Bolton Scene
The newspaper for the Bolton family
www.bolton.gov.uk
Issue 96 May 2009
Working hard
for economy
BUILDING work has begun on
several important schemes for
the Bolton economy.
And as the cranes go up the council is
developing plans to support local businesses and residents.
Cranes reach into skyline
● Bolton looks to the future
●
this issue
SWINE FLU: For the latest health advice turn to
page 2.
ROADSIDE TRIBUTES:
Have your say about plans
to commemorate those
who pass away on Bolton’s
roads. Turn to page 2.
STREET DRINKING:
Bans on drinking in public
have come into force in
Great Lever and Tonge
Moor – page 7.
CARE SUPPORT:
For plans to help support
an ageing population see
page 10.
Work has started on the campus for Bolton
Community and Bolton Sixth Form colleges,
bringing £90m worth of investment to the
town. The scheme is the first stage of the
£300m Innovation Zone to transform the town
centre.
WATER SAVINGS:
How new water dispensers have saved
money and carbon
dioxide emissions.
Turn to page 11.
Building has also started on new multi-storey
car parks – one as part of the campus development
but also open to the public and the other off the
new slip road off Topp Way.
The new college buildings will mean students will
have the best education and skills training to make the
most of opportunities as they develop.
Planning permission has also been given for the new
health, leisure and research complex, including a swimming pool. As well as providing employment the centre
will improve the health of local people, an aim of the
council and its partners.
A £4m makeover of Bolton railway station has also
been announced. The work to Trinity Street station and
the car parks will improve transport links into the town
centre. The council is also investing £4.5m in a major
road to improve access to developments in the zone.
Half a million pounds cash boost will be invested to
help the local economy fight back against the recession.
A package to support local businesses and local people
is being developed as Bolton Scene is being delivered.
It could provide funding for homebuyers struggling to
get on to the property ladder, and expand an existing investor fund for businesses. The council’s services to
businesses and people who are unemployed – Business
Bolton and The work shop – have also been strengthened to help the borough weather the current economic
recession.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of the Council, was
keen to remain upbeat despite the economic crisis.
"Major developments are still on track and no-one has
pulled out,” he said.
"We have to be realistic about the economic situation
but with that comes a necessary dose of optimism.”
For the latest about current and planned schemes
turn to page 5.
INSIDE
MAYOR’S OFFICE:
What the Mayor and
Deputy Mayor do – page
12.
CRUCIAL SERVICE:
For how the council works
to help young people keep
themselves and those
around them safe see page
13.
CHAMPION SUPPORT:
Potential Olympic and
world champions now
have extra support. Turn
to page 16.
BUILDING WORK: The Deane Road site has become a hive of activity.
See inside
See ENCLOSED your copy of the
Bolton Community College
How the
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keep Bolton
BoltonorCommunity
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How
can help your business
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www.boltoncollege.ac.uk
2 Bolton Scene
Something
for everyone
in town centre
Volunteers make
crime pledge
VOLUNTEERS are signing up to tackle
crime and antisocial behaviour.
They have pledged their support to the
‘Engaging communities in fighting
crime’ scheme. Bolton is one of the pilot
areas.
They will now be given information,
guidance and support to work more
closely with the council, the police and
other agencies.
The volunteers will learn how to get
the best out of the system by knowing
what to do when they spot a potential
problem in their community; how to work
with agencies like the police and the
council and how to hold such agencies to
account where necessary.
Councillor Elaine Sherrington, Bolton
Council’s Executive Member for Cleaner,
Greener, Safer said: “We aim to demystify the criminal justice system through
the ongoing programme which will enable people who are already interested in
reducing crime to work with us more in
the future.”
Young people
have their say
CHILDREN and young people are having a big say in the services provided for
them.
The council will be working with Connexions education social workers and
Bolton Lads and Girls Club to improve
the chances of children and young people
for a better future. By reviewing current
services the council is always looking for
improved ways of offering services, to
make them cost effective and well-received by users.
Children and young people who use
these services will have a say in the review as well as staff, unions, new and existing partners, schools and others
affected by education social work.
Councillor Ebrahim Adia, Executive
Member for Children’s Services said: “All
of the activities and services provided by
the partners achieve both local and national targets with the commitment and
dedication shown by everyone. Children
and young people who use their services
will have a big say in how they are provided.”
Easy way to get
a school place
PARENTS can apply online for their
child’s school place later this year.
The admissions process for pupils
starting a new school in September 2010
gets underway in August. An admissions
pack will be sent out to all those who
have registered for their preferred
school, including full details of how to
apply online.
Those who have not yet identified a
preferred school for their child can still
make sure they will receive a pack by
contacting Bolton Council’s school admissions team on 01204 332143 or 01204
332092.
The online school admissions system
has proved really popular in Bolton with
more than half of all parents and carers
applying online last year. It’s secure, easy
to use and takes very little time to complete. Parents receive an instant email
confirmation so they can be sure that
their application has been received, and
can make changes to their application
right up until the closing date.
Those who don’t have a computer at
home can access the system for free in
Bolton’s libraries. People can still apply
using the traditional paper method if they
prefer.
MUSIC, comedy and dance are
just some of the attractions in
Bolton town centre in the next
month.
Already a spectacular smokebreathing dragon; fantastic drum-
AIR TUMBLERS: The Black Eagles acrobatics team wowed
shoppers last month with breathtaking acrobatics and an energetic dance routine set to African
music.
mers and a mighty robot have entertained Saturday afternoon
shoppers. They’re all part of the
council’s aim to attract more visitors to the town centre.
Events to come are:
- The musical stilt walkers of
Prince Mint and Glam Chops
on May 16
- Bruce Airhead’s comedy show
with great finale involving giant
balloon on May 23
- Comedy DJ and breakdancer
on May 30
- Folk, jazz and world music
from Sheelanagig on June 13.
Consulting about
roadside tributes
THE COUNCIL is canvassing public opinion about a draft policy
about roadside tributes.
In response to comments and complaints
the Environmental Services department has
put together a strategy to manage the practice of leaving items at the scene of a death;
a car crash for example.
This highly sensitive issue is something the
council is working hard to deal with compassionately and in a way which manages the wants and
needs of both grieving relatives and residents and
other motorists.
The policy, which does not seek to prevent people from leaving such tributes, aims to manage
the length of time they remain in place.
Councillor Nick Peel, Executive Member for
Environmental Services, said: “The site of floral
tributes and other mementoes at the roadside has
become a far more common one over recent
years. To some people they are a way of recognising and remembering that a tragedy occurred and
to others they are a distraction or an unwanted reminder that someone died in their neighbourhood.
“The team working on this has spent a lot of
time researching the issue, taking guidance from
other authorities who have introduced similar
policies and we are now keen to hear from the
people of Bolton as to whether we have got the detail right.”
A survey asking people for their views about the
policy
is
available
online
at
www.bolton.gov.uk/roadsidetributes and can also
be obtained from the Consultation and Research
team on 01204 332012.
The questions focus on finding out whether people agree with various elements, such as the
length of time a tribute can stay in place, and also
whether residents think the council should erect a
permanent memorial to people killed on the borough’s roads.
The deadline for sending in completed surveys
is 15 June.
The council is also consulting people about its
gritting service. A survey asking people for their
views about the policy is available online at
www.bolton.gov.uk/wintergritting or call 01204
332012 to obtain a copy.'
Bolton Scene 3
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4 Bolton Scene
Meet your councillors...
