SUPPORTERS of a special exchange visit between disabled children in Bolton and Ireland enjoy a sit down before a fund-raising dance in April. The Bolton branch of the Irish in Britain Representation group is putting on a Ceilidh dance at the Bradford Ward Labour Club, Bolton on April 5. Money raised will be used to take a group of youngsters from Highfield Junior Gateway Club on an exchange visit to County Wicklow, Ireland, in June.

A reception has been arranged for the group when they arrive where they will be guests of St Catherine's special needs school.

The Irish group will leave Ireland on July 5 to stay at New Overdale in Bolton, returning home on July 12.

The Tara Ceilidh Band from Manchester, winners of the all-Britain Senior Ceilidh Bands competition 1996 and now through to the All Ireland World Championships this August, will provide the music, and the local branch of Comhaltas (Irish Musicians Association) and step dancers will be in concert during the dance interval.

A grand raffle will also be held at the event, with the first prize of a Chesterfield three-piece suite donated by Dimensions Manufacturers, Haslam Street, Bolton.

Tickets for the dance are available by ringing Bolton 794036/577897.

Donations towards the trip have already been made by Gargan Construction and the Irish Musicians Association (Bolton).

Anyone else who would like to help can contact the Club at 9 Cross Street, Farnworth.

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