ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR BOROUGH RESIDENTS

Our greener future • Summer events guide OUR TOWN

OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Jessica Holt ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR WIGAN BOROUGH RESIDENTS

Our greener future • Summer events guide OUR TOWN

OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Jes and Sam Rusling ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR WIGAN BOROUGH RESIDENTS

Our greener future • Summer events guide OUR TOWN

OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Kieran Jones Our greener future • Summer events guide

ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR WIGAN BOROUGH RESIDENTS

Our greener future • Summer events guide OUR TOWN

OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Mark Whittaker Borough Life / Summer 2021 2 Welcome The Leader’s

Welcome to the Summer 2021 is helping our young people with their edition of Borough Life. education (page 12) and recount the remarkable stories of refugees who I hope that as this latest issue finds its now count our borough as their home way through your letterbox you are (page 14). enjoying a relaxing summer with plenty of sunshine. There is also a thought-provoking account of how our latest campaign After the year we have all had, it is to tackle domestic abuse has been refreshing to look forward to the future produced, on page 8. We hope it will with a great deal of optimism and have a significant impact in helping renewed focus on what we have to be people identify the warning signs and grateful for. may not have known were available in send a strong message that support is the borough. available for anyone who needs it. There is still a need to be cautious, though. We should not be acting as if There are also updates on the return of As ever, all that remains for me to say is coronavirus has gone away and can all the Our Town programme – including to continue to be responsible and as we take the necessary precautions to keep the amazing Our Town Community reach the latter stages of the roadmap the risk of transmission to a minimum. Awards on page 18 - and further details and beyond, remember to #BeKind to of our plans to ask for your feedback one another. But I’m sure everyone will be cherishing and opinions to help us shape our long- being able to meet up with friends and term vision for the borough. family and getting outdoors as much as possible. Elsewhere we hear about the success of our wonderful foster carer service Cllr David Molyneux On that subject, we have a handy guide (page 10), how cutting-edge technology Leader, Wigan Council on page 28 for outdoor pursuits that you

ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR THE MAGAZINE FOR WIGAN BOROUGH WIGAN BOROUGH RESIDENTS RESIDENTS

Borough Life is published by Wigan On the cover Council and distributed to all households in the borough. This edition was You can read all about them in this published on 21st June 2021. The edition as they truly are community magazine is printed on paper from heroes. In a break from tradition, renewable resources. It is written, edited and designed by Wigan Council’s Public we’ve produced a variety of front

Our greener future • Summer events guide Our greener future • Summer events guide Relations Team. covers to showcase our amazing OUR TOWN OUR TOWN OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Jessica Holt OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Jes and Sam Rusling

Our Town winners. ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 ISSUE 67. SUMMER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR THE MAGAZINE FOR WIGAN BOROUGH WIGAN BOROUGH If you are a resident of Wigan Borough RESIDENTS RESIDENTS but haven’t had a copy of Borough Life So the version you have received at delivered through your letterbox, view it online at your home may be different to other www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife editions you may see at your local library or Life Centre. Keep an eye out For all the latest updates straight to your for them all. And watch behind-the- phone, sign up to the weekly My Wigan Borough email update. Visit: scenes footage from the photo shoots

on Borough Life Plus. Our greener future • Summer events guide Our greener future • Summer events guide www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife OUR TOWN OUR TOWN OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Kieran Jones OUR TOWN COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER - Mark Whittaker For general comments email: [email protected] Whenever you see this icon, you know there’s more to see As usual, this edition of Borough Life is bursting with great stories, eye-catching images and handy tips.

So much so in fact that we have a whole bunch of extra content that didn’t make it in. All is not lost though, as you can see all this bonus material by following this link: www.wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLifePlus Borough Life / Summer 2021 3 Welcome

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18 28

4-7 | NEWS IN BRIEF 22-23 | AN ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA 34 | A LITTLE HELP TO BOUNCE BACK Your latest news round-up. Bigger and better for 2021, the Wigan Organisations across the borough have Arts Festival – with an important mental been part of a post-Covid recovery 8-9 | LOVE IS NOT ABUSE health theme – is on its way. scheme. A ground-breaking campaign to target domestic abuse is up and running and 24-25 | ON THE RIGHT TRACK TO A 35 | NOT LONG UNTIL KICK-OFF we can all play our part to help. GREENER FUTURE The Rugby League World Cup is only a The latest update on our environmental matter of months away. For the latest 10-11 | CREATING AN plans and the journey to becoming ticket information and updates, here’s EXTENDED FAMILY carbon neutral. Plus, there’s the launch where you need to look. A fresh approach to foster care creates of our new regular climate change support networks for everyone column. 36-38 | WHAT’S ON involved. Here’s how. Restrictions are lifting and there’s a 26-27 | A BUZZ FOR THE BOROUGH’S few more options available to us, but 12-13 | TOP OF THE CLASS BEE NETWORK please remember to be responsible and We meet the robotic helper supporting Walking and cycling routes across stay safe. youngsters with their schoolwork and our communities are transforming classroom learning. the borough’s sustainable transport 39 | DO YOUR BIT network. Here’s a lowdown. The vaccination rollout is progressing 14-15 | EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN nicely but there are still steps we can all STORY TO TELL 28-29 | THE GREAT OUTDOORS take to help stop the spread of Covid-19. A pair of residents explain how they From paddle-boarding to motor-sports, Here’s some key information. have found a new home in our borough your new hobby is out there to find at as organisations come together to mark these locations. Refugee Week. 30-31 | SUPPORT LOCAL Follow Wigan Council 16-17 | OUR TOWN IS BACK (part one) Dozens of traders are part of an The Cleaner, Greener teams are coming important scheme that provides wigan-council to a district centre near you with litter- reassurance for residents. Plus, pickers and power-washers at the ready! an update on our #SupportLocal WiganCouncil campaign. 18-21 | OUR TOWN IS BACK (part two) WiganCouncil We shine a spotlight on the previously 32-33 | WORKING TOGETHER FOR unsung heroes of the borough who SAFE AND HAPPY NEIGHBOURHOODS WiganCouncil have gone above and beyond to help The Place and Community Safety their communities. Partnership is dedicated to helping you WiganCouncilOnline enjoy your local area, here’s how they do it. Borough Life / Summer 2021 4 News in Brief

News in Brief

Lottery boost for Haigh masterplan Exciting ambitions to develop Haigh Woodland Park and bring unused areas back to life have moved a step forward.

Wigan Council has received initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the second phase of the park’s refurbishment masterplan.

The receipt of £256,000 development funding will help progress plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

Phase one of the Haigh masterplan included car parking improvements, construction of the play area, adventure golf and high ropes, conversion of the stables into Haigh kitchen courtyard and installation of new furniture.

Phase two could see previously under-used areas, such as those that previously housed greenhouses and the model village and zoo given a new purpose.

