From the Evening News, March 29, 1992

CANDID camera technology framed 176 red light racers as they diced with death at busy Bolton junctions. The four-week trial - using video cameras to record the maniacs in action - was so successful that police are warning that "hidden eyes" will now be used much more in the Bolton area.

A BOLTON man bowled his way into the record books at the weekend in a gruelling charity stunt. Brian Larkin, 42, of Bramcote Avenue, The Haulgh, smashed the world record for the number of points scored in a 24-hour ten pin bowling marathon at the Hollywood Bowl in Bolton. He knocked down 45,558 pins taking just three breaks, easily beating the previous record of 44,695 set two years ago in Miami.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 29, 1977

"THAT" wedding has taken place at last . . . even though officially the bride has not even said "Yes". Coronation Street's Len Fairclough married Rita Littlewood at all Saint's Church, Stretford, in front of a battery of TV cameras and with many top members of the cast there for all to see. Len is late, and limping, and Rita drives around the block waiting. But viewers must wait for an explanation. So far, Rita has kept Len waiting for three episodes . . .

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 29, 1952

SIR,- I feel I must register the strongest possible protest at the deplorable way in which High Stile-st., Kearsley, is lit. It is used as the terminus for the No. 43 bus service, and, naturally, one would expect that a street used for such a purpose would at least be reasonably lit.

It is hard to realize that this street, used by hundreds of bus passengers every evening, is illuminated by just one miserable, flickering gas lamp. Even this lamp is at the farthest possible point from the main road, and is of little or no use at all.

In view of the ever-rising road accident rate, I do plead with Kearsley councillors to take urgent action towards installing adequate illumination in this street. Must we await a tragedy at this spot before the Council springs to attention?

James Ryan, 11, Darley-avenue, Farnworth.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 29, 1902

GOOD Friday in Bolton passed off much in the usual way. Work ceased at most of the mills, foundries, etc., on Thursday night, and until a late hour the officials at the stations were kept busily occupied despatching heavily laden trains to Blackpool, Southport, and other seaside and country pleasure resorts. Unfortunately, in the early part of the day rain fell somewhat heavily. As the day advanced, the weather improved wonderfully, and the afternoon being fine the trams travelling to Horwich and other country districts were heavily laden.

Barrow Bridge and the Jumbles attracted large numbers of people, and in Queen's Park there were crowds of parents and children, and many country people came into the town to spend the day.

The popular time-honoured custom of visiting Rivington Pike was duly honoured. Altogether thousands must have visited the popular elevated spot to breathe in the bracing air. Even after sundown visitors were still trudging up and down, but more than one owner of limbs that were evidently "dead tired" was heard to remark: "Never mind, there'll be th'electric trams; they beat walkin'."