borough life issue 34 summer 2011
DESCRIPTION
Magazine from Wigan Borough CouncilTRANSCRIPT
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Starsset torockmusicvenue
Recycledchic: gownteam serve
up a promnight treat
You could be there too – enterour competition on page twenty nine
see page eleven
2 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
More accessto towpathplease...Sir, – I note with anticipation the long awaited andeven longer needed upgrade to the canal towpathssouth of Platt Bridge is now in progress, accordingto your Spring 2011 article.
An important route in the Greenheart networkconnecting with existing bridleways and footpaths.This will provide a continuous high quality routebetween Wigan and Leigh town centres, providingyear round off-road leisure facilities. But only if youare able bodied, if you are not the barriers andgates from Bamfurlong to Wigan will stop you.They do not support passage of horse or disabledinvalid carriages.
I would hope that the CommunitiesRegeneration Programme and British Waterwaystake this into account and build provision foraccess for all.John Gurhy, Ataxia UK North West BranchChair • www.ataxia.org.uk
■ Wigan Council’s Corporate Director for thePlaces Directorate, Gillian Bishop, said: Weare currently improving the towpath on theLeigh branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal,between Lily Lane and Plank Lane, to providea continuous high-quality surface betweenWigan and Leigh town centres. Oncecompleted, the towpath will be accessible bypedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
At present, a number of barriers on thetowpath prevent/hinder access for cyclists,pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooter-users. The barriers were installed by BritishWaterways to prevent access by motorvehicles and motorbikes, which can pose a
real nuisance and danger to legitimate usersof the towpath.
Following discussions between BritishWaterways and the council, it has beenagreed that the barriers between Lily Laneand Plank Lane will be removed andreplaced, where necessary, with ‘kissing gates’and horse-friendly barriers, which should alsoaccommodate wheelchair and mobilityscooter users. Any existing barriers locatedbetween Lily Lane and Wigan town centreare the responsibility of British Waterwaysand any requests for their removal should be
addressed directly to them.We do not want to discriminate against
wheelchair and mobility scooter users,however, it can be very difficult to strike abalance between allowing 'access for all' andpreventing access for illegitimate users, suchas motorbikes.
Wherever possible, the scheme has beendesigned in accordance with Disability andEquality Act 2010, however, in somesituations, the gradients of ramps may notcomply with the guidance, due to theprohibitive expense of construction.”
Sir, – The article, Ending The Fear, concerning thetragic death of Carly Fairhurst after a violent attackby her partner featured in the Spring edition ofBorough Life, was shocking and disturbing.
One can only imagine the suffering endured byher parents and admire their heroic determination todirect their grief and anger into a campaign to raiseawareness of domestic abuse and raise funds tosupport victims. It was heartening to read of themulti-agency strategy to address the hidden monsterand the inclusion of telephone helplines, for those inneed of support, provided a practical touch – butwith a glaring omission!
DIAS – Drop In And Share – is a Wigan-basedcharity that has been in operation from premises inKing Street since 1994. As the name suggests,woman – and men – who suffer domestic abuse can
‘drop-in’ for advice and support or can access theservices of trained and experienced counsellors.
The service extends to family members who areanxious about a relative’s abusive relationship and,for those who cannot make the journey into thetown centre, there is always support available viathe telephone. DIAS staff will even take a numberand ring back, having first established the safety ofthe caller, if the cost of the call is an issue.
Since comprehensive, face-to-face support isavailable here in Wigan, I was surprised DIAS wasnot mentioned in your article and I hope that youcan rectify this. DIAS 01942 495230,[email protected] Davis For an update on Wigan Borough’s campaignto tackle domestic abuse see page 12.
Please give DIAS a mention
Our Spring issue told of SheilaFairhurst, who has campaignedfor more support for victims ofdomestic violence after herdaughter Carly was killed by herabusive boyfriend.
Borough Life welcomes your letters about local issues or comments about articlesin the magazine. Write to: The Editor, Borough Life, FREEPOST NWW3502A, WiganWN1 1XZ; Email: [email protected] (Letters may be edited).Lines
Life
The
LeaderColumnBy Peter SmithLeader, Wigan Council
CO
NTE
NTS
This edition packed with news, plus...
COVER PICTUREHaigh, it’s PeterAndre!Full Haigh HallLive line-up andcompetition detailson page 29.
Summer 2011
www.wigan.gov.uk
Borough Life is published by WiganCouncil and distributed to all households inthe borough. This edition was published on27 May 2011. Distribution should becomplete by 20 June 2011.
The magazine is printed on paper fromrenewable resources. It is written and editedby Wigan Council’s Media andCommunications team, designed bySmith Davis Press and printed by PCP.
If you have any comments or feedback –or if would like to write a letter forpublication – please contact:
The EditorBorough Life,FREEPOST NWW3502A,Wigan WN1 1XZ.Tel: 01942 827823 Email: [email protected]
If you are a resident of Wigan Boroughbut haven’t had a copy of Borough Lifedelivered through your letterbox, please letus know.
Copies of individual articles may beavailable in other languages on request.
Large print and audio versions can also beprovided. Please phone 01942 827823.
Raising the roof to boost park 8
Going places with transport plan 18&19
Surf’s up for hi-tech pensioners 13
Fun and games... Olympic style 25
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 3
IT IS a big year for customer services in our borough.We’re on the cusp of the opening of the borough’s biggest and
most ambitious public service construction projects as the newWigan Life Centre prepares to open its doors.
The Life Centre represents a landmark change in the way thecouncil and its partners operate. It is also embodies our ongoingdetermination to encourage investment and regenerationopportunities in our borough despite the difficult economic times.
Ultimately it represents excellent value for money for ourborough and as you can read on page seven, makes goodbusiness sense. We firmly believe that in times of economichardship it is more important than ever that Wigan has a modern,efficient, approachable public services that are available to all.
WHAT a waste! The problem of what to do with the vast amountof household waste we produce as a borough isn’t one that’s justgoing to go away.
The council is working hard on how we as a borough can cutthe amount of waste we all produce, through recycling and otherinitiatives, and how we can dispose of the waste we do generatein a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way.
This year we have been running a trial of new blue bins thatare used for recycling an increasingly precious resource – paper.
As you can read on page six, the trial has been a huge successand we now plan to roll the new blue bins out to householdsacross the borough.
IF Wigan Borough really is to compete as the great place to work,play and do business, that we all know it can be, then theborough’s transport network is something we must address.
The council is currently putting together its transport strategyfor up to the year 2026 and we need your help. We want to knowwhat your priorities are when it comes to getting around ourborough and what you would like to see for the future.
You can find out how to get involved in the consultation forTransport 2026 on pages 18 and 19. Let’s get our boroughmoving!
FINALLY...Wigan is the greenest borough in Greater Manchesterand has many well-known parks and open spaces that we can berightly proud of.
But if you go off the beaten track a little bit you can find somereal hidden gems. On pages 14 and 15 we’ve asked some of theborough’s best known outdoor fans to name their favourite spots.We think you’ll agree they are all worth exploring in a little moredetail and they stand as proof that you don’t need to travel far tofind stunning scenery, just put a foot over your doorstep.
Building the future together
4 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
THEY’VE stayed true to their roots, dugdeep and never thrown in the ‘trowel’.
The army of volunteers who make WiganBorough look beautiful as part of theannual ‘In Bloom’ event really do deserve apat on the back.
Each autumn, all those who get involvedwith Borough in Bloom are invited to aspecial ‘Thank You’ evening hosted by theMayor and the council’s deputy leader.
But the organisers want to do things alittle differently and need your help…
This year, we’re introducing a series ofspecial awards honouring the outstandingenvironmental achievements of boroughresidents – and they want the nominationsto come from YOU!
So, if you know someone who helpedwith a community garden, worked with aschool to improve their grounds or maybeeven a local business that created a greenspace for customers – we’d like to hearfrom you!
All winners will be invited along to theceremony and will receive an award andvouchers to spend on developing furtherprojects in 2012.
For a full list of categories and details ofhow you can nominate your local championvisit: www.wiganboroughinbloom.co.uk● For further information, sendyour enquiry to [email protected] orcall In Bloom Co-ordinator Damian Jenkinsonon 01942 488299.
THERE’S never a good time to get a flattyre. Most local garages will repair apuncture but once the repair is done, canyou be sure it’s still road safe?
When Wigan Council’s Trading StandardsOfficers visited 28 traders to advise them howtyre repairs should be carried out, 11 of them(almost 40 per cent) were not aware of therequirement to fill all puncture holes.
For further information regarding tyresafety, please visit www.tyresafe.org
You can find a list of reputable traders(including mechanics) on Wigan Council’swebsite – www.wigan.gov.uk and searchfor ‘Good Trader’.
Under pressure
EXPO IS GO! Launching Business Expo Twenty11 at Leigh Sports Village are (from left): CllrDavid Molyneux, Miranda Barker, Colin Weaver from The Best of Wigan, and Claire Walsh andDominic Stockton from Wigan Council’s economic regeneration team.
Who’s yourbloomingchampion?
W IGAN Borough’s biggestbusiness event is back and itpromises to be bigger and
better than before!Last year the council and its partners
hosted a major showcase for theborough’s businesses to come togetherand promote everything positive thatour borough has to offer.
The event, entitled Business ExpoTwenty11, will return on Friday 14October at Leigh Sports Village andborough businesses are being urged tobook their place now.
Miranda Barker, Wigan President ofthe Greater Manchester Chamber ofCommerce and Chair of the EconomicPartnership, said: “Wigan BusinessExpo Twenty11 will span nofewer than 26 loungesand provide a varietyof options for nearly80 borough-basedbusinesses toexhibit their goodsand services tobuyers from acrossthe region.”
In addition to theexhibition of localbusinesses, there willalso be a jam-packed
seminar programme delivered byexperts on a variety of subjectsincluding securing contracts with majororganisations such as Wigan Council andthe NHS, as well as other need to knowinformation for businesses.
In addition, borough based businesseswill again be able to arrange one-to-onemeetings with the buyers from publicand private sector giants.
Mrs Barker adds: “We are also pleasedto announce that we will once again beoffering borough based businesses thechance to meet the buyers from selectedpublic and private sector giants. Theseappointments were really well receivedlast year and we know of at least one
business who secured a contract withHeinz on the back of the
meeting they had with themat last year’s Expo.”
Cllr David Molyneux,Cabinet Champion forRegeneration said:“The Expo has provento be an excellentplatform forbusinesses tonetwork, share good
practice and displaytheir fantastic range of
good and services.”
If your businesswould like to be the first
to know any Expo news, aswell as being the first in linewhen exhibition spaces and
meet the buyer appointmentsbecome available, pleaseemail [email protected]
or visit our Facebook, Twitteror LinkedIn pages.
SPADEWORK: InBloom Co-ordinatorDamian Jenkinson
is digging forlocal heroes.
Expo Twenty11 isTHE BUSINESS
Here come the girls
TWO years ago Sarah Lucas decided to goout for a jog.
The mother-of-two was a former LeighHarrier so knew her way round a pair ofrunning shoes.
She was joined by two friends on whatwas to become a momentous first runaround Pennington Flash.
And as they ran, like a scene from thefilm Forrest Gump, they were joined byothers along the way. And they’vecontinued to flock to Sarah’s side eversince.
Today Sarah, who hails fromPennington, is at the helm of her very ownrunning club which boasts in excess of 50members. The ‘Leg It’ Running Clubmeets twice a week to take ladies of allages and abilities through their paces.
Sarah, 39, says: “After that first run Idecided to take it further so I advertisedin my local area to see if anyone wasinterested. The response was amazing andthrough the adverts and word of mouthalone I now have around 50 ladiesrunning each week… sometimes 70.”
Sarah was not only a serious runner atone time but she also used to coach forthe Leigh Harriers. She has divided thegroup up into walkers, joggers and
runners, so there’s something to suiteveryone.
“Our youngest member is 14 and wehave ladies who are in their 60s,” saysSarah. “We new mums and mums-to-be,ladies wanting to lose weight, ladies whowant to run the Race for Life events andsome who just enjoy the social side. I seetheir confidence grow each week, theirbodies change and they make newfriends.”
Through their regular Monday andThursday evening meetings, the group hasearned the nicknames the ‘running pub’and because there’s a lot of them dressedin pink, running together – the Flamingos!
Wigan Council’s CabinetMember for Leisure, CllrChris Ready, is full ofpraise for Sarah’s andthe club’s efforts.
