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Stories for 29 May 2000
Accrington News
'Devious' actions of murder charge man
THE jury in the trial of a 25-year-old man accused of murdering his brother-in-law has been told of his "devious actions" after the man's death. more...
Fresh appeal in hunt for glass thug
POLICE have launched a fresh appeal as they step up their hunt to find the perpetrator of a slasher attack on a young woman. more...
Crook trapped by TV 'delivery man'
WHEN Anthony Pattison took delivery of a £700 television he did not realise that one of the delivery men was a police officer. And both Pattison and the man who called at his Great Harwood home an hour later to collect the set were arrested by police who had kept the house under observation. more...
Fund-raiser's memory honoured
PUB regulars handed over a cheque to a children's charity in memory of a popular father-of-four who died suddenly. more...
Blackburn News
Home burgled hours after biker's death
POLICE and the family of man who died after a motorbike accident today hit out at thieves after his house was broken into just hours after his death. more...
Drug relieved stress of family break-up
A MAN turned to cannabis to help him with the stress of a bitter family break up, a court heard. more...
Two in court over £80,000 bank snatch
TWO men were due to appear in court today charged in connection with an alleged attack and robbery on a woman outside a bank at Eanam, Blackburn on Friday afternoon. more...
Kidnap baby found beaten
A TODDLER was grabbed from a playground in Blackburn last night and assaulted before being dumped in the street. more...
Dog finds £80,000 in back garden
KEITH Crossley got the shock of his life when his Shitzu dog Harry came wandering into the house with a £20 note in his mouth. more...
Bolton Business
These web sites could prove invaluable
By Sue Warburton, Information Technology Adviser for Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link THIS week we report on some invaluable web sites for the local business person. Check out the following: more...
Peter puts his faith in locals and brewers' 'leader' Carling
A GROWING Bolton leisure company, which believes in traditional "locals", has signed a new supply deal with Bass Brewers. more...
Board game cuts waste
THE Environment Agency, Groundwork and the World Wildlife Fund UK have devised a board game which seeks to put some fun into waste minimisation. more...
Bolton News
Plaque honour for top screenwriter
A PLAQUE in memory of Leigh-born Hollywood screenwriter James Hilton is at last set to be unveiled in his home town. more...
Aquarium should fish around for more cash
BOLTON Council has been urged to spend more money on its aquarium by the Director of Chester Zoo. more...
Tug-of-love dad celebrates judge's Greek custody ruling
A JUBILANT tug-of-love dad's wish to spend Christmas Day with his son has come true. more...
Lee's hotline to Simply Red star
SUPERSTAR Mick Hucknall, frontman with Simply Red, made a dream come true for a young autistic boy from Blackrod. more...
End of nuclear nightmare. By Michael Williams, Vicar of Bolton Parish Church
IT has just been announced that a further step has been made to rid the world of nuclear weapons. more...
Computer buff in internet fury
A BOLTON computer enthusiast is blaming BT for hampering his efforts to enter the internet age. more...
A WEEK IN WESTMINSTER BY RUTH KELLY, LABOUR MP FOR BOLTON WEST
LAST week, the Health Secretary launched a nationwide consultation process to ask the British people how they think the extra money announced in the last Budget for the National Health Service should be spent. more...
Dry rot church in new fund-raising plea
A HUGE fund-raising appeal has been launched to repair a 150-year-old church riddled with dry rot. more...
OPINION: Splash out on Aquarium
EVERY city, town and village throughout the country tries to make the most of its tourist attractions. more...
Streets Alive!
IT'S been music to shoppers' ears in Bolton this Bank Holiday weekend thanks to the town's World of Music Festival. more...
OPINION: The right receipe
MANY people today simply do not know how to cook. Whether this is due to the rise in fast-food, idleness, ignorance or the lack of positive role models at home it would be difficult to say. more...
