Archive

  • Reindeer raises cash for charity

    From the Guide files of Friday, January 11, 1980: ROTARY'S reindeer managed to raise £525 for charity. The Rotary Club of Prestwich and Whitefield toured the area before Christmas with their festive sleigh and collected cash for local good causes. l A

  • Meeting over school parking dangers

    ST MARY'S Primary School in Prestwich is to hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss improvements to pedestrian and vehicular access to the school. The present entrance is on a dangerous bend. The meeting starts at 10am.

  • Road works need to be highlighted

    THE sudden unexpected appearance of road works and the traffic jams they cause are a source of considerable annoyance. Too often it seems that there is no co-ordination so that a gas supplier will be digging up the road a few hundred yards away from where

  • One over the eight for the evergreens

    THE Bury Veterans team, playing in Division Four of the Lancashire and Cheshire Table Tennis League, continued the good form at the start of 2005 they had shown in 2004 with an emphatic 9-1 victory over Lytham. They are now assured of promotion to Division

  • Bury and district bowls league

    WILL all players please note that the Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 24, 2005 at Huntley Unionist Club, Coppice St4reet, Bury, beginning at 7.30pm. Any player registered with the league last season is entitled to attend. There

  • Business bought

    IN our report last week on the re-opening of Woodbank News, we said that Craig and Louise Haslam had leased the business. They have, in fact, bought the business and are leasing the building in Brandlesholme Road, Bury.

  • Red Rose smells sweet for Bury

    THE Sweatshop Red Rose Cross Country League at Moss Bank Park, Bolton THIS meeting was the last league event of the season and Bury Athletic Club were well in the hunt for several individual as well as team trophies. Individual awards are based on the

  • Fishpool slammed by Cons Club

    IN the Irwell Street Metals A Section Walshaw A entertain Bury Snooker C and got off to a flyer when Pete Lomas enjoyed a narrow victory over Tom Gay. Their lead was doubled when Barry Smith had an equally close succes over Kevin Bogden. Mark Burns took

  • Radcliffe Pool League

    LATEST details on January 14 DOUBLES KNOCK-OUT FIRST ROUND ALL matches to be played on Tuesday, January 18. LAST ORDERS: M. Brown & P. Atherton (LLWMC) v J. Pollard & D. Dough (Swan, Bury); M. Whatmough & M. Howard (Woolpack, Bury) L. Chippendale

  • Driver freed

    FIREFIGHTERS freed a woman lorry driver after her vehicle was in collision with another truck on the slip road of the M66 at Heap Bridge. The impact of the collision caused the woman to move forward in her cab, trapping her underneath the steering wheel

  • Brother is traced

    BURY'S coroner's officer has issued a thank-you after successfully tracing the brother of a man who died in the town. Mr Geoff Cave appealed for help through the Bury Times following the discovery of the body of 57-year-old Mr Stuart Whittaker. He was

  • Nailing their objections to the mast

    OBJECTIONS are being lodged against the siting of a phone mast in Holcombe Brook. Mobile giants O2 have applied to install a 15-metre high flexicell column, three antennae and two equipment cabinet on land opposite the Hare and Hounds hotel on Bolton

  • Garrick players stage Irish comic classic

    AN ACCLAIMED Irish play hits the stage at Whitefield Garrick next weekend. The Beauty Queen of Leenane, by Martin McDonagh, runs from Saturday, January 22 until Saturday, January 29 at the theatre in Bank Street, Whitefield. Set in Ireland, the play tells

  • New estate ruling to be heard next week

    PLANNING bosses will rule on whether a major housing development in Tottington on the site of a former car garage should be given the go-ahead next Tuesday. An application has been submitted to build 18 two and three storey semi-detached and terraced

  • Bicyclettes ready for fundraiser

    KEEN cyclists of all abilities in Bury are being urged to gear up for a fundraising ride from London to Paris in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. The 300km cycle ride will take place over three days, starting from one of Marie Curie's hospices and ending

  • Mum banned after accident

    A MOTHER-of-three has been banned from driving after admitting she was two times over the drink-drive limit on the night her car was in collision with a taxi. Andrea Shaw, of Glenboro Avenue, Bury, was driving towards Ainsworth, along Higher Ainsworth

  • Teenage mugged by gang

    A TEENAGE schoolboy had money stolen and his watch smashed when he was robbed by three thugs. The 13-year-old boy was attacked at 3.25pm on Wednesday in Ryecroft Avenue, Tottington. He was approached by three teenagers, one of whom asked if he had any

  • Tigers trio in county squad

    SEDGLEY Park forwards Ryan Cullen (Little Lever HS) and Martin Hazelwood (Castlebrook HS), along with half-back Dominic Kohler (St Peters RC HS) have been named in the Lancashire Under 16 squad to face Gloucester away on Sunday.

  • Stoke U17 29 Sedgley Park U17 0

    Park made the trek south to face a revitalised Stoke side. Sedgley's squad was weakened by the absence of Ryan Tetley (scrum half) and Lee Moore (second row), but welcomed back Chris Thorpe after an absence ofnine months. The shortcomings of the reorganised

  • Tarleton U16 14 Sedgley Park U16 44

    Sedgley put their Christmas and New Year celebrations behind them and worked off a few pounds with a good overall performance. Chris Entwistle set the ball rolling with an early try and an aggressive Tarleton side failed to make much progress against

  • Leigh U15 0 Sedgley Park U15 62

    There was too much of a disparity between the teams to make for a good game, but Leigh tackled well at times and forced Sedgley to play "proper" rugby to score their tries. The home side's main problem was a total lack of possession from any source except

  • Tsunami aid must be long-term

    THE magnificent response by many countries and the public with money donations to aid the countless thousands hit by the tsunami in Asia shows concern and caring to men, women and children who have suffered. But donations of money must be long term. It

  • Whitefield Badminton League

    RESULTS and tables DIVISION ONE Markland Hill A 18, Metro A 0; Mid RC A 6, Metro A 12. P W L D Pt Mland Hill A 9 8 1 0 129 Metro A 10 6 3 1 95 Holy Cross A 6 5 0 1 92 GMT A 6 5 0 1 79 Central 7 4 2 1 79 Rackets 6 4 1 1 64 Pres Hos A 10 2 6 2 64 Mid RC

  • Ammies start new year with a win

    BURY AMATEURS 1 NEWMAN COLLEGE 0: BURY hosted Preston-based Newman College in their first encounter of 2005 and all credit to the club members who worked hard to ensure the game went ahead. The visitors won the toss and chose to play against a strong

  • Disaster victim's blast over FO help delay

    A TSUNAMI disaster survivor recovering in a Munich hospital slammed the treatment she received from British officials. The seriously-injured Leigh-born marketing executive, who was air-lifted from Thailand by the German Luftwaffe, has spoken about how

  • More fires over the Christmas period

    THE number of fires in Bury over the 12-day Christmas period has shown a slight increase over the previous year. However, in Greater Manchester, figures for the festive period showed a 32 per cent fall in such incidents, compared to 2003. Throughout the

  • Dance extravaganza!