“At its heart thisrunning club is agreat example ofwhat people canachieve when theyhave a good ideaand the spirit ofdetermination to seeit through,” says Cllr
Ready. “It’s clear that it has not onlyhelped to improve the health of theindividual members but it has helpedcreate a greater sense of community spiritand the real beauty is that it has beendone without any outside help.
“We wish the Leg It group continuedsuccess and we’d love to see more peoplefollowing this fantastic example andcreating their own interest groups.”
Sarah has members who will be runningmarathons, half-marathons and 10k eventsthis year – there really is no stopping them!
“The great thing about it is that anyonecan run,” says Sarah.
“You just need trainers and a bit ofmotivation.
“Start slow with a walk thenjog from lamp-post to
lamp-post… six or seven ofthese and you’ll have donea mile.”
She adds: “The pleasureI get from running is onlybeaten by the joy ofseeing a lady who hasstruggled to jog for threeminutes, run for half an
hour… and chat and laughall the way round!”
Sarah strides outwith her mates inDIY running club
Sarah strides outwith her mates inDIY running club
LEADEROF THE PACK:
Sarah Lucas andthe gang areready to run!
The Leg ItRunning Club meetsevery Monday and
Thursday. Beginners set offat 6.20pm, intermediates begin
at 7pm and the five mile runnersgo at 7.45pm. Ladies who
would like more informationcan call Sarah on01942 670510 or07824 757479.
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 5
6 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
IF you want one, yes. If youdon’t, that’s okay. A trial ofblue bins for paper in
various locations around theborough has been a hugesuccess and it’s to beexpanded to reach everyoneby next spring.
There are many choiceswhich the team hope willsuit the different householdsaround the borough. Insteadof receiving a new blue bin,they can keep their sack, orpeople can request a smallersized bin – or even ask toshare with their neighbour.
“We have to free WiganBorough of costly landfilland stop the throwawayculture,” said deputy leaderCllr David Molyneux. “Andmost residents tell us theywant to help.”
A leaflet later thissummer will explain howto make your choices.Around 8,000 survey formshave already been sent toresidents.
One resident on KenyonRoad in Standish said:“By using the blue bin ithas cut the rubbish we
put in the black bin.”A reply from Elmhow Grove
in Wigan was particularlyuseful - “I felt that the onething missing from recyclingwas card and cardboard whichI had to take to a tip. Thisproblem has now beensolved.” Residents on OrrellRoad and nearby Brook Lanesaid recycling had been mademuch easier with their newblue bins. But a resident ofManchester Road, Ince said:“I don’t use it.” Theircomment was echoed by aKimberley Street residentwho said: “Too many bins.Waste of space. No need forthem.
“There is a need,”explained Dr Gail Robinson,the council’s waste manager,“It’s too expensive for us tokeep to burying our waste,both in terms of cost tocouncil tax payers and to theenvironment. The things weall buy need to be dealt withonce we’ve finished withthem.”
The key to making the bluebin trial a success was to offerchoice and accept thatdifferent households havedifferent needs. “It’s all abouthelping people dispose of thethings they choose to buy,”says Cllr Molyneux. “The daysof putting everything into onebin and burying the contentsare long gone. And whilst wedon’t make money byrecycling, the council’s billsare kept down when we allmanage our waste properly.This means when costs aretight, funds can be used forother vital services.”
The blue bins will also takecardboard and Tetrapaks(fresh juice and soups), whichis another stage forward toboost the borough’s recyclingcapabilities.
Anyone need another
Annual cost to collect WiganBorough’s waste: £8.2m
Annual cost to dispose ofWigan Borough’s waste: £9.2m
BIN?
Refuse collectorSteve is focussing
on the greatblue yonder.
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 7
WORK on the first part ofthe new Life Centre inWigan town centre isreaching its climax.
It is now just a matter ofweeks until the south site ofthe new Life Centre inWigan will be ready.
The impressive buildinghouses two swimming pools,a state-of-the art Profilesgym and dance studio with asprung floor.
It also contains new cost-effective office space forcouncil and other publicservice staff in our borough.
The north site, whichincludes a new publiclibrary, One Stop Shop for allpublic services and
community space, isanticipated to be open earlyin the New Year.
The creation of the newLife Centre has taken nearlya decade to complete andrepresents one of the mostambitious public sectorconstruction programmestaking place anywhere in thecountry.
The £217million projectwas made possible through amixture of governmentcredits and finance from theprivate sector.
Wigan Council hasinvested £2.1million in theproject but as the council’sCustomer ServicesChampion Cllr Chris Ready
explains, it represents agreat deal for the borough.
“The council will be ableto pay for its share of theinvestment through the saleof older buildings that areno longer needed, so it is aburden that has not fallen onthe tax payer,” he said. “Wenow have a public serviceand leisure complex that willbe the envy of the entirecountry for little extra cost.If we add to this the fact thatthe cost of bringing theformer Wigan InternationalPool up to modern standardswould be more than£1million you can begin tosee just how good this deal isfor our borough.”
The Life Centre hasalready had a massiveimpact on the local economy– to the tune of hundreds ofthousands of pounds.
Cllr Ready explains:“More than 100 people havefound work on the projectafter being referred by thecouncil’s Skills Shop, morehave found work on theproject from localrecruitment agencies. Out ofthe 16 contracting firmsworking on site, 12 havebeen locally-based and manyof the raw materials such asconcrete have been providedby local suppliers.
“In addition to thisexisting town centrebusinesses have benefitedfrom an increase in tradeand new ones, includingcafes to service the on-siteworkers, haveopened.”
Thecounciland itspartnershave alsocreated anetwork oflocal LifeCentres acrossWigan Borough tocompliment the new publicservice hub.
This isthelife
THE opening of the Wigan Life Centre’s southsite in August will follow hot on the heels ofthe borough’s five local ‘Life Centres’.
Now, as part of on-going work to makeaccessing services easier for residents, thecouncil has created a Citizen Support Service.
Underpinning the Citizen Support Servicewill be a new IT system for revenue andbenefits.
This will help process benefit claims morequickly for residents and enable councilpartners such as Registered Social Landlordsto send important data direct to the council
to further decrease processing times.There will be a seven week ‘content
migration’ period between (10th August-28thSeptember), to complete the switch from theold system to the new one.
Cabinet Member for Customer Services CllrChris Ready said: “There is some potential fordelays in processing new benefit claims andincreasing/reducing other payments as aresult of changes in circumstances, but plansare well underway to minimise any disruptionand the long-term benefits will be well worththe wait.”
Citizen Support – at your service
You can findout more atwww.wigan.
gov.uk/wiganischanging
8 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
MESNES Park’smagnificentrestoration will
enjoy a number of landmarkmoments during 2011.
As we went to print theproject was literally raisingthe roof!
As part of the multi-millionpound transformation the‘lantern’ section of the top ofthe pavilion, at the heart ofthe Victorian park, was beingremoved for restoration byWigan based restorers LostArt.
It’s one of a number ofmajor works taking placeover the next two yearswhich will see the muchloved park transformedfollowing a massive £6.4minvestment by the HeritageLottery Fund, Big LotteryFund, Wigan Council andWigan Leisure and CultureTrust.
The bandstand has alreadybeen removed for restorationwhile a new roof has beeninstalled on the shelter.
In June work will start onthe restoration of DaltonSteps which lead up to thepavilion.
Work on the pavilion willcontinue throughout thesummer and is scheduled tobe completed in December.
By October the bandstandwill be back on site and
the restoration of thesteps should becompleted byNovember. Thenattention will turnto improving theEntrance Lodge.
JoanneRamdewor, Mesnes
Park Officer for WiganLeisure and Culture
Trust, said: “This is a veryexciting part of the projectwith major restorationunderway.
“Over the next two yearsthis restoration andrefurbishment will ensurethe future of this wonderfulpark, at the heart of Wigan,for future generations toenjoy.
“It is a massive piece ofwork we have undertakenand we have organised anumber of restoration toursthroughout 2011 that we’dlove people to come to andfind out more.”
Significant work starting inApril 2012 includesrestoration of the PulhamRockwork, installation of theCoalbrookdale Fountain andrestoration of the Sir FrancisSharp Powell statue.
SUMMER’S here and what better time toenjoy the great outdoors than a lovely cycleride?
And if you’re going out and about, twowheels can be better than four!
After long days studying at school manyyoung people can’t wait to get out of thehouse for a bike ride.
It’s great fun, but it’s also important tostay road safe.
That’s why Wigan Council is offering freeBikeability training for children aged 10 andup this summer holiday.
The courses are run by accredited trainersfrom Cycle Experience. Those who completethe course will learn how to ride safely onthe road and negotiate road junctions,
roundabouts and other obstacles.The courses consist of four sessions and
participants must complete all sessions togain the Bikeability Level 2 qualification.
Further courses will be held at schoolsacross the borough in the next year.
To take part, all you’ll need is aroadworthy bike and a cycle helmet. If youdon’t have a helmet, you will be loaned onefor the duration of the course along with ahigh visibility waistcoat.
If you are interested in signing up for aBikeability course in the borough thissummer, please call Wigan Council on 01942488250.● 18-26 June is National Bike Week, visitwww.bikeweek.org.uk for details.
Need some fun... get on your bike
KEEPING A LID ON IT: Mesnes ParkOfficer Joanne Ramdewor puts the roofback on the Mesnes Park Pavillion inthis mock-up photograph.
For furtherinformation about the
restoration tours or aboutthe Mesnes Park Project
contact Joanne Ramdeworon 01942 776 609
or visit www.wlct.org/mesnespark
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 9
As part of the nationalgovernment reforms of thehealth service, local PrimaryCare Trusts like NHS Ashton,Leigh and Wigan – whichcurrently plan and managethe buying of local servicessuch as hospital care, GPs,mental health units andcommunity clinics – arebeing phased out.
In their place, GPs will beasked to come together innew ‘consortia’ to make sure
local health resources arespent in the most effectiveway.
GPs in the borough areworking closely with NHSALW to ensure a smooth andeffective transition to thenew arrangements, which areexpected to ‘go live’ in April2013. Although NHS ALWadministers the same area asthe council, in the reformsthe new GP consortia don’thave to match up to these
boundaries.Wigan Council has
been working closelywith the local NHS fora number of years todeliver the best healthcarelocally and effectivelyintegrate health, social careand wellbeing services.
Whatever the final shapeof the new GP consortia, thenew reforms will see thecouncil developing stronglinks with GPs at boroughlevel to ensure that thehealth of residents remains atop priority through a Health& Wellbeing Board. The mainobjective of the board will beto plan and deliver localservices to support thehealth and wellbeing ofresidents.
Key council representativesand local GPs are alreadymaking the development ofthe new board a priority.
This is with the recognitionthat against a backdrop ofdwindling public resources,working together towards acommon purpose of puttingresidents needs first andmaking a difference topeoples’ health andwellbeing is vital.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe,Cabinet Member forHealthier Communities atWigan Council and Chair of
the newHealth and Wellbeing Board,said: “Wigan Council isworking with local GPleaders to make our existinghealth services moreresponsive and to effectivelyplan future services.
“The launch of our localHealth & Wellbeing Boardsignals our intentions – tofocus now and in the futureon the reduction of healthinequalities through earlyintervention, and throughintegrated services for socialcare and health, and topromote wider wellbeing.
“We want to create andpromote choice for healthand independence amongstall our residents, puttingtheir needs first.
“As the local authority weinfluence so many otherfactors that contribute tohealth, but we are clear thatworking with local GPsthrough the Health &Wellbeing Boards ourpurpose is better healthoutcomes for everyone.”
New erastarts for NHS
ModernMedicine: 21st
century facilities forcustomers at Ince
Community Life andHealth Centre.As government health reforms gather pace, Borough Life explains what the
abolition of the Ashton, Leigh & Wigan Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the shift ofits responsibilities to GPs and the council means for the borough – and you.
T H E S T R U C T U R E O F T H E N H S
Current
Keyoverseeing role flow of money caring role
Dept of Health
North-West Regional Health Authority Wigan Borough’s GP Federation
Ashton, Leigh & Wigan PCTHospitals,
mentalhealth units,community
serviceseg. district
nurses
GPs,dentists,
specialistservices
eg. intensivecare
Patients
Hospitals, GPs, mental healthunits, dentists, communityservices eg. district nurses
Independent Board
Proposed
Patients
Sharing the Vision: pictured are: (back row, fromleft): Dr Tim Dalton, Dr Tony Ellis, Cllr Keith Cunliffe,Cllr Peter Smith, Dr Pete Marwick, (front, from left):
Wigan Council’s Service Directorfor Strategy and Commissioning
Stuart Cowley, Dr Kate Ardern,Dr Deepak Trivedi, Dr Shikha Pitalia
and Joyce Redfearn.
