Archive

  • A date at the Palace

    From the Guide files of Friday, June 22, 1979: A DATE at the Palace awaited the Sonny Warner Show. Headed by Sonny and Pam Warner, of Prestwich, the variety show was invited to attend the Queen's Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. A MASTER picture

  • Farewell voyage for Jim's band of shipmates?

    ENTERTAINING the leisure-loving holidaymakers on board the QE2 with a six piece New Orleans band isn't a bad way to earn your living. But bringing the whole lot back home to theatregoers in your native East Lancashire is the hallmark of somebody truly

  • Chess: Summer handicap

    BURY'S second team got off to an easy start to their Summer League campaign when their first match opponents Eccles defaulted the match. Attention turned to the club Summer Championship, which this year is played on a time handicap. Generally the better

  • Nice as pie

    More and more people are turning their backs on imported produce and returning to buying local. Chief reporter David Higgerson takes a look at the new food revolution and how the push for local produce is proving a shot in the arm for the East Lancashire

  • Soccer: Egan's happy so far

    'SO far so good,' is the reaction of Ramsbottom United's new manager, Derek Egan. With the new season still a couple of weeks away he still has time to tinker with both personnel and tactics, which exactly what he intends to do. However, after beating

  • Cricket: Elton and Walshaw win

    BOLTON Association leaders Elton had a reasonably successful weekend as they beat champions of two years ago Spring View, but yet again the awful weather scuppered their chances of playing Daisy Hill on Sunday. Saturday's win meant the Leigh Lane club

  • Cricket: Optimism high for knockout showdowns

    TWO local cricket clubs are in cup final action on Sunday when Greenmount and Walshaw aim to lift their respective league knockout trophies. Bolton League side Greenmount make the short trip to Bradshaw to take on current league leaders Westhoughton,

  • Fault causes works blaze

    AN electrical fault was thought to be the cause of a blaze at a joinery business in Lower Darwen today. Initial investigations by Darwen fire crews revealed the fire, which broke out at 9.40am in the motor room at F Avison and Sons, was due to a faulty

  • Unsworth maintain pressure at the top

    BATTING first at The Pollards, Unsworth lost opener John Paul Hean for two, stumped off the bowling of Smith. However, a stand of 84 between skipper Paul Entwistle (41) and pro Robbie MacQueen (77) took the score to 92-2 off 30 overs. A steady clatter

  • Sedgley's search for funds goes on

    IF Sedgley Park are looking for the cash to develop an all-weather pitch at Philips High School, they need look no further than the Rugby Football Union's Community Club Development Programme. Across the Pennines Barnsley Rugby Club recently opened their

  • Final over sinks Heys yet again

    A THIRD successive last over defeat left league leaders Prestwich down, but not out. They still remain top of the Lees Lancashire County League, but their lead has now been eroded to four points after an agonising three-run loss. The fate of their last

  • Abby habit was commendable

    IAM writing about Jack Straw's Diary (LET, July 22). He has a cat, Abby, who in his eyes disgraced herself by using his red box to relieve herself. If there had been an accessible litter tray for Abby his papers would have been undamaged. Abby's behaviour

  • Cotterill knows the problems that lie ahead

    The ANDY LOCHHEAD column. . . IT DIDN'T take long for Steve Cotterill to see the problems that could lie in store with such a small squad. The absence of Ian Moore and Robbie Blake for the penultimate pre-season friendly earlier this week left the manager

  • Logging on to a first-time prize

    IT was beginner's luck for mature student Joseph Heywood when he logged onto the Internet for the first time. The 71-year-old won a digital camera after entering an online prize draw during Bury College's Adult Learners Week. Mr Heywood, of Harwood Crescent

  • Ex-pupils quizzed on return to their school

    FORMER pupils of Fairfield Primary returned to the classroom for a tough history test. Old boys and girls were invited back to the school for a series of 50th anniversary celebrations. A quiz was held for the returning visitors to earn merit marks using

  • Weather wonder for the classroom

    THE wonders of the weather system was put to good use by pupils from five Bury primary schools. They took part in Powergen's Changing Climate programme to show how they had used the national curriculum to learn about the weather. Youngsters from St John

  • 15 new JPs join the court

    THE magistrates bench in Bury has been strengthened with the addition of 15 new Justices of the Peace. They were sworn in by Judge Knopf in a ceremony at Bury Magistrates Court. The new JPs bring the number of magistrates in Bury to 124. Also attending

  • 'Death trap' mill preservation talks

    DEVELOPERS and heritage bosses have held talks to try and resolve the future of a Burnley mill branded a death trap. A meeting was held earlier this week after a stand-off between developers who want to knock the mill down and build a residential development

  • Pay-up order for cleared man's time in jail

    AN EAST Lancashire man who spent 18 years behind bars for a double murder he didn't commit has been told to expect to lose part of his compensation -- to cover his board and lodgings while in jail! Peter Fell, 42, has been told by lawyers preparing his

