Archive
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Road is like an ay
I READ with dismay the article on 'Danger Road' -- the A675 Belmont Road. My work friends and I have been driving down this road for the past three years to our place of work in Blackburn. We have never been involved in an accident! We have, however,
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Price of our peace
THE poignant period of remembrance is approaching once more. A time which evokes in us the memories of the individuals who gave of themselves in the two global conflicts which dappled the fields of Europe with blood. Though the images of the dead fade
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Guide dogs parking issue and some common sense
YOUR report of November 1, about Guide Dogs and Parking Charges is factually incorrect in two important areas. First, the decision to make free parking facilities available for the use of Guide Dogs for the Blind was made before the article appeared in
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Peril in the park
LAST Sunday morning, while out walking my granddaughter in her pram in Longsight Park, Harwood, I was twice forced to move off the path to allow cars to squeeze past. A gentleman walking his dogs pointed out that as many as 20 cars drive along the Park's
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KAREN'S COLUMN
BY the time I write my my next column the Christmas lights will have been switched on in a glittering ceremony in Victoria Square. Make your way to Victoria Square on Thursday, November 16, at 5.30pm, and welcome a host of celebrities including Atomic
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Sex classes in purge on teen mums
BOLTON primary schoolchildren will be taught more about sex as part of a drive to halve the number of teenage pregnancies. And officials are also considering making the pill and the morning after pill more easily available to schoolgirls under 18. The
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Triallists still in the frame
SAM Allardyce is still running the rule over triallists Carsten Fredgaard from Sunderland and little known Finnish player Jani Neimi. Both are hoping to convince the Reebok boss they are worthy of a contract. Fredgaard, 24, has an impressive pedigree
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Reebok hot shot aims to dump boyhood heroes
UNUSUALLY for a football fan, Michael Ricketts wants his team to lose on Saturday. And the dead-eyed Wanderers marksman actually intends to plot their downfall. Birmingham-born Ricketts has been a fan of his home town club all his life but he is determined
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Coach trip smoke scare
A BOLTON primary school excursion to the Lake District suffered delays when the coach the party was travelling in filled with smoke and had to be evacuated. The mixed party of pupils from Years Five and Six left from Blackshaw County Primary School, Bideford
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Women rule at Barclays--O.K.
THE Manchester North mid corporate team at Barclays -- based in Bolton since a re-structuring exercise in May -- has appointed two women managers who operate in Bolton. Administration for an area which includes Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Bury has
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Firms urged to take grants for training
NORTH-west construction companies are being urged to take advantage of increased grants from the Construction Industry Training Board. The CITB has announced an extra £3.8 million on top of the £74.4 million already made available. Grants worth £4.82
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Flash flood relief at Leigh
EMERGENCY action to lower the water level of Pennington Flash brought flood relief for a hard-hit part of Leigh. A giant excavator was brought in to scoop out a channel where the Flash exits in to Hey Brook. Water dispersed in to Pennington Brook and
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Police hunt jewel thugs
A JEWELLER has been praised by detectives who are hunting three masked raiders who smashed their way into his shop. The gang struck at 4.15pm yesterday, using a sledgehammer to force open doors at the shop in Hodge Road, Walkden, and set upon the jeweller
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Caring Nichola in line for top award
A TEENAGER who has cared for her disabled brother since the age of three will learn today if she is Greater Manchester Police Young Citizen of the Year. Among those keeping their fingers crossed for Nichola Mather is her 13-year-old brother Jonathan,
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Local DJs stars of Radio 1's success story
RADIO 1's Mark and Lard -- dumped from the Breakfast Show after their listeners deserted them -- are today being hailed as one of the station's biggest success stories. Former Bolton School pupil Mark Radcliffe and his sidekick Marc "Lard" Riley have
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Forgotten ring turns out to be an historic treasure
AN historic gold ring which had languished in a jewellery box for years and almost ended-up being melted is now attracting interest from local museums. The ring dates back to 1742 and was found in the grounds of Horwich Masonic Hall, which is based at
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Big week for Boro
RADCLIFFE Boro face two top cup games in the course of the next three days. Tomorrow's FA Trophy Round One away game at Leek Town, quickly followed on Monday night with the home FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay against Burscough. Both opponents are
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Preece blasts back at critics
ANDY Preece has shrugged off calls for him to concentrate on management by vowing to carry on playing for as long as he can. Pundits like former Manchester United star Arthur Albiston and former City winger Eddie McGoldrick have spoken on local radio
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Vernon joins the FBI
BOLTON'S very own Vernon Kay has told us at the BEN that he has swapped modelling for a career in TV -- and a very successful career that's turning out to be. Vernon was snapped up by the BBC to present the summer run of kids' Saturday morning programme
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Felicity is so special
THE nightmare tragedy of a cot death often leaves parents very anxious about another child. But professionals like Felicity Over help give them peace of mind. Felicity is a health visitor at the Great Lever Health Centre, but, as grateful parent Mrs G
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When dirty washing was done in public, and no-one minded!
