Borough Life Issue 36 Winter 2011

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF WIGAN BOROUGH

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BOROUGH

ISSUE 36 WINTER 2011

The

LIGHT FANTASTIC! Leigh sparkles for Christmas

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Everyone’s talking...Wigan Life Centre

Oliver Walkden

Vanessa King

Derek Pitcher

Keilly Blakely

Margaret Blakely

Business booming as centre brings

BOROUGH TO LIFE IGAN Borough’s brand new leisure and swimming pool complex is now open for business.

And business is good! More and more people are taking the plunge and signing up as Life members. Borough Life went to meet some typical customers to find out what they think:

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Oliver Walkden, 16, of Wigan, said: “They’re great facilities. There’s everything you could want to get fit. It’s a great addition to the town centre.”

To find out more Vanessa about what’s on offer at King, 20, the Life Centre visit the Active from Life pages at Wigan Leisure Ince, and Culture Trust’s website: said: www.wlct.org Find out more about the latest Life Centre developments on page seven of this edition of Borough Life.

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“It’s excellent. I love the fact I can watch Coronation Street while I’m on the treadmill. The key allows you to monitor your progress and how much weight you’ve lifted, how long you’ve run. It’s just great.”

Derek Pitcher, 18, of Wigan said: “It’s a nice complex, it’s got a pool and sauna and steam room.The building stands out, the facilities are excellent and I’d certainly encourage people to come here.”

Keilley Blakely, 30, from Ince, said: “I prefer the pool being smaller, it’s not as long as

the International Pool was so it’s being used to swim in rather than loads of people just hanging round.”

Margaret Blakely added: “I’ve signed up to Facebook so I can use it at the gym.

They’ll never get me out of here. It’s fantastic. I’m proud Wigan has something like this.”

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www.wigan.gov.uk

Leader Column

Winter 2011 This edition packed with news, plus...

By Peter Smith Leader, Wigan Council THE 2012 Olympic Games will be a showcase for what can be achieved through hard work, determination and a desire to be the best. The economic and social benefits of bringing such an event to the UK cannot be understated and our borough has a big part to play.

We have long celebrated sporting excellence and we’re delighted that this has now been recognised by those behind the London Olympics. In May the eyes of the world will be on our borough when the Olympic Flame passes through it.

We want this flame to act as a beacon to the next generation of the borough’s athletes... to spur them on to reach their full potential and we’ll be with them every step of the way.

In terms of the economic benefits it is expected the games will attract more than 350,000 foreign visitors to our country each day of the competition. We’ll be doing our best to make sure they are aware of what Wigan and the North West has to offer and we hope many will venture outside the M25 to see it at first hand. In other sporting news Wigan Borough has successfully bid to become a host venue for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. This is a game that really is part of the cultural fabric of our borough. Few places eat, sleep and breathe Rugby League in the same way as people in our borough do. The good news that our borough will play a part in this fantastic sporting spectacle is a testament to the great work that’s been going on behind the scenes. Again, we’ll be aiming to get the maximum benefit for our borough of being part of this great sporting occasion.

WHEN Alan Tootell opened the doors of his Golborne butcher’s shop in 1961, John F Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States and a little-known Liverpool band gave their first performance at the city’s Cavern Club.

A lot’s changed since then but Alan is still going strong and amazingly he’s not had a single day off in all that time. A truly fantastic achievement that speaks volumes about the benefits of hard-work and job satisfaction.

You can read Alan’s inspirational story on page 4 and how we are helping new businesses such as Krista Bougourd’s IT business on page 26.

2011 has been a difficult year both at home and abroad and 2012 is predicted to be no easier. The Borough has coped remarkably well, responding by working even closer in partnership.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Solar panel investment

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Wrestler prepares for Games in Wigan 11

Beat the burglars this Christmas

Bluebells and their blue bins

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CONTENTS

The

COVER PICTURE: a scene from this year’s Leigh Christmas lights switch on.

Borough Life is published by Wigan Council and distributed to all households in the borough. This edition was published on 9 December. Distribution should be complete by 23 December 2011.

The Editor Borough Life, FREEPOST NWW3502A, Wigan WN1 1XZ. Tel: 01942 827823 Email: boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk

The magazine is printed on paper from renewable resources. It is written and edited

by Wigan Council’s Media and Communications team, designed by Smith Davis Press and printed by PCP.

If you are a resident of Wigan Borough but haven’t had a copy of Borough Life delivered through your letterbox, please let us know.

Copies of individual articles may be available in other languages on request.

Large print and audio versions can also be provided. Please phone 01942 827823.

If you have any comments or feedback – or if would like to write a letter for publication – please contact:

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Take a

‘BUTCHER’S’ E’S not had a day off in over 50 years and his Heath Street premises are full of the traditions of old style shopkeeping – but his local nickname of Arkwright is hardly right for generous Golborne legend Alan Tootell.

Ronnie Barker’s miserly comic masterpiece may have been the centre of his community – but there the similarity ends. Alan is ready with a cheeky smile and a naughty story to entertain his loyal customers.

He’ll be launching

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his seasonal campaign soon: ‘Remember – a butcher is for life, not just for Christmas’.

“Saturday mornings are hilarious,” says regular Maurice Kennedy, “Tales of old Golborne,

anecdotes and banter – and always the very best service and superb meats, cakes and salads.”

Alan says he’s just doing his job: “The secret is variety,” he says.

“Plenty of things in stock to keep the customers happy – and just proper good service to keep them coming back. Quality meats, of course, but lots more besides.”

It was this dedication, not to mention long service and charity work, that led Golborne ward councillor Ged Bretherton to present Alan with a ‘Buy Local’ certificate for his achievements.

Cllr Bretherton said: “Pretty much everyone in the village knows Tootell’s butchers – but what’s amazing is that people call in from far beyond Golborne – and even far beyond the borough – for his pies and sandwiches. On race days at Haydock Park down the road, punters arriving from all over phone their order ahead.”

A lot has happened since Friday 15 July 1961 when Alan left Golborne Country Primary School only to start in his dad’s shop round the corner on the Saturday morning.

The face of many high streets has changed as shopping habits have developed. But things today are much as they were in the days of the mighty Ambrose Tootell, who’d first opened up in Golborne in 1948 and that’s down to good customer care and the very best quality, Alan tells us. Arkwright’s Emporium it may be, but this shopkeeper is no miser…

Alan said: “Thank you for this honour – now are you going to buy something?”

Big tidy... communities join forces to clean up WIGAN Council has joined forces with Wigan’s own Keep Britain Tidy on ‘Love Where You Live’ – a national campaign to encourage people to take pride in where they live, work and play.

To prove what a big difference people can make the council called a halt to town centre cleaning over one weekend.

The result… loads of extra litter strewn around the streets, much of it within sight of a town centre litter bin.

But it wasn’t there for long because an army of community volunteers, council workers and local primary school pupils quickly mucked in to get it all cleaned up again.

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Wigan Council is one of several ambassador authorities through which the ‘Love Where You Live’ campaign will be promoted at a local level. Together with Keep Britain Tidy, the council aims to

inspire individuals, local businesses, groups and organisations to think about their community and take an active interest in looking after their local environment.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: “When it comes to litter, we all have a part to play and every individual You can find out really can make a more at the Love difference. We Where You Live website: can all help www.lovewhereyou to make our live.org or the Keep neighbourhoods Britain Tidy website: better places.” www.keepbritain tidy.org

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PANEL POWER Council increases investment in renewable energy for borough homes

ORE Wigan Borough council homes are to benefit from ‘billbusting’ solar panel technology.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet has agreed a move that will see double the anticipated number of homes fitted with the ‘green’ energy panels over the next year.

As part of a partnership with the borough’s council house management company, Wigan and Leigh Housing (WALH), the council has upped its investment in solar panels up to £3M, which will mean some 500 homes will reap the rewards.

A report to Wigan Council’s Cabinet has revealed that the decision could bring benefits for council house tenants in the form of reduced energy bills, boost the local economy with new jobs and the scheme would not only pay for itself but actually make money in years to come.

The panels produce electricity in an environmentally-friendly way and it is predicted that on average, tenants could see their bills being slashed by £100 a year as a result. Any electricity that is not used by the tenant can be sold back to the energy supplier.

The decision to increase the number of homes that will benefit from solar panels has been taken to capitalise on government-backed incentives, known as ‘Feed-In Tariffs’ that will be available at a high rate until December 2011 before being reduced by around 60%.

Welcoming the installation, Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for the Environment, Cllr Kevin Anderson says: “This is very much a win-win proposition from the council’s perspective. We all need to be moving away from fossil fuels and making more use of low-carbon technology. Solar panels have been around for four decades now so it is only right that we use this opportunity to make them work for us.

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“It is anticipated that the scheme will help generate more than £250,000 a year for the next 25 years and save over £100 on bills for tenants. Any money that is made will be ploughed back into more energy saving measures for the council homes.

“We are also confident that such a large scale installation project will help create new jobs in the borough in terms of the fitting and ongoing maintenance of the panels.”

Cllr Anderson adds: “This scheme is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to invest in social housing and to ensure that the borough has some of the ‘greenest’ homes possible. In the last few years, through our managing agent WALH, we have spent £15M from tenants rents putting in modern gas boilers.

“We have put insulation on the high-rise blocks which has improved their appearance. We are currently taking part in a ‘mop-up’ programme to upgrade any homes that so far have not been done.”

The money to fund the installation of the new panels and all these energy works comes from the Housing Revenue Account – so will come from tenants’ rents with no contribution by council tax payers.

And WALH tenant board member for Atherton and deputy chair of the board, Marjorie Marsden, says it’s a good deal for tenants.

Marjorie says: “We had a very clear view that when our rents were increased what we wanted in return was lower fuel bills. I am delighted that the council is continuing to listen to what we see as the top priority. The great news with the solar PV project is 500 tenants will benefit from reduced bills and the housing account will make millions, which can be reinvested into more energy projects benefiting many more tenants.”

Gordon and Amanda Rutter and children (baby) Amelia and Morgan with Margaret Monaghan and ward councillors Mark Aldred and Susan Loudon.

New homes on site at Leigh WIGAN Council and partners are celebrating the completion of 35 new homes at the site of the former Orchards Day Centre on Chatham Street off Leigh Road.

It has strengthened the supply of social housing in the borough with over a hundred new rented homes built in the last year.

The development of two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses is the latest in the new-build partnership programme between the council and Wigan and Leigh Housing.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, Cabinet member for Communities and the Environment, said: “Last year I was delighted to welcome a Leyther into the first new council house built in our borough for a generation. I’m proud that it wasn’t a one-off, and that we have had a successful partnership to deliver, so far, 105 new homes to such a high standard.”

The £3.5M project has provided a much needed boost to the house building industry in Wigan Borough, creating local employment and training opportunities.

Residents moving into the homes will benefit from top standards of design and environmental performance such as high levels of insulation and double glazing, combined with efficient boilers and heat recovery systems that means that the homes will be economical to run.

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OFSTED back children’s services FINDINGS from the latest OFSTED report show that Wigan Council is serving the borough’s children and young people well.

The council has once again achieved a grade 3 in its annual OFSTED assessment for Children’s Services. The result means that these services continue to perform well, exceeding many national targets.

The report sent to Nick Hudson, Director of People’s Services for the council, found that: ■ The vast majority of primary schools were judged good or better.

■ One school previously judged inadequate is now satisfactory with another inadequate school now receiving good support from the council.

■ There is less persistent absence in the borough’s high schools than anywhere else in the country.

■ Early figures indicate that 11 year olds in the borough’s schools are continuing to perform above the national average.

The number of GCSE pupils in the borough achieving five or more A*-C grades (including English and Mathematics) has improved over the last five years and is in line with the national average.

Four of the borough’s 20 children’s centres were inspected since last year.

Three were awarded ‘outstanding’ and one was awarded a ‘good’ grade.

Of the borough’s seven children’s homes, four are ‘good’ and one is ‘outstanding’. Two are ‘satisfactory’.

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Council and communities

‘POOL’ TOGETHER OUNCIL leaders have thrown a lifeline to two of the borough’s public swimming pools that faced an uncertain future because of cuts.

Both Hindley and Tyldesley Pools faced the prospect of possible closure as part of the ongoing need to make savings to council budgets.

Following extensive discussions with pool users, residents and others earlier in the year, the council and Wigan and Leisure and Culture Trust asked for expressions of interest from the community and other groups to put bids for running the pools.

A bid was made for Tyldesley pool, but despite a high-profile local campaign to keep the pool open, no bids were forthcoming for Hindley Pool.

Given this, and the need for the council to cut £66M from its budgets over the next three years, the future for the pools were in doubt with the prospect of them closing at the end of the year.

