ISSUE 60. SPRING 2019 - Wigan Council
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ISSUE 60. SPRING 2019 THE MAGAZINE FOR WIGAN BOROUGH RESIDENTS
2 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Welcome
The Leader’s column
Welcome to the spring edition of to be working with so many talented
Borough Life magazine. This is our 60th and creative individuals and groups to
edition and we wanted to do something develop and celebrate our culture and
special to say thank you to our readers. heritage. Find out more about The Fire
So to mark our diamond anniversary Within and the people behind it from
we’re celebrating the diamonds in our page 15.
communities. We asked a handful of Finally, we have made the decision to
readers to write a letter to someone who freeze your council tax this year for the
has made a difference to them. We also sixth year running. We had the option to
celebrate some important friendships. put it up by 4.99 per cent, which many
There are so many unsung heroes across authorities are doing, but as part of The
the borough we could have filled the Deal we are freezing bills, find out how
whole magazine. on page 6. In return we ask that you
This year will be an exciting year for the keep recycling, using our online services
borough as we get ready to launch a where possible, volunteering and
new Cultural Manifesto called The Fire supporting local businesses. Thank you
Within. It’s a strategy written by the for your support.
people, for the people. We are delighted
Cllr David Molyneux
Leader, Wigan Council
Extra content is available at
www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife
Even more great photographs can be On the cover
found at
This artwork by artists Al
Borough Life is published by Wigan Council
and Al uses the Spinning
and distributed to all households in the Jenny tile panel in Leigh
borough. This edition was published on Town Hall to remember
11th March 2019. ‘the fire within’ Leigh
The magazine is printed on paper from
renewable resources. It is written, edited and
inventor Thomas Highs
designed by Wigan Council’s Public Relations who in the 18th century
Team. transformed the textile
If you are a resident of Wigan Borough but industry with a mechanical
haven’t had a copy of Borough Life delivered
through your letterbox, you can pick up a
motion.
copy from several locations including the Life
Centre or view it online at
www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife
You can now receive a new monthly Borough
Life e-newsletter. Sign up by emailing
boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk
For general comments email:
boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk
Borough Life / Spring 2019 3
Contents
4,5,6&7 NEWS IN BRIEF
Your latest news round-up.
8,9&10 YOU GOT A FRIEND IN ME
We look at the value of friendship.
11,12&13 I WOULD LIKE TO THANK…
To celebrate our 60th edition we
celebrate your local diamonds.
14 FINDING A FAMILY
A life shared is a life well spent.
28 39 15–26 THE FIRE WITHIN
Introducing Wigan Borough’s new
Cultural Manifesto.
27,28&29 FOOD AND DRINK
Trendy eateries with indulgent treats.
30&31 BE ACTIVE
Find out how football changed Tom’s life.
32&33 LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Here’s what you said you wanted to see
in 2030.
34&35 OUR TOWNS
35
Spotlight on Tyldesley.
36,37&38 WHAT’S ON GUIDE
From Foodie Friday to Leigh Carnival –
don’t miss these spring events.
39 STUDIO ARTISTS
The talents from Cross Street Arts.
25 11
To keep up to date with news and events, follow Wigan Council at:
4 Borough Life / Spring 2019
News in brief
Could you recruit Fun run for Nathan
an apprentice? A local family are hosting a family fun
run at Haigh Woodland Park to raise
Local businesses in the construction, awareness about the importance of
manufacturing, engineering and mental health and wellbeing.
digital industries could receive a Noreen and John Christy, from Beech
share of £375,000 as part of a drive to Hill, lost their son, Nathan, to suicide
recruit more apprentices. in 2016. Since then, they have been
Last year, the Apprenticeships for passionate about eradicating the
Young People fund was announced stigma associated with mental illness
which allows businesses and sole- and raising awareness.
traders to receive financial support in The fun run is the latest event in a long
return for the recruitment of a local list they have arranged in memory
apprentice between the ages of 16 of Nathan and all money raised will
and 24. be distributed to local mental health
Grants of up to £5,000 are available charities.
depending on the length of the The event will take place on Sunday 16 can enter for £3 and adults for £7.
apprenticeship, which will help 5th May, the day before Nathan’s 28th Fancy dress optional, but encouraged.
employers to upskill and train the birthday, and participants can choose Follow ‘Start Talking; Stop the Stigma’
borough’s young people using a a 5km or a 1km route. Children under on Facebook for updates and to book.
training provider of their choice.
Jeff Case, director of Case & Young
Ltd recently recruited an apprentice
through the programme. He said:
“I’ve already recommended the
Apprenticeship for Young People
Join us for spring cleaning
programme to another business and Dust off your broom and pull on your 22nd March and 23rd April email
they wasted no time in signing up. gardening gloves – a spring clean is set GreatBritishSpringClean@wigan.gov.
They too have an apprentice in place to sweep through the borough. uk and help us to create a litter free
now!” Residents and businesses are being borough.
Businesses who are interested encouraged to take part in Keep
in finding out more should visit Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring
www.wiganworks.com and click Clean to rid neighbourhoods of
‘Recruitment and Education’. unsightly litter.
And this year’s campaign looks set to
be bigger and better than ever with a
whole month dedicated to cleaning up
the borough.
If you would like to host a clean-up
or join a local litter pick between
Change a life through fostering
Do you have a caring nature and Come along to Progress House, Wigan,
the commitment to provide a stable, WN3 4HH on:
loving home for our children in care? Wednesday 3rd April 6pm – 7pm
Make this a year to remember and Wednesday 8th May 6pm – 7pm
make a difference to a child’s life by Wednesday 5th June 6pm – 7pm
Easter bin fostering for us.
