A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Sequence and Ballroom Dancing with MC's Duncan and Margaret, Tony's Ballroom, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm-11pm. Craft Fair, Holy Trinity Church Hall, Hoghton,
IF the education authority's words were carefully chosen to subdue fears of a teacher-shortage crisis in Blackburn and Darwen -- "no worse than anywhere in the country" and non-specialist teachers would plug gaps "only where necessary," it said only two
TODMORDEN professional Matthew Nicholson held play up at Acre Bottom on Saturday complaining that the Ramsbottom wicket was dangerous. A ball had hit him in the chin and play only commenced after he'd remonstrated with the umpires for five minutes. The
LIFE has been something of a social whirl since upping sticks. Having a new home somehow acts as a magnet for friends and family to "pop round" meaning that the weekends I have lived there have been spent entertaining. A quick check of one's diary reveals
A QUICK check on how their players spent Friday and Saturday night might prove fruitful for Greenmount officials. For the Bolton League side weren't in the hunt on Saturday afternoon as they chased a modest Tonge total, but then on Sunday the 'Mount came
TITLE-CHASING Walshaw were frustrated by Lostock at home on Saturday in their quest for maximum points. After losing the toss and batting first they scored 208 for 4 declared in 43 overs. The batting was led by a quickfire 77 from Bret Collins, ably supported
WEST LANCASHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO TOTTINGTON UNITED...1 BARROW RANGERS...1 THE harsh reality of life in the West Lancs League conspired to haunt United in the last minute when Barrow, outplayed for most of the game, were given the benefit of an off
FORMER Liverpool boss Roy Evans reckons Bury are being adversely affected by the moaners and groaners in the Gigg Lane crowd. The experienced manager believes the Shakers are much better away from home because there is less pressure. And he says it is
ON a very wet and humid afternoon, the Bury and District Table Tennis League had another first to add to their long history, when they held a Golf Tourament at Whitefield Golf Club. The format of a shot gun shot was well received, and 13 teams with four
Ramsbottom United...1 Woodley Sports...1 North West Counties League Division One UNITED picked up their second draw of the week when Stockport-based Woodley visited the Riverside. Although in the opening minutes both side passed the ball well few chances
THE Bury Society's National Team Open took place on Wednesday night with a target weight of 12lb. In last Thursday evening's National Open, fished on the Island Lodge, the target weight of 13lb failed to be attained in this long-running series. John Fletcher
DROP IN THE OCEAN: Umbrellas were out for the first time for more than a month at the weekend as rain was at last falling on Bury. Despite the occasional heavy shower in the North West, however, Greater Manchester Weather Centre recorded rainfall of a
CONGRATULATIONS to Penny the cow who has reached the grand old age of 21 (LET, August 20) and, like a true lady, has knocked 10 years off her age (as she was born in 1970). E WHIPP (Mrs), The Crescent, Cherry Tree, Blackburn.
SPECULATION is increasing that Leigh Centurions and London Broncos are on the verge of agreeing a sensational Rugby League merger. NFP big boys Leigh and the Super League Broncos would join forces and be catapulted into Super League next season, playing
SUNNYHURST won the Mixed Knockout Trophy in one of the closest finals in years and in doing so prevented Parkwood from completing the league and cup double. The final was decided on a comeback after both teams were level on 2-2 in rubbers and also level
CHECK-UP on the local soccer scene. DIVISION ONE Stacksteads SJ...0 Enfield...4 Kelbrook...4 Sabden...2 Settle Utd...2 Rolls Royce...0 Enfield...2 Sabden...1 Kelbrook...3 Rimington...1 Colne Utd...6 Burnley BC...2 DIVISION TWO Barnoldswick PR...0 Burnley
A LOOK at the local soccer leagues. PREMIER DIVISION BAe Barrow SC...5 Freckleton...3 Knowes 2, Brunton, Murphy og Halliwell, McKensie, Benn Blackpool Wren Rovers...0 Charnock Richard...1 Roberts Dalton Utd...3 Blackrod Town...1 Adams, Adambrooke, Butler
I WISH I could have been a Fury fan first time round -- I would have been screaming with the best of them! Instead I'll have to settle for "rediscovering" Billy's music through a solid tribute by Stars In Their Eyes discovery Colin Gold, backed by Billy's
BURY and Whitefield are to host blood donor sessions next month. The Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall will be the venue for two blood collection days on Monday, September 10, and Monday, September 17. Opening times for both sessions are between 1.30pm
THUGS left a man needing stitches after he was punched in the face and had his mobile phone stolen. The 50-year-old was calling for a taxi from Radcliffe Metrolink station just after 1am on Sunday (Aug 26) when he was assaulted. Police say that as he
HOSPITAL bosses have come under fire from a Bury woman who claims an 15-year-old schoolgirl was present as she underwent an intimate examination. The 35-year-old patient was being treated at North Manchester General Hospital when she realised the teenage
POLICE are anxious to trace two drivers who ran from the scene of a three-car accident in Radcliffe late on Wednesday (Aug 29). Three occupants in one of the cars, a Vauxhall Astra, were treated for their injuries at Bury General Hospital but were not