But following a recent meeting of the council’s Cabinet, it has now been agreed that both pools will remain open for a minimum six months. Hindley Pool will remain open whilst a review is undertaken and Tyldesley Pool will transfer to a community group, with a review after 12 months operation.

The plan means that the pools will operate

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under reduced hours whilst council officers and others try to find a way to secure the long-term future of Hindley Pool.

Leader of the Council Lord Peter Smith says: “Given the size of budget cuts we face we have vowed to protect vital front-line services. In order to do this, difficult decisions must be taken.

“We have listened carefully to what people have said and we will continue to work with local groups, councillors and MPs to try to keep Hindley Pool open. We now need to encourage local proposals for the future management of the pools.”

Libraries: the next chapter IN 2012 transformation of the borough’s library service will see the introduction of the new “tiering” system.

Based on the supermarket approach of matching demand with location, Wigan and Leigh will become Library Central locations. They will offer the greatest range of stock and activities and the longest opening hours (over 50 hours per week).

Library Local services, located at Ashton, Golborne, Hindley, Lamberhead Green, Standish and Tyldesley, will provide a strong community library offer, with opening hours of approximately 35-40 hours per week.

Convenience libraries, offering essential stock and services will be provided by the Library Express format.

This will be offered at Aspull, Atherton, Ince, Marsh Green, Platt Bridge and Shevington.

The final tier, Library Direct, will mark those services that can be accessed on-line and at home. This will include ongoing improvements to the library service’s website, and the Home Delivery Service.

For library opening hours over the holidays ask at your nearest library or visit: www.wlct.org

My Life, My Choices IF you’re looking for local care and support services, check out Wigan Council’s interactive web service: www.mylifemychoices. wigan.gov.uk As well as providing up to date information on the different choices which offer support to people, there’s now a new area which will guide you step by step through the journey to getting the help you need.

If you haven’t got a computer, there is free internet access at the borough’s libraries.

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IRST we had the Healthy Living Zone.

The first part of Wigan Town Centre’s new Life Centre complex, with two swimming pools, gym and fitness facilities opened over the summer and is already proving to be a big success.

In the first month of opening; the pool saw nearly 7,000 casual swim visits; 500 children are on the swimming lesson programme; and 2,000 people have joined the Profiles fitness facility.

And on the other side of the town hall, work on the second instalment of the Life Centre is reaching a climax.

The new centre, which will open in the New Year will contain an Information and Learning Zone and a Neighbourhood Zone.

There’s a state-of-the-art new library (more details alongside) and a new and innovative approach to connecting people with council and other public services.

In the same vein as the local Life Centres, the council sees the new complex as a one-stop shop for all public services. Specially trained staff will be on hand to provide information, help and advice on a whole host of subjects.

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Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Service, Cllr Chris Ready, said: “We want people to get the most out of public services in Wigan Borough.

Residents have told us they want us to make it easier and quicker for them to contact us and get the answers they need.

“The new Life Centre will help to provide this. In fact

we have set the ambitious target of being able to answer 85 per cent of our customers’ queries at the first meeting.

So, whether you come to the Life Centre with a query about health, housing, education or waste and recycling or anything else our staff will be able to help.

“They will also be able to cross-reference people to other services and support

such as information about benefits.”

The centre will also become home to some of the borough’s voluntary sector organisations such as Citizens’ Advice and will include community space for events.

On top of this there is a new open air ‘plaza’ that is already being lined up to host events and entertainment throughout the year.

Fully booked with 70,000 titles VISITORS to the new library in the Wigan Life computers, to help ensure that it’s easier than Centre certainly won’t be short of choice! ever to access emails, research and search for More than 70,000 books will be housed in the new jobs.” building when it opens on the Wiend.

A dedicated reference section will include For the first time, the adult library and specialist resources on areas such as Laws of children’s library will be based in the same England, a large collection of foreign language building, whilst there will also be a dedicated dictionaries, a complete set of phone books and library for teenagers and young adults.

Yellow Pages, encyclopaedias and a complete set Those pondering whether to check out the of Landranger Ordnance Survey maps as well as latest John Grisham thriller or Encyclopedia signposting to other resources and services.

Britannia can relax on comfortable seating or Regular children’s events, including storytimes study on the mezzanine level. for the Under Fives, as well as events for older “This new library will be a light, modern, open children and teenagers, will be held. There’ll also space where people can relax and read, study be a range of special one-off activities to help and learn.” said Pete Gascoigne, Wigan celebrate the opening.

Leisure and Culture Trust’s Executive Adults will also be able to access Director for Culture. “The library learning opportunities, including For more will offer full self-service and the computer courses for a range of information on latest technology to make it abilities (even the most basic) and the Wigan Life Centre really easy to borrow and the popular WorkClub format, visit Wigan Council’s return books. There will also be helping and supporting people website: www.wigan. an increased number of who are currently seeking work. gov.uk and search for ‘Life Centre’.

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Greenheart stretches from Leigh up to Haigh Hall and includes plenty of beautiful parks, woodlands, wetlands, canals and green spaces to explore.

■ Haigh Hall and Country Park Explore and enjoy the stunning parkland, woodland and plantations.

■ Three Sisters Recreation Area Three Sisters Recreation Area offers a boating lake and nature trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Further facilities include an Information Centre, Woodland feeding station for close up views of birds. The Three Sisters Recreation Area also offers a first class motor sports arena.

■ Pennington Flash Teeming with bird life, this is a nature reserve centred on a huge lake. This watery wonderland has play areas in which to let off steam.

■ Borsdane Wood Borsdane Wood was Wigan’s first Local Nature Reserve. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all, to let your heart rate drop and your stride shorten.

■ Wigan Flashes The Wigan Flashes cover 260 hectares of land situated just a short walk from the centre of Wigan. Much of the area is now designated as a Local Nature Reserve and contains 2 sites of Special Scientific interest and 7 sites of Biological Importance Grade A. The reserve is part of a larger network of wetland habitats including Hey Brook, Abram Flashes, Lightshaw and Pennington Flash Country Park.

As well as attracting birds like the elusive Bittern the Flashes are known for waterfowl such as Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Coot, Pochard, Goldeneye, Gadwall and Great Crested Grebe. There are six hide screens across the site.

■ Winter Walks in Greenheart – Aspull & Top Lock This walk – which is not too difficult – begins on the canal towpath at Kirkless Hall in Aspull and takes you on a 3 mile journey of discovery along some of Wigan’s public rights of way.

The Greenheart of the Borough has been shaped by Wigan’s industrial legacy and remains of this are present along the route in the form of a colliery spoil heap known locally as ‘The Wutchy’.

Pick up a detailed walk leaflet from Aspull Library or the Kirkless Hall Pub. Car parking is available at Kirkless Hall on Albion Drive off Cale Lane and the

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614 bus from Wigan stops right outside the pub.

■ Walks in Greenheart – Haigh Windmill The refurbished Haigh Windmill is the only windmill in Greater Manchester and was constructed around 1840 to pump water from nearby ponds up to the site of the former Haigh Brewery.

A new scenic health walk starts at Haigh Hall and covers just over three miles, taking in some of the most interesting heritage features around the Haigh Estate along with some of Wigan and Greenheart’s finest countryside.

From Haigh Hall the walk heads towards Haigh Village passing the windmill and new mosaic outside St David’s Primary School which commemorates the restoration works.

From here the route heads back towards Haigh Plantations via a bridleway then onwards to the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath, crossing the listed canal basin bridge.

The route turns northward and crosses the canal at Sennicar Lane winding through the golf course before returning back to Haigh Hall, where refreshments can be taken at the Stables or time spent exploring the grounds.

Pick up a detailed leaflet from Aspull Library or Haigh Stables Information Centre.

■ Greenheart Walks – Borsdane Wood Borsdane Wood Local Nature Reserve lies to the north of Hindley in an area of Semi Natural Ancient Woodland and a Site of Biological Importance.

The wood consists of mixed broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, and birch and is believed to have had woodland cover since around 1600AD. The woodland has been relatively unchanged for hundreds of years and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including deer and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

This circular 2.2 mile walk starts at the end of Mill Lane, crosses Borsdane Brook and takes you uphill towards Borsdane Farm before re crossing Borsdane Brook (shortly after Borsdane Wood Bungalow) to follow the public footpath that runs through the middle of the wood.

The route forks right leaving the wood on its western edge, following a footpath across a field to meet Hall Lane. Continue left along Hall Lane for 100m turning left at the signposted public footpath. The footpath descends back into the wood down a series of steps to rejoin the main path at a metal stile. Turning right here leads back to the start point on Mill Lane.

Pick up a leaflet from Hindley Library.

You can download the full series of Greenheart walk leaflets from www.visitgreenheart.com

Calendar competition s

Visions

IGAN really is a green and pleasant land. In fact two thirds of the borough is countryside and a landscape like ours is a photographer’s dream.

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Which is why, when the call went out through Borough Life for talented local snappers to send in their best shots of the borough’s Greenheart, we weren’t disappointed with the response.

The Greenheart team were looking for the right shots for its prestigious 2012 calendar which promotes the stunning network of open spaces and countryside running through the centre of the borough.

Chair of the Greenheart Board, John O’Neill, says: “We invited Borough Life readers, naturalists, walkers, keen photographers, flickr group members and others, to send in high quality photos of nature, wildlife, birds and countryside scenes from areas like Wigan Flashes, Haigh Hall and Pennington Flash at various seasons of the year.

If you entered this year's competition, thank you very much. Greenheart will be running the competition again next year and would like to encourage as many people to enter. Look out for details in future editions of Borough Life.

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n shows Wigan Borough countryside at its best

s of our Greenheart

“The standard of Council Cabinet photography was very high and Members Kevin Greenheart calendar the best images have now been Anderson and competition winner shortlisted to appear in the David Molyneux.

‘Sunset Splash’. calendar to encourage more He said about his Winner Paul people to visit Wigan’s unique prize-winning photo: Myers Bennett. countryside.”

“This photograph The overall winner of the competition was taken on an unseasonably warm was Paul Myers Bennett’s shot Sunset Saturday evening following the FA Cup Splash. The picture graces the front cover Semi Final between Manchester United of the calendar and this edition of and Manchester City. Given that result Borough Life. wasn't the one we were hoping for in our Paul was on hand recently to pick up house we decided to head down to his award from John Pennington Flash for some ice cream and a ● February: Kieran Dandy, Pennington O’Neill and bit of a wander.

Flash Wigan “I was doing the old ‘let Dad show you ● March: Alison Brown, ‘Nuthatch’, Wigan how to skim stones’ routine which soon Flashes (Third place) turned into 'who can make the biggest ● April: Paul Myers Bennett, ‘Sunset splash'!

Splash’, Pennington Flash (First/Overall) “With the sun setting just at the ● May: Alison Brown, ‘An awfully big perfect angle at the opposite end of the adventure’, Haigh Hall Plantations water and giving off the most amazing ● June: Stuart Evans, ‘Hare Stopping’, orange glow to the surroundings I Wigan Flashes couldn't resist taking the photograph ● July: Paul Myers Bennett, ‘Flash without Alexandra and Luke Fences’, Pennington Flash knowing. ● Aug: Adele Rowlandson, ‘Female “My youngest daughter, common blue damselfly’, Isabella had seen me get the Pennington Flash camera out and ran off ● Sept: Vic Greenwood, The Greenheart instead! I take lots of ‘Hello hello what’s this Calendar is sponsored by photographs and then’, Three Sisters Moss Bank Nurseries, Go Outdoors, Pennington Flash as part ● October: Daniel and Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust. It of Greenheart is my Fairclough, would make a fantastic Christmas favourite place to do Borsdane Woods Present and is available from: Wigan this.’’ ● November: Town Hall, Civic Centre, Wigan Life On this page is a Stuart Evans, Centre, Leigh Life Centre (Leigh Town selection of shots from ‘Kestrel’, Wigan Hall), Museum of Wigan Life, and Haigh the 2012 Greenheart Flashes (Second Information Centre. Price £3. Please Calendar and the full place) check the Greenheart website: list of winning entries: ● December: Vic www.visitgreenheart.com ● January: Brian Greenwood, ‘Robin’, for how to enter next year’s Hibbert, Haigh Hall Three Sisters. competition.

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Advice on the best ways to prepare for a cold snap

NO BUSINESS LIKE 'SNOW' BUSINESS: Wigan Council workers running hot during a cold spell.

Winter Warmers E’VE had a couple of memorable winters across the UK in recent years and whatever the conditions, the public look to council officers to keep the local infrastructure going.

Last year, we worked to clear town centres of snow and the team has been praised nationally for managing the borough’s stock of rock salt so the main road network could be kept gritted throughout the extended cold period.

Even if we don’t get the thick snow again this year, council officers are prepared.

