From the Evening News, August 26, 1903: AN extraordinary death has been reported to the Bolton coroner. It is probably the first of its kind, and was connected with a walking contest at Deane. A young man who was pacing a competitor fell en route and died.

Richard Taylor (21), son of William Taylor, labourer, 109 Plover-st., Great Lever, had agreed to "accompany" a boy, not on a cycle, but on foot, and the strain unfortunately proved too much for him when nearly a mile and a half had been covered.

The race itself, for boys under 17 years of age, was over a circular route, and 30 yards under six miles. The event received a good entry, out of 135 no fewer than 121 facing the starter.

A special prize for the youngest competitor was won by H. Ferguson, he being seven years of age, and completing the distance in 1h 30m.

From the Evening News, August 26, 1993

BOLTON'S libraries are counting the cost of massive cutbacks. Almost 500 complaint forms have been completed and petitions from all over the borough have been arriving at the town hall in a steady stream. The council was forced to reduce the opening hours at 14 branch libraries in April. But at Great Lever Library itself, the number of books borrowed was 14 per cent down between May and July compared to the same period last year.

From the Evening News, August 26, 1978

WEATHER experts were baffled by the rainfall figures from Bolton. Everyone knows this area is supposed to get a lot of rain. But what they could not work out was why one part of the town got far more than the other.

They checked the two measuring stations at Smithills and Hall i'th' Wood . . . and then the penny dropped.

An official said: "Not to put too fine a point on it, someone had been relieving themselves into the measuring bottle at Smithills."

From the Evening News, August 26, 1953

SIR,- Counc. Hawksworth may notice as a postman the unclean state of our streets. We also notice the state of this borough since his party came into power, with increased rates.

What is needed is a large brush in the Council chamber to sweep members out who conjure up such imprudent suggestions that women, after a day in the mill, should take over the work of the Cleansing Department. Yours, Mill Worker

SIR,- I think Counc Hawksworth ought to show a little interest in the amazing number of static Corporation handcarts in evidence around street corners about 4.30pm. Yours, Housewife's Husband