Archive

  • Indian sign

    CHORLEY travel to Lincoln United in the UniBond first division and will give Dave Leaver a late fitness test on a thigh injury. Graham Hicks has started training again after a toe injury. "We have the Indian sign over Lincoln," said boss Ken Wright. "

  • Are you interested in local history?

    DO you want to be part of history in the making? Smithills Hall is run by Trustees, with the help of the Friends of Smithills Hall and Volunteers. If you are interested in ensuring the future of a precious asset such as the hall, with links with the past

  • OUT OF TOWN

    BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH ARENA, Tel 0870 444 5566. TOWER BALLROOM, Blackpool. Live music and dancing to the sounds of the Wurlitzer Organ throughout the day Monday to Saturday. Ring 01253 292029. TOWER LOUNGE, Blackpool. Shamrock Man and Friends perform

  • How long before they take pints?

    I AM a 67 year old man, my father fought in the last war. I would like to know who is running this country -- Great Britain, as I once knew it? What use is it voting for a government who is letting Brussels run our country, telling us we have to go metric

  • FAMILIES

    GINGERBREAD. Nobody believes in magic anymore, or do they? Cooking can be magical with Mrs Mags who is a very good cook. Listen as she enchants you with her stories and shapes and bakes a gingerbread man. A story suitable for 5 to 7 year olds. Octagon

  • Tell us who are hygiene failures

    THE report in the BEN on February 13, tells us that out of 981 takeaways, catering companies, and restaurants, 489 failed hygiene tests that the Food Standards Agency set to ensure food safety in Bolton. I wonder if it is against the law to publish the

  • Life After Stroke Awards in 2002

    WITH just a few weeks to go until the closing date on March 15, The Stroke Association is urging readers to send in their nomination forms for this year's Life After Stroke Awards. The awards are held each year and recognise the extraordinary courage

  • Facing up to highway facts

    FURTHER to the article concerning Moss Bank Way that appeared on Febraury 14. I wish to make the following comments. For the last few years the local authority has been subjected to a high rate of criticism with respect to the reconstruction and safety

  • EVENTS

    THE UK CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER OF 2001. Blackpool Magician's Club Annual Competition celebrating its 50th year with entertainers' competitions, magical championships and a gala show. Winter Gardens, Opera House and Empress Ballroom, Church Street, Blackpool

  • Walkden's final date

    BOLTON League side Walkden have reached the North of England six-a-side cricket finals. They qualified for the event after winning the Bolton title and the Lancashire finals and now go forward to the next stage on March 3 at Old Trafford. They have reached

  • 'Drugs forcing us out'

    A FAMILY are leaving town, claiming Chorley's drug culture is on a frightening spiral. James and Rachel Corrie had already made the decision to leave Chorley for Leyland before discovering a pile of discarded syringes outside their home this week. The

  • Singles Reviews

    LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY - Run More catchy pop from the Lighthouse Family. This summery soul tune with its tearful lyrics will be a hit with fans of the band but probably won't make much of a mark on the charts. JIVE JONES - Me, Myself & I He's already written

  • Mad on Madonna with guitar

    THERE were many things about Madonna's Drowned World tour last year that stunned audiences but none more so than the sight of her playing guitar. As well as giving it some punk attitude during her performance of Candy Perfume Girl, she strummed her way

  • Album reviews

    THE VERY BEST OF ALL WOMAN -- Various It may be cynically released just prior to Mother's Day, but for once, this compilation lives up to its name. There are 40 songs, around 30 of which should be in everyone's collection, from artists as talently diverse

  • School for stardom busting at seams

    GROOMED FOR THE TOP: Chelsey Mansell STAR MAKER: Jean Pasquill STAR IN MAKING: Sarah Rushton CLUBLAND singer Jean Pasquill has plans to expand her popular music school -- because the waiting list for wannabe stars has grown out of control. The 41-year-old

