GREEN fingered youngsters have had a blooming good time at The Rock Shopping Centre this half term.

The shopping and leisure destination unveiled its May half term installation – The Blooming Potting Shed – in time for the bank holiday weekend and kicked off with workshops around the theme ‘how does your garden grow’ on Saturday 25^th May.

The wooden structure, which is in front of The Range, is covered in flowers and plant pots surrounded by a lawn with picnic benches for families to take a break from shopping whilst also creating the perfect backdrop for any social snaps.

On Saturday, the event space came to life, with a day of workshops where children could decorate a plant pot and then plant their own sunflower seed to take home. The classes were delivered by event duo Flora and Fauna.

Another day of workshops will run on Wednesday 29^th May focusing on ‘why we need the buzzy bees’. They’ll run from 11am – 3pm. The workshops are completely free to attend and run on a first come, first served basis. Visit The Rock’s website to find out more.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: “The Blooming Potting Shed has added a vibrant splash of colour to The Rock this half term and it is wonderful to see so many children and families enjoying these free workshops.”

The Blooming Potting Shed is in situ until Sunday 2^nd June.

A CHARITY day which also remembered the victims of the Manchester Arena Bomb has raised £638.83.

The Rock Shopping Centre,  teamed up with Bury-based charity Liv’s Trust to put on a day of remembrance and reflection, as well as raising much needed funds for the charity.

Liv’s Trust – which is The Rock’s partner charity – was set up in memory of Olivia Campbell-Hardy from Bury who was killed in the arena atrocity. The charity aims to support young people with their music and dance ambitions.

On Saturday 18^th May, just days before the seventh anniversary of the bomb, in which 22 people had their lives taken, Liv’s Trust Charity Day took place at The Rock. Running from 11am until 3pm, the event included a showcase of music and talent as well as an opportunity to remember and raise funds.

Performances by young people supported by the charity took place during the day and the line-up included Bury’s Fire Choir, Bury’s Encore Youth Fire Choir and those involved with the charity’s Hear Me Roar music group.

There was also an opportunity to engage with The Manchester Survivors Choir.

Fundraising activity, including a raffle and the chance to buy a heart memento were also held.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: “Saturday’s event was a really special day and we’re pleased that so many people supported Liv’s Trust and helped to raise such vital funds.

“The young people the charity supports put on a brilliant showcase throughout the day and kept our shoppers entertained.

“Liv’s Trust Day also included the chance to remember and reflect on the arena atrocity and it was humbling to see so many people join together to remember the 22 victims. It was a day filled with emotions and something The Rock is proud to have been involved with.”

Sharon Goodman, Olivia’s grandma, added: “The build up to the anniversary is always difficult but on Saturday it confirmed that the Trust had achieved its aims as a living legacy to Olivia. She loved to sing and dance.

“Thank you to everyone who supported and donated to the event. You were truly generous.

“We would like to thank all the performers, The Rock staff, Roch Valley Radio and presenter Scarlett and all volunteers. It’s an event that will stay in our hearts and minds.”

The Rock is on the hunt for a new partner charity.

The centre is looking for a local charity to partner with and support with fundraising events – and submissions are open from now until 17^th May.

To put forward a charity for consideration, the nominator must work for or be heavily involved in the charity and have its permission to enter.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: “We have worked closely with several charities in Bury over the years and aim to refresh this partnership each year. There are so many good causes out there we know it’s going to be a hugely difficult choice to pick who that partner will be and that’s why, once we have a shortlist of three charities, we will be opening it up to a public vote through our website to give the public the final say on who our charity of choice will be.”

Once the nominations are received a shortlist of three charities will be made by The Rock and an online vote will run for two weeks in June – the charity with the highest number of votes will become The Rock’s new partner charity.

The Rock’s current partner charity is Liv’s Trust and it will automatically be added to the public vote.

The charity with the most votes will become The Rock’s charity of choice from July.

Visit www.therockbury.com/charity-of-the-year/ submit an application for consideration to be The Rock’s new partner charity.

THE VICTIMS of the Manchester Arena Bomb will be remembered with a special day of fundraising at The Rock Shopping Centre this month.

The shopping and leisure destination has teamed up with Bury-based charity Liv’s Trust to put on a day of remembrance and reflection, as well as raising much needed funds for the charity.

Liv’s Trust – which is The Rock’s partner charity – was set up in memory of Olivia Campbell-Hardy from Bury who was killed in the arena atrocity. The charity aims to support young people with their music and dance ambitions.

On Saturday 18^th May, just days before the seventh anniversary of the bomb, in which 22 people had their lives taken, Liv’s Trust Charity Day will be held at the centre.

Running from 11am until 3pm, the event will be a showcase of music and talent as well as an opportunity to remember and raise funds. Performances by young people supported by the charity will take place during the day and the line-up includes Bury’s Encore Youth Choir, Lark Dance and those involved with the charity’s Hear Me Roar music group.

There will also be the opportunity to engage with The Manchester Survivors Choir. They are willing to talk to anyone affected by events or anyone about coping and overcoming trauma.

Fundraising activity, including a raffle and the chance to buy a heart memento are also planned.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: “We have been working with Liv’s Trust for almost a year and we’re always blown away by their enthusiasm and their campaign to support young people in their endeavours. We’re really pleased to be working with Sharon, Steve and their team on this charity day and whilst we know there will be some very emotive moments throughout the day, we’re hoping that our shoppers will take a moment to stop and reflect, and where possible dig deep to support this very worthy cause.”

Sharon Goodman, Olivia’s grandma, added: ““This event will ensure our 22 beautiful souls may be gone but not forgotten. We hope many people will join us as we reflect and raise funds.”