  • Brick smashes into van driver

    A WOMAN driver was injured when a brick was hurled from a footbridge on to a van. The missile hit the vehicle's bodywork and bounced through the offside open window, hitting Miss Lorraine Koehler on the shoulder. Police are now hunting the thugs who threw

  • Stars are out for Joshua

    A STAR-studded charity evening is set to raise thousands of pounds for a Bury toddler in a rare coma. Tickets sales have rocketed for tonight's (Fri, July 30) fundraising extravaganza in aid of three-year-old Joshua Wilson, previously featured in the

  • New duo aim to beat the danger of fire

    A NEW life-saving duo has arrived in Bury to help the borough's residents who are at greatest risk from fire. Eka-Lisa Udoewa and Peter Robinson are the town's new Target Fire Team whose aim is to reduce the level of fire tragedies in the area. They will

  • Rovers fans offered a taste of history

    BLACKBURN supporters will get the chance to view some of the world's greatest football treasures when they visit Deepdale for the pre-season fixture against Preston North End tomorrow. And what's more Blackburn fans will be amongst the first to benefit

  • Bin targeted by firebugs

    FIREBUGS are being blamed for igniting a recycling bin outside a house at Polefield Grange, Prestwich. A fire crew extinguished the blaze which broke out on Monday evening (July 26) and spent ten minutes at the scene.

  • Euro-welcome

    THE appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's new European Commissioner has been welcomed by Euro MP Gary Titley. The Radcliffe-based MEP, leader of the Labour group in Europe, says Mr Mandelson's track record as a Government minister will stand him

  • Driver unhurt

    A DRIVER escaped serious injury when his Renault car overturned on to its roof early on Monday (July 26). The accident happened in Rainsough Brow, Prestwich, at about 7am, as the car travelled towards Swinton. The driver sustained minor injuries and was

  • Open day at reserve

    A VAST array of attractions awaits visitors to this year's Philips Park Local Nature Reserve open day on Sunday (August 1). Face painting, a chainsaw artist, farm animals and pond-dipping are on the agenda, plus charcoal burning, story-telling, a number

  • Weather wonder for the classroom

    THE wonders of the weather system was put to good use by pupils from five Bury primary schools. They took part in Powergen's Changing Climate programme to show how they had used the national curriculum to learn about the weather. Youngsters from St John

  • Putting pen to paper to help other carers

    A COMPILATION of short stories written by the borough's carers has been published by Bury Council. The booklet, titled Am I a Carer Too?, brings together people's thoughts and was penned during a competition to mark National Carers Week. Gwen Lucas, the

  • Sporting hopes for schools' land deal

    SPORTY Prestwich residents could benefit from a piece of land destined to be shared between two schools. Bury North MP Ivan Lewis says the former Thorndyke Walk site might be open to the community at weekends. Services at the former adult education centre

  • New health watchdog holds first meeting

    BURY's health watchdog held its first public meeting the day before news broke that the town could lose its special care baby unit. The Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum (PPIHF) introduced itself to the people of Bury as the replacement for

  • Blooms could be boon for Bury

    TOWN Hall gardeners are keeping their "green" fingers crossed in this year's North West in Bloom competition. Judges visited the borough earlier this month and seemed quietly impressed, but Bury will have to wait until the autumn to see if it has won

  • Ex-pupils quizzed on return to their school

    FORMER pupils of Fairfield Primary returned to the classroom for a tough history test. Old boys and girls were invited back to the school for a series of 50th anniversary celebrations. A quiz was held for the returning visitors to earn merit marks using

  • Council survey for good ideas

    DO you have any ideas on how to improve your area? If so, Bury Council wants to hear. A total of 6,000 residents picked at random will receive a questionnaire asking for ideas on how to improve five issues already identified as particular concerns, such

  • Teenager's passion for bikes ends in court

    A TEENAGER with a passion for bikes was found with expensive stolen mountain cycles when police searched his home. Burnley Magistrates heard how Steven Taylor had turned a blind eye to the fact the bikes had been stolen. Taylor, who had been warned he

  • Spotlight falls on the police

    POLICE are throwing their doors open to the public next month with an open day at their Divisional HQ at Burnley police station. The open day, which will run from 10am - 4pm on Saturday, August 14, will include a display of police cars, bikes and the

  • 'Death trap' mill preservation talks

    DEVELOPERS and heritage bosses have held talks to try and resolve the future of a Burnley mill branded a death trap. A meeting was held earlier this week after a stand-off between developers who want to knock the mill down and build a residential development

  • Shakers on target at last

    SHAKERS' strikers have finally found their shooting boots as the new season approaches. After drawing blanks against Manchester City and Wigan Athletic Graham Barrow's side put in an impressive display before going down 4-3 against a strong Blackburn

  • Walkers wanted to raise vital funds

    INTREPID walkers are being encouraged to help Pendleside hospice by taking part in a Morecambe Bay Walk. The walk will take place on Sunday, August 8, at a cost of£10, which includes transport to and from the Hospice. Anyone being sponsored to take part

