A FASCINATING glimpse into life in Over Hulton in years gone by will be the focus of a new exhibition.

The exhibition being staged by the Over Hulton Community Group will run at the Fireplace Centre on Sunday from 11am to 1pm and next Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

The photographs have been submitted to the group’s Facebook page over the past 12 months.

John Bullen from the community group said: “We have been inundated with so many great photographs over the year that we just felt we should try and stage an exhibition so as many people can see them as possible.

“There are some absolute crackers going back over 100 years of Over Hulton life. We had one picture of a panto but had not details about it at all. Then a lady got in touch who was in the cast and has a further 89 pictures of it.”

From transport to family life, the group has received pictures of many different aspects of community life.

And even the setting for the exhibition has an historical significance.

The North West Fireplace Centre is on the site of what became known as The Little Wooden Hut.

Situated at Four Lane Ends, it was an important terminus for the trolley bus service between Bolton and Leigh. Two different operators ran the route with the changeover point being based there. As the buses ran on different gauges passengers had to get off at Four Lane Ends to change.

Initially you could buy your trolley bus tickets there but the owner of the building was clearly the entrepreneurial sort and quickly developed The Little Wooden Hut as a grocer’s and newsagents. The premises later became the base for the Co-op.

“The area has got a rich history,” said John, “and the fact we have got more than 1,700 members on the Facebook group in such a short space of time shows what an interest people have in the area.”

On Sunday, local historian Carlton Catterall will be joining members to share stories behind many of the photographs.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

The Over Hulton Community Group meets every month and organises a wide range of activities including litter picks of the area. To find out more, contact John on 01942 874719.

Pictures: Brian Jones.