Archive

  • Today's the day - March 7

    1876: Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. 1900: A fire at Buckingham Palace destroyed part of the roof. 1908: Women were declared unfit to drive in Cincinnati. 1912: French aviator, Henri Seimet, made the first non-stop flight from Paris to

  • Today's the day - February 14

    1477: The earliest recorded Valentine's care was sent, in Norfolk. 1852: Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London admitted its first patient. 1895: Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest was staged for the first time in London. 1929: The

  • On this day - October 25

    1415: The English Army defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War. 1839: The world's first railway timetable, Bradshaw's Railway Guide, was published in Manchester. 1854: Lord Cardigan led the Charge of the Light Brigade

  • Today's the day - March 14

    1891: The submarine, Monarch, laid the first underwater telephone cable. 1905: Chelsea FC was founded. 1939: The longest ever Test match was abandoned after 12 days because the English had to catch their boat home. The total playing time was 43 hours

  • Golborne miss out

    AFTER the first two games of the season where hard work and endeavour produced two excellent results, it was the Golborne CC U15s of old which turned up at Little Hulton. Being put into bat, Little Hulton took some poor bowling to task in the early overs

  • Grant refusal hard to believe

    HAVING spent pleasurable times in Arnside over many years, I find that the villagers there are refused a lottery grant for their Women's Institute, on the grounds that they do not have enough asylum seekers, ethnic minorities or old people with carers

  • Perhaps councillor could contribute?

    WAS Darwen councillor Dave Smith joking when, commenting about an elderly couple who had hundreds of pounds-worth of damage done to their home by vandals (LET, May 9), he said one way round these problems way is for the community to club together and

  • Photos ban is a barmy council idea

    THE decision by Blackburn with Darwen Council to ban all phone cameras from swimming pools (LET, May 14) beggars belief. Thank goodness we are not a holiday resort, or this barmy council would ban the use of phone (or other) cameras to supposedly prevent

  • Council has no interest in town

    LEE Richardson's comments (Letters, May 5) were, on the whole, spot on. Darreners are moaning all the time, but I wonder if Mr Richardson has ever sat down and thought why we are like this. Although Blackburn has controlled Darwen since 1974 it has been

  • Real question is: Is there a God?

    AS an engineer, I was, with most of us, taught that evolution was it. I never doubted it or thought about it. Until I heard a lecture by Dr Duane Gish, a marine biologist, whose job for years had been to irradiate fruit fly larvae to cause mutations.

  • Working on new deal

    ROVERS are currently working on a new sponsorship deal. The club are in negotiations with several companies, including existing sponsors AMD, and hope to announce something shortly. "We've got an offer on the table from the current sponsors AMD and we've

  • Saunders handed new role

    BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has handed Dean Saunders a new coaching role as part of a backroom reshuffle. Former Welsh international Saunders will start next season as first team coach after making a big impression at Brockhall. The 38-year-old has

  • Clarets link to Rovers starlet

    BURNLEY have been linked with a loan move for Blackburn midfielder Neil Danns. The Rovers youngster still has one year remaining on his current contract at Ewood Park. But sources suggest Graeme Souness may allow the 20-year-old rookie out on a season-long

  • Flitcroft commits future to Rovers

    EWOOD enforcer Garry Flitcroft has ended speculation surrounding his future by agreeing a new deal to stay at Blackburn Rovers. Flitcroft will put pen to paper on a new three year contract in the next few days after accepting the terms being offered by

  • Jobs lost at Preston firm

    A PRESTON transport firm has announced that 500 jobs could be lost. Alstom, based on Channel Way, Ashton, will be closing its transit branch from the end of this year, blaming a decline in the market for the move. The firm designs and builds railway equipment

  • Blocked off path uproar

    PRESTON City Council are considering taking legal action against a man who neighbours say has fenced off a public footpath. A number of people in Seymour Road, Fulwood, contacted the council after a resident in nearby Lytham Road closed off a path they

  • Long-serving Joan makes the news

    ONE of the Bury Times' longest-serving employees has retired. Joan Sawdon who was 60 on Monday, joined the Bury Times as a 22-year-old, working at the Cross Street headquarters as an accounts clerk and then cashier. Later, at Market Street, she was accounts

  • Docking benefits 'may be mistake'

    NEW legislation to tackle unruly tenants by docking their benefits could make matters worse, according to Burnley MP Peter Pike. The first Anti-Social Behaviour Orders in Lancashire were issued against residents living on the Brunshaw Estate in 2002.

  • Home for the holiday...

    JENNIFER Wilson is hoping to enjoy the Spring Bank Holiday at home - as she shows positive signs of recovery from a bone marrow transplant operation. The Lancaster mum underwent the op in Manchester's Christie Hospital last month in a bid to fight a rare

  • Textile artist gets her Maiden showing

    A LANCASTER gallery is set to become the first in Britain to host the works of a world renowned artist. Maiden Bridge Arts Centre has been chosen to show a collection of print works by textile artist Anni Albers. The exhibition will be a celebration of

  • Keep it clean!

