Over Hulton - Community Spirit!

Over Hulton Community Group | Tuesday 08 December 2020 | 0 Comments

Below are some stories from John Bullen, the wonderfully active group organiser of Over Hulton Community Group, illustrating the community spirit in the Over Hulton area:

First a little amusing tale. When the first lockdown was announced we tried to identify any residents who may need help. I contacted a lovely lady in the street adjacent to mine - Mary. She is an absolute gem and let's just say she has passed through the 90 birthday landmark. I am 64. I said, "Mary, it's John from the Community Group. I am just phoning to see if you need anything." She replied, "That is so kind of you John but I was just going to phone you to see if I can get you anything!"

During the second lockdown Liam who owns our Precinct sandwich shop and the barbers next door to it made a superb gesture. He announced, "Just to let you all know that as of tomorrow and for all of half term at Darley's we will be offering free meals to any children under the age of 14 whose parents are struggling due to the pandemic. Similarly LO Barbers will be offering free haircuts to any children whose parents are struggling due to the pandemic. We hope this helps the people of Over Hulton. Keep well everyone and thank you." He subsequently extended this offer beyond the half term holidays - a superb gesture. Photos attached      

Two weeks ago we had a truly appalling incident and thankfully some alert and caring neighbours nipped a potential very serious problem in the bud. Three males were seen taking the coping stones off a vulnerable, elderly resident's front garden wall and they proceeded to pull the entire brick wall over. They then went to the homeowner purporting to be from the Council Heath and Safety and saying they had received a report that a schoolchild had tripped over the bricks. They asked a ridiculous amount to rebuild the wall. Thank Goodness the resident sought the advise of his neighbours who came out and thee three men scarpered. All this was reported to the police and hopefully they may catch them as vigilant and caring neighbours got cctv and photos. However one wonderful neighbour, Tracie Burke, started a fund-raiser to get the wall rebuilt. In a week she raised an amazing £800 - people were just wonderful. Now a local tradesman, Dave Hammond of Hammonds Handyman Services has offered to step in and rebuild the wall. A brilliant example of everyone pulling together.  Click here to read the story was reported in the Bolton News.