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kitchens & bedrooms
Youth Zone is ‘improving young peoples’ lives’ SUMMER PROMOTIONS
Research shows benefit of town centre investment See Page 9
WIGAN YOUTH Zone is making a “significant, positive contribution to young people’s lives in the town” according to an independent consultant’s report. And the research said that the Parsons Walk centre is also making a social return on investment of at least 200 per cent. The report has been prepared by Amion Consulting, a specialist in socioeconomic impact assessment, for the charity OnSide which backs the youth zones, and concluded that the Wigan club delivers a cost-benefit ratio of 2.19, which means £2.19p of social benefits delivered for every £1 spent on
operating costs. The research also suggests the wider impact of the Youth Zone could be even higher when factoring in everything from job creation to the savings to the criminal justice system by getting young people who might stray from the straight and narrow to do something more positive. The report includes a detailed survey of a cross-section of Youth Zone members, parents, local businesses and other stakeholders which revealed: l 89 per cent of young people reported feeling more self-confident as a result of attending a Youth Zone; l 76 per cent were getting on better with family; l 70 per cent exercise regularly each week at
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Plenty to celebrate at Wigan’s excellent youth zone..
a Youth Zone; l 80 per cent reported getting better marks in class; l 89 per cent of business owners located near a Youth Zone said it made a positive contribution to tackling anti-social behaviour. Wigan Youth Zone
Spring into Summer John Harker: “We look forward to building on these fantastic results”
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general manager John Harker said: “We knew when we were planning a Youth Zone in Wigan that we would make a real impact on the lives of young people in the borough. “However, seeing the results of these findings makes it really hit home just what is being achieved and everyone involved with Wigan Youth Zone and the OnSide network should feel justly proud. “These fantastic
results simply would not have happened had it not been for our strong partnership work with Wigan Council, the local police and a host of other agencies across the local community and wider borough. “We have a joint responsibility to raise the aspirations of young people and make our local communities the best possible places to live and we look forward to building on these fantastic results in future.”
Wigan Youth Zone: Parsons Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RU 01942 612061 www.wiganyouthzone.org
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FREE VEHICLE HEALTH CHECK
10% DISCOUNT Over 60’s • Wed/Thur
10% DISCOUNT Student’s • On production of Student Union card
We carry out Servicing/ Repairs & M.O.T'S to Motor-Homes
10% DISCOUNT NHS Staff
Standish Service Station Ltd
Unit 135 Bradley Hall Ind Est., Bradley Lane, Standish.
01257 422 899
www.standishservicestation.co.uk
We have the office of fair trading code of practice and are a member of the Wigan Trading Standards giving the customer complete peace of mind.
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The Lacemakers of Wigan
Monday 6.45 p.m. – 8.45 p.m. through until the end of June 2015 at Standish Community Centre, Moody Street.
If anyone is interested in having a try at this popular craft or if you want further information please contact Ivy on 01257 400299 or email ivytabiner@virginmedia.com. New members always welcome.
Shevington Reading Group
The group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 12 Noon till 1.00 pm.
Children let go of their worries in mental health support project
For more details call at Shevington Library or ring 01257 252618.
AS ONE of the self employed Leads for Mental Health in Wigan, Standish Community Activiist Debbie Parkinson has supported and assessed many schools in Locality 1 to gain Bronze, Silver or Gold Award in the Wigan Mental Health Standards.
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Schools have been working towards gaining evidence for the Mental Health Standards, improving awareness and resilience in our children and young people. As part of their celebrations on recently achieving Gold Award, St Williams RC Primary School in Ince asked children to write down a worry they wanted to get rid of and then tied it to a yellow helium filled balloon. The whole school assembled in the playground with the Headteacher Mrs Emily Ellis and Mental Health
Selection of Great Real Ales changes regularly!
Home of Real Ale in Worthington, serving the community for more than 300 years...
FATHERS’ DAY AT THE WHITE CROW OUR SUPER KIDS’ MENU
Quality, Healthy food for your family Cheeseburger, Chips & Cucumber
Spaghetti Bolognaise & Garlic Bread h
Stonebaked Cheese & Tomato Pizza (V)
Giant Battered Fish Fingers & Chips & Cucumber Jacket Potato & Baked Beans (V) Baked Lasagne & Garlic Bread
Homemade Breaded Chicken Goujons, Chips & Cucumber
Sunday June 21st is a special day for Dads everywhere - and what better way to show the Old Man you care than to treat him to a slap-up home-cooked feast here at the White Crow? With a raft of Real Ales chosen specially by Stuart to wet his whistle, and a fine family menu to suit everyone, it will be a memorable Sunday for him. Want to beat the rush? - bring him down on Saturday and tell him you love him a day earlier!!
ALL MEALS JUST £5-95 INCLUDES ONE SIMPLY FRUITY DRINK Add on to any Kids Meal: Novelty Character Ice Cream - £2- 95
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Champion Danielle Walls and other school staff. After the countdown the balloons were released (along with the children’s worries!). Debbie Parkinson told the Courier: ‘This school is an excellent example of the hard work done to help remove discrimination and they are teaching resilience to our young people. Pupils recognise that we all have mental health and that some days we have good mental health when we are happy but that we all have times when we feel sad or stressed. The passionate Headteacher and Mental Health Champion are doing excellent work with the whole school community, not just its pupils. “It was a privilege to be invited to be part of their activities for Mental Health Awareness Week.” Our picture shows the children releasing balloons.
QUIZ NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY
FREE ENTRY - PRIZES TO BE WON AND THE FUN STARTS AT 9PM
For Derian House and Hindley 12th Wigan Boys Brigade - Dan’s favourite charities
NEW THIS SUMMER
We now sell FIFTEEN delicious flavours of Frederick’s Ice Cream - Lancashire’s finest now available in tubs at the White Crow!!
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
THE WHITE CROW has been awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for the number of customer reviews rating us as ‘Excellent’
FOOD HYGEINE RATING
THE WHITE CROW has been given a five-star rating by the Food Standards Agency for its high standards of cleanliness in food preparation
Volunteers put funds to very good use Courier
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VOLUNTARY groups across Wigan Borough are helping to improve the lives of residents thanks to funding from the Deal for Communities Investment Fund. To date, 123 investments have been made to groups as part of The Deal – an informal agreement between the council and everyone who lives or works in Wigan to join together for a better borough.
