Archive

  • Wanderers to miss African ace - again!

    SAM Allardyce fears he could miss out on Marseille hard-man Abdoulaye Meite for the second time in a year. The package deal for the Ivory Coast international is likely to be just too hot for the Wanderers boss to handle in the January transfer window

  • Kidney swap duo's perfect Christmas present

    BROTHER and sister Matthew and Emma Rimmer are home for Christmas after a life-saving kidney swap. They spent eight hours undergoing operations last week so that Emma, aged 27, could donate one of her healthy kidneys to her desperately ill younger

  • Businessman's £90m bingo sale

    A BOLTON businessman has hit the jackpot after selling his bingo hall chain. Panico Panayi, from Markland Hill, whose company Cambos Enterprises is based in Canal Street, Manchester, has sold his Buckingham Bingo empire to Alchemy Partners for £90 million

  • Coffee evening helps Blue Peter

    * The 'Blue Peter' appeal was aided by a group of people from Whitefield. A sum of £275 was raised by John Slattery and wife Marilyn, who held a coffee evening and bring and buy sale in aid of the appeal: From the Guide files of December 19, 1980 * The

  • School figures released in closure threat

    EDUCATION bosses have published a table showing the number of applications for the borough's secondary schools next year, by first preference. The figures show that only two state schools and two faith schools were over-subscribed, and only one of those

  • Hard man Phil's life of high drama

    THE life story of footballer Phil Stant is a world away from today's multi-millionaire players. Neil Bonnar talks to the author of a new autobiography, "Ooh Ah Stantona" THOSE who agree with Bill Shankly that football is more important than life or death

  • Pooling our views on nightclub site

    RE your article on Monday about the plans for apartments on the site of the old Atlantis nightclub. I must say, I have to agree with Cllr Lever in his comments for more leisure facilities, especially for children. Wouldn't it be great, in the light of

  • Parking in bus lanes should be stopped

    WELL, here we go again, more cameras to be installed, this time to stop drivers in bus lanes - how ridiculous! Take St Helens Road as a prime example. It as a narrow road to start with, with a bus lane going into Bolton, and cars parked on the other side

  • The free parking debate

    IN seeking to justify his refusal to accept my suggestion of some limited free parking to support Bolton town centre, Cllr Roger Hayes says I should have first raised the matter at the policy development group (PDG). Let us be clear. The issue arose because

  • Football: Bury Sunday League league tables

    Premier Division P W D L Pt Elton Vale Sports 7 6 1 0 19 Edenfield H&J 8 6 1 2 19 Waggonmakers 10 5 2 3 17 Dragon 6 5 1 0 16 Plough FC 8 4 2 2 14 Huntley Mount 9 3 2 4 11 The Cave 9 3 1 5 10 Halfway House 10 1 0 9 3 Ainsworth Arms 8 0 0 8 0 DIVISION

  • Park Juniors: TRAFFORD MV 17 SEDGLEY PARK 10

    Lancashire & Cheshire Senior Colts (Under 19s) A League: Trafford took the lead with an early penalty, then went 10-0 ahead when poor Sedgley handling presented a loose ball on half-way. A quick player in the centre did the rest. Sedgley had plenty

  • Bowls: Prestwich & District League

    At the recent AGM, it was voted that teams will continue to consist of ten male players for the 2006 season. Hopwood Unionists had two teams accepted into the League, with Prestwich Liberal Club and Bailey Street entering additional teams, providing a

  • Pool: Radcliffe League

    THERE will be a delegates meeting on Monday, January 2, starting at 8.30pm at the Masons Arms, Sion Street, Radcliffe for collection of the third and final months subscriptions of £30 and return of the ladies/mixed doubles KO registration forms and fees

  • Tim gets tough

    DONCASTER v SEDGLEY PARK National Division One Tuesday, December 27 TIME for a reality check - as the halfway stage of the season approaches, Sedgley Park are bottom of the National One pile, with relegation staring them in the face. Unless something

  • Pit disaster is remembered

    DESCENDANTS of the victims were among more than 100 people who paid tribute to the victims on the 95th anniversary of the Pretoria Pit Disaster in Westhoughton. Pupils from Westhoughton High School, who have staged a play about the disaster, took part

  • Woman accused of taking toddler

    A WOMAN has appeared in court following the disappearance of a two-year-old child from a day centre in Leigh. Rebecca Bushnell, aged 21, from Wigan, has been charged with taking a child from a responsible person. The toddler disappeared from Stonehouse

  • Christmas shoppers wait on bargains

    ABOUT 200 Christmas shoppers queued outside a top Bolton town centre store on Friday morning waiting for the doors to open at 8am. The two entrances to Marks and Spencer were packed with shoppers hunting for last minute bargains. Shopping centre chiefs