You can get in touch with your councillors by contacting Members’ Secretariat, Bolton Town Hall. You can send a letter
c/o Members’ Secretariat, Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RU, phone 01204 331098 or email councillors@bolton.gov.uk
Con
Con
Con
Con
Bromley Cross
Lab
Lab
Con
Breightmet
Con
Con
Bradshaw
Con
Con
Con
Astley Bridge
Diana Brierley Tel: 07710 375215
John Byrne Tel: 01204 523141
Norman Critchley Tel: 01204 594311
John Walsh Tel: 01204 840188
Paul Brierley Tel: 07710 375215
Lynda Byrne Tel: 01204 523141
David Greenhalgh Tel: 07813 386415
Surgery
Fri May 29, 6.30-7.30pm
Drummond Street Community Centre
Walter Hall Tel: 01204 525257
Surgeries
Please call 01204 331098 for an appointment
Alan Wilkinson Tel: 01204 305934
Surgery
Fri May 29, 7.30-8.30pm
Longsight Methodist Church Hall
Arthur Norris Tel: 01204 388216
Stuart Lever Tel: 01204 598218
Surgeries Please contact your councillor for details
Sufrana Bashir-Ismail Tel: 07875 383893
Jean Cottam Tel: 01204 707271
Mohammed Ayub Tel: 07838 119522
Hanif Darvesh Tel: 07715 048806
Surgeries Please contact your councillor for details
Madeline Murray Tel: 01204 694092
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
Andrew Morgan Tel: 01204 651905
Alan Walsh Tel: 01204 431746
Surgery
Tues Jun 2, 7-8pm
St Bede’s School, off Morris Green Lane
John Rothwell Tel: 01204 571262
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lib Dem
Lib Dem
Lab
Nicholas Peel Tel: 01204 459949
Richard Silvester Tel: 01204 845318
Surgery Wed Jun 1, 7-8pm
Chorley Old Road Methodist Hall
Elaine Sherrington Tel: 01204 391092
Frank R White Tel: 01204 527888
Surgeries
Every Monday 8-9pm
Tonge Ward Labour Club
Lab
Lab
Lib Dem
Lib Dem
Lib Dem
Con
Con
Con
Con
Anthony Connell 01204 576432
Cllr Connell is not holding surgeries as he is Mayor
this year - contact Cllr Hornby or Cllr Woodward
Sean Hornby Tel: 07877 556016
Surgeries
Sat May 23, and
Jun 13, 9.30-10.30am
Little Lever Council Offices
Mary Woodward Tel: 01204 578645
Surgeries
Sat May 16 and Jun 20, 10.30-11.30am
Little Lever Council Offices
June Patricia Allen Tel: 01204 451341
Surgery
Sat Jun 13, 10.30-11.30am
Westhoughton Town Hall
Christine Wild Tel: 01204 591824
Surgery
Sat Jun 27, 10.30-11.30am
Westhoughton Town Hall
John Higson Tel: 01204 651397
Surgery
Sat May 30, 10.30-11.30am
Westhoughton Town Hall
Surgeries
Mon May 18 and Jun 15, 2-3pm
Brazley Community Centre
Tues Jun 2, 7-8pm
Horwich Public Hall, Lee Lane
Rumworth
Dr Ebrahim Adia Tel: 01204 652862
Surgery
Thurs Jul 2, 6-7pm
Brandwood School
Ismail Ibrahim Tel: 01204 331098
Surgeries Please contact for an appointment
Westhoughton North & Chew Moor
Carole Swarbrick Tel: 01204 492967
Surgeries
Sat May 23 10-11am,
Chorley Old Road Methodist Church
Thurs Jun 6, 7.30-8.30pm,
Hope Centre, Tattersall Avenue
Tues May 16, 7.30-8.30pm,
Church Road School
Lab
Lib Dem
Lib Dem
Derek Burrows Tel: 01204 791727
Surgeries
Sat Jun 6, 10-11am
Stoneclough Community Centre
and 11am-12noon St Stephens, Manchester Road
Fri May 29, 6-7pm
Kearsley and Farnworth Labour Club
Tonge with the Haulgh
Roger Hayes Tel: 01204 841008
Surgery
Sat Jun 6, 10.30-11.30am
Blackrod Chamber Council
Little Lever and Darcy Lever
Margaret Rothwell Tel: 01204 571262
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
Smithills
Michael Hollick Tel: 01204 697933
Con
Phil Ashcroft Tel: 01204 436814
Lab
Con
Con
Con
Robert Ronson Tel: 01204 695742
Kearsley
Hulton
Barbara Ronson Tel: 01204 695742
Pat Barrow Tel: 01942 831461
Con
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
Stephen Rock Tel: 01204 437820
Lab
Colin Shaw Tel: 01204 844489
John Raymond Barrow Tel: 01942 831461
Rosa Kay Tel: 01204 397760
Surgery
Sat Jun 6, 10-11am
Emmanuel Church Hall
Westhoughton South
Lib Dem
Laurence Williamson Tel: 01204 698247
Horwich North East
Lab
F. Alan Rushton Tel: 01204 64597
Akhtar Zaman Tel: 07980 962826
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
Lib Dem
Champak Mistry Tel: 01204 397522
Linda Thomas Tel: 07879 891129
Surgeries
Please call 01204 332060 for an appointment
Lab
Robert Allen Tel: 01204 451341
Surgery
Wed Jun 10, 5.30-6.30pm
Nightingale Centre,
Rishton Lane
Cliff Morris Tel: 01204 331098
Surgeries
Please call 01204 331098 for an appointment
Lab
Margaret Clare Tel: 01204 383446
Mohammed Iqbal Tel: 07931 387234
Horwich and Blackrod
Con
Con
Con
Lab
Lab
Noel Spencer Tel: 01204 331098
Surgeries
Sat Jun 6, 10.30-11.30am
Sat May 23 and Jun 27, 9.30-10.30am
Farnworth Town Hall
Heaton and Lostock
Harper Green
Lab
Surgeries Please contact your councillor for details
Lab
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
James Lord Tel: 01204 576544
Con
Emma Scowcroft Tel: 07855 076803
Lab
Halliwell
Lab
Lab
Lab
Great Lever
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Farnworth
Crompton
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
Surgeries
Please contact your councillor for details
Lab
Hilary Fairclough Tel: 01204 592024
David Chadwick Tel: 01942 818526
Surgery Sat May 16, 10.30-11.30am
Westhoughton Town Hall
Julia Silvester Tel: 01204 331098
Surgery Sat Jun 20, 10.30-11.30am
Westhoughton Town Hall
David Wilkinson Tel: 01942 819456
Surgery Sat Jun 6, 10.30-11.30am
Westhoughton Town Hall
Bolton Scene 5
Bolton; the place to be
snippets
NEW BUILD: The campus for both
colleges will open in September 2010.
INNOVATION ZONE: As well as the
new £90m campus for Bolton Community College and Bolton Sixth Form College, work on the new multi-storey car
park at the site has started. Planning
permission is in place for the £31m town
centre health, leisure and research complex which includes a swimming pool.
This work will also include a new road
and work on the new magistrates court.
MERCHANT’S QUARTER: The first
stage of this development on River
Street, No.1 Merchant’s Place, was completed by Charles Topham Group in 2007
and continues to attract new occupiers.
Negotiations are underway with potential occupiers that will enable the development of No.2 to commence. Planning
permission has also been granted for an
80-bedroom Travelodge.
RAILWAY WORK: Bromley Cross,
Daisy Hill, Farnworth and Lostock railway stations have new customer information screens, CCTV and public
address systems. Greater Manchester
Integrated Transport Authority has invested in the work.
Campus builds
for the future
WORK has started on the
new £90m campus for Bolton
Community and Bolton Sixth
Form colleges.
The scheme is one of the largest
planned investments in further education in the North West. Both colleges
will sit side-by-side on Deane Road and
while sharing some facilities they will
remain independent.
Bolton Community College is the top performing college in Greater Manchester
for apprenticeships.
Its new facilities will include a large
sports hall and gymnasium; hair and beauty
salon; performing arts studio; a new training restaurant and catering facilities, and a
purpose built construction centre.
The sixth form site will be focused on the
Job boost for
youngsters
AS THE largest employer in Bolton, the council is working hard to increase and improve the
job opportunities it can offer to young people.
More chances for people to gain work experience, more apprenticeships and more training for the current workforce have been
approved.
The strategy concentrates on increasing the
help offered to vulnerable young people from
certain areas of the borough and those who
aren’t in education, employment or training.
Improvements to the recruitment process
and training programmes have already seen
21 extra apprenticeships set up last year.
“The current economic climate means that
the importance of providing young people with
the best start in their working life is even more
crucial,” said Councillor Rosa Kay, Executive
Member for Human Resources and Diversity.
needs of 16-19 year old students.
The college is amongst the highest performing colleges in the country, providing a
wide range of Advanced Level and Advanced vocational courses.
The campus is opposite the University of
Bolton – one of the country’s fastest growing universities – and forms part of the
£300m Innovation Zone.
RAIL WORK: Part of
the new concourse
ODEON SITE: The Le Mans Square
£20m redevelopment of the former
Odeon Cinema site continues. Legal
documents have been agreed and the
developer is in early discussions with
potential office and hotel occupiers.
CHURCH WHARF: Plans are on track
for work to start in April 2011. The next
stages of the project are well in hand
with commercial plans in place and negotiations continuing to fund the buying
of land.
MARKET STREET: Work is well underway to improve the pedestrian area
along Market Street. It complements the
work already carried out on Corporation
Street, Deansgate and Churchgate.
CENTRAL STREET: The council’s
preferred developer Wilson Bowden is in
the final stages of negotiations with
Tesco to secure their commitment to the
118,000sqft anchor store.