UNINSURED homeowners and businesses caught up in the racial disturbances which tore through Burnley have missed out on any chance of compensation -- after police declared the incidents were not a riot. The move, backed by Burnley MP Peter Pike, has prevented
THREE teenagers were arrested minutes after a hi-jacked car went out of control and crashed in Prestwich. The juveniles scrambled from the overturned Peugeot but were detained by police officers after a short chase. They were treated for minor injuries
"I'M gonna live forever!" So sang the youngsters of Starstruck Theatre Company as they performed the musical Fame. It was the first production from the drama workshop which was set up in February, and it looks like there are many more to come. And pictured
A FORMER Bury man, who had drunk weedkiller when he split up with his partner, was found hanging from a tree when their relationship broke down a second time. Miss Susan Fitton told Bury and Rochdale District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams that she had met
LEIGH RMI have two main problems at the moment, a glut of injuries and a shortage of goals. Reserve keeper Mark Westhead and centre-back Iain Swan are sidelined along with long term casualties Steve Thompson, Ged Kielty and Jamie Udall. Ex-Manchester
A TALENTED organist has pulled out all the stops after sitting his GCSE exam two years ahead of his classmates. And it was music to the ears of 14-year-old Peter Stevens when it was announced he was among the top five achievers in the country. The Bury
FIREFIGHTERS had to wear protective clothing when they rescued a snapping dog from the canal in Burnley. People out walking their dog on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath near Marlborough Street saw the frightened animal struggling in the water and
POLICE are launching a blitz on youngsters who use air rifles. The project is being organized by the Pennine Armed Response Unit and will visit schools in Burnley, the Rossendale Valley, Nelson and Colne to warn children on the dangers. PC Dave Pascoe
FIVE people were taken to hospital after a collision involving two cars and a van in Simonstone yesterday afternoon. The incident happened at 2.10pm in Whalley Road, at its junction with Lodgegate. Police said a van travelling along Whalley Road towards
THE Anti Nazi League is planning a massive leaflet drop in Burnley this weekend to 'expose what the BNP stands for'. They decided to target Burnley after the British Nationalist Party (BNP) polled more than 4,000 votes in this year's general election.
A SIGN alerting motorists on the M65 to the junction for the Burnley Asda store could be removed by Pendle Council. Members of the Brierfield and Reedley Committee will be asked to consider appropriate action at their meeting next week in regards to the
EVERYONE has heard of Lancashire hotpot and Yorkshire puddings but this weekend the crowds of people who visit the Nelson Food Festival will see the launch of . . . the Pendle Pie. Lancashire celebrity chef Paul Heathcote has created a secret pie recipe
DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes is suspended from his side's FA Cup Preliminary Round match at Liversedge tomorrow - and he doesn't even know why! The fiery boss of the NWCL Division Two side found out on Tuesday that he couldn't play in the game against
A COLNE horticultural project which helps people with long-term mental health problems has been awarded £1,300. Green Space, who have a garden in Albert Road, Colne, has been awarded the money by Shell Better Britain Campaign. Set up in 1992 in Burnley
AN alcoholic found slumped over the wheel of his car believed his friends had spiked his drink, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how Shaun Michael Burke, 35, claimed he had had four pints of Guinness but was almost three times the legal limit
A PLAN to burn meat from slaughtered cattle at an Accrington brick factory were set to be rejected after fears that there wouldn't be enough demand for the service. Marshalls Clay Products had been approached by the Ministry of Agriculture about the possibility
A TORTOISE named Leighton had an emotional reunion with his pining mate, Godzilla. They immediately launched into a courtship ritual when he was reunited with his girlfriend after being missing for a week. The owners, Dave and Linda Briggs, of Clitheroe
A SUCCESSFUL Great Harwood festival ended when 100 guests enjoyed a concert of music and dance at St Bartholomew's Church, Great Harwood. Talented parishioners Helen Beardsworth and Jessica Exton put on a colourful dancing display, another group sang
THE disaffected youth of Rishton are to be given a chance to improve their lot with the help of a new initiative from local people who want to help. The idea for Friends of Rishton Youth was first proposed by members of the local community who attended
A SENIOR Tory councillor has been sacked from his cabinet post after he failed to turn up at a crunch meeting with his bosses to discuss allegations of neglecting his constituents. Councillor for Huncoat Douglas Deakin had been accused of not being available
ST ANNES' fourths and their long-serving captain Tim Rawstron made their first cup final appearance in 21 years, but it was Postal C.C. that claimed the Wareing Cup by 82 runs. Postal scored 209-8 in their 40 overs which included 64 from Keith Reid, 44