  • Captain's job up for grabs

    A FOUR-WAY battle is developing for the captaincy of Leigh Centurions next season. Coach Tony Benson sees the role as key one and is prepared to bide his time to ensure he names the right player. Benson says: "I've always been of the opinion that the

  • 'Beacon' wins it for Barbara

    AN UNSWORTH woman has won a competition to name a new £6 million state-of-the-art building at Bury College. Barbara Hall, who is an education support worker at the college, chose the name 'The Beacon Centre' and it was approved by the college board. Barbara

  • Pupils' 'arty' lunch and tour

    PUPILS at Prestwich Arts College taking their GCSE exams in art were treated to lunch and a tour around the science laboratories at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester on Monday. The hospital invited the students in appreciation of their hard work after

  • Apartment fire

    A MALE resident was treated by paramedics after being overcome by smoke when a fire broke out at his flat. The 25-year-old occupant was given oxygen but declined to be taken to hospital following the blaze on Sunday morning in Abingdon Close, Whitefield

  • Fine for foul language man

    FOUL language towards a police officer led to a £220 fine for a Whitefield man. Dean Alexander Heywood (25), of Rydal Grove, had failed to answer a summons in respect of a public order offence but the case was found proved in his absence by Bury magistrates

  • Road rage

    A WHITEFIELD builder was found guilty of a road rage incident after a trial at Bury magistrates. Kieron Johnson (51), of Eight Acre, had denied charges of assault and driving without reasonable consideration for other users. But the case against him was

  • Go-ahead for street to get second mast

    A SECOND mobile telephone mast is to be erected in one Prestwich street despite concerns from residents. Members of Bury Councils planning control committee gave the go-ahead at a meeting on Tuesday for Vodafone to build a 13.3-metre-high mast on Whittaker

  • PCT gear up for winter months

    BURY'S health agencies have been working hard to make sure they are prepared for the increased demand on patient services during the winter months. Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT), together with the Acute Trust, Mental Health Trust and Social Services,

  • Doorstep criminals warning

    POLICE are appealing to residents in Prestwich and Whitefield to keep on their guard against unscrupulous doorstep criminals. Over the last few weeks there has been an increase in burglaries across the borough, particularly targeting the elderly. Thieves

  • Recylce is festive message

    'TIS the season to recycle' - that's the festive message from waste disposal bosses. Bury households will produce around 30,000 tonnes of rubbish this Christmas, including 4.4 million cards and enough wrapping paper to cover four or five football pitches

  • Man died day after stairs fall

    ALCOHOLIC Christopher McMullen died a day after falling down the stairs at a men's hostel in Prestwich. The father-of-one was unable to stand on his leg but refused to be taken to hospital when paramedics turned up at the shelter in Bury Old Road on June

  • Go careful with credit this Christmas

    YOUNG adults are being warned to go careful with credit this Christmas. Bury's trading standards department has joined a national campaign, Be Choosy About Credit, to help those aged 18 to 24. Surveys show that this age group is the most likely to spend

  • Going to school pays off for pupils

    TEN pupils were rewarded for their excellent attendance record at Hayward Secondary School. They each received £5 gift vouchers from the Great Lever Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder (GLNMP) which is sponsoring the schools ongoing awards scheme for

  • Smoke shuts fashion shop

    A TOWN centre store was forced to close on Thursday after an electrical fault filled the shop with smoke. Sixteen members of staff and 12 customers were evacuated from World of Fashion, Bradshawgate, Bolton, at 3.30pm after smoke began to billow from

  • Christmas cards recycling boost

    BOLTON shoppers donated 1.3 tonnes of Christmas cards equivalent to the weight of a family car - at the towns Crompton Place shopping centre recycling centre. Mark Rycraft, centre manager, said: "Last year, our plea to re-cycle as many Christmas cards

  • Going to school pays off for pupils

    TEN pupils were rewarded for their excellent attendance record at Hayward Secondary School. They each received £5 gift vouchers from the Great Lever Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder (GLNMP) which is sponsoring the schools ongoing awards scheme for

  • Revamp for rail station

    MORE improvements have been planned for Kearsley railway station in the New Year as part of an ongoing £600,000 project. Pedestrian and vehicle access will be improved when the new work begins on January 9. It will see the renovation of car parking and

  • Woman accused of taking toddler

    A WOMAN has appeared in court following the disappearance of a two-year-old child from a day centre. Rebecca Bushnell, aged 21, from Wigan, has been charged with taking a child from a responsible person. The toddler disappeared from Stonehouse Resource

  • Champion choice - a 65lbturkey!