It will also explore ways in which the park can further impact on the health and wellbeing of visitors, identify ways to boost volunteering and educational activity and enhance the biodiversity A lasting legacy to and 100 sponsorships will be provided value of the park, in particular the for young people to access the Duke of woodland. Prince Philip Edinburgh scheme. A borough school has played its part in Haigh Woodland Park has become The remaining trees will be planted a national project to mark the legacy of a regional hotspot for tourism since later in the year. the Duke of Edinburgh. major investment was completed in 2016 following £3.6m investment from New trees and 100 Wigan Council. bluebell flowers have been planted at The (pictured) – the historic Hamlet, part of Hope house within the woodland park – School and College in has also returned to the council’s Ashton-in-Makerfield. ownership. It’s all part of the The council is reviewing its next steps Living Legacy project regarding the future use of the Hall following the death of and further updates will be provided Prince Philip earlier as soon as they are available. this year. 100 trees For the latest information about are being planted events and facilities at Haigh in each borough of Woodland Park, visit: www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk Borough Life / Summer 2021 5 News in Brief

Pride is back Get your rainbows ready, Wigan The performances will then be Pride is back for 2021 with a streamed the following weekend brand new format – including so that everyone will get chance to plans for the return of a live enjoy this year’s event in some way. audience. To keep up to date with the latest Although still on a smaller scale to information on the event please pre-pandemic events, organisers follow Wigan Pride’s social media are hoping to pre-record this channels, year’s exciting schedule in front of facebook.com/OfficialWiganPride a crowd on Saturday August 14. and Twitter @WiganPrideLGBT

Borough Life in the spotlight The team behind this magazine and its online counterpart, Borough Life Plus, is proud to have been Lasting impact for of Wildcats providers from four to 15 recognised in a prestigious industry by 2024. awards ceremony. tournament hosts Furthermore, to support the growth in We were shortlisted in the best A game-plan to ensure the impact of representation within officiating the publication category for the Wigan and Leigh hosting the UEFA game, 40 FA-qualified female referees Chartered Institute of Public Women’s EURO 2022 tournament and 40 female coaches will be recruited Relations (CIPR) Excellence Awards continues far beyond the final-whistle by 2024. for 2021. has been unveiled. The tournament comes to the borough It’s a real privilege to work on Working alongside its partners, Wigan next year with Leigh Sports Village Borough Life and we enjoy all the Council and the FA have pledged hosting three group fixtures and a hard work that goes on to produce ongoing support to help inspire the quarter-final match. these pages for your enjoyment. next generation of players and fans. For full tournament and We hope you have enjoyed reading These pledges will lead to 10,000 more ticketing information, visit: it as much as we have producing it girls regularly playing football in school www.uefa.com/womenseuro over the last 12 months! by 2024, with an increase in the number Borough Life / Summer 2021 6 News in Brief

News in Brief

100 up for Royal Wreaths were laid across the country – including at British Legion Wigan’s cenotaph (pictured) - as part of centenary In May the borough’s commemorations. branches of the Royal British Legion (RBL) marked an The RBL provides vital important milestone for the support for the armed forces organisation. community.

Fancy a dash Fancy dress is encouraged at both events. The course will utilise the at the Flash? fantastic trails and footpaths within both parks. A pair of night running events are set to light up two of the borough’s most Both routes will be fully marshalled iconic locations later this year. and the event is suitable for runners of all abilities. In partnership with the Fylde Coast Runners group, the council is hosting There are no cut off times and every Famous faces to the 10k races to coincide with runner will receive the same finish line brighten our spaces Halloween and Christmas, so get the experience and a glow-in-the-dark dates in your diary. race medal! A mural featuring artwork depicting inspirational figures from Leigh is The Haigh Hall Fright Night 10k will Follow the council’s social media now on display. take place on Saturday, October 30 channels for further details in the and the Pennington Flash Festive lead-up to the events. The Wall of Fame scheme has been Dash 10k on Saturday, December 4. supported by the Leigh Neighbours Project using designs from local schoolchildren.

Including famous faces such as botanist Kathleen Mary Drew Baker, rugby great Tommy Sale, pop star Georgie Fame and musician Pete Shelley, it can be viewed at its location off Leigh Road.

The project was devised by artist Martyn Lucas as part of Our Art Neighbourhood: working with local people to improve our area through art in public spaces. Borough Life / Summer 2021 7 News in Brief

A new link to studio and displays for all the borough’s historical our rich local records.

history Visitors will be able to use The state-of-the-art archives these records to trace their are open as part of the family histories, explore completed renovation of how past communities lived . and learn about how our borough has grown over As featured in the previous centuries. edition of Borough Life the project has been made To find out more, possible thanks to a £1.3m visit Wigan Archives grant from The National archives.wigan.gov.uk Lottery Heritage Fund.

New facilities, which make the archives more accessible to residents, include a new search room, conservation

Thousands of books Big chance to have and your feedback will help officers reshape the Deal 2030 masterplan. It’s available your say on the all part of Wigan Council’s Recovery Strategy, which was launched in June. A new e-book service is in operation, borough’s future handing access to 36,000 digital books Throughout the rest of this year we’ll It outlines how the council will build a and 20,000 audiobooks. again be asking you for your thoughts safer, greener and more secure society with improved health outcomes Any member of the borough’s library on our future plans. and a growing and sustainable local services will be able to download Following the success of the first Big economy. the BorrowBox app to their phone or Listening Festival, another engagement tablet and access thousands of ebooks festival will take place between June So please take part as we are keen to and audiobooks free of charge. and September. hear your views on these future plans. www.wigan.gov.uk/biglisteningfestival For more information visit The council recognises that the world www.wigan.gov.uk/Libraries has changed since the pandemic For full details of the Recovery Strategy visit www.wigan.gov.uk/Deal2030 Borough Life / Summer 2021 8 CommunitiesWelcome that care

TAKING A STAND AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE

We would all like to think that we would know how to react.

Or that we would recognise the signs. Through sharing their own experiences, often you begin to doubt yourself and Or that we would know what to do to each brave contributor outlined what what is wrong or right. help our friend or relative. support they felt was necessary for victims to feel confident in coming “If there is no reason then it’s a lot If we witnessed domestic abuse - or forward. scarier and you can feel a lot more were a victim of it - it would be clear as trapped, that’s why you fool yourself day, right? And it will help all residents identify the and believe there is an excuse like warning signs of emotional and mental, they are just having a bad day, it’s the But what if it’s not as simple as that? not just physical, abuse. It will develop alcohol or they are struggling mentally.” Victims may be being manipulated through the next 12 months, focussing and don’t see themselves as such. You on the experiences of different age ‘I felt so weakened by might not be sure anymore what you groups and emphasising that domestic witnessed was a snapshot of something abuse can take on many forms. incidents that are happening more serious. and I was desperately One of the residents to have helped searching for reasons.’ That’s what a ground-breaking new council officers create the Love Is Not campaign highlighting the warning Abuse campaign is Claire who was signs of domestic abuse will address. subjected to emotional and physical Claire has explained that she was so Love Is Not Abuse - which has been abuse over a five-year period. scared to tell anyone of the abuse she developed alongside victims - has real- was subjected to and says campaigns life experiences and scenarios at She said: “You get so conditioned to such as this one would have helped her its heart. their actions and because it becomes so at the time. Borough Life / Summer 2021 9 CommunitiesWelcome that care

