Archive

  • Broadening the faith

    FAITH schools are being urged to widen their flock. Under a set of good practice guidelines, the Department of Education and Skills wants religious schools to introduce more inclusive admission arrangements. Heads are also encouraged to collaborate on

  • Elbow help charity cash appeal

    BURY'S homegrown indie band Elbow joined Bolton star Badly Drawn Boy to help raise more than £100,000 for the Asian tsunami appeal. The band took part in a charity concert at the Manchester Apollo, which sold out within hours of the acts being announced

  • Delivery of generosity from paperboys

    PAPER boys from a Bury newsagents have turned down the Christmas tips they were given a few months ago from customers and have decided to donate it all to the Tsunami appeal. The delivery team of Aaron Krepel (15), Matthew Modd (13), Ben Hadley (14) and

  • Big Top event was a big thrill

    MASTERING the skills of the circus proved child's play for the primary school youngsters attending a Hollins playscheme. More than 20 children joined Childsplay Holiday Playscheme, based at Hollins Community Centre, for a week of fun activities, including

  • More wheelie bins on the way

    SEVEN thousand more residents are about to receive a brown wheelie bin to help them recycle garden waste. Bury Council is extending the scheme during March and is writing to everyone to explain how the collection regime works. Following this, large blue

  • Help at hand for diasbled people

    WITH reference to the letter (Feb 10) from the disabled person, we were sorry to hear of their plight. The 'we' is a newly formed independent group BADDAG: Blackburn and Darwen Disabled Access Group. We are there to actively work to ensure that the disabled

  • Stole to fund his addicition

    A SHOPLIFTER tried to steal property from a Bury store to fund a gambling addiction, a court was told. Adam Anthony Platt (30), of Wood Terrace, Ainsworth, appeared before magistrates in Bury and admitted the theft of compact discs worth £29 from Asda

  • Monarch should set an example

    THERE is a big push by the developed nations to alleviate poverty in Africa and indeed our own Chancellor Gordon Brown at a summit on Africa proposed the doubling of aid to Africa and the cancellation of the continent's debts. These are very laudable

  • Girl,19, victim of 'despicable' rape attack

    A RAPIST broke a 19-year-old woman's jaw in a vicious attack in Leigh. The teenager was pulled into an alleyway and raped shortly after leaving Barbarella's nightclub with a man in the early hours of Sunday morning. The rapist, described as having a distinctive

  • Giving poverty the push

    SCHOOLS and parishes in Bury will help make poverty history by taking part in CAFOD's annual Lent Fast Day celebrations. CAFOD, the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development whose north west headquarters is in Prestwich, is a leading member of the Make

  • Third class apology for £70 lost in mail

    A PENSIONER left out of pocket by the Royal Mail when £70 was lost in the post has been sent just a complimentary book of stamps as compensation. Mrs Sarah Anne Hall (81), of Huntley House, Chesham Fold, Bury, sent the cash by recorded delivery for three

  • Police chief's warning on staff cuts

    GREATER Manchester's Chief Constable has warned that he may consider staff redundancies for the first time in the force's history because of a "deeply disappointing" budget. And Michael Todd has also disclosed that due to what he terms a "poor budget

  • Trio help the world

    THREE primary school youngsters who set up a charity group to help the victims of the tsunami are planning to spend the rest of the year fundraising for various charities. Charlotte Kiernan, Jessica Pickford and James Lindsay, from Our Lady of Lourdes

  • Reunion will be replay reward

    BLACKBURN Rovers and Burnley were given the perfect incentive ahead of their FA Cup replay at Ewood Park when the draw for the quarter finals threw up an intriguing home tie against Leicester City for the winners. The two East Lancashire rivals, who drew

  • He's our gem

    TEENAGE striker Jemal Johnson has committed his long term future to Blackburn Rovers by signing a new contract. The 19-year-old forward has been handed a two and a half year deal by Rovers boss Mark Hughes as a reward for his recent rise to prominence

  • More wheelie bins on the way

    SEVEN thousand more residents are about to receive a brown wheelie bin to help them recycle garden waste. Bury Council is extending the scheme during March and is writing to everyone to explain how the collection regime works. Following this, large blue

  • Giving poverty the push

    SCHOOLS and parishes in Bury will help make poverty history by taking part in CAFOD's annual Lent Fast Day celebrations. CAFOD, the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development whose north west headquarters is in Prestwich, is a leading member of the Make

  • More than just foals and horses

    A CELEBRITY-backed sanctuary for abandoned animals in East Lancashire is celebrating its first massive milestone. From humble beginnings, hundreds of needy animals, dozens of celebrities and thousands of pounds have passed through the doors of the Only

  • Cheers to the cash fund

    CASH-strapped Bury FC are hoping to raise £10,000 with the Forever Bury Beer Festival which takes place at the Gigg Lane Social Club this weekend. The organisers are already well on their way towards that target even before the first pint is paid for.