    TURKEY traders are braced for the busiest time of the year. But it will take a family with a giant appetite to snap up a whopping 65lb bird on sale at Premium Fish and Poultry in Ashburner Street Market, Bolton. Owner Peter Kay said: "I bought the turkey

  • Courtney's so special Christmas

    CHRISTMAS will be extra special for seven-year-old Courtney Atkinson. Just six months ago she lay seriously injured in hospital after being hit by a car outside her school. But after 12 operations she has made a remarkable recovery - so much so, she has

  • If the council needs cutbacks, let's start at the top

    THE buttered slice of bread accidentally dropped, inevitably lands on the floor butter-side down. The postman and the newspaper delivery boy inevitably leave the gate open, and at this time of year, Bury MBC inevitably whinge about unfair financing from

  • Stubbs plans Wanderers' return

    ALAN Stubbs is expected to be back at the heart of the Sunderland defence when Wanderers visit the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day. The former Bolton captain has been out of action for a month with a groin problem, but came through a reserve team outing

  • Heartbreak!

    A COUPLE mourning the loss of their baby son have suffered further heartbreak after ornaments were stolen from his grave. Tee Jay Newman was delivered stillborn on June 23 and was buried in the graveyard of St Mary's Church in Prestwich. His parents Michelle

  • Fairfield petition gets full council backing

    BURY'S political leaders have thrown their combined weight behind the campaign to save Fairfield Hospital's maternity services. And they cheered when residents handed over a mammoth petition of 38,000 signatures last week's council meeting. All three

  • Council hope for more cash

    TOWN Hall leaders are keeping their fingers crossed after a money-seeking mission to London. They met Phil Woolas, local government minister, and pressed their case for a better financial deal from the Government. Up to 75 jobs, plus £10 million of cuts

  • Mercy mission for soldier John

    A WHITEFIELD soldier is helping to build winter shelters to provide health and education for survivors of the Pakistan earthquake. Sapper John Howarth is based in the town of Bagh in the Kashmir province, alongside colleagues from the 59 Independent Commando

  • Political and voluntary worker dies aged 73

    A MAN well-known for his political and voluntary work throughout the community has died at the age of 73. Mr Bernard Howcroft collapsed at his home in Brookdene Road, Unsworth, on Sunday, a fortnight after being released from hospital. He was the husband

  • Probus Club

    THE scheduled speaker for our meeting on December 15 was our popular fellow member and press secretary, Mr Bernard Howcroft. Unfortunately, a few days before he was due to talk to us, Bernard had to withdraw due to ill-health. Fortunately, after several

  • Richard proves teachers wrong with a n-ice job

    A YOUNG man who was told he "wouldn't go far" by his teachers has proved them wrong by securing a job at the other side of the world. Richard Hall (24), of Heys Road, Prestwich, works for the British Antarctic Survey and in January he will travel to Antarctica

  • Becky takes Euro title

    BECKY Abbott is going up in the world. The 11-year-old St Peter's Junior School pupil has won the World Amateur Kickboxing Organisation European championship in the 28kg category. Becky is a real all-rounder. She plays in the school's football and rugby

  • East ease fears of drop

    LEIGH East ended 2005 on a high with a third successive win which, while not taking them out of danger, at least gives them the incentive for a last big push in the new year. Yet, typical of this season, they made hard work of this victory over a St Judes

  • Family wins civil battle

    THE family of road victim Natalie Pickwick-Jones has won a civil claim against the driver whose car knocked her down. The 15-year-old Radcliffe High schoolgirl died in February last year after the collision in Bolton Road. Parents David and Elaine Jones

  • Flixton v FC United

    FC UNITED can stretch their lead at the top of Division Two to a massive 16 points if results go their way on Boxing Day. Karl Marginson's side take on third-placed Flixton without striker Jonathan Mitten, who has left the club due to work commitments

  • Radcliffe ladies' darts league

    Results Swan & Railway B 5, Wilton 4; Staff B 4, Hare & Hounds 5; Lord Raglan 0, Swan & Railway A 9; Morning Star 3, Shirt 6; Old Cross 4, Staff A 5. TABLE WLFAPt Swan & Railway A100711920 Shirt91583218 Swan & Railway B64454512 Morning

  • Radcliffe Boro v Ashton United by Marc Higginson

    RADCLIFFE Boro manager Kevin Glendon is hoping his side can make Christmas Turkeys out of the Ashton Robins in the Boxing Day derby clash at the Inn2gether Stadium. Boro grabbed an impressive point at Gateshead on Saturday and face another struggling

  • Glendon's men make their point: GATESHEAD 0, RADCLIFFE BORO 0

    RADCLIFFE Boro braved freezing North East temperatures to hold out for a point against fellow strugglers Gateshead. Although Kevin Glendon's side were put under intense pressure, a resilient defensive display was enough to earn a vital point heading into

