Welcome - looking back and forward
Let's start by thanking the person who posted this edition through your letterbox. Maybe it's a neighbour who offered to deliver to your street; most definitely, it's a member of the community.
Almost 50 community members helped out with the delivery of the Autumn edition. We think Billy was the youngest
delivery team member when he accompanied his Mum in delivering on First, Second and Third Avenue.
As is becoming customary, we start with a round up of all the good stuff that's been happening in the community since the last edition.
The Autumn edition took us to September 2023, so we'll continue from October last year.
Our Story - Continued
OCTOBER 2023
Members of the community who care about mental health and wellbeing took a trip to Doncaster to see firsthand the community-led peer support they offer. They were amazed by how neighbours look after and support each other and how that was resourced and supported.
The community members subsequently held a meeting asking people who are fed up with the number of people we are losing to suicide to come together. We invited Ellie of Epic Hope to join us as we liked the idea of creating a Harbour, somewhere safe where people who are having a tough time can come together and support one another. See page 10.
In half term, we hosted two family play days. At St Anne's,
we played bingo, drank hot chocolate and paraded fancy dress costumes before setting off for a spooky Halloween walk in the woods.
At St Andrew's, we enjoyed a crafty day in the school with Sandra, Jayne, and community members. We also hosted a children's toy market at St Andrew's Parish Centre. Children set up stalls and invited other children to come and buy their wares.
NOVEMBER
November saw a community cash event, where community members vote to invest in good ideas. That evening, there were four pitches from St Andrew's, the Playbox Campaign group, the family craft club, and a local reiki practitioner.
Northern Heart & Soul a community interest company who are also members of the community organising group, took on the lease of 55A Park Rd and named it CommUnity Corner.
DECEMBER
December is always a busy month. We held Christmas Afternoon Tea, worked with
Media Cubs (who you'll remember from the last edition) to launch the Playbox Campaign
Groups' crowdfunder, and visited local primary schools dressed as elves to collect letters to Santa. We then returned with personalised letters from Santa.
RENOVATING CC
HALLOWEEN WALK
CHRISTMAS ELVES
JANUARY
We started the year with a panto trip to Bolton to watch Cinderella. It was such a popular trip that tickets sold out within 8 minutes.
We opened CommUnity Corner and invited community members to come take a look and think about what we may like to see happening there.
Ben, a member of the organising group and the person who looks after the cash, offered stargazing from St Anne's garden. We got to see Mercury up close, even if we couldn't feel our fingers.
FEBRUARY
We learned that we'd been successful in our application to the Angling Trust for community fishing equipment. It's going to
be great seeing families, friends and neighbours fishing together.
We paid Epic Hope to offer free training sessions for those wanting to become more confident when having conversations with people who are having a tough time. 30 members of the community took part.
MARCH
Cats Guidance Rescue hosted a pop-up shop along with Custard the Cat, bringing well-known brands at discounted prices to the community.
We launched a family savings club, celebrated International Women's Day, hosted a community cash event where we distributed £295, held an afternoon tea, a creative writing circle and learned that we'd been successful with a funding application to Wigan Council to help connect neighbours, particularly those who might not get out or might not feel welcome for a variety of reasons.
APRIL
The Easter holidays saw more opportunities for families to enjoy spending time together. We made our way to Bolton for panto again, this time to watch Pinocchio.
The Playbox returned for a week, thanks to Cllrs Ramsdale and Wood. We had fun and used the time to fundraise and explore the design of our very own Playbox. We hosted our first Clothes Swap and set up a members lottery to raise money for the Playbox and Community Cash.
So that's some of what happened. Now, what's on the horizon?
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
AFTERNOON TEA
St Anne's Community Centre
18th June 12.30-2.30pm
17th September 12.30-2.30pm 10th December 12.30-2.30pm
Tickets available from Facebook or CommUnity Corner
COMMUNITY CASH
CommUnity Corner
5th June - 6.30-8pm 16th October - 6.30-8pm
AGM AND OFFICIAL OPENING
CommUnity Corner
11th May 11am-2pm
Celebrating all we've done together lately and inviting people to see how we make decisions and spend money.