Come along to one of our drop-in
Wednesday 3rd July 6pm – 7pm
collections sessions to find out more, there’s
no need to book. Held on the first
There are changes to Wednesday of the month at Progress
your collections over House in Wigan, our friendly staff
Easter. Please refer to will talk you through the process and
your calendar or visit: foster carers will be on hand to share
www.wigan.gov.uk/ their experiences.
recycling
Borough Life / Spring 2019 5
News in brief
Family fun at Armed Forces Day
housing forums Armed Forces Day 2019 will take place commence on Crompton Street at
in Wigan town centre on Saturday 29th 10pm prompt, culminating at Wigan
Fun activities for all the family are June. Parish Church.
being held as part of this year’s The annual event, complete with a Residents, visitors, businesses and
housing forums. World War One simulation dome, field families are encouraged to line the
Tenants of Wigan Council homes hospital display, military vehicles, streets and support the borough’s
are invited to the forums to find climbing wall, musical entertainment armed forces community for their
out what is happening in their and more will be held between sacrifices and dedication.
neighbourhood. 10:30am and 4pm. The parade will
Council services also in attendance
will include financial advice, housing
support, repairs, waste, volunteering
and grow your own.
The forums take place throughout
April:
• Leigh South Community Centre,
Siddow Common, Leigh, Thursday
11 April, 2pm – 4pm. Activities
include Easter crafts and Nomad
Rangers.
• Sunshine House, Wellington Street,
Scholes, Saturday 13th April, 12pm –
3pm. Part of Scholes Easter Fun Day.
• Shakerley Community Centre,
Cumberland Avenue, Shakerley,
Tyldesley, Tuesday 16th April, 12pm
– 3pm. Part of Shakerley Easter Fun
Day.
• Bickershaw Village Club,
Bickershaw Lane, Bickershaw, Wigan,
Weds 17th April, 10am – 12pm.
Activities include Easter crafts.
• Fur Clemt, Central Park, Montrose
Avenue, Norley Hall Wigan, Weds
17th April, 11am – 2pm. Activities
include Easter fun food.
Cash boost for park
Three Sisters Recreation Area in Ashton The works will include:
is due to receive a £138,000 cash boost • Create a sculpture trail.
from landfill tax funder, WREN, so they • Place information boards around the
can significantly develop the space and site telling the history of the area and
make it truly inclusive for all. explaining about the wildlife that can
The park was given the offer on be found at Three Sisters.
the condition that they could raise • Hold more wildlife activities, including
£16,500 match funding by the end Easter egg trails, Halloween trails and
of February. The Ashton Linen and half-term activities to bring people
Woollen Mill charity donated £1,500 closer to the outdoors.
and local residents brought the total • Work with local schools.
up to £2,508. To ensure the park didn’t • Construct benches at scenic spots.
miss out on this fantastic opportunity, • Create a 3.6km circular scenic and
Wigan Council has offered a donation enjoyable trail, which is accessible to
of £14,000. everyone.
6 Borough Life / Spring 2019
News in brief
Free books for young children
Children and families are to get free health visitor.
books thanks to a project with the The programme aims to encourage
Book Trust. a love of books, stories and rhymes
The national Book Start programme in children from as young an age as
will continue for the next three years possible.
in the borough, gifting free books to To find out more about the scheme
children at two key stages before they families can call into their local Start
start school. Well centre in Atherton, Platt Bridge,
Families will be given their child’s Westfield, Westleigh or Ince. For further
first set of books from the council’s information on activities for families
registrars service when they register in Start Well centres or libraries go to
the birth and at a later stage from their www.wigan.gov.uk
Meet the new Walk this way
Chief Executive The Standish Mineral Line is proving people to walk or cycle to and from
to be a popular local route after its Standish town centre.
Alison McKenzie-Folan was officially transformation. Pupils from schools in Standish have
appointed as the council’s new chief The old railway track was originally created artwork for large panels that
executive in March. used to transport minerals away from have been installed along the newly
Alison has 28 years’ experience in the mines. At the end of last year the developed track. The schools each
local government, the civil service line was fully upgraded, from a muddy helped to tell a different part of the
and the NHS and has been with the track to a surfaced and lit bridleway, line’s story with their art installations.
council for ten years. She succeeds providing an alternative route for local
Donna Hall CBE who retired at the
end of February.
Alison said: “It is a dream come true
and the proudest moment of my
career to be chosen for what I believe
is the best job in local government.
“My time at Wigan has been the best
years of my career and to become
the council’s chief executive is a true
privilege.”
Rugby League World Cup to come to
Leigh
Leigh Sports Village will host three league tournament ever held.
Rugby League World Cup games in Leigh’s successful bid was submitted
2021. in collaboration with the other local
The games will be watched worldwide authorities in Greater Manchester.
by an estimated 150 million people More than 1 million people are
across 115 countries. expected to attend the games over
It will bring 40 squads of elite players the five week tournament, which will
to the UK, as well as thousands of be held in October and November
overseas supporters, making it the 2021.
most diverse and inclusive rugby
Borough Life / Spring 2019 7
News in brief: Budget
A great Deal for council tax bills
The council is one of just two councils At its meeting in March the council
in England to freeze general council tax also approved this year’s budget and
completely this year. revealed that no further efficiencies to
While hundreds of councils across the frontline services will need to be made
country increase their council tax by up
to five per cent, bills will be frozen here
this year.
It is also on track to reach its total
NO INCREASE
for the sixth year running.
The only increase on bills in the
saving of £160m by 2020. When
austerity began in 2010 the council was
IN LOCAL
borough will be the Greater Manchester
precepts which the council has no
the third worst affected by cuts.
This has all been possible through The
COUNCIL TAX
control over. Deal and by working differently with We’ve been able to freeze our
The council is in a different position residents, businesses and communities. service element of Council Tax for
to lots of other authorities who are the sixth year running.
struggling with their finances.
£5m fund to fix Free weekend parking extended
potholes It’s brilliant news that free weekend the Christmas period.
parking in Wigan and Leigh town It gives shoppers the perfect
A £5m fund will be spent this year centres is being extended until March opportunity to visit the town’s top high
repairing the borough’s roads and 2020. street names, independent shops as
fixing potholes. Residents will be able to park for free well as its popular local markets.
