May 17, 1968

A LOOK back at articles from The Radcliffe Times 50 years ago includes the new appointed councillors, a pensioner's success in the bingo hall and a new church queen.

FIVE new members will take their seats on Radcliffe Council for the first time next Monday following their success in the municipal elections.

All Conservatives, they won four seats from Labour and one from the Liberals, bringing the party's strength up to 14.

Labour retain 18 seats and there are four Independents.

One of the Labour members, Alderman Mason, is to be installed as Mayor at Monday's meeting.

PENSIONER Mary Ogden, a resident of Radcliffe all her life, shouted "bingo" at the Star Bingo Hall, Bury and then learned that she had won £1,000 on a link competition.

She was so excited about her win that she had to be escorted from the hall and taken home by one of the other players.

On Wednesday afternoon she was presented with the cheque by the relief manageress of the bingo hall, Joan Dennison.

Now she and her husband, Harry, both 71, of Coronation Road, Radcliffe, are planning to spend some of the money on a holiday.

Mrs Ogden said: "I wasn't excited when I knew I had a full house but when I heard I had won the £1,000, I just couldn't believe it.

"Somebody had to take me home because I was quite overcome.

"We plan to spend some of the money on a holiday and some on our golden wedding anniversary next year.

"We shall also be treating our son, Leonard, but the main part of the money will be put away so that we can draw on it when we need it."

LINDA Allen, who lives in Radcliffe Road, Bury, was installed as queen of Radcliffe Parish Church Sunday School at a crowning ceremony at the school hall on Saturday.

Linda, aged 13, attends Wellington School, in Bury.

The ceremony began with the singing of the hymn "Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven" followed by the procession of the retiring queen, Phyllida Hopkins. Then came the procession of the queen elect.

They were welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies, David Hodgson, followed by a scripture reading by David Jones.