THANK you for my prize in the Tesco Hamper Competition, it could not have come at a better time and is much appreciated. I will certainly be entering future competitions. Once again many thanks to you and Tesco. Mrs J M Hargreaves Windsor Grove, Bolton
I SAW the smiling faces of Councillors Howarth and Harkin on your front page. Then I got to thinking -- what with a 32 per cent increase, additional allowances, postage and telephone reimbursements, free travel, a free personal computer and the other
WITH regard to "Tally ho!" (BEN: Thursday, December 27) How sad that Ian Currie thinks a foxhunt is a "majestic scene for Christmas." How sad that Sheila Coar thinks foxhunting is a "boxing tradition". How sad that George Dickenson , master of the hunt
I REFER to the recent correspondence in the BEN on foxhunting. The following quotation, written a century ago by philosopher John Howard Moore, is still apt today: "The very energy with which men preach peace, justice and mercy is obtained by stripping
I AM writing thank everyone who helped Gerald (Gerry) Derbyshire in Winter Hey Lane, Horwich on Friday, December 21, after he suffered a heart attack. Everyone did as much as they possibly could, in particular the staff of Lloyds TSB, who shut their branch
YOUR correspondent A Cowell invites me to comment on the 32 per cent increase in councillor's allowances recently approved by the Council. Having spoken to Mr Cowell, I am happy to do so. The 32 per cent increase is not true for all councillors, 32 per
WHAT has Mike Riley got against Bolton Wanderers and their supporters? Whenever he has officiated in a Bolton fixture we always seem to suffer unduly and Saturday was no exception. If I performed as well in my job as he does in his I would expect to be
NEW Year's Day was an amazing double celebration for platinum couple Alec and Ivy Boswell as they raised a glass to 70 years of marriage. Proud Alec and Ivy, both aged 94, smiled as they looked back over the time that has passed since they tied the knot
HUNDREDS of revellers in Bolton defied the Arctic conditions to welcome in the New Year. Police chiefs say the bitterly cold weather meant there were fewer people than normal in the town centre. However, about 300 people braved the sub-zero temperatures
ROBBIE Savage has hit back at his critics and insisted he will continue to give 100 per cent to the Leicester City cause in a report on the official Leicester City website. City's Welsh international found himself the centre of attention again after Saturday's
COLIN Hendry hopes Saturday's super show against Leicester can kick start his season. The veteran centre half has been frustrated by a lack of first team appearances this season and took his rare chance with both hands on Saturday. Injuries to Mike Whitlow
WANDERERS number one Jussi Jaaskelainen was looking forward to today's New Year clash with Liverpool more than most. The Finn has admitted he used to follow the Merseysiders when he was growing up and he believes that Phil Thompson's team are the favourites
WANDERERS have warned their critics to write them off at their peril. Saturday's amazing comeback from two goals down with only nine men against Leicester has sent a wave of optimism through the Reebok camp. Despite taking just three points from the last
A FAULTY indoor firework sparked a fire in a nightclub's ducting on Bridge Street, Bolton, on Monday. Firefighters were called to the Ikon club on Bridge Street at 2.40pm. No one was injured and damage was slight.
POTENTIAL quitters are being urged to ring the new NHS smoking help-line. The government has launched a new wave of television adverts in an effort to encourage people to give up smoking. The smoking help-line number is 0800 169 0 169.
THE Bolton and District Group of Advanced Motorists will be taking part in a Ride and Ramble to Haigh Hall on Saturday January 12. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the Red Rock car park at 1.50pm for a 2pm start. Adults are charged 50p to take
THE Department for Education and Skills 'Get On' campaign is designed to help adults in the North west who have problems with numbers. As many as 11 million adults in England struggle with practical sums such as working out percentage discounts and calculating
YOUNG children in Bolton will benefit from a £1m Government cash boost for nursery care. The funding for the coming year will create 926 nursery education places in the town for three-year-olds. Annual spending will increase to £275m nationally which
RESIDENTS in Little Hulton are to get neighbourhood wardens to help crack down on nuisance youths, theft and vandalism. Salford City Council has been successful in a bid for two sets of wardens to be piloted on Kenyon Estate and Brook House Estate in
ENVIRONMENTAL watchdogs are asking residents to "do their bit" for the environment in the new year - and stick to it. Bottles, cans, cards, and Christmas trees, mean there is three times as much rubbish at this time of year - and most of it can be recycled
WANDERERS number one Jussi Jaaskelainen looked forward to the New Year clash with Liverpool more than most. The Finn has admitted he used to follow the Merseysiders when he was growing up and he believes that Phil Thompson's team are the favourites to
