THERE was bad news and good news when council chiefs announced their new charges for using Bolton's sports and leisure centres: 10 YEARS AGO From the Evening News November 25, 1995

The bad news is that some fees will go up above the rate of inflation... the good news is that a new discount scheme is being introduced which will give big reductions for thousands of users.

BOLTON'S most prized historic treasures could be housed in the heart of the shopping centre, the Bolton Evening News can reveal today.

Tory leader Cllr Norman Critchley's novel idea to keep famous textile machinery in Bolton has the backing of the manager of the appropriately-named Crompton Place.

Cllr Critchley believes Samuel Crompton's Mule and James Hargreaves' Spinning Jenny should be sited in full view of the shopping public.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

November 26, 1980

BOLTON'S Beverley Road Church is to close because of rising costs and a dwindling congregation.

The building was erected by the Independent Methodists in 1902 to accommodate nearly 400 people but current attendance figures have shrunk to about 16.

SPOTTED on TV playing the trumpet at the Royal Command Variety show was Bolton man Derek Healey. Derek was at one time with Bolton Palais Band before becoming a session musician in London.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

November 26, 1955

IN a general discussion in a Bolton office yesterday, several ratepayers revealed that they did not know that the local rate had been reduced earlier this year. It would appear that quite a number of ratepayers have not felt any difference although for some time, extremely few authorities have been able to do other than make increases.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

November 26 1905

THE well-known face of Edward Holland (24), labourer, 10, Moncrieff-st., was seen at the Borough Court, this morning, when Mr. J. H. Hall, in prosecuting, explained that Holland was charged with the parrot trick again.

Prisoner met Robert Knowles, 25, Beaconsfield-st, on October 31st, and after some preliminary remarks observed that he was the son of a Mr. George Russell, who had been a friend of the Knowles's for forty years. He further said he had been away from home for seven years "soldering", and was now on furlough, and had brought three parrots back with him.

His mother wanted him to give Knowles a parrot in memory of his father, and said that if he would give him 2s. 6d., he could get a cage for it. Believing him to be a son of the late Mr. George Russell, Knowles gave prisoner the money.

Mr. Hall: You never got the cage, or anything, did you? Knowles: No. Mr Hall: Except experience?