Issue 39 - Autumn 2012 - Wigan Council

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF WIGAN BOROUGHBOROUGHISSUE 39 AUTUMN 2012WINFREE GYMMEMBERSHIP FORSIX MONTHSSee centrepagesSafetyFIRST Road safety boost forborough’s roads, see page 8Good luck to all theWigan Borough InBloom volunteers as wego for the national finals!

LifeLinesBorough Life welcomes your letters about local issues or comments about articlesin the magazine. Write to: The Editor, Borough Life, FREEPOST NWW3502A, WiganWN1 1XZ; Email: boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk (Letters may be edited).PTA namedbest in thenorthwestSIR,– I am writing to you on behalfof Leigh CE Junior School ParentStaff Association. We recentlyentered a nationwide competitionfor PTA of the year. We were thrilledto learn that we have been votedbest PTA of the North West ofEngland. We are delighted with thisaward as it reflects the hard workand dedication from parents andstaff to bring our school togetherand work for a shared goal.Jean Harvey, PTA Chair.Cllr Susan Loudon, cabinetchampion for young people,said: “Well done Leigh CEJuniors! The work of parentsas well as governors and allstaff in supporting theirschools is well worthcelebrating across theborough. I think it’s reallyimportant for the children tosee their whole communitypulling together at events,fairs and fun days.”Call to stopignoranceTHE letter in our previous issue aboutpeople parking on the H-bar markingin front of a reader’s house elicited awide response from readers. Thisfrom Standish is typical:Sir,– I would like to thank J Jones forhighlighting the problem. I amseverely disabled and have troublewith people parking across the H-bareven though there are parking placeselsewhere. Do these people notrealise it is an offence? Perhaps ifeverybody reads about the problemthey will become less ignorant!B JohnstoneChief Inspector Mark Dexter ofGMP's Specialist OperationsBranch said: “If we get a callfrom someone whose drivewayis obstructed to the pointwhere they cannot get in orout in their car, then we havethe power to remove thevehicle, and would use thisonce we had made reasonableattempts to locate the owner.”SIR,– I would like to I would like tocongratulate whoever is responsible for thebeautiful flowers and boxes in Wiganand the surrounding areas. Each time Ipass some flower boxes on therailings I am delighted with theCare packages for individualsSIR,– I wanted to tell you a little about a social carecompany I have set up, we have our first customers andothers in the referral process. We are based in a housein Leigh offering day time opportunities to adults with alearning disability Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.I was employed for 23 years in various roles withWigan Council in adult social care. We support thepersonalisation agenda promoting choice and controlof how services are delivered, each person has theopportunity to complete our referral form andbeautiful displays of flowers. Please pass onmy gratitude to whoever has done theseand just to say that they are very muchappreciated.Mrs Christine Hasler,Winstanley, Wiganwelcome pack to identify their needs; skills, desiresand ambitions. The company aims to developindividual’s skills so they can play a role in running thecompany, get involved in the committee and beinvolved in promotion and marketing.The company is registered as a community interestcompany therefore we aim to invest in the service asJust BU C.I.C is not for profit.Justin Fellows, 07827 455306www.facebook.com/JustBUcicPledge over20mph limitsSIR,– I find Borough Life very interesting.After reading Life Lines I have something Iwould like to say. On Westleigh Lane there hasbeen 20mph signage on the road for quitesome time, but most people ignore them eventhough there are 3 schools in the area. Couldsomething more prominent be put up evenif it’s just in term time?Denise LloydKevin Hargreaves, Wigan Council’straffic manager says: “Speeding is amatter of police enforcement but thecouncil will be implementingmandatory 20mph speed limits onmost residential streets in the boroughover the next three years. As part ofthis we need to raise the profile of thescheme with residents and will beplanning a series of publicity eventsduring implementation.”2 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

www.wigan.gov.ukTheLeaderColumnBy Peter SmithLeader, Wigan CouncilIT’S been quite a summer for Wigan Borough. I’d like to thank everyonewho took part or helped with the Olympic Torch and the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee celebrations as I’ve had a lot of positive reaction fromresidents. The Olympics managed to lift everyone’s spirits and it wasgood to see locals and honorary locals doing so well at both Olympicsand Paralympics. And then of course, Bradley Wiggins, immediately afterwinning the Tour de France, took off his yellow jersey to reveal hisWigan Warriors T-shirt.NOW back to reality! In difficult economic times the Ten GreaterManchester authorities are working together across the political divideto maximise the help for our local economy. I was delighted to be reelectedas the Chair of Greater Manchester Combined Authority which isthe envy of other conurbations. We are saving money by joint working,supporting local economic strategy and making sure we use our majorassets such as Manchester Airport, which helps bring in thousands ofjobs through its excellent connectivity to the world.YOU’LL have seen from the letters’ page that residents have realconcern about road safety. I want to see 20mph zones rolled out for allthe streets where there are vulnerable people and children. We’ve madea good start around schools with ‘Twenty’s Plenty’ and I know ourschool crossing patrols appreciate the difference it has made. The NorthWest Regional Directors of Public Health have published research aboutlocal road traffic casualties. Within this it was reported that 140 killed orseriously injured child casualties in the region could have been preventedeach year between 2004 – 2008 if residential 20 mph speed zones hadbeen introduced across the region. They strongly recommend that 20 mphlimits for residential streets be introduced. Read more on page eight.THE fact that Wigan Borough has been chosen to represent the wholeNorth West for Britain in Bloom Competition organised by the RoyalHorticultural Society is something about which we should all be proud.A small army of volunteers, tenants, residents and business leaders arewaiting with baited breath for the judges’ verdict next month. Whateverthe decision, I would like to offer my own thanks and congratulations.All across the borough, from hanging baskets to new gardens, and fromflower beds on existing parks to pieces of public art – your effortsalready give a boost to our local quality of life.ON page nine, we’ve a story from a fascinating local character. ArthurDrinnan has, in many ways, had an ordinary life but he’s recorded withsuch wit and detail that it forms an invaluable record of our area and theway people used to live. It was a pleasure and privilege to meet Arthurand I can recommend the book to local historians, anyone interested inthe contribution of our town to the war effort, and Leythers everywhere.NEXT year some of the sporting spotlight will be on Leigh and Wigan aswe host two games and a training camp for the Rugby League WorldCup. It’s an ideal time to get involved in the game and we’ve beentalking to one of Leigh Centurion’s players about why the support of agood crowd really makes a difference. We have also met a youngWarriors fan whose artwork may well see him on the national stage.Both player and fan have the same message – do something sporty andenjoy the benefits. The legacy of the Olympics should be get moreengaged in sport and get behind our teams.Autumn 2012This edition packed with news, plus...The story of my life... now in the library 9The music plays on for award winners 13On track: get involved at Three Sisters 19Sporty & healthy: give yourself a boost 24Borough Life is published by WiganCouncil and distributed to all households inthe borough. This edition was published on1 September. Distribution should becomplete by 14 September.The magazine is printed on paper fromrenewable resources. It is written and editedby Wigan Council’s Public Relations team,designed by Smith Davis Press and printedby PCP.If you have any comments or feedback –or if would like to write a letter forpublication – please contact:CONTENTSCOVER PICTURE:Crossing patrolmanager PaulWood keeps thestreets safe.The EditorBorough Life,FREEPOST NWW3502A,Wigan WN1 1XZ.Tel: 01942 827116Email: boroughlife@wigan.gov.ukIf 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 827116.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 3

Hundreds enjoy aSPORTY SUMMERDays like today giveyoung people a chanceto take part in the spirit of theParalympics and help with theirathletic development.The words of Thomas Young, 21, who, asBorough Life goes to press, is hoping for amedal in the 100m backstroke and 400mfreestyle at the London Paralympics.Thomas, speaking at the Greater ManchesterDisability Games held at Leigh Sports Village,was one of many athletes out and about overthis sensationalsummer ofsport,supportingscores ofculturalandsportyevents.Therewerethrills,heroics andplenty of golden moments at London 2012 buthere in Wigan and Leigh there was also a fullprogramme in the form of the CulturalOlympiad.Highlights included Ironman UK once againstarting their Triathlon at Pennington Flash, anOlympic style sports day in Mesnes Park tocelebrate a sporting exhibition at theMuseum of Wigan Life, while visitors tothe Turnpike Centre in Leigh madetheir own medals as well as handlingsporting objects from the past.On the track more than 200disabled athletes competed in theGreater Manchester DisabilityGames, organised by WLCT’s SportsDevelopment Unit. Whilst 500young people also took part inSPLAT Fest competing in ahost of events includingathletics, tag rugby,football and volleyball atLeigh Sports Village.James Taylor, 17, who won a silver medal inthe 4 x 100 metres at last year’s European YouthOlympic Games, said: “Making something funalways encourages people to get involved andSPLAT has certainly done that! It’s nice to beable to pass over some tips to the children.”More than 90 events were organised byWLCT, in partnership with Wigan Council, overthe summer months as part of the Olympiadprogramme.Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT,said: “London 2012 was a phenomenal andthrilling Olympic games which celebratedsport and culture and showcased ourcountry to the world. One of its main aimswas to inspire a generation and we hopethose events we’ve held over the summerhave inspired people within this boroughnot just to future Olympic glory but to beactive, creative and healthy.”Active lifeinitiativenow in itsfourth yearWIGAN SportsDevelopment’s ‘Back toSport’ programme isnow entering its fourthyear. It’s funded byAshton, Leigh andWigan Primary CareTrust and encouragesadults to get active.It’s all about creatingopportunities forpeople to return tosport or try sport forthe first time. So, if youare looking to playrecreational sport,meet new friends,access coaching fromfully qualified andexperienced coaches orplay competitive sportagainst players of asimilar standard, thenBack to Sport is foryou.Wigan SportsDevelopment currentlywork with localorganisations and clubsto develop a range ofsports specific,multi-sport and physicalactivity sessions to helpto increase adultparticipation across theborough.If you are anindividual or a groupthat are interested intaking up regularsports activities whereyou can get fit, activeand socialise withlike-minded people, goto www.wbsc.org.ukand search under ‘Backto Sport’.● Clubs that arelooking to increase thenumber of members orare part of a groupwho are interested inbecoming more activecan contact the teamfor details of fundinggrants, volunteering,competition dates, andmuch more. Go onlineor call Richard Smith,Back to Sport Officer,at Robin Park Arena on01942 488480 or emailr.smith@wlct.orgBOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 7

OPENED by HRH the Duke ofGloucester and bearing the names ofthe teams behind its creation, thisviewing platform on the canal bankoffers commanding vistas ofPennington Flash.The Mayor, Cllr Myra Whiteside, inwhose ward it is located, said: “Itwas a pleasure to show ourGreenheart Park to the Duke recently.“A lot of people work together toensure the whole site is accessible forfamilies, horse riders, birdwatchers,golfers and many other groups.”The new platform offers fine viewsof the birdlife as well as acting as awelcome respite for walkers usingthe new Greenheart Jubilee Way.Twenty’s Plenty!Wigan Council is proposing tointroduce a 20mph zone for allresidential roads.Many nearbyHighway Authorities have alreadytaken on board the Department forTransport’s 2009 challenge todevelop 20mph speed limits on allresidential roads.Our neighbouring authorities ofWest Lancashire and ChorleyBorough Councils have begun thisprocess locally. So far the onlyGreater Manchester authority totake steps towards implementationis Manchester itself. Leader ofWigan Council Lord Peter Smithsays: “Drivers are always told todrive to the conditions of the road,and for that we usually think of iceor poor visibility. But excessivespeed on our residential roadscauses easily avoidable accidents.Wigan Council intends toimplement these 20mph zones,starting next year, in ourcontinuing bid to improve roadsafety and cut the road casualtyrates.” Borough Life will keepreaders informed of the process ofthis scheme.Growing boroughTHE first data fromthe 2011 censushas been issued,and it shows theborough as a thrivinglocation where peoplewant to live.Our population grew5.4 per cent over last decade. It’s now317,800 according to figures publishedby the Office for National Statistics.The increase, although below theregional and national averages,indicates that the borough has nowreversed the population declineexperienced in the 1980s and 1990s. Thegrowth has been underpinned by therise in life expectancy and an increasein the number of births.One in six of the borough’s populationare now aged over 65. That’s up 18 percent over the last decade as the 2011Census charts the first of the post-war“baby boom” generation reachingretirement age. During the same timeperiod, the number of under five yearolds within the borough increased 12per cent to 19,700These increases have led to a nine percent growth in the number ofhouseholds in the borough. The censusrecorded a rise to 136,400 householdswith at least one permanent resident in2011.Council chief executive Donna Hallsaid: “We now have a detailed snapshotCouncil ChiefExecutiveDonna Hallwould like tothank thosewho completed theirforms for the 2011 census.of the borough to work from. I’d like tothank the 94 per cent of the borough’spopulation who took part in the census.“The information you gave is vital forhow we plan and deliver everydayservices such as housing, education,healthcare and transport.”8 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