    THE IRISH are coming to Blackpool for a post-St Pat's day knees-up this March. The green isle's music and dance extravaganza, Riverdance, hits Blackpool's Opera House for one week from March 28 to April 2. The date is one of just nine in the UK, and will

  • Sex-swap tragedy verdict

    A TRANSSEXUAL died after taking an overdose of sleeping pills while battling against her "inner demons" following a sex change operation. Today the head of a national help group today called for more support for people like Victoria Close, in a bid to

  • Drink-drive arrests up by 64pc

    THE number of motorists breathalysed and arrested for drink-driving by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) during the festive period has shown a significant increase. A total of 540 people were detained after giving positive breath tests. This number has

  • Single mum convicted of drink driving

    POLICE alerted to a traffic incident at The Village Hotel in Bury, arrived to find a drink-driver heading away from the location and driving erratically, a court was told. Tracy Ann Withers, a 34-year-old single mother, of Hunters Hill, Unsworth, appeared

  • Colls set for return

    ATHERTON Colls will hope to get back into action on Saturday after two postponements in the last week. Colls will be without the suspended Andy Walker and Dave Conlon for the visit of Bacup Borough and former Manchester United defender David May. Monday's

  • Policeman cleared of assault on girlfriend

    A POLICE officer from Bury has been cleared of assaulting his former partner. Mark Lees (42), of Wash Lane, stood trial before Bury magistrates after it was alleged he had grabbed Heather Hogan by the throat and threatened to kill her. Miss Logan (39)

  • Our search to find a 'Good Neighbour'

    HOW often have you heard the expression: "They deserve a medal"? Well, the Bury Times may not be in the business of presenting medals but we are always eager to give public recognition to those unsung heroes in our community; those men, women - and maybe

  • £440,000

    offer for Ferguson BLACKBURN Rovers would have received just £440,000 had they accepted Rangers' bid for Barry Ferguson. That's the astonishing figure Rangers chairman David Murray was hoping to pay for a player he valued at £6.5 million only 17 months

  • aneild@the-let.co.uk

    A WORLD AWAY: New Rovers signing Ryan Nelsen's progress will be watched closely back home by his legion of fans in New Zealand Picture Clive Lawrence New Zealand expects Nelsen's duty to Rovers and his country BLACKBURN Rovers' latest signing Ryan Nelsen

  • Area board meeting

    SEDGLEY Park Primary School is the venue for the next Prestwich area board meeting. It will be held on Thursday, February 3 at 7pm, at the school in Kings Road. All members of the public are invited to attend and can raise issues during the open forum

  • Health watchdog on the move

    BURY'S new health watchdog has moved into new premises and is ready to deal with concerns of residents living in the borough. The Patient and Public Involvement in Health forum for Bury Primary Care Trust is one of a group of organisations which have

  • Clearing abandoned cars from the streets

    ABANDONED cars on the streets of Preston could be a thing of the past according to the police. It comes at the launch of the new Car Clear initiative, launched today (January 13), to clean up the city's streets. Under the scheme, residents can report

  • Kevin to tough it out on TV Games

    LIBERTY-X star Kevin Simm is to swap singing for sumo wrestling after agreeing to take part in one of the toughest reality shows on TV. But his mum, Bernadette, is predicting her 23-year-old son will have no problem surviving Channel 4's programme The

  • Give up smoking plea to parents

    HEALTH officials are urging parents to make it their New Year's resolution to stop smoking for the sake of their children's health. Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) want to reduce the amount of youngsters admitted to hospital with a chest infection who are

  • School's Sri Lankan link

    A SCHOOL in Bamber Bridge has raised almost £1,000 for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka and is hoping to set up a reconstruction project with the money. Nilmini Ellery, a teaching assistant at Walton-le-Dale High, Brindle Road, was born in the country, and

  • Mum puts house on line for daughter's dream

    A SINGLE mum has pledged to sell her home if her star struck daughter cannot raise enough cash to tread the boards at a prestigious performing arts school. Julie Gillespie, 45, is willing to put her Penwortham semi-detached house on the market to help

  • You've got to have friends

    PEOPLE from Preston, who give up their time to help others, are starring in a new documentary to promote voluntary work. Opening Doors, currently being screened on the digital Community Channel, has been launched by the county council's voluntary service

  • Employers have confidence to hire more staff

    EMPLOYER hiring confidence in the region is positive for the third quarter of 2004, according to research released by Manpower, the UK's leading workforce management company. Its employment outlook survey shows the balance of employers forecasting to

  • Tributes pour in to 'Pied Piper'

    ANYONE who grew up in South Ribble since the '70s is likely to have memories of attending the Leyland Playscheme, established by community stalwart, Jim Green. Now, following Mr Green's death tributes have been pouring in from as far away as America for

  • Reindeer raises cash for charity

    From the Guide files of Friday, January 11, 1980: ROTARY'S reindeer managed to raise £525 for charity. The Rotary Club of Prestwich and Whitefield toured the area before Christmas with their festive sleigh and collected cash for local good causes. l A

  • Safety rules for danger road

    A PRESTWICH road which has suffered six traffic accidents in three years is to receive a raft of road safety measures. St Ann's Road will benefit from two mini roundabouts, new anti-skid surfacing, new warning signs and two priority restriction measures

  • Antiques fair at Armoury

    ANTIQUE collectors can pick up some bargains at a giant antique and collectors fair on Sunday. The fair, between 9.30am and 4.30pm, will be held at the Castle Armoury in Bury and will feature 120 stalls selling a variety of collectable goods, from jewellery

  • 'Erratic' lady driver over limit

    POLICE alerted to a traffic incident at The Village Hotel in Bury, arrived to find a drink-driver driving erratically, a court was told. Tracy Ann Withers, a 34-year-old single mother, of Hunters Hill, Unsworth, appeared before Rochdale magistrates where

  • Man faces rape charges

    A MAN has been charged with raping and assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Stephen Holloway, 56, of Grange Street, Burnley, made a brief appearance at the town's magistrates court yesterday. He is charged with two counts of rape and four of sexual assault

  • 'Bored' Betty's artistic success

    AFTER winning an art competition at the age of 14, Betty Chapman did not pick up a paintbrush again for more than 50 years. Now, aged 72 she has launched her first art exhibition at Prestwich Library and thoroughly enjoys her hobby. Mrs Chapman, of Well

  • Trial date set

    A TRIAL date has been set to hear allegations against a woman facing cruelty charges following an RSPCA investigation. Rosalind Gregson, 55, of Wellbank, Lindeth Road, Silverdale, denies 69 charges involving 61 dogs and eight birds kept at her home. She

  • Hunt is on for spooks at pub

    PARANORMAL investigators are to search for spooky goings-on at a Padiham pub. Seven members of "In Search of Spirit Paranormal" will spend tonight at the Red Rock pub. The Dewsbury-based self-funded group was formed a year ago and has conducted 25 similar

  • Housing market set to go through the roof

    AN investment advisor has tipped Burnley to buck the anticipated national trend of falling house prices by becoming a magnet for investors. Barbara Goldsmith is predicting property prices to rocket in parts of the borough as millions of pounds are ploughed

  • Insurance hitch threatens walks

    THE future of cross bay walks in Morecambe Bay hangs in the balance. Guide to the sands Alan Sledmore says that since the tragedy in the bay last February - when 23 cockle pickers drowned - he has had problems getting a company to insure him. He told

  • Hundreds swell disaster fund

    THE tsunami disaster has seen Lancaster and Morecambe people - in common with others up and down the country - digging deep to raise as much money as possible for the South East Asia appeal. Pictures of the Boxing Day tidal wave continue to shock - and

  • Ramsbles for the week

    BURY H.F: Saturday walk (six to eight miles), meet Tenter Street car park (Law Courts) at 1pm. Impromptu. Sunday walks, meet on Belle Vue Terrace car park at 10am. Bring lunch and flask. Impromptu. Tuesday walks, meet B & Q car park, Crostons Retail

  • Thanks for the memories, Shakers

    AN equal mixture of sadness and excitement summed up Dave Nugent's mood in the wake of his move to Preston North End this week. Shakers' leading scorer was obviously delighted to make the move to a Championship side but has paid tribute to the staff who

  • Housing plans kicked into touch

    A DERELICT sports ground in Nelson is to get a new lease of life after plans to turn it into housing were defeated. The future of James Nelson sports ground in Wickworth Street has been in doubt for some years but now councillors have vowed to reclaim

  • MP's praise for scheme for families

    EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice has backed the government Sure Start initiative for children from deprived families. The Labour backbencher said that more than 2,000 children in his Pendle constituency were benefiting from the government programme

  • Hardship beyond words

    TWO relief workers from East Lancashire have flown out to the Aceh region of Indonesia to help the victims of the tsunami. Samina Kauser, 30, of Every Street, Nelson, and Mohammed Anwar, of Lomeshaye Road, are both volunteers for Pendle charity Muslim

  • Lauren swims record breaking to gold

    PRESTON swimmer Lauren Newton put on an outstanding record breaking performance to win her second gold medal in the Deaflympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. Lauren, 16, a member of Preston Swimming Club, left her rivals trailing to win her second gold

  • Rugby union - Hoppers go clear at top

    HOPPERS scored over 70 points in the equivalent league encounter at Lightfoot Green in November but this time they had to make do with a more modest margin. Altrincham are now a stronger team but Hoppers also failed to capitalise on chances created. But

  • 'Springer opera' insult

    THE Jerry Springer "Opera" programme, shown on BBC on Sunday, was an insult to many religious orders. The lack of respect demonstrated has certainly pushed the boundaries of decency as far as they can go. J. CANDELIN (Mrs) Boothway, Tottington.