  • Under-aged drinking target

    As schools in the borough close for the Christmas holidays, police have launched a major crackdown on under-age drinking. Officers will be stepping up patrols in and around town centres to curb anti-social behaviour over the festive period, and a high

  • Web launch for travel agency

    PR World Travel, with a branch in Radcliffe, has become the first independent travel company in the area to launch a fully bookable website. The website, which goes under the name of www.beachbargains.com, searches through over 2.5 million holiday ideas

  • Blaze drives family from home

    A FAMILY of four have been left homeless at Christmas after a hairdryer caught fire in an upstairs bedroom, spreading to the rest of the house. Susan Tebay (47), of Prestolee Road, Stoneclough, says she and her partner David Lowe (52) are counting their

  • Outstanding inspection at St John's

    PUPILS at a Radcliffe primary school have helped to achieve outstanding results in their recent Ofsted inspection. St John's CE Primary School, which serves pupils in an area with severe deprivation, has been recognised by the government as making 'very

  • Cricket club crisis meeting

    A SPECIAL meeting has been called by members of Radcliffe Cricket Club in a bid to repair a rift between players and the management. Many members of the first team say they will not play under the current management structure, after Mr Chris Franklin

  • Giant-sized drive to Africa adds up

    IT IS not often you see an accountant riding around in an old banger, but Jim Gorton is doing just that to raise money for a Radcliffe landmark. On Saturday, Jim, from Gortons Accountants in Blackburn Street, Radcliffe, joined his cousin Jim Ball to embark

  • Brave Amy's Palace date

    AMY Lewis was rewarded for making it to the top of the highest mountain in England and Wales - with a trip to Buckingham Palace. The ten-year-old, who suffers from Evan's Syndrome, beat the pain barrier to reach the top of Mount Snowdon earlier this year

  • Richard proves teachers wrong with a n-ice job

    A YOUNG man who was told he "wouldn't go far" by his teachers has proved them wrong by securing a job at the other side of the world. Richard Hall (24), of Heys Road, Prestwich, works for the British Antarctic Survey and in January he will travel to Antarctica

  • Panto time

    TICKETS are on sale for Radcliffe's New Year panto - The Ice Queen. Actors from Radcliffe URC have been busy rehearsing for the show at Radcliffe Civic Suite. Performances will take place on January 12, 13 and 14 and tickets can be obtained from Vera

  • Captain's job up for grabs

    A FOUR-WAY battle is developing for the captaincy of Leigh Centurions next season. Coach Tony Benson sees the role as key one and is prepared to bide his time to ensure he names the right player. Benson says: "I've always been of the opinion that the

  • Panto time

    TICKETS are on sale for Radcliffe's New Year panto - The Ice Queen. Actors from Radcliffe URC have been busy rehearsing for the show at Radcliffe Civic Suite. Performances will take place on January 12, 13 and 14 and tickets can be obtained from Vera

  • Kev wants festive joy

    RADCLIFFE Boro manager Kevin Glendon is hoping his side can make Christmas turkeys out of Ashton United's Robins in their Boxing Day derby clash at the Inn2gether Stadium (3pm). Boro grabbed an impressive point at Gateshead on Saturday and face another

  • Case adjourned

    A WOMAN has appeared in court accused of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act involving amounts totalling more than £31,000. Lindsey Taylor (21), of Hamer Street, Radcliffe, faces eight charges which involve acquiring criminal property and converting

  • Community choir pitches in for charity

    AFFETSIDE choir entertained audiences at Radcliffe United Reformed Church to help raise money for Bury Hospice. And not only did the group of around 30 singers perform some of the most well-known traditional Christmas carols, their repertoire also included

  • Up to their elbows in creativity

    CHILDREN from Radcliffe have been getting their hands dirty while learning about the roles people play in the community. Artists from the Action Factory scheme, based in Blackburn, visited Chapelfield Primary School to work on sculptures reflecting the

  • Flixton v FC United

    FC UNITED can stretch their lead at the top of Division Two to a massive 16 points if results go their way on Boxing Day. Karl Marginson's side take on third-placed Flixton without striker Jonathan Mitten, who has left the club due to work commitments

  • Shakers v Grimsby Town by Phil Thorp

    FOUR games in eight frantic days is the daunting schedule for the Shakers over the Christmas period. But it's a programme that, if all goes well, could see Chris Casper's men catapult themselves onto the edge of the promotion play-off places. A Boxing

  • Hard man Phil's life of high drama

    THE life story of footballer Phil Stant is a world away from today's multi-millionaire players. Neil Bonnar talks to the author of a new autobiography, "Ooh Ah Stantona" THOSE who agree with Bill Shankly that football is more important than life or death

