BOLTON’S “murky”

industrial past will be brought to life today.

Lecturer Jamie Moloney is running a 10-week course to explore everything from worker’s conditions to the rise of the middle classes and the role of technology in the Industrial Revolution.

Mr Moloney, from the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), said: “It is a course that delves into the murky industrial past of Bolton and looks through the smoke of the chimneys to investigate what it was really like to live in a town built upon the cotton trade and the industrial revolution.

“If you've ever felt like following in the footsteps of your ancestors, or even those of local hero Fred Dibnah, then come along and find out the truth about Bolton's industrial past.”

Over the weeks “students”

will examine the role the cotton industry had in forming the town and there will also be a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Mr Moloney said: “The course is designed for anyone with an interest in local history, such as local groups, students but anybody who wants to find out more about Bolton’s industrial past.”

The course starts today, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Bolton Central Library.

The cost is £31.00 for the 10 weeks but is free to learners in receipt of means related benefits.

To book a place, telephone Susan Danaei from the WEA on 07810415765 or 0151 243 5240 ● The WEA organises a series of leisure learning classes about the arts, science and humanities.

It is the UK’s largest voluntary- sector provider of adult education.

It was founded in 1903, in order to support the educational needs of working men and women who could not afford to access further or higher education.

Today it provides courses but maintains its ethos to provide educational opportunities to adults facing social and economic disadvantage.