From the Evening News, July 23, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

SHOCKED councillors who thought a heavy compensation claim against Bolton Council had been dropped, have been told the case is going ahead. It could cost the town more than £100,000.

The authority is being sued by Bolton councillor Frank Waterworth and his brother, Mr J.H. Waterworth, over an eight-acre plot of land at Sharples Hall Farm, although they have now sold the site to a building site, to be developed for private housing.

The claim was served on the council two years ago, after it was decided to lop off the plot from the original plans for the new Sharples High School, to cut costs.

The brothers said the decision not to buy the land meant they lost money as the plot could not be readily sold.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

July 24, 1951

SIR, - I read last week that Bolton was the fourth largest town in Lancashire. Well, I didn't think so on Sunday as I saw the chaotic scenes at Trinity-st. station.

The train was advertised to depart at 11.15. It actually arrived at 11.40, full up. A few got in to stand. A few hundred of us waited for an extra to be put on right away. But no, we waited for another excursion train and finally left Bolton at 12-15, still standing.

Let me say at once I felt sorry for the few workmen on duty. They are not to blame, but they have to bear the brunt of the attack. Here are three suggestions I would offer:-

1. Let us have a modern indicator system to denote platform, destination, etc., and let it be used.

2. Make use of the loud speaker system, especially at the weekend. This is July, 1951. Let us be up to date.

3. A percentage of the day excursions should start from Bolton itself. If they can start from Manchester and Rochdale, I say we should have our share.

I say quite definitely that Bolton is being ignored and by-passed. Come on Bolton, jump to it.

Walter Glynn, 7 Lichfield-ave., Tonge Moor, Bolton.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

July 24, 1876

ABOUT 2,000 scholars and friends of the Bolton Parish Church Sunday School held their annual field day on Saturday. A procession was formed in the Church Institute yard at 2.30, and proceeded past the schools up Churchgate, and along Bradshawgate and Manchester-road, to a large field in George Green-lane, which had been lent by Mr Councillor Crowther. The procession was led by the Halliwell Jubilee Brass Band, followed by scholars carrying a large blue silk flag. The church beadle came next with his staff, and attired in his quaint uniform, and immediately behind walked the Rev. Canon Powell, vicar, other officials and members of the congregation. The procession was brought up by the younger children, conveyed in three wagons, each drawn by two fine horses lent by Messrs Dobson and Barlow. On entering the field the scholars were supplied with a bag containing a piece of raisin bread, and coffee was afterwards served out to them. The afternoon and evening were spent in the usual games, dancing, &c.