BOLTON Town Centre Manager Cathy Savage with her fortnightly briefing from the Town Centre Company

WELCOME to my first column for 2003 and a Happy New Year to you all.

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to 2003 as much as I am.

The Market Hall team have asked me to pass on its thanks to everyone who visited Santa's free Grotto and made donations for Vision Aid.

A fantastic £2,074 was raised and the gift-wrapping service offered in the Market Place raised £3,464 for Fortalice. The money will be a great help to both these local charity organisations.

As you all no doubt know by now, the January sales are in full swing and there are some fabulous bargains available in all the shops around the town centre. There is also a busy year ahead for the Bolton Town Centre Team. We will be concentrating on everyday issues that affect the town centre with a high priority being given to safety, cleanliness and new investment.

We are currently planning a variety of events to make your visit to town more enjoyable. If you have any issues that you wish to address please feel free to contact me on the number below.

A must for your diaries is the fabulous celebration of the 750th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of Bolton. These will take place on January 18 and 19 on and around Churchgate, including a two-day mediaeval market with stalls representing the history of Bolton including: woodcarving, spindle spinning and script writing, a bodger, medieval coins, face painting and many more.

Other activities include a town crier, strolling players, theatre groups and dancers in period costume depicting the history. In fact, the list of activities is endless, but, believe me, a great weekend is promised for all the family.

If you want to be involved from the start, there will be a re-enactment of the granting of the Charter on Tuesday, January 14, starting from 8am in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton.

If you are interested in knowing more about Bolton Town Centre Company and you have access to a computer why not take a look at our extensive website on www.boltontowncentre.co.uk

If you visit the site's events section, you will find a full list of the events planned of 2003 and we have recently produced a CD Rom telling visitors and potential investors all about Bolton including our fabulous history.

Cathy Savage

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

Email:catsava@aol.com