Arthur (in white)with AndyBurnham MP, CllrChris Ready,cabinet lead forleisure and LordSmith.Arthur’sGolden MemoriesMEET Arthur Drinnan –a Leyther who’s liveda full life, served hiscountry and successfully runhis own business.Arthur was born in 1925 butisn’t content just to sit backwith his memories. The dapperchap with a twinkle in his eyetold his stories to friends andfamily. It was his children whosaid: “Dad, these are worthputting into a book.”The result – after mucheffort and publishingchallenges – is a near 400 pagememoir of childhood poverty,the mysterious ‘OperationHumpty Dumpty’ of World WarTwo and life back into civvystreet where Arthur went fromhelping out to running a seriesof local shops.Ever keen to support hiscommunity, formerCorporal Arthur hasmade two copies of hisbook available, one forLeigh Library and theother for the new WiganLibrary in the LifeCentre.“I want people to knowabout their past,” saysArthur. “We can learn a lotfrom where we have beenand I hope that I can sharewith people some of howour area played its part in thebigger history of the twentiethcentury.”The book relives the fun andtears of a tough childhood andallows readers an insight intothe sheer hard work andperseverance of those whosurvived the war and theausterity that followed.Access a wealth of informationALL borough libraries havereference sections and ableto access a wealth of onlineinformation, with the mostextensive collections at Leighand Wigan.Wigan Library, Wigan LifeCentre, The Wiend, WiganWN1 1NH. Tel: 01942 827621■ Monday 8am-5pm■ Tuesday 8am-8pm■ Wednesday 8am-5pm■ Thursday 8am-8pm■ Friday 8am-5pm■ Saturday 9am-5pmLeigh Library, TurnpikeCentre, Civic Square,Market Street, LeighWN7 1EBTel: 01942 404197■ Monday 9am-7pm■ Tuesday 10am-7pm■ Wednesday 9am-7pm■ Thursday 9am-7pm■ Friday 9am-7pm■ Saturday 9.30am-4pmIn the every man for himselfatmosphere of Germany in theautumn of 1946, Arthur recallsbeing ordered to get thenecessary furniture to set up amilitary office. His bookreports his subordinateCorporal Young bringing in achair with something of aguilty look on his face. Thebook goes on…“Suddenly therewas a loud knockingon the door… and adriver thumped hisway into the room.‘Have you seenanybody with achair?’ he shouted.‘Somebody’s pinchedmy damn chair!’ Hestopped dead in histracks and pointed atthe chair in theoffice. ‘That looks likeit. Yes! Where did youget it?’ Arthur askedYoung where thechair had come fromArthur onhis weddingday and, right,during his armyservice.and was told ‘I bought it thismorning at the Co-Op’, with aninnocent look. After the driverhad stormed out, Arthurchallenged Young: “HereCorporal, I never knew theyhad Co-Op stores in Germany.”After the war, Arthursuccessfully moved intobusiness, with a valet servicein Ince, Eagle Dry Cleanersand Actionwear in Leigh andthen into Horwich andHindley. Arthur also partiallyowned the Zambezi snack barin Atherton.Lavishly illustrated, andranging from Holland toHorwich and Berlin toBradshawgate, full offull-blooded wit and gentleLancashire charm, as well asthe sad poignancy of war,Arthur Drinnan’s book“Arthur’s Pot of Gold” isavailable in the referencesection of Wigan and Leigh’slibraries.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 9

Westwood GO!David Gloverof Direct TyresSales in Pembertonsees the plans forSaddle Junction.Readersnamenew roadYOU’LL have heard ofMillgate, Hallgate andWallgate in Wigan towncentre, and perhapsBishopsgate and a coupleof the others. Ratherthan literally meaningwhat we understand bythe word ‘gate’, they allrelate to the old Norseword meaning a waythrough a town.It’ll soon be time todrive down Southgate –the new name for theSaddle Junction reliefroad. Following anappeal in Borough Lifewhich resulted in dozensof suggestions, councilleader Lord Smith anddeputy leader Cllr DavidMolyneux selected thename Southgate.The new road, whichwill avoid the notoriousbottleneck on the A49around the railwaybridge just north ofSaddle Junction, willmean that there are twolanes in and out of thetown for the first time.New land, on the siteof the old bus depot, isalso now available forjobs and investment.Cllr David Molyneuxsaid: “I’d like to thankeveryone who madesuggestions for the newroad, which has helpedus to choose somethingtruly local andappropriate.“And with an expectedopening date early in theNew Year, it won’t belong before we can alldrive along Southgate.”COUNCIL plannersand engineers havebeen consideringviews about the proposedWestwood Park and A49 linkroad scheme.“We’re gratefulfor people’sinput into howthe schemewill make adifferencefor them,”says CllrMolyneux,“I’ve beenspeaking toresidents andmet withsenior businessleaders to let themknow that this scheme isour best opportunity todeliver much needed jobsand better transport links toserve a critical regenerationneed.”The scheme would seehousing, a potential retailelement and employmentland on the brownfield siteat the old Westwood powerstation south of Wigan towncentre, creating over athousand jobs on derelictland.The vast overuse of theroad through Poolstock whichcauses so much concernlocally will be addressed by anew dual carriageway willfollow the route of the oldrailway line. This wouldbecome the primary accessLooking east towards theflashes: an artist’s impressionof the new road.The new road would easeresidents’ concerns aboutcongestion inPoolstock.into Wigan from the southeast. The road would startfrom Little Lane in GooseGreen and link in to the endof Riverway offering anuninterrupted 40mphroute into town.As part of thescheme, thereare plans fora WiganFlashesGreenheartvisitorcentre. Itwould be ajointventurebetween thecouncil andLancashire WildlifeTrust and will cater for theestimated 170,000 visitorseach year to the region.Main issues raised were:● Respecting the landscapethrough which the plannedA49 will pass: Thedevelopment at WestwoodPark will be designed tointegrate in to thesurrounding landscape andenhance habitats for floraand fauna living in the area.At the meetings, plannersexplained that modern roadsurface techniques cuttraffic noise, street lightingcan be adjusted and dimmedand modern lighting shinesonly downwards. Noisebarriers and othermitigation methods areessential to any planningapplication.● Keeping and improvingaccess to the Wigan Flashes:footpath and cyclewayimprovements are proposedand a new visitor centre isplanned to promote theGreenheart regional parkthat includes the flashes.The road plans do notencroach into the flashesthemselves.● Poolstock Lane: locals toldthe planners that they wantto see HGVs andunnecessary commutertraffic moved off the B road.Further consultation isplanned so that Poolstockresidents can have their sayon local road safety andtraffic issues. Trafficmodelling shows buildingthe A49 diversion wouldmean around 65 per centfewer cars on the B road andgood opportunity for newand improved pedestrianfacilities for residents in thearea.Some residents wanted tosee the scheme implementedimmediately and werecomfortable that their inputinto earlier road plans forthe area had been heard.Others left specificconcerns on the feedbackforms and will be respondedto by officers in detail.If the planning applicationis successful, work isexpected to begin nextsummer.Check out thewebsite atwww.wigan.gov.uk/westwood10 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

IT’S the perfect bonding time for mum and her new baby andthe benefits of natural breastmilk are well known.And so, local health and council colleagues have beenpromoting breastfeeding to support mums in how theyhave chosen to feed their baby and ensure thatpublic and public venues are accommodating tothem.Dr Kate Ardern, Wigan Borough’s directorof public health, says: “There are stronghealth benefits for both mother and babyto be had from breastfeeding and we areright to support women in this way.There has been a number of eventslocally and in particular there was agreat turnout of new mums at theBig Feed event on Friday.”An increasing number of localvenues are being declared‘breastfeeding friendly’ whichmeans mums can feed theirbaby in a relaxed setting andnot feel awkward about it.Local mum Rachel Orme metfriends over a brew in one ofthe Grand Arcade’s cafes inWigan town centre, all ofwhich are breastfeedingfriendly. Her new daughterNancy got her refreshmenttoo. Rachel says: “I want todo what’s best for Nancyand it’s lovely to knowthat there are places Ican come to that aresupportive of my choiceto breastfeed.”Mums to be and thosewanting more advice onfeeding choices can access theAshton, Wigan and Leighbreastfeeding website for all thelatest local information on feeding,whether baby is gettingenough and generalCheck out thewebsite atwww.mymummydoes.co.ukRachel Orme andher daughter Nancy.Inset: local ladies andtheir babies cheer onbreastfeeding friendlyvenues like theGrand Arcade.health issues. Andthere are tips therefor new dads toowho may be feeling abit left out so they cansupport their partner andchild.Mum’s theWORD!IF you like public art that’s a little ‘off-thewall’,then look no further than the newpiece that graces the car park at KingsCourt, on Market Street, Tyldesley.The stunning mural has been created byYear 10 students at Fred Longworth HighSchool and Wigan and Leigh Housing(WALH) tenants.The artwork is the brainchild of EstateRep Maureen Hicky and its subject is thehistory of Tyldesley – brick-by-brick.It was funded through WALH’s BetterNeighbourhood money and by FredLongworth. Students from the schoolhave used the project as the basis fortheir GCSE art work.It features the cotton mills, foundriesand the mining heritage that were oncethe lifeblood of Tyldesley but have sincevanished almost without trace.Maureen says: “We were all impressedby the fantastic work the studentscreated and are very grateful to theschool and Wigan and Leigh Housing fortheir support. The mural has transformeda very boring aspect into something quiteincredible.”BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 11

Treacle sticksOPERATION Treacle returns this autumnand agencies are once again workingtogether to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour(ASB) over the Halloween and BonfireNight period.The seasonal campaign targetsdisorder in all its forms – from innocentmischief-making which gets out of handto serious incidents of criminal damage.Partners including Greater ManchesterFire & Rescue Service, Wigan Council,Wigan & Leigh Housing and GreaterManchester Police will again befocussing on areas where there’s beena previous history of youth-related ASB.“The fortnight around Bonfire Nightcan be a flashpoint for all kinds of ASB,blighting neighbourhoods and causingdistress to local people,” says Cllr KevinAnderson, Wigan Council’s CabinetChampion for Neighbourhoods.“Operation Treacle combineseducation, enforcementFor moreinformation aboutOperation Treaclevisit: www.safe4autumn.co.uk andwww.manchesterfire.gov.ukand safety messagesto ensure that youngpeople are informedabout the potentialconsequences ofgetting caught up in ASB, whilst alsobeing encouraged to take part in fun,meaningful and safe activities.”“This campaign is also about reducingthe kind of injuries caused by recklessnessand stupidity,” says Steve Sheridan,Wigan Borough Commander from theGreater Manchester Fire and RescueService. “We don’t want to be killjoys –but sadly too many people still forget tofollow basic safety advice around bonfiresand fireworks.”Fred Longworth pupilsgot the messageduring last year’seducation programme.12 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