SHOWING a passion for fashion is the North West Development Agency (NWDA). For the Agency sponsored the "North Stand" at the three-day "Forty" fashion exhibition in London. The stand was a major shop window for 17 North West fashion designers and labels
SALES and orders for the North West service sector fell sharply during the second quarter of this year saysa survey by the North West Chambers of Commerce in conjunction with the Royal Bank of Scotland. More service sector companies reported declining
DAY-trippers and weekenders alike turned out in their droves to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend in glorious sunshine. Hotels, pubs and clubs throughout Blackpool were packed to the brim with tourists, proving that Blackpool is as popular a destination
TICKETS for Burnley's game at Bradford City on Sunday (kick-off 3pm) are on general sale up until 1pm tomorrow. They are priced £19.00 adults and £11.00 concessions. Any remaining tickets will be returned to Bradford to be sold on the turnstiles. Tickets
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent will not be making any special plans to combat Bradford City's three-pronged attack at Valley Parade on Sunday. Bantams boss Jim Jeffries has opted for a 4-3-3 formation this term with Eoin Jess, Ashley Ward and Benito Carbone
DARWEN travel to Cumbria tomorrow for the biggest weekend of the season. Impressive recent league results have seen the local side progress to fourth in the league and tomorrow play Kendal who presently hold second position. Victory may catapult them
BLACKPOOL and the Fylde College is gambling that a new course beginning this September will hit the jackpot. The BA (Hons) course in leisure, events and entertainment management, validated by Lancaster University, is one of the first courses of its type
BULBS have been tested, tableaux tickled up and Blackpool's brightest night is just STEPS away as the town gets ready for the big switch-on. All week the resort has been treated to taster sessions of the new 2001 Illuminations and The Citizen can show
BLACKPOOL was pinpointed as the perfect place to launch a new set of stamps featuring puppet icons Punch and Judy and their pals and celebrating over 330 years of slapstick and satire. The town was chosen because it is "a classic seaside location well
TWO Blackpool Guides have been presented with the highest award in Guiding. Angela Wilson, and Kerry Roberts, of 30th Blackpool Guides unit, Holy Trinity Church, South Shore, were presented with their Baden Powell awards at a special ceremony in the Mayor's
A MOTORBIKER ploughed into a 15-year-old cyclist while performing a wheelie and then fled, leaving him unconscious in the road. Jonathan Newman, of Egerton Road, Whitefield, was left motionless on the ground before passers-by came to the rescue and carried
FIFTEEN schools across the borough are sharing in a £419,815 windfall. The cash will enable pupils to benefit from a wide range of out of school activities, ranging from homework and revision clubs to cultural and arts activities as well as outdoor pursuits
THERE were thrills and spills galore as pedal power pushed Bury into the national sporting spotlight on Bank Holiday Monday. A capacity crowd turned out to witness the British Individual Championships, organised by the Bury Cycle Speedway Club. The event
GEOFF Brown of the Anti-Nazi League is quite right (Yours Truly, August 24) to point to the possibility of this country being enriched by its multi-ethnic communities. People from abroad bring with them new religions, new languages, new ideas about morality
A GLOOMY, secretive organisation? A semi-religious group? Even a club for the "twinset and pearls" brigade? If these images come to mind when you think of the Samaritans, members of the Bury branch are determined to prove you wrong. The group is celebrating
HEAR'SAY sensation Suzanne Shaw has vowed to take her bandmates on a wild night out in Bury. The 19-year-old star will be in the area during September when they play four huge gigs in Manchester. One of the concerts on September 29 coincides with her
IN their Bay 96.9 Northern Premier League clash at Vernon Road on Saturday, St Annes threw away a promising position and lost to second-in-the-table Kendal by nine wickets. Batting first, St Annes made 116 to which Kendal replied with 117-1 to win by
DAVID MAYES is the principal partner in Mayes Business Partnership in Accrington, which provides businesssupport services to small and medium sized businesses JOB I became a paper boy at 13 in Accrington and earned 15s. a week. I had pocket money up until
IS East Lancashire on the brink of recession? Are we about to witness the terminal decline of manufacturing, with companies going under and thousands of people being thrown out of work? Has the economic recovery which has brought about record employment
IF YOU want to learn how to bang your own drum, or tin whistle while you work, a Folkus workshop could be the place to start. Folkus, the Folk Arts network of the North West, is running workshops this weekend at Milton Street youth and community centre
EAST Lancashire's Stock Exchange-quoted companies are holding out against the collapse in share prices which has seen the value of the FTSE Index sink by almost 15 per cent over the past 12 months. The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has produced its own
Promotions, appointments and moving on MOTOR dealership Prestons BMW in Colne has appointed Richard Hargraves as dealer principal. Richard, 32, has spent the past seven years working through the ranks at the Almondbury BMW dealership in Huddersfield.
