IRELAND'S leading traditional musicians, singers and dancers perform in Bolton as part of the twenty-ninth Echoes of Erin annual tour. The tour features 20 of Ireland's best, including a mix of established artists, together with young up and coming stars
CHORLEY put up a brave fight against the French Cup holders Union Treiziste Catalane at Victory Park but found their rivals had just a touch too much class in the Challenge Cup fourth round clash. France international full-back Renaud Guigue proved to
IN REPLY to your editorial in the BEN on February 6. Your headline "Missing link leaves town out on a limb" is rather an exaggeration. I believe the future for the town's rail system is not "bleak", as you put it. Your comments about Bolton having a tram
MOTORISTS in Bolton have paid out a massive £675,000 in parking fines over the past 12 months, we can reveal today. The figure will come as no surprise to drivers or the town's traders who have criticised the council's hard line policy on illegal parking
MANY Bolton motorists feel they are being given a rough ride when it comes to parking in the town centre. A lack of parking spaces and a battle to avoid fines has seen many drivers left with a bad case of road rage. The BEN went out onto the streets of
MOTORISTS in Bolton have paid out a massive £675,000 in parking fines over the past 12 months, we can reveal today. The figure will come as no surprise to drivers or the town's traders who have criticised the council's hard line policy on illegal parking
GUDNI Bergsson plans to "chill out" in Iceland while Bo Hansen visits his old team-mate Claus Jensen in London. Wanderers have settled for home comforts rather than a sunshine break as they enjoy a week away from the pressures of the Premiership survival
Send us your demo CDs, biographies and pictures. And in return we'll plug your group. Write to David Crookes, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.
FANS of ITV1's Pop Idol will have a chance to see the final 10 contestants singing live in Manchester. The Pop Idol Tour will be at the MEN Arena on March 25 and it will feature stammerer Gareth Gates doing a duet with close friend Zoe Birkett The London
THE NET is closing in on drunken trouble-makers in Bury. Nite-Net is a new radio link system which has been adopted by licensees in the town centre area and enables landlords and landladies at every pub to alert colleagues to problems via walkie-talkie
AN Operatic Society's longest standing fan had the tables turned on her when she found herself under the spotlight. Mrs Alice James, aged 91, has been to almost every show staged by Rosemere Operatic Society in its 75-year-history. She went to the society's
A STUNNING last-minute strike from by substitute David Eatock snatched a point for Chorley in the UniBond First Division clash in a game which was largely controlled by relegation-battlers Belper. In fact, the last ten minutes in which Eatock featured
PLANS to build eight flats on land at St Helens Road, Bolton, have been approved in principle by councillors.
A FAIR will be staged in Salford on May 29 to promote healthy living. The event will be staged at Buile Hall and will include exhibitions and displays.
BOLTON Council is carrying out a training programme to help get members of the borough's disadvantaged ethnic minority communities into work.
A CLASS of '78 Westhoughton High School reunion is being held next Friday at Wingates Village Club, Chorley Road. For more details call Sheila Donnelly on 01942 812541, or Ann (Sarah Cullen) on 01942 790357.
EXERCISE machines, personal trainers and sensible eating could be on the increase as people strive for better health in 2002. Results from the Lloyds TSB LifeIndex research show North West people are listening to the experts and becoming more health conscious
BUSINESSES have been urged to look at what they can do for the community. As part of Bolton Council's Business in the Community partnership, the town's shops and commercial organisations will look at how they can help improve the quality of life for people
A PUBLIC meeting at Bolton town hall to discuss the future of Longsight Primary School, Harwood, will be held at a later date after being postponed. A sponsored walk to raise money for the school's legal fund, which was due to be held on Saturday, will
A PUBLIC meeting at Bolton town hall to discuss the future of Longsight Primary School, Harwood, will be held at a later date after being postponed from last night. A sponsored walk to raise money for the school's legal fund, which was due to be held
A YOUTH group is preparing for a mammoth environmental day of action. Members of Impact Youth at Bolton Pentecostal Church will help pensioners to clean up their gardens and go litter picking. With the help of Bolton Council's People and Places Programme
