EASTENDER Phil Mitchell and The Office's David Brent are the TV bosses people would least like to work for. When asked to name the TV boss they would least like to work for, 27 per cent of PAs and secretaries named Phil Mitchell. David Brent was a close
ALL contributions to the Angling Column are welcome. Contact Glynn on 01204 439623 or send e-mail to glynn@gkateley.co.uk
THERE are now six qualifying matches left before the Johnny Knowles Leigh Canal Tuesday Open bonanza final on February 24. Anglers need to fish six matches before the bonanza, so anyone who has not fished yet must start next week.
DOE Hey held a cluster of matches over Christmas -- and Bob Fearnhead caused a shock by catching the biggest perch ever recorded from the water when he weighed in a 3lbs 4oz monster. In the same match, Marvin Hyde managed to land a carp of 17lbs 4oz.
Dec 17: 1. Bob Fearnhead 3-3-0, 2. Fred Yates 3-1-0, 3. Ben Martin 2-1-0. Dec 21: 1. Tony Mayoh 11-2-0, 2. Bob Fearnhead 5-14-0, 3. Dave Dobson 5-10-0. Sections: Neville Gregory and Roland Stansfield. Dec 24: 1. Marvin Hyde 18-11-0, (carp 17-14-0), 2.
A BUSY Christmas break saw Kearsley AC's Winter League series continue at Partridge Fisheries. A freezing north-easterly breeze tested the anglers on Ribbon Canal when the fourth round took place on Deecmber 21. With all the framers fishing long poles
IT is shameful for anyone to infer that the current row over a name change for Bolton to Bolton-le-Moors has any link at all with Council elections. This plan is, of course, a well-thought out, practical suggestion that has already met with complete accord
IS it me or does the latest reality TV show on Channel 4 really take the biscuit for bad taste? Shattered started on Sunday involving a motley crew of 12 people who battle against each other for a potential prize pot of £100,000 by staying awake. Each
WHEN will Government finally acknowledge that the British people are deeply unhappy with laws that seem to take away householders' rights and give them to criminals? A Radio 4 poll asking which single change in the UK law people would like to see on the
DRIVING back from Shropshire on Boxing Day we saw many posters announcing "59 PER CENT WANT HUNTING TO CONTINUE". But on the same day, according to photographs in the Bolton Evening News, protesters were claiming that "76 PER CENT SAY NO TO HUNTING".
SOME weeks ago we learned that a vote in Parliament had found two of our members in favour of adding fluoride to our water supply and one against. Of the two, one was for years a member of Bolton Council and thus well aware of the overwhelming opposition
THE Looking Back piece on Rivington recently has brought a response from "loyal BEN reader" Andrew Robert Ferrier. Mr Ferrier says it was misleading to suggest that the Rivington Bungalow was destroyed by the suffragette Edith Rigby on July 8, 1913. "
From the Evening News, January 8, 1904: FEARS entertained in some quarters in Horwich of a further reduction of hands at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Works, have proved only too true. It is now stated that about 130 employees have been selected
SIMON Jones' battle to prove his fitness and earn the final place in the England cricket squad's tour of the West Indies has been given enthusiastic support by potential strike partner Steve Harmison. Glamorgan fast bowler Jones has been sidelined for
DAVE Headon was the first Horwich Cycling Club rider home at the Army CU race in Ripon. He finished 18th overall, with Liam Worthy the next Horwich rider in 22nd. Matt Jones finished second in the youth race, while there was a Horwich one-two for the
DWAYNE Smith's match-saving debut century for West Indies against South Africa on Tuesday could be bad news for Westhoughton Cricket Club. The 20-year-old produced a dream start for his country when he became the first West Indies batsman for 26 years
EAGLE-EYED viewers of The Office will have seen a cheeky reference to singer Sarah Whatmore in the hit TV show. The Worsley star's name was plastered across a poster advertising her forthcoming appearance in a downmarket club. Sarah's career has stalled
EMMERDALE star Sammy Winward has been spotted eagerly shopping in the sales. The Bolton lass was spied rooting through the bargains at USC, on Market Street, Manchester. The Gossip is sure her flurry of energetic money-saving will impress the typically
YOU can see Jay-Jay Okocha in action in the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia later this month. BBC Three is showing live action of most games including Okocha's first game for Nigeria against Morocco on Tuesday, January 27. BBC Three is showing the match
EXTRA police were drafted into Bolton on Wednesday as security was increased for Wanderers' clash with Manchester United which the champions won 2-1. More than 400 officers were deployed across the whole Bolton division, particularly at flashpoints including
WHO rated - and who didn't! WANDERERS 1, MANCHESTER UNITED 2. WANDERERS 4-3-3 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Shared the blame with his defenders for the first United goal but redeemed himself with a couple of excellent second half saves. NICKY HUNT ... 7 Made
GLOBAL warming seems to be changing the nature of Bolton winters. The snow on New Year's Eve turned quickly to slush and there has been a great shortage of those cold, crisp days which give winter an enjoyable tweak. I thought you might appreciate these
THE sales of Peter Kay's live DVD recorded at the Bolton Albert Halls have passed the million mark. This is no surprise to anyone who, like us, bought a copy. We took it to our daughter in New Zealand for Christmas (we were over visiting our new twin
MICK Whelan was crowned new aggregate champion after Royal Ashton fished the final match of the Winter League series last Sunday. Whelan took the honours after picking up only eight points from the six-match series. He finished ahead of Paul Swift, who
