Courier The WIGAN
Primary Schools in Wigan are doing ‘better than ever’ email: info@courier-online.net
PRIMARY SCHOOLS across Wigan Borough are performing better than ever according to the latest Key Stage Two results. The results show performance at Key Stage Two (Primary school years three, four, five and six) improved for the fourth year in a row.
Eighty-four per cent of pupils achieved a Level Four or higher in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage Two (age 11) – an increase of two per cent on the previous year.
And the results for the Year One (age five and six) phonics tests are up too. In the assessments, children are shown a series of 40 words and must correctly pronounce each one – the pass mark is 32. In Wigan Borough, the percentage of pupils reaching the required level has risen from 76 per cent last year to 80 per cent in 2015.
There’s also been a big improvement in the performance of the youngest school children in the borough. At the end of reception class, all children undergo assessments as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, focusing on communication, use of language, literacy and numeracy. The percentage of children achieving a ‘Good Level of Development’ by the end of their reception
year has increased from 55 per cent in 2014 to 64 per cent in 2015. Councillor Jo Platt, cabinet member for children and young people at Wigan Council, said: “Wigan Borough has an excellent reputation for education and with results like these it’s easy to see why. “To say I am proud of our children and young people would be an understatement. “Each year I wonder how we can possibly improve upon the high
standards we set ourselves, but somehow – through the dedication of our teachers, the commitment of our parents and of course the determination of our pupils, we always manage to. “I’m sure parents across the borough will be as pleased as I am to see such progress from our children and such an improvement from our schools. “I’d like to thank our teachers and parents for giving our young people a great start in life.”
Jenny helps to launch campaign WIGAN athlete Jenny Meadows was on hand at Wigan’s Grand Arcade for a photo call to help promote the BelieveInHer campaign in the tow - for full details, see our story inside on page 5.
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July 28th 2015
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Issue no 257
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Wigan Sports Stars support#BelieveInHer
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We will transfer: Your LP collection to CD Your special videos to DVD Your old Cine films to DVD Standish Video & DVD 26a High Street, Standish 01257 426937 / 07774 775877
Standish Royal British Legion
Are organising a COACH TRIP TO YORK Saturday September 5th £10.00 per person
Coach leaves from Standish St. Wilfrids Church at 8.30 a.m. #BELIEVEINHER IS under Jenny Meadows, European and world starter’s orders as Wigan medallist 800m runner, said: “I’m really proud to be part of the Wigan Council Borough’s sporting stars line up Believe In Her campaign since I was a to back the campaign. young athlete at seven I went down to my Jenny Meadows, Kirsten McAslan, Sarah Grundy, Charlotte Newsham, Leah Barrow, Emily Borthwick, Rachelle Booth, Niamh Everett and Heather Frederikson have all added their backing to Wigan Council’s #BelieveInHer campaign.
#BelieveInHer is designed to tackle sexism and empower women to achieve all they want and sporting stars like Jenny and Heather are lining up with the borough’s future sporting stars in a series of new adverts which have gone on show across Wigan and Leigh town centres. And the Team GB members and sporting hopefuls have pledged their support to inspire other women to sporting success no matter how big or small to show that women from Wigan Borough can achieve great things in the sporting world.
local park at Robin Park and joined Wigan Harriers and always wanted to go to the Olympics. Lots of voluntary coaches, teachers, my parents, friends and family have helped me over the years and I achieved my dreams in 2008 when I went to the Bejing Olympics. I just want all the females out there to know that if they work really hard believe in yourself you can achieve your dreams.” Mayor of Wigan Borough Councillor Susan Loudon, pictured above with the campoaign supporters at Wigan’s Grand Arcade, said: “I’m supporting Believe In Her because we should believe in every member of our community and we should be supporting people like these female athletes who have been so successful in their chosen sport. They have shown that by working hard in their chosen sport whether that be on the track or on the pitch they can
achieve their goals and that has been absolutely phenomenal and we should support that.” Leah Barrow, Team GB 800m runner, added: “We’re backing the Believe In Her campaign because we want to bring equality to the town of Wigan, we want to inspire women to get active and be positive about sport.” And help for sporting stars of the future is available through the Believe Sport Talent Fund, which is run by WLCT in partnership with Wigan Council. The programme offers young people aged 11 to 24 grants of up to £500 to help pay for travel, accommodation, competition or training fees and equipment. To find out more visit www.wbsc.org.uk/believe-sport-talentfund . You can pledge your support to the campaign by visiting www.wigan.gov.uk/believeinher or use the hashtag #BelieveInHer on social media and copy in to @WiganCouncil pledging your support.
Contact Nelly on 01257 401274
Geoff Carr Memorial Event
THE final preparations are now under way for the Geoff Carr Memorial Event to be held in Standish at The Charnley Arms on Saturday 22nd August 2015. The event set out with the aim of raising £7000 and has so far raised £3000 ahead of the main event.
Many attractions never seen in the area before will be attending the event, and one of the final stages of Wigan Youth Zones Pie Factor will take place at the event.
This will host youths from around the area on stage, performing alongside professional artists who have kindly offered their talents and time on the day to support this worthwhile charity event, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Three Wishes charity. The Family Fun Day will begin with the grand opening by the Lady Lord Mayor of Wigan, joined by Pauline, Geoff's wife. A very special appearance will also be made during the day by a beautiful Disney princess, to keep the children entertained; working alongside Adam Reid, magician and entertainer by Kaleidoscope entertainments. Children and Adults alike will have many other fascinating attractions to keep them entertained with the presence of the climbing wall and archery hosted by Mountain Monkeys, the mobile fun palace (a double decker play bus like no other!), birds of prey ground and aerial displays from Rapid Raptors, birds from Haigh Birds of Prey, bouncey castles and much more!
