I HAVE to admit to having had a few stressful days recently.

"work pressures or personal hassles?" you may ask. No, like the rest of the country, my nerves have been taut watching the England team make their way through the first round of the World Cup. At least I can breathe again until tomorrow when undoubtedly my nails will be bitten down during the Denmark game. Don't forget, you can watch the game in your town centre, but let's keep things peaceful and bear in mind that there are some people out there who will not be following the footie and will just be out in town working or shopping. This may be a strange thought to many of you, but just one word with my French fianc would convince you!

A Beefeater in Crompton Place

IF you take a trip down to Crompton Place this weekend, you could be forgiven for believing that your eyes are deceiving you. But, no, there will be a Beefeater on hand guiding visitors around the Crowns and Regalia Exhibition on display. To mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, a world-renowned replica set of the Crown Jewels will be housed in Crompton Place from Friday, June 14, until Friday, June 21. In addition to this, other Royal Memorabilia will also be on view. The exhibition will be officially opened on Monday, June 17, at 10am by a look-alike of Her Majesty, so take a trip down to Crompton Place during the next few days for a right Royal treat.

The countdown continues

TIME is flying by and we are fast approaching the Commonwealth Games. With this in mind, work continues apace on "The Spirit of Bolton Festival", to be staged by this Company in celebration of Bolton's Commonwealth links. The four-day event, running from Wednesday, July 31, until Saturday, August 3, will incorporate cultural activities such as music, dance and food, with each of the four days having its own distinct theme -- European Day, Asian Day, African Day and World Day.

If you are interested in entering the Food Challenge, or if you are involved with a community group that would like to participate in one of the themed days of the Festival, contact Cathy Savage on 01204 523762.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Limited

Market Hall, Knowsley Street

Bolton, BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

Email - Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk

www.boltontowncentre.co.uk