  • Tesco? You should try Asda pilsworth

    I HAVE never had any problems negotiating the Tesco car park in Bury (Letters, January 6). However, if the writer thinks that car park is bad, he should try the new layout at Asda Pilsworth. Now that is a nightmare! It will be a long time before I go

  • Did 'tribute' display double standards?

    ON January 5, Bury College held an admirably respected three-minute silence for the 150,000 people killed by the recent Asian tsunami. Why then don't they observe a visible two-minute silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month for the

  • It wouldn't succeed without our helpers

    MANY thanks to all those who helped to make such a success of our "Just Friends" Christmas Day lunch for those with mental health problems. This annual event relies on a host of volunteers who are willing to give up their time to serve lunch and to transport

  • Postponement left me furious

    I AM amazed that the Football League can't come up with a better method of fixture selection for the bank holiday games. Bury should be playing teams such as Chester, Macclesfield and Rochdale, not the likes of Shrewsbury, Lincoln and Oxford. All clubs

  • An organisation to be envied

    SINCE being diagnosed with cancer of the prostate gland some five years ago, I have received treatment of the highest order from the NHS. Initial treatment began at Christie Hospital in Manchester and later at Fairfield General Hospital, under Mr D.G.

  • I'll bring survivial gear next time

    I THINK I may be able to answer some of the car park questions posed by Victor M (Letters, January 7). I also had the misfortune to pop into Tesco with the hope of being out again within a few minutes, only to be held captive on the car park due to the

  • Film the decent families here

    AFTER watching the BBC television programme about drugs on the "Dicky Bird" estate in Bury I feel I must say something. I lived on Ferngrove in Bury in the late 1950s and Goldfinch in the 1960s before moving away and returning to Bury in 2003. The picture

  • Reviews of the latest sounds

    JOHN LEGEND: Get Lifted YOU know more about John Legend than you think. His music and talent are known and respected worldwide, having worked with the likes of Kanye West, Mary J Blige and Alicia Keys amongst others. With these accolades, his own album

  • Stephen's voices from beyond the grave

    INTERNATIONAL spiritualist medium Stephen Holbrook, is holding an evening of clairvoyance to amaze the people of East Lancashire. Stephen, who has a rare gift and is pleased to share it, is holding an evening in Blackburn as part of his tour of the country

  • Charity call for new year 'volunteer' resolution

    A HYNDBURN environmental charity is hoping to use the 'Year of the Volunteer' to encourage more people to get involved in its work. The Government has designated 2005 as the special year to raise the profile of the work volunteers do and get more people

  • An organisation to be envied

    SINCE being diagnosed with cancer of the prostate gland some five years ago, I have received treatment of the highest order from the NHS. Initial treatment began at Christie Hospital in Manchester and later at Fairfield General Hospital, under Mr D.G.

  • Opportunist MP is not worthy of the title

    THE Rt. Hon. George Foulkes MP (Letters, January 6) accused Michael Howard of being "economical with the truth" in his support of victims of the tsunami because of the actions of the Conservative Government in 1979 - 26 years ago! First of all, who is

  • EU charte 'bans' death penalty

    NOW that the festive season is over I would like to reply to Jim Homewood's polemic against the European Constitution (Letters, December 24). At the time of his letter, Mr Homewood didn't have a copy of the consitution and I can only suppose that the

  • Gunshot as pub drinkers are robbed

    A GUN was fired during an armed robbery at a Prestwich pub in which customers were forced to hand over property. Detectives are hunting the gang of four or five men who raided the Plough pub on Rainsough Brow at 11.20pm on Sunday. The thugs, armed with

  • Family's gales wake-up call shock

    A WHITEFIELD family woke up in the middle of the night to find a huge tree buried in the roof and front bedroom of their house. The Brammer family, of Carisbrooke Avenue, miraculously escaped injury when the 70-year-old tree was uprooted in 80mph winds

  • Help me put Lancaster in the picture

    PAST in Pictures is one of the leading producers of local interest and nostalgia videos. Since 1998 we have produced more than 50 social history films for towns across Britain that have become bestsellers. We have chosen Lancaster to form the next chapter

  • Council leader right to tell us how it is

    I WAS delighted to see that Cllr Ian Barker came out on accountability in the Citizen on November 25. He answered the letter from Mr S Williams point for point and also took a long overdue swipe at the many correspondents who try to undermine the work

  • Tory to get tough with 'evil' dealers

    EAST Lancashire MP Nigel Evans has introduced a Private Members Bill (PMB) aimed at making sure serial drug dealers get tough prison sentences. The Ribble Valley MP and vice-chairman of the Conservatives, was drawn second in the annual ballot for PMB.

  • Cops must learn how to clean up

    HAVING decided to go into town on New Year's Eve, I was expecting to see the town packed with people shopping. What I did not expect nor want to see was a steaming drag of horse muck in the middle of Penny Street, kindly donated by the police horses on

  • Shrimps scrape through

    HOLDERS Morecambe edged into the next round of the Lancashire Cup despite a scare against lowly Nelson. The Shrimps, flying high in the Conference, were ahead inside 15 seconds at Christie Park thanks to Lee Elam. And that became 2-0 when Michael Stringfellow

  • Trophy hunters

    SILVERWARE is the order of the day as both Morecambe and Lancaster City go hunting FA Trophy glory on Saturday. The Shrimps host minnows Sutton Coldfield Town while City are on their travels to Vauxhall Motors - and both go into the games high on confidence

  • The rain's a pain...

    GALE force winds and heavy rain swept across the area over the weekend - but Lancaster and Morecambe escaped with little more than superficial damage. While thousands of people in Carlisle, Kendal and North and West Yorkshire were hit by devastating floods

  • Coppell

    threat to strikers STEVE Coppell has challenged his goal-shy strikers to show their worth and get Reading's promotion push back on track at Burnley tomorrow. The Royals' boss is clearly losing patience with his lacklustre forwards, who are struggling

  • You're better

    without me! Hehdhe hehhee hehheh Cotterill has found winning formula, says ex-Claret Little FLAIR WE GO: Glen Little and Robbie Blake had an almost telepathic understanding at Burnley GLEN Little has told Burnley: 'You're better off without Robbie Blake

  • Monkeys jump into care market

    A NEW building is ready to be filled by Cheeky Monkeys! That's the name of a new £40,000 nursery being launched in Prestwich later this month by Bury businesswoman Michelle Linacre and business partner Carol Talbot. The building, in Chandos Road, was

  • Charity funds champ is honoured

    AN MBE award is just the business for Whitefield marketing consultant Sidney Wander. Mr Wander's accolade was announced in the New Year's Honours list for services to the community in Manchester. Married to June, Mr Wander has four children and two grandchildren

  • Firefighters pass on their skills

    FIVE local firefighters have helped bring former Yugoslavias own fire service into the 21st century. Kevin Barrow and Stephen Jordan, who both live in Prestwich, Bury-based fireman Mark Cox, Gary Eden, a firefighter at Broughton and Rochdale man John

  • Lee boosts firing line

    DARWEN have boosted their attacking options with the capture of Lee Lyson. The former Clitheroe midfielder has been signed by manager Steve Mullen in his latest statement that he's not afraid to make changes. He did it for last week's game at Winsford

  • Rams are thinking positive

    "IT could have been worse - it could have been a league game." That was Ramsbottom United manager Derek Egan's relaxed reaction to his side's exit from the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy on Tuesday night. A single Skelmersdale goal denied them a quarter-final

  • Molyneaux waits for fortunes to turn

    HOPEFUL Rossendale manager Mark Molyneaux is waiting for his side's luck to turn. The Dale boss was proud of the way his players rallied against league leaders North Ferriby. But Molyneaux admitted another individual error cost them on Saturday in a 1

  • Great to be back

    GREAT Harwood Town's players can be forgiven for being a little rusty as they make the trip to leaders Fleetwood Town tomorrow. Dave Sharples' side haven't tasted league action since December 11 due to the wretched weather and will be eager to get back