  • BOOK EARLY

    MANCHESTER APOLLO. Moody Blues. Wednesday May 15. Tickets £23.50 and £21.50. For all events ring 0161 242 2560. MEN ARENA. Four Tops and Temptations. Sunday March 17. Tickets £27.50 and £23.50. Ring 0161 930 8000/0161 832 1111. SHEFFIELD ARENA, Sheffield

  • Sam snaps up French ace

    SAM Allardyce has added French midfielder Mario Espartero to his survival squad. The 24-year-old £1.5 million rated Espartero has joined Wanderers on a three-month loan from FC Metz. Espartero will join fellow new signings Fredi Bobic, Stig Tofting and

  • Sam's blast for the Rocket Man

    SAM Allardyce brought Michael Ricketts down from his international high today when he warned he will drop his top scorer, if he goes off the boil. The Wanderers boss desperately wants to see the 15-goal star answer the critics of his England debut performance

  • CONCERTS

    ROYTON ASSEMBLY HALL, Royton, Oldham. The Brilliance of Brass with Pemberton Old Wigan Band. Sunday February 24. Starts 1.30pm. Tickets £4.50 to £9.50. Ring 0161 911 4072. BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, Water Street, Buxton. Box Office 01298 72190. EMPIRE THEATRE

  • WALKS

    THE RAMBLERS' ASSOCIATION - BOLTON GROUP will be continuing its regular programme of two coach rambles of about 10 miles on the first Saturday of each month going to the Lakes. On the third Sunday of the month doing the Clwydian Way in North Wales. Ring

  • Gun gang terror raid for pub drinkers

    A GANG armed with guns forced drinkers in a pub to hand over cash. The three raiders, wearing balaclavas, struck at the Park Hotel on Lowther Road, Prestwich, shortly after 9.45pm last night It is believed that three offenders entered the pub armed with

  • FOLK MUSIC

    FEBRUARY FOLK DAY. A day of folk music and dance. Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, Hoole, Chester. Saturday February 23. Ring 01244 320424. LYRIC THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Phone 0161 876 2000. PLANET K, Oldham St, Manchester. PEMBROKE HALL

  • Care homes shine

    RESIDENTIAL and nursing homes in the Wigan borough area have impressed inspectors with their "star" quality. This year two care homes received two stars, nine received three stars, 21 homes were awarded four stars and one was awarded the top five star

  • Store staff reunion

    A REUNION party for staff at the former Gregory and Porritts store on Great Moor Street is to be held on Monday at Sweet Green Tavern, Crook Street, 7.30pm. For details phone Joanne Ball on Bolton 418955 or 392258.

  • CINEMA

    FILMS UNTIL THURSDAY, FEB 28. UGC CINEMA, Details 0870 907 0714. WARNER VILLAGE CINEMA, Details 669988. CORNERHOUSE, Iris (15); Va Savoir (PG); Late Marriage; Taxi Driver (18); A Tale of Springtime (U). Details 0161 200 1500. WARNER VILLAGE CINEMA, Pilsworth

  • Take a jump for blind charity

    BOLTON people with a head for heights can jump for charity. Adventurous volunteers are needed to skydive for Galloway's Society for the Blind. There are two types of jump available -- a Tandem Skydive from 10,000 feet attached to a professional instructor

  • Cash help on offer

    COMMUNITY groups in Bolton are to benefit from a pot of cash. A presentation ceremony of grants from the council's STB6 community grants pot takes place tonight at 7pm at Firwood House. Several groups have been successful in applications for grants to

  • Anniversary celebration for day centre

    ELDERLY people will be partying the afternoon away at Brierley House Day Centre in Little Hulton to celebrate two decades of social care facilities for the elderly. They will be honouring the 20th anniversary of the centre with a return visit by former

  • Pupils 'losing out' in national cash deal

    A LEADING councillor claims Bolton's pupils are losing out, despite a good cash deal from the Government for education. Deputy Conservative leader John Walsh has calculated how much money has been allocated for each pupil's education in Greater Manchester

  • Year round bowling

    BOWLING enthusiasts can now enjoy their hobby all year round at Withins Community Leisure Centre. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside, bowlers can get Jack High in the comfort of the leisure centre by playing indoor short mat bowling. The

