Community review: March

An overview of the club's exploits in and around the local community during the month of March

The beginning of March saw the anniversary of the Burnden Park Disaster which saw the loss of 33 lives in an FA Cup quarter final clash with Stoke City back in 1946.

To mark the 69th anniversary, Wanderers held a minute’s silence in memory of those who perished in the events of that day prior to kick-off in their home game against Reading on March 3.

The club also announced plans to recognise the 70th anniversary of the disaster with a specially designed Macron third shirt for the 2015/16 season which will raise money for a nominated charity. 

Elsewhere in the community, Tim Ream paid a visit to Queensbridge Primary School in Farnworth on to help promote the importance of reading.

The American defender was a special guest at the school’s assembly and after lending a helping hand to the teachers at reading a story to the group of children, Ream then answered a series of questions about his reading habits during his childhood.

On-loan midfielder Barry Bannan meanwhile took time out of his schedule to meet patrons of Bolton’s Ingeus UK project.

Run in partnership with the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, the scheme aims to support people who have been long term unemployed and help them to build up their self-esteem and confidence alongside enhancing their skills to become ready for gaining employment in the near future.

Joining a group in Macron Stadium’s Media Suite, he spoke to the group about the disciplines and dedication needed to be a professional footballer and how such mentality can be transferred to other aspects of life. 

Led by Phil Mason, Head of the Community Trust at the club, Bannan was quizzed by staff and patrons alike before signing autographs and posing for photos while former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard was also present to offer advice on a project close to his own heart.

For more information on Ingeus UK, please visit www.ingeus.co.uk

Finally, Neil Lennon paid a surprise visit to the offices of the club’s long-term partners Franking Sense late on in the month.

The manager called in to thank the local company for their continued support down the years, with the club’s relationship with Franking Sense stretching over a ten-year period.

As well as sponsoring the South Stand at Macron Stadium, Franking Sense also front the club’s range of official Macron trainingwear.

The manager was given a tour of the Franking Sense offices in Bolton town centre, before meeting staff and posing for photos.

To find out more about Franking Sense CLICK HERE, while a video of the manager’s visit can be found by clicking on the video player below.

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