Bolton at Home business
meetings open to the public
Bolton at Home Board - Thurs, 21st May at 5.30pm
Customer Involvement Sub Group - Tues, 9th June at
5.30pm
Performance Sub Group - Mon, 22nd June at 12.30pm
Equality & Diversity Sub Group - Wed, 8th July at 6pm
Bolton at Home Board - Thurs, 16th July at 5.30pm
Regeneration Sub Group - Mon, 20th July at 12noon
Meetings are held in the Board Room at Bolton at Home’s
Head Office, 13 The Courtyard, Calvin Street, Bolton BL1 8PB.
On track for better travel
A MAJOR £4m makeover of Bolton railways station has been announced. The renovation will improve waiting areas, passenger information and security. The work includes a new concourse area and
improvements to passenger facilities on the platforms. It should start
in the autumn and be completed by spring 2010. New covered waiting
areas and shelters, customer information screens, CCTV and public
address systems as well as fully accessible toilets will serve all platforms. The waiting rooms, travel centre, ticket office and booking hall
will also be refurbished.
For general enquiries about Bolton at Home please contact
Bolton 335700 or 335386. For specific information about any
of the above meetings please ask to speak to either Maureen
Edwards or Deborah Thompson.
Please note, the above meetings are open to the public for
observation only.
6 Bolton Scene
Keep Bolton achieving
The council and its partners work to
improve educational attainment and
skills to ensure local people can
compete successfully in a modern
economy.
Did you
know...
As well as improving exam results
this work includes reducing the
number of young people who are not
in education, employment or training.
£182m is to be invested in primary and
secondary schools in the next few years
92% of parents receive an offer for their
first choice of school for their child
44% of pupils achieved five or more
GCSE grades A* to C, including English
and Maths, last year – an increase of 4%
44,214 children attend schools, nurseries and special schools every day
1,169,159 books were borrowed from
the borough’s libraries in 2007/8
New diplomas
THE new national qualification is an additional route
to the traditional GCSE’s and A Levels and offers a
mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and
hands-on experience. The first students are studying Engineering, Construction and the Built Environment, and Society, Health and Development. Later
this year the choice of diploma will be expanded to
include Information Technology; Creative and
Media; Hair and Beauty Studies; Business,
Administration and Finance; Hospitality;
Manufacturing and Product Design.
Reading hero
SHAHEEN Mogradia has won the accolade of
‘Reading Hero’ for her outstanding contribution to
reading in the community. Shaheen, 17, was
selected for the national honour for her work as a
Book Waiter at High Street Library. She has helped
lots of local teenagers to learn to love reading.
MUSIC SERVICE: The council’s Music Service has been judged to be
outstanding following an inspection by the government. In eight areas inspected, two were judged good and six were judged outstanding. Strengths
highlighted in the report included: strong and effective partnerships with
schools; broad range of opportunities and musical pathways for all pupils; excellent personal development of pupils; and exemplary leadership. Pictured
are the ‘a capella’ singers, one of the many groups from the Music Service
with head Carolyn Baxendale.
Bolton Scene 7
Drinking
ban to
keep
you safe
TOUGH new powers will
allow police to crack down
further on alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour in Bolton.
Bolton Council has introduced Designated Public Place Orders to two new
areas of Bolton: the Green Lane area
of Great Lever and the Union Road and
Starkie Road area of Tonge Moor.
The orders were approved by Bolton
Council earlier this year.
Anyone found drinking from an open con-
tainer within the designated areas could be
stopped by the police or Police Community
Support Officers.
Officers have the power to confiscate alcohol and if drinkers fail to co-operate, they
could be issued with a penalty notice for
disorder. Under the order, officers also have
the power to arrest individuals, with prosecution carrying a maximum fine of £500.
The two new areas were highlighted following a spate of antisocial behaviour and
they join a list of seven other designated
areas in Bolton.
One to one support
for older people
AGE Concern Bolton now offers people
aged 50 and over individually tailored support to help them regain confidence and
skills they may have lost following illness or
bereavement.
Some older people who experience a difficult episode in their lives, find it difficult to
“pick up the threads”, again, without some
specific support. For example, someone
who experiences the trauma of bereavement can often find it difficult to take part in
social gatherings or networks even when
these are familiar to them.
Similarly, older people who take a fall can
lose the confidence to go out walking or
shopping without support. Whilst older people can access a range of professional therapeutic services to aid their recovery these,
for the most part, concentrate far more on
regaining mobility rather than rebuilding
emotional confidence and security.
And this is where Age Concern Bolton’s
service comes in. A specially recruited and
trained volunteer, supported by the service
co-ordinator, will work with each person to
identify goals that the service user wants to
achieve; for example, gaining the confidence to go walking, to use public transport
or to rejoin a hobby or special interest group
on their own.
The next stage is to identify the steps involved in achieving this objective over an
agreed timescale and then work with and
support the older person to accomplish this.
Many older people in Bolton have already
benefited hugely from the service having
contacted Age Concern direct or following
referral by their GP, social worker or occupational therapist.
To find out more about this service and
how you or someone you know might benefit from it, please ring Heather Crook at Age
Concern Bolton on 01204 701525 or e-mail:
heathercrook@ageconcernbolton.org.uk
Drive for safer motoring
DRIVERS aged 50 plus are invited to attend a free Mature Drivers Seminar on
Tuesday 23 June.
The seminar has been arranged by
Bolton Council in partnership with Bolton
Advanced Motorists and takes place at
Bolton Arena from 10am to noon. It includes a presentation about safer driving
and a copy of the Highway Code will be
given out to each delegate. Places are limited and can be booked by calling Bolton
Council’s Road Safety Team on 01204
336465.
Additional seminars will take place in
September and November.
Bolton Advanced Motorists also offer a
free follow-up driving assessment at a
bronze, silver or gold level. There will be
no driving on the day but places for this
free assessment can be booked at the
seminar. Assessments are carried out in
the drivers’ own vehicle.
FOOT FORWARD: The programme of walks means you can get healthy and enjoy some of
Bolton’s beautiful countryside at the same time.
Walk to a healthier lifestyle
BOLTON’S boots are made for walking this
summer with lots of opportunities to get out
and about.
Bolton Council is offering more health walks
than ever in beautiful parks and green
spaces. For more information go to
www.bolton.gov.uk/walking or call 01204
334195.
Saturday 30 May is Get Walking Day.
Bolton Ramblers are organising two walks
around Doffcocker to mark the occasion; one
of about two miles and the other about four.
Both are free and start at 2pm from the
roundabout. For further information call 01204
692458.
On Sunday July 5, the council is supporting
a sponsored walk in aid of Children Today, a
charity that provides grants for vital, lifechanging equipment for local disabled children and young people. Short and long walks
are planned and both will start and finish in
Ladybridge.
For further details and to register contact
Elizabeth Oakes on 07990 510325 or the
Children Today fundraising team on 01244
335622.
People over 50
trust Age Concern
products & services
Home Insurance
Car Insurance & Breakdown
Travel Insurance
Funeral Planning
Gas & Electricity Supplies
For more information, visit us at:
Age Concern Bolton
72-74 Ashburner Street
Bolton, BL1 1TN
Tel: 01204 382411
Open: Mon to Fri 10am-3pm
0800 085 3741
Please quote ref: ALL700
Any Age Concern detailed above is a registered charity.
A46V5APR08 EJ000483_09
8 Bolton Scene
The Works… what’s it all about?
Need help finding work or training, especially now?
With so much on offer it can be confusing, so where do you start?
The Works aims to show you who does what, the people they've
helped already and more importantly, how they can support
you with practical help in print, online, face-to-face and in your
own community.
People
Help is
at hand…
Michael Saint de Souza, 48 currently
works for Bolton Council as a cleaning
operative but this hasn’t always been
the case.
Until 2004, Michael worked for a large
company in Bolton as a machine
operator, a role he thoroughly enjoyed
until his father took ill and needed
round-the-clock care, so Michael
resigned from his full-time role to care
for his father. His father passed away
in 2005 and although Michael wanted
to return to work, he struggled due to
a disability which limits his
communication. In addition, English
was not Michael’s first language and
being out of work had knocked his
confidence.
After three years of job searching,
voluntary work and attending various
training courses, Michael began to
give up hope of getting another job
until his disability employment advisor
at Jobcentre Plus referred him to
Bolton Council’s Supported
Employment Service (SES).
In July 2008, SES arranged a
two-week trial for Michael in the
Council’s building cleaning department,
following which, Michael was offered
20-hours paid employment as a
cleaning operative. Michael explained
“I was offered on-the-job support if I
wanted it to ensure I was happy in
work and because my disability had
been discussed upfront with the team,
this was never an issue.