FORMER Manchester United youngster Marc Whiteman is out of action for weeks after suffering a badly broken nose last weekend. The Jersey-born striker was competing for Bury's Under-19s against Carlisle United when the injury occurred. It's a real blow
VISITORS to the Sunnyhurst Woods visitor centre in Darwen can currently see works of art by Judith Herring. The colourful pictures on glass as well as her watercolours and acrylics have already proved a big hit with visitors since the exhibition opened
FIVE more people are set to appear in court following an alleged attack with a golf club which left a teenager with a fractured skull. The five juveniles will appear before Blackburn youth court on Tuesday charged with wounding and affray. Steven Heyward
PLANS for roadworks in Bass Lane, Summerseat, will be discussed at a special meeting of the Ramsbottom and Tottington Area Board. The meeting will be at Summerseat Methodist Primary School, Rowlands Road, on Wednesday. Views of residents are to be sought
THREE heads proved better than one for Rossendale triplets Gary, Charlotte and Luke Wilcox who won a DVD player at Asda's Rawtenstall store. The nine-year-olds were presented with the player by deputy customer services manager, Penny Heyes. They were
A 51-year-old man convicted of indecent exposure by magistrates has cleared his name. Stephen Roult had his appeal against conviction and sentence allowed at Burnley Crown Court by Judge Raymond Bennett who bound him over in the sum of £50 for 12 months
HELP is on offer to businesses in the Bacup and Stacksteads area who want to improve the exterior of their premises. The Groundwork Business Environment Association in Rossendale is looking to help all types of businesses in the area with grants available
STAFF at a Bacup shop were terrified when they were threatened by a man with a meat cleaver. The incident happened in the town's Co-op when staff approached the man about a suspected shoplifting incident. Det Constable Tony Hebb said: "No-one was injured
BLACKPOOL Opera House was in the dark on Sunday night -- and so were some theatre goers as the scheduled weekly show Best Of West End and Broadway presented by Lisa Riley was suddenly cancelled. A few made their way to Blackpool's Grand Theatre and enjoyed
A PREGNANT woman went into labour after a thief snatched her handbag on August 20 at 12.05pm. It is thought that the incident brought the labour on. It occurred as she was walking in an alleyway at the rear of shops on Layton Road, Blackpool. Her assailant
A ROUND-UP of what's on in the area. BLACKPOOL THE Grundy Art Gallery, in Queen Street, has a poetry recital on September 4 from 12.30pm to about 1.45 pm. Three readers will read a selection of poems by W. H. Auden and international guest poet Milner
HOMELESS people in Blackpool could soon be a thing of the past according to an encouraging Government survey. The Rough Sleepers Unit Progress Report recorded just four people sleeping outdoors in the resort during one night this June compared to 15 recorded
BLACKPOOL'S beaches could leave the town's name and reputation in the mud -- by costing the country as much as £20,000 a day in fines if they don't meet with strict EU guidelines. As if that weren't enough for the resort to contend with, the possibility
FRIENDS of Blackburn's oldest Rotarian are considering a lasting tribute to his memory. Fred Green, whose funeral service is this Tuesday, was a member of the Blackburn Rotary Club for more than 61 years, holding virtually every post in the organisation
HOME Secretary Jack Straw today threw his weight behind Blackburn with Darwen Council's City Status bid and pledged to do all he could to help. Council bosses, who believe the town is well-placed to scoop the honour this time around, are hoping the Blackburn
FORGET the Day of the Triffids . . . the rare and poisonous giant hogweed is set to launch its own invasion of Blackburn. Two of the weeds, which cause blisters and burns and can leave permanent scars, have been found in the town and fears are growing
THE son of an elderly woman who died after a collision with a car at an accident blackspot, today welcomed plans to install a new pedestrian crossing. Geoffrey Richardson, whose mother Vera, 78, died on Whitebirk Road, Blackburn, seven months ago, said
POLICE who arrested a drunken woman in the toilets at Morrisons on Tuesday afternoon were unaware that she had left her 20-month-old child with fellow drinkers on Blackburn Boulevard. Blackburn magistrates heard that when the child was discovered he was
AN investigation has been launched after a mother and seven youngsters were ordered off a coach in the dark on East Lancashire's most dangerous road. Sarah Hunter was disgusted when the driver was asked by a project manager who works with "difficult children
BACUP travel to Guisborough Town in the FA Cup Preliminary Round but boss Brent Peters says his players will want to win for glory rather than money. There is a £1,000 cheque on offer for the visitors but Peters says that is little incentive. "The money
AS summer fades, fans starved of their favourite action can sense the swish of blades on ice and the whoosh of the puck hurtling past. And don't forget the crunch of bones as high-speed bodies crash against the hoardings. Yes, the ice hockey season is
NEIL Reynolds is back at Clitheroe -- and this time he is staying for good. The influential midfielder controversially ditched the North West Counties First Division side in favour of UniBond First Division scrappers Kendal Town after the Blues failed
MARK Patterson has been the victim of FA Cup giant-killing in the past -- and now he is hoping to be on the other side of the coin if he helps his club Rossendale progress through the early stages. Dale travel to Garforth Town, in Leeds, in the FA Cup
IN your article "Has anyone seen our Bracken" (Citizen, Aug 23), grandmother Gail Walker is quoted as saying "the dog wardens were not much help" in the search for Bracken, the missing lab/collie cross. To put the record straight myself and my colleague
AS the leadership election enters a crucial stage, it is vital that the Conservative Party elects a leader of principle who can unite the Party. We are of the opinion that this can only be achieved by electing Iain Duncan Smith. Mr Duncan Smith is a man
I WRITE this letter in the hope that it will be seen by Mr Richard Boland, chief executive of birthdays. I wish to express in the strongest terms, my dismay at his decision to sell Manchester United merchandise in the Birthdays/Bury FC shop. The shop
AN oft-repeated argument, regarding Foot and Mouth disease compensation payments, is that the farmers should have insurance. Try telling that to the farmer who paid his premiums for 30 years, only to have his renewal refused by the insurance company at
I TOTALLY agree with N. Jones regarding the lack of manners shown by some pensioner bus users. But of course, there is another side to it. I find, since retirement, that it is the young nd particularly school children who push onto buses ahead of people