  • Flats may make way for hospital parking

    A BLOCK of flats for the homeless could be pulled down to make way for much-needed car parking at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Bolton Council will review the future of Clare Court, which is used as temporary accommodation for the homeless. The site could

  • Coal protest hopes scuttled

    A ROW over a coal yard in Westhoughton has escalated after town councillors were told there was nothing they could do to change a controversial Bolton Council decision. Haulage bosses have been handed a certificate saying they can use the former Co-op

  • THEATRES

    OCTAGON THEATRE, Bolton. Of Mice and Men. The dustbowl life of migrant workers during the Depression. Runs until Saturday February 23. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50, £11 and concessions £8.50, £8.50, £7.50 and £6.50, Monday to Thursday and £14.50, £13.25

  • Strachan: No excuses if we lose

    GORDON Strachan - with only one fit regular striker available - reckons he still has enough players available to him to see off the Wanderers' challenge and will refuse to make excuses if Saints are beaten. The Saints boss said: "We've had one or two

  • Split site twist in school closure saga

    THERE has been a shock new twist to the Longsight school saga with education chiefs proposing that another primary could teach its pupils in September. The Local Education Authority has suggested that Longsight Primary pupils should join Harwood Meadows

  • Primary pupils set to mind their language

    THE Government has announced plans to bring foreign languages into primary schools. However, one primary in Bolton is already teaching its pupils French. Gayle McBain speaks to the headteacher about its benefits and looks at whether it could buck the

  • Meet the record-makers

    TWO men are hoping to become Bolton's answer to talent scouts Pete Waterman and Simon Cowell after setting up their own Pop Idol empire. Tony Sabanskis and Scott Sheridan have hired a room at a Bolton recording studio and are offering their musical services

  • League Tables

    SECTION A P W D L F A Pt Markland Hill A ... 15 13 0 2 204 66 26 Christ Church ... 14 12 0 2 178 74 24 ABC ... 13 11 0 2 164 70 22 Markland Hill B ... 14 10 0 4 148 104 20 Hawkshaw A ... 15 7 1 7 139 131 15 Bury A ... 13 7 0 6 122 112 14 Chowbent A ..

  • MUSIC AND DANCE VENUES

    WEST PENNINE MUSIC FESTIVAL. Hulme Grammar Schools, Chamber Road, Oldham. Runs from Friday February 22 to Sunday February 24. Starts Friday 5pm to 9.15pm, Saturday 9.30am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 1pm with Junior Prizewinners Concert at 2pm to 5.15pm

  • Day Unit is new venture

    THE Day Unit is one of the Hospice's latest ventures -- and staff and patients are equally pleased with the facilities. The light and airy building cost £1.5 million and opened its doors to patients in January last year. Up to 10 adults over the age of

  • Happy birthday to a 'special friend'

    MAYOR of Bolton Cllr Kevan Helsby MBE chose Bolton Hospice and The Christie Hospital, Manchester as his dedicated charities for his official year in office. Cllr Helsby said he realised the good work being carried out at the Hospice and was delighted

  • We couldn't manage without volunteers - Sister Lynn

    SISTER Lynn Bell has been with the Hospice "from day one" -- and over 10 years she has seen many changes. She now works at the new Day Unit which is "flourishing", she said. The Day Unit offers anything from a hair dresser to complimentary therapies,

  • Meet the people who really care . . .

    THERE is a dedicated and devoted team of staff members at the Bolton Hospice. Each has his or her own valuable role to play in the running of this vital service. Some of the staff and fund-raising committee members have spoken about the work they do.