Local Statistics National Figures One in four women and one in six men Wigan experienced a Almost one in three experience domestic 6% increase in the number of women aged 16-59 will experience abuse at some stage of Domestic Abuse reports compared domestic abuse in her lifetime their lives. to last year. We have seen a recorded - Office for National Statistics (2019) Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: increase in risk to victims over the November 2019 last 12 months On average a victim Two women a week experiences 35 assaults Since its launch on 1st October 2020 before calling the police Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse Service are killed by a current or former has supported 625 new clients partner in England and Wales alone - Office for National Statistics (2019) Homicide aged between 16 and 80 years old, this in England and Wales: year ending March 2018 Domestic Abuse is the single is an increase of 190% when (average taken over 10 years) most quoted reason for compared to the same timescale becoming homeless 12 months before - Shelter Half of male victims (49%) fail to tell anyone they are a victim of domestic Since 1st October the helpline abuse and are two and a half times less It is estimated that domestic has received 2,801 calls from likely to tell anyone than female victims abuse costs the public victims, concerned family/friends and (19%) £23bn per year professionals

The Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse Only 18% of women who had 1 in 5 offences recorded by experienced partner abuse in the last Service currently has 11 drop in the police during the first lockdown 12 months reported the abuse to the involved Domestic Abuse sessions per week (at least one every police - According to CSEW (Crime Survey for - Office of National Statistics day of the week Monday to Friday) at locations England and Wales) data for the year ending across the borough March 2018

She said: “If I had seen this campaign and the messages that will be shared then I wouldn’t have been able to deny what I was going through, it would have rung a bell and forced you to face it head on.

“The warning signs of domestic abuse are for everyone to observe so increased communication is vital, I wish my family and friends could have seen something like this in year one or two of my relationship before it went out of control.”

The Domestic Abuse Strategy is part of the Place and Community Safety Partnership. To find out more, turn to pages 32 and 33.

For more about the campaign and the people behind it visit Borough Life Plus Borough Life / Summer 2021 10 Best start inWelcome life for young people

Building relationships and forming friendships

Its origins are in the USA but a a similar position. In turn, the young “A particular young person in my house ground-breaking approach to foster people have a network of peers, plus had always struggled to make friends. care has found itself a home in Wigan adults, they can rely upon. Through Mockingbird, they’ve met Borough. someone of a similar age who has also Kelsey, a 16-year-old resident involved experienced challenges in life; they Now into its sixth year, Mockingbird – in Mockingbird, sums it up best. understand each other,” she explains. which sees young people supported by an ‘extended family’ – has transformed “It’s really just lots of small families “That would never have happened the way local services are delivered. that make up one big family,” she tells without this project.” Borough Life. The concept is refreshingly simple. Likewise, the set-up provides wide- Lead foster carers have their home as a For Wendy Lowe (pictured right), who ranging support for the carers. Another central hub, supporting a constellation along with husband Steve is one of pair of lead foster carers, Suzanne and (or group) of other homes and families. the lead foster carers in the borough’s Scott Ritchie (pictured above), know system, the positive impact for children how daunting a task it can be. Carers therefore have easy access to in care is clear to see. support and guidance from those in Borough Life / Summer 2021 11 Best start inWelcome life for young people

Suzanne says: “We’re available when “We also understand what the different social workers might not be. When children’s needs are, so we know how you’re a new foster carer, the weekends best to take care of them.” can seem like a really long time. The families within the group often “We can also help with the things foster meet up for a BBQ, a picnic or even a carers might not want to bother their trip to the zoo. Whatever the location or social workers with. activity, it’s an opportunity for bonds to be formed. “Being a foster carer is different to being a parent. Your own family and friends Wendy says: “Like in any family, might want to help but sometimes they foster families can find themselves in don’t have the answers. situations where they suddenly need practical help with childcare. “What do you do when the young person you’re looking after asks if they “With looked after children, who may can stay at a friend’s house on a Friday have already gone through lots of night? Is that OK? In situations like that, traumatic changes, suddenly being our foster carers know they can ring passed to, ‘Mr and Mrs Strange’, as we us, and we’ll talk it through. We’ll ask: call it, could be especially difficult. ‘Does the friend live nearby?’ ‘Do you know their family?’ We can help them “But if they come to one of the families make the right decisions.” in the group, they know us.”

As part of their lead roles, both Suzanne Building strong relationships and and Wendy have what is known as, forming friendships; Mockingbird may ‘enhanced delegated authority’. It have been made in America but it now means they are aware of all the young has permanent roots in our borough. people’s care plans within their groups The Mockingbird project is hoping so they can offer well informed advice to expand. To be part of a future and childcare. Mockingbird foster family group, please But when it comes to the young people, email Kim at [email protected] the language is more informal and friendly. If one family needs some respite, a young person can stay with another household within the group.

“We just call it having sleepovers,” Wendy explains. “So, it’s more like staying over with your Auntie and Uncle and having www.wigan.gov.uk/fostering your cousins there to play with.

‘We can help them make the right decisions.’ Borough Life / Summer 2021 12 ConfidentlyWelcome digital

Class robot is landing top marks

When it comes to supporting with an education whatever the students with schoolwork, this circumstances. little helper’s skills are anything but rusty. “It’s such an exciting project that is truly helping to enhance lives Several schools across Wigan through the use of technology.” Borough are using the latest digital innovation of having a robot in the Embracing new ways technology classroom. can help the borough’s education providers is a major part of AV1 is its name, and it can play a Wigan Council’s recently vital role in helping pupils who may launched Digital Strategy. have to isolate in their own home to interact with their classmates. And with many schools having found new ways to With the pupil controlling AV1 from function during the pandemic home using an app on their phone or with many students having to tablet, the robot can smile, indicate stay at home, effective uses of when the child would like to speak technology to help our young and interact with the teacher and people, such as AV1, are at the classmates. forefront of people’s minds.

This is all while giving the pupil a Charmaine Tarring, service manager video link to the classroom so they for special education needs and can follow whatever the subject disability, said: “Specifically designed matter is that particular day. for clinically extremely vulnerable children, we have had some great Claire Hewitt, innovation and digital feedback about the use of the AV1 – solutions manager at Wigan Council, particularly in helping with remote said: “The technology has a very learning through the pandemic. simple concept but brings remote learning to life. “We are excited to explore how it can support children and young “It’s a fantastic way to keep young people to stay connected and people engaged and connected and access valuable learning when to support their education. AV1 is they would otherwise be very simple for the teacher and class unable to do so.” to engage with and there are no security concerns as no data can be The AV1 is provided by stored. technology firm No Isolation. “From an authority perspective, it really supports the council’s statutory For more information visit duty of providing all children www.noisolation.com/uk Borough Life / Summer 2021 13 ConfidentlyWelcome digital

Rachel Keating, headteacher at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School in Ashton-in- Makerfield, said:

“When we were offered the AV1 we did have some concerns as it’s introducing something completely new to the classroom.

