Message from Friends of the Earth  -  Bee Saver Kits:

For many of you, us bees are probably the last thing on your minds right now. But without us, the impact on global economy and food chains would be devastating. More.....

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Below is a link to the webpage for TCV, the Community Network of Conservation Volunteers, which may be of interest to some groups.
It costs £10 per year to join, but they offer discounts on group insurance, purchase of tools and plants, information and support on funding... a range of services for voluntary groups involved in environmental projects. Worth a look ....

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In these dark days of Covid-19 we all need to hear about things that inspire us.... this inspired me!! It's an article about Ron Finlay, a resident of Los Angeles, who has set about revolutionising attitudes to gardening in inner city areas. Many groups of volunteers in Bolton are doing very similar things!!

There is also a "Ted Talk" on YouTube which is wonderful; to hear it you can click on the highlighted words "Ted Talk" in the article, or click on the second link below.

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Bolton's Fund Covid-19 Resilience Grant - now open

Grants of up to £1000 are now available to groups and organisations in Bolton working to connect and increase their ability to reach more people as part of Bolton's community response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Click here to read about funding for Covid-19 projects on Bolton CVS website

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Here is an article from the BBC website which the conservationists among you may find interesting... it's good to have something uplifting in the current situation!

Click here to read the BBC website article about the UK's first "tiny forest"

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Another very interesting article. Sorry about the gloomy outlook BUT we do need to face up to these things....

Click here to read the Guardian article: Covid-19 is nature's wake-up call to complacent civilisation

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This article in The Guardian is an insightful analysis of the damage we are doing to our world with our current lifestyle...  the photograph of the orangutan in the middle of the article is simply heartbreaking.... let's just hope that this terrible crisis will result in world leaders taking seriously the warnings about environmental disasters.

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This recycling scheme is specifically for textiles and clothing. Information from their Facebook page reads:

Recycle4school is committed to helping schools and other organisations raise funds in a way that is eco-friendly, highly profitable, and best of all, at no cost to them.
They help organise collections of good quality unwanted clothing by encouraging parents, students and staff to recycle their unwanted items, and make a BACS payment into your school fund within 5 working d More.....

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Free trees for schools and communities!
Woodland Trust want to make sure that everybody in the UK has the opportunity to plant trees, so they are giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities.

Click here to link to t More.....

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A recent news article on the Bolton Green Umbrella website highlighted a remarkable young girl from Farnworth called Roxy, who cares so much about her neighbourhood, town and the environment that she started up an environment group for her friends and school mates and called the group "The Society for the Protection of the Earth" (SPE). This group of primary school children hold regular meetings to plan their events, and have organised many litterpicks in their area. Well done SPE!

A More.....

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Group admins: Are you aware that you have your very own Admin page on the Bolton Green Umbrella website? And that you can promote your events by posting them via the “Events” tag on that Admin page? And that you can attach a poster or link to a website, without needing any technical expertise?
Any Events and News items that you post will appear i More.....

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The National Trust is planning to plant 20 million trees over the next decade as part of efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

The organisation made the announcement, which it says will cost £90m-100m, on Thursday to mark its 125th anniversary.

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Another blitz of the appalling fly-tipping on the banks of the River Croal near to Queen's Park resulted in over 200 bags of rubbish being very painstakingly cleared, and an article in the Bolton News.

Click here to read the article in Bolton News

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The Physical Activity Alliance at Bolton CVS are offering investments up to £1,000 for community groups and organisations to deliver activities that will encourage physical activity and reduce social isolation.

The deadline for applications is Monday 17th February at 5pm.
Follow the link below for further information:

https://www.boltoncvs.org.uk/big-bolton-fund-grant More.....

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If you’d like a festive season that’s a little kinder to the environment (and better for your pocket!), read on for our top five tips!

1. Say No to Unnecessary Packaging & Recycle!

At this time of year, the supermarkets seem to be stacked to the rafters with gift sets; perfume, aftershave, toys, even cheese! They all look lovely, but they can be so heavily packaged that opening one is like separating Russian dolls… boxes in boxes in boxe More.....

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The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most iconic and well-loved birds. They often provide a much-needed splash of colour to our gardens over the grey, icy winter months, and that unmistakeable red breast (often set against a backdrop of crisp, white snow) has long been a proud and prominent feature on our Christmas cards.
With the festive season fast approaching, what better time to celebrate this charming little bird? Here are some inte More.....

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For anyone who has an involvement with a school, here are two excellent schools projects run by  nationwide organisations, The Woodland Trust and Keep Britain Tidy.

Woodland Trust Green Tree Schools Award

The Green Tree Schools Award encourages outdoor learning and inspires pupils to learn about trees, woods and wildlife.Through our award, your school can take part in fun, practical projects while helping the More.....