The council will invest £3.3m of on council car parks on weekends to By residents taking up the offer and
capital funding in repairing the roads, support their local town centres. supporting their town centres it means
topping up the £1.7m it receives in The trial was introduced by the the council can keep the offer in place
government funding. council in September 2018 to increase and it will give a welcome boost to the
This money will mean the roads can shoppers and support the local economy.
be repaired quickly and efficiently economy. The free parking includes The Galleries
after winter. The offer will be extended after and Water Street multi-storey car
The council looks after 1,160km of positive feedback from local parks and the Civic Centre car park on
highway and mends around 14,000 businesses and residents, with a Millgate in Wigan and the Town Hall
road defects, including potholes, a number of businesses reporting a and Spinning Gate in Leigh.
year. It also manages 2,000km of noticeable increase in footfall across
footway, 58,000 drainage gullies and
36,000 streetlights.
£10m for town
centres
Towns across the borough are to be
given a £10m cash boost to kick-
start regeneration and support local
businesses. The news was revealed at
the full council meeting in March.
Through The Big Listening Project
many residents said the future
viability of the town centres was
important to them and it is one of the
council’s top priorities.
Full list of car parks included: www.wigan.gov.uk/carparking
Find out more about The Deal at www.wigan.gov.uk/TheDeal
8 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Borough Love
You got a
friend in me Grace, 12 and Sky, 13
Grace: We’ve been best friends since we were 9.
In a world where the average person in Sky: We’ve both got bubbly personalities.
the UK spends more than a day a week Grace: We both like laughing. We like spending
money.
online and friendships can be created Sky: We like going shopping. We both like going to
Tesco.
on social media in one click, is having a Grace: Sky always asks me if I’m ok and I know she’d
real life best friend still important to the always help me if I needed her to. I know I can rely on
her.
younger generation? We meet some Sky: It’s good to know we both have someone to talk
to. We’re like glue. We stick together.
best friends from Leigh and Atherton Grace: These days you need someone who you know
to find out. will be there for you whatever happens.
Lottie, 10 and Lucia, 9
Lottie: We’ve been best friends since Lottie. Probably our favourite thing Lottie helped me.
we were born, well before we were to do together is have sleepovers. Lottie: When Lucia had crutches I
born really because our mums were Sometimes we stay up all night and helped her. Having a best friend is
friends when they had us! watch scary movies but our mums also good because you know you
Lucia: We do loads of things together. don’t know this. won’t be lonely.
We go to each other’s houses. Lucia: Having a best friend is Lucia: You’ve always got someone to
Lottie: We like singing. important because we help each help you out.
Lucia: We make slime. other out. So when I broke my leg,
Borough Life / Spring 2019
9
Borough Love
Robson, 9 and Harrison, 9
Robson: We’ve known each other before we were friends but now you’re going to get picked.
all of our lives. We’ve always played they’re friends too. Harrison: Having a friend in real life
together at school. Harrison: The best thing about having is better than having an online friend
Harrison: I like Robson because he’s a best friend is that they stick up for because in real life you know exactly
helpful, like, sometimes, if I’ve hurt you. So if people are being nasty to who they are and what they’re really
myself, he’ll ask if I’m ok. And he helps you, you know your friend will help like.
me get up if I fall over. you. Robson: You can’t see who people
Robson: We like playing tick and we Robson: If I didn’t have a best friend it really are online so some people
play on the X-box. We helped our would be boring. We always pick each might cyber bully you.
mum and step-mum become friends other at school if you have to pick
because they didn’t know each other teams so it’s good because you know
Olivia Todd, 13 and Olivia Day, 12
Olivia T: We first met at our youth Olivia T: She was like, ‘This is a good High School is not like High School
project but we were in two different chicken pasty.’ And I had to point out musical! We do sometimes have
friendship groups so I never thought that it had orange beans in it and then different views on things.
we’d end up being best mates. My first we couldn’t stop laughing. Olivia D: But we accept each other’s
impression of her was that she was Olivia D: We knew then that we had different views.
funny and friendly. the same sense of humour. We don’t Olivia T: I think we’ll be friends for
Olivia D: I thought she was really tall take things too seriously. life.
and I wasn’t sure what she’d be like. Olivia T: We both like chatting and
Olivia T: How we started talking to laughing.
each other is quite funny. We were in Olivia D: We both like eating!
a bakery and I’d ordered a sausage Olivia T: But we’re also good for each
and bean pasty and she’d ordered a other. We settle each other down.
chicken pasty. Olivia D: We’re at different schools so
Olivia D: But they got our pasties we have different groups of friends
mixed up. but it means that if things haven’t
Olivia T: I knew they had and I told gone well at school we’ve got each
her but she didn’t believe me! other to talk to about it.
Olivia D: I thought it tasted weird but I Olivia T: You need that one person
still thought it was chicken. to lean on. Life isn’t straightforward.
10 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Borough Love
Rachel, 12 and Scarlett, 12
Rachel: We’ve only known each other Rachel: Same. I’ve always had people
since last summer when we both joined to be with but I think in big groups of
the same youth group but we have a lot friends you tend to get a group leader
in common. who can sometimes make you feel
Scarlett: We’re best friends now. I think like you all have to be the same, so
our friendship works because we both you can’t always be yourself. But now
have the same level of intelligence. I know that having a best friend is
Rachel: And we both like writing. important. It needs to be a friend that
Scarlett: We support each other a lot. you can be yourself with and really talk
We’re both preparing for an exam at the to.
moment so we’re helping each other Scarlett: With Rachel I know if things
with that. haven’t gone well that day I’ve got
Rachel: We’re going to an overnight someone to talk to. I think it’s fine to
conference in Liverpool together. We have friends online but there’s the risk
both study together. But we also like they could be anyone!
shopping. Rachel: When you have a best friend
Scarlett: Until I met Rachel I used to in real life you know that when they
think best friends were overrated. In say something to you, they mean it,
the past I’ve been part of lots of groups it comes from the heart and it’s not
of friends but I was always sort of on just some words they are typing in a
the edge of the group and sometimes message.
felt a bit left out.
Chloe, 9 and Riven, 9
Chloe: We met in reception class. Chloe: It’s good because if you need phone but a real life friend is different
Riven: And we became best friends someone to go to you can always count because you really know them.
straightaway. on your best friend. Riven: I like knowing that Chloe is there.
