Cup game between Rangers and Celtic, due to be staged at the Reebok on Sunday has been postponed because of a lack of interest. The promoters, Match Promotions Limited, aim to reschedule the veterans' challenge later in the season

  • Regional get together for campanologists

    CAMPANOLOGISTS from all over the region gathered at Bolton Parish Church in 1956 for the annual meeting of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers. Among those in the picture were Mr P. Crook (ringmaster), and Mr J. Thornley (secretary).

  • 18th century cottages stand test of time

    This photograph of Whitehall Lane, Blackrod, (formerly Coal Street), was taken in February, 1939. The cottages were built in 1775, and although much modern development has taken place in the area over recent years, I am told that the cottages still stand

  • Show of colour

    Flower beds in Great Lever Park provided the setting for this picture of Bolton Parks Committee members during their tour of inspection in 1949. In front are Ald. Crook, Mr T. Clark (parks superintendent), Ald. Sykes (chairman), and Counc. Wood (vice-chairman

  • Photography is child's play for Scouts

    PHOTOGRAPHY can really be as simple as blinking. That's what Cubs from the 15th Bolton (St Maxentius, Bradshaw) had been learning in October, 1971, during a course run by Mr Stanley Covell, assistant Scout leader of the 30th (Halliwell Road Free Church

  • Reader wants sweet memories

    DOES anyone remember a sweet shop on Rishton Lane? Reader Mrs Fiona Haselden (nee Taylor) tells me that as a young child growing up on Green Lane, Great Lever (she was born in 1968), she used to visit the shop, which was, she thinks, between Bullough's

  • 'There I was having fun in Fleetwood'

    AS I am sure you know, this column gets sent all over the world, and I often get messages from readers in many countries saying how much they enjoy it, and how it brings back memories of Bolton to them. Sometimes it takes a month or so from the article

  • Drought committees set up to combat water shortage

    From the Evening News, September 8, 1976 25 YEARS AGO STREAKING should not be regarded as a sexual offence, says a Home Office report. It should also be distinguished from the more serious charge of indecent exposure with a sexual motive, and carry a

  • 3,000 go to Illuminations

    From the Bolton Evening News, September 1, 1976 25 YEARS AGO THE Evening News was not published because of an ongoing national dispute with the National Graphical Association. 50 YEARS AGO From the Evening News, September 1, 1951 THREE thousand Bolton

  • Land rises from the depths

    From the Evening News, September 11, 1976 25 YEARS AGO FORMER landmarks of the Jumbles Valley have been brought to the surface by the drought. Familiar sights of five years ago, like the Turton Bottoms footbridge and the derelict Horrobin Mills, were

  • 162 killed in mid air plane collision

    From the Evening News, September 9, 1976 25 YEARS AGO A BRITISH Airways Trident, carrying 54 passengers, was in mid-air collision with a Yugoslav plane carrying 108 passengers, near Zagreb, Yugoslavia, today. There are no survivors. CHAIRMAN Mao, the

  • Flying saucer came over our house!

    From the Evening News, September 24, 1976 25 YEARS AGO A BOLTON couple today described how a "flying saucer" hovered over fields near their home at midnight last night. Retired ambulanceman Mr William Eastham, aged 67, and his wife Edith were in bed when

  • 25,000 against bus fares rise

    From the Evening News, September 22, 1976 25 YEARS AGO A 25,000-signature petition protesting at a plan to increase bus fares was handed to the North West Traffic Commissioners in Manchester today. The commissioners were hearing an application from Great

  • 1,000 protest at Jesus Christ film

    From the Evening News, September 30, 1976 25 YEARS AGO More than 1,000 people at a Bolton church have signed a petition protesting at the proposed making of a film on the sex life of Jesus Christ. The petition, gathered at St Ethelbert's, Deane, will