From helping to get people into work, to getting them off the streets, the cash fund set-up by Wigan Council has helped communities make a positive contribution to their neighbourhood and has provided a lifeline to hundreds of residents since the scheme was introduced in June 2013. And because of the scheme’s success, another £1m has been added to the pot – bringing the grand total up to £5m. Voluntary groups like Fix It UK have been
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putting the funding to good use. With its £48,825 share, Fix It UK, are helping people out of work learn new skills to improve their self-esteem and increase their chances of getting a job. Each year 32 residents are given the opportunity to undertake a Motor Vehicle Studies course – helping to increase independence and reduce unemployment in the borough. Ian Tomlinson, programme director at Fix It UK said: “The course aims to provide students with a whole host of skills, making them work ready in lots of different environments, not just in the motor vehicle industry. They’ll learn communication and problem solving skills and will have the opportunity to work in a team or using their own initiative – helping to boost their confidence. These softer skills can be transferred to any industry sector so does not limit them to getting a job in the motor industry." “The overall aim of the course is to make the young people more attractive to local
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employers or give them to confidence to move on to college to continue their studies. It also aims to help older people remain independent and tackle social isolation.” Since June 2013, when the Community Investment Fund was launched as part of the Deal for Communities, 75 voluntary groups and social entrepreneurs have received a share of £4m – in return for their big ideas. Originally the scheme was only supposed to run for two years, but because of its success, another £1m has been added to the pot, bringing the total up to £5m. Local organisations and individuals doing valuable work in their neighbourhoods will be able to bid for a slice of the funding to pay for new projects aimed at tackling some of the borough’s biggest problems. Lord Peter Smith, Leader of Wigan Council, says the council wants more people to help their communities. He says: “The Community Investment Fund has proved to be a huge success since it launched two years ago. Despite the economic difficulties we face, this investment has helped community groups deliver vital services in the heart of local communities, which the council can longer afford to do. Many of the groups that have received funding are well-known and trusted pillars of their local community – they understand the issues and key priorities, so who better to help us make a difference. “I’ve been extremely impressed with how popular the scheme has been, and how eager residents are to help. The results so far have been fantastic and I know we have lots of groups who are keen to make a difference.” The next round of funding will open later this year. Information about the scheme and the Deal for Communities Investment Fund can be found online at the council’s website www.wigan.gov.uk/thedea Our picture shows: Ian Tomlinson with Cllr Chris Ready and Cllr Janice Sharratt
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
Local shop wins National competition
Adesso Summer sandals are a must for anyone's wardrobe, with beautiful comfortable styles and stunning colours. As a thank you to all their loyal customers they are having a special Summer Sandal day on Saturday 20th June when there will be a 10% discount on all Adesso Sandals and a Competition to win a pair of your choice. Anyone calling into the shop on Saturday has the chance to enter the draw and the winner will be contacted at 5 pm on the 20th. Debbie and Denise look forward to seeing you. Well Done.
Est. 1976
Fashion: 68 High Street, Standish. Tel: 01257 425480 Shoes & Handbags: 13 High Street, Standish. Tel: 01257 426073
www.barbarasofstandish.com Opening times: Mon to Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm
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BARBARAS of Standish, our local shoe shop, have recently received an award from the West Midlands Shoe Company as winners of their
National Window Display Competition. Having come up against some stiff opposition they were one of the four finalists who were then voted for on Facebook. Having scooped many of the votes Debbie and Denise will be enjoying their prize of a Night at the Ritz in London. Barbaras theme was of a wonderful Summer Sandal Garden, tended each day by Ade and Sso the friendly gardeners (or bloom shoemakers), it is a wonderful array of colour and looks just like a blooming Summer Garden.
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The next Courier is published on
Wednesday 8th July 2015
THE SUN shone on Wigan Council’s very first Heart of Wigan family fun day.
Final deadline for advertising copy: Monday July 6th - 1pm The ONLY independent newspaper in
• Wigan • Standish • Shevington • Scholes • Aspull • Wrightington • Highfield • Ince • Orrell • Appley Bridge • Winstanley Advertising & Editorial
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‘Report It’ app is launched
IT IS EASIER than ever to report environmental issues like fly tipping and graffiti thanks to Wigan Report It, a new mobile phone app which is free to download.
With GPS signals it is easy to send the location of the problem while reporting it and taking a picture on a phone with a description of what the problem is as long as it is on public land. And from there the app shows all reports logged by a person along with the current status of the enquiry. Issues such as abandoned bins, broken glass or a spillage on the road, damaged street litter bins, fly-tipping, dog fouling and graffiti can all be reported through the mobile link. The app is the newest way to let people get in touch with Wigan Council and have their say. As part of The Deal people are being urged to go online to report problems. Already many have been using other online tools such as MyAccount and the website page www.wigan.gov.uk/reportit pages to keep track of council tax payments and report issues such as missed bins.
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Wigan gardens are on show
FORGET CHELSEA, this year it’s all about showcasing Wigan Borough’s gardens in Wigan and Leigh Homes’ annual gardening competition.
Applications for the competition are now open with six titles up for grabs, including ‘Best Hanging Basket.’And this year two more awards have been added - ‘Street or Neighbourhood’ and ‘Best Overall Garden’ award – giving gardening hopefuls an even greater chance of winning.
Thousands of people attended the event in Wigan town centre, where they accessed advice on a range of subjects such as keeping fit; healthy living and healthcare, along with free health-checks and lessons on how to perform CPR. The main stage was host to a variety of events from aerobics, Zumba and stunning vocal performances by some young people of the borough. There was also fun to be had with Wigan Athletic Community Trust and their penalty shoot-out, and a cycle/rowing competition was held in the Grand Arcade. Local Councillor Damian Edwardson, who is leading the campaign said: ‘This was a tremendous day for Wigan’s fight against heart disease. Heart of Wigan is trying to improve heart health in many ways from healthy eating and living to encouraging residents to make the most of our fantastic Greenheart spaces that cover 70% of the borough. “The subject of heart disease is a major factor in Wigan borough and something we all need to play a part in defeating. This can be done by looking after yourself and by learning basic life saving skills such as CPR to help others in an emergency. “I am so proud of what we have done today and I cannot thank people enough for their support in
making it such a success, hundreds of people have been trained in CPR and many more have been given valuable advice and information. “If we save one one life as a result of Heart of Wigan it will be worth all the hard work and effort put into events such as today.’ Howard Gallimore of Gallimores Fine Restaurant in The Wiend, Wigan and Councillor George Davies of Wigan Central Ward also fully supported the recent healthy heart day in Wigan. Howard made a healthy heart vegetable soup and George
Residents who live on a Wigan and Leigh Homes estate and have a neighbourhood, street, garden or allotment plot to be proud of are invited to apply. Residents can also nominate a neighbour or a friend, but must ask their permission first. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 23rd June. Judging will start on Monday 6th July 2015 and the awards will be AN evening of fashion was organised presented at a special presentation evening in September. recently by the ladies of Standish To enter the competition call the tenant participation team Methodist Church. on 01942 486557 or freephone 0800 3897652 and provide Over 80 ladies watched the models parade on your name, contact details, what you are entering and for which category. You can also email enquiries@walh.co.uk or download and complete an application form from www.walh.co.uk and email it to enquiries@walh.co.uk. Applications can be submitted with pictures, but it isn’t compulsory. Full T&Cs can be found on the website by searching ‘Annual Gardening Competition.’
dished out more than 400 cups to Wigan residents. Howard told the Courier: “I couldn’t have done it without George’s help. He spent all day giving out soup and that’s what you call commitment!” “Everyone had a great day.” For more information on Heart of Wigan and free life saving training, email: healthchampions@wigan.gov.uk Our Pictures show: above Councillors Damian Edwardson and Chris Ready and above left, Councillor George Davies with Howard Gallimore, owner of Gallimore’s Fine Restaurant.
Fashion show raises £600 for Church funds
Treat your Father to a tasty meal for Fathers Day
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 6.00 p.m.