  • Cheers to the cash fund

    CASH-strapped Bury FC are hoping to raise £10,000 with the Forever Bury Beer Festival which takes place at the Gigg Lane Social Club this weekend. The organisers are already well on their way towards that target even before the first pint is paid for.

  • Birthplace of legends

    LANCASHIRE has been revealed as the number one "birthplace" of England's greatest sporting talent. Barclays says the county has produced more sporting legends such as Sir Geoff Hurst, Will Greenwood, Sir Stanley Matthews and Andy Farrell than any other

  • Nothing beats experience

    A NEW report, published by the Chartered Management Institute, shows that for the first time since 1996, job experience is rated as more important than natural ability when it comes to performing well at work. The report explores the impact of management

  • Thief snatched money from till

    DETECTIVES are hunting a man who grabbed cash from a shop till. The offender bought a bottle of accelerant and offered cash to pay for the product. When the sales assistant opened the till, he grabbed her arm and pulled her away. He then stole money and

  • Reunion will be replay reward

    BLACKBURN Rovers and Burnley were given the perfect incentive ahead of their FA Cup replay at Ewood Park when the draw for the quarter finals threw up an intriguing home tie against Leicester City for the winners. The two East Lancashire rivals, who drew

  • No need to fear Rovers

    TONY Grant insists Burnley have nothing to fear from their FA Cup replay at Ewood Park next week. The Clarets were handed the ultimate incentive to beat Blackburn on their own patch after yesterday's FA Cup draw handed the winner a plumb home tie against

  • The days when cotton was King

    AT the February meeting of Whitefield and District Women's Luncheon Club, Mr Jack Sunderland delighted his audience with humorous tales of his working life "Shuttling around Lancashire". From 1954 to 1971, he had been connected with the firm William Holt

  • Lacklustre Shakers under the cosh

    SHAKERS 0, MANSFIELD TOWN 2: In the week that they announce an initiative to fill their Gigg Lane ground on Good Friday, trust the Shakers to put in a performance that's more likely to empty it. Talk about bad timing! It wasn't so much the fact that Graham

  • Play-offs a disappearing dream for Boro

    BISHOP AUCKLAND 4, RADCLIFFE BORO 0: Boro were resoundingly beaten by Unibond League Premier Division bottom club Bishop on a afternoon they will want to forget. With the squad stripped to the bare bones by illness, injury and suspensions, they never

  • New bishop for mormons

    A MUSIC teacher has been installed as the new Mormon bishop of the Rossendale Valley -- at the age of 27. Bishop Samuel Petchey was consecrated at a ceremony at the recently-refurbished Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel in Rawtenstall

  • Barlow was Childminder for Two Years

    WENDY Barlow became a registered childminder in 2003. By June 2004 she was at the centre of an investigation into the death of one of the children in her care. And she fully expects to spend June 2005 behind bars, having pleaded guilty to manslaughter

  • Tigers fail to make another point

    PENZANCE & NEWLYN 31, SEDGLEY PARK 26: RFU National Division One: ONE point was the margin of victory when these two sides met at Park Lane, this time down in Cornwall it was one converted try - unfortunately for the Tigers it went the Pirates' way

  • Schools dig in to help with tree planting

    HUNDREDS of trees will be planted across the borough by students as Wigan Tree Week takes root. Wigan Council is working with local schools and community groups in Tyldesley and Golborne to 'green-up' local areas of the borough and encourage children

  • Big Top event was a big thrill

    MASTERING the skills of the circus proved child's play for the primary school youngsters attending a Hollins playscheme. More than 20 children joined Childsplay Holiday Playscheme, based at Hollins Community Centre, for a week of fun activities, including

  • TOMORROW

    BURNLEY Fairport Convention, Mechanics, 8pm. Pension Service Advice Surgery, Housing Benefits, Parker Lane, 10am-12.30pm. Second and fourth Wednesday ofthe month. Senior Citizens Luncheon Club, Greenbrook Methodist Church, 11.30am. Men's Institute, United

  • The days when cotton was King

    AT the February meeting of Whitefield and District Women's Luncheon Club, Mr Jack Sunderland delighted his audience with humorous tales of his working life "Shuttling around Lancashire". From 1954 to 1971, he had been connected with the firm William Holt

  • Three hurt in crash

    THREE people were injured when a BMW left the road and hit a garden wall in a late-night accident. Two of the occupants of the car were released from hospital after suffering minor injuries while a third was detained with a broken leg. The crash happened

  • Broadening the faith

    FAITH schools are being urged to widen their flock. Under a set of good practice guidelines, the Department of Education and Skills wants religious schools to introduce more inclusive admission arrangements. Heads are also encouraged to collaborate on