  • Destroyer blaze: 8 die

    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

  • Plaque in memory of Pretoria Pit victims

    From the Evening News, September 20, 1976 25 YEARS AGO ABOUT 100 people, many of them close to tears, saw a plaque unveiled at Westhoughton yesterday to the memory of 344 local men and boys who died in the Pretoria Pit disaster 66 years ago. BATSMAN Alan

  • Sales sell-out in half an hour

    From the Evening News, September 27, 1976 25 YEARS AGO MORE than 2,000 customers from throughout the North of England are backing a Farnworth discount store's fight for survival. The store, operated by Northern Industries at Cobden Mill, faces a Council

  • Singers' concert celebrates the gift of life

    MEMBERS of the Brixi Singers intend to celebrate "The Golden Gift of Life" in a concert at the newly refurbished St Peter and St Paul's Church, Pilkington Street, Bolton. The group has recently returned from a successful tour of France, and appears at

  • Act now and get your Commonwealth tickets, says Games director

    TICKET applications for next year's Commonwealth Games are flooding in, according to organisers. Interest in the 10-day event is booming with many forms being picked up after yesterday's launch. And the message from Games chiefs is: "Act now to get your

  • Teams needed for tuck pull

    STRONG teams are being urged to pit their strength and pull a truck -- to bring in cash for Bolton's premature babies. A giant bid to boost cash for the new parents suit at the neo-natal unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital is being staged at The Reebok

  • Three year ban for shandy drink-driver

    A MAN claimed he was shocked to find he was over the limit because he had only been drinking shandy, Bolton magistrates heard. Jack Mather, aged 32, of Ainsworth Lane, Tonge Fold, thought the drink was weak and he would be alright to drive his car. The

  • Nat's store draw

    BOLTON Wanderers legend Nat Lofthouse proved he still has huge pulling power years after hanging up his boots when he was besieged by fans at the opening of a new supermarket. The Wanderers president joined the Horwich town mayor, Cllr Joyce Kellett,

  • Jet set Aki back on scene

    AKINORI Nishizawa gets a break from the frustrations of trying to force his way into Wanderers' Premiership picture when he returns to the international scene this week. The striker from Osaka is in a 22-strong Japan squad for two European friendlies

  • Imagine for charity

    A STAR-STUDDED charity concert will be held in Manchester on Friday October 12. Imagine The Concert will be held at the Arena in honour of John Lennon to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the song 'Imagine' and raise money for the Non-Violence

  • Act now and get your Commonwealth tickets, says Games director

    TICKET applications for next year's Commonwealth Games are flooding in, according to organisers. Interest in the 10-day event is booming with many forms being picked up after yesterday's launch. And the message from Games chiefs is: "Act now to get your

  • Frandsen pulls out

    UNLUCKY Per Frandsen, whose penalty miss proved the turning point in Wanderers' home defeat by Sunderland, has pulled out of the Denmark squad for Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Iceland. The midfield ace was due to team up in Copenhagen

  • No need to panic

    FAN'S VIEW: By Adrian Ottiwell THERE are a few factors that a supporter can consider when trying to work out if his or her team has got any chance of winning on match day. One factor is whether or not the opposition's international players are playing

  • 'We didn't deserve the three points' Peter Reid

    PETER Reid picked up the tab on Saturday night when he took his old mate Sam Allardyce out for a post-match meal. The deal was "winner pays" and after banking three precious away points, the Sunderland boss was more than happy, relieved in fact, to have

  • Sam predicts new boy Johnson can only get better

    JERMAINE Johnson is determined to make the most of his dream transfer, despite ending up on the losing side on his home debut. The young Jamaican, who has wasted no time in winning the hearts of Wanderers' fans, offered a succinct statement of intent

  • THE OPPOSITION VIEW: Timely away victory fails to inspire

    This report comes courtesy of The Northern Echo on www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk ANGRY Sunderland manager Peter Reid gave his players a tongue-lashing after a first away win of the season could not disguise another dreadful display at the Reebok Stadium