  • Missing woman is seen three times

    POLICE are hopeful they will trace a Nelson woman with mental health problems who went missing from the psychiatric ward of Burnley General Hospital. Christiane Roper vanished from the hospital's psychiatric ward at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, June 23

  • Wedding menu -- it's your call

    A BRIDE and groom whose wedding is in the TV spotlight have had a taste of what will be served up at their reception. Bolton barber Darren Foster, aged 31, who lives in Radcliffe, and his 23-year-old fiancee Sam Lilley, from Hollins, Bury, were selected

  • Campaign over door salesmen

    NORTH West's energywatch is backing a new campaign, launched by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which will expose the psychological ploys used by doorstep salesmen. David Sidebottom, director of energywatch north west, said: "Energy salesmen have used

  • Retiring but returning for a new role

    WHITEFIELD travel adviser Margaret Bilsborrow has clipped her travel wings by retiring after a quarter of a century of service. Sixty-year-old Margaret, of Penrith Avenue has worked at the Co-op Travel store in The Haymarket, Bury, for the whole 25 years

  • They will do what they want

    LIKE may others, I am disgusted at plans to close the special care baby unit at Fairfield. People need and rely on this service but it is no use appealing to government to help. At the end of the day the hospital authorities will do exactly what they

  • Referendum was too close to call

    THE decision to postpone the regional referendum on an elected North West Regional Assembly came as no surprise to Chamber Business Connections. The postponement follows a recent survey carried out among companies in North Manchester which found that

  • Prestwich upgrade is a waste of time

    THERE has been much publicity about the upgrading of Prestwich Village and the installation of the so-called decorative fountain in the precinct, neither of which has made the slightest difference to the area. There is absolutely nothing attractive about

  • Insensitive to a victim of crime

    I AM very proud of my daughter who has worked extremely hard to achieve her goals. She lives independently of me and does not claim any benefits from the state. She pays her bills on time and is not in debt, though there is never any money left over at

  • No joy for Ten Acre residents

    NEIGHBOURS objecting to the construction of an apartment block in Whitefield were left deflated when the plan was given approval. Residents living near to Ten Acre Drive met at Tuesday night's (July 27) planning committee meeting to oppose the erection

  • Weekend possibility for Royal show

    THE Royal Lancashire Show could switch back to being a weekend event, the president of the society which organises the event said today. And despite plaudits from police and Ribble Valley Council over the professional organisation of this year's show,

  • Summer school for chocolate creations

    A POPULAR summer school in Prestwich has certainly found the right ingredients for success. St Monica's Summer School for Gifted and Talented Pupils took in a visit to the new premises of Slattery Pattisier and Chocolatier in Bury New Road, Whitefield

  • New duo aim to beat the danger of fire

    A NEW life-saving duo has arrived in Bury to help the borough's residents who are at greatest risk from fire. Eka-Lisa Udoewa and Peter Robinson are the town's new Target Fire Team whose aim is to reduce the level of fire tragedies in the area. They will

  • Referendum was too close to call

    THE decision to postpone the regional referendum on an elected North West Regional Assembly came as no surprise to Chamber Business Connections. The postponement follows a recent survey carried out among companies in North Manchester which found that

  • Long-term sick asked to swap experiences

    PEOPLE living with chronic long-term health conditions are being asked to share their experience and help others suffering from similar illnesses. Bury Primary Care Trust is to hold its fourth and final Expert Patients' Programme course in September as

  • Crime down as Bury bucks national trend

    LOCAL police are cracking down on crime, according to latest figures. From April to June this year, there were 545 fewer victims of crime than for the corresponding period last year, a drop of ten per cent. The latest figures showed that robberies had

  • Acid test is still to come for Yorke

    The SIMON GARNER column. . . GRAEME Souness sprang a surprise when he brought Dwight Yorke back in from the cold at Stockport earlier this week. I, like many fans, thought the former Manchester United striker had played his last game in the colours of

  • Ban has nothing to do with health

    BURY Council are introducing a new smoking policy from August 1 and the recent news story implied that council employees have previously been able to smoke at work. This is not entirely true. Most Bury Council employees have been unable to "enjoy a cigarette

  • "Wonderful" gift will help aid youngsters

    THE future for toddlers Grace Mae Taylor and Lucy Kaye is looking brighter after a charity donation from a Bury carpet company. Grace Mae, from Radcliffe, suffers from a rare condition known as Tyrosinemia Type 1, an inherited liver disease which means

  • Crime down as Bury bucks national trend

    LOCAL police are cracking down on crime, according to latest figures. From April to June this year, there were 545 fewer victims of crime than for the corresponding period last year, a drop of ten per cent. The latest figures showed that robberies had

  • Anger over delay on referendum

    CAMPAIGNERS for a north west assembly have hit out at a decision to delay a referendum on the issue. Supporters of an elected regional body want voters to be given their say as soon as possible, after a poll planned for November 4 was cancelled. The postponement

