Archive

MANY thanks for the lovely hamper I received today, the prize in the Clover/Snow White Competition. I have won a few prizes now and will continue to enjoy doing your competitions. Mrs S France Packer Street Halliwell

LAST Saturday, 29 swimmers represented Bolton Swimming Club in the first Division Final of the Speedo League. The gala took place at Lancaster's eight lane pool and brought together the top eight teams from the previous two rounds. Bolton needed to finish

MOTORISTS using a busy stretch of motorway face delays during resurfacing work. A special low-noise surface will be used on the M6 between Leyland and Preston, described as probably the busiest part of the motorway network in Lancashire. Preparation work

A NUMBER of Chorley students are to be the guests of the Metropolitan Police after excelling in a project to improve road safety. The teenagers, who attend Runshaw College, Leyland, are studying the BTEC National Certificate in Early Years. Amy Walton

POLICE in Lancashire are encouraging people to blow the whistle on drink drivers as part of their annual festive blitz. A special confidential Crimestoppers Drink Link hotline has been set up as part of the Christmas crackdown which was launched on Tuesday

CONCERNED residents have slammed highways chiefs for delays to a road safety scheme, fearing someone could be killed. Folk living on the busy A6 Preston Road in Clayton-le-Woods are still waiting for the work to be completed -- almost a year after being

A WOMAN died after being found with serious stab wounds at a house in Heaton today. The woman, who has not been identified, was unconscious when paramedics arrived at the scene. She was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital but was dead on arrival. Her death

Wanderers Res 2 Newcastle Res 1: REEBOK rookie Derek Niven made his Wanderers debut in esteemed company on Wednesday and took it all in his stride. The confident young midfielder, signed from Raith Rovers a week ago, helped the Bolton second string to

JUSSI Jaaskelainen is ignoring speculation over his future and focusing on enjoying life at the Reebok. The Bolton keeper, who reckons he is in the best form of his career and happier than at any time since he turned professional, has been the subject

FANCY a wild night of Irish fun tomorrow? If the answer is yes then the place to be is the Apollo in Manchester. Irish rockers The Saw Doctors are in town to perform tracks from their vast back catalogue as well as a few from new album Villains. The group

DERBY coach John Trewick is calling on officials to be more vigilant when penalties are awarded. Striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has seen two spot-kicks saved in successive weeks, first by Newcastle's Shay Given and then Liverpool's Jerzy Dudek. Trewick believes

ELBOW are not resting on the laurels of their hugely successful first album. The Bury lads -- currently touring America -- have already started work on the follow up. They have a new single out on January 28. It is titled Asleep In The Back which is,

JUSSI Jaaskelainen took stock today and claimed the injury that threatened his career had done him a power of good! The philosophical Finn refused to be downhearted when he was told in January that he had damaged a cruciate knee ligament. Instead he took

COLIN Todd was keeping his thoughts to himself today ahead of his first re-union with the club he walked out on two seasons ago. The Derby boss has refused to make any comment ahead of tomorrow's clash with Wanderers at Pride Park, turning down all requests

FORMER table tennis big hitter Andrea Holt has wasted no time getting golf off to a tee. The ex-England number one has swapped the bat for the club and is taking the Bury golf scene by storm. Despite insisting she is in it for fun and not for the pressures

Radcliffe Borough 3, Leek Town 1: ANOTHER fine win for Radcliffe against Leek on Saturday was overshadowed by the news that manager Kevin Glendon had been taken to hospital hours after the game. Glendon felt unwell as he journeyed to his home in Stockport

Jackie Mason,The Bridgewater Hall AMERICAN comic Jackie Mason has the ability to talk incessantly, covering all sorts of subjects close to his heart, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is making his audience roar with laughter. The pint-sized comedian

CHORLEY Lynx's hopes of a flying start to the new season were grounded when they went down to a defeat against Featherstone. Lynx battled to the end but the main difference between the sides was Jamie Rooney who only returned to Featherstone this week

Companies which want to sell are linked with those which want to buy. Potential suppliers interested in any of these categories are asked to quote the reference number when they contact the Business Advantage team on the hotline (0845 1773599) or by e-mail

THE first of what are expected to be a series of meetings to discuss the lettings policy for council homes in Bury will be held next week. On Wednesday representatives from Tenants' and Residents' Associations and tenants' groups will meet at Bury Town

A VOLUNTEER broadcasting scheme is helping people with learning difficulties or disabilities to learn new skills and develop confidence. The Diversity in Barrier Breaking Communications (DBBC) volunteer group has been award £2,500 from the Little Hulton

