Archive
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Lee Evans, MEN Arena, 12/11/08
I DON’T know whether Lee Evans should have a Government Health warning or be available on the NHS. In the first place, you are laughing so much that you feel as if you’re having a heart attack, and secondly, they say that laughter is the best
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Singing Scrooge is note perfect
Scrooge The Musical, Bolton Premier Productions, Bolton Albert Halls THIS is a traditional Christmas tale that requires little introduction — although the musical version is, perhaps, unfamiliar to most. You could be forgiven for thinking
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Young cast are magical
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, St Philips Junior Workshop, Bolton SIMPLY magical — that’s St Philips Junior Workshop’s musical production of C S Lewis’ popular children’s story The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. A fine cast brought the
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Concert and dinner date
RIVINGTON Music Society is holding a concert and dinner evening on Friday at Rivington Parish Church. Pianist Michael Lunts will play works by Frederic Chopin and guests can enjoy a three-course dinner. The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost
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Daisy Hill match postponed
DAISY Hill’s Lancashire FA Trophy first round tie against NW Counties League rivals Ramsbottom United was postponed on Wednesday night because the New Sirs pitch was waterlogged. The tie has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 19, kick-off 7.45pm
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Coffee morning for school
BRADSHAW and Harwood Women’s Institute will be holding a Christmas coffee morning on Tuesday, November 25, in Longsight Methodist Church Hall, Harwood. The event will take place between 10am and noon and the £1.50 admission includes refreshments. All
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Choir hits the right note
WELL done to the glorious Bolton-based Cottontown Chorus which has just won through to BBC Radio 3’s Choir of the Year final in London. The 50-strong male choir gained the judges’ approval at the category final in Liverpool at the weekend. They work
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Festival of trees
A CHRISTMAS tree festival is taking place at a church. More than 30 businesses and community organisations are decorating trees to create a display in St Helens Road Methodist Church, Bolton. Lofty the Lion will switch on the lights at 6pm on Friday
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Town's shock asbestos death figures
THE number of people dying from the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma is higher in Bolton than anywhere else in Greater Manchester, figures have revealed. More than 100 deaths were attributed to the disease between 1981 and 2000, figures released
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Appeal for volunteers
THE Victim Support and Witness Service is looking for volunteers from Bolton. The organisation is dedicated to helping all victims of crime regardless of whether it has been reported to police. Event organisers and other volunteers are needed to help
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Fire at garage
GUTTERING was accidentally set alight at the Bolton Volkswagen Audi garage in Deane Road on Wednesday afternoon while work was being carried out on the roof. Although the blaze was out on arrival, fire crews inspected the roof to ensure the fire had
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Dog rescued from river bank
FIREFIGHTERS rescued a dog stranded on a river bank. Crews from Eccles were called to Leverhulme Park in Long Lane, Darcy Lever, after being contacted by passers-by concerned about the dog at 11am on Wednesday. They used a floatation
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Council's cash backing for carnival races
AN annual international racing event in Horwich has been given a big cash boost. Horwich Carnival Races, which includes running and cycling, has been backed by Horwich Town Council. Last year the council gave the race organisers £5,000 because of rising
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Opera company looks for fallen women
OPERA 74 are looking for fallen women. The amateur opera company will be holding auditions on November 30 for the principle roles in Verdi’s La Traviata, the title of which translates as “the fallen woman”. The show will be staged on September 23,
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Awards ceremony for young stars
CHILDREN and teenagers were rewarded for their achievements with Bolton’s youth services at a Hollywood-style awards ceremony. Instead of getting their names etched into a star on a famous Los Angeles boulevard, they planted gold and silver hand prints
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Second arrest in connection with Amy Leigh Barnes death
A 49-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the murder of Amy Leigh Barnes. The woman - the mother of the 21-year--old charged with murder - has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and will be questioned by officers
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Top trio hit form