    STREET wardens have been out in force spreading the message of cleanliness as part of a new anti-litter campaign. They have been highlighting the problems of litter, refuse and dog fouling to residents in Morecambe's West End and Poulton areas to help

  • Gallery's first selection

    A SHOWCASE of award-winning illustrations has taken over at The Storey Gallery - as a national tour kicks off in Lancaster. More than 70 specially selected images are on display in the gallery's latest exhibition. It runs until June 7 before taking to

  • Fly-tipping warning

    COUNTY Council Lib Dem leader David Whipp has warned that new arrangements at Lancashire County Council's recycling centres could lead to an explosion of roadside dumping. The Pendle member has written to the county council's cabinet member with responsibility

  • Year of success at Priory College

    IT'S been a year of sporting success for Priory Technology College in Penwortham. Abigail South from year seven won the Lancashire schools under 12 girls badminton singles championship, as well as winning the mixed doubles championship with her partner

  • Fit to take on the world

    A SPORTS tutor is hoping to scramble her way to success when she takes part in the World's Fittest Woman championship to be held in Hong Kong. Lucinda Hughes, 24, who teaches at Myerscough College, is a member of the British Climbing Team and has beaten

  • Winners on merit

    THE win-bonus dangled before these young Cup finalists 70 years ago was immense... an extra half-day holiday from school. Alas, the prize eluded them. But even as runners-up they were feted -- and treated to free fish and chips. For the old Cherry Tree

  • Indecency by man, 82

    AN 82-year-old man made a confused pensioner commit a sex act on him when he called at the nursing home where she lived, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how Harry Salisbury was said to be visiting his girlfriend at the Colne premises when

  • Father caught getting cheap calls

    A FATHER of three got cheap international calls by tapping into public telephone boxes, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how Mohammed Raoof, 46, who was talking to relations abroad, was rumbled after a British Telecom engineer saw him near

  • 'We're proud to be backing award'

    STEVE Palmer, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council Lancashire, said: "We are proud to be supporting the Pride of East Lancashire Awards and in particular, the Community Group category which launches today. "The campaign is a tremendous

  • Ten years ago

    SELF-confessed 18-stone slob Paul Davies was going through hell at the gym. Paul, of Lochside, Blackburn, was taking part in a 'get fit' challenge to raise £1,000 for Derian House children's hospice.

  • Five years ago

    STONYHURST College was said to have the finest school buildings of any school in the world. The Jesuit college near Clitheroe was praised by the Headmasters' and Headmistress' Conference, the public school equivalent of Ofsted.

  • Rail station plan gets major boost

    TRANSPORT chiefs have welcomed the petition, submitted to Parliament by Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Makerfield MP Ian McCartney, supporting a new rail station at Golborne. The 1,800 signature petition sets out the need for a new station to meet the increased

  • Conker trees may be saved

    CAMPAIGNERS have won a stay of execution for a group of horse chestnut trees earmarked for felling. More than 140 residents attended a meeting of Great Harwood Area Council to make their views known about trees around Memorial Park. Council officials

  • Rail station plan gets major boost

    Rail station plan gets major boost TRANSPORT chiefs have welcomed the petition, submitted to Parliament by Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Makerfield MP Ian McCartney, supporting a new rail station at Golborne. The 1,800 signature petition sets out the need

  • A lesson in going green

    STAFF and pupils at an East Lancashire school are celebrating after being given a prestigious award for their environmental work. An inspector from environmental campaign group ENCAMS visited St Mary's RC Primary School and has now given them the go-ahead

  • New chapter in Chapel's history

    CHOWBENT is set to celebrate a new chapter in its history. The Chapel's tradition of community involvement will begin again with the opening of the new Chowbent Hall. To celebrate members and friends have joined forces to present at evening of entertainment

  • 'The vast majority of people are for it' - Trevor Barton

    SPORTS Village plans for Leigh can't be compared with previous Xanadu proposals on the same site. At a meeting in Leigh Cricket Club on Monday, Campaign for Planning Sanity chairman Chris Maile was persuaded to stop referring to the Sports Village project

  • Have your say on Sports Village plan

    SUPPORTERS and objectors of Leigh's proposed multi-millon pound Sports Village will get the chance to air their views at the end of the month. The Leigh & District Sports Partnership which incorporates all professional and amateur clubs, schools and

  • Can I use bus lanes too?

    WHY should taxis be allowed to use bus lanes? They are merely a car carrying individuals. Why do taxi drivers believe they are public transport and part of the transport system? They are private transport for the public. Once hired, no-one else can use

  • Animal tests DO aid research

    IT SEEMS from the letters in Citizen that the local do-gooders have switched their attention to animal cruelty now that the war in Iraq is over. Every one of their letters documents the cruelty of experiments on laboratory animals but not one discusses

  • Result matters more than motive

    YOUR correspondent N Bliss, in his reply published last week to my letter about war, has misunderstood the point I was making. First, a claim that war is wrong DOES imply that the status quo is better. Such a claim quite clearly states that war will make

  • Wilson is new City boss

    THE new man in charge at Lancaster City FC will be former Southport and Stalybridge Celtic star Phil Wilson. Wilson was named on Wednesday as the successor to Tony Hesketh - beating a field of more than 20 applicants for the Giant Axe post. The club's

  • Wolves put bite on Lancaster

    LANCASTER rugby league team put up a valiant fight against former Conference champions Chester Wolves on Saturday - but lost the points on the historic day that marked the return of rugby league to the Giant Axe. There was plenty to be proud of as the

