We meet on the second Wednesday of every month at The Den, Cunningham Road, Westhoughton, BL5 2AN. 7:30pm until 10:00 pm.
Bolton IPMS
Founded in May 1999, Bolton IPMS (International Plastic Modellers’ Society) began as a modest initiative by three passionate modellers, David Swift, Ray Ashworth, and Richard Greenwood, who sought to bring the spirit of scale modelling closer to home.
Having regularly travelled to meetings at IPMS Warrington and Avro Lancs, the trio tested the waters for a Bolton-based branch. The response was encouraging, and the first meeting was held at Ridgmont Lodge in Horwich.
From those early days, the club quickly grew to 15 members, including notable figures such as Trevor Snowden (Airfix), John Adams (Aeroclub), and Neil Robinson (then editor of Scale Aircraft Modelling). With the motto “The Friendly Club,” Bolton IPMS welcomed newcomers and seasoned modellers alike, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
By the mid-2000s, the club launched its first Kit Swap event, collaborating with traders and neighbouring clubs. Its success led to annual iterations, eventually evolving into a full-fledged model show held in Adlington. It was here that the club’s now-famous “Show Theme” concept was born, inspiring imaginative interpretations from a newspaper rising from the ground for “Land of the Rising Sun” to a flower blooming from sand for “Animals.”
As membership and ambition grew, the club relocated to St. Joseph’s High School, which became the new hub for meetings and the annual show. Known for its quirky layout, the displays scattered across classrooms and the main school hall.
The show gained a reputation for northern charm and creativity. However, a change in school management prompted another move, leading to meetings at various venues including The Beehive Pub, St. Catherine’s Church, and The New Chapel Church.
A pivotal moment came when the club boldly moved its show to the Macron Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC. This leap in scale and cost paid off, elevating the club’s profile and financial stability. The success enabled philanthropic efforts, including sponsorship of the Westhoughton Lions ARLFC youth team.
Bolton IPMS Today
Today, Bolton IPMS thrives at its current home in Westhoughton, with membership up by 60%. In 2025, the club updated its motto to “The Friendly Model Club” to better reflect its identity and mission.
As the club looks to the future, it continues to build on its strong foundation of creativity, community, and friendship. With original founding members still attending meetings, Bolton IPMS stands as a testament to the enduring power of shared passion and local initiative.