The gritters were first out during a cold snap in early November. But there is plenty for individuals to do to help themselves If you will be out and about in the car, prepare for the journey with a full tank of petrol and fully charged mobile. Take a bit of time now to check your oil, water and tyres.

Inform people when you expect to arrive at your destination and have in the car a torch, shovel and perhaps a hot drink in a flask.

Why not have some spare warm clothes in the car and invest in some jump leads too?

Should the weather deteriorate further, remember that fog or falling snow cuts visibility: use dipped headlights.

If visibility is below 100 metres (328 feet), use fog lights front and back and drive at a speed that’ll allow you to stop

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you won’t be cold waiting for your home to heat up. ● In the coldest weather wear bed socks and a hat, as well as thermal nightwear. ● Identify a friend, relative or neighbour who you could ask to pick up shopping or medication for you if getting out in ice and snow is a worry.

Wigan Council is working with the Energy Saving Trust to promote home insulation. A well-insulated home will help keep the temperatures high and the within the distance you can see clearly. energy bills low.

Last year, as well as online updates on Many could benefit from the ‘Get Me wigan.gov.uk, residents using social Toasty’ scheme, which is currently networking were kept up to date about offering loft and cavity wall insulation. school closures and other snow-related Householders could benefit from concerns on the council’s Twitter and cavity wall and loft insulation worth Facebook sites. £350 for just £85 on averaged sized If the gritters are out, we’ll Tweet the properties in the borough. latest!

There is also help available for people And in the home, there are plenty of aged 60 and over with winter heating bills. economic ways to prepare for the cold People aged 60 to 79 who are entitled season: to receive a Winter Fuel payment will ● If you can’t heat all your rooms make get an allowance of either £125 or £250. sure you keep your living room warm Residents aged 80 or over are entitled throughout the day and heat your to an allowance of either £200 or £400. bedroom before going to Wigan Council’s Deputy Leader bed.

Cllr David Molyneux said: ● Wear several layers “Wigan Council is ready for For further of clothes rather than winter and is offering help to information on the Winter one thick layer, and ensure borough residents Fuel Payment, please call choose wool, cotton are ready too. Residents 08459 151515 or visit or fleecy materials eligible for the ‘Get Me www.wigan.gov.uk and ● When the Toasty’ and ‘Winter Fuel search ‘keep warm’. To find weather is very allowance’ schemes can out more about the ‘Get cold, set the heating save money on their bills Me Toasty’ scheme visit to come on earlier so and enjoy a warmer winter.” www.getmetoasty.com

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Anyone wishing to find out more about Roy Wood, catch wrestling or The Snake Pit should visit www.snakepitwigan.com For more information on Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust visit www.wlct.org

Traditional grapple skills boost

OLYMPIAN’S DREAM FEMALE wrestler from a small island in the Pacific Ocean is hoping a form of wrestling practiced by the coal miners of Lancashire will help unlock her Olympic dream.

Maria Dunn, 25, arrived in Wigan in September from the island of Guam intent on “honing her skills and getting in shape for her qualifiers in early 2012”.

What she hadn’t expected was to be trained in Freestyle Wrestling by a coach with direct roots to the forerunner of her Olympic discipline – Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling.

Maria said: “I wasn’t looking for it, I didn’t know what I was looking for. I came here looking to train and qualify

A

and get into the best shape of my life.

“It’s just by pure chance that I have found the best wrestling coach who has a whole different world of information.

“There are moves I have never ever seen before – I’m learning all the time.”

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust invited Maria to stay in Wigan for her pre-Olympic training, opening up the borough’s public gyms for her use and teaming her up with world renowned coach Roy Wood from Aspull Olympic Wrestling Club, the club also known around the world as The Snake Pit. Roy, now 68, trained under legendary wrestler Billy Riley who mastered the art of “Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling” or “submission wrestling”.

Lancashire Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling first came to prominence as an amateur sport practiced by coal miners, gaining popularity in the late 19th century.

Freestyle Wrestling which Maria hopes to win a medal at in London 2012 is a descendent of “Catch-as-Catch-Can” and Maria is hoping an insight from those early days could be a major factor in her Olympic ambitions.

Maria said: “Roy is coaching me Freestyle Wrestling but because his understanding of the sport is much deeper I am learning all the time.

“There are little bits here and there that I have never seen before, that nobody would ever expect, and usually a move that is something out of the ordinary allows you to win.”

Roy added: “We are delighted to have Maria training with us.

She went on to study at “She is a pleasure Missouri Valley College, America to coach and is and admits that “wrestling boys refreshing in her in Guam certainly helped to put open-minded attitude me on the same level”. towards Catch-asFollowing college she went on Catch-Can Wrestling to become an Art Major after thus improving her studying at the University of freestyle performance.

Guam.

“I look forward to Maria competed in the Beijing Olympics watching Maria’s progress in 2008. She is the first female wrestling and feel that she will Olympian her country has produced. ultimately have the advantage.”

From Guam to Wigan... Maria’s journey GUAM is part of the Mariana Islands that extend 1,565 miles from Guam to nearby Japan.

Guam is 7,000 miles from Wigan.

Maria started wrestling when she was 11-years-old in PE class. She watched for two weeks because she was too young to join in, pretending to her mum that she was actually at football class. The coach soon gave in and Maria started her training.

As the only female wrestler at high school she had to wrestle with the “guys” to practice.

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

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Borough Life 12-13

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Healthy Christmas CHRISTMAS is a time of year when our normal routine goes out of the window and we give in to temptation.

It could be eating generous portions of our favourite foods, having one too many mince pies or spending hours sitting in front of the TV. However, by making some simple changes you can keep active and have a great Christmas.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Chris Ready says: “Christmas is a time to relax and enjoy some family time, look back on the year that’s been and think about the year ahead.

“When the New Year comes many of us will be making resolutions to get fit. Well, why not start now? Just a little bit more effort and activity each day can make a real difference. It will also make it easier for you to get into the swing of your New Year’s resolutions.

“If you’re in the mood, give the following tips, hints, recipes and our

Take the plunge...

2

1) Stand up straight with feet hip width apart. Elbows should be tucked in and arms extended down. Keep your shoulders back and your stomach pulled in towards your spine.

2) Place your left leg forwards. Keep your

12

Ten Top Tips: ● Hit the shops: walking around the shops is a great workout – even better once you start buying and carrying the bags of presents around with you! ● Leave the car at home: walk and use public transport to get to the shops, avoiding all the traffic jams and giving you an invigorating walk to start your day. ● Stick to your routine: Leisure centres are still open over the Christmas period and are quieter than usual. If you are new to the gym, this is the perfect time to start – speak to your instructor about discounted rates for Lose Weight Feel Great members. ● Christmas party: dance the night away! Make up for all the indulgent food (and drink!) and strut your stuff on the dance floor. ● Have some fun: play games with your family which get you up and

about (like charades) rather than staying glued to the TV watching the usual repeats. ● Get virtually fit: if anyone in your family has a Wii (or gets one for Christmas) challenge your friends and family with a games night. ● Cook Christmas dinner: walking around the kitchen, preparing the vegetables, lifting the turkey in and out of the oven, stirring the gravy – it’s all good exercise and with delicious results! ● Stretch your legs: go for a postdinner walk with your friends and family and walk off some of that Christmas pud! ● Search for a bargain: hit the sales, but you’ll need to walk fast to stay ahead of the crowds! ● Build a snowman: if it’s a white Christmas, build a snowman with the kids (or grand kids) and have a snowball fight!

To sign up to Lose Weight Feel Great call 01942 496496.

TRY A LUNGE

THE answer for anyone trying to exercise away the Christmas excess is a hasty trip to the nearest Profiles Health and Fitness Centre where you can sign up for a variety of memberships and access any of the 145 exercise classes run each month. Visit: www.wlct.org/beyourself for more

1

great exercise routine a go. Who knows where it might lead but whatever you do, have a great Christmas!”

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

information.

But to help you on your way to a new you in the New Year here’s a quick exercise that works the lower and upper body and should help fight the festive flab.

Lunge with bicep curl Use 1 or 2 kg weights for this routine. if

3

4

knees soft. Keep your arms extended down and your elbows tucked in.

3) Lunge forward so that your right knee is nearly touching the floor. Curl your arms to your shoulders – keeping your elbows tucked in. Keep your back straight

you haven’t any in the house dig out two tins from Wigan’s finest bean maker instead!

Please consult your GP before embarking on any physical exercise programme Areas trained: Great for lower and upper body especially the waistline.

5 and hold for a second.

4) Straighten both legs then uncurl.

5) Return to the starting position with feet hip width apart.

Beginners: 15 lunges on left leg, 15 on right. Then repeat.

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School drama highlights the dangers of carrying knives.

On a Knife Edge HE character’s anguish resonated around the school sports hall as two hundred young people watched the performance in enthralled silence. The stark message behind the play wasn’t lost on them: carrying a knife wrecks lives.

The performance at Rose Bridge High School in Ince was one of several repeated in high schools across the borough earlier this autumn.

Altogether the play reached an audience of nearly two thousand year 8s and its central theme didn’t pull any punches.

Graham Doubleday of Wigan Council’s Youth Offending Team helped develop the storyline. He explains: “The play is based around an everyday scenario familiar to many young people. Three mates – Tom, Michelle and Dillinger – hanging around the park after school. The innocent bravado. The shared banter.

The silly rites of passage. The bottle of cider. In fact, unremarkable in many ways – until things get out of control.”

Events unfold when Tom, the most level-headed of the group, discovers his friend Dillinger is carrying a knife for protection after being challenged to a fight on Facebook by a rival who, rumour has it, is ‘tooled up’…

T

Tom: What you got that for?

Dillinger: Protection!

Michelle: Yeah, if Darren sees you with that that’ll really help matters.

Dillinger: But what if he does have a knife?

Tom: Look mate, this is stupid. You’ll get done by the police just carrying one of them. And I’ll get done too just ‘cause I’m with you. [Grabs the knife off him] Just give it here mate. If he finds that on you, he’ll use his, won’t he! Just leg it... quick. Go home!

Dillinger: Alright, I’ll go.

But give it back.

Tom: No D. I’ll give it back tomorrow. I’ll just put it in my pocket and no-one will know any different.

Sadly, Tom’s decision to help his mate has tragic consequences. During a chance encounter with Darren, tempers flare. And in the heat of the moment, fuelled by alcohol and fear, Tom reaches for the knife…

Tom: It was an accident. A dreadful accident. I was drunk. I was scared. I was defending Michelle. I was... out of control. I don’t remember getting the knife out of my pocket. I just remember being scared. I thought he had a knife. But he didn’t…

Tragically, it’s Michelle, the friend Tom desperately tries to protect, who ends up stabbed and scarred for life.

Graham continues: “In the final scene, Tom breaks down as he reveals the far-reaching impact that single moment has had on his life – and on the lives of Michelle and Dillinger, too.

“And the irony is that Darren wasn’t even carrying a knife, a fact which powerfully underlines the sheer pointlessness of it all.

“The play was written and performed in a way that a young audience would relate to, and from the reaction of the audience, the key messages clearly hit home,” says Lee Fazackerley, Deputy Head Teacher from Rose Bridge High School in Ince.

“Hopefully, the shock ending and the emotional impact of those final moments will make young people think twice before carrying a knife.”

The theatrical tour was funded by a Home Office grant from the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP), which was launched in 2008 in response to a number of high profile knife-related murders and serious stabbings among young people.

“We want to encourage young people to consider the

consequences of their actions,” adds Siobhan Heaton, who is responsible for commissioning drugs and alcohol services for young people on behalf of the council and Ashton, Wigan and Leigh Primary Care Trust.

“Tom’s character is not a trouble-maker, in fact he’s really quite mature and knows right from wrong. But in the spur of the moment, affected by alcohol, he makes an ultimately tragic decision.

It’s this message we’re keen to get across to the audience.”

Cllr Susan Loudon, Wigan Council’s cabinet champion for young people, adds: “Alcohol plays a critical part in this tragedy. It lowers inhibitions, impairs judgement and fuels aggressive behaviour.

“Not only does it lead people to act out of character, it also leaves them vulnerable to danger.

“Parents should ensure over the festive period that they do all they can to minimise the risks their children are exposed to through alcohol misuse.

“Thankfully we do not have big problems with knife crime and young people in our borough probably thanks in no small part to initiatives such as this.

We want it to stay that way.”

For further confidential advice and support contact Wigan Council’s Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team on 01942 777720

“How had this happened? In one night, I had gone from going out to the park with some mates and now I was holding a bloody knife. It wasn’t me. It couldn’t have been me… Could it?”

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

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Borough Life 14-15

2/12/11

15:02

Businesses sign up to green plan WIGAN Council is encouraging borough businesses to sign up to the Environmental Business Pledge which could help cut costs and boost performance.

The Pledge is a free advice and award scheme to support businesses in becoming greener.