There will be a number of stalls on the day including plant stalls, tombola's, handbags and jewellry, cakes and traditional side stalls and stocks. We will also be holding a raffle on the evening of the event, and presenting winners cups and medals. Anyone wishing to hold a stall can arrange this by contacting Dave or Alison. Our local emergency services are supporting the event and on display will be a rapid response vehicle and a front line ambulance. Emergencies permitting, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue will also be present at points during the day. Other surprise vehicles may also arrive on the day! Spared on by the recent Bolton iron man event, entries into our events Iron Man and Cycling event have increased. We still have places for anyone wishing to enter the event and details can be obtained from either Dave on 07917 832613 or Alison on 07979 737778. Cyclists cycle 26 miles from Aintree racecourse to the Charnley arms, with iron men/women cycling 23 miles, kayaking 3 miles, and running 3 miles back to the Charnley Arms. (Kayaks are provided) If you are unable to enter but would like to get involved any volunteers would be very much appreciated, whether this be to help out at a water station on the canal, help out at change over points for the iron men/women on the canal, or to help with stalls and activities at The Charnley Arms. The event also has a just giving page for anyone that wishes to support in that way. Donations can be made via h t t p : / / w w w. j u s t g i v i n g . c o m / o w n e remail/pleasesponsor/Alison-Chadwick2
Join a warm and friendly group near you today.....
Thursday - The Community Centre, Standish - Karen Moody Street, Standish *New Time* at 9.00 a.m. Wednesday Standish - Barbara Standish High School, International Language Centre Kenyon Road, Standish at 5.30pm and 7pm Tuesday Shevington - Barbara Shevington Methodist Church, Gathurst Lane 3.30pm, 5pm and 7pm Thursday Parbold Village Hall, Parbold - Carol at 6.00pm
TO CONTACT Friends run for Jemma
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WIGAN
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THE WIGAN COURIER - WIGAN’S ONLY FREE NEWSPAPER THAT COVERS LOCAL SPORT FOR the second year running Team Jemma entered the Manchester Colour Run in memory of Jemma-Louise Roberts and to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
The ONLY independent newspaper in
Big thanks to Tyrers Coaches for providing their 100 seater coach free of charge, The Rose Variety Club for providing the venue for the Post Colour Run Party and Adam Reid from Kaleidoscope Parties for providing the entertainment, again free of charge.. Our picture shows Team Jemma before and during the run.
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Jemma’s friends and their families from Standish Community High School, Hindley Swimming Club and Wigan Youth Concert Band joined together to form at 59 strong team for the happiest 5K on the planet!
Soldiers dedication service
A DEDICATION Service was held earlier in July at St. Josephs RC Church, Wrightington to recognise the recent placing of a Commonwealth War Graves headstone on the previously unmarked grave of a Wigan Postman who died at home in 1917 as a result of wounds sustained abroad. John Arthur Pilkington Aspinall (Rifleman 7668) was in the 9th London Regiment and died at home from wounds on February 16th 1917, aged 20 and was buried in an unmarked grave at the Church. John was born in Wigan in 1896 and the only child of John Aspinall, Office Keeper, County Court and his wife Elizabeth (nee Pilkington).
John attested for war service on December 11th, 1915 aged 19 years and 2 months and enlisted at London on February 22nd 1916 joining the Post Office Rifles, 8th Battalion as a Rifleman and embarked for France on July 5th 1916 arriving in Le Harve on July 6th. He was later transferred into the 9th Battalion of the London Regiment on July 17th 1916. In September 1916 John was wounded in action and suffered shellshock. He returned to duty but was again wounded in action by a gunshot wound to his face on September 25th 1916. He was sent to the Casualty Clearing Station, thence to 25 General Hospital in Etaples on the coast, a large facility for treatment of the wounded. He was returned to England where he was sent home to Wigan as a stretcher case in February 1917. He was discharged on January 23rd 1917 diagnosed as
suffering from ‘tubercle of left lung’ and no longer physically fit to continue in service. He had been awarded the Silver War Badge and Certificate to denote that he had served his country. He died at home in Wigan, the cause of death being given as ‘pulmonary tuberculosis’. John was buried with military honours in the churchyard at St. Josephs RC Church on February 21st 1917. His obituary and picture was published in the local paper and included an account of his funeral at which were present a firing party from the Drill Hall, Wigan. John’s medal entitlement was the British War and Victory medal. His name is inscribed on the Wigan Cenotaph and also on the Roll of Honour within All Saints Parish Church, Wigan. It seems that John’s service records were not sent to the Ministry of Defence and in subsequent years when the Commonwealth War Graves Commission erected their headstones he was not allocated this honour. However as a result of enquiries made in 2010 and information acquired following extensive research which was subsequently submitted to CWGC and the Ministry of Defence to justify the placing of one of their headstones on his grave which has remained unmarked since his death, it was agreed that he was entitled to such a headstone and this was to be erected on the plot of which he is the sole occupant. The headstone was placed on the grave in May 2015 by the CWGC. Our picture shows David Williams, Chairman Standish RBL, Carol Littler who researched the Roll of Honour, Father Kevin Mulhearn who conducted the ceremony, Gary Ingram and Steve Middleton representative from the Post Office.