SPURS could face an FA probe following a missile-throwing incident against Wanderers on Monday - the third such incident in 17 days at White Hart Lane. Club officials are studying CCTV footage to find the culprit after midfielder Gustavo Poyet was seen

GUDNI Bergsson looks like being an easy winner of the BEN's Player Of The Month award for November. If our website poll on the right is duplicated by the phone poll in the print version then the commanding central defender will win by a landslide. The

ARMED robbers escaped with a substantial amount of money after they approached security guards filling up a cash machine. The two offenders threatened the men with a hand gun and knife in front of the Abbey National bank on Bolton Road, Walkden, at 2.50am

TICKETS for Wanderers' home games against Leeds United on December 26 and Leicester City on Dec 29 are now on sale to Club Members who are also in Lifeline. Holders of either Club or Lifeline memberships can purchase tickets from tomorrow and supporters

HOMES and roads in Darwen were sealed off by police after residents reported strong smells of gas. Twenty homes were evacuated yesterday after owners raised the alarm. Parts of Blackburn Road and a slip road in Darwen serving the M65 remain closed today

MELANOGRAMMUS Aeglefinus and chips twice, please. It is not an order that trips off the tongue particularly easily on a Friday evening. But it is a request fast food fans could find themselves using instead of asking for haddock and chips if a new European

CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock is at Derby for the Wanderers' match tomorrow (Saturday). Click HERE for the latest team news shortly before kick off, half-time report and full-time report Click HERE for the latest Wanderers news throughout the day

BURY have described why they fended off an audacious attempt by Blackpool to sign star striker Jon Newby. Steve McMahon's side saw Newby as the perfect replacement for Brett Ormerod, the prolific forward who left the Seasiders to join Premier League Southampton

CHORLEY'S Camelot Theme Park has been named Lancashire Family Attraction of the Year 2001 by the Good Britain Guide. The leisure attraction was chosen by the guide's editor who visited the park in August following a record number of votes by readers.

John Smith's Farnworth League Section 'A' P W D L Pt Darcy@@ 8 8 0 0 16 Royal Hotel@@ 9 6 1 2 13 Imago@@ 8 6 0 2 12 Adlington@@ 9 5 0 4 10 Siddons@@ 9 4 1 4 9 Hanson@@ 9 4 0 5 8 The Volunteer@@ 9 1 0 8 2 Carl Chapman@@ 9 0 0 9 0 Section 'B' P W D L Pt

MYTHAM Ladies had a comfortable 59-run win over Tonge Fold XI to move two points clear at the top of Section 'B' in the John Smith's Farnworth Winter Rounders League. Considering previous results, Mytham could have expected a tougher test in this crunch

YOUNG boxing ace Amir Khan continued an incredible winning streak with one of his best victories when he represented England. Khan, a fourth year pupil at Smithills High School who trains at Bury Amateur Boxing Club, beat his Irish opponent P Lockhart

STE Crompton was on top form and came out the winner in week six of the Churchill Sunday Pool Knockout. Ste Crompton beat Simon Smith in the final. The semi finalists were Gary Richards and Keith Southern. Week seven is tomorrow night. Names in by 8pm

BUSINESSES in Bolton are being urged to jump on the Commonwealth Games bandwagon when it rides into town next summer. A range of sponsorship packages have been put together by Bolton Council to encourage firms to reap the benefits of the multi-sport event

CHORLEY reign. In a weekend when seasonal ills, hols and pre-Christmas social training weakened many teams, the Northerners just edged out their Division Three rivals to become the League's only unbeaten side. For David Lloyd, skipper Sarah Bleakley toiled

THIRTY Years of Last of the Summer Wine by Morris Bright and Robert Ross is the definitive tribute to television's longest-running, best-loved sitcom. Compo, Foggy and Clegg, and their successors, have become a national institution as the elderly eccentrics

Leigh Miners Amateur Rugby League Football Club stage the 15th Civil Service Rugby League Challenge Cup Final today (Friday) when Bolton Civil Service take on Manchester Civil Service. The competition is open to all Government Departments and Agencies

BLACKLEACH ART CLUB will be exploring the Country Park for winter inspiration. Meet at the Blackleach Centre, Blackleach Country Park, Hill Top Road, Walkden, Salford. The group meets once a month and new members, whatever your experience, are always

BOLTON MARKET, Ashburner Street, adjacent to Moor Lane Bus Station. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Sunday fleamarket. Tel 336825. FARNWORTH MARKET, King Street. Open Monday, Friday & Saturday. Tel 336840. HORWICH MARKET, Curteis Street