  • Clarets link to Rovers starlet

    BURNLEY have been linked with a loan move for Blackburn midfielder Neil Danns. The Rovers youngster still has one year remaining on his current contract at Ewood Park. But sources suggest Graeme Souness may allow the 20-year-old rookie out on a season-long

  • Firms urged to Join Euro trade bid

    COMPANIES in Bury are being urged to take advantage of the opportunities created by a bigger European Union. The European Information Centre (EIC) is spearheading a campaign by linking up with embassies and consuls in Europe to identify sales leads and

  • Another £1m of BCCI cash returns

    MORE of Bury's missing millions, lost during the BCCI banking scandal, have been returned to the borough. When the Bank of Credit and Commerce International collapsed with debts of $13 billion more than a decade ago, Bury Metro found itself among the

  • Duo will lap up TT thrills

    TWO Leyland bikers will set sail to the Isle of Man next week before changing gear for a lap of honour at the famous TT races. Brian Heap, 67, of Maplewood Close, and Alan Capstick, 62, of Lydiate Lane, will be polishing their classic bikes before setting

  • Priest's crucifix buried on Everest

    NEXT week marks the 50th anniversary of the conquering of Everest, and a Leyland monk has a very special reason to remember the date. On May 29, 1953, climber Sir Edmund Hillary buried a tiny crucifix at the summit of the mountain. The cross was part

  • RMI need new backers

    LEIGH RMI have appealed for new backers to join them to help safeguard the club's future. Club chairman Alan Leach, said: "We're about to start our fourth year in the Nationwide Conference and we've a 12,000-seat shared new stadium in the pipeline. "However

  • Tashon sprints into record books again

    LEIGH Harriers' new sprint discovery Tashon Gallagher continued his record breaking form - and scored a double victory. The 15-years-old sensation smashed his own two weeks old 400m club record in the youth's 400m at the second young athletes' meeting

  • Saturday washout is followed by cup disaster

    ON Saturday, for the second season in succession, Atherton CC's local derby against Daisy Hill was abandoned without a ball bowled. Indeed, Saturday's weather was so poor that the Bolton Association matches were washed out with only one actually getting

  • Davis hat-trick is in vain as Leigh crash out

    IT was a disappointing weekend for EDS Leigh with their league match against Wigan being abandoned without a ball bowled and the big game against Bootle in the Lancashire Knockout Competition ending in a 25-run defeat. Dave Dove won the toss and decided

  • Centurions march to brink of a final place

    Leigh Centurions 26 Featherstone Rovers 6 by Mike Hulme R OVERS' return was another sobering experience for Andy Kelly and his men. Exactly a week after being taken to the cleaners in the league, Rovers were given another harsh lesson by the in-form Centurions

  • This is Something Else . . .

    CHILDREN are invited to a show based on the award-winning picture book Something Else at The Met next week. A combination of storytelling, original songs and a lot of laughs, the show is suitable for children aged three and above. Shows are at 10.30am

  • Seventh week of strike

    JOURNALISTS at the Bury Times Group are now into the seventh week of their strike action in support of a seven per cent pay claim. Twenty-one members of the National Union of Journalists started industrial action on April 9 and went on indefinite strike

  • Sausages and singing at Asda

    ASDA in Radcliffe have a busy weekend planned with a barbecue for customers and a chance to sing on radio. The BBQ is Saturday from 11am-3pm when customers will be able to buy some grub and help a local charity. Just follow the smell to the green gazebo

  • Extra cash for tidy ups

    BURY got an extra £1.2 million into its coffers for rengeration projects in the past 12 months. That's how much the North West Development Agency (NWDA) agreed to give after talks with council leaders. The money has or will be used in a wide range of

  • Rail strategy 'does not make sense'

    A CAMPAIGN to gain investment for a major upgrading of Greater Manchester's rail system has been dealt a blow by the boss of the Strategic Rail Authority. Euro MP Chris Davies has been told by SRA chief executive Richard Bowker that the proposals of Greater

  • Garden 'danger' plea from worried mum

    A MOTHER is again pleading for a fence to be built after her 18-month-old girl was injured in her garden. Single mother Andrea Ball, together with neighbour Lorna Mirow, of Hodder Grove, have campaigned for two-and-a-half years for Twin Valley Housing

  • Jim backs town carnival

    LEIGH bus operator Jim Stones is backing the town's first big carnival for 19 years. He has offered to provide a free bus service to the three day event on Sunday, July 27, from Leigh town centre to the site at Bedford High School.

  • Wireless lesson

    TYLDESLEY Probus Club learned the history of pre-war wireless from Ray Holmes who told members broadcasting began in 1920 with shipping forecasts. By 1922 the BBC was formed supported by big industries. Recordings of Dame Nellie Melba, who made the first

  • DJs' mum poised to be mayor?