A BOLTON man has appeared in court for a second time accused of the murder of a teenage prostitute. Geoffrey Porter, aged 40, of Columbia Road, was brought before Manchester Crown Court in Minshull Street on Friday. He is charged with murdering 17-year-old
VALERIE Singleton, leading BBC journalist and ex-Blue Peter presenter, is encouraging UK consumers to think before they spend, as she joins the fight against leprosy. After celebrating World Leprosy Day on January 27, and witnessing first hand the ravages
THE six second rule appertaining to goalkeepers holding on to the ball is only one of many infringements which go unpunished until it happens to Bolton Wanderers. Could it possibly have anything to do with Sam Allardyce's criticism of referees? Other
AFTER the BWFC v MUFC match we waited outside the stadium to get a glimpse of the players. To our delight we were rewarded with a terrific display by David Beckham who did not disappoint anyone. He stopped to sign everyone's mememtoes. He delighted everyone
A FARNWORTH school has been given a fourth prestigious award thanks to its hard-working staff. Bridgewater Nursery School was presented with a Quality Mark Award by the Basic Skills Agency. The Dobhill Street school already boasts the accolade of being
WHY is it that our Bolton Wanderers always seem to be the team targeted by referees? Whenever there is a 50/50 decision, it always goes against the Wanderers and, usually, gives the opposing team an opportunity to score. Recent examples are when Jussi
FROM the BUFF, February 5, 1977: It's three against nine as Exeter pack the goalmouth in this Fourth Division game in 1984 at Burnden. But the Wanderers trio of Neil Whatmore, Peter Valentine and Wayne Foster would not be denied. Foster, centre of the
WANDERERS warmed up for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Everton with a 4-0 thrashing of Notts County at Burden. It was only in the 61st minute that they took the lead through a Pedro Richards own goal but after that the floodgates
A PAUL McCartney lookalike is set to feature in a pop music video. Jeff Greenhalgh, aged 45, will appear in the video of pop group Pulp's latest single "Bad Cover Version", which is released at the end of the month. Mr Greenhalgh, of Sefton Street, Leigh
AFICIONADOS of the blues, and fans of the cult hit movie, The Blues Brothers, are promised a rhythm and blues treat in 2002 when members of the original Blues Brothers band perform the hits from the popular big screen classic on a short UK tour. Steve
Album: Pink -- M!ssundazstood: THERE are sparks of genius on most manufactured pop albums and this one by Pink is no exception. But while there are undoubtable highs as Get The Party Started, the 22-year-old Philadelphian girl just doesn't keep the tempo
TOP international stars look set to visit Bolton this summer for a major musical event in one of the town's parks. An open air concert starring well-known artists is being pencilled in for next June or July as a tie-in to the Commonwealth Games. It is
MICHAEL Ricketts finally got the England call on Saturday night when Sven Goran Eriksson promoted the Wanderers striker to the full national squad for Wednesday's friendly against Holland. Wanderers fans had already given an overwhelming vote for the
FIRSTLY I'd like to say well done to Sam and the team for their magnificent efforts this season. With the size and strength of the squad it was never going to be easy once injuries and suspension took a hold. Unfortunately too many of the fringe players
IT is a true case of puppy love for Ashley Nuttall and her top dog Eddie who just cannot stop winning medals. The 10 month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier has scooped top prize in all eight of the competitions he has entered, including best puppy and best
CORONATION Street's cheeky Tyrone was thinking of sunnier climes when he officially opened the new Bolton Co-op Travel Superstore. Actor Alan Halsall, alias Tyrone, from Walkden, was on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures, as well as give his
BOLTON MP Ruth Kelly today backed the fight to save Bolton Magistrates Court -- and urged as many people as possible to sign the BEN's petition. The Bolton West MP said closing the historic Le Mans Crescent building would severely effect local justice
A YOUNGSTER proved to be a miniature hero when he dialled 999 after his mother fell and cut her head open. Kian Baggaley, aged five, immediately telephoned his great-grandmother for help before calling the emergency services when his mother, Donna, fainted
A JOINER who fell 20ft as he installed guttering above shops in Farnworth escaped with a broken arm. Jack Dearden, aged 58, was working in Market Street when he slipped down a gap in-between Antique and Modern Furniture and the Victoria Inn. Firefighters