  • MATCH STATS: WANDERERS 0, SUNDERLAND 2

    Wanderers (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Undone by two set-plays ANTHONY BARNESS ... 7 Saw off Kilbane first half GUDNI BERGSSON ... 8 Stood up to the mighty Quinn MIKE WHITLOW ... 7 The goals tarnished a gutsy display SIMON CHARLTON ... 6 Kilbane was

  • Bob Howarth all wrong over stats of Bolton

    DOES Councillor Bob Howarth walk Bolton with his eyes shut? I was born in Bolton 70 years ago and was proud to be Boltonian. Now it is ranked as one of the worst towns -- dirty, depressing and mostly derelict, especially in the town centre. Empty shops

  • Costly spoons of sugar

    I WAS slightly amused while reading the BEN this evening, when I came to the Looking Back page, and saw sugar rationing ended in Britain this day 1953. The other day I was in Age Concern, Ashburner Street, Bolton, and, after I had had my dinner, I went

  • Focus on food facts

    I STRONGLY disagree with Julie Holt, who wrote in the BEN on September 28 that every shopping basket should include a variety of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and wholegrains. Vegetarians and vegans the world over live healthily without eating animal

  • Search for squadron men

    I AM writing to you on behalf of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Royal Signals Association. We are trying to trace more than two hundred ex-soldiers who served with 260 Signal Squadron (SAM), 654 Signal Troop (SAM) and 655 Signal roop (SAM) in the period 1965

  • Scheme grants could be just what your home needs

    WE would like to tell you about the Government's Home Energy efficiency Scheme that provides grants up to £2000 to make your home warmer, more energy efficient and more secure. The grant provides gas room heaters, electric storage heaters, loft insulation

  • THE BEN SAYS: Going to school the healthy way

    IT only seems a short time ago that most children walked to school. And the sight of mums and dads holding the hands of animated youngsters skipping along with their school bags was common. Now, stand outside any school in the morning and watch the cars

  • Facts are sad but uplifting

    I HAVE recently received the letter below from a penpal in the USA and thought that your readers might find it interesting. It shows how much positive thinking there is in the USA, even after such atrocities have been carried out on them. "By now everyone

  • Little relief as drought continues

    From the Evening News, September 13, 1976 25 YEARS AGO BOLTON'S drought crisis got little relief at the weekend as only .79 inches of rain fell on the town. With clearing skies diminishing the chance of substantial rain during the next week, the North

  • Sports centre charges under fire

    From the Evening News, September 7, 1976 25 YEARS AGO A BOLTON five-a-side soccer league may have to disband because officials say the cost of playing at the Silverwell Street Sports Centre has become "ridiculous". Since forming last season, the Bolton

  • Price of spectacles is too high says report

    From the Evening News, September 26, 1976 25 YEARS AGO: A GROUP of angry residents are claiming that "unbearable" noise is coming from a garage which has a round-the-clock breakdown service. Among 16 people living in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, also say

  • Don't pull our pub down

    From the Evening News, September 15, 1976 25 YEARS AGO REGULARS at a Bolton pub are angry over a decision to pull it down two years sooner than they expected. More than 160 have signed a petition protesting at the closure of the Waterloo Tavern on Folds

  • Scafell Pike ascent dream comes true

    From the Evening News, September 14, 1976 25 YEARS AGO RETIRED Bolton schoolmaster John Blakey chalked up his 100th ascent of Scafell Pike to fulfil the dream of a lifetime. Mr Blakey, who retired 12 months ago as a principal maths teacher at Bolton School

  • Village where time has stood still - well, nearly!