COMMUNITY PARTY
Diggle Street Park 29th June 12-3pm
POP UP MARKET
CommUnity Corner. Grab some great bargains and
support Cats Guidance 8th June 10am-2pm Saturday 17th August 10am-2pm
COMMUNITY AWARDS
Nominations open between 17th June and 14th July.
COMMUNITY AWARDS NIGHT 6th September
THE 4TH ANNUAL SPRINGFIELD DOG SHOW
24th July at Gidlow Field. Registrations from 5.15pm
STAR GAZING
PANTO
CUSTARD THE CAT
CommUnity Corner
For the last few years, the people who organise the community group have been using community spaces all over the place, whether that be St Andrew's School and Parish Centre, Book Cycle, St Anne's Garden, the parks, Beech Hill Primary School, Bird Ith Hand, The Wellfield Hotel and St Anne's Community Centre.
It became clear to us that we needed some roots, a place we could call home whilst still visiting our community venues so that everyone can join in with something close to their doorstep.
Thanks to some investment from Greater Manchester System Changers, the Directors of Northern Heart and Soul CiC, who are also members of the community organising group, decided to take on the lease of 55A Park Rd in November 2023, renaming it CommUnity Corner and open it up to community use.
It's a place where people can be together, make new friends and share their skills with others. It opened mid-January and is
already a vibrant and bustling little place with plans to develop outdoor seating and growing areas.
Big thanks to Co-Op Funeral Care, who applied for funding for kitchen equipment, small tables and chairs.
To Cllrs Sheila Ramsdale and Dave Wood for investing Brighter Boroughs monies to help with the cost of crafting tables, stacking chairs, catering equipment and sewing machines; and to Wigan Council for the Investing in Communities grant.
And most importantly, to every community member who has offered time, skills, support and pre-loved equipment and resources.
How we use the building is growing and evolving all the time. Over the page you'll see more about what's on.
COMMUNITY CORNER ON PARK ROAD
WHAT'S ON at CommUnity Corner
MONDAY we call Mainly Men. Between 11am-3pm, there's a space in CommUnity Corner where men can be together, have a chat, eat biscuits and chew the fat. "It gets us out of the house", says one man. "We can have interesting conversations with other men," "It's nice to chat with other men. The conversation is very different to that with women."
Monday evenings are for creativity and are hosted by Sammie & Gina. To date, people have enjoyed Calligraphy and Polymer Clay classes. Event info and bookings are usually circulated through the Facebook group & the WhatsApp Community.
TUESDAY is open to all between 9:30-3pm. In the yellow room (during term time) we have Conversational English classes between 10-11.30am. Fortnightly in the afternoon from 1.30-3pm, Ian, who volunteers for TechMates, is around to offer support with all things around getting online.
We open once a fortnight on Tuesday evening between 6.30-8.30pm. (On the alternate week we're at St Anne's). We have a Harbour in the yellow room, and manga art classes hosted by two young women in the cafe space. It's also a time when people can just call in for a brew and a chat, come along to share a story or an idea, or see what's on offer to buy.
WEDNESDAY We're open to all from 11-3pm. If you want to come in and paint, use the sewing machines, knit, do crossword puzzles, play a board game, or sit with a brew and watch the world go by, then you're very welcome.
Between 4-6pm CommUnity Corner is open to young women who want to bake, study, create, TikTok dance, and generally be together.
The third Wednesday of every month, between 7-9pm, is a Women and Young Girls Food Share. Come along and bring yourself to the first one; there's always plenty of food to go around.
THURSDAY is Mainly Women between 9:30-3pm in the yellow room. It is home to all kinds of makers and creators. Come when you like, leave when you like, and bring what you like. It's a warm, welcoming place.
In the evenings, the cafe space is open for community crafting between 6-8pm, and in the yellow room, there's Yoga with Lynn between 7-8pm. Find out more about yoga by emailing Lynn on yogawithlynn@hotmail.com or phone/text 07963 589718
FRIDAY is open to all from 11-3pm. In the yellow room we have Chill, Chat, Colour and Cuppa hosted by Sue from 11-12.30pm and an Addiction Awareness Group from 12.302.30pm. Friday evenings are currently available if you have an idea or want to set something up.
WEEKENDS Saturdays & Sundays are used by many groups, for many different reasons like markets and clothes swaps.