    THE MOTHER of broadcasters Andy and Liz Kershaw will be the Labour Party's proposal for the next Mayor of Rossendale at the borough's annual council meeting on Friday. Coun Eileen Kershaw began her career in 1964 when she became a councillor in Rochdale

  • Reunion for class of '78

    THE class of '78 at Leigh Girls' Grammar School meet again after a quarter of a century. Any former pupil who fancies reminiscing about school life over 25 years ago and catching up on the in between years is invited to The Three Crowns, Chapel Street

  • Police to seek ASBO following arrest on rooftop

    POLICE are to apply for an anti-social behaviour order on a 27-year-old prolific car criminal from Bacup. Heroin addict John Daniel Egan, recently released from jail, is said to fund his habit by stealing cars or stealing from them, Burnley magistrates

  • Baby died hours after birth

    A CORONER has recorded a verdict of 'misadventure' following the death of a baby girl just hours after she was born at an East Lancashire hospital. At an inquest at Accrington Town Hall yesterday, coroner Michael Singleton ruled that the suction method

  • Store's play time

    CHILDREN could be introduced to the joys of bygone games thanks to store staff. Events co-ordinators at Asda Golborne are appealing to people who can remember their schooldays playing hop-scotch, two balls and skipping. They are planning to re-introduce

  • Band members wanted

    THE Ellenbrook and Boothstown Brass Band is seeking new members. Currently conducted by Toby Hobson, who plays for the Fodens Richardson Band, E & B are looking for players of all abilities to join its ranks which include some young players who enjoy

  • Pupils step back in time

    LEIGH Grammar School old girls have another chance to recall their school days next month. The Windermere Road buildings, which now house Leigh Central Primary School, will be open to past pupils wishing to take a step back in time. The doors will be

  • Charity's plea to stop cat shootings

    AN animal charity is worried by the increase in cat shootings. The Leigh branch of the Cats Protection League is appealing to people to report the culprits responsible. A spokesman said: "It's disgusting and is happening more and more. Someone must see

  • Safety in the woods

    MUMS and babies are invited to join a safe walk in the woods. Community activity officer Lynn Hayes has organised a second toddle through Lilford Woods on June 10. The party will amble through the trees for three quarters of an hour and then sit down

  • Please keep off the grass...

    KEEP off the grass is the message to sportsmen this summer. They're being urged to give pitches a break out of season to allow new surfaces to take root. A total of 105 council pitches at 44 different locations were surveyed by Wigan's new Leisure &

  • Rain can't dampen the carnival spirit

    RAIN couldn't dampen the carnival spirit on Saturday when a Hot on the Streets carnival set Atherton alive. Town centre manager Annette Root, involved in organising the event designed to encourage people to join-in community carnivals, was delighted with

  • Emmerdale stars in town

    EMMERDALE evergreen Jack Sugden and co-star Charity Tate will be in Leigh on Saturday to launch B & M Bargains new half-million pound discount store in Spinning Gate. Large crowds are expected as the TV soap's Jack, actor Clive Hornby, and Charity

  • Mama Mia! Family at war over Euro final

    LIFE in the Jones household will be fraught for the next few days. For not only are soccer-mad mother and daughter Dawn and Kerry on opposing sides for the forthcoming European Champions League Final, they are also struggling to get tickets for the big

  • Parking problem

    I AGREE with the letter from John Coxhead, about parking problems for the disabled. (Citizen 15/05) Asda is far the best supermarket, and even have a notice instore about misuse of the disabled parking bays in their car park. Being disabled myself, I

  • So cruel for dog

    TO read about man's cruelty to animals is upsetting enough, to witness the reality of it is heartbreaking, but to know the animal's suffering is still continuing leaves me feeling helpless and sick inside. In late April on Chain Caul Way, near Makro,

  • Curtains for thieves

    POLICE are trying to track down a haul of expensive curtains stolen in Radcliffe. A van carrying hundreds of pounds worth of ready-made curtains was cleared out overnight on April 27. If anyone knows anything about the curtains, made exclusively for Textyle

  • Drop-in unit dream is all in the Mind

    A CHARITY for people with mental health problems in the Blackburn area has achieved it's £100,000 dream of a permanent drop-in centre after more than a quarter of a century spent fundraising. Volunteers from the Blackburn and District Association for

  • Striker Yorke waits for appeal decision

    BLACKBURN Rovers star Dwight Yorke is at the centre of a battle over a legal loophole that could affect thousands of motorists. The striker was appealing against an October 2002 speeding conviction after he was allegedly clocked travelling at 61mph in

  • Hospice in funds plea

    FUND-RAISERS at East Lancashire Hospice are asking for lots of support over the next year as they try to reach a new bigger target. They have to raise £400,000 -- £100,000 more than last year -- and are calling on businesses, schools, community groups

  • Wayne's landmark decision

    BLACKBURN-born fashion designer Wayne Hemingway is to judge a worldwide design competition for six landmarks which will dominate East Lancashire's skyline. The Red or Dead brand creator, who has more recently started making waves in architectural circles

  • 'Suicide' widower to sue

    A HUSBAND whose wife was taking the controversial drug Seroxat before she killed herself today revealed he is to take legal action against the drug company which makes it. Marban Ahmed, 34, of Longton Close, Blackburn, found his wife and mother-of-four

  • Why is it the victims who have to suffer?

    rWHEN a burglar tried to break into a Leigh shop it cost the owner over £400 for a new laminated glass door and to further secure the premises. He had to pay up right away. In court in December the failed raider was ordered to pay £150 compensation at

  • Foreign number plates made me so jumpy

    I T'S coming to something when cars with foreign number plates set nerves on edge. I came out of a store with my shopping to find a big, metallic blue Ford Taunus parked right behind my vehicle. That's rare enough in this country but when I saw it had

  • Accident waiting to happen...

