From the Evening News, 1992 - A ROW has erupted over Canon Slade School after parents balloted to opt out of local authority control by only five votes.

The Electoral Reform Society in London was forced to carry out a full recount after grant-maintained status was voted in by less than 1 per cent - one of the closest run ballots in the country. At George Tomlinson School, Kearsley, a Yes vote was returned with a more decisive lead of 18 per cent, with 242 parents in favour and 168 against.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 5, 1977

A LARGE Victorian house has been turned into Bolton's refuge for desperate women and their children; a home where they can sleep, sip coffee and talk to people with similar problems. The home, called Fortalice, is a haven for battered women. Newly opened by Bolton Women's Aid, it provides five bedsitters, with a communal kitchen and lounge.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 5, 1952

IT was the turn of the Bolton United Harriers Club, having had its Olympic Games men civically received after Helsinki, to entertain the Mayor and Mayoress at their annual dinner and prize distribution at the Commercial Hotel last night. Miss Ethel Johnson, herself an Olympic Games athlete (Los Angeles, 1932), as club president, presided over the function which had as one of its prime objects the presentation of specially designed illuminated addresses to the club's three participants at Helsinki - Fred Norris (Marathon), Les Cheetham and Herbert H. Hall (Wrestlers).

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 5, 1902

IT will occasion great regret to his many friends in Bolton to learn of the sad death of Mr John Webb, chief engineer of the SS Domino, who was drowned in the Mersey shortly after boarding his vessel for a long voyage.

The deceased gentleman, who was a native of Bolton, and served his time at one of the local engineering works, had spent some time in the Indian mines, but, his health failing, he returned to England and went to sea as an engineer.

He settled in Liverpool, and left home in excellent health to join his vessel, which was lying at anchor off Egremont. He arrived safely on board, and it is conjectured that in the dark he fell through an open gangway into the river.

The cry of rescue was immediately raised, belts and lifeboats were thrown overboard, and a boat launched. But all these efforts were ineffectual.

Mr Webb seemed to have been carried away from underneath, for he was never seen again. The rescue boat was finally hauled in and the Domino went to sea.

The deceased, who was 45 years of age, leaves a widow and six young children.