Ancient Egypt rediscovered
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A SPECTACULAR gold coffin mask and unique 3000 year old coffin are among the fascinating ancient Egyptian objects going on display at the Museum of Wigan Life this summer.
The new exhibition will cover the complete history of the period from 3500BC to Roman Egypt, exploring death rituals, daily life and religious beliefs.
Cllr Kenny, Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, said: “There are some stunning pieces in this collection, which brings to life a remarkable period of history. The coffin mask is a real highlight that is sure to impress everyone, from local residents and schoolchildren to professional historians around the world. This exhibition will definitely be one not to miss!” The exhibition is being opened by Professor Joann Fletcher and Dr Stephen Buckley. Prof Fletcher, Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of York, is author of numerous books and TV series including BBC2’s Ancient Egypt: Life and Death in the Valley of the Kings and Egypt’s Lost Queens. Dr Stephen Buckley, Research Fellow at the University of York, uses science to reveal new insights into ancient history. Stephen and Jo’s work includes the BAFTA-winning Mummifying Alan: Egypt’s Last Secret. The 18th dynasty gold coffin mask in
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the collection is believed to have belonged to a minor member of the Royal family or nobility at the time when Egypt was at the height of its imperial power. Other interesting items include a unique 25-26th dynasty coffin piece with rare decoration showing figures in mourning and a 5000 year old pot which was made before the time of the Pharaohs. There are also painted coffin masks, fabulous coffin pieces and a stunning outer coffin which has been conserved with support from Wigan’s Horus Society. Other items include statuettes, perfume bottles, lamps, pots and jewellery. The exhibition will include a tomb for families to explore and the chance to do some real archaeology. You can also weigh your heart to see if you will enter the afterlife. A summer of Egyptian family fun at the museum will be followed by an autumn of specialist talks on Egyptian hieroglyphs and mummies. Ancient Egypt Rediscovered opened at the museum on Saturday 18th July and runs until Saturday 18th June 2016. The exhibition is free to all. Local Wigan Central Councillor George Davies says: "This exciting exhibition is a must for the family and will be a great quest for all our schools in the Borough who will discover 3000 yeras of Egyptian history. A big thankyou to all who have brought the exhibition to Wigans Museum of Wigan Life." Our picture shows the Mayor of Wigan along with Professor Joann Fletcher and Dr Stephen Buckley.
Summer fair fundraiser
PUPILS from Year 6 of Wood Fold Primary School, Green Lane, Standish raised a staggering £563.67 for the Standish Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The pupils through an enterprise project had to put forward ideas for different stalls to be put up at the fair to local businesses.
The best ideas were put through and ten stalls raised the brilliant amount. The pupils presented the cheque to David Williams at the Year 6 leaving assembly. Our picture shows David Williams, Chloe Morrell, Lorna Ashbrook, Mr Mike Rigbye and Yousef Ismail outside the school.
An application is being made for a Change of Licencing Hours and the provision of live music.
The Albion Ale House situated on High Street, Standish propose change of Licencing hours from 12:00-23:00 hours to 12:00-01:00 hours Sunday to Saturday inclusive To have the provision of live music from Monday - Saturday 20:00-23-00hours and Sunday 16:00 hours-22:00 hours
Kevin Goudy Albion Ale House Dated: 28th July, 2015
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Call The Midwife!
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THIRTEEN Winstanley College students got the chance to get an insight into the wonderful world of midwifery at College before the end of term, thanks to The Birth Sanctuary in Bolton.
Lottery Collectors Needed Wigan & Leigh Hospice are looking for Lottery Collectors to cover the areas of Ince, Aspull, Shevington and Standish.
This is a fantastic opportunity to earn some extra income while supporting a great cause. In this role you will speak to members of the public as you collect their weekly, fortnightly or monthly lottery subscriptions door to door. The role will enable you to be flexible with your collections once you have agreed this with your members. You must have a friendly and considered approach, excellent verbal communication skills and be able to deal with a wide variety of people. You must have a genuine passion and commitment to the Hospice and understand the Hospice Mission. • Own transport is essential. • Earn 15% commission. • Travel expenses 40 pence per mile. For further details speak to our Lottery department on
01942 525566.
All applicants will be CRB checked.
Shevington High School marks another good year
SHEVINGTON HIGH School Staff and Students celebrated a very successful year with awards all round. Pupils and parents celebrated together in two afternoons of awards; academic success, personal progress, sporting and musical achievements. There was more celebration recently when the school was named ‘Secondary School of the Year’ in the Observer Education Awards.
The students were joined by the company’s two founders Sue Baines, a general nurse and midwife and Jackie Tomlinson, a community midwife. Together they have sixty years’ experience between them, so were perfectly placed to tell the students all about midwifery.Sue and Jackie set up their company as a result of their passion to support birthing choices. They are now able to offer quality care at all stages of pregnancy, from preconception to postnatal services. The pair were delighted to meet with and speak to the students who were keen to hear all about midwifery. During their visit they spoke to their audience about topics such as the history of midwifery and the modern provision of maternity care in the UK. The day also included a practical session, learning about newborn examinations and the female pelvis. The students really enjoyed the visit and felt very inspired by Sue and Jacki commenting that they had found it an interesting and exciting glimpse of the field.