Residents urged to step up fight against crime
RESIDENTS around Bolton are being urged to step up the fight against crime in a new drive backed by Bolton Council. more...
Drug raids police seize heroin
A LARGE quantity of heroin was recovered by police in a series of house raids in Radcliffe at the weekend aimed at cracking down on street dealing in the town. more...
Council war on gum
COUNCIL chiefs at Bury have launched an anti-chewing gum campaign more...
From the BEN files
25 YEARS AGO more...
Family wait for details of soldier's death
THE devastated family of a Bolton soldier are waiting to discover details of his death at an Army barracks last week. more...
Pushing pedals!
HEALTHSTART is running a Bike it in Bury campaign encouraging more workers to leave the cars at home and opt for pedal power instead. more...
Leaders quest
A LAST-minute search is on to find the experts and leaders of the future. more...
Helping helpers . . .
ANYONE interested in taking up volunteering can find out more from an information roadshow in Bolton. As part of Volunteers Week, the roadshow will visit Victoria Square this Thursday and next Tuesday and there will be a series of information points situated throughout the town. Representatives from a variety of local voluntary groups and organisations will be on hand to tell people what's on offer in the area. For more information contact Peter Sloan at Bolton Volunteer Bureau on 01204 380692. more...
Cyclist, 12, hurt in crash
A SCHOOLBOY cyclist needed hospital treatment after an accident with a car near his home. more...
Poetry, please
POETRY Now is looking for poets to produce works about wildlife, nature and the environment to celebrate National Wildlife Week (June 3 - 11). The best works will be published later this year. Two poems, no longer than 30 lines each, should be sent to Words of the Wild, Remus House, Coltsfoot Drive, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 9JX before June 30. more...
Amnesty birthday
FREEDOM campaigners in the borough have celebrated a landmark birthday. Members of Bolton and Bury Amnesty International Group enjoyed a concert and reception to mark the group's 20th anniversary. Friends, supporters and members of neighbouring Amnesty groups gathered at the Friends Meeting House for a performance by the Palatine Wind Quartet. more...
Arms demo
MEMBERS of the World Development Movement, together with Amnesty International, will hold a demonstration against the arms trade on Thursday. Cards will be given out and signatures collected outside the Victoria Hall from 11am. The group's next meetings are on June 14, July 19 and August 23, 7.30pm to 9pm, at the Walker Memorial Buildings, Bolton. more...
Shirts are tops!
SOCCER shirt discount fever is set to hit the town's high streets as England gears up for Euro 2000 glory. Netto foodstore on St Helens Road, Bolton, is stocking replica senior England football shirts priced at £29.99 -- a £20 saving of the recommended retail price. more...
New mayor
HORWICH has a new Town Mayor for the next 12 months. Cllr Peter McGeehan has taken over the chains of office. His wife, Delia, will be the Mayoress. The outgoing Mayor is Cllr Michael Kilcoyne. more...
We need to combat creeping euthanasia
I MUST respond to Brian Derbyshire's letter (BEN May 19) on "The Medical Treatment (Prevention of Euthanasia) Bill" which has now been effectively talked out in Parliament. more...
Going to school is not compulsory
I REFER to the article in the May 10 edition of your newspaper in which you reported on the action taken by those in authority to deal with the problem of truanting in Bolton. more...
The Journey
As the train it rolled into the station, more...
This is cruelty in the name of sport
WHEN asked about hunting on television in July last year, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "It will be banned". In November 1999, Home Secretary Jack Straw said that the Government would provide time for a Bill to ban hunting following the conclusion of an inquiry into the issue. more...
Train criticism is right off the rails
I WOULD like to point out a few things reported in your article (BEN May 24). more...
Veggie mum is quite right
IN reply to Russ Bolton's views (BEN May 23) of the veggie mum. more...
Too hard on these shoplifters
YET another report was issued recently on the shoplifting 'problem'. more...
