SOLVE this puzzle and you could enjoy a whole host of new and exciting activities!

It started last Saturday and will continue for three weeks!

Bolton is ahead of the game!

Arts, sports and leisure pursuits are involved!

It's a chance to do something NEW!

So what is it?

ANSWER -- CULTURE SHOCK!

Over the coming three weeks, there are whole host of activities designed to provide Bolton folk with a taste of something new, and, whatever you are in to, there will be something available for you to try! The following extract from the programme will give you the idea, but, for more detailed information, contact Maureen Edwards, Education and Culture Department, Bolton Metro, on 01204 334151 or email Maureen@bolton.gov.uk

(Activity - Age Group - Venue - Date & Time)

Bolton Arts Forum Visual art workshops & Exhibitions -- All -- Town Centre -- Various

Scottish Country Dancing Bolton Burns Club -- 11+ -- Social Centre for Blind - Aug 28, Sept 4

Exploring Archaeological sites -- 10+ -- Edgworth -- Aug 26, Sept 2, 9, 11am-3.30pm

Rugby Training -- 16+ and 5-17 -- Bolton RUFC -- Men's Tue & Sat, Women's Wed, Juniors Sun

Guided tour of old town centre -- All -- Parish Church -- Sunday, September 8 Naughton Archive Open Day -- All -- Central Library -- Mon, Sept 3, 11-4

Summer Roadshow DBBC -- All -- Moss Bank Park -- Sun, Sept 1-4pm

Smithills Hall & Park Trust Mediaeval Re-enactment Group -- All -- Smithills Hall -- Sat, Sept 8, 11-5pm

Edible Countryside -- All -- Jumbles Country Park -- Tues, Sept 4, 6.30pm

Pulse Community Street Bank -- All -- Farnworth Library -- Thurs, Aug 30, 3pm

What I have listed is just a brief taste of the activities on offer. You can try out other sports such as badminton, aerobics, pilates, step and swimming. Try your hand at bridge; take part in a choir or enjoy listening to choirs and musicians. There are rambles, reading groups, flower arranging; you can even give bellringing a go, or help someone else by volunteering at Bolton Hospice.

The idea is to do something you have never done before, and there is, undoubtedly, the opportunity to do that within this varied Programme. So pick up a copy of the programme, either from Bolton MBC or during Bolton Festival, and try something new. You never know, you may discover your own hidden talents and, if not, you will certainly have some fun.

Chosen

Bolton is one of only 14 areas in the country chosen to take part in this pilot project and is the only one in the North-west -- the definition of the project is "taking part in something you don't have to do" -- so come on, get some "Culture Shock".

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

The town centre will shortly be invaded by Clowns from all over the world -- in a mere 17 days, you will not be able to walk around the town centre without having the feeling that you have stumbled straight into a circus. Don't forget to get down to the town centre on September 15 for the highlight of the event -- The Grand Parade! The entire event promises to be fantastic fun for all the family, and tickets are available now for the show as follows --

The All European Stars Clown Show, Sept 13, 7.30pm. Adults £1.50, children/OAPs £1.

Children's Matinees, Sept 15, 11am or 5pm. All tickets £1.

International Clowns Gala Show, Saturday, Sept 15, 7.30pm. Adults £2, children/OAPs £1.

All shows will be staged at the Victoria Halls on Knowsley Street. For tickets contact Bolton Town Centre Ltd on 01204 523762.