THE Eagley League returned to action on Sunday, refreshed after a week off, apart from Darcy Blues who were forced to concede due to illness. The three top teams all won, but fourth-placed BB Belles lost to the leaders, Divas, and are now level on points
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Norris gesture had no place at a football ground
JUST what was David Norris thinking when he made his “handcuffs” gesture when he scored Ipswich’s winner at Blackpool on Saturday? So he feels sorry for his old Plymouth team-mate, Luke McCormick, who is serving seven years and four months
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Hughes could pay price for ambition
WHILE it is crazy to even think of Manchester City’s mega-rich Arab owners installing Darren Ferguson as their next manager, the first part of the Eastlands equation provoked by one of our tabloids is no laughing matter for Mark Hughes. As good a manager
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Premier League needs proper checks
REPORTS that Arab sheikhs have targeted five more Premier League clubs should ring alarm bells for anyone who cares for the future of the game. Not that you can do anything to stop filthy-rich foreign owners muscling in when there are no home-based businessmen
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Take care of new play area
BOLTON Council is to be congratulated on improving play facilities for children across the borough. The latest is a £90,000 play area at Thomasson Park in Halliwell, which has already proved very popular with the local community. Thanks to a £695,000
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Higginshaw 22 Bolton Mets 14
METS made a promising start and led at half time but, ultimately, struggled to contain an in-form Higginshaw side. Full-back Joe Harte opened the scoring for Bolton after some powerful driving from second rower Ralph Sherrington. The home side pulled
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Joanne nurses new artistic career
A NURSE-turned-artist is celebrating after she was awarded a First in her degree. Joanne Guite, aged 46, of Clay Street, Egerton, gained a Textiles degree from the East Lancashire Institute of Higher Education at Blackburn College. After 20 years in
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Megson's tribute to Whites back line
THEY may have played second fiddle to the goalkeeper on Saturday – but Gary Megson thinks his rapidly-improving back four deserves some credit after their second successive clean sheet. The Wanderers chief was happy to pay tribute to Jussi Jaaskelainen
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Remembrance Day restored some pride
IT was a matter of pride to be part of the crowd in Victoria Square for Bolton’s Remembrance Day service on Sunday. Pride not only in the servicemen and women — including our domestic services like the police — but also in the numbers of the public who
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More projects from green partnership
BOLTON Council is investing £30,000 in a blossoming new partnership with Groundwork to make the town greener. The council and the environmental charity have agreed a one-year deal which will see the organisations working together to create environmental
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A new era for new seniors
Westhoughton Lions 20 Leigh Message Board 20 AFTER 11 years as juniors, the Lions finally joined the big boys as the open age team had their first competitive runout at Culcheth. The game lived up to expectations as it was tough and
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Volunteers needed for lunch club
A CHARITY desperately needs volunteers to help at a club for older people. Age Concern runs a lunch and leisure club at St Paul’s Church in Halliwell Road, Bolton. Helpers are needed to prepare and serve light refreshments and simple lunches as well
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Caring more for pets than kids
SO, we Brits are finally living up to the stereotype that we care more about our pets than our children. Don’t take my word for it, though. Just glance at the Government’s new code of practice for owners of dogs, cats and horses. It’s part of the Animal
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Taylor tipped to stay on target
ANDY O’Brien has backed Matty Taylor to stay among the goals after his strike against Hull City. Taylor, pictured, is now Wanderers’ second highest goalscorer this season with two, but is capable of reaching double figures, according to his former Portsmouth
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Lee Evans returns for arena date
AFTER the runaway success of his last UK tour in 2005, Lee Evans is coming back. This time it’ll be his largest tour to date, and that’s saying something because on his last tour he achieved a Guinness World Record for a solo act performing
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Sheedy reaches quarter-finals
BEN Sheedy produced a superb display to reach the quarter-finals of the Senior Novice Amateur Championships. The Withins Schools Club fighter defeated Robert Lewtas in Sunday’s regional final at Bolton’s Excel Centre to keep alive his title hopes. The
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Tools and CD player stolen
TOOLS were stolen from a car after a thief broke in by smashing the driver’s window. The thief took the tools and a CD player, worth £110, from a Peugeot 206 in Ernest Street, Gilnow between Thursday night and Friday morning.