  • Franz and Streets tipped for Mercury Prize glory

    The shortlist has been drawn up for the prestigious Mercury Prize -- a virtual guarantee of fame and fortune for the winners. Pulse takes a look at this year's nominees. . . THE 12 contenders for the Nationwide Mercury Prize have been revealed, with bookies

  • Going wild in the wood

    YOUNGSTERS in Darwen will be kept amused during a 'Fun In The Sun' activity week in Sunnyhurst Wood. The free wildlife playscheme will cater for children aged six to 12 and runs from Monday to Thursday next week. It has been organised by the Wildlife

  • Community meeting

    DOG fouling and under-age drinking were two issues highlighted by residents at a community meeting in Darwen this week. A scheme, Police and Community Together (PACT), was launched at Earcroft Community Base and involved police officers and local councillors

  • Bottle swig driver jailed

    A DARWEN man has been jailed for four months after being spotted reversing a car 30 yards along his street. Blackburn magistrates heard that Peter William Cork was banned from driving when police saw him completing the manoeuvre. And when the officers

  • Youth project aims to bridge the age gap

    A PROJECT aimed at steering young people away from crime while bridging the gap between generations has been launched in Darwen. The town is only the second in the country to adopt the project, called 'Junior Problem Solving', after it was piloted in

  • Tips for safer cycling

    A SERIES of safer cycling courses for children aged 10 and above will be held in Ramsbottom. Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness Centre will hold the event before it moves on to a site nearby for the course itself. It is organised by Bury Metro road safety unit

  • Summer school for chocolate creations

    A POPULAR summer school in Prestwich has certainly found the right ingredients for success. St Monica's Summer School for Gifted and Talented Pupils took in a visit to the new premises of Slattery Pattisier and Chocolatier in Bury New Road, Whitefield

  • Moped crash driver fled in panic

    A MOPED rider was knocked off his machine by a motorist overtaking 'blind'. Blackburn magistrates heard that Syed Quisin Hussain pulled out when the car in front slowed unexpectedly. But he did not realise the car was waiting for the moped to turn right

  • Police issue motorway 'chicken' warning

    LANCASHIRE Police have called on parents to stop their children playing "chicken" on the county's motorways. Last summer, between July 21 and September 8, police were called to 127 incidents of motorway madness in which children were endangering their

  • Millions will see Samantha and Jason's big day

    ALL eyes will be on bride Samantha Bennett when her wedding video is broadcast on satellite television. Millions of people around the world will get the chance to watch 34 year-old Samantha and her partner Jason, also 34, tie the knot at Blackburn Register

  • Stanley player-coach bids to play against former side

    MIDFIELDER Paul Cook is battling to be fit to face his former club. Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Dave Jones has vowed to bring six first team players to the Interlink Express Stadium for a friendly with Accrington Stanley tomorrow (kick-off 3pm). And

  • BOWLS: Greenhill defy odds in the cup

    GREENHILL forgot their league form in the Thwaites East Lancs Premier League and gained a great first round Autumn Cup win against the villagers from Turton in their game at Two Gates, Darwen. They showed that, while at the bottom of the league, they

  • Back in training and raring to go

    DURING the past month Prestwich Heys have enjoyed some good pre-season training sessions, all well attended. Only one member of last season's squad has moved on, while several new signings have been made, increasing competition for starting places. Two

  • Mrs Chaytor is not our MP

    DR Farook Chaudhry's letter (July 9) was hilarious in its defence of Bury MP David Chaytor who, it appears, has lived in Todmorden for all of the seven years he has represented this town. So what relevance is it that David Chaytor's mother still lives

  • I applaud council's "smoke-free" policy

    CONGRATULATIONS to Bury Council for taking a courageous lead in protecting its workforce from second-hand smoke. Every week new medical evidence spells out the dangers of inhaling other people's smoke. In a recent study presented to the Government, Professor

  • Mast: we did not act illegally

    DAVID H. Foss of Tottington (Letters, July 20) claims that Bury Council was acting illegally in the way that it deals with applications for telecommunications masts. However, there are a number of inaccuracies in his letter. Mr Foss, writing about the

  • Weather wonder for the classroom

    THE wonders of the weather system was put to good use by pupils from five Bury primary schools. They took part in Powergen's Changing Climate programme to show how they had used the national curriculum to learn about the weather. Youngsters from St John

  • Tasty reminder that mother doesn't always know best

    THERE are experts and there are those who know a thing or two about food. I unfortunately know very little about food but when I go into an Indian Restaurant I become a different person. I don't change clothes or anything like that although sometimes

  • Apartments for Heaton Lodge site

    A FIVE-storey block of 11 apartments is to replace a historic lodge in Prestwich. Planners have given the go-ahead for the new properties to be built on the site of Heaton Lodge, at an entrance to Heaton Park off Bury Old Road. The lodge was a former

  • Let down by the legal system

    IF Peter Fell had admitted he was guilty of double murder it's quite likely he would have been released after ten years or so. But he didn't admit it because he hadn't done it - but the courts did not recognise that until he had served 18 years behind

  • Straw's road to No 10?