Sunday 21st June Lunchtime Early Diners Special Served at 12.30 p.m. - BOOKINGS ONLY
3 Courses - £10.95
FULL FATHERS DAY MENU Served from 1.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
2 COURSES FOR £12.95 3 COURSES FOR £15.95 For more information and to view our menus visit our website thecrownatworthington.co.uk
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the catwalk showing colourful styles by Barbaras of Standish. Guests enjoyed a lovely supper whilst feasting their eyes on the latest Summer fashions.
Mega fun day at The Tally 7
Courier
THE day started as every outside event organisers did, frantically checking the weather to see if the meteorologists had got it right, and at 07:00 a.m. it wasn’t looking that promising to say the least.
Getting stalls ready and stocks into place, bouncy castles and gladiator dual all erected by 10.00 a.m. ready for the first of many community events in memory of Geoff Carr and in aid of the Three Wishes Charity.
People turned out in their droves and it was more like a festival than a fun day with the sun out and people just laughing and re-connecting with friends they had forgotten about. More visitors sat in the middle of the closed carpark as seating had ran out, good job the candy floss hadn’t. Children and adults alike were entertained by all sorts of activities, and the Thwaites shire Horses and Haigh Birds of Prey brought a very agricultural/ county show feel to what was a brilliant day.
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There was certainly something for everyone from Darren O’Neil the magician to Amanda Hayes Classical singer, and not forgetting the very wild and entertaining Kaleidoscope childrens entertainer which had the children spell bound. The day raised a further £711.49 which brings to totaliser up to £1562 so far. The main event on August 22nd will see riders, walkers, and IRONMEN / IRONWOMEN trek a marathon distance from Aintree to Standish. On arriving at the Charnley Arms a packed day of entertainment and challenges awaits them, from Birds of Prey Displays to Climbing Walls and Archery, bouncy castles and our Emergency Services letting the public see inside their vehicles. The week after the main event, 29th August see’s the community of Westbrook Warrington do their bit in memory of Geoff at the Seven Woods public house. Later this year the Silver Tally host FIREWALKING in memory of Geoff….further details to be released. Our pictures show the volunteering team for the day, The Thwaites Shire Horses, and Paul Parker - The Pie Man.
All hands on deck for campaigning
OUR picture shows Tony Lloyd the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner and Interim Mayor helping the campaign in Standish after candidate Debbie Parkinson asked him to come and help.
He did some canvassing and leafleting for a couple of hours in the run up to the election.
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A new Wigan LINC-up! Courier
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A NEW website, offering local young people the chance to find all the information they need in one place, has been launched in Wigan Borough.
LINC2 has been developed with young people and includes information on things to do, local support services, ways young people can get involved and have a say and information on issues that might be important to young people, such as bullying, staying safe and friendship.
The site is hosted within Wigan Council’s website and this is the first time the council has dedicated a section of its site exclusively to young people. The site is just one of the council’s commitments contained within the Deal for Children and Young People, which sets out how the council will help young people be healthy and active, stay safe and share their views. James Winterbottom, interim director of children’s services at Wigan Council, says: “The idea behind LINC2 is to have lots of information that young people might need in one place so that they don’t have to search through lots of different sites. We’ve also made sure that the information included on the site meets the standards of the different partners that we work with and government guidelines in terms of its accessibility and the messages we’re giving to young people. We hope that lots of young people will take a look at the site and find it useful.” Grace Thompson, 18, from Wigan, is one of the young people who helped to put the site together, advising on the subjects needed and writing some of
villagehairdesign by Amanda Carney “use your head”
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the articles. She says: “I’m really pleased that the LINC2 website is up and running. I believe it will be a really useful and accessible tool which will, hopefully, enable young people in Wigan to discover what activities are available for them in their local area. It also provides key information on issues that young people face. Perhaps the best thing about LINC2 is that much of its content has been written, designed, etc by young people for young people, making it relevant and relatable. I’d like to thank every person who has been involved in the creation of this website.” Steve Sheridan, Wigan and Bolton Group Manager for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, chairs Wigan Youth Forum. The forum brings together lots of organisations with an aim of improving activities and services available for young people across the borough. He says: “The site will develop as time goes on and we hope that young people are going to keep working with us to help us make sure that the information is relevant to them. “It’s a work in progress so if there’s an activity that we’ve missed off the site that should be on there or an issue that young people need to know more about – they can get in touch and let us know. There’s also the chance for young people to write articles for the site and share their own views with other young people. For more details go to (web) @LINC2Wigan “And if you don’t like reading lots of information, (Twitter) or If you’re a young person who would like you can always make use of the information streams to write for the site, email mailto:linc2@wigan.gov.uk Our picture shows Director of Children’s via Twitter or Facebook or take a look at some of the at Wigan Council James information films young people have made on the Services Winterbottom, with young people from some YouTube channel.”
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The new Mayor of Wigan 2015/16, Councillor Susan Loudon, was formally elected at a meeting of full council at Wigan Town Hall on Wednesday 27th May.
Councillor Loudon has always lived in the borough and has been a councillor since 1994. She said after her appointment: “I am very proud to assume the role of first citizen of the borough.
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Thank you to family and friends here today to join me in the highlight of my life. I love being a councillor and finding a way of helping people do what they want to do and I hope I can continue with this work while I am Mayor of Wigan Borough. I am proud to represent you and pledge to do my best whatever the circumstances.” Part of the Mayor’s role is to select a charity which she will raise money for throughout the
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Mon & Tues 9.30am - 6pm. Wed 9.30am - 3pm Thurs 9.30am - 8pm. Fri 9.30am - 7pm Sat 9am - 4pm
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year. Councillor Loudon will be hoping to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, based in Atherton. She said: “The reason I chose this particular charity is because my sister Joan, the Mayoress, is partially sighted and has Russell, a big black Labrador, to help her lead a full and active life. Councillor Ron Conway, who represents the Aspull-New Springs-Whelley ward, was elected Deputy Mayor. The new mayor, Councillor Susan Loudon, and Mayoress, Joan Mee, led the annual Civic Sunday celebrations on Sunday 31 st May. Each year, soon after the annual mayor making ceremony, the new mayor attends a Civic Sunday Service at a church of their choice. The Mayor chose to hold her Civic Sunday service at the Chowbent Chapel on Bolton Old Road in Atherton. Our picture shows the new Mayor and Mayoress Joan Mee with guide dog Russell.
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Imagine Courier
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Cycle to Blackpool with Wigan Youth Zone
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A complete Kitchen from start to finish
IMAGINE Kitchens are a thriving kitchen business based in Shevington, Wigan. Business owner Billy Davies and his team provide their customers 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 webiste www.imaginekitchenswigan.com Book a FREE design appointment call Billy on 01257 403003 or Mobile: 07835 639759.
Dont 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 none. Much appreciated Jim & Karen Shovelton
Quality kitchens at realistic prices
WANT TO get fit, have a great day out and raise money for the young people of Wigan?
Then join Wigan Youth Zone’s Wigan to Blackpool family bike ride on Sunday July 12th! There’s still time to enter the free event which promises to be a great challenge taking in the sites of the North West.