Sharing the Vision: pictured are: (back row, fromleft): Dr Tim Dalton, Dr Tony Ellis, Cllr Keith Cunliffe,Cllr Peter Smith, Dr Pete Marwick, (front, from left):
Wigan Council’s Service Directorfor Strategy and Commissioning
Stuart Cowley, Dr Kate Ardern,Dr Deepak Trivedi, Dr Shikha Pitalia
and Joyce Redfearn.
10 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
GETTING a leg-up on the first rung of the career ladder is important - especially for young people. Wigan'sWay to Work website offers advice and guidance to help anyone find the right path for them. But oftenadvice on jobs and careers isn't the full story. In some cases people have to embark on a life-changingjourney to ensure that they are 'job ready' and often have to overcome significant hurdles along the way. Way to Work can help with this as well,as Borough Life discovered after speaking with one remarkable young person who has triumphed in the face of adversity thanks to a little help.
HAYLEY Smith had a tough start in life.A troubled childhood, years ofmoving from place-to-place and an
addiction to hard drugs. Enoughharrowing experiences to last a life-time, all before her 21st birthday.
With a track record like that itwould be easy to write Hayley off...but this isn't the kind of girl who isgoing to roll over quietly.
“I was a ticking time-bombwaiting to go off,” admits Hayley. “Iwas battling so much pain from myearly life that I spent my days takingany drugs I could get my hands on toblock it out.”
Despite the chaos and despitemissing a whole year at school, Hayleystill got a handful of GCSEs and she wenton to further studies.
Matters came to a head for Hayleywhen she turned 20. She had been livingrough on the streets of Wigan and Chorleysince the age of 14 and admits that shenow thought her life was over.
But the born fighter refused to giveup. Hayley sought the help sheneeded for the psychological andemotional scars she carried. Sheeventually got off the streetsand was offered a place at asupported accommodationcentre for young peopleaged from 16 to 25.
The lodgingsprovided Hayleywith the securityshe craved and nowit was time to turnthe rest of her lifearound.
“When I firstarrived I hadnothing to live for. Ihad zero-confidenceand I rarely left myflat,” says Hayley.“Thankfully I hadan amazingsupport workerwho made mesee that lifecould bedifferent, if Ireally wantedit.”
Last yearHayley joined
Groundwork's Prince's Trust programme for a 12 weekself-development programme. The course gives
young people the skills, motivation andconfidence to go onto further education,
training or employment.Hayley’s passion and determination
impressed Groundwork’s Hugh Shields somuch that the organisation ended up offeringher a position through the Future Jobs Fund.Now she works with other troubled youngpeople, giving them the benefit of herexperience to get a flying start.
Hugh, the programme manager atGroundwork, tells us: “Hayley is aninspiration to us all. When she arrived shewas shy and quiet and looking fordirection.
“Groundwork's staff were able to workwith her on her confidence and werecognised that she had the potential to be
great and that's why Hayley was offered therole of Trainee Personal Development Officer –she is a completely different person today.”
Hayley has marked the transition by movinginto her own place and for the first time in
her life 'feels settled'.“Every day brings its challenges, so
I take it one step at a time.“I'm sharing my storybecause I know there are
others out there whohave had to deal withunimaginablehardship and traumaand don't knowwhere to turn.
“There is help outthere – if you reallywant it.
“I refused to be avictim and I'm surethere are othersthat feel the sameway. I have so muchto offer and I wantto help others bethe best theypossibly can.”
To watchHayley’s videodiary, visit her blogat http://hayleysmithwaytowork.wordpress.com
Way to Work givesHayley high hopes
Hayley Smith...An inspiration
to us all.
For detailsof the full range of
services that Way toWork has to offer visitwww.way-to-work.
co.uk
Way to Work givesHayley high hopes
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 11
THE end of year American Prom-style eventfor high school leavers need not break thebank.
One group of girls from Hindley has comeup with a solution for young women who maybe feeling the pressure of finding anexpensive and lavish dress.
Prom outfits can cost £300 for the dressalone. Throw in the need for shoes, handbags,spray tans and even a limousine for transportand the end of year party can soon turn intoan expensive and stressful experience.
Hindley Girls Group, run by WiganCouncil’s Youth Service, have teamed up withWigan and Leigh Hospice to organise a dressdrop off.
They are calling on women across theborough to donate any dresses they nolonger use so that young women canbuy them at reasonable prices fortheir high school proms.
Wigan Council Youth Worker LisaRusson said: “Prom events and thedresses are just getting bigger andbigger every year and this puts a lotof pressure on young people andtheir parents.
“Some young people might say totheir friends they can’t be botheredwith the end of year prom and thatthey don’t want to go. The reality isthat they might actually beembarrassed because they cannotafford to go.
“The prom can be stressful for
young people experiencing peer pressurefrom their friends and for their parents whoare having to find this amount of money topay for the night out.
“If women across the borough donated anice dress they never wear anymore theywould be helping other young girls out andraising some money for Wigan and LeighHospice at the same time.”
Beth Hoyle, 15, a member of Hindley GirlsGroup said: “There are only two times in yourlife that you might get to wear a big dress likethis – your wedding and your high schoolprom.
“You want to feel like a princess so there isa lot of pressure to get a gorgeous dress thatno one else has.”
Dresses can be donated at any oneof the twelveWigan andLeigh Hospiceshops across theborough, whichare located inAshton,Atherton,Golborne,Hindley,Newtown,Pemberton,Platt Bridge,Shevington,Standish, Wiganand Leigh (twostores).
AFTER all the preparations, it’simportant that prom night is anight to remember for all theright reasons.
Here are some top tips thathave been put together by localyoung people and youth workersto help you stay safe on promnight:● Try to travel with others if youare taking a taxi.● Always let someone at homeknow where you are going andwhen you will be back.● Take a mobile phone with you(with credit on and fully chargedup).● Take a spare taxi number withyou.● Take enough money for a taxihome and keep it in a separateplace to the rest of your moneyso that you don’t accidentallyspend it.● Consider carrying a personalalarm.● Agree with your friends thatyou will all look out for eachother and try to stay together onthe night.At the prom:● Don’t flash your mobile oryour money around.● Try to stay with your group offriends.● Avoid aggressive people.● If you feel strange afterhaving a drink (including softdrinks) tell a friend or teacherimmediately to make sure theystay with you and help you toget home safely.● Remember it is illegal forunder 18s to buy or be boughtalcohol. Adults who buy alcoholfor young people under 18 canface big fines.● If you have been drinkingalcohol, know your limits anddon’t lose control of yourself.● Make sure you don’t doanything you might regret thenext day.● If you think you or a friendhave had too much to drink andyou feel unwell get some helpfrom a responsible adult.● Remember 999 is free to callin an emergency. Don’t be scaredto call if you really need it.● NEVER let anyone talk youinto doing anything that youdon’t want to do. Be confident,look after yourself and yourfriends.
Follow these safety tips andhave a brilliant time!
Making themost ofProm night
DRESSED TO THRILL: Amy, Charlotte andAmy are ready for prom night, and below:
Hindley girls get ready for the SummerProms season…without breaking the bank.
RecyclingHindley style
DRESSED TO THRILL: Amy, Charlotte andAmy are ready for prom night, and below:
Hindley girls get ready for the SummerProms season…without breaking the bank.
12 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
WIGAN Borough is the safestin Greater Manchester… andwe’re still getting safer!
The latest figures showthat overall crime has fallenby 15 per cent in the 12months to the end of March2011 when compared to theprevious year. And thisreduction equates to 3,377fewer victims of crime.
The drop in theft crimes isespecially significant.
Burglary has gone down byalmost 10 per cent with 119fewer offences, car crime by22 per cent with 571 feweroffences and robbery by 14per cent, equating to 33fewer victims. Violent crimesare also down by 15 per cent,
meaning 303 fewer offences.Reports of antisocial
behaviour have alsodecreased across the boroughby 5,752 – a 25 per centreduction.
Chief SuperintendentShaun Donnellan of GreaterManchester Police’s WiganDivision said: “These figuresshow we are succeeding intackling the issues that thepeople of Wigan Boroughhave told us concern themmost.
“We have attained thesereductions by continuallyworking with partners andlocal communities, and thishard work is now not onlymaking communities safer,
but making them feel safertoo.
“The public can bereassured that we won’t beresting on our laurels in thecoming months, but will
continue to work hard tofurther bring down crime,make life difficult forcriminals and help improvethe quality of life foreveryone in the borough.”
A BLACK eye. A broken tooth.Some poorly disguised bruises…Recognising the tell-tale signs ofdomestic abuse should be easy.Shouldn’t it?
Not according to thoseprofessionals who work on thefrontline of public services such ashousing, the benefits system,
libraries, police and the healthservice – in fact any of theagencies we interact with on adaily basis. The sameprofessionals who mayunknowingly come into contactwith victims of domestic abuse buttragically fail to recognise thesigns though no fault of their own.
And so a routine enquiry pilotscheme has been launched whichaims to ensure people on thefrontline of services who suspectsomebody is the victim of abuse,intimidation or violence in the homeare equipped with the awarenessand training to ask the rightquestions. And first in the queue tosign up to the scheme are local GPs.
As part of Wigan’s ChildSafeguarding Board, professionalsfrom the police, council and NHSrecently addressed an audience ofGPs and other medical centre staffat a conference at Haydock’sThistle Hotel, and the supportfrom local GPs was unanimous.
Invited guests, Trevor and SheilaFairhurst gave a moving accountof their 19-year-old daughter,Carly’s ultimately fatal relationshipwith boyfriend Darren Pilkingtonand how she denied to them thathe was attacking her.
Plans are in place to ensure that24,000 frontline public servicestaff – from fire officers tomidwives – complete on-linetraining so that domestic abusevictims can be offered sympatheticand practical advice.
Pilot aims to spotthe signs of abuse
COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE
Myth Busters!“I DON'T WANT TO REPORT MYHUSBAND TO THE POLICE”You don't have to go throughthe police to get the supportyou need. You can access helpby calling any of the numberson: www.wigan.gov.uk/domesticabuse
“I'M SCARED SOCIAL SERVICESWILL TAKE MY KIDS AWAY”Social services want to helpkeep families together, safeand happy.
■ Don’t suffer in silence... partnersin the borough are reaching out tovictims of domestic abuse.
If you aresuffering domestic
abuse, you can call thefollowing in confidence:
WAVE 01942 262290DIAS 01942 495230
Victim Support &Witness Support01942 322033.
0
Wig
an
Traf
ford
Stoc
kpor
t
Bury
Bolt
on
Old
ham
Tam
esid
e
Salfo
rd
Roch
dale
Man
ches
ter
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Safety F1RSTCrimes per 1000 ResidentsGreater Manchester CDRPs
All Crime 01 Apr 2010 – 31 Mar 2011
Force average
Source: iQuanta
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 13
BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME:Wigan's Rugby World Cup bid team.
THE Rugby League World Cup‘belongs’ in Wigan Borough.That’s the message from sports
stars, community leaders, thebusiness community and fans of thegame who are supporting WiganBorough’s bid to host the 2013tournament.
A top-flight team from Wigan Council,Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, AshtonLeigh and Wigan PCT, Leigh Sports Village,home-town heroes Wigan Warriors and theLeigh Centurions as well as the borough’snetwork of amateur clubs have all beenworking hard to bring League’s mostprestigious event to the game’s spiritualhome.
Lending his support to the bid, formerWigan, England and Great Britain RugbyLeague star and Sky Sports CommentatorPhil Clarke, says: “The Rugby League WorldCup offers a real opportunity to spread thegame of Rugby League across the whole ofGreater Manchester and although it hasbeen played for over 100 years in the region,I believe that this event will help raise theprofile of the sport and demonstrate theskills and values the game has to offer.”
Wigan Borough faces competition to hostthe event from the
Rugby Leagueheartland
across thePenninesand fromWrexham in
North Wales, as well as bids nearer to homefrom Warrington, Widnes and St Helens.
But the borough partnership is confidentthat the bid from Wigan will be a world-beater.
Wigan Council and PCT Chief ExecutiveJoyce Redfearn says: “Few places canmeasure sporting success in the same waythat our borough can and for many RugbyLeague is the lifeblood of our community.
“We believe that Wigan Borough will be aWorld Cup winner!”
