BOLTON Women get their own specially tailored programme of events when the new Bolton Women's Festival starts on Saturday. Bolton Metro Leisure Services have teamed up with other organisations to develop the Festival, following on from the successful former Women's Week events, usually held in March to mark International Women's Week. Working with organisations like the Youth Service, Community Education, Horwich Resource Centre, leisure centres and even the House of Raja, Bolton Leisure Services have come up with an exciting programme of activities.

So whether you've always wanted to have a go at abseiling, golf, netball dry-slope skiing, or are looking for a new interest or would just like to try something new, there's bound to be something to appeal.

Most of the sessions are free and some even offer creche facilities. Kerstine Hogg, Sports Development Officer for Women and Girls in Bolton stated: "The idea is to encourage women to try something new".

Horwich Resource Centre is leading the way with sessions aimed at all age groups, from the Parent and Baby Groupon Tuesday, May 12, to the Over 60's Clubon Friday, May 15.

The 50-plus aerobic session on Monday, May 11, reflects the growing numbers of older women who enjoy keeping fit.

Local female runners can take advantage of free transport provided to the Annual Liverpool Women's 10k Fun Run on Sunday, May 17, but places MUST be booked in advance.

Explained Kerstine: "The emphasis will be on fun."

There is an all-women 5-a-side football tournament planned for Friday, May 22, and Kerstine added; "We hope to develop a women's league in the area after the tournament."

A complete diary of activities on offer is contained in a free leaflet available from leisure centres and local libraries, or from Kerstine on 01204-522311, ext 4065.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.