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Imagine Courier
A complete Kitchen from start to finish
IMAGINE Kitchens are a thriving kitchen business based in Shevington, Wigan. Business owner Billy Davies and his tem provide their customer with high quality, bespoke services from designing to installing the finest kitchens in the area. Imagine Kitchens are now Wigan Council award winners in the Good Traders Scheme. The scheme is run by Wigan Council to recognise the best traders in the borough. Billy and his team of qualified fitters have just received a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ which is in recognition of consistently high standards of customer feedback in 2014. At Imagine Kitchens they have built up a great reputation in assisting families and homes with a friendly, reliable and very honest service to give them that new kitchen that they are looking for to complete their home. Their service is a start to finish professional and personally overseen procedure were everything needed to refurbish your kitchen is done by our fully qualified tradesmen. This includes • Fully Fitting Service • Electrics • Plumbing • Plastering • Tiling • Painting If all the above is not required they also offer a supply only service. As customers of Imagine know, the company caters for all tastes incorporating modern and contemporary to traditional and practical but far more importantly they always focus on the quality of the product and installation. There is a wealth of exquisite stock to view and all kitchens are made to order and built by cabinet makers, no mass production here! The kitchen of your dreams is available under one roof, all it takes is a no fuss 30 minute home survey with none of the pressure of the hard sell tactics. Imagine Kitchens are open 6 days a week for customers convenience to take a peak and to obtain some styles and ideas. For further information on their services visit the website www.imaginekitchenswigan.com Book a FREE design appointment call Billy on 01257 403003 or 07835 639759.
Keeping to ‘The Deal’
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Don’t just take our word for it. Imagine Kitchens, Wigan really do go that extra mile for all of our customers. Here are just some of our satisfied customer comments.
To Billy and team Thanking you for a great design & excellently fitted. Rod & Denise Parkinson Just wanted to say a big thank you. There was always great attention to detail and all work was to the Highest standard. Billy thank you for your guidance & support and for my amazing kitchen. Linda Bird Thank you so much for our lovely kitchen. All the workforce were so professional and helpful. STANDARD OF WORK 1ST CLASS. Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you to anyone. Jill & John Maguire For customer care, that is second to no e. Much appreciated. Jim & Karen Shovelton.
Quality kitchens at realistic prices
SINCE launching The Deal in March 2014, Wigan Council have worked hard to make savings and are now working smarter, with your help, to the Council make improvements right across the Borough.
As part of the Councils ongoing commitments they want to show you The Deal in Action in your neighbourhood. The Councils part of the deal is to freeze council tax, help communities to support
each other, cut red tape and provide value for money, to build services around you and your family and to create opportunities for young people, support for the local ecomony to grow. They area so going to listen, be open, honest and friendly and believe in our Borough. Our part of the deal is to recycle more and right, get recycle involved in our community, get online, be healthy and active and to help protect our children and the vulnerable. We are also asked to support our local businesses as well as having our say and telling the Council if they get it wrong. We
also need to believe in our Borough. Local Wigan Central Councillor George Davies pictured in the offices of the Wigan Courier said: "The Councils deal is now
providing more help for everyone in all parts of the Borough. A big thankyou goes to the communities who have got involved in The Deal."
Primary school fun run for ‘Nepal’
ST. MARIES Catholic Primary School and PreSchool in Standish recently held a fun run/walk around the school field. All the children were involved and raised an amazing £3,347.94 for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal. Our picture shows the children with the cheque along with Mrs Somers, Headteacher.
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Young people host ‘Meet and Greet’ event
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YOUNG people from Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet and local councillors have been finding out about each other’s roles at a special 'Meet and Greet' event, hosted by the young people.
The event, which took place at Wigan Life Centre, was designed to
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help both councillors, particularly newly elected councillors, and young people from the Youth Cabinet, get to know each other and think about how they might work together to improve the borough for young people. The Mayor, Councillor Susan Loudon, also attended the event.
Councillor Joanne Platt, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said, “Our current political system can sometimes seem unappealing to young people as subjects that disproportionately affect the young are bumped down the political agenda. Events like this help to connect our young people to procedures and decisions at a local level. Even more importantly they help local councillors to further understand the important role children and young people have in our borough.” Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet is one of a number of opportunities Wigan Council offers to encourage and enable young people to have their say as part of the Deal for Children and Young People. The Youth Cabinet is open to all local young people aged 11-19 (or 25 if you have a disability). The group helps to get young people’s views to decision makers at a local, regional and national level and does regular research with local young people to make sure that they are accurately representing young people’s views. The ‘Meet and Greet’ event gave councillors a chance to find out about the Youth Cabinet’s work so far, which has included shadowing councillors to find out more about their roles, organising a series of ‘Question Time’ events for young people and visiting London for the annual UK Youth Parliament’s sitting in the House of Commons.