I’m still enjoying my job with the
Council and SES visit me every 6
months in work to see everything is
okay and I know I can contact the
Service if I need anything. I feel I have
a purpose in life now and this is all
thanks to Bolton Council’s Supported
Employment Service and the excellent
support of the building cleaning
department.”
For more information on the
Supported Employment Service,
call 01204 336850.
For further information on
Jobcentre Plus services call
01204 516516 or visit
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Projects
Partners
Success online…
Helping young
people get on the
career ladder
Want to set up a successful
international business in your own
home? According to eBay expert
Maggie Harding, all you need is a PC,
digital camera and a decent
broadband connection.
And she should know. After four years
of trading as Garbo Antique Clothing
and Textiles on eBay, Maggie has an
annual turnover of £58,000 and has
been banned from her local post office
for trying to post too many parcels!
Now she has shared her expertise at
a workshop for people currently out
of work and receiving work-related
benefit. The course, held at Great
Lever Children’s Centre and organised
by Business Bolton, was a big hit with
with the clients who attended.
As Maggie said “eBaying is an ideal
business for anyone who needs to be
at home a lot, such as a mum with
young children and most people now
have access to a computer and digital
camera.”
So if you’re interested in trading
on eBay or would like general
information about setting up a
business, contact Business Bolton
on 01204 336223 or go to
www.businessbolton.org
It’s not easy looking for a job, especially
if you’re a young person with limited
experience. You might not even know
what type of job you want to do. That’s
where Connexions Bolton comes in.
Connexions offer a free job vacancy
service to all young people aged 16-19
(up to 25 for those with a disability or
learning difficulties). You can browse
through opportunities for jobs, training
and apprenticeships at the Connexions
town centre shop or any of their
access points. You can also access
www.cnx2jobs.com, the job search
website for young people which covers
the whole of Greater Manchester.
Connexions Personal Advisers are
on-hand to talk about any of the
opportunities and help you decide
which career options would be suitable
for you. They’ll help with applying for
jobs and creating an effective CV, as
well as arranging interviews with
employers. They can also offer advice
and tips for a successful interview.
If you’re a young person and already
have a job, Connexions can work with
your employer to help them access
training opportunities for you, helping
you improve your skills and further
your career.
For more information call
0800 052 5559 or log onto
www.connexions-bolton.com
Bolton Scene 9
Dates for
your diary…
Want help to get a job but don’t
know where to start?
If the answer’s yes, you could
benefit by attending one of the free
weekly drop-in sessions where you
can get advice and guidance on
creating a CV, completing
application forms, job search and
business start-up advice.
Every Monday, 1pm to 3pm
Tonge Fold UCAN Centre
Every Wednesday, time TBC
Hall i’th’ Wood UCAN Centre
First and third Monday of the
month, 12.30pm to 3pm
BCOM (1-3 Vicarage Road)
Every Thursday, 10am to 12noon
Tonge Moor UCAN Centre
First Tuesday of every month,
1pm to 4pm
Bolton Central Library
Monday 8 June, 12 noon to 4pm
Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan
Temple (1-11 Adelaide Street)
Another date for your diary…
Every Tuesday, 9.30am to 12noon
Halliwell UCAN Centre
Coming soon to
an area near you…
The Works will soon be on the road
offering advice in your neighbourhood
to help you get back into work and
training. Look out for the brightly
branded mobile unit which will be out
and about in the community. Staff will
be on-hand to give you one-to-one
advice and help on your CV, job
search, completing application forms
and interview techniques.
Advice
Interview advice
brought to you by
Jobcentre Plus…
Preparing for that all important
interview
It’s completely natural to feel nervous
before a job interview as you need to
persuade a potential employer that you
are the right person for the job.
‘Interviewing well’ is about confidence
and requires two key things: preparing
yourself properly for the interview so
you can give well thought out replies
and keeping your nerves under control.
Do your research
Understanding what the organisation
does and what the job entails will help
you prepare well-considered answers
to your interviewer’s questions and
help you develop some relevant
questions of your own:
— Look at the company’s website or
visit your local library
— Find out the names and roles of the
people you’re meeting – you may also
be able to find photos and some
biographical information on the
company’s website
Jobcentre Plus has the following tips
to help make sure you’re ready for
your interview:
— Read through your CV and
application form and think about how
you can fit your skills and experience
to match those required by the job
Get the basics right
The last thing you want to do is turn up
late or stressed out because you got
lost on the way to the interview, so
plan ahead to get the basics right:
— Some employers may require some
form of ID, such as passport or utility
bill, so it’s important to find this out
before you go
— Make sure you know vital details
such as time, date and location
— Work out your journey in advance
to ensure you arrive in good time –
maybe even try a practice run if you
don’t know the area well
— If you are using public transport,
check you have the latest timetable
and there are no planned roadworks,
cancellations or diversions
— If you’ve been out of work for a
while, think about activities such as
admin for a charity or helping to
organise an outing or jumble sale,
which you can use to demonstrate
work-related skills
Practice makes perfect
Many people find it helpful to practice
answering likely interview questions
with family or friends. Some of the
kinds of questions you can expect
include:
— ‘Tell me about yourself…’ – this
doesn’t mean they want to hear your
life history, instead try to think of one
or two key personal qualities and
achievements to highlight that show
you’re suited to the job
— ‘What are your weaknesses?’ –
don’t give a long list of rambling faults.
Stick to one ‘weakness’, and explain
how you manage it
— If something negative happened in
a previous job, either don’t talk about it
or say what you learned from it
— And remember, keep your answers
short and snappy and always tell
the truth
Dress for success
First impressions count, so think about
what you’ll wear beforehand:
— Remember, it’s an interview not a
fashion parade. The key is to dress
appropriately for the position you are
going for
— Casual clothes may be fine for some
job interviews, but make sure they are
clean and smart and your hair is tidy
— If you are unsure what to wear ask
a friend or your Jobcentre Plus adviser
for advice
Last minute tips
— Try and arrive at least 10
minutes early
— Just before going in for the
interview, turn off your mobile if you
have one, take a few deep breaths to
steady your nerves and smile as you
enter the room
— Show you’re confident through
good body language: offer a firm
handshake, maintain eye contact and
sit or stand straight with your head
held high
— It’s not unusual for the interviewer to
throw in a really tough question. When
this happens, take a deep breath and
think for a moment before responding
Want to find out more?
Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk for
information on the services that
Jobcentre Plus provides employers
and people of working age and to
search for a job online.
You could also call Jobcentre Plus
on 0845 60 60 234 (or textphone
0845 6055 255) to search for a job
over the phone. Lines are open
weekdays 8am to 6pm and
Saturdays 9am to 1pm.
10 Bolton Scene
Bolton cleans up
BOLTON has cleaner streets than ever
before, bucking the trend revealed by
Keep Britain Tidy in a recent report.
The town has just had its best street
cleanliness results in its history – down by
three per cent from last year. It means
that Bolton Council is doing more than
ever to act against litter, graffiti, fly tipping
and fly posting.
The council believes that prevention is
better than the cure and officers visit
every school, hold regular events and appear at area forums. They also hold community clean ups with the police and fire
service.
Despite Bolton’s excellent individual
performance, Keep Britain Tidy dubbed
the north west the dirtiest region in England. It has launched the North West Liveability Foundation to combat the
problems and make the region a better
place to live.
Recruiting carers
for the future
MEETING the growth in demand for
care of an ageing population is the
challenge facing social care services in the next few years.
Bolton Council, together with partners Skills
for Care and Age Concern, are teaming up to
tackle the issue of the borough’s pensionable
population growing by 25% in 20 years.
Those being cared for will soon have the freedom
to choose which services they prefer rather than
being ‘spoon fed’ them. They will have their own individual budgets which they will use to purchase services direct from public, voluntary and private sector
organisations.
Recruiting, training and retaining carers are key to
these services and a range of initiatives are already in
place including Young People’s Apprenticeships and
pre-employment courses for carers.
Fifty care ambassadors have been recruited who
promote courses such as the National Diploma and
caring as a career in schools.
Bolton Council is keen to hear from anyone interested in adult social care as a career. If you would like
more information on care as a career, visit the ‘social
care employment’ webpage listed in the A-Z section
at www.bolton.gov.uk. Or if you have been unemployed for a good while then contact Jobcentre Plus
about the pre-employment programme.
Help with switchover
AGE Concern Bolton and the National
Switchover Help Scheme are holding
awareness sessions to help older people
with the digital TV switch over.
They are on Friday June 5 from 10am to
3.30pm at the Evangelical Church, Wright
Street, Horwich and at 10am to 3.30pm in
the Council Chamber at the Public Library in Blackrod on Tuesday June 9.
