BOLTON Town Centre Manager Cathy Savage with her fortnightly briefing from the Town Centre Company

AS usual, it has been a very busy few weeks here at the Town Centre Company, with events to stage and putting together the final plans for this year's Christmas attraction in Victoria Square.

The annual House, Home & Lifestyle Exhibition last week again proved a great success, attracting many visitors into the town centre to get ideas on moving, and improving.

During the summer school holidays the treasure trail competition was held in the town centre for all school children and I am delighted to announce the winners were (Primary) John Clarkson, aged eight, who wins a trip for two to Camelot, and (Secondary) Samantha Marshall, aged 14, who wins a trip for two to Alton Towers -- both courtesy of Timeline Travel.

I know you are all dying to know what is happening on the Square this Christmas and I am delighted to inform you all that this year we will be having an open air artificial ice rink -- not as big as two years ago -- but I hope much more attractive to look at, surrounded by Christmas trees and covered in snow!

The ice rink, or the 'Ice Cube' as it will be known, will have a capacity of 26 skaters at any one time -- so make sure it is on your "must do" list this Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas shopping, I usually have mine finished by now! But since I was appointed as Town Centre Manager and took on a whole range of new duties -- as well as my family -- I am very late in starting. All I can say is that it is a good thing that I work in such a great shopping centre -- and don't forget a date for your diary, the Christmas lights switch-on, Thursday, November 21.

And, finally, I had a conversation yesterday with someone who suggested we launch a sales person of the month/year for all your friendly shop assistants in the town centre. I thought this would be a great idea, so if you have been impressed by any of the Town Centre staff and would like to nominate them, please let me know at the address below.

Cathy Savage

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton

Tel 01204 523762

Fax 01204 523659

Email:catsava@aol.com