It causes more problems than it solves. Having got through Christmas and Eid by spending the minimum amount possible, I now find myself wandering through the town centre looking for a gift for another yearly ritual. Valentine's Day always used to be something
What's on in around Lancashire BARSA Better Driving Course meet Aldi car park, Ewood, 10am. Scrap-Booking, Portfolio, Simmons Street Centre, 12.30pm-4.30pm. Blackburn and Darwen Countryside Services Conservation Saturday, Pleasington Nature Reserve. Details
THE days when totally unregulated corporal punishment was routinely used in many of our schools are thankfully long past. Few regret the passing of what were in reality nothing less than physical assaults, especially where girls were concerned. We must
RESULTS and tables DIVISION ONE Prestwich Hospital A 4, Holy Cross A 14. P W L D Pt Mland Hill 11 10 1 0 162 H Cross 9 7 1 1 128 GMT A 9 7 1 1 109 Metro A 11 6 4 1 103 Central 9 6 2 1 100 Pres Hosp A 12 2 8 2 76 Mid RC A 11 3 7 1 72 Rackets 6 4 1 1 64
SEDGLEY PARK U16 27 VALE OF LUNE U16 0: Sedgley looked sharp from the kick off, running hard and handling crisply, everything done at pace. An unusually weak side from Vale of Lune had no answers. Given an unceasing supply of ball by their pack, the Sedgley
THIRTY-FOUR elderly residents of an Atherton care home were given the shock news that they will have to move. Owners CLS are to close Manor Fold in Bag Lane as part of a major shake-up in provision for older people in the area. All residents will be offered
A HUGE cannabis factory just 80 yards from a police station has been uncovererd - after officers smelled the plants while parking their cars! More than 400 mature plants, capable of producing drugs worth thousands of pounds, were found in a two-storey
A MUSLIM holy man who struck an 11-year-old girl pupil because she could not answer questions about the Koran has been convicted of assault. And the girls family were told their "impressive" stance in following through the prosecution was responsible
BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes is confident Robbie Savage WILL be fit to face Norwich in tomorrow's crucial six-pointer at Ewood Park. Savage was forced to pull out of Wales' international friendly with Hungary earlier this week after picking up
TIM Sherwood today backed Tugay to put the va-va-voom back into Blackburn Rovers' season. Mark Hughes' side go into tomorrow's vital six-pointer with Norwich City as the lowest scorers in the Premier League, having bagged just 21 goals in the top-flight
VICIOUS thugs tried to mug a pensioner in a Burnley underpass. The 67-year-old woman was using the subway under Centenary Way towards the bus station after leaving the Gala bingo hall when she was confronted by five youths. She was pinned to the wall
AN EAST Lancashire couple whose son suffers from a severe muscle wasting disease are urging people to get behind a charity fundraiser to help research into the condition. Bernard and Rachel Mooney's son, three-year-old Ben, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
ANDY Keogh's hesitancy in signing for Scunthorpe United has left Bury boss Graham Barrow in something of a quandary. The talented Irish Under-19 international made a big impression for the Shakers while on loan from Leeds United in recent weeks, but once
MP Robin Cook believes that Pendle could be the ideal spot for Prince Charles to take his honeymoon. The former Foreign Secretary and leader of the House of Commons, was speaking during a visit to Nelson for a public question and answer session. Mr Cook
THERE will be a pre-season meeting at Whitefield Conservative Club on Tuesday, February 15, starting at 2pm.