    IT had to happen. In last Friday morning's rush hour a car and lorry collided in Platt Lane, the country lane that links Chequerbent to Bag Lane, Atherton. An increasing amount of traffic is using the route as a short cut in the light of newly developed

  • Today's the Day - April 4

    1931: The first airmail left Australia for England. 1933: 73 people were killed when the airship, Akron, crashed into the sea off the New Jersey coast. 1934: Cats' eyes were used for the first time on roads near Bradford. 1949: NATO was founded in Washington

  • February 7 - This week in 1978

    CUTLERY CHARGE: An idea to make children pay a service charge for taking packed lunches to school was quashed by education bosses in Bury. It was considered charging 5p a day for kids taking sandwiches to offset the cost of supplying and washing up cutlery

  • Today's the day - December 20

    1928: Harry Ramsden opened his first fish and chip restaurant in a hut near Bradford. 1933: Flying Down to Rio premiered in New York and marked the first time Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had appeared in a feature film together. 1955: Cardiff became

  • Today's the day - Nov22, 2002

    1247: According to legend, Robin Hood died on this day. 1918: One hundred women police patrols were appointed. 1928: The first pound and ten shilling notes came into circulation. 1946: Biro ball point pens went on sale in Britain. 1963: John F Kennedy

  • Today's the day - February 21

    1804: British engineer Richard Trevithick demonstrated the first steam engine to run on rails. 1858: The first electronic burglar alarm was installed in Boston. 1931:The New Statesman was published for the first time. 1952: Identity cards in Britain were

  • January 24: This week in 1978

    TALENT TANTRUMS: Chants of "it's a fix" and "rubbish" greeted the result of the first round heat of Radio Manchester's "Town Team" talent competition between teams from Bury and Trafford at Bury Town Hall. When the Trafford were declared winners by one

  • This week (beginning March 7) in 1978 25 years ago

    FEEDING FRENZY: Pupils at some schools in the borough would have to go without school dinners because of sanctions being imposed by teachers in support of a fight for more pay. Some places were even preparing to send youngsters off the premises during

  • October 6 - this week in 1977

    RTA RESCUE: Striking firemen left the picket lines to help an RAF rescue team free a man who was trapped in his car following an accident at the junction of Bolton Street and Millett Street. Three cars were involved in the crash. After being released

  • Today's the day - March 21

    1916: Importing pianos was banned for the duration of the war. 1922: Waterloo station was opened by Queen Mary. 1923: Scientists claimed smoking was good for you as nicotine acted as an anti-bacterial agent. 1925: Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh was

  • Action now could save lives

    EVERY case of suicide is a terrible tragedy. But the anguish for the families of those who have killed themselves must be horrendously increased whenever it seems their deaths might have been avoided. East Lancashire father Marban Ahmed, whose mother-of-four

  • Players wanted

    THIS season's winners of the U13's division, Hindsford Juniors FC have limited places available for enthusiastic and committed players to join the U14's squad next season in the Bolton Boys Fed. Training is Saturday mornings (10-12am) and is held in the

  • Hindley's double

    LEAGUE Champions, AFC Hindley Juniors beat and third place Pennington 4-0 in the final of the Leigh Youth League U18s Cup. Pennington started the better and were unfortunate not to take an early lead on two occasions before half time. After the interval

  • Ladies pegged back

    IN the last game of the season at home, Glossop were at full strength while Leigh RMI ladies were carrying many injuries. However, RMI played some fantastic football in the first half and went ahead through a cool finish from Nicola Jones in a packed

  • Criminals caught by car numbers

    POLICE throughout Lancashire are celebrating the success of a five-day crimebusting operation using Automatic Number Plate Recognition. Operation Atlanta 2 was a joint venture with four other forces -- Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Chester and North

  • Allowance rise row slammed by Labour councillor

    A LABOUR councillor has urged colleagues to stop bickering over a rise in their allowances and unite to fight for a 'decent' firefighters' pay rise. Wensley Fold, Blackburn, councillor Don Rishton, made his plea after Labour and Lib Dem councillors fell

  • Did anybody ask the Maoris?

    DID anybody else spot the supreme irony in the remarks of Dr Adrian and Liz Humm, of the Dargaville Medical Centre, in New Zealand, who emigrated 10 years ago ("not to get away from England"), when commenting on the lack of success that far right-wing

  • WATER BABY!

    TINY Emma Rose Harrison made a splash when she was the first baby to be born in a new birthing pool at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Emma's mum Julie Harrison was the first expectant mum to use the state of the art birthing pool at the hospital's maternity

  • Prescott orders new probe

    A FRESH inquiry is to take place into Burnley's response to the riots which rocked the town in the summer of 2001, it was revealed today. MPs have ordered the new investigation to make sure everything possible is being done to prevent a repeat of the

  • 'Suicide' widower to sue

    A HUSBAND whose wife was taking the controversial drug Seroxat before she killed herself today revealed he is to take legal action against the drug company which makes it. Marban Ahmed, 34, of Longton Close, Blackburn, found his wife and mother-of-four

  • IT'S A DEAL - Leroy Rivett extends his Centurions' contract.

