Welcome - looking back and forward
Let’s start by sharing some amazing news. We applied for a grant from Awards for All, which is part of the National Lottery Community Fund, to keep Ey Up - It’s Wigan West Community News going, and they said YES!
We can produce at least four more editions, including this one, and next year. We’ll be offering some training with Peoples Voice Media to community
members who might like to become community reporters.
This edition has dropped through your letterbox thanks to the community spirit that’s alive and kicking in Springfield, Beech Hill and Gidlow.
As is custom, we start by rounding up all the good stuff that’s been happening in the community since the last edition.
The Spring edition took us to April, so we’ll continue from May.
Our Story - Continued
MAY
May saw the annual general meeting of this community group. At this meeting, we look at what we’ve achieved together and the money we’ve received and spent. We also say ‘goodbye’ to members who are leaving us; this year, that was Joanne. We said ‘hello’ to members who joined hoping to work together to grow community life and spirit.
This year, Kai, Tanya and Meryl joined us. You can see all the people involved on the last page.
JUNE
June saw a community cash event. The young men returned
to talk about their progress with gardening, and Kai pitched to host a treasure hunt at the annual party in the park.
Cats Guidance Rescue visited us with their bargains, and we hosted a Pop-up Market.
There was a much-loved Afternoon Tea, the monthly women and young girls food share, and the planned Party in the Park, which had to be delayed until July.
JULY
In July, we saw coach trips to Lytham St Anne’s, Bury Market, and the Lido at Skipton. In the community, we enjoyed a Party in the Park at Diggle St, a Play Day at Beech Hill Play Park, the Dog Show, and a circus-themed play day in Diggle St Park.
Janet offered a Reiki share at Community Corner.
We also started Popping In to local people who might like to see a friendly face. You can read more about Pop-Ins on page 14.
AUGUST
August saw family trips to New Brighton, Pennington Flash, and Lytham St Anne’s, and the Family Activity Club visited Knowsley Safari Park, Applecast Farm, and Martin Mere.
TRIP TO APPLECAST
AUGUST CONTINUED
There were play days in St Andrew's Parish Centre and Diggle St Park, and we launched the Playbox with a big party at the end of the month.
SEPTEMBER
September is the month of the annual Community Awards, and it's always a joyous occasion. This year, we gave out 57 awards. You can read more on page 15.
And as the children returned to school, we had new carpets fitted throughout CommUnity Corner thanks to local business Milliken.
We hosted our 3rd Afternoon tea of the year, this time with Paul McCoy, which was such great fun for everyone, joining in dancing and singing along to the classics with sandwiches, cake and plentiful tea.
So that's some of what happened. Now, what's on the horizon?
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
AFTERNOON TEA
10TH DEC
St Anne's Community Centre
Afternoon Tea 12.30-2.30pm
Tickets available from Facebook or CommUnity Corner
COMMUNITY CASH
21ST JAN & 8TH APRIL
CommUnity Corner at 6.30pm
FAMILY HALLOWEEN WALK
22ND OCTOBER
Start at St Anne's Community Centre from 4pm
Join us for our second spooktacular walk
BONFIRE NIGHT
6TH NOV
The 7th Wigan Scout Group. 6pm, no booking necessary
RUGBY LEAGUE CARES OFFLOAD PROGRAMME
4TH NOV - Read more on the next page
Christmas Events
There's loads coming up over the period to celebrate Christmas together.
ST ANDREW'S CHRISTMAS FAYRE 10am-2pm on Saturday 9th November
ST ANNE'S CHRISTMAS FAYRE 11am - 3pm on 27th November
ST ANDREW'S COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING Thursday 19th December
COMMUNITY CORNERCHRISTMAS MARKET Sunday 1st December
We’re on the lookout for small local makers and bakers to have a table or stall at our 1st Christmas Market.
There’ll be hot chocolate, lots of goodies and of course a Santa’s Grotto! No booking necessary.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY
From 1st November, addressed Christmas cards can be dropped
off at CommUnity Corner for a small fee of 25p per card to be hand delivered across the community.
For more details on any of these events pop into CommUnity Corner or keep an eye out on the SBHG facebook group.
PLAYBOX PARTY
AFTERNOON TEA
We've got some really exciting things in the pipeline!