  • Vote for police chief

    ELECTED police chiefs would make the force more accountable to local people, says Tory election hopeful David Nuttall. Mr Nuttall, who will fight the Bury North seat at the next General Election, said: "A directly-elected police commissioner will be a

  • Diplomat pays respects to Mayor

    THE new president of the Manchester Consular Association (MCA) has paid a courtesy visit to Bury Town Hall. Mr Salahuddin Choudhry was welcomed by Bury's mayor and mayoress, Councillor Barry Briggs and Coun Mrs Sharon Briggs, and signed the visitors'

  • Robbers swoop in early hours

    A MAN was robbed of cash and a mobile phone at knifepoint by two thugs. They pounced seconds after the 27-year-old victim had locked his car in Albert Avenue, Sedgley Park, Prestwich, at 1.30am on Sunday. One of the robbers threatened the man with a knife

  • Had no memory of shoplifting

    A MAN with no previous criminal record who stole food and drink from Tesco's store in Bury claimed in court that he had no recollection of the event. However Gabriel Byrne admitted that he had been drinking and that he suffered blackouts. Byrne (45),

  • Smokes claim irresponsible

    I WAS extremely concerned to see the national Tory party is claiming in an article on its website, that "the simple fact is that there is absolutely no scientific evidence whatsoever that passive smoking has ever killed anyone." It is difficult to imagine

  • Conservatives will never change

    I NOTICE the Conservatives are calling the pledges made by the Labour Party worthless, but first of all let us be clear on just what we are going to be voting for at the next general election. It is not about Tony Blair, nor is it about Michael Howard

  • Bankrupt lost £5,000 gambling

    A SALESMAN faces bankruptcy restrictions for six years. The move comes after Paul Greenfield, of Clarendon Street, and formerly of Rivermeade Way, Whitefield, was made a bankrupt in July last year. The six-year undertaking was given in respect of Mr Greenfields

  • Tram fares go up

    METROLINK fares have increased by an average of 3.9 per cent from Sunday. Tickets for single and off-peak return journeys on the network will rise by 10p as will Manchester city centre trips. Most peak return fares and all weekly, monthly and annual season

  • Council staff in pensions demo

    ANXIOUS council workers took to the town hall steps for a protest against plans to raise their retirement age. The rally took place on Friday, as ballot papers over strike action were sent to Bury Council staff. Public workers' union Unison is concerned

  • Croquet Club's successful year enjoyed

    SUCCESSES over the past year were celebrated by Bury Croquet Club at their annual dinner. Held at Bury Golf Club, the team welcomed members and guests from Pendle Croquet Club. Chairman David Barrett congratulated teams and individuals on their successes

  • Better housing a step nearer

    PLANS to bulldoze 156 houses in Burnley at a cost of £6.6million under the Elevate scheme are set to move a step closer tonight. Burnley Council's executive is recommended to agree "in principle" the demolition of the earmarked properties when it meets

  • Reserves take on Latics

    SHAKERS reserve side take on Oldham Athletic at Gigg Lane on Wednesday in the Pontins Holiday League Division One West. Kick-off is 2pm.

  • We must bounce back - Barrow

    GRAHAM Barrow is backing his players to bounce back on Tuesday following Saturday's disappointing 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town. The Shakers travel to Northamptonshire to take on struggling Rushden & Diamonds and the Bury boss wants

  • Carnival pledge to be the best

    THE organisers of Pendle's annual Carnival in the Park say this year's event should be the best yet. Last year more than 3,500 people packed into Nelson's Victoria Park for the annual event - and this year organisers are hoping for an even bigger crowd

  • Carnival pledge to be the best

    THE organisers of Pendle's annual Carnival in the Park say this year's event should be the best yet. Last year more than 3,500 people packed into Nelson's Victoria Park for the annual event - and this year organisers are hoping for an even bigger crowd

  • Internet engineers

    YOUNG engineers throughout Bury can now study via the internet. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has become the first institution in the UK to launch an online e-MPD (Monitored Professional Development) training development package. It

  • Loyalty really does pay

    AROUND 800,000 loyal Britannia members are sharing more than £42 million this year through the building societys unique membership reward, which returns a share of annual profits. Members of Britannia, which has branches in Bury and Radcliffe, will be

  • Search for top business pupil

    THE search has begun to find the north west's best school volunteer working with pupils to develop their business skills. Nominations for the Young Enterprise Business Adviser of the Year award, sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, close

  • Why Leanne is so fired up

    A WHITEFIELD student is set to take her place in the next generation of world-class ceramic designers. And Leanne Rostron was able to showcase her products to an international audience thanks to a unique partnership between the Ceramic Industry Forum,

