Key Points
- Community Initiative Expansion: Two more Talkin' Tables getaways will soon take place in Bolton borough in September.
- Horwich Opening Details: The first location will commence its operations on Sunday, 6 September, between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM at Horwich St Mary’s Football Club off Scholes Bank and will be managed by table leader Charlotte Moncado-Sears.
- Harwood Opening Details: The second location will commence its operations on Monday, 14 September between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM at Bill & Coo cafe at 2–4 The Hillock in Harwood.
- Leadership and Partnership: The leaders of Harwood Talkin' Table will be Joanna Goodyear and Alison Pritchard, who met at an ongoing Talkin' Table in Morrisons Harwood, where Pritchard is one of the leaders.
- Increased Impact and Legacy: Initiated in July 2021 by Marjorie Hayward, Talkin' Tables has grown into more than 100 tables across the UK with free one-hour sessions each week at friendly public spaces.
- Borough-wide Ambition: Lynne Croston, coordinator of Talkin' Tables in Bolton, once again expressed her vision of developing Talkin' Tables all over the borough.
Bolton (Bolton Today) September 1, 2026 — Two new Talkin’ Tables are officially launching in Horwich and Harwood this September, introducing additional free weekly social hubs designed to bring local residents together and tackle community isolation. The grassroots initiative, which has been combatting loneliness across the borough of Bolton since 2021, continues to grow its nationwide footprint. Community leaders have extended an open invitation to all local residents to attend the launch sessions, enjoy a casual chat, and celebrate the creation of these new safe social spaces.
When and Where Will the New Horwich Talkin’ Table Open?
As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, the first of the two upcoming venues is scheduled to open its doors on Sunday, 6 September. The weekly session will take place from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Horwich St Mary’s Football Club, situated off Scholes Bank.
The Sunday Horwich gathering will be facilitated by local table leader Charlotte Moncado-Sears, offering a weekend option for residents seeking social connection.
What Are the Details for the Harwood Launch at Bill & Coo?
According to reporting by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, the second new group will open on Monday, 14 September, operating weekly between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The sessions will be hosted at Bill & Coo, a popular venue located at 2–4 The Hillock in Harwood.
As detailed in The Bolton News, the Harwood venue will be jointly managed by table leaders Joanna Goodyear and Alison Pritchard. The dynamic partnership formed after Goodyear met Pritchard through an established Talkin’ Table session at the Harwood Morrisons branch, where Pritchard was already serving as a leader. The pair aim to create another warm, approachable environment where local residents can catch up and forge lasting friendships.
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What Is the Mission of the Talkin’ Tables Initiative?
As written by journalist Grace Williams in The Bolton News, Talkin’ Tables was founded in July 2021 by Marjorie Hayward to help local communities rebuild social connection following periods of prolonged isolation. Since its launch, the movement has expanded significantly, boasting over 100 tables across the United Kingdom.
The core structure of the movement relies on free, informal, hour-long weekly sessions hosted in accessible community hubs such as cafes, libraries, churches, and sports clubs. As highlighted by The Bolton News, table leaders facilitate relaxed conversations where attendees can drop in without financial commitment, pressure, or formal registration.
How Are Local Leaders Expanding Talkin’ Tables Across Bolton?
Writing for The Bolton News, Grace Williams reported that Lynne Croston serves as the overall coordinator for Talkin’ Tables across the Bolton area. Croston remains steadfast in her objective to bring the project to every neighbourhood across the borough.
As documented in coverage by The Bolton News, Croston previously emphasised that the primary objective of Talkin' Tables is to cater to anyone seeking company, conversation, and community spirit, offering reassurance to newcomers that welcoming volunteers will always be present to greet them.
Organisers have encouraged any residents interested in finding their local group or starting a table of their own to visit the official project website at www.talkintables.co.uk.