From the Evening News, May 14, 1992 - BOLTON artist Geoffrey Fletcher has returned to his roots and is battling against time to capture the town's heritage before it disappears. Geoffrey, the acclaimed artist and author, has spent most of his working life drawing and writing about London. But in recent years the pull of his home town has proved too much.

Now he and his wife Jean have achieved their ambition and brought a house in Smithills. It is a base from where Geoffrey can begin to capture in drawings and painting the mills of the area before they are demolished.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 14, 1977

VIOLENT clashes between Bolton and Wolverhampton soccer fans erupted in Bolton town centre today. The fighting started two hours before the critical Second Division promotion clash at Burnden Park. About 30 youths wearing Bolton and Wolverhampton colours engaged in a pitched battle with fists, pint pots and beer bottles in Bold Street, off the Newport Street precinct. Police also reported scuffles in other parts of town. At Burnden Park (the Wanderers lost 1-0) 10 arrests were made and 42 people ejected.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 15, 1952

VISITORS to the Rivington lakes frequently comment on the view offered from certain vantage points of a thatched cottage in the bungalow grounds. It is South Lodge, the only remaining thatched homestead in the district. When the sun is shining on it, during one of the brighter spells last weekend, it made such a picture in the surrounding foliage that one of the visitors could not help comparing the scene with Switzerland. A cap of snow on the Pike would have completed the illusion, no doubt.

Unfortunately, the South Lodge thatch is sorely in need of repair, as are other parts of the fabric, and although it is still occupied there is no guarantee, from what we are told, that the property is to be maintained and the life of this lovely landmark extended. We would like to think so.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 14, 1902

THE first for the season of the popular Court and Alley Concerts, which have contributed so largely towards brightening the lives of the people, was given on Tuesday night in Lark-st., near the Thomasson Gymnasium, by the choir of St George's Congregational Church. The chair was occupied by the Deputy Mayor (Ald. Nicholson, JP) who in a little cheery address referred to the series of concerts given for the benefit of the people, and gave a cordial welcome to the large assembly present. The next concert of the season is to be given on Thursday night in King-st.

THE boys of Bolton Grammar School accompanied by the masters and a few friends are today, on the invitation of Mr W.H. Lever, paying a visit to Port Sunlight.