    Political Focus, with BILL JACOBS. . . JACK Straw is enjoying his holiday today safe in the knowledge that he has kept his job as Foreign Secretary. All the talk of Cabinet reshuffles before Westminster's summer recess proved to be so much hotter -- like

  • Cricket: Mount are De Bruyn'd off!

    GREENMOUNT'S miserable form with the bat continued on Saturday when they slumped to a comprehensive home defeat at the hands of Kearsley. Not even the debut of former Bradshaw captain David Morris could stir the villagers, who won the toss and opted to

  • Cricket: Close call for Brox

    BROOKSBOTTOMS skipper Richard Ernill has always had a likeing for the spectacular but his final over exploits at Sale Moor will take some beating. The scorecard will testify that Brox took the honours by the narrow margin of one wicket. What that doesn't

  • Cycle speedway: Ben unlucky in Euro comp

    WITH no domestic racing last weekend, the attention was focused on the European Nations and Individual Championships in Poland, and in particular, Bury-Pedalsports' 18-year-old Ben Scranage who was included in the official England party. As expected,

  • Bury FC: Jonah's just happy to be Lanky bound

    A THREE-hour round trip on busy roads every day may not be everybody's cup of tea but for Bury's new signing Graeme Jones it's just what the doctor ordered. The much-travelled striker has plied his trade up in Scotland and down at Southend in recent years

  • There are places for decent people

    I HAVE read with interest Margo Grimshaw's dim view of the drinking culture in Blackburn's town centre pubs and clubs. Also the view of P A Lynch (Telegraph, July 26) "Let's Have Decent Places for Decent People." There are such places and one is on Blackburn

  • Workington go to town on Lions

    WORKINGTON TOWN...40 LIONS...22: INJURY ravaged Lions put up a good fight against a fast improving Town side in the Workington sunshine, but couldn't gain victory, despite a good comeback. The Lions had the first attack in the fourth minute, but Wayne

  • Bank robbers lucky to make their getaway

    MAYBE there is something to be said, after all, for the Blackburn Orbital Route and the extensive traffic-calming measures that have taken place in the town. One reads with amazement (LET, July 21) that thieves robbed the Lloyds TSB Bank in Lord Street

  • Residents didn't want takeaway

    IN response to the letters regarding planning permission in Lower Darwen, I would like to comment as a resident of Lower Darwen and not as a political animal responsible to a political party. The takeaway planning application for Fore Street was objected

  • Off-road fire crew in action

    FIREFIGHTERS had to use a special off-road vehicle to put out a burning car which had been set alight in the middle of a field. A crew from Leigh Fire Station found that they could not get their vehicle on to land off Larch Road, Westleigh, to put out

  • Euro-welcome

    THE appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's new European Commissioner has been welcomed by Euro MP Gary Titley. The Radcliffe-based MEP, leader of the Labour group in Europe, says Mr Mandelson's track record as a Government minister will stand him

  • Cash aid for Sudan

    ST JOSEPH'S Church in Bury, has helped to raise £2,000 towards the CAFOD Sudan Emergency Appeal. Collections and fundraising for the Darfur crisis in Sudan have been taking place throughout the region and churches in the diocese have helped to raise more

  • Biker Ian hits road

    CYCLING enthusiast Ian Perry is hoping pedal power will help him raise more than £1,000 for charity. Ian will ride the 200 miles from his workplace at the Expert Logistic distribution centre in Radcliffe to Middlesex to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer

  • Barman faces close shave

    LONG-haired barman Tony O'Sullivan is making the ultimate sacrifice by having his locks shorn off for charity. Tony, who has worked at the Swan and Railway in Radcliffe for three years, will be raising the money for the Blackburn Royal Infirmary Maxillo

  • Charity concerts raise £2k

    A GROUP of entertainers have raised £2,000 for charity by singing their way to the hearts of their audiences. Ted Selby and his Entertainers have toured around nursing homes and community centres across the borough to raise cash for Bury Hospice. The

  • Putting pen to paper to help other carers

    A COMPILATION of short stories written by the borough's carers has been published by Bury Council. The booklet, titled Am I a Carer Too?, brings together people's thoughts and was penned during a competition to mark National Carers Week. Gwen Lucas, the

  • Thousands sign baby care unit protest

    CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Fairfield Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit took to the streets on Saturday (July 24). The Fairfield Baby Lifeline Society set up stall outside Mothercare, in Union Street, Bury, and collected signatures in opposition to the

  • Blooms could be boon for Bury

    TOWN Hall gardeners are keeping their "green" fingers crossed in this year's North West in Bloom competition. Judges visited the borough earlier this month and seemed quietly impressed, but Bury will have to wait until the autumn to see if it has won

  • Prof-life group fights law change

    A BURY pro-life group is urging people to challenge the Government over a controversial proposal to change the Abortion Act. At the latest meeting of the Bury branch of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children concern was expressed at the media

  • It's pay day for students!