ALBERT HALLS, Bolton. Details 01204 842678. BRIDGEWATER HALL, Manchester. Tel: 0161 907. DERBY WARD LABOUR CLUB, Deane Road, Bolton. Ring 531114. LYRIC THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Ring 0161 876 2000. QUAYS THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Ring 0161 876 2000

WITCHWOOD, 152 Old Street, Ashton-u-Lyne. Mark Radcliffe's Christmas Party with The Family Mahone, Wednesday December 19, tickets £5-£6. Christmas Eve Festive Juke Box with DJ Tom Smith, Mother Freedom and Tucana, Monday December 24, Tickets £5. The Best

GUDNI Bergsson looks like being an easy winner of the BEN's Player Of The Month award for November. If our website poll on the Wanderers page is duplicated by the phone poll in the print version then the commanding central defender will win by a landslide

HOW happy I was to read the story about the plans for Chorley's new bus station -- and about time too! (Citizen, November 29). As a pensioner, who has never held a driving licence, I rely on public transport to get around and use Chorley's bus station

A CRACKDOWN on truants is planned in Bury by Education Welfare Service staff. From Wednesday to Friday youngsters spotted out on the streets in school time, even those accompanied by parents, will be quizzed as to whether or not they have an authorised

A PEER in the House of Lords has issued a rallying cry to the people of Bolton to rise up and fight plans to close the town's magistrates' courts. The Right Honourable Lord Phillips of Sudbury, who is campaigning for peers from all parties to act against

FORMER Bury FC mascot Robbie the Bobby claims he has been offered a lucrative three-year contract with a top Premiership side. The man inside the suit, Jonathan Pollard, has told the BEN that a club has approached him to cheer on their fans next season

THE parents of premature twins are the first people to use the brand new family unit at Royal Bolton Hospital. David and Alison Raines spent their first night together as a family with twins Emma and Hannah in the parent suite. The tiny twins weighed

A LEADING long serving politician who was deselected by his party has been chosen to fight another ward. Two other Labour councillors are retiring to make way for new Asian and younger candidates in next May's local elections. Michael Kilcoyne will go

RESIDENTS and councillors paid tribute at a packed area forum on Wednesday night to its chairman Peter Birch, who died this week. Councillor Birch, aged 53, a popular local politician and ex-mayor who chaired the Burnden, Daubhill and Deane area forum

A MERGER of Bolton's mental health services with Salford is being hailed as "the best thing for the NHS for many years." Manager of Bolton's mental health service, Mr Ron Howard, says the merger will be "a huge leap forward for Bolton" and has insisted

TEACHERS and parents of Longsight Primary School last night told Bolton education bosses: "We are going to fight you all the way." Union leaders called for common sense from the politicians as they firmly backed the Longsight Primary Action Group to save

GRAPES HOTEL, Market Street, Stoneclough -- Bingo every Tuesday, 9pm. Quiz Night every Wednesday, 8.30pm, £100 jackpot. Karaoke every Friday, 8.30pm. Disco Quiz every Saturday, 8.30pm, £70 jackpot. BAROC CAFE BAR, Halliwell Road, Bolton. Talent Competition

MIKE Farrelly will take charge of Radcliffe Boro team affairs for tomorrow's tough Unibond Division One away trip to fifth in the table Matlock Town. The assistant manager steps into the hot seat as Kevin Glendon was rushed to hospital last Saturday after

ANCHOR INN, Bolton. Friday and Saturday. BARNSTORMERS, Lostock Lane, Horwich. Dave's Cabaret Karaoke and late bar. Every Saturday. Starts 8pm. BEEHIVE, Horwich. Karaoke with free draw for all singers and a prize of a gallon of beer. Every Tuesday. Starts

MARTYN Forrest's recovery from a broken foot had an unexpected hold up this week. Water seeped into the Shakers captain's plaster cast and the midfielder ended up having to be treated for an ailment similar to trenchfoot! Thankfully the infection wasn't

WIGAN JAZZ CLUB at the Mill at the Pier. Wigan Jazz Club Big Band and Gary Potter -- Thursday December 27, 12.30pm. Mike Rossi on saxophone, Darius Brubeck on piano with Wigan Jazz Club Big Band -- Sunday, January 27, 12.30pm. Details 01925 727408. EAGLEY