Not only will those businesses who sign up to the pledge help the environment but being part of the scheme will also give a boost to their profile.

The council will reward businesses that rise to the challenge with bronze, sliver and gold awards recognising their commitment to environmental improvement. Businesses will be free to display the awards on their websites and literature.

The benefits are numerous and members will be entitled to free advice and support on: ■ Reducing energy usage ■ Making savings on energy bills ■ Monitoring and reducing your carbon footprint ■ Minimising water usage ■ Recycling ■ Waste management and producing less waste ■ Advice on environmental legislation to take away the worry about fines ■ Free environmental resource efficiency audits Wigan Council’s Deputy Leader and regeneration champion Cllr David Molyneux said: “With many of the world’s leading organisations now adopting green practices, signing up to the Environmental Business pledge could be the best business decision a company ever makes.“ To sign up or find out more please contact Matthew Stockwell by email m.stockwell@wigan. gov.uk or by telephone: 01942 489 177.

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BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

Page 1

O have a part of the council leader Cllr David Olympics come to my Molyneux. “It is a tremendous own borough is a dream privilege for us. I’m sure that come true! So says European local people will want to show and World Medallist and their support as we put current British Indoor 800m ourselves firmly on the map record holder Jenny with the world watching.”

Meadows.

The council will be working The Olympic Flame, with schools and community kindled by the rays of groups to make sure they get the sun at the the most from the onceTemple of Hera in in-a-lifetime event.

Greece, is coming There’s to be a special Contact to the borough emphasis on youth olympics@ as part of the 70 and Jenny Meadows wigan.gov.uk if day UK Torch has been quick off you want to get Relay. And the mark: “I’ve been involved. everyone is doing a invited to get lot of involved.

“The Olympic Games really is the biggest event in the world and for the symbol of the games to be coming to Wigan truly is remarkable,” said Jenny.

The London organising committee pledged that the Flame would pass within 10 miles of 95 per cent of people in the UK – and it comes to our borough from Warrington into Lowton, Abram, Wigan and Hindley on its way to Bolton on 31 May 2012.

“We’re proud that Wigan Borough has been selected to be part of this historic event,” said deputy

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work in the borough’s schools lately,” she said, “and it’s clear that the spirit of the Games has captured the imagination of the children.

I’m sure lots of them will turn out to see the Torch pass through our borough.”

For the last three years the borough’s Cultural Partnership has been leading a programme of Olympic themed events focused around sport, arts and culture.

They’ve provided opportunities for many local young people to be inspired

by London 2012.

Events so far have included coaching sessions to nationally recognised standards, volunteer programmes, fun runs and volleyball.

FLYING THE THE FLAG. Cabinet lead for communities Cllr Kevin Anderson, deputy leader Cllr David Molyneux and Martin Eden, executive director at the Leisure and Culture Trust put Jenny and the borough under starters orders.

Borough Life 14-15

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Christmas Council services PUBLIC SERVICE GUIDE

over festive period COUNCIL Office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the following week. Offices will re-open on Tuesday January 3.

REGISTER OFFICES The offices in Wigan Town Hall will be open for business as normal (9am till 4.30pm) on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 December.

The offices in Leigh Town Hall will open on Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 December for the usual hours but will be closed, as usual, on Thursday.

All offices will re-open again on Tuesday January 3.

CEMETERIES All cemeteries will be open (for visitors only) as Normal from 9am to 4.30pm every day during the Christmas and New Year period. No burials will take place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Tuesday 27th December, New Year’s Day, 2nd January and before noon on the 28th December and 3rd January 2012.

ADULT SOCIAL CARE SERVICES If you need help over the holiday period please contact: Central Duty Team: 01942 828777.

The team will be available as follows: ■ 23 December – open from 8.45am to 5pm.

■ 24, 25, 26, 27 December – closed.

■ 28, 29, 30 December – open from 8.45am to 5pm.

■ 31 December – closed.

■ 1, 2 January – closed.

■ 3 January – open as normal from 8.45am to 8pm.

In an emergency outside of the hours above (and when the office is closed), phone 0161 834 2436.

Community Meals Service: will continue as normal over the holiday, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Home Care Service: service as normal throughout the holiday period. For enquiries, contact your individual service provider.

Day Centres: Day services are open on the following days over the holiday period, and open as normal on other days: ■ 25 December – Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 26 December – Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 27 December – Etherstone, Sunshine House

Medicines ■ Make sure you have a supply of your regular

■ 28 December – Amberswood, Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 29 December – Amberswood, Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 30 December – Amberswood, Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 31 December – Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 1 January – Etherstone, Sunshine House ■ 2 January – Etherstone, Sunshine House BIN COLLECTIONS There are changes to the days of collections over the Christmas period.

Please refer to your collection calendar for more information.

GREEN WASTE RECYCLING The last green bin recycling collection of 2010 was on Friday 25 November and collections will re-start during the two weeks from Monday 13 February.

medicines to last you through the holiday period. If in doubt, contact your doctor.

■ Have a supply of remedies in your house for common conditions like coughs and colds.

CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTIONS Unfortunately, there will be no Christmas Tree collections this year.

Please put your Christmas tree in your green bin for the first collection in February or take to one of the borough’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.

HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRES (HWRCS) All HWRCs will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Normal opening times will be in place on all other days.

Kirkless will open from 9am on 2 January, closing at 6pm. Orrell will open at 10am on 2 January and close at 4pm. Orrell will be closed permanently as of 31 January.

The council’s telephone helpline will run a limited service over the Christmas and New Year period. See below for the number.

BAD WEATHER Further information about Christmas arrangements and recycling, including any changes due to bad weather will be available on the website www.wigan.gov.uk or by calling our telephone helpline 01942 404364.

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Borough Life 16-17

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Christmas

Your Local Hospitals – Ready for Winter

PUBLIC SERVICE GUIDE Leigh NHS Walk-in Centre The centre offers fast and convenient access to healthcare advice, information and treatment. No appointment is necessary and the centre is open from 7am – 9pm seven days a week, including during the holiday period.

An experienced NHS nurse is available to provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, issue emergency contraception and give advice and information on local pharmacy services as well as out of hours GP and dental services.

Leigh NHS Walk-In Centre is situated at Leigh Health Centre, The Avenue, Leigh, WN7 1HR and can be contacted on 01942 483 453.

Call NHS Direct anytime You can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for confidential health information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NHS Direct can help if you are feeling unwell and are unsure what to do, if you need information about an existing health condition, want details of local health services or need details of self-help or support organisations.

You can also visit NHS Direct online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk GP practices will be open during normal hours and closed for bank holidays, Monday 26 December, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January.

Out of hours GP and Dental services ● GP Out of Hours Service: 01942 829911 ● Dental Out of Hours Service: 01942 614376 If you are NOT registered with an NHS dentist but require emergency treatment please call the In-Hours Emergency Dental Service on 01942 614390. The service is available weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

If you are registered check with your dentist.

District Nursing District Nurses will be available throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including bank holidays for essential services. Contact your local clinic or health centre for more information. Contact details can be found at www.alwch.nhs.uk

Community Health Centres and Clinics With the exception of bank holidays, health centres and clinics in the borough will be open as usual during the festive period. You can find contact telephone numbers for your local health centre or clinic at www.alwch.nhs.uk

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BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

PHARMACY OPENING TIMES CHRISTMAS DAY – SUNDAY 25TH DECEMBER Manor Pharmacy 90-92 Manchester Road, Leigh, WN7 2LD Tel: 01942 674293

10.00am – 1.00pm

Manor Pharmacy 4 Gathurst Lane, Shevington,Wigan, WN6 8HA Tel: 01257 254142

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Davina Pharmacy Ltd T/A Lee Pharamacy 155 Elliott Street, Tyldesley, M29 8FL Tel: 01942 883029

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Lambs Pharmacy Lower Ince Health Centre, Phoenix Way, Lower Ince, WN3 4NW • Tel: 01942 825961

7.00pm – 10.00pm

BOXING DAY – MONDAY 26TH DECEMBER

Busy A&E departments are put under additional pressure during the winter months.

Public urged to do their bit to ease the pressure EVERY winter there is the usual seasonal increase in the number of patients that attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments right across the UK. A combination of weather conditions and winter bugs mean that more people need our services. As ever Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is preparing itself for this busy time.

WWL, which manages your local hospitals, including Royal Albert Edward and Leigh Infirmaries, Wrightington Hospital and the Thomas Linacre Outpatient Centre, is working hard to ensure that all our key services and facilities are maintained no matter what winter may have in store.

The A&E Department at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Staffing levels during the festive period are

arranged to make sure the NHS can cope with expected patient demand and with flexibility to expand if required.

However, the public are being urged to think carefully before they come to A&E. Research has shown that one in four people who go to A&E could have been treated elsewhere in the community or self-treated.

The implications of this are enormous in terms of patient care and cost to the NHS. Last year A&E services across the North West cost £317 million; the equivalent of over £900,000 a day.

The number of people going to A&E has gone up by five per cent in the past year and is continuing to rise, putting a real strain on NHS teams.

Remember A&E and 999 services are for life threatening and emergency conditions only.

Hospital Clinic Opening Times All Trust clinics will be open 8.30am to 5pm, but will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and the Christmas Bank Holidays (27 December 2011 and 2 January 2012).

Outpatient Opening Times All outpatient departments will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years day and the Christmas Bank Holidays (27 December 2011 and 2 January 2012).

Thomas Linacre Centre, Wigan Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm and Monday and Thursday 7.30am to 8.30pm.

Leigh Infirmary Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

Wrightington Hospital Open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.30pm.

Hospital visiting times It is advisable to check hospital visiting times with the individual wards concerned via the main switchboard number 01942 244000.

Accident and Emergency Department Open 24 hrs per day 365 days per year.

Remember A&E and 999 are for life threatening and emergency conditions only.

Further information can be found on the Trust’s web site at: www.wwl.nhs.uk

Boots the Chemist 254 Wigan Road, Bryn, WN4 0AR Tel: 01942 727176

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Manor Pharmacy 90-92 Manchester Road, Leigh, WN7 2LD Tel: 01942 674283

7.00pm – 10.00pm

NEW YEARS DAY – SUNDAY 1ST JANUARY J G Palin 6 High Street, Standish, WN6 0HL Tel: 01257 422574

10.00am – 1.00pm

Abram Pharmacy 358 Warrington Road, Abram, WN2 5XA Tel: 01942 866681

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Manor Pharmacy Worsley Mesnes Health Centre, Poolstock Lane, Wigan, WN3 5HL • Tel: 01942 492703

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Davina Pharmacy Ltd T/A Lee Pharamacy 155 Elliott Street, Tyldesley, M29 8FL Tel: 01942 883029

7.00pm – 10.00pm

BANK HOLIDAY – MONDAY 2ND JANUARY W A Salters Chemists 760 Atherton Road, Hindley Green, WN2 4SB Tel: 01942 255700

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Manor Pharmacy Wigan Health Centre, Frog Lane, Wigan, WN6 7LB Tel: 01942 244566

7.00pm – 10.00pm

There may be other pharmacies open in addition to these, please check locally for details of opening times.

Major Investments for the future A total of £80 million is being invested in service and site projects over the next 10 years.

Schemes currently underway include improved car parking, a purpose built education centre at Wigan, neuro-rehabilitation relocation on the Leigh Site Refurbishment of Hanover Block at Leigh Infirmary, expansion to electrical infrastructure at Wrightington Hospital. Major building works are scheduled to commence in 2014 From January, patients and visitors will now find it much easier to park on the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary when improvements to car parking

on site come into effect.

This will vastly improve patient flow around the site and significantly increase car parking to for patients and visitors with 359 spaces available.

This will allow us to put patients and visitors first by reallocating Freckleton Street car park for patient and visitor use. This will significantly increase patient and visitor spaces by 159 spaces which is an 80 per cent increase.

The number of Blue Badge Holder parking spaces is being increased on site to 58, which represents a 26 per cent increase demonstrating a commitment to improvements for disabled patients and visitors.

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Christmas

Your Local Hospitals – Ready for Winter

PUBLIC SERVICE GUIDE Leigh NHS Walk-in Centre The centre offers fast and convenient access to healthcare advice, information and treatment. No appointment is necessary and the centre is open from 7am – 9pm seven days a week, including during the holiday period.

An experienced NHS nurse is available to provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, issue emergency contraception and give advice and information on local pharmacy services as well as out of hours GP and dental services.

Leigh NHS Walk-In Centre is situated at Leigh Health Centre, The Avenue, Leigh, WN7 1HR and can be contacted on 01942 483 453.

Call NHS Direct anytime You can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for confidential health information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NHS Direct can help if you are feeling unwell and are unsure what to do, if you need information about an existing health condition, want details of local health services or need details of self-help or support organisations.

