25 YEARS AGO From the Evening News, June 5, 1976

BOLTON'S flying dentists, Mr Jack Powell and his son John, had double cause for celebration at the weekend. They both won prizes in the Blackpool Centenary International Air Rally, which attracted entries from seven countries. Mr Jack Powell, aged 52, of Regent Road, Lostock, won the prize for the longest distance flown without refuelling. He flew a Mooney Executive from Toulouse to Blackpool in 5 hours.

John, aged 30, of Morris Fold Drive, Lostock, flew a Beach Bonanza from Bordeaux to win the Second Lancashire Prize.

However, the £1,000 first prize went to a Maidenhead pilot, with a 7 hour flight from Abbeyville in northern France.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

June 6, 1951

WHEN the Norman Evans show "Over the Garden Wall" returns to the air on Friday, June 15th, it will have a distinct Leigh flavour. The joint producer and script writer, Ronnie Taylor, is a Leigh man who has had a hand as a performer and writer in many notable Northern shows during the last few years, including "Club Night". In the Leigh district Ken Platt has a reputation as a comedian and has done well in his radio appearances in "Variety Fanfare". He comes into "Over the Garden Wall" programme as the 'insurance man", a role which should suit his lively wit.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

June 6, 1876

THE Westhoughton Local Board do not approve of the exceedingly elaborate and highly rhetorical reports presented to them from time to time by their Medical Officer, Dr Gregory. His last reports they have refused to adopt, and they are not to see the light of day if the Board can help it. Moreover, instead of passing the usual resolution renewing Dr Gregory's appointment, they have resolved to advertise for a successor.

AT a meeting of the Waterworks Committee on Monday, a letter was received from the Leigh Local Board asking if the districts of the Board could be supplied with water for a limited period by the Bolton Corporation. It was resolved that the Leigh Board Water Committee be invited to meet the above committee to discuss the matter.