We have Sewing with Vicky monthly on a Saturday. It's difficult for her to set dates more than a month in advance because of her work shift patterns, so check the facebook group for updates. The next date is Sat 21st May 1-3pm.
We also offer a monthly writer's circle. The next date is Sunday 23rd June 1-3pm
What’s on Offer by the Community
In addition to the offer at CommUnity Corner, we have lots of groups hosted by the community.
MONDAY
PLAYBOX CAMPAIGN GROUP
Fortnightly St Anne's 4-5.30pm
TUESDAY
MAKE IT MINE St Anne's Centre9.30-11.30am - women only creative space. (term time)
FAMILY ACTIVITY CLUB 3.305pm. Fortnightly at St Anne's. £1 donation
WEDNESDAY
HULA HOOPING for women 9am-10am at St Anne's.
GARDENING TOGETHER at St Anne's Community Garden from 9.45am fortnightly.
Growing fruit, veg and flowers - family & beginner friendly.
SOUNDBATHS AND FOOD SHARES
Evenings at CommUnity Corner - see timetable online
THURSDAY
BUGGIES & WALK
Meet at Beech Hill Community School Hub 9:30-11am
SUNDAY
GARDENING TOGETHER
at St Anne's last Sunday of the month from 12pm
COMMUNITY TOOLMATES
Men's DIY group from St Anne's Garden and CommUnity Corner - twice a month from 12pm
MONDAY
St Andrew's Parish Centre
BINGO FOREVER from 1pm
Starts at 1.30pm. £1 to play. Raffles £1. Refreshments.
RAINBOWS (term time)
5.30-6.30pm. To apply go to 'Girl Guiding Association' website
ZUMBA 7.15-8.15 pm Zumba with Steph tel: 07944 673615
TUESDAY
TRIMFORM 7-8pm Exercise class by Petra.
MOTHERS UNION 1.30 pm
First Tuesday of the month.
WEDNESDAY
YOGA WITH ALI
Yoga [mat] 10.30-11.30am £5 (£3 for first session)
Chair Yoga 11.45-12.45pm £4 (£2 for first session) Ali 07368 286224
ZUMBA 7-8pm
Zumba with Lizzy £5 Tel: 07734 712304
THURSDAY
TRIMFORM 7-8pm Exercise class by Petra.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 12.30pm
First Thursday of the month£2.50 pp. Refreshments. Film at 1pm
FRIDAY
CUPPA AND A CHAT 10-12pm
Last Friday of the month. Food & drinks available to buy. Raffle
BROWNIES (term time)
5.15-7.15pm Visit 'Girl Guiding Association' website
GUIDES (term time)
7.30-9pm Visit 'Girl Guiding Association' website
SUNDAY
CAFE CHURCH from 9.30am 2nd Sunday of the Month - 10am start. All Welcome.
ANDYS KIDS & FAMILY CAFE CHURCH from 9.30am 4th Sunday of the month. Breakfast and drinks provided at both services; crafts.
The Parish Centre is available to book for parties and other events at £20ph [3hrs min], meetings can be booked in upstairs room for £15ph.
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH
1st Sunday of Month - Eucharist [i.e. Communion] at 9.30am 3rd Sunday of the MonthEucharist at 9.30am 4th Sunday of the MonthService of the Word at 9.30am [no communion]
Plus special services and events throughout the year
Community Connectors
Thanks to financial support from the Investing in Communities Fund that Wigan Council distributes, CommUnity Corner is looking for Community Connectors.
We know enjoying each other's company can make us all feel brighter and healthier.
We're looking for all kinds of people from the community to provide peer support:
DOOR STEP & HOUSE CHATTERS & CHECKERS
This peer support role requires some commitment, a regular morning on one or two days a week to visit people who might not get out much.
Saying hello, having a laugh, sharing a story, making sure they have everything they need,
inviting them and their skills into the community if they can and taking the community to them if that's not possible.
You'll be alongside someone who'll make any decisions that need to be made, and we'll feed you and offer you training and peer support.
You'll probably visit the same 6-8 people each week. This is ideal for someone who knows what it feels like to feel alone or who may have got over struggles themselves in their lives. Firsthand experience is really important in this role.
