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Comco service-users enjoyed a great day out for a driving experience with the charity, Speed of Sight. Keen motor enthusiasts Paul, James and Martin all got the chance to drive the specially adapted racing car around the track created on the overspill car park at the Trafford Centre. Each of them had 15 minutes out on the track. Coached along by the instructor, they had a couple of steady laps to get used to the track before putting their foot down and burning some rubber. They are pictured here with Mike Newman the 'Blind Speed Record' holder
Full story and more pictures on Page 2

Steven had a short holiday in Blackpool. He visited Sea Life Centre, Madam Tussauds and Coral Island amusements. he is pictured here with Dame Edna. They stayed at Blenheim Mount Hotel. They had good weather. Steven never tires of Blackpool and hopes to go again later in the year More pictures on Page 2

Peter is a regular at Comco Social Nights, travelling all the way from Radcliffe to enjoy the music. His greatest passion is the music of The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and he often treats us to his very respectable renditions of their hits at The Railway Club. He recently got a rare opportunity to see the modern version of the band, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, live in concert. Here are his account of the night and thoughts on the band.

I have been ELO’s biggest fan since ‘Mr Blue Sky’ hit the charts in 1978. The concert was absolutely fantastic as always. I took pictures but some didn’t come out too well. To me, Jeff Lynne is the best song-writer in the world. I cannot praise this musical genius enough as his career has spanned nearly 50 years. As well as Jeff, there was Richard Tandy on keyboards and the rest of the band which included a string section. They were outstanding too. 5 days later, I saw them again, this time at the M.E.N. in Manchester.

The Bolton Disability Sports Association provides a variety of activities for people to try. One of the most popular is Wheels for All Cycling which takes place at Leverhulme Park every Thursday morning from 10 until 12. It’s well organised with full facilities including protective headgear and a range of cycles, some of which are suitable for wheelchair users. So all you have to do is turn up. At £2 a time it’s a great activity.
Two of our service-users, Aiden and Lee, have tried it recently and each had a great time.
At school holiday times there are sessions daily, in the mornings at Leverhulme and afternoons at Bolton Arena.

The same group also organised Sailing Sessions a few weeks ago. On hearing about, Aiden thought it was too good an opportunity to miss and he went along with support worker, Duncan, to High Rid Reservoir near Horwich, where he took to the water like a born sailor.

Simon has managed to get into the Lancashire Disabled Cricket Team Squad and he has been attending training at Old Trafford and travelling the country for matches with the squad. He got a game for the first time a few weeks ago at Mawdsley in a match against Shropshire.Team photo below. He didn't get to bat but did well in the field. Unfortunately Lancashire lost narrowly against a strong team containing several England players. Simon is enjoying the experience and is proud to where the Lancashire shirt.

Andrew is a gentleman we support who lives in his own flat off Chorley Old Road. He was recently very poorly and had a spell in hospital, but is now on the mend. He found himself in hospital at the same time as his mum. Happily she too is recovering well and Andrew is seen here, visiting her at Darley Court where she is now rehabilitating. Andrew has a wide general knowledge and likes to test staff with quiz questions. He’s also your man if you want to know the latest jokes….. or the old ones.

The Social Night on 6^th September will be part of the celebration, when we’ll be having a buffet and entertainment in addition to the usual activities.
We hope to have a daytime function as well, for people who prefer this, and there’ll be a 25^th Anniversary Newsletter
If anyone has any old photos of Comco activities from the past, we’d love to see them and incorporate them into the celebrations.

The Ramble Group stayed local for the first of the summer, with a walk up to Winter Hill from the car park on Scout Road. Organiser, Ian, said it was steep in places but short enough to be enjoyable for all, even the staff ! And it just about stayed dry. Ian will continue to organise rambles, short and long, throughout the summer, with local ones and a trip to the Lakes planned.

Bolton Shopmobility Require volunteers to help provide their service to elderly and disabled people. If you are interested then either contact Shopmobility on 01204 392946 or email ray.bates@comco.org.uk