    Ex-Leeds speedster agreeds Centurions deal to end of season RIVETT WINGS IN FOR LEIGH by Mike Hulme FLYING winger Leroy Rivett will become a fully-fledged member of Leigh Centurions' promotion-chasing squad this week. Leeds-based Rivett will put pen to

  • A place to study Islam

    THREE years of fundraising has finally paid off for a local community. Members of the Medina Mosque in William Henry Street, Preston, have collected more than £300,000 to build a new learning centre. The two-storey complex, down the road from the mosque

  • Penwortham lass steals show

    A LANCASHIRE lass is stealing the show in Yorkshire soap Emmerdale as fiesty district nurse Siobhan Marsden. Abigail Fisher made her first appearance in the ITV soap in March this year when the Marsden family arrived in the imaginary village. Abigail,

  • Crippled by cancer but raring to go

    A BRAVE 35-year-old mother has learnt to walk again after being crippled with cancer in her spine. After being successfully treated for breast cancer four years ago Joanne Tinning, of Priory Lane, Penwortham, was horrified when the life-threatening condition

  • Pupils learn of good news

    YOUNGSTERS in Bamber Bridge are one step closer to moving into a new, multi-million-pound school. Although Cuerden Church Primary School was created last September work on a new building has not started. Now a bid for government cash has been granted,

  • Roadworks ahead

    TRAFFIC in Preston was reduced to crawling pace this week as two of the city's busiest streets were down to one lane only. Friargate was being dug up by the county council for resurfacing while Corporation Street was having water mains repaired. Traffic

  • We just want to see Daniel

    THE AUNT of missing Daniel Entwistle has spoken of her hope that he will still be found alive. Cath Entwistle, of Bevington Close, Burnley, said the whole family were waiting for fresh news and praying for a happy ending. Daniel, seven, disappeared almost

  • Foster parents are rewarded

    FOSTER parents were rewarded for their dedication to children at an award ceremony in Burnley yesterday. Parents from across East Lancashire were presented with certificates at Fernbank in Coal Clough Lane. As part of Foster Fortnight, Lancashire County

  • Horror attack by freed bull terrier

    A BULL terrier savaged and killed a neighbour's tiny dog after its music teacher owner let it off its lead on a walk. Burnley magistrates heard it took five minutes to wrestle Bryn, a 9in tall terrier, out of the jaws of Marley, a 2ft tall Staffordshire

  • It's fight night at the Dukes

    THE first and only professional female fight-based theatre company in the UK is to stage 'Lady Macbeth Rewrites the Rulebook' at the Dukes in Lancaster next Wednesday, May 28. The production by Broads with Swords includes eight fighting women, 12 lethal

  • Prescott orders nw probe

    A FRESH inquiry is to take place into Burnley's response to the riots which rocked the town in the summer of 2001, it was revealed today. MPs have ordered the new investigation to make sure everything possible is being done to prevent a repeat of the

  • Steer clear of strike - cabbies told

    THREATS of a taxi strike over controversial bus-only restrictions have been slammed as reckless and dangerous. As reported by the Citizen last week, Lancaster City Hackney Proprietors Association secretary Mal Spence says a strike will be considered at

  • Anger as home help fees soar

    ELDERLY residents across the district have been forced to abandon their home help after fees rocketed. So far more than 20 pensioners have cancelled the lifeline service after receiving an 'out of the blue' letter from Lancashire County Council informing

  • That's the way to do it...

    EFFORTS to revitalise Morecambe and renew its reputation are being held up as an example to other flagging seaside resorts. A team of experts are to highlight the Tern Art Project as an example of how to go about winning the battle against decline. They

  • Spill sparks slick scare

    A POLICE investigation and major clean-up operation were launched when thieves spilled thousands of gallons of diesel into local waterways. During an early morning raid at Heysham industrial estate, Middleton Road, a valve on a fuel tank was broken, releasing

  • Hide your valuables warning to drivers

    MOTORISTS in Pendle are being urged to keep their valuables locked out of sight after an increase in the number of car crimes in the borough. Inspector Paul Robinson said: "In West Pendle, through a combination of hard work, there's been a significant

  • Five-star style for cows

    A HERD of pedigree cows in Pendle has been getting five star treatment since their owner built an award-winning cattle shed. It is official that they now live in the North's best agricultural building. Mark Hartley, who owns Pendle Valley Farm, in Roughlee

  • Bowl out victory for Preston

    PRESTON withstood the pressure to beat Kendal 3-2 in a bowl out in the first round of the Thwaites Smooth Beer Cup at the weekend. Leyland Motors were also successful in the bowl out beating Darwen 3-2 while Leyland were beaten 1-0 at St Annes. The Bank

  • Old gent's picture poses a mystery

    CAN readers come up with clues to this mystery photograph sent to Looking Back by Shirley Nawrocki in Idaho, USA? Taken by old-time Blackburn photograper A. Jennings and Co., who was in business in the town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries

  • Setback for bypass plan at first hurdle

    HOPES of progress towards a bypass for villages along the A56 have been set back at the first hurdle. A report from a working group of county councillors looking at major transport schemes has decided to recommend that the Pendle project takes second

  • Group stars in our lives

    TODAY we launch the first of our Pride of East Lancashire Awards -- the accolade for Community Groups. In all there are more than 2,000 groups operating in communities throughout East Lancashire which make a huge difference to people's lives. Each of

  • Blow your own trumpets!

