25 YEARS AGO

IT'S no surprise that 'The Golden Shot' has now been switched from its accustomed Sunday afternoon spot to a more humble position on Tuesdays. The show has been getting further and further off target for months. At least Charlie Williams, whose pleasant personality is just not enough to make the tired show formula work, is soon to go back to the type of act which suits him better. Not since Bob Monkhouse has the show had any sort of polish about it.

50 YEARS AGO

FROM time to time, representations have been received by Mr John Lewis, MP, from constituents regarding public air-raid shelters in Bolton in which nuisances have been created and which have been used for immoral purposes. He accordingly wrote to the Home Secretary asking what arrangements could be made to secure the entrances of air raid shelters against access, to prevent their misuse.

In reply, Mr J. Chuter Ede, says that Bolton Council had proposed to brick up the entrances of every air raid shelter for which the local authority remains responsible. However, this was turned down because all over the country it would have been a major job, but particular cases will be considered on their merits.

125 YEARS AGO

IN a provincial town in France - in which country is is an almost invariable rule for managers to engage artists on the condition that they are approved by the public - a young actress, who had met with several stormy receptions, the real reason for which was that, being attached to a young comedian of the troupe, she would not accept any bouquets or billets-doux from her admirers, was about to make her last appearance on trial. When the evening arrived, and she appeared on the stage, she was received with hissings and hootings, and the theatre was 'alive' with apples, beans, and the like. The climax was reached when there fell at her feet a bouquet of hay and thistles, the noise increasing every moment. The poor girl nearly fainted, but the young comedian above mentioned, who was playing in the piece, supported her, and, having led her to a couch, coolly picked up the bouquet. The actor approached his companion, who was crying bitterly, and dropping before her on one knee, said, in a distinct voice, 'Allow me to beg your acceptance of this present, madame. The donor must certainly have deprived himself of his breakfast this morning'. Instantaneously the current of public favor turned, and thunders of applause were heard. The young comedian's presence of mind had saved his fiancee.

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