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This could be very useful to many of the voluntary groups registered with Bolton Green Umbrella.
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IMPORANT AND URGENT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO APPLY FOR FUNDING....

The Government have very recently announced a new phase of "Pocket Park" funding - but the entry deadline is 31st December - and Yes, that IS 2019, so get your skates on!
Below is a synopsis from GRANTfinder, and below that the link to the Government website for further details and application process.
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We now have Bolton Green Umbrella leaflets! 
If you can help by taking some to your local library, health centre, college, society .... please get in touch 
Let's spread the word about the fantastic volunteer groups who are making our town a cleaner, greener place for everyone

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If we said "litter", cigarette butts might not be the first thing you think of. They seem relatively harmless compared to some other forms of litter, like single-use plastics and other non-recyclable materials... but are they really? And why should Bolton care?

Recent surveys conducted by Ke More.....

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Does someone in your volunteer group really go out of their way to make a difference in Bolton? Is your group eager to tell everyone a little more about what you do and why? Or has your group acheived something amazing or reached a milestone in  project that you would like to share?

If the answer to any of these questions was 'yes', then our upcoming addition to the newsletter will be music to your ears!

In a bid to acknowledge and showcase the brillia More.....

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Over the past year, young environmental activists have been making big news and an even bigger impact across the globe. The ‘School Strike for Climate’ protest, which began as a one-girl demonstration by sixteen-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg in August 2018, quickly flourished into a worldwide youth movement, one that continues to gr More.....

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It’s almost that spooky time of year again! October 31^st  is fast approaching, so its time to stock up on sweets for the trick-or-treaters, pick out the creepiest costume you can find, and hone your pumpkin-carving skills! Some of us might even go all out and decorate the house with plastic spiders, cotton wool cobwebs and rubber bats!

But did you know that Halloween is more like the end of Valentine’s Day for real bats? The mating season for many UK sp More.....

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Great news! Bolton News yesterday ran an article all about Bolton Council's plans to spend £1.5 MILLION for a cleaner, greener borough....

Click here to read the article

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As most of our subcribers will already know, Bolton Green Umbrella regularly shares event listings, links of interest and news articles about all the incredible work that our volunteers do via our newsletter. We now have over 300 subscribers, and this number continues to increase as our influence grows and new members and organisations become involved in what we do - we've had three new groups register with us in the last month alone!

As we have now hit this milestone figure, we More.....

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Do you like to stay organised? Plan ahead? Keep your finger on the pulse of all things environmental in Bolton?

Then our latest update is definitely for you!

In a bid to help our volunteers and organisations stay in the loop and enjoy more of the fantastic activities going on in and around our borough, BGU will now send out a handy summary of all scheduled events to our newletter subscribers on a weekly basis.

The first of these new updates More.....

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Calling all subscribers! We need your help to spread the word about all the inspiring work and projects our dedicated volunteer groups are doing throughout Bolton to make our borough cleaner, greener and a better place for everyone!

If you know someone who might be interested in what's going on in their area, or the news articles and events we cover, don't be shy! Share the love and pass on your newsletter to them... or better yet, encourage them to More.....

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Earlier this year, the government awarded a shared fund of £9.75 million to all local authorities across England. This grant has been dubbed ‘High Street Community Clean-Up Funding’ and it aims to assist local volunteers and councils in improving their high streets and town centres.

In A More.....

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This is a beautiful short film about wild-flower meadows.... you'll be transported!!

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This is something I was not aware of.... chewing gum thrown on the ground looks like bread to birds which try to eat it, which can lead to their death as described in the poster Yet another example of the careless disposal of waste being devastating to wildlife....

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Schoolchildren at Clayton-le-Moors make a beach hut out of plastic waste which is made into Ecobricks

Click here to open the link and read the story

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Here is an article from the BBC website : A long-running campaign encouraging councils to let neatly-mown grass verges become mini meadows where wildflowers and wildlife can flourish appears to be building up a head of steam. Since 2013, Plantlife has been telling authorities the move could help them save money and boost their green credentials. Click here to open the link and read the story

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Bolton Green Umbrella (BGU) has never before recommended a private business on this website, but want to do so on this occasion.... The Bolton Green Umbrella laptop was recently subject to a computer virus, affecting emails and leaving behind all sorts of potentially dangerous "risks". Console Wizard on Tonge Moor took the laptop into its tender loving care and sorted out all the nasties, for which we are very grateful!!! They did a great job, were extremely friendly and helpful, gave all so More.....