You can also visit NHS Direct online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk GP practices will be open during normal hours and closed for bank holidays, Monday 26 December, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January.

Out of hours GP and Dental services ● GP Out of Hours Service: 01942 829911 ● Dental Out of Hours Service: 01942 614376 If you are NOT registered with an NHS dentist but require emergency treatment please call the In-Hours Emergency Dental Service on 01942 614390. The service is available weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

If you are registered check with your dentist.

District Nursing District Nurses will be available throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including bank holidays for essential services. Contact your local clinic or health centre for more information. Contact details can be found at www.alwch.nhs.uk

Community Health Centres and Clinics With the exception of bank holidays, health centres and clinics in the borough will be open as usual during the festive period. You can find contact telephone numbers for your local health centre or clinic at www.alwch.nhs.uk

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BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

PHARMACY OPENING TIMES CHRISTMAS DAY – SUNDAY 25TH DECEMBER Manor Pharmacy 90-92 Manchester Road, Leigh, WN7 2LD Tel: 01942 674293

10.00am – 1.00pm

Manor Pharmacy 4 Gathurst Lane, Shevington,Wigan, WN6 8HA Tel: 01257 254142

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Davina Pharmacy Ltd T/A Lee Pharamacy 155 Elliott Street, Tyldesley, M29 8FL Tel: 01942 883029

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Lambs Pharmacy Lower Ince Health Centre, Phoenix Way, Lower Ince, WN3 4NW • Tel: 01942 825961

7.00pm – 10.00pm

BOXING DAY – MONDAY 26TH DECEMBER

Busy A&E departments are put under additional pressure during the winter months.

Public urged to do their bit to ease the pressure EVERY winter there is the usual seasonal increase in the number of patients that attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments right across the UK. A combination of weather conditions and winter bugs mean that more people need our services. As ever Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is preparing itself for this busy time.

WWL, which manages your local hospitals, including Royal Albert Edward and Leigh Infirmaries, Wrightington Hospital and the Thomas Linacre Outpatient Centre, is working hard to ensure that all our key services and facilities are maintained no matter what winter may have in store.

The A&E Department at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Staffing levels during the festive period are

arranged to make sure the NHS can cope with expected patient demand and with flexibility to expand if required.

However, the public are being urged to think carefully before they come to A&E. Research has shown that one in four people who go to A&E could have been treated elsewhere in the community or self-treated.

The implications of this are enormous in terms of patient care and cost to the NHS. Last year A&E services across the North West cost £317 million; the equivalent of over £900,000 a day.

The number of people going to A&E has gone up by five per cent in the past year and is continuing to rise, putting a real strain on NHS teams.

Remember A&E and 999 services are for life threatening and emergency conditions only.

Hospital Clinic Opening Times All Trust clinics will be open 8.30am to 5pm, but will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and the Christmas Bank Holidays (27 December 2011 and 2 January 2012).

Outpatient Opening Times All outpatient departments will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years day and the Christmas Bank Holidays (27 December 2011 and 2 January 2012).

Thomas Linacre Centre, Wigan Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm and Monday and Thursday 7.30am to 8.30pm.

Leigh Infirmary Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

Wrightington Hospital Open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.30pm.

Hospital visiting times It is advisable to check hospital visiting times with the individual wards concerned via the main switchboard number 01942 244000.

Accident and Emergency Department Open 24 hrs per day 365 days per year.

Remember A&E and 999 are for life threatening and emergency conditions only.

Further information can be found on the Trust’s web site at: www.wwl.nhs.uk

Boots the Chemist 254 Wigan Road, Bryn, WN4 0AR Tel: 01942 727176

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Manor Pharmacy 90-92 Manchester Road, Leigh, WN7 2LD Tel: 01942 674283

7.00pm – 10.00pm

NEW YEARS DAY – SUNDAY 1ST JANUARY J G Palin 6 High Street, Standish, WN6 0HL Tel: 01257 422574

10.00am – 1.00pm

Abram Pharmacy 358 Warrington Road, Abram, WN2 5XA Tel: 01942 866681

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Manor Pharmacy Worsley Mesnes Health Centre, Poolstock Lane, Wigan, WN3 5HL • Tel: 01942 492703

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Davina Pharmacy Ltd T/A Lee Pharamacy 155 Elliott Street, Tyldesley, M29 8FL Tel: 01942 883029

7.00pm – 10.00pm

BANK HOLIDAY – MONDAY 2ND JANUARY W A Salters Chemists 760 Atherton Road, Hindley Green, WN2 4SB Tel: 01942 255700

4.00pm – 7.00pm

Manor Pharmacy Wigan Health Centre, Frog Lane, Wigan, WN6 7LB Tel: 01942 244566

7.00pm – 10.00pm

There may be other pharmacies open in addition to these, please check locally for details of opening times.

Major Investments for the future A total of £80 million is being invested in service and site projects over the next 10 years.

Schemes currently underway include improved car parking, a purpose built education centre at Wigan, neuro-rehabilitation relocation on the Leigh Site Refurbishment of Hanover Block at Leigh Infirmary, expansion to electrical infrastructure at Wrightington Hospital. Major building works are scheduled to commence in 2014 From January, patients and visitors will now find it much easier to park on the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary when improvements to car parking

on site come into effect.

This will vastly improve patient flow around the site and significantly increase car parking to for patients and visitors with 359 spaces available.

This will allow us to put patients and visitors first by reallocating Freckleton Street car park for patient and visitor use. This will significantly increase patient and visitor spaces by 159 spaces which is an 80 per cent increase.

The number of Blue Badge Holder parking spaces is being increased on site to 58, which represents a 26 per cent increase demonstrating a commitment to improvements for disabled patients and visitors.

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

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Borough Life 18-19

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Blooming marvellous WIGAN Council and partners from across the borough are celebrating their best ever year at the North West in Bloom Awards.

Seventeen awards – including, for the second year in a row, the Gold top prize of Large Metropolitan Borough– were presented to community groups and officers at the ceremony in Southport.

Deputy council leader Cllr David Molyneux says: “After last year’s record 11 awards, we didn’t dare hope for more. Tenants, residents and organisations have done themselves proud, and their communities have benefited from their excellent projects, planting and tidy ups. I congratulate them all.”

This year a huge variety of green projects, gained awards for local communities and groups working in Crooke Village, Stubshaw Cross, Town Green, Shevington, Howe Bridge, Standish, Sussex Close, at Hindley Station, the Wigan Flashes, Golborne allotments and Rose Bridge High School.

The council’s environment champion Cllr Kevin Anderson said: “This win puts us on the national scene for our environmental quality and everyone in the borough should salute those who have helped it to happen.”

During July, judges from the RHS spent a day touring projects and visited schemes at Ashton where vacant or derelict land has been transformed into community garden space with benches and landscaping features.

The judging panel also visited Wigan Flashes, where rare and unexpected species of deer, ospreys and bitterns have been sighted.

The overall category win for Wigan Council means that next year the borough will be represented at the national Britain in Bloom awards.

BULB-POWER: Ryan Haron, Beccy Haron, Ryan Haron and Lily Jones at Georgian Court, Leigh, with Steve Evans (Wigan Council), Kerry Haron, Jayne Jones (St Joseph’s leaders), Cllr Kevin Anderson (environment champion), PCSO Stephen Kirby and Damian Jenkinson (Wigan Council).

Brownies’ planting turns borough green LILY and Beccy are really eager for next neighbourhood teams and community spring. They’ve been busy planting bulbs leaders, St Joseph’s Brownies and Guides in Leigh and know that come next March have been planting crocuses around the or April there will be a stunning display of distinctive Georgian Court near Butts colour on the grass verges at the end of Bridge.

After eco work along the Chapel Street Chapel Street. ‘gateway’ into Leigh, Kerry had identified As members of 12th Leigh St Josephs the Georgian Court corner as somewhere (where their mums look after the Guides that could benefit from a spring splash of and Brownies), the girls have been busy colour and she and her guides set to work doing their bit to brighten up their local this week on digging and planting. environment.

Cllr Kevin Anderson said: “It’s great to “It’s going to be pretty!” said Beccy.

Lily added: “I had to explain to my dad see members of our community – especially the younger ones – that we’re not planting light bulbs.” coming together to show Beccy’s mum, guide leader Kerry To get their respect for their local Haron, said: “The girls are really involved in bulb area. I hope it inspires all into their eco projects. planting, Eco Schools “We have been doing hanging of us to do our bit and or looking after a planter maybe even get involved baskets in the summer, and we of flowers, contact with Borough in Bloom.” collected five bags of rubbish in Damian Jenkinson at The bulbs in Leigh are one session for the Big Tidy Up the council on in September. And we’re carrying just some of the six and a 01942 489325. half million planted in on doing more and more.” recent years.

Working with the council’s

Advice on housing for older people WIGAN Council and Age UK Wigan Borough want older people to be well informed so that they can make the right choices about housing and their future.

From January 2012, a series of free workshops will be coming to local communities across the borough, to explain some of the options available, and answer your individual questions. You will be able to get impartial advice about any aspect of housing for older people, and if we can’t answer your queries there and then, we will put you in

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BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

touch with someone who can. Everyone is invited to attend – after all, we’re all getting older and we’re all going to need to live somewhere!

It doesn’t matter if If you would like you don’t know yet to be kept informed of when and where the what you’re nearest workshop is to you, interested in, just please contact Age UK via come along and sharon.seaton@ageuk get some wiganborough.org.uk information. or 01942 241972 and we’ll be in touch soon!

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Cup win puts borough on top of the world

UP FOR THE CUP: Celebrating Wigan Borough’s success in becoming a host venue for the Rugby League World Cup are (from left): Leigh Sports Village Chief Executive Simon Toon, Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith, Wigan Council Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn, Leigh Centurion’s player Stuart Littler, Martin McLoughlin from the Rugby Football League, Leigh Miners’ head coach Winston Sarsfield, Chris Camberlain from Wigan Warriors and young players from Bedford High School William Waterworth, Brian Kamihiri and Adam Smith.

E did it! Wigan Borough ‘Backed the Bid’ and Rugby League really is coming home.

Following a campaign supported by Wigan council, the Rugby Football League (RFL) has confirmed that the borough will host matches during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. After submitting a strong bid, Wigan Borough beat off stiff competition from rival applications across the country to stage matches in the 14-nation tournament in two year’s time.

Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith said: “This is fantastic news for our borough. We have a proud tradition of excellence when it comes to Rugby League and it is wonderful news that the borough will be one of the hosts for this prestigious event.

“Our Back the Bid campaign to be a host venue really caught the imagination of a great many people in our borough.

We have been supported by both our professional clubs, the amateur network, the business community and by rugby

W

fans. Not only do we see this as a homecoming for rugby but we will also be making sure that hosting the matches provides us with a legacy to help develop the game and encourage more young people to take part.

“We are also keen to capitalise on the economic benefits that being a host venue will surely bring.”

2013 Rugby League World Cup Tournament Director Nigel Wood said: “I would like to congratulate the Wigan Borough team who have been successful in its bid to host matches in what I am confident will be a World Cup that enhances the UK’s golden decade of sport.”

The announcement outlines 18 different venues which will stage matches and reveals six other venues which will host teams during the tournament.

Details of host fixtures and venues for the opening ceremony, the semi-finals and the final will be confirmed early in the New Year.

Wigan Borough has a proud tradition of excellence when it comes to Rugby League and it is wonderful news that the borough will be one of the hosts for this prestigious event.

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

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Borough Life 20-21

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Tips to keep tabs on effects of festive boozing IT’S Christmas party season… an excuse for those who want to let their hair down to indulge in a few festive tipples.

But while hangover remedies may help to ease the short-term affects, it’s a sobering thought that drinking to excess over a sustained period can seriously affect our long-term health.

People who regularly exceed the recommended daily limit of alcohol units are exposing themselves to

If in doubt...

conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, raised blood pressure and an increased risk of certain cancers.

You can find out more and read tips on how to cut down at www.nhs.uk/livewell – follow the links to the section on alcohol.

The daily recommended amount of alcohol is 3-4 units per day for men, and 2-3 units per day for women Drinking to excess over the festive season can also leave people

exposed to immediate danger.

For a free, Too many drinks on a confidential service night out can act as a (24 hr advice information trigger for anti-social and support). For anyone behaviour, violence concerned about their own and domestic abuse. or someone else’s drinking Whilst people who call Drinkline on over-indulge are at 0800 917 8282 or go risk of random to www.nhs.uk accidents or of becoming alcohol a victim of crime.

DON’T DISPLAY: Car thieves like to window shop too.

KEEP THEM OUT! VELYN Balmer wasn’t born yesterday. In fact the 79-year old great grandmother from Bickershaw prides herself on being on the ball.

