IT has become necessary to establish the number of ex-Far East prisoners of war from the 1941-1945 campaign and widows surviving today, for welfare purposes. If you are not a member of a Far East prisoner of war club, will you please write to our chairman
I WOULD like to point out a couple of factual errors in recent editions of the BEN. Firstly, a photograph showing health food shop proprietors holding up containers with tablets refers to the products as 'homoeopathic' when they clearly look to be 'herbal
I AM writing in the hope that you can squeeze something into your letters page about a new documentary series on home ownership that we are making at RDF. The series, entitled Chain Reaction, will tell the story of how Britain has become a nation of homeowners
CONGRATULATIONS to the Council for providing a chair lift for disabled people so they can get to the public gallery in the council chamber. Glad to see they are aware of the Disability Discrimination Act. We are now well into the five-year period in the
WE were glad to know that the NHS is seeking opinions from the public to improve service. We ask the NHS to support our idea of New Life-saving Health Passports which will provide medical teams (including paramedics and 'on call' doctors) in any hospital
RECENT statements made by Tory front bench spokesmen on the subject of retirement pensions compel me to break my silence on this matter. During the course of a radio interview, Mr Portillo categorically stated that 75p per week was all pensioners would
I WOULD like to thank your reporter, Mr Steve Canavan, for his accurate reporting of events regarding the closure of the Paragon Nursing Home, Edgworth (BEN May 25). I am sure that his report was instrumental in the receiver's decision to postpone the
OXFAM campaigners took to the streets of Chorley in the fight for universal education for all. Oxfam's Education Now campaign aims to raise awarness of the 125 million children worldwide who do not receive an education. And in an effort to make the people
WANDERERS have extended their offer of 10 per cent discounts on season tickets, including reductions for children of up to 50 per cent of last season's prices, until Saturday, June 10. The discount deadline was due to expire on Sunday but demand, which
WANDERERS will be aiming to be in blue heaven on their travels next season after unveiling their new away kit. The new pale blue number, designed and produced by Reebok using the latest in sportswear fabric technology, goes on sale next week with a midnight
THE funeral of Councillor Edna Shone is at United Reform Church, Hollinshead Street, Chorley, at 10am on Tuesday, followed by internment at Overdale Crematorium. Mrs Shone died aged 79 at her home in Chorley Road, Adlington, days after returning from
STAFF and customers at Jaks Salon, Chorley Rd, Westhoughton, are celebrating after winning the BEN Westhoughton and Atherton Hairdresser of the Year award. The competition was run in the Down Your Way supplement from Friday, February 4 to Friday, May
BROWNIES and Guides have gathered to honour one of their longest serving members. Doreen Pearson, who has been a Guide member for 45 years, was presented with a Good Service Award on her retirement at an emotional ceremony. The Brown Owl started a Brownie
AUCTIONEERS will be in Bolton for valuations of stamps, envelopes, postcards, coins and cigarette cards. Warwick and Warwick will be at the Beaumont Hotel, Beaumont Road, from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, June 6, hoping to find some treasurers such as this
killed by train A WOMAN was killed by a train after she stepped out onto the track in Tyldesley. The woman, who was in her 60s, was spotted by the train driver at the side of the track near some bushes in the Engine Lane area. British Transport Police
TEXTILE workers in Farnworth were today left reeling from the news that Coats Viyella is closing down its Cawdor Mill operation. About 90 people are expected to lose their jobs at the factory and staff now face an uncertain job prospects. The Cawdor Mill
AN alarming 145 children were found roaming the streets of Salford city centre in a three-day crackdown to round up truants. Police and education welfare officers spent three mornings last week patrolling Salford Shopping Precinct looking for children
A MOTHER of three young children caught in a police drugs raid was jailed for three years. Sharon Grimes was watched by undercover police as she left her home in her car and returned a short time later. Officers pounced as she entered her home on Crompton
"HOOPS" of delight are greeting an invincible team of teenage girls from Walkden High School. The seven teenagers have formed an unbeatable netball team, which has won every Salford tournament they have played in during the last five years. Now aged 15
terrified in second Subaru raid A FRIGHTENED motorist was confronted by a masked armed thug in the driveway of her home. The woman, aged 34, had driven her Subaru car on to the driveway of the house in Old Hall Road, Whitefield, at 4.10pm yesterday when