COMMUNITY COOKS AND SERVERS
Fancy contributing to people having a good time at CommUnity Corner and/or making sure that they eat well at home? We're looking at offering a lunch once a week, and a Sunday lunch, perhaps monthly.
If there's interest we may even think about doorstep deliveries. This is a flexible role. We'll feed you, although you'll cook your own lunch! And we'll pay for your food hygiene certificate.
COMMUNITY DRIVERS
We are looking for a pool of drivers, who we can connect with people who want to come to CommUnity Corner for lunch but can't cope with the big hill on the way home, or it's too far to walk. We'll pay you in fuel for your car and your stomach. This is a flexible role, and you can do it as often as you like.
If any of these peer support roles take your fancy, then you can come and find out more at our info sessions on: Tuesday 11th June 1-2.30pm or Wednesday 12th June 5.30-7pm at CommUnity Corner.
If these dates don't work for you, call in for a brew and a chat.
Feature: Sammie & The Happy Place CiC
We caught up with Sammie, one of the founding directors of The Happy Place CiC who lives in the local community. Sammi hosts the Monday evening creative sessions at Community Corner.
Can you give a brief overview of what you do?
I run Wellbeing art workshops that focus on mental health under The Happy Place CIC of which I am a Director. I also volunteer for Feel Good Feminist Fight-club, who run empowerment events for women & Non Binary people. My whole career is dedicated to creating accessible community spaces where people are free to express themselves creatively.
What are you working on that excites you most?
I’m super excited at the minute about Feel Good Feminist Fightclub and what we are trying to achieve. We have hopes of an expansion soon, which would be giving a whole other community the chance to experience what we do.
The Happy Place CIC have also been given a multitude of opportunities in Wigan, one being the space in Rebuild With Hope. We have so many ideas
for this space and would love to know what the community wants to see.
Why is this important to you?
Because I want to help people feel happy again, we all have internal struggles, and the world isn’t a nice place to be right now, so everyone is down about themselves or their situations. I’ve been there. In fact, I spent 24 years of my life living in survival mode.
But what this last two years has taught me is that if I were to have given up all of the times I wanted to, I wouldn’t be achieving what I am now. I wouldn’t have ever felt this feeling of pure happiness.
What helped this to happen?
My family and friends really stepped up for me when I was at my lowest, and I want to thank them for that. But I had to put a lot of work in myself in order to get better. I completed trauma therapy and EMDR therapy and I accepted my diagnosis.
What happened that enabled you to do this?
I actually started as a volunteer, so being in a position now which holds so much responsibility is quite daunting. But also very exciting. It’s liberating to know I can do this.
What would you like from the community to make your next steps as successful as they could be? Just be open minded. We need to start to try understand one another. By doing this we can create a community of people who stand up for what is right. And support each other wholeheartedly.
Community Cycle Update
The project has developed, and we can now provide a bike clinic at local community events, CommUnity Corner, and the lockup garage on Moss Street— a huge thank you to the kind people who have donated bikes.
They will be serviced and made ready for the next user. Going forward, I’m just starting to prepare the 5 drop frame cycles provided by Wigan Council for the community.
We have a range of bikes available from balance bikes to adults - all waiting for new homes.
If anyone has spare time and would like to help please get in touch on 07305038456.
Cheers Phil
SAMMIE
In October last year, a group of community members gathered, wanting to take some collective action.
Led by Lisa, the group met to see if the community could work together and do something to change the number of local people who were dying by suicide or early and unexpected death.
They invited Ellie of Epic Hope, who hosts Harbours in community venues across the borough, and visited People Focus Group in Doncaster, who've been doing this kind of work in the community for 13 years.
Harbours
Due to this community effort, we now have a weekly Harbour, which alternates between CommUnity Corner and St Anne's Community Centre on Tuesdays between 6.30-8.30pm.
We'd say they are a safe space for everyone. Maybe you're working alongside someone you're worried about and struggling to think about how to open a conversation and let them know.
Maybe you're worried about a family member and need a listening ear outside the family setting. Maybe you're carrying a lot of people's problems, and they're weighing heavy on your shoulders.
In these confidential and safe groups, you'll have support to work out the best way to help someone you care about and look after yourself, too. People
Ellie says, "EPiC HOPE Harbours are there for everyone. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, if you have been suicidal historically or recently if you have lost someone through suicide or even if you just need to talk and share your feelings – that human connection."