So it's with some bemusement that she recalls the day she took a bogus official at face value – and in so doing, unwittingly welcomed a burglar into her home.

The man standing on Evelyn’s doorstep claimed to be from the water board.

When he explained that there had been an overnight ‘explosion’ up the road and wanted to check her water supply, Evelyn let him in without hesitation.

She barely noticed the accomplice hovering in the background…

As soon as her back was turned, the two men combed her home looking for cash before making off. Fortunately, they didn’t get far and were arrested shortly afterwards.

“I feel like such a fool,” Evelyn admits.

“Family and friends can’t believe I fell for it and say it just goes to show that if they can take me in, they can take anybody in.

E

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“The man looked like an inspector and United Utilities, but that’s how the older appeared to know what he was talking generation remember it. It just goes to about. He was chatty and friendly, but he show how credible they can be.” ended up robbing me.”

Asked how she feels, Evelyn is straight Evelyn was to the point. “Sick. How could they reimbursed an prey on elderly people? I was amount of money shaken at the time, but I won’t let All United Utilities staff, – but sadly this them win. contractors and partners is no rare “By telling my story, I want carry an ID card bearing occurrence. In to let others know how these their name, photograph and a fact, to Julie people operate because it contact telephone number. You Middlehurst, might help prevent can confirm their identity by chief Trading somebody else falling victim calling 0845 746 2200.

Standards to them.”

You can also seek reassurance Officer at John Barker from United by calling Consumer Direct on Wigan Utilities adds: “We very 08454 04 05 06 (calls charged Council, it’s all rarely call without an at local rate) and too familiar. appointment so please be extra Crimestoppers on “It was pure vigilant if someone calls at your 0800 555 111. textbook. These home without one. criminals target the “Our message is simple. Check that elderly and vulnerable, come callers are who they say they are, and if around un-announced to catch people off in doubt, keep them out. It doesn't matter guard and appear extremely plausible. whether they are wearing a uniform or if “To you and I the alarm bells would there is one of our vans in the street. have been ringing when he said ‘water Always ask for identification. We’ll be board’ because for years now it’s been happy to come back if we have to.”

Borough Life 20-21

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GOLD STANDARD: Duke of Edinburgh participant Thomas Chang, 17, and firefighter Kieran Reid at Wigan Fire Station, one of the new bases for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Fire Brigade

TO THE RESCUE Borough’s Duke of Edinburgh Scheme has a new home

T’S a prestigious international awards and safety awareness sessions for young scheme that combines adventurous people as part of the D of E award.” expeditions and practical skills with And as for Greater Manchester Fire and cultural pursuits.

Rescue, this new set up cements decades of The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is positive work with the young people of as popular with young people today as it has Wigan Borough. ever been.

Watch commander Jim Bridge said: “We But when the borough’s local awards have always run courses as part of the D of E centres in Wigan, Leigh and Ashton were programme so our partnership with the forced to close their doors over the summer scheme has been running for more than 30 in a bid to save cash the scheme faced an years. uncertain future.

“The fire service are now delighted to That was until the borough’s very own welcome the groups in to use our facilities rescue heroes stepped in to offer the D of E and we look forward to delivering an a new home. Now thanks to a partnership exciting fire safety and awareness course between Greater Manchester Fire and that will count as part of the award.”

Rescue Service and the council, the goldThe D of E sessions will now take place plated award scheme continues to operate every Tuesday at Hindley Fire Station on from fire stations in Wigan, Hindley and Borsdane Avenue.

Atherton.

In addition, a session will run Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme every first Tuesday of the For more co-ordinator Refat Mahmood said: month at Wigan Fire information on the “To ensure that the service Station on Robin Park D of E Award Scheme for continued we had to look at a Road, and every last either yourself, your child or new plan to make it more cost Tuesday of the month at even your grandchild call effective. The fire service kindly Atherton Fire Station on 01942 769813 or 705395, offered us a base and it has Gloucester Street. All or email k.knowles been the perfect solution. This sessions will run from @wigan.gov.uk or will also allow us to run more fire 7-9pm. r.mahmood@wigan. gov.uk

I

Five Alive!

Health report is just what the doctor ordered FIRST we had five-a-day and now we’ve got five ways to a healthier you.

That’s the subject of a major new report into the state of our borough’s health.

This year, Dr Kate Ardern, who is Executive Director of Public Health for the Borough of Wigan, has used her annual report to explore the five ways to wellbeing.

Dr Ardern’s report looks at how we can make Wigan Borough a place to live well.

The report gives information on the current situation relating to the five key areas of Public Health: Connecting with One Another, Being active, Taking notice, Keep learning and Giving to Others.

On top of this the report looks at some of the biggest achievements over the year, as well the current challenges we face locally.

It provides recommendations for action, which should be implemented to ensure we continue to make real improvements in the health and wellbeing of the borough’s residents.

Dr Adern said: “Whilst individuals need to take more responsibility for their own health, people also require support from a number of agencies to help them make positive lifestyle changes.

“The health service can only do so much in contributing to the prevention and treatment of conditions.

“We must therefore work together to reduce the burden of illness and disability in the Borough.

“Health and wellbeing is everyone’s business.

“It is only through combined efforts that improvements in the health of the Borough's population can be brought about and maintained.” ● This year’s Annual Report can be accessed via an interactive website, here www.phwigan.com

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

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Borough Life 22–23

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CAN WE FIX IT? Pictured (from left) are: Russ Johnstone, Billy Conway, Ken Griffiths and Karen Spencer from Wigan Borough Care and Repair.

Handy team Care and Repair AREN Ken, Billy and Russ are busy people.

They’re part of a new team that is helping hundreds of older people in Wigan Borough to keep their homes safe, warm and in good repair.

And at this time of year burst pipes and boiler repairs are the order of the day.

The handy quartet all work for the new Wigan Borough Care and Repair Service which has been set up by the council to provide older residents with a top notch advice, home repairs and improvements and handyperson service.

Part of the larger Manchester Care and Repair and working in partnership with Age UK Wigan Borough, the service is based at Pennyhurst Mill in Wigan and sends a team of seven skilled workers to homes all over the borough.

K

Service manager Karen Spencer explains: “We tend to work mainly with people over 60 and we offer quite a wide range of services. Our aim is to help people to maintain their independence and a big part of that is making sure homes are warm, safe, secure and adapted to a person’s needs.

“Our help and advice is free, completely confidential and geared up to improving the quality of life for the people we work for.”

Wigan Borough Care and Repair currently has more 100 older people on its books but Karen says their immediate aim is to get more than 800 signed up to the service.

So what’s on offer from Care and Repair?

Well there’s a free expert advice service that can help

with everything from what to aware of what they are do to stop those small repair entitled to in terms of grants, jobs from getting worse, right benefits and other options through to choosing a builder that may help to improve their and how to avoid the quality of life.” cowboys. The team can even Wigan Council’s Cabinet draw up a schedule that will Member for Adults and tell your builder exactly what Health, Cllr Keith Cunliffe, to do. says: “Older residents have They can also help directly told us that what they want with many repair jobs from most is to continue to live in dripping taps to broken gates their own homes and enjoy at a small cost of £15 per a independent life. visit, plus the cost of any “We have listened and the materials.

Care and Repair service is But it’s not only our answer. “It’s a free the hands-on stuff and friendly service that Care and that can help you For more Repair can with all sorts of information please help with, as household contact Care & Repair Karen problems you by telephone on explains: “We may be having.

01942 239360 or do regular So, if you think by e-mailing visits and Care and Repair mail@careandrepairchecks with our can help you, get wigan.org.uk clients to make in touch, it could sure they are be just the job!”

Hygiene ratings boost choice HYGIENE ratings for thousands of food outlets have been published after inspections by local authority teams.

Businesses are displaying their ratings, which gives customers the opportunity to consider hygiene when choosing where they eat.

The council has inspected food outlets in Wigan and their findings are on a fully searchable database: http://ratings.food.gov.uk Julie Searing, the council’s business compliance service manager, said: “It’s about putting the customer in charge.

“If you’re planning where to eat out,

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you can check first. “And if you’re online on your phone, you can even type in the street you’re on as you’re out and about.”

If a business doesn’t display their score, it is up to the customer to decide if they want to eat or buy food there.

But it’s not just the takeaways and cafes that have been assessed.

Kirsty O’Connell, manager of Jack and Jill’s Nursery in Astley, said: “We take food standards really seriously.

“To get a top score of five for hygiene is something we’re proud of but we owe it to the children to give them the best start in life that we can.”

Borough Life 22–23

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Tasty menu of top class food events PUMP PRIMED: Scenes from last year's Wigan Beer Festival.

All hail to the AGED to perfection, matured for 25 years and a world class body… of organisers. It could only mean one thing! Wigan’s hugely popular Beer Festival is back and in March 2012 it will serve up and celebrate 25 mouth-watering years.

Once again the CAMRA event will also launch Wigan’s Food and Drink Festival – a tasty treat that sets out to prove that, although we may love our meat and potato, there is more to Wigan than pastry filled snacks.

Over the years more than three million pints have been pulled for 1m visitors to the much loved beer festival.

Back when the doors first opened the beer was just £1.10 a pint and the venue was Trencherfield Mill.

These days it’s hosted at Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre, in association with Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, but one thing is still

ALE

the same… every year it’s packed to the rafters.

Looking back at those early years Ken Worthington, joint organiser and former chairman of the Wigan Branch of CAMRA, said: “We had 29 beers listed in the first programme with some of the beers delivered in wooden casks. Like the current beer festival there were also foreign beers and ciders available “So much beer was sold on that first night we had to order more and by 9.20pm on the Saturday we’d run dry. It was pretty obvious from that moment it would be the first of many great festivals.”

The following year, 1989, the “Pie-man” logo was born.

The Pie-man became the symbol of Wigan CAMRA branch and from 1989 to the present day each beer festival had a Pie-man theme.

In 2012, in the spirit of the

Festival at a glance ● The Wigan Fine Food Trail: Featuring 15 of the Borough’s finest restaurants, each offering very special festival menus. ● The 25th Wigan CAMRA Beer Festival: Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd March 2012 Entertainment & Admission Prices: Thursday 1st March. 17:30 to 23:00. Admission £2.

Live Music by Billy and The Tempramentals: Friday 2nd March.

Afternoon Session. 12:00 to 18:00. Admission £1.

Friday 2nd March. Evening Session. 18:00 to 23:00. Admission £3.

The music of Old Hall Brass Band: Saturday 3rd March. 11:30 to 23:00.

Admission £2. Live music from (13.00) Lazy River Jazz Band (17.00) Rip Roaring Success (20.00) The Witnesses.

CAMRA members FREE all sessions. The Wigan CAMRA Beer Festival has once again held its prices for admission and glass hire!

There is a free courtesy bus that runs to and from The Anvil Pub (Dorning Street) in Wigan Town Centre to Robin Park Sports Centre.

Timetable details will be published on www.wigancamra.org.uk nearer the start of the Festival.

The Wigan Food and Drink Festival promotes the responsible use of alcohol. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk

Olympics, he will be a runner – Wigan Beer Festival 25 years running!

Between 1988 and 2005 the festival continued to be held at the Mill at The Pier before switching to Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre.

In the last few years the festival has joined forces with the Wigan Food and Drink Festival.

2012 marks its fifth year. In this short space of time, the event – which in 2012 takes place from March 1 to March 11 – has risen to be one of the largest and well respected ‘foodie’ events on the regional calendar.

The festival was introduced as an opportunity to enjoy some great meals out and to support the local food and drink economy.

Last year’s event reached record highs. All in all, more than 40,000 people experienced the Wigan Food and Drink Festival in 2011, spending an estimated £250,000 within the local food and drink sector.

“We’re delighted to once again get this year’s Food and Drink Festival underway,” said Ken “It’s brought another dimension to the festival and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”

Wigan Food and Drink Festival organiser Keith Bergman said: “Wigan’s food and drink industry is vibrant and thriving. This festival is a celebration of that fact.

“For 2012, we will continue to celebrate local produce, local producers and the showcase local restaurants and the culinary and creative talent that exists within the kitchens of our eating establishments.”

The Wigan Food and Drink Events Programme: 10 packed days and nights taking place in local restaurants, pubs and other venues.

2012 includes wine tasting evenings, special dinner nights, menu launches, taster events, tours and cookery schools.

Celebrity Chefs will include Jean Christophe Novelli and star of BBC's Something for the Weekend Simon Rimmer, (pictured).

The Wigan Life Piazza Outdoor Kitchen Theatre (5th – 10th March).

Six days of demonstrations at the Wiend in Wigan Town Centre. There will be ‘Skool Dinners’ - the brilliant Wigan Schools Young Chef of the Year Competition. There will be daily sessions hosted by local chefs, with local sporting stars involved across the week.

Food and Drink in the Community A programme of talks, demonstrations and exhibitions within local libraries, community centres, museums and schools.