    TEENAGERS in Bury who stay on at school will be in line for a weekly payment to help make ends meet. Sixteen-year-olds will get up to £30 a week if they attend college or a school sixth form -- and could even earn a bonus of up to £500. The weekly education

  • Classics in the rain

    ROVER cars certainly made their "marque" when they lined up for a milestone celebration in Bury at the weekend. About 40 classic vehicles went on show at the East Lancashire Railway in Bolton Street on Sunday (July 25) in an event organised by the North

  • New skipper hails Yorke

    BLACKBURN Rovers skipper Barry Ferguson believes Dwight Yorke has a future at Ewood Park after making his peace with Graeme Souness. Yorke made a surprise return to action in the 2-0 pre-season victory at Stockport County on Wednesday night -- and Ferguson

  • Phone antenna gets go ahead signal

    A MOBILE phone antenna is to be sited in Whitefield despite a petition of more than 60 signatures being handed to the council. Plans have been passed by Bury's planning committee to erect the 15 metre O2 monopole on land at George Street, near Whitefield

  • Retiring but returning for a new role

    WHITEFIELD travel adviser Margaret Bilsborrow has clipped her travel wings by retiring after a quarter of a century of service. Sixty-year-old Margaret, of Penrith Avenue has worked at the Co-op Travel store in The Haymarket, Bury, for the whole 25 years

  • Designs put teenagers on career course

    A FLOURISHING Prestwich-based design and communication specialist has developed a new range of literature to help ensure youngsters get on the right road to a successful career. Appleby Bowers has worked in collaboration with the Manchester 14 to 19+

  • Mill phone mast plans rejected

    PLANS to install a controversial phone mast on a mill chimney in Briercliffe have been thrown out by councillors. Last night Burnley Council's development control committee rejected proposals for the mast at King's Mill, in Queen Street, on the grounds

  • Talks with Salvation Army on cinema site plans

    PLANS to transform the site of a historic cinema in Nelson come before councillors again next week. It follows a move by councillors last month to defer a decision on whether to grant outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Grand

  • Council to decide on taxi trial move

    A DECISION whether to continue with a prosecution against a Pendle councillor and a business associate is set to be made next week. Coun Mohammed Munir and David Geddes are being prosecuted by Pendle Council for allegedly operating a taxi business without

  • Biker Ian hits road

    CYCLING enthusiast Ian Perry is hoping pedal power will help him raise more than £1,000 for charity. Ian will ride the 200 miles from his workplace at the Expert Logistic distribution centre in Radcliffe to Middlesex to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer

  • Stars are out for Joshua

    A STAR-studded charity evening is set to raise thousands of pounds for a Bury toddler in a rare coma. Tickets sales have rocketed for tonight's (Fri, July 30) fundraising extravaganza in aid of three-year-old Joshua Wilson, previously featured in the

  • Reviews of the latest sounds

    Albums TOM BAXTER: Feather and Stone FRESH from supporting Jamie Cullum, singer-songwriter Tom Baxter now has his debut CD to further enhance his reputation. At first you worry that he's another angst-ridden Chris Martin sound-alike but then he gets into

  • Grammar school reunion

    FORMER pupils of Colne Grammar School between 1959 and 1964 who are now aged 55 or 56 are invited to a reunion party at the Fence Gate Inn, Fence, on Friday, October 1. Tickets for the event, starting at 7.30pm, cost £7 including supper. For more information

  • Beefeater boy's day at the Tower

    A YOUNGSTER from East Lancashire has become the first ever child to act as Beefeater at the Tower of London. Vahan Salorian, 11, from Barnoldswick, donned the famous red and dark navy official uniform for his day at the landmark building. Accompanied

  • Down the years

    10 years ago A PETROL station's appeal for three cashiers had a high-brow response as almost half of all applicants were graduates. Bosses of the Jet Garage in Darwen were stunned when a host of graduates desperate for work applied for the vacant posts

  • Driver injured in lorry smash

    AN investigation has been launched after a wagon driver crashed into trees at an Altham industrial estate. The Biffa Waste Services Ltd employee had a lucky escape after narrowly missing a lamp-post at the junction between Altham Lane and Syke Side Drive

  • Shops scheme to stave off post closures

    A SCHEME which could see shops teaming up with post offices could stave off threatened closures in Hyndburn. The deadline for consultation on the proposed axing of four post offices in Hyndburn has passed. But when Hyndburn Council sent off their official

  • Post office cash box stolen in raid

    ROBBERS made off with hundreds of pounds after snatching a cash box as it was being delivered to an Accrington post office. The raid in Blackburn Road yesterday happened two days after armed robbers stole £200 cash and 200 cigarettes from Supamarket petrol

  • Pay-up order for cleared man's time in jail

    AN EAST Lancashire man who spent 18 years behind bars for a double murder he didn't commit has been told to expect to lose part of his compensation -- to cover his board and lodgings while in jail! Peter Fell, 42, has been told by lawyers preparing his

  • Designs put teenagers on career course

    A FLOURISHING Prestwich-based design and communication specialist has developed a new range of literature to help ensure youngsters get on the right road to a successful career. Appleby Bowers has worked in collaboration with the Manchester 14 to 19+

