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Page 10 October 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 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 WE SELL RECYCLED FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL 01204 398056 UPCYCLED AND HANDMADE FURNITURE AND GARDEN FURNITURE ORGANISERS of the first ever Festival of Blackrod are inviting people to come along to celebrate the village’s shin- ing community spirit. The festival on Saturday Sep- tember 27 follows the success of Horwich’s annual event which this year attracted thousands of visitors. Blackrod Town Council are behind the free inclusive event which will take place from noon until 10pm at Blackrod Cricket Club. A spokesperson said: “Whether you’ve lived in Blackrod all your life or are discovering the village for the first time, the festival prom- ises a day of music, laughter, and shared pride. “It will shine a spotlight on the village’s unique identity, heritage, and sense of togetherness. “From local history and schools to businesses, emergency services, sports clubs, and community groups – every thread of Blackrod life will be represented. “The event also highlights the village’s stunning natural set- ting, including the West Pennine Moors, showcasing why Blackrod is such a special place to live, work, and visit.” The programme includes live performances from local artists on stage and inside the club- house, with something for all ages and tastes. There will also be bouncy cas- tles, fairground rides, soft play, and creative drawing for children along with an exotic petting zoo and face painting.Community group stalls will showcase Black- rod’s talent, traditions, and volun- teer spirit. And fun competitions will include a dog show and the House of Strength Strongman Finals, as well as a hunt to find the mayor with a Nintendo Switch as first prize. Town mayor Kathryn Grant said: “The Festival of Blackrod is about celebrating everything that makes our village special – its people, its history, and its future. “This free, inclusive event is for everyone, and we hope it brings neighbours, families, and friends together in true community spirit.” � Festival of Horwich picture special: P14-17 Bowled over by fun fundraising success Community fun: The Bar Lane Bowling Club’s summer party (Photo credit: Bolton Hospice) A SUMMER Fun Day hosted by Bar Lane Bowling Club has raised £2,000 for Bolton Hospice. The community event featured a wide range of attractions. Highlights included an animal corner, a bouncy castle, and a variety of games. Visitors could also try their luck at a tombola and a raffle, while enjoying a barbecue and refreshments from the bar. The fun-filled day was topped off with a lively disco karaoke session. Bolton Hospice’s mascot Cyril the Squirrel was on hand to greet fami- lies and add to the festive atmosphere. The money raised will go directly towards funding the hospice’s vital services, which include its inpatient unit, Hospice at Home service, and flexible drop-in Wellbeing Hub. Emma Mitson, fundraiser at Bolton Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grate- ful to Bar Lane Bowling Club for their hard work and dedication in organising this wonderful event. “Their commitment to supporting our cause is truly inspiring. Every pound raised makes a significant difference to our patients and their families, allow- ing us to continue providing the com- passionate care they deserve. “This fantastic donation will help us to keep our services running and free for those who need them most.” A village party invite THE River Croal and ponds in Queens Park are being given a new lease of life thanks to a big clean-up operation. The river and ponds were once a haven for wildlife and even today are home to ducks, coots, moor- hens, herons and beautiful but elusive kingfishers. But over time the ponds had become blocked by silt and over- grown by weeds, reducing their value for wildlife and leaving them looking less attractive for visitors to the Bolton park. Carefully removing the silt and weeds has created a healthier, cleaner habitat that will support an even richer range of plants and wildlife. New features made from the silt and weeds will naturally regener- ate over time, attracting even more life and biodiversity to the park. Work has also started on clean- ing the River Croal where it runs through Queens Park, helping to restore its natural beauty for wildlife and visitors. Shopping trolleys, car tyres and other debris have been removed. About half of the river in the park has already been cleaned and the rest is expected to be finished over the next few months. The work is being carried out by volunteers, United Utilities and Bolton Council. Ruth Crawford of the Friends of Queens Park, said: “Through a few of us working together, we hope this has inspired others to take action, proving that even small efforts can make a difference to the local area.” Volunteers go wild over river clean-up