Wigan’s Mayor Cllr. MyraWhiteside with Young Musician ofthe Year Winners, Louis Brookes(Guitar) – Advanced; Grace Jeffers(Tenor Horn) – Intermediate; EmilyMasser (Voice) – Entry Level.Thank youfor themusic...AS the pomp andcircumstance of theLast Night of theProms falls into silence foranother year, the music stillgoes on in Wigan Borough. Infact, as Dave Little, head ofWigan’s Music Service, tellsus, his team have really beenraising the roof.“The students and theirteachers have really done usproud recently,” Dave says.“The Wigan Youth JazzOrchestra won an outstandingperformance award at theNational Festival of Music forYouth in July, followed that afew days later by opening the27th International JazzFestival with superstar soloistJames Morrison here inWigan and then they went ontour in Germany.”Dave tell us that this year’sWigan Young Musician of theYear Competition showcasedthe talents of over 60 localsoloists. The final, atStandish StWilfrid’sChurch, wasattended byCllr MyraWhiteside,Mayor ofWigan.CllrWhitesidesays: “It’s one ofMusic to our ears● 3,000 local children learn to play through thetraditional music service system, either in small groupsor one to one● 3,500 learn through whole class instrumental projects● 500 young musicians play in 24 ensembles which meetacross the borough each weekDave Little said they are happy to work withmusicians who have private teachers too.“You’d be most welcome in one of our ensembles –the chances are there is one near you. There is a terrificprogression route through ensembles with the very bestmaking their way into the senior groups like WiganYouth Symphony Orchestra, Wigan Youth Brass Bandand Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.”Why notcome along and seeour groups in action atour evening sessionsthroughout theborough. Just call us forinformation on01942 776169.the real pleasures of beingMayor that I get to see somuch of the talent of ourborough. These young peoplehave practiced hard andshown great dedication – andI am proud to support themand this competition.”The autumn term is theideal time to start tolearn to play amusical instrumentand Wigan MusicService is inevery schoolteaching childrento play. Parentsshould enquire atschool or call theservice directly on01942 776169.Dave Little is responsiblefor choirs, ensembles and theinstrumental teaching servicewhich operate across thewhole borough. He’s alwayson the lookout for newmembers – any instrument,any standard. “We have agroup for every youngmusician to enjoy,” he adds.“We even have a few rarevacancies in the JazzOrchestra this year so, if achild plays trumpet,trombone, sax, bass, drumspiano or guitar to Grade sixstandard or above, this couldbe their big chance!EMILY Green 19, fromWinstanley, leaves theWigan Music Service thisautumn.It’s been a busy decadesince she took up thesaxophone.“It’s one of thoseinstruments which you needa few years to get a goodtune out of,” she says. “But Iam glad I stuck at it and Ireally want to thank all mytutors – as well as DaveLittle and Ian Darrington –for all their support.”Emily has played solo atWigan’s International JazzFestival and rounded off herfinal year in Wigan YouthJazz Orchestra on tour inGermany.“The really rewarding partfor me is hearing how thepart I’ve been practicing andpracticing fits in when thewhole band comestogether.”She’s moving on to studybut is already booked to playtenor sax in a musical at theuniversity she’s not evenstarted at as yet – and she’son the lookout for musiciansto set up her ownband as well.Emily ismovingon, andthatSee WYJO inaction: Saturday 21stSeptember – Parr HallWarrington with WarringtonMale Voice choir (7.30pm) andSunday 30th September atWigan Jazz Club (Whelleymeansthere’sspacefor newmembersto keep theband fresh.“Over to you,” she says.Ex-Servicemen’s Club12.30pm).BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 13

Egg-cellentINITIATIVEAlison Thorpe, owner ofLucky Hens, her daughterAmber and Paul Crookefrom Wigan Council’sRestorative Solutions Team.ALISON Thorpe was dismayed when the banner advertising her chicken rescueshelter was stolen… but the owner of Lucky Hens in Amberswood Common knewwhere to turn for help.Alison called in Wigan Council’s Restorative Solutions Team who arrange foryoung offenders to make amends by taking part in community reparationprojects.“We are always interested in finding innovative community projects for theyoung people to get involved in,” explained Paul Crooke, Restorative SolutionsWorker. “When we heard about Alison’s problem, we commissioned local artistHelen Pye to work with some young offenders on the design of a new banner.“Lucky Hens already offers young people an opportunity toget involved in landscaping and construction projects aswell as caring for the chickens. Although they say it’sreally satisfying, I think some youngsters find ithard work, too. So thisproject has given themIf youwould liketo adopt ahen, call LuckyHens on 01942233375.a chance to flex theircreative muscles for achange!”WHEN a videoshowing a group ofteenagers creating adisturbance in a fast foodrestaurant in Wigan wasuploaded to a social mediawebsite, it rapidly went viral.Reaching tens of thousandsof You Tube viewers, the storyalso dominated local mediaand made front pageheadlines in the nationals.The Daily Mail reportedTerror in McDonald’s,describing how a mob of up to100 youths brought McDonald’sto a standstill with a shamefulrampage. The Telegraph calledthe youths a baying mobwhilst the Mirror referred to amob rampage of foul mouthedyobs.So in the ensuing mediafurore, did the incident raiseimportant questions aroundthe perception of youngpeople – and of WiganBorough? These young peopleare adamant that the footagewasn’t representative of theyouth of Wigan…Daniel Gilmore is one ofWigan’s elected Members ofYouth Parliament (MYP). The18 year old says: “I wasshocked by the images I sawon You Tube, as were many ofmy family and friends.“These teenagers don’trepresent the vast majority ofyoung people in our borough,who play an important part intheir community and arepositive role models andambassadors for the borough.It hasn’t done the reputationof young people any favours –Did you know?THE number of young people (11-18) entering the criminaljustice system in Wigan has been falling consistently overthe past six years, repeatedly beating national targets.Between 1st April 2012 and 30th June 2012, young peoplecompleted a total of 890 hours of community reparationwork.The community has benefited from young peoplecleaning alleyways as part of the Leigh Neighbours Project;serving lunches at the Higher Fold social club; helping in thekitchen at the Belong Village in Platt Bridge; and supportinglocal allotment holders in Tyldesley.Youth related antisocial behaviourRedressing the balanceCameronFosterDanielGilmoreor of Wigan either.”Fellow MYP, 17 year oldJilly McKiernan, adds: “Onceagain, young people are beingportrayed in the media in anegative light, withsensational, attentiongrabbingheadlines. Thereality is that most youngpeople are law-abiding andrespectful. Unfortunately,that’s often forgotten becausethe true picture doesn’t sellnewspapers.”Olympic torchbearerCameron Foster from Hindleyis himself a role model toothers. The 17 year oldWinstanley College studentand champion fundraiser says:“Sadly, this didn’t portray theyouth of today in a good light.However, there are thousandsof young people doingamazing things in theircommunities throughout theJillyMcKiernanUK, which willhopefully helpto changesociety’sperception ofyoung peoplefor the better.”Whilst someof the youthsinvolved in thisincident facedlegal action,agencies know there’s morethan one way of tacklingcriminal and antisocialbehaviour.In fact, Wigan Borough’strack record in restorativejustice with young people hasearned it national recognition.“Restorative justice worksby giving young people thechance to acceptresponsibility for what they’vedone and to make amends tothe victim and the widercommunity,” says GrahamDoubleday, the council’srestorative solutions teamleader.“Victims are given a voiceon how justice is meted out, sothey feel more empoweredand able to achieve closurewhilst the wider communitybenefits through a range ofreparation projects.”14 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

CLARE’S LAW – LOCAL PILOT FOR THE “RIGHT TO ASK”Simple enquirycould preventVIOLENCEMILLIONS of peopleworldwide use socialnetworking sites tolook up long lost relatives, tomake new friends and tomeet their ‘forever’ soulmate.But what happens when aso-called virtual friendbecomes a very real danger?Clare Wood was just 36years old when she wasmurdered in 2009 by a manshe met on Facebook. Initiallycharming, George Appletonsoon became violent towardsClare and subjected her tosexual assault. After theyseparated, Appletonstrangled the mother of onefrom Salford and set her onfire. He later hanged himself.It subsequently emergedthat Clare had firstcomplained about Appletonto the police in 2008 after hehad threatened to kill her.Tragically, it later emergedhe had a history of brutalviolence against women,subjecting victims to threats,harassment and kidnappingat knifepoint.In 2011 at the coroner’sinquest into Clare’s murder,the coroner advised that:“...consideration should begiven to the disclosure ofsuch convictions and theircircumstances to potentialvictims in order that they canmake informedchoices aboutmatters affectingtheir safety andthat of theirchildren.”In March 2012, theHome Secretaryannounced that theClare’s Law pilot willtest a process forenabling the police todisclose to the publicinformation about previousviolent offending by a newor existing partner wherethis may help protect themfrom further violentoffending.The pilots went live inGwent and Wiltshire in Julyand in Greater Manchesterand Nottinghamshire thismonth.Clare’s Law is designed toprevent tragedies fromhappening, by ensuringthere is a clearframework for thedisclosure ofinformation,which canhappen by one oftwo ways:The first wouldbe triggered by arequest by amember of the publicknown as the “right toask”.Sally Hobbs, the council’s head of servicefor community options, welcomes theinitiative. She says:Wigan Council has been at theforefront helping to achievebetter outcomes for thosewho’ve suffered the terrible ordeal of domesticabuse. For instance, we’ve created a new teamof partners under one roof which pulls togetherthe professional expertise and resources of all themajor agencies responsible for tackling domesticabuse. This means we can give a betterresponse, better support and better information.Clare Woodwho was murderedafter meeting aviolent manthroughFacebook.StephensonsSolicitors LLPfamily law specialistsprovide 24 hour freeand confidential adviceon 0800 073 1324 orwww.stephensons.co.ukThe second would betriggered by the police wherethey make a proactivedecision to disclose theinformation in order toprotect a potential victimknown as the “right to know”.Victoria Gethin,partner atStephensonsSolicitors LLP,explains that theClare’s Lawpilot, also calledthe DomesticViolenceDisclosureScheme, is aboutrisk assessment andempowerment. She says:“These pilots enablepotential victims to takeinformed action to protectthemselves. The policealready have powers todisclose information about anindividual’s past convictionsin the interests of preventingfurther crime. The pilots aimto see if a national disclosurescheme with recognised andconsistent processes wouldimprove the protectionavailable to victims ofdomestic violence.”There will be a decision onwhether to roll it out furtheronce the pilot has beenevaluated.Victoria Gethin, partner atStephensons Solicitors LLP.Earlier in the summer, theWigan law firm hosted agroundbreaking conferencein partnership with WiganCouncil, children’s charityBarnardo’s and The FreedomProgramme, bringingtogether a range ofprofessionals who work inthe field of domestic abuse.The event at Leigh SportsVillage was attended bysocial workers, familysupport workers, healthvisitors, family solicitors,neighbourhood policingteams, probation services,family liaison teams, healthworkers, counsellors andteachers.Delegates heard aboutlatest developments in theborough including measuresdesigned to improvereferral routes and supportfor those affected by abusein the home.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 15

