From the Evening News, August 23, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

HOLIDAYMAKERS who should have been soaking up the Spanish sun were getting all steamed up at Manchester Airport today. The airport was the worst hit by a work-to-rule of Spanish air traffic controllers which has caused long queues at British airports. Manchester was suffering delays of up to 17 hours on flights from Spain, and six hours to Spain.

RECORD crowds gathered today at the grave of the silent screen's greatest lover, Rudolph Valentino, in Hollywood's Memorial Park Cemetery, the 50th anniversary of his death.

THE football season kicked off to a violent start locally with more than 40 fans arrested before and after the Blackburn Rovers v Bolton match.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, August 23, 1951

BOLTON Waterworks Committee has approved in principle a scheme for getting more water from underground, following tests which have been carried out. Experience has shown that Bolton does not have enough water to meet the needs of the town during a dry summer, so tests have been carried out at three sites - two in Belmont and one on the Smithills Hall estate, in the hope of finding more water.

WHO uses Bolton Turkish Baths? Are they essential from a medical point of view, are are the just used by portly old men who wish to keep their weight down?

Bolton Health Committee feels it ought to know, because attendance there is decreasing, and the Committee wishes to know if the Turkish Baths should be kept open.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, August 23, 1876

THE boat Centennial arrived at Liverpool on Monday morning, after a voyage across the Atlantic. She was sailed by a man named Alfred Johnson, a Dane, and left Gloucestershire, Massachusetts, on the 15th June. Johnson is in good health, but suffers from the want of sleep, and his legs are stiff and weak owing to the confinement of the voyage. He is a smart, intelligent man of about 35.

On arriving at New Brighton, he was cheered by the passengers on a ferry boat. He did not land at the landing stage, where a number of people had assembled to meet him, but sailed up the river, and was ultimately met by the proprietors of the Rock Ferry Hotel, with whom he arranged to exhibit his boat in the grounds. The Centennial is 20ft. long, partially flat-bottomed, and has a centre board. The is built in three watertight compartments, and was supplied with provisions for 90 days.

MR Butterworth's well-known troupe of Christy Minstrels pay a visit to the town this weekend, and are announced to give two performances at the Temperance Hall, this evening and on Monday. A good performance is promised, and this, coupled with the reputation gained on previous visits, will no doubt secure large audiences.