  • 'Lanky' debate will last for years

    I AM 22 years old and, as far as I'm concerned, I live in Greater Manchester, not Lancashire. Bolton has been, and still is, part of Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester was formed in 1974 under government reforms and had its own county council, which

  • Passive smoke blindness link

    A BOLTON eye doctor whose research linked smoking to blindness, is backing claims that passive smoking can be just as dangerous. Dr Simon Kelly, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Royal Bolton Hospital, says that for people subjected to passive smoking

  • Pupils think of others to raise £3,000

    AT a time when all thoughts are on the biggest and best Christmas presents, pupils at Parrenthorn High School dug deep in their pockets for a number of charities. Every year the students hold a variety of fundraising events over a two-week period and

  • Contracts on cards for Reds defenders

    ACCRINGTON Stanley's star defenders are set to have their hard work rewarded with new contracts. Michael Welch and Leam Richardson only signed deals until January when they joined the Reds in the summer. But chairman Eric Whalley is planning to offer

  • Legal payout for parents of tragic Natalie

    THE family of tragic road victim, Natalie Pickwick-Jones, has won a civil claim against the driver whose car knocked her down. The 15-year-old Radcliffe High schoolgirl died in February last year after the collision in Bolton Road. Parents David and Elaine

  • Traders' fury over building delays

    TOWN centre traders claim their businesses are being destroyed by delays to two major building projects. Work was due to be completed on the new £3 million arched bridge and rebuilt bus station in Newport Street, Bolton, by the Autumn - but both projects

  • Kidney swap duo's perfect Christmas present

    BROTHER and sister Matthew and Emma Rimmer are home for Christmas after a life-saving kidney swap. They spent eight hours undergoing operations last week so that Emma, aged 27, could donate one of her healthy kidneys to her desperately ill younger brother

  • Town hall welcomes new planning chief

    A NEW chief planning officer is to take up his post at Bolton Council in February. Tim Hill joins the local authority from the North-west Regional Assembly, where he has been the director of planning, housing, transport and sustainability for the past

  • Strugglers facing crucial festive crunch

    IT'S a battle of the under-supported clubs at Hilton Park on Boxing Day as Leigh RMI try to battle out of the relegation zone against Harrogate Town. It's the first of three games over the festive period that could have a major bearing on the future of

  • Traders' fury over building delays

    TOWN centre traders claim their businesses are being destroyed by delays to two major building projects. Work was due to be completed on the new £3 million arched bridge and rebuilt bus station in Newport Street, Bolton, by the Autumn - but both projects

  • Boxers look back on top year

    AS 2005 comes to a close, Leigh Amateur Boxing Club can look back on its most successful year in its short four year history. February saw welterweight Ihtzaz Ballal box in the Four Nations Tournament in Bolton, while a couple of weeks later, 13-year-old

  • Well done, Emma

    TO be commended, PE teacher Emma Rimmer has donated one of her kidneys to brother Matthew. No wonder mum Marlene Rimmer is so very proud of her son, and in particular her daughter, who has so graciously given one of her kidneys to her brother. It is brilliant

  • Tribute to MP and staff

    FOLLOWING the inquest into the death of my husband David Hickson (October 22), I would like to thank my MP Dr Brian Iddon and his staff. They were a tremendous help during the traumatic period when the Orkney Police had given up on the retrieval of my

  • Weak arguments will not help asylum case

    I WOULD like to ask Florence Hill which line in my letter to the Bolton Evening News stated that the Sukula family shouldn't be allowed to stay in Britain, or that I didn't care. I merely pointed out the "arguments" printed in the paper were weak and

  • Bun blast

    McDONALDS in Whitefield has been hit by the oil depot inferno in Hemel Hempstead. A sign apologising for the possibility of a restricted menu choice was put up at the branch, because one of the companys bakeries producing burger buns, sited near the refinery

  • Bach service

    PARISHIONERS at St Mary's Church in Prestwich were tuned in to the radio on Sunday. As part of the regular service at 10.30am, a performance by organist Dr John Ellis formed part of a nationwide celebration of John Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue.

  • Drink-driver was pregnant

    EXPECTANT mother Louise Ranahan crashed into the back of a recovery truck after she had been drinking, a court was told. Her car got attached to the truck which wasn't able to stop for 100 yards, magistrates in Manchester heard. Ranahan (27), of Naden

  • Rubbish fine

    HOMEOWNERS face a fine of £5,000 if they get rid of their rubbish to unlicensed 'waste cowboys'. New laws require all householders to use authorised carriers. Town hall bosses say people knock on the door and offer a cheap deal to take away rubbish, before

  • Golf course gets 'mag' vote

    HEATON Park's golf course has been voted the best municipal golf course of 2005 by readers of GOLFPUNK magazine. The 18-hole course was designed by five-times Open Champion J.H. Taylor and opened to the public in 1912. It will host the 2006 Faldo Series

