From the Evening News, September 30, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

More than 1,000 people at a Bolton church have signed a petition protesting at the proposed making of a film on the sex life of Jesus Christ. The petition, gathered at St Ethelbert's, Deane, will be sent to the British Film Censorship Board. Mrs Veronica Lythgoe, of Longfield Road, Bolton, who is president of the church's Union of Catholic Mothers, has already written to the Queen about the film.

She said today: "There is enough sex and violence in the world. It's hard enough to bring up children without spoiling the image of Jesus, which we hold up as an example."

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, October 1, 1951

THE Bolton and District Swimming and Water Polo Association representatives greatly distinguished themselves by their victory over the Dutch Party from Amsterdam at the Moss-street baths on Saturday. In a run-away win they were successful in nine of the 11 events. The Bolton team contained many of the leading swimmers in the country at the moment.

MORE than 1,200 de Havilland workers crowded their canteen today to hear the "Works Wonders" programme broadcast by their own soloists, accompanied by the works orchestra, conducted by Mr E.H. Wainwright.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, September 30, 1876

THE Borough Surveyor, in his monthly report to the Streets Committee, says: "I desire to call your attention to the condition of the water course and feeders upon the gathering ground in connection with Bolton Moor reservoir. As you are already aware, the water course is severed in Briggs-street, and diverted from its natural course, and during the past month a considerable portion of the main culvert near Gilbert-street has been destroyed by persons desirous of erecting cottages upon the site of the same. A portion of the gathering ground is now covered with buildings, and others are contemplated, and in course of erection, which will necessitate alterations either at the expense of the Corporation or the property owners which cannot longer be delayed if the culverts and water courses are to be maintained."

Alluding to the High Level Roadway, the surveyor says: "Workmen are now preparing the girders of Bark-street bridge to receive the buckle plates. Wallers are continuing the erection of the retaining wall south of St. Helena bridge. The quantity of hard material brought upon the ground suitable for filling in is still limited and prevents progress being made with the works which is so desirable."