Wigan Warriors star and Super LeagueYoung Player of the Year Sam Tomkins,summed up the mood: “Come on WiganBorough!
“Sport is a fantastic way of bringing peopletogether and this event really would be amassive boost to both the borough’scommunity spirit and the local economy aswell.
“It’s going to be brilliant to see this eventcome home and we’re all backing the bid!”
Rugby’s coming
HOME?
You can keep upto date with Wigan Borough’sbid to host the Rugby League
World Cup by following thecouncil’s Facebook and
Twitter pages.
WHEN it comes to getting togrips with the very latesttechnology, all you reallyneed is a bit of pensioner-power!
And for residents at aWigan Borough shelteredhousing scheme, surfing theweb and riding the super-information highway, reallyis opening up a whole newworld.
So far 11 people living atWalkden House in Ashtonhave completed a computertraining scheme and are allavid internet users.
Residents May Gannonand Doris Pecekajus, both 85,had never used a computeruntil the course started 12weeks ago. Now they areboth very excited about thenew opportunities suddenlyavailable to them online.Together they both regularlybeat the computer at cardgames and Doris has alsoproven to be a talented goalscorer on the Wii!
Contact with family hasbeen particularly importantand by using a webcam Dorishas had face to face contactwith her son in New Zealandfor the first time in threeyears.
Doris says: “It was lovelyto have a good chat and it isexciting to get emails andsee photos of mygrandchildren and greatgrandchildren. The first thingI noticed was that he hasgone bald!”● Internet access isavailable for free throughthe People’s Network atthe borough’s libraries andat your local Life Centre.
Surf’s upfor hi-techpensioners
YES Wii CAN: Residents ofWalkden House and pupils fromSt Edmund Arrowsmith Schoolget to grips with gaming.
YES Wii CAN: Residents ofWalkden House and pupils fromSt Edmund Arrowsmith Schoolget to grips with gaming.
Graham Workman, Wigan Leisure andCulture Trust’s wildlife andcountryside manager, says: “Awayfrom the hall’s grounds, there’s atrue riverside delight. You canhave a peaceful strolland perhaps see one ofthe birdlife treats – akingfisher or even adipper.” Start at PlantationGates, go down the hill for200m and turn left after thebridge – for a lovely banksidewalk. Graham is developing ahabitat for otters there toexpand their River Douglasterritory.
Summer aroundYOUR BOROUGH
❖ six hidden gems ❖
❖ Dean LockTwo thirds of the borough is countryside – and the urban third hasmany buildings of note and places to visit too. We asked some localexperts and dedicated residents to tell us about their favouriteaffordable and accessible places which deserve to be shared.
14 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
❖ River Douglas, Haigh
Geoff Jones, chair of the Red Rose Steam Society(pictured below right), says: “It dominated our areafor generations, but there are some youngsters todaywho don’t know what coal is.
“The volunteers here work hard to maintain theborough’s last pit head and we are open Tuesday,Thursday and Sunday afternoons for visits to see themachinery and museum. We’re just off the East LancsRoad, with an exhibition and classroom facilities and hostall sorts of rallies and events. Astley itself has lots to offer,with a nature trail and easily manageable country walks.One starts at Ellesmere Street and crosses the canal atWhitehead Hall Bridge and then back into the village.”
Keith Bergman of Wigan Leisure andCulture Trust says: “The Douglas Valley isalways a treat, but I especiallyrecommend the walk through Dean Lock.It’s nice and flat along the canal ofcourse, which makes it accessible, andwith plenty of wildlife and passing boats,there’s always a lot to see. By road, it’soff Gathurst Lane B5206, and Gathurstrailway station is close by for easy access.Porter’s Wood, just behind Heinz, is a realhidden gem. It’s a brisk walk down fromthe station over the railway bridge.”
❖ Astley Green Colliery
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 15
A CARING voice or a friendlyface really can make all thedifference when you’re livingalone.
Now older people who livealone in Leigh can benefitfrom exactly this kind ofsupport thanks to the caringactions of a group ofdedicated volunteers.
The British Red Cross isexpanding its Dawn Patrolservice to cover Leigh after ithas proved a big success inother parts of the borough.
Launched in 2008 in Wigan,the free service involves localRed Cross volunteers making adaily phone call to, or visitingolder people who are livingalone to check they are warm,safe and well. Volunteers alsoprovide care in the homewhere needed such asassistance with shopping,washing up or helping peopleto get to appointments.
Steve Jones, Dawn Patrolservice coordinator at theBritish Red Cross, said: “DawnPatrol has already provedsuccessful in most parts ofWigan, where local volunteershave helped look out for olderand vulnerable people in theircommunity, so we aredelighted that the service hasnow been extended to coverLeigh as well.”
The British Red Cross isalways looking for volunteerswho would like to getinvolved in helping their localcommunity.● If you would like to use theservice or get involved as avolunteer contact Steve Joneson 01204 369 628 [email protected]
How friendlyfaces offerhelp at home
ON PATROL: Help is at handthanks to the Red Cross.
Martin Purcell, the council’s GreenheartManager, says: “Recent consultation withlocal residents and schools has shownthat many local people, even thoseliving close to the site, rarely get out toenjoy it.
“Amberswood Common is 160hectares of former opencast mine andlandfill site. Today there are smalllakes, woodlands and wetlands, and it
is easily accessible from the surroundingcommunities of Platt Bridge, Hindley, SpringView and Ince.”
On the other side of Liverpool Road A58 isLow Hall Nature Reserve, with its peaceful lake,with well surfaced pathways and lots ofwildlife to discover. Low Hall is a stronghold forwillow tits. There’s an active Friends of Low HallPark group. Type ‘FLOW nature reserve’ into asearch engine.
❖ Amberswood Common
Ruth Green and AnneRampling of the AshtonTown Green Residents’Association say: “We’rereally proud of the garden.The community havecreated a local landmarkand a place for people tosit and relax. Please comeand enjoy it.”
The group works withschools and has created awild meadow area andspace for events – theyeven grow plums andfigs. The green is situatedon the A58 Bolton Roadjust a brisk couple ofminute’s stroll north out of
Ashton’s busy town centre. And it’s not the only
oasis in the area: thetranquil Stubshaw Cross
Memorial Garden, alsocreated by the efforts ofresidents, is a few stridesfurther up the hill.
❖ Ashton Town Green
ON PATROL: Help is at handthanks to the Red Cross.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Parks Officer PeterAlker says: “We believe that this woodland walk is
one Leigh’s real hidden gems. It is an extremelysignificant site in terms of both the history andnatural history of Leigh. We believe that part ofthe wooded area is ancient woodland – whichmeans that there have been trees here for atleast 400 years. It is by far the best site in theborough for seeing the elusive GreenWoodpecker or at least hearing it ‘yaffle’.
“Together with ward members and theEnvironment Agency, we’ve invested more
than £50,000 on improving access, with 2km ofnew paths within the woods. And Lilford Park
itself, at the end of The Avenue, has a great playarea for the children too.”
❖ Lilford Woods, Leigh
16 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR
Contacting your councillor
Councillors hold regular surgeries where you candiscuss matters in confidence.Surgery details are published on our website at:www.wigan.gov.ukYour councillors can also be contacted directlyby phone or email*
Eddie Russon (Lab)Tel: 01942 736261
Eunice Smethurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 736228
Carl Sweeney (Lab)Tel: 01942 864328
Ged Bretherton(Lab)Tel: 01942 736232
Stuart Keane (Lab)Tel: 01942 487683
Yvonne Klieve (Lab)Tel: 01942 275808
ABRAM
GOLBORNE AND LOWTON WEST
Nigel Ash (Lab)Tel: 01942 [email protected]
Joel Haddley (Lab)Tel: 01942 487689
Paul Tushingham (Comm Act)Tel: 01942 776060
ASHTON
Barry Taylor (Lab)Tel: 01942 486854
Sean Ell (Con)Tel: 01942 [email protected]
Susan Loudon (Lab)Tel: 01942 897240
Mark Aldred (Lab)Tel: 01942 894262
Pam Stewart (Lab)Tel: 01942 486855
ATHERLEIGH
John Hilton (Lab)Tel: 01942 736215
Chris Ready (Lab)Tel: 01942 736218
ASPULL-NEW SPRINGS-WHELLEY
Bob Splaine (Ind)Tel: 01942 893577
Karen Aldred (Lab)Tel: 01942 894262
ATHERTON
Brendan Bowen (Lab)Tel: 01942 873773
ASTLEY-MOSLEY COMMON
Don Hodgkinson (Ind)Tel: 01942 776252
Ann Rampling (Lab)Tel: 01942 486856
Gary Wilkes (Ind)Tel: 01942 736478
Jim Churton (Lab)Tel: 01942 522734
James Talbot (Lab)Tel: 01942 736256
Jim Ellis (Ind)Tel: 01942 736258
BRYN
HINDLEY
Bob Brierley (Ind)Tel: 01942 736259
Frank Carmichael (Ind)Tel: 01942 487687
Kier Stitt (Lab)Tel: 01942 [email protected]
HINDLEY GREEN
Mayor Joy Birch (Lab)Tel: 01942 [email protected]
Mike Dewhurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 736247
Shirley Dewhurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 736247
DOUGLAS
Ron Conway (Lab)Tel: 01942 486853
COUNCILLORS are elected to represent their communities and are here to help you with any local issues youmay want to raise. Three councillors represent each of Wigan’s 25 wards, and a picture of each appearsalong with their phone number and email address. Currently there are 58 Labour members, eight IndependentGroup, five Conservative, two Liberal Democrat, one Community Action and one Standish Independent.
Norman Bradbury (Ind)Tel: 01942 895671
*Please note this edition of Borough Life has gone to press before all the new councillorsphone numbers may be in operation. This process will be completed by mid-June.
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 17
Phyll Cullen (Lab)Tel: 01942 736257
Steve Dawber (Lab)Tel: 01942 776281
Terence Halliwell (Lab)Tel: 01695 628386
WIGAN WEST
Peter Smith (Lab)Tel: 01942 604496
Susan Greensmith (Lab)Tel: 01942 736204
Myra Whiteside (Lab)Tel: 01942 776273
LEIGH WEST
Judith Atherton (Con)Tel: 01257 407006
Janice Sharratt (Lab)Tel: 01942 487682
David Molyneux (Lab)Tel: 01942 495083
Jim Moodie (Lab)Tel: 01942 776184
INCE
Kevin Anderson (Lab)Tel: 01942 736250
John O’Brien (Lab)Tel: 01942 677148
Charles Rigby (Lab)Tel: 01942 736206
LEIGH SOUTH
Barbara Bourne (Lab)Tel: 01942 736235
Jeanette Prescott (Lab)Tel: 01942 736242
Paul Prescott (Lab)Tel: 01942 736242
PEMBERTON
Paul Collins (Lab)Tel: 01942 487684
Mike Crosby (Lab)Tel: 01942 486860
Paul Liptrot (Con)Tel: 01257 407005
SHEVINGTON WITH LOWER GROUND
Lawrence Hunt (Lab)Tel: 07766 [email protected]
George Davies (Lab)Tel: 01942 486864
Michael McLoughlin (Lab)Tel: 01942 487686
WIGAN CENTRAL
James Grundy (Con)Tel: 01942 601488
James Cowley (Lab)Tel: 01942 486858
Pam Gilligan (Lab)Tel: 01942 487680
LOWTON EAST
Emma McGurrin (Lab)Tel: 01942 486861
George Fairhurst (Standish Ind)Tel: 01257 407078
STANDISH WITH LANGTREE
Keith Cunliffe (Lab)Tel: 01942 736251
Anita Thorpe (Lab)Tel: 01942 487681
Fred Walker (Lab)Tel: 01942 897278
LEIGH EAST
Richard Clayton (Con)Tel: 07979 734969
David Arrowsmith (Lab)Tel: 01942 486859
Stephen Murphy (Lab)Tel: 01942 487688
ORRELL
Robert Bleakley (Lib Dem)Tel: 01942 897560
Paul Valentine (Lib Dem)Tel: 01942 486862
Stephen Hellier (Lab)Tel: 01942 487685
TYLDESLEY
Stan Barnes (Comm Act)Tel: 01942 766454
Clive Morgan (Lab)Tel: 01942 486880
Rona Winkworth (Lab)Tel: 01942 736229
Brian Baldwin (Lab)Tel: 01942 736222
Lynne Holland (Lab)Tel: 01942 736255
William Rotherham (Lab)Tel: 01942 495091
WINSTANLEY WORSLEY MESNES
18 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
We’re thinkingtransport and youcan help shape the
future.Tell us how you feel when
travelling around theborough, why you’retravelling – and, importantly,how you’d prefer to getaround in the future.