Chloe: We do athletics competitions Riven: She always helps me and makes There are other people I could ring or
together. me happy. If I ever feel sad or if she feels text but I can always rely on Chloe and
Riven: We have sleepovers. We like sad we talk to each other about it. talk to her whenever I need to.
talking to each other. Chloe: You might have friends on your
Thanks to the Reclaim project and Compassion in Action cadets group. If you’re a young person
and would like to join a youth group and meet new friends, email tyssweb@wigan.gov.uk11
Borough Life / Spring 2019
Borough Love
I would like to thank...
To celebrate our diamond edition we wanted to give some of
you the opportunity to say thank you to someone who has
been a diamond in your life.
My friend Pam he
lped me move he
two years ago. It re
’s a nice commun
people are passin ity;
g all the time. I’d
say thank you to like to Pamela Mansfield, Leigh
Pam. She’s a frie
to me. She helps nd
me with anything
everything. I know an d
I’m safe and care After having three strokes, Pamela moved
for. I love all of it. d from a house where she was isolated into
And I love my frie
nd. supported accommodation run by charity
Thank you Pam. Compassion in Action.
Pam Gilligan (L), who runs Compassion in Action, Pamela Mansfield (R)
Mark Speers, 9, Leigh
When I was younger I didn’t have people my dad makes me feel better.
many friends so I want to say thank We are a bit like each other. We can
you to my family and especially both wiggle our ears and other people
my dad for always being a good say they can see my dad in me. I’ve
person to play with. We go metal joined a youth group now and I am
detecting together and play games making new friends but my family are
and whenever I have arguments with my best friends.
Thank you Dad12 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Borough Love
Nathan Foy, Leigh
I would like to thank my personal
assistant, Paul.
We first met in 2010 when I was 15
and Paul worked for the Greater
Manchester Autistic Society. I didn’t
enjoy school. I was bullied a lot and
I left school in 2009, aged 14, after a
suicide attempt. Thank you Nan
I had no confidence and extreme I still have anxieties but I got to the
anxiety. I was referred to the autistic point where I started to volunteer
society and met Paul, who has and I am helping to run groups now Courtney Calderbank,
worked with me since then.
Paul is an extremely loyal person and
and I have my own weather and
storm tracking YouTube channel with
16, Ashton
is always very positive to be around, over 28,000 subscribers.
even though he has faced some Thank you Paul because you have If anyone ever asks me who helped
personal adversities himself. been through a lot with me and me to become the person I am today,
He always thinks of others first and you have been instrumental in my I always say my nan, Christine. I’ve
always wants to do more for young recovery. seen her every weekend since I
was 11. I’d like to say thank you for
people. Thank you Paul teaching me my manners, showing
me how to be kind and respectful to
others, for looking after me and for
supporting me through every single
hardship I’ve ever had. You’re my
rock and you help me stay down to
earth and one day I hope I will be
able to return the favour to you.
Elizabeth Costello, Leigh
y thank
to thank isn’t here to sa
The person I would like their
ir gender, I don’t know
you to. I don’t know the l I know is
ything about them. Al
name, I don’t know an I am here
s stranger is the reason
that the kindness of thi
today. and
ent, I had renal failure
Following cancer treatm week,
al dialysis, 3-4 days a
spent five years on ren if things
chine, never knowing
being kept alive by a ma
would change. patible
l came to say that a com
In 2012, the phone cal the
found. The call came in
kidney donor had been ew im me dia tel y what it
I just kn
middle of the night so
d racing.
was and my heart starte en a
r that when you’re giv
I’d like to tell my dono u to thi nk ab out
forces yo
second chance at life it t my kn ow led ge of
ided to pu
what’s important. I dec iety.
2013 I set up a film soc
film to good use and in and
amazing team of people
Six years on we have an lation,
fight against social iso
use film screenings to the
young people and bring
create opportunities for
community together. n
y that I want more tha
To my donor I would sa d to ma ke my life
proud an
anything to make you ve the
that your decision to lea
count for something so
If you wish to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, gift of life was worth it.
please go to www.organdonation.nhs.ukBorough Life / Spring 2019 13
Borough Love
Leanne Worsley, Hindley
When I started volunteering I
never imagined what a difference
it would make to my life. I’d never
thought about volunteering with
young people but when I think
back to my teenage years, it totally
makes sense. I got into trouble a
Thank you Jo P
latt few times when I was young and I
didn’t realise it at the time but I was
supported by a youth worker myself
Annabelle Whitler, so I understand the difference it can
I was volunteering and all of the
12, Leigh make to someone’s life. Volunteering
has led to me getting a job and young people I’ve worked with, for
I am just about to start a degree reminding me never to take myself
I think Jo Platt is inspirational. I
in Community Development and too seriously!
met her when my youth project
went to London and I was Youth Work at Bolton University.
I’d like to say a big thank you to Thank you Rachel and Les
impressed with how she deals with
everything. I’d like to say thank you Rachel and Les, two of my fellow
for being someone I can look up volunteers who I’ve learned so much
to, not just because you’re good at from, my brother and mum, and
what you do but because you were husband’s mum for helping
so friendly to us and didn’t think with my own children when
you were better than us when we
met you.
I met Adrian in h
Oakfield High andigh school. We both went to
youth club togeth met when I was 14. We went to
ships. Adrian ander and went on a trip on the talla
everybody and th I had to do all the cooking for
friends. at’s when we bec
ame really good
Adrian is a bit ol
things before me der than me so he always did
younger because and I looked up to him when I was
disabilities can ache showed me that people with
Adrian has a goo hieve things.
to other people and energy. He can talk easily
because I wasn’t d I used to find that difficult
anyone. He’s kindas confident but Adrian can talk
He got me into ot and he’s someone I can talk to. to
and Leigh Youth her youth groups. I joined Wigan
and I still volunteCabinet because Adrian used to g
Thank you Adrian er there now. o
might not have h b ecau se if I hadn’t met yo
and try new thin ad th e co nfidence to go out u I
there
the better becausegs. You have changed my life for
around. You’re a ro you have helped me turn things
with disabilities. le model for me and for all peop David Stacey, Leigh
And you’re a g le
Thank you Adrianreat mate.
.