RESIDENTS in Little Hulton, Worsley, Walkden and Boothstown can apply for grants to implement any ideas they have to improve life in their area. The Salford West Primary Care Group, which covers those neighbourhoods, is piloting a funding initiative to
ATHERTON, Tyldesley and Mosley Common are high on North West Water's priority list this year as the company prepares to invest £4.5 million in the towns. The investment work is being carried out to improve the quality and reliability of water supplies
THE Mayor of Westhoughton brought the house down when she launched into a sing and dance routine at a charity event on Bank Holiday Monday. Cllr Janet Halliwell, who became the town's first person just last month, couldn't resist doing her party piece
THE Blackrod-based Allen construction group has sold one of its 30 subsidiaries to its management team for £2.1 million. In the year ended March, 28, 1999 Speedy Scaffolding, which has its headquarters in Wigan and employs about 100 people, made a profit
BURY'S LA Fitness Club has gained the prestigious Investors in People award. The programme has helped the club manage a major expansion drive which includes trebling the size of the premises, doubling the staff and more than doubling the membership. Manager
MEMBERS of a Westhoughton gym that suddenly shut down have been clamouring to join the same gym -- now under new ownership. As reported in Down Your Way, popular gym, Gymnasia, on School Street, was closed down after bailiffs moved in. Thousands of members
A PUPIL at Greenfold School has inspired a Little Lever man to undertake the charity cycle ride of a lifetime. This weekend Tony Walker, a 44-year-old tanker driver, will start an epic 480-kilometre journey along the Great Wall of China in aid of Mencap
SPRING drizzle will give way to blazing blooms this weekend at Bolton's Victoria Hall. The huge town centre hall is hosting its first flower festival, which promises to be a spectacular mixture of blooms, pageantry and history and will be depicting local
They claim they don't use herbal sex pill Duro for one reason - they don't need to. It's nothing to do, they say, with lack of libido or not enjoying sex. It follows a survey which revealed that fewer men in Bolton use Duro than anywhere else in the whole
Centre will close to cut care costs by Beverly Greenberg bgreenberg@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk A WALKDEN day centre for people with learning disabilities will be closed by the end of the year. The Whittle Brook Centre, used by 63 adults, is shutting in
SALES rep Andrew Makin will exchange his power suits for bikers leathers when he completes a sponsored motorbike ride for charity. The 29-year-old, from Whitby Close, Ainsworth, is planning to get on his bike and raise cash for the special care baby unit
BOLTON Lads and Girls Club is to get the Royal seal of approval later this month when it is visited by the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke, who is a qualified architect, will cast his professional eye over plans for the club's new multi-million pound premises
AN MP, the police and the council are to unite in a bid to stop teenage louts from destroying a 100-year-old cricket club. One proposal is to fight for an alcohol ban on the streets. As the BEN reported, vandalism is so bad at Blackrod Cricket Club that
BOLTON has been listed as the highest priority for a new satellite clinic for kidney dialysis patients in Greater Manchester. Health chiefs are hopeful that one could be introduced as soon as 2004 to prevent patients having to travel to Salford's Hope
A WOMAN was snatched off the street and taken on a 12 mile terror drive through Greater Manchester as her kidnappers shot at police pursuers and passers-by Amanda Ryan, aged 27, told Manchester Crown Court she cowered inside the car in fear of her life
THE workings of Bolton's new-look Cabinet-style council were unveiled for the first time today. Meetings have been held this week to discuss crucial items of town hall business. But the BEN has been unable to attend any of these discussions or report
SAM Allardyce warned potential asset strippers today that there will be no bargains on offer in the Reebok summer sales. The Wanderers' boss is resigned to trawling the markets at home and abroad for free transfers and 'Bosman' deals until he is able
SPEAKER Robert Wood helped members of Astley Park WI "Discover the hidden powers of gemstones" at their May meeting. He explained how crystals can have healing powers -- revealing how rose quartz gives help with migraine and headaches, spleen, kidneys
A CHORLEY pub has been given a new lease of life after undergoing a major refurbishment. At a cost of £80,000, the Bretherton Arms, Eaves Lane, has been totally transformed, with the introduction of a new menu and a completely new dining area. Tenants
THE Bolton Boys Federation Under 13s season finished on a high with a 3-3 draw in the annual inter league challenge match against North Wales. The visitors took the lead against the run of play but Bolton quickly hit back with a fine opportunist goal