What you say will helppaint an overall picture ofwhat local communities needand want – and enable us toinfluence decisions and lobbyfor the improvements on yourbehalf.
“An effective transportnetwork can unlock the
potential of Wigan Boroughand its people,” said CllrDavid Molyneux, CabinetMember for Regeneration.
“While there have beenmany improvements to ourtransport infrastructure inrecent years, we are still along way from where we needto be.
“Everybody who travels inand out of this boroughknows that there is room forimprovement. If we donothing traffic andcongestion will continue togrow, there’ll be greaterdelays, higher costs and moredamage to our health and
environment.“Wigan Borough needs a
transport network that canmeet the challenges of agrowing economy and thedemand for travel – withoutcompromising our health andenvironment. With your helpwe can move quickly tounderstand those challengesand share the solutions.”
What are your aspirationsand priorities? Have your sayat www.wigan.gov.uk/onthemove from Monday 20th Juneor come along to one of theroadshows across theborough (see local press fordetails).
YOUTH unemployment maybe on the rise nationally butthanks to Connexions, Wiganis bucking the trend.
The young people’sinformation, advice andguidance service is boastingits lowest ever figures forthe number of young peopleaged 16 to 18 years who arenot in education,employment or training.
Just 6.6 per cent of youngpeople in our borough arenow classed as unemployed,which compares to anationally set target of 6.8per cent.
Not only that, more schoolleavers than ever before arenow moving into learning,especially further education.
The Wigan and LeighConnexions service hasachieved the fifth bestfigures nationwide for theSeptember Guarantee. This isthe offer of further learningto all school-leavers.
Wigan Council's CabinetMember for Children andYoung People, Cllr SusanLoudon, congratulated theborough’s Connexionsservice for a ‘wonderfulachievement’.
“The team at Connexionsshould be very proud,” saysCllr Loudon. “Providingopportunities for our youngpeople has never been moreimportant. It is alsoreassuring to know that ouryoung people are motivatedand determined to take upthe opportunities that areoffered to them.”
Connexions servicemanager Elaine Dann adds:“We have worked togetherwith our partners to exceedthe targets set for us by thegovernment. The team hasworked hard to help ouryoung people realise theirpotential by going into jobsand training.”● For more information onWigan Borough’s ConnexionsService visit Wigan Council’s website –www.wigan.gov.uk andsearch for ‘Connexions’.
Connexionsbucks trendon youthunemployed
Help shape the futureto make sure we’re
GOINGPLACES
Transport connects people to places – places where we work, shop, study,access services and socialise. But the borough’s ageing transport networkwas never designed to cope with 21st century travel. Narrow and sometimescongested roads, overcrowded trains, and too few bus and cycle lanes…if wewere starting our journey again we wouldn’t start from here. Or would we?
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 19
WIGAN Council is cutting redtape to help communitygroups and organisationsapply for grants.
There will now be just onescheme to apply to, a singleset of criteria for applicationsto meet, and only oneapplication form.
Groups and organisationsmust be able to provideevidence why they feel theirproject or service is neededand explain how the grantwill make a difference.
Under the new scheme, thecouncil will periodicallyhighlight priority issues thatit would like to seeaddressed.
Applications which addressthese will be given priorityconsideration.
Wigan Council’s EfficiencyChampion Ged Brethertonsays: “When resources arescarce we must make everypenny count towardsachieving things that weknow will benefit Wigan andits residents.”
The new arrangements willenable the council to awardgrants to a wider range ofgroups and organisations, asthe single scheme andcriteria can be more flexibleabout responding to whatthe community needs.
Cllr Bretherton adds:“Under the previous systemthere were 13 differentschemes, each with their ownspecific criteria.
“We have made it easierfor people to apply for agrant because there is nowonly form for them to fill in.We have also created onesingle set of criteria for allgrants, and created a ‘fast-track’ system for grantsunder £1,500. Groups whoapply for small amounts ofmoney and satisfy all thecriteria should have theirmoney within 4 weeks.”
For more information onthe new Wigan Council GrantAid Scheme you can call01942 486256 or [email protected]
Council cutsred tape ongrant aidapplications
Rail: Wigan is a key hub of the regional rail network,with links including north and south via the West CoastMain Line, and east and west on local lines.
The last decade saw exceptional growth, particularlyon the Wigan-Bolton-Manchester corridor, with knock-oneffects for overcrowding.
We need a rail network that provides fast, reliableand efficient services, especially for inter-urban journeysand commuting into large urban areas.
Buses: In the weekday morning peak thousands ofadults and schoolchildren travel on buses, removingthousands of car trips from our roads that wouldotherwise make congestion much worse. We need busservices that are reliable, flexible, convenient andtailored to local needs.
Cycling: Across the whole of Greater Manchestercycling levels increased by 17 per cent between 2005and 2009. In Wigan, there have been pockets of evengreater success, with annual growth on the WhelleyLoop Line at about 25 per cent. However, cycling stillonly represents about 1 per cent of all traffic – even
though two thirds of all journeys across the boroughare fewer than five miles. We need to make cycling areal alternative for local trips.
Walking: Everyday, people choose to walk… to school,to the local shop, to the park, out with the dog, even ifit is just a short walk to the bus stop or to the car. Butsometimes time and convenience play a stronger role indecisions for short, local trips and walking frequentlygets left behind. Walking is often ideal for shortjourneys and can have significant health benefits andmake a real difference to local communities.
Roads: Locations in and around the M6 and A580 areattractive propositions for businesses, but the poor accessand congestion that characterises some areas of theborough deters investment and job creation. We need aroad network that provides a reliable, free-flowing service for both personal travel and freight, with peopleable to make informed choices about how and when theytravel.
Have your say at: www.wigan.gov.uk/onthemove
Wigan on the move – the challenges
YOUNG people and alcohol don’t mix. That's why much of the work taking place inWigan Borough is about preventing childrenfrom getting hold of drink. For example, thecouncil’s Trading Standards’ team carries outhundreds of inspections and test purchaseseach year to prevent shops and off-licencesselling alcohol to the under 18s.
Meanwhile, Operation Staysafe is a jointoperation between the police and the councilwhich sees officers patrolling ASB hot spots,confiscating alcohol, giving advice on healthand personal safety, and ensuring those at riskget home safely. Did You Know?If you’re caught buying alcohol for someoneunder 18 you could be facing a sobering £5,000fine.
THERE are more than 28,000 young people inour borough and each year they can enjoythousands of hours of positive diversionaryactivities laid on by partner agencies. TheSafe4Summer campaign is back soon, whenpartners organise loads of activities so youngpeople can have fun, keep out of trouble andstay safe.● Want to know what’s going on in your area?Visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/safe4summer or go towww.wlct.org/linconline
Since 2009, there have been more than 12,000registered attendees taking part in events andactivities as part of the Nowt2Do? project,including dance, drama and sport. The scheme,
led by GreaterManchester Police, rewards good behaviour andis described by young people as ‘brilliant’.
Did You Know?Last year, Wigan Council's Youth Service workedwith more than 8,000 young people, many ofwhom achieved awards and qualifications as wellas having a great time! Also,in 2010, a summersports project in Mesnes Park in Wigan, calledOperation Windburn, cut complaints of ASB by75 per cent compared to the same period in theprevious year.
■ Safe4Summer
■ The Learning Curve
To find out more about the measures agencies use to tackle youth-related ASB, go to www.wigan.gov.uk/ASB
FIREFIGHTERSin Wiganhavebeenputtingyoungpeoplethroughtheirpaces.
Morethan 800young peopletook part in specialcourses last year tolearn more about life asa firefighter.
Although anyonecould attend, some ofthe courses wereprimarily aimed atthose who had beeninvolved in fire-relatedASB.● Want to know more?Visit: www.manchesterfire.gov.uk
■ No smokewithout...
ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR... It’s a relatively new term for a very old set of problems. From noisy neighbours and dog-fouling to youngpeople causing annoyance, ASB can come in many forms and they all make life pretty miserable for those on the sharp end. Being a victimof ASB can leave people feeling intimidated, angry, vulnerable and frustrated. But the good news is that, according to the latest figures,ASB in Wigan Borough is down by 25 per cent. Wigan Borough’s Building Stronger Communities Partnership (BSCP) is at the forefront oftackling ASB and its got a whole bagful of tools at its disposal. And with summer here, it's important that the council and its partnersstrike the right balance, particularly when dealing with youth-related ASB. Borough Life looked at some of the good work that’s takingplace across the borough and found out more about some of the recent success stories.
20 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
WHEN it comes to tacklingantisocial behaviour, we’re noone-trick pony, according toCllr Kevin Anderson.
He's the council's championfor safer communities. “Ourmethods are diverse and wide-ranging. In old-fashionedspeak, it's very much the carrotand stick approach. We believein creating positiveopportunities for young people,identifying problems early andtaking the appropriate action.”
He adds: “It’s too easy tothink that young people are thecause of ASB but that's just notthe case. The truth is that 70
per cent of the ASB in ourborough is caused by adults.
However, we do recognisethat there are a small numberof young people whosebehaviour is just notacceptable. But we have hadsome real successes in tacklingthis. The key to it is that we areworking with young people,offering them opportunities toget involved with theircommunities, learn new skills
and build up theirconfidence.
Wherenecessary, weencourageyoung peoplewho havebeen introuble tomake amendsand think aboutwhat they havedone. With the figuresfor ASB on the decline, it’s anapproach that is clearly payingoff.”
A host ofactivities and events
are helping youngpeople in the borough
steer clear ofantisocialbehaviour.
Carrot and stickHIT BACK AT ASB
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 21
■ Making good
■ Tough Love
To report ASB, call the council’s hotline on 01942 404364 or Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050
THERE is a small number ofyoung people who keep gettinginto trouble.
But that doesn’t mean we haveto turn them into criminals.
When it comes to owning upand accepting responsibility forwhat you have done, the counciland its partners find that givingyoung people the chance to putthings right really works. Seeingwhat impact their crimes have ontheir victims and then givingthem the chance to say ‘sorry’isn't the easy option but it can bethe best. The victims get a say inhow justice is done and this is
usually something that benefitsthe entire community. And inputting the damage right theyoung people can also learnvaluable new skills and build self-esteem. All without getting acriminal record.
Did You Know?Wigan Council’s Youth OffendingTeam has consistently beatennational targets for driving downthe number of young peopleentering the criminal justicesystem. Since 2005/2006, we’veseen a 67% drop in first timeentrants and a 29% drop fromlast year alone.
THE fact that there are feweryoung people entering thecriminal justice system means thatthe council, police and others canfocus their attention on the smallminority who commit the mostserious offences.
“We understand the need toreassure the community that wetake ASB seriously and deal withoffenders appropriately,” says CllrAnderson. “And our aim is to dothis without stigmatising themajority of young people.”
There are a number options
available, including Anti-SocialBehaviour Orders and theIntensive Supervision andSurveillance Programme. ISS isone of the most effective toolsused by the council’s YouthOffending Team – and it’s no softoption. It includes electroniccurfews (tagging) and 25 hours ofcontact per week with YOT staff.If it fails, the next stop is lock-up
Did You Know?Convictions at court dropped by23% from 09/10 to 10/11.
We have contactPREVENTION is alwaysbetter than cure and forpeople working in this field,the earlier you can get inthe better your chances areof changing behaviours.
One way of doing this isthrough Contact Cards. When a young person getsinto trouble they get a card.For the police and councilteams who administer thescheme, it means 'you're onour radar'.
If the bad behaviourcontinues and the youngperson gets more cards, it'stime for further action, forinstance, getting the youngperson to sign-up to anAcceptable BehaviourContract.
Last year close to 2,500Contact Cards were givenout to young people inWigan Borough but only379 got a second one – sothe scheme does make adifference.
Did You Know?Fancy a dream trip to theUnited States? Then stayout of trouble.
A criminal convictioncould see you banned fromthe USA and this includespenalties for young peopleinvolved in ASB.
22 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
ENERGY conservation is an issue thatshould concern us all.
And now council housing chiefs havefound a ray of hope in the ongoingcampaign to introduce more renewableforms of power, which could have benefitsfor the whole borough.