A Continental Marketplace (8 – 10 March) a street full of colourful and cultural food and drink traders from around the world.

And returning on Saturday 10 March are the wonderful Lancashire Hotpots, performing live from the stage in the Piazza .

The Wigan Food and Drink Festival could not take place without the support and enthusiasm of its sponsors who in 2012 are: Hitchen Foods, Hazeldene, Metrofresh, Ellseys & Co, Rigalettos Italian Restaurant, Wigan Observer, The Grand Arcade Wigan, Wigan Council, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust with funding from the Greater Manchester food industry support initiative – Food Connect.

BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

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Borough Life 24-25

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GENERAL SATISFACTION

WASTE AND RECYCLING

83 per cent of residents are ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ satisfied with their local area according to the latest information from the borough’s Citizens Panel.

More residents are refusing to send their waste to a hole in the ground and are recycling. Latest figures from the Waste and Recycling Team show that the average borough household produces 663 kilograms of residual waste a year. This is less than previous years and with the introduction of new initiatives such as new blue bins and managed weekly collections it is anticipated this figure will continue to fall.

BUSINESS Over the last 2.5 years the council and its partners have supported more than 500 new businesses through the intensive start-up programme. The trend is that 46 per cent of new businesses survive for at least 5 years.

EDUCATION Wigan Borough’s GCSE results just keep getting better. This year 56 per cent of pupils achieved the all-important A* to C grades including English and Maths, better than the national average.

COMMUNITY SAFETY Wigan Borough remains the safest place to live in Greater Manchester and you have less chance of having your house broken into and your belongings stolen.

The number of burglaries in our borough fell by 64 last year. Whilst the number of thefts from motor vehicles fell by more than 1000.

Typical street shows borough’s ‘value for money’ priorities I T could be any street in the borough…It could be your street. The hustle and bustle as children cross the road on their way to school. The rumble of the bin lorry as it makes its weekly rounds.

The familiar sight of the street cleaner, brush-in-hand, ready for business. All lit, in these dark winter mornings, by the reassuring glow of the street lights.

There’s a lot going on in our street but one thing connects all this activity – Wigan Council.

But when it comes to the priorities such as education, community safety, litter, leisure and the environment, just how does the council do its job?

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member of Efficiency, Cllr Ged Bretheron, explained: “The council like other authorities across the country monitorshow well it is serving

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BOROUGH LIFE Winter 2011

the community through regular performance indicators that are agreed locally and also set by nationally by government.

“These indicators are your guarantee that not only is the council providing good quality of services but also, in these difficult economic times, we are providing good value for money.

“We produced this street scene to illustrate just how well we are doing in the key service areas that matter to you.

“Much of the information is positive news but there are areas where we continue to face challenges and we are committed to strive to do better.”

When it comes to how the council deals with residents when they make contact, it’s positive news. According to the latest figures 82 per cent of those asked are satisfied with front line customer services.

Borough Life 24-25

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STREET LIGHTING At any one time more than 99 per cent of the borough’s 36,500 street lights are in good working order. The street lighting team attends to any that are not operational within three working days.

COUNCIL HOMES The vast majority (99 per cent) of homes owned by the council and managed by Wigan and Leigh Housing are classed as being of a decent standard.

CLEAN STREETS 89 per cent of relevant land and highways in the borough has been classed as having low levels of litter or no litter according to Keep Britain Tidy standards.

ROAD REPAIR & SAFETY Wigan Borough’s roads are in a good condition. In fact 96 per cent of the borough’s principal road network is deemed as being in a good or acceptable condition.

The number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the borough’s roads is low and the council has been working hard to bring this figure down even further. Last year 62 people were seriously injured or killed in road traffic accidents on the Borough’s road network. Whilst one is too many, the figures are showing we are heading in the right direction.

SOCIAL CARE More and more people in Wigan Borough who are in need of care services and support are taking control of their own lives. A total of 42 per cent of those people who receive Adult Social Care support have now opted to take control of their own budget and design their own package of support through the council’s Personalisation Agenda.

The Challenges THE above measures may seem to be heading in the right direction but there is still plenty of work to do and the council and its partners are not complacent.

Our borough still faces some big challenges and many of them revolve around the health and wellbeing of our residents. ● The life expectancy for men in Wigan Borough is 75.9 – that’s two years less than the national average. ● The life expectancy for women is 80.3 years – two years less than the national average – but again the figures are improving. ● It may be related but just 20 per cent of the residents take part in regular exercise (half an hour, three times a week) in our borough. ● Domestic violence – there have been more than 1,390 incidents in each of the last two years and when you consider that the not all incidents are reported to the police this figure may only be the tip

of the iceberg.

The council and its partners are doing all they can to raise awareness about this issue and signpost people to services.

The number of teenage pregnancies in Wigan Borough has reduced, although not as fast as the regional and national average. A range of services are provided to tackle the issue.

Under the current economic climate it is feared that the levels of child poverty in our borough will increase.

Currently 20 per cent of children in our borough live in families where the

household income is 60 per cent less than average. The council is hoping its dedcated Child Poverty Strategy will create better prospects for generations to come.

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New business puts Krista on

CLOUD

NINE WEB GURU Krista Bougourd knows her internet business well.

F you want to start your own business, pick something you know... These were the words of wisdom from BBC business ‘dragon’ James Caan that inspired Krista Bougourd to ‘go it alone’ with her own business venture.

And whilst the world of Internet marketing, Google Analytics and Search Engine Optimisation may still be a bit new to a lot of us, this is Krista’s business and just like Mr Caan advises she knows it well… very well.

So much so that in less than three months she’s gone from a new business start-up to rapidly growing enterprise.

She’s got a long list of clients and could soon actually be looking to create more new jobs in the borough by taking on people to help her.

Krista is one of a growing number of people in our borough who are deciding to use the years of skill and expertise they’ve built up through their working lives to the best possible use – by becoming their own boss.

And whilst business is certainly brisk for Krista, the move is as much about improving her quality of life as it is about financial rewards.

“I’ve not got the Learjet just yet but I am working on it,” she joked. “My daughter Katie is eight now, so it is a really important time for both of us.

I

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For more information on Wigan Council’s Business Start-up Support Scheme call Blue Orchid directly on 01942 862832. For more information about Nimbus “Up until now the nearest have used a Web Solutions you can call place to find jobs in my combination of Krista Bougourd on particular industry would have an intensive 01942 700236. been in Manchester City Centre support service and and the travel and being able to pick start up grants to my daughter up from school was support more than 500 becoming increasingly difficult. new borough businesses.

“Now, whilst I am working from home, Wigan Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr it’s made life a lot easier in terms of being David Molyneux says: “With the problems there for Katie but it’s also meant I can caused by the credit crunch and the spend more time actually working on the economic downturn we’re trying to do business than travelling.” all we can to give the borough a Krista’s company, Nimbus Web much-needed boost.

Solutions, is a consultancy that works with “We believe that one great way of doing businesses to offer them hi-tech advice on this is to encourage our home-grown how to get the most from the wonders of talent to set up their own businesses. the World Wide Web. “Of course there are risks involved with But it’s also Krista own brand on no this so we believe it is the council’s role to nonsense, straight-talking support that’s create the right conditions for any winning her new clients. budding entrepreneur to flourish.

“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride “To arm them with the information and really,” she said. skills they need to minimise the risk and “At first I was unsure of what to do and to continue to support them every step of where to go for help, so it was quite a the way. stressful time but thankfully I found that “Krista’s story is great example of this there really is lots of great help and and we wish her every success for the advice available once you ask for it.” future.”

Krista benefited from help from the As for Krista, just like James Caan, she small business start-up scheme which is a has her own bit of business advice… “If partnership between Wigan Council and it’s something that you’ve always wanted expert business advice company Blue to do and have the right skills, go for it.

Orchid.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help but above Since 2009 the council and Blue Orchid all believe in yourself.”

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Central Park partnership pioneers new approach to learning

Central Park offers a wide range of learning opportunities.

Wigan’s got Talent T’S a brand new concept that mixes excellence in learning, top-class training and sure-fire sporting success.

Its aim is to provide future generations of young people from our borough with the skills and qualifications they need to get ahead.

Above all the borough’s brand new world class Work Academy will instil the borough’s young people with the winning mentality and the competitive edge.

Situated on the site of the former PEMBEC High School on Montrose Avenue, the £2M project is well under way and nearly 150 learners are already signed up.

I

The campus will feature a state-of-the-art education centre which will be run jointly by the Wigan Warriors and Central Training. It will offer vocational training and further education programmes that will give young people aged between 14 and 19 work experience and qualifications.

Many of the young people who will take advantage of the new facilities will be currently not in education, employment or training – commonly referred to as NEETs. The facilities at Central Park, such as a new gym and restaurant, will also be open to members of the local community and there will be a

strong emphasis on adult education.

On top of this the site will become the new headquarters for the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Team and many of the staff from the club will be involved in the education programmes.

Wigan Warriors owner and chairman Ian Lenagan has been heavily involved in creating the new centre. He said: “This is a fantastic new development. Central Training, Wigan Council and the Club have all come together to provide this world class facility. We are providing a state-of-the-art education centre, which will offer top

Resist the urge to splurge this Christmas Come Christmas morning, squeals of joy will echo from homes across the land as kids tear open their presents to reveal the magical treasures within.

But how far would you go to make your child’s Christmas wish come true?

Wigan Borough has two well-established Credit Unions, Welcome and Unify, and this Christmas both are urging residents to make their spending manageable.

“Some parents will go to extreme lengths to give their kids a dream Christmas, but sadly this can turn into a living nightmare come the New Year when the credit card bills start to land on the doormat” says Diane Schanzl, Manager of Welcome Credit Union.

“Whilst we all want our kids to have the best Christmas possible, our advice is simple: resist the urge to splurge.”

Angela Fishwick, who is General Manager of

Unify says: “Money is tight and it’s not always easy to get credit from the high street. Sadly, some people are so desperate that they turn to loan sharks to get the money they need to pay for Christmas – debts which they then struggle to pay off come the New Year.”

■ Welcome Credit Union can offer Wise Loans of up to £500 to new members who are required to open a savings account with them. To apply for a Wise Loan, call 01942 828702 or visit www.welcomecreditunion.co.uk ■ Unify Loans are assessed on an individual basis and take into consideration a variety of factors, including affordability, previous savings history and credit history. SMART Loans are available for those who have not yet established a savings history with Unify. The maximum loan available is £500.00 repayable over 1 year. Visit www.unifycy.org to find out more or call 01942 701706 (Wigan) or 01942 607002 (Leigh).

class training and further education programmes.”

Central Park will give young people the chance to learn valuable skills in a wide-range of in-demand areas including construction, hair and beauty, catering and hospitality, sports and leisure, business administration and information technology.

It will also become the breeding ground for the next generation of top-flight Rugby League talent both on and off the pitch with exciting opportunities for young players, physiotherapists and coaches and grounds staff.

Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this new and innovative project.

“Wigan Borough has a winning mentality and a proud history of sporting excellence and we want to build on this and use it to empower our young people to make the best of the opportunities available to them.

“Central Park is one of several exciting new developments in our borough which include a new University Technical College, a further 14-19 centre in Atherton and the Wigan Youth Zone that will provide our young people from across the borough with the opportunities they need to succeed.”

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CHRISTMAS: EXCESS ALL AREAS This Christmas we’ll be sending 10 per cent more rubbish to a great big hole in the ground than we would do at other times of the year.

And every tonne of waste that goes to landfill costs the council at least £56 in tax. With costs escalating and landfill space running out we all need to watch our waste this Christmas. We can’t afford not to! Here are a few ideas to help you save money, slim your bin and help all of us win the battle of the bulge.

Festive season a great time to

GO GREEN R ECYCLING? Without people like Paul it’s all rubbish! Like thousands of householders across the borough, Paul Gleave has been an advocate for reducing, re-using and recycling for many years.

An active member of St Thomas’s parish in Golborne, Paul drew his inspiration from the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones, who promoted environmental awareness among parishioners through the notion of ‘earthing the community’.

These days the Gleave family’s black bin goes out only every three weeks – and even then it’s far from full! Keen gardener Paul has a compost corner for his food waste, his bottles and cans are collected by the council every fortnight, and he’s eagerly awaiting the arrival of a blue bin for paper and cardboard to replace the paper sack.

Thanks to people like Paul, the amount of rubbish collected from residents’ black bins has fallen by a third since 2002, while the amount

recycled has increased from just 2% to over 36%.

“Just because we can’t do enough” says Paul, “it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do anything. We can all do something to make a difference – and we can’t afford not to.

“And Christmas is a great time to go green. All our uncooked peelings from spuds and sprouts, and carrots and turnips will end up as compost – they are a tremendous source of nitrogen for the garden come spring time.”