Nice view
RE garage boss Mr Keith Fisher. In comparison to other forecourts and garages in the Bolton area, I think most people would agree that this is more pleasing to the eye than dull, grey concreted forecourts. more...
Crausby on target
MR David Crausby is absolutely right when he says the Conservatives targeted Asian voters. more...
Good luck!
A GIPSY from Slovakia is claiming asylum in the UK, not because he is being persecuted by the Slovak state but because his country is full of thugs who the police cannot control. If he does get asylum, boy is he going to be disappointed! more...
Bolton Sport
CRICKET: Super Sikander spurs Tonge
LITTLE Lever started the day second in the table. By the time Iqbal Sikander had finished with them they had been overhauled by a number of clubs. The pro produced yet another series of amazing bowling figures - 22 overs, 15 of them maidens, five wickets for 23 runs and Little Lever were all out for 79. more...
TENNIS: Top teams strengthen their positions early on
THREE weeks of the B.S.F.'s summer tennis programme completed and not a single set or game in any of the three leagues lost to the weather. This must be a record. more...
Road relay is a credit to RMI
THE Manchester to Blackpool Road Relay organised by Horwich RMI Harriers & AC was another resounding success with 88 teams covering the distance from Heaton Park, Manchester to Blackpool. more...
CRICKET: Spin doctors provide a tonic
NORMAL service was resumed in the Bolton League following last week's rain-hit programme but the legacy of damp wickets made it something of a nightmare for the batsmen. Low scores were the order of the day but the spinners made up for that with a string of good performances. more...
CRICKET: Bowlers help leaders
ASSOCIATION leaders Adlington had to produce a top drawer finish to snatch victory over local rivals Blackrod. They were staring defeat in the face when they were dismissed for only 88 but stormed back to skittle the visitors for a meagre 33. more...
TENNIS: Cup hero Steve to stand down as skipper
STEVE Walsh is standing down as the Bolton Association's inter-league captain. more...
CRICKET: Fallon makes his mark
MARK Fallon usually finds himself in the role of a supporting player at Greenmount while pro Anwar and Aussie Mike O'Rourke capture the headlines. The two overseas players were dominant again in their side's comprehensive six wicket win over Heaton but it was Fallon who stamped his mark on the game. more...
CRICKET: Atherton are caught out
CLIFTON grabbed victory with a catch off the last ball of the game to get the better of Atherton by two runs. In a match that had its fair share of thrills and excitement, Atherton pro Andy Hall was looking for winning runs as he hoisted Tony Potter's final delivery to the boundary. However, as the ball fell short of the rope David Wild was perfectly placed to produce a pressure catch to provide his side with their third win of the season. more...
CRICKET: Barrow's trick is in vain
SPARE a thought for Farnworth Social Circle's Chris Barrow. more...
CRICKET: Weather thwarts Hulton
LITTLE Hulton were left cursing the weather as their victory bid at Edgworth was washed out. Chasing the home side's 147-7 in a game reduced to 44 overs per side, pro Paul Tebay top scoring on 73, Little Hulton were 15 runs adrift with five wickets in hand when the game was halted with eight overs still to be bowled. more...
CRICKET: Champs help up
ASSOCIATION champions Walshaw were just a little frustrated by Astley and Tyldesley. A & T took the early honours bowling the home side out for 147 with three overs to spare but in the end that extra batting time served no useful purpose at all. more...
Neil continues proud record
NEIL Fairbrother is aiming to extend his amazing record in cup semi-finals when the Benson and Hedges semi-final hopefully gets under way at Bristol today. In the 15 years since he first helped Lancashire to Lord's with a victory over Essex at Chelmsford in the B & H Cup in 1984, Lancashire's veteran left hander has played in ten semis - and won the lot. more...
Burnley News
Inventor's blast from the future
AN amateur inventor from Pendle says he has created a sandblasting unit that has sparked interest as far away as Canada. more...