Win a FREEmembershipof moderngym facilitiesfor six monthsIT was one of themost ambitiousprojects everundertaken inthe borough.And when theWigan LifeCentre opened inFebruary it markedthe completion ofyears of hard work todeliver a true one-stop-shop forall the public services you need.Residents have judged it agreat success. Nothingexemplifies that more than theProfiles Health and Fitness Centreon the south site, above thebaths on Library Street.State-of-the-art Technogymequipment boasting the latestcardio-vascular and strengthequipment, including integratedTV screens, iPod function andfans, delivered at competitiveprices, has ensured thatmembership has now topped2,500.And “retention” – the numbersof members not only joining butstaying active with Profiles – is 95per cent, which is a sure sign thatpeople are achieving their healthand fitness goals and are happywith the service.To mark this magnificentmembership total we, inassociation with our partners atWigan Leisure and Culture Trust,are giving one lucky reader achance to win a free six monthmembership. Simply answer thequestion below and send it to usat: boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk orBorough Life, Wigan Town Hall,Library Street, WN1 1YN. Theclosing date is 1st November andall successful entrants will havean equal chance of being selectedfrom the hat. All personal detailswill be destroyed once thecompetition is completed and thewinner notified.Question: In this issue ofBorough Life Pennington HallPark and Jubilee Park are bothcongratulated for receivingGreen Flag status. Which otherWigan Borough park was alsoawarded this accolade?Wigan Life Centre – finding my waPeople are often heard saying“The Wigan Life Centre lookslike a fabulous modernbuilding, but what’s in therefor me to do?“ Borough Lifetakes a whistle stop tour tolet you know what’s in therefor you. Let’s take a look…Access to services...THAT’S LIFEWHEN you enter the buildingthe first people you will findare the uniformed ‘meetersand greeters’.They are friendly and veryhelpful. They will make sureyou find the right part of thebuilding and the right peopleto help deal with yourenquiry.Most people are helped bythe greeters to the servicethey need but an increasingnumber – ten per cent at thelast count – are using the hitechself serve facilities whichreduces costs, saves themtime and increases customerindependence. About 46 percent of visitors to the buillding.are dedicated computersfor the public to use –and they are free.If you are unsure howto use the onlineservices the teams at thecentre are there to help.They’re keen to assistvisitors learn new skillsand make sure they areThe building is a one stop Let’s get digital...geared up for accessingshop of council and partner As more and more public the increasing numberservices in a central location and private services become of public services whichand the emphasis is on available online, the Wigan are available digitally.making sure people get a Life Centre is at the forefront Let’s get social…quick solution to their issues, of helping people accessYou can hardly avoid theall under one roof.digital services as world of social media andeasily aspossible.Therecouncils are no exception.People want access toadvice and services at theirMargo Beesleyfrom Beech Hillmakes use of thelibrary facilities.More and more pvibrant centre eUSE of the Life Centre has increaopened.And there are local Life CentreServices are available in AthertoPlatt Bridge and at Leigh town hOfficers at the Life Centre on Nreport this from a local resident:She said: “I am 85 years old anagain when my husband died. I wcan come here and the whole procdid the form for me.“I am grateful for the help and it hwith you. I am glad this office is here.16 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

y…Meeters andgreeters... GemmaGregson and JoanneAshcroft with one of theinteractive informationscreens which can access aworld of public servicesat the Life Centre.own convenience and sothere’s a lot of informationand fast service updatesavailable on Wigan Council’ssocial media sites. And if theworld of social media is newto you, and you want to findeople visitach monthsed every month since its across the borough as well.n, Marsh Green, Higher Ince,all.elson Street in Athertond had to apply for benefitsas told on the phone that Iess has been so easy as youas been a pleasure speaking”out more about the digitalconversation why not take atrip to the life centre on aFriday morning between 10:30and 11:30 to take part in a‘best of the web’ session atthe library and learn all aboutit. There is no need to book –just drop-in to see the team inthe Library.Feel the (e) benefits…The council is increasing itsuse of online benefit forms toimprove customer satisfactionand increase efficiencies andcost savings. In July, the teamreceived 797 e-forms and just25 forms on paper. Movingaway from paper has obviousefficiencies and officers arepleased with this trend andcustomer surveys say thatvisitors to the Life Centre areas well – 78 per cent say thatthey are very or extremelylikely to recommend it toothers.Life Centre services...Council ServicesWe can help you with all yourenquiries from housing benefit,council tax, recycling, highwaysor planning queries.Expert staff are on hand whocan answer your questions andgive you the service that youneed.NHS Ashton, Leighand WiganFor all health related matterssuch as finding a doctor, dentistor optician in your area. Staffcan provide emergency contactnumbers or medical exemptioncertificates.Starting Point – Age UK● Handy person service● Support at home● Benefit advice● Hospital support informationDid you know?● 99 per cent of those whouse the Wigan Life Centre aresatisfied with the service theyreceive.● 97.6 per cent of customerswere seen within five minutesof arrival.● 90 per cent of peopleattending with a benefitsproblem have it solved duringtheir visit.● Got a Smartphone? Freeaccess to WiFi is available atthe Life Centre.● There’s an X-Box in theteenage library – just bookyour slot for a free session.Citizens Advice BureauSkilled advisors can give youspecialist up to dateindependent and practical adviceto support you and resolve yourproblems, including on legal anddebt issues.HousingThe team from Wigan and LeighHousing can help with yourenquires, applications for newproperty or reporting problemswith your existing property.Victim Support andWitness ServicesPractical and emotional supportfor victims and witnesses of crime.Library ServicesThere are over 70,000 booksplus CDs and DVDs as well asspecialist children’s and teenageareas, plus free access tocomputers, internet and Wi-fi.A friendly team of staff thereto help if you need them or youcan also self-serve and beindependent to find what youneed.Don’t forget to come along toone of the events too – underfive’s storytime, craft sessions orwork club.The Skills Shop – homeof the Careers ServiceThe team are available for skillsand careers advice to help youwork out your next education oremployment opportunity.Call in to discuss a life-longlearning account, build your CV,find out about fundingopportunities or find out aboutthe local jobs market.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 17

Public tohave a sayon justiceWIGAN Borough has beenchosen as one of 15 areasacross England to pilot anew restorative justiceproject designed toaddress antisocialbehaviour and low-levelcrime.Local panels aredesigned to give victimsand the wider communitymuch more of a say in thepunishments handeddown.They will seeperpetrators agreeing tocarry out tasks to makeamends to the victim orthe community.Volunteers will sit onthe panel. They will betrained in the principlesof restorative justice, andwill be expected tofacilitate meetingsbetween the victim andperpetrator.More serious offenceswill still be dealt withthrough the formal legalsystem.The aim is to agreemeaningful action on thepart of the perpetratorthat meets the needs ofthe victim, and any widercommunity involved.Cllr Kevin Anderson,Cabinet portfolio holderfor safer communities,said: “Restorative justice isan excellent way ofincreasing publicconfidence in the criminaljustice system because itseeks to bring about apractical resolution.”Wigan has been apioneering area for youthrestorative justice for thepast 10 years achievingregional and nationalrecognition, includingawards for conservationwork with young peopleon community reparationprojects and reducing firsttime entrants into thecriminal justice system by80 per cent over the pastsix years.● Further details of theprocess for recruitmentprocess for panel memberswill be released shortly.Forever parentsRIGHT now, there are 51children in WiganBorough who are eager tomeet their ‘forever parents’,including babies and smalltoddlers.Sadly, in the North West, thereare 10 times more childrenwanting adoptive families thanthere are prospective families.That’s why Wigan Councilhas teamed up withneighbouring councils inWarrington and St Helens tocreate WWISH, a pioneeringshared adoption service. It’sthe first of its kind in thecountry.“Our goal over the next sixmonths is to tackle this trendand recruit 40 families for ourchildren,” says Cllr SusanLoudon, Wigan Council’sportfolio holder for childrenand young people.“Tragically, some of ourchildren don’t get the best startin life and as a result of theirearly experiences theysometimes have additionalneeds. Some also have adisability which means givingthem extra support as theygrow up. We also have anumber of brothers and sisterswho need a family where theycan stay together. I urgeanybody considering adoptingto talk to specialist advisors atWWISH and to find out howthey can make space in theirlife for a child.”Wigan Council’s ChiefExecutive Donna Hall knowsonly too well what a differenceadoption can maketo a child’s life.“I wasadopted asa babybecausemy youngmumcouldn’tcope,” saysDonna. “MyFor moreinformation call01942 487272 or visitwww.wigan.gov.uk/Adoptionadopted parents made thisamazing life-long commitmentwhen they welcomed me intotheir family and I am sograteful to them for theirconstant love and support.“Adopting a child isn’t adecision that can be takenlightly. But there is a vastresource of ongoing helpavailable through the WWISHAdoption Support Group.“If you think you have thecapacity in your life to adopt achild, please don’t hesitate toget in touch with us. Weneed inspiring peoplelike you who can take onone of life’s mostexciting and rewardingcommitments – and givebabies and youngchildren a second chanceat a loving home.”An artist’s impressionof the TyldesleyInterchange.For the latestinformation on theconsultations and to seemore information aboutthe plans, please visitwww.tfgm.com/buspriorityAlternatively, you canring the helpline on0300 123 1177.Make it Manchester...and fast!LAST issue we reported on thecouncil’s work with Transport forGreater Manchester (TfGM) toimprove the bus links betweenLeigh, Tyldesley, Atherton andManchester.The major part of this isGreater Manchester’s first guidedbusway, which will be built onjust over four miles of dedicatedroute between Leigh andEllenbrook, on which onlyspecifically-adapted buses will beable to travel. From Ellenbrook,it’s on into Salford andQuite simply, it’s the best thing we’veever done. Yes it’s challenging and lifeis definitely never the same again. But the rewardsare amazing. We’ll never forget the moment wemet our daughter for the first time… and when shesaid her first words to us, ‘Hello Mummy’.Manchester on dedicated laneswith priority over other traffic,meaning it will be just a 45minute journey from the heart ofLeigh to the centre ofManchester. There will be eightbuses an hour when servicesfrom and Atherton meet up atTyldesley. The busway servesmuch wider catchment areasthan existing services intoManchester and the publicenquiry studied issues ofcustomer demand in detailbefore the scheme was grantedapproval to proceed.Leader of the council LordSmith believes the route will helpboost the local economy. Hesays: “This is a busway for thepeople of Leigh, Atherton andTyldesley, providing them withthe potential to make the mostof many local opportunities.”Wigan Council and TfGM willbe consulting local communitieson the details for their area,starting this month. It is hopedthat the route will be fullyoperational in 2015.18 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

Young Lawrence Hanney, who enjoyed a spinround the race track with an expert driver.A day at the racesIT’S not too far from Haydock Park Racecourse in fact,but Three Sisters is home to a quite different kind ofracing – where the speeds are faster and petrol isking.Three Sisters Race Circuit in Ashton-in-Makerfieldhas just invested in a new fleet of LPG Sodi karts –which are lighter on the environment as they whizztheir drivers past at 70mph, just three inches fromthe ground in a real adrenalin rush. The venue alsohosts a number of race meetings throughout the year.“We like to consider ourselves part of thecommunity,” says general manager Ian Makinson.“As well as being part of a national series ofracing events, there is opportunity for localpeople to come down and use the track.”The circuit holds Charity Rideouts on thesecond Tuesday of every month (March-Oct).The next charity day is on Tuesday 9 Octoberand bikers who bring along their licence and adonation can take part in a ten lap session ofthe 1100m track.“We’re happy to accommodate groups –especially for a really exciting andinnovating fundraising event,” Ian adds. “It’ssafety first of course, and after that – achance to drive on a real race circuit.”Young Lawrence Hanney, four, got theday off nursery for a spin of the circuitwatched by mum Nicola. Driven by a ThreeSisters’ expert diver, Lawrence was takingpart in a community session organised by BobBrierley, one of the borough’s ward councillors.“It was magic,” beams Lawrence. “I was just a bitscared though.” Borough Life promises not to tell…Creating confident familiesUNEMPLOYMENT. Truancy.Domestic abuse. Anti-socialBehaviour. Mental health issues.Drug and alcohol misuse. Criminalbehaviour. Any one of these issues canwreck a life.But together, particularly whencompounded by financial stress andlimited life opportunity, these issues canbring an entire family to its knees.There are several hundred families inWigan Borough which have beenidentified as particularly affected bythese issues. They are involved with anumber of agencies, have experienced arange of complex issues – often overgenerations – and require intensivesupport if they are ever to turn their livesaround.The Life Programme is one of the waysthat Wigan Council and partners areworking with families to help themachieve this.The 18-month pilot scheme waslaunched earlier this year and earlyindications are good. The eight familieswho joined the programme have seenmarked reductions in incidents ofdomestic abuse, problems with housing,issues around child protection and a dropin antisocial and criminal behaviour.Unlike other kinds of agencyintervention, the Life Programme doesn’tjust focus on any single problem.It takes a more holistic approach andconsiders the family as a whole, ratherthan looking at problems in isolation.“Some families are simplyoverwhelmed and become stuck in a wayof living,” explained Gill Wright, one ofthe members of the Life Programme teambased in Worsley Hall.“The Life Programme gives them ablank slate to start afresh. It isn’tcompulsory. Families are invited onto theprogramme and can leave at anytime.“Historically, agencies tend to fix afamily’s problems but we make it clearthat we aren’t here to fix their problemsfor them.“What we do is empower and supportthem. Watching them grow in confidenceand make the changes they want in life isa real privilege.”The Life Programme has the support ofagencies across the borough and teammembers are drawn from the council,police, housing and others.The Life Programme also recognisesthat a problem can be symptomatic ofother, more deeply rooted, issues.For instance, a young person’s antisocialbehaviour may be a symptom of adysfunctional home life linked todomestic abuse.Gill said: “In that situation, rather thantreating the ASB in isolation, the LifeProgramme approach would give ‘Mum’the support she needs, whilst also helping‘Dad’ tackle self-esteem issues that mightbe rooted in childhood issues or longterm unemployment.“We’re not trying to be psychologists!”said Gill. “We work really hard atbuilding trusting relationships with ourfamilies to allow us to give honest,reflective and practical advice.”Cllr Susan Loudon, cabinet member forchildren and young people, said: “TheLife Programme is an exciting initiativebased on trying to understand the rootcause of the issues and encouraging thefamilies to take responsibility forimproving their opportunities with oursupport.“By supporting families intoindependence, we hope to reduce theburden on the taxpayer and achievegreater value for money for all servicesacross the borough.”BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 19