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Bolton News on 4th June contained an article entitled "Celebrating Bolton's army of volunteers", which mentions Barb Hackett and Bolton Green Umbrella Click here to open the link and read the story

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MANCHESTER BOLTON AND BURY CANAL SOCIETY FAMILY FUN DAY!! FREE ENTRY!! SATURDAY 15th JUNE, 11am - 4pm All sorts of activities: Canoeing, cycling, fishing, pond dipping, rock painting, craft and art stalls (No parking on-site so please walk or cycle) Click here to go to the MBBCS website Click here to go to the MBBCS Facebook page

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Below is a link to Friends of the Earth's petition to the government to take action on climate change. There is a quote from Sir David Attenborough: "I think climate change is the major challenge facing the world" Click More.....

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In July 2018 a Facebook page was created for litterpicking groups; there are now over 1200 groups registered! So those of you who are encouraged by finding out about like-minded people wanting to clean up our country - this is the page for you! Click here to link to the Facebook page

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The perennial subject of the irresponsible dog owners who decorate trees and bushes with their pets' "decorations".... Here's another amusing slant on it to (hopefully) give people a smile... Click here to open the link and read the story

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Bolton Green Umbrella organised this joint effort On Sunday 18th November 2018 seven litterpicking groups joined forces to tackle the stretch of road from Moses Gate through to Darcy Lever - Smith's Road/Hacken Bridge Road/Hacken Lane. It's a long stretch, which rarely gets litterpicked, so Bolton Green Umbrella contacted all the groups to suggest a communal effort. Will and Bev, landlord and landlady of The Railway pub in Moses Gate kindly opened the pub early and provided tea, coffee and bi More.....

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Mere Hall in Thomasson Park, is set to become Bolton Music Service's new home Below is an article in Bolton News: Click here to open the link and read the story

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Paris has very little green space, so residents are planting gardens on pavements and small areas of public land to make the city greener. Here is another yet another inspirational story about people taking responsibility for improving and beautifying their town or city. Our town of Bolton is (we believe) getting cleaner and greener - but let's look at what is being done in Paris and see what we can learn from it. More.....

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Chewing gum is the most common litter after cigarette ends., but a British designer is now coming up with imaginative and creative ways of recycling used chewing gum - and cleaning our streets in the process. Click here to open the link and read the story

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A 13-year-old who was nicknamed "Trash Girl" by bullies for clearing litter from the streets has gained a global following for her work. How wonderful to see a young person caring so much for the environment and her neighbourhood. This is what we all need to encourage and support Click here to open the link and read the story

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Here is a video made by Friends of the Earth, saying thank you for making the world a better place in 2018 Click here to open the link and read the story

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It's easy to feel discouraged sometimes about environmental problems.... but heart-warming to read about dedicated people who just "get on with it". It restores ones faith in humanity.... A Jersey couple who can be found litter picking on the beach come rain or shine have been hailed as the island's "unsung heroes" after it emerged they'd been quietly "doing their bit" for over a quarter of a century. More.....

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This recent article in the Scottish Sun strikes a chord with many people - the number of elastic bands on our pavements, dropped by postal delivery staff. Here's someone who took action! Click here to open the link

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Another major beer brand has innovated to replace plastic aggregation rings in its packaging portfolio. Earlier this year Carlsberg announced its novel use of adhesives to glue cans together with the new Snap Pack. Now the Mexican brand Corona has unveiled its alternative approach: becoming the first global beer brand to use an aggregator based made from plant-based biodegradable fibres, with a mix of by-product waste and compostable materials. If left in the environment, the new rings will brea More.....

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This is amazing; surely this is the way we need to go to save the environment from at least some of the oceans of plastic....

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This is a brilliant example of how people-power can get results. A few months ago Walkers came in for severe criticism for not doing enough about the damage their packaging was doing to the environment. Now they have responded with this recycling scheme. Click here to open the link

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The Breightmet Men in Sheds group are holding a Craft Fair at Lancashire Wildlife Trust's centre on Bury Road on Saturday, 24th November Attached poster gives details. Some lovely Christmas present ideas!

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This BBC article just goes to show - you meet a good quality of person when you go litterpicking!! Click here to open the link

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This article appears on the BBC website this morning, 6th October 2018. It's really interesting, and illustrates what a massive problem plastic is for the world environment and how some countries - not always the ones you would expect - are taking it extremely seriously. They are not afraid to take drastic action. click here to open the link

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On Wednesday, 12th September, Bolton Green Umbrella and Litter Pickers of North Bolton teamed up with staff from Asda and McDonalds to carry out a litterpick in the area, in particular along the river which runs underneath Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge. In all 20 bags of litter were collected, which were then picked up by Bolton Council. Barb Hackett of Bolton Green Umbrella said: "This was a great example of large business corporations working with local voluntary groups to take responsibi More.....

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One of most most complained about types of anti-social behaviour is the riding of illegal off-road bikes in our parks and green spaces, and on paths and pavements. They are often ridden recklessly and are dangerous to people who are just trying to enjoy a walk, and also create a noise nuisance over large areas. Because of cuts to police budgets this has been a relatively low priority for some time, so it is encouraging to read a recent article in the Bolton News where the Safer Roads Targetin More.....

