Twin-town success story

25 YEARS AGO

IF there was the slightest doubt in anybody's mind about the validity or worth of town twinning links, a four-day stay in Bolton's West German twin town Paderborn, put a conclusive end to them.

The unanimous verdict of a delegation of councillors, officials and Bolton people on returning this week was that twinning can and is working, and could bring endless benefit to many people.

ALL Souls soccer team are the most successful failure in Bolton - and they have got a trophy to prove it. They lost every game they played in the Bolton Boys' Federation last season, but succeed in smiling at every final whistle. They came bottom of their section with no points, 20 goals for and more than 200 against.

Officials of the Boys' Federation were impressed with the way the 13 and 14-years-olds of All Souls accepted defeat week after week and came back for more. So the Federation's special Sportsmanship Trophy - usually given to one person - was presented to the team.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, July 30, 1951

SIR, - I read with disgust of the Finance Committee's desire to end the agreement between Bolton Council and the National Camp Corporation despite the fact that the Education Committee recommended a renewal of the lease of Somerford Hall Camp School only last week.

This is one of the few amenities left to Bolton school children. Many have derived lasting benefit at the school, away from the smoke and grime of industry. Yours, M. Knowles, 9 Southfield-st., Bolton.

SIR, - If Bolton gives up Somerford Hall, it will be lost to us for ever, for some other authority will be quick to take it over. I believe that the number of applicants for next term is large; I know of several children who have been refused places. If the Council wants to economise, it should look elsewhere. Yours, Pro-Somerford.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, July 29, 1876

A MOST brutal and cold-blooded murder was committed on Wednesday, at Seymour Grove, Stretford, not far from the gates of Manley Hall, Manchester. It appears that Nicholas Cook, about 21 years of age, a member of the county constabulary, went on duty as usual on Tuesday.

For some distance along Chorlton-lane he was accompanied by Mr Simpson, a young gentleman whose father, a solicitor, resides in Upper Chorlton-road. Mr Simpson wished Cook 'good night' at the junction, and then proceeded to his own home. He had only walked a little distance, when he heard the report of a firearm. He stopped to listen, and immediately afterw ards there was a second report.

The sounds came from West Point, and thinking all was not right he ran back. He saw Cook lying across the curbstone. Just at this time two other constables came up, and Sergeant Thompson arrived almost immediately afterwards. Cook was raised up, seen to be alive but bleeding profusely. There was no sign of any struggle having taken place, and the wounded man was conveyed to Dr Dill's in Lower Chorlton-road.

Mr Wade, surgeon, was sent for, but in spite of all the attention bestowed upon him, Cook died about half an hour after his arrival at Dr Dill's.

He had been able to speak, though with some difficulty, and he gave certain information upon which the police afterwards acted.

It would seem that the murderer had laid in wait for the constable, obviously knowing at what time he would reach West Point, and had fired point blank at his body. The first shot, it is supposed missed, and then a second shot was fired which struck Cook in the breast.

Acting upon the information conveyed by the deceased, Mr Superintendent Bent took prompt measures to arrest the murderer.

Taking a number of officers with him, he proceeded to Chorlton village and surrounded a house in which three gardener's labourers, named Habron, lived. Three men were arrested and conveyed to the police station.

The reason for the arrest of the Habrons would appear to be that last week one of the brothers was summoned by Cook for drunkenness and was fined. On Tuesday another of the brothers was summoned for a similar offence but the case was dismissed.

It is asserted that one of the men had been heard to utter threats against the constable, and it is supposed that out of revenge he waylaid Cook and shot him.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, July 29, 1976

IF there was the slightest doubt in anybody's mind about the validity or worth of town twinning links, a four-day stay in Bolton's West German twin town Paderborn, put a conclusive end to them.

The unanimous verdict of a delegation of councillors, officials and Bolton people on returning this week was that twinning can and is working, and could bring endless benefit to many people.

ALL Souls soccer team are the most successful failure in Bolton - and they have got a trophy to prove it. They lost every game they played in the Bolton Boys' Federation last season, but succeed in smiling at every final whistle. They came bottom of their section with no points, 20 goals for and more than 200 against.

Officials of the Boys' Federation were impressed with the way the 13 and 14-years-olds of All Souls accepted defeat week after week and came back for more. So the Federation's special Sportsmanship Trophy - usually given to one person - was presented to the team.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, July 30, 1951

SIR, - I read with disgust of the Finance Committee's desire to end the agreement between Bolton Council and the National Camp Corporation despite the fact that the Education Committee recommended a renewal of the lease of Somerford Hall Camp School only last week.

This is one of the few amenities left to Bolton school children. Many have derived lasting benefit at the school, away from the smoke and grime of industry. Yours, M. Knowles, 9 Southfield-st., Bolton.

SIR, - If Bolton gives up Somerford Hall, it will be lost to us for ever, for some other authority will be quick to take it over. I believe that the number of applicants for next term is large; I know of several children who have been refused places. If the Council wants to economise, it should look elsewhere. Yours, Pro-Somerford.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, July 29, 1876

A MOST brutal and cold-blooded murder was committed on Wednesday, at Seymour Grove, Stretford, not far from the gates of Manley Hall, Manchester. It appears that Nicholas Cook, about 21 years of age, a member of the county constabulary, went on duty as usual on Tuesday.

For some distance along Chorlton-lane he was accompanied by Mr Simpson, a young gentleman whose father, a solicitor, resides in Upper Chorlton-road. Mr Simpson wished Cook "good night" at the junction, and then proceeded to his own home. He had only walked a little distance, when he heard the report of a firearm. He stopped to listen, and immediately afterwards there was a second report.

The sounds came from West Point, and thinking all was not right he ran back. He saw Cook lying across the curbstone. Just at this time two other constables came up, and Sergeant Thompson arrived almost immediately afterwards. Cook was raised up, seen to be alive but bleeding profusely. There was no sign of any struggle having taken place, and the wounded man was conveyed to Dr Dill's in Lower Chorlton-road.

Mr Wade, surgeon, was sent for, but in spite of all the attention bestowed upon him, Cook died about half an hour after his arrival at Dr Dill's.

He had been able to speak, though with some difficulty, and he gave certain information upon which the police afterwards acted.

It would seem that the murderer had laid in wait for the constable, obviously knowing at what time he would reach West Point, and had fired point blank at his body. The first shot, it is supposed missed, and then a second shot was fired which struck Cook in the breast.

Acting upon the information conveyed by the deceased, Mr Superintendent Bent took prompt measures to arrest the murderer.

Taking a number of officers with him, he proceeded to Chorlton village and surrounded a house in which three gardener's labourers, named Habron, lived. Three men were arrested and conveyed to the police station.

The reason for the arrest of the Habrons would appear to be that last week one of the brothers was summoned by Cook for drunkenness and was fined. On Tuesday another of the brothers was summoned for a similar offence but the case was dismissed.

It is asserted that one of the men had been heard to utter threats against the constable, and it is supposed that out of revenge he waylaid Cook and shot him.