SIX Bolton community groups are to benefit from a £25,000 share of Lottery funding. Bolton Independent Living Federation, Harmony Youth Project, St Mary's RC Primary School, St Ethelbert's RC Primary School, The Haulgh Community Partnership and Withins
AN Operatic Society's longest standing fan had the tables turned on her when she found herself under the spotlight. Mrs Alice James, aged 91, has been to almost every show staged by Rosemere Operatic Society in its 75-year-history. She went to the society's
WANDERERS 1, WEST HAM UTD 0: Wanderers did their survival hopes a power of good when they ended a run of 12 Premiership games without a defeat and claimed their first league win at the Reebok since August 27. Ricardo Gardner's 38th minute goal settled
FAN'S VIEW Adrian Ford: WANDERERS produced 90 minutes of determination and sheer hard graft to climb out of the relegation zone with their first Premiership win in 13 attempts. It was never going to be a classic under the circumstances while a strong
SAM Allardyce believes that Ricketts' call is "fully-deserved". The manager said: "He has been playing very well this year. He is quick and has been scoring lots of goals. He deserves his chance. "This is a reward for the tremendous amount of progress
SAM Allardyce drew extra encouragement from grounds far and wide as he savoured Wanderers' first Premiership win in 13 games and looked forward with a measure of confidence to the battles ahead. "It is about ourselves first and foremost," the relieved
WANDERERS 1 WEST HAM UTD 0 WANDERERS (4-4-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Two important saves, first half from Defoe then late on from Kitson BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 Showed his pedigree again with an impressive display - and not in his favoured position GUDNI
WANDERERS 1, WEST HAM 0: IT was not pretty - in fact at times it was downright ugly - and there was an element of good fortune attached to it! But that just served to heighten the satisfaction as Wanderers secured the victory to stop the rot that was
SAM Allardyce's hard-pressed troops passed the first test in his six game plan to move clear of the Premiership drop zone after beating West Ham 1-0 at the Reebok on Saturday. FULL REPORTS AND REACTION HERE SHORTLY
WORLD Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff could still be on his way to the Reebok. After days of wrangling, Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is understood to be close to securing the services of the 33-year-old French attacking midfield star on loan for the rest of
REGARDING the article in Thursday's Bolton Evening News. So Steven Spielberg is at it again, re-writing history to suit US audiences. I wonder what the Russians would say if he had the Yanks winning the Battle of Stalingrad? If he can't portray events
THROUGH your column, I would like to thank the Bolton Evening News and Mr Les Gent ("Looking Back", Monday, January 7), for promoting our school reunion. We had a fabulous night with more than 80 people attending, ex- Church Road/Whitecroft School pupils
I KNOW, as I am a regular reader of the BEN, how many letters have been in the paper about the old roller skating rink "Nevada". As I am a 19-year-old female who has skated for the past 12 years at least, I would just like to point out how beneficial
THOSE small four wheel vehicles are a boon to the disabled, and have enhanced some people's lives significantly. I am, however, somewhat confused as to where they are designed, licenced and insured to go. The reason I write is to express concern with
DOES everyone have the right to a fair day's pay for a fair day's work? If they do, what is a fair day's pay? James Dyson has announced that he is moving production of his vacuum cleaners to the Far East. It is a matter of simple economics. Staffing costs
IT hurts me that Cllr Stuart Lever calls my motives into question in his letter of February 7. For the past 14 years I have tried as hard as I can to promote immunisation as the best possible way of protecting the children of Bolton from serious disease
MOTORISTS in Bolton have paid out a massive £675,000 in parking fines over the past 12 months, we can reveal today. The figure will come as no surprise to drivers or the town's traders who have criticised the council's hard line policy on illegal parking
Is there a better way to ease Bolton's parking problems? E-mail Internet Editor Chris Sudlow on csudlow@boltoneveningnews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE
BOLTON Council's parking services are undergoing a "Best Value Review" between now and August next year and the council will be holding seminars to listen to people's views. For further information, contact Sheila Jackson on (01204) 336377.
