TIME is marching by and May is just around the corner. I don't know about the rest of you but, with the weather we have been having recently, my thoughts turn to summer and, as this year will be a magical one for Bolton with our involvement in the Commonwealth Games, there is a lot to think about. More about that later!

The rails and exhibition stands have now been packed away for another year and the catwalk dismantled, but the overwhelming evidence is that the Fashion, Health & Beauty Exhibition was a resounding success.

Once again this popular event attracted a huge audience eager to learn about all the latest tips for a healthier lifestyle and get a sneak preview of the latest fashions on sale in Bolton town centre. Our catwalk models certainly entertained with their energetic dance routines and Robert in particular worked the same magic that took him so far in the soap stars competition and I am sure he now has a loyal fan base in Bolton.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those businesses that took part in the Exhibition and Fashion Shows, in particular our main sponsors, T K Maxx. Also thank you to everyone that attended the event, I hope you enjoyed the two days and, more importantly, found them useful! Don't forget that your new T K Maxx Store opens on Thursday, April 25, at 10am.

After all the years of waiting, it is now only 97 days until the 17th Commonwealth Games officially opens in Manchester and, as we all know, Bolton has a pivotal role to play hosting both Badminton and Cycling events.

To celebrate our town's involvement in this historical sporting event, we are planning a special event -- The Spirit of Bolton -- from July 31 until August 3. To join with us in this event, we are looking for Community Groups to become actively involved, and the event will focus each day on a particular continent involved in the Games -- Europe, Asia and Africa -- with the final day being a World Day. The aim of the event is to provide an interesting, fun and educational insight into the cultures of participating countries and to celebrate the cultural diversity reflected in own town from many of the participating nations. You can expect to see food challenges, dance and many other activities throughout the event. Community Groups interested in participating in the festival should contact Cathy Savage at the Town Centre Company on 01204 523762.

Bolton has also chosen New Zealand as its special link Nation for the Games and earlier this week the Governor General of New Zealand, Dame Silvia Cartwright, visited Bolton town centre to officially launch this connection at an event in Victoria Square. If you were not in town on Monday, the event involved a balloon release and local school children joining with Dame Cartwright waving New Zealand flags. The 17th Games will undoubtedly leave a legacy of closer links and broader understanding of the different nations that make up the Commonwealth and we are delighted that Bolton is at the forefront of this activity.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

Email:

Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk

www.boltontowncentre.co.uk