ONLY eight weeks after opening its doors, the town's older learners are flocking to Age Concern Bolton's new Learning and Resources Centre at Cross Street, Farnworth.

The purpose-built Centre, the first of its kind on this scale within the Age Concern movement, opened in September and is already attracting almost 200 older learners each week.

Commenting on this early success, Gareth Evans, Age Concern's Chief Officer, said: "We're delighted with this early success. It exceeds all our expectations. We're fortunate in that we enjoy the support of a superb team of tutors and and other helpers, the majority of whom are volunteers. Their personal enthusiasm and commitment have been exemplary.

"I must acknowledge, too, the valuable input of tutors from Bolton Metro's Community Education Service and a small team of students from the south campus of the Bolton Sixth Form College.

"Together we've been able to put together an attractive programme of learning and leisure opportunities. The real joy for me personally has been to see at first hand the learning, the fun and the very natural and easy camaraderie taking place on a day-to-day basis. We're now looking forward to building on this early success."

Those using the attractive and comfortable Centre have been offered an attractive and varied menu of learning, personal development and leisure opportunities. The choice includes computers for beginners, French and German for beginners, gardening, gentle keep fit, art, drawing and painting, learning to play the keyboard, a choice of crafts classes together with a programme of talks and presentations.

The friendly and informal learning style adopted reflects the way in which the Centre as a whole functions.

Jackie Richards, Age Concern's Learning and Personal Development Co-ordinator explained: "Our main aim is to offer good quality learning in a relaxed, informal and welcoming environment in a genuine attempt to encourage and support those older people who are relatively new to adult learning.

"This emphasis on making people feel welcome and at home begins with the important role carried out by our reception volunteers and is an expectation we have of our tutors and those who manage the Centre's snack bar facility.

"I too, am delighted with what we've achieved to date. It's a credit to the hard work and support of everyone involved with the Centre.

"Amid all the fun and the bustle, we're actively reviewing our achievements and our approach in a genuine attempt to ensure that those older people using the Centre derive the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their participation.

"And this important process of ongoing review is set to continue for the future."

The Learning Centre will close between Christmas and New Year and reopen its doors on Monday, January 8, 2001.

As well as the existing choice of learning opportunities and other activities, the Centre will also offer an additional choice of crafts classes and creative writing classes.

Registration for all courses beginning in January 2001 will take place between Monday, November 27, and Friday, December 8 only.

For further details of what's available please call in at the Centre in Cross Street, Farnworth (opposite Farnworth's Little Theatre) or ring them on 01204 701525 between these dates.