I WRITE in response to several recent letters on the Bury Times carping on about the new fencing around Clarence Lido in Bury. It seems that there some people who place their jogging routine around this fetid pond above the safety of our children. Others
IT is strange that two former Conservative MPs should think that Ken Clarke, who caused so many of the Conservative Party's problems by being caught by Labour implementing 22 extra taxes, can be the solution to Conservative problems. Furthermore their
WE write regarding the report (August 17) on the Pakistan Independence Day celebration in Bury Town Hall. Along with a lot of Pakistanis living in Bury, we were ashamed of the childish and totally unacceptable behaviour of these so-called leaders, who
SPECULATION is increasing that Leigh Centurions and London Broncos are on the verge of agreeing a sensational Rugby League merger. NFP big boys Leigh and the Super League Broncos would join forces and be catapulted into Super League next season, playing
ANTIPODEAN defences had better run for cover because Bury's answer to Crocodile Dundee is on his way! Shakers striker Lee Buggie today flies across the globe to sign for Australian National League champions South Melbourne. It's a chance of a lifetime
LANCS AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION HIGHFIELD UTD...5 HESKETH CASUALS...2 HIGHFIELD kicked off against an Hesketh side that arrived with only 10 men and immediately put nine men behind the ball. After 20 minutes Highfield were given a shock when they went
1888: The body of Mary Ann Nichols, the first victim of Jack the Ripper, was found in Buck's Row. 1900: Coca Cola arrived in Britain 14 years after it became available in America. 1908: W.G. Grace finished his last cricket season, aged 60. 1954: Hurricane
A MAN who was three times the legal drink drive limit travelled on the wrong side of the road before colliding with another vehicle. Blackburn magistrates heard that the driver of the other car was driving along Whitebirk Road, near its junction with
A TRIP to the shop for a packet of cigarettes led to Gavin Holden facing the possibility of a prison sentence. Blackburn magistrates ordered the preparation of pre-sentence reports after Holden pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and warned that
PAUL Robinson was caught behind the wheel just 22 minutes after police released him after a charge of driving while disqualified. Blackburn magistrates heard that both offences were committed in the early hours of Wednesday and were in breach of a 12-
AGE Concern Blackburn with Darwen is offering older people the chance to make a will. As part of this year's Age Concern Week activities the charity has joined forces with Roebuck's Solicitors in Blackburn and Watson's Solicitors in Darwen to offer will-making
THE Blackburn Guild of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will be holding their annual sale in the charity shop in Lord Street West, from Monday September 17. Anyone with goods of saleable quality which they would like to donate is asked to bring
REGARDING the case of Hoghton shopkeeper Mr P Bretherton, with all its difficulties and implications. Why is it that so many decent, hardworking, law-abiding citizens have to endure persistent vandalism from gangs of stone-throwing youths and their ilk
THERE has been a debate in Burnley in recent months about the nature of the British National Party vote -- whether these voters are racists, fascists or just misguided, disaffected Labour voters. Will we ever know? While talking to people in the Trinity
LAST Friday, the lecturers' union, NATFHE, meeting at Nelson and Colne College, voted unanimously to send a message of condolence to the family and many friends of Nassar Ahmed, the asylum seeker and student at the college who killed himself last week
THE Transport, Local Government and the Regions Select Committee will be looking very hard at the Government's record on urban regeneration. Before we start, we need a better idea of how urban degeneration is occurring. In the past, it was assumed this
MOTORISTS are being warned to avoid the M62 at night over the next three months as giant signs are put up. On nearly 30 evenings until December the busy motorway will be closed as huge electronic gantries are fitted. The work will take place bestween
IS Hyndburn Council coming apart at the seams? First we had your report about the survey revealing low morale among council employees (LET, August 23), which, for some reason, has not been put before committee and we should all be told why. Then came
A LONG running community football tournament has proved to be as successful as ever and the good news it that it could get even better. The 5-a-side Cage tournament, the brainchild of Adam Hassan who started it 10 years ago, brings together youngsters
A ROUND-UP of scorecards from the local cricket scene. DIVISION ONE Brinscall...71-6 Newburgh...70 D Frost 32no, A Birks 4-14 M Huddart 4-22, E Anderson 3-10 Feniscowles...64-1 Withnell...63 E Blanche 41no S Highcock 31, E Blanche 4-26, N Barrett 3-18
BLACKBURN Harriers have retained the Althams Challenge Trophy after sending a strong team to the annual event held at Barden in Burnley. The Harriers proved to be too good for the three other competiting clubs with host side Burnley having to settle for
IT may only be in its third year but the Forbes Blacksnape Pre-Season Tournament has quickly established itself as one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the North West. This year's event attracted 110 junior and senior teams from as far afield
IT'S HARD not to rave about this show. It is just fab -- an enticing mixture of breathtaking Irish dancing, great fiddle playing, drama, beautiful song and fabulously lavish costumes and set. Even if you don't know your Irish legends, Lord of the Dance
ONE of Radcliffe's oldest residents has died. Miss Ethel May Pinder passed away in Pendle Nursing Home, School Street, on August 19 at the grand old age of 101. She moved into the home in 1997. Prior to that she lived in Lever Street and before that Milltown
FIRE chiefs are to spend a penny to ensure female firefighters and disabled workers and visitors can do the same at Bury Fire Station. A total of £20,000 has been made available to install toilet, shower and locker room facilities for women at The Rock
A RADCLIFFE pensioner was left badly shaken after falling prey to a sneak-in thief. The man entered her home in Radcliffe Moor Road via an unlocked kitchen door. When he was confronted by the 78-year-old woman, he told her there was an ambulance awaiting
RESIDENTS throughout the borough are being encouraged to photograph their valuables before they are snapped up by thieves. Taking photographic records of antiques, heirlooms and expensive goods will help trace or identify them if they are ever stolen.
