Successful Grants: How your donation makes a difference!

77th Bolton St Andrew's Guides

77th Bolton St Andrew’s Guides from Bromley Cross had a Grassroots Grant for safety equipment to enable them to do three sessions of conservation work at Moses Gate Country Park. They worked with adult volunteers to clear Himalayan Balsam from the park. This helped improve the look of the area and gave them experience of communicating with adults. They have also been on an adventure weekend in Garstang. The girls realised that physical activity is fun and useful. It boosted the confidence of some of the quieter members and helped friendships develop.

Bolton Independent Gateway

Bolton Independent Gateway organised a sports activity day at Bolton Arena for people with physical and learning disabilities. They were able to take part in kwik cricket, curling, cheerleading and use of the "sports wall" fitness centre. There was also a celebration party at the Jubilee Centre where participants received medals and the cheerleaders performed. Members benefited from an increase in exercise and were able to try out new skills. It can be difficult for people with disabilities to take part in this kind of activity. It was a real boost to their confidence to use the facilities and have fun with friends.
 

Tonge Fold Residents Association received a Grassroots Grant of £715 to hold a weekly armchair exercise class for older residents at the Tonge Fold UCAN centre on Dunstan Street. A regular group of around 10 ladies get together every Friday. The exercises are low impact but are very beneficial for mobility and flexibilty. The group also enjoy the social aspect of getting together with other local people. One of the participants, Florence, said " The sessions are really useful, I'd come down twice a week if they had it on. We have a real laugh and Ann Marie the trainer is very good. I've started doing one of the exercises on the bus on the way into town. It makes it a lot easier to get walking after I stand up." 

Kearsley Mount Ladies Circle have organised three outings through a Grassroots Grant. These were a Christmas dinner at Smithills Coaching House, an Easter visit to the Lancastrian Organ Museum and Astley Tea Rooms, and an evening meal at the Horseshoe Inn at Ringley. The trips provided an opportunity for companionship and to visit new places. The group has gained one new member and still chat about how they enjoyed the trips.

Bolton French African Assistance

Bolton French African Assistance used their Bolton Vision grant to hold an African music and dance festival on Victoria Square on 18th April 2009. This was an opportunity for people in Bolton to find out more about African culture. Over 1,000 people passed through during the day and there was a lot of enjoyment gained. Many performers were local people, including children and older people. This event enabled French African Boltonians to feel proud of sharing their culture as a part of the Bolton family.