LANCASHIRE suffered a massive injury blow today as Peter Martin was ruled out for six-to-eight weeks with a fractured dislocation of his right thumb. Martin was struck on the right glove by Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork and forced to retire hurt to
Bury player goes home Going home SOCCER: Avdiu for Sweden RELEASED Shakers striker Kemajl Avdiu has signed for Swedish Second Division club Vasalunds IF. The Kosovan-born naturalised Swede is the first of the five players surplus to requirement at the
THE Bolton Association representative side has a new look for its defence of the inter-league cricket trophy. Injuries, retirements and player moves means that half the side that helped win the title last year will be missing when they meet the Saddleworth
Dave's top carp catch A SINGLE carp of 7lbs-3ozs was enough to secure first place for Bolton Rivers member Dave Johnson in last Saturday's member and guest match on Doe Hey's top water. The common was tempted by Daves bread offering and was safely landed
25 YEARS AGO SNOW stopped play in Lancashire's cricket match today and gale force winds halted the Isle of Man TT motor cycle races as flaming June became just a shivery joke. Weather men reported heavy snow in the Pennines and Scotland. THOUSANDS of
I AM writing to you from the Pet Health Council regarding the article in the Chorley Citizen entitled Dog Fouling Is Ruining Area, dated April 20, about possible infection from dog faeces (toxocara). One of the key activities of the Pet Health Council
ADLINGTON is mourning the death of one of its best-loved and most respected characters. Edna Shone, 79, (pictured in blue dress) former mayor of Adlington and Chorley, died in her sleep at home on Bank Holiday Monday after returning from a short stay
mlongbottom@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk Monsters and masters are star attraction DINOSAURS and French peasants are putting the museum and art gallery on the map. Visitors are travelling hundreds of miles to the town to enjoy the exhibits on offer. And
Was never put off that the warden was near. Old ladies are weak, young men are strong. His list of offences was growing long. The tenant awoke with a start -- where is that purse? Would he strike her, or do something worse? Bravely she remembered, Careline
AN Atherton school is to shut down this summer after 43 years . . . then re-open in a new form a few weeks later. Since 1957, Green Hall School has been an all age four-to-16 school, catering for pupils who have moderate learning difficulties. But, as
By Matthew Taylor mtaylor@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk BOLTON'S heroes from The Parachute Regiment will be forever remembered thanks to a special plaque at the Parish Church. The men who died fighting for our country will be commemorated in the brass plaque
I CAN'T quite believe that June is here. What has happened to the last five months? It seems as though I've blinked and they've gone. I'm told it is one of the symptoms of getting older that time passes more quickly -- at this rate I won't have time to
By Beverly Greenberg bgreenberg@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk AS war veterans make their final pilgrimage to Dunkirk, several old soldiers from Bolton have told why they will never return to the shores they fled 60 years ago. Mr George Butler, who is 80
IT makes my blood boil to hear that they are going to let asylum seekers into the Midlands -- 500 a month on their way. The local authorities have agreed to this, yet they are crying out for hospital beds and equipment and making people wait for operations
THE fightback against the attempt to turn Bradford & Bingley Building Society into a bank becomes more determined as we near the summer vote that will decide the matter. We wish to reach members of the society who read this newspaper. Our sister campaign
HOW wonderful to be answered so swiftly and in such a desperate hurry by M Schmid (BEN May 30) that he (or she?) could not even get my name right! All I was hoping to do was to encourage Labour supporters to raise the level of their debate instead of
THE last six months have been a fundraising fiesta for one college in Chorley. Staff and pupils at Bishop Rawstorne Language College, Croston, have managed to raise more than £5,000 for local, national and international charities. In a showpiece extravaganza
A LEADING Lancashire churchman has urged other church leaders to highlight the continuing countryside crisis. The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, called upon the county's 250 parishes to pray for the British farming industry. The Bishop
A FORMER fire boss from Radcliffe was being quizzed by detectives today investigating a series of allegations of rape and indecent assaults across Greater Manchester. George Heyes, 44, from Bamburgh Close, Radcliffe, was arrested by police in Bolton yesterday