OUR home is our refuge.It’s the place where weshould feel protectedand sheltered.But for Mary (not her realname), her home stoppedbeing her sanctuary when shebecame afraid to answer herfront door, pick up the phoneor even to open her mail.Mary’s story is not unique.Unable to work because ofphysical and mental healthissues, and finding it difficultto cope financially, Mary tookout a pay day loan for £400.To begin with all was well.“I knew of the dangers ofillegal money lenders becauseyou hear some horrorstories,” she says. “So Ithought a pay day loancompany would be theresponsible way of borrowingmoney. They were legitimatemoney lenders. The termslooked reasonable and therepayments felt achievable.”Unfortunately, Mary beganto struggle making therepayments. The chargesstarted piling on, adding tothe loan.Soon afterwards, theintimidating phone calls andthreatening letters began. Bythis time, the amount sheowed had grown to more than£1,200 and Mary’s anxietywas now so severe shecouldn’t bring herself to goout.“I felt totally isolated,depressed and more than alittle ashamed as well,” saidMary. “I desperately tried toresolve the issue but thecompany didn’t want to know.They just wanted theirmoney.” But there was hope…“I contacted Wigan CouncilTrading Standards and theyPolice chief electionsset for NovemberTHE first elections for adirectly elected Police andCrime Commissioner will beheld on 15 November 2012.A year ago, the Police &Social Reform Bill receivedRoyal assent and becamelaw. It covers policeaccountability andgovernance and manyother issues.The headline area wasthe replacement of policeauthorities with directlyelected police and crimecommissioners.So now, for or the firstHelp is at hand overPAYDAY LOANSwere really helpful,” saidMary. “I’d sent the companylots of letters explaining Icouldn't repay it all at onceand offering to make reducedpayments. But they just keptringing, writing and emailingme asking for more money.“Trading Standards put mymind at rest that I wouldn’tbe prosecuted for not beingable to repay.”Council officers referredthe matter to the FinancialServices Ombudsman whotime ever, thepublic acrossEngland and Waleswill elect police and crimecommissioners who will beaccountable for how crimeis tackled in their policeforce area.The voting system to beused and the policies of thecandidates will be thesubject of informationpassed to all householdsthis autumn.● Find out more atwww.greatermanchesterpccelection.org.uklooked into it and found thatthis particular loan company’sactions had been unfair.The company subsequentlyagreed to stop writing toMary and because of thecircumstances of her casethey wrote the loan off.Julie Middlehurst, TradingStandards Manager said: “Werecognise that not all pay dayloan companies are the same.Sadly, a minority harasscustomers to recover moneyowed.“As it turned out, Marywasn’t the only victim of thisparticular company's actions.They were doing the same tomany other people across thecountry. They are now beinginvestigated by the Office ofFair Trading.”Cllr Kevin Anderson, WiganCouncil’s portfolio holder forsafer neighbourhoods, said:“Debt is a problem thataffects many people. You mayfeel isolated or scared butsupport is available.“Specialist advisors can’tnecessarily make the debt goaway but they can provideexpert and practical advice.“I urge people to contactCitizens Advice. Our two localcredit unions, Unify andWelcome, are keen to attractnew members. Once a savinghistory is established, theyHelp was athand when Maryfaced the pressureof a payday loanspiralling out ofcontrol.offer members loans withflexible repayment terms andvery reasonable interestrates.”Help andadviceavailableIf you are struggling torepay debts, you can seekconfidential help and advicefrom:■ Citizens Advice Bureau:www.citizensadvice.org.ukor www.adviceguide.org.uk0844 826 9713■ National Debtline:0808 808 4000www.nationaldebtline.co.uk■ Welcome Credit Union:info@welcomecreditunion.co.ukwww.welcomecreditunion.co.uk01942 828702/828611■ Unify Credit Union:info@unifycu.orgwww.unifycu.org01942 701706/607002If you are being harassed bya loan company, pleasecontact:■ Citizens AdviceConsumer Servicewww.direct.gov.uk08454 04 05 0620 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

Just get meTOASTY!TIME is running out to claimyour free insulation – it’syour last chance to get warmin time for winter through the GetMe Toasty schemeLoft and cavity wall insulationis now FREE* for the majority ofresidents living in GreaterManchester. The scheme (backedby all ten local councils in GreaterManchester) is now even moreappealing if you haven’t got roundto having your home insulated yetand already over 10,000 peoplehave benefited from the scheme.You don’t have to be on benefitsto qualify, if you’re one of thosepeople who thinks ‘I’m neverentitled to anything’, then this isyour chance to grab up to £700worth of improvements to yourhome for free! And landlords canapply as well.Typical annual savings arearound £175 for loft insulationand £135for cavitywallinsulation (figuresfrom the EnergySaving Trust), andfrom enquiry toinstallation is usuallywithin 21 days.Call the GreaterManchester EnergyAdvice Service freeon 0800 009 3363 or0161 245 7638 (open9am-5pm, Monday toFriday) or visitgetmetoasty.com to book a free,no obligation survey online.* The small print: the offer isbased on an average-sized, threebedroom semi-detached housewith less than 60mm loftinsulation currently in place.Larger properties may be subjectto excess meterage charges.CouncilLeader LordPeter Smithwith the Toastymascot.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 21

FEELGOODfashion showPlace yourstake ongamblingWIGAN Council is calling onlocal residents, licensedbusinesses, interest groupsand agencies to have theirsay on the borough’s futuregambling policy.The Gambling Act 2005requires all councils topublish a gamblinglicensing policy statementevery three years.A review into the currentpolicy is now underway.Copies of the reviseddraft policy are available atall libraries, Wigan townhall, Wigan Life Centre andLeigh town hall. The policycan also be viewed on thecouncil website andcomments can besubmitted online.Alternatively, responsescan be made by email tolicensing@wigan.gov.uk orin writing to the PrincipalLicensing Officer, WiganCouncil, Town Hall, Wigan,WN1 1YN by not later than1st October 2012.22 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012IF you’d asked LeanneBalderson seven monthsago if she’d take part in afashion show, the answer wouldhave been an unequivocal“no”.“I still can’t believe it’shappening. I would never havedreamed of doing it,” said the30-year-old from Whelley.At her post-natal check aftergiving birth to her secondchild, Leanne weighed 19st4lbs and was considering agastric bypass. “I’d decidedenough was enough,” Leannetold us.“I’d always been ‘big’ but myweight was holding me backfrom enjoying time with mytwo young children. I couldn’tplay with them without beingout of breath.”Earlier this year Leannedecided against surgery,instead opting to join theborough’s Lose Weight FeelGreat programme. In just a fewmonths she’s already lost animpressive 4st 8lbs and iswell on target for her“dream” weight of 12stone.“It’s changed mylife. I’ve quit my joband am now aSlimming WorldConsultant. Not onlythat but I’m competingin the Southport 10krun this month,” sheadded.“Lose Weight Feel Greatteaches you how to lose weightproperly through healthyeating and exercise. I can’trecommend it enough.”To mark the achievements ofLeanne and many others likeher, there’s to be specialfashion show called “LostWeight, Feeling Fabulous!” inthe DW Sports Fitness Loungeat the DW Stadium, RobinPark on Friday 19 October.Doors open from 7pm andtickets are £5. Proceeds will goto Cancer Research and theSupport to ‘live healthy’LOSE Weight Feel Great offers a tailored service whichprovides the three important elementseveryone needs for successful weightmanagement; healthy eating,physical activity and motivationalsupport.The service is carefullydeveloped to help you loseweight and feel great, byencouraging you to move moreand eat more healthily.For moreinformation about therange of services that areavailable as part of ‘LoseWeight Feel Great’, pleasecall 01942 496496 or visitwww.LWFG.co.ukTo book tickets for thefashion show call01942 488 481.price includes a healthy buffet.“This is a chance tocelebrate the achievements ofthose who have been throughthe programme,” said EmmaMartin from Wigan Leisureand Culture Trust.“The models for the showwill be some of our previousand current participantswho’ve lost weight and kept itoff. They’ll tell guests abouttheir experiences on LWFGand how it helped change theirlives.”The event has beensponsored by the ladies’clothes shop, Sassy Robes inMesnes Street. Businesspartners Susan Hornby andWendy Nealen were delightedto be asked to be involved.Susan says: “This is a greatway to show off our wonderfulproducts. We stock sizes from10s to 24s so whatever yourneeds we can find yousomething nice to wear thatmakes you feel confident.”

Three Future Steps group service users are transforming themselves with new skills and opportunitiesRoles models are livingTHE DREAM LIFETHREE young peoplehave been hailed as rolemodels for their positiveattitude.Matthew Richards,Matthew Turnbull and ZosiaDurrington are busy,successful and living theirdreams thanks to supportfrom the Future Steps group.Based at Leigh Sports Village,the service helps people aged14 who have a disability withskills, work experience andemployment. They giveservice users the chance totry out fully accessible ITsuites and get personaladvice.From Friday 2nd November,they will be formallylaunching their service at thesports village with specialguests including comedy folkband favourites TheLancashire Hotpots andLeigh Centurions, plus awealth of otherentertainment and activities.Partner organisations willhave stalls so attendees canget the very best localinformation, including thedisability partnership who’llbe providing information,support and advice toanyone with adisability.LocalserviceusersZosia andthe twoMatthewswill bethere toshow justwhat canbe achieved.MatthewTurnbull said:“I’m really excitedto have been be selectedas a games maker for theOlympic and ParalympicGames in London.” Matthewwill also be volunteering atthe Rugby League World cupin 2013 and in the meantime,he’s looking forward tostarting an apprenticeship asOlympics volunteerMatthew Turnbull.a lifeguard and coach withthe Pelican Group who arerunning Tyldesley Baths.Zosia Durrington hasimproved her confidenceimmensely under the scheme.We featured her in the lastissue of Borough Lifeand she is nowprovidingtraining andmentoring toothershavingcompleteda partnershipcoursewithGroundworkTrust/Greenbankand Active Livingcall on 01942488481, where she’sdeveloping her horticultureand DIY skills.Since starting with FutureSteps in June, MatthewRichards from Leigh hasdeveloped his personal skillsalongside his passion for musicinto a budding career. He said:Busy andsuccessful...Zosia is nowpassing on theskills she learnedto other serviceusers.“I’ve beenvolunteering atReflex night clubin Wigan and haveDJ’d at parties forfriends in different venues.It’s great.” Matthew alsogained studio skills at ‘live’station Bolton FM.Michelle Campbell,Community Based ServicesManager, said: “These youngpeople are now making theirown choices in life and havegained important life skills.Zosia Durrington learns new DIY skillson her partnership course withthe Groundwork Trust.We’re really proud of themand all the service users.Please come along to ourevent on Friday 2nd Novemberto find out if Future Steps canbe of assistance. The day willbe a lot of fun with freeentertainment and activities.Busy year continues for church choirTHE choir from the landmarkLowton church are set for a busyautumn season.Over the years, they’ve touredthe country and have two CDsout. And, to continue this year’sDiamond Jubilee theme, they arecelebrating the church’s muchadmired stained glass eastwindow which was installed incommemoration of QueenVictoria’s Diamond Jubilee.The church, on the crossroadsoff Slag Lane, will be open on18-19thOctober from1pm to 5pmand on the 20thOctober from9.30am to 3pmfor a local artexhibition.There’s a chance to see thechoir on tour at BlackburnCathedral at 3.30pm on 22ndSeptember and in Wigan at theGrand Arcade for carols atlunchtime on 8th December.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 23