Samuel Miller, 12, from Springview, said, “I’ve only been coming to Youth Cabinet for about seven weeks but it has already opened up opportunities and has made me happy. I really enjoyed this event, especially talking to the Mayor and the councillors and I think we should do it more often. Next we’re thinking of inviting some councillors to our weekly meetings if we are discussing issues they might be able to help with.” Newly elected Councillor Nathan Murray, said, “I learned a lot. I didn’t realise there were so many different ways for young people to get involved, it’s something I would have loved to do when I was younger. It’s a good way for young people to develop the confidence to go on to be involved in politics if they want to. The average age of councillors nationally is 60.2 so I think it's good to get more young people’s views into politics.” Other ways young people can have their say include going along to a local ‘youth voice’ group (in Wigan, Leigh and Ashton) if they want to make a difference at a very local level or putting themselves forward to stand as a Member of the UK Youth Parliament if they are interested in changing things nationally for young people. More information is available at www.wigan.gov.uk/linc2 or by emailing voiceandengagement@wigan.gov.uk
HAVE you got a few hours to spare, do you like being outdoors and meeting people then please come and join our team of volunteers,
you get to meet some lovely people. We also have projects ongoing to help with. Clearing and preparing the ground to make access for pathways for the disabled, and to make bird feeding stations that are accessible for the disabled, and also the Swan Pond project. If anyone would like to get involved in any of the above please contact us through the website www.friendsofhaighcountrypark.org.uk You can also phone us on 07776350.
Friends of Haigh Volunteers wanted
The Friends of Haigh Country Park will need volunteers to help to run the Crazy Golf during school holidays from 11 am till 4 pm either on a week day or weekend weather permitting. It is in a lovely peaceful setting and
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Club
Corner
Standish Probus Club
Meet 2nd Tuesday of each month at Ashfield House, Ashfield Park Drive, Standish.
From 10.30 am to 12 noon. New members welcome; for more information call 01257 424994.
Royal British Legion, Standish
Meet 2nd Tuesday of each month, at Standish Unity Club, Cross Street, Standish, 7.30 pm. All ex-service personnel are very welcome.
Wigan Rambling and Climbing Club
The club hold social nights every Tuesday at 8.15 pm at Wigan Cricket Club, Bull Hey, Parsons Walk, Wigan. New members welcome. Contact Jill Shilladay on 01257 421926.
Making arrangements
Wigan Floral Art Club meet on the third Wednesday of the month at St Michael’s Church Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan. All arrangements done by qualified demonstrators.
Ringing the Bell
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IT’S just a simple ring of a bell, but for chemotherapy patients at Wigan’s Cancer Care Centre, it’s a symbol of hope and strength.
Recently, a bell was placed in the waiting area of the newly built Cancer Care Centre. But this is not just any bell. It’s a bell that only chemotherapy patients can ring when they are celebrating the end of their treatment plan.
When patients ring the bell, they also recite the following poem: “Ring this bell / Three times well, / It’s toll to clearly say / My treatment’s done, / This course is run, / And I’m on my way.” The bell was donated by patient, Trudy Farrell. Trudy was approaching the end of her chemotherapy treatment and wanted to mark the big occasion in some way. After seeing something similar at another hospital, Trudy thought it would be a great idea to give Wigan’s Cancer Care Centre patients the chance to celebrate too. Trudy explains “Ringing the bell, for me, symbolised the end of my treatment but more importantly, it symbolised the beginning of my life without treatments. I’m proud to be able to share that experience with other by ringing the bell”
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Some patients may have to return for further treatments. But being able to celebrate the little victories is a very powerful feeling. Janet Irvine, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse said “Completing a course of chemotherapy is a momentous occasion and it was so fitting that Trudy was the first person to ring the bell. On her last day of treatment she brought her husband with her, she rang the bell and recited the poem. All the staff and patients in the unit cheered. It was such a very proud moment for Trudy.” Janet went on to say she feels the ‘chemo bell’may make the chemotherapy appointments a little more tolerable for the patients, as it gives them something to aim for. Janet continued “There is something quite fundamental about the bell and when the other chemo patients hear it ring, it gives them a sense of camaraderie and drive.” Julie Barnes, Oncology Nurse said “Chemotherapy and its treatments are very complex; by contrast the bell is something very simple. Its presence in the centre will inspire patients for years to come, and we thank Trudy for that. Every time we hear the bell ring we will think of Trudy, her gift and the hopefulness that motivates anyone touched by cancer.” Our picture shows Trudy Farrell and family with Julie Barnes, Oncology Nurse.
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Classified MOTORS
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VW Touran undergoes basic redesign
THE VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN might not be the most exciting car to look at but it certainly has functionality down to a T. It’s the younger brother to the Volkswagen Sharan, so you miss out on sliding doors for better accessibility but overall it matches up pretty well for size and space. The newest version of the Touran is the latest Volkswagen Group car to be built on the MQB platform. Although at first glance you might think its improved looks are its only additional asset, pretty much everything has been redesigned to work better. This means better safety and more gadgets. 3The Touran was never going to win any beauty contests. It’s always been about substance over style but at least it has smartened up in its latest incarnation. On the outside the Touran has adopted more angular lines and an overall more sleek and sharp look than previous models. New LED lights have also added to this more modern overall image. Inside, the Touran has received the same treatment. The most noticeable styling update is the new dashboard. Everything is extremely accessible and laid out logically. The entrylevel S gets the Composition Media system with DAB and Bluetooth while SE Family cars are specced with the more advanced Discover Media system. There are five engines to choose from, two petrol and three diesel. Petrol options are a 1.2-litre 108bhp TSI with a manual gearbox and a 1.4-litre 148bhp which is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. However, we’d recommend going for some of the more economical diesel engines. Volkswagen is offering a 1.6-litre
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with 108bhp, a 2.0-litre TDI with 148bhp and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI engine gets 188bhp. All are available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG. We’d recommend the 1.6-litre TDI with the manual gearbox, because it offers a great balance of performance versus economy. It has just enough power to keep you comfortably shifting the Touran’s rather hefty body about and it’ll do 64.2mpg with emissions of 116g/km of CO2. Volkswagen is known for its ability to build sturdy cars and the Touran is no different. Whether you’re driving or a passenger in this car it certainly feels like a safe pair of hands. However, Volkswagen’s score in our latest Driver Power survey resulted in it dropping from 19th to 22nd position. Safety kit on the Touran has also been comprehensively updated, an important factor for families in the market for a people carrier. It gets nine airbags as well as a raft of safety systems for the first time. These include Automatic Post-Collision Braking and Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection system as standard, plus Adaptive Cruise Control, emergency braking and traffic alerts, as well as TrailerAssist for the first time on an MPV. Practicality was clearly high on the agenda when creating the Touran and no opportunity to add storage space has been neglected. In fact, Volkswagen has managed to cram an impressive 47 cubbies and pockets inside this car. The Touran will only come to the UK as a
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Motor-Diag DIAGNOSTIC & SERVICE CENTRE
927-litres will fit behind the third row. The second row of seats will also fold completely flat to give 1,857 litres of load space. Each seat folds individually and new to the Touran is the folding front passenger seat, which gives further flexibility. Owners will now be able to carry items up to 2.7m long.