    WHEN I was "trawling" through the old papers, I came across this story in 1938 about Bottom o'th' Moor, written by one of our reporters, who described it as "a little community which prefers to be left to itself". Well, anyone who knows that area will

  • Wallace in deal bid

    FIRST impressions have prompted Rod Wallace to look for a long-term link-up with Wanderers. The former Rangers striker, who has made an instant impact on his return to the Premiership, says he is hoping to extend his contract, which only runs until the

  • Wanderers planted seeds of Taylor's dismissal

    LEICESTER City midfielder Robbie Savage has suggested his side's opening day mauling at the hands of Wanderers may have played a big part in manager Peter Taylor's dismissal. Savage said: "After the first game against Bolton (5-0 to Wanderers at Filbert

  • Frandsen pulls out

    UNLUCKY Per Frandsen, whose penalty miss proved the turning point in Wanderers' home defeat by Sunderland, has pulled out of the Denmark squad for Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Iceland. The midfield ace was due to team up in Copenhagen

  • Nat's store draw

    BOLTON Wanderers legend Nat Lofthouse proved he still has huge pulling power years after hanging up his boots when he was besieged by fans at the opening of a new supermarket. The Wanderers president joined the Horwich town mayor, Cllr Joyce Kellett,

  • S-no-w go on road to Chorley

    Many of you remember the snows of 1940, and in February of that year this picture appeared with the caption: "One-way traffic is still the rule along this Anderton portion of the Bolton-Horwich-Chorley road. Although it is 19 days since the big snowfall

  • Old People's Welfare Council celebrates its eighth birthday

    IN November, 1954, Mrs Alice Stones lit the eight candles, one for each year, of the Bolton Old People's Welfare Council, which held a birthday rally and variety evening in the Victoria Hall. Also in the picture were the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs

  • Schooldays at St Michaels

    Dear Sir, With reference to the very interesting article re. the history of St Michael's church, I would just like to point out an error. The Rector (1943 - 1952) was not Rev. W. Morgan. The Rector was Rev.W.Worthington who did indeed die in the vestry

  • Were you on Leverhulme Park roundabout in 1962?

    This photograph of a group of local children on the roundabout in Leverhulme Park in 1962/63, and has been sent to me by June Knight, who tells me: "I am the little cutie in the bonnet picking my teeth. My brother Philip Knight is in front with glasses

  • Stone problem for workers

    "For a week now," read the story in May, 1952, "men of the Bolton Lighting Department have been hard at work on a stone which was at one time a stand for a gas lamp in the centre of Bridgeman Park. "Instead of merely removing the lamp, it was decided

  • Dead slow on bends or turn over

    MY story and pictures on September 18, headed "Early days of cars in Bolton", concentrating on the firms of Gordons, and Bradley, brought a letter from Mr Keith Moran, of Clough Flats, Heywood. "I was interested to see the photographs of the Model T Fords

  • Appeal for old school photograph

    WHEN Mrs L. Inman was young, she attended St Gregory's Secondary School, Harrowby Street, Farnworth, but left shortly before her 13th birthday. Recently, though, she returned back to Bolton after 22 years, due to a disability and the need for her relatives

  • Sister wrote poem

    YOU may recall that on Saturday, September 15, I printed a poem called My Home Town sent to me by reader Mr William P. Marfleet, of Crompton Way, who had found it while going through some papers of his late wife. "It is initialled E.G. Can any reader

  • Plea over school reunion

    Mrs Barbara Keech (nee Campbell) is trying to organise a re-union of the pupils of Form 5M, Bolton Secondary Technical School, 1953. She has sent me this picture of the class, and tells me that she is in the centre of the middle row. She writes: "My friend

  • Youngsters jump for joy

    PLAYTIME: In 1974, a mobile play centre was moved into Noble Street, Bolton, following complaints from parents that there were no play facilities for the children. On a more permanent basis, Bolton Planning Committee had approved a tree-lined play area

  • Rebel priest celebrates Mass

    From the Evening News, September 4, 1976 25 YEARS AGO A REBEL priest, suspended from the Catholic Church, last night celebrated the outlawed, traditional Mass in a terraced house in Bury. More than 50 people packed into the makeshift chapel in the lounge

  • Missing minesweeper crew presumed dead

    From the Evening News, September 21, 1976 BBC newsreader Dorina Brown had a last minute script conference yesterday before going "on the air". But this was an assignment with a difference for Dorina, who lives at Dunscar. She is a group of volunteers

