Horwich Advertiser Issue 626

Page 4 September 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 CHARITIES across Horwich, West- houghton and Blackrod are being urged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Vernon Build- ing Society. The society is actively looking for grant applications from charities, social enterprises and grassroots organisa- tions across the borough, including those based in Horwich, Westhoughton and Blackrod. Since launching in January 2024, the Vernon Charitable Foundation has given out £73,500 to 24 local charities. It was launched to create a lasting legacy across Greater Manchester and Cheshire as part of Vernon Build- ing Society’s centenary celebrations last year. Earlier this year, five charities shared £8,800 for a range of different com- munity projects, including a grant for £1,000 to buy new stage equipment for Bolton’s Stagedoor Theatre Productions. Vernon’s chief executive Darren Ditchburn said: “The latest round of our charitable foundation funding appli- cation is now open, and we’re eager to hear from charities across Bolton that work to relieve poverty or develop their local community. It’s a really simple application and it may result in a grant of up to £5,000. “We know local not-for-profits are struggling to survive right now. Vernon Charitable Foundation is just one of the many ways that we’re helping them. POLICE launched an oper- ation in Bolton town cen- tre to tackle road safety and anti-social behaviour. The proactive day of action by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was part of the force’s ongoing Safe4Sum- mer campaign. The day had two areas of focus – road safety and com- munity engagement. In response to ongoing concerns about road traffic incidents in Bolton, officers conducted an hour-long traffic operation at the interchange of Thynne Street and Trin- ity Street. They targeted unsafe driv- ing behaviours such as mobile phone use and failure to wear seatbelts, as well as looking out for dangerous vehicle faults. During the operation, officers stopped 13 drivers, 11 of which resulted in traf- fic offences. A force spokesperson said: “This is part of a concerted effort to address road traffic incidents in the district of Bol- ton which been a historic hot spot for road traffic incidents. “However, in 2024, the district recorded its lowest number of road fatalities since 2019, with just six deaths, thanks to initiatives such Operation Classify.” The second part of the day saw officers walking through the town centre and into Bol- ton Market, speaking with people and business owners about anti-social behaviour and retail crime. The operation in Bolton is one of many taking place across Greater Manchester this summer as part of the force’s Safe4Summer cam- paign, aiming to reduce crime and increase police visibility. Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, district commander for Bolton, said: “This is about making sure everyone who visits Bolton can have a safe and enjoyable time. “We know Bolton has had issues with road traffic incidents, which is why we were out today dealing with those who commit offences and preventing more harm being done. “As well as enforcing the law around speeding, mobile phone use, and wearing a seatbelt, today’s operation was also about education and prevention. “The team and I were also out engaging with the com- munity to hear and address their concerns, prevent future crime, and ensure people can enjoy the great town of Bolton. “Residents around Greater Manchester should expect to see a higher visibility of staff in our towns as part of our Safe4Summer campaign. We’re there to listen and ensure people enjoy their time while remain safe.” Police in summer safety drive Joinus for a fabulous eveningof quizzing, foodand raisingmoney for BoltonHospice andNewChapel URC AND Supper Quiz Harvest Friday September 26 6.30pm NewChapel URC Horwich BL6 6QN TICKETS £10 Includes quiz and 2 course supper Please bring your own drinks For tickets email: safeguarding.newchapel@nwsynod.org.uk or message on our facebook page Proactive: Police carrying out the tra!c operation (Photo credit: GMP) Community focus: O!cers were in the town centre speaking with businesses (Photo credit: GMP) Society offers a helping hand “We also support local grassroot organisations and social enterprises via a separate funding programme called Community Stars, which gives out smaller grants of up to £2,000 for worthy causes, including those not reg- istered as a charity. “Over the past 13 years we have donated over £140,000 via Community Stars to fund everything from local transportation to new equipment, room hire and food.” A number of organisations in Bol- ton have received Community Stars grants in 2025. These include Trans- forming Lives Group, which supports people with lived experience of sub- stance abuse, homelessness, mental health challenges and social exclusion. It received a Community Stars grant to continue some of its free sporting activities which act as a lifeline to ben- eficiaries and keep them off the streets. Bolton Lever Rotary Club supports visually impaired people through organised outings. It used its Commu- nity Stars grant to help fund a trip to a local National Trust park. The money covered minibus transportation, ticket admission and lunch. The deadline for the latest Commu- nity Stars grants has passed. Vernon Charitable Foundation grant applica- tions need to be submitted by August 29 via https://www.thevernon.co.uk/ charitable-foundation/. Presentation: Bolton Lever Rotary Club receiving its grant TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CALL 01204 478812