Tommy Gouldenin action for theCenturions.Rugby lover Sam isshaping up to be aTOP FANSporting buzz agreat way to hitfitness targetsRUGBY’S a lifestyle choice... so saidTommy Goulden of Leigh Centurions.“It’s a great way to keep fit,” he toldBorough Life. “Especially if you startyoung and really get into it”.Tommy balances being a second rowforward in Leigh with the day job as anelectrician as well as responsibilities as anexpectant father. He’s full of praise forthe training facilities offered at LeighSports Village – and says that he wants tosee more people using the gym and poolto get fit.Tommy also wants to see more fansfollowing the Centurions. “The sound of acrowd cheering us on is unbeatable,” hesaid. “They help us focus so much and getme really buzzing to play well. The WorldCup will be massive for the town. It’s agreat time to join in the rugby party.”Leigh Centurions Chief Executive TrevorBarton MBE said: “I’ve watched Tommyplay rugby since he was seven. His workrate is phenomenal. Tommy shares theClub’s ‘family value’ ethos.“I have an enormous respect for himboth as a player and as an individual.”Boost for healthWIGAN Borough has the first HealthyStadia and Sports Clubs Network to be setup and launched in the UK.Experts have looked at the healthchallenges in the borough and thenetwork will offer sports clubs and stadiathe chance to develop their contributionto the health of their communities.Dr Kate Ardern, executive director ofpublic health, said: “This innovativeprogramme has the potential to have avery positive impact on the health andwellbeing of the whole Borough, and it isgreat to see Wigan taking a national lead.”WE’RE not sure if young SamBithell is a future player forthe Warriors or whether he’llsoon be running the whole SuperLeague. The eight year old from Aspullis, quite frankly, obsessed with thesport.Sam plays, has a season ticket,collects all the programmes, gets his kitautographed – and may well havedesigned the winning mascot for the2013 World Cup.His creation has just been chosen bya panel of local experts following arecent competition. Each host area hasbeen selecting a design which will goforward to the national judging. WiganBorough received over a thousandentries – one of the best rates in thecountry. Sam’s sketch is nowIT’S just over 12 monthsuntil the Rugby LeagueWorld Cup kicks off andtwo of the games will behere in the borough.Leigh Sports Village hostsTonga vs Cook Islands onMonday 5th November andthe runner up of Group A willplay 3rd place group B atthe DW Stadium on Friday16th November.Keep an eye onwww.rlwc2013.comwhere the competitionwill be hosted thisautumn and followthe local news onTwitter @RLWCrepresenting usagainst the likesof Leeds, Hull,Cardiff andFrance.“I used the coloursLeighWiganof the Rugby World Cupto make my mascot,” says Sam. “He’scalled Grubber the Gorilla and I wantpeople to vote for him.”Sam and his brother Jake don’t justwatch the game on television or play ontheir Xbox, they go to Warriors Camps,play in the community and keepthemselves fit as well. And it all startedwhen the family were given a ticket toattend a game at the DW Stadium a fewyears back. “Mum loves it,” Sam says.“She cheers the team on even louderthan dad!”World cup... one year to goThe council’s cabinet lead forleisure (and massive rugby fan)Cllr Chris Ready, says: “Fans cannow put the local fixture datesin their diaries. Tickets go ongeneral sale on Friday 25thOctober 2012 – and it wouldbe great to see new faces atthose games – people like SamBithell and his family, whowent to one game and reallyenjoyed the experience.”24 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

Janine Pevitt from Barnardo’s: “Thiskind of information is invaluableand I have never seen a piece ofwork that delivers it so clearly. Thisis also the first piece of peer-ledsexual exploitation training I haveseen. It is ground-breaking work.”Youth worker Deb Hall: “The girlshave a lot of credibility withyounger audiences. It has been along journey for them to reach thislevel of professionalism but now thetraining they are delivering alongwith this DVD is second to none. It isa subject they really care about.”Kath Vereycken, head of Wigan'sSafeguarding Board: “We stronglysupport this. I’ve taken the DVD todifferent meetings and I have to sayeveryone has been really impressedwith it – and these are high levelsprofessionals saying this from thecouncil, police and health services.”DVD drives homeSAFETY MESSAGEALowton youth group hastaken the next step toeducate young peopleacross the borough andbeyond about sexualexploitation.Young women from LowtonGirls’ Group have alreadybecome the ‘go to’ girls todeliver education on thesubject after being trained asspecialists by Wigan Councilyouth workers and thenational Child Exploitationand Online Protection (CEOP)Centre.Now the girls have producedan educational DVD called‘LGG News – SexualExploitation and OnlineProtection’.The work of the group, runby Wigan Council’s Voice andEngagement Team, hasalready had the backing ofGreater Manchester Police,Barnardo’s and WiganBorough’s Safeguarding Board.Girls’ group member GeorgeHall says she response hasMembers ofthe LowtonGirls’ Group.been overwhelming. She says:“The young people we haveworked with so far have beenshocked at what we are tellingthem. They didn’t realise thissort of thing went on. But theysaid they trusted theinformation because we’reyoung people too.”George says that the DVDmakes viewers think abouthow they might be at risk, thesafety measures they can takeand what they can dodifferently when they areonline.“By the end of our trainingyoung people are asking usquestions about how to staysafe on Facebook andhow certain safetyfeatures work,”she adds.The girlshavealreadydeliveredtraining athighprofileevents.They also siton the boardAction from thegirls’ DVD on thedangers of sexualexploitation.Lowton Girls’ Groupmeet every Monday from6 – 8.30pm at Lowton YouthClub in Newton Road. Newmembers are always welcome.For more information on how toget a copy of the DVD for yourschool or group contact WiganCouncil’s Voice andEngagement Teamon 01942 486237.for YAPPERS, anationwide group ofyoung people thatcome together fourtimes a year to sharetheir views andopinions on childsexual exploitation.Their message issimple: if you areever in a situationwhere you feel atrisk of sexualexploitation thenspeak up – no matterwhat you have beentold, people willbelieve you.Tell a trusted adultsuch as a parent,teacher or youthworker or contactthe police, CEOP, Barnardo’sor the NSPCC.If you are online, don’t eventhink about using social mediaif you don’t understand theprivacy settings, keep yourcomputer’s security softwareup to date and remember thatanything you place onlinecould be shared withstrangers.The girls worked with alocal film maker in amock newsroomsetting.Theypresented themessage andincludedexpertopinions andon the streetinterviews allacted out byLowton GirlsGroup members.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 25

The proud day as Joncarried the OlympicTorch through Wigan.Wigan’s multi-OlympianWANTS MOREWITH schoolfor third division Widnescontemporaries like Raiders. Word soon spreadSean Long and Ian about his abilities and withinLucas, it’s not surprising that a year he was playing for hisPemberton’s Jon Pollock country with Great Britainwould get theJuniors as well and insporting bug.Europe.He’s been in theBut it’s fair tosay that Jon isnot a man to gofor halfmeasures – he’smassivelycompetitive,hungry for successand has a string of medalsand championship successesto his name.And at 35, Jon’s justcompeted in his fourthParalympic Games andfully intends to bein Rio.At 14, Jontried for awheelchairbasketballteam.“Everyoneelse had reallyhigh techwheelchairs,”he said.“I just had anordinary one – but Icould run rings roundthem. They said I had anatural talent.”Jon was quickly signed upFollowthe sport andfind out more atwww.gbwba.org.ukelite team since1997 andcontinued towork his way upthe rankings. Inthe 2004 Games, hewas mentored by SirSteve Redgrave. He’sfull of praise for theProfiles Gym at RobinPark.“I get on the court area forsome practice,” said Jon. It’s agreat facility and Irecommend it.”Jon is back to form afterinjury last yearbut whenasked aboutwhere wecan seehim afterthe Gameshesmiled:“Aroundthe pubsin Pem.”We arechangingour refusecollectionsWE can’tafford notto makethesechanges.Putsimply,landfillcosts,recycling saves. If wedon’t make these changes thecost to the council (and localtaxpayers) will be up to £14million more between now and2020 – money that will have tobe found from elsewhere.This year landfill tax costs £64a tonne. This tax will rise everyyear up to 2014 when it will be£80 a tonne – costing WiganCouncil (and local taxpayers) anadditional £375,000 per year ifsending waste to landfill is notreduced.We have to modernise ourcollection system to maximisewhat we recycle and reducewhat we send to landfill.Disposal through landfill must bethe last option for our waste.But although many residentsare doing their bit and helping usto recycle and compost more ofthe borough’s waste, largequantities are still sent todisposal and we need to dobetter still.The new bin collections willhelp us achieve our targetrecycling rates of 45 per cent by2015 and 50 per cent by 2020 –and spend less, which willultimately help us protectessential council services.The recycling services alreadyintroduced helped us save almost£2.5 million during 2011/12.It’s now more important thanever you recycle as much as youcan so you can fit two weeks’worth of waste in your black bin.For a list of what can and can’tgo in each of your bins, includingyour new food caddy, visit the‘Which Bin’ section of thewebsite.Find out yournew collection dates -look at your collectioncalendar which wedelivered recently or checkthe online calendar atwww.wigan.gov.uk/recycling26 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

Bring out your bins...AND HELP USGO GREENERGOOD news for the environment, to provide kerbside facilities for allbetter value for council tax payers, our waste and recycling that willnew legislation and a moresave £14 million through to 2020 andefficient service – that’s the thinking protect other essential front linebehind the upcoming changes toservices.”residents’ waste services.Council director of environmentBy now virtually all households will Terry Dunn says the changes mayhave their food caddy service which will take a bit of getting used to. “But ascompliment the new cycle of binthe system beds in, the really goodcollections that includes black bins being news is that you will be able tocollected every other week.dispose of almost all of your foodEach household will have a kerbside waste in your green bin. If youcollection of their bins every weekdon’t have a green bin, please usebut the type of bin emptiedyour new green outdoorwill alternate. Thecaddy. With the steadycouncil will collectimprovement in the rangeblack bins everyof recycling facilities we’veother week –introduced, less and lessitems in this binneeds to go in the blackwill go tobins and we can cut thecostly landfill.amount sent to landfill,Green andwhich is great news forbrown binsthe environment andare emptiedfor all our futures.”every otherRecycling rates areweek and theup to nearly 37 perblue bin everyfour weeks, allyear round.Cllr KevinAnderson, thecouncil’s portfolio holderfor the environment, says:“As all our residents will be aware, thesignificant public spending cuts driven byCentral Government has led to sometough decisions by the council. But evenin this difficult financialclimate, the councilhas beenableAn environmentally friendlyalternative as food wastegoes in the green binfor recycling.cent. The target is 45per cent by 2015.As the rounds change,you’re likely to see differentrefuse crews working withinyour area. You can also expectchanges to the time of day when yourbin is emptied. In order to make moreefficient use of vehicles and time, thesechanges to collectionOverflowingbins will be athing of the pastunder the newsystem.rounds may mean that anarea which would havenormally had a collection early morningmay now have a collection in theafternoon. Go online for all the localdetail at www.wigan.gov.uk/recyclingTerry Dunn adds: “It is important thatcustomers put their bins out on time.Please make sure your bins are out from7am and that you bring them back in assoon as you can the same day.”To ensure the service works as smoothlyas possible, the council has also investedin 23 new vehicles that will improve thereliability of its fleet. They are alldeployed on the frontline as domesticrefuse vehicles.A small number of properties on ruralrounds or with communal bins will jointhe scheme later, once the main servicehas been assessed.The councilcurrently collectsover 99 per cent ofits bins every weekfrom a total of 15million collectionsa year!One of the new fleetof wagons which is drivingthe borough’s recycling initiative.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 27