The most efficient option in the range is the 1.6-litre TDI with seven-speed DSG. It produces just 111g/km of CO2 and can achieve an impressive 67.2mpg. The 1.6litre TDI is also available with BlueMotion as an option for slightly more power and fuel efficiency. Volkswagen also offers a threeyear/60,000 mile warranty and a three-
Servicing to any make or model Service lights reset Timing Belts Brakes Engine Management & A.B.S. faults Service inc. parts/labour & VAT from £70.00 Timing belts supplied and fitted from £90.00
Call Mark on 01942 498444
Chapel Street, just off Queens St. Wigan All major credit cards accepted
Review courtesy Auto Express, your No1 stop for news and information about the motor trade
Standish Autobodies expands seven-seater, but the third row of seats fold
flat into the floor giving the option of five seats with a large boot. With all of the seven
seats in position VW claims an impressive
www.autoexpress.co.uk
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
Telephone: 01257 472552
Service & Repair Centre
• MOT Prep • Service • Brakes • Battery’s • Tyres • Exhausts • Diagnostics STANDISH Autobodies which has been a family brakes, discs and pads and also tyres, exhausts and business since 1995 have this year as well as diagnostics. celebrating their 20th year in business have Standish Autobodies cater for cars that come in with a small bump to a BIG BUMP, accident repair is the name expanded.
The business has expanded its service bay and made a new reception area. They are located at 25 High Street in Standish (behind In Good Taste and La Mamas). Martyn and his team who specialise in car body repairs and light commercials now offer full or part servicing as well as MOT preparation,
of the game. If you would like a FREE estimate or a chat on rates per job please give us a call and we will be glad to meet you. Please call in to our premises or call for any advice you may need on 01257 472552. Our picture shows the new service bay and reception area.
All Body repairs from a bumper scrape to an insurance claim
• Restoration • Re-Sprays • Smart Repairs • Alloy Wheel refurbs • Valeting • Buffing and detail Use this advert to claim your free wax and polish with any service or body repair over £100
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WIGAN RUFC FIXTURES 2015-2016 THE WIGAN COURIER - WIGAN’S ONLY FREE NEWSPAPER THAT COVERS LOCAL SPORT
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Kilian Wallace is Wigan’s new Captain Wishing Wigan Rugby Union Club every success in the 2015 - 2016 season
Audit & Accountancy Tax Planning Corporate Finance IT Solutions & Payroll Financial Services Douglas Bank House, Wigan Lane, Wigan WN1 2TB T: 01942 241103 F: 01942 825689
E: webenquiries@fairhurstaccountants.com www.fairhurstaccountants.com
and new, will will be made most welcome, should attend at Douglas Valley at 7pm on Tuesday or Thursday evenings.
Aldwinians 2
H
Tyldesley 2
H
Sept 12th
West Park 2
Sept 26th
Sedgley Park 3
A
Oct 10th
De La Salle 2
A
Nov 7th
Preston GH 4
H
Oct 3rd
Oct 24th
Fylde 3
Southport 2
Littleborough 2
Nov 28th
Fleetwood 2
Dec 12th
Trafford MV
Dec 5th
Dec 19th Jan 9th
Jan 16th
Jan 23rd
Eccles 2
A
H
A
H H
H
A
West Park 2
H
Sedgley Park 3
H
Tyldesley 2 Fylde 3
A
A
Jan 30th
De La Salle 2
H
Feb 20th
Southport 2
H
Feb 13th
Feb 27th Mar 5th
Mar 12th
Fleetwood 2
A
Kirkby Lonsdale 2 A Preston GH 4
Littleborough 2
A
A
Mar 19th
Kirkby Lonsdale 2 H
April 16th
Trafford MV 2
Apr 9th
April 23rd
SVR PLASTICS
Every Success to the Wigan Club in season 2015-2016
SVR Plastics are able to manufacture
children's play tunnels; these can be as simple as a piece of pipe or a complicated wildlife viewing area; We manufacture to suit our customer's needs.
SVR's Staff are fully trained to the highest standard in every aspect of plastic welding fabrication. This enables them to carry out any on-site alterations, including the most complex welding connections. Fully equipped with generators and extrusion welders, remaining independent of local electricity supplies. All installation of pipe systems are undertaken by third party contractors, SVR Plastics are generally a manufacturing concern.
