A LONG-running music appreciation society will happily welcome new members with open arms.

And that invitation is being made to both younger music enthusiasts and older people too.

The Bolton Recorded Music Society is now into its 54th year and has a membership some 60 strong.

Most of the members are mature music listeners but younger music fans would be very welcome, explained vice-chairman Valerie Houghton.

She said: "We've had some younger members but they tend to leave because of studying or work commitments. It would be good to encourage younger people to join. They have a lot to offer the group."

The society meets every week. One week the meeting is on Tuesday and the next week it's Thursday. The venue is the Lecture Theatre at Bolton's Central Library.

Members listen to a wide range of music on a superb amplification system. It might not be the same as listening to a live orchestra but it's the next best thing.

And the great thing about it is that all the members share a love of music and can mutually appreciate what they are listening to.

Valerie, 67, got involved when she moved to Bolton from St Albans. "I'd been used to going to concerts in London and when I came to Bolton I didn't have the same opportunities.

"I really enjoy the society and although it's not the same as going to a concert, because you don't see the action, it is still very enjoyable."

The cost is minimal. Members pay just £12.50 for 32 meetings and the music is varied, classical, some jazz but no pop music.

The youngest member is in his early twenties, the oldest in his early eighties but all members share the same enthusiasm for music.

Many of the members present meetings and entertain with anecdotes or valuable information.

The new season opens on Thursday September 16 with the presentation by Pauline Higginbottom "Now there's a novel idea".

Meetings start at 7.15pm and anyone interested in finding out more should contact Mrs Houghton on Bolton 650972, or try 300393 or 594442. Alternatively you can just turn up on the night.

Worth noting is that parking is available at a reasonable cost in the Octagon Car Park close to the library.

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