  • Be a hippy chick this summer

    THE word on the street is "hippy". That's hippy chic to you and me -- boho, flower power. Call it what you will, it is going to be a summer of love according to the fashion pundits. And our picture proves it. Lace tops, tassle belts and faded, embroidered

  • Root out the right toothbrush

    By Gayle McBain THERE is something quite therapeutic about having a scale and polish at the dentist. Now, that "just been to the dentist" feeling can be achieved at home with a variety of new products. Ultrasonex is the very latest in oral hygiene --

  • Jury is out in car-jacking case

    A JURY in an alleged car-jacking case has been sent out to consider its verdict by a judge. Bolton Crown Court heard that a woman had her car stolen outside Iceland supermarket in Leigh by a man who threatened to shoot her. Patricia Sutton was putting

  • Shakers set to chance it

    SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is hoping more composure in the last third of the field will give his side the edge over relegation rivals AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries are the visitors to Gigg Lane tomorrow in what supporters are hoping won't be the last ever

  • Defender has to sit it out

    RADCLIFFE Boro's highly rated full back Rick Battersby faces the frustration of sitting out tomorrow's Unibond Division One trip to Trafford. The young defender is currently serving out a three match ban which would have been over in midweek had the Tuesday

  • I don't feel safe on my own streets!

    AN 80-year-old great-grandmother robbed in broad daylight for just £5 says she no longer feels safe in the town she has lived in all her life. Bessie Crook, of Jackson Street, Chorley, was callously mugged on Railway Street in the town as she walked her

  • Farmers urged to unite

    NORTH-west farmers are being urged to become more co-operative so they can save money. Business and finance experts would give them advice and the Co-op would provide £250,000 in funding over the next 12 months. Farmers would get technical and marketing

  • 3,000 musicians at giant gig

    ONE of the world's largest gatherings of musicians will be held in Lancashire this weekend. Blackpool Magicians' Club will hold its 50th annual convention, which is expected to draw 3,000 people. Attractions at the Winter Gardens will include a competition

  • Airport staff step up dispute

    SECURITY staff at Manchester airport stepped up their industrial action today in a dispute over proposed job cuts. More than 200 workers took to the picket line at 4am at the start of a 36-hour strike over plans to cut hundreds of jobs, slash wages, cut

  • Pc's attacker detained

    A MAN who attacked a police constable with a baseball bat during a remembrance service was today ordered to be detained in a mental hospital. Adam Culshaw, 21, "launched himself" from a monument, hitting the Chief Constable of Merseyside's personal driver

  • Schools' metal bar fencing is 'too much'

    TWO primary schools have been asked to review their security plans -- because of fears they would look like factories. Governors at High Lawn School, Sharples, and St Teresa's, Little Lever, asked if they could install fences with metal bars to keep vandals

  • Fire scare at home

    SIX elderly people were evacuated from a wing at a home for the elderly early today after a fire started in a lounge. A member of staff at Firwood House, in Glaisdale Street, Astley Bridge, spotted smoke coming from the first floor at 2.15am. It is thought

  • Soccer star's pal shot dead in pub

    A FRIEND of Manchester United soccer star Wes Brown died after being gunned down outside a pub, it emerged today. Stephen Amos, aged 21, from Longsight, became friends with the England international while playing for Hyde United and later went on to play

  • Have your say on hospital shake-up

    A RADICAL health service overhaul could see Leigh becoming a specialist centre for rehabilitation and intermediate care. Proposals to re-organise Wigan and Leigh's five hospitals include Leigh Infirmary being transformed into a centre for neurological

  • Police pledge on bag snatch gang

    POLICE chiefs have pledged to catch a gang of young thieves targeting pensioners across Bolton. Reports of handbag snatches are rising and police say an organised gang of young thugs are to blame. In the latest incident, a mugger snatched an 86-year-old

  • My two-year-old son punched Ali on nose

    BOXER Alek Penarski was a real knock-out in his younger days. And he has beaten the director of the new movie about Muhammad Ali to the punch as well. Michael Mann's heavyweight blockbuster "Ali" will not hit cinema screens in town until tonight. But

  • £65,993 for extra childcare

    BUSY parents and bored youngsters could be in luck, with new National Lottery funding for childcare places in Bury. Four projects in the borough have been successful with a total bid for £65,993 from the New Opportunities Fund. The cash is aimed at allowing