    OUR Pride of East Lancashire campaign is about promoting the area's unsung heroes and achievements. But do the people who live and work in the area do enough to promote its many attributes, or are they too modest? Donna McKenzie asked community leaders

  • Council could scrap top post

    A COUNCIL will have no chief executive from next week and may not even select another after its current boss leaves tomorrow. Mike Chambers said Hyndburn Council is contemplating operating without one because it is too busy to look for another. The loss

  • Shine a light!

    RESIDENTS living off the beaten track reckon its time the Council threw some light on their potholed access. Leafy Marsland Green Lane, pictured left, is an idyllic setting but those who live on the forgotten stretch between Marsland Green canal bridge

  • Win tea for two at the Commons

    TEA for two at the House of Commons is up for grabs at the next Royal British Legion dance. Legion supporter and Leigh MP Andy Burnham, has donated the prize along with two tickets for the Queen's Birthday parade, for a raffle at the event in Leigh Conservative

  • Pedestrianisation cash could be lost - warning

    FUNDING for the planned Bradshawgate pedestrianisation extension scheme will be lost if it does not win approval. Leigh's Town Centre Management Committee, which is appealing to residents to have their say on the new proposals for the section from Vernon

  • Booze ban 'ignored'

    ANTI-SOCIAL drinkers are ignoring a town centre alcohol ban imposed a year ago in Leigh. Some of the nine offenders who this month received interim anti-social behaviour orders at Wigan magistrates' court are among the culprits. These allegations were

  • Of course fish feel pain

    I WAS horrified to read the letter from Charles Jardine (Citizen, May 15), claiming fish don't feel pain. I don't want to go on about it because their are more important issues that should be debated in this paper, but to say a living creature does not

  • So much for democracy

    THE Liberals tied the laces, the Green licked the boots and then Labour firmly kicked democracy in the teeth. Last week's Lancaster City council meeting, allegedly called to decide the future composition of the Cabinet, review boards and other bodies,

  • Cement firm in dust storm

    A CEMENT firm has unveiled plans to dump waste dust from its kilns on the outskirts of a Ribble Valley village. Castle Cement in Clitheroe wants to build a series of kiln dust "cells" in the north-eastern corner of its massive Lanehead Quarry near Chatburn

  • Rebecca romps home in fifth

    TOP local orienteer Rebecca Roberts was on course again this weekend - bounding home in fifth position in the 2003 British Orienteering Championships. The Lancaster Girls Grammar School pupil took on more than 2,500 competitors to battle through a rough

  • Briscoe set to join Rotherham

    CLARETS outcast Lee Briscoe looks set to find a home from home with Ronnie Moore's Rotherham. Moore - father of Burnley striker Ian - has told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph he is desperate to add Briscoe to his squad next season. And the Yorkshire-born

  • Pram- pushers reunite

    A GROUP of former pub regulars who took part in a charity event 25 years ago are getting together for a grand reunion. About 30 people who used to drink in The Parkside in Bury Old Road, Prestwich raised £1,600 back in 1978 for the Pat Seed Cancer Appeal

  • Saucy walkers raise £1,000 for charity

    FOUR Prestwich pals took the plunge by taking part in the 2003 Playtex Moonwalk to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. Lorraine Platt, Gwynneth Barrett, Diane Garvey and Margaret Price got together and signed up for the world's only power-walking

  • GUNNER (18) IN TANK HORROR

    A YOUNG soldier from Whitefield is recovering from serious injuries after a "friendly fire" attack on his tank in Iraq. Andy Julien, aged 18, is in Wythenshawe Hospital, blinded in one eye and with two broken legs. He has undergone four skin grafts and

  • SCHOOLS: THEY JUST GET BETTER

    TOP-CLASS Bury has done it again with a glowing Ofsted report for its education department. The Local Education Authority (LEA), which runs all state schools in the borough, has been given a top-ranking Three-Star rating after a comprehensive assessment

  • Policing the peace in Iraq

    THE war in Iraq might be now officially over but there are still many British soldiers patrolling cities captured by the coalition during the conflict. Radcliffe lads Corporal Ady Allen and Lance Corporal Kevin Skews, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment

  • Flitcroft commits future to Rovers

    EWOOD enforcer Garry Flitcroft has ended speculation surrounding his future by agreeing a new deal to stay at Blackburn Rovers. Flitcroft will put pen to paper on a new three year contract in the next few days after accepting the terms being offered by

  • Briscoe set to join Rotherham

    CLARETS outcast Lee Briscoe looks set to find a home from home with Ronnie Moore's Rotherham. Moore - father of Burnley striker Ian - has told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph he is desperate to add Briscoe to his squad next season. And the Yorkshire-born

  • Troubled firm announces £20m losses

    THE troubled Blackburn-based Scapa group today announced losses of more than £20million and revealed a £26million 'black hole' in its main pension scheme. The company, a global supplier of technical tapes, was one of East Lancashire's largest employers

  • Traps set for 'red diesel' users

    MOTORISTS who break the law by using "red diesel" in road-going vehicles are being targeted by customs and excise officers. Nine vehicles were seized during a swoop at a north west agricultural market this week and more operations are planned. Red diesel

  • Thanks Dad, says Victoria

    A DAD'S interest in his daughter's school has resulted in a £250 boost. Robert Grindrod is working as treasurer for the Sports Hall Appeal at daughter Victoria's school, Bury Church of England High School. And his bosses at Royal Bank of Scotland have