APCOA, the company at the centre of the parking controversy, is a German-owned company. It also runs three town centre car parks: the Octagon, Market Place and Bow Street sites. It is western Europe's largest parking management firm and has divisions
BOLTON town centre has diversity, heritage, good shopping and great buildings -- but the parking is a problem. There are fears that the strict parking rules are driving people away and some traders are also calling for reduced car park charges. But a
MOTORISTS in Bolton have paid out a massive £675,000 in parking fines over the past 12 months, we can reveal today. The figure will come as no surprise to drivers or the town's traders who have criticised the council's hard line policy on illegal parking
BUSINESS leaders and traders in Bolton claim that the council's get-tough policy on parking has driven thousands of shoppers away. It is so bad, they say, that people have had to abandon their shopping and run back to their cars because they fear the
SAM Allardyce believes that Michael Ricketts' England call is "fully-deserved". The manager said: "He has been playing very well this year. He is quick and has been scoring lots of goals. He deserves his chance. "This is a reward for the tremendous amount
WEST Ham might not count themselves among the clubs fighting for Premiership survival but, after defeat at the Reebok left them just three points ahead of Wanderers, Glenn Roeder knows there is no margin for error. "We've still got a lot to play for,"
SAM Allardyce drew extra encouragement from grounds far and wide as he savoured Wanderers' first Premiership win in 13 games and looked forward with a measure of confidence to the battles ahead. "It is about ourselves first and foremost," the relieved
WANDERERS 1 WEST HAM UTD 0 WANDERERS (4-4-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Two important saves, first half from Defoe then late on from Kitson BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 Showed his pedigree again with an impressive display - and not in his favoured position GUDNI
WANDERERS 1, WEST HAM 0: IT was not pretty - in fact at times it was downright ugly - and there was an element of good fortune attached to it! But that just served to heighten the satisfaction as Wanderers secured the victory to stop the rot that was
OASIS are set to release their seventh studio album on May 6, according to music speculation. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have been away from the scene for a while but will hope the new release will be better received than their last effort, "Standing
SWASHBUCKLING entertainment is promised when members of Westhoughton Amateur Dramatic Society take to the stage. The Four Pantomime Musketeers takes place on February 15 and 16, 7.15pm. It is 1642 and the colourful court of King Louis of France and Queen
A SUPPORT group has been awarded a £47,954 grant by the National Lottery Charities Board. Bolton Under Fives Forum will use the cash over three years to develop the services it provides to community groups.
A CHARITY for blind people is organising a Masked Ball in May at the Moat House Hotel in Bolton. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will host the event on May 18. Contact Peter on 01204 492534 for ticket information.
BOLTON North east MP David Crausby will hold his next Advice Surgery at Bolton Town Hall on Friday, February 15, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. No appointment is necessary. The date has been re-scheduled from Friday, February 8. For details call Mr Crausby's
OVERNIGHT closures on motorways in Greater Manchester will take place from next Monday. The shutdowns of the M56, M60, M61, M62 and M602 will take place for four weeks on various dates to allow the Highways Agency to install vehicle counting loops in
LOSTOCK stewardess Lisa Thompson failed to win a holiday of a lifetime after bowing out of the finals of the BBC quiz show, National Lottery Jetset. Millions of viewers watched on Saturday night as the 36-year-old competed in the quick fire general knowledge
CHART topping band Blue are backing a schools fund-raising programme, available to Bolton schools. The NSPCC has teamed up with Scottish and Southern Energy to help raise money for the Charity's Schools Fund-raising Programme and Antony, Duncan, Lee and
STUDENTS from Bolton will travel to London later this month to protest against government funding. Around 50 are expected to join students from across the country in a march past Downing Street to an NUS rally at Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, February
CATCH up with all the Winter Olympics news and results with our special links Latest news and results Click HERE Latest news - another site Click HERE Latest news - from the Washington Post Click HERE All about Salt Lake City Click HERE More about Salt
I WOULD just like to say, wouldn't it be nice to have a referee on our side after the shambles at the Newcastle game. It's about time we had a bit of luck, hopefully in the games coming up we can get some points to boost us up the table. S King Cornwall
THE BEN reported recently that Eddie Davies OBE, a businessman and ex-player of local amateur club Little Lever Sports Club (previously Old Farnworthians AFC), had invested more money in Bolton Wanderers than anyone else in the club's history. As the
DO the BWFC directors care about the club? They are a disgrace. The fans pay their hard earned cash every week and even though Big Sam is doing a great job the board is not supporting him financially. Prior to the Newcastle game we had 17 fit players
IF Sam Allardyce and Phil Brown thought that a season of loan deals and a bit of luck would keep us in the big league then they should start preparing for Division One. Although with the wind in our sails we made a fine start to the campaign, inevitably
Iam sick and tired of seeing so-called professional referees destroy all the hard work of football teams. It's time they were held responsible for their actions. Football is between two teams but it now seems to be dominated by referees' decisions that
