From the Evening News February 12, 1992

A MULTI-million pound distribution centre is to be built at the Royal Mail in Westhoughton. The bulk mail depot on the Wingates industrial estate will create 100 jobs locally.

UNEMPLOYMENT soared above 2.6 million today after a sharp increase in the number of people out of work.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

February 11, 1977

MORE than 1,000 people attended the National Children's Home annual Festival of Queens in Bolton's Albert Hall last night, when 16 "queens" from the Bolton area, in full regalia, were presented to the Mayor, Counc. James Rigby.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

February 12, 1952

SIR,- I read with disgust in a leading Sunday newspaper that as much as 100 guineas is being asked in London for window accommodation to view the King's funeral on Friday. Large booking agencies have taken over hotel window space in Paddington. One landlady is asking eight guineas per seat for five seats in each of her windows.

It would seem more fitting if the windows of London held drawn blinds on Friday, instead of morbid citizens, who, incidentally, would look much more patriotic and respected occupying a place on the pavement for an occasion of such national solemnity.

To exploit the funeral of the late King in such a manner is not only disrespectful, but, in addition, most disloyal and too disgusting for any further comment. Yours, David Reid. (We have received other letters in which the same protest is made. - Editor.)

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

February 12, 1902

FOLLOWING the falls of snow to which in Bolton we are becoming accustomed, there was a heavy snowstorm on Sunday which occupied nearly the whole day. As a consequence the snow became very deep in places, and locomotion was difficult. The centre of the town, however, and the tram tracks, were kept clear, the cars running as usual. During the afternoon of Sunday the snow descended in almost a blinding storm, pedestrianism being confined to those who had urgent business only. This morning a dense fog overhung the town and added to the sense of general discomfort experienced.

Westhoughton has during Saturday and Sunday experienced a very heavy downfall of snow, which has not been known for many years. Apart from the inconvenience, the effects of the snow on the trees was really grand, and in some rural parts the trees heavily weighted with snow formed a charming aspect in the otherwise unwelcome visitation of wintry , weather.

Horwich lies enveloped in a mantle of snow some six inches deep, and in places the drifts are over a foot deep.