  • Linda loses her locks for charity

    STAFF and customers at a Bury pub are teaming up for a fundraising extravaganza this weekend for Christie's Against Cancer. And plucky landlady of the Old Boars Head Linda Price has agreed to have her head shaved to boost the funds -- while some of her

  • Child ID scheme has 'enormous potential'

    A BUSINESSWOMAN is playing her cards right by launching a unique company to address the problem faced by emergency services in identifying youngsters at accident scenes. IdentiKids, run by 33-year-old Nadine Lewis, from Radcliffe, has developed an ID

  • Dance the night away

    THE Leigh branch of the Royal British Legion is inviting modern, Latin and sequence dance fans to step out for a dance at Leigh Conservative Club on Saturday, May 31, from 7.30pm. Music will be provided by Frank McNamara and tickets at £4 including refreshments

  • Rape claim a 'bolt out of blue

    A HANDYMAN accused of raping a schoolgirl and sexually abusing her friend told a jury he "definitely" did not do it. Alfred "Fred" Scott said he had been in shock and distraught when the allegations were made against him and felt like he had been "hit

  • Kevin is guest of honour

    KEVIN Watson, Principal of Winstanley College was guest of honour at Westleigh High School when the Year 11's were presented with their Records of Achievement. All the Year 11 pupils will be presented with their Records of Achievement by Mr Watson in

  • Do these stolen items belong to you?

    MARATHON medals, audio and video equipment, ornaments, cuff links, an engraved trophy plus over 100 rugby league programmes are waiting to be reunited with their owners. The property was discovered by police who searched a Leigh town centre flat in connection

  • Businesses win road closure battle

    BATTLING small businesses who took on the might of United Utilities have won a major round in their road closure battle. Following a meeting with the company, its sub contractors, MP Andy Burnham, council leader Lord Peter Smith and local councillors,

  • History walk

    A NATURAL history ramble will leave Lumb Carr Road, Ramsbottom, car park at 2pm on Sunday and take in Holcombe and Redisher. Details: Dave Dutton on 0161 253 5269.

  • Friedricks Ataxia

    A SOCIAL evening will raise money for Bury Hospice and research into Freidricks Ataxia. Entertainment at the bash at Elton Liberal Club in New George Street on May 30 will be provided by "Boy 2 One". Tickets priced £5 are available on 797 3003 or on the

  • Square goes spiral with sculpture

    A BRONZE spiral seat is set to be the focal point a new town centre square being created in Blackburn. The specially commissioned 'public art' will be inscribed with a poem written about Fleming Square, which used to be the focal point for Blackburn's

  • Join in and help bust grot spots

    COMMUNITY groups are being urged to have their say on which grot spots a council blitzes as part of a £1million war on grime. Blackburn with Darwen Council yesterday launched the Thrash The Trash campaign, which aims to tidy the borough and persuade people

  • New face no stranger to problem-solving

    A WOMAN who won an MBE for trying to unite Northern Ireland's divided communities has taken to the streets of Blackburn - and set about resolving neighbourhood disputes. Tanya Gallagher, 34, is one of five neighbourhood co-ordinators brought in by Blackburn

  • School that makes a difference

    WHEN a Leigh junior school had government examiners round they knew they were in line for a good report. But Leigh St Peter's CE didn't expect the icing on the inspection cake -- a certificate from the Diocesan Board of Education, an honour awarded to

  • Welcome to

    the sound of silence ONE silly national day I am right behind is Noise Action Day to be celebrated on June 4 - to promote peace and quiet. Everyone is affected by noise at home and at work and with a little care and consideration everyone can help reduce

  • This week in 1978 - February 14

    BIRTHDAY LOVE: Eight mothers gave birth to Valentine's Day babies. The new born were Stacey Walsh, Angela Ward, Lisa Hamer, Glyn Farren; Paul Bill, Joanne Hutton, Nicholas Poynton and Shelley Baglin. NOT SO JOLLY: A row was brewing over the Jolly Carters

  • Today's the day - January 3

    1777: George Washington's forces defeated the British at the Battle of Princeton in New Jersey, during the War of Independence. 1892: J R R Tolkein, author of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, was born. 1900: The new Royal yacht, Victoria and Albert

  • On this day - November 1

    1512: Michelangelo's work in the Sistine chapel went on show for the first time. 1604: Shakespeare's Othello was performed for the first time. 1848: The first WH Smith railway bookstall opened at Euston Station in London. 1906: The England football team

  • On this day - November 8

    1793: The Louvre was opened to the public by the Revolutionary government. 1895: Wilhelm Rontgen discovered X-rays during an experiment at the University of Wurzburg. 1954: The Highway Code was introduced. 1957: Peasants fled in terror when paratroopers

  • On this day - October 17

    1887: Russia sold Alaska to America for $7.2 million. 1992: The British Broadcasting Company (later Corporation) was officially formed. 1967: A Russian spacecraft made the first soft landing on Venus. 1968: American Bob Beamon set a world long jump record

  • On this day - December 13

    1577: Francis Drake set out from Plymouth in The Golden Hind on his journey around the world. 1878: The first electric street lighting in Britain was erected in London. 1904: The Metropolitan underground railway in London was electrified. 1923: Dr Lee