A Rugby League Cares Offload Programme will start in November. This programme, led by ex-rugby league players, provides support, strategies, and learning around mental health in men.
On the Horizon
Bob Beswick will run the 10-week programme from Community Corner.
If you're interested in finding out more about this, contact Gill on 07703574387.
Other ideas in the pipeline are
A monthly dry darts evening at Delph Street Scout Hut
A grief support group run by Co-op Funeral Care.
A new bike rack at CommUnity Corner
Community Reporter training New growing projects & green spaces
Beginners sewing classes
Fertility peer support
If you want to stay updated, sign up to SBHG as a member on the website to receive monthly newsletters, join the Facebook Group, Community Whatsapp, or pop in to CommUnity Corner for the latest news.
All the contact details are at the back of this magazine. If I knew
I’d have made sure I got them
WHAT'S ON at CommUnity Corner
55a
Park Road
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."
We also host Knit and Natter in the yellow room from 12.30-2.30pm - anyone is welcome. There's also a new Family Lego Club after school from 4:30-5:30pm (term time)
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday evenings are varied, with all kinds of monthly sessions going on, including a Reiki Share session, open to anyone who is Reiki trained, and a Creative Writing Space at hosted by Oliver, particularly focusing on poetry - this is open to everyone, no experience needed.
Resolute Productions also meets once a month to record their LGBTIQA+ podcast
Contact us or pop in to find out specific dates.
THURSDAY is Mainly Women between 9:30-3pm. It's 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.
FRIDAY is open to all from 11-3pm. Friday morning sees a group led Sue and Val by who host Chill, Chat, Colour & Craft. It's a welcoming space and often well supplied with home baked goodies!
From 12:30pm the Yellow room becomes a safe haven. Helps 2 Talk, a group led by Ros, is there to provide support and understanding to anyone living with addiction.
WEEKENDS Saturdays & Sundays are used by many groups, for many different reasons like pop up markets and clothes swaps. Keep an eye out for events coming up.
START SOMETHING
NEW We're always open to sharing the space with community peer led groups. If you would like to start a group at CommUnity Corner, please pop in for a chat. We'd love to accommodate you.
WHAT'S ON around the CommUnity
PLAY BOX at Beech Hill Park. Full of amazing toys and games for endless fun. Opening times are usually posted on the SBHG Facebook group and WhatsApp Community. Read more about the new PlayBox at Beech Hill Park on page 11.
HULA FITNESS at St Anne's Community Centre 9am-10am every Wednesday - no experience or equipment needed, just bring yourself and move your body and have a laugh. Term time only
FAMILY ACTIVITIES CLUB at St Anne's Community Centre or Beech Hill Park. Every other Tuesday 3.30 - 5.30pm. Join in crafts and fun together. Term time only
CATS GUIDANCE POP-UP MARKETS At CommUnity Corner 10am - 2pm
Come along for Household and Beauty Bargains, gift sets, cat & dog essentials, clothing, a brew & chat and more.
Upcoming dates: 23rd November, 25th January, 22nd February, 22nd March & 26th April
AFTERNOON TEA at St Anne's Community Centre 12:30pm - 2.30pm
Join us for Afternoon Tea; tickets are usually available on Facebook for only £5, so look out for posts. There will be afternoon tea, live entertainment, and maybe a little dancing for everyone. Upcoming dates are 10th December, Tuesday 18th March & Tuesday 24th June
COMMUNITY
GARDENING
St Anne's Community Garden
Join in some gentle movement in the fresh air, every other Wednesday from 10am and the last Sunday of the month from 12pm. Friendly faces and free plants and fruit & veg - you don't need to know anything about gardening to join in and kids are always welcome. Read more about the garden on page 17.
Upcoming dates are 13th, 24th & 27th Nov, 11th, 29th Dec & 8th 22nd, 26th Jan etc
WOMEN'S WELLBEING
GROUP Meet at Anne's Community Centre 9am
Every Tuesday. This is a new women 's only session led by Lisa. Lisa is keen to get women locally together to try different things and have a laugh along the way.
Having been the inspiration behind the original women's only group ''Make it Mine'' Lisa is keen for other women to make space in their lives for themselves, whether that be sharing their love of making things, photography, walking or just gossiping about a good box sets.