  • Junior badminton coaching course

    ARE you under 16 and interested in learning how to play badminton? Be a hit and try your hand at the junior badminton coaching course at Kearsley Community Leisure Centre, Springfield Road, Kearsley starting on Tuesday, March 12. For £1 per session, Anne

  • GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS

    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

  • Jeremy's stand-up routine

    LISTENING to the "bitter ramblings of a 40-year-old man" may sound like a night in with the other half . . . but it is in fact what is on offer as entertainment at Bolton Octagon. Comedian Jeremy Hardy, best known for his quick witted comments, insists

  • CLUBS

    HALLIWELL CENTRAL REFORM CLUB, Bolton. Richard Atlas, vocalist, Jenny Bryce, vocalist and Steve Shelly, vocalist. Saturday February 23. Also, John E Wood, vocalist and Dean Andrews, vocalist. Sunday February 24. Bingo every Wednesday and Friday. Open

  • Southampton v Wanderers: We'll be there!

    THE BEN's Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock will be at St Mary's for Wanderers' first visit to Southampton's new ground on Saturday. He will be filing latest team news, half-time and full-time reports, plus goal flashes. Click HERE for all the latest

  • Scheme won't go to waste

    HELP is at hand for Bolton businesses which want to be more environmentally friendly. The Environment Agency has put details on a new database of more than 250 companies involved in recycling industrial and commercial waste The list aims to help businesses

  • PLACES TO GO

    OSWALDTWISTLE MILLS, Collier Street, Accrington. An Aladdin's Cave of crafts, gifts and fabric. Learn about the history of the mill and its owners, the Hargreaves family in the Textile Time Tunnel. Children can enjoy the adventure playground and rides

  • Time to bring a test case to court

    THERE is a saying that there are two things certain in life, death and taxes. I would imagine that all the people who have been booked for small parking offences in Bolton pay their rates, taxes etc and are 100 per cent law abiding citizens. All the above

  • THE BEN SAYS: Victims' families must have help

    THE sister of murdered Bolton woman Liz Sherlock is in London today to ask Tony Blair to give more support to the families of crime victims. Mrs Sherlock's sister, Dr Janet McKenzie, will be delivering a letter to the Prime Minister along with Denise

  • by Karen Wheeldon, Town Centre Company Manager

    MORE than 5000 signatures have been collected from our table in the Market Hall in support of the campaign to retain the Magistrates Court in Bolton town centre. The target set by the BEN of 20,000 signatures is now in sight! If you haven't had the chance

  • Crash driver hunt

    POLICE investigations are continuing into a 'hit and run' accident which left a popular former pub landlady bleeding in the road with head and leg injuries. Great grandmother Annabel Rushton, 65, of Gloucester Road, Chorley, was "stable" in hospital following

  • Post Office iron bar terror raid

    ROBBERS armed with iron bars launched a raid on an armoured Post Office delivery van in Farnworth today. Three masked men approached a Post Office security guard making a delivery at New Bury Post Office in Barton Road. It is not thought the man was hurt

  • Drugs gang member gets seven years

    A MAN convicted of conspiring to flood the streets of Bolton with heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine was jailed for seven and a half years at Liverpool Crown Court today. Carl Entwistle, aged 21, of Cromford Close, Bromley Cross, was part of a drug-dealing

  • Kitten girls sing

    ATOMIC Kitten will play at Manchester Apollo on Saturday while Jamiroquai play at the MEN Arena on Tuesday.