SUPPLIERS OF DRAINAGE PIPES TO WIGAN RUFC AND SPONSORS OF THE PITCH FUND
Telephone: 01695 50717 Facsimile: 01695 50052 Email: sales@svrplastics.co.uk
website: www.svrplastics.co.uk
Sept 19th
Liverpool St Helens A
Oct 3rd
WIGAN 2nd XV FIXTURES 2015/16
Sept 19th
West Park
Sept 26th
Kilian rejoined the Wigan club after three seasons playing for Preston Grasshoppers’ first team, and has Sept 5th
Sept 5th
Sept 12th
Kilian takes over from Peter Rigby, who has skippered the side with distinction since brought big match 2012. He will work experience to the Wigan with head coach club. All players, both old Gambles
Nov 21st
SVR Plastics Ltd Units 5/6 Greenhey Place East Gillibrands Skelmersdale WN8 9SA
WIGAN 1st XV FIXTURES 2015/16
W I G A N FLANKER Kilian Wallace has been appointed Wigan RUFC Club Captain for the forthcoming 20152016 season.
Eccles 2
Aldwinians 2
A
H A
If you have a legal problem of any kind, chew it over with Wigan’s friendliest firm of solicitors, based in Wigan and Standish for your convenience
Oct 10th Oct 17th Oct 24th Nov 7th
Nov 14th Nov 21st Dec 5th
Dec 12th Dec 19th Jan 9th
Jan 16th
Jan 23rd Jan 30th
Liverpool Coll
H
Douglas (I.O.M.)
H
New Brighton Hoylake Glossop
Anselmians Sefton
A
H A
A
Liverpool Coll
A
Northwich
H
Liverpool St Helens H
FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON ALL FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Registered to carry out audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Every success to all the Wigan RUFC teams in 2015-2016
19-21 Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan, WN1 1TD
Douglas (I.O.M)
A
Glossop
A
Fax: 01942 820237 email: accounts@nrbarton.co.uk website: www.nrbarton.co.uk
Anselmians
A
Sefton
April 16th
Northwich
H
H
H H
Winnington Park
H
West Park
H
A
New Veterans squad at Douglas Valley
WIGAN is setting up a new 'Vets' team, the intention is to make it a very social team and just play one game per month on a Friday evening - under the club’s new Match Standard Floodlights (shortly to be installed).
Wigan’s Mike Parker said: “We will keep it as a 'genuine Vets' - Over 35's only. “We have so far had around thirty 'Wigan Promises' to play. ExClub Captain Jon Lowe has kindly volunteered to
PLATT &
FISHWICK SOLICITORS
supporting Talk Proudly Wigan RUFC in the to us! 2015-2016 Season
47 King Street, Wigan 01942 243281 11 Preston Road, Standish 01257 402430
www.plattandfishwick.co.uk
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
A
New Brighton
Apr 2nd
Conveyancing Personal Injury Litigation Family and Accidents Employment Landlord and Elderly Clients Consumer Tenant Debt Recovery Problems Licensing
NR BARTON
Manchester
Bowdon
April 23rd
A
Winnington Park
Mar 5th
Apr 9th
A
H
Bowdon
Hoylake
Mar 19th
H
Manchester
Feb 13th Feb 20th
A
manage the team. “We have started T&P training - on a Monday night 7-8pm with a decent turn out of faces old and new If you are interested in joining - and can make training on Monday evenings - please email mike.parker@progresshp. co.uk or phone/text 07810546672
Tel: 01942 242245
STANDISH CLEANING SERVICES
Wishing Wigan RUFC teams success in 2015-2016 Carpet Cleaning Service Dry Foam Specialists INDUSTRIAL, DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING CONTRACTORS
37, Wigan Road, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0BE
Tel: 01257 422977 Mobile: 07801 695447
WIGAN RUGBY UNION CLUB
Wiganʼs playing squads AT ALL LEVELS are looking for new players for the 2015 / 2016 season Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm If you want to come down and join us, you will be made most welcome!! Catch up with us on Pitchero! BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 7-13 YEARS OF AGE - COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN AT WIGAN RUFC JUNIOR SECTION REGISTRATION DAY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH at Douglas Valley, Leyland Mill Lane
A PARTICULAR WELCOME FOR THE UNDER 7S, UNDER 8S, UNDER 9S, UNDER 10S - REGULAR JUNIOR TRAINING ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 6-30PM - PARENTS WELCOME!! Wigan RUFC, Douglas Valley, Wingates Rd, Leyland Mill Lane, Wigan
Tel: 01942 242556
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WIGAN RUFC FIXTURES 2015-2016
WIGAN RUFC’s setting in the picturesque Douglas Valley is the ideal venue for any celebration.
host weddings, We anniversaries, birthdays, christenings, staff parties, sportsmans dinners, formal club or organisation functions. We can accommodate your outdoor events: charity, school, sports days or tournaments. Thanks to the hard work of the club’s management team in our Centenary Season, the clubhouse has been successfully renovated throughout, and our friendly staff and relaxed informal atmosphere make our guests feel really welcome. We have a wheelchair accessible lift to the first floor for the benefit of guests with limited mobility. There are two suites for hire: The Prospect Lounge The Prospect can accommodate up to 50 guests and has its own bar facilities. Sky Sports is also available. This room is also offered for matchday sponsorship.