WYZ General Manager John Harker said: “This event has been growing in popularity for the past few years and has become a hotly anticipated event on the Youth Zone calendar and in the diaries of fundraisers across Wigan Borough and beyond. “It is a great family day out and we’ve been really lucky with the weather for the past two years. “We’d love to have you on our team and every rider will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three full Wigan Athletic training kits.” Entry is FREE of charge and Wigan Youth Zone will support their riders every step of the way. Refreshments will be available along the way and all
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riders will be met at the finish line on Blackpool Promenade and given free transport back to Wigan with their bikes. Any bike repairs and punctures will be dealt with along the route by one of the Youth Zone support vehicles. Back in Wigan, a barbeque will take place at the Youth Zone for all the riders and their family and friends. All riders need to do is pedal and raise a minimum of £100 for Wigan Youth Zone. John continued: “All the money raised will go back into raising the aspirations of young people and helping them to achieve everything they deserve in life. “We welcome individual riders, groups from different companies in the local business community and lads and dads or mothers and daughters. “If you can’t ride for us, we’d be very grateful if you could donate or loan us a bike so as many people can take part as possible.” If you don’t think you can manage the 50 miles cycle for whatever reason but still want to support the young people of Wigan, the Youth Zone are also asking for donations/ loans of bikes for our riders.
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D-Day tea dance Courier
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Dragon’s Den funds put to good use!
THE very popular Standish Community Centre tea dance on Friday June 5th was in celebration of the D Day landings. Dancers flocked to the community centre to celebrate with tea and homemade cakes whilst dancing to old favourite songs To add a bit of atmosphere they were provided with Union Jack hats and flags. The next tea dance is on Friday June 19th starting at 1.30 p.m. until 3.30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
AS A RESULT of last year’s Rotary Dragons Den support to ten local groups, we have received this special update from one of the recipients, Orrell Methodist Church which we think will interest everyone.
Their spokesperson told us “About twelve months ago with the help of a Grant from Wigan Rotary Club through ‘Dragon’s Den, were able to set up a ‘Parent and Toddler’ Group,
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Douglas Valley Golf Club, A6 Blackrod By-Pass, Blackrod, BOLTON, Lancs BL6 5HX. Tel: 01257 474844
Douglas Valley Golf Membership
HERE AT Douglas Valley Golf once you buy a membership with us then you can enjoy all the advantages of the membership. This includes no joining fee, no green fees and no waiting times as you can book tee times up to 7 days in advance. You can also play in all Club competitions and obtain an official handicap to maintain. Also included are fantastic members discounts at the San Marco Restaurant. As well as our reasonable membership we offer Summer Green fees as follows: Non members are welcome Midweek: adults £8.00 (9 Holes), £10.00 (18 Holes), member guest £6.50 (9), £8.00 (18), juniors (under 16) £6.50 (9), £8.00 (18), senior citizens (60+) £6.50 (9), £8.00 (18). Weekends and Bank Holidays: adults £9.00 (9), £12.00 (18), member guest £7.50 (9), £10.00 (18), junior (under 16) £7.50 (9), £10.00 (18), senior citizen (60+) £7.50 (9), £10.00 (18). Prices are correct at time of printing.
which meets every Tuesday venture, paid another visit to the Group to present them with a morning in the Church Hall. This satisfied a long identified need within the community for somewhere for parents, grandparents and toddlers to meet together. We have been immensely successful with the Hall filled to capacity every week and will have to consider over the summer whether to move into a bigger Hall”. Recently Aukje Clegg OBE, Chair of the Wigan Rotary Club’s ‘Vocational Service Committee’, and who has been an enthusiastic and helpful supporter of this
cheque for £100.00 to buy a library of books and jigsaws for the children to borrow and take home to share with family to encourage their language and social skills and a love of books and reading. Orrell Methodist Church said: “Thanks to Wigan Rotary Club we have been able to do something really positive for the community of Orrell”. Our picture shows Rotary Chair Aukje Clegg OBE in centre with Mothers and Dads of the church community.
Rotary help for Derian House
WIGAN ROTARY Club invited Mr John Rullo, Community Fundraiser at the Derian House Children’s Hospice based in Chorley, to attend a recent meeting. The hospice serves a wide area of Lancashire and Greater Manchester which includes the clubs local borough. The club has enjoyed a close relationship with Derian House over the last ten years. Mr. Rullo gave the members an interesting update on the vital services provided by the dedicated staff who care for the children and give help, support and advice to parents, family and other carers. The photograph shows President Jim Rawson handing over a cheque for £500 to John which will help the hospice continue providing the excellent levels of care that they provide for the children. Rotary clubs are open to men and women of all ages who are business, professional or community leaders and who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Rotary initiates local and global projects to promote world understanding and peace and improve life conditions for people of all ages and cultures. To find out more, visit http://www.ribi.org.
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WHY NOT come and be a Polar Explorer and be part of God’s big expedition? St Wilfrid’s Church, Standish, is once again to hold their annual Holiday Club - this year’s theme is “Polar Explorer”, come and join Sir Random Finds & Bare Feet. The week will feature games, craft activities, drama, song, Bible stories and lots of fun as children go on a daily expedition through New Testament characters. The holiday Club runs from 09:15 am to 12:30pm on the 10th to 14th August. It is open to children of primary school age, that is reception to year 6 and ages 5 – 11. The charges are £25 for each child, £35 for two and if you have more then please speak with a leader. Our Enrolment Night is Monday 22 June 2015, in St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Standish [adjacent to the Church] from 6:00pm – 8:00pm We look forward to greeting you!
New Theatre Company for Wigan
A BRAND NEW theatre company called ‘Platform’ is being launched in Wigan and budding actors are being invited to get involved in an innovative annual production. The project is the brainchild of Martin Green, Drama Project Manager for Healthy Arts – a local not-for-profit organisation that connects the community to exciting creative experiences.
Regular weekly rehearsals and drama training sessions will be starting in September leading towards a major theatrical production in Spring 2016. The project is being kick-started with some taster workshops taking place throughout June and the summer holidays, where people can learn new
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skills, have some fun and make friends all at the same time. Martin explains further: “‘Platform’ will integrate young people aged 13 plus and adults in a dynamic and original annual production. Learning acting skills and techniques are the priority and I’m looking for at least 20 committed individuals to form this exciting new company. Even if you have very little experience, we want to hear from you if you are passionate about performing. We’ll be creating a brand new piece of writing for local audiences, leading towards a dynamic and powerful piece of theatre that will rival the fringe theatre scenes in Manchester and Liverpool”. The first introductory drama workshop will take place on Wednesday 17th June from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at The Old Courts on Crawford Street in Wigan (between the train stations and the bus station). Workshops will continue for another two weeks and then three Wednesdays between 22nd
July and 5th August at the same times. Following these sessions, regular meetings will continue from September. Cost per session is £5 and some subsidised places are also available so please contact Martin if you are interested and want to know more. ‘Platform’ will also create professional development opportunities for volunteers, leading to potential employment in other areas of the dramatic arts – from administration to stage management and technical support. Arts Award training has been built into the programme to support both freelance practitioners and those not in employment, education or training. Healthy Arts has been awarded funding from Wigan Council’s Deal for Communities Investment Fund to support this programme of activity. Contact Martin at Healthy Arts on 07542 114383 or email martin@greenroom-creative.co.uk for further information or to register your interest.
