From the Evening News, June 23, 1992 - BURY-born Reg. Harris, who died suddenly in hospital yesterday at the age of 72, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest sprint-cycling stars in the world. He won five World Professional Sprint Championships between 1947-54 and held the world 1,000 metre sprint record for many years.

AN urgent appeal has been launched to save one of Rivington's most important buildings from falling into ruin. Over the past few years nearly £50,000 has been spent on the Parish Church, but now the cash-strapped church needs another £10,000 for a new roof.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

June 23, 1977

MR Arthur Scargill, the Yorkshire miner's leader, was arrested today as violence flared in the picket line outside the Grunwick plant in North London. Three coach loads of miners from Yorkshire, led by Mr Scargill, and about 100 miners from South Wales, had arrived at 7am to join pickets outside the factory. "We will not allow a section of our movement to be beaten," he declared. During the violence, a young policeman was hit by a bottle, and received serious head wounds.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

June 24, 1952

A MAN who, until six weeks ago, owned the "Lakeside Cafe" at Barrow Bridge, phoned Bolton Fire Brigade last night to tell them that it was on fire. Mr G. Rimmer, 79, Barrow Bridge-rd., was returning from taking his dog for a walk shortly before midnight when he saw flames leaping 20ft. in the air from the cafe. He immediately phoned for the brigade from a public phone box at the end of the road

The Fire Brigade saw the flames as they were approaching from Captains Clough-rd., and, using five jets and pumping water from the boating lake, had the fire under control in about 20 minutes. The cafe was, however, completely gutted. The adjoining living quarters were also entirely destroyed, and the single-storey timber snack bar was badly damaged.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

June 23, 1902

THE rural haunts of England are vieing with the towns in the heartiness of their rejoicings for this week's Coronation. None will surpass those of the villages scattered round industrial Bolton. One of the number - Dunscar - possessing many natural charms, was on Saturday afternoon the centre of celebrations which will probably not be exceeded throughout the country for beauty, neatness of arrangement, and absolute unity.

The dominant role was harmony - all participating were as one body, not separated by either party or denomination. For the neighbouring hamlets of Egerton, Eagley, Dunscar, Bromley Cross, and Walmsley, it was decided to have united festivities. A sum of about £260 was raised by subscription to defray the cost of two treats, one for all residents up to 60 years of age, the other for those over 60 and for the infirm.

Saturday's procession undoubtedly surpassed in extent anything known in the district before.