“But once the class teacher and everyone had got used to AV1, it has been very beneficial. Our student has been able to interact with peers and take part in lessons.

“I would absolutely be open to using one again. If we had a similar situation – with a child who couldn’t attend in person – we would be asking to see if one is available.”

TechMates is a one-to-one success

A digital mentor service created internet, communicate with during the Covid-19 pandemic is friends and family and access continuing to support some of essential online services when the borough’s most vulnerable they need it most. residents. A full training programme is in TechMates was launched last place for anyone else who is keen year to prevent isolation for those to volunteer. residents who are unable to leave their homes and lack the basic For more information about the digital skills to utilise technology. scheme, or to refer someone who For extra content and to you think needs support, visit: view the Wigan Council This is where volunteers and www.wigan.gov.uk/ Digital Strategy visit council staff come in. TechMates Borough Life Plus As a TechMate, they provide one- to-one basic digital support over the telephone, helping residents build their digital skill-set through the use of different devices and tools so they can browse the Borough Life / Summer 2021 14 Communities that care

‘Take the time to listen and understand’

In June, the borough marked Refugee Week, a national festival celebrating the creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The annual event aims to raise awareness of the diverse reasons why people seek to rebuild their lives in a different country and their contributions to society in their homes in the UK. The theme for 2021 is ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’ and Borough Life caught up with Leigh residents Esnath Sanangura and Shupikai Muchineuta - who originally came to the UK from Zimbabwe over 18 years ago - for a chat about their experiences.

Shupikai’s story

With qualifications in social care, ‘Shupi’ works as a support worker for a home health care service and volunteers with local charities.

I was young and I wanted an adventure. I came to London after six months living in Germany and my first impression was, ‘Oh no.’

It was so dirty compared to Germany and the people were unfriendly and always in a rush.

I had a lot going on when I first moved to Leigh. My little boy had been a twin, I joined a church, and everyone so when we all got together it was like but his brother had passed away and was very supportive. I volunteer to being at a big wedding celebration. things hadn’t worked out with his dad. support others now and I hope I’m compassionate and a good listener. My I hope people realise that a lot of what My neighbours in Leigh were different difficulties in life have made it easier for you might see on social media about to the people in London. They were me to understand and help others who refugees is false. always willing to help. have problems. There are lots of hurdles for anyone Because I had a lot on my mind, I would I adapted well to life here because my who comes to live in the UK. It is not sometimes forget my keys when I went family back home are not deep rooted easy, and you have to go through so out, but a neighbour would always be in traditional culture. I do miss family much before you get settled. there waiting for me when I got home to gatherings. My family is massive. My make sure I could get back in. My hope for the future is that people dad has nine brothers and five sisters will treat each other equally. Borough Life / Summer 2021 15 Communities that care

Esnath’s journey I made and sold clothes to help pay for want to get back home and see the sun my education. again!

The people on my street in Leigh The pandemic has been a hard time for A talented dancer, choreographer, have always made me feel welcome. many refugees. So many people have fashion designer, hairdresser, and I have good friends and neighbours lost loved ones but haven’t been able to make-up artist, Esnath regularly and I help others in the community go back home. It pains me a lot to see volunteers in the community. She is whenever I can. people sink into depression. described by those who know her as a real community leader, who brings Of course, there have been times when Refugees come from lots of different people together. I have missed home and felt as though I backgrounds and for lots of different didn’t have a shoulder to cry on. reasons. Some people are running from I was 23 when I first came to the UK and difficult circumstances. I was very excited. At that time, I didn’t British law makes it difficult for friends miss anything from back home, not and family to visit, even for a short time. Every person is an individual with their even my friends. Visitors are often denied visas. own story so it’s important not to make assumptions about anyone. I’d look at how everyone was dressed It isn’t fair because our elderly parents and think, ‘wow’, and I’d make phone might want to visit, but they don’t want It’s important to take the time to listen calls to family back home and say, to stay here permanently. They always and understand. ‘I’m here!’

Making clothes has always been my passion. In high school I made an overlaying skirt, and it came out perfectly. I knew then I wanted to make clothes.

I had a good education in Zimbabwe. The teaching is different there. In England there’s lots of theory work and in Africa the training is very practical.

I didn’t come from a poor background, but I wanted to better myself and I imagined that I could do that here.

I got a BA Honours Degree in fashion design (from the University of Central ) and went on to study hairdressing and make up, too.

For more information about the campaign visit Borough Life Plus

For more information about Refugee Week, visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/RefugeeWeek Borough Life / Summer 2021 16 An environment to be proud of Borough Life / Summer 2021 17 An environment to be proud of

OUR TOWN

The Cleaner Greener package It’s all about community spirit and The works in each district centre are feeling proud of the neighbourhoods based on feedback from residents as that make up our amazing borough. part of the Big Listening Project. But having taken centre-stage back in 2019, Our Town has had to bide its Although there will be similarities time during the pandemic. across the board, each place has its own tailored plan of action. Now it’s back in the spotlight and the Cleaner, Greener programme – a key Particular focus is given to Ifocus of the campaign – got underway environmental, street-scene and public in May. realm improvement works such as new trees and flower planters, new bins and With plans to visit 12 district centres seating and a deep clean. over the next few months, council teams will be tasked with giving As with everything to do with Our Town, these areas a makeover including it’s all underpinned by community environmental and street-scene works. spirit and council officers will be out and about in each centre to encourage The programme has also received a businesses to get involved. financial boost with the pot of money allocated rising from £600k to £1m.

The Cleaner, Greener programme Full schedule: has now taken on an even greater Ince – May significance as our district centres and Golborne – May their business communities get back on Atherton – May/June their feet as restrictions are eased. Pemberton – June Ashton – June/July Lowton – July Hindley – July/August – August Orrell – August/September Platt Bridge – September Tyldesley – September/October Standish – September/October

For more information about Our Town visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/ourtown 18

Community

Since its launch in 2019, a celebration event to shine a our judging panel the Our Town campaign has spotlight on those individuals. as hundreds of been about celebrating our examples of the communities and particularly Coronavirus may have made us Our Town spirit the unsung heroes who wait, but it was all worth it as the were submitted. personify the borough’s Our Town Community Awards selfless spirit. ceremony eventually went ahead The resulting in June. shortlists contain such Back in the days when a global a life-affirming mix of kindness, pandemic was limited to the In fact, the inspiring response compassion and empathy that scripts of disaster movies and to Covid-19 across the borough should instil further pride in our not real-life, the plan was to hold made the task even harder for wonderful borough. 19

Here’s a breakdown of each category, who was shortlisted and why the winners were chosen to take home the coveted 2021 titles. 20

