From the Evening News, September 27, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

PUB darts team treasurer Mary Kenmuir loves her job. She has travelled to dozens of pubs in Bolton with the seven men of the Crofters' darts team from Bradshaw. Collecting subs, cheering the lads on - and having a drink with them in the vault - it's all part of the night out.

But the usually happy, sporting atmosphere turned sour the night the Crofters side met opposition from Tonge Moor Conservative Club away from home. For while the men were limbering up, treasurer Mary went to the bar and asked for a drink. That was when the trouble started.

"The stewardess came over and told the man behind the bar not to serve me. I asked why, and she told me that women weren't allowed in there," said Mary. "She said it was a man-only bar, and told me to go into the lounge." Now Mary is planning to see if the stewardess was within her rights.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, September 28, 1951

MR J. Mullard, chip-shop proprietor at one of the four corners of the White Horse cross-roads had just returned from Bolton today with his order of fish, and Mrs Mullard was getting their daughter Mavis ready for school, when, in her own words, "there was a noise of bricks going and windows and all."

A timber-laden lorry owned by R. Laycock and Son, of Burnley, had crashed into the front of the shop and stripped off the wall from eaves to floor. Mr and Mrs Mullard hope to open up again as soon as the property is made safe.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, September 28, 1876

AT Lancaster on Saturday, George Pickup, a bricklayer's labourer, was charged with stealing various articles of bedding, wearing apparel, &c., the property of Joseph Jackson, bobbin turner, of Ulverston. Prisoner, who was 25 years of age, had lodged for about two years at the house of the prosecutor. About nine weeks ago prisoner left there, and prosecutor's wife disappeared about the same time.

Nothing more was heard of them until a few days ago when, in consequence of information which had reached him, prosecutor visited Morecambe, where he found his wife and the prisoner living together, and the room occupied by them was discovered in the property in question.

A warrant was subsequently issued, and the prisoner taken into custody. Prosecutor's wife is 55 years of age, and the mother of nine children. Prosecutor now wished to withdraw the charge, as he considered his wife was quite as bad as the prisoner.

The chairman said that in the case of an old woman of 55 going off with a young man of 25, he considered she was the more guilty party. Prosecutor said that was just what he thought. Prisoner was then discharged.