MANY Bolton women used to do all their dirty washing in public. And they didn't care who knew it. And when the Council stopped it, they didn't half get into a lather! In these days of washing machines in most homes, and commercial launderettes for those
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FIREWORK DISPLAYS
BLACKROD CRICKET CLUB, Vicarage Road. Bonfire Party. Saturday, November 4. Starts 6.30pm. Adults £1 and children 50p. LEVERHULME PARK SOUTH BOWLING GREEN. Bonfire and fireworks display with entertainment and refreshments by the Tonge Fold Residents Association
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GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS
ARC GALLERY STORE, Oldham Street, Manchester. Mon to Sat 10am to 6pm. Sun noon to 5pm. Adm free. Ring 0161 831 7454. ASTLEY CHEETHAM ART GALLERY , Trinity Street, Stalybridge. Open Mon to Fri (not Thurs) 1pm to 7.30pm, Sat 9am to 4pm. Tel 0161 338 2708
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Democracy is alive and well
I READ with concern Conservative councillor Peter Goldsworthy's letter regarding the cabinet system in use at Chorley Borough Council (Citizen, October 12). Like Mr Goldsworthy, I am in favour of the new system intended to make the council more responsible
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Ex-BEN reporter has been a star of stage and screen for more than half-a-century
A FORMER BEN reporter is starring in the Royal National Theatre's production of An Inspector Calls, now playing at The Lowry, Salford Quays, writes Doreen Crowther. Bernard Kay plays Mr Birling, of the prosperous Birling family, in Priestley's classic
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Anne's back with even more sparkle! - and loving every minute!
TALKING to television personality Anne Diamond about her hectic life leaves you wondering just how she manages to fit it all in, writes Gayle McBain. But with the typical determination of a woman who has had to fight back Anne won't allow anyone to think
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Doctor beaten by 'agitated' patient
A DOCTOR was pursued through the corridors of a hospital and savagely beaten by a man he refused to admit, a court was told. The duty psychiatrist at the Royal Bolton Hospital had been called out to see Graham Johnson, who had had been brought into hospital
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Fireman's fight goes on
A FIREFIGHTER at the centre of a hoax calls scandal claims that attempts to clear his name are being blocked by Greater Manchester Fire Service. Malcolm Pye, a part-time sub officer with the Horwich brigade, was given three months to quit after being
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Author Joyce is Egyptian programme inspiration
BOLTON has long had a love-affair with Egypt. It has an excellent Egyptology department in the museum, and a committed history of interest in Ancient Egypt which stretches back to benevolent local mill owners. But, if you've ever wondered about the private
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POETRY
readings BLUE CAT CAFE, Shaw Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport. Second Thursday in the month at 8.00pm, free. Ring 0161 432 2117. STOREY GALLERY, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster. A poetry reading by Adrian Mitchell. Friday, November 10. Starts 8pm. Tickets £5.