Close encounters of the weird kind
A UFO landed to join ghosts, ghouls and witches at Todmorden Carnival. more...
Prison for drunken assault on police
A DRUNKEN man who swung a stick at a police officer and then headbutted him has been sent to jail for 18 weeks more...
Run-of-the mill life when cotton was king
LIFE in a Lancashire mill before the war was re-enacted for visitors at Queen Street Mill, Harle Syke. more...
Charity garden scheme blossoms
SIR Simon and Lady Mary Towneley opened their garden at Dyneley Hall, Cliviger, to visitors. more...
Everyone turns out a winner
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike took on the role of television personality Chris Tarrant to chair a game of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire at the Woodtop sheltered housing scheme. more...
Clitheroe News
Bizarre calls after friendship ended
A 63-YEAR-old Clitheroe woman bombarded her former friend with nuisance phone calls over an 18-month period. more...
Actor's arm blown up at guide camp
A WILD West actor suffered horrific injuries in a freak accident in front of hundreds of girl guides who thought he was just 'playing dead'. more...
Colne News
Teenager in police cell spat in guard's face
A PRISONER who spat in the face of a custody officer after a blaze was started in his police station cell, was told by a magistrate he had the manners of an animal. more...
Darwen News
Music feast brings streets alive
DARWEN was alive with the sound of music, as the town played host to a three-day musical spectacular with a massive variety of bands, soloists, dancers and musicians playing live. more...
Lancashire Business
Survey shows up North-South split
MORE than half of local businesses believe the local economy is stagnant or getting worse, according to a survey out today. more...
Training centre to close
A TRAINING centre which has helped launch hundreds of engineering careers is set to close. more...
Computer training move to boost job chances
A PROJECT offering free training in computing and care skills has been launched in Nelson. more...
Lancashire Leisure
Events in Lancashire on Tuesday, May 30th
Blackburn Home Organists' Club, St Stephens Conservative Club, Robinson Street, Little Harwood, 8pm. Keyboard Night. more...
Lancashire News
TEN YEARS AGO: Newsagent's anger
AN ANGRY newsagent claimed he was losing his livelihood because of tight-fisted county hall chiefs. more...
FIVE YEARS AGO: Fairground scare
A TERRIFIED teenager escaped with just minor injuries after being hurled from a fairground ride at a weekend carnival. more...
Railroad to ruin?
THE civic rail excursion along the Ribble Valley Line yesterdayto celebrate 150 years of trains to Clitheroe may have been a shade premature -- the actually anniversary of the inaugural train being on June 20 -- but a close connection exists between then and now when it comes to the risk of putting money into in new technology. more...
Riverside play highlights environmental issues
PEOPLE of all ages enjoyed an outdoor play beside the River Darwen -- and were spurred on to keep improving their neighbourhood. more...
Actor's arm blown up at guide camp
A WILD West actor suffered horrific injuries in a freak accident in front of hundreds of girl guides who thought he was just 'playing dead'. more...
Driver killed in crash
A MOTORIST died early today when the car he was driving went out of control and collided with a wall. more...
Report a whitewash
ON WEDNESDAY, the Home Office will receive a report from an allegedly 'independent' committee of inquiry set up by the Home Secretary to investigate hunting with hounds. We invite readers to protest against this blatant whitewash. more...
Tories have to be joking
WHEN I read your front-page lead, "Appeal to beat Straw" (LET, May 23), first of all, I had to check that this wasn't a late April Fool-type spoof. more...
Our need to act is now
ACTIONAID'S national fund-raising week began today and, like many volunteers across the country, I will be visiting friends and neighbours to sell raffle tickets and ask for donations. more...
Bang bang. We could be dead!
THE story that, to save money, sailors training at the Royal Navy's gunnery school have to shout "Bang!" instead of using live shells must make our military heroes of the past turn in their graves. more...
