Milestone moment for Talkin’ Tables as 25th group set up in Bolton

Founder Marjorie Hayward, 79, launched the community project in July 2021, and there are now more than 100 tables across the country.

Talkin’ Tables hosts weekly, free, hour-long sessions where members of the community can come together and talk.

The Bolton News has been documenting the growth of the initiative over the last few months, as it “combats loneliness one table at a time”.

Five new tables have been set up across the town in under six months, bringing the total to 25 in Bolton alone.

On March 20, the latest table was launched at Bolton Sea Cadets on Castle Street.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, often attends launches across the borough, along with the Mayoress.

Each launch is informal and relaxed, creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees, with no airs or graces.

The co-ordinator for Talkin’ Tables across Bolton, Lynne Croston, is determined to establish tables in every corner of the town.

“There are still plenty of areas in Bolton where we’d like to set up tables,” she told The Bolton News.

“We haven’t got anything in Breightmet or Little Lever yet, and we’d like to have somewhere that everybody can go.”

Lynne highlighted the importance of setting up more tables at the weekend, noting that this can be a particularly lonely time for people.

Currently, there are no tables in Bolton on a Saturday, and Lynne said she is sure people would welcome a place for a “coffee and chat”.

(Image: NQ)

To find your nearest Talkin’ Table, visit www.talkintables.co.uk.

If you would like to be a Table Leader in Bolton, email Lynne Croston at lynneccroston@gmail.com.

Here is the full list of Bolton’s Talkin’ Tables:

Sundays

Horwich Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, from 2pm to 3pm

Mondays

Bolton Garden Centre Café, Wigan Road, from 10am to 11am

Beechvile Care Home, 653 Chorley New Road, from 10am to 11am

Chill at the Cow Shed, 46 Winter Hey Lane, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Pikes Lane Health Centre, Deane Road, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Moss Bank Park Café, Moss Lane, from 11am 12pm

The Coffee House, 2 Newport Street, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Tuesdays

Capri Café, 19 Market Street, from 10am 11am 

Bolton Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, from 11am to 12pm

Blanco Lounge, 81 The Linkway, from 10.30am to 11.30am

High Street Library, 74 High Street, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Farnworth Library, Market Street, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Wednesdays

St. John’s church café, Chorley Road, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Morgan’s Coffee Bar, 24 Black Horse Street, from 10.30 to 11.30am

Morrisons Cafe Bolton town centre, Black Horse Street, from 11am to 12pm

Living Room at 1 Point, Silverwell House, from 1.30 to 2.30 pm

Morrisons Café, Lea Gate, from 3pm to 4pm

Thursdays 

Tesco Cafe Middlebrook, Mansell Way, from 10.30am to 12pm

Retreat Restaurant, Old Village Hall, from 11am to 12pm

Brewed Coffee Company, 49 Lee Lane, from 11am to 12pm

Bank Top Church, Ashworth Lane, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Fridays

The Haulgh Hub, 101 Castle Street, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Octagon Theatre Café, Octagon Theatre, from 11am to 12pm

Walmsley Parish Community Hall, Blackburn Road, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Westhoughton Library, Library Street, from 2.15pm to 3.15pm