Working in partnership with Npower,Wigan and Leigh Housing has installedsolar panels on the roofs of eight southfacing homes as a trial project with veryencouraging results. The panels produceelectricity in an environmentally friendlyway and tenants are also benefitting fromlower bills. On average annual electricitybills are being cut by £100 thanks to the
solar panels and the sun doesn’t evenhave to be shining for it to work.
Any electricity generated that is notused by the householder can be sold backto the energy supplier. The money madeby producing electricity will be used tocover the costs of installing solar panelsand re-investing in other properties.
Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member forEfficiency Cllr Ged Bretherton, says: “Aspart of an overall energy strategy, we arecurrently trying to find ways of installingsolar panels for many more council homes.
“These solar panels work even oncloudy days and the clean electricityproduced reduces the tenants electricitybills. Petrol and home fuel bills arerocketing up so we are now capturingenergy from the sun to generate clean,low cost electricity.”
More Than Words
W IGAN Borough’s biggest andbrightest voice for people withlearning disabilities is going it
alone.More Than Words began life four years
ago as part of a council-backed initiativeto give people with learning disabilities ameans of expressing themselves and havetheir say about life in our borough.
The 10-strong group uses art, drama,dance, games and poetry to explain andexpress the views of others – particularlythose with more complex needs.
Now the group is in the process ofbreaking away from Wigan Council andstriving for an independent status. Andwith this bold move comes an ambitiousplan from the group to expand the rangeof services they offer as well representingeven more people.
Sue Seager, who helps run More ThanWords, explained: “It’s an exciting timeand it really makes sense for a group
such as ours that speaks for peoplewithin the community to be trulyindependent.
“We can now look for new groups andorganisations to work with and take onnew tasks and projects both within WiganBorough and beyond.”
Whilst the group is best known for itsperformance work it has also helpeddevelop a communications tool for peoplewith learning disabilities that usespictures and symbols.
From its base at Platt BridgeCommunity Zone, More ThanWords is now also keen to getinvolved in providing,organising and runningtraining courses for peoplewith learning disabilities.
“We are also looking toexpand our operation to beeven more inclusive,” saidSue.
“This means we will be looking to workfor and on behalf of people with physicaldisabilities and mental health issues aswell.
“We will retain close links with thecouncil and will still be doing a lot ofwork for them but independence was theright option for us and we’re now lookingto a bright future.”
The group’s next engagement will be aspecial performance for Armed ForcesDay on Saturday June 25.
Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member forHealthier Communities and Older
People, Cllr Keith Cunliffe, said:“The group provides a very
real and powerful voice forpeople in our borough andthe group’s performancescapture the imagination ofeveryone who sees them. We
are sure they will continue togo from strength to strength.”
Solar panels a ray of good news for borough
To find outmore about More
Than Words you cancall Sue Seager on01942 828182 or
email: [email protected]
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 23
DEVELOPMENT in and aroundLeigh is continuing apace thissummer. Several big schemes
are set to deliver jobs and improvedservices, and even in tough economictimes, there’s more to come.
The two most noticeable projects areat Leigh Sports Village and bySpinning Jenny Way.
A brand new Morrisons nearscompletion at Leigh Sports Village,and the site also includes a petrolstation. Improved bus servicesannounced by planners will ensure thecomplex will be accessible to all.
There’s a Tesco, new cinema andrestaurants coming to the old BarloRadiator site showing retailers’ faithin the town.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration,Cllr David Molyneux welcomes theseschemes. He said: “As well asdelivering new services, they arecreating jobs and further improvingthe town’s look and feel.”
Cllr Molyneux is also enthusiasticabout the return of the silver screen.He added: “After a generation ofLeythers commuting to see the latestmovies, a seven screen cinema is reallywelcome. And the first popcorn goeson sale well before Christmas.”
Earlier this year theimpressive marina on theLeeds Liverpool Canal byPlank Lane was completed...a more attractive gateway toLeigh than the derelict (andvery dangerous) formerBickershaw mining and pubbuildings.
Environmental charityGroundwork has also beenworking with the council and BritishWaterways to improve canal towpathsthrough to Abram. They supporteddozens of unemployed young peoplewho created an improved pathwaysuitable for walkers and equestrians.
The north of Leigh is also set fornew jobs and investment, includinghomes, business and local communityfacilities. Traffic improvements to theAtherleigh Way, including thepromised removal of the infamousKamikaze roundabout on Twist Lane,are also scheduled.
And the UK’s first zero-energy costbusiness park is coming to HindleyGreen following £2.7m investmentfrom the European RegionalDevelopment Fund. The Swan Lanesite will provide nine business units –around 65 jobs – and tenants won’t pay
any gas, electricity or water costs.The park will be powered by a windturbine and rainwater will becollected and filtered. Similar ecoawareness has influenced the designand build of other local projects,including the cinema and at Bickershaw.
Cllr Molyneux said: “We are workingwith landowners, developers andcompanies to bring careful andsignificant investment to Leigh. Plansare being discussed for the towncentre too, addressing concerns abouttraffic, parking and open spaces. It’san exciting time and residents will seethe results over the next few months.”
LEIGH author and movie fanMatthew Elliott is eager forthe new multiplex to open.
He remembers the oldClassic Cinema: “In theClassic's heyday queues forparticularly popular films randown the street. The longest Irecall was for Jaws in 1975,which ran all the way roundthe building! The queue forthe original Batman in 1989was particularly long, but thiswas the very first 12
certificate film, and manyyoungsters were turnedaway, which caused the lineto move pretty quickly.
“Quite a lot of parents tooktheir kids to see Return of theMusketeers instead, boostingits box-office revenues morethan it deserved.
“The Classic was a single-screen cinema until1978, when it was renovatedand re-opened to coincidewith the release of Superman.
“There are two particularimages of the Classic that staywith me after all these years -one is of hot dogs in brine,before the invention of thoseroller devices. Hot dogs havenever tasted the same since.
“The other is of anexceptionally large poster forthe 1979 film Mad Max.Seeing Mel Gibson pointinghis gun at me on every singlevisit used to quite unnerveme.”
FILM BUFF:Matthew Elliott
Fond memories of a movie Classic
LEIGH-ding the way
CUTTINGEDGE:
The Marinaat Bickershaw taking shape.
24 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
ATHERTON’S Valerie Hargreaves,mum to four grown up children,began fostering 10 years ago. She
admits her husband Stephen wasn’t toosure to start with, but she loves it so muchthat it’s become a full time role for theformer Tesco manager.
Valerie and Stephen first fostered an 18year old with some serious issues. “Heturned into a gentleman,” she says. “Heblossomed because we listened to him andtreated him like a human being for thefirst time in his life.”
Valarie’s story of placements lasting upto several years is one familiar to manyfoster parents.
“We treat all our foster children likepart of the family,” she said.
“So although many of themeventually leave us, it’s never‘goodbye’… we still hear from mostof them and some even call roundfor tea.
“It’s so rewarding… being ‘on the
go’ all the time keeps me young. If I hadmy time again, I wouldn’t change athing!”
Thanking her for her efforts, and givingthe cause of fostering a boost by signingthe Big Fostering Book, was Paul Rowley,ex player and current coach for LeighCenturions.
Family man Paul said: “I have theutmost respect for the carers who opentheir homes to children and young peoplewho need a safe and secure environment.”
Chris Williams, Chair of the North WestFostering Forum, was one of the organisers
of a recent awareness week whichresulted in several thousand
enquires.He said: “We’re giving
more people theopportunity to comeforward and find outabout how they canmake a difference to a
child’s life.”
A HOST of activities toencourage residents toget healthy have beenorganised this summerby the borough’s CulturalPartnership.
As Borough Life wentto print a festival ofwalking was taking placeat Haigh Country Park inevery conceivable formfrom Nordic Walking toPower Walking to achallenging 10K BluebellWalk.
Other eventsorganised by the CulturalPartnership this summerinclude:
● Sunday 12 June – aunique opportunity tocycle round the ThreeSisters Race Circuit – theday will include TimeTrials; Family CycleRoutes; Charity Raffleand much more. Cyclesare available to borrowon the day – bookingessential – 01942 488481.
● Sunday 17 July – LeighSports Village 10k Run,starts at 10am. Toregister your place forthe run visitwww.legacyevent.org
● Sunday 25 September– Haigh Country Park 10kRun starting at 9.30amand a 5k Family Runstarting at 12 noon. Toregister your place forthe run visitwww.run4alife.com
Wigan’s CulturalPartnership is a bodymade up of individualsfrom the public, privateand voluntary sectordedicated to improvingthe lives of individualsand communities byincreasing theaccessibility of culturalresources and developingrecreational facilities.
To find out more visitwww.wlct.org
Walk, Run,Cycle butalways behealthy!
GIVING CHILDREN A CHANCE: Foster carers Tom Connorand Valerie Hargreaves promote the cause of fosteringwith Paul Rowley from the Leigh Centurions.
If you areinterested infostering call
01942 487203or go to:
www.wigan.gov.uk/fostering
Human touchshows benefitsof fostering
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 25
Golden age of games
Didn’t they do well!
IF you need proof that age isn’t abarrier to sporting success thenremember the name Oscar Swahn.
The Swedish sharp shooter won hissixth Olympic medal at the grand oldage of 72 back in 1920... a reminder tous all that it’s never too late to takepart.
Which is where Wigan Leisure andCulture Trust’s Active Living Teamcome in!
They’re planning Wigan and Leigh’svery own Olympic-style fun and gamesday in September.
“There’s only one criteria. ‘You have
to be over 50’, said Active LivingOfficer Elanor Reynolds. “This is achance to make new friends, have funbut also improve your health andwellbeing at the same time.”
Starting in June a series of trainingcamps will be arranged across theborough where teams can hone theirskills in the disciplines including newage kurling, short mat bowls, tabletennis, Wii Game, dance mats and amystery old school game. When theteams compete in September all thehallmarks and protocol of the gameswill be adhered to with a team anthem,
medal ceremony and closing ceremony.“This promises to be a lot of fun but
there’s also a serious side,” addedElanor. “Engaging in regularphysical activity can havea profound affect onyour health.Throughout the daythere will also belots of differentagencies such asArthritis Care wherepeople can ask adviceand accessinformation.”
SCHOOL children from across WiganBorough have scored a real winner withtheir campaign to clean-up the schoolrun.
With help from the council’s EcoSchools, Cleansing and Neighbourhoodteams, pupils took ownership of the areassurrounding their schools with a plannedprogramme of litter-picks.
And the results were stunning! Morethan 240 children collected 280 bags ofrubbish from around their schools.
The pupils and the council evenmanaged to pull off a late substitution inthe shape of stars from Wigan Athletic,
who have come out in support of theyoung people’s efforts.
A group of 13 young litter-pickers fromSt John Fisher High School took part inone of the events.
During the clean-up that followed thepupils managed to collect a whopping 30bags full of litter. As a thank-you the teamwere invited to Wigan Athletic’s trainingground to meet some of the players.
Wigan Athletic manager RobertoMartinez said: “Everyone knows that youplay better when you play as a team andwhen it comes to clearing litter it lookslike Wigan Borough has a great one.”
Winning Team: Celebrating litter-picking success areWigan Athletic stars Hugo Rodallega, Franco DiSanto, Ronnie Stam, Steve Gohouri, Conor Sammon,Steven Caldwell and Gary Caldwell with the clean-team from St John Fisher High School and membersof the council’s Environmental Education, Cleansingand Neighbourhood teams.
If you’reinterested in takingpart call the Active
Living Team on 01942488 481 or email
CURLING UP:Keeping active withcurling are: Valerie
Middleton, 76, CaroleRichards, 54, Ian Simpson,64, John Middleton, 75,
Anne Winstanley,60 and Richard
Walsh, 71.
26 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
WIGAN’S 26th International Jazz Festival (14th-17th July) heralds the return of the bigband sound to the borough. Throughout the
four day event, some of the world’s top jazz musicianswill descend on the town and organisers hope thepopularity of the big band sound will once again ensuresell out shows.
‘Big Bands and Beyond’ will see performances fromThe Ryan Quigley Big Band, the Laurence Cottle BigBand and the Pete Cater Big Band all performing atLowri Beck Celebration Hall, Robin Park.
Other highlights include presenter of the BBC’s ‘BigBand Special’ Clare Teal & Her Trio performingalongside home grown talent including AJ Brown andHis Band and the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.
“There really will be a fantastic array of talent ondisplay this year,” reckons festival director Dr IanDarrington. “So get your tickets early for what is surewill be a magnificent spectacle.
