Wandering into Bolton

I travelled back to Greater Manchester today to visit Bolton and meet another sporting hero – the Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion.

We met at the town’s Market Place shopping centre, and I have to say that riding those escalator thingies with Lofty was tremendous fun. I was startled to learn from Lofty that they aren’t actually a form of light entertainment – not strictly speaking any way.

I also learned today that Bolton is home to some of your country’s most well-loved showbiz personalities – Peter Kay, Vernon Kay (two Kays!) and Sara Cox. Lofty himself is quite a celebrity and attracted a huge amount of attention to our Smokefree stall. I’m told that all our leaflets were snapped up very quickly – isn’t that just fabulous?!

Let’s hope all of those smokers who took a leaflet, contact the NHS for help – they’re far more likely to quit if they do get in touch. Last year 1,718 people became smokefree with help from Bolton Stop Smoking Service – what a success!

If you want to quit smoking, do call the Penguin Stop Smoking Hotline on 0800 032 7252.

Well it’s the cat’s pyjamas being here in Bolton – I do hope I can get back before I head back South. I’ve become very fond of the place, perhaps because I too am a Wanderer of sorts ….

Any way! Another busy day on the road concludes, and its time for my tea. I fancy some Arctic Roll – have you ever tried it?

See you tomorrow in Birkenhead!