A LOOK back at some of the articles published in The Radcliffe Times 50 years ago includes the town's tribute to the war dead half a century after the First World War.

REPRESENTATIVES of a total of 25 organisations from Radcliffe paid tribute to the town's dead in two world wars at the annual remembrance service and parade organised by the local branch of the British Legion on Sunday morning.

On the 50th anniversary of the armistice which ended the fightin gin the First World War several hundred people paraded behind the blue and gold standards of the British Legion, first to St Thomas's Church for a service conducted by the vicar, Rev E N Taylor, and then to the Blackburn Street war memorial for a short act of public remembrance.

The weather, if not the best possible, was kinder than it has been for many of the parades which have been held each year since the armistice in 1918.

SIX performances filled to capacity, two others very nearly booked up, and only one of the 12 live performances presented during the Arts Festival booked below the two-thirds full mark.

This was Radcliffe's sixth and most successful Festival.

A "Carnival of Culture" in the 300-seater Civic Hall which takes its place proudly in line with its five predecessors.

Massive support from the public, hard work and enterprise by the organisers, and brilliant performances by the artistes, combined to make up the ingredients for a feast of a festival.

"This has been the best-ever year for the Arts Festival", said Cllr J L Franks, chairman of the Festival committee. "The enthusiasm on the part of the committee members has breathed into it the fire of life.

"We have more sell-outs than any other previous occasion, aqnd the total attendance has exceeded all others."

The Festival was attended by civic heads of about 15 surrounding local authorities.

The town band concerts, raising and lowering the curtain on the secular events of the Festival, by the CWS Manchester Band and Besses o'th' Barn Band attracted capacity audiences.

So too did Arthur Negus, the well-liked and popular expert on antiques; the Lancashire County Youth Orchestra, and Thomas Round, the popular tenor.

A RECORD number of members and friends attended the Radcliffe Civic Hall on Monday for what is perhaps the highlight of the Rotary year — the celebration dinner in honour of the granting of the club's charter.

About 130 people attended including district officials, the Mayor of Radcliffe, J B Mason and the guest of honour, the National President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, J H Nightingale.