Addiction Awareness Group
Addiction Awareness Group - Fridays 12.302.30pm at CommUnity Corner
Do you think you have a habit that is getting out of control? Do you find you are spending too much money on online shopping because it makes you feel good.
Are you eating too much, drinking too much, using other substances or gambling. When we talk about addiction most people think about
stereotypes of drug users or an alcoholic on a park bench. But addiction can develop with any behaviour until your find the habit is starting to cause problems, on your health finances or how you feel about yourself.
This group will help you consider and talk about if you need to or want to make changes to any habit you are getting worried about and look at ways you might work towards doing this in a friendly non-judgemental environment.
have a laugh as well, as we know joy helps with pain. And you don't have to speak.
If you want to go but are unsure what it might be like, you can be sure there's always a friendly face there. Lisa Sedgwick and Phil Beswick support the Harbours with Ellie of Epic Hope.
In June, the Harbours are at CommUnity Corner on the 4th and 18th and St Anne's on the 11th and 25th.
How Does Your Garden Grow
At the end of last year, Tanya and Lisa worked on a funding application to Hubbub, which was offering funds to community groups interested in growing.
They wanted to convert Lisa's garden into a growing space. Tanya had the skills, and Lisa had the space and willingness to learn.
Lisa also wanted to share the harvest with neighbours and community members. Unfortunately, HubBub didn’t want to get behind our idea. Luckily for us, another funder did.
GARDEN
PLAN
Together they’ve been working on a plan to bring the garden to life and are looking for other local growers who might want to come together for mutual support, encouragement, sharing tips and growing together.
Tanya is going to train to become a beekeeper and is looking for other local beekeepers and honey lovers to team up with.
They’ve set some dates for you to come and find out more.
Tues 4th June - 12pm at St Anne's Community Centre Sat 6th July - 12pm at Community Corner.
Community Awards
The Community Awards are one of the highlights of the community calendar.
This year, we hope to livestream the awards so that more neighbours can tune in and see what a lovely communityspirited evening it is.
You can make it special by nominating. We'll have nomination boxes in CommUnity Corner, St Anne's Community Centre and St Andrew's Parish Centre, and you'll be able to nominate online using the QR code.
Nominations open on Monday, 17th June, and can be made until Sunday, 14th July. The awards celebration will take place on the evening of 6th September.
You can make nominations for the following 7 categories.
YOUNG PEOPLE Who are the young people in the community that we should celebrate?
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
Who are the people who look after neighbours and / or spend time connecting people
COMMUNITY CARETAKER
Who are the people who look after the place we live in, making it brighter for all
COMMUNITY MINDED
BUSINESS Which are the businesses to celebrate, the ones who support the community
LOCAL WORKER Who are the people who work in the community, looking after the
people and the place who you think deserve a thank you.
WELCOMING STREETS Where are the streets where people play together and look after each other. Where is community spirit alive and welcome.
PLACE OF WELCOME Where are the places where we, as neighbours, are made to feel welcome?
We're always looking for local talent to perform at the awards, too, so if you have a talent you'd like to share, do get in touch.
To nominate someone just scan the QR code
Play Gallery
One of the things we know people love about Ey Up, especially children, is seeing themselves in the magazine.
With the demise of newspapers, children are missing seeing themselves in the newspaper.
Remember going to the Reporter Office to buy the glossy print?
We know people are saving the magazine because they are in it. So here’s our attempt to rekindle that feeling of seeing yourself in the paper!
FANCY DRESS IN THE PLAYBOX
POUND FOR PLAYBOX
HALLOWEEN OUTFITS
FAMILY ACTIVIITY WALK
FILLING THE BUG HOUSE
PANTO
BIKE CLINIC
Private Community Lottery to fund Good Stuff
We have launched a private lottery for Springfield, Beech Hill and Gidlow community members.
To become a member, you fill out a basic form either on the website or at CommUnity Corner to let us know you're interested. All information is stored securely, and we are registered with the Information Commissioner.
Then, you set up a standing order of £5 per month. On the last day of each month, the lottery is drawn live on Facebook.
Whatever is in the pot that month is split. Half goes to the lottery winner, and the other half into the pot for community good causes.