“When we themed the festival around big bands in2009 it was one of our most popular and successfulfestivals and we’re hoping for moreof the same this year. The bandshave been carefully chosen torepresent as wide a variety ofstyles as possible and we areconfident that in terms ofbig band entertainment thatWigan is the only place tobe in July.”
Wigan InternationalJazz Festival blendscelebrity concertswith seminars andworkshops.
Once again ithas won supportfrom main sponsorManchester Airportto ensure it goesahead. Localbusinesses have alsothrown their supportbehind the festivalwith Lowri Beck, P AHull and Co, GordonsHonda, Wigan Council,Wigan Leisure and CultureTrust, Gallimore’s Restaurant,Grant Thornton and Wigan Jazz Cluball sponsoring the festival.
Ian adds: “This is tough financial climate for all artsorganisations and we are truly grateful for support fromour sponsors.”
In response to this tough climate the rover ticket hasbeen set at a lower price this year (less than £7 perconcert). For the first time, this year children under 12will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.Student discounts are also available.
Wigan town centre will also a host a series of openair concerts between 11am and 1pm, Thursday untilSaturday.
Tickets are available from www.quaytickets.com byphone on 0843 208 0500 or over the counter at RobinPark Indoor Sports Centre, Loire Drive, Wigan.
For more information visit www.wiganjazz.net
Wigan festivalset to jazz it up
Wigan’s 26th International JazzFestival – at Lowri Beck CelebrationHall, Loire Drive, Robin Park, Wigan
Thursday 14 July3pm to 5pm
Wigan Youth JazzOrchestra with Steve
Waterman.8pm The Ryan Quigley Big
Band in a Tribute to MaynardFerguson.
Friday 15 July 12 noon till 2pmJohn Law Trio.3pm to 5pm AJ Brown and His BigBand.8pm Clare Teal and Her Trio.
Saturday 16 July 12 noon till 2pmGeoff Eales Quartet with Neil Yates.3pm to 5pm Andreas Varady & DavidLyttle with David Lyttle Trio8pm Wigan Jazz Club Big Band withspecial guest Alan Barnes.
Sunday 17 July 12 noon till 2pmDarius Brubeck Quartet.3pm to 5pm Laurence CottleBig Band.
8pm Pete Cater Big Band (Tribute toBuddy Rich).
Masterclasses – 10am till 12 noon
Thursday 14 JulyMichael Janisch & Patrick CorneliusImprovisation Masterclass with WiganYouth Band Big Band.
Friday 15 JulyRyan Quigley Trumpet Masterclass.
Sunday 17 JulyPete Cater with ‘Get into swingdrumming.’
Seminars – 10am till 11am
Friday 15 July The Empress Orchestrapresented by Ashley Frohlick.
Saturday 16 JulyMy Favourite Saxophone playersby Alan Barnes.
Sunday 17 July“Dave Brubeck – a Life in Jazz in the20th Century” by Darius Brubeck.
Clare Teal andHer Trio, right,
and Andreas Varady,below, are amongthe acts playing at
the festival.
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 27
MORE letters from readers… More abouthow we can recycle… More space forquestions and answers… More articles onsome of the villages surrounding Wigan…
These are just some of the manycomments you the readers of Borough Lifehave given us on how you would like tosee the magazine improve in the future.
The council magazine for all residentsof Wigan Borough is now in its eighthyear. It is delivered to more than 140,000households in our borough four times ayear. Each issue costs individualhouseholds less than the price of a firstclass stamp.
As part of the Borough Life productionteam’s commitment to continuing toimprove the content of the magazine andgive readers more of what they want, weasked readers to fill in a simplequestionnaire in the Spring edition.
We asked readers to rate Borough Lifeon a scale of ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’.
We also asked about the quality of themagazine’s design and how easy to read itis.
More than half of all those whoresponded (60 per cent) ratedBorough Life as ‘excellent’whilst 54 per cent ofrespondents thought thedesign of Borough Life was‘excellent’.
Many of those who gaveviews on what they wouldlike to see more of wereparticularly interested in
green and environmental issues.“I don’t think you promote Keeping
Wigan Tidy enough,” wrote one readerfrom Kitt Green. “I am walker and everytime I walk along the canal, in the bushesthere are cans and endless litter.”
“I especially like to read environmentalissues and anything to do with protectingand improving the countryside and greenspaces within our borough,” wroteanother reader from Pemberton.
Others want more help and advice: “Iwould like to see a large section withquestions and answers,” wrote one readerfrom Leigh. “If I saw somethingsuspicious, who do I report it to? If I haveproblems in my area, what can I do?”
One correspondent wrote: “I findBorough Life an interesting magazine butdue to the present economic climate Ifeel it is an unnecessary expense andshould be scrapped.”
Wigan Council’s Cabinet member ofCustomer Service Chris Ready thankedall those who took part in the survey.
“Borough Life is one of thecouncil’s biggest platforms for
communicating with ourresidents and customers,”he said. “We believe itvery important in thisregard but it isimportant that it doeswhat the readershipexpects it to do.
“Many readers havewritten to us saying what
they would like to see more of, whichsuggests the magazine is well-read andvalued by people.
“Whilst this is pleasing, it is no causefor complacency. We want to makeBorough Life as effective as we possiblycan, particularly during these difficulteconomic times. We will be taking all ourreaders’ comments on board and acting onthem wherever we can.”
Let there be Life
World Wide Wigancan you help usbe better connected?WE’RE planning major changes to our website – andwe’d love you to be involved right from the start.wigan.gov.uk is the main source of information aboutWigan Council and the hundreds of services we provide.
Thousands of people visit our website every day – andmany of you are in regular contact with us via Facebookor Twitter.
If you’re a regular visitor we want to make sure thatyou are getting the best possible online experience fromour website. And if you’ve never visited us before, we’dreally appreciate your views as a first time user.
Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet champion for customerservices, explains: “There’s an urgent need forcouncils to deliver more for less and the web cancertainly help, but only if people seeking councilservices online can get what they want – andquickly.
“Two minutes of your time could make all thedifference to how we shape up in the future.”
Simply visit www.wigan.gov.uk and makeour business your business.
The winner ofthe Borough Life Surveycompetition was Mrs J
Howarth of Whelley, whosequestionnaire was the firstpulled out of the hat. Mrs
Howarth receives £50worth of shopping
vouchers.
LET’S GOSURFING:
Cllr Chris Readyvisits the Wigan
Councilwebsite.
28 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
IT was to be the beginning of pinnacle ofCllr Joy Birch’s civic career… the DouglasWard councillor had represented her
community since 1995 and in the processbecome one of the longest-serving femalemembers on the council.
After 16 years’ dedicated service, she wasabout to be sworn in as the borough’s DeputyMayor. The natural course of events wouldmean she became Wigan’s first citizen a yearlater.
The woman with a self-proclaimed passionfor community spirit was about to realise thedream of serving the community of the entireborough.
But the celebrations were about to be cutshort because days after the civic ceremonythe mother and grandmother of four wasgiven some life-changing news.
Nagging pains had prompted Cllr Birch toseek medical advice, the result of whichconfirmed her worst fear – cancer.
It was breast cancer and secondary tumoursthat required immediate and intensetreatment with no guarantee of success.
“It was a shock at first,” admitted CllrBirch. “It’s not something you can ever expectbut I was told that it was treatable so I wasdetermined to fight it.”
The tragic irony for Cllr Birch was that shehad already cared for two people extremelyclose to her as they lived with and finally tosuccumbed to the terrible illness.
“I had seen what this illness could do andhad already lived with the consequences,” shesaid. “But I refused to give in to it. I had tohold on to the hope that I could beat it.”
And so began a year-long course oftreatment, including chemotherapy andradiotherapy – which Cllr Birch admits shefound ‘difficult’ at times.
“I had been given a chance, so I wasn't goingto give in to personal discomfort,” she said.
“The care I was given by the doctors andnurses was fantastic, I couldn't have asked formore. They spurred me on every step of theway.”
One year on and just weeks before CllrBirch took the Mayor's Chain of Office at aspecial ceremony, she got the news she washoping for as she was given the all-clear.
“It really has given me a new lease of life,”she said. “I really feel that there's no stoppingme now.”
The hard-working councillor has vowed togo on serving the people of her ward and theborough for as long as she can and she alsolooking forward to her mayoral year withfresh hope.
Each year the incoming Mayor chooses whothey will support and raise money for duringtheir term. Cllr Birch has nominated twocauses. She will be working with the MultipleSclerosis Society. “Two close family membershave it,” she said. “And it’s important thateveryone understands it doesn’t just affectolder people.”
Cllr Birch’s second cause is even closer tohome: “It’s the local branch of Marie CurieCancer Care, so I can help people in ourborough who are living with cancer. Fromexpert advice and support to a bit of care andjust a listening ear, theservice provided byMarie Curie isvery special.Both my causesare ones I amproud tosupport andI know thepeople ofWiganBorough willbe rightbehind me.”
EVERY year ShevingtonGardening Club organises ashow.
Flowers, vegetables and allmanner of produce are proudlydisplayed, with prizes for thebest.
Now in its 27th year, theevent is promising to be anextra special one this year.
The Gardening Club hasjoined forces with ShevingtonCommunity Association toorganise the first Shevingtonand District Summer Fete.
Ted Unwin from theGardening Club says: “Localgroups and organisations havebeen asked to take part in theFete and we have had a terrificresponse. It's a chance foreveryone to support localgroups, showcase their activitiesand raise funds.”
Groups taking part so farinclude the Fire Brigade, whowill be bringing along anengine, the St John AmbulanceBrigade, Guide Dogs for theBlind and the Police who will begiving a security demonstration.There will also be a craft fair.
The Fete and Flower Showwill take place on Saturday 6August in and aroundShevington Methodist Hall andShevington Youth Club, look outfor the sign-posts.
The Fete and Craft Fair willrun all day (10am to 4pm) TheFlower Show timetable will be:● Staging – 9am till noon● Judging – noon till 2pm● Public viewing – 2pmonwards.
The show will be followed byan auction of produce.Refreshments will be availableon site throughout the day. Formore information about theFete email:[email protected] [email protected]
Exhibiting at the show is formembers only, but you mayenrol on the day of the show, bytaking a half year’s membership,which will run until January.● For information about the show email:[email protected] orphone 01257 255171, or ringEileen on 01257 402097.
‘Fete’ lendsa hand inShevington
To find out howyou can support Cllr Birch'scharity appeal, visit Wigan
Council's websitewww.wigan.gov.uk and search
for 'Mayoralty'.You can alsoe-mail the Mayor's Secretary
at: [email protected] or call:
01942 404149.
Mayoral reward forBRAVE STALWART
BoroughMayor CllrJoy Birch.
GET ready for a sizzlingsummer of live musicat Haigh Hall.
Manchester indie band TheCourteeners, The Coral, thehunky Peter Andre and star ofPineapple Dance Studio’sAndrew Stone – with his bandStarman – will all perform inthe grounds of Wigan’smajestic manor house in Juneand July.
And to ensure you don’tmiss out we’ve secured acouple of competition tickets!
Haigh Hall Live! is beingbrought to Wigan by privatepromoters Cuffe and Taylor,and supported by WiganLeisure and Culture Trust.
The opening night of thefour day event on Thursday 30June will see indie band TheCourteeners perform withMerseyside based The Coralsupporting. It’s an eveningsure to evoke memories of theVerve’s triumphant 1998 homecoming gig – the event isexpected to be a sell out.
Event director Peter Taylorsaid: “This is going to be anepic night. It will be acelebration of Manchester’sfinest, in a wonderfullocation that will set thetone for the weekend.
“I keep saying it but the
people of Wigan are lucky tohave this venue on theirdoorstep.”
On Friday 1 July pop fanscan revel in a truly eclecticline-up of celebrities withMysterious Girl singer and TVpresenter Peter Andre,Andrew Stone and Starman allperforming.
The curtain for thiswonderful celebration of
music will be brought down bythe annual Haigh Fest – acelebration of the borough’sbest unsigned bands onSunday 3 July.
Organisers of Haigh Fest,Wigan Leisure and CultureTrust, will be introducing anominal £2 charge this year inlight of government cuts tofunding.
Chief Executive of WiganLeisure and Culture Trust,Stuart Murray, said: “Centralgovernment funding for thiswonderful event is no longeravailable. By working withCuffe and Taylor and byintroducing a nominal fee wecan ensure the long termfuture of this fantasticevent.”