Neighbourhood hero

From bringing in your bin unprompted, tidying up your Environmental hero garden or popping to the shops. This is the category for that generous, friendly neighbour who always goes out of their way to help people. There are a few special individuals out there who make the effort to create a better place to live for everyone. • Brenda Causey They might organise a litter pick or spend time creating Shortlist: a special green space for the whole community to enjoy, • Mark Thomason • Michael Hogarth playing a huge part in our environmental goals. • Freida Holding • Terry Pemberton Shortlist: • Mandy Neale • Sintija Ribaka Winner: Jes and Sam Rusling • Gill Eyre • David Brunet Having established to work together. • Rachel Heydon Lighthouse, a group that serves the community Organised activities of Worsley Mesnes, Jes included litter picks Winner: Mark Whittaker and prayer walks and and Sam hosted weekly A member of the Leigh practically and with they contacted local meetings to help support Litter Pickers group, words of encouragement. representatives to help residents in a variety of Mark has gone above and Mark has tracked down improve their local ways. beyond to improve the companies to clear litter environment, from environment across Leigh on their sites and has Although the group is pathways to play areas. and Astley. Most days he successfully reunited linked to the church, it is out clearing particular a company with stolen helps people regardless of They are described as difficult spots and is items that had been faith, empowering families much-loved and highly always available dumped on the road. respected. The voluntary to support While always dedicating work they perform makes other group time to separate items a real difference in their community. members for recycling, he has both cleared hundreds of bags of litter and has made a massive difference to the cleanliness of the borough. 21 Extraordinary acts of kindness

For that extra special star who selflessly Winner: Ruth Connor put others before themselves to really make a positive difference to someone’s Ruth came forward as a volunteer when the council called on residents life. to make welfare checks on elderly neighbours. She was asked to make contact with an older lady who had requested a phone call now and then. It was during these phone calls that Ruth realised that additional Shortlisted: measures would be needed and she started to provide daily support, • Luke Mclachlan described as a ‘godsend’ by the resident. Ruth prepared daily meals and ensured her new friend had shopping and prescriptions delivered. This • Olive Jones continued through the lockdowns and a firm friendship has now formed • Kathleen Haslam between the pair.

Community hero

That person who rolls up their Winner: sleeves and takes the initiative to bring your local community Kieran Jones together. They might organise the During the pandemic Kieran has troops to put on a special event, or supported people with mental health co-ordinate getting donations to difficulties and particularly people those who need them most in the who have been facing significantly local area. challenging circumstances.

His selflessness in giving his expertise Shortlisted: and support has improved many lives. • Mark Collier Additionally, he now wants to continue • Mavis Grundy in his quest to help and is in the process • Kris Clarke of setting up a Community Interest • Annemarie Glavin Company to continue his mental health support for years to come. A true • Sharon Mattin hidden hero, who we’re sure will have • Dianne Joseph saved many from dark events. • Becca Shaw

Covid-19 superhero

The last few months have been Winner: Jessica Holt a testing time for all of us, but there are a few extra special As the owner of Studio Standish, Jess’ people in our communities who business had to close its doors due to have risen to the challenge and the pandemic. But as an enterprising stepped up to help out others individual, she realised she could help before themselves. the community by loaning out the gym equipment and providing online classes for free. And that’s not all. As a trained ICU nurse Jess went back to work at Shortlist: Wigan Infirmary, staffing nightshifts to • Sue Fairclough give her colleagues vital respite. Jess continues to offer fitness classes to • McKenzie Fisher those suffering from long-Covid and she • Dianne Baker has home schooled her two primary aged children throughout. She also • Sue Metcalf found time to help fund-raising efforts • Catherine Roberts for a defibrillator at the Bradley Hall Trading Estate. Borough Life / Summer 2021 22 Embracing arts and culture

The year of health and happiness

An arts extravaganza that will dazzle your senses while promoting positive mental health will burst through the borough this summer.

Featuring a floating laboratory, sing- The festival will also reflect the a-long cinema and outdoor theatre themes of Health and Happiness – the The Den, from the Royal Exchange Theatre, will take place at Mill performances, Wigan Arts Festival third year of the borough’s cultural runs for a fortnight from July 30. manifesto; The Fire Within.

Traditionally organised by The Old All the shows, exhibitions and Courts, it returns bigger and better performances that will be spread across for 2021 with support from the council different locations up until August 14 and community organisations, such will shine a light on how art, cultural as The Turnpike, WigLe Dance, Leigh activity and creative exercises can Film Society, Leigh Spinners Mill and support positive mental health and Wigan STEAM. wellbeing.

Here’s a snap-shot of what to expect….. Recovery Garden

WetLab Cap & Dove Artist Fran Disley will create a recovery garden on Civic Square on behalf of A floating laboratory on Pennington A Greater Manchester portable museum The Turnpike. The garden will be an Flash exploring the environment and touring all 10 districts. established green space, providing food cycles with artist led talks and a hub for wellbeing. It’s also hoped activities The moveable museum will explore that some elements of the garden some of the borough’s heritage can be brought inside the library with collections. moveable planters.

wet-lab.net facebook.com/CapandDove francesdisley.com Borough Life / Summer 2021 23 Embracing arts and culture

Jonny Davenport, artistic director at The Old Courts, tells Borough Life why Wigan Arts Festival is all about bringing people together.

The Den, from the Royal Exchange Theatre, will take place at Leigh Spinners Mill I’m really excited to see the impact that the festival can have and I’d encourage people to “seek out familiar favourites but also to experience something different. There will be a vast array to choose from!

“Collaborating with external partners has always been something we’ve valued and I think it’s a real mark of progress that this way of working is being scaled up.

“This is a combined effort between ourselves, The Turnpike, Wig-Le-Dance, Leigh Film Society, Spinners Mill, Wigan STEAM and Wigan Council to produce a multi art form festival across Wigan and Leigh.

“This is a great opportunity to impact more than just the people who already have an affinity with the premises related to the organisations who lead the planning.

The Fire Within spaces in The “The festival will take place in multiple Galleries have now reopened after locations across the borough including months of closure as a result of the Mesnes Park and multiple sites in Leigh Covid-19 pandemic. and is all about being as flexible, varied and inclusive as possible. The existing exhibition, ‘We will always be Together xx’, which focuses on digital “It feels like another big step in the connection, will run until the end of right direction as it’s using arts and the year having only been open for five culture to bring people together. weeks between lockdowns. We are now seeing sustained and committed collaboration from more and more cultural organisations which is great for the borough For more information about Wigan Arts Festival and to and great for the arts. view the full programme visit www.wiganarts.com ” Borough Life / Summer 2021 24 An environment to be proud of

School streets A third borough school has joined a scheme that helps reduce pollution and also promotes road safety. W RK NG Wigan Council was the first local authority in Greater Manchester to take part in the School Streets project, which sees temporary road restrictions imposed at pick-up and drop-off times. T WARDS It means parents travelling by car are encouraged to find somewhere safe outside of the designated zone to park and travel the remainder of the journey by foot or bicycle, helping to reduce air pollution. OUR GREENER It also curbs the number of vehicles leaving their engines idling, a significant contributor to poor air quality.