Anyone over 50 can come to one of the
presentations at 10am, noon and 2pm or
just drop in during the day.
Those over 75, or who are blind or partially sighted, or in receipt of certain disability benefits, or have lived in a care
home for more than six months or more
can get help to convert one of their TV
sets to digital.
Information is also available at
www.helpscheme.co.uk and www.digitaluk.co.uk or call free on 0800 4085 900.
CARE SUPPORT: The partners
brought together 150 care professionals
at the Workforce Strategy Stakeholder
Conference earlier this year to discuss the issues.
Community works for
a safer area to live
REDUCING vehicle crime, tackling drugs
and improving the environment were
named as the top three community safety
projects for 2009 in Deane and the Willows.
Residents were presented with five different projects to choose from plus a budget of
£40,000 to spend. The projects chosen were:
Work to divert youmg people involved in
drug abuse and dealing
An extra mobile CCTV camera for the
area
Environmental clean ups, known as Beat
Sweeps, throughout the year.
Bolton Council’s Executive Member for
Cleaner, Greener, Safer, Councillor Elaine
Sherrington, said: “It was good that so
many people attended and I hope people
feel they have made a real difference to
their community.”
Help to work
PEOPLE living on or around the Washacre
in Westhoughton are being given a helping
hand to find employment, education and
training opportunities.
Expert help and information on all the opportunities available were on hand at an
event from the council’s Business Bolton
service; Connexions; the work shop; Jobcentre Plus; Greater Manchester Police
and Bolton Community College as well as
local businesses.
Everyone can get more information about
jobs, training or learning opportunities from
Connexions Bolton on 0800 052 5559, if you
are 16-19 years old, or you can contact Business Bolton on 01204 336186, if you are 20
and over.
Don’t tempt
thieves - keep
goods safe
KEEP your personal belongings safe
and out of sight is the message from a
new campaign.
The campaign discourages people
from leaving their handbags on display
on a supermarket trolley, in a car or
under the table in a pub.
Leaflets, stickers, cat bells and
handbag chains are being distributed
in hotspot areas in Bolton, Horwich,
Farnworth and Harwood. Costa Coffee
and Cafe Nero in the town centre are
supporting the campaign by putting a
‘Theft from Person’ sticker on the coffee cups to act as a safety reminder to
coffee lovers.
The campaign is being run by
Bolton’s Be Safe Strategic Partnership
which includes the council, police, fire
service and other organisations.
All equal at centre
BOLTON Racial Equality Council has
a fresh identity after more than 40
years working to eliminate discrimination and prejudice.
Its new name – Bolton Equalities
Centre – reflects the organisation’s
broader work. While tackling racial
equality remains at the heart of its
work, the eight-strong team now also
deals with all aspects of equality such
as disability, sexual orientation, gender, caring, religion or belief, race and
age.
To find out more, call 01204 331002,
or email boltonrec@boltonrec.org.uk.
Bolton Scene 11
Freedom
ceremony
THE Mayor of Bolton welcomed the
Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to
Bolton to bestow on them the
Freedom of the Borough.
The regiment was formed from
other regiments, including the
Queen’s Lancashire Regiment and
before that the Loyal Regiment
(North Lancashire), both of which
had strong links with Bolton.
The honour means they are
able to march through the town on
ceremonial occasions with swords
drawn, bayonets fixed, drums
beating and flags flying.
"On behalf of the council we would
like to thank the public of Bolton for
the welcome they gave the regiment," said the leaders of the three
parties, Cllrs Cliff Morris, John
Walsh and Roger Hayes.
Multi-million
recycling scheme
gets green light
BOLTON looks set to benefit
from better recycling facilities thanks to a contract between Greater Manchester
Waste Disposal Authority
(GMWDA) and Viridor Laing
(Greater Manchester) Limited.
As part of GMWDA’s long-term waste
strategy, the current municipal waste facil-
Bigger centre for
the community
BUILDING work has started on a major
extension and refurbishment to a community centre in Brownlow Fold.
The council-run centre provides a
whole range of services and activities for
young and older residents including
classes run by Bolton Community College.
The extension will house three new
classrooms and a main office. The existing building will undergo a complete
transformation and contain a craft room,
state-of-the-art IT suite and purposebuilt teaching kitchen specifically designed for students with learning
difficulties and disabilities.
In addition the coffee bar will be extended and refurbished to allow more
students to use it and access will be improved to make the centre accessible to
the disabled.
ities serving Bolton will be upgraded with
state-of-the-art technology.
Developments proposed include moving
the existing household waste recycling centre from Raikes Lane to a larger, purposebuilt facility on a new site.
A new Transfer Loading Station will be
built at Raikes Lane which will receive both
recyclable and non recyclable waste from
local collections and improvements made
to machinery at the existing Thermal Recovery Facility which generates electricity
from waste.
Further improvements are hoped to take
place at the recycling centres at Blackrod
and Union Road and the development of a
recycling facility at Salford Road in Over
Hulton to treat collected garden and
kitchen waste to create compost for use in
horticulture and agriculture.
For more details or to have your say on
the proposals visit www.gmwda.gov.uk/future.htm or www.manchester-consultation.co.uk
Water works initiative
delivers council savings
REDUCING the cost of providing drinking
water to staff across the council has been
completed with savings of around £20,000.
And the 44 new mains-fed water chillers,
which have replaced bottled water dispensers, have proved so successful in the
town hall and Le Mans Crescent that they
could be introduced in other council buildings.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Cliff Morris,
said: “Replacing the bottled water dispensers will not only save money but also
reduce the council’s carbon footprint. The
bottled water dispensers add to our CO2
emissions because the bottles are delivered and removed for recycling.
“By extending the scheme to cover
nearly all our sites, we hope to make savings of around £30,000.”
And the efforts to reduce the council’s
carbon footprint doesn’t stop there. Special devices which reduce electricity use
have been installed in Bolton’s Ashburner
Street market and at the town hall. The
Power Perfector is a special gadget which
cuts energy costs by optimising voltage
supply. During the next two to three years,
the installation will save some 447 tonnes
of CO2 and around £90,000 in electricity
costs.
“Taking an intelligent approach to saving money – either by changing the way
we operate or using technological advances – is the way forward for the authority,” added Cllr Morris.
“I am pleased that by doing so we can
also make a difference to the environment.”
snippets
BATH STREET: Despite Bath Street car
park closing to make way for the new
multi-storey car park, businesses in the
area are still fully accessible and open for
trading. There’s a great choice of independent shops just a few minutes walk
from the town centre, so you can get your
hair and nails done, pick up a tasty sandwich or takeaway, have an item of clothing
repaired and purchase something for your
home all in your lunch hour. Businesses
are open Monday to Saturday. In addition,
businesses on St George’s Terrace are still
open and trading.
EASTER EGG: Churches in Bolton provided free entertainment and activities last
month. There was an Easter egg painting
competition and other craft workshops;
Warburton’s Bakery offered hot cross buns;
entertainment and music told the Easter
story and there was a reflection zone for
quiet or prayer. Local charities also offered
advice about unemployment, debt management and alcohol abuse. The event was
sponsored by the council.
STEAM DAYS: Bolton Steam Museum
opens its doors to the public on Sunday
May 24 and Monday May 25 from 10am till
4pm, with free admission. The museum
contains 25 old textile mill steam engines
which have been restored by volunteers
from the Northern Mill Engine Society. The
museum address is on Mornington Road,
off Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at the back of
Morrison’s supermarket site and next to
the petrol station. For further details see
www.nmes.org
HEALTHY BARBECUE: Bolton Market
will be celebrating National Barbeque
week (May 25-31) with promotions and
cookery demonstrations by local chefs and
Bolton NHS Community Nutrition team.
Call in to sample products and pick up
recipe ideas to help you get set for the barbeque season.
ONLINE CLAIMS: The council’s online
benefits calculator is a quick and easy way
for you to check if you are eligible for benefits. It’s fast, secure and means staff can
process claims quicker. To use the benefits
calculator, visit www.bolton.gov.uk and click
‘do it online’.
12 Bolton Scene
Representing Bolton
In this month’s feature about the work of councillors
we look at the role of the Mayor. Bolton Scene spoke
to outgoing Mayor, Councillor Anthony Connell; the
new Mayor Councillor Norman Critchley and Deputy
Mayor Councillor Barbara Ronson.
EVERY May a special ceremony welcomes the new
Mayor of Bolton, chosen by
his or her colleagues at the
council.
Stepping out
ONE charity event held in 2009 was the Mayors Mile.
The event brought people together to raise
money for their own good causes by walking
a mile around the Reebok stadium.
