Children's Opportunity Group celebrating 45th anniversary

Bolton Children's Opportunity Group (COG) was founded in 1979, providing a stepping stone between home and nursery for young children with disabilities and special needs. 

The group was formed in an era when special educational needs were not as well-catered for in mainstream nurseries, so was aimed at children with those needs. 

Annette Dodd has been involved with the group since she took her daughter there in the early 1980s. 

Annette's daughter, Victoria, playing at COG in 1984 (Image: Bolton COG) Now the business manager and administrator, she is one of the longest-serving members of COG. 

Annette said: "I started attending COG when my daughter was 18 months old. I started taking her in 1983 and have been involved ever since. 

"It was wanting to meet other parents in a similar situation which is one of the big things, we started out with it being a place for parents to come together and meet. 

"It is a shame that isn't as much of a thing these days. It is a shame we've lost that, I feel that is a big loss, but it is just one of those things. 

Children playing at COG (Image: Bolton COG) "When we first started we always used to say it is a stepping stone between home and playgroups/nurseries." 

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She added: "There weren't many playgroups at the time that took children with special needs in. That was the vision that started COG off. 

"The more you put into children with special needs, the more you get out of them, they achieve and won't necessarily have to go to a special school. 

"That is what happened with Victoria, my daughter, she went from COG into nursery, then primary and secondary school at Thornleigh. 

Victoria handing flowers to Princess Alexandra on a visit to the centre (Image: Bolton COG) "We have grown immeasurably from how we started, which was two half day playgroups in somebody else's building. We just hope it will be here for as long as possible." 

Annette added: "I would also like to mention two very lovely ladies who were instrumental in the creation of COG back in 1979, the much loved and dearly departed Liz Tatman MBE and Nicola McGuinness (was Pearcey).

"If it hadn’t have been for them, COG would not be here."

The group now offers a playgroup, a high needs base and a nurture group, providing support for children with and without special needs. 

On Saturday, November 16, the group is holding a gala dinner and disco to celebrate 45 years at the Mercure Georgian Hotel in Blackrod. 

There will be a three-course dinner, a raffle, entertainment and more, at a cost of £45 per ticket. 

To reserve a ticket, contact COG on 01204 491085 or send an email to info@boltoncog.co.uk. 

They are also welcoming raffle prize donations.