Golborne St Thomas CE Primary FUTURE School (pictured) were the most recent to sign up to the scheme alongside Lamberhead Green Primary in Orrell and Ince CE Primary.

Contact [email protected] for more on the scheme. Borough Life / Summer 2021 25 An environment to be proud of

No Mow May nectar for pollinators, such as bees. Kerrell’s climate change Throughout May residents The council’s were encouraged to leave column wider Naturalising their mowers in the shed to the Borough Reflecting the council’s commitment help increase biodiversity. project has been to improving the environment – As part of the national ongoing since last particularly after declaring a climate No Mow May initiative, year working with emergency in 2019 – the borough now environment conscious the Lancashire Wildlife has a dedicated climate change manager. Trust. gardeners can leave parts Kerrell Walley (pictured) and her team are at the of their garden grass longer Reduced mowing regimes forefront of our green ambitions and can help all of to encourage wildflower at locations across the us make the little changes to our lifestyles that will growth, providing more borough have created make a big difference. She will be writing regular wildflower meadows with updates on this vital work and here’s a to help attract wildlife little introduction… and species of plants As you can imagine, starting a conversation on the beneficial to our local climate crisis may seem like a huge task. For many environment. of us, we still think of climate change only impacting overseas nations such as wildfires in Australia and California, the polar ice sheets melting, or sea level rises in the Pacific.

In reality, the impacts of climate change are affecting us every day at the local level in terms of us witnessing increased floods, storms and extreme weather events, as well as experiencing more frequent hotter and drier periods.

We should also not forget that we are global citizens, and our decisions and choices have huge environmental impacts for people in other countries.

With the above in mind, Wigan Council has committed to tackling the climate crisis through several measures and with the adoption of our first Outline Climate Change Strategy in October 2020. It outlines our ambitions to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2038, as well as supporting the borough to reach the same target. On the Howe Tackling the climate crisis means everybody working way to carbon Bridge Leisure together as we all have a responsibility to live and work neutral Centre in Atherton and at much more sustainably. These changes aren’t just good a new SEND school within for the planet, but for your own health and finances too. New funding will play a the Central Park area. significant part in helping I’ll be writing regular columns that will be available the borough achieve its The buildings will be on the council’s website with handy tips, information goal of becoming carbon updated with works such and myth-busting on everything to do with climate neutral by 2038. as the installation of air change. For example, one of the best ways to learn source heat pumps for about the changing climate is through documentaries, Five locations will benefit heating, solar panels particularly those that aren’t too science heavy but are from the Government’s to generate and create a way to make you think differently about how you live Public Sector electricity, insulation and and work. Decarbonisation Scheme LED lighting to improve Check out the Borough Life Plus page for a list of which Wigan Council energy efficiency. was successful as part of a of documentaries that I would recommend. wider bid through Greater The same is taking place Kerrell’s climate change column will be Manchester Combined at 150 sites across the city available at www.wigan.gov.uk/news Authority; Makerfield Way region, aimed at reducing And you can follow Kerrell on Twitter @ClimateKerrell depot in Ince, Leigh Sports an estimated 2,000 tonnes Village, Leigh Turnpike, of carbon emissions a year. Borough Life / Summer 2021 26 A well connected place

Creating

Standish a buzz for M6

cycling and Shevington walking Phone? Check. Wallet? Check. Wigan Car keys? Don’t need them.

We all know the temptation to jump in the car for the M58 school run or to nip to the shop. Pemberton Ince-in Orrell Makerfield But making a different choice could have a massive Hindley impact on our environment and our health. Over recent months, you may have seen a lot of Platt activity around the borough as schemes to make our Bridge Atherton communities safer, greener and more attractive for Tyldesley walking and cycling are underway.

Encouraging people to choose alternative ways of travel Abram starts with providing reliable, visible and safe facilities for people to use. That’s why the council has teamed up with Transport for Astley Greater Manchester to contribute to the Bee Network – the Leigh regional ambition to create the largest walking and cycling network in the UK connecting all 10 areas in Greater Ashton-in-Makerfield Manchester. In 2019, we were the first area in the city-region to Golborne complete a Bee Network scheme. Map Key Lowton M6 The Bridgewater Canal in Astley, formerly known as the Existing major cycling and ‘Muddy Mile’, was transformed from a boggy and uneven walking routes footpath to a fully surfaced towpath, providing an off-road link between Salford and Wigan Pier. Existing Bee Network route Since then, a further five routes have been completed with Future Bee Network routes to another nine in the pipeline. be developed

>>>>You can see them all in this map >>>>> Bee Network route scheduled Once complete, the schemes will interlink providing to commence in 2021 seamless and sustainable travel options for cyclists and walkers of all abilities both on and off the road. For more information about the local Bee Network schemes, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/majorprojects Borough Life / Summer 2021 27 A well connected place

More than 100km* of walking and cycling Standish routes once the local Bee

M6 Network schemes are complete.

*subject to funding

Shevington

Almost 430,000 walkers

and more than 140,000 cyclists Wigan counted on Bee Network routes locally since early 2020

M58 Pemberton Ince-in Orrell Makerfield Hindley

Platt Bridge Atherton Tyldesley

Abram

Astley Leigh Ashton-in-Makerfield

Golborne Lowton M6

An exclusive column about the For cycling, Bee Network in Wigan Borough walking and from Olympic cycling champion leisure activities and Greater Manchester’s Transport in the borough, visit Commissioner Chris Boardman is www.wigan.gov.uk/BeWell available on Borough Life Plus. Borough Life / Summer 2021 28 Happy healthy people

THE GREAT OUTDOORS We’re super lucky to have so much beautiful outdoor space across the borough. As we start to move into summer, why not book your mate date or family catch-up with a twist! Whether you’re competitive or just want to try something new, there’ll be something out there that will suit you.

SCOTMAN’S ‘SPLASH’ THREE SISTERS CIRCUIT Scotman’s Flash is a fantastic outdoor Fancy yourself as a bit of a thrill seeker? adventure centre, featuring a huge lake and Three Sisters Race Circuit may be just the lots of exciting experiences for everyone place to help you get your fix. From adult and to enjoy. It is the perfect place for water children’s karting to cars and bikes, there’s sports, whether you’re brand new to plenty to choose from. canoeing, sailing and kayaking or have lots of experience. What’s on offer: Adult Karting sessions, Stag and Hen dos, Open Kart racing, Driver If this is right up your street, you can also Training, Children’s parties, Arrive ’n’ Drive take part in courses and qualifications to for 8-15 year olds, Bill Sisley Kart School match your skills. and Club for ages 8-15 years, Bambino Kart School for ages 6-7. For more information or to book visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/BeWell For more information or to book, visit: www.threesisterscircuit.co.uk