More than 500 people got involved, including a grandma raising money for her young
grandaughter who was born with a disability,
groups raising monies for organisations such
as the YMCA, Derian House Children's Hospice, the Children's Opportunity Group and
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
The Mayor's Charity alone raised around
£1500 but the main aim of the event was to
help the people of Bolton do their bit.
During the year of office, he or she is
non-political and represents the interests
of the borough as a whole rather than the
council as an organisation.
They represent Her Majesty the Queen
in the borough and greet guests on her behalf, and also raise money for charity. A demanding role, he or she can expect to
attend more than 500 events and functions.
Embarking on his term of office, Councillor Anthony Connell thought he was well
prepared for a busy 12 months.
He said: “People tell you beforehand that
you will meet a large variety of people but
it’s not until you start that you realise just
how many. I was amazed at the number of
volunteers who give up their time without
remuneration. I met one lady three times
in the same week, representing three different charities.”
His year as Mayor has included some
particularly memorable occasions, such as
the civic reception for Olympic medallist
Jason Kenny and the Freedom of the Borough ceremony for the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
He now becomes Deputy Mayor, taking
over from Councillor Barbara Ronson. She made
history as the first Mayor in
Bolton to have a male Consort instead of a Mayoress
– husband Councillor Bob
Ronson. The couple have
juggled Deputy Mayor duties with normal ward FIRST CITIZEN: Cllr Critchley and Delyse ready for the big
councillor responsibilities. day, while Cllr Ronson presents a Bolton Best award to social
The
Deputy
Mayor worker Mick Entwistle during her year in office.
stands in for the Mayor
when two occasions arise at the same time ployed chartered structural engineer in
or if the Mayor is unable to attend a func- preparation for the task ahead. His wife,
Delyse, is Mayoress.
tion for other reasons.
He said: “It’s a very important job and I
Councillor Ronson explained that in
think
it’s the biggest honour that Bolton
some authorities, including the parish
councils of Horwich, Blackrod and West- could give anyone. I was so delighted to be
houghton, a councillor becomes Deputy chosen.”
As well as raising money for his three
Mayor first before taking up the role of
chosen
charities: the Manchester Heart
Mayor but in Bolton it is the other way
Centre at the Manchester Royal Infirmary
around.
She said: “Becoming Mayor first and and the Bolton Thoracic Unit at the Royal
then deputy, you are familiar with the pro- Bolton Hospital; Diabetes UK and Bolton
tocol and you get to see a lot of people you Destitute Animal Shelter, Councillor
have already met. Another bonus is that Critchley hopes to raise Bolton’s profile far
you get to wear the old county borough and wide.
He said, “More than 50% of Bolton is
badge that was worn by the Mayor until
green
belt land, we have a beautiful town
1974. I was quite pleased and honoured to
centre and an industrious workforce – it’s
wear that.”
Taking over from Councillor Connell as a good place to live! If I can make sure that
Mayor is Councillor Norman Critchley who people’s perceptions of Bolton are good,
recently retired from his job as a self em- then I will be happy.”
Bolton Scene 13
Keeping our
children safe
ALMOST 2000 of Bolton’s
Year six pupils from more
than 71 schools joined the
Crucial Crew – a series of half
day sessions designed to
highlight the importance of
personal safety for young
people.
THE Annual Performance Assessment recently carried out on
the quality of Bolton Council’s Children’s Services showed some
impressive results, particularly in the category of staying safe.
This month Bolton Scene takes a look at how the council and partners work to help young people keep themselves and those around
them safe.
Pupils were guided through interactive scenarios to help them learn about
subjects including safety in the home,
on the road, near electricity and the
dangers of alcohol.
“The children spent an active morning listening, watching and participating, as they
found out about, among other things, fire
safety, safety on railway platforms, the
safest way to use a mobile phone out in the
street, as well as being taught some basic
first aid.
“They were taught by an experienced set
of instructors who made the morning such
fun that the children didn’t realise how
much they were learning. All the children
agreed that next year’s Year six would really
benefit from such a morning.”
Ms Rogerson, headteacher at St. Andrew’s School in Over Hulton explained that
her Year six pupils “spent a thoroughly enjoyable morning at Crucial Crew”.
She said: “They discovered that learning
about keeping themselves safe is great fun
as well as an important part of their education.”
Bolton’s Safeguarding Board, the organisation responsible for coordinating local
arrangements to safeguard and promote
the welfare of children in Bolton, arranged
Crucial Crew.
It’s members include the fire, police and
ambulance services; the council’s road
safety and environmental services teams;
GMPTE; school nurses and British Transport Police.
The Crucial Crew event was sponsored by
Bolton Council, Tower FM, Subway, Bolton
at Home and Be Safe.
Staying
it local
QUALITY SERVICE: Margaret Lees from Park Farm Tea Rooms serves a satisfied customer
AN EXTRA range of locally
produced foods and crafts
has launched Bolton’s
Local Produce Market.
Formerly known as
Bolton’s Farmers Market,
the event has been rebranded. Eye catching
stalls lined Victoria Square
offering an array of products from seasonal fruit
and vegetables; quality
meats, including black puddings, sausages and ostrich meat and home baked
cakes to chutney, jams and
cheeses.
Local chef Mike Harrison
was invited to cook up
some tasty dishes which
visitors could sample as
they shopped.
The market continues to
be held on the fourth Sunday of every month on Victoria Square 10am-2pm.
The next markets are
planned for May 24, June
28 and July 26.
Caring for the carers
DO YOU look after a friend, family member or neighbour and would like a little
extra support, information or advice?
Bolton Council and its partners can help.
There are more than 28,000 people in
Bolton looking after someone, but only a
small proportion of these people access
any support or advice services.
The council has launched a campaign,
“Who Cares? We do”, targeted at residents
who have caring responsibilities but have
not yet asked for help, encouraging them
to make a phone call for information, sup-
port and advice. Carers can talk to someone who understands, and find out what information, services or financial help is
available to improve their quality of life.
During the campaign there will be lots of
events happening where you can find out
what help is on offer.
Drop in sessions and activities will be
available during half term for young carers; the Mobile Advice Bus will be at locations across Bolton including Victoria
Square during Carers Week (June 8-14)
and day trips for family or working carers
are also available.
A dedicated telephone number and SMS
text service has been set up to respond to
calls. Many carers feel like they have no
choice or support and that it is something
they just do because they care. We want to
change that view by making it clear and
simple for people to access the right advice, information and support to help them.
If you are looking after someone and
need a person to talk to or a bit of extra
support then telephone 01204 337682 or
text TALK to 84555.
Area forums:
have your say
YOUR area forum is the place where you
can make a difference in your community.
During the last year more than £950,000
from the area forums’ budgets was spent
across the 18 forums about issues ranging from parks to pot holes. Be part of the
decisions made about how your area
funding is spent.
You can also find out how you and your
neighbours can apply for grants for voluntary, community or not-for-profit projects. Last year grants totalling more than
£38,000 were provided to voluntary
groups. They included helping young
people to purchase equipment for sports
activities, and supporting groups working
with vulnerable people.
Area forums welcome anyone who
lives, works or learns in Bolton. Come
along and take part in discussions about
local issues affecting your area.
The next meetings are:
● Astley Bridge on July 22 at 6pm
● Bradshaw on July 16 at 6pm at St
Brendans Primary School
● Breightmet on June 30 at 6pm at Leverhulme Primary School, Breightmet
Drive
● Bromley Cross on July 15 at 6pm
● Crompton on July 1 at 6pm at Astley
Bridge Methodist Church, Seymour
Road
● Farnworth on July 6 at 6pm at Trinity
Church
● Great Lever on June 6 at 6pm at the
Nightingale Centre, Rishton Lane
● Halliwell on July 8 at 6pm
● Harper Green on July 13 at 6pm
● Heaton and Lostock on May 28 at
6.30pm at Lostock Parish Centre,
Tempmest Road and July 29
● Hulton on June 11 at 6.30pm
● Kearsley on May 27 at 6.30pm at St
John Fisher Church and July 20
● Little Lever and Darcy Lever on
June 8 at 6.30pm at Mytham Primary
School
● Rumworth on May 21 at 6pm at the
Emmanuel Church Centre, Vicarage
Street and July 22
● Smithills on May 21 at 6.30pm at the
Hope Centre, Tattersall Road and July
16
● Tonge with the Haulgh on May 26 at
6pm at the Ukrainian Centre, Castle
Street and July 28
● Two Towns on May 18 at 6pm at
St. Catherine's CE Primary School and
July 7
● Westhoughton and Chew Moor on
June 9 at 6.30pm at Westhoughton High
School
Free swimming
scheme extended
THE council’s free swimming scheme for
older people has been extended.