Good causes for 2024 are the Playbox Campaign, CommUnity Cash and CommUnity Corner. CommUnity Cash supports good community ideas and new business ideas.
All members can take part in deciding how community cash is spent.
in the CommUnity
If you join the lottery, you have the chance of winning cash while doing good where you live. What’s not to love?! The more members, the bigger the pot.
We’ve 6700 households in the ward. If only 1000 people join, that could create a monthly jackpot of £2500.
See the Stay in Touch, Get Involved page towards the back for the link to the form or call into CommUnity Corner to sign up.
Businesses and Social Value
Are you a communityminded business looking for ways to demonstrate your social value?
Here are five ways you could give back and contribute to the local community.
1. SPONSOR THE COMMUNITY AWARDS
2. SPONSOR A CATEGORY at the annual dog show or contribute to the cost of poo bag dispensers and bags.
3. SPONSOR THE RAFFLES at afternoon tea
4. HELP WITH THE PLAYBOX Campaign
5. CONTRIBUTE CASH to community cash and come along to take part in deciding how it's spent
Sacred Heart News
Did you know there's a group of young journalists right in the heart of this community?
Sacred Heart Primary School pupils produce their own newspaper with Mr Sankey's support.
We invited the children to write a short piece for Ey Up and this is what they had to say.
At Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, Wigan, we work hard every day to show our school motto, PROUD, through everything that we do.
Recently, we have been celebrating Science Week 2024, which had the theme of 'time.' We were lucky to have many different visitors throughout the week, all who work in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). We were visited by doctors, builders, fashion designers, IT technicians, flood defence experts and many more.
SEASONAL GARDENING TIPS
It's a busy time of year in the garden and a great time to have a potter outside.
SPLIT PERENNIAL FLOWERS now to boost them and create more free plants! Just lift out and cut where you can see it seperates.
Feed your plants with ORGANIC FEED to give them a good boost throughout spring.
Try 'NO MOW MAY' (and beyond) to see what wildflowers appear in your lawn.
We were amazed by the impact that different people can have on the world, and how our small actions make a significant difference.
Since the start of the year, we have had some amazing changes, with the introduction of our brand-new Forest School.
We have loved being outside and learning in the environment. To raise funds for our new Forest School, we even had a sponsored silence where we all tried to complete a lesson without saying a word. It was very tricky, but we managed it! We are thankful to the community for helping us to collect the blue tokens in Tesco and receive £1500 for Forest School equipment! We cannot wait to see how our Forest School will develop over time.
Sacred Heart Newspaper
Ella, Lucy, Leighton, Jason, Aaron, Felicity, Maryam, Jacqueline, Mr. Sankey
Get a WATERBUTT to catch rainfall now before it gets too dry.
FEED HEDGEHOGS. They love meaty cat or dog food if you leave out a little saucer and some water.
CHECK FOR NESTS before trimming your hedge
If you wait until after it rains, it's much easier to WEED
If you want some FREE VEG, PLANTS OR FLOWERS, check the SBHG facebook group for updates from Victoria at the community garden.
LOCAL AD
You may remember, we invited community members to share a story for this edition of the magazine.
Lisa called into CommUnity Corner, sat down with a brew and wrote her story.
“Back in June 2022, I joined SBHG's Facebook page and saw a coffee morning at the Wellfield pub on a Thursday morning. I went along and was welcomed in. It was very busy with people crafting and chatting and I enjoyed it.
From this, I found out about the women's foodshare at BookCycle once a month. I joined that and took some soup. I met a small group of ladies and had a chat and a laugh. I've been to every one since, and I look forward to
going. I've also gone to other coffee mornings and helped organise the Annual Dog Show for the past two years. Another brilliant community event for everyone.
Now the CommUnity Corner is on my doorstep, I visit twice weekly to catch up with men and women. There's always a lot going on. I'd encourage anyone who wants to get involved, please do. It's helped me gain friends, confidence and a sense of belonging. I've helped with the delivery of Ey Up magazine as well.
So, I've decided to write my story to promote all the fab things available. There's always a friendly face, a good brew and a great mix of men and women of all ages to meet."
Lisa, resident.