WANDERERS aim to turn their critics' savage attacks to their advantage. Media pundits are turning on Sam Allardyce's team in their droves but the manager believes they could be a secret weapon in Wanderers' fight for survival. Wanderers go to Liverpool
THE comparisons between Saturday's game and the Play-Off semi-final at Ipswich were unavoidable for Sam Allardyce. Two important games when a winning result would have had a massive impact on Wanderers' fortunes plus a controversial role played by the
WANDERERS have warned their critics to write them off at their peril. Saturday's amazing comeback from two goals down with only nine men against Leicester has sent a wave of optimism through the Reebok camp. Despite taking just three points from the last
JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ...6 Should have held Brian Deane's header for the second goal. That apart an assured performance . ANTHONY BARNESS ...7 Steady and got through plenty of work on the right . SIMON CHARLTON ...8 Excellent performance both defending and
How the BEN website reported "live" from the Reebok PREMIERSHIP FULL-TIMES Arsenal 2, Middlesbrough 1 Aston Villa 1, Tottenham 1 Blackburn 0, Derby 1 FT WANDERERS 2, Leicester 2 Everton 0, Charlton 3 Ipswich 5, Sunderland 0 Newcastle 1, Chelsea 2 Southampton
THE past 12 months have proved highly successful for some of Bolton's top celebrities. Peter Kay was showered with praise following the airing of the successful first series of his Channel 4 show Phoenix Nights. Former model-cum-presenter Vernon Kaye
WHAT do I think about increased allowances for councillors? Worth every penny! TT Riley, Dixon Street Westhoughton, Bolton
COUNCILLORS of whatever political persuasion are there publicly to be "shot at". However, in my opinion, they deserve their 32 per cent expenses rise. I notice Mr A Cowell has suggested the leader of the council should retire due to his age. It is the
I AM writing to you with my serious concerns about the proposal to close Longsight School. This would have an extreme effect on my family and myself, and no doubt every other family involved with Longsight School. My child has been happy for the four
IN the aftermath of September 11, Tony Blair committed himself to working for a secure homeland for the Palestinian peoples. If this New Year could see that come about, it would be wonderful. It was very distressing over Christmas to be singing about
SAM Allardyce refused to be drawn into any discussion about Robbie Savage's role in the sendings-off of Paul Warhurst and Dean Holdsworth. "That's down to Dave Bassett to sort out," he said. "It's his player and if he feels it wasn't right I'm sure he
GOALS 4, Sendings Off 3 - that was Des Lynam's brief intro for ITV's coverage of the Wanderers match on The Premiership on Saturday night writes Chris Sudlow Short and sweet, in typical Des style. Unfortunately, his producer must have taken this to heart
DAVE Bassett explained that it was a "professional decision" to pull off Robbie Savage after the Welsh international had been involved in the two incidents that saw referee Mike Riley brandishing red cards to Paul Warhurst and Dean Holdsworth. "I haven't
SAM Allardyce paid tribute to his players and the fans for helping his side land a point against the odds. Michael Ricketts' last-gasp equaliser brought some satisfaction after what had been, up to then, a bad day for the manager with two players sent
BOLTON'S overnight stay car parks are to be made safer in a bid to help police slash car crime. Greater Manchester Police have identified three car parks where additional security measures would have a significant impact on reducing theft and vandalism
Liverpool v Wanderers: THE injury problems that had dogged him throughout the Christmas period continued to dictate Sam Allardyce's team selection as Wanderers arrived at Anfield looking to end a run of seven games without a win. Skipper Gudni Bergsson
WANDERERS aim to turn their critics' savage attacks to their advantage. Media pundits are turning on Sam Allardyce's team in their droves but the manager believes they could be a secret weapon in Wanderers' fight for survival. Wanderers go to Liverpool
WANDERERS number one Jussi Jaaskelainen looked forward to the New Year clash with Liverpool more than most. The Finn has admitted he used to follow the Merseysiders when he was growing up and he believes that Phil Thompson's team are the favourites to
HALF-TIME: Liverpool 0, Wanderers 0 WANDERERS were under pressure from the first minute, when keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen dropped a swirling cross and was relieved to see Patrik Berger's 18-yard volley fly over the bar. Vladimir Smicer sent over a fine
How we reported the action from Anfield PREMIERSHIP FULL-TIMES Charlton 3, Ipswich 2 Chelsea 2, Southampton 4 Leeds v West Ham (8pm, SKY) Leicester v Arsenal (5.30pm, PPV, postponed due to frozen pitch) Liverpool 1, WANDERERS 1 Middlesbrough 1, Everton
SHAKERS' Second Division home match with Wrexham at Gigg Lane was called off due to a frozen pitch.
A 40-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested in connection with a house fire in Princess Road, Moss Side, which killed a man and a child yesterday. A young girl was also taken to hospital following the blaze. Two firemen suffered minor burns.