If you would like to nominate a local diamond or say thank you to someone who has made a difference to your life then
please tweet us @WiganCouncil with a photo or write to us: Wigan Town Hall, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1YN and tell us
your story. If you’re writing to us please include a contact number. The best entries will be featured in the next magazine.14 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Borough Love
Finding a family
When Hughie came to stay 50 years ago, he
found a family he never thought he’d have.
It’s a long-standing family joke that Higginbottom and Aileen calls him her
Hughie Higginbottom came to stay for ‘brother’.
the weekend and has never left. After her parents died, Aileen became
But that’s exactly what happened his permanent Shared Lives champion What type of
when he was in care aged nine and he and he is a well loved and respected
befriended Aileen from Astley. member of the family. support can
Aged 16, Aileen Aldred worked at a Hughie loves Aileen’s husband Malcolm
school in Derbyshire for young people and they regularly golf or go to the pub champions give?
with special educational needs and where Hughie is known to everyone.
disabilities where Hughie was a pupil. The Shared Lives scheme is a friendship
With no other family and in care since service which matches adults who need • Day/evening activities – where
the age of two, Hughie, now aged 59, support, due to disability, age or illness, people can realise their
began staying with Aileen at weekends. with champions who offer meaningful aspirations and do the things
Aileen said: “It began at Christmas friendship and company. that are important to them with
when Hughie was left in school and Champions can give their time on a support from their champion
had nowhere to go so it was arranged casual basis, spending a minimum of • Respite/ short-term breaks –
for him to come home with me for the four hours a week with someone, or on where people stay overnight at
holidays. It started there and he’s never a permanent placement seen in Aileen the home of their champion
left.” and Hughie’s case.
Little did the pair know Hughie would Aileen said: “I don’t remember my life • Full-time placement –where
eventually be taken in by Aileen’s without him here. He went through people live with their champion
parents on a permanent basis and he college and university with me and on a long-term basis and are
would still be a member of the family now he spends a lot of time with my valued as ‘one of the family’
50 years later. husband Mal – he’s like his shadow!
Aileen continued: “He has always “Hughie likes keeping busy and works To find out more about
classed my mum and dad as his mum in an equipment stores warehouse in becoming a Shared
and dad. My family is his family and he’s Salford. Lives champion email
happy with that.” “You never know, it could lead to a sharedlives@wigan.gov.uk
Aged 18 Hughie changed his name lifelong friendship and change a life like or call 01942 487044.
by deed poll to the family name Hughie’s.”15
16 Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: AL and AL
Journey to
the stars
They’ve toured the world From the outside it’s just a normal family the Edge of Time, which premiered on
home on a busy Wigan road. But inside Broadway to New York’s elite. They’ve
and found international there’s hundreds of books, stylish white written their first feature film which
washed floors, black décor, and the Hollywood stars are already signed up for.
success as artists but high-tech studio of two international But there’s one thing they’re really
there’s only one place they filmmakers. passionate about – Wigan.
Al Taylor, from Wigan, and Al Holmes, After years of living in trendy studios
want to be. from Manchester, have been together for in London and Liverpool the couple
20 years after first meeting at St Martin’s returned to the borough seven years ago
University in London. Their career history to care for their terminally ill mother.
is impressive, exhibiting films around the Now they’ve created Wigan’s new cultural
globe in galleries, concert halls, festivals manifesto,a visionary document: The Fire
and on television. They cite a career Within. Al said: “There is an alignment of
highlight as collaborating with American great talent in our borough. We have met
composer Philip Glass to create a sell- so many amazing people as we created
out multimedia space opera, Icarus at The Fire Within. Everyone voiced theirBorough Life / Spring 2019 17
The Fire Within: AL and AL
opinion to make this exciting manifesto. the future. born in Wigan who ended Egyptian
Everyone is proud of our extraordinary Designing it, Al and Al were inspired by slavery. The priceless treasures he gifted
heritage and we are all coming together the digital revolution. Al said: “Our 17 to the town inspired us to link the new
to create new work and opportunities year old niece India grew up in Standish emoji language people in Wigan use
here. and she has already made 250,000 today with the Egyptian hieroglyphs in
Al said: “The arts are the face of a place. images on Snapchat. The power to make our town’s collection.” On moving back to
Wherever you travel you discover a place images and messages on the phone Wigan the pair say they’ve rediscovered
through the culture it makes. To be in your pocket and send them into the a new love for what’s on their doorstep:
invited to design Wigan’s new Cultural world is a revolution. Everyone is posting “We’ve made our best work here. We
Manifesto is a great honour. We have comments using the new language of want young people to be inspired by
discovered so many wonderful local emojis.” where they live and discover ways to
stories we want to share and shine a new “We love emojis, language has returned make their dreams come true and ignite
light on our great borough.” to when humans first drew pictures to the fire within them.
The manifesto itself is a piece of art. The communicate their concepts and feelings “The story of a place is created by the
design captures the borough’s proud about the world. During our research, we culture we make together, the culture we
heritage and inspires a new energy for discovered Sir John Scott was a judge create transforms our future.”
“The culture we create
transforms our future.”Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: Foreward
Introducing Wigan’s new Cultural manifesto... The Fire Within
In 1892 my great grandfather died of creativity that took us from London The point is this, anything is possible
tragically during shaft sinking in a to New York, to Paris, to Beijing, on a in our great town. My family’s story, like
Wigan coal mine, leaving his widow journey around the world. George Orwell’s The Road to Wigan Pier,
Anne with a young family to care for. My mother Gladys would call me on is about a struggle towards liberation,
There was no offer of widow’s pensions, her hotline from Wigan and ask me liberation from the constrictions of
or benefits for miner’s families, only as we were travelling, “when are you class.