ATHERTON Town completed a seven day derby double over neighbours Pennington with a 3-0 home Premier Division victory. Following the previous Saturday's 1-0 away win, Town remain unbeaten after 12 games to head the table by three points with three games

P W L F A Pt Shirley's Girls... 5 5 0 50 25 10 Jackie's Girls... 4 3 1 37 23 6 Boardwalkers... 4 3 1 35 25 6 3-in-a-Bed... 4 3 1 34 26 6 Carol's Girls... 5 3 2 39 36 6 Guns/Roses... 4 2 2 31 29 4 RHCC... 5 2 3 36 39 4 Farmers... 5 2 3 32 43 4 Wanderers

AMENDMENTS to winter fixtures -- Ladies Section Two ABCC Ladies have withdrawn all results will be expunged. The Men's and Ladies Secretaries Cup will be on Monday at Halliwell Central Reform Club (Roundhouse), free entry. Draw will be at 8.30pm. LADIES

Draw is a fair result THE Division Two top of the table clash between Courts and Howe Bridge Mills was a pulsating affair from start to finish with the eventual 1-1 scoreline without doubt the right result. Courts had the better of the first half with

BOLTON Under 15s have been given an away tie at Rossendale in the first round of this season's North West Alder Cup. The Alder Cup, a competition for North West associations knocked out of the first two rounds of the English Schools' Wizards Trophy, is

KEVIN Keegan believes that Shaun Wright-Phillips is living proof that good things come in small packages. Despite the massive competition for places at Maine Road, the 20-year-old has established himself as a permanent fixture in the side this season.

Blackrod end lean spell with goal blitz hit five to end lean BLACKROD Town ended a depressing barren spell in emphatic style with a 5-1 Richardson Cup Round One home win over Springfields. Goals for Arthur Flatters' side came from Warren Doodson with

Bolton 2 Prescot 0: BOLTON pulled off a magnificent win against Prescot in the Senior Lancashire Cup - despite having a reserve second team out. With the first team skipper taking on board the Arsenal/Man Utd Worthington Cup selection policy, he decided

CHORLEY have the chance to avenge a November defeat when UniBond League newcomers Ossett Albion come to Victory Park on Saturday. Albion, who have had a rude awakening since winning the Northern Counties East championship seven months ago, have collected

MANY thanks for the prize of 10 videos and curry to go. Both very welcome. The video will be great for Christmas viewing. Sheila Ewbank Dinsdale Drive Deane

I WOULD like to find the lady who imported a horse from Holland called Liela. The horse was stabled for a while at Keystone Riding Stables, Breightmet. Please phone Judy on 01422 836258. Mrs J E Whitworth Clough Moor Farm Norland Sowerby Bridge W Yorkshire

REGARDING all the poor reports on the Royal Bolton Hospital -- what a load of rubbish. I and many former patients are grateful for its excellent work. Ward C3, where I spent six weeks recently, is due to move to a new refurbished ward. I would like to

I WAS fortunate enough to be one of the three judges to attend the Rotary -- Youth Speaks to the Nation 2001-2 competition held on November 29 at the Rotary Club of Westhoughton. Two schools took part, St Joseph's RC High and Horwich and Westhoughton

IN reply to the letter written by Mrs Perks, I wish to state another opinion. My husband was admitted to A&E about 15 minutes before Mrs Perks, after suffering a heart attack. He was promptly seen by a very overworked doctor and staff as was Mrs Perks

I WAS fortunate enough to be one of the three judges to attend the Rotary -- Youth Speaks to the Nation 2001-2 competition held on November 29 at the Rotary Club of Westhoughton. Two schools took part, St Joseph's RC High and Horwich and Westhoughton

AS an ageing ex-serviceman I venture to approach you for your kind help. I am writing a book on amusing stories, incidents, experiences, jokes and anecdotes etc of military life in all branches of HM Armed Forces and would be most grateful for your readers

J1 is an assessment ward for elderly people with mental illness. As well as looking after our patients' physical well-being, we here on J1 look at them holistically, taking into consideration their psychological, emotional and spiritual needs, too. We

I WAS horrified but not surprised to read of the proposed merger of Longsight and Christ's Church schools in Harwood. As an ex-governor (and pupil) of Longsight School, I am of course aware that this is not the first attempt to close the school or merge

IN the wake of the recent Kenyon Confronts television programme, which exposed the ill-treatment of dogs by some members of the greyhound racing fraternity, greyhound protection group Greyhound Action has launched a scheme to enable members of the public

HORWICH Leisure Centre Swimming Club competed as one of the eight top swimming teams in the North West of England when they took part in the 'A' final of the Speedo Premier League last Saturday evening at the Manchester Aquatic Centre. Horwich qualified