  • Coates is hanging in there despite problems

    THE deterioration of both his unbeaten run and the fitness of his players isn't denting Nigel Coates' confidence. The Colne manager will take his 14 fit bodies to Newcastle Town attempting to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, having previously

  • My brilliant Blues: Hall

    NELSON boss David Hall is singing his players' praises after their performance in Tuesday's Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy second round tie at Morecambe. Despite conceding in the first 15 seconds and going 2-0 down after 13 minutes, Nelson fought back to

  • Craig flies out to hunt for Brother

    A MAN flew to Thailand in a desperate bid to track down his brother, who has been missing since the tsunami struck the coastal areas of South East Asia. Colin Seymour (43), from Radcliffe, was initially thought to have been living on the island of Phuket

  • Fireman Jones reports for duty

    BURY man Brian Jones fulfilled a burning ambition this week - when he became a firefighter for a day! The 40-year-old, who works at the town's Tesco store, swapped trolleys for tenders when he donned full fireman's kit and joined officers of Bury fire

  • Woolfold darts league

    RESULTS DARTS Elton CC B 3(0), Elton CC A 18(3); Fold B 18(3), Fold A 3(0); Swan 16(3), White Horse 5(0); Waggon 0(0), Tottington Con 21(3); Woodbank CC 8(0), Globe 13(0). DOMINOES Elton CC B 341(2), Elton CC A 343(3); Fold B 355(3), Fold A 340(2); Swan

  • Justify yourselves, say villagers who want safer roads

    VILLAGERS whose requests for traffic calming measures have been constantly turned down are demanding highways chiefs justify speed restrictions implemented elsewhere in the borough. For the past two years, residents in Holcombe Village, together with

  • Ramsbles for the week

    BURY H.F: Saturday walk (six to eight miles), meet Tenter Street car park (Law Courts) at 1pm. Impromptu. Sunday walks, meet on Belle Vue Terrace car park at 10am. Bring lunch and flask. Impromptu. Tuesday walks, meet B & Q car park, Crostons Retail

  • Radcliffe darts and domino league

    RESULTS (Dominoes in brackets) SECTION ONE Stopes Tavern 3(2), Wilton Arms 4(3); Masons Arms 5(4), Beer Engine 2(1); Top Bull 3, Papermakers 4; Old Cross 4(4), Last Orders 3(1). Missing results: Turf v Old Tower, Top Bull v Papermakers (dominoes). DARTS

  • Yael still looking for that X factor

    YAEL Eardley-Dutton is still considering a career in politics - despite falling at the first hurdle. ITV's Vote for Me, screened each night this week at 11pm, has seen aspiring politicians compete before a panel of judges for the chance to stand as an

  • If it ain't broken, why fix it? ask traders

    ANGRY traders have accused the council of "fixing something which isn't broken" in trying to move Ramsbottom's popular car boot sale and market 100 yards. Council officers have outlined proposals to move Sunday's market from its present site on Railway

  • Openshaw Park Winter Bowls

    WINNER of week five in the winter bowling series was Wayne Usher of Radcliffe. He took the title after defeating last weeks winner Ernest Storey of Hindley 21-17. There were also notable performances from Alan Cornall of Great Harwood and Brian Flynn

  • Holiday break can't halt Bury

    THE Christmas break has not had any impact on Bury Squash Club's remarkable season as the first game of the new year provided just the kind of display that has become their trademark. Rochdale 4's were the visitors and their hopes went west just like

  • Amateurs leave it late

    BURY AMATEURS 1 NEWMAN COLLEGE 0: BURY hosted Preston-based Newman College in their first encounter of 2005, and all credit to the club members who worked hard to ensure the game went ahead. The visitors won the toss and chose to play against a strong

  • Bury Federation Of Social Clubs Snooker

    RESULTS and tables Sn Cd Do Fpool Lib B 7 2 1 B Br WMC 0 5 6 Hollins SC 2 1 6 Huntley Un 5 6 1 Sseat Lib 2 2 2 Fpool Lib A 5 5 5 NOTABLE PERFORMANCES: SNOOKER S. Thompson (Fishpool Lib B) 106-21. FIXTURES Bury Bridge WMC v Summerseat Lib; Fishpool Lib

  • William Hill Ladies Darts League

    RESULTS NOVEMBER 11 2004: Shirt Club 4(0), Bridge Tav 5(3); S & Rway 7(1), H & Hounds 2(2); O Cross 6(2), Brit Legion 3(1); Victoria 3(2), Bay Horse 6(1); Staff of Life 4(1), Wellington 5(2). NOVEMBER 18 2004: Brit Legion 4(2), Victoria 5(1);

  • Whitefield Badminton League

    RESULTS and tables DIVISION ONE Markland Hill A 18, Metro A 0; Mid RC A 6, Metro A 12. P W L D Pt Mland Hill A 9 8 1 0 129 Metro A 10 6 3 1 95 Holy Cross A 6 5 0 1 92 GMT A 6 5 0 1 79 Central 7 4 2 1 79 Rackets 6 4 1 1 64 Pres Hos A 10 2 6 2 64 Mid RC

  • Bury Ladies Winter Darts League

    LEAGUE meeting to be held on Wednesday January 19 at the Old White Lion, Bury, starting at 8.30pm. All teams to pay £50 tote money and winners to be drawn same night. RESULTS DECEMBER 7 DIVISION A Brown Cow A 3, White Boar B 4; S & Cemetery 4, Brown

  • Rutherford plunders Pilsworth for good win

    THE last few days have seen storm-lashed conditions and fluctuating river levels making it far from ideal for angling. On Sunday, in milder conditions, the Pilsworth Fisheries Winter League was held with 48 anglers participating. Top weight fell to Alan

  • Shakers plan big beer fundraiser

    TRAINEE Shakers from Bury FC were shown the yellow card - a library card - when they visited the town centre branch to sign up. The club is keen that its young players do not miss out on their education while training, so trainees follow a programme of

  • Squad size close to limit

    PRESTON boss Billy Davies has indicated he may have to start selling after taking his haul of incoming players to eight in six weeks. Teenage striker Dave Nugent furthered Preston's squad strengthening when he finally agreed to come to Deepdale from Bury

  • More travels for DJ who caused a spin in Croatia

    MOST DJs become popular in their home town before looking further afield. Not Blackburn DJ Lee Walsh. He ended up playing in Croatia after one his mixes was heard on the internet and, when word about that got round, he secured a regular set back in Blackburn

  • Woman want help for a week

    RADCLIFFE will host an international women's week in March. Community groups in the town will be holding workshops, group sessions and presentations and are asking for ideas and volunteers to help organise the week, from Monday, March 7, to Saturday,

  • Schools' soccer

    BURY under-15s look to make progress in the North-west Alder-Owen Cup when they travel to take on highly-rated Knowsley for their first round clash on Merseyside on Saturday. The local lads, who have only won two of their eleven games played to date,

  • Support for heart sufferers

    ROSSENDALE Heart Support Group is offering help and support for people and their family suffering from heart problems. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at Oakenhead Resource Centre, Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, at 7.30pm. The

  • Sex-swap tragedy verdict

    A TRANSSEXUAL died after taking an overdose of sleeping pills while battling against her "inner demons" following a sex change operation. Today the head of a national help group today called for more support for people like Victoria Close, in a bid to

  • Area board meeting

    SEDGLEY Park Primary School is the venue for the next Prestwich area board meeting. It will be held on Thursday, February 3 at 7pm, at the school in Kings Road. All members of the public are invited to attend and can raise issues during the open forum

  • Vote with your purses

    THE only Preston council since the local government reorganisation in 1974, that has proved able to reduce the contribution from householders, while at the same time expand services, was the Conservative controlled council that ran Preston between 1976

  • 'Bored' Betty's artistic success

    AFTER winning an art competition at the age of 14, Betty Chapman did not pick up a paintbrush again for more than 50 years. Now, aged 72 she has launched her first art exhibition at Prestwich Library and thoroughly enjoys her hobby. Mrs Chapman, of Well

  • Way off track

    MUCH of Blackpool's tram network will be off track for the next few months as vital repair work takes place on a key stretch of the network. Trams between Talbot Square and Starr Gate are being replaced by a bus service while almost £1 million is spent