ADVENTURE PLAY AT HAIGH A NEED FOR SPEED…WAY Haigh Woodland Park is packed with With senior and junior track training sessions activities not just for the little ones, but also throughout the week, Astley and Tyldesley for the family. The ever popular adventure Cycling Club is hoping to attract more play park and mini golf are open with lots of members to this exciting sport. other exhilarating activities to try! Unfortunately, the 2021 European Cycle What’s on offer: High ropes, Railways of Speedway Championships have been Haigh, adventure and crazy golf, adventure cancelled but that doesn’t mean amateur play, nature and history walks, the Walker cyclists can’t get involved this summer. Gardens, golf and FootGolf. For more information on how to get involved, Book today! www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk visit: www.astleycyclespeedway.org Borough Life / Summer 2021 29 Happy healthy people

Astley and Tyldesley Haigh Woodland Park Cycling Club

23 Meanley Rd, Tyldesley, School Ln, Wigan WN2 1PE Astley, Manchester M29 7DW

Three Sisters Scotman’s Flash Race Circuit

Scotman’s Flash Sailing Centre, Three Sisters Rd, Ashton-in- Rushdene, Wigan WN3 5HJ Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8DD Borough Life / Summer 2021 30 Economic growth that benefits everyone

ADER S TR D E O M

O E

G

W

s

i g d r a a n d C n o ta Does the kitchen need a bit of an “I could see it was a great scheme home due un S cil Trading upgrade? Or maybe you need a fresh because it gave tradespeople that to pandemic new look and decorating just isn’t official recognition and it provides restrictions. your thing? customers with the reassurance the services they’re getting are reliable. “I feel very fortunate. I’ve always Whether it’s an odd-job or a wanted to stay local because major overhaul, the decision to there’s loads of custom in have some work done and invite Wigan Borough. I use local a stranger into your home can be What’s in it for you? sub-contractors too, there’s a daunting experience. A dedicated website for no need to go elsewhere,” customers to find local members he adds. That’s where the borough’s Good Trader Scheme comes in handy. Local promotion of the scheme “Supporting local small To be part of it, traders commit to residents firms means you get a more to complying with all relevant personalised service. consumer protection regulations, Free advertising on council social giving you peace of mind. media channels can be explored “I recently had a customer who had been let down by Choosing a local trader is also an other tradespeople and it ideal way to #SupportLocal and knocked her confidence in “It’s gone from strength-to-strength boost the borough’s economy. getting the work done. I was on the and I’d definitely recommend other phone to her for the best part of an Martin Howarth played a big role tradespeople to get involved. I even hour reassuring her and building that in setting up the scheme almost a encourage people I know to search relationship. decade ago. on the website when they need work doing because a list of traders comes “There’s a lot more care involved With more than 30 years experience, up depending on what you need.” because the custom really means the Standish resident is a go-to-guy to something to us. It feels satisfying make your renovation dreams a reality. It is no surprise that Martin is a when customers give me good strong advocate for supporting feedback and I like to think I go the “The council approached me around local businesses. extra mile.” nine years ago, it was early days and they wanted advice on how to shape He says the home improvement trade To learn more or to become part of it,” Martin explains. is thriving at present with people the Good Trader Scheme, visit: spending more time than usual at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader Borough Life / Summer 2021 31 Economic growth that benefits everyone

A budding business venture

Since we last featured our #SupportLocal campaign in Borough Life, two of our business ambassadors have joined forces to launch a new shop in the heart of Wigan town centre.

Olive Owl Flowers and Little Pot Plants have brought some new vibrancy and colour to Makinson Arcade. In the coming P months, they’re U P O R S T hoping to roll • • out potting

D S and floristry

H workshops. N O

E Sarah P P

S

McCaig, who

•

• owns Olive L L Owl Flowers, O C A said: “Since we met, Amy and I have had the same vision about creating an experience for customers.

“Though our businesses are separate, our shop blends together as one because our styles complement each other.

“People shop in Manchester or Liverpool where there’s a really big independent scene and we just thought, why can’t that happen here?

“We felt that if we stayed local and joined the other independent stores in the arcade, we could encourage more people to do the same.”

For more information about #SupportLocal, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/SupportLocal Borough Life / Summer 2021 32 Communities that care Team effort to showcase the best of our borough

Pride in the community is a there’s a team working tirelessly to characteristic that typifies living ensure this is the case near you. in Wigan Borough. Like many other partnerships And whether it’s a house, flat, helping the public, it has faced many bungalow, tenant block or high challenges during the Covid-19 rise we all have the right to live pandemic. safely and peacefully in our homes, enjoying everything our local area So, the Place and Community Safety has to offer. Partnership (PCSP) deserve a bit of recognition for their efforts to benefit Their work is not always visible, but all of us.

Operation Bluefin One of the most visible aspects of the PCSP’s work is the combined effort to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Launched in March, neighbourhood police officers, alongside counterparts in the council’s Targeted Youth Support Services (TYSS) and community resilience teams have been on patrol in several locations across the borough.

Up to the end of May, these teams had: What’s it all about? • Issued more than 300 contact The PCSP sees Wigan Council officers cards identifying individuals work alongside emergency service engaging in ASB colleagues and other partner agencies. • Sent out more than 200 initial It means a team effort from police warning letters officers, fire service counterparts, housing teams, environment, NHS and • Carried out 44 joint visits (with probation staff, to name just a handful. various different partners including Greater Manchester Police, They can help us deal with a Targeted Youth Support Services wide-range of incidents such as and social workers) anti-social and nuisance behaviour, fly-tipping and littering through regular • Conducted 5 Acceptable Behaviour patrols or enforcement action. Contract (ABC) meetings

Maintaining and helping to build • Signed 1 voluntary parenting strong communities is an integral contract part of their work. • Issued 8 dispersal orders Borough Life / Summer 2021 33 Communities that care

Environmental Services If you’ve been affected by fly-tipping, dog fouling, littering, pest control issues or other such incidents affecting your environment, please sign up to the Wigan Council MyAccount service.

Once signed up, you can contact the team to report a number of incidents and can help us tackle these issues.

To register for MyAccount, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/MyAccount

Water safety Wigan Council recently joined with the Canal & River Trust, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies to form a Water Safety Partnership. Housing teams It will soon be launching a water safety campaign and working with Empty properties or those that are not local community groups to ensure maintained to a required standard can that as lockdown restrictions ease, cause issues with the local community. people who live near and visit Wigan Council’s housing team offers a lakes, flashes and the canal enjoy range of services and support for both it safely - and remain safe if they tenants and landlords. walk near water at night. You could be: For more information: Water Safety Advice (Royal Life Saving Society) • A local landlord, looking for an agent www.rlss.org.uk to take over the management of your property? • Stuck with an empty property, and not sure what steps to take? • A private tenant faced with disrepair and unsure how to report it? • A private tenant or landlord needing support or advice on a housing CCTV matter? • A local resident, with concerns about New CCTV cameras at hotspots across rental properties in the area? the borough are an effective way of Contact: [email protected] or fostering public confidence in the aims call 01942 489 204 of the PCSP.

Recent flagship schemes include rollouts in Leigh town centre and along Wigan Lane leading to Wigan Infirmary. What should I do if I need help?