A SUMMER fair is being held at a Bolton church to raise funds to help lone parents. The event at St Philip's Church, Bridgeman Street, Great Lever, on Saturday June 24 is being held in aid of the Gingerbread group. The doors open at 10am. Anyone requiring
BURY is to host a launch of a new second class stamp -- because it has its own Millennium Green. The Royal Mail is issuing the new Millennium Greens stamp which celebrates the creation of hundreds of new greenspaces throughout England. The Bury launch
AN awards scheme to promote good standards in the city's food businesses is being launched by Salford City Council environmental services. The food hygiene award scheme -- SAFE (Salford Award for Food Hygiene Excellence) -- starts during National Food
WOULD-BE Principals who have their eyes on the top job at Bolton College could be asked to take a tough new leadership test. The Government recently announced a range of measures designed to drive up the standards of teaching and management in further
in attack A MAN was expected to undergo surgery today after being repeatedly stabbed by two men. The 32-year-old, who has not been identified, was attacked with a knife after the men got inside his home on Glynne Street, Farnworth. He was taken to the
CHARITY fund-raisers are hoping to strike it lucky over this summer. Bolton Hospice has teamed up with Hollywood Bowl and will be visiting shows with a mobile bowling alley. And every 50p spent on a game will go to the hospice coffers. Mr Brian Tillman
AN ELDERLY couple have accused a cable company of pressure sales after an inquiry for an information pack left them stuck with an installation date. The pensioners, from Campbell Court, Farnworth, who do not want to be identified, said they had only asked
A FATHER of three died after taking four times the fatal dose of anti-depressant tablets, a inquest was told. Anthony Dooley, aged 45, took an overdose of amitriptyline and other anti-depressants beforfe collapsing in his dining room. He was found by
MONTHS of rehearsals finally paid off as the cast of 'Hopes and Dreams' danced, sang and acted their way through more than two hours of live entertainment at the Formby Hall, Atherton. The ambitious musical production, masterminded by the Atherton Churches
A NEW government organisation is aimed at helping North West businesses exploit export markets. Trade Partners UK wants to ensure that firms with goods which could be sold abroad to boost Britain's wealth make the most of their opportunities. An offshoot
BUDDING hacks from St James's primary school in Westhoughton are brimming with pride after receiving a glowing report about their newspaper. As reported in the BEN, St James' entered their newspaper, which was written and produced by children with the
A YOUNG girl who captured the hearts of the local community is off to make a splash with dolphins in Florida. The once-in-a-lifetime journey has finally become a reality for Emma Berman, who suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, after local people
A better start! By Julie Freer jfreer@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk A CASH boost of more than £2million will give 900 children the "best possible" start in life. The Sure Start Initiative is aimed at children under five who live in the Halliwell area. It
By Beverly Greenberg THE Crown Prosecution Service will re-examine the case of a disabled man who died while in care. Officers are taking another look at the circumstances surrounding Malcolm Rowley's death and lead to a council employee facing court
A YOUNG horserider has appealed to motorists to take care on the roads after she was almost in collision with a car. Sally Clough, aged 15, often has to ride her pony, Beth, on the road to get to designated bridleways but said the reckless behaviour of
MODERN-DAY pioneer Melvin Magnall is back home after poor weather "sank" his trans-Atlantic trip of a lifetime. The oceans-spanning expedition was to have been the realisation of a dream for the 62-year-old who invested his life savings to buy his yacht
Arresting gifts for Amanda By Steve Canavan scanavan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk STARS of TV show The Bill have rallied to help Bolton cancer victim Amanda Gifford. The teenager, who had her leg amputated in a bid to beat cancer, never misses an episode
PUPILS at a Chorley school said a sad farewell to one of their favourite teachers. Kathleen Moon, who has been in charge of the reception class at St. Paul's Primary Scool, Adlington, for the last12 years, was forced to retire due to ill health. And to
CALLING all Chorley citizens! Could you be a volunteer collector? The Royal National Institute for the Blind is looking for people who can spare a couple of hours to help with store collections in the Chorley area. RNIB is Britain's largest charity helping
WOMEN in Chorley who think they've got something to shout about are being sought by a leading cosmetics company. Avon cosmetics want to hear from any women who feel that they or someone they know should be given credit for an outstanding achievement.