A GROUP dedicated to fostering a love of France and the French is welcoming more and more people to its monthly meetings. The French Circle, which meets monthly in Leigh, has unveiled a new programme of meetings for 2005. And the message is: "The more
GOLBORNE Chippendale Zacc Harvey will perform his first show in Leigh. The 20 stone bodybuilder, who turned to the sport after his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, will appear at a Ladies' Night in Leigh RU Club on March 4. The 33-years-old muscleman
DIAMOND couple George and Doris Strickleto received a sparking holiday surprise for their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday. At a family party they were presented with tickets for a coach trip to Cornwall in summer. Ex-Grenadier Guard George and Doris
A HUGE cannabis factory just 80 yards from a police station has been uncovererd - after officers smelled the plants while parking their cars! More than 400 mature plants, capable of producing drugs worth thousands of pounds, were found in a two-storey
GOLBORNE Chippendale Zacc Harvey will perform his first show in Leigh. The 20 stone bodybuilder, who turned to the sport after his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, will appear at a Ladies' Night in Leigh RU Club on March 4. The 33-years-old muscleman
FLICK through a UK holiday brochure and there will be a recurring theme - virtually no mention of East Lancashire.However, plans are afoot to change this, with the news the East Lancashire Partnership (ELP) is trying to put the region on the tourist map
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has backed a new campaign which sets out peoples' rights to defend themselves against burglars and thugs. Householders who injure or even kill intruders are unlikely to be prosecuted - providing they were acting "honestly and instinctively
A BRAVE Prestwich postmaster refused to back down when he came face-to-face with a masked gunman. The raider demanded money when he burst into Holyrood Post Office at closing time. But when the branch manager refused, he was hit over the head with the
A WHITEFIELD schoolgirl battling against illness has been granted her wish of swimming with dolphins. Jade McDermott (13) will fly out to Florida with her mum, stepdad and older sister Rebecca to visit Discovery Cove where she will be able to touch, play
FUN in the country is one of the memories Mr Allan Crossley has of his childhood in Radcliffe. Allan, who now lives in Little Lever, wrote down some recollections of life as a youngster living off Bolton Road in the 1930s and 40s. One of his strongest
STEVE Cotterill is hoping to be a father figure to Michael Duff for many years to come. The Burnley boss has enjoyed a close relationship with Duff dating back to their days together as manager and player striving to turn former non-league minnows Cheltenham
BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes is confident Robbie Savage WILL be fit to face Norwich in tomorrow's crucial six-pointer at Ewood Park. Savage was forced to pull out of Wales' international friendly with Hungary earlier this week after picking up
SHAKERS 0 SHREWSBURY TOWN 0 by Phil Thorp: Shakers boss Graham Barrow is going striker hunting before Saturday's game at Boston United, and on this showing he has got his priorities right. For the second successive home clash in a matter of days his overstretched
The Ministry of Housing agreed to lift Radcliffe Council's housing allocation for the year from 40 to 60, following protests from members of the housing committee. Thirteen-year-old Radcliffe girl Carol Davison, of Beech Avenue, Outwood, was to visit
FARES for concessionary bus, tram and rail passengers have been increased for the first time in nearly four years. New charges agreed at the annual meeting of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority will see the maximum bus fare rise from 40p
The father of a young boy killed by a banned motorcyclist has welcomed plans for tougher punishments for death crash drivers. Joe Dean, from Stoneclough, is backing moves for a new offence of causing death when disqualified, which could attract longer
A PLAN to redevelop Radcliffe is going through the final stages of consultation before work begins. Residents of the town met at the area board on Monday 7 to look at maps of what Bury Council proposes Radcliffe might look like after the multi-million
PLANS to convert a barn into two homes at a Ribble Valley tourist attraction have been deferred by councillors. Ribble Valley Council's planning committee postponed a decision on plans to build homes at Bowland Wild Boar Park, near Chipping, until they
A FORMER pet shop boss has been told he faces jail after admitting 17 charges of animal cruelty. Damien Lawrence, 32, of Warner Street, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by not providing the animals with proper care and attention
ATHERTON WI had a double taste of Malaysian culture provided by Chandra and Richard Law. Chandra showed a Malaysian wedding basket and explained why each item was there and what happened to them after the wedding when the basket was presented to the bride's
A MOTORIST was taken to hospital after being involved in a road traffic accident in Leigh. The man was driving a white Vauxhall Astra Merit when it collided with a white Ford Transit van on Atherleigh Way, at 7.10am on Monday. The driver of the Astra
TWO musicians have kick-started the change in local entertainment they wanted to see. Last year Lowton guitarist and harmonica player John Ridyard and Gordon Shaw, who together make up the duo "The Big Ask" wanted to provide a platform for players at
AN award-winning Atherton school has received its fourth national accolade. St Phillip's CE Junior School has added the Basic Skills Agency Quality Mark to its roll of honour. Director of the Agency Alan Wells presented the plaque after meeting staff