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SPORTS
GREAT LEVER COMMUNITY CENTRE, Bradford Road, Bolton. Thai Boxing Tuesday eves 7pm-8pm. Thai Boxing for children Saturdays, noon to 1pm. Ring Bolton 522568. EAGLEY SPORTS AND LEISURE CLUB, Hough Lane, Bromley Cross. Yoga classes, Thursdays, 8pm-9.30pm.
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FOLK MUSIC
LYRIC THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Paul Brady. Monday November 6. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £10-£15.00. Ring 0161 876 2000. ACCRINGTON TOWN HALL. Folk Mix with Vin Garbutt. Sunday November 5. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50 and £6.50 concessions. Ring 01254
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FESTIVALS
GREEN ROOM, Manchester. Kino Film Festival showing new short films featuring the work and lesbian and gays in the North West. Runs to Saturday November 4. Screenings at 5.15pm, 7.15pm and 9.15pm. Admission £3.50 and £2.50. THE MILLENNIUM FESTIVAL OF THE
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Marsh saves the day
Congleton Town FC 2, Chorley FC 4 A WELCOME win for Chorley at wet and windy Congleton with four cracking goals for their sodden fans to cheer. However, but for a superb display of goalkeeping from Simon Marsh, Chorley could quite easily have come away
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Hospital care was the tops
RECENTLY, I was in the Royal Bolton Hospital for two weeks. I have never seen such care and dedication. No effort was spared. I cannot praise any one nurse, medical staff or anyone connected with D4 Ward enough for the care I received. Thank you a million
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Tories to blame
NOW the truth is out, it can be revealed that the sole blame for the BSE and CJD, the human form of the disease, can now be placed on the Tories, with many more deaths in future years. Shame on them. They have a lot to answer for, as people will never
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Conned out of all my parking change
I AM writing this letter to express my anger on parking meters in and around the town. Bolton Council are not giving a legitimate service, as I have been duped again for my change -- which none of these machines give. It frustrates me to think how many
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When Blair Quango won't be running things
OVER the past few days, the usual propaganda has once again appeared from M. Schmid and company regarding the Conservative Party's proposed mandate. They ask the same old question, as to how will this be covered without cuts in education, pensions, the
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It's misery for bus users
AFTER waiting three quarters of an hour this morning for a bus on Tuesday, October 31, I just had to write this letter. I would like someone in authority at GM Buses to give a reasonable explanation why the number 8 bus can't be diverted to come down
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Full marks for the marvellous display by caring Muslims
JUST a few words from my mind, to the mystery person who was speaking his/her mind in the BEN on Monday, October 30, about live and let live. Peace on earth! Well, I for one don't think you know what you're talking about. If the Muslim community of Bolton
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Sam's thanks to Rankin
ISAIAH Rankin will head back to Bradford after tomorrow's game with a tribute from his 'temporary' boss Sam Allardyce. Wanderers' tight financial situation dictates that Wanderers are unable to make his loan spell permanent and his departure will increase
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Birmingham factfile
Manager: Trevor Francis Ground: St Andrew's Last Game: Portsmouth 1 Birmingham 1 How They Lined Up: Bennett; Eaden, Grainger, Purse, Holdsworth, Cipriano, O'Connor, Gill, M Johnson, A Johnson, Sonner. Last Season: Bolton 3 Birmingham 3; Birmingham 2 Bolton
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Manager: Trevor Francis
Ground: St Andrew's Last Game: Portsmouth 1 Birmingham 1 How They Lined Up: Bennett; Eaden, Grainger, Purse, Holdsworth, Cipriano, O'Connor, Gill, M Johnson, A Johnson, Sonner. Last Season: Bolton 3 Birmingham 3; Birmingham 2 Bolton 1 Last Year's Top
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Death crash dad's final farewell
A YOUNG father who died following a road smash was taken on a final journey today to the stadium of his beloved Bolton Wanderers. And Andrew Stuchbury, a life-long Trotters fan, was finally laid to rest wearing a full Bolton Wanderers strip. Andrew, 33
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Bonfires go ahead despite the weather