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Please dress for success, Michelle
THE gut reaction for many people to the outfit chosen by Michelle Obama for her husband’s much-publicised acceptance speech last week was distinctly bilious. Nothing, of course, diminished the power of the moment as the country’s first black President
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Kaleda Akter - missing from home
Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of Kaleda Akter Kaleda aged 22, was last seen at home, Cartmel Crescent, Chadderton at 8.30am Monday 10 November to attend a training course. She is described as Asian, of a slim build
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Garstang 3rd 0 Lostock 37
GARSTANG started well and had the better of much of the first half, but the pendulum swung once Lostock settled. Two tries, one from Andy Urmston after a good pass from Jay Markland, and a superb individual effort with a kick and chase from Chad Boyce
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Chance for public to view work of police
A SHORT film featuring the work of new police officers is now available for members of the public to see. Earlier this year, Greater Manchester Police Authority funded an extra 104 officers to go out on the frontline. Now, a short film showcasing the
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Crooner has a grand old celebration
WHEN crooner Terry Desmond notched up half a century in showbiz he wanted to make his celebration special. So he arranged a dinner event at Horwich RMI which attracted more than 200 paying guests who helped raise £1,350 for Bolton Hospice. Terry,
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Christmas gift guide: Best gourmet gifts
WHY not treat the food lover in your life to a really unusual gift this Christmas? Ferrero Rocher may impress the ambassador, but to really go the whole hog buy them a whole Iberico ham delivered to their doorstep. Log on to jamonesdomecq.com
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Man in court charged with model's murder
THE boyfriend of knife attack victim Amy Leigh Barnes has appeared in court charged with her murder. Ricardo Morrison, aged 21, of no fixed address appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court this morning. Morrison, formerly of Birmingham,
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Cahill delight at Jussi staying
GARY Cahill feared that Jussi Jaaskelainen would be lost to another club in the summer, but now thinks Wanderers will see the best years of his career. The dressing room was preparing for life without the long-serving Finn, with Galatasaray, Aston Villa
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Save this town centre landmark
I HOPE that the landmark building that was the Clarence Street College can be saved for Bolton. It was in the throes of being demolished to make way for a car-park until the Save Britain’s Heritage group made an emergency legal challenge. This halted
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Megson's plea to fans
GARY Megson has urged fans to lay off him for the sake of the players. The Wanderers manager believes the abuse he is receiving at the hands of some supporters is having a negative impact on the team. He celebrated his 50th game in charge with a hard-fought
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Driver banned for using phone
A VAN driver caught using a mobile phone while behind the wheel has been banned from driving for three weeks. Steven Butler, aged 34, of Marlbrook Drive, Daisy Hill pleaded guilty to the offence in Moor Lane, Bolton on July 23. As well as the driving
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Youngsters box clever
BUDDING boxers went a round with a pro in a training session at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club. Super-bantamweight fighter Sean Hughes visited the centre to give the boxing club members some top tips. Mr Hughes, who is challenging for
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Winter driving warning from motorists group
Winter is approaching and the days are getting shorter - and Bolton Advanced Motorists is giving tips to cope with driving whilst it is dark. According to the group, it is obvious that we should be aware that our eyesight might need to be checked
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Baker wants attacking style at Gigg
RICHIE Baker is urging his Bury team-mates to put the accent on attack at Gigg Lane. The Shakers have lost their last four home games after previously turning their ground into something of a fortress. Exeter, Rotherham, Luton and Gillingham
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Flying high with new air ambulance
AIR ambulance crews will be able to get to Bolton in minutes when a new helicopter becomes operational — helping to save more lives. The North West Air Ambulance currently runs one helicopter from its base in Blackpool, but now it will be able
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FC look to continue run
FC UNITED return to action after a 10-day break hoping to pick up where they left off. They entertain Cammell Laird in the UniBond Premier League tonight, having won four out of their last five games. Having lost just once in nine games, the mid-table
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Free advice to help residents manage debts
A DEBT advice session is being held today. Bolton Council’s Money Skills team will give advice on managing debt and how to improve budgeting skills at Farnworth Town Hall in Market Street, from 6.30pm to 9pm. Bookings are not necessary, but spaces are
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Bring back the dispersal orders
I WAS interested to read that police Inspector John Boyce feels the police can work together with the residents of an area to achieve “victory over the yobs” (The Bolton News, Friday November 7). Although I agree with the sentiment and would encourage
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VIDEO: Evil spirits at a pub - can you see them?