CHORLEY'S motorists will soon have no excuse if they are caught speeding after cameras are painted an eye-catching bright yellow. The new strict guidelines announced by the Government this week intend to maximise the visibility of speed cameras. The rules

THE Tatton Community Group's Christmas Fair was so successful that the Father Christmas grotto ran out of presents! Despite organisers having more presents for children than last year, over a thousand people came to the fair leaving Father Christmas with

THE golden age of Chorley's cinemas is being celebrated in a unique project. 'The Flicks' is a CD of interviews which captures the essence of going to the pictures in Chorley rural cinemas throughout the last century. It is the brainchild of Leyland resident

STAMP Duty on properties worth up to £150,000 is to be scrapped in a deprived part of Chorley to boost investment. Chorley East ward has been identified by the Government as one of more than 1,200 of the most disadvantaged areas in England. Business and

SUSPECTED burglars are set to get a surprise Christmas card -- from the police. But rather than wishing 'a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year', detectives are warning: "We're watching you". More than 600 cards have been printed and will hit the letterboxes

HEARTLESS thieves have stolen the lights off the Christmas tree in Chorley town centre. The callous thieves have ruined the pleasure of Christmas for thousands of the children, according one of the town's long-established traders. The new £600 fairy lights

BOLTON Wanderers have shown they are no clowns in the Premiership, but the players are happy to dress up for a good cause. Confused shoppers watched as Whites stars Gudni Bergsson, Jermaine Johnson and Anthony Barness walked around the town centre yesterday

A WHEELCHAIR-bound mother left paralysed after a horrific car accident has been awarded £2.7 million damages. Lindsey McCarthy, aged 23, from Smithills was left with severe spinal injuries when the car -- in which she was a passenger -- crashed into a

DERBY coach John Trewick is calling on officials to be more vigilant when penalties are awarded. Striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has seen two spot-kicks saved in successive weeks, first by Newcastle's Shay Given and then Liverpool's Jerzy Dudek. Trewick believes

WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce spent his free Saturday afternoon doing a spot of window-shopping at Bury's Gigg Lane. The Shakers were taking on Brighton and it is most likely that Allardyce went to check on the progress of prolific Seagulls striker Bobby

WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce is hosting a Christmas lunch in the Platinum Suite at the Reebok Stadium. And four of our lucky readers could be his guests on Wednesday December 19 by entering this free to enter competition. Big Sam, along with Wanderers

MICHAEL Ricketts has exceeded all expectations this season - even his own! With less than a third of the Premier League programme played, the Reebok hit-man is already in striking distance of the goals target he set himself after hitting 24 in last season's

LOFTY the Lion jostled with fellow soccer mascots from top clubs across the North-west -- to bring seasonal cheer to youngsters at Derian House children's hospice. And the Bolton Wanderers mascot got a real roar of approval from the children. The cuddly

MANCHESTER'S hottest 10-piece soul act appears at Band on the Wall tomorrow night. Atlanta Soul Band play pure soul classics and have starred alongside such greats as Ruby Turner and Geno Washington. DJ Martin the Mod will be playing RnB and 60s classics

PAUL Reid, the Aussie midfielder on trial at the Reebok, could have what it takes to secure a permanent switch. Sam Allardyce and his coaches have been impressed by the 22-year-old Woollangong Wolves star and are understood to be exploring the possibility

Ground: Pride Park. Nickname: The Rams. Manager: Colin Todd. Current position: 19th. Top scorer: Fabrizio Ravenelli - 8. Last time out: Derby 0, Liverpool 1. Line-up (3-4-1-2) - Poom; Mawene, Riggott, Higginbotham; Grenet, Ducrocq, Powell, Zavagno; Carbone

From the Evening News, December 2, 1976 25 YEARS AGO BILL Grundy, interviewer of Thames TV's Today programme, has been absolved from blame for the obscenities in the show last night which upset thousands of viewers. A spokesman said this afternoon that

Beauty and the Beast, Tyldesley Little Theatre. Runs until Saturday DOES each year seem to go quicker or do pantomimes start earlier? - either way it is that time of year again. You know the one - when grown men can't wait to dress up as women, sensible

CHORLEY are looking for revenge tomorrow against Ossett Albion in the UniBond First Division. Chorley were beaten 1-0 at Ossett just a few weeks ago with a last-minute goal. "We didn't play very well in that game but they are not the best side, they have