As part of a national Swim4Life campaign, Bolton Council has successfully
bid for funding to promote both swimming and to encourage people to lead
more active and healthy lives. Now those
aged 60 or over can enjoy free swimming
Free swimming can be enjoyed at
Farnworth; Horwich; Jubilee; Ladybridge; Sharples; Turton and Westhoughton pools.
Freebie initiative allows those aged 16
and under and those over 60 to swim for
free and those aged over 65 to enjoy free
leisure activities.
For
further
information
see
www.bolton.gov.uk/freebie
● Free
lessons are available during
school holidays for non-swimmers aged
16 years or under.
14 Bolton Scene
Centres for all
the community
COMMUNITY centres in Bolton
are available for all to use for a
variety of activities.
The centres are already very
popular and are regularly used
for a wide range of events from
children’s birthday parties to religious festivals, martial arts
classes or public meetings.
Centres available for hire include: Sunnyside Community
Centre; Victory Community
Centre on Chorley Old Road;
Carnegie Hall in Westhoughton;
Farnworth Town Hall; Daisy Hill
Community Centre; Little Lever
Community Centre; and Blackrod Community Centre.
For more information about
any of Bolton’s community centres or to book a room, contact:
the sales office at the Albert
Halls on 01204 334301 or email:
info@alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
Bigger centre for
the community
BUILDING work has started to
improve a community centre in
Brownlow Fold.
The council-run centre provides services and activities for
young and older residents including classes run by Bolton
Community College.
An extension will house three
new classrooms and a main office. The existing building will
have a new craft room, state-ofthe-art IT suite and purposebuilt teaching kitchen designed
for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The coffee bar will be extended and access improved to
make the centre easier for the
disabled.
Classes have been relocated
throughout Bolton. Work is due
for completion in December,
with classes from January.
Save pennies at
Bolton libraries
BOLTON Library Service is encouraging residents to become
savvy with their savings in the
current financial climate.
The library is free to join and can save
money in the long run. It is estimated that
borrowing an average of two books and
two DVDs each month and using the library for internet access can save residents more than £500 a year.
Ways that libraries can save money include:
The libraries have a huge range of books
and any title currently unavailable can be
reserved for free.
● You can use one of the libraries’ 200 computers to keep in touch with family and
friends, look for jobs or research family history.
● DVDs can be hired for a small cost and be
loaned for up to one week.
● Keep up to date with local and national
newspapers as well as a vast array of magazines.
● Join one of the many reading groups to discuss books and authors including reading
groups set up just for children.
● Libraries subscribe to a wide range of electronic resources from well known encyclopaedias to huge reference databases.
● They can be accessed through Bolton Council’s website and a 24-hour enquiry service
is available to put questions to trained staff.
● Those looking to expand their business can
make use of the mailing lists, company information and financial statistics available
in the libraries.
● Expert staff are on hand to provide customers with free and impartial advice on
anything from careers and training to recommendations on places to visit.
● You can also attend library events, such as
talks from leading authors, storytelling and
coffee mornings. Check each local library
notice board to find out about local events.
For
more
information
visit:
www.bolton/gov.uk/libraries
●
ONE HUNDRED: Farnworth Town Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year with a history-themed party
Creative fun at Farnworth Art Festival
CELEBRATIONS in Farnworth continue
throughout the summer as the annual Arts
Festival gets under way.
The festival (June 15 to July 17) focuses on
the history of Farnworth, with opportunities for
people to compare the town ‘then and now’
and to provide nostalgic recollections.
There will be activities for all ages – not just
the older generation – including visual artsbased activities, performances, dances and
workshops.
Farnworth Youth Centre will run ceramic
painting once again and a festival finale will
be held at Moses Gate Country Park on July
19.
Attractions at the finale include: Circus
Fudge and the Weather House comedy show,
the Vale Royal Falconry Display Team, walkabout street performers, wood and countryside
crafts, a climbing wall, archery, Punch and
Judy show plus music by the Farnworth and
Walkden Brass Band.
The event is run in partnership with Bolton
Council’s Ranger Team.
Any residents of Farnworth wishing to take
part in the arts festival should contact the coordinator Michelle Sheree on 07939 273730.
Community groups or individuals requiring a
stall on the day should contact the Moses
Gate Rangers on 01203 334343.
One Bolton Festival brings everyone together
THE One Bolton Festival is an
eight-week celebration of all that’s
great about the Bolton family.
With history, art, culture and music
there will be something for everyone. It brings together taking place
throughout the summer activities
are free unless otherwise stated.
Below you’ll find the events taking
place next month – look out for the
June edition when we’ll feature
more of what’s happening.
One Bolton Festival Launch on
Saturday 20 June at 11am. A
main stage in Victoria Square will
feature local performers throughout the day, plus a spectacular procession and performance of Dhol
Drummers. Bolton FM, Bolton’s
new community radio station, will
also be there. Any community
groups interested in performing
should ring 01204 334447.
Howfenfest on Saturday 20
June, noon to 9.30pm. A music
festival promoting local talent in
is £5 – to book, call 01204
334400
Songs of Praise on Sunday
21 June at 6.30pm. Hymns
chosen by local celebrities at
Bolton Parish Church.
Central Park, Westhoughton with family entertainment and funfair.
Tickets from June – see
www.howfenfest.co.uk
Knights in Battle on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21
June at 11am to 4pm.
Discover what life was really like in a mediaeval
camp, see the kitchen,
find out about surgery and watch
the soldiers call to arms as they
prepare for battle, in the grounds
of Bolton Parish Church.
Local Charities Mediaeval Market on Saturday 20 and Sunday
21 June at 10am to 4pm. Have a
great day out, pick up a bargain
and support Bolton’s voluntary
groups in Bolton Parish Church
Grounds.
Bolton Art Circle Exhibition on
Saturday 20 at 10am to 4pm and
Sunday 28 June at noon to 4pm.
Local artists will be exhibiting
their work for sale in the north
aisle of Bolton Parish Church with
a percentage of each sale going to
local charities. For more information, call 01942 814437
Churchgate Painting Challenge
on Saturday 20 June at 11am to
4pm. Members of Bolton Art Circle compete to discover who can
best capture Churchgate on canvas.
Tapestry of Music on Saturday
20 June at 7.30 pm. Tapestry of
Music brings early music from the
Medieval, Tudor and Baroque periods alive. They are performing in
Bolton Parish Church and the cost
Smithills School Brass
Band on Monday 22 June
at 7.30pm. Bolton’s world
champion brass band perform in the parish church.
Tickets £7 with concessions £5 – to
book call 01204 334400.
'Not all gas and gaiters' – an
evening with the Bishop of
Bolton on Tuesday 23 June at
7.30pm.
Bishop Chris Edmondson reflects
on his first year as Bishop of
Bolton at Bolton Parish Church.
Chorus Brass Ensemble perform on Wednesday 24 June at
7.30pm at the parish church.
Tickets £7 with concessions £5
from 01204 334400.
An evening of Victorian Enter-
tainment on Friday 26 June at
7.30pm. A mix of Victorian ballads,
parlour and music hall songs performed by the Royal Northern College of Music at Bolton Parish
Church. Cost: £5 – to book call
01204 334400.
Victorian Family Garden Party
on Saturday 27 June at 12.30pm
to 4pm. An afternoon for all the
family filled with Victorian activities and entertainment in the
grounds of the parish church.
Local Charities Victorian Market on Saturday 27 and Sunday
28 June, 10am to 4pm. Support
Bolton’s voluntary groups in
Bolton Parish Church Grounds.
Last Night of the Proms presented by the Bolton Chamber
Orchestra on Saturday 27 June
at 7.30pm. A very special evening
to celebrate 30 years of the Bolton
Festival at Bolton Parish Church.
Tickets are £7 with concessions £5
available. To book call 01204
334400.
Bolton Scene 15
One day
in Bolton
With summer and school holidays looming,
Bolton Scene invited newcomer to the town,
Paul Compton, to hit the streets to find out
what the borough has to offer.
8.30am
12.30pm
3pm
The first port of call: Bolton Library to pick up
my Visit Bolton guide and other brochures to
plan the day.
Cost: free
With lunch in my hand, all I need now is a
perfect place to eat it. Only a short walk from
the town centre is Queens Park; a scenic place
for lunch and a stroll.
Cost: free
A short walk to Moss Bank Park and it’s time for
more wildlife. Here, there is not only an
opportunity to walk around the park but also
the fantastic Animal World and Butterfly House
with exotic birds, animals and, of course,
butterflies. Cost: free
9am
So to the museum and aquarium where fish,
Egypt and football were the main viewing
pleasures. The aquarium is great to view the
many exotic fish – from such far reaches as
Borneo and Brazil. The museum offered even
more with the magnificent Egyptology exhibition
and the intriguing story of the FA Cup.