  • Darts woman barred from men only club

    From the Evening News, September 27, 1976 25 YEARS AGO PUB darts team treasurer Mary Kenmuir loves her job. She has travelled to dozens of pubs in Bolton with the seven men of the Crofters' darts team from Bradshaw. Collecting subs, cheering the lads

  • More night nurses needed for hospitals

    From the Evening News, September 11, 1976 25 YEARS AGO BOLTON health officials are struggling to maintain a safe level of night nurses in Bolton hospitals. The Health Authority has been told that an additional 200 nurses were needed in the area's hospitals

  • Standpipes brought in as town's water level drops

    From the Evening News, September 3, 1976 25 YEARS AGO THE Evening News is glad to be back with its readers this evening for the first time in almost a week. We apologise that the paper is not as comprehensive as usual, but production only resumed this

  • Youth club closure call after 'vulgar behaviour

    From the Evening News, September 6, 1976 25 YEARS AGO THE return of two executives from a two week sales tour of Kenya has started a flurry of activity for Bolton's tiny Donian Motor Co. Ian Davies and John Maybury came back from Africa with orders for

  • Have you been to Le Mans?

    From the Evening News, September 17, 1976 25 YEARS AGO EIGHTEEN local firms, Bolton Chamber of Commerce, Bolton Council and the Wingates Temperance Band have just spend nearly a week successfully "selling" Bolton in Le Mans, our French twin town. More

  • Crash appeal

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two drivers suffered minor injuries in a collision in Laburnum Road, Bolton, at 5.15pm yesterday. Police say a Renault Clio being driven by Neil Ashworth, aged 27, of Parr Lane, Unsworth, and a Vauxhall Astra,

  • Murder quiz man in court

    A MAN charged with the murder of his neighbour appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court. Ian White, aged 42, of no fixed address, spoke only to confirm his personal details and that he understood the charge when he stood in the dock yesterday. Dean Houghton

  • Axe drama thrown at police in car chase

    AN axe was thrown at police as officers pursued a car at high speed across parts of Tyldesley. Police were called to Sommerfields Supermarket in Shuttle Street, Tyldesley at 4.30pm last night after reports of a number of men acting suspiciously behind

  • Teenager on burglary charge

    A TEENAGER appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court to face charges of burglary. Lee Worthington, aged 18, of Lonsdale Grove, is accused of entering a garage on Queen Street, Farnworth, on Sunday night and attempting to steal a fishing rod and other angling

  • Strangled by red tape

    MORE than three-quarters of North-west businesses -- 78 per cent -- believe Government red tape is hindering manufacturers. And 46 per cent say the sector is "doomed." Royal Bank of Scotland Commercial Services quizzed directors and senior managers of

  • Sam the key for Pianos

    BOLTON Pianos' centre Sam Hallewell had an outstanding game against Chequers to assist her team in a convincing victory. Good defensive play by Chequers' Lyndsay Turley in the second half reduced the scoring to only six goals but the half time lead could

  • Extra gig date

    STEREOPHONICS will play an extra date in Manchester on Sunday 2nd December. The Welsh rockers, whose hits include Have A Nice Day, Mr Writer, Hurry Up And Wait will be performing at the Arena. Tickets for the new date are now on sale from the Arena Box

  • Album reviews by Steve Canavan

    Ben Folds - Rockin' The Suburbs First things first. This is a corker of an album that everyone should think about buying. Ben Folds is a bit of a favourite of mine, from the days before he went solo and headed the band Ben Folds Five. This is the first

  • GMT lead the way

    JUST four points kept GMT A out of B Section last season -- but they are determined to rectify that this season. They are early leaders in C Section, just a single point ahead of nearest rivals Metro B, with D L Farnworth A breathing down both their necks

  • Keegan and Keane just the ticket

    TICKETS for next year's Commonwealth Games went on sale after a launch by Manchester United skipper Roy Keane on October 1. The fiery Irish midfielder unveiled the ticket-purchasing procedure for next year's 10-day event at midday. He was joined by former

  • Boxing match all in fun

    These two boys enjoyed a spell of boxing at the play hut in Heywood Park, Great Lever, Bolton, in August, 1970, supervised by Mr W. Unsworth, the play leader. On the left, John Roscoe, aged nine, and Vijay Patel, aged 12.