  • Blue Peter slot for Outl4w

    THE LEAD singer may only be 12 and the whole band have to be in early on school nights... But Fylde rock-punk band - Outl4w - are set to take the UK by storm this month after being invited to perform on the BBC's flagship kids show 'Blue Peter'. The four-piece

  • Call for baby cremation charges to be scrapped

    BEREAVED Blackpool parents should not have to pay for the cremation of their stillborn babies according to a councillor. Cllr Simon Blackburn is calling on Blackpool Council to scrap charges of up to £28 for the cremation of a child who died before the

  • Streets of fear

    TOWN centre gangs violently assaulted two men in separate incidents in the last week. Blackpool police are appealing for witnesses to the two attacks, one on Friday night and one on Tuesday. The first incident occurred as an 18-year-old man, from Wigan

  • Finance boss Jones

    BURY-based DTE Risk & Financial Management, a part of the DTE Group, has appointed Peter Jones as managing director of its financial management division. He joins the company after five years with Frizells in Manchester before joining Towry Law in

  • Bus firm sues rivals

    A COUNCIL-owned bus company is suing the bosses of a rival firm for £127,000 after a passenger war which plunged it into the red. Rishton couple David and Suzanne Bailey, who ran buses against Blackburn Borough Transport Ltd in 2002 and 2003, have received

  • Is this the answer to the Church's prayers?

    FOLLOWING the release of a report showing people have been flocking to church in East Lancashire in their droves CAROLINE DUTTON examines the secret of Blackburn Diocese's success, and why going to church has become trendy. . . IF Thursday is the new

  • Why Reds said 'no' to Rovers

    ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman says he is not prepared to let winger Rory Prendergast go on the cheap. The Reds have rejected a five-figure offer for the 25-year-old from Coca Cola League Two side Bristol Rovers because it was way below their

  • Squad size close to limit

    PRESTON boss Billy Davies has indicated he may have to start selling after taking his haul of incoming players to eight in six weeks. Teenage striker Dave Nugent furthered Preston's squad strengthening when he finally agreed to come to Deepdale from Bury

  • Tiger Tim finally gets his man

    SEDGLEY Park's second row target has finally put pen to paper to sign on for the rest for the season with the Tigers. Twenty-three-year-old Louis Holtzhausen comes to Park Lane after spending the 2004 Currie Cup campaign in the red of The Falcons. "We've

  • MP's hatred of those who question him

    IT is surprising how often, when someone criticises others for not being able to "handle different viewpoints" and so resorting to "abuse and intimidation", they are, in reality, describing themselves. I refer to the letter (January 7) from David Chaytor

  • What is this 'suppression' he writes about

    TOM Rosser (Letters, December 31) makes two blatant errors of fact. Firstly, he says that "Christian beliefs and customs are being suppressed". He must live in a different country to the rest of us. I wish he could provide the evidence to support such

  • Second investigation is a waste of money

    I AM pleased that the Standards Board for England has thrown out the complaints over alleged misconduct made by a Labour councillor against Conservative councillors Yvonne Cresswell and Denise Bigg, both of whom are extremely well regarded by the people

  • So will Labour now leave BNP alone?

    IT is remarkable that David Chaytor MP (Letters, January 7) thinks there is "little difference" between Sikh demonstrators who "violently protested" against a play in Birmingham and BNP candidates seeking to contest democratic elections without being

  • It does us good to slow down

    RAMSBOTTOM is one of the very few places in the county with a manned railway crossing, and our residents are not only proud of this piece of history but are forever grateful to the voluntary helpers who man the signal box and safely operate the gates.

  • Not everyone wants to use it

    I FULLY agree with Carolyn Clinton (Letters, December 24) who expressed the concerns of most residents in the immediate area of the Age Concern building at Clarence Park. I wonder just how much research went into the planning committee's decision to give

  • Ofsted halo for St Gabriel's

    STAFF at St Gabriel's RC High are celebrating a placing that shows the school has more to offer than good exam results. The Bridge Road school was on a list of the 37 most successful in the north west when it came to passing muster with inspectors from

  • Classy performance in school tables

    SECONDARY school performance in Bury remains better than average, despite continued underfunding by the Government. The borough is ranked 57th out of 150 in England, a drop of two places since last year, and is second in Greater Manchester, based on exam

  • They made my sons look like drug addicts

    AS a mother who is employed in one of the caring professions, and who has an extensive knowledge and understanding of substance misuse, I have taken steps to educate my children in the dangers of using illicit substances, and the impact that drugs can

  • TV drugs film outrage

    COUNCIL chiefs have decided not to complain to the BBC over a controversial documentary exposing the drugs trade on a Bury housing estate - despite angry residents and councillors claiming it gave a distorted and inaccurate view. Screened by BBC2 last

  • Re-laying Turf pitch 'won't be a gamble'

    STEVE Cotterill has dispelled the fear that re-laying the Turf Moor pitch ahead of a hectic few days is a massive gamble. A 15ft strip of lush new grass was today being laid down the entire length of the pitch ahead of tomorrow's Championship clash with

  • BURNLEY v READING

    Turf Moor, tomorrow 3pm BURNLEY (probable) 4-1-4-1 JENSEN SINCLAIR CAHILL McGREAL CAMARA GRANT ROCHE CHAPLOW O'CONNOR BRANCH MOORE READING (probable) 4-4-2 HAHNEMANN MURTY SONKO INGIMARSSON SHOREY LITTLE SIDWELL HARPER HUGHES FORSTER FERDINAND REF: STOP

  • Boss bids to keep big clubs at bay

    KEEP UP THE PACE SAME AGAIN LADS Cotterill: Come out fighting STEVE Cotterill is urging ring-rusty Burnley to come out fighting tomorrow and shoot down high-flying Reading. The Clarets boss fears that as normal service is resumed, there may be a hangover

  • Event focus on strategic planning

    KEY ingredients involved in strategic planning for business owners came sharply under the microscope during a special event held in Bury. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and NatWest commercial banking teams from Bury and Bolton jointly hosted a strategic

  • Road repairs get go ahead

    ELEVEN roads and pavements in Whitefield and Unsworth are to get a New Year overhaul. Members of the area board gave the green light to the first ten schemes on a list of 22 proposed locations, as recommended by borough engineer Mike Cannon. They then

  • Baby saved in blaze rescue

    A TWO-week-old baby girl was among a family plucked to safety from a window ledge by firefighters after fleeing a blaze at their home. Daniel Smith (32), his partner Karen Wynne (31), four- year-old daughter Cameron and baby Erin were rescued by officers

  • Protestors put brakes on road improvements

    A COUNTRY lane caused controversy after Bury Council offered to "make up" the unadopted route. Blue Ball Lane, in Simister, was highlighted as a top priority in the councils unclassified highways refurbishment programme for 2005/6. The lane is in a bad

  • Plan to lock up alleys

    A HOUSING estate in Prestwich could be chosen for a pilot scheme to lock up alleyways at night in a bid to crackdown on yobs. The Polefield area has been put forward as an estate that would benefit from the scheme, but suggestions for any other area in

  • Prestwich Co-op Camera Club

    THE annual audio-visual competition was held at Prestwich Co-op Camera Club on Tuesday evening. There was a surprising number of ten entries - more than can ever be remembered. First up was Jack Heathcote's "Cader Idris". He must have done the journey

  • Tsunami tragedy touches local hearts

    THE tsunami tragedy has touched the hearts of thousands of people in Prestwich and Whitefield, who have been generously supporting many fund-raising events. Pupils at St Margaret's Primary School and parishioners at St Margaret's Church in Prestwich have

  • Parking isn't concern of PO staff

    A CLOSE relative of mine has worked at Prestwich Post Office for many years and, because of that, is unable to comment on suggestions in the Guide that the office be moved from its Kingswood Road location. During the summer months, six local sub-post

  • Wilson stays with City

    BOSS Phil Wilson has pledged his future to Lancaster City Football club - despite the lure of his old club. Wilson, one of the most highly rated managers in non-league circles, has been in charge of the Dolly Blues for 18 months. He took them into the

  • Padiham have points to prove

    PADIHAM players beware. Manager Steve Wilkes is still smarting after last week's defeat and his starting line-up could feel the wrath tomorrow. The Storks boss was nothing short of devastated after his side went down 2-1 at Cheadle Town - their first