Help fight for flood victims
I AM privileged to have been working with the volunteers in our 26 Oxfam shops in the Lancashire area for the last 19 years. more...
Looking for an old friend
FOR many months I have been trying to trace an old friend, Frank Turner, whom I met during World War Two. more...
Foreign tongue a waste of time
REGARDING Mr G. Wheatman's remarks (Letters, May 22) on our lack of foreign-language speakers compared to the Dutch, I can speak German and will be going on a refresher course this September, but with this knowledge I can only use it in Germany, which is only a small part of the world. more...
Elaine's pilot scheme for kids and parents
COPING with the pressures of being a parent can place a tremendous strain on families, especially if they feel isolated, stressed or their children are playing up. But a new Government-funded pilot scheme aims to let off some of that pressure and help mothers and fathers equip themselves with better parenting skills. The Ribble Valley is one of only a handful of areas to be picked out to employ a public health development nurse and her role will be to pull together all the services in the area to reduce the mental health problems in the community and cut rural isolation. Reporter VICTORIA EGLINGTON met the woman who is charged with raising the health standard: more...
Actions will speak louder than words
WITH 47 per cent of his party ranged against him in its vote on returning to devolution and trusting the IRA's pledge to put its weapons "beyond use" rather than surrender them, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and the Northern Ireland Assembly -- restored to power tomorrow -- may seem in as precarious a position as ever. more...
Election gloves are off
JUST as Tory leader William Hague pulls another surprise initiative out of his populist hat -- this time a £60million package of pledges to restore war widows' pensions to those who remarry, end mixed-sex hospital wards and extend breast cancer screening for older women -- Labour campaign chiefs are alarmed to find William on the comeback trail. more...
Lancashire Sport
LOCAL CRICKET: Lancs League round-up
TRANSCO Lancashire League leaders Colne got their title push back on course and avenged their Worsley Cup defeat the same time as they beat Haslingden in an exciting run-chase at the Horsfield. more...
LOCAL CRICKET: Jennings Ribblesdale League round-up
CHERRY Tree completed a miserable week for Blackburn Northern professional Ata-ur-Rehman with a controversial last over victory which secured top spot in the Jennings Ribblesdale League. more...
LOCAL CRICKET: It's a man's game for Rawtenstall
"DAD are you out already?" is not what you want to hear when your making your way back to the pavilion having given the scorers an easy day. more...
LOCAL CRIKCET: Northern League action
DARWEN's worst enemy, the weather, came back to haunt them on Saturday as an isolated storm over Birch Hall which affected no other games in the area, wrecked their victory canter against St Annes. more...
COUNTY CRICKET: Akram welcome at Old Trafford
LANCASHIRE chairman Jack Simmons today insisted that Wasim Akram will still be welcome at Old Trafford. more...
GOLF: Jackson's woe
A FINAL round of 78 from Blackburn's Tony Jackson destroyed his chances of regaining the Lancashire Amateur Championship title at West Lancs yesterday. more...
Rovers on course to land Bjornebye
BLACKBURN Rovers have emerged as the clear favourites in the race to sign Liverpool left-back Stig Inge Bjornebye. more...
Clarets confident they can prosper in Division One
GRAHAM Branch is so convinced Burnley can prosper in the First Division that he has willingly accepted a contract geared towards success next season. more...
Branch confident Clarets can prosper in Division One
GRAHAM Branch is so convinced Burnley can prosper in the First Division that he has willingly accepted a contract geared towards success next season. more...
Souness on course to land Bjornebye
BLACKBURN Rovers have emerged as the clear favourites in the race to sign Liverpool left-back Stig Inge Bjornebye. more...
Nelson News
Driver killed in crash
A MOTORIST died early today when the car he was driving went out of control and collided with a wall. more...
Rawtenstall News
Drink-driver jailed after breach of ban
A DRINK driver who got behind the wheel and was caught again a month after being banned, has paid the price with 14 days in prison. more...
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