the Poor Law remained, and with it the coming home?”, and during my travels, We stand together upon this explosive
threat of the workhouse in Frog Lane. I never knew what she meant. It was ground beneath our feet. My Great
To survive, my great grandmother Anne only when we returned here to look Grandfather’s death in a pit of this
started baking pies in her fireside oven. after her during a terminal illness that combustible rock sparked the ingenuity
She and her children went out selling I truly understood. I was a Wiganer, of my ancestor’s future. My Mother
the pies to the local community, and through and through, and this town passed on The Fire Within me, which
the business grew. Generations of her and its people meant something to me, was given to her by her Father, from
family would emerge to build Edwards as all our roots do. The place we are one generation to the next. This
award winning bakery and contribute born inspires us, shapes us, and should burning desire to make the best of
to the culture of our town. be fought for. It should be the place every moment. To ignite dreams and
I always remember my grandfather’s we dream it to be, because, what is make them real. It is here that we share
dedicated passionate belief in hard stopping that from happening? The Fire Within, that we hope to ignite
work and incredible attention to Since returning to Wigan, we have The Fire Within you, and spark the next
creative detail, which I have come to made our best work from our studio in generation to search for the creative
recognize as the eye of an artist. I knew Standish. We have made films which dreams in your hearts, and share those
from his work great success could have been broadcast internationally dreams with the people around you. We
be achieved here, but as I grew up in on television, a space opera which are all the imagineers of our future. We
Wigan, I knew my desire to create art premiered on Broadway in New York, can expect no one else to do it for us.
could not be fostered in my home town exhibitions and award winning films
at that time, it just wasn’t something which have been shown in 50 countries
that happened in Wigan. And so I around the world and are currently AL and AL
moved to London, and after studying being developed into multi-million 25th November 2018
with my partner AL, began a journey pound cinematic releases. Standish-with-Langtree, WiganBorough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: Heritage
Our
The Fire Within Manifesto shines a new light on 5 local icons.
It explores 5 disciplines, including the extraordinary art, music,
dance, fashion and theatre created in our borough today.
History The Fire Within Manifesto instigates a 5 year plan for culture
with 5 exciting future projects that will celebrate our heritage
and transform the future of Wigan Borough. Here we highlight
two amazing icons born in our borough whose Fire Within
transformed the world.
Leigh’s Goddess of the Sea The Moses from Wigan
Dr Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker was a botanist born Sir John Scott was a Judge born in Wigan.
in Leigh. The Fire Within inspired her research into In the spirit of Wigan’s fight for workers rights his Fire
the reproductive biology of algae, which is the key to Within reformed the Egyptian legal system, abolishing
efficient farming of the seaweed ‘nori’, the essential slave labour that had been in existence since the
component of Japanese sushi. On the 14th April at the Pharaohs. After his death his collection of Ancient
annual Drew festival in Japan, Kathleen is worshipped Egyptian treasures were donated to Wigan. In this
as a Goddess, The Mother of the Sea. manifesto, the priceless Royal Egyptian gold death
mask enchants Wiganers past and present.
Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker 1901-1967.
Sir John Scott. 1841-1904.Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: 2019
Year 1:
The Fire Within 5 Year Plan Wigan’s future artists
Wigan’s new cultural manifesto, The Borough. The Fire Within Manifesto In year 1 The Fire Within Manifesto
Fire Within launches in 2019 with a instigates 5 themes formulated by launches with Wigan’s Future
5 year plan to spark, ignite and fuel artists, cultural organisations and Artists.
culture, arts and heritage activity for community groups to focus and ignite The Fire Within Manifesto seeks to
both residents and visitors to enjoy. their collective energy. engage, challenge and galvanise
Commissioned by Wigan Council, our young people to take centre
supported by Arts Council England, The five themes are written by the
people, for the people. The Fire Within stage and show us new ways
The Fire Within Manifesto emerged of seeing the world, creating
from expert consultants Debbie Manifesto builds on The Deal for the
Future Strategy and Wigan’s vision pivotal cultural innovations and
Chan,Maria Brewster and Sue Potts experiences.
rigorous research and democratic to be a place where people want to
consultation process across Wigan work, live, visit and invest. The Fire Within Manifesto
seeks to secure investment to
stimulate artistic talent, cultural
entrepreneurship and people led
cultural activity in unique local
places.
The Fire Within will…
• Establish a Local Cultural
Education Partnership, with
support from Curious Minds, who
are dedicated to improving the
lives of children and young people
through great art and culture.
• Spark creative programmes
and develop cultural education
in schools, colleges, cultural
organisations and support a new
generation of Wigan artists utlising
the Communities Investment
Fund.
• Expand on creative progression
routes for our new generation
with the inspired team at Wigan
School of the Arts, The Academy of
Live and Recorded Arts and other
cultural organisations.
• Listen to young people, providing
a voice for the new generation
within cultural programming,
tailoring activity to their needs.
• Ignite The Fire Within aspiring
young artists by creating platforms
to showcase new talent.
• Develop cultural incubator work
spaces to attract and retain
creative talent in the borough.Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: 2019
Happy 80th Birthday Sir Ian
In 2019 Sir Ian McKellan will celebrate his
80th birthday by going back to where it all
began, returning to Wigan Little Theatre where
The Fire Within was lit when he saw his first
Shakespeare production as a child.
Sir Ian grew up in Wigan during World War
Two and makes regular visits back to his home
town, pictured here performing a sell-out solo
appearance at The Old Courts during Wigan
Pride.
In 2019 The Old Courts begin renovating the
extraordinary Royal Court Theatre, ushering
an exciting new era of theatre and live
performance into our borough.Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: Future Projects
Exploring
the archives
Find out more about the
transformation of Leigh Town Hall in
2019 which will bring the borough’s
history to life.
Whether you want to trace your family investment from the council. digitise collections, hosting visits,
tree or discover the secrets of where A new modern searchroom will be built welcoming visitors and stewarding
you live, the borough’s fantastic on the ground floor of the town hall exhibitions.
archives service has a collection of which can be accessed by residents Three vacant Leigh Town Hall shop
unique records which can help with and visitors who want to research into units will be converted into new
your search. their past. archives and museum exhibition space
With historic records dating back A museum space will be created with and additional shop units will be used
800 years the archives and local a new exhibition programme shaped as specialist storage to protect the
studies service collects, preserves by the community which will reveal collection, which will transform the
and catalogues thousands of records stories from the archives and museum Leigh archives base and restore part of
from schools, churches, hospitals, collections. the town hall building.
businesses, families, estates, people, Children and young people will be able There will also be a new café space in
and makes them available to the to access the collection and learn more the foyer of the building.
public. about history with an outreach and This latest funding boost follows
And later this year the collection will be engagement programme for schools. the £5m Believe In Leigh fund which
moving to a new home in Leigh Town There will also be new volunteering was created last year to improve and
Hall thanks to a £1.3m boost from The opportunities for people to get regenerate the town.