A PUBLIC meeting at Bolton town hall to discuss the future of Longsight Primary School, Harwood, will be held at a later date after being postponed. A sponsored walk to raise money for the school's legal fund, which was due to be held on Saturday, will
CHART topping band Blue are backing a schools fund-raising programme, available to Bolton schools. The NSPCC has teamed up with Scottish and Southern Energy to help raise money for the Charity's Schools Fund-raising Programme and Antony, Duncan, Lee and
STUDENTS from Bolton will travel to London later this month to protest against government funding. Around 50 are expected to join students from across the country in a march past Downing Street to an NUS rally at Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, February
WHAT has happened to the fighting spirit that Sam was supposed to have instilled into Wanderers? I know the FA Cup is by no means a priority but getting into a winning habit would surely help confidence in the team. At the moment it is almost painful
COULD someone please tell me what have referees got against Bolton Wanderers? Yet another bad decision against us. David Ellaray, whom I thought until now was a decent ref, penalised Jussy for holding on to the ball for more than six seconds while trying
SIMPLE Minds has announced its first UK tour for seven years to coincide with the first studio album since 1998. Their 2002 tour will thrill fans with all the great hits including Don't You Forget About Me, Alive and Kicking, Sanctify Yourself, Belfast
OWNERS of unwanted vehicles have been asked to deposit them safely and for free at a garage in Wigan. Organised by Wigan and Leigh Community Safety Partnership, cars can be taken to Delph Garage, in Billinge Road, Pemberton. Those drivers unable to drop
LOVE is in the air at the Chester Lane Library in St Helens where a series of events have been organised to help celebrate St Valentine's Day. Neighbourhood Renewal Project Families Reading Together is offering a goodie bag and a gift-wrapped romantic
AN MP is demanding an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary after plans were revealed to house 350 asylum seekers in Manchester. Graham Stringer says services in north Manchester cannot cope with any more asylum families. The Blackley MP fears a repeat
AN MP is appealing for people to nominate community heroes for an award scheme. David Crausby, Bolton North East, is supporting the Oyster awards for people who have spoken up for the benefit of their community. The new citizenship initiative has been
A 23-YEAR-OLD Bolton man is recovering from surgery after being injured when a car mounted the pavement. The victim, who has not been named by police, underwent an operation to try and save one of his eyes after the incident early on Friday morning. He
BUBBLY art student Karen Donnelly knew exactly how to soap up her tutors when they told her to organise a photography exhibition. She felt hanging pictures in a dusty old gallery was too wishy-washy -- so she took them for a tumble at a launderette instead
A MAN and his dog were killed in a kitchen fire which burned through the night before neighbours were alerted. Terry Ashton, aged 22, and his Staffordshire terrier dog were found dead at Deal Street, Great Lever, just before 10am yesterday. Police said
GUDNI Bergsson plans to "chill out" in Iceland while Bo Hansen visits his old team-mate Claus Jensen in London. Wanderers have settled for home comforts rather than a sunshine break as they enjoy a week away from the pressures of the Premiership survival
WEST Ham might not count themselves among the clubs fighting for Premiership survival but, after defeat at the Reebok left them just three points ahead of Wanderers, Glenn Roeder knows there is no margin for error. "We've still got a lot to play for,"
BEN Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock's exclusive reports for this website. 14:47: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2002. FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP WANDERERS V WEST HAM UNITED NEW signing Stig Tofting was handed his debut in English football as Wanderers went
THE Reebok has the makings of a new hero. He may not have the flair of Worthington, the charisma of McGinlay, the finishing power of Ricketts and he will never reach the legendary status of Lofthouse but Stig Tofting has what it takes to put some fire
AN Operatic Society's longest standing fan had the tables turned on her when she found herself under the spotlight. Mrs Alice James, aged 91, has been to almost every show staged by Rosemere Operatic Society in its 75-year-history. She went to the society's
Hereford Utd 0 Leigh RMI 1 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI hit the Conference Bullseye on Saturday as a Michael Twiss goal 15 minutes from time earned them a critical three points at Edgar Street. Only Boston United and Yeovil - both chasing promotion -
WORLD Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff could still be on his way to the Reebok. After days of wrangling, Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is understood to be close to securing the services of the 33-year-old French attacking midfield star on loan for the rest of
NAT Lofthouse spoke of his pride and delight today in seeing Michael Ricketts follow in his own illustrious footsteps on to the international stage. The legendary Bolton and England centre-forward said the Wanderers' goal star's call up was richly deserved
SAM Allardyce believes that Michael Ricketts' England call is "fully-deserved". The manager said: "He has been playing very well this year. He is quick and has been scoring lots of goals. He deserves his chance. "This is a reward for the tremendous amount
FURIOUS Bury boss Andy Preece could not wait to leave Chesterfield's Saltergate ground after Saturday's clash and accused the Derbyshire side of robbing his side of a vital point. Not only was Michael Nelson's late 'equaliser' disallowed but the Shakers