  • Rubbish fine

    HOMEOWNERS face a fine of £5,000 if they get rid of their rubbish to unlicensed 'waste cowboys'. New laws require all householders to use authorised carriers. Town hall bosses say people knock on the door and offer a cheap deal to take away rubbish, before

  • Playgroup keeps old country ties

    A MOTHER-OF-TWO from Whitefield is getting ready to start up an Italian playgroup in the New Year. Maria Bucalo, from Hardmans Road, will be helping children up to four and their Italian-speaking parents from January. The aim of the scheme is to encourage

  • Shakers face festive crunch

    FOUR games in eight frantic days is the daunting schedule for the Shakers over the Christmas period. But it's a programme that, if all goes well, could see Chris Casper's men catapult themselves onto the edge of the promotion play-off places. A Boxing

  • Move to slow school traffic

    TRAFFIC calming measures are to be introduced near to a school in Walkden to improve safety for pupils and parents. Salford City Council has approved a proposal to introduce "Safer Routes to School" at St George's High School in Parsonage Drive. Red patches

  • Town hall welcomes new planning chief

    A NEW chief planning officer is to take up his post at Bolton Council in February. Tim Hill joins the local authority from the North-west Regional Assembly, where he has been the director of planning, housing, transport and sustainability for the past

  • Move to slow school traffic

    TRAFFIC calming measures are to be introduced near to a school in Walkden to improve safety for pupils and parents. Salford City Council has approved a proposal to introduce "Safer Routes to School" at St George's High School in Parsonage Drive. Red patches

  • Festive party from around the world

    CHILDREN new to Bolton enjoyed a traditional festive party when Father Christmas dropped by to entertain around 50 children and their parents from different parts of the world. Bolton-based Starting Point is an organisation which gives children, aged

  • Businessman's £90m bingo sale

    A BOLTON businessman has hit the jackpot after selling his bingo hall chain. Panico Panayi, from Markland Hill, whose company Cambos Enterprises is based in Canal Street, Manchester, has sold his Buckingham Bingo empire to Alchemy Partners for £90 million

  • Black marks for council on white lines

    TOWN Hall bosses have been accused of throwing away council taxpayers' money by repainting markings on a busy Bolton road - just weeks before it was resurfaced. Leading Tory, Cllr John Walsh, has hit out at council leaders after they admitted they will

  • Old police station is sold for £276,000

    A CRUMBLING police station has fetched four times its expected value at auction - and could now be turned into flats. Developers became locked in a bidding war which pushed the price of Westhoughton police station well beyond the guide value of £70,000

  • It's the big heave for firemen

    A TEAM of firefighters pulled a fire engine through the streets of Bolton on Thursday as part of a four-day charity marathon to raise funds for the family of a dead colleague. The fundraising event was dedicated to Paul Cross, a 31-year-old firefighter

  • Churches full of festive cheer

    BOLTON churches are expecting to be fuller this Christmas than for years as more people than ever flock through their doors . A new national survey reveals more than four in every 10 adults intend visiting church this festive season, up by 10 per cent

  • Wanderers to miss African ace - again!

    SAM Allardyce fears he could miss out on Marseille hard-man Abdoulaye Meite for the second time in a year. The package deal for the Ivory Coast international is likely to be just too hot for the Wanderers boss to handle in the January transfer window.

  • Festive underage boozing targeted by police patrols

    AS schools and colleges in the borough close for the Christmas holidays, police have launched a major crackdown on underage drinking. Officers will be stepping up patrols in and around the town centres to curb anti-social behaviour over the festive period

  • Pupils think of others to raise £3,000

    AT a time when all thoughts are on the biggest and best Christmas presents, pupils at Parrenthorn High School dug deep in their pockets for a number of charities. Every year the students hold a variety of fundraising events over a two-week period and

  • Fish and chips is a recipe for 50 years of marriage

    A FISH and chip shop in Prestwich might seem an unlikely place for the start of a lasting relationship, but William and Marina Swinburn have spent 50 years together after meeting there. William, who lived in Newcastle at the time, was staying with friends

  • Man fell 80ft onto motorway

    A FATHER-of-four plunged to his death from a tram bridge in Whitefield, an inquest was told. Craig Batey, who had suffered from mental ill-health, died instantly when falling around 80ft onto the slip-road of the M60 motorway on the evening of March 5

  • There's no copyright on Jesus, he belongss to us all

    CHRISTMAS and Christianity is only for rich, western society! True or false? We in Churches Together in Prestwich know this to be false. Unfortunately, many people believe this to be true. Why do they have this misconception? Is it because all our images

