From the BEN files

1973

SHOWMEN and their families at Bolton's New Year Fair, which opened on Boxing Day, are complaining that they have to live in quagmire conditions. On the Waterloo site, the gaily coloured caravans are standing on a sea of mud, and some are virtually surrounded by water. The showmen have been given supplies of cinders to put on the site if it rains.

From the Evening News,

December 28, 1948

A HEAVY layer of frost gave Bolton the traditional Christmas appearance during the past three days. Some of the surrounding districts had thick fog during Sunday morning, and, in the centre of town, there was little sunshine because of the thick haze overhead. In contrast, many of the higher parts of the town enjoyed well over six hours' continuous sunshine on all three days.

From the Evening News,

December 29, 1873

SIR,- I have a son who has been employed in mills about three years. He is now over 13 years of age. A few days ago he presented himself to Alderman Ferguson to pass him for full time, but he told him he must get plenty of milk a little longer and work half-time only. Now, Mr Editor, I have kept that son with food, clothing and schooling for the times listed above, and I now think it is time he earned his own milk. Therefore I have decided to take him out of the mills and send him in the coal pit after the present year. I may also inform you that the lad in question enjoys good health - he can eat, sleep, and in my humble opinion is now old enough to earn his own milk, and must do so to keep up a supply. Yours respectfully, T. Rushton, 23, Crowther-street, Bolton

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