Bolton Lads and Girls Club the 'heart of the community' for 135 years

The club was founded in 1889 as a safe place to wash, eat and stay for boys working in the mills.

In 1993, it added “girls” to its name – five years after they were welcomed into its ranks.

Over the years, the club has made a name for itself, offering Bolton’s children services free of charge.

Deputy CEO Sarah Randall said: “There are many families that can't afford activities that cost even a few pounds.

“This is a safe place for their children to try new things like sports, arts or employability courses for free.”

Cindy Ngamba, Olympic boxer, at Bolton Lads and Girls Club showcase (Image: Sarah Randall)

And on Wednesday, September 18, the club, now known as BLGC, marked over a century of service with a showstopping performance.

Children and young people in its programmes sang, acted and read poems in the showcase to a thrilled audience of patrons and parents.

Cindy Ngamba, the Refugee Olympic Team’s first-ever medallist, performed at the club, where she first started boxing aged 14.

Adam Taylor and Pete Connor (Image: Newsquest)

And patrons were floored.

Adam Taylor and Pete Connor, directors of Pure Companies, said: “We didn’t know what to expect, but were impressed.

“We have worked hard and want to give back.

“And this is a brilliant charity.”

Jackie Hyde (centre) and her team (Image: Newsquest)

Jackie Hyde, managing director of Stanmore Insurance Brokers Ltd, has been supporting the club for a long time.

She said: “When I got involved with Bolton Lads and Girls Club about 10 years ago, my business partner was more into it than me.

“Now, I’m on the fundraising board.

“The club just draws people in. It's absolutely infectious.

“My team already wants to volunteer and donate to the food bank.”

The club has been a place where young people can get mental health support and receive help for other challenges.

TJ Daubney playing guitar at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club showcase (Image: Sarah Randall)

Its young carers service provides support for youth who care for relatives.

It has proved helpful for TJ Daubney, 15, a carer for his mother and grandmother.

TJ said: “The programme helps me regulate my emotions.

“I can't imagine a better place for people in my situation.

“Being around other young carers can make us feel like we belong.”

Katherine Pendlebury, the programme’s coordinator, said: “A lot of worry and anxiety can go into caring.

“The young people also need someone to advocate for them.

“Life can be difficult for them. And they might not see themselves as carers.”

And of the Lads and Girls Club, she said: “It is the heart of the Bolton community.”

And after more than a century, the Bolton Lads and Girls Club still has new projects in store.

Emma Hutchinson, the club's CEO, said: “The club has been setting up its own alternative education provision in the past year.

“Many children in Bolton can’t attend school for a variety of reasons.

“This will help them gain the learning experience and accreditations they need to move on to further education or an apprenticeship.”

And the club wants to get in touch with children outside the town centre who cannot attend because of a lack of easy transport links.

It is planning to bring its branches to other parts of Bolton.

Emma Hutchinson (Image: Newsquest)

Emma said: “We’ve started small in a few community buildings in different wards and hope to grow in the next year.”

Despite its big plans, the club has continued to find it difficult to raise money.

Sarah Randall said: “It’s been more challenging each year.

“Many of the businesses that support us have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

“The costs of running our services have also spiralled.”