  • Geri gets £750,000 softener

    GERI Halliwell met with a less than favourable response from the Brit Awards audience every time her picture was flashed up on screen -- but that shouldn't worry the former Spice Girl. She might not have won any awards at this year's showbiz love-in but

  • Respect among rappers

    THERE doesn't seem to be any rivalry between the world's two most famous white rappers -- rising star Bubba Sparxxx has said he is grateful that Eminem has had such massive success. The rapper, who has worked with Timbaland and Missy Elliott, told NME

  • Devoted to shaving

    LATIN American superstar Shakira might be the envy of women with her stunning good looks, but they might be surprised to learn that shaving hasn't always been an important part of her beauty regime. The blonde beauty, who releases her debut British single

  • Salute to Youth jazz concert

    A JAZZ "Salute to Youth" takes place this weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb 21-24) at Wigan Pier. Youth jazz orchestras from Wigan, Bolton, Leeds, Salford, Scarborough and Sefton will perform and a highlight on Saturday will be a special

  • JAZZ VENUES

    STOCK, Norfolk Street (former Stock Exchange Building), Manchester. Ring 0161 839 6644. WIGAN JAZZ CLUB at the Mill at the Pier. Salute To Youth Jazz Orchestras. Events include Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra, Sefton Youth Jazz Orchestra and Wigan Youth Jazz

  • Youri: We'll make you better, says Sam

    SAM Allardyce has told Youri Djorkaeff he has the resources to extend his glittering career. The Reebok boss even reckons his backroom team can make the World Cup winner a better player! Allardyce believes Wanderers' support staff is second to none and

  • Djorkaeff will not be a worry, says Whitlow

    YYOURI Djorkaeff can rest easy tonight in the knowledge that his new team-mates are interested in his talent rather than his temperament. The Frenchman, who is set to make his Wanderers' debut at Southampton tomorrow, has been the target for volleys of

  • Saints out to make home advantage count

    GORDON Strachan has won widespread acclaim for the job he has done in steering Southampton from crisis to comparative comfort in five months. But the Saints' boss, appointed in late October after impatient chairman Rupert Lowe called time on Stuart Gray

  • High-flyers look for survival lift-off

    REVENGE will be in the air when Wanderers' board their specially-chartered jet to Southampton tomorrow morning. The memory of Marian Pahars' late winner at the Reebok in September still wrankles, not just because it was a smash and grab raid or that it

  • The countdown is on: 12 more games to go!

    THE crunch is on for teams in the relegation zone with Wanderers. Here are the latest results and fixtures LEICESTER (Recent run) Wanderers (A) drew 2-2 Arsenal (H) lost 3-1 West Ham (A) lost 1-0 Newcastle (H) drew 0-0 Liverpool (A) lost 1-0 Chelsea (

  • Fox hunting vow

    A BOLTON MP has vowed to continue fighting for a ban on fox hunting after it was outlawed in Scotland. Bolton South-east's David Crausby said he had received more than 400 letters from constituents supporting his stance. "I am very disappointed that we

  • Scheme won't go to waste

    HELP is at hand for Bolton businesses which want to be more environmentally friendly. The Environment Agency has put details on a new database of more than 250 companies involved in recycling industrial and commercial waste The list aims to help businesses

  • Mast protest boost

    ANTI-phone mast campaigners in Bolton have a new national support group. The Campaign for Planning Sanity in Manchester is launching a new branch called Mast Sanity to support communities fighting masts and to lobby the Government. To find out more ring

  • Take a jump for blind charity

    BOLTON people with a head for heights can jump for charity. Adventurous volunteers are needed to skydive for Galloway's Society for the Blind. There are two types of jump available -- a Tandem Skydive from 10,000 feet attached to a professional instructor

  • Anniversary celebration for day centre

    ELDERLY people will be partying the afternoon away at Brierley House Day Centre in Little Hulton to celebrate two decades of social care facilities for the elderly. They will be honouring the 20th anniversary of the centre with a return visit by former

  • OAP victim of coach attack

    BURGLARS held down a pensioner on her couch as they ransacked her home. Demanding drugs, two thieves grabbed the 67-year-old woman's face and covered her mouth in the front room of her flat in Laburnum Grove, Horwich. She lay helpless as the men searched

  • POETRY READINGS

    WORDS, WIT AND THE WONDERBRA BY PAM AYRES. The nation's favourite living poet shares Noel Coward's metrical discipline, delivering the gag or poignant twist with the perfect unforced rhyme. Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton. Tuesday February