CHORLEY and District Sea Angling Club's November 11 match venue was at Silecroft, Cumbria where 18 members fished from 5.30 to 9.30pm with high water at about 8pm. Conditions were cold and dry with a fresh northerly wind throughout. Most fish came over

BROOKFIELDS travelled to Preston College to take on a team lying near the top of their division and came away with renewed confidence that the tide has now turned in their favour. Fulwood started with a depleted squad of nine but this did not discourage

Six Continents up 31p to 734.5p. Annual Profits beat expectations. GUS up 25p to 668p. Retailers expecting good Christmas sales. Pearson up 25.5p to 890.5p. Broker upgrade. Securicor up 4p to 107p. Impressive set of results. Stagecoach up 9p to 75p. To

CHORLEY were unlucky not to take three points from league leaders Bolton in a keenly fought competitive match played in bitingly cold conditions. Perhaps the chill influenced the pace of the game, which set off at a terrific rate right from the kick-off

A NEW report suggests that the slowdown in consumer spending growth in the North-west will not be as deep as feared. Consumer Futures, a subsidiary of economic analysts Business Strategies, forecasts that the value of consumer spending growth in the region

WANDERERS' reserve fixture at Sheffield Wednesday next week has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday, December 12.

WANDERERS are giving a trial to 22-year-old Australian midfielder, Paul Reid, who plays for the Woollongong Wolves.

HORWICH residents are preparing for a golden Christmas. Mayor of Horwich Cllr Joyce Kellet will switch on the town's Christmas tree lights and lead a carol service at a ceremony this evening from 6pm. The tree has been specially decorated in gold to celebrate

A MAN was caught on security cameras stealing from shops in Bury twice in one day, a court heard. Bury magistrates heard that Khalid Din, aged 22, was first seen at the Littlewoods store. He was seen with another man as they picked up a several pairs

BLACKPOOL have been given permission to extend the loan spell of Ian Marshall for a second month. The versatile player's first spell on loan expired after the LDV Van Trophy clash with Chesterfield but Blackpool boss Steve McMahon was anxious to keep

HENRIK Pedersen gave Wanderers a fitness boost on Thursday when he returned to training in double-quick time. The Denmark striker, sidelined for six weeks with a thigh problem, had been expected to be out until Christmas but is back in full training to

SAM Allardyce sat in the stand next to Brighton boss Peter Taylor at Gigg Lane on Saturday. And Taylor, sacked by Leicester after a dismal early season run started by Wanderers on the opening day, had time to reflect. He said: "It was a bit ironic sitting

BOLTON'S advanced youth string ensemble, New Century Strings, performs a concert at Bethel Church, Clarence Street, Bolton, on Saturday at 7.30pm. Graham Oppenheimer, formerly of the Schidlof Quartet, will be leading an all-day string workshop with the

WANDERERS players and management staff will be clowning around in Bolton town centre today - all in aid of charity and team spirit. Sam Allardyce other members of the club's backroom team will join Gudni Bergsson, Jermaine Johnson and Anthony Barness

THE Greater Manchester Police Authority was expected to discuss plans to increase the expense allowances of its members at a meeting today. The authority has been recommended to restructure its allowance system, which could double the annual expenses

THIEVES broke into a Santa's grotto and ran off with hundreds of toys which should have been given to children. The criminals looted the outbuilding at Barton Grange Garden Centre, in Wigan Road, Deane, taking a television, video recorder and gifts. The

CARELESS anglers are being ordered to clean up their act or face being cast off the Jumbles reservoir. United Utilities, which runs the reservoir says it is getting tough and will ban anglers from the free fishery if people do not stop discarding fishing

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Bolton man who has helped to improve community relations throughout Lancashire. Mohammed Atcha, a Lancashire County Council employee who worked on secondment with the Preston Racial Equality Council, died suddenly at his home

Leigh make heavy work of it LEIGH continued their return to form with a hard-earned win at Ormskirk. Early exchanges were even with both sides willing to run with the ball, but a handling error by Leigh allowed Ormskirk to set up an attack resulting in

Tyldesley RU: FOR the second successive week all the teams at Tyldesley RU enjoyed the sweet taste of victory. Infact the First XV had the points in the bag before kick off when opponents Cockermouth arrived with only 12 men and therefore where unable

Fleetwood 34 Bolton 3: BOLTON faced an uphill task at the weekend when they traveller to unbeaten league leaders Fleetwood. The trawlermen, relegated last year from the division above, have regrouped and have strengthened their squad in their quest to