Diggle Street Park Update
Continuing on, we’re still looking to improve Diggle Street Park.
to make it a nice place to enjoy and reduce antisocial behaviour where possible. We’ve had two unsuccessful bids and a lot of conflicting advice from the GM Green Spaces fund, so that idea is parked. Now, we’re trying to implement changes by applying for smaller pots of funding.
In Feb, Give it a Grow were successful with a bid from the Tree Council and planted over 200 mix native hedging plants with neighbours and friends in the park.
Everyone got stuck in, and we had a great weekend of digging. These bushes will flower in the summer and create a beautiful habitat for birds in time. We’re looking at the next steps now, which is levelling some of the ground to create a boules area potentially, and to add in some seating, we’ll also be looking at creating large flower beds.
Some neighbours also suggested getting together for a weeding / tidying day soon. If you use the park or would like to get involved, you can join the 'Friends of Diggle Street Park' facebook group to join in.
If you're a landscaper please get in touch if you’re interested in working on this project.
LISA
Playbox Campaign
The Ey Up interview team caught up with the Playbox Campaign Team just before Easter.
They were busy filming a Newsflash to let the community know they'd hired a Playbox for Easter to help fundraise and host sessions in the park. You can keep up with their films on the SBHG YouTube Channel and follow their fundraising progress on the community website.
In an amazingly short time, they've raised £4,909.16, which includes £1250 from Wigan Council's Crowdfunder.
Now they have enough to buy the container and paint, and will be working out over Easter who they can approach to help with boarding out, insulating and buying equipment.
Here's what Alyse, Alexa, Ava, Daisy, Damian, Teddy and Annie had to say.
Why is a Playbox at Beech Hill Play Park important to you?
'It's something to be excited about, that is ours in our community.'
'It's something fun in the park.'
'You get to make new friends.'
'It brings people together.'
'We get to spend time with our family.'
'It's something we can do even if it's raining.'
What's the best part of being part of the campaign?
'We work hard but make friends on the way.'
'Treating people with kindness and giving them cupcakes.'
'Being kind.'
'It makes us happy.'
'Being a community.'
'Helps us to be helpful.'
'Doing things in a fun way.' 'Helping people get excited about the playbox too.'
What are your plans to raise the rest of the cash?
'Games quiz night.' 'Car wash.'
'Family Bingo.'
'Beech Hills Got Talent.'
'Bake Sales.'
'Lottery.'
'Fancy dress walk.' 'Tombola.'
How can adults help?
'Speaking to businesses.' 'Printing letters that we write to businesses.'
'Speaking to friends to get them involved.'
'Doing fundraisers for us.' 'Helping out with fundraising.' 'Using their skills for things we might need like boarding out the container.'
We think you'll agree we have some talented and passionate young people working hard to show that it is possible to make positive changes where you live.
If you want to contribute a £1, watch out for children taking to the streets on Sat 21st May.
Let's get behind them
PLAYBOX CAMPAIGN MEETING
FUNDRAISING AT BEECH HILL SCHOOL
Diane tells the story of Annie's Pantry.
On the 17th of April 2023, Annie's Pantry opened its doors for the first time at St Anne's Community Centre.
Annie's Pantry
We were very apprehensive, as we had put in a great deal of work setting up and sourcing food.
There had been many sleepless nights worrying—would we have enough food? Would anyone show up? But we needn't have worried, as my goodness, we have gone from strength to strength.
Our mission was to help and support the community and save food from ending up in landfill and I'm pleased to say that we have succeeded in that mission.
Annie's Cafe is a vibrant, social space, and it is great to see so many new friendships forming and people enjoying each other's company.
The team of volunteers work extremely hard in both the Pantry and in the kitchen/
cafe, and the collections team (who source and collect food from across Wigan and the surrounding area) put in many hours and miles to ensure we have a good selection in the Pantry each week.
There have been ups and downs over the year. The burglary in September was a massive blow and really did shake us, but we would not be disheartened and reopened the next day.
We were delighted to receive awards from SBHG Community and the Volunteers of the Year Award from Wigan Council, so here's to the next 12 months.
Annie's Pantry is for everyone; we open Mondays from 12pm til 2pm, with Annie's Cafe open from 11.30 to 1.30pm.
