JOIN the Bury Times as we travel back 50 years to the headlines on April 2, 1969, when a summer of huge sporting activity had the town talking. BRAD MARSHAL takes a look back in the archives...

PLANS are being drawn up to make Bury's second Festival of Sport even bigger and more comprehensive.

More than 30 local and regional organisations are to contribute to the festival, which will take place between July and August, featuring a whole "alphabet" of sporting events, and expected to attract thousands of spectators.

Last year's festival, the first of its kind in Bury, was an outstanding success despite the necessary limitations on expenditure.

A programme for this year's 14-day event will be finalised after Easter but looks set to include a host of additional sports.

Events will include snooker, table tennis, judo, cycling, wrestling, skiing, horse-riding and indoor cricket; as well as events for disabled people.

Several venues will used for the festival, however the programme will get underway at Clarence Lido.

The festival is run by Bury's Sports Advisory Council, which was formed tow years ago with the aim of encouraging Bury residents to take an active interest in sport.

Funds for last years festival were restricted to £100 but many organisations taking part helped by providing various facilities and subsidising their own displays and tournaments.

BURY will also further prove its status as a hub of sports and activities next week as at least 100 chess enthusiasts head to the borough for a regional congress.

Players from as far away as London and Newcastle are expected to visit Bury to take part in the Lancashire Chess Association's annual congress.

It is the 10th time that Bury has hosted the congress and so far around 100 entries have been received, including several top players.

TARTAN clad and brimming with Highland spirit a "Gathering of the Clans" took place on Friday when the Bury and District Caledonian organised a dance at the Co-operative Ballroom.

Presidents of other Lancashire and Cheshire societies arrived in their finest and were entertained by the honorary of the Bury Society, Mr P McAllister.

AFTER a lifetime's work in the cotton industry, Mr Joseph Needham, managing director of Peel Mills Ltd, Bury, has retired.

A native of Royton, and now living in Holcombe Brook, Mr Needham had been at the firm for 38 years.

He initially joined as an assistant mule overlooker and worked his way up until, in 1963, he was appointed director.

A retirement ceremony was held at the firm on Monday, with colleagues paying tribute to Mr Needham's 54 years in the cotton trade.

Mr Needham was presented with a camera and flash attachment, an umbrella, and a stainless steel tea service on behalf of staff and the company.

In response he thanked everyone at the mill for their cooperation.