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Green light for canal project
A NEW ‘Wainwright of the waterways’ has been appointed by the Canal & River Trust to forge England’s first Coast to Coast canoe trail.
Following in the footsteps of famous author and walker, Alfred Wainwright, Greg Brookes will lead a small team in a five year plan to create a challenging new canoe trail across the Pennines.
Brighter burn for Aspull church boiler
ASPULL METHODIST Church was having problems with their boiler and were wandering how they could pay for a new boiler, until their local councillors stepped in with help from their Brighter Borough funding money.
Councillors Ron Conway, John Hilton and Chris Ready stepped up to the plate with a donation of £1,500-00 to help shivering parishioners get warmed up again: Councillor Conway told the Courier: “On a recent visit to the coffee morning myself and Councillor Ready heard about the plight of the church and were delighted to step in and offer help.”
They presented the Church with a cheque for the work to be done. Church official Allan Howarth said: “I can’t thank our councillors enough. They delivered on their promise and that’s what you call real community work..” Our picture shows the three Aspull and New Springs councillors with members of the Church and the all important cheque.
The route will start in Liverpool on the west coast, follow 127 miles of Britain’s longest canal, the Leeds & Liverpool, link into the Aire and Calder Navigation in Yorkshire and finally reach the east coast at Goole. The 150 mile trail will not be for the faint-hearted and involve carrying canoes around 91 locks, including the 21 lock Wigan flight, Bingley’s famous Five Rise and a mile long tunnel at Foulridge. Major urban centres, such as Liverpool, Wigan, Leeds, Blackburn, Burnley and Skipton, will be connected with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Encouraging young people (aged 15-25) to become more active and get involved in a new sport will be a key part of a youth engagement programme. Funded by a £1.3 million grant from the Desmond Foundation, the aim of the project is to create healthier communities, develop employment opportunities and leave a lasting legacy, the Coast to Coast Canoe Trail, for future generations to enjoy. Programme manager Greg Brookes, is a former senior youth worker with Warrington Youth Service and an outdoor education development worker in Knowsley. He is an experienced canoeist himself and is joined by Andrew Blackburn, who has recently led Raleigh International expeditions to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Borneo. Greg said: “Our plan is to engage with up to 10,000 young people and their families through a series of Canoe Action Squads. We are in danger of creating a lost generation of young people trapped in a time bomb of poor health and low self-esteem. “A recent report identified that only 15% of girls and 28% of boys achieve the recommended level of physical activity and 37% are overweight or obese. Canals are not just for narrowboats. Canoeing is becoming an increasingly popular activity on our waterways. Even in urban areas, canoeing offers the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and have fun at the same time as getting fit and healthy.” Richard Atkinson, a member of the Canal & River Trust North West Waterway Partnership, added: “We are very grateful to the Desmond Foundation for funding this fantastic initiative.
“For both serious canoeists and those just wanting to have fun, the Coast to Coast Canoe Trail is sure to etch its way into the national consciousness in the same way as Wainwright’s great Coast to Coast Walk and Pennine Way. “Thousands of young people are going to have the chance to try out this great sport, become healthier, and who knows, we could inspire the next generation of Olympic champions.” Richard is also the Head of Waterways and Environment for British Canoeing who carried out the initial scoping for the trail. In the first year, the programme will concentrate on Liverpool to Burscough; in the second year, Wigan to Blackburn; the third year Burnley to Skipton; year four will be Leeds to Castleford and the final year, Knottingley to Goole. Anyone wanting to get involved should contact Greg on 07919 691169 or email him: coastto.coast@canalrivertrust.org.uk. Our photo shows Greg Brookes (green jacket) and Andrew Blackburn (blue jacket) out on the canal…
College supports Veterans
WIGAN AND Leigh College has become the first organisation in Wigan Borough to sign a new corporate agreement to support the armed forces. The College signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in partnership with Wigan Council. Now other organisations in the borough are being encouraged to follow their lead and sign a covenant pledging support to the armed forces. The covenant will see the college reach out to veterans in the borough and help them develop new skills. College courses will be targeted at exservice personnel so they can develop the appropriate skills to develop new careers. Principal Michael Sheehan said: “We see this as a really positive initiative to help and support a large number of people in the borough.
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“We are proud to be the first organisation in the borough to be able to support this venture and we look forward to developing a productive relationship with colleagues across the borough and make sure it is a success.” Mr Sheehan signed the covenant in the presence of the Mayor of Wigan Borough Councillor Phyll Cullen and the ceremony was attended by members of Wigan’s Royal British Legion and the Wigan Sea Cadets. British Legion branch president Brian Fenton and vice-president John Magee will be among the first veterans to benefit from the covenant partnership when they receive IT training. This will help them volunteer at Wigan’s new £500,000 armed forces hub. The hub, which is currently in the planning stage, will be a centre of excellence to give specialist support to the 22,000 veterans and their families
currently living in Wigan Borough along with reservists and serving personnel. Linda Fisher, Wigan Council’s armed forces lead officer, said: “Organisations can only benefit from recognising the value serving military personnel and veterans can bring to their organisation and our communities. “We would encourage other businesses and organisations in the borough interested in supporting the armed forces to contact the council and sign up to the covenant.” For more information on the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant contact: L.Fisher@wigan.gov.uk Our picture shows The former Mayor of Wigan Borough Councillor Phyll Cullen with Principal of Wigan and Leigh College Michael Sheehan signing the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.
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Why choose expensive concrete imitations for your patio when you can enjoy the latest beauty of real NATURAL STONE for less? New Natural Sandstone Paving Slabs £15.00 sq mtr New Natural Limestone Paving Slabs £15.00 sq mtr Choice of colours and sizes available from stock also MASSIVE STOCKS of Circle Features, Stone & Granite Cobbles, Stone Walling, Copings, Rockery, Decorative Stone, Troughs, Slates, Bricks, Reclaimed Yorkshire Flags & Much More. At Trade Prices: New Oak Railway Sleepers (Untreated) £20 Old Oak Railway Sleepers (Grade A) £15 All our products are top quality and everything is available ex stock. Why not let our expert design and installation team create your Dream Garden or Driveway. Our work is second to none. Call now for a FREE NO OBLIGATION quotation from the experts. Full masonry workshop facility on site, we can make you just about anything in beautiful natural stone. Please enquire. Visitors welcome to view our display areas. Delivery service available.
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New Skoda Superb Estate TEL: 01257 400026 to advertise in the motors section
SKODA'S new Superb load-lugger is available to order this month with a likely starting price of around £20,000.
