A LOOK back at some of the articles published in the Radcliffe Times 50 years ago includes a fire that gutted a grocery warehouse, Radcliffe's Carnival Queen event and the official opening of Radcliffe's new swimming baths.

FOLLOWING a mystery blaze which gutted the premises and caused at least £200,000 worth of damage, the Radcliffe wholesale grocery warehouse of Lonsdale and Thompson Ltd is to be rebuilt and brought into use again within three to six months.

Meanwhile the firm is to carry on business from temporary premises in the district.

A spokesman said: “We are anxious to retain our close personal touch with the area.”

More than 70 firemen fought the mystery blaze which started late on Thursday evening last week and gutted the storerooms and offices and destroyed the stock.

The warehouse in Bury Road is the headquarters for a large wholesale grocery chain with branches all over England.

Fire crews waged a three-hour battle to bring the blaze under control.

THIRTY-FOUR queens from as far away as Todmorden, Leigh, Oldham and Tideswell attended the Radcliffe Carnival Queen’s “At Home” on Saturday in the Civil Hall.

Several of the queens hold titles other than their town titles, including Jane Taylor, of Leigh, who is Deputy Miss United Kingdom.

More than 250 people were present and dance music was provided by the Al Parker set.

LOCAL swimming starts Peter and Pauline Sillett will be the first swimmers to take the plunge in the new baths tomorrow.

There will be an official opening ceremony at 11 o’clock by Mr Anthony Greenwood, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, followed by a demonstration swim by six members of the Radcliffe Swimming Club.

The boys and girls – aged from five to 16 – will then compete against Peter and Pauline Sillett in a squadron race.

Members of the public will be able to take their first dip in the new baths at two o’clock tomorrow afternoon. The old Whittaker Street baths close tonight after the evening session.

THE premier award of the Ministry of Health – a gold badge – and an iced cake were presented to 39-year-old Mr Sydney Williams, of Spring Lane, Radcliffe, on Monday evening.

The badge was given in recognition of the 50 blood donations he had made to the National Blood Transfusion Service in the past 20 years.

It was the first presentation in Radcliffe of the Ministry’s gold badge.

The ceremony was performed by the Mayor, Councillor A. Shea prior to the monthly meeting of Radcliffe Council at the Town Hall.