She is keen to create a warm and inviting place for people to be themselves and feel comfortable enough to try something different together.
The space will be inspired by the ideas of people who attend, so if you've always fancied doing something and never had the confidence to do it yourself, this group may be the perfect place for you. The kettle's on from 9am. Term Time only
SUNDAY
St Andrew's Parish Centre
9.30 am SERVICE IN CHURCH on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month
10.00 am CAFE CHURCH in Parish Centre - 2nd Sunday of the month
9.30 am ANDY’S KIDS & FAMILY CAFE CHURCH in Parish Centre4th Sunday
MONDAY
BINGO FOREVER from 1pm
Starts at 1.30pm. £1 to play. Raffles £1. Refreshments.
RAINBOWS (term time)
5.30-6.30pm. Suzy 9thwigantownrainbows@gmail. com
ZUMBA 7.15-8.15 pm Zumba with Steph Tel: 07944 673615
TUESDAY
TRIMFORM 7-8pm Exercise class by Petra.
WEDNESDAY
YOGA WITH ALI
Yoga [mat] 10.30-11.30am £5 Chair Yoga 11.45-12.45pm £4 Ali 07368 286224
WARM SPACE 1pm - 3pm. Free Entry for pensioners, vulnerable and disabled. Join us for a chat and drink.
ZUMBA 7-8pm with Lizzy £5 Tel: 07734 712304
THURSDAY
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 12.30pm First Thursday of the month£2.50 pp. Refreshments. Film at 1pm
TRIMFORM 7-8pm
Exercise class by Petra.
FRIDAY
CUPPA AND A CHAT 10-12pm Friday 29th November 2024. In 2025 March, May, Sept &
Families Activities Club
The Family Activities Club meets every other Tuesday after school to enjoy each other's company and let off some steam.
Depending on the weather and activities, the club moves between St Anne's Community Centre and the Playbox at Beech Hill Play Park.
In May, the parents who organise the club pitched to Grass Roots of Wigan to help them purchase some equipment. They secured £90, which will be spent on stocking up the craft cupboard.
As well as making the club the best it can be every week, they've also enjoyed a summer of trips together, supported by the Holiday Activity Fund.
First up was a trip to Knowsley Safari Park. It was a great day out, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Next, they visited Applecast Farm during festival week. They enjoyed meeting the police officers, feeding the pigs, and stroking the rabbits. We haven't had much of a summer this year, but the rain stayed away for this day out.
Before the children returned to school, they enjoyed a family day trip to Martin Mere.
The activities club is open to anyone with children. It's a place where families play together, and everyone pitches in to lend a hand.
November. Will be advertised as they happen
BROWNIES (term time)
5.30-7pm - Tracy Sinck, Carol Hilton
GUIDES (term time)
7.30-9pm Joan James, Carol Hilton
The Parish Centre is available to book for parties and other events, meetings can be booked in upstairs room.
Plus special services and events throughout the year.
Contact details are on the last page.
Thanks to Alan of Pies, Pianos and Pirouettes for organising and booking all the trips.
Let’s SHAPE Our Creativity: Crafting for Wellbeing and Connection
In November 2023, Let’s SHAPE Our Creativity CIC (LSoC) was founded by Emma McEwan, with a clear mission: to make arts and crafts accessible to everyone, helping improve mental health, wellbeing, and reduce isolation.
The founder’s passion for mental health is deeply personal, having witnessed loved ones, including her late mother, struggle. During her own battle with anxiety and depression as a stay-at-home mum, she found solace in arts and crafts. Now, she’s dedicated to sharing that lifeline with others.
CRAFTING AT COMMUNITY CORNER
“Arts and crafts saved me,” she says, highlighting the calming effect of creating and the chance to connect with others. LSoC runs sessions across the Wigan Borough, offering an inclusive space for anyone to participate, whether alone or with friends.
Weekly free craft sessions take place most Mondays at CommUnity Corner and Fridays at Fur Clemt as part of the KIT program, with more workshops for both adults and children offered throughout the month.
Let’s SHAPE Our Creativity isn’t just about making things; it’s about healing, connecting, and finding a mindful escape from life’s stresses. Everyone is welcome to join and explore the benefits of creativity together.
So, whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, meet likeminded individuals, or simply escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Let’s SHAPE Our Creativity CIC invites you to join them. Creativity can be a powerful tool for transformation, and through it, we can shape our wellbeing and our connections with others.
If you’re interested in joining a session, or you’d like more information about upcoming events you can find us on the following:
Facebook:
Let's SHAPE Our Creativity CIC Website: littleshopofcreativity.co.uk Instagram: @letsshapeourcreativity
Greening in the Area
by Tanya
Well, what a fabulous few months it's been, having the privilege to work amongst some of the most compassionate and kind people I've ever met!
Our work continues down at Birch Street, with the aim of rejuvenating a small piece of land that had been overgrown and abandoned.
A group of volunteers has given their time and energy to help with this project for a few hours
each week, and it's safe to say we have all become steadfast friends.
And that's not all we have been up to! St Anne's has seen new faces to help Victoria with the Community Garden, several residents gardens have been worked on over the spring months and we have plans in place to create more raised beds at Community Corner, with plants donated by members of the community.
We have busied ourselves with litter picking around Diggle Street Park and the alleyways around Beech Hill, making a fantastic start to tidying our streets by building a connected community that values our green spaces.
If you'd like to be involved in any of our gardening and clean-up activities please feel free to come along for a brew at CommUnity Corner. You'll be glad you did! X
EMMA
Day Trippers
Whether you remember the days of the charabancs, days out with the Church or the local working men's club or even the outings offered by Sure Start, it's fair to say we've enjoyed the rekindling of the day trip in the community.
Thanks to support from two local Councillors, Sheila and Dave, and the Brighter Boroughs Fund, cash from the Private Members Lottery, the Holiday Activity Fund, and the help of local organisers, we've been able to offer six trips over the summer months and have one saved for the Autumn.
In July, before the schools broke up, we saw two coaches head off to Lytham St Anne's and Bury Market for the day. Seats on the coach cost £10 each, but we were able to offer some seats for £5 thanks to community members who play the lottery.
The first trip of the summer holidays saw a coach make its way to the Lido at Ilkley for a day in the water. Fiona organised this trip, and Cllr Wood contributed to the cost of the coach to make the day as affordable as possible. Families had a great time and enjoyed stopping for chips on the way home.
Then there was a fully funded day out to National Play Day, funded by Wigan Council with the Holiday Activities monies. This year, it was celebrated at Pennington Flash. We offered families who hadn't tripped with us before the first chance on the trip, spreading the love and giving everyone a fair chance. Lunch was also provided, and whilst there was a little spell of rain, everyone had a great day.
New Brighton was the next trip, again organised by Fiona, who loves to spend time with her family there. Cllr Wood supported the cost of the coach, meaning that everyone had a cheaper day out. The weather didn't stop the children playing in the water, and families had a thoroughly great day out.
A family trip to Lytham St Anne's was the last trip of the summer holidays. Cllr Sheila Ramsdale supported the cost of the coach, meaning that families enjoyed free transport for their day at the seaside. Unusually for this summer, the sun decided to join them.
If you're interested in going on trips or helping organise them, get in touch. Let's keep the tripping going!
We Own a CommUnity Playbox
Thanks to the hard work of some resourceful children in the community and the generosity of GreenMount Projects, we can now say we are the proud owner of a Playbox that now lives on Beech Hill Play Park.
There's been a core group of seven—Alyce, Alexa, Damian, Ava, Teddy, Annie, and Ava—who have worked so hard. And we must not forget Maisie, Esme, and Daisy, who have joined in when they can, organising cake sales and making films. And the parents, especially Amanda, who's been such great supporters.
By May, the children had fundraised just short of £5,500, which was remarkable but fell short of the amount needed to make this a reality. They really were trying their best, arranging community walks, guessing the teddy games, and offering to litter pick in the local community.
Emma from Playful Anywhere, who's been helping us all along, suggested that we think of local businesses that could help with the different parts of the work, such as providing a container, insulation, pegging out or painting.
We approached GreenMount Projects and asked if the children could meet with their CEO, Mike Sharkey, with their ideas about
how the company might be able to help them out.