A GROUP dedicated to fostering a love of France and the French is welcoming more and more people to its monthly meetings. The French Circle, which meets monthly in Leigh, has unveiled a new programme of meetings for 2005. And the message is: "The more
AN investigation is underway after a Leigh man was found dead in his prison cell. David Strike, aged 28, was found hanged with a ligature made of bedsheets last Thursday evening at HMP Wymott, near Preston. The prisoner was serving six years for grievous
RADCLIFFE Brass Band is holding a concert to raise money for the Tsunami Disaster Appeal. The band, along with the St Thomas' AOD Society, will be holding the event at Radcliffe Civic Suite on Saturday, February 19. The musical evening will begin at 7.30pm
TWO men "ambushed" a teenager in Radcliffe and stole a necklace. The incident happened last Thursday (3) in Chestnut Fold between 3.30pm and 3.45pm. The 15-year-old was stopped by the thieves who blocked his path and took the silver necklace. The offenders
PUPILS from Radcliffe Primary School dug deep into their pocket money allowance to raise more than £700 for the Tsunami Appeal. The school, in Coronation Road, collected £724 after the pupils returned from their Christmas break and took home collection
YOUNGSTERS in Radcliffe with the same name as a famous footballer could soon be off the bench to help launch a new version of Subbuteo. Hasbro, the manufacturers of the game, are looking for 11 young people who share their names with top football stars
HEALTH watchdogs are urging people in Radcliffe to give a little of their time to help ensure a healthy future for the NHS. Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIF) across the north west are using 2005 - the "Year of the Volunteer" - to encourage
YOUNGSTERS are getting their hands dirty to gain experience of working life. Year 10 and 11 pupils at Radcliffe Riverside School have started taking part in engineering workshops through a special academy, based in Horwich. The centre caters for 20 young
TWO musicians have kick-started the change in local entertainment they wanted to see. Last year Lowton guitarist and harmonica player John Ridyard and Gordon Shaw, who together make up the duo "The Big Ask" wanted to provide a platform for players at
POLICE in Lancashire have launched an advertising and leaflet campaign to make people aware of new stop and search laws. Officers must give the person they search a record of their actions even if they are only stopped and asked to account for their actions
THEY may have fallen at the first hurdle in this year's competition but John Coleman is still hoping to benefit from an FA Cup run. Exeter City's FA Cup run. The Accrington Stanley manager is hoping the Grecians - fresh from their historic two games with
SEDGLEY Park player-coach Tim Fourie has been dealt a blow with the news that new second row signing Louiz Holtzhausen, who has made just one substitute appearance for the first team since arriving from South Africa, has picked up a new injury. The big
A READER in Wales is looking for information about a relative who was killed in the First World War. Carol Fahey wants to find out more about her great uncle Thomas Fox, whose name is one of those listed on Radcliffe war memorial. As well as a general
AN award-winning Atherton school has received its fourth national accolade. St Phillip's CE Junior School has added the Basic Skills Agency Quality Mark to its roll of honour. Director of the Agency Alan Wells presented the plaque after meeting staff
SCHOOLCHILDREN across the borough have raised thousands of pounds to help the victims of the Tsunami disaster. Students at Atherton St Georges Primary School raised £600 when they held a non uniform day last month. The money has gone towards an appeal
PRIZE fund £1,350 winners £500 (subject to entries) qualifiers (12 noon), Saturdays and Sundays, April 30, May 1, 7, 8. Final eight pairs Sunday May 15 (noon). Entry fee (64 pairs limit) £10 per pair with SAE to Mr Kenyon, 1 Hillcrest Road, Prestwich,
In response to Stampede Fears at Dentists', (February 8) which states that a new surgery will very soon be opening up in Blackburn's old Visitor Centre, with five dentists. So that's Blackburn five and Darwen nil. Perhaps Blackburn with Darwen Council
MAY I suggest the future for England is to follow the example of say Switzerland. As a republic, we could get rid of our few remaining colonies, leaving the European Community and the United Kingdom We should keep out of foreign wars by following a policy
I AM writing to ask readers to get romantic for a great cause on Valentine's Day. Did you know that 2.7 million people live with heart disease in the UK but that many just can't get access to the support and care they need? The British Heart Foundation
IT comes as no surprise to know that this country is in the midst of a blame culture and drivers are in the midst of it. Most drivers in this country, drive at an appropriate speed in any given circumstances. It's part of the human condition - even if
KNEE-JERK reactions are always unadvisable. And judging by the moans and groans coming from some supporters at the moment you would think Burnley are locked in a tailspin of cataclysmic proportions. Three league games without a win amounts to a disaster
HILTON Park stadium manager Malcom Stocks is predicting an historic day. Three months of off-field preparation will be put the test on Saturday evening when Leigh run out for their debut Super League game against Huddersfield. Mr Stocks says: "The eyes
THE Turnpike Community Theatre are seeking actors to perform the work of Leigh's award winning playwright Julie McKiernan in summer. Her work "Seeds of Discontention" will form part of their June production which will showcase pieces from local writers
