News from Bolton at Home

Here you'll find our most recent news articles, from important tenant updates and new housing developments, to new community initiatives and activities.

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Free summer activities (organised by us) and packed lunches (updated 24 July 2024)

Free summer activities (organised by us) and packed lunches (updated 24 July 2024)

Each year, our (Bolton at Home's) colleagues organise and support a range of summer activities for you and yours to get involved in. We also support Urban Outreach to offer free packed lunches for young people during summer.

You can see the most up-to-date schedule of activities below, and we'll update this list as more activities are confirmed in different areas. Please note that some sessions may require advance booking, and we've added a note to any of the activities where this is the case.

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HAF Park Sessions supported by our staff (back to the list):

Expect outdoor games, food, useful information/support for parents and guardians, and more at these Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Park Sessions in and around Bolton. For more information on any of the sessions below**, please contact Tara Branagan using  tara.branagan@boltonathome.org.uk.

**This section only lists the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Park Sessions that are supported by our staff. You can see a full list of activities planned as part of Bolton Council's HAF programme here: www.bolton.gov.uk/HAF (opens in a new tab).

Free Bike Checks in Bolton (several locations) (back to the list):

Make sure your bike's safe and in tip-top condition for the summer holidays with a free bike check on either of these dates:

There's no need to book. For more information, please call, text, or WhatsApp Alun Morris on 07943541636.

Poster for the Free Bike Check sessions at Red Lane Growing Project. A text alternative is available above this image. Poster for the Free Bike Check sessions at Green Way Community Centre, Hall 'i 'th Wood. A text alternative is available above this image.

Community Litter Pick in Tonge Moor (back to the list):

Why not join the local community in helping to make the estate cleaner for all to enjoy during the summer holidays and beyond? We'll be meeting near the raised shrub bed/grassed area to the side of 11 Woodbridge Drive (map opens in a new tab) at 11am. 

  • All equipment will be provided.
  • Drinks and biscuits for everyone who takes part.
  • Help us to re-plant the shrub beds with some summer plants.

If you'd like further information on our Community Litter Pick session, please email Yvonne Seal using  yvonne.seal@boltonathome.org.uk.

Poster for the Community Litter Pick session in Tonge Moor. A text alternative is available above this image.

Bug Hunt in Tonge Moor (back to the list):

Our Bug Hunt activities are always popular. Why not come along and discover tiny wonders, learn about insect habitats, and create lasting memories..?

Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult, but there's no need to book. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing.

  • Friday 26 July 2024, 10am to 12pm
  • Friday 9 August 2024, 10am to 12pm

Meet at St. Chads Church, Longworth Street, Tonge Fold, BL2 6AW (map opens in a new tab). For more information, please call, text, or WhatsApp Alun Morris on 07943541636.

Poster for the Bug Hunt sessions in Tonge Moor. A text alternative is available above this image.

Pond and/or River Dipping sessions in Bolton (several locations) (back to the list):

Pond/river dipping is like a treasure hunt beneath the water’s surface. Using nets and buckets, you'll gently scoop up water bugs, tadpoles, and maybe even a shy newt or two. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and learn about those amazing ecosystems that thrive in our local ponds and rivers.

Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call, text, or WhatsApp Alun Morris on 07943541636.

Pond and River Dipping at Seven Acres Country Park (to book a place, please call, text, or WhatsApp Alun Morris using 07943541636):

All sessions at Seven Acres Country Park will take place from 10am to 12pm. Please meet at the car park of Lancashire Wildlife Trust on Bury Road, BL2 6DH (map opens in a new tab).

  • Tuesday 23 July 2024
  • Thursday 25 July 2024
  • Tuesday 30 July 2024
  • Thursday 1 August 2024
  • Tuesday 6 August 2024
  • Thursday 8 August 2024
  • Tuesday 13 August 2024
  • Thursday 15 August 2024
  • Tuesday 20 August 2024
  • Thursday 22 August 2024

Pond Dipping at Eatock Lodge Nature Reserve (no need to book):

All sessions at Eatock Lodge will take place from 2pm to 4pm. Eatock Lodge Nature Reserve is located at The Hoskers, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 2SQ (map opens in a new tab).

  • Thursday 1 August 2024
  • Thursday 8 August 2024

Pond Dipping at Moses Gate Country Park (no need to book):

All sessions at Moses Gate Country Park will take place from 2pm to 4pm. Please meet at the entrance to Rock Hall in the lower car park (map opens in a new tab).

  • Thursday 25 July 2024
  • Thursday 8 August 2024

Pond Dipping at Doffcocker Lodge (no need to book):

All sessions at Doffcocker Lodge will take place from 10am to 12pm. Please meet behind Ripon Avenue (map opens in a new tab).

  • Friday 2 August 2024
  • Friday 16 August 2024

Poster for the Pond and River Dipping sessions at Seven Acres Country Park. A text alternative is available above this image. Poster for the Pond Dipping sessions at Eatock Lodge. A text alternative is available above this image. Poster for the Pond Dipping sessions at Doffcocker Lodge. A text alternative is available above this image.

Summer Fun in Nature sessions in Breight met (back to the list):

Expect bug hunts, games, snacks, s'mores, and more at these Summer Fun in Nature sessions at the Red Lane Growing Project in Breightmet (map opens in a new tab). Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call, text, or WhatsApp Alun Morris on 07943541636.

All summer fun in nature sessions take place from 2pm to 4pm the Red Lane Growing Project in Breightmet (map opens in a new tab):

  • Tuesday 23 July 2024
  • Tuesday 30 July 2024
  • Tuesday 6 August 2024
  • Tuesday 13 August 2024
  • Tuesday 20 August 2024

Poster for the Summer Fun in Nature sessions in Breightmet. A text alternative is available above this image.

Free advice, support, and family activities at the Slaterfield Community Centre open day (back to the list):

Come along to Slaterfield Community Centre on Carrington Dr, Bolton, BL3 6YE (map opens in a new tab) and see what's on offer in the local area. Expect light refreshments along with a bouncy castle, music, and face painting for the youngsters.

Poster for the Slaterfield Community Centre open day. A text alternative is available above this image.

A walk in the wild and picnic in Ashton Fields, New Bury (back to the list):

Bring along your lunch for a walk in the park, bug hunt, games, picnic, and more. There will be two sessions, both taking place from approx. 12pm to 3pm (meet at the New Bury UCAN Centre at 53 George St, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 9PU - map opens in a new tab):

  • Monday 29 July 2024
  • Monday 12 August 2024

Poster for the Walk in the Wild and Picnic in Ashton Fields in New Bury. A text alternative is available above this image.

Get free packed lunches from Urban Outreach's 'Bolton Lunches' scheme (back to the list):

Header banner reading: 'Where to collect free packed lunches in Bolton during the summer holidays.'

Urban Outreach have released a full list of sites you'll be able to collect free packed lunches from (for young people aged 4 to 18) as part of their 2024 'Bolton Lunches' project.

In 2024, Bolton Lunches will run from Monday 22 July to Friday 30 August. Tap here for further details on how the Bolton Lunches scheme works and for a list of sites you'll be able to collect free packed lunches from in 2024.