ALBUMS Neil Finn -- 7 Worlds Collide Regular readers (that's just about no one then) will know I'm a big Neil Finn fan. Hence the chances of me giving this a bad write up are as remote as Tahiti. The man is a genius, one of the best living songwriters

Refusing to play the fame game By Steve Canavan scanavan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk MANCHESTER lad John Bramwell and his band I Am Kloot are not ones for big publicity. Not for him the front page covers in NME or the dumbed down interviews with over-happy

RESULTS: Premier Division -- Hamers Arms 3 LLWMC 4; Summerseat Lib A 4 Roach Ht 3; Hare/Hounds 1 Rainsough Brew 6; Church C Sp St 1 S of Life A 6; S of Life B 5 Old Tower A 2. First Division -- The Showboat 2 Sparking Clog 5; Derby Ht A 5 Summerseat Lib

THE ULTIMATE one-volume book on science fiction broadcasting and cinema -- that's the Radio Times Guide to Science Fiction. This detailed A-Z directory features more than 1500 films, 300 television programmes and numerous radio serials and plays through

CHRISTMAS BRASS CONCERT with The Eaton Farnworth Brass Band at St Lukes, Chorley Old Road, Bolton, Wednesday December 12, 8pm. Tickets are £3 or £2 concessions available from the church office, telephone 843060 or Heys Newsagents on Chorley Old Road.

HALLIWELL CENTRAL REFORM CLUB, Bolton -- Comedian Trevor Wallace and Vocalist Chris Beaumont, Saturday December 8. Vocalist John Malcolm, Sunday December 9. Bingo every Wednesday and Friday. Open from 7pm each evening, members free, guests £1. Tel 528323

MOSES GATE COUNTRY PARK, Farnworth, Bolton. Details 01204 334343. BLACKLEACH COUNTRY PARK, Hill Top Road, off Bolton Road, Walkden, Worsley. A beautiful 100 acre park with walking and angling, a bird sanctuary and Visitor Centre. Open dawn to dusk. Ring

THE HAWORTH ART GALLERY, Manchester Road, Accrington. The Haworth is set in a park with a wonderful gallery and has been featured on BBC's Fantasy Rooms. Open Wednesday to Friday, 2-5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12.30-5pm. Phone 01254 233782. OSWALDTWISTLE

ARTS ACTIVE SATURDAY CLUB for seven to 16-year-olds, Turnpike Gallery, Civic Square, Leigh -- experiment with drawing, painting, sculpture, learn new skills and create your own work of art, led by local artists. Every first Saturday of the month 10.30am

MANCHESTER GRAPHIC CLUB 125th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, Salford. The story of Manchester Graphic Club is one of change and survival, the first art club in the North West it was established 1876, and

PETS are very important in people's lives. And when they are sick and need help we are particularly grateful. Lynn Kay was so glad of the extra care and attention her little puppy Elsie received that she nominated the vets, nurses and receptionists at

CASH-stricken Leigh RMI are appealing to fans to turn out in force tomorrow if they wish to see the club survive. The rearranged Conference League clash with Margate is the first home game in over a month and the first since the Railwaymen announced they

WHILE MP Lindsay Hoyle might welcome the news that the Government are going to provide more free nursery places in Lancashire, I wish he and others would look at the lack of childcare places once your child goes to school (Citizen November 29). As a single

HAVE you noticed that we are fast becoming a 'it can't happen to me,' society? Speak to a teenager about Aids and drugs and they invariably come with the comment 'it couldn't happen to me'. It's the same with heavy smokers and people who drink heavily

SECTION ONE P Pts Deane C... 12 65.0 Rumworth B... 12 62.5 Halliwell A... 11 56.0 Tonge Moor B... 11 53.5 Over Hulton B... 11 50.0 Rumworth D... 11 47.5 Plodder Lane B... 11 47.0 Over Hulton C... 11 47.0 Breightmet A... 12 46.5 Tonge Moor A... 10 45.0

Cuemasters C 2 Q Club B 7; Hawkers B 6 Dixon Green A 2; Cuemasters B 2 Walkden Labour 7; Hare & Hounds 2 K&R Conservative 7; Farnworth Snooker 6 Walkden CC 2; LLWMC 6.5 WRBL 1.5; Q Club A 1 Cuemasters A 6; open Hawkers A; Dixon Green 2 Cuemasters

Jim Worsley Memorial Trophy: (Sponsored by Federation Breweries). Fourth Round, Monday, December 10 -- Hawker Siddeley A v Smithills Cons E; Cuemasters SC A1 v Club Mistry D; Our Lady of Lourdes B v Rileys SC A2; Halliwell LC B v Farnworth Cricket B;