Local Democracy Week5-21 OCTOBERYour local elected Member is thereto represent the community andhelp you with local issues. They holdregular surgeries and can be contactedonline or on the phone. Councillors arethere for you throughout the year. They getinvolved with housing problems, improving theenvironment, helping people have their say on planning applications andworking with the police to fight anti-social behaviour.Contacting your councillorCouncillors hold regular surgeries where you can discuss matters in confidence.Surgery details are published on our website at: www.wigan.gov.ukYour councillors can also be contacted directly by phone or email.ABRAMDuring October, we’ll be promoting their work strongly as part of anational week of activities – watch the local press and the council’s socialmedia feeds for details of how you can get involved and learn moreabout the democratic structure of the council.Martyn Smethurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 205255M.Smethurst@wigan.gov.ukEunice Smethurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 736228E.Smethurst@wigan.gov.ukCarl Sweeney (Lab)Tel: 01942 864328C.Sweeney@wigan.gov.ukASHTONASPULL-NEW SPRINGS-WHELLEYNigel Ash (Lab)Tel: 01942 736216N.Ash@wigan.gov.ukJoel Haddley (Lab)Tel: 01942 487689J.Haddley@wigan.gov.ukBill Clarke (Lab)Tel: 01942 487673B.Clarke@wigan.gov.ukRon Conway (Lab)Tel: 01942 486853R.Conway@wigan.gov.ukJohn Hilton (Lab)Tel: 01942 736215J.Hilton@wigan.gov.ukChris Ready (Lab)Tel: 01942 736218C.Ready@wigan.gov.ukASTLEY-MOSLEY COMMONATHERLEIGHBrendan Bowen (Lab)Tel: 01942 873773B.Bowen@wigan.gov.ukJoanne Platt (Lab)Tel: 01942 487672Joanne.Platt@wigan.gov.ukBarry Taylor (Lab)Tel: 01942 486854B.Taylor@wigan.gov.ukMark Aldred (Lab)Tel: 01942 894262M.Aldred@wigan.gov.ukSusan Loudon (Lab)Tel: 01942 897240S.Loudon@wigan.gov.ukPam Stewart (Lab)Tel: 01942 486855P.Stewart@wigan.gov.ukATHERTONBRYNKaren Aldred (Lab)Tel: 01942 894262K.Aldred@wigan.gov.ukNorman Bradbury (Ind)Tel: 01942 895671N.Bradbury@wigan.gov.ukDOUGLASJamie Hodgkinson (Ind)Tel: 01942 487679Jamie.Hodgkinson@wigan.gov.ukDon Hodgkinson (Ind) Ann Rampling (Lab)Tel: 01942 776252 Tel: 01942 486856Don.Hodgkinson@wigan.gov.uk A.Rampling@wigan.gov.ukGary Wilkes (Ind)Tel: 01942 736478G.Wilkes@wigan.gov.ukGOLBORNE AND LOWTON WESTJoy Birch (Lab)Tel: 01942 736233J.Birch@wigan.gov.ukMike Dewhurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 736247M.Dewhurst@wigan.gov.ukShirley Dewhurst (Lab)Tel: 01942 736247Shirley.Dewhurst@wigan.gov.ukGed Bretherton (Lab)Tel: 01942 736232G.Bretherton@wigan.gov.ukStuart Keane (Lab)Tel: 01942 487683S.Keane@wigan.gov.ukYvonne Klieve (Lab)Tel: 01942 275808Y.Klieve@wigan.gov.ukHINDLEYHINDLEY GREENJim Churton (Lab)Tel: 01942 522734J.Eccles-Churton@wigan.gov.ukJim Ellis (Ind)Tel: 01942 736258James.Ellis@wigan.gov.ukJames Talbot (Lab)Tel: 01942 736256J.Talbot@wigan.gov.ukBob Brierley (Ind)Tel: 01942 736259R.Brierley@wigan.gov.ukFrank Carmichael (Ind)Tel: 01942 487687F.Carmichael@wigan.gov.ukKier Stitt (Lab)Tel: 01942 486857K.Stitt@wigan.gov.uk28 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

INCELEIGH EASTJanice Sharratt (Lab)Tel: 01942 487682J.Sharratt@wigan.gov.ukDavid Molyneux (Lab)Tel: 01942 495083D.Molyneux@wigan.gov.ukJim Moodie (Lab)Tel: 01942 776184J.Moodie@wigan.gov.ukAnita Thorpe (Lab)Tel: 01942 487681A.Thorpe@wigan.gov.ukKeith Cunliffe (Lab)Tel: 01942 736251K.Cunliffe@wigan.gov.ukFred Walker (Lab)Tel: 01942 897278F.Walker@wigan.gov.ukLEIGH SOUTHLEIGH WESTKevin Anderson (Lab)Tel: 01942 736250K.Anderson@wigan.gov.ukJohn O’Brien (Lab)Tel: 01942 677148J.O’Brien@wigan.gov.ukCharles Rigby (Lab)Tel: 01942 736206C.Rigby@wigan.gov.ukSusan Greensmith (Lab)Tel: 01942 736204S.Greensmith@wigan.gov.ukPeter Smith (Lab)Tel: 01942 604496P.Smith@wigan.gov.ukMyra Whiteside (Lab)Tel: 01942 776273M.Whiteside@wigan.gov.ukLOWTON EASTORRELLJames Grundy (Con)Tel: 01942 601488James.Grundy@wigan.gov.ukJames Cowley (Lab)Tel: 01942 486858J.Cowley@wigan.gov.ukPEMBERTONPam Gilligan (Lab)Tel: 01942 487680P.Gilligan@wigan.gov.ukKelly Ready (Lab)Tel: 01942 487675Kelly.Ready@wigan.gov.ukDavid Arrowsmith (Lab)Tel: 01942 486859D.Arrowsmith@wigan.gov.ukStephen Murphy (Lab)Tel: 01942 487688Stephen.Murphy@wigan.gov.ukSHEVINGTON WITH LOWER GROUNDBarbara Bourne (Lab)Tel: 01942 736235B.Bourne@wigan.gov.ukJeanette Prescott (Lab)Tel: 01942 736242J.Prescott@wigan.gov.ukSTANDISH WITH LANGTREEPaul Prescott (Lab)Tel: 01942 736242Paul.Prescott@wigan.gov.ukMike Crosby (Lab)Tel: 01942 486860M.Crosby@wigan.gov.ukPaul Collins (Lab)Tel: 01942 487684Paul.Collins@wigan.gov.ukTYLDESLEYDamian Edwardson (Lab)Tel: 01942 487674D.Edwardson@wigan.gov.ukThe councillorhas asked usnot to includea photo.Gareth Fairhurst (Standish Ind) George Fairhurst (Standish Ind)Tel: 0845 900 2882 Tel: 01257 407078Gareth.Fairhurst@wigan.gov.uk George.Fairhurst@wigan.gov.ukEmma McGurrin (Lab)Tel: 01942 486861E.McGurrin@wigan.gov.ukRobert Bleakley (Lib Dem)Tel: 01942 897560R.Bleakley@wigan.gov.ukPaul Valentine (Lib Dem)Tel: 01942 486862P.Valentine@wigan.gov.ukStephen Hellier (Lab)Tel: 01942 896616S.Hellier@wigan.gov.ukWIGAN CENTRALWIGAN WESTLol Hunt (Lab)Tel: 07766 478296L.Hunt@wigan.gov.ukGeorge Davies (Lab)Tel: 01942 486864George.Davies@wigan.gov.ukMichael McLoughlin (Lab)Tel: 01942 487686M.McLoughlin@wigan.gov.ukSteve Dawber (Lab)Tel: 01942 487690Steve.Dawber@wigan.gov.ukPhyll Cullen (Lab)Tel: 01942 736257P.Cullen@wigan.gov.ukTerence Halliwell (Lab)Tel: 01695 628386T.Halliwell@wigan.gov.ukWINSTANLEYWORSLEY MESNESPaul Kenny (Lab)Tel: 01942 487677P.Kenny@wigan.gov.ukClive Morgan (Lab)Tel: 01942 486880C.Morgan@wigan.gov.ukRona Winkworth (Lab)Tel: 01942 736229R.Winkworth@wigan.gov.ukPhil Kelly (Lab)Tel: 01942 487678P.Kelly@wigan.gov.ukLynne Holland (Lab)Tel: 01942 736255P.Holland@wigan.gov.ukBilly Rotherham (Lab)Tel: 01942 495091W.Rotherham@wigan.gov.ukBOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 29

Autumn 2012What’sONFor full details of all special and regular eventsand festivals, pick up a What’s On brochure atyour local library or visit www.wlct.org/whatsonArts and FestivalsWed 19th Sept, 7:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL:NORTHERN SOUL NIGHTWith D.J. Russ WinstanleyOriginal Wigan Casino DJ7.30pm/2.00am. Jack’s Night Club,Ashton Tickets from Ashton Library£4.50. On door £5.00.Thurs 20th Sept, 6:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL:LET THE CHILDREN SING6.30pm St.Edmund ArrowsmithSchool Tickets from Ashton Library£4.50. Pay on the door £5.00.Children £3.00.Fri 21st Sept, 8pmASHTON FESTIVAL:IRISH NIGHT8.00pm Brian Boru ClubIrish Duo Keep it Country andChampion Irish Dancer JosephKeegan. £3.00.Sat 22nd Sept, 10amASHTON FESTIVAL:THE BIG CRUMBLE10am/2.00pm – Ashton Market.Sat 22nd Sep, 7:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL:GREENALL’S BRASS BAND7.30pm St.Thomas’ ChurchTickets from Ashton Library £4.50Pay on the door £5.00.Sun 23th SeptRUN4ALIFE 2012Haigh Hall, WiganWigan Rotary Club’s run4alife 2012in aid of men’s cancer research. Tobook a place call 07813 471000 orvisit www.run4alife.com5K Family Fun Run, starts 12 noon– Adults £8 / under 18’s £5. Familyof 4 £20. 10K Run, starts 9.30am –Adults £10 / under 18’s £8. Pay onday £12.Tue 2nd Oct - Sat 6 Oct, 7:30pmNATURAL CAUSESTyldesley Little Theatre, LemonStreet, TyldesleyA Black Comedy. Dark comedy atits best from the writer oftelevision’s ‘Rising Damp’ and TLT’Sprevious hit comedy ‘Summer End’.Ticket line 01204 655619. Forfurther information telephone01942 886908Sun 7th Oct, 11:45am-3pmDIAMOND JUBILEEAUTUMN FAYRESt Mary’s Church Hall, NewtonRoad, Lowton, WN7 1EG.Be greeted by royalty and enjoyBBQ, Refreshments, Games, Stalls,Face Painting, Soft Toy Tombola,Mystery Prizes and lots more.Sun 28th Oct, 2pmTHAT’S ALL FOLKSFormby Hall, AthertonPay at the door.Sun 16th SeptASHTON FESTIVALCIRCULAR WALKAshton AreaTime to be confirmed. A ranger led9 mile walk around the Ashtonarea. Packed lunch, sturdy footwearand weather proof clothingrequired. Booking Essential. Tel:01942 720453Mon 22nd Oct - Sun 28th OctHALLOWEEN HALF TERMACTIVITIESVarious ParksLook out for Halloween / half termactivities in your local park. See ourwebsite www.wlct.org/parks fordetails closer to the time.Haigh Country ParkSun 2nd SeptAFTERNOON TEAHaigh HallAfternoon Tea Sunday 2ndSeptember £9.95 per person. To booktelephone 01942 832895. £9.95Fri 7th Sept, 7:30pmFAWLTY TOWERS EVENINGHaigh HallAn hilarious evening in thecompany of Basil, Manuel andSybil. Enjoy a 4 course dinner andsome unique fun and madnessFawlty Towers style. Dinner servedat 8pm. To book telephone 01942832895. £29Sun 9th Sep, 12pm-4pmSUNDAY CARVERYHaigh HallCome and experience our popularcarveries served between 12-4pm,all with entertainment and 3courses. To book telephone 01942832895. £12.50 adults,Concessionary £5.95 children.Sun 7th OctWEDDING SHOWCASEHaigh HallFor further information telephone01942 832895. FREESun 14th Oct, 12pm-4pmSUNDAY CARVERYHaigh HallCome and experience our popularcarveries served between 12-4pm,all with entertainment and 3courses. To book telephone 01942832895. £12.50 adults,Concessionary £5.95 children.Fri 26th Oct, 7:30pmCASINO NIGHTHaigh HallViva Las Vegas! After being met byour glitzy Vegas girls you will enjoy a4-course dinner followed by accessto all the fun and games of thecasino! Dinner served at 8pm. Tobook telephone 01942 832895. £29LibrariesFri 18th May - Sat 10th NovFROM THE WORD GO!Museum of Wigan LifeFrom the Word Go! is the firstexhibition created by our YouthHeritage Action Team. In the year ofthe London Olympics the exhibitioncelebrates the borough’s sportingachievements past and present.Find out about our top athletes,world famous sports, and the localheroes who have championed sportin the community.Sun 16th Sep, 1pm-2:30pmSUPER SUMMER – JUNKMODELLINGMuseum of Wigan LifePlease book, £2.50 per childCome and create your ownmasterpiece at the museum thissummer. With a new theme everyweek, and as much junk as youlike, bring your imagination!Suitable for children from 4-1101942 828128. £2.50Thu 20th Sep - Thu 25th Oct,12:45pm-1:30pmHUNGRY HISTORIESMuseum of Wigan LifeBring your lunch and grab a coffeeor tea as our local history experts30 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012