Main Clubroom Our first floor clubroom can seat up to 100 guests at circular tables, has a built-in dance floor and PA system. The club also provides guests with free Wi-Fi access.
For further details, bookings, or enquiries please contact
Mrs Claire Taylor Tel: 07801 700743 Email: wiganfitness@ gmail.com¬˚
• COMPONEN T • H AND LIN G • S O LUT IO NS • C O N V E YI N G A N D PA CKA GING S YS TE M S We are proud to be associated with Wigan RUFC in the Season 2015-2016 Unit 1, Oakdale House, Cale Lane, Wigan, WN2 1HB Tel: 01942 405300 Fax: 01942 405309 E-Mail: info@bhl-uk.com
J. Mallinson (Ormskirk) Ltd Main Contractors for the major Pitch Refurbishment project at Douglas Valley
We Wish Wigan Specialist RUFC every suppliers and layers of sports turf and playing success for the surfaces at all types of 2015 - 2016 sports grounds and stadia season
Our recent projects include:
Lords
City of Manchester Stadium
• Everton - Pitch Reconstruction • Manchester Stadium Grassmaster Pitch Construction • Lords Cricket Ground - Outfield Reconstruction • Fairways and putting greens for Royal Birkdale
For more information about our sports turf services, please call us on:
01695 723414
Royal Birkdale
Fax: 01695 724514
Lathom Vale Business Park Vale Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk L40 6JH
www.j-mallinson.co.uk
FIXED PRICE LEGAL SERVICES
Try us and we are sure you will be converted
We wish Wigan RUFC every success in the 2015-2016 season
• House moving • Commercial • Business • Family • Injury • Wills • Probate • Power of Attorney
mbh
Local Solicitors ... for local people
McCARTHY BENNETT HOLLAND
McCARTHY BENNETT T: 01942 206060 HOLLAND e: mbh@wigansolicitors.com 26 BRIDGEMAN TERRACE, WIGAN, WN1 1TD
Convenient metered car parking, right outside our offices
w: www.wigansolicitors.com
Wigan’s Summer Ball a big hit
THE WIGAN COURIER - WIGAN’S ONLY FREE NEWSPAPER THAT COVERS LOCAL SPORT
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WIGAN Rugby Union Club’s Summer Ball , held at the club, was quite a party. More than 100 guests were at Douglas Valley to party the night away at the end of June. Our pictures from the evening come courtesy Mrs Claire Taylor.
18
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Wigan Juniors get down to serious training
WIGAN Rugby Union Club’s Junior Section is enjoying another busy summer, with record numbers of young players at all age groups training and preparing for another new season in 20152016.
Warrington Wolves coach Mick Turner have been putting the younger players through their paces.
Our picture shows players and coaching staff at the start of a recent Wednesday night session at the club. New players and parents very welcome from 6-30pm any Wednesday, For more information find the club on Pitchero. Recently former Wigan Warriors WIGAN RUFC SEASON 2015-16 and Great Britain full back Steve FIXTURES AND PREVIEW Hampson, his son Kurt, and PAGES 16 & 17
Rugby Veterans ride for Steve Prescott
THE FORMER veterans of Wigan Rugby Union club and friends continued their annual summer charity bike riding campaign when more than seventy riders cycled from Higher Wheelton, near Blackburn, to Sams Bar in Scholes to raise over £1,500 for the Steve Prescott Foundation which support Christies and Try Assist.
The Preccy Riders at the beginning ( above) and at the end of their ride. All riders were counted out by organiser Malc Holland, and counted back in again....only casualties were two pies eaten by Alan Doran.
It was a particularly poignant ride following Steve’s untimely death in 2013 as he had previously joined the riders on their annual fundraising quest for his Foundation.
In 2006 the St. Helen star was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer and was given months to live. He set up the Steve Prescott Foundation in 2007, and went on to organise a series of money-raising initiatives. He raised almost half a million pounds for charity through the foundation, and was awarded an MBE in 2009 for his efforts. After a long battle with the disease, he died in 2013, aged 39.The riders were joined on the ride by Steve’s former team-mate and Saints legend Chris Joynt who paid tribute to the riders for their fund raising efforts for such a worthwhile cause Since starting their fund-raising rides in 2006 the
‘Vets’ have now incredibly raised more than £40,000 for worthwhile causes. Their next ride of their summer quartet of charity bike rides is on Saturday the 1st of August with a leisurely ride from Heaton Bridge back to Wigan in aid of Derian House
Childrens Hospice in Chorley, the ‘Derian Dawdle’ All the rides are open to everyone, are all off road, are a great day out and of course, it’s all in a good cause. Further information on the next ride is on the Vets facebook page.
Orrell teams touch down at the Etihad
THE ORRELL team that took part in an O2 RFU sponsored tournament, held at the Etihad Stadium the with others around the country to celebrate the World Cup which kicks off in September this year.
There were 29 teams in all from the North West and Orrell entered two sides. The Orrell Warriors who lost in the preliminary round robin, and Orrell Anvils, who reached thew last 16 before going out to a very good Oldham side. The RFU ambassadors for the day where Jason Robinson, Mark Cueto and Jonny Wilkinson, and Orrell won a phone in to get Jason Robinson to be their mentor for the day. Jason is pictured left with the Orrell players outside the stadium. The World Cup trophy is at Chester race course 23rd July where Orrell Touch Rugby will take part in an exhibition match. (Geoff Lightfoot)˚