THESE days many people may think that they are poor, but in a time of the welfare state it is all relative. Can you imagine living before benefits were brought in and having to scrape along the best you could?

That is what used to happen of course, and it was brought to mind by an article in the 100 Years Ago section some time ago about an outing to the seaside for many Bolton children who at the time lived in slums and cellars.

These conditions were not dismissed by many local worthies who were better off, and who wanted to help the poor. For instance, in July, 1896, an advertisement appeared in the paper asking for funds for the "Poor Children's Outing to Lytham". "The Day's Outing Committee make an earnest appeal for funds to take 2,000 Poor Children for a day at the seaside," it read. "Also a Street Collection for this object will be taken on Saturday afternoon next, by duly accredited collectors."

On August 1 of that year, a story in the paper said that "The choice of Lytham for the trip of poor children to the seaside could not have been more suitable, and, as was expected, the demand for tickets has far exceeded the supply. The applications numbered 2,250, but these have been reduced to 2,050 representing 35 schools of all denominations. Something like £200 will be needed to defray the expenses of the trip, and we understand there is yet considerable deficiency. Wednesday next is the day appointed for the outing, and arrangements have been made for the children to assemble in the Drill Hall, Silverwell Street, from whence they will march to the L & Y Station, and depart to Lytham in two special trains."

Well, the necessary money must have been raised, because a report of the trip tells of how "on Wednesday, over 2000 little ones, gathered from the streets and alleys of the towns, besported themselves at Lytham amid fresh scenes and bracing breezes." Those who went obviously had a great time (all received "a ticket for a donkey ride or a sail -- a treat dear to the hearts of the youthful visitors"), but of those left behind in Bolton, "the distributors tell some sorrowful tales of the sadness of the disappointed ones". However, poor parents did their best to turn out their children neat and clean, and in several cases the loan of clogs was sought at the Queen Street Mission."

But back in Lytham, "some idea of provision made for the meals on the sands may be gathered when we state that for dinner there were served 2,120 large meat pies, the same number of currant buns, and 180 gallons of hot coffee. Over 4,000 cakes were provided for tea. At intervals, nuts, sweets, etc. were distributed. The day was fine, the youngsters enjoyed themselves (including some "venturesome boys who fell overhead in to the water. They were quickly rescued and conveyed to the boiler-house of the Baths where, most probably not to their liking, they had to be confined while their clothes dried. When set at liberty they scampered off to the seas again").

When they arrived back in Bolton that evening, the children were "met by St Luke's band and marched to the Town Hall Square where a large crowd assembled. They sang 'Abide with me' just as the shades of evening were beginning to gather. Mr Ald Nicholson, JP then addressed a few words, thanking the workers and all who had responded to the appeal. The children followed with hearty cheers, and then dispersed." Mind you, "in spite of the great care exercised. it transpired that one little fellow was left behind. He was, however, found by the Lytham police, and sent on by a later train."

Looking back (to coin a phrase!) through the papers, it seems that the trips were started in 1895 when a committee of well-known workers was formed, and enough money raised to take that year 1,100 poor children to Lytham. As you have already seen, by the following year that number had almost doubled, and it was said that the fixture would then become an annual one.

In 1898, "no sooner had the date of the trip been announced, than applicants literally swarmed in from all parts of the Borough . . . the sight of so vast an assemblage of the poorest children in Bolton, some bearing evidence of illness or privation, some crippled, prematurely old, diminutive and weakly, and nearly all scantily clad, was very distressing. One puny figure had part of a sack tied over his little shoulders, a few possessed neither hats nor shoes, while pieces of old macintosh and scraps of clothing did duty to protect the ill-nourished bodies from the unkind elements."

On another occasion, in 1902, "within the wide and sylvan surroundings of Hulton Park, over 2,000 of Bolton's poorest children on Saturday enjoyed themselves with youthful glee. Leaving their doleful environment behind, they were able to romp in the grass and breathe the fresh country air." Even so, it was not possible to help all the children all the time; it was reported that the number of poor children in Bolton was estimated at 5,000.

It wasn't only for holidays for the poor that money was raised. At the Queen Street Mission, dinners were supplied on Wednesdays and Fridays to hungry children, but in 1901, these were "brought to a close for the present" because of lack of funds. But it will give you some idea of the need because it was stated that "during the last six months over 22,000 meals have been distributed, and in addition over 900 pairs of clogs have been supplied on loan, after careful inquiry. The funds have suffered owing to other claims, and help is urgently needed to avoid a deficit."

That was certainly not the end of the work done for the poor. In December, 1906, under the heading "Christmas Cheer for the Poor", the committee of the Queen Street Mission appealed for donations for 1,000 Christmas Breakfasts for Poor Children, 500 Christmas Dinners to Poor Respectable Families, Christmas Tree and Treat to the Crippled Children.

In 1920, from Queen Street Mission, 1,000 pairs of clogs were distributed, 500 Christmas breakfasts and 1,000 Christmas dinners provided, 2,500 children were entertained at Rivington Park, 400 poor children sent for three weeks to Southport, 500 crippled children were taken on an outing, and 2,000-3,000 parcel of food and clothes distributed.

I have found reference in a 1952 story of "the annual cripples' Christmas treat was held at Queen-st. Mission yesterday." They were given tea and gifts of books and toys, with a film show and carol singing to follow, and then "before going home every child received an apple and a shilling (5p)."

I have also found reference to the fact that as recently as 1988, although the Mission building was closed, the work of the "charity church" carried on as it had done for more than 100 years, with the retired Rev. Charles Davies Warren and his wife Gladys, who had been in charge of the Mission for more than 30 years, carrying on with organising holidays for under-privileged children, and giving clothing, footwear and food to poor people of all ages.