They prepared a pitch and went to the Boardroom. They looked at Mike's website and decided to ask him if he could help with the internal work, boarding out and making the shelves. In return, they offered him a free advert in Ey Up. He was so blown away by the children that he said, "You save your money for all the toys, and I'll get you a Playbox. And, let's make it happen for the summer holidays."
So it was all action go as GreenMount offered their internal design team to work alongside the children and turn their ideas into reality. Behind the scenes, we worked with the Council to speed up the Licence process so that we could place the container in the park, and we were impressed with the speed at which the Council made this happen.
The children busied themselves ordering and shopping for equipment, with a pit stop at Nandos as a reward for all the hard work.
And then it became real at the launch party on Friday, August 30th, in the afternoon, when we spent a glorious, karaoke-fuelled afternoon in the sun.
There is still work to be done, and as you'd expect, it's attracting curiosity from local teenagers. Apparently no one can see you if you lie flat on the top while
playing skilly. We're hoping the curiosity wanes, but we have anti-climb paint ready, and there are some suggestions for a living garden on the top. If you do see anyone on top of it, please let them know that you're worried for their safety and / or get in touch with us.
We have a license in place for a year, which gives us a good period to decide together as a community around permanency.
The Playbox belongs to the community, and we hope that, with support, more community members will get involved in opening the box of treasure in the park so that it can be used as much as possible and for all ages and members of the community. If you have an idea about how you might want to use it, get in touch.
It's amazing, really, isn't it? A group of local children has gone from experiencing a Playbox in the local park to securing one themselves in just one year.
It really demonstrates that if you set your mind to it, we can all make positive changes where we live. Amazing!
Gallery
See if you can spot yourself or your friends and family in our bumper gallery of all things good these past few seasons!
BUG HUNTING KNOWSLEY
COMMUNITY CORNER CLOTHES
PLANTING SEEDS AT ST ANNE'S WOODLAND PLAY DAY AT COMMUNITY
PARTY IN THE PARK
DIGGLE STREET PLAY DAY
Private Community Lottery to fund Good Stuff in the CommUnity
Launched just a few months ago, our lottery is quickly gaining popularity as a fun and easy way to get involved.
For just £5 a month, you could be the next lucky winner, taking home a share of the jackpot.
Here you can join in community life if you're not able to contribute in other ways.
Every month, the winnings are split between the lucky winner and the community.
This means your contribution directly supports local initiatives, so far we've helped lower the cost of day trips and contributed towards trophies for our annual awards evening.
So far, we've averaged around 82 paying members per
month. And last month the winner took home over £200! Remember, the more people that join, the higher the prize is.
So far this year, the lottery has paid a whopping over £1000 in cash between the winners!
When you sign up for the lottery, you can have your say on where the money is spent across the community, and it's easy to set up by standing order so you keep control of your cash.
Signing up is simple. Just visit our "Get Involved" page on the website or stop by CommUnity Corner and fill out a short form.
All information is stored securely and won't be passed on to anyone.
Can we reach over 200 members by the new year? With your support, we can!
Pop-Ins
At CommUnity Corner, Lisa and Meryl have started a pop-in team.
A Pop-in is a way to bring community and connection to people who aren't able to get out and about for whatever reason.
It could be that you're anxious about going out, have lost confidence, or are recovering from an operation; it doesn't really matter why. We're here to support you, no questions asked.
It's a couple of friendly faces calling to see how you are doing once a week.
We may stand on your doorstep and have a natter, pop in for a quick brew, or drop something off for you.
We can do this to anyone 18 or older who would like a weekly visitor for 15-30 minutes.
If you or someone you know might be interested in a weekly visit, you can contact us by leaving a message on 07763 640817, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
NEW CREATIVE WRITING GROUP
Starting at CommUnity Corner from 6pm til 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening.
This small informal group provides an informative space to have a go at writing poetry.
Guided by Oliver, who's passionate about poetry being open to everyone, the group meets once a month.
Upcoming dates are 6th November, 4th December, 8th January & 5th February.
Community Awards
The 3rd Springfield, Beech Hill and Gidlow CommUnity Awards event happened on Friday 6th September at Wigan Sports Club.
It’s always such a special evening and a highlight of the community calendar; and this year was no different.
Throughout the summer, we invited community members to nominate people and places for the following seven categories: Young Person, Community Connector, Community Caretaker, Community-Minded Business, Local Worker, Welcoming Street, and Place of Welcome.