  • Unsettled Sargeson finally gets the Blues

    CLITHEROE have finally completed the signing of Craig Sargeson. But the former Rossendale United hot shot, who has been rescued from the Witton Albion subs' bench by Blues boss Paul Byron, is under no pressure to repeat his previous goalscoring exploits

  • Line-up depends on weather for Bacup

    BACUP Borough manager Brent Peters has warned his team that the conditions may prove as testing as their opponents tomorrow, writes STUART TURNER. Borough travel to struggling Atherton Collieries on the back of last week's comfortable 3-0 victory at Formby

  • Cops hunt conmen

    POLICE are hunting two thieves who posed as water board officials to steal money from an 85-year-old Heysham woman's house. The two men called at the house in Levens Drive and claimed to be checking the drains after the weekend's heavy rain. But once

  • Ramsbottom Ladies Darts League

    PRELIMINARY individuals RESULTS L. Ward (Masons), J. Buckley (Masons), T. Brooks (Grey Mare A). HIGH SCORE: J. Buckley (Masons) 133. FIXTURES Grey Mare B v Grey Mare A; British Legion A v British Legion B; Masons v Help Me Thro; Rose & Crown v Ramsbottom

  • Ramsbottom darts league

    RESULTS Masons 8, Rose & Crown 1; Grey Mare 1, Royal Oak 8; Legion 5, Brandlesholme 4; Good Sam 7, Buchanan 2. TABLE P W L Pts Royal Oak 15 13 2 26 Masons 15 12 3 24 Good Sam 15 12 3 24 Brandlesholme 15 10 5 20 Buchanan 15 6 9 12 Legion 15 4 11 8

  • Snooker fixtures

    ALL the fixtures A SECTION Fishpool v Elton Lib B; Walmersley D v Elton Fold; Heywood Reform v Tottington D; Huntley A v Walshaw A; Elton Lib C v Bury Snooker C. Salisbury - open date. B SECTION Whitefield Snooker v Elton Lib D; Walshaw B v Huntley C;

  • Radcliffe workshops bowls league

    THE Annual General Meeting of the Radcliffe Workshops Bowling League will be held on Thursday, January 27 at Dobbies Club, commencing at 7-30pm. Any motions to be put to the meeting must be handed to the secretary before Friday, January 21. Also any new

  • Ladies Friendship darts league

    RESULTS 9/12/04 Duck Club 5, St Josephs 2 Woolpack 4, Swan 3 6/01/05 Stanley Club 7, St Josephs 0; Swan 1, Brown Cow F/F 6; Salisbury B 2, Woolpack 5; St Bedes 0, Salisbury C 7; Brandlesholme v Duck Club (no card) HIGH scores: K Cosgrave 140 (Swan); M

  • Signed off with good away win

    IN the final match of 2004 the Bury Chess Club's third team travelled to Salford to face an experienced home side. With the match restricted to six boards because of absences, Bury went into an early lead thanks to Lee Baron, whose victory was followed

  • Soccer teams for the weekend

    BURY GSOB v Oldham, away. Meet 12.45pm. From: Hudson, Deakin, Jackson, Bracegirdle, Graham, Wilde, Beesley, Lord, Croft, Holt, Leith, Myers, Land, Mills. BURY GSOB II v Wyresdale at home. Meet 1.15pm. From: Robinson, Pickup, Hornby, Walmsley, Hagen, Haydock

  • Bury Political Club's Billiards League

    WALSHAW Conservative Club caused put a block on Walmersley Con B's breakaway at the top. They dropped only one frame in a 6-1 points victory. B. Weall and G. Haynes got the visitors off to a flying start with 125-90 and 125-70 chalk wins. W. Mitchell

  • Bury Amateur Billiards League

    ONCE again, St Mary's A are leaders of the league following a complete whitewash over their nearest rivals, Walshaw Con B. With almost two thirds of the season complete, the Saints now have a four-point advantage and a game in hand. At the other end of

  • Last gasp wind earns victory

    BURY 12, THORNTON CLEVELEYS 10: The fact that the game took place at all is a tribute to the ground staff. A bitingly cold wind gave little advantage to either side, but chilled fingers and greasy conditions were never going to make for a handling game

  • Elton's extra-time win

    Wythenshawe Town 0 Elton Vale 1 (aet): AFTER more than a month with no action, Elton Vale were handed a re-arranged Air Miles Murray Trophy quarter final tie to sharpen their teeth on for 2005. In league games against the same opposition the Vale had

  • Bury CTC

    ONCE again we avoided the worst of the weather as the wind had dropped since Saturday but it was still strong to gale force in parts. Leaving Bury for Rochdale we made good progress with the wind behind us and at Littleborough we took the Calderbrook

  • Pop giants put together package from heaven for '80s fans

    Martin Fry, the mastermind behind '80s band ABC, is teaming up with Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley for a 62-date UK tour. JEMMA DOBSON spoke to Martin Fry, who believes ABC's music is slowly coming back into fashion. . . ABC were known as one of the bands

  • Family housing blocks plan wins approval

    WORK to develop 17 houses and apartments in Tockholes Road, Darwen, is due to start this year after the plans were given the go-ahead. The site will be transformed by Clitheroe-based IWA Architects, with developers Darwen-based Hampshire Associates, but

  • 'Over-zealous' rap council hits back

    A COUNCIL accused of wasting court time by prosecuting United Utilities has hit back and claimed the company is a repeated offender. Blackburn with Darwen Council successfully prosecuted the water and power company for failing to serve notice of road

  • Mill memorial plea

    A PENSIONER has called for a lasting memorial to those who worked at Darwen's Belgrave Mill when the building is turned into apartments. And the idea has been backed by local councillor Dave Hollings, who has promised to discuss the idea with council

  • Valley will be bloomin' wonderful

    ROSSENDALE will be in full bloom later this year when a scheme to brighten up part of the Valley is introduced. More than £13,000 of funding has been budgeted for the scheme thanks to the Friends of Riverside Park Group, Rossendale Council and Groundwork

  • Joshua's new lease of life

    THE PARENTS of young cancer victim Joshua Westwell say he has been given a new lease of life now that he's in remission. The five-year-old is was struck down with cancer for a third time. But today his delighted mum and dad Karen, 25, and Paul, 27, of

  • Classy performance in school tables

    SECONDARY school performance in Bury remain better than average, despite continued underfunding by the Government. The borough is ranked 57th in England, a drop of two places since last year, and is second in Greater Manchester based on exam pass rates

  • Disaster shows our frailty

    THE sheer magnitude of the tragedy unfolding in South East Asia should serve to remind us of our own fragility and insignificance. How many more such tragedies will it take before we fully accept that we are all a part of one human family and that harmony

  • What's On - and Where - new easy links

    WE have assembled a number of easy to find links, many from our popular leisure pages, to What's On - and Where! Click on these links to find What's On around Prestwich, Bury, Bolton and Leigh or Ideas for walks Fancy visiting Museums and Galleries or

  • No one has all the answers

    I DON'T object to the letter from Michael Murrin, (Citizen, Janaury 6) it goes to highlight the state of our society today and the thinking of many of the 60s children because they are not yet old they think they have all the answers. Nor do I agree with

  • Barton Charms on display

    WHITEFIELD artist Alexander Graham Sinclair is broadening his horizons with a series of new exhibitions. The 37-year-old was featured in the Guide last year when his work went on display at Prestwich Library. He has been working hard in his studio on

  • Open all hours nursing service

    PATIENTS in Prestwich and Whitefield with minor ailments or in need of medical advice will be able to make use of a new nursing service. In the run-up to the opening of the new NHS Walk-in-Centre in Prestwich, a nurse practitioner will be working from

  • Few motorists in court over road safety

    I'VE heard all the arguments about speed cameras, 'revenue earner' versus road safety, so I am curious. Are there any figures available for other traffic prosecutions, or is it only speeding offences that are recorded? Relating to the enforcement of other

  • Site to close if casino opens

    BLACKPOOL'S Hilton Hotel is likely to close if a new town centre casino resort gets the go-ahead. The company's original plan was for a 'Summer Palace' hotel and conference centre which would have enveloped the current building and covered the former