STAFF at a pub are used to handling whisky and vodka — but spirits of a different kind are now keeping them busy. For an apparition of a woman has been appearing after closing time when the pub is empty. Now regulars at the Unity Brook
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Dieting darts players hit the bullseye for hospice
THESE men loved nothing more than to play darts and have a few pints. But their traditional darts lifestyle, which included a lot of takeaways, beer and not much in the way of exercise, started to take its toll on their health. So the
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Suspected car thief gang arrested by police
THREE suspected car thieves have been arrested as part of an investigation into the theft of dozens of cars. The men, aged 27, 28 and 25 were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal vehicles in Kearsley this morning. Officers from the Proactive
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Whites' records go under hammer
HISTORIC Bolton Wanderers memorabilia is going under the hammer this afternoon. A private collector, who wants to remain anonymous, is selling a group of 10 official record books, some dating back to the 19th century, at an auction of sporting memorabilia
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Charge Blue Badge holders
REGARDING recent letters in The Bolton News about Blue Badge holders and Le Mans Crescent The council is complaining they are not getting any revenue from Blue Badge users who make up about 80 or 90 per cent, especially around the Crescent. Rather than
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Staff drinking is for firms to deal with
IT is very understandable why Bolton Primary Care Trust is urging local bosses to get tough on lunchtime drinkers, but it is really not up to them. They are protecting our general health and an NHS under siege from patients suffering from alcohol-related
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It's now the Zzzzzz Factor
I THINK I was as stunned as Laura when she was voted off the X Factor. She must know as well as everyone else that she was one of the best four contestants on the show so to be voted off at this stage is a travesty. The X Factor is in danger
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Keep our schools in the public sector
AN open letter to the leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Clifford Morris: We, the undersigned, representing hundreds of years working in education in Bolton as teachers, headteachers, governors and parents, call upon you to halt the proposals to turn the
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Other hard workers facing a pay cut
IN reply to the letter in The Bolton News (October 21) by J Wilson, I do agree it’s not fair to cut binmen’s wages, but disagree on some things. He said go back to the 80s and 90s when bins were in back gardens, and binmen carried them on
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Man found lying in road
POLICE are investigating after a man was found lying in the road. A man, believed to be in his 30s, was found unconscious in Halliwell Road at around 3am this morning. It is not clear what happened but police believe he may have had
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Ignorant of our town's heritage
I READ with horror about Bolton Council’s plans to demolish the former Bolton Community College building in Clarence Street. Are these people stupid or just blissfully ignorant of our town’s heritage? I despair at those in the planning department
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Lesson for council?