Skoda is looking to extend its lead over rivals with the even bigger Estate model. It’s a significant car for the brand, perhaps even more so than the hatchback in the UK, because across its
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lifespan, the outgoing Estate accounted for around 70 per cent of Superb sales here. This time, the ratio is expected to shift slightly, as Skoda says the hatch’s bigger boot and more stylish design will boost its popularity, but it will still be 60:40 in the load-lugger’s favour. When it comes to practicality, though, the Estate is unsurpassed this side of a Ford Transit. With the rear seats in place, boot space has grown by 27 litres to 660 litres – that’s 60 litres more than in a Mercedes E-Class. Fold the rear seats down and that increases to an enormous 1,950-litres, rising from the 1,865 litres in its predecessor. Up to the B-pillar, the hatch and Estate are
Wigan International Jazz Festival lineup
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Review courtest of Auto Express, your No. 1 stop for news and information about the motor trade www.autoexpress.co.uk
identical, but the higher, extended roofline means there’s more headroom to go with the latter’s businessclass levels of rear legroom. To make room for that bigger boot and free up more head room, legroom and elbow room than its predecessor, the wheelbase that has been extended by 80mm, compared to the hatchback version, to 2841mm.
At the back, the new, steeply raked screen and sharp LED tail-lights give the Estate a sportier look than you’d expect from a car measuring 4856mm in length – 23mm more than the hatch. The engine line-up will mirror the hatch’s, yet CO2 emissions are expected to rise by 1g/km due to the added weight. So, petrols will range from a 123bhp 1.4 TSI to a 276bhp 2.0 TSI 4x4, while diesels stretch from a 118bhp 1.6 TDI to a 187bhp 2.0 TDI 4x4. Estate prices are expected to start from around £1,200 more than for the hatch, so the entry-level 1.4 TSI will cost £19,890. Trim levels will comprise S, SE, SE Business, SE L Executive and Laurin & Klement, with one unique option: a full-length panoramic roof with an electric-opening front section, which is likely to set you back £800. The Superb Estate won't make its public debut until the Frankfurt show in September, but the order books open now, with first deliveries at the same time as the new hatch, in September.
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SOME of the most talented musicians in the UK will bring the best loved big band arrangements to the stage at this year’s Wigan International Jazz Festival.
Echoes of Ellington, directed by Pete Long, will celebrate classics including Take The ‘A’ Train, Sophisticated Lady and It Don’t Mean A Thing; with former Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra member and now star jazz singer Georgina Jackson providing the vocals. The audience can also enjoy a performance from support act The Sandbach School Brass Boys. Peter Long, leader of the orchestra, said: “Every Big band fan is familiar with the fabulous range of colours and moods reached by the work of Duke Ellington. To hear the music played live by the best musicians available is to add a whole other dimension to this music. For the Wigan show, we have an incredibly strong line-up this year - those wanting to enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is a Duke Ellington concert will not be disappointed!” Ian Darrington, Festival Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pete Long and the band to the festival, which has become well known for its quality big band content over the past 30 years. Make sure you book your tickets now so you don’t miss out on what promises to be a fantastic concert.” Echoes of Ellington will perform on at Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre on Friday 10 July at 7.30pm. Other highlights of this year’s festival, sponsored by Manchester Airport, include Andy Prior’s tribute to Frank Sinatra, James Pearson and the Skelton Skinner All Star Band, plus the Wigan Jazz Club Reunion Big Band and Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra. There will also be free performances also taking place in the town centre and at Mesnes Park. Tickets for the festival, which is supported by WLCT and Wigan Council, are now on sale To buy tickets, visit www. wiganjazz.net. You can also purchase tickets by calling 01942 828 271 or in person at Haigh Country Park.
LISTINGS Thursday 9 July, 8pm Andy Prior and His Big Band: Bringing together two musical legends: Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller £20 Local musician Andy Prior brings his big sound to Wigan. Together with his big band, Prior has been performing since the late 80s. They specialise in bringing together two of the greatest musical legends, Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller. Before you know it, you will be whisked back to the 1940s, hearing hits such as Come Fly With Me, In the Mood and Fly Me To The Moon. Friday 10 July, 9.30am Talk – Breakfast with Barnes, £6 – pay on the door The UK’s most popular jazz musician, Alan Barnes, talks about making a living as a jazz musician, the many characters in the industry and the regular challenges that a musician has to cope with. 12pm - Alan Barnes Quintet plays Ben, Bean, Bird, Byas and Barnes £15 Featuring the compositions of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins Charlie Parker, Don Byas and Alan Barnes, played by the very best UK jazz artists. Sax, clarinet: Alan Barnes, Trumpet, flugelhorn: Bruce Adams, Piano: Robin Aspland, Bass: Dave Green, Drums: Steve Brown 2.45pm Johnstone, Jarvie, Lowrie Trio. £12 We welcome this trio in partnership with Edinburgh Jazz Festival. Three of Scotland’s finest, they met at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2010 and have been performing extensively ever since. Their set includes original compositions and jazz standards. All three players were regular performers in BBC Scotland’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year. Piano: Pete Johnstone, Bass: Brodie Jarvie, Drums: John Lowrie. Afternoon combined ticket for Alan Barnes Quintet and Johnstone, Jarvie, Lowrie Trio £22 7.30pm Echoes of Ellington, directed by Pete Long. £20 Directed by Pete Long, Echoes of Ellington features one of the very best line ups of UK players. The repertoire consists of some of the best loved big band arrangements on the planet including Tahe The “A” Train, Sophisticated Lady and It Don’t Mean A Thing. Trumpets: George Hogg, Ryan Quigley,
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Nathan Bray, Enrico Tomasso, Louis Dowdeswell. Trombones: Andy Flaxman, Chris Traves, Callum Au. Saxes: Colin Skinner, Peter Ripper, Mike Hall, Alex Garnett, Jay Craig. Bass: Laurence Ungless. Drums: Richard Pite. Vocals: Georgina Jackson. Support from the Sandbach School Brass Boys Saturday 11 July, 9.30am Talk – I didn’t know people in Wigan did this kind of thing, Ian Darrington £6 – pay on the door After 35 years as Musical Director of Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, and 30 years as director of the Wigan Jazz Festival, Ian finally reveals the contents of his autobiography which is due for release at the festival. 11am Town centre concerts - free 12pm Rob Fowler’s Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band £15 Playing tribute to legendary American baritone sax player Gerry Mulligan. Mulligan worked with arrangers such as Bill Holman, Gary McFarland, Al Cohn and Bob Brookmeyer on music which is now being championed by Rob Fowler and his band comprising some of the finest British jazz players. 