  • The honour is all Jean's this year

    A BLACKPOOL college lecturer has been awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours list. Jean Wilson, biology lecturer and head of science at Blackpool and The Fylde College, received the honour for her services to biology. The 58- year-old from Hambleton

  • Council pledge to get a move on with repairs

    COUNCILLORS are re-assuring Blackpool shoppers that a £750,000 renovation project on one of the resort's busiest car parks will be carried out "as quickly as possible". Work to improve the general condition and facilities at West Street Car Park, above

  • Fylde children help tsunami survivors

    KIND-HEARTED Fylde children are sending their Christmas presents across the world to help young survivors of the tsunami disaster. Youngsters at The Meltons nursery, Poulton, and The Hollies, Blackpool, were so upset at the thought of children in disaster

  • Employment law update

    PACE Network of Bury College's Business Solutions will host its annual employment law update at Link House on Tuesday. The event is designed to equip businesses with the relevant facts about ever-changing employment laws and to make them fully aware of

  • Jason's the strongest link

    SOCCER fan Jason Taylor, left, is an expert on more than just football -- and it's earned him £2,000. The Burnley fan, of Oakenfield Road, Blackburn, wins the Weakest Link show, hosted by Anne Robinson, due to be screened on BBC 2 at 5.15pm today. The

  • Kerb crawler 'sex addict'

    A 36-YEAR-OLD kerb crawler told police he was addicted to having sex with prostitutes. Blackburn magistrates heard that Mohamed Irfan Sheikh even asked the arresting police officer if she could recommend someone to help him with his problem. Sheikh, of

  • Monkeys jump into care market

    A NEW building is ready to be filled by Cheeky Monkeys! That's the name of a new £40,000 nursery being launched in Prestwich later this month by Bury businesswoman Michelle Linacre and business partner Carol Talbot. The building, in Chandos Road, was

  • QLR name change 'a mistake'

    EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice has expressed his disappointment at the new name for the reorganised Queen's Lancashire Regiment. He said the proposed Kings, Lancashire and Border Regiment was too much of a mouthful and didn't accurately reflect its

  • Rovers stars and children get a kick out of visit

    TWO Blackburn Rovers stars received a grilling from pupils at a primary school when they joined a day of celebration to mark the opening of a new sports and arts centre. Children from St Michael with St John Primary School, Swallow Drive, Blackburn, prepared

  • Drains peril for children

    A BLACKBURN businessman is demanding action over three gaping manholes he claims could kill a child. Two of the holes expose drops of more than 20ft at the former Whitebirk Bleachworks, off Whitebirk Road, where children are known to play at night. John

  • Neighbours save pair trapped in thick smoke

    A TRIO of quick-thinking heroes saved a desperate couple who were trapped as their house filled with toxic smoke. Kevin Houghton, Donna Walker and Pauline McKay were today highly commended by fire chiefs who said they helped prevent the deaths of Michael

  • Reds reject Rory bid

    What's the future hold for Stead? Rovers' Jury verdict - Page 71 ACCRINGTON Stanley have rejected a five-figure bid for Rory Prendergast from Bristol Rovers. The Coca Cola League Two side have been in discussions with the Reds over the left winger for

  • Bristol in the spotlight

    HAVING virtually rebuilt the side the previous summer under the new coaching team of Richard Hill and Martin Haag, after relegation from the Zurich Premiership, the Shoguns finished ninth last season in National One. However, they did enjoy a trip to

  • When will 98 bus service improve?

    I AM writing to complain once again on behalf of the unfortunate commuters on the 98 bus route from Manchester via Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe to Bury. According to my records I corresponded with First Bus on this subject in September 2003, and

  • Bury is not a drugs haven

    I MUST express my disappointment with the programme "Drugland", which was screened on Tuesday, January 4. I have lived on the "Dicky Bird" (Chesham Fold) estate for the last 30 years and have brought up four well-adjusted and responsible children. They

  • Teenagers steal tsunami charity jar

    THREE teenagers who stole £210 destined for tsunami disaster victims have been branded "evil". They took the sweets jar containing the cash after breaking into T&D News in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, just after midnight on Thursday. The theft happened

  • TV's boring me, and getting its own back

    IF Stallone's mum can be classed as a celebrity then there's hope for me yet. I am not a fan of Big Brother as I think the show has had its time. It lasted an hour when Nasty Nick did what anybody else in their right mind would do in the same situation

  • EVENTS in East Lancashire on Saturday, January 15

    BURNLEY Burnley Pantomime Society present "Jack and the Beanstalk," Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley. Concert Recital with Helen Tansey (flute) and Meena Tomlinson (piano), St Peter's Church, Church Street, Burnley, 11am. Motown Memories, Soul Classics

  • Bury Ladies Netball League

    RESULTS SECOND DIVISION Salford Van Hire 34, All Saints 19; YWCA Bury 4th 40, Computane 24; Wanderers 19, ICI 18; Met Eng 30, Raiders 19; City Leisure 16, Weale & Hitchin 14. LA Fitness v Highbury friendly - points to Highbury. THIRD DIVISION British

  • Snooker results

    WHO's hot - who's not A SECTION WALSHAW A 361(6) BURY SNOOKER C 301(2) P. Lomas 77, T. Gay 63; B. Smith 54, K. Bogden 47; P. Davis 48, M. Burns 52; A. Davis 56, J. Ridgley 26; P. Butterworth 55, R. Hobman 77; R. Vadasz 71, T. Burns 36. DOMINOES: 1-4.

  • Soccer zone

    TABLES and results BURY SUNDAY SIXES DIVISION A P W D L Pt All Blacks 14 12 1 1 37 Inter Cross 14 10 0 4 30 Top OTL 14 9 0 5 27 Ains Arms 14 6 3 5 21 Athletico H 14 6 2 6 20 White Ath 14 3 2 9 11 J For G 13 2 3 8 9 Kiav 13 1 1 11 4 DIVISION B P W D L

  • Housing death

    A 60-year-old man was found dead in a sheltered housing complex in Prestwich. The body of Mr Roy Phillips was discovered at the Kirton Lodge flats near Ostrich Lane. The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem is to be held.

  • Steam in to help

    A Bury charity shop is going full steam ahead for a volunteer. The veterinary charity PDSA is appealing for a helper to steam bundles of clothing items donated to its shop on The Rock. The volunteer would be required two mornings a week. Anyone who can

  • BT helps to reunite family

    AN Edenfield woman and her two children have been reunited with their missing cat, thanks to the Bury Times. Five-month-old Thomas disappeared from Lindsey Ashworth's home in Highfield Road around Christmas time. The mother-of-two appealed through the

  • Honouring the memory of landlady Nora

    MUCH more than just a glass was raised in memory of a popular Tottington landlady who lost her battle with cancer last year. Regulars at the village's Old Dungeon Pub have raised more than £4,000 for Christie's against Cancer to celebrate the life of

  • Carjacker chased mum

    A WOMAN was chased into her home by a masked thug after disturbing thieves attempting to steal a nearby car. Police are hunting the gang who ran off after abandoning their bid to drive off with a Volkswagen Golf vehicle in North Road, Prestwich. Police

  • Tarleton U13 0 Sedgley Park U13 47

    The game was one-sided from the outset - Sedgley's pack was too powerful and well organised for the home side, while stand-off Louis Singleton also had a good game, though the chances he created were not always taken. Prop Joe Doyle scored the first after

  • Chester U14 48 Sedgley Park U14 19

    Weather and poor pitch conditions dictated that Sedgley had to travel to Chester for their first game of 2005. Without an opportunity to train after Christmas and with the wind, pitch incline and the sun against them, Sedgley had an uphill struggle from

  • Blame lies at door of PFI

    WHILST I fully agree with the comments of Ian Gallagher about Public Finance Initiatives in our hospitals, the fruits of PFI in the health service are there for all the unfortunate public to see. With the cutbacks of essential services i.e., cleaning,

  • No respect shown for dead

    I AM writing in response to a letter (LET, January 6) headlined 'Selfish bikers spoil it for others.' I can relate to the person who felt strongly enough to write about a situation which is endemic in our society. I live in the Sunnybower area of Blackburn

  • Councillors' expenses exorbitant

    COUNTY Councillor Hazel Harding's risible attempt to justify the exorbitant expenses she and her colleagues are pocketing cannot go unchallenged. To claim that they (councillors) would earn more if they worked in the private sector is an insult to all

  • Labour has failed to deliver

    AS we approach a General Election I find it hard to believe that as far as education goes one in three 11-year-olds leave primary school unable to write properly. Contrast that with the promise by the then new Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett

  • Team display a new 'strip'

    FORGET Calendar Girls - Sedgley Park under 16s have enlisted the services of their muscle-bound first-team heroes to star in their own version of a saucy-but-fun calendar. And it is all for a good cause. The Park Lane team are planning a tour to South

  • Pull the shutters down on crime, police advise

    THE head of Ramsbottom and Tottington Police has urged the business community to update their security measures following a spate of vandal attacks over the festive period. Three shops in Ramsbottom had their windows smashed on Boxing Day. Speaking at

  • Have you found missing ring?