Big changes planned to start next Autumn MAJOR changes to refuse collection and recycling services are on the way.

Under the new arrangements black bins will be emptied fortnightly, with improved recycling opportunities and wider choice for householders – and savings of £14M between 2012 and 2020.

The council is being forced to make cuts of £66 million over the next four years and the collection changes will help us avoid extra waste management costs between 2012 and 2020. This figure is in comparison to the £700 000 on offer from the government (£250M between 348 councils) to maintain weekly collections.

You can find out more at wigan.gov.uk/ recycling, including information and advice about our plans for food waste collections.

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Paul Gleave pitches in to recycle.

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LANDFILL COSTS £S, RECYCLING SAVES £S

GREEN TIPS FOR

CHRISTMAS

Blue bins...

Bluebells Christmas and New Year collections Full details of your holiday period waste and recycling collections are on page 15.

BLUE bins continue to be rolled out across the borough, enabling soup and drinks cartons as well as cardboard to be easily recycled. They are being offered as an alternative to the (paper only) white sack if people prefer.

The blue bin service will allow the council to recycle approximately 5,000 tonnes more and at the same time save £373,000 per year by 2012/13.

If you haven’t seen them yet, check out the Hindley Bluebells on YouTube.

The local trio (Edna, Margaret and Maureen) are making a real song and dance about recycling, and if you’re not already doing your bit take a look at how easy it is – and how much fun can it can be too!

BATTERIES: Buy rechargeable batteries for new toys and recycle any used ones.

BOTTLES AND CANS: Glass bottles and tin cans belong in the brown bin, or can be taken to one of the Household Waste Recycling Centres or a local recycling site.

CARDBOARD: Remove any plastic from advent calendars and chocolate boxes, then recycle the cardboard.

CHRISTMAS CARDS: Please remember to recycle Christmas cards or keep them to reuse as gift tags and decorations.

CHRISTMAS TREES: Broadly speaking, real trees are carbon neutral, artificial ones are harmful. Real trees with roots or in a pot can be planted in your garden after Christmas, and even used again next year. Or real trees can be recycled.

DECORATIONS AND WRAPPING: Choose recycled wrapping paper and natural materials – and recycle or reuse them again and again.

Buy gift boxes or bags that can be reused next year. Or bring back the Christmas stocking!

FOOD AND DRINK: Families throw out an average of £50 worth of food a month – even more at Christmas.

And most of it could have been eaten!

At lovefoodhatewaste.com there are handy tips and loads of tasty recipes that will turn yesterday's leftovers into something really delicious.

Leigh and Wigan markets have great deals on fresh produce.

And party organisers should avoid avoid using expensive and wasteful paper plates, cups and napkins. Egg shells, banana skins and tea bags can be composted.

HOLLY AND THE IVY: Natural decorations can be made from cinnamon sticks, holly, seasonal berries, ivy and evergreen branches and then be composted.

MOBILE PHONES: Recycle old handsets by donating them to charity.

NEW YEAR, NEW START: Make a resolution to recycle more waste, more often.

OLD CLOTHES: Recycle them at the nearest textile recycling bank or Household Waste recycling Centre.

PRESENTS AND UNWANTED GIFTS: Buy local and avoid goods with unnecessary or non-recyclable packaging. And if you’re not sure what to buy, why not give money or gift vouchers instead of risking an unwanted item?

SHOPPING BAGS: Don’t forget to take sturdy, long life shopping bags out with you on your Christmas shopping trips.

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Winter 2011

What’s

ON

For full details of all special and regular events and festivals, pick up a What’s On brochure at your local library or visit www.wlct.org/whatson

Arts and Festivals

1:30pm – 3:30pm

Sat 21st Jan to Sat 3rd Mar

Wigan and Leigh Local Studies, Leigh Library.

Leigh Family History Society are available to assist with any enquires and requests concerning your ancestry. This includes how to go about tracing your family line back through the ages. For further information telephone 01942 404559. FREE.

FACE-THE CHANGING FACE OF A WORKING COMMUNITY Turnpike Gallery, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Leigh.

Specially commissioned documentary and archive audio visual exhibition by Paula Keenan and Lesley Sutton, featuring personal stories, the impact of the Miners Strike of 1984, and an exploration of the working lives of local women and men. For further information call 01942 484420.

Sat 21st Jan, 10am – 3pm

OPENING OF FACE EXHIBITION Turnpike Gallery, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Leigh.

FACE - The changing face of a working community. Join us for the opening of this exhibition and a variety of other events as part of the Super Saturday. No need to book. For further information call 01942 484420. FREE.

Heritage Events Thu 26th Jan, 6:30pm – 7:45pm

AN EVENING WITH SID CALDERBANK Museum 0f Wigan Life.

Lancashire dialect performer. ‘The Lancashire Cotton Famine’ – How we survived the American Civil War. For further information call 01942 828128. £2.50.

Each Monday 1:30pm – 3:30pm

LEIGH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY HELP DESK Leigh Local Studies, Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, Leigh.

Leigh Family History Society are available to assist with any enquiries and requests concerning ancestry. This includes how to go about tracing your family line back through the ages. For further information telephone 01942 828128. FREE.

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LEIGH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY HELPDESK

Each Tuesday 1pm – 1:15pm

OBJECT OF THE MONTH Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan.

Discover the stories behind some of our favourite museum objects. Talks last for about 15 minutes – why not pop in as part of your lunch break?

See the heritage events guide or contacts the Museum of Wigan Life for more details on 01942 828128.

FREE.

6pm – 7:30pm

COMBINED CEMETERY WALK Ince UDC Cemetery, Warrington Road.

Every second Tuesday evening June to August 2011.Discover your local area on foot with one of our historians and delve into buildings, landscapes, people and stories that the towns in our borough were founded on. We strongly recommend you book and leave your contact details with us so we can get in touch if anything changes (like the great British weather). Meet at cemetery gates.

Outdoor wear advisable. For further information telephone 01942 828128. £3.00.

Each Wednesday 11am – Noon

Follow the signs to the Turnpike Gallery.

further information telephone 01942 828128. £2.00.

1pm – 3pm

LEIGH HISTORY CHAT Leigh Local Studies/Archives, Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Leigh.

Last Wednesday of the month. Chat and make friends… Our History Chat sessions give people the opportunity to informally get together and talk about past times in a friendly environment. Come along if you have got something to share or say, or just listen if you prefer! This is a drop-in session. For further information telephone 01942 404559. FREE.

1pm – 3pm

FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOPS – WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Museum of Wigan Life.

Run by experienced volunteers, Family History Workshops help you to get started on researching your family tree. Sessions are aimed at beginners with family connections to the local area. £3.00 (resource pack £2.00) Booking essential. For further information and to book telephone 01942 828128. £3.00.

WE LOVE TO BOOGIE

From 3pm

Museum of Wigan Life.

Under 5's Dance Class – Mums, dads and carers of all ages – bop along to your favourite tunes and help the little ones have fun in this friendly dance session. For

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE-FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOPS Museum of Wigan Life.

Want to research your Family Tree?

Don't know where to get started?

Why not visit the Family History & Local studies area. Our new study area provides free access to Ancestry.com, computer and micro-form readers and a range of local resources and records. Run by experienced volunteers Family History workshops are available.

The sessions are aimed at beginners, with family connections to the Wigan area. Booking essential. For further information and to book telephone 01942 828128. £3 Resource Pace £2.

Each Thursday 3.30pm – 5.30pm

HOMEWORK HELP Standish Library.

We recommend phoning ahead so that we can prepare the resources for your homework help. For further information and to book telephone 01257 400496. FREE.

6:30pm – 7:30pm

WIGAN HISTORY CHAT Museum of Wigan Life.

Chat and make friends… Our History Chat sessions give people the opportunity to informally get together and talk about past times in a friendly environment. For further information telephone 01942 828128. FREE.

Each Friday 11am – 12:30pm

INTRODUCTION TO OLD HANDWRITING The Archives, Leigh Town Hall.

Starts 11th March 2011. £15 per 6

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week course. Medieval to Modern Palaeography. 6 week course. Learn how to decode handwriting and bring the past alive. Get handy tips on how to read archive documents and develop your confidence in using these sources.

Each Saturday From 3pm

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Wed 18th Jan

Fri 6th Jan to Sat 21st Jan

Fri 27th Jan, 7pm

IN LEAGUE WITH LITERATURE

DICK WHITTINGTON

BURNS NIGHT SUPPER

Wigan Library.

Tony Hannan, Phil Caplan, Tony Collins, Dave Hadfield and Ray French host a relaxed and humorous discussion on rugby. For further information of the events programme visit www.wlct.org/wiganlibrary

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan.

Pantomime. Tickets go on sale in September so book early to avoid disappointment. Matinees on 7th and 14th January at 2.15pm (no evening performances on these dates). Booking essential. For further information and to book telephone the Box Office on 01942 242561 or visit in person the week before or during a show.£10, Concessionary £7.50.

Lowton Civic Hall. Everyone welcome. For further information contact 01942 861539.

HOMEWORK HELP Museum of Wigan Life.

Thursday evenings, Saturdays and school holidays (check opening times). We recommend phoning ahead so that we can prepare the resources for your Homework Help visit. For further information telephone 01942 828128. FREE

11am – 2.30pm

SUPER SATURDAYS Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan.

Once per month. Discover all the fun of the Museum! Join us for Saturday out at the museum where you will find art and craft activities, quizzes, trails, objects to see and touch and always something special thrown in.

For further information on dates and times telephone 01942 828128. FREE.

11:30am – 1pm

NEW YOUTH THEATRE Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, WN1 1NU. Foe ages 12-15. For further information telephone Martin 01942 828226.

Each Sunday 11am & 1pm

TRENCHERFIELD MILL TEAM ENGINE Trencherfield Mill, Wigan Pier.

Built in 1907 and recently restored to its former glory, discover the fascinating history of the engine.

Hear talks from the engineers and enjoy an exciting audio-visual show. Just drop by, no need to book. For further information telephone 01942 828128. FREE.

Community Events Sat 24th Dec

LEIGH PHOENIX N.C.D.S.W Formby Hall, Alder Street, Atherton.

Christmas Eve Buffet Dance.

Admission by ticket. N.C.D.S.W members only. For further information call 01942 222537 or visit www.leighphoenix.co.uk £8.

NEW YEARS EVE DANCE Monaco Ballroom.

Tickets on sale from September.

Includes welcome drink on arrival.

Hot Supper. Canapés. Glass of champagne at mid-night. Dancing 7pm to 1am. Spot prizes and much more. For further information call Phil 01942 375931 hurstdance.co.uk

Derby Room, Turnpike Centre, Leigh, WN1 1AR. Land of Geysers and Gyrs. Excellent speaker and stunning photography

by Keith Offerd. For further information telephone Teresa Fayle on 01942 606531 or visit www.leighos.org.uk

CARAMBA’S REVENGE

CHRISTMAS EVE DANCE

Sat 31st Dec, 7pm – 1am

LEIGH ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tue 31st Jan to Sat 4th Feb

Sat 24th Dec, 7pm – 12am Monaco Ballroom.

Tickets on sale from August.

Includes welcome drink on arrival.

Hot Supper. Dancing 7pm to midnight. Spot prizes and much more. For further information telephone Phil 01942 375931 hurstdance.co.uk. £10.

Fri 27th Jan, 7:30pm

Haigh Country Park.

Fri 6th Jan, 7:30pm

LEIGH ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Derby Room, Turnpike Centre, Leigh, WN1 1AR. Birdlife Through 40 Pennine Years.

Excellent speaker and stunning photography by Gordon Yates. For further information call Teresa Fayle on 01942 606531 or visit www.leighos.org.uk

Tyldesley Little Theatre, Lemon Street, Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, M29 8HT. A Comedy. Four elderly ladies have been sharing their lives in Violet’s rented house, pooling their pension books and sharing chores. After a mugging Violet dies, but Marge, Lottie and Doris omit to tell the authorities and leave Violet’s body peacefully in the cemetery.

However, Violet’s granddaughter, Ronnie, arrives from Australia in search of her relative. Ticket line 01204 655619. For further information on prices and times call 01942 886908.

For a definitive guide to forthcoming events in Wigan Borough visit Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s website: www.wlct.org and click on ‘events.’

Festive celebrations at the Leigh Lights switch on.

Libraries – Events Fri 23rd Dec, 2pm – 3pm

CHRISTMAS PARTY Leigh Library.

For further information call 01942 404404 or email leigh.library@wlct.org. £1 (under 12’s).

Wed 18th Jan

MATT HILTON VISITS WIGAN LIBRARY Wigan Library.

High-octane thriller writer Matt Hilton visits the new Wigan Library.

For further information of the events programme visit www.wlct.org/wiganlibrary

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