A FRIGHTENED 38-year-old woman driver was hit on the head as a thug smashed her car window and stole her bag. The incident happened after the victim's Vauxhall Astra stopped in Bury Old Road, Prestwich. Police said that a male teenager smashed the passenger
SHOPPERS over the age of 60 are being encouraged to see the light and help to save the planet from destruction. Visitors to Bury's flea market can pick up a free energy-saving light bulb as part of a council drive to boost energy efficiency and awareness
AN elderly shopkeeper has spoken of his bewilderment over why his shop was the target of a petrol bomb attack. The R & T Sewing Machines shop in Accrington Road, Blackburn, was attacked while owner Tom Chadburn, 72, and his wife Norma, 68, were in
AN angry father is demanding that Bury Council tear down "pointless" fencing after his eight-year-old son injured his eye on it. Mr Shaun McKay (34), of Milltown Close, Radcliffe, said: "My son Callum was playing ball with his friends when he tripped
THERE were rumblings after dark when computer game fans from across Europe converged upon a Bury internet cafe. Dedicated players of the three dimensional combat adventureQuake were in town for a meeting of minds at Bolton Street's Glinternet Cafe at
TAXI travellers are being warned not to fall into the clutches of bogus cabbies. Bury Council is calling on people to be careful following a string of attacks on young women in Manchester by individuals claiming to be taxi drivers. Councillor Pam Walker
BURY'S drive to encourage even more businesses to take advantage of information and communication technology continues next month. On Tuesday, September 25, the Bury Business Network, which is an initiative of IT advisors, ISaware and is supported by
THE Football Association has introduced a major new financial incentive for non-league clubs. Proceeds from the FA Cup are to be cascaded down in a huge new incentive to succeed for all entrants. This means that as the non-league clubs begin the tournament
ROVERS defender Marlon Broomes could be on his way to Wycombe Wanderers. Broomes had been linked with a move to Preston North End which now looks dead following the £750,000 signing of Chris Lucketti by Deepdale boss David Moyes. Now Wycombe are believed
BLACKBURN ROVERS target Djimi Traore will not be coming to Ewood Park after all. Last night, the Liverpool defender rejected a loan move to French club Lens and indicated that he wanted a transfer to Rovers. Yet, this morning, he once again had a change
A PARTIALLY blind man has gone on trial accused of stealing an £18 pair of binoculars from a flea market. Bric-a-brac stallholder Patricia Elderfield told a jury at Burnley Crown Court that Kenneth Young, 61, deliberately opened his bag and put the binoculars
UNINSURED homeowners and businesses caught up in the racial disturbances which tore through Burnley have missed out on any chance of compensation -- after police declared the incidents were not a riot. The move, backed by Burnley MP Peter Pike, has prevented
A MOTHER of five arrested during what began as a "convivial" family party shouted at and abused relatives in front of police. Burnley Magistrates heard how Marie Maughan, 43, was sitting in her bottle-strewn lounge the worse for drink and was told by
STAND are without three players for their trip to Colne in NWCL Division Two. Warren Gallacher, Simon Hannan and former Manchester United trainee Karl Brown are all suspended but Chris Tennant will return up front. The Ewood Bridge club, promoted from
PADIHAM are hoping to secure the first leg of another double over Alsager Town at the Arbories tomorrow. Graham Howarth's side beat the Crewe-based team home and away last season and are out to repeat the feat. There are no major injury worries and Howarth
NELSON are hoping to transfer some of their away form to Victoria Park when they take on Daisy Hill there tomorrow. They have won all three of their away games but were beaten 3-0 by Squires Gate in their only home tie. Manager John Bailey is looking
WHAT'S on and where in the local athletic scene. Sat September 1st: Radlie Run Fell Race 4.5M (Near Hebden Bridge) Sun September 2nd: Liverpool International Half Marathon, Kirkham 10K, Pendle Triathlon Tues September 4th: Len Bottomley 5.5M Road Race
YOUNGSTERS at a primary school in Foulridge have been learning in a mobile Life Education Centre about their bodies and how to look after them. The education bus has been at St Michael's and All Angels school since Tuesday and each class has been following
A SINGLE mother over twice the legal alcohol limit had foolishly driven just 300 yards and put her employment at risk, a court heard. Burnley magistrates were told how auxiliary nurse Simone Louise Sutcliffe, 30, had gone to her car to collect some compact
A FACE-LIFT at Accrington and Rossendale College's 'Inspirations' means the public can enjoy a host of new services. Treatments are carried out by students, but always under supervision from fully-trained and qualified staff. These include aromatherapy
A REPORT which called for a better approach to overcoming the consequences of foot and mouth has been welcomed by people affected in East Lancashire. The document, from the Countryside Agency, released yesterday, revealed that the damage caused by the