TRADING Standards have launched an investigation after a woman claimed her fuel tank was full of water after filling up from a petrol station's pump. Amanda Legg made the complaint after spending £22 on what she thought was petrol from Save Service Station

PREMIER Division leaders Ramsbottom A suffered their second defeat of the season, going down 5-4 on their visit to Horwich Hilton A, but they remain favourably placed with a seven point lead and a match in hand over Farnworth. John Hilton trebled, and

BURNDEN Road Runners completed their season with the Guys 10 mile race at Bilsbarrow. On a fast, flat course some good times were expected and the ladies duly obliged. Lesley Fisher won the ladies race by five seconds, in a new personal best time of 1hr

LAST weekend saw Bolton Harriers in action in two popular local cross country events. On Saturday the East Lancashire Championships took place at Middleton, while a day later a number of the club's youngsters competed in Sale in the Over the Bales races

HOPWOOD Hall, Middleton was the venue for the 81st running of the East Lancashire Cross Country Championships. Cold conditions welcomed the runners but the rain held off for both senior races. Horwich RMI Harriers had a good representation with a total

THEY were famous from the second they were born -- and now they are television celebrities. But fame will not go to the heads of this tiny trio -- for they are barely 20 months old. Within two months of becoming Bolton's first Millennium triplets, little

IF you thought having your own website was just for computer boffins -- think again. Because your very own piece of cyberspace is now only a few clicks away, thanks to the internet version of the BEN. It is all part of our This Is Lancashire website,

FILMS UNTIL THURSDAY, DEC 13 UGC CINEMA, Details 0870 907 0714. WARNER VILLAGE CINEMA, Details 669988. CORNERHOUSE, Details 0161 200 1500.

HARRY Potter fans will be spreading their magic to Asda in Astley Bridge. The supermarket is holding a coin swap evening to allow youngsters to complete their Potter coin collections. It will run from 6.30pm to 8pm on Monday in the cafe.

THE Ron Hayes Big Band makes an appearance at the Swing Suite at Horwich RMI Club, with guest vocalist, on Sunday. The band is the latest to make an appearance at the club, based on Chorley New Road, Horwich, in its series of monthly Sunday lunchtime

MARTIN MERE WILDFOWL AND WETLAND, Burscough. Phone 01704 895181. ANIMAL WORLD, Moss Bank Park, Moss Bank Way, Bolton. Enter the fascinating world of nature touring the enclosures suited to each individual animal's own natural habitat. See farmyard animals

REEBOK STADIUM AND TOUR CENTRE, Middlebrook Leisure and Retail Park, Bolton. Take a look behind the scenes at the home of Bolton Wanderers. The tour includes a visit to the players' dressing and warm-up rooms, the officials' changing rooms, the manager's

By David Magilton CASH-stricken Leigh RMI are appealing to fans to turn out in force tomorrow if they wish to see the club survive. The rearranged Conference League clash with Margate is the first home game in over a month and the first since the Railwaymen

Lancashire Amateur League VERY few fixtures survived the weather but one that did was Bury GSOB's home Premier Division clash with Old Boltonians with the hosts eventually running out 3-0 victors. "It was very close in the first half but when we scored

BOLTON Under 14s bid to make progress in the North West Woodward Trophy when they take on Chorley in their first round clash at Sharples School on Saturday, kick off 10am. The town team have been embroiled in a row about the availability of boys during

MONDAY is the Men's Pairs Competition Entry fee is £1 each and both players must be registered with the league, and be at the venue for 8.10pm for 8.15pm draw. VENUE: DERBY WARD LABOUR CLUB: Officials J Speddy, M Bell and P Baistow. Alterations to fixtures

IN the Bolton Darts League in aid of The Bolton Senior Gateway Club for Mentally Handicapped Adults, with a quarter of the season already played in the Men and Ladies Winter format, most of the individual sections are looking too close for comfort. In

Tomorrow's fixtures: Unibond League Division One - Matlock Town v Radcliffe Boro. North West Counties League - Division One - Atherton Colls v Salford City, Fleetwood Freeport v Atherton LR, Glossop NE v Ramsbottom Utd Division Two - Daisy Hill v Leek

UNITED are back, chanted the fans, as relief flooded Old Trafford on Wednesday night. A bit premature, perhaps, but it showed the nervy disposition of Reds at the moment. That Champions League victory over Boavista has settled the constitution of many