In total, 151 nominations came in, with quite a few people receiving multiple nominations.
Those nominated again this year for similar reasons as last year received a letter of recognition as, unfortunately, we can only fit so many into the room. We acknowledged their contribution to community life by having their names on the decorations.
To start the evening, we had a rousing performance by Alyse and a thoughtfully reworded version of ‘A Million Dreams’ by The Greatest Showman.
We had 11 young people who were invited to the awards evening to receive an award.
26 people were invited to receive an award for being a Community Connector. Some of them doubled up with nominations for being Community Caretakers as well.
We had awards for 5 Local Workers, the people who have gone over and above to support our community and those within it despite not necessarily living here. There were two more nominations for local businesses, and we finished with Welcoming Streets and Welcoming Places.
In all, an amazing 57 awards were given out.
The closing words below, written beautifully by Tanya, one of the Community Connectors, were read out before Rachel Rose got the dance floor going with a generous performance.
To see the full list of winners please head to the website blog. We already can’t wait for the next one, will you join us?
‘When we speak of community, we envisage support commitment, friendship, and solidarity. A diverse network of people from all walks of life who might not have ever crossed paths, yet here we are.
By developing our skills and creating bonds through shared interests, we enable others to step out of their comfort zones and truly grasp what it means to be part of something much greater.
The vision of a connected community that highlights our strengths and unique gifts has encouraged us to find each other in our times of need. Let's continue to build on our foundations of support.
Let's promise to laugh with our friends over coffee and crafts, commit to our younger generation through the importance of play, and leave a legacy of solidarity for those who will join us in the future Congratulations once again to all awards winners.
The Dog Show
We can't quite believe this is the 4th year of the dog show!
An idea that started when we realised how many dog owners we had in our community and discovered that people knew each other's dogs' names rather than their owners!
The weather was perfect all week, and things looked good until a big dark cloud crossed the sky around half an hour before we were due to set up. Many deliberations followed, but a local dog walker on the field convinced us not to cancel, so we went ahead as planned.
Cue 6pm, the start of the event, and the heavens opened just as the poor Child Handlers category started walking around. You know we like to make decisions as a community around here, so the option to cancel or continue was put to the soaked audience to a resounding 'don't cancel'.
On we continued with a soggy but successful evening! We saw some returning faces, some new pups on show, and some wonderful characters amongst them.
Child Handler 8 years and under was won by Max and Jacob Swiftly, followed by Child Handler 9 years and older by Teddy and Annabelle.
Waggiest Tail is always a firm favourite, and Monty took 1st prize, before Rocky Balboa won Best Rescue
Miley was the Golden Oldie, and Miley won over the judges for Cutest Pup
Prettiest Bitch was awarded to Ellie, and Handsome Male went to Sammy.
Catch a Sausage always provides great entertainment, and the last three entered into a sausage shoot-out, with Polly and Jessie pushing Luna all the way for the win.
The Best in Show Trophy is awarded to one of the night's winners and is sponsored by one of our main organisers and supporters, John The Springfield Dog Walker. The 2024 Best in Show was awarded to Ellie.
One thing is for sure: We love our dogs around here, and we're so grateful for their owners' hard work, which made another memorable evening.
A massive thank you to John, Lisa and Dean for their organising and the many helpers on the night that made it possible: Greg, Angela, Lisa, Sandra, Ben, Kai and Phil. We'd also like to reiterate our thanks to Vets 4 Pets who have provided
the rosettes to top three in each category for the last three years.
Thank you to all of our sponsors; Ace Gas North West, Flexible Therapy Blush Nails, Pets and Pals Services, Bec Spencer Designs, Paws for Thought, The Dog Groomers and Software Solutions.
The money raised from the event, including raffle sales and entries, totalled £365, which means we can continue to provide pop bags across the community for the next year.
Congratulations to all the winners and anyone who made it to the end for the raffle draw!
Until next year!
Gardening Together at St Anne's
It's still surprising how many people in the area don't know about the beautiful, peaceful green space at St Anne's Community Centre in Beech Hill.
Behind the centre is a welltended community garden, where fruit, flowers and veg are grown.