RUMOURS of Fleetwood Mac visits the Albert Halls in Bolton on February 9. The tribute group, which has the seal of approval from Mick Fleetwood, was formed in New York in 1997. The show will include all the favourite Fleetwood Mac hits. For tickets telephone
THE Blackburn Area Road Safety Association (BARSA) is offering courses to help drivers become safer on the road. The six week programme of evening lectures is backed by a series of practical driving sessions on Sunday mornings. On reaching the required
BURY'S landmark Peel Tower re-opens to the public today after being closed to visitors for 12 months. The tower, on top of Holcombe Hill, Ramsbottom, has been shut while workmen gave the building a new weatherproof lid to protect it from the elements.
BOLTON drivers will be able to display national flags and symbols on their number plates. Road Vehicles Regulations will be amended to allow national flags to be displayed on the left hand side of number plates. Car owners will be able to display either
A PENSIONER and his dog were rescued from a house fire in Finch Avenue, Farnworth. Donald Pitfield, aged 76, left a chip pan on the oven which caught fire shortly after 6pm. The fire destroyed the kitchen. Firefighters from Farnworth guided Mr Pitfield
YOUNG newly wed and mature students in Bolton are to benefit from an easing of the rules governing education and travel grants. From September 2002, married people aged under 25 going to university will be able to apply for dependants' grants sooner as
BURY'S two MPs have been invited to take part in a public debate over the war in Afghanistan. Bury Stop the Wars Coalition has issued the invitation to Bury North MP David Chaytor and his Bury South counterpart Ivan Lewis. The organisation, made up of
TWO pub regulars had a close shave down at their local. Don Ellison, aged 49, of Central Drive, Bury, parted with his hair and the moustache that has been his pride and joy for the past 30 years to raise cash for two charities. His stepdaughter's boyfriend
THREE Bolton foster carers -- who are helping provide love and security for hundreds of desperate children -- have become the first in town to gain official qualifications for their role. Jayne Trevett, Carol Kesseck and Deborah Mann have completed NVQ
SINGERS from Bolton raised hundreds of pounds for a four-year-old girl fighting a rare genetic disease which makes her muscles turn to bone. A charity night was held in Horwich RMI to help the parents of Luciana Wulkan find a cure for their daughter.
STORYTELLER Taffy Thomas was spinning a good "yawn" at Bolton Octagon. The man world famous for telling tales donned a Wee Willy Winkie costume and told bedtime stories to a group of spellbound youngsters. Children were invited to dress for the special
THE Home Secretary David Blunkett and Sports Minister Tessa Jowell have urged people in Bolton to nominate their friends, family and work colleagues to be part of next year's historic 50 day Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay in the countdown to the Commonwealth
Liverpool (0) 1 Bolton (0) 1 Liverpool: Dudek, Wright, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise, Smicer (Anelka 67), Hamann, Gerrard, Berger (Litmanen 85), Owen, Heskey. Subs Not Used: McAllister, Kirkland, Carragher. Booked: Hyypia. Goals: Gerrard 50. Wanderers:Jaaskelainen
ROBBIE Savage today hit back at his critics and insisted he will continue to give 100 per cent to the Leicester City cause in a report on the official Leicester City website. City's Welsh international found himself the centre of attention again after
COLIN Hendry hopes Saturday's super show against Leicester can kick start his season. The veteran centre half has been frustrated by a lack of first team appearances this season and took his rare chance with both hands on Saturday. Injuries to Mike Whitlow
CALLUM Davidson today insisted his Leicester City team-mates should follow the example of Bolton Wanderers as they prepare to fight for their Premiership lives. The City defender told the official Leicester City website he is still reeling from the way
KEVIN Nolan is heading in the right direction in more ways than one. The Reebok superkid's future looks bright after a brilliant first half of the season in the Premiership. And the latest part of his game which is attracting attention is ability in the
IF they ever remade Rocky as a football film this would be it writes Neil Bonnar The bad guys coming out full of nasty tricks, the good guys seeing their world crumble around them as everything that can go wrong does. Even the supposed man of justice
BOLTON'S own school of "Fame" is set to be opened in the town by performers who have graced some of the world's best known stages. A chance meeting between Andy Vitalo from Bolton, and Bury's Janet Thiel created a double act which now intends to throw
DELIGHTED boss Sam Allardyce told Sky Sport: "This was an excellent performance and an excellent point. "Kevin (Nolan) played exceptionally well. He's been leading the team. He's a Liverpool lad. "He deserved the captaincy and the goal, and we deserved
WANDERERS hope to have influential skipper Gudni Bergsson back from his hamstring injury and Rod Wallace available after recovering from a dead leg at Anfield this afternoon. Steven Gerrard is likely to start for Liverpool. He was left out of the starting
WANDERERS were without Gudni Bergsson and Rod Wallace when they took on mighty Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon. The formbook indicates a home win, with Wanderers without a win in nine games and bookmaker Fred Done had Liverpool 4-1 ON to win. It is