  • COMEDY

    JACK DEE returns with his own brand of deadpan comedy talking about issues of the day. Preston Guild Hall and Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, Preston. Thursday February 28. Starts 8pm. Tickets £18 and £19. Ring 01772 258858. THE MET, Market Street, Bury

  • OUT OF TOWN

    BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH ARENA, Tel 0870 444 5566. TOWER BALLROOM, Blackpool. Live music and dancing to the sounds of the Wurlitzer Organ throughout the day Monday to Saturday. Ring 01253 292029. TOWER LOUNGE, Blackpool. Shamrock Man and Friends perform

  • Glittering show

    THE legendary Neil Diamond embarks on his first major UK tour in nearly two years. Diamond is set to visit the area when he appears at the MEN Arena on July 13. Tickets go on sale today from 0161 930 8000.

  • Ideal date for Idol worship

    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

  • Junior badminton coaching course

    ARE you under 16 and interested in learning how to play badminton? Be a hit and try your hand at the junior badminton coaching course at Kearsley Community Leisure Centre, Springfield Road, Kearsley starting on Tuesday, March 12. For £1 per session, Anne

  • What is a heart attack?

    The heart pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood around the body With chronic heart disease, plaques or fatty substances build up inside the walls of the arteries The fatty build-up can lead to a blood clot reducing the flow of blood. This causes the arteries

  • 'Without the staff, Marjorie and I wouldn't be here'

    WHEN Marjorie Pennington clutched her chest and said that she felt unwell, her husband knew that she was having a heart attack. Albert recognised his wife's symptoms, after he collapsed with heart failure three years ago. Marjorie is now recovering in

  • LIVE MUSIC VENUES AND EVENTS

    LIVE ACOUSTIC NIGHT, Victoria Inn, Market Street, Westhoughton, every Tuesday evening, open mic hosted by Nick Jackson. Starts 8.30pm PRESTON GUILD HALL AND CHARTER THEATRE, Lancaster Road, Preston. Atomic Kitten. Tonight. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £16.50

  • Zumbar, Oxford Road, Manchester

    A MIXTURE of Mexican food plus a selection of world cuisine, with the laid back atmosphere of a tapas bar. After a delicious appetiser, I could hardly contain my excitement when my main course, chicken fajitas, was served sizzling in a tomato and onion

  • How the hospice came to Bolton

    IT was thanks to a group of people drawn together by the Bolton Royal Infirmary Centenary Appeal that a need for hospice care in Bolton was first recognised. That was in May 1984 -- and it marked the start of a long campaign. A steering group was created

  • 10 years old - and now for the future

    CONGRATULATIONS to the Bolton Hospice as it celebrates 10 years in the town. It is a decade since this remarkable charity first opened its doors to patients after years of planning and fund-raising -- a fantastic achievement and one everyone involved

  • . . . and the families who get to feel the benefit

    MIKE Cotter is the husband of Barbara, an in-patient at the Bolton Hospice. Here Mike tells the emotive story of his wife's time in the Hospice and talks of the fears they had before she was admitted, fears which were soon to be proved unfounded. His

  • Hospice Diary: From the BEN Files

    Here is how the last 16 years have seen the hospice develop from a dream to a reality as reported in the Bolton Evening News at the time. January 1986 Local campaigners have not given up hope of establishing a hospice for the terminally ill in Bolton

  • Nick's Restaurant, Chorley Old Road, Bolton

    THE extensive menu had 16 starters, with seven more on the specials board from which I chose mussels done the French way with cream, pepper and parsley. My husband chose the trout, a whole fish grilled with rosemary and mint sprigs tucked under the skin

  • Sexy satin will add a touch of glamour to your bedroom

    IF you fancy a sexier boudoir this spring then Littlewoods has just the thing. Their fabulous collection of great soft furnishings are sure to add a touch of glamour to any interior. Why not adorn your bed with an exquisite satin throw or two and indulge

  • Town team eyes final

    BOLTON Under 14s face their toughest test of the season when they travel to take on Trafford in the semi final of the Greater Manchester Schools' Talbot Cup at Ashton on Mersey tomorrow. The town team have been in fine form since the turn of the year

  • £2.3m windfall

    SEVERAL North-west voluntary organisations will share in a £2.3 million cash windfall to provide support to families. The funding is the latest round of the Home Office's Family Support Grant programme.