  • Bus station appeal turned down

    From the Radcliffe Times, February 18, 1955: A request by Radcliffe and Little Lever Chamber of Trade, to have a bus service re-routed through Radcliffe bus station, was refused. Amateur gardeners were claiming squatters' rights for allotment land they

  • Bankrupt lost £5,000 gambling

    A SALESMAN faces bankruptcy restrictions for six years. The move comes after Paul Greenfield, of Clarendon Street, and formerly of Rivermeade Way, Whitefield, was made a bankrupt in July last year. The six-year undertaking was given in respect of Mr Greenfields

  • Tram fares go up

    METROLINK fares have increased by an average of 3.9 per cent from Sunday. Tickets for single and off-peak return journeys on the network will rise by 10p as will Manchester city centre trips. Most peak return fares and all weekly, monthly and annual season

  • Prestwich Co-op Camera Club

    THERE was a documentary prints folio to view at the Prestwich Co-op Camera Club, on Tuesday evening. The taped commentary on these prints had been put together by some members of the Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society and one of the

  • Police chief's warning on staff cuts

    GREATER Manchester's Chief Constable has warned that he may consider staff redundancies for the first time in the force's history because of a "deeply disappointing" budget. And Michael Todd has also disclosed that due to what he terms a "poor budget

  • Ramsbottom ladies league results

    British Legion B 4, Grey Mare B 3; Ramsbottom CC 7, British Legion A 0; Grey Mare A 4, Masons 3; Royal Oak 2, Rose & Crown 5; Help Me Thro 5, Horse & Jockey 2. HIGH SCORE: J Henry (Brt Legion A) 174; J Buckley (Masons) 133. FIXTURES British Legion

  • He's our gem

    TEENAGE striker Jemal Johnson has committed his long term future to Blackburn Rovers by signing a new contract. The 19-year-old forward has been handed a two and a half year deal by Rovers boss Mark Hughes as a reward for his recent rise to prominence

  • Elton CC hosts sports quiz

    ELTON Cricket Club will be holding a sports quiz at their Leigh Lane clubhouse on Friday at 8pm. Teams of four are invited to attend and further details can be obtained by ringing Geoff Hall on 0161-787 9347.

  • Khan learns from his mistake

    BURY Amateur Boxing Club's Amir Khan made no mistake when he eased through to the last eight of the national ABA championships at Liverpool's Olympia on Friday evening writes PHIL THORP The 18-year-old Olympic silver medallist defeated Wirral-based Steve

  • Nightmare debut for Evans

    RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0, GLOSSOP NORTH END 2: Following the frustration of having their previous match postponed, the Rams crashed to a disappointing North West Counties League First Division defeat against a determined Glossop side. The most disappointing

  • Action on flood risk to homes

    WORK has started on a new £1.1 million scheme to reduce the risk of flooding at homes in Turton Bottoms. The United Utilities project will involve upgrading the sewer network in the area and building new storage tanks to deal with water during heavy storms

  • 'I did beast and drank his beer'

    A MAN who killed a fellow resident at a Darwen hostel in a ferocious attack has been jailed for life. After committing the murder, David Smith gloated about his crime and told police "I did the beast and drank his beer". His victim, 56-year-old Jeffrey

  • Why Leanne is so fired up

    A WHITEFIELD student is set to take her place in the next generation of world-class ceramic designers. And Leanne Rostron was able to showcase her products to an international audience thanks to a unique partnership between the Ceramic Industry Forum,

  • Council's £3m pay rise plan

    AN East Lancashire council faces a £3million wage hike if it is to avoid legal action by trade unions. Blackburn with Darwen Council launched a review of wages for the 1,000 different types of jobs it has after councils in the North East were hit by massive

  • More than just foals and horses

    A CELEBRITY-backed sanctuary for abandoned animals in East Lancashire is celebrating its first massive milestone. From humble beginnings, hundreds of needy animals, dozens of celebrities and thousands of pounds have passed through the doors of the Only

  • 'Josh is still with us'

    ON a small screen on a family camcorder, the image of a little boy flashes up. It's Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson, holding a broom -- the handle alone twice his size -- as he pushes it along a small backyard. He turns to the camera, drops the brush, puts his

  • Tigers get bye in county cup

    SEDGLEY Park RUFC, one of eight seeded clubs, were given a bye into the second round of the 2004-5 Thwaites' John Burgess Lancashire Cup after first round opponents Fylde withdrew from the competition citing a league fixture backlog. Sedgley face now

  • Women in 'lost on moors' drama

    TWO women were rescued by a police helicopter after they became lost on the moors near Bury. The walkers, aged 64 and 61, set off from the Fisherman's Retreat, near Ramsbottom, at 11.30am, on Saturday. Five hours later, the two ramblers, from Sale, lost