  • Vital victory for Tyldesley

    TYLDESLEY RU secured a vital 35-5 win with an outstanding second half performance against visitors Widnes at St George's Park. An even first half saw two Ashley Worsfold penalties just shade the half for the home side. However after the break that all

  • Mighty Miners go second

    EAST HULL 0, LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 16 by Jeff Gorse: Leigh Miners Rangers moved into second place in the league with one of the results of the season, defeating previous incumbents of second spot East Hull in outstanding fashion at Rosmead Street. With

  • Hawks fall to injury time score

    FOR a second week in succession Leigh RU Hawks were involved in a thrilling game that went down to the last seconds of injury time. Due to traffic problems the Hawks arrived later than they would have liked and started the game without adequate preparation

  • Boxers look back on top year

    AS 2005 comes to a close, Leigh Amateur Boxing Club can look back on its most successful year in its short four year history. February saw welterweight Ihtzaz Ballal box in the Four Nations Tournament in Bolton, while a couple of weeks later, 13-year-old

  • Football: CITC back

    MANCHESTER City Football Club's 'City in the Community' will be restarting its popular and well attended football courses for youngsters aged 6-11yrs at Radcliffe Borough Football Club's astro turf facility on Thursday January, 12 between 4pm and 5pm

  • Fans grill manager

    BORO fans had their chance to grill manager Kevin Glendon and chairman Bernard Manning Jnr before the Lincoln United clash earlier this month. Glendon explained that the club will be setting up a reserve team for next season, under the guidance of current

  • Hurst is handed a fitness boost

    RADCLIFFE Boro keeper Danny Hurst received an early Christmas present when he found out that his injury isn't as bad as first feared. A training ground injury looked to have sidelined the 6ft 4in stopper for the considerable future but the doctors now

  • Postcard from Oz

    RADCLIFFE Cricket Club's Phil Hayes is spending the winter playing cricket in Hobart, Tasmania. Here is the latest instalment in his Radcliffe Times diary: THE last couple of weeks haven't produced as much cricket as I would have liked. A couple of washed

  • Scout scoops

    THE 100 draw for this month was as follows: 1st (£25) 76, 2nd (£15) 39 and 3rd (£10) 86. Well done to all our winners. There are numbers available for next year, please speak to Steve Davies or any ADC for information. Congratulations to Gill and Alan

  • Town hall backs fight for baby unit

    BURY'S political leaders have thrown their combined weight behind the campaign to save Fairfield Hospital's maternity services. And they cheered when residents handed over a mammoth petition of 38,000 signatures before last week's council meeting. All

  • Poor man's Italian job boosts Bury Hospice

    A FUNDRAISING challenge has seen Radcliffe businessman Barry Chadwick make his way to Europe in aid of Bury Hospice. Along with a drinking pal at his local pub in Darwen, Barry decided to take on the £20 challenge with his friend Dave Brown. Barry, who

  • Pyjama party for pooches

    SIX staff at a kennels bedded down for the night alongside the pets they care for in a charity sleepover. The kennels are at Scotson Fold Petcare Centre in Radcliffe. And the overnight stay raised £1,025 for the Destitute Animal Shelter in Bolton, which

  • Click for bus and train times

    CHRISTMAS public transport information is just a call or click away. Passengers are being encouraged to find out how their bus, train or tram services are running over the festive period by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or by visiting www.gmpte.com

  • Charge denied

    A MAN has elected trial at the crown court to face an allegation of assaulting a woman at a barbecue during a summer party. Christopher Dunlop (37), of Shire Gardens, Radcliffe, has denied a charge of assaulting Joanne Whineray causing actual bodily harm

  • Market thank-you

    DEMOLITION work on the former Kwik Save store in Radcliffe town centre is nearing completion. And traders at Radcliffe market hall have given contractors a big pat on the back for the way they have kept disruption to a minimum. According to markets management

  • Pensioners tuck in with Rotary Club hosts

    RADCLIFFE'S over-70s were treated to an afternoon of festive fun at the annual Rotary Club Christmas lunch. More than 200 elderly people dined at Radcliffe Civic Suite and enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment. Radcliffe Rotary's own Tony Leach kicked

  • Credit alert to under-25s

    YOUNG adults are being warned to go careful with credit this Christmas. Bury's trading standards department has joined a national campaign, "Be choosy about credit", to help those aged 18 to 24. Surveys show that this age group is the most likely to spend

  • Last-ditch plea over bike sales

    Police and trading standards officers in Bury are urging shops to act responsibly when selling off-road bikes this Christmas to help stop them being used illegally. Throughout Thursday, officers along with the Vehicle Inspectorate, visited a numbers of

  • Why borough is a safe bet

    THE Bury borough is one of the safest places to do business in Greater Manchester, according to a survey on business crime. Companies in the borough are paying an average of £1,441 every year on repairing vandalised property and replacing stolen equipment

