25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 9, 1973

THE Law Commission wants to abolish the calling of banns for a Church of England marriage ceremony. Instead there should be uniform civil preliminaries for all marriages, said a report.

PRETTY 22-years-old model June Roscoe, of Higher Swan Lane, Bolton, last night became Bolton's first Carnival Queen for over 34 years. The runners-up, Miss Susan Swingwood, of Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, and Mrs Lilian Haslam, of Cemetery Road, Kearsley, will act as Carnival Princesses.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 9, 1948

QUEUES of gardeners and shoppers grew in the summer sunshine today, winding round the fruit, vegetable, flower and fish stalls in Bolton Market. There were seasonal treats on every stall. The first spring chickens were on show, at 5s 6d each. The manager of the stall had brought eight instead of the hundred he would have bought before the war - then, he sold them at 6d each. On the fish stalls, prawns were 10d a quarter, the housewives' favourite for the weekend salad.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 9, 1873

SIR,- Amongst other sources of gratification to be provided for the populace upon the opening of the Town Hall by the Prince of Wales, it is understood there will be a balloon ascent. The value of this projected means of amusement is exceedingly doubtful. A gaping crowd may be attracted to the scene by the novelty of the event, but that any pleasure can be derived from the spectacle is open to doubt. If persons who have witnessed similar sights were asked to state what they found in it to please, they would be greatly puzzled to furnish any satisfactory intelligent reply. To the ordinary spectator, there is in the filling of a bag with gas, or in the swayings and surgings of the filled receptacle as it is acted upon by the wind, nothing calculated to awaken mirth, nothing likely to arouse laughter or draw forth tears. The whole affair will be slow and stupid in the extreme. Yours etc., Alfred Wicks.

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