Latest news with #EmmausBolton
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The brilliant family shopping destination near the town centre you may not know about
Just minutes outside of the heart of the town centre is a complex, which can only really be described a real treasure trove with a garden centre, shop and an amazing place to eat, writes Leah Collins And your enjoyment helps Bolton's homeless population too. Emmaus Bolton, has been at the site for 20 years, and since then the complex has grown - with proceeds helping the most in need. Emmaus in Bolton. (Image: Leah Collins) It's also the perfect day out for those looking for a unique family outing this summer. Located on Fletcher Street minutes from Bolton town centre, the site boasts a café, ice cream parlour, clothing and furniture store, garden centre with up to 72 varieties of plants, pantry and a recycling plant. Emmaus sells everything - from dining tables to children's toys. (Image: Leah Collins) Visiting the complex for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. There is enough to do here which could easily take an entire afternoon and all prices a were much more than reasonable. It was almost like a superstore. Emmaus, which opened in 2005, also sells an array of toys, local art pieces, textiles, books and even vinyl records, making it the perfect spot for a family day out. READ MORE: Last month, Emmaus was joined by BBC radio presenter, author and the nation's favourite quizmaster, Jay Flynn MBE, at the 20th Anniversary Spring Fair, who is an ambassador for the charity. The on-site volunteers, who meet at the recycling centre each week, turn donated materials into new items such as bucket hats and clothing. Clothing made from re-purposed material. (Image: Leah Collins) Made to measure furniture is also available at Emmaus' workshops. The team regularly makes benches, picnic tables and planters as well as shelves, book shelves, plate racks, tables and much more to exact specifications using ecologically-sourced wood. The on-site ice cream parlour sells freshly-made local ice cream from Mrs Dowsons. (Image: Leah Collins) As well as volunteers, around twenty 'companions' also live on the site. The companions are individuals experiencing homelessness who find a home and help within the Emmaus Bolton community. There are no rules about how long someone may stay at Emmaus, provided they abide by the principles of Emmaus and the spirit of the community. Keith has been at Emmaus for around 3 years. (Image: Leah Collins) Among these is Keith, who has been at Emmaus for around three years. Speaking to The Bolton News he said: 'My time at Emmaus has been extremely beneficial, I was able to receive peer-to-peer support. 'I'm not fortunately in a position to move from the site, I'm hoping to get into the property industry. I'll always be thankful for my time here and will be coming back to visit in the future.' A range of books, records and clothing is also available to buy. (Image: Leah Collins) The pantry at Emmaus currently feeds around 400 people and relies on food donations from various organisations around the borough. The pantry is run by volunteers Joan Blundson and Jackie Emmett. Speaking to the Bolton News Jackie said: 'I've been volunteering here for around 18 months, it feels rewarding to be giving back to the wider Bolton community. Joan Blundson and Jackie Emmett volunteer in Lucie's Pantry. (Image: Leah Collins) 'You meet many people from all walks of life here, it's also the perfect place to pop in for a brew and a chat, or for a family day out as there's always events on.' Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson said: 'We offer a wonderful range of services here at Emmaus and I like to think that there's someone here for everyone. 'The idea is that whilst people are here with us, they get the opportunity to rebuild themselves in a non-judgemental and welcoming environment.' Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson. (Image: Leah Collins) 'Community plays such a huge role in what we do here, so we welcome support from the wider community. So yes – feel free to pop down and see what we're all about!' For more information on Emmaus visit
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bolton charity boss honoured with invite to Palace garden party
A Bolton charity pioneer has been honoured with a royal invitation. Tony Stephenson, chief executive of Emmaus Bolton, was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace to mark the organisation's 20th anniversary. His work at the helm of the Bolton homelessness charity for more than 14 years was acknowledged by this special recognition. During his tenure, Mr Stephenson spearheaded the expansion and improvement of Emmaus Bolton's accommodation for people with experience of homelessness. He also broadened the range of support Emmaus Bolton provides to the community. The charity not only runs charity shops but also operates a food pantry for families in need. Mr Stephenson has facilitated partnerships with the Royal Horticultural Society and schools across Greater Manchester. He attended the royal garden party with Ali Hill, chief executive officer of Emmaus Mossley, on May 20. At the event, they saw the Prince and Princess of Wales and enjoyed live music and afternoon tea. Mr Stephenson said: "It was a fantastic honour to have been invited to Buckingham Palace. "It was a wonderful day and a memorable experience. "I feel privileged to be part of a charity that continues to grow thanks to support from the brilliant people of Bolton and the efforts of all the people supported here, our companions, our fantastic volunteers, our trustees and our small staff team – who go above and beyond to provide people with the opportunities to move on from homelessness." READ MORE: Bolton schoolchildren take home first prize in 'Formula Goblin' event 5 of the best fish and chip shops you should visit in Bolton Officers ramp up night time patrols to tackle crime in this part of Bolton In October, he was also presented with a founder's medal by Emmaus UK in honour of his long service and contributions to Emmaus Bolton. Her Majesty the Queen, patron of Emmaus UK, regularly supports the charity and traditionally visits Emmaus communities across England, Scotland, and Wales. For more information on Emmaus Bolton and its services, visit