HORSEMASTERS lived up to their name when they stormed into fourth place in the BEN Naps. The foursome leapt 18 places when they claimed their third winner of the season with 11-1 shot Atlantic Rhapsody easing home in the 2.30 at Haydock on Saturday. The
VOLUNTEERS Week begins today June 1 and many readers will be a part of this important time, giving their time, help and support as volunteers to Imperial Cancer Research Fund. They are the backbone of our 460 charity shops around the UK and the many fundraising
CHORLEY'S duty chemist between noon and 1pm on Sunday, June 4, will be L Rowland & Co, 97, Market Street, Chorley Weekday out of hours services in the Chorley area are: M D Rimmer, 22 Runshaw Lane, Euxton, (Mon-Fri 5.30pm - 6.30pm). S P & D B
BLACKROD Cricket Club has a distinguished 100 year-old record in amateur sport. Unfortunately, it has taken local yobs only a matter of months to threaten its future. The clubhouse has been trashed, youngsters smoke drugs on the premises and even have
The BEN contacted a variety of newspapers to see whether their staff felt it had led to greater openness. Debate in Brighton is 'stage managed' BRIGHTON and Hove is one of the new unitary authorities and a cabinet system was introduced a year ago. But
SINCE she graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1982, Bolton's Claire Moore has become an established concert performer both in the UK and abroad. Her training in opera has stood her in good stead as she has had the privilege of singing
BOLTON actress and singer Claire Moore fulfilled a lifetime dream when she stepped in to play the lead role in the West End musical The King and I. Understudy Claire, married with two young children, was called in at the last minute to take the place
THIS week, behind closed doors, a group of 10 councillors began their meetings to decide matters which will affect the future of every single person in Bolton. You probably didn't know about these meetings, and you certainly weren't invited. Yet you paid
THE Cabinet will be made up of a leader Cllr Bob Howarth and nine other senior councillors. Here is a brief look at who Bolton's most powerful politicians will be. The leader Cllr Bob Howarth, aged 72. He has been council leader for 20 years. He will
IT'S quite likely that we take local amenities like the Bolton Art Gallery for granted. People in other towns and cities, however, have a different view. They have been coming in their droves to Bolton to enjoy an art exhibition called Painters and Peasants
meetings behind closed doors main piece By Julie Freer jfreer@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk TEN "super councillors" have this week gone "behind closed doors" to shape the future of Bolton. A new "Cabinet-style" council is being introduced which will mean
By Jennifer Bradbury BARRY Hitchen is known as the Inspiration Man. Three years ago at the age of 30, the father-of-two was given the devastating news that he had bowel cancer. Since then he has most of his large intestine removed, had a colostomy and
By Brian Berry HOW do you see your bank manager then? Dark suit, tie, glasses and a very reserved outlook on life? Well, meet Richard Carter from Atherton, who is the manager of Barclays Bank in Lymm - he is the leader and founder member of Atherton's
WELL I'll go to foot of our stairs! There's not been such excitement and controversy since Elsie Tanner married that American GI. When we published these three pictures of the views used after the break on episodes of Coronation Street and asked if readers