BLACKPOOL bounced back from Saturday's mauling at Darwen to beat Fleetwood on Monday by four wickets. Having chosen to bat at Stanley Park, Fleetwood were reduced to 35 for three at one stage before professional Craig Pryor (50) and John Wright (45) staged
BLACKPOOL Scorpions started their league campaign with a 28-16 victory at Thatto Heath. After 10 minutes Andy Johnston scooted from dummy half and raced 25 metres to score for Scorpions. Shortly after, Gareth Chadwick added a similar solo try, sidestepping
BARLOW, one of the UK's largest suppliers of forklift trucks and materials handling with an extensive operation in the Bury area, has changed name. It will trade under Barloworld Handling as part of a branding initiative and is also launching a dedicated
STUBBLES has a new face! Andrew Eccles has taken over the helm at the popular restaurant and wine bar following previous owner Mark Kenyon's decision to head for warmer climes. Mark, who has run the Haymarket Street-based Stubbles in Bury for three-and-a-half
AFRICAN conmen used a company's web site in an attempted $27million scam. E-mails sent to Renault dealers Bury Motors offered to transfer millions to the company's coffers in return for a percentage of the cash. But bosses of the Rochdale Road firm realised
CHERRY TREE go into tomorrow's Jennings Ribblesdale League clash with Whalley with the champagne on ice. They are nine points ahead of rivals Great Harwood and 13 ahead of third placed Baxenden. A maximum return against struggling Whalley will ensure
LANCASHIRE slumped back into bad habits under the Hove floodlights last night as they crashed to a 138 run defeat by Sussex. They were hoping to build on Monday's victory over Hampshire and continue their climb towards respectability in the Second Division
FIVE candidates are planning to fight it out next month in the Brunswick by-election following the death of Blackpool Borough Council leader George Bancroft. Hoping to take the former Labour seat on September 13 are: Steven Bate (Liberal Democrat) Kenneth
RED-FACED council planners have apologised to residents after letters notifying them of a major housing development went to the wrong addresses. A plan to build 36 apartments on a former car centre in Ramsbottom was given conditional approval by councillors
ANGLING and sporting clubs together with nature trusts could be approached to make an audacious bid to buy five lodges which Cockey Moor residents fear are under threat. The Whitehead Lodges, which straddle Starling and Ainsworth, are being sold off as
THE owners of shops and businesses in Radcliffe which are regularly swamped with raw sewage during bad weather are battling to keep their livelihoods afloat. Traders in Ainsworth Road and Water Street have already forked out thousands of pounds to clean
BLACKBURN ROVERS target Djimi Traore will not be coming to Ewood Park after all. Last night, the Liverpool defender rejected a loan move to French club Lens and indicated that he wanted a transfer to Rovers. Yet, this morning, he once again had a change
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent will not be making any special plans to combat Bradford City's three-pronged attack at Valley Parade on Sunday. Bantams boss Jim Jeffries has opted for a 4-3-3 formation this term with Eoin Jess, Ashley Ward and Benito Carbone
THE foot and mouth crisis has devastated the rural economy of Lancashire. farms throughout the Ribble Valley stand eerily empty after the culling of tens of thousands of animals in an attempt to arrest the spread of the disease. The tourist industry on
TRIBUTE band The Corrz will bring the sound of their Irish inspirations live to the Marine Hall, Fleetwood on Sunday, September 9 at 7.30pm. The six-piece UK-based band was formed in 1999 and has since performed to more than 50,000 people worldwide recreating
WALTER Holland & Sons celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and the North West's best-loved pie-maker is aiming to celebrate in style. The Holland's name will be quite literally up in lights following a five-year sponsorship deal with the world-famous
NURSERY tots are resting their tiny feet after a trek to raise money for Cancer Research. Members of the Rainbow Nursery put on their walking shoes to complete three circuits around their nursery in Barley Bank Street, Darwen. Each had to raise a minimum
APPLICATIONS are invited from the local community for people interested in becoming directors of the Stacksteads Riverside Park Group Limited. It is the business arm of the group which aims to improve facilities for the local community. The Board of Directors
DISABLED facilities in Blackpool have been slammed by two of the town's councillors. Liberal Democrats Doreen Holt and Jon Bamborough called on Blackpool Borough Council to undertake a review of the facilities for the disabled at a special meeting yesterday
CARS worth £4million will gather in Blackpool next week in a remarkable celebration -- the 100th anniversary of the birth of the founder of Jaguar Cars, Blackpool-born Sir William Lyons. As part of the main celebrations, a number of events are being held
VISITORS to Wyre could be charged around the clock for parking if plans for an updated review are passed at a council meeting this week. Wyre Borough councillors are meeting today (Thursday, August 30) to discuss whether the council should look at introducing
COMMUNITY leaders in Blackpool are calling for the fear of crime and offences affecting the young and vulnerable to be included in a crime clampdown for the next three years. The town's Community Safety Partnership met last week to consider progress since