  • Sprinter Amy stars on TV

    BOLTON'S rising sprint ace Amy Spencer (pictured) will be a television star tonight when she appears on Blue Peter. The 16-year-old, who is on a par with Britain's fastest senior lady sprinters over 100m and 200m, will take part on the TV show as part

  • Patients to be cared for on roof

    ELDERLY patients could be housed in portable huts being installed on the roof of Fairfield Hospital. Up to 18 patients may be moved into the prefabricated cabins next month. The installation of the structure -- previously used by the Army as a medical

  • Ring of steel around school

    A PRIMARY school headteacher is counting the cost of vandalism -- for the fifth time in two months. Vandals uprooted a concrete perimeter fence during a weekend attack at St Michael's Church of England Primary School in Green Lane, Great Lever. They damaged

  • Cash boost for forum scheme

    PLANS to get the public more involved in decision making have received a major cash boost. The Area Working scheme, designed to take Bolton Council services closer to the people, is being developed. The move follows an update on the first year of operation

  • Noell's lake district quest for the otter...

    IT is a shy and elusive river dweller, perhaps the most loved of all watery wildlife and the stuff of children's stories. And for one conservation-conscious Bolton mum, a passion for the playful otter will take her all the way to South America. For mother-of-two

  • Bury aim to home in on win

    BURY aim to pick up their first home points of the campaign tonight when Wycombe Wanderers are the visitors to Gigg Lane. The match was scheduled to be played two weeks ago but floodlight failure forced the cancellation at the last minute. The Shakers

  • Air Miles Manchester League

    Battling Atherton hit back A first-half performance described as "garbage" by angry manager Shaun Lynch saw Atherton Town go 2-0 behind at Rochdale Sacred Heart. Fortunately the Howe Bridge outfit showed true championship credentials to bounce back for

  • Academy Under 7s in action

    LADYBRIDGE Athletic played hosts to Bolton Wanderers Soccer Sevens competition in the under 7s North Eastern section. Peter Almond assistant director of the BWFC Academy said this competition was set up to help forge links between the club and local junior

  • NON LEAGUE PREVIEW: Wilson lift for Boro

    DEFENDER Gus Wilson returns to the Radcliffe Boro squad tonight for an away Unibond Division One fixture at Kendal Town. The vastly experienced centre back missed Saturday's fine 1-0 away win at North Ferriby United and vies to win his place back in the

  • Cost cutting hits Shakers stars

    SAM Collins has been told he can leave Bury if another club makes an offer. The central defender, once rated highly at Gigg, has fallen victim to the club's enfored cost-cutting policy, though his displays of late will hardly have helped him. He was dropped

  • BOLTON SUNDAY LEAGUE: Franco's ace finish

    FRANCO Balasteros was hailed by his teammates on Sunday for scoring the goal which earned his team Anglers a 1-1 draw at Church Inn. Mick Peak as the home team scorer. Sean Whorlow bagged four and Tony Urmston and Tony Ashbarry one each in Griffin's 6

  • Tormentor Quayle back to face RMI

    LEIGH RMI could be haunted by one of their old boys again at Morecambe tonight writes Mike Hulme For the second time in a matter of weeks former RMI striker Mark Quayle will face his old club. Quayle sent RMI spinning to defeat at Telford last month by

  • Youngsters to join in festival of song

    BOLTON youngsters are set to sing for pleasure at a youth choir festival on Saturday, October 13. The event at the Victoria Hall is open to all choirs of secondary school age and above throughout Bolton. The cost is £3 per participant. Lin Marsh is guest