10 hours Ago
Businesses toasted success when they took over a pub to showcase everything Horwich has to offer — as well as raising money for charity. The Horwich Showcase took place in The Bridge Hotel where more than £1,270 was raised for the work of women's refuge and outreach service, Fortalice. The Horwich Showcase all started three years ago when local woman Donna Powell decided to run a raffle for the charity, mainly through social media.
Family, friends and Horwich businesses helped with donations of items and the event – held in Donna’s front-room – brought a welcome donation for the charity. This year, when Donna approached The Bridge Hotel to use a room there for it, the manager Danny Fishwick suggested she take over the whole pub. Donna approached as many Horwich businesses and groups as possible about taking part, each providing a raffle prize.
READ MORE: Horwich town centre business urge residents to shop local 'There are so many independent shops, they deserve to be promoted' 'You don’t get this interaction at a zoo': I visited Bolton’s alpaca centre The result was a hugely successful event with a bumper raffle, stalls of all kinds, free games for children and a visit from the Mayor of Bolton , Cllr Andy Morgan, and the Mayoress Karen Houldsworth, as well as the Mayor and Mayoress of Horwich, Mr and Mrs Ian Aldcroft A delighted Donna was even more pleased to learn that Lloyds Bank will also match the funds raised by £1,000 and Barclays by £1000 as each had staff members assisting with the event, making a tremendous total of just over £3000. Local businesses were pleased to have the opportunity to reach a wider audience. Angela Stevens who owns and runs Ruby Rose Clothing Boutique commented: “It gave me back my confidence chatting to people who believe in Horwich.
” Kath Parbery the owner of Meltsbyserendipity added: “A brilliant event, not only raising awareness of businesses available in Horwich but also raising much needed funds for an amazing charity. A great night all round!” And Mel Andrews from Sentiments concluded: “It was a great way to showcase local businesses in Horwich and raising money for charity is always a bonus.” Now Donna is busy making plans for next year’s Horwich Showcase – and trying to top this year’s success.
.