National Lottery Heritage Fund and involved with including helping to
To find out more about the project or to sign up to be an archives volunteer visit www.wigan.gov.ukBorough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: Future Projects
Exploring the future
The Turnpike, an extraordinary brutalist greatest artists to our borough with an love for Christopher Morcom who
gem built during the end of the coal ambitious programme of exhibitions, inspired the creation of the computer
era opened its doors with an exhibition events and educational activities age. Connecting the entire Wigan
of Henry Moore. Helen Stalker leads an celebrating the very best in the arts. borough together with a series of Emoji
inspirational curatorial programme, In 2020 during Wigan’s digital year of Topiary flower sculptures, AL and AL
following on from her work at Tate and culture, The Turnpike will host the will transform the streets, inspired by
curator of fine art at the award-winning pioneering Wigan-based international our digital messages of love flying into
Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. artist duo AL and AL, staging a major the smartphones in our pockets and
Today Helen continues to bring the solo exhibition celebrating Alan Turing’s hearts.Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: Disciplines
The Fire Within: Future Stars
Anna F C Smith Aaron Pearce
Anna FC Smith is inspired by history, Aaron generates visionary paintings
folk culture, customs and communal from the canal boat environment he
traditions. She is driven to seek the lives within. Reclaiming old wood he
way in which people are connected selects from sources such as 100 year
to the past and what history can tell old narrow boat elm he discovered
us about ourselves in the present. on the tow path, his paintings
Her work and research on Wigan’s metamorphose the weathered grain to
Boxing Day fancy dress party explores reveal beautiful hidden images he sees
the transgressive space of carnival within the natural marks of evolving
revealing her deep fascination of time. His recent timber exhibition in
ritual and celebration as a creator of Leigh captures the magical ghost world
meaning and significance in life. of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Jess Rotherham Louise Robson
Jess Rotherham has a lifetime project. Louise Robson captures and
‘What The Most People Saw’ is an transforms data creating large scale
annual depiction of the biggest news installations which evoke questions
from every country. Collected on the concerning technology in culture. Her
same day annually, until her death, she graphic installations use technology
plans to capture and transfer the top as a method of exploration and
news story images onto glass panes, expression, connecting people, objects
locking the news in oils and stripping and environments to question the role
the data from its temporal context. of the viewer. The data she processes
What is fleeting becomes fixed, what is embodies her search for where artistic
deemed important is documented in value is located and generated in
relation to her own mortal passing. contemporary art.Borough Life / Spring 2019
The Fire Within: Disciplines
Amy’s Bop
to Success
Passion and drive has been the catalyst even bigger.” them create their
to Amy’s successful dance ambition Amy continued: own choreography
becoming a reality. “We were and focus on
Amy Burdon, 27, from Leigh, was lucky enough technique.
working as a freelance dancer before to receive “The thing I really
she set-up Leigh Community Dance funding from the council’s enjoy about it is
three and a half years ago. Now named Community Investment Fund. seeing young people come to us with
WigLe Dance, the studio specialises in “That start-up funding has made it no dance experience at all, and then
the contemporary field. easier for us to grow, and now were at seeing their improvement in their
Amy wanted to create something a point where we don’t really need that creativity, technique, confidence. And
affordable in the local community, she funding, we’re self-sustainable.” that’s why I do it really.”
explained: As well as their community work WigLe Amy plans to continue making her
“There were a lot of dance schools Dance take part in lots of project mark in the community and has lots
which were really expensive, so it development across the borough. of big project coming up including the
wasn’t very accessible for a lot of “We take part in lots of community next Wigan and Leigh Dance festival in
people. I wanted to start something activities such as Wigan and Leigh March at the Youth Zone, and opening
that was a bit more informal, but with Dance Festival, and we run a Gifted her newly refurbished dance studio in
really high quality sessions for local and Talented Youth Dance Company. April.
children.” So it’s just grown from one evening of Amy said: “It is hard work but I think
Through her freelance role she classes to a whole business really.” to go into something that is more
developed relationships with parents Alongside running classes from her community minded or a social
and students and found herself with 90 studio Amy still works closely with enterprise is really rewarding.
children at an evening class. local schools doing after-school “Look for routes where you can run a
“We reached capacity, so at that point sessions. business but also help people. It just
I thought, this is going somewhere and “I make sure the classes allow our gives you that passion and drive to
I need to do something to make this young people to be creative, by letting keep it going.”26 Borough
BoroughLife
Life/ Spring
/ Spring2019
2019
The Fire Within:
MapsDestinationsBorough Life / Spring 2019 27
Food & Drink
Borough bites
Homemade cakes, artisan pizza and local
cheese, what’s not to like? Try out these
trendy eateries for an indulgent treat.
Let’s brunch
Truly Scrumptious – Aspull
Located on the busy Aspull high street, wanted to set up my own business so I from families enjoying afternoon tea,
Truly Scrumptious has been offering could be more flexible at work. to men coming in for our infamous full
afternoon tea, sandwiches and brunch “My dad has always been a fantastic English breakfasts.”
for seven years. baker so it’s been something I’ve been Sarah is also proud to offer a popular
Sarah Ward, from Aspull, owns the interested in my whole life. When afternoon tea, a bespoke offer
shabby chic inspired café and is proud we opened, there was nothing like catered to dietary requirements, so
to bake all of the cafes cakes herself. Truly Scrumptious in the area. It was all customers can celebrate their
Sarah also uses other local businesses important to me to create a social occasions in the most perfect way.
to source ingredients for her brunch space. Follow ‘Truly Scrumptious’ on
menu, including the butchery three “Truly Scrumptious is really close to the Facebook or visit 22 Moorside, Scott
doors down, a nearby farm and a baker library and local schools, so it’s easy for Lane, Aspull, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
in Wigan. people to use throughout the day. We or Saturday 10am-4pm.