STUDENTS from Bolton Dance and Performing Arts College have been appearing in the popular Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the town's Albert Halls. The record-breaking show, which stars local favourite Stu Francis, and Kenny Baker, of Stars Wars, is
GREATER Manchester Waste Disposal Authority has terminated its fridge handling contract with Oldham-based Britannia Import Export Ltd. A spokesman for the authority said the firm, responsible for safely disposing of domestic refrigerators from waste sites
STARDOM is beckoning for a Bolton girl who has earned the chance to perform at the London Palladium. Alexandra Barton, aged 21, of Horwich, landed a leading part in a new West End musical, To Die For, while still a dance student in her final year at the
A NEW town forum is aiming to rebuild a community by organising the first big carnival for over a decade. Tyldesley businessman Michael Norris has set the ball rolling by setting up a Festival Shop linked to his Frank's Cafe premises in Elliott Street
THIEVES have been preying on motorists who leave their keys in the ignition and engines running to defrost their cars. But there is more misery -- those who have had their vehicles stolen in this way not only invalidate their insurance but they could
PEOPLE have had enough time to consider altered plans for the proposed Leigh Sports Village, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been told. Chris Maile, of the Campaign for Planning Sanity, has alleged that Wigan Council altered the proposals over
FROM make-up rep to model, Bolton's Mary Rudkin shows that real women can be calendar girls. Mary, aged 54, of George's Lane, Horwich, joined eight other "ordinary" Virgin Cosmetics consultants from across the North-west, including two from Bolton and
RIVAL managers Sam Allardyce and Sir Alex Ferguson were united in praise of their respective teams after an enthralling match at the Reebok on Wednesday night. For Wanderers boss Allardyce the defeat was tempered by the high level achieved by his players
THERE is little to separate motorbikers Steven Rogers and Kurt Luby as they get ready to enter the second week of the gruelling Dakar Rally. Steven, from Farnworth, and Kurt, from Stoneclough, are around a third of the way through the energy-sapping 6,900
Burnley 7 Bolton 22: A CHANGE of year brought a change in fortune for Bolton RUFC's first team as they came away from Burnley with a well earned victory. New players brought into the side in key positions performeds well gave Bolton a better balance,
TRYING to get a referee to give his views publicly is about as easy as getting Paul Scholes to give an interview. They fear they will be demoted if they say anything controversial. Some buck the trend, but only when they have already reached the top and
COMEDIAN Alan Davies surpassed himself when he laid into Wanderers in his column in The Times. The Arsenal fan described the Reebok Stadium as "hate-filled", Wanderers fans as "emotionally unstable" and referred to Sam Allardyce as Samantha Dyke throughout
THE Rugby World Cup triumph brought England together as a jubilant sporting nation for the first time since 1966. It also whetted the appetite for more national success in other sports. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen this year. The expectations
MEMBERS of Bolton Conservation Volunteers have a packed programme of activities lined up for the New Year. On January 14, 15, 21 and 22 they will be planting a hedgerow in Red Lane, Breightmet. Rawlyn Road allotments get some help building raised growing
FOOTBALL has lost one of its most ardent supporters with the death of Leigh and District Amateur Football League president, Tommy Richards. Mr Richards, 81, of Oak Street, Tyldesley, died early on Monday in a Scarborough hospital where he had been since
MARK Leyland has finished overall winner of the North West cyclo-cross series for the second year running with Horwich team champions again. Mark was backed up by Dave Headon and Ric Sale. Other overall placings were Dave Headon 6th, Ric Sale 7th(1st
FOUR eminent people from the Bolton area have joined Britain's elite in the latest edition of Who's Who. Three Bolton men and one from Leigh have made their debuts in the book, which lists Britain's so-called important people and is published today at
THIEVES have been attempting to break into a house which was engulfed by a fire leaving six children homeless. Claire Schofield, who has five children and her partner David Donaldson, who has a 12-year-old son, have been left with only the clothes on
BOLTON-based pubs chain Yates' has become the latest company to join the Atkins craze sweeping the UK with the launch of a low-carbohydrate menu. Yates', which has 130 pubs across the UK including Bradshawgate, Bolton, and Market Street, Bury, has launched
FOOTBALL legend Roy Hartle is having second thoughts about putting his FA Cup winning medal up for auction. The former Wanderers player said he was becoming concerned about selling the 1958 victory medal because of the memories it held for him. Chester
AN MP is calling for a new dental centre to be built in Bolton to stop thousands of children and adults missing out on treatment. David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, said there were not enough NHS dentists in the town and an easy access surgery is
A SCHOOL teacher suspended on full pay for the past nine years has decided to quit - leaving taxpayers to pay a bill running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Anthony McNally, aged 53, has left his £25,000-a-year post after agreeing a settlement with
TWO men are being quizzed by police after a father-of-three who died when thieves drove over him in his own car at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Tuesday. Michael Howard, 57, from Preston, died after being trapped beneath the wheels of his car. It was
TWICE world darts champion Dennis Priestley will be playing an exhibition match in aid of St Ann's Hospice at the Stopes Tavern, Little Lever, this Friday at 8pm.