The two-dozen cameras leading up to • If the situation you are in means someone is in immediate danger, or there the hospital grounds are linked to the is a crime or fire in progress, and you need support right away, call the council’s central watch control room emergency services on 999 and extend the coverage of Wigan • For non-emergency calls about anti-social behaviour or to report a crime town centre. please call the GMP 101 service or visit www.gmp.police.uk Environmental teams have also • Some forms of ASB can also be reported to Wigan Council, such as noise installed a selection at known complaints, general behaviour and environment issues. fly-tipping hotspots. Visit www.wigan.gov.uk/myaccount to sign up. Borough Life / Summer 2021 34 Communities that care

A helping hand to bounce back

Litter pickers, scout and brownie The fund has been designed with the groups, sports clubs and a impact of the pandemic in mind as community choir are among dozens many organisations will be starting to of organisations to benefit from a find their feet after lockdown. Covid-19 recovery fund. And the Our Community Recovery Designed to help any grassroots or Fund is the natural successor to the voluntary initiatives in the borough Deal for Communities Investment who have been affected by the Fund that has seen more than £10m pandemic, the £2m pot was invested across the borough as part unveiled as part of Wigan Council’s of The Deal 2030. 2021/22 budget. The second round of applications The first round of applications closes on Sunday, August 15, with has seen £57k shared between the third round opening on Monday, 121 projects. October 4 and closing on Sunday, November 14. Further application rounds will take place through until early 2022 with all For more information on how to groups encouraged to make a bid. apply, visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/ dealforcommunities All you have to do is show how your project, group or organisation will boost community spirit, engage ur ounit volunteers and align with important issues in their local area. eover un Borough Life / Summer 2021 35 Embracing culture, sport and heritage

THE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP IS COMING TO WIGAN & LEIGH VISIT R L W C 2 0 2 1 . C O M FOR MORE INFORMATION

ur ounit eover un *Refund Gurarantee - We’ll give 100% of your ticket ticket 100% of your give - We’ll *Refund Gurarantee crowds of restricted in the event back money Borough Life / Summer 2021 36 What’s on

What’s on in Wigan Borough ?

Friday 9th July Pizza and Pint Night Fine stone baked - wood fired fresh pizza menu accompanied by fine beers - all served in the Kitchen Courtyard Haigh Kitchen Courtyard  Free Event

Picnic Brass (Sundays) Sunday 11th July Returning for the fifth year, the popular brass The Lancashire Youth Brass Band. concert series, with performances by some Sunday 25th July of the best Brass Bands in the local area. Golborne Brass Band Sunday 22nd August A great family afternoon. Sunday 18th July Skelmersdale Prize Band Bring a picnic, your blankets and enjoy great All Picnic Brass events take place: Artisan Market live music in this beautiful outdoor setting. 1:00pm - Set 1, 2:30pm - Set 2 Over 60 stalls selling hand-made (Each set lasts approximately 40 minutes) goods. From food and flowers to Haigh Woodland Park Free Event crafts and creative goods. Haigh Woodland Park 24th July 2021: 1-2pm  Free Event Cognition from Chaos: The Anatomy of the Gods Join this animated talk by Charlie Guy, and learn about the body in a way you may never previously have considered. Online Talk - Free Event

Saturday 10th July Saturday 11th September: 7:30pm Haigh Daze Upbeat Beatles A family festival in a day. Children’s, The Upbeat Beatles are second to none - entertainment, activities and powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies games throughout the park. and tight musicianship. Haigh Hall Free Event The Edge, Wigan  quaytickets.com/theedge/

Wednesdays: Saturdays: 10:30am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm Mini Makers Family Art Club Weekly session for For children and Saturdays preschoolers to get their grown-ups Gymnastics Courses creative and play. to come and get 4 - 16 years old, beginners to creative together. advanced. Various times available. Wigan Steam Robin Park Leisure Centre  £2.50 pp – Booking required  [email protected] Borough Life / Summer 2021 37 What’s on

Wednesday 4th August National Play Day Saturday 4th September Part of the National Play Day celebration. Saturday 14th August Wigan 10K A FREE day of fun for children encouraging Wigan Pride The annual Wigan 10k run event. play and the great outdoors. Wigan’s Annual Pride Event Wigan Town Centre Haigh Woodland Park Free Event Wigan Town Centre Free Event www.runwiganfestivals.co.uk

Friday 10th September Saturday 11th September Pizza and Pint Night Diggers Festival Pizza Party - Fine stone baked - wood fired Staged music event with bar, food fresh Pizza menu accompanied by fine beers and market type stalls. Mondays, 2nd August - 6th - all served in the Kitchen Courtyard. Wigan Town Centre September Haigh Kitchen Courtyard Free Event Free Event Sing-a-long Mondays Sing-a-long to Grease, Mamma Leigh Centurions Fixtures Wigan Warriors Fixtures Mia, The Greatest Showman, Thursday 22nd July: 8pm Sunday 11th July: 6:30pm The Sound Of Music and Mary Poppins Vs Warrington (H) Vs Huddersfield (H) Leigh Town Hall Thursday 29th July: 8pm Friday 23rd Jul: 7:45pm  Book at leighfilmsociety.com Vs Castleford (H) Vs Wakefield (H)

Sunday 1st August: 3pm Wednesday 28th Jul: 7:45pm Vs Wigan (A) Vs Warrington (A)

Sunday 8th August: 6:30pm Sunday 1st August: 3pm Vs Hull KR (H) Vs Leigh (H)

Friday 13th August: 8pm Friday 6th August: 7:45pm Vs Leeds (H) Vs Salford (H) Friday 24th September Leigh Film Society Sunday 22nd August: 3pm Friday 13th August: 7:45pm 1pm: Goodbye Mr Chips Vs Salford (H) Vs Hull KR (A) Afternoon Classic Cinema Club returns celebrating Leigh writer Thursday 26th August: 7:45pm Friday 20th August: 7:45pm James Hilton. Vs St Helens (A) Vs St Helens (H) 7:30pm: The Father Starring Anthony Hopkins. Monday 30th August: 6:15pm Wednesday 25th August: 7:45pm Picked to coincide with World Vs Catalans (A) Vs Leeds (H) Alzheimer’s Month. The Turnpike Centre, Leigh For Wigan Athletic fixtures visit: www.wiganathletic.com Free Event Borough Life / Summer 2021 38 What’s On

This is Wigan brings together all the Think music, theatre, sport, art, dance, Make sure you’re following to find out cultural and event news from across live events, and much, much more. what is happening in your area. the borough right to your social media feed. As we head into the summer there’s exciting announcements on the horizon so keep an eye out.

COMING SOON… As part of the Our Town programme, exciting plans are in place to bring live events to district centres across the borough. Featuring a mix of local Visit Wigan www.visitwigan.comacts and entertainment, these community-focussed occasions will be fun for all the family. New website coming soon VISIT WIGAN Rediscover Wigan Borough WHAT’S ON | ARTS | CULTURE | FOOD & DRINK | GREENSPACES | LEISURE | MUSIC | SHOPPING | For more information, visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/OurTownSPORTS Borough Life / Summer 2021 Happy healthy people