    A CHARITABLE clearout at home has left Jackie Billett desperately searching for her wedding ring. Mrs Billett, of Gleneagles Way, Ramsbottom, removed her ring before Christmas because her finger was sore, and placed it in the pocket of a suit jacket for

  • Stray dog just like one of the family

    A FAMILY who took in a dog found wandering the streets of Radcliffe quickly realised that it was the spitting image of a former pet. The Percival family, of Meadowcroft, Radcliffe, were returning home from a Christmas party when they saw the female, sandy-coloured

  • Bippo's Beslan missin to raise a smile

    RAMSBOTTOM'S resident clown Bippo will be travelling to the Russian town of Beslan to bring a smile to the faces of children coming to terms with a terrorist attack on their school. The small town is still suffering the effects of the events of last September

  • Bogus policeman demanded money

    A BOGUS policeman stopped a woman driver and demanded a £35 fixed penalty fine after accusing her of speeding. But when she refused to hand over the money, he told her he would let her off with a verbal warning before driving off in a bright yellow estate

  • Rescue plan on offer for youths

    TWO firemen based in Bury are heading the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Prince's Trust programme. Terry Orrell and Chris Coughlan, both based at Bury fire station, are the team leaders of the scheme, which will give youngsters the chance to get their

  • Bottle attack on video

    A YOUTH was captured on a resident's security video hitting another man over the head with a bottle during a street fight, Bury magistrates heard. Daniel Ainsley (19), of Topping Fold Road, Bury, had admitted assaulting Mr Vincent Hogg causing actual

  • Peter tunes up to start his career at country's finest organ

    HITTING all the right notes at Bury Parish Church is teenage musical maestro Peter Stevens, who has just performed a special solo concert. Peter, of Beechfield Drive in Bury, played to an audience of 70 at the church, in Market Place, in an hour-long

  • Mental patient missing again

    A CONCERNED MP today claimed lessons had not been learnt at a psychiatric hospital after a man escaped twice in two years. John Hill, 32, was sent to Kemple View hospital, Langho, in 2002 after being convicted of making threats to kill. But he absconded

  • Charity funds champ is honoured

    AN MBE award is just the business for Whitefield marketing consultant Sidney Wander. Mr Wander's accolade was announced in the New Year's Honours list for services to the community in Manchester. Married to June, Mr Wander has four children and two grandchildren

  • PORTSMOUTH

    v ROVERS Fratton Park, tomorrow, 3pm PORTSMOUTH (probable) 4-4-2 HISLOP PRIMUS DE ZEEUW STEFANOVIC UNSWORTH BERGER FAYE QUASHIE O'NEIL YAKUBU KAMARA ROVERS (probable) 4-4-2 FRIEDEL REID McEVELEY JOHANSSON TODD THOMPSON FLITCROFT EMERTON PEDERSEN STEAD

  • SIMON GARNER COLUMN

    Clubs backed into corner by players RETURN?: Rovers may find it hard to stop Barry Ferguson if he wants to go back to Scotland BLACKBURN Rovers might be determined not to sell Barry Ferguson back to Rangers but Mark Hughes may ultimately have no choice

  • Meeting over school parking dangers

    ST MARY'S Primary School in Prestwich is to hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss improvements to pedestrian and vehicular access to the school. The present entrance is on a dangerous bend. The meeting starts at 10am.

  • January Bank Holiday plan

    BUSINESSES have given their backing to an additional Bank Holiday in January. More than two thirds who took part in a survey conducted by Croner Consulting agree an additional January Bank Holiday is the right way to start the new business year. Seventy

  • Sky plunge boost for charity

    THE rise and fall of events at a Prestwich funeral home helped to raise £320 for a children's charity. Events such as a sponsored paraglide and an autumn fair enabled Bailey's Funeral Home in Bury New Road to hand over a cheque to Francis House Children's

  • FA Cup hope for museum

    THE FA Cup, could soon be on its way to Preston. The National Football Museum based next to Preston North End's Deepdale ground is hoping to make a bid for the FA Cup, which was played for between 1896 and 1911. It will go under the hammer at the London

  • Catholics' German trip

    YOUNG adults from Prestwich and Whitefield, between 18 and 30, are being invited to join the Bishop of the Salford Roman Catholic Diocese on a trip to Germany in August. World Youth Day 2005 is being held in Cologne, and will bring together more than

  • Cat home 'hell' for neighbours

    A MAN who lives next door to a woman with nearly 100 cats is calling for the council to stop his neighbour caring for so many of the animals. George Norton, 39, of Stockdale Crescent, Bamber Bridge, says his life has been blighted by cats using his garden

  • Battle for festival

    PRESTON is to host a major festival at the docks this summer as part of international celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson. SeaBritain 2005, spearheaded by the Greenwich Maritime Museum

  • Area board

    RAMSBOTTOM, Tottington and North Manor area board will next meet on Tuesday, February 1, at Christ Church Centre on Great Eaves Road, Ramsbottom giving residents an opportunity to raise local concerns. The meeting will start at 7pm.

  • Masked car thieves chase woman

    A BRAVE Prestwich woman was chased into her home by a masked thug after disturbing thieves attempting to steal a nearby car. Police are hunting the gang who ran off after abandoning their bid to drive off with a Volkswagen Golf vehicle in North Road on

  • Counting cost of cutting class sizes

    A CLASSROOM built with more than £68,000 of taxpayers' money, and used for only three years, looks set to be demolished. The classroom at the former Bamber Bridge Methodist School, Wesley Street, has stood idle since 2002 when the school merged with St

  • Debut shows all for charity

    A GROUP of talented teenagers took to the stage to raise money for charity. In a show entitled Born2Perform, the singers, dancers and musicians performed at the Park Hotel in Lowther Road, Prestwich. The performance included pop and rock songs, including

  • Specialist will share research findings

    ME specialist Dr Andrew Wright will be talking about his latest research on Thursday, January 20, to the Bury and Bolton ME/CFS Support Group in Bolton. The meeting will begin at 7.30pm at Longsight Methodist Church Hall in Harwood and admission will

  • Drink driver in jail for drug dealing

    BURY magistrates handed out a conditional discharge to a motorist who had driven a car in Whitefield whilst over the legal alcohol limit. However the bench had heard that Mansar Hussain had just been sent by Bolton Crown Court to three and a half years

  • Free phone SAFE sessions

    CHILDREN in Lancashire police's Pennine division have been invited to free mobile phone marking sessions as part of a Home Office initiative to cut street crime and robbery. SAFE is a national scheme run jointly by Crimestoppers and the Home Office aimed

  • Woman face assault charge

    A CARNFORTH woman accused of causing grievous bodily harm in an attack on a woman in Kendal has been sent for to Carlisle Crown Court. Gemma Elizabeth Friar, 23, of The Drive, Crag Bank, and co-accused Sarah Elizabeth Harrison, 21, and Rebecca Louise

  • Residents' defeat in drug centre row

    RESIDENTS in Burnley have lost their battle to stop a controversial drug treatment centre being built. Last night Burnley Council's development control committee gave the green light for the £1.6million centre, to be housed in the former Burnley House

  • Chairman on way to forum

    THE chairman of a new health watchdog will be the guest speaker at the latest meeting of the Bury Elders Forum. Jean Robinson, of the Pennine Care Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum, will address the meeting to be held at Bury Town Hall on