Diane Harris-Bolton Pantry Lead
Elected councillors for Wigan West
Cllr Sheila Ramsdale (Labour & Co-op) 07596 595552 Sheila.Ramsdale@wigan. gov.uk
Surgery: BookCycle 2nd Wednesday of the month
Cllr David Wood (Labour & Co-op) 07855 002583 David.Wood@wigan.gov.uk
Surgery: BookCycle 4th Wednesday of the month 1 – 2pm
Cllr Phyll Cullen (Labour) 01942 736257 P.Cullen@wigan.gov.uk
Councillor Phyll Cullen will meet with you at your convenience
ANNIE'S PANTRY
Get Involved
Here are just a few ways you can get involved in the community. Just scan the QR codes below. And If you have other ideas, we'd love to hear them, just drop into CommUnity Corner to say hi.
To become a member of SBHG and to take part in the private lottery, please go to the website and fill out the form.
If you're interested in community gardening, there are lots of exciting projects on go; from growing at home, greening alleys and gardening together. Fill out this form to show your interest.
Any businesses who want to demonstrate social value, and promote yourself while giving back to the community can do so by sponsoring the annual dog show. Fill out this form for more info.
If you'd like to be a community connector, whether it's house chatter & checker, community cook and server, or community driver, please fill out this form to express your interest.
This magazine has been made possible due to financial support from Awards for All, Northern Heart and Soul CiC, a local business that wants to see this neighbourhood grow, and local businesses who have paid for adverts.
This edition has been brought to you by Gill, Angela and Victoria and proof read by Shirley. You can see some of the other members of the organising group below.
If you’d like to write an article or share a story in future editions, do get in touch
Stay in Touch
We hope you've enjoyed this edition of Ey Up!
There are are a number of ways that you can keep in touch.
Join the Facebook GroupSpringfield, Beech Hill and Gidlow CommUnity
Join the community association through the website sbhcommunity.co.uk
Keep an eye on the community notice boards for events.
Pop into CommUnity Corner
Email us at sbhg.community@gmail.com
Text or phone 07845 872379
Join our WhatsApp community, just scan the QR code below
ANGELA
VICKY GILL MERVYN
VICTORIA
LISA PHIL
SANDRA JO BEN
Useful Contacts
Here’s some numbers and organisations that are useful to have in case you ever need them. If you’re not sure what to do you can always ask a neighbour or contact the community group first for a bit of moral support.
CITIZENS ADVICE WIGAN
Tel: 01942 709 709 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)
For Universal Credit support: 0800 144 8444
WELFARE SUPPORT
Tel: 01942 705 221 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) Apply online: gmpa.link/ WelfareSupport
WIGAN WELFARE RIGHTS
Tel: 01942 705 221 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) wigan.gov.uk/ localwelfaresupport
BENEFITS CHECK
Turn2Us online benefits calculator. Check what you are entitled to benefits-calculator.turn2us. org.uk
AWARM
Apply online: gmpa.link/ AWARM
Tel: 01942 404 261 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)
SUPPORT FOR WIGAN ARRIVALS PROJECT
Tel: 01942 516 572 (Mon to Thu, 10am to 4.30pm) swapwigan.org
AGE 50+ SUPPORT
Age UK Wigan Borough 01942 615 880
DOMESTIC ABUSE
Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse Service 01942 311 365
DRUG AND ALCOHOL
We are With You charity 01942 827 979
GAMBLING
Beacon Counselling Trust 0151 226 0696
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Crisis Line operated by NHS 0800 953 0285 (Open 24/7)
Wigan Talking Therapies 01942 764 449
Venue Contact Details
COMMUNITY CORNER
55a Park Road, Wigan WN6 7AA 01942 945654
ST ANNE'S COMMUNITY CENTRE
152 Beech Hill Avenue, Wigan
WN6 7TA 01942 825183
ST ANDREW'S PARISH CENTRE
120 Woodhouse Lane, Wigan WN6 7LZ
BOOK-CYCLE BEECH HILL
Buckley St West, Wigan
WN6 7PQ 01942 747750
BIRD ITH HAND
100-102 Gidlow Lane, Wigan
WN6 7DY 01942 230161
WELLFIELD HOTEL
75 Wellfield Road, Wigan
WN6 8NQ 01942 539511