All tickets areavailable from the
following ticket outletswww.haighlive.com
0844 880 6614or www.seetickets.com;www.ticketmaster.co.uk
on 0844 873 7334. Formore information visitwww.haighlive.com
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 29
Tickets tosee top actsup for grabsBorough Life has a pair oftickets to watch TheCourteeners live at Haigh Halland a pair of tickets to seePeter Andre perform.
To enter answer this simplequestion.
Who first played a sell-outconcert at Haigh Hall in 1998? Answers on a postcard to:
Borough Life Haigh FestivalCompetition, FreepostNWW3502A, Wigan, WN1 1XZor hand it in at your locallibrary.
Even easier you can entervia email [email protected] please make sure you putyour name and contact detailsalong with your answer.
Your answers must reach usno later than Friday 24 June.
STAR ACTS: The Courteeners and bottom right, Peter Andre.
Haigh Rock ‘n’ Roll
Summer 2011
Arts and Festivals
Sun 5th Jun, 8pmMICK MARTIN - BROKEN TIMEThe Academy of Live and RecordedArts, Turner Street, Wigan.Tel 01942 828227. FREE.
Tue 14th Jun, 1.30pm – 2.30pmMEET THE MAKER - JAMBALLTurnpike Gallery, Leigh.Local design duo Jaime and PeteBall. Includes light refreshments.For further information and to bookTel 01942 404469. £1.
Sat 18th Jun, 10am - 3pmAN INTRODUCTION TOPRINTMAKING FOR ADULTSTurnpike Gallery, Leigh.Explore two different printmakingtechniques in this full day session.Booking essential.For details and to book Tel 01942 404469. £12.
Thu 30th Jun, 8pmTHE COURTEENERSHaigh Country Park.For tickets seetickets.com /0844 873 7334 orticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 8440444. Gates open at 6pm. £35For details visit haighlive.com
Fri 1st Jul, 8pmPETER ANDREHaigh Country Park.For tickets seetickets.com /0844 873 7334 orticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 8440444. Gates open at 6pm. £35 For details visit haighlive.com
Sat 2nd Jul, 10:30am - 12:30pmARTS ACTIVETurnpike Gallery, Leigh.Artist led workshop for 5-12s.Booking essential.Tel 01942 404469. FREE.
Sun 3rd Jul, 12pm - 8pmHAIGH FEST
Haigh Country Park.£2 Entry plus £2 car parkingFull line up at wlct.org/festivalfever
Sat 9th Jul, 10am - 3pmAPPROACHES TO ABSTRACTIONTurnpike Gallery, Leigh.A look at artists’ approaches toAbstraction by exploring theirideas, style and techniques.Suitable for beginners and thosewith some previous experience.Includes all materials. Bookingessential. For details and to book Tel 01942 404469 £12.
Sat 9th Jul, 10am - 3pmBATIK FOR ADULTSTurnpike Gallery, Leigh.Includes all materials. Bookingessential. For details and to bookTel 01942 404469. £12.
Sat 9th Jul, 11am-2pmLANDGATE SCHOOL PTASummer fair at the Bryn school.Major raffle prizes and family fun.
Sat 16th Jul to Sat 27th AugART FACTORY: FUN FAIRTurnpike Gallery, Leigh.Funfair draws on the traditions ofthe travelling fair, the circus andthe village fete to create a uniqueexhibition. For details Tel 01942 404469. FREE.
Parks & Countryside
Fri 3rd Jun, 1pm - 2pmFri 24 Jun 1pm - 2pmFri 15 Jul 1pm - 2pmSat 16 Jul 10am - 11amMESNES PARK RESTORATIONTOURSMesnes Park, Wigan.Experience first hand how the teamin Mesnes Park are restoring theheritage features. Adults only.Must wear sturdy boots.Booking essential.Tel 01942 245369. FREE.
Sat 4th Jun, 10am - 4pmFAMILY OPEN DAY
Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve.Try your hand at pond dipping,watch the wood turning, join aguided walk, or just buy a burger.No booking required. For details call01942 233976.
Sat 25th Jun, 1pmBUTTERFLY WALKLow Hall Local Nature Reserve.Join Lancashire Wildlife Trust staffon this guided walk Bookingessential. Tel 01942 233976.
Sun 26th Jun, 10amTHINK AHEAD 5KHaigh Country Park.Run, jog or walk around thebeautiful grounds of Haigh Hall inaid of a local charity. More detailsat think-ahead.org.uk/eventsor tel 01942 824888.
Tue 28th Jun to Wed29th Jun, 2pmWILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’STWELFTH NIGHTHaigh Country Park. 7pm.Outdoor summer Shakespeare inthe walled gardens. For advancedbooking and reservations, tel01772 466256. Family £50 (2adults + 2 children). £20,Concessionary £16, children£12 (ages 6-18).
Sat 2nd Jul, 10am - 3:30pmPRACTICAL CONSERVATIONDAYWigan Flashes Nature Reserve.No experience necessary, just lotsof enthusiasm. Booking essential.For details Tel 01942 233976.
Sat 16th Jul, 10amMEADOWS IN MIDSUMMERWigan Flashes Local NatureReserve. Booking essential.For details Tel 01942 233976.
Sun 17th Jul, 2pm - 4pmCAFÉ SOCIETY GET THEWASHDAY BLUESPennington Hall Park, Leigh.Jazz Quartet.For details Tel 01942 486904.Heritage Tel: 01942 828128.
Sat 4th Jun, 11am - 2pmSUPER SATURDAYS!Museum of Wigan Life.Fantastic Fossils - craft activities,quizzes, trails and objects to seeand touch. Suitable for all ages. Fordetails Tel 01942 828128. FREE.
Sat 4th Jun, 12 noonLEIGH HISTORY AND FUNWALKSA Walk in the Park. Locationsconfirmed on booking. Bring thebuggies, get out of the house anddiscover local history. Book atWigan and Leigh Local Studies.For details Tel 01942 404559 £1.
Sun 5th Jun, 1pm – 2.30pmWIGAN HISTORY WALKDiscover your local area on footwith one of our historians.Booking essential. Outdoor wear Advisable. For details Tel 01942828128. £2.
Fri 10th Jun, 11am - 12pmCARVED IN STONE WALKSInce UDC Cemetery, Warrington
30 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011
For full details of all special and regular eventsand festivals, pick up a What’s On brochure atyour local library or visit www.wlct.org/whatson
ONWhat’s
BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 31
Road. Discover your local area onfoot with one of our historians. Fordetails Tel 01942 828128. £2.
Tue 14th Jun, 11am - 12pmCARVED IN STONE WALKSLower Ince Cemetery.Discover your local area on footwith one of our historians. Fordetails Tel 01942 828128. £2.
Thu 16th Jun, 5.30pm - 7pmMR DOOTSON’S READINGGROUPWigan and Leigh Local Studies,Leigh Library. For details Tel 01942 404559. FREE.
Tue 21st Jun, 1pmOBJECT OF THE MONTHMuseum of Wigan Life.Guernsey Plaque. In the SecondWorld War 709 evacuees camefrom the Channel Islands to Wigan.Find out more about this plaquepresented as a token of thanks. Fordetails Tel 01942 828128. FREE.
Wed 29th Jun, 1pm - 3pmLEIGH HISTORY CHATWigan and Leigh Local Studies,Leigh Library.Leigh Youth Groups. Informal chatabout past times. For detailsTel 01942 404559. FREE.
Thu 30th Jun, 6:30pm - 7:45pmAN AUDIENCE WITH IANMILLERMuseum Of Wigan Life.Archaeologist Ian Miller uncoversWigan’s Roman history. Bookingessential. For details and to bookTel 01942 828128. £2.50.
Sat 25th Jun, 11:30am – 2.30pmSUPER SATURDAYS!Museum of Wigan Life.World of Fun – CelebratingRefugee Week. African drumming,storytelling. face painting, gamesfrom Asia and Africa, Henna andhair braiding. Tel 01942 828128.FREE.
Leisure Venues
Sat 4th Jun, 8pm - 2amMon 6th Jun, 8pm - 2amSat 2nd Jul, 8pm – 2amNORTHERN SOUL ANDMOTOWN NIGHTMonaco Ballroom, Hindley.Bar till 1am. Pay on door. ForDetails Tel 01942 522992. £5.
Fri 10th Jun, 8:30pm - 12amNORTHERN LINK SINGLESSPRING BALLMonaco Ballroom, Hindley.Mod Sequence, Ballroom andFrench Jive. Dress to impress. Yourhost DJ Rex. Members £6, guestswelcome £7.50. For details Tel
01204 460989 or visitwww.northernlink.co.uk
Sat 18th Jun, 8pm - 1amSat 16th Jul, 8pm – 1am45 CARET SOULFormby Hall, Alder Street, Atherton.Bar till 12.30am. Pay on door.For details Tel 07787 948671 or 07706 836498. £5.
Fri 15th Jul, 8.30pm - 12amNORTHERN LINK SINGLESDANCEMonaco Ballroom, Hindley.Mod Sequence, Ballroom andFrench Jive. Your host DJ Rex.Members £5, guests welcome £7.For details Tel 01204460989 or visit www.northernlink.co.uk
Libraries
Fri 3rd Jun, 3pm - 4pmCHILDREN’S CRAFT SESSIONTyldesley Library.For details Tel 01942 404738 £1.
Sat 4th Jun, 11am - 12pmTHE OPEN BOOK CLUBLeigh Library.New reading group for adults. Fordetails Tel 01942 404404.
Tue 7th Jun, 10am - 11amSTORY TIME - PEPPA PIGWigan Children’s Library.Special monthly story time. Fordetails Tel 01942 828104. FREE.
Sat 11th Jun, 10.45am – 11.45amCHILDREN’S CRAFT CLUBStandish Library.Limited places. Tickets £1. Fordetails Tel 01257 400496. £1.
Thu 16th Jun, 1.30pmFLOWER ARRANGINGStandish Library.Make your own display.
Refreshments included. For detailsTel 01257 400496. £5.
Thu 16th Jun to Thu 23rdJun, 10am - 12pmBUYING AND SELLING ONLINELeigh Library.Join the internet buying / sellingcraze and learn how to do it safely.Tutorials on Amazon and eBay. Fordetails Tel 01942 404404.
Thu 23rd Jun, 5.30pm – 6.30pmFAMILY ORIGAMI CLUBLeigh Library.Have fun using ancient paperfolding techniques. For details Tel 01942 404404. FREE.
Sat 25th JunNEW WII LEAGUEStandish Library.Open to any age. No need to book.For details Tel 01257 400496.
Tue 5th Jul, 10am - 11amSTORY TIME - THE THREELITTLE PIGSWigan Children’s Library.For children aged under five years.For details Tel 01942 828104. FREE.
Thu 7th Jul, 10am - 12pmINSPECT-A-GADGETLeigh Library.Learn about the latest computertechnologies. Booking Essential.For details Tel 01942 404404.
Thu 7th Jul to Thu 14th Jul,10am - 12pmTHE SOCIAL NETWORK -FACEBOOK AND TWITTERLeigh Library.Booking essential. For furtherDetails Tel 01942 404404.
Sat 9th Jul, 10.45am –11.45amCHILDREN’S CRAFT CLUBStandish Library.Limited places. For details Tel 01257 400496. £1.
Thu 21st Jul to Thu 28th Jul,10am - 12pmMICROSOFT WORD FORBEGINNERSLeigh Library.Two consecutive Thursdays.Booking essential. Gain theconfidence to starting using thispowerful word processing program.For details Tel 01942 404404.
Thu 21st Jul, 3.30pm - 5pmBEETLE DRIVE AND BINGOSESSIONTyldesley Library.For details Tel 01942 404738. £1.
Sat 23rd JulNEW Wii LEAGUEStandish Library.Open to any age. No need to book.For details Tel 01257 400496.
Tue 26th Jul to Fri 2nd SepSUMMER HOLIDAYS 5-11’SEVENTSWigan Children’s Library.To coincide with this years CircusStars Summer Reading Challengescheme. Come early to avoiddisappointment. For details Tel01942 828104.
Tue 26th Jul, 10.30am –11.30am & 2pm – 3pmMAKE YOUR OWN BIRDFEEDERLeigh Library.For details Tel 01942 404404. £1.
Tue 26th Jul, 2pm - 3pmSUMMER READINGCHALLENGE CRAFT CLUBWigan Children’s Library.Sign in for session 1.45pm -2pm.For details Tel 01942 828104 £1.
Fri 29th Jul, 2pm - 3pmCRAFT CLUBWigan Children’s Library.Sign in for session 1.45pm -2pm.For details Tel 01942 828104. £1.