satisfy your history cravings. Fordetails of speakers, please contactthe museum. Thursdays: 20, 27 Sep,4, 11, 18, 25 Oct. 01942 828128FREE.Thu 20th Sep - Thu 25th Oct,6pm-7:30pmFAMILY HISTORY FORBEGINNERSMuseum of Wigan LifeBooking is essentialLearn about sources, websites andhow to research and plan.Thursdays: 20, 27 Sep, 4, 11, 18, 25Oct. 01942 828128. £12 for thecourse.Sat 22nd Sept - Sat 27th OctANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITIONTurnpike Gallery.Open to amateurs and professionalsfrom across the borough, a chanceto see an exciting variety ofpaintings, drawings, photographyand sculpture.Sun 23rd Sept, 1pm-2:30pmSUPER SUMMER – JUNKMODELLINGMuseum of Wigan LifePlease book, £2.50 per childCome and create your ownmasterpiece at the museum thissummer. With a new theme everyweek, and as much junk as youlike, bring your imagination!Suitable for children from 4-1101942 828128. £2.50Tue 25th Sept, 10:30am-12pmCOFFEE, CAKE & CULTUREMuseum of Wigan LifeLotions, Potions and PoulticePlease book.At our regular interactive heritageworkshops, learn, discuss, reminisceand enjoy a slice of cake withcoffee or tea. 01942 828128. £3Thu 27th Sept, 6:30pm-7:45pmAN EVENING WITH…Museum of Wigan LifePlease book, £2.50, lightrefreshments. 01942 828128. £2.50Fri 28th Sept, 2pm-3:30pmLOCAL HISTORY COURSEMuseum of Wigan LifeVictorian WiganFridays from 28 SeptemberJoin us as we explore VictorianWigan and find out what it waslike to live in a thriving industrialtown. You will discover the humancost of living in unsanitary housingand we will also look at thebrighter side of life during theperiod including local identity andpride. Fridays: 28 Sep, 5, 12, 19, 26Oct, 2 Nov. 01942 828128. £20 forthe course.Mon 1st Oct, 2pm-3:30pmPALAEOGRAPHY PRACTICEMuseum of Wigan LifeMedieval to Modern Handwritingfor Experts.Informal drop-in sessions for thosewith a basic understanding ofpalaeography styles over the ages,transcribing original documentsfrom the archives in a group. FREETue 2nd Oct, 10:30am-12pmCOFFEE, CAKE & CULTUREMuseum of Wigan LifeSuperstitions, Old Sayings andWords of Wisdom. Please book. Atour regular interactive heritageworkshops, learn, discuss, reminisceand enjoy a slice of cake withcoffee or tea. 01942 828128. £3Tue 9th Oct, 10:30am-12pmCOFFEE, CAKE & CULTUREMuseum of Wigan LifeMake Do, Milk Bars and Mini Skirts.Please book. At our regularinteractive heritage workshops,learn, discuss, reminisce and enjoya slice of cake with coffee or tea.01942 828128. £3Tue 16th Oct,10:30am-12pmCOFFEE, CAKE & CULTUREMuseum of Wigan LifeExplore Our History Mystery Chest.Please book. At our regularinteractive heritage workshops,learn, discuss, reminisce and enjoya slice of cake with coffee or tea.01942 828128. £316-20th Oct, 7.30pmMR WONDERFUL –A PLAY BY JAMES ROBSONSt Joseph’s Hall, off Mather Lane,LeighThe story of a single woman as shesearches for Mr Right whilstlooking after her bedridden mother.£7 children £3.50Mon 22nd Oct - Mon 19thNov, 11am-12:30pmAN INTRODUCTION TO OLDHANDWRITING: MEDIEVAL TOMODERN PALAEOGRAPHYMuseum of Wigan LifeBooking is essential.Learn how to decode handwritingand bring documents alive in thisfive week course, ideal for familyand local historians. From the middleages to the present day, get handytips on how to read archive recordsand develop your confidence ininterpreting these sources. Mondays:22, 29 Oct, 5, 12, 19 Nov. 01942404430. £15 for the course.Tue 23rd Oct, 10:30am-12pmCOFFEE, CAKE & CULTUREMuseum of Wigan LifeSchooldays: Hands Up If You LoveThem. Please book. At our regularinteractive heritage workshops,learn, discuss, reminisce and enjoya slice of cake with coffee or tea.01942 828128. £3.Thu 25th Oct, 6:30pm-7:45pmAN EVENING WITH...Museum of Wigan LifeAn Evening with...Glen AtkinsonWhat the papers said: outtakesfrom local Victorian newsThursday 25 October, 6.30-7.45pmPlease book, £2.50, lightrefreshments. 01942 828128. £2.50Sat 27th & 28th Oct,11am-4pmPOWER FESTTrencherfield Mill, WiganActivities for everyone to celebrateManchester Science Week -demonstrations, boat rides and ofcourse the fantastic Steam Engine.For further information telephone01942 828128. There may be a smallcharge for some activities. FREETue 30th Oct, 10:30am-12pmCOFFEE, CAKE & CULTUREMuseum of Wigan LifeThe Way We Used To Live. Pleasebook. At our regular interactiveheritage workshops, learn, discuss,reminisce and enjoy a slice of cakewith coffee or tea. 01942 828128. £3Mon 29th Oct, 1-2.30pm,Thurs 1st Nov, 1-2.30pmWITCHES & WIZARDSMuseum of Wigan LifeHalf-termPlease book, £2.50 per childMake your own witchy andwizardly hats and wands and othermagical crafts! Suitable for childrenfrom 4 -11. 01942 828128.Sat 3rd Nov, 11am-2.30pmSUPER SATURDAYMuseum of Wigan LifeLightshaw Family FestivalDiscover the beauty and nature ofLightshaw Meadows, with exhibits,crafts and demonstrations from RedRose Forest. 01942 828128. FREEMon 5 Nov, 2-3.30pmPALAEOGRAPHY PRACTICE:MEDIEVAL TO MODERNHANDWRITING FOR EXPERTSMuseum of Wigan LifeInformal drop-in sessions for thosewith a basic understanding ofpalaeography styles over the ages,transcribing original documentsfrom the archives in a group.01942 828128. FREE10th Nov - 20th Dec 2012THE BEST OF BRITISH CLUBTurnpike Gallery, Turnpike Centre,Leigh WN7 1EBPhotography 2012The Photographic Alliance of GreatBritain shows the very best of Clubphotography in Britain in 2012.01942 404420.24th Nov 2012 - 6th April 2013MAKE IT, SPIN IT, CAN ITMuseum of Wigan LifeSince the 19th century, our townshave been powerhouses ofproductivity, creativity andinnovation. Immerse yourself in theborough’s manufacturing historywith this family friendly exhibition.Thurs 29nd Nov, 5.30-7pmCHRISTMAS PREVIEW NIGHTMuseum of Wigan LifePrepare for Christmas with anexclusive first look at our newChristmas gifts and cards, withwine and nibbles. 01942 828128.Mon 3rd Dec, 2-3.30pmPALAEOGRAPHY PRACTICE:MEDIEVAL TO MODERNHANDWRITING FOR EXPERTSMuseum of Wigan LifeInformal drop-in sessions for thosewith a basic understanding ofpalaeography styles over the ages,transcribing original documentsfrom the archives in a group.01942 828128. FREEFri 2nd NovFUTURE STEPS LAUNCH EVENTLeigh Sports Village(see article this issue).Sun 4th NovBONFIRE SUPPERHaigh hosts one of the town’s bestannual bonfires and fireworkevents. This year, bring the familyinto the warmth of the Hall. Enjoya hot supper before steppingoutside and enjoying the evening’scelebrations. Supper served from4.00pm. Reservations essential.£10 adults. £6 children. £28 familyticket (2 adults and 2 children).Sun 25th NovCHRISTMAS CARVERYA festive 4-course carvery servedwithin the Grand Ballroom alongwith Christmas cheer provided withcarols courtesy of members of theWigan Community Choir. Carverysittings available from 12pm –4.00pm. Reservations essential.£17.50 adults. £9.95 children.Sat 1st DecCHRISTMAS CASINO NIGHTEnjoy a 4-course dinner beforetrying your hand at Roulette,Blackjack and other great fungames. Dinner with DJ and dancing‘til late. Dinner served 8.00pm. £29per person.Sun 2nd DecCHRISTMAS CARVERYA 4-course carvery served withinthe Grand Ballroom and traditionalfestive entertainment courtesy ofthe Walkden and Farnworth BrassBand. Carvery sittings availablefrom 12pm-4pm. Reservationsessential. £17.50 adults. £9.95children.BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2012 31

WIGANBUSINESSEXPO➔ More than120 exhibitors.➔ Informative seminarsdelivered by high profilekey note speakers.FREE➔ Free, impartial one-to-one advicethrough Meet the Experts.➔ Opportunity to Meet the Buyers(appointments must be bookedin advance via the website).TO ATTEND AND NOPRE-REGISTRATION REQUIREDFRIDAY 12TH OCT 2O12 8AM TO 3PMDW STADIUM, LOIRE DRIVE, WIGAN WN5 0UHWWW.WIGANBUSINESSEXPO.CO.UKTO STAY INFORMED ABOUT WIGAN BUSINESS EXPO TWENTY12,FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN & TWITTERFACEBOOK.COM/WIGANBUSINESSEXPO @WIGANEXPO (SEARCH WIGAN BUSINESS EXPO)