  • Jungle challenge

    CHILDREN Today is looking for adventurous men and women to take part in the challenge of a lifetime -- in the remote jungles of Borneo. The charity specialises in providing specialist equipment for disabled children. For an information pack ring Children

  • Beatle George honoured again

    FORMER Beatle George Harrison has been given a place on Liverpool's wall of fame -- for a second time. A bronze plaque is to be unveiled in the city's Mathew Street for Harrison's single My Sweet Lord. The song was first released in 1971 but was reissued

  • Gales hit main line trains

    THE West Coast main line between the North-west and Glasgow was blocked indefinitely after a tree fell onto the track during strong gales today. The 6.25am service from London Euston to Glasgow was blocked after a tree fell on to the track near Ecclefechan

  • Joyce joins star trek for child charity

    INTREPID Bolton woman Joyce Holden joined star trekkers for an experience of a lifetime in aid of charity. Wrapped up in thermals and struggling with heavy duty sleeping bags, the 53-year-old joined TV presenters Mariella Frostrup and Penny Smith on a

  • The stage is set for the plaster cast

    IT threatened to be "Woe-men of the Guard" when members of a Bolton amateur dramatic company decided to stage a Gilbert and Sullivan classic next month. Because when friends wished performers luck with the traditional theatre greeting "break a leg", the

  • Sister's crime victims appeal to PM

    THE sister of murdered Bolton woman Liz Sherlock was at 10 Downing Street today to urge Tony Blair to give more support to families of crime victims. Dr Janet McKenzie -- along with the mothers of murdered children James Bulger and Sarah Payne -- will

  • Beeb should take blame, not Sara

    BOLTON DJ Sara Cox came under fire again this week when comedian Ali G turned the airwaves blue with sexual references and crude comments on her breakfast show. Does the controversial celebrity deserve the criticism or is she just an easy target? DAVID

  • SPORTS

    GREAT LEVER COMMUNITY CENTRE, Bradford Road, Bolton. Thai Boxing Tuesday 7-8pm. Thai Boxing for children Saturdays, noon to 1pm. Tel Bolton 522568. Ju-Jitsu and Kempo Karate for six to 15-year-olds. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Starts 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

  • Country Parks

    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 0161 790 7746. CLIFTON COUNTRY PARK AND WET EARTH COLLIERY, Clifton

  • Derby Darts

    RESULTS: Ladies Taverners 4 Boardwalkers 11; Carol's Girls 5 Guns/Roses 10; Jackie's Girls 8 Farmers 7; Three/Bed 13 Cattlemarket 2; Shirley's Girls 9 RHCC 6. High scores -- J Hilton 92 80 85 81 120; K Owen 81 105 136 79; S Green 85 81 81 81 100 90. One

  • Little Lever Darts

    MEN SECTION A P F A Pt Ring O Bells A ... 136 98 38 98 White Horse A ... 128 90 38 90 WMC D ... 128 87 41 87 Jolly Carter Z ... 128 85 43 85 WMC G ... 120 66 54 66 WMC A ... 128 66 62 66 Farmers Arms ... 128 63 65 63 Con Club ... 112 57 55 57 Church A

  • Now Sam wants Real defender

    FIVE new signings in six weeks have strengthened Wanderers' survival squad but Sam Allardyce is still looking for reinforcements. The Wanderers' boss confirmed today that he wants Real Madrid's 27-year-old centre-back Ramos Ivan Campo - as revealed in

  • The Lawro factor strikes again

    WANDERERS and Saints have one thing in common going into their six-pointer on the South Coast tomorrow - TV pundit Mark Lawrenson has written both teams off. Wanderers fans have famously issued an on-screen challenge to the former Liverpool star to shave