KAREN'S COLUMN

Toto had very personal links with the tragedy in America as he had cousins who worked in both the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. Fortunately, both of his relatives are safe and well and we thought that it would be nice to include his letter within this column --

Dear Karen

Just a quick note today to express my thanks to you, Bolton Town Centre and the people of Bolton for the incredible caring and compassion I experienced while attending Bolton International Clown's Festival.

After the horrific events of September 11 the festival could have fallen apart but everyone pulled together and the laughter did not die despite the sorrow. I had at least a dozen people stop me along Victoria Square to thank us for being there. "The world needs clowns more than ever" was heard over and over.

I was greatly touched by the love and caring I was shown as one of the 10 Americans attending the festival. I will never forget it.

Over the past two weeks we have seen the deep evil that can lurk in the hearts of man with the tragedies in the USA but, we also saw the very deepest caring, kindness and joy that also exists when clowns from all over the world come together.

Ron "Toto" Johnson

Davenport, Iowa, USA

Snow tubing in bolton town centre

Having investigated all the options for this year's Christmas event in the town centre, we have decided to try something new. From the end of November Victoria Square will be transformed, subject to health and safety approval, into a Winter Wonderland. A festive scene will be created with artificial snow and a huge snow tubing slide. The entire event will be open air and will be open for approximately a month. We are currently looking into plans for an opening event and will let you all know as soon as the details have been finalised.

Last year's ice rink was a huge success but we decided to answer some of our critics and create a more aesthetically pleasing event this year. We are continuing to finalise matters with the ice rink planning permission to enable us to stage that event in future but, as they say, variety is the spice of life and we are keen to try new things -- hence the snow tubing. The charge to use the slide is likely to be £2 for three slides and all the money raised from the event goes towards further events and promotions in the town centre.

Bolton's first snow tubing slide promises to be great fun for all ages so don't forget to plan your visit and don't miss the opening event on November 30.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring this event can contact Cathy Savage on 01204 523762.

And now we are two!

THE Town Centre Company has reached its second birthday and has seven times the number of members the former Town Centre Partnership had. What does this mean?

Well, basically, more businesses are benefiting from the services provided by this Company and more money is being invested in improving the vitality and viability of Bolton town centre.

The last two years have flown by incredibly quickly and much has been achieved. Victory at the Middlebrook Factory Outlet public inquiry; Home Office accreditation with the Safer Shopping Award for the retail crime operation; Winner of the Property Awards 2000 town centre management award; Finalist in the London International Advertising Awards together with numerous events, promotions and campaigns. This work is all very visible. However, the greatest strides have undoubtedly been conducted behind the scenes and the partnership working that has been established can only bode well for the future. Any businesses interested in learning more about membership can contact this office on the following number and speak to either me or one of the team. We would also like to thank all our members, the Board and our Sub Group members for their unstinting support over the last two years.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Limited

Management Offices

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

e-mail: Karen@bolton

towncentre.co.uk