The central part of the garden is all run by people who volunteer their time and skills each month. We run regular gardening together sessions every other Wednesday morning & the last Sunday of the month in the afternoon where everyone is welcome.
GARDEN
So far this year, we've been growing beans, potatoes, garlic, kale, rhubarb, courgette,
strawberries, onions, apples, and raspberries, as well various flowers like nasturtiums, begonias, tomato plants, all kinds of bulbs, and even roses. There's also a herb bed where you can bring some scissors and help yourself to a few cuttings.
At the end of a session, any produce is always popped on what we call the honesty shelf for anyone to come by and take home. You can donate if you want, but it's optional.
You don't need to be skilled or own tools to join in. Everything we do is beginner-friendly, with full guidance, and there's always a range of jobs for different ages & abilities. There are also toys for the kids and seat in the shelter if you just want to sit and enjoy the view.
We often get comments about how friendly it's been and how anxiety is reduced after a little time outdoors in the fresh air.
We run sessions all year as long as it's not pouring with rain. Personally, even after a winter session, I feel refreshed and happy I've made myself go outside.
Cats Guidance
We love meeting new people in the garden, so if you've always wanted an allotment or want to try something new, pop by and say hello.
You can also message me, Victoria F on the SBHG group or at Give it a Grow Wigan. We always welcome new ideas!`
Cats Guidance have become a familiar face in the community by bringing bargains at their regular pop up market in CommUnity Corner.
The charity was founded in 2019 initially with two ladies who wanted to give every cat a chance of a healthy and happy life regardless of age, condition, or cost of treatment. It has since grown into a network of volunteers and foster homes dedicated to saving and re-homing stray, feral and mistreated cats in Wigan before they are adopted.
They provide the highest standard of care for every cat rescued even continuing to pay for ongoing treatment if required.
They also support all cat owners with assistance programmes for neutering and chipping.
If you would like to find out more, get involved or are looking for a new pet get in touch by contacting them online or via social media.
COMMUNITY
KIDS WITH A MINI HARVEST
Fertility Peer Support
A peer support group led by women who are going through fertility issues is starting this October.
After discovering there are no local places for women to go to for support, they want to provide a space for women going through the same thing.
A place to support each other, offload, have a laugh, and share some of the heartbreak and unique frustrations together.
From 17th October, they will meet every Thursday at CommUnity Corner from 7pm.
They extend a warm invitation to any woman going through fertility issues, encouraging them to join and help shape the supportive community they want.
Elected councillors for Wigan West
Cllr Sheila Ramsdale (Labour & Co-op) 07596 595552
Sheila.Ramsdale@wigan. gov.uk
Cllr David Wood (Labour & Co-op) 07855 002583
David.Wood@wigan.gov.uk
30th October, 27th Nov, January 29th, Feb 26th, Mar 26th at CommUnity Corner
SEASONAL GARDENING TIPS
There's still plenty to do outside in Autumn/winter to prepare for next year.
Split perennials (plants that grow back every year) now to boost them and create more free plants! Just lift the flower out and cut it at the base where you can see it separate. Or see if you can grab one from a friend!
Plant bulbs for a flurry of spring colour that'll come back year after year. Current favourites are crocus, alliums and tulips.
Collect leaves to create a leaf mulch pile - this will be nutrientrich and great for your garden next year.
Now is a great time to plant shrubs or trees as they're dormant.
Consider pulling up a flag or two and starting something new at home.
Plant out bare root roses. They're much cheaper to buy and will still flower beautifully next year.
If you have borders, now is a great time to add mulch (organic matter) which will suppress weeds and help protect plants over winter.
You don't need to be too tidy. Old stems and piles of leaves/ logs will create a much needed little home for creatures over winter.
Cllr Phyll Cullen (Labour) 01942 736257
P.Cullen@wigan.gov.uk
Councillor Phyll Cullen will meet with you at your convenience
If you want some free Veg, plants or flowers, check the SBHG facebook group for updates from Victoria at the community garden.
This time of year, we often have free bulbs and wildflower seeds available.
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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.
Scan this QR code to join our positive, friendly facebook group. Full of good news, ideas and community spirit.
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. 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 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 0770357438
Join our WhatsApp community, just scan the QR code below
ANGELA
VICKY GILL
VICTORIA
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
Contact on Facebook