STARS past and present from the world of sport are rallying round to help an East Lancashire woman say 'thank you' to the hospital which saved her life. Joyce Pickles, a former marketing manager at Burnley Football Club, suffered a perforated bowel and
THERE were one or two familiar faces to greet Gary Harkins when the Blackburn Rovers midfielder checked in for his first training session with the Shakers on Wednesday morning writes PHIL THORP. The 20-year-old Scot who signed for the club on a month's
A TEENAGER who flouted a community punishment and rehabilitation order is behind bars for three months. Burnley Magistrates heard how Jason Hallim, 19, wilfully and consistently failed to do the order, imposed last July for excess alcohol and dangerous
PENDLE'S fledgling tourism industry will get a boost from a planned holiday village on the outskirts of Nelson, it is claimed. Smartland Ltd has applied to Pendle Borough Council for permission to build up to 130 log cabins with a restaurant, bar, swimming
LEIGH Literary Society will hear the Rev Chris Byworth give an illustrated talk on "Ancient Iraq and Its Civilisation" at the February 14 meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm. Admission for non-members is £1.50.
WHEN author Geoff Lee lived in Leigh during 1961 the town certainly made an impression on him. It figured in his novels 'One Winter' and 'One Spring' and continues in his third "One Summer", which will be published next month. As a BICC apprentice, St
A MUSLIM holy man who struck an 11-year-old girl pupil because she could not answer questions about the Koran has been convicted of assault. And the girls family were told their "impressive" stance in following through the prosecution was responsible
SCHOOLCHILDREN across the borough have raised thousands of pounds to help the victims of the Tsunami disaster. Students at Atherton St Georges Primary School raised £600 when they held a non uniform day last month. The money has gone towards an appeal
DETECTIVES who made a TV appeal in a bid to solve a 20-year-old murder are sifting through information from viewers, confident that the killer will be brought to justice. They hope the information wil provide vital clues in the hunt for a killer who strangled
THERE will be no pubs which will stay open for up to 24 hours - that is the verdict of council chiefs and publicans in Leigh. Pubs and clubs can now apply to council chiefs to extend their opening hours in the biggest shake up of licensing laws by the
WORK at Shakerley Community Centre will be drastically hit if proposals to cut community social workers are given the go-ahead. Following an emergency meeting, members of Shakerley Community Partnership are rallying support to save the key worker they
UP before the bench: William Edwards, Empress Drive, Leigh. Failure to send children to school. Twenty-eight days imprisonment, suspended for six months, costs £50. Jacqueline Edwards, Empress Drive, Leigh. Failure to send children to school. Twenty-eight
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill has vowed not to waste his transfer kitty on "quick-fixes". Cotterill was today still waiting to discover if two cash bids he has lodged for new targets will reap dividends over the coming days As we revealed in later editions
BLACKBURN Rovers missed a trick in the January transfer window when they decided against bidding for Dean Ashton. At a time when we are struggling for goals up front, Ashton could have been just the man to breathe new life into our flagging season - just
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill has vowed not to waste his transfer kitty on "quick-fixes". Cotterill was today still waiting to discover if two cash bids he has lodged for new targets will reap dividends over the coming days As we revealed in later editions
ALL-DAY drinking may not be as widespread in the borough as some fear, according to town hall bosses. New laws which abolish standard pub opening times came into force on Monday when councils took over alcohol licensing powers from magistrates. Councillor
PARENTS of youngsters at Christ Church CE in Ainsworth can be sure that staff are getting the basics right. For the school has been presented with the Government-backed Basic Skills Primary Quality Mark for the first time. The award is made on a three-yearly
MORE drink-drivers than ever before are attending education courses in a bid to have their bans reduced. Statistics have revealed that last year 104 motorists in Bury convicted of driving over the legal limit participated in the courses. It followed a
SCHOOL pupils across Britain are to use to a CD-ROM about former Darwen soldier Jack Banks as part of lessons about World War Two. The move was announced in a special tribute afternoon at his former primary school, Holy Trinity. And Jack's sister, Jean
A TINY primary school in East Lancashire has cooked up a storm with its new improved lunchtime menu. And education bosses are so impressed with the tasty treats cooked up by Tockholes CE Primary School, in Darwen, that it is being held up as an example
A RETIRED couple who fled their Spanish hotel room just before a bomb exploded have told how they were only seconds from being killed or seriously injured. Sabden pensioners Bill and Joan Wallace's fifth floor hotel room was directly beneath the bomb
MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform Rawtenstall have been revealed today. Investment will be on a scale never seen before - between £30million and £50million. More than 1,000 new jobs will be created and the Rawtenstall economy will be given a boost
LEIGH Literary Society will hear the Rev Chris Byworth give an illustrated talk on "Ancient Iraq and Its Civilisation" at the February 14 meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, at 7.30pm. Admission for non-members is £1.50.