I HAVE been reading about the major re-vamp of Prestons time ball (November 3). The store manager, Sue Hurst, said: “We are giving back to Bolton a piece of architectural heritage.” Wonderful. Just a pity she had no say in the re-vamp of Bolton Market
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Town has grand designs for parks
IMAGINATIVE designs are being drawn up to create new play areas in Bolton and bring existing ones into the 21st century. Bolton Council has released details of the first seven play areas to benefit from £1,177,661 of Government funding. As reported
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Businessman pulls out of flats plan
A BUSINESSMAN has shelved plans to transform a town centre eyesore into a £1.5m development in protest at fines imposed on him in a row over a sex shop. David Gill was ordered to pay £4,000 by magistrates after he pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting
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Cenotaph heroes
I HAVE just returned from the Remembrance Day in Bolton. I would like to say a big thank-you to the four young men representing the services who stood at each corner of the cenotaph for two hours in freezing conditions without moving an inch. They were
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Join race for Olympic contracts
BUSINESSES in Bolton are being encouraged to get a slice of the £6 billion in contracts which will be created in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. John Armitt, CBE, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), made the call yesterday as he headed
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Top 10 in computer firm awards
TEN companies are basking in their success at a computer firm’s first industry awards. Dabs.com, the BT internet and IT technology retailer based in Westhoughton, held its Dabs Diamond Awards 2008 at the end of October in Manchester. They recognised
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Community service is no soft option
SHOVEL in hand, I listened intently to the instructions of my community punishment supervisor. I was part of a team of four, tasked with clearing and widening the paths in Leverhulme Park. It was a laborious job, but I was assured it
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Shocked at life in modern Britain
A READER asks “why is our life so different in Britain?” (Letters, November 5). The reason is family life coupled with religion. Europe and Germany are mainly Catholic. My friends from Slovenia were shocked at the way of life in Britain.
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Workforce 'must be unlocked for future'
MINISTER for the North-west Beverley Hughes is leading a drive to unlock the talents of the workforce in the region to meet the economic challenges of the future. The Minister said that it was vital the North-west had a highly-skilled workforce to prevent
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Questioning the tax and spend policy
At long last, has the penny finally dropped, I wonder? Labour’s absurd out-dated policy of tax and spend has failed dramatically and this policy is now actually being questioned, by Labour and the left, with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown
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Women only at Lads Club
A WOMEN-ONLY networking group will meet next Tuesday. Business for Breakfast launched the initiative in September and it has been hailed a big success. The next meeting will take place at Bolton Lads and Girls Club from 12pm. Anyone interested in getting
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National sales manager for firm
A COMPANY which specialises in the sale and transfer of businesses has appointed a national sales manager. Following the acquisition of BBTA Ltd, Knightsbridge Business Sales has appointed Tony Platts, who has 27 years experience in sales and marketing
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Pub lunch offer for top employees
A BOLTON pub is helping local firms to reward their best employees. For The Wilton Arms in Belmont Road is running a scheme to recognise good workers in the area. Landlord Chris Drennan is inviting businesses to nominate their most deserving staff members
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Young inventors unveil hotrods
YOUNG engineers have finished building motorised model cars as part of a project inspired by the latest world land speed record attempt. Children at Harwood Meadows Primary School were special guests at the launch of the Bloodhound project
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Cash boost to beat obesity
BOLTON will benefit from a government cash injection to reduce obesity. Health secretary Alan Johnson announced that Greater Manchester will share a £30 million cash pot from the Government as part of the Healthy Towns scheme. A proportion of the cash
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Silent tribute to war heroes
BOLTON fell silent to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Dozens came together to show their respects as a maroon was fired at 11am, to mark the start of a two-minute silence to remember those who lost their lives fighting for
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Crackdown on security van robbers
POLICE have launched a new bid to tackle violent robberies on security vans carrying large amounts of cash. Operation Vanguard aims to target and disrupt professional criminals in the run up to Christmas — the busiest period for the cash handling industry
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Whites turn down Shittu loan move
WANDERERS have blocked a loan move from Derby County for Danny Shittu. Rams boss Paul Jewell wanted to take the big centre-half to Pride Park for a month but was turned down by Gary Megson because of his own lack of defensive cover. Shittu has not figured
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Megson's plea to fans
GARY Megson has urged fans to lay off him for the sake of the players. The Wanderers manager believes the abuse he is receiving at the hands of some supporters is having a negative impact on the team. He celebrated his 50th game in charge with a hard-fought
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Quigg passes screen test
SCOTT Quigg believes his latest quickfire success proved he is maturing as a fighter. The Bury ace stretched his 100 per cent record to 10 wins with a clinical demolition of Sumaila Badu at Wigan’s Robin Park, stopping his opponent inside the first round