Sarah said: “After having my daughter I have a really good mix of customers,28 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Food & Drink
Twentymans – Bradshawgate, Leigh
It’s the Northern
Quarter of Leigh
Following 35 years in the bakery open Wednesday to Sunday. “It’s been great to see all of my ideas
industry, Andrew Twentyman opened and work come together and setting up
his artisan pizzeria and bakery in Leigh Andrew said: “After working all over the on Bradshawgate means I can also add
in October 2018. country in the industry I took a huge to my local high street.”
Twentymans sits on popular leap of faith. This has been a life-long Andrew is keen to expand his bakery
Bradshawgate – an area coined ‘the ambition and if I didn’t do this now at range and is looking to recruit more
Northern Quarter of Leigh’ by Andrew 50, when would be the right time? people to help him serve locals with his
thanks to its vibrancy and independent “Considering I’m doing most of homemade treats.
businesses. this on my own, I get a lot of good Follow ‘Twentymans’ on Facebook or
Twentymans offers a range of pastries, feedback and regularly see five star visit 117 Bradshawgate, Wednesday –
cakes, breads, pizzas, buns and more, recommendations from customers Saturday (10am-10pm) or on a Sunday
all baked by Andrew himself, and is online, which is really positive, (12pm-7pm).
especially in such a short space of time.Borough Life / Spring 2019 29
Food & Drink
Relish – Hallgate, Wigan
Relish the
Taste
Tracey Stevens from Springfield has relish, which is served on the cheese Tracey has hopes to expand
always had a passion for good wine boards. throughout the year and make the
and quality cheese. She said: “I really wanted to provide most of Relish’s garden in the summer
Following a career in catering, Tracey something a little different to the time.
wanted to open somewhere a little current town centre evening offer. Relish Cheese and Wine also host live
different to the norm in Wigan town “Although I own the business myself, music with a local artist twice a month
centre. my partner has had a big involvement on a Saturday evening.
Relish Cheese and Wine opened in renovations and we’re really proud And, when she’s not serving quality
on Hallgate at the end of 2018 and of what we have achieved so far. cheese and wines, Tracey is a teacher
boasts a welcoming Mediterranean “I work hard to provide a friendly and at Fir Tree Fishery, working with young
atmosphere. personal service, so I’ll happily tailor adults who have had a disadvantage
Offering a range of local and regional the cheese boards to customers’ taste with education, or have additional
cheeses, home-baked breads and and will be flexible on what people needs.
carefully selected wines, Relish Cheese want. Follow ‘Relish Cheese and Wine’ on
and Wine is perfect for an evening “I’m hoping to offer tasting and pairing Facebook or visit 43 Hallgate, Wigan
tipple or bite after work. events in the near future, so watch this Thursday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm.
Tracey even makes her own signature space!”30 Borough Life / Spring 2019
Be Active
“Football
saved my life”
“I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity importantly to be able to help other “That’s not me over exaggerating
to play competitive football again,” said people who have been in my position.” because it really has made me
Tom. After 14 weeks on the programme Tom healthier, fitter and more confident,
Two years ago Tom Ennion had a heart lost an incredible three and half stone I can now go into any shop and buy
attack aged 32 and weighed 22 and half and thanks Wigan Athletic Community clothes without having to worry that
stone. Trust and his coach Andy Miller for nothing would fit.”
While still recovering, last summer he helping to make it happen. Man v Fat targets men with a BMI of
decided to sign up to the Man V Fat He said: “The weight loss hasn’t just 27.5 or over and consists of weekly
weight management programme. had an impact on my body, it’s also football sessions and expert weight loss
The free programme is in a football helped my confidence and I’m now advice from Community Trust coaches
league format with lots of online advice much more of an outgoing and sociable at Wigan Soccerdome.
plus face to face support to help with person. Lose Weight Feel Great For Men has
nutrition and weight loss. “I’ve got a good network of friends now programmes available to suit everyone,
Tom said: “The heart attack was a from Man v Fat and you can just tell from touch rugby with Wigan Warriors
massive wake-up call. I didn’t think we’ll be friends for life, so much so that to one to one and group training with
I’d have the opportunity to play a number of them have been added to Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and Man V
competitive football again, so this my wedding list later this year. Fat with Latics.
scheme has given me a purpose to “There’s no doubting Man v Fat saved
get fit and to get healthy, but more my life.
For more information on the Man V Fat programme visit: www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.orgBorough Life / Spring 2019 31
Be Active
Care homes get active
Care homes across Wigan Borough connected. Mikinda, Manager at Woodlands
have become hotbeds of sport for Recent events such as the Care Home Court, said: “Myself, the team and
residents thanks to an innovative new Olympic Games saw homes decorated the staff have thoroughly enjoyed the
programme. with flags and homes compete in programme that we were honoured to
Active Care Homes is run by Inspiring various activities. Both residents and be part of. Not only are my residents
Healthy Lifestyles, in partnership staff got involved in mini golf, slipper accessing the community, but the
with the council, and encourages soccer and bowling as well as crafting staff have also started eating healthy
care home residents to become the props, costumes and decorations and joined gyms.”
more active, healthier and socially for the day.
Get fit faster
Robin Park Leisure Centre has the will bring the opening of the new
right idea with brand new gear! gym, sauna, steam room and sensory
The Leisure Centre has opened the room. Refurbishment on the new
doors on its new cycle studio. studios and functional spaces will
The latest in the £3.5M developments soon be underway and ready to open
at Robin Park Leisure Centre sees in April.
the brand-new cycle studio spinning As well as functional spaces,
into action with state-of-the-art changing rooms, toilets and corridors
Technogym bikes and will host global are being refurbished and repairs are
fitness brand Les Mills Sprint and underway on the roof.
RPM. Classes will be available in
The cycle studio is the latest in a instructor led live sessions and in
line of developments at Robin Park virtual sessions and can be booked
which has already opened a new online and set reminders on your
gymnastics studio and café. March MyWellness App.
To sign up for a gym membership visit: www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.orgYou can also read