2.45pm Dan Shout’s In With A Shout £12 Four of South Africa’s finest musicians travel from Cape Town to combine with three of the finest musicians in the North West. In partnership with Edinburgh Jazz Festival. Tenor sax, leader: Dan Shout, Tenor sax: Marc De Kock, Dean Masser, Bass: Benjamin Jeptha, Drums: Marlon Clive Witbooi, Guitar: Steven Buckley Afternoon combined ticket for Rob Fowler’s Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band and Dan Shout’s In With A Shout £22 7.30pm Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra Stan Getz with Strings, featuring Paul Booth, Clifford Brown with Strings, featuring Ryan Quigley. £20 The night opens with WYJO – the best up and coming talent directed by David Little. We’re celebrating the music from two great jazz albums of the 50s and 60s – Clifford Brown with Strings and Stan Getz with Strings. We welcome Ryan Quigley (trumpet) and Paul Booth (tenor sax). Ryan Quigley is one of the most in demand lead and jazz trumpet players in the UK as well as a highly regarded composer, arranger and educator. Sunday 12 July 9.30am Talk - The Genius of the Duke by Pete Log. £6 – pay on the door Musical Director of Echoes of Ellington and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, Pete Long talks about the special qualities of Duke Ellington, what made his music so important and why it has remained such a crucial part of jazz history. 12pm Wigan Jazz Club Reunion Dream Band £18 Featuring 19 players personally selected by Festival Director Ian Darrington MBE to celebrate 30 years of the Wigan International Jazz Festival. The programme will feature pieces by many of the soloists who have performed here over the years, starting their careers with Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra. Trumpets: Andy Greenwood, Craig Wild, Malcolm Melling, Clifford Ray. Trombones: Lee Hallam,, John Stevens, David A Little. Saxes: Richard Halliwell, Munch Manship, Dan Shout, Marc De Kock, AJ Brown. Drums: Guy Walsh, Marlon Witbooi. Double bass: Dave Lynane Electric bass: Benjamin Jeptha. Piano: Martin Longhawn. Guitar: Stuart Davies. Vocals: Georgina Jackson 12pm Jazz in the Park 2.45pm Simon Reed Octet. £15 Bassist Simon Read’s octet features some of the finest musicians from Leeds and London. Expect to hear lots of boyant, rich horn arrangements. Trumpet: Laura Jurd, Alto sax: Ben Lowman, Tenor sax , clarinet: Will Howard, Trombone: Kevin Holbrough Guitar: Michael De Souza, Piano: Jamil Sheriff, Bass: Simon Read, Drums: Sam Gardner. Afternoon combined ticket for Wigan Jazz Club Reunion Dream Band and Simon Reed Octet £15 7.30pm Oscar Peterson Meets The Big Band, featuring James Pearson and the Skelton Skinner All Star Big Band. £20 James Pearson is one of the few pianists around with the dexterity to conjure up Peterson’s musical intellect and passion. He will be joined by The Skelton/Skinner All Stars, whose swinging recreations of Terry Gibbs’ Dreamband have led to sell out performances at Ronnie Scott’s. Trumpets: Mike Lovatt, Danny Marsden, George Hogg, Steve Fishwick. Trombones: Andy Wood, Jon Stokes, Callum Au, Pete North. Saxophones: Colin Skinner, Jim Gold, Alex Garnett, Olly Wilby, Gemma More. Rhythm: Colin Oxley (guitar), Jeremy Brown (bass), Matt Skelton (drums). Support is from the Stretch Trio. Rover tickets for the festival are available at £110.
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Courier
Courier SPORT THE WIGAN COURIER -
Guest trophy presenters the Wigan Warriors’ George Williams and Connor Farrell tower above quiz league officials Kevin Glossop, Roger Bootman and David Lord, with competing finalists Unity Club A and Unity Club B positioned either side of the season’s trophies.
Best team darts average in the season - Ian Corless and Jimmy Ormesher of Globe B.
League champions Unity Club B receive the Charles Miller Trophy; left to right, Dick Morley, Jeff Wittingham, Keith Richards and special guest Charles’ widow Barbara.
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Memorable night for teams in Standish Quiz League Final
Story and pictures courtesy Greg Lynch
DO YOU know the name of Mary Tourel’s famous comic strip creation?...the surname of Ant and Dec?...how many squares on a Scrabble board?...or which countries fought the War of Jenkins’ Ear? If so then in Marlon Brando’s famous words you too could have been a contender in this years final bout for the Mike Gregory Trophy where these were some of the questions asked. George Williams and Connor Farrell, the talented lads representing Wigan RLFC maintained a long and honourable tradition whilst displaying an impressive knowledge of their own, particularly when handling the sporting questions. T his, combined with their relaxed, friendly diplomacy made them worthy ambassadors for their club. The match itself provided any entertaining climax to the season, with the Unity Club A reversing a first half deficit to snatch the trophy from their
derby rivals with a storming second half finish. Other highlights of the presentation evening included the Charles Miller Trophy which went to League Champions Unity Club B. The Globe collected the Tom Pennington award for fair play and sportsmanship. Other honours included Martin Bullen - Highest darts score in a single game and Best individual darts season average. Ian Corless and Jimmy Ormesher of Globe B, Best team darts average in the season. Dick Morley collected the Trevor Thomas Handicap Trophy on behalf of Unity Club B. Thanks are due to the Unity Club for hosting this event, to Globe landlord Gavin who has provided refreshments throughout the season and The Courier for their support of this unique local community tradition. If you would like to liven up your Tuesday evenings by joining in the Standish Quiz League you will be made most welcome. Simply contact either secretary Keith Richards on 01257 425338 or chairman Allan Mitchinson on 01257 421659, you don’t need to be an egghead, just friendly! If your still scratching your head about the above questions, the answers given were Rupert Bear, McPartlin and Donelly, 225 and Britain
Dick Morley collects the Trevor Thomas Handicapped Trophy on behalf of Unity Club B.
Highest darts score in a single game, and best individual darts season average - Martin Bullen.
v Spain. The league also makes a donation to a nominated charity making it all worthwhile as well as enjoyable. Our pictures supplied by
Greg Lynch show guest presenters George Williams and Connor Farrell towering about officials Kevin Glossop, Roger Bootman and David Lord with competing finalists Unity Club A and Unity Club
B positioned either side of the season’s trophies and The Globe B collecting the Tom Pennington Award for fair play and sportsmanship.
St. Helens v Wigan Warriors match round up............................................
I WAS going to confine this week’s column to all the rumour chat currently running riot on the Net. I felt the inconsistency displayed throughout Wigan’s 2015 season was probably getting a bit boring. In addition, when we turned Leeds over so impressively at Newcastle and then won a hardfought victory at Huddersfield a week later, I hoped that maybe the bad times were behind us. But then came our June 12 visit to Langtree Park. And sorry, but that can’t pass without comment.
For anyone who happened to be on a different planet last Friday, Wigan were in the running earlier on during this much-anticipated derby. They scored good tries, looked strong in the middle, and at half-time were in front by 8-10. But then, inexplicably, with most of the second half still to go, they hit ‘self-destruct’. A series of
unforced cock-ups literally gifted St Helens 18 points and a lead that would prove unassailable. The final score of 30-14 in no way reflected this match overall, and if any Saints fans had the humility to accept that they were extremely lucky in last year’s Grand Final, they must have felt it all the more last weekend. But at the end of the day you take your chances, and why should any team think it has a right to win when it makes mistakes on its own line that schoolboys would be redfaced about? Everything started to unravel for Wigan on 42 minutes, when Matty Bowen, the hero of the victory over Leeds two weeks earlier, made a pig’s ear of a low, speculative grubber, which allowed Travis Burns to score the softest of tries. Bowen was the culprit again 23 minutes later, when he fluffed a steepling upand-under and Shannon McDonnell walked in. The third try we gift-wrapped for the Saints was even more unforgivable. It came on 67 minutes, when Dan Sarginson threw a pass to no-one right in front of his own posts, allowing
Paul Finch is
The Insider
Wigan Warriors from the Inside Out...