BISPHAM'S revamped sea defences have been officially completed and the event was marked with a special civic ceremony. Blackpool Mayor Coun Sue Wright opened the defences, on Wednesday, marking the completion of a £2.4 million project to strengthen existing
A TEENAGER who spoiled his good character by carrying out a bottle attack in a nightclub has been put behind bars for 15 months. Jimmy Dunn struck out in the C'est La Vie nightspot, in Market Street Lane, Blackburn, while he was holding a bottle. The
AN elderly shopkeeper has spoken of his bewilderment over why his shop was the target of a petrol bomb attack. The R & T Sewing Machines shop in Accrington Road, Blackburn, was attacked while owner Tom Chadburn, 72, and his wife Norma, 68, were in
A PHOTO processing shop which left customers devastated when a batch of films was ruined could be investigated by trading standards officers. Directfoto, in Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, apologised to customers after rolls of film were "irretrievably damaged
THREE women who were arrested and accused of throwing a petrol bomb at a house in Blackburn today relived their ordeal after being released without charge. The three women, who are mother and daughters, were released from Blackburn Police Station and
CHORLEY is a club steeped in FA Cup history and they begin their quest to relive their past glories tomorrow at Northallerton in the pre qualifying round. In 1986, the Magpies reached the second round proper after a 3-0 victory over Wolves at Burnden
PENDLE'S Senior Ladies, nicknamed the Sunny Team, continued this season's cup exploits with an appearance in the final of the North of England Inter-Club Competition on Sunday. It was their second Cup Final in a month following their trip to Bedford for
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman knows a week is a long time in football. This time last week, he was desperate for a win after conceding eight goals in their opening two UniBond Premier Division defeats. Now they have turned it around, scoring eight
AN FA Cup run is fresh in the minds of Ramsbottom and, with the finances now at stake, they would love to do it again. Three years ago the NWCL Division One side reached the third qualifying round where they met Conference side Southport at the Riverside
NEIL Hodgson is out to secure his fifth consecutive podium finish when the World Superbike season resumes at Oschersleben today. But the Burnley rider will have to compete with another rider at the peak of his form. Ducati man Ben Bostrom has won the
DANIELLE Walker has gone through the entire track season unbeaten at 800m and 1500m. What the tiny 12-year-old lacks in stature she certainly makes up for in heart, and on Saturday she won the 1500m in the Mid Lancs Medal Meeting at Preston Sports Arena
I AM writing to thank your readers for helping to make Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's first ever Shades For A Day such a fantastic success. On July 18 this year 250,000 people took part in the event by donning their sunglasses for the charity.
MAY I through your letters coloumn make a comment on the casino project for Blackpool. We have just had our daughter and her husband for a short break and the casino project came up. She told us that she had been talking to friends in the Mansfield area
TO say that I was impressed by the Prime Minister's decision to travel with his family abroad to continue their holiday by cheap airline is a complete understatement. What a marvellous gesture this is and proves once again how down to earth the Blairs
ONE cannot be but sympathetic to the plight of the woman who recently wrote in The Citizen (August 16) of the unfairness of our Labour council in subjecting her to pressure and withholding from her her rightful level of entitlement to assistance with
BLACKPOOL Police are hunting for an armed man who bound and gagged a woman in a South Shore flat, before stealing her car. A police spokesman said the man, thought to be in his 30s and carrying a gun, broke into the flat on Thursday (August 30) at Crescent
THE Draconian charge of £15,000 for policing a friendly football match between Bury and Bolton Wanderers, thereby causing its abandonment, raises the question of who pays for the policing of the Notting Hill Carnival? R. D. CALROW
I WRITE in response to the letter from Mrs Pilkington (Your Letters, August 10) regarding the condition of Clarence Lido. This summer, the lido has suffered an invasion of blue-green algae which has discoloured the water. This is a natural phenomenon
RECENTLY, on a Saturday, my grandson was taken to the GP who examined him for suspected appendicitis. She rang Bury General Hospital to enquire if a bed was available, only to be told that children under the age of 16 who required an anaesthetic were
ON the morning of the Tranmere-Bury game I popped into the Bury FC club shop on Gigg Lane. I noticed a very large, and very prominent display of Manchester United merchandise. I assumed this was merely left over from the friendly game and would be removed
MOTORISTS are being warned to avoid the M62 at night over the next three months as giant signs are put up. On nearly 30 evenings until December the busy motorway will be closed as huge electronic gantries are fitted. The work will take place between junction
