25 YEARS AGO

SOME Asian grocers in Bolton are increasing the prices of their national foodstuffs by up to as much as 400 per cent, it was claimed today. The charge was made by another group of Asians who have formed themselves into the Asian Consumers' Watchdog Committee.

NEWS that the local government shake-up in April will delay the controversial Manchester fluoride in the water scheme was welcomed in Bolton today. This means that Bolton will now have a bigger say in the ultimate decision on the introduction of the chemical to our water supply.

50 YEARS AGO

BOLTON Wanderers' fine displays this season are receiving the support they merit. At a rough estimate, 900,000 people have seen the Wanderers' 25 league games. Twelve of them have been decided at Burnden Park, and a total of 421,593 spectators have paid for admission to watch them. Add season ticket holders and complimentaries and the figure reaches the 450,000 mark.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, January 8, 1874

ABOUT ten minutes to three o'clock this afternoon, a terrible boiler explosion, resulting in shocking loss of life, and great destruction of property, occurred at the Atlas Forge, belonging to Mr Alderman Walmsley, in Bridgeman-street, Bolton. The work of this vast establishment was proceeding calmly and methodically, when a loud report which shook the whole neighbourhood, was heard. After the booming reverberation had finished, and the cloud of dust and steam has passed away, the wreck that was discernible was most complete. Bodies of men and boys who were a few minutes working in the vicinity of the boiler were found lying amongst the ruins. Large crowds of persons assembled in Fletcher-street, Bridgeman-street, and the adjoining outlets to the scene of the terrible catastrophe as news of the explosion spread like wildfire. It is understood that six men were killed and many injured.

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