Residents had a ball at a community centre’s first Christmas party, with plenty of entertainment and treats on offer.
The band The Grumpy Old Men played a wide range of music for the Slaterfield Community Centre, as well as a brass band playing lots of Christmas carols.
Chairman Simon Skirving and ex-forces veteran worked with Cllr Madeline Murray to set up a resident’s association to give something to the Great Lever and Great Holme Community.
After applying for funding for the Christmas party, and working in collaboration with Bolton at Home, they were able to put on their first Christmas party.
Simon said: “I’m proud to represent these people.
“The hard work makes it all worthwhile.
“It gives a voice to the community who didn’t have one before.
“The decorations were absolutely stunning, and we were blown away.”
The mayor of Bolton Cllr Akhtar Zaman also came to show his support, along with Cllr Murray and Cllr Richard Silvester. and former mayor Cllr Linda Thomas
Cllr Zaman said: “It was a good event at Slaterfield Community Centre.
“There was some really good community spirit, with lots of people getting together.”
Cllr Murray said: “It was absolutely brilliant.
“It was their first Christmas do really.
“Simon and David work really hard to keep things going.
“And it was fantastic to see The Grumpy Old Men and the brass band.
“We work quite closely with Bolton at Home and it’s a good partnership.”
A buffet was also served, with a variety of Christmas options available.
Many of those that attended said that it was a great chance for them to get together as a family, with plenty on offer for the children as well.
Bob Wooding who has worked with Jim Davidson provided the kids entertainment where they shared balloon tricks along with lots of other activities.
Simon’s wife Angela also went as Mrs Christmas who had help from Simon’s granddaughter Jaymie who went as an elf.
Simon said: “People from all over came, with some who weren’t from the area, and it was brilliant.
“It gave us a massive boost.
“I want to thank all the community for their dedication and help, and all the volunteers that came.”
Some of the companies that provided donations included Asda, Morrisons, and Park Cakes.
Slaterfield Community Centre on Carrington Driver will now host regular meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 6.30pm, as well as a coffee morning every week on a Friday at 10.30am.
Pictures by Henry Lisowski
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