  • Winter care all prepared

    BURY'S health agencies have been working hard to make sure they are prepared for the increased demand on patient services during the winter months. Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT), together with the Acute Trust, Mental Health Trust and Social Services,

  • 'Don't drink-drive' warning

    BURY Council has launched its annual 'Don't Drink and Drive' campaign in a bid to improve road safety. Officers say that both motorists and pedestrians should take care over Christmas, and that there is no 'safe' drinking limit. In 2004, there were four

  • Council hope for more cash

    TOWN Hall leaders are keeping their fingers crossed after a money-seeking mission to London. They met Phil Woolas, local government minister, and pressed their case for a better deal from the Government. Up to 75 jobs, plus £10 million of cuts, are threatened

  • Atherton Colls v Atherton LR by Mike Chadderton

    IT'S derby day at Alder Street on Boxing Day with both Atherton sides vying for a vital three points (kick-off 3pm). Mid-table stability is the aim for Rovers, and a victory would ensure that they do not become involved in a relegation battle. Bottom

  • Radcliffe Boro v Ashton United by Marc Higginson

    RADCLIFFE Boro manager Kevin Glendon is hoping his side can make Christmas Turkeys out of the Ashton Robins in the Boxing Day derby clash at the Inn2gether Stadium. Boro grabbed an impressive point at Gateshead on Saturday and face another struggling

  • RMI boss Nelson feeling the pressure

    LEIGH RMI boss Andy Nelson admits he is feeling the pressure to deliver as his side prepare for three key games over the Christmas period. The manager has been busy on the transfer front bringing in three players permanently and another three on loan

  • Gun held at head of McDonald's worker

    A restaurant worker had a pistol held to his head during a raid by armed robbers, it was revealed on Friday. Two thugs burst into McDonald's on Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at 7.10am on Thursday as four staff were opening for the day. One of the men pointed

  • How about That for our Joanne

    A YOUNG mum has teamed up with Take That frontman Gary Barlow in her bid to become a singing star. Gary has written four songs specially for Joanne Hindley. Now Joanne, a former television X-Factor contestant from Farnworth, is hoping the songs will propel

  • Pub landlords' fears over smoking ban

    A TOTAL smoking ban in public would damage the pub trade and lead to bars in Bolton closing for good, landlords fear. The government's current plans are to introduce a partial ban on smoking that would affect bars which serve food. Those that do not would

  • Prize street of lights

    MILLIONS of TV viewers saw a Bolton street - nicknamed Moss Vegas - pick up £5,000 in a competition to find Britain's most festively-decorated homes. People living in Mossfield Court in Halliwell have been attracting admirers from all over Bolton with

  • Planning applications

    THE following plans have been submitted to Bolton Council: WESTHOUGHTON / BLACKROD / HORWICH 72836/05 Mr M Ferrario, 339 Chorley New Road, Horwich. Change of use from (Class A1) retail to (Class A2) offices. 72848/05 Mr & Mrs Gaskell, Land next to

  • Anniversary of horror for tsunami survivor

    WHEN nurse Jan Hassall finishes her hectic Boxing Day shift at the Royal Bolton Hospital, her thoughts will turn to the same time last year when she was caught up in the horror of the Asian tsunami. The 46-year-old recovery nurse had been enjoying an

  • How about That for our Joanne

    A YOUNG mum has teamed up with Take That frontman Gary Barlow in her bid to become a singing star. Gary has written four songs specially for Joanne Hindley. Now Joanne, a former television X-Factor contestant from Farnworth, is hoping the songs will propel

  • Sloppy Heys gift-wrap the points for Ammies

    WYTHENSAWE 2, PRESTWICH HEYS 1: The pantomime season started early for Prestwich Heys as they totally dominated the game away to title contenders Wythenshawe. However, unfortunately, their defenders were in festive mood and gave away a goal in each half

  • Anniversary of horror for tsunami survivor

    WHEN Bury nurse Jan Hassall finishes her hectic Boxing Day shift at the Royal Bolton Hospital, her thoughts will turn to the same time last year when she was caught up in the horror of the Asian tsunami. The 46-year-old recovery nurse had been enjoying

  • Latics cruise into last four

    LEIGH Athletic earned the local bragging rights along with a semi-final spot after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over local rivals Atherton Town in the quarter final of the Gylchrist Cup. Leigh got off to a flyer when Tony Lewis capitalised on a defensive

  • LR put on seaside special

    A THRILLING game at Squires Gate saw Atherton LR run out deserved 2-1 winners. Gate took a 17th minute lead when LR keeper Lee Grogan attempted to kick clear, but the ball hit a defender and rebounded goalwards, allowing Chris Kairns to tap into an empty