DESPITE Leverhulme Park's Big Bonfire Night extravaganza falling foul of the bad weather tonight, a number of other organised firework displays are still going ahead. A huge event is taking place this evening at Heaton Park, Prestwich. And also being
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Markets upsurge follows Dow Jones example
THE US saw a strong recovery earlier this week with the Dow Jones industrial average rising 245 points on Monday, its largest one-day rise since April. This spilled over to our markets, with investors appearing more inclined to invest in old economy stocks
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News in brief
ASDA at Horwich has received the Positive about Disabled People award for the way in which it recruits and encourages disabled staff. Amanda Lowe, who has achieved a Level two NVQ in Retail Operations, is one of a number of people recruited under the
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Pub's big search for twin sets
A BOLTON pub which is undergoing a £70,000 revamp is looking for sets of identical twins to act as VIPs at the opening of its new dining area. The Bee Hive in Chorley New Road, Lostock, previously a Big Streak Pub, is re-opening as a Two for One outlet
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'Bland estate' warning after flats plan decision
A COUNCILLOR has warned that Lostock is being swamped by bland housing estates after a scheme to transform a derelict warehouse into luxury flats was rejected. Plans to develop the "brownfield" site in Rumworth Road next to Lostock Station into 18 apartments
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Death crash jail term reduced
A RADCLIFFE businessman whose dangerous driving caused the death of two people has won a cut in his three-and-a-half-year jail term at London's Criminal Appeal Court. David Masterson, of Old Turks Lane, was convicted after his overtaking manoeuvre resulted
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Euro passport plan is 'the final insult'
IJAMES Stevens, would-be Conservative MP for Bolton West, has hit out over EU plans to scrap the traditional British passport for a European replacement. Prospective parliamentary candidate Mr Stevens labelled proposals to ditch the British Royal Crest
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Death crash dad's final farewell
A YOUNG father who died following a road smash was taken on a final journey today to the stadium of his beloved Bolton Wanderers. And Andrew Stuchbury, a life-long Trotters fan, was finally laid to rest wearing a full Bolton Wanderers strip. Andrew, 33
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MP raises alarm over TV circular
A BOLTON MP has raised the alarm over a mail order circular which he believes people could mistake for their TV licence renewal form. David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, says he has now informed council Trading Standards officers about the letter
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Ex-Scotland star could be on way to Reebok if Fish leaves
SAM Allardyce today confirmed an interest in bringing former Scotland star Colin Hendry to the Reebok Stadium. But the Wanderers boss says the possible arrival of the 34-year-old Coventry defender would depend heavily on whether Mark Fish stay or leaves
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Olympic hero set to honour local stars
THERE will be a golden touch to the BEN Sports Awards at Bolton Town Hall tonight. Jason Queally, the Chorley cyclist who took the Olympic gold at Sydney will be the chief guest as our own sporting heroes are honoured. And it's his progression from the
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Forget about Millwall warns RMI boss
LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell would much rather have the three points on offer against Doncaster tomorrow (ko 1pm) than beat Second Division opponents Millwall two weeks later in the FA Cup. Waywell is delighted with the start his side have made to their
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Hospice fair
THERE'S a marriage of history and hi-tech when Bolton Hospice holds its Christmas fund-raiser at the Excel Centre on the afternoon of Saturday, November 18. It's a Victorian Fair -- sponsored by Bolton firm G N Systems, which supplies electronic services
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Buffet lunch is the hot ticket
WE are reliably informed that the hot ticket to have in November is to the Mayor of Bolton's charity buffet lunch. This is because the last one, held recently, was a sell-out and raised £680. It was such an enjoyable occasion that the Mayor, Cllr Alan
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Street star's stain dismay