  • I applaud "smoke-free" policy

    CONGRATULATIONS to Bury Council for taking a courageous lead in protecting its workforce from second-hand smoke. Every week new medical evidence spells out the dangers of inhaling other people's smoke. In a recent study presented to the Government, Professor

  • Ashamed of Philips Park

    I WONDER if any readers have noticed the posters put up by Bury Council, advertising Bury in Bloom and asking people to report any litter or overgrown areas. Some years ago, the council carried out work in Philips Park, Whitefield, which at the time caused

  • Pounds come off, and pounds go on

    A PAIR of bingo pals, who ditched their unhealthy diets to run the London marathon, have set a new target of £30,000 for charity. Neighbours Amanda Townsend, 32, and Karen Brayshaw, 40, nicknamed "the fat birds", and both of Siddows Avenue, Clitheroe,

  • 'Victor Meldrews' jibe over survey

    COUNCILLORS have branded their residents 'Victor Meldrews' after a survey revealed fewer people felt the services being provided were satisfactory. Ribble Valley's three-yearly survey revealed that 69 per cent of people felt they were fairly satisfied

  • Show is a triumph

    BRIGHT sunshine and soaring temperatures ensured the third and final day of the Royal Lancashire Show was hailed as a '200 per cent' improvement on last year. Police and council bosses joined show organisers in declaring the event, held near Ribchester

  • Hills are alive with the sound of Cotterill

    DARREN BENTLEY reports from Austria. . . STEVE Cotterill takes his seat in a modest stand and keeps a watchful eye on his players. It's another day of drills on Burnley's training tour in Austria and coaches Dave Kevan and Mark Yates are putting the Burnley

  • Moore to play in pain

    COURAGEOUS Clarets striker Ian Moore is ready to push himself through the pain barrier to end his pre-season nightmare. Moore has successfully completed his first full training session in almost two weeks in preparation for tomorrow's friendly clash with

  • Apartments for Heaton Lodge site

    A FIVE-storey block of 11 apartments is to replace a historic lodge in Prestwich. Planners have given the go-ahead for the new properties to be built on the site of Heaton Lodge, at an entrance to Heaton Park off Bury Old Road. The lodge was a former

  • Darwen in fear of Motors braking

    LEYLAND Motors could out the brakes on Darwen's double-winning chances in one weekend. The Northern Premier League champions need a win at Birch Hall tomorrow (1pm) top keep alive their hopes of retaining the title, then face the same opposition on Sunday

  • Body in park identified as taxi driver

    DETECTIVES are attempting to unravel the final movements of a 22-year-old taxi driver, hours before his badly burned body was found in a Whitefield park. Police have named the dead man as father-of-one Tahir Shahoor Butt from the Fallowfield area of Manchester

  • Swaz blow for Shakers

    BURY'S pre-season preparations have received a massive knock with the news that Danny Swailes will miss the big kick-off. The dominant central defender has had a scan on a niggling thigh injury which has hampered him in training since returning from the

  • Boss enjoys friendly draw

    BURY...0, MANCHESTER CITY...0: ACCORDING to Shakers' manager Graham Barrow, Bury didn't just draw with Manchester City once on Wednesday night, they did it twice - back-to-back - in front of a bumper 7,412 crowd. "Credit to City and Kevin for bringing

  • Battle to halt 26 turbines

    CAMPAIGNERS are counting on people power to stop the largest wind farm in the country from being built on the region's moorland. Controversial proposals to site 26 large turbines on Scout Moor, near Edenfield, will go to a public inquiry in November.

  • Long-term sick asked to swap experiences

    PEOPLE living with chronic long-term health conditions are being asked to share their experience and help others suffering from similar illnesses. Bury Primary Care Trust is to hold its fourth and final Expert Patients' Programme course in September as

  • Councillors suspended from duty

    TWO Bury councillors have been suspended from duty after being found guilty of breaking the council's code of conduct. Conservatives Bob Bibby and Jim Taylor are the first to be disciplined in this way after failing to declare "personal and prejudicial

  • Time not on the side of Racecoursemen

    ALL things being equal, Radcliffe could have won this home game against Rochdale, but a lack or urgency, combined with a superb batting display from the visiting professional put paid to any chances of a home victory. Docked four overs when it came to

  • Pro in fine form

    WALSHAW had professional Jon Fielding and Tony Kelly to thank for their 103-run victory at Blackrod on Saturday. Kelly hit 83 in their tally of 216 for 5 while paid man Fielding added 55 before demolishing the reply with figures of 7 for 51. The home

  • New skipper hails Yorke

    BLACKBURN Rovers skipper Barry Ferguson believes Dwight Yorke has a future at Ewood Park after making his peace with Graeme Souness. Yorke made a surprise return to action in the 2-0 pre-season victory at Stockport County on Wednesday night -- and Ferguson