WANDERERS, who went into the Christmas fixtures looking relatively comfortable in the top half of the table, are now just four points above the relegation zone. "The injury (to Ricardo Gardner) and the suspension (Per Frandsen) will deplete the squad,
NORTH Walkden under-nines -- who play in the Bolton and Bury Mini-Soccer League B Division -- are looking for a goalkeeper and outfield players. Anyone interested should call Paul on 0161 281 5148 or 07887 506185.
BOLTON Canal will host an open match this Sunday. The draw will take place at the Nob Inn at 9am, with fishing from 10am to 3pm. To book a place, ring Dave Hanson on 0161 761 7441.
MANCHESTER Phoenix have completed the signing of Dutch international forward Mark Bultje from the Amsterdam Bulldogs beating off interest from at least two other Elite League clubs in the process. Thirty-year old Bultje played previously in Manchester
IT must have seemed like drunken fun at the time. Popster Britney Spears married childhood pal Jason Alexander at the Little White Wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Apparently, it was at 5am after a boozy night out and the bride wore torn jeans, bare midriff
SCHOOLS have my sympathy on the junk food dilemma. Vending machines mean much-needed revenue for them. Yet, obesity levels in children are appalling. Now, with the latest news that one in 12 children will be obese by the age of six, some schools are considering
HAVING visited Blackpool recently, I noticed "Free go at classes for New Year" in the local papers. People interested in getting fighting fit in 2004 are being invited to join a free taster class. A body combat class to give people the chance to try out
WHEN was the last time you caught a bus used by secondary school children? If you decide to give it a try, don't expect to find a seat as there won't be any available, and almost none of the schoolchildren will give up their seat for you. If you're old
1800 The first soup kitchens for the poor of London began. 1815 The British, led by General Sir Edward Pakenham, were defeated at New Orleans in the last battle Britain fought against the US. 1824 Wilkie Collins, English pioneer of the detective and suspense
MARK Leyland was the first Horwich Cycling Club member home when he came seventh in the Roses Challenge Cyclo-Cross in Bolton. Ninety-two riders from clubs across Lancashire and Yorkshire descended on Queens Park for the 10-lap race. The winner was Rob
MARK Leyland claimed his second win of the season in the Mersey Roads event at Otterspool Park, Liverpool. Mark came home 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. With four events remaining the victory has put him in contention to win the overall NW League
THERE was a little bit of confusion when steeplejack Fred Dibnah was told of his inclusion in the New Year Honours list. Fred was unsure which award he was actually set to receive when we contacted him. "It's the OBE," he insisted. "It's definitely the
THIS is Sir Ian McKellen as you've never seen him before. Gone are his costumes for X-Men and Lord of the Rings and he appears to have turned yellow. Sir Ian is the latest in a string of stars to appear in an episode of comedy series The Simpsons. The
TOP bands could soon be heading to town after council chiefs approved a £335,000 cash handout to revamp the Bolton Arena. The move could see some of the biggest names in music and comedy playing at the Arena in addition to it staging major sporting events
YOU can see Jay-Jay Okocha in action in the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia later this month. BBC Three is showing live action of most games including Okocha's first game for Nigeria against Morocco on Tuesday, January 27. BBC Three is showing the match
FOOTBALL legend Roy Hartle is having second thoughts about putting his FA Cup winning medal up for auction. The former Wanderers player said he was becoming concerned about selling the 1958 victory medal because of the memories it held for him. Chester
A MYRIAD of admirers regard Sir Alex Ferguson as one of the greatest club managers the world has ever seen. But there are precious few who can claim the respect is reciprocated. Sam Allardyce is one of that select band and the Manchester United manager
WELL done to all involved in the record-breaking panto at Bolton's Albert Halls. Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is the highest ever grossing panto in the town with 30,000 theatregoers expected to attend by the time the run ends. It's a wonderfully traditional
