a day ago
Daubhill celebrates historic railway link with community festival
Daubhill celebrated its connection with railway history at a community day on Saturday.
Olive Tree Primary School hosted the event, reminding people that the towns of Bolton and Leigh were linked by the first public railway in the North-West of England in 1828 – two years before the historic Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
Principal Zainab Patel told visitors at the Adelaide Lane school that the original railway line passed through the site of the school.
She said: 'We are proud to be celebrating the rich heritage and cultural diversity of the Daubhill area.
"It is an absolute privilege to be hosting 'A Day for Daubhill'—a celebration of everything that makes our community so unique and vibrant.'
Fine weather and a rousing performance by Bolton's Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band got the day off to a rousing start.
A model railway, food stalls, games, a visiting fire engine, and information stands ensured there was something to interest everyone.
The special guest was India's Consul General, Vishakha Yaduvanshi, who said: 'It's my immense pleasure to be here today to attend the 200 years of Bolton and Leigh Railway which laid the foundation of railways.
"It is a historic moment indeed.'
Julia Hulton, whose great-great-grandfather, William Hulton, formed the Bolton and Leigh Railway company, and Bolton South MP Yasmin Qureshi, were also among the guests and dignitaries attending.
Derek Bullock, chair of the Bolton & Leigh Railway CIC, said: 'The event celebrates not just this historic anniversary but also the vibrancy of Daubhill today.'
It was a point echoed by Councillor Ayuub Patel, who represents Rumworth Ward.
He said: 'This anniversary is a proud moment for Daubhill and the wider community.
"It's a chance to honour our rich railway heritage while celebrating the diversity and energy of the area today.
'Rumworth has many residents from an Anglo-Indian background, so today is also a celebration of the economic and cultural contributions they have made to the wider community.'
'A Day for Daubhill' is one of a number of events leading up to the anniversary date in 2028.
In March, a mayoral reception, with the mayors of both Bolton and Wigan (covering Leigh and Atherton) took place, and there are plans for a 'Bolton & Leigh Greenway' which will provide a walking and cycling link along parts of the original railway.