  • Moore to play in pain

    COURAGEOUS Clarets striker Ian Moore is ready to push himself through the pain barrier to end his pre-season nightmare. Moore has successfully completed his first full training session in almost two weeks in preparation for tomorrow's friendly clash with

  • Profits are rolling in

    ROLLS-ROYCE today announced a sharp increase in pre-tax profits for the first six months of the year, up to £129 million from £59 million last year. The company, which employs around 900 people at its two aerospace factories in Barnoldswick, said the

  • Health services pledge

    PEOPLE in Rossendale will be consulted on proposals for an overhaul of children's health services in Bury. A review of maternity services includes the possible closure of the Special Baby Care Unit at Bury's Fairfield Hospital, which has upset many local

  • Clampdown on yob behaviour

    EXTRA bobbies and a CCTV van have been drafted in to tackle yobbish behaviour after dark across Rossendale. Additional patrols are being drafted in to town centres to tackle drunk and disorderly behaviour alongside the police's CCTV van which will film

  • Children not afraid to speak

    OVER 50 children from 15 Leigh Excellence Cluster schools took part in "Let the Children Speak" organised and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Leigh and held at Leigh Masonic Hall. An enthusiastic and appreciative audience enjoyed a variety of subjects

  • Open day at reserve

    A VAST array of attractions awaits visitors to this year's Philips Park Local Nature Reserve open day on Sunday (August 1). Face painting, a chainsaw artist, farm animals and pond-dipping are on the agenda, plus charcoal burning, story-telling, a number

  • Denney doubles up!

    RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...3 SOUTHPORT...2: HAVING played five league clubs so far in pre-season, Boro finally got to grips with a fellow non-league side and showed their performances against Shrewsbury, Bury, Stockport, Bolton, and of course Manchester United

  • Passenger in stolen car fined

    A 22-YEAR-OLD man was a passenger in a stolen car when it crashed injuring the driver. Blackburn magistrates heard that Barry John Coupe accepted a lift in the vehicle not knowing it had been taken without consent. But he accepted, realising the reality

  • Weather wonder for the classroom

    THE wonders of the weather system was put to good use by pupils from five Bury primary schools. They took part in Powergen's Changing Climate programme to show how they had used the national curriculum to learn about the weather. Youngsters from St John

  • False claims by bar worker

    A BLACKBURN woman made intermittent claims for benefit despite working behind the bar at a working men's club. Blackburn magistrates heard that Dawn Joanne King started working at the Mill Hill Club when she was just 16 and after she started claiming

  • Cash plea to save pre-school centre

    A PRE-SCHOOL centre is campaigning to raise £250,000 to avoid closure Fernbank Pre-school based at the Methodist Church in Lammack, Blackburn, is running at a loss because of rent charges and risen wage bills. It needs to raise the capital to relocate

  • Family's hell living in 'mushroom farm'

    A HOME is slowly being ruined by damp but the tenant, landlord and council are powerless to stop it because they are caught in a Catch 22. The owner of the house next door, which is believed to be the cause of the problem, has refused to allow anyone

  • Why school could be split into two

    ONE of Blackburn's successful high schools could be split into two smaller ones amid concerns that there is not enough choice for parents, it was revealed today. The chair of governors at Witton Park High School in Buncer Lane wants to reverse the government's

  • 'Ambush' anger of police chief

    POLICE are crying foul after claiming a growing number of legal defence teams were "ambushing" them with late evidence in sneaky bids to get their clients off. Lancashire Police Chief Constable Paul Stephenson has lobbied the government over the problem

  • Crashed bike firm owes creditors a cool £10m

    THE Blackburn motorcycle company backed by former World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty crashed with debts of £10million, it has been revealed. Carl's wife, Michaela, was among the investors who lost out when Shadsworth-based CCM Motorcycles closed down

  • I promised I would live here

    IN response to the letter from Dr Farook Chaudhry (July 9) I wish to point out that I have kept the promise I made to the people of Bury and Ramsbottom at the time of my selection as the Conservative's prospective parliamentary candidate that I would

  • Mast "expert" has given us hope

    I AM a resident in the Brandlesholme area, the location for a proposed mobile phone mast, and would like to thank Mr David H. Foss for his letter in the Bury Times (July 20). His knowledge is greatly valued by me and by others. It comes as no great surprise

  • It's pay day for students!

    TEENAGERS in Bury who stay on at school will be in line for a weekly payment to help make ends meet. Sixteen-year-olds will get up to £30 a week if they attend college or a school sixth form -- and could even earn a bonus of up to £500. The weekly education

  • ASBOs offer a solution

    BILL Brison (July 9) needs to sort out the problems of his own party's policy before criticising others. If he is so concerned about anti-social behaviour, why did the Liberal Democrats vote against the new Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)? These

  • Tributes to victims of American plane crash

    COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to the teacher who died in a plane crash which claimed four lives. Mr Stephen Aspden (45) and his 12-year-old son Jack, of Haweswater Crescent, Unsworth, together with pilot Garry Megson (38) and his eight-year-old son, Peter