A SCHOOL teacher suspended on full pay for the past nine years has decided to quit - leaving taxpayers to pay a bill running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Anthony McNally, aged 53, has left his £25,000-a-year post after agreeing a settlement with
VOLUNTEERS are required in Bolton's primary schools to help children who are struggling with their reading. The organisation, Volunteer Reading Help, currently has 110 people helping out in 63 schools in Bolton, Bury, Salford and Wigan, but more are urgently
PLANS to carry out £23,000 worth of roofing repairs have been approved by an education boss. Cllr Linda Thomas, Executive Member for Education and Culture, has given the go-ahead for £20,000 of roofing repairs to be carried out at Little Lever Specialist
A MAN appeared in court charged with stealing £350 worth of groceries from Sainsbury's in Bolton. Anthony Culver, aged 22, of Hall Lane, Farnworth, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Bolton magistrates. The court was told that he had been
MASKED armed robbers raided a Ramsbottom bank on Wednesday. Two men entered the Royal Bank of Scotland on Bridge Street at 9am and threatened staff with a knife before escaping with a substantial quantity of cash. The first man is described as 5ft 7ins
YOUNGSTERS from two schools are preparing to take part in a unique arts performance. The Timeline Project, being run by Bolton Music Centre, will see 120 pupils from Crompton Fold Primary School and Withins High School given just five days to learn and
CAMPAIGNING mother Brenda Rowley is backing a major campaign to create new legislation to protect vulnerable adults in care. The crusade for a Care Home Assault Law is spearheaded by TV investigative journalist Donald MacIntyre, a patron of the Astley-based
NEARLY 500 motorists were arrested for drink-driving in Greater Manchester during the Christmas and New Year period. A total of 479 people were detained between December 2 and January 4 -- an increase of six per cent on the same period last year. Officers
LATEST crime figures for Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley show that targets are being met or exceeded to beat burglary, vehicle crime, transport safety, drugs and alcohol, town centre safety and anti-social behaviour. The statistics from Wigan and Leigh
PLANS to build 72 apartments in Blackrod have been refused, despite nearby residents being in favour of the development. Town councillors have recommended refusal, even though local people gave the thumbs up for the application to build nine four-storey
RICARDO Gardner could be out for the rest of the season amid fears that he may have suffered a second cruciate ligament injury in four years. The Jamaican international -- a key defender for Wanderers this season -- was stretchered off just 17 minutes
BOLTON Lads' and Girls' Club is looking for sponsors for an international boxing competition taking place in the town this spring. The Bolton Box Cup will feature young boxers from 12 countries, including Denmark, Austria and Cyprus. Organisers are looking
Cadishead 10 Bolton Mets 12: BOLTON Mets rugby league club notched up a club record fifth successive win with victory at Cadishead Rhinos. The first half saw most of the rugby played in the Rhinos half as the Mets dominated. Tries from Dave Cain and Neil
SHAKERS' caretaker manager Graham Barrow has thrown down the gauntlet to his underachieving charges. He says if any of his players are not prepared for a fight to the death, then they can leave the club. Barrow is disillusioned with the form of his squad
AN ancient Egyptian statuette, bought for £440,000 by Bolton Museum, is to go on public display in the town for the first time later this month. The exhibit, which has been nicknamed the Amarna Princess, returns to take pride of place in the Egyptology
AGEING Hackney Carriages will be forced off Bolton's roads to make way for newer models in a major upgrade of the fleet. Council chiefs are demanding that all taxis aged 15 years or over are taken off the roads and new licences refused for cabs over 10
TWO women who stole cash cards from elderly shoppers to buy goods have been jailed and banned from Bolton town centre for three years. Winifred Heaney, aged 43, and Sharon McDonagh, aged 28, sobbed as they were each jailed for nine months at Bolton Crown
STARDOM is beckoning for a Bolton girl who has earned the chance to perform at the London Palladium. Alexandra Barton, aged 21, of Horwich, landed a leading part in a new West End musical, To Die For, while still a dance student in her final year at the