ISN'T it funny who you meet in the loo? I was one of the massed throng of journalists and broadcasters at the Granada Studios Tour launch of the 40th anniversary of Coronation Street this week. During the hectic proceedings I nipped into the ladies' -
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Gerry Merry Christmas for hospice
NOT content with having raised over £66,000 for local charities, Adlington-based artist Gerry Halpin is now giving Bolton Hospice a festive helping hand. Gerry has spent the last few years assisting the CHAT charity to upgrade the area's ambulances with
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From the BEN files
25 YEARS AGO From the Evening News, November 3, 1975 THE Queen today pressed a single black button - and symbolically launched Britain's new oil era. The cost to BP of reaching this stage in the race to bring oil ashore is £745 million. For that investment
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FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
MARTIN MERE WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS TRUST, Burscough. Ring 01704 895181. DOCK ROAD EDWARDIAN PUMPING STATION, Weir St, off London Road, Northwich. Ring 01257 260157. Northwich Water Heritage Trail guided walks every Sun at 3pm from the Edwardian Pumping
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OUT OF TOWN
BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE, Blackpool. Sunday November 26, Tom Jones. Also, Saturday November 4, French and Saunders. Starts 8pm. Ring 01253 292029. BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH ARENA, Hot Ice runs until November 5. Tickets vary in price and there are two seats
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EVENTS
BOLTON CHA RAMBLING CLUB. Car ramble to Rossendale, Sunny Bank Farm, Swinshaw Moor and Bonfire Hill. Saturday November 4. Starts 10.30am. Ring Bolton 697610. BOLTON DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY, Lecture Theatre, Central Library, Le Mans Crescent,
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THEATRES
BARLOW INSTITUTE, Edgworth. Bread and Butter Theatre present Retro TV. Friday November 3. Starts 7.30pm. Ring 852216. OCTAGON THEATRE, Bolton. Ring Bolton 520661. OPERA HOUSE, Manchester. Runs until Saturday Nov 11, The Phantom of the Opera. Tel 0161
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CONCERTS
ALBERT HALLS, Victoria Square, Bolton. Tribute band, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Sunday, November 12, 7.30pm. Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Thursday, November 9, 7.30pm. Ring Bolton 334400. BRIDGEWATER HALL, Manchester. BBC Philharmonic -- Radio Times playing
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MUSIC AND DANCE VENUES
ALBERT HALLS, Bolton. The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Thursday, November 9. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50 and £11 for concessions. Ring 334400. VICTORIA HALL, Knowsley Street, Bolton. Bolton Choral Union present A Remembrance Concert for the Millennium including
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LIVE MUSIC VENUES AND EVENTS
HILLTOPS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB, Hill Lane, Blackrod. Budding musicians come and play your own arrangements and compositions, Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm. For more details ring Bolton 692702. THE WATERMILLOCK, Crompton Way, Bolton. Live music every
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS
KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK, Prescott, Merseyside. A chance to see some of the world's most dangerous animals including white rhino, African elephants, zebras, giraffes, meerkats, monkeys, lions and otters in spacious and natural surroundings. A rollercoaster
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Join the club
AGED 18 to 30? Want to improve your social life? Why not try Rotaract? Rotaract is an organisation for people aged 18 to 30 who participate in a programme of social, charitable and fund-raising events. The Rotaract Club of Preston South covers Preston
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A warming bonfire poem
MAY I, through your letters page, share my poem entitled Bonfire Nights: How I remember those awesome sights, The magic, the splendour of Bonfire Nights. Catherine Wheels and children's squeals, The whoosh of the rockets piercing the clouds, Crackerjacks
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Prisoner got preferential treatment at hospital
WITH reference to the front page (Citizen, October 19). My husband was a patient at Chorley Hospital on two different wards plus an assessment unit, and there he encountered prisoners and warders. But the main objection was the immediate attention the
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Your duty chemists...
