Hostage shot on way to freedom

BOLTON hostage Rodney Stephenson was shot at as he waited to board a plane to fly to freedom.

The oil engineer, from Bromley Cross, held hostage by guerrilla soldiers in Angola, was caught in crossfire as Angolan government troops opened fire as he was boarding the aircraft which was to fly him out of the war zone last night. Mr Stephenson and 22 other hostages had to dive for cover as bullets flew past their heads.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

February 8, 1978

JUST 12 months ago Olympic swimmer Duncan Cleworth was considering giving up the sport that meant everything to him. Cash to continue rigorous training was at the root of the problems for the 400 metres English record holder. Stories of 20-years-old Duncan's problems filtered back to his former classmates at Canon Slade School in Bolton - and they decided to do their bit towards keeping him in the swim.

The 700 pupils each decided to give Duncan 1p from their heard-earned pocket money each week, presenting him with a £70 cheque every 10 weeks. The pupils plan to give the money between now and the next Olympic Games in 1980 in Moscow.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

February 8, 1953

BOLTON Corporation is making progress in the production of "Boltonic", the plant fertilizer made at the sewage works. There is a move to modify the plant at Rhodes Farm which would speed up production. In December, the Corporation sold 13 ton 7 cwt of the fertilizer, which brought in £75 6s.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

February 8, 1903

CONSIDERABLE excitement was created in Astley Bridge shortly after seven o'clock last night by an alarming collision between a hearse belonging to Messrs E. Holden and Co., and a greengrocer's cart owned by Mr Jacob Greenhalgh.

It appears that about seven o'clock the hearse, driven by Richard Hampson, was near Horrocks Fold, when the horse took fright at a motor vehicle, and dashed along at a great pace until reaching Greenwood Vale, where the collision occurred.

Greenhalgh, who was walking by the side of the horse, was knocked down and shaken, as also was the animal. The hearse, which contained a coffin, was overturned, and the shafts were smashed. Hampson was badly shaken, and an undertaker named William Baythorpe, who was riding with him, sprained his ankle.