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The Campaign for Rural England have campaigned for many years trying to persuade successive governments to implement a Deposit Return Scheme, and in March 2018 it was announced that a scheme is to be introduced. click here to open the link

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It's not just Bolton, and it's not just the UK that has a massive problem with litter, fly-tipping, and plastic contamination Saturday 15th September was WORLD CLEAN-UP DAY! Check out the Facebook page to see some of the wonderful efforts that were made right across the world: click here to open the link

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The following article appeared in the Bolton News on 11th September 2018: Special Report: Bolton Council leads the fight against fly-tipping click here to open the link

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We like this amusing but very uncompromising sign erected by a fed-up farmer.... Isn't this how we all feel about the minority of dog owners who think it is acceptable to decorate trees, bushes and paths with colourful bags of dog ****? WHY do they do the difficult bit - getting it into the bag - and then not dispose of it properly? One of life's mysteries....

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Monday 6th August saw the first meeting of the newly formed Friends of Moses Gate community group There was an excellent turn-out showing a great deal of local support Support was also forthcoming from Bolton Green Umbrella, plus representatives from the Litter Pickers of North Bolton, Farnworth and Kearlsey Litterpickers, and Moses Gate Green Project A reporter from Bolton News attended and two pages of pictures and stories appeared in the paper as a result, including the More.....

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Click here to watch the video

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Bolton CVS invited representatives from voluntary groups all across the borough to this evening event, which highlighted the achievements in volunteering by local groups and organisations and the change that they make every day. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contribution of volunteers and community action in Bolton. A video has been created capturing the highlights from the evening. More.....

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All you need is love...and litter pickers! On Saturday 30th June communities in Bolton came together, in the glorious sunshine, to litter pick along the river near to Queen's Park. This area, off Spa Road, is a highlighted problem area for the Environment Agency where fly-tipping and litter are known to cause an increase in local flood risk for the surrounding homes and homes further along the river. The huge community power of Bolton Green Umbrella, North Bolton, Bolton West and Johnson More.....

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Bolton Green Umbrella were presented with a "Making a Difference Award" from Bolton Council in recognition of the work done to get communities working together, and recognising the huge contribution made by volunteers involved in environmental activities all over the town. Thanks to Bolton Council – everyone feels better when their work is recognised.

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Bolton Green Umbrella, The Environment Agency, Bolton Council of Mosques, Faiths4Change and Bolton Council are combining forces to clean up the river bank and surrounding streets in the Gilnow area, around Gilnow Road, Spa Road and Queen's Park 10 - 12 Litter Pick The Environment Agency are clearing blockages in the river plus extensive fly-tipping on the embankments. Volunteers will be helping with clearing the fly-tipping where directed by the EA, and also litterpicking the surrounding ar More.....

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A clean up offers an excellent chance to raise awareness of litter issues and to take part in a practical activities. Please click this link for some activity ideas.

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Did you know that Bolton Green Umbrella offers small donations of equipment and materials to local groups? Click here to find out more.

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If anyone is interested in helping to tackle the litter in Tonge moor please see this page

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Earthlings in Bromley Cross has taken the pledge to keep their business litter free and to recycle. For more information about Earthlings, please click here. Thank you Earthlings

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We're pleased to announce that our new website is now live. We've worked hard and we encourage everyone to visit and explore the site. Tell your friends, tell your neighbours, tell your family ..... stop random strangers on the street ..... and tell them to head over to www.boltongreenumbrella.org.uk

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Rick Parker and Bolton Conservation Volunteers came along to Firwood Fold to help Friends of Firwood on Sunday 5th November and it was a brilliant success! BCV funded the whole project through their grant from Bolton Council's Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), so there was no cost to Friends of Firwood. Normally they make a small daily charge of £35 to cover expenses, but this was waived and they also provided 700 bulbs which were planted along the lane going down to the Fold, at a cost More.....

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The three founder members of Green Umbrella were invited to the Bolton Vision Conference in January 2017. The conference is held every five years to discuss strategic plans for Bolton for the next 15 years. Leaders from Bolton's public, private, faith, voluntary, education and community sector organisations met at the Albert Halls for the Vision Conference, to discuss their plans for the future with hundreds of delegates from across the town and beyond - and we were there! We had a stand i More.....

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At our first meeting with Cllr Nick Peel and two members of Bolton Council's Policy and Partnerships Department in September 2016 we asked that the council hold an event to recognise and thank all the volunteers we knew about at that time. They were very enthusiastic and the result was an event in November 2016 called "Tea With The Mayor", which gave senior members of Bolton Council and cabinet members the opportunity to say a heartfelt "THANK YOU" for the hardwork and selfless dedication of Bol More.....

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