Cost: free
10am
Thirsty work this sightseeing so it’s off to a café
for a quick cuppa. There’s quite a few to choose
from on Victoria Square and nearby.
10.40am – train from Bolton station to
Horwich Parkway. Return: £2.60
10.50am
Being a bloke, the football stadium and the
Spirit of Sport sculpture are the main attractions
for me at Middlebrook. But I also take a look at
the fantastic facilities at Bolton Arena and the
range of shops as well as the cinema and
bowling alley. Cost: free
11.45am – train back to Bolton.
12noon
Time for a spot of lunch. One thing Bolton is not
short of is a fair share of sandwich shops,
bakeries and cafés all with affordable snacks to
prepare you for a packed afternoon of
sightseeing.
1.20pm – train from Bolton station to
Hall i’th’Wood. Five minutes. £1.20
1.30pm
A short train journey and an even shorter walk
leads me to Hall i’th’Wood Museum. The 16th
century hall and home of Samuel Crompton is
open for special events including Medieval
Activities from 23 to 25 May, and the family fun
day on 28 August.
Visit www.boltonmuseums.org.uk.
2.03pm
3.50pm – bus back to Bolton.
20 minutes. £1.20
4.10pm
It’s now time to check out what Bolton has to
offer shopping-wise. The newly-refurbished
Market Place and the Crompton Place shopping
centres, as well as the surrounding streets, offer
top high street shops and local independents.
Fresh produce and bargains can be found at
Bolton Market.
- take bus to Smithills.
20 minutes. £1.40
5pm
2.30pm
A moment to rest my feet and have a drink at
one of the town centre’s many bars.
The stately Smithills Hall is my next port of call.
You can spend hours walking around the
historic estate; looking at vintage rooms dating
back 800 years and wandering through the
grounds of the country park that surrounds it.
There’s also the traditional farmyard and exotic
animals at Smithills Open Farm.
Cost: £3 for an adult ticket; concessions
are £2, and a family ticket – two adults and
up to four children, is £7.75. Children under
five get in free.
6pm
Time for tea and there’s much to choose from
with English, Indian, Chinese, Italian and
Spanish among the many restaurants in the
town centre alone.
This is not all that
Bolton has to offer;
If you’re into history, take a look at Bolton
Parish Church with its museum with relics
from Churchgate; Firwood Fold, a
collection of 17th century cottages, round
the corner from Hall i’th’Wood, where
Samuel Crompton was born; the early 19th
century industrial village of Barrow Bridge
set in a wooded dell near Moss Bank Park,
and Horwich Heritage Centre displaying the
history of the former railway town.
Bolton is surprisingly green with many
more parks such as Jumbles and Moses
Gate country parks, Leverhulme Park and
many smaller green spaces. The West
Pennine Moors overlook the town and just
across the border you can find the historic
Turton Tower and Rivington.
For a taste of culture and entertainment
there’s also the Octagon Theatre and
amateur productions at Bolton and
Farnworth little theatres. For shopping with
a difference try the House of Raja and the
Last Drop Village.
8pm
Full up and in need of more entertainment,
I head to the Albert Halls. A Jimi Hendrix tribute
is the perfect way to round up the day.
Cost: £15
For more, go to www.visitbolton.com
Bolton Life
Events, festivals, culture
Celebrity chefs are
on the menu
Half term events
THERE’S a whole world of exciting events
for young and old this half term.
For further information on all events taking place in Bolton go to:
www.boltonlife.org.uk
CELEBRITY chefs will be cooking up a storm at Bolton’s fourth
annual Food and Drink Festival.
MINI EXPLORERS: This story and craft
course is aimed at the under fives, with their
parent or carer. Meet in the children’s library
at 1pm on Tuesday May 19. Ring 01204 907528
to book your free place.
Hairy Bikers Simon King and Dave
Myers and national favourite James Martin will showcase their culinary skills at the
popular food fest organised by Bolton
Council.
LETTER BOXING: Have a go at navigating
around Queens Park orienteering trail on
May 23, from 1-3pm. Meet at the Queens
Park lodge off Park Road.
This year’s event is being held from Friday,
August 28 to Sunday, August 30.
Highlights over the weekend include cooking
demonstrations in the Rangemaster Cookery
Theatre by James Martin, and the Hairy Bikers.
The bearded motorcycling duo are currently
filming the Hairy Bikers Food Tour of Britain
which is likely to be on screens in September.
They will be roaring into Bolton for a special
gala dinner.
James Martin began his television career 13
years ago and has worked in professional
kitchens from the age of 10. He also manages
his own deli and bakery, Cadogan and James,
in Winchester.
The pick of the region's finest produce, from
fresh vegetables to succulent meats, will be on
sale as local farmers and producers take over
Victoria Square. Added ingredients for the
three-day feast include restaurant concessions,
food demos by local chefs, tastings and firstclass entertainment.
● For events in the town centre this spring
see page 2.
MEDIAEVAL WEEKEND: There’s no better place than Hall i’th’Wood Museum, a
grade 1 listed, 16th century half timbered
hall to involve the whole family in some fantastic medieval activities. Join in the fun on
23 to 25 May from 1-4pm.
GET ACTIVE: Come and join in the fun in
Queens Park with a climbing wall, archery,
go-karts, grass sledging, assault courses, low
rope challenge and mini fun fair. It takes
place in Sunday May 24 from noon to 4pm.
CRAFT DISPLAY: Come and see a selection of traditional crafts, from felt to stained
glass, demonstrated at Smithills Hall. It
takes place on Sunday May 24 at 2-4pm.
BRASS BAND: Boarhurst Band kick off the
ever popular Sounds on Sunday brass and
jazz band concerts. They’ll be performing at
Moss Bank Park on Sunday May 24 at 2-4pm.
More Sounds on Sunday concerts takes place
in parks throughout the summer.
HAIRY BIKERS: Simon King (left) and
Dave Myers will be cooking up a treat along
with TV chef, James Martin
Sporting superstars
receive special accolades
BOLTON’S sporting superstars have
been honoured.
The council's Sport Health Inclusion
Service with Bolton Sport and Physical
Activity Alliance held their fifth annual
Bolton Sport and Physical Activity
Awards
The ceremony took place at the De
Vere Whites Hotel at the Reebok Stadium in March.
The winners on the night were:
● School Sports Team of the year:
Canon Slade’s Senior Tennis Team
Contribution to School Sports: Andy
Leigh
● Volunteer of the Year: Mark Dacre
●
●
Sports Achiever of the Year: Matthew
Rotherham
● Club of the Year Award: Bolton Lads
and Girls Club
● Mentor of the Year: Ray Pollitt
● Coach of the Year: Nathan Tully
● Unsung Hero in Sport: May Barlow
● Active Achiever of the Year: Elizabeth
Webb
● Disabled Sports Performer of the Year:
Rachael Latham
● Young Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca
Keating
May Barlow went on to win in the same
category at the Greater Manchester
Sports Awards.
Support for Bolton’s
up and coming talent
POTENTIAL Olympic and world champions
now have extra support.
The Bolton Sport and Physical Alliance have
just launched Bolton's Future Talent Scheme,
to support performers get training facilities free
of charge.
Talented athletes from the borough who have
represented the county or region in the last 12
months can apply to apply to the scheme. It
gives them 12 month’s free use of Serco-run
leisure centres; Bolton Arena and Bolton Lads
and Girls Club.
The scheme is open to athletes of any age in
Bolton with the potential to compete at national
level in any Sport England-recognised sport.
For an application form contact the council’s
Sport, Health and Inclusion unit on 01204
334109.
JUNIOR WHITES: Bolton Wanderers Junior Whites have a fun day on Wednesday May
27 with fantastic activities in and around the
Reebok Stadium for children aged 5-11.
Booking is required by contacting 01204
673770 and the day costs £12.
MINI BUGS: Leave your teddy bear at
home, this year’s picnic has a minibeast
theme, with games, music, dancing and craft
activities. Come dressed as a bug, bring a
picnic and enjoy an afternoon at Moses Gate
Country Park on Wednesday May 27 at noon
to 3pm.
STORY TIME: Join in the story telling sessions at Castle Hill and the Central Library
to celebrate Family Week. Both events take
place on Wednesday May 27 for ages zero to
three and four to seven. Come along to the
Central Library at 11-11.30am or Castle Hill
at 2-2.30pm.
WORM WHISPERING: Dig up the worms
that live around Smithills Hall as part of the
national Earthworm Survey (www.opalexplorenature.org. Entry is £3 or £2 for concessions on Friday May 29, 1-4pm.
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