Your Local Independent 190

Page 10 January 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 MARCH Celebrating 100 years of running HORWICH RMI Har- riers is celebrating its centenary with a host of events highlighting its role in the life of the local community. The pr og ramme includes a special exhibition which is now open at Horwich’s Heritage Centre and will run until May 16. It was formally opened by Horwich mayor David Grant. The free exhibition, which includes many club artefacts, will be open to the public until the club’s centenary dinner, which will take place at Bolton Sta- dium Hotel. Horwich RMI Har- riers & AC was estab- lished in 1924 by a group of enthusiastic workers from the Horwich Rail- way Mechanic Institute – or the Horwich RMI. HORWICH’Smuch-awaited banking hub has finally opened its doors to people and businesses in the town. Its temporary home is Craven House on Lee Lane and it will remain there until moving to a perma- nent base, whose location will be revealed soon. Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to establish a similar hub to serve the people of Westhoughton. Horwich’s hub is one of just 36 open in the country and it has been created to provide people with basic banking and cash services. Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm DERBY BARRACKS, FLETCHER STREET, BOLTON BL3 6NF www.emmaus-bolton.org.uk • info@emmausbolton.org.uk DO YOU SEW OR CRAFT? We have a large stock of fabrics and textiles at unbelievable prices. WE SELL RECYCLED FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL 01204 398056 That was the year that was! A look back at 2024 AS 2025 begins, it’s a good time to look back on some of the community stories that we have brought to you over the past 12 months. It’s been another busy year for our communities and we’ve been proud to report on their achievements. We’re looking forward to continuing to keep you in the picture in 2025. Happy New Year from all of us! JANUARY Easing the pressure TWO major road projects which it is hoped will help ease traffic congestion around Horwich and Westhoughton are set to be completed this year. It is understood that work to construct the £12million Horwich Loco Works spine road could be finished in the spring. Bolton Council is heralding the road’s completion in 2024 as a “huge milestone” and describes it as a key priority for the local authority. It is part of a raft of large-scale, multi-million pound regeneration projects across the borough set for delivery this year, which town hall chiefs predict will spark further private investment in the borough. FEBRUARY Banking on it APRIL Ground control plan A BOLD plan to bring Horwich RMI Recrea- tion Ground into com- munity ownership has been revealed by the town council. It is working with Hor- wich RMI social club to explore the possibility of buying the much- loved ground to protect it from any future threats from housebuilding and development. The council has announced it is looking to apply to the Community Ownership Fund, which is part of the government Levelling Up agenda. MAY ‘Joey’ Vernon’s big birthday surprise TV and radio personality Vernon Kay received a very special 50th birthday greeting from his old school in Horwich live on air. While presenting his Radio 2 show he heard a host of messages from former schoolmates and teachers at St Joseph’s RC High in Horwich – along with present pupils and head Tony McCabe. Mr McCabe told him: “Vernon, as the head teacher of your old secondary school, St Joseph’s, I know that your legacy still stands in this school. “And because ‘Once a Joey, always a Joey’ there are a few special people who would like to wish you half way to a hundred birthday. Happy Birthday.” A clearly delighted Vernon said: “Thank you very much for your birthday well-wishes, I appreciate that. The best time ever at school.” Vernon paid a visit to his old school last November during his 116- mile trek that raised millions for Children in Need. JUNE A capital move! PLANS for a direct rail service between Hor- wich and London have been unveiled by train operator Virgin. The company, which lost the West Coast mainline franchise to Avanti in 2019, has applied to the Office of Rail and Road for four Open Access rail paths, aiming to have its ser- vices up and running by the end of 2025. ! Cont on page 12