Lancashire nostalgia in 1988: Big red book for Tom Finney; golf club homes; and 'face of Christ'

Here's a look at some of the stories that were making the headlines back in 1988:
Tom Finney receives his big red book for appearing on This Is Your LifeTom Finney receives his big red book for appearing on This Is Your Life
Tom Finney receives his big red book for appearing on This Is Your Life

Tom gets his name in the big red book!

Tom Finney, Preston’s most famous sporting son, has won yet another accolade.

For Finney is the latest subject of the television show This Is Your Life.

Coun Dennis Kehoe was one of the councillors to express concern at the plans to convert properties on the golf clubCoun Dennis Kehoe was one of the councillors to express concern at the plans to convert properties on the golf club
Coun Dennis Kehoe was one of the councillors to express concern at the plans to convert properties on the golf club
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The former Preston North End and England winger, rated by many as the greatest footballer of them all, will appear as a guest of honour on the national ITV programme.

Finney was invited down to London last week on the pretence of appearing on a football talk show.

But after arriving at the Teddington Lock studios, he was pounced on by the new This Is Your Life presenter Michael Aspel.

Finney, who admitted he “knew nothing in advance” said: “It was a great thrill for me, especially to meet up again with my old colleagues and opponents, some of which I hadn’t seen since the 50s.”

The 'face of Christ' as seen in the marble slab found by John GillibrandThe 'face of Christ' as seen in the marble slab found by John Gillibrand
The 'face of Christ' as seen in the marble slab found by John Gillibrand
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Look back at a selection of pictures from 1988 here

Golf club homes are given the go-ahead

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Two formers golf club staff houses are to be converted into three private dwellings - despite the reservations of local councillors.

Local firm Hemm Inns, which owns the private Ingol club, Preston, has got the go-ahead after searching questions from members of the town’s planning committee.

“There is a feeling among golfers that there will eventually be nothing but houses in that area,” said Coun Dennis Kehoe.

But the council’s planners said this conversion of buildings at the former Ingol Head Farm, Walker Lane, was different to a recent application from the firm for houses on the edge of the course itself.

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These houses, which were no longer required for the greenkeeper and course manager, were in an already built-up area.

But Coun Ken Hudson protested that they were going to lose what were, in effect, tied cottage for horticultural workers - the only reason permission was given for the conversion in the first place.

Labour Coun Albert Richardson said this comment sounded good coming from the Conservatives, who had been selling off council houses in the countryside.

‘Face of Christ’ is seen in marble slab

An image claimed to resemble the face of Christ was discovered by a Lancashire man in a marble slab he was working on.

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John Gillibrand, who owns Gillibrand Fireplaces in Blue Bell Place, Church Street, Preston, said: “I have never seen anything like it in 48 years in the business.

“It looks like the image of Christ - the eyes and nose are there, and the beard. It measures about three inches long.

“It frightened us to death when we first saw it. But everyone is amazed when they see it for the first time.

“I have shown it to other people in the trade and also church people and everyone says that they have not seen anything like it.”

The pink-brown marble, measuring 24 ins by 12 ins, was imported from Portugal several months ago.

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