Horwich Advertiser Issue 619

February 2025 Page 15 AD SALES 01204 478812 10 11 Monday Tuesday The Mayor’s Diary THE MAYOR’S DIARY FUNDRAISING COMES TO THE FORE IAN ALDCROFT, the mayor of Horwich, gives us the latest update on his work in the community and the importance of supporting his charitable causes MY CHARITABLE CAUSES AS mayor of Horwich, one of the main aims of the job is to raise money for nominated causes. Mine are the Horwich Cleanup Brigade, Bolton Day- trippers and Rockit. I have two events coming up - the Mayor’s Spring Char- ity Ball, and a wine-tasting session sponsored and run by Laithwaites Wines. I’m asking local businesses and shops to support these events by donating prizes for the charity raffles. Whether you can offer a gift card, experience, product, or ser- vice, your contribution will help make these events more memorable while supporting our community. All raffle prizes, big or small, will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Please contact me on 077289 26278 or ianaldc@gmail.com if you can help. Your support will make a real difference to these deserving causes. My Spring Ball is on March 15 at Ridgmont House, there will be a three-course dinner, live music, a disco, and a char- ity raffle. Tickets are £55 and can be purchased by contacting me on 077289 26278 or ianaldc@ gmail.com. The Wine-tasting event will be on April 12 at Lostock Ten- nis Club. There will be cheese MAYORS SUPPORTING UKRAINE ON January 27, I went along to Bolton Town Hall to the Mayor’s Parlour for a pres- entation by Reverend Bernard Cocker, chief executive and founder of the International AidTrust. International Aid Trust, based in Chorley, works with a network of partners across the world to deliver essential humanitarian support. Through itsdedicatedteams andvolunteers,itprovidesvital resources including medical supplies, food, and clothing to communities in need, with sig- nificant operations in Eastern Europe,West Africa, and India. It also runs several char- ity shops throughout the UK that help fund that humani- tarian work. The organisation has extensive experience in coordinating medical aid delivery, including to Eastern European regions. Rev Cocker wrote of the event: “We met to arrange an important upcoming event, when several of them will be leaving Bolton Town Hall to drive more of our ambulances over to Ukraine! It’s happening soon, sowatch this space.” “In the photograph is the mayor of Bolton, Andy Morgan, to his left is themayor of Horwich Ian Aldcroft, mayor of Blackrod Derek Snowden and our Neil Maher, Mayor of Westhoughton. Together with their lady mayoresses of course. “Also pictured is David Hayes, Julie Rowlandson, community ambassador, and Paul Cook, next to David, who made up the IAT delegation. “Andy and Neil are both veterans and will be working with Wayne Hester’s ‘Veteran Living History Museum’ team, who have recently helped us get seven other ambulances toUkraine. “It has always been my aim in life to get different groups working together, and in this project, we have the civic, church and military working together to save lives and helpUkraine. “It costs a lot of money to get these life-saving vehicles there. But what cost is a single life worth? and this project is saving thousands (not my words but a senior Ukrainian officer’s). “Any fundraising ideas are very welcome. My prayer is that everyone who is involved in this and our other projects will know the love of Christ in their lives.” IT’S BEEN A QUIET MONTH… FOLLOWING Christmas, it’s been a quiet month for me as mayor, with just two engage- ments to attend; an art exhi- bition, and a presentation by a local charity asking for sup- port from the mayors of Bol- ton, Westhoughton, Blackrod and Horwich. However, I have a couple of charity fundraising events coming up and would ask that you support them if you can. ART EXHIBITION AT RMI CRICKET CLUB ON January 23 I was invited to a display of artwork inspired by Horwich and the local area. The artwork was created by local residents, commu- nity groups and children and young people from St Mary’s RC Primary School, Claypool Primary School, Chorley New Road Primary School, St Joseph’s RC High School &Horwich Young Peo- ple’s Centre. The exhibition was commis- sioned by Northstone, and this is their official communiqué of the event: Local homebuilder, North- stone has unveiled an art exhibition at Horwich RMI Cricket Club following a summer of creative workshops held at four local schools, Hor- wich Library, Horwich Health & Wellbeing Hub and Hor- wich Young People’s Centre. The exhibition is the result of an exciting collaboration between Bolton at Home, Horwich Health and Well- being Hub and Northstone, who appointed artist Alison Greyer to lead a series of engaging art workshops for pupils and the local commu- nity throughout 2024. With hundreds of budding Van Gogh’s participating, the collection of paintings used various techniques taught by Alison, including stamping, stencilling and collage and were all based on a theme set by the housebuilder which asked participants to reflect on the question: “What is spe- cial about Horwich to you?” The pieces of artwork from this exhibition will now be used as inspiration for two new public art installations at the Horwich Health and Well- being Hub and Northstone’s new Cynefin development launching soon on Victoria Road in Horwich; which will bring the community’s vision to life in permanent form. The showcase gallery at the cricket club was attended by Northstone’s team, represent- atives from Bolton at Home, pupils and their families and was also visited by The Mayor andMayoress of Horwich, The mayor andmayoress of Bolton, and local councillors David Grant and Ryan Bamforth. Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan, said “As mayor of Bolton, I believe developers have a unique opportunity to give back to the communities they work in by supporting local projects and initiatives that add real social value. “Investing in the commu- nities they are working in fosters community pride, creativity, and cohesion. It’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy that benefits both residents and businesses, creating a more vibrant and connected Horwich and Bol- ton for everyone.” Communities manager for Northstone, Chrissie Bram- hall-England added: “It’s always a real honour to show- case the artwork; it’s the cul- mination of so many fun and engaging workshops where we can really get a sense of the community spirit. “This was no exception and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved – I for one am really excited to see the final art installations at the Hub and of course our new development Cynefin.” too! Tony Laithwaite - the founder of Laithwaites Wines - was born in Bolton, although now based near Reading - not a lot of people know that! Tickets are £20 and can be purchased by contacting me on 077289 26278 or ianaldc@ gmail.com. These aren’t just social occasions - they’re oppor- tunities to raise funds for three incredible local causes: the Horwich Cleanup Bri- gade, Daytrippers Bolton, and Rockit. AND FINALLY… THE Mayor’s Fundraising Gin is still available from the Bolton Gin Company - order online at https://www. theboltongincompany.co.uk/ shop/ - or call in at Bolton Gin Company, Unit 9, Hampson St, Horwich.