DO you know a female who could be Bolton's Woman of the Year?

Last year, the first Bolton's Woman of the Year Awards to be organised by the town's Mayoress were held.

And the competition culminated in a highly successful Luncheon and awards' presentation at the Bolton Moat House in February this year.

Now, the search is on for Bolton's Woman of the Year 1996, instigated by this year's Mayoress Mrs Ida Johnson.

She and her husband, Bolton Mayor Cllr Eric Johnson, know about the high calibre of women in the Bolton area because they've been involved in public life and charity work for many years. And they want to help honour some of those local women who underpin community life in Bolton today.

We are looking for a special woman. This might be a caring teacher, a kindly "lollipop" lady, a charity stalwart or just a remarkable mum or granny who makes life so much better.

Last year's nominations covered a broad spectrum of the town's community.

There were leading lights in several charities and practical voluntary organisations, successful businesswomen, health campaigners or women who have simply made a difference in the lives of others.

We want YOU to nominate a special person of your choice, and then get that person's written permission for her nomination by signing the form here. Nominations made last year may be repeated.

Commented the Mayoress:"We would love to hear from people all over the borough. There must be hundreds of individuals who qualify as Woman of the Year, and we hope that people will feel that the time is right to highlight their work publicly."

Last year's winner was Nicola Pearcey, the founder and president of the Children's Opportunity Group which does so much for local children with special needs.

For this year's winner, there's a prize of £250 with a £50 prize for each finalist, all to be presented at the Women of Bolton Luncheon at the Moat House in March, 1997.

This event is sponsored by Bolton structural engineering firm William Hare Ltd, of Weston Street.

The competition also offers local firms and organisations an opportunity to highlight their work by nominating a leading female. So, get those nominations in to Bolton's Woman of the Year Competition, The Mayor's Office, Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1RU.

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