Jon Wilkin the killer finish. Shaun Wane has refused to single out individuals, criticising the whole team for an overall below par performance. I can’t disagree with that – in all those cases Saints were in attacking positions that should have been denied them, and there is no doubt that for long periods of the match Wigan did very little to threaten the opposition’s line. But it can’t be denied that high profile errors have been the bane of the Wigan team so far this year. Anyway, enough of the griping. What’s done is done, and the players concerned will certainly be feeling it this week as Wigan now prepare for another important run of fixtures. The upcoming trio don’t look quite as tough as the last four, which were all away and saw the Warriors manage to claim four
points out of eight. But none will be easy. Salford are due at the DW this Friday (June 19). They ought to feel confident, having taught Wigan a 24-18 lesson at their own ground last April. However, there are rumours of unrest surrounding Salford this season, and it may be that a Wigan backlash is coming after the Saints debacle. I expect the Warriors to win this one. I’m less certain about Warrington away on July 2 and Leeds at home on July 9. In any times, the toughness of those two fixtures would speak for itself, but Wire and Leeds are sixth in the table and second respectively, and still have it all to play for. If nothing else, you can be certain that in a week or so’s time, the Saints result will be forgotten. There are bigger times ahead for everyone. And so what are the rumours
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currently doing the rounds? Well, they are legion. And as usual, there’s a bit of the good and a bit of the bad. Taking the bad first, the word is rife among Wigan’s rumourists that Joe Burgess won’t be the only star leaving at the end of this season. Other names bracketed alongside him include Ryan Hampshire, Josh Charnley, Dan Sarginson and Alan Bateman. I can’t pretend that none of those wouldn’t be massive losses. But I’d be particularly upset if Wigan allowed Hampshire to leave. Mainly because he’s one of the most exciting junior talents in Cherry and White that I can remember since Sean Long – and we all know how that departure turned out, but also because out of this particular group he’s the only one being linked with defection to another British club. I can understand big names like Charnley and Bateman being attracted to the NRL, but to let Hampshire go to one of our immediate Super League rivals would be a big error in my opinion. On the other hand, some of the names who are rumoured to be
coming to Wigan are certainly interesting. These include Warrington duo Chris Bridge and Stefan Ratchford. How this would work, I don’t quite know. Bridge, who is 30, won’t be every Wigan fan’s cup of tea. He can tackle and score tries, but he’s not as fast as he used to be. But we undoubtedly need a centre, especially if Sarginson is planning to leave. Wigan-born Ratchford could also do that job, though it would surely go much further with him. This guy is a play-maker as well as a finisher, and can run almost anywhere in the backs. He also has the makings of a loose forward, and bear in mind that Sean O’Loughlin won’t be much longer for the Wigan first team. I have no facts to hand here. These are, as I’ve said, rumours. But the thought of a Wigan side in 2016, even if it’s been weakened by a couple of losses, able to field strike-threats like Stefan Ratchford and Sam Tomkins alongside each other is absolutely mouthwatering. As always where the Warriors are concerned, there are interesting times ahead.
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New facility for disabled riders
A NEW ARENA for disabled riders has been unveiled at Friends of Landlords Farm in Aspull after the charity was awarded a £25,000 grant from Sport England. It was an exciting day as ahead of them hosting the North West Riding for the Disabled Regional Championships, Aspull Councillors Ron Conway and Chris Ready helped cut the ribbon to open the new
facilities with rider, Sarah, first levels of disabilities to access the Dressage, Showjumping and sport including the fun, enjoyment Countryside Challenge with to test out the ramp. The Sport England grant has allowed the charity to build a new disabled toilet with ramp access, and a purpose built outdoor arena. This project has received huge support from local companies who have donated time and materials to help the project come together; it is a fantastic development and will allow more people to access the sport for enjoyment and also participate in regular competition. The unveiling of these facilities will allow for an increasing number of people with varying
Oscar represents GB at five! STANDISH youngster Oscar Booth has been selected to race for Great Britain in the 2015 BMX World Championships at the age of just five! Oscar, a pupil in the reception class at St Wilfrid’s C of E Primary Academy in Standish, started riding BMX bikes at the age of just two and started balance biking on the indoor BMX track at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester at the same age. He competed in the Strider World Cup at the age of three and four. A few weeks after he turned four he started to do BMX sessions at the indoor track. Oscar joined Preston Pirates BMX Club and in 2014 competed in his first BMX race. He has competed in various club series and this year competed in his first regional and national races.
Having competed in the first four rounds of the British BMX Series of national races in Manchester and Kent, his family were told by British Cycling that he has qualified to race for Team GB at the 2015 World
Championships in Heusden-Zolder (Belgium). As one of the youngest riders to qualify in the 6 and under age group he will still only be 5 years old when he competes in Belgium next month.
Rugby vets back in the saddle!
since starting their fund-raising campaign in 2008 and so far they have raised over £40,000 for various charities.
THE former veterans of Wigan Rugby Union Club and friends once again pedalled the miles raising over two thousand pound for The Christie hospital in Manchester. Their ride was in memory of their former colleague and friend of many Gerry Cooper who died of cancer in 2006 and was treated at Christies during his brave battle with the illness. More than ninety riders turned up to make the trip from Southport back to Sams Bar in Scholes after calling at various hostelries for much needed refreshments. It was the Vets nineteenth bike ride
Organiser Malc Holland said ‘One again it was a brilliant day with a record number of riders enjoying great hospitality and comradeship along the route. Upon reaching Burscough several riders sought a change of clothing at the local charity shop which quickly sold out of suitable male attire leaving a number adorning colourful ladies dresses with matching wedding hats! It was a brilliant day out, well supported and in memory of a top bloke, who we raised a glass to along the way. I would like to thank not only the riders that took part but to everyone who donated to this very worthwhile cause with particular thanks to ‘mine host’ Tracy Summers at ‘Sams’ As usual the ‘Vets’ are organising four fun fund-raising charity rides over the summer months. The next challenge is on Saturday the 4th of July for the Steve Prescott Foundation, which also supports Christies, from Higher Wheelton back to Wigan. This will start off from the Golden Lion at Higher Wheelton with an 11am meet up. Malc added ‘this is always a particular poignant ride as Steve’s used to pop along on our ride to lend his support to a great cause. He really was a lesson in courage for us all to learn and I hope that as many of his friends and colleagues will turn up on the day for the ride in his honour. Malc added ‘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
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and therapeutic benefit this can bring. There are already a number of local community groups attending regular sessions but these facilities will allow for more and more people to take part. Once the facilities were officially open it was time for the competition to start, Riding for the Disabled Groups from across the North West had brought riders and horses to take part in the Regional Championships. Activities for the day included
Our photo shows the Booth family, Dad Matt, Oscar on the bike, younger brother Noah who is already showing promise on the balance bike, and Mum Vickie. There’s also a shot of the young ace
winners from the classes having the opportunity to go on and compete in the National Championships which will be held later this year at Hartpury College. Landlords Farm pony club members were also raising money for Friends of Landlords with a cake stall. Our picture left shows Councillors Chris Ready and Ron Conway with riders helping cut the ribbon and above, the cake stall manned by young volunteers.
in action with full kit.... Watch this space for a report from the Booth family on their trip to the World Championships inBelgium next month, and good luck Oscar from us all at the Courier!
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