ASTLEY WI heard Helen Coffey, Wigan Council's network co-ordinator for older people, give a recommended talk on "Building the Future Together". Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month in the Pensioners' Centre, Manchester Road, Blackmoor
THE Turnpike Community Theatre are seeking actors to perform the work of Leigh's award winning playwright Julie McKiernan in summer. Her work "Seeds of Discontention" will form part of their June production which will showcase pieces from local writers
MEAN thieves have stolen a matching pair of bikes belonging to two brothers. When Thomas Smith, eight, and James, seven, went to get their machines from the garage after school on Monday they discovered they were missing. The small mountain bikes were
DANCERS from the Glenda Ann School of Dancing have picked up certificates to mark their hard work. Ballet dancers of all ages from the Ainsworth-based school obtained their grade awards from the Royal School of Ballet after taking exams at the end of
UNDER-14s in Radcliffe will have the chance to dance this Saturday. The VIP club in Church Street West will be holding a Valentine's disco, for 11 to 14-year-olds. The fun lasts from 7pm until 10pm, and admission is £2. All those who wish to attend must
A MAN and a friend ran off when they were told to hand over their mobile phones and wallets by a gang of teenagers. They were approached as they walked across the canal footbridge off Spring Lane, Radcliffe. The offenders were said to be aged between
COULD there be a Billy Elliot in Radcliffe? Well, talented lads aged ten to 14 are invited to an open audition for the lead part in the West End production of Billy Elliot. Auditions for the roles of Billy and Michael take place on Saturday at the Zion
A ROCK group made up of Bury Council employees play a gig on February 17 in aid of the tsunami relief appeal. The seven-strong Sound Alliance, who have previously performed at Radcliffe Civic Suite and at the Castle Leisure Centre, make their re-appearance
RADCLIFFE will host an international women's week in March and are now organisers are looking for ladies to be pampered! Community groups in the town will be holding workshops, group sessions and presentations. Other ideas are being sought and volunteers
ASTLEY WI heard Helen Coffey, Wigan Council's network co-ordinator for older people, give a recommended talk on "Building the Future Together". Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month in the Pensioners' Centre, Manchester Road, Blackmoor
A HOSPITAL chief executive who spent 14 months off work sick has spoken of his sadness at having to resign. East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that John Thomas had agreed to retire on grounds of ill health. But neither the Trust or Mr Thomas
DOG lovers may be delighted to learn that Max the black cross breed who featured in this column after being pushed from pillar to post and treated cruelly has found a good new home - I hope. Susan Taylor the from Prevent Unwanted Pets charity tells me
AN Astley villager of 35 years has written to me in a bid to upgrade my impression of the village today. He says it is still a pleasant place to live despite reports of vandalism, which actually goes on everywhere. However, he wanted to correct the address
A PENSIONER concerned about the safety of children playing near a Leigh school picked up three boxes of discarded hypodermic needles at the weekend. He found the black Sharpsafe boxes in Coal Pit Lane near St Paul's Junior and Infants' School in Westleigh
GROUND safety regulations have meant that all Leigh's home games in Super League will be all-ticket. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office before each game or on-line. Ticket sales will continue up to and including the day before all fixtures
POLICE have released a CCTV picture of two men who may hold vital clues about the murder of Robert Johnston. The 39-year-old, who worked as a foreman at Briggs Demolition in Bury, was repeatedly kicked and stamped on in a frenzied attack in Bolton town