CHORLEY'S duty chemist between noon and 1pm on Sunday, November 5, will be Scholes Chemis Ltd, T/A Bamford and Parker, Library Street, Chorley. Weekday out of hours services in the Chorley area are: M D Rimmer, 22 Runshaw Lane, Euxton, (Mon-Fri 5.30-6.30pm
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Shock rise in traders flouting firework law
THE number of retailers selling fireworks to under-age children has more than doubled over the past year. A sweeping crackdown by trading standards officers revealed that 10 per cent of traders in Bolton willing to hand over the potentially dangerous
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'Bland estate' warning after flats plan decision
A COUNCILLOR has warned that Lostock is being swamped by bland housing estates after a scheme to transform a derelict warehouse into luxury flats was rejected. Plans to develop the "brownfield" site in Rumworth Road next to Lostock Station into 18 apartments
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Doctors wage heart battle
BOLTON doctors are setting up a task force of GPs to tackle deaths from heart attacks in the south of the town -- which has one of the highest rates in the country. People in Farnworth, Kearsley, Deane, Daubhill and Derby have a third higher risk of death
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Safety calls follow death crash horror
AN horrific crash which resulted in the death of a woman driver has brought calls for a safety step-up on the A580 East Lancashire Road. Horse lover Julie Bracey, aged 38, of Mosley Common, Worsley, died in Hope Hospital, Salford, and the accident highlighted
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Work starts on multi-million pound youth centre
YOUNGSTERS dug deep and put in the spadework to herald the start of building work on a state-of-the-art youth centre. Four young members from Bolton Lads and Girls Club were given the task yesterday of cutting the first sod of grass to officially mark
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More than 80 people caught in crackdown
FOLLOWING a crackdown on television licence evasion in the Bolton, Horwich, Westhoughton, Farnworth and Little Lever areas a special court was held by Bolton Magistrates. It dealt with more than 80 people who had not bought a television licence. Those
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CLUBS
HILLTOPS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB, Blackrod. HORWICH CONSERVATIVE, Church Street, Horwich. Open weekdays after 5pm and weekends 2pm. BRADFORD WARD LABOUR, Bridgeman Street, Bolton, Mon-Sat 11.30am -3pm and 6.30pm-11pm. Sunday noon-10.30pm. Bar, rounders
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PUB MUSIC NIGHTS
BAROC CAFE BAR, Halliwell Road, Bolton. THE WRIGHTS ARMS, Belmont Road, Bolton. For details of all events ring Bolton 811206. BULLS HEAD PUB, (Bottom Bull), Bury Road, Bolton. Live bands Fridays and Saturdays, 9pm. Ring Bolton 523855. THE ANTELOPE, Manchester
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KARAOKE
ANCHOR INN, Union Building, Bolton. Friday and Saturday. SHARMAN ARMS, Halliwell Rd, Bolton. Monday. THE RAILWAY, Bridge St, Ramsbottom. Saturday. THE GREENWOOD, Chorley New Rd, Horwich. Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday. THE LAMB, Blackburn Rd, Bolton
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NORTH-WEST ATTRACTIONS
North west event information from the North West Tourist Board BLACKPOOL PROMENADE, Blackpool. Blackpool's annual Illuminations. Run until November 5. EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY, Bury. For more information ring 0161-764 7790. TATE GALLERY, Albert Dock, Liverpool
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CINEMA
FILMS for the week until Thursday November 9. UGC CINEMA, The Valley, Centertainment, Bolton. Ring 0870 9070714. Purely Belter (15); Wonder Boys (15); Grey Owl (PG); Loser (12); Where the Money Is (15); Mission Kashmir (12); Dinosaur (U); Road Trip (15
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BOOK EARLY
MEN ARENA, Manchester. Nov 25, Tom Jones, tickets £25.50 and £22, starts 8pm. Also, Green Day, Thursday December 7, tickets £15. Also, Eric Clapton, Wednesday February 14, tickets £32.50. Ring 0161 930 8000. MANCHESTER APOLLO. Smash Hits Tour, Saturday
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COMEDY
QUAYS THEATRE, The Lowry, Salford. Edinburgh and Beyond FHM Comedy Tour with four British comedians-in-one line up. Saturday, November 4. Starts 8pm. Tickets £10. Ring 0161 876 2000. THE MET, Market Street, Bury. The Laff Cafe with Mitch Bell, Tony Morewood
