Our 7th annual WBP Convention took place on the 2nd February 2007. Each year we have looked at key issues affecting the Borough as part of our ongoing work to further develop our Community Plan. The theme of the event this year was “sustainability” – looking at how global issues such as climate change, environment, pollution, congestion etc. affect us all at a local level.
Programme
Peter Smith (Lord Smith of Leigh) and Chairman of Wigan Borough Partnership talked about the success stories from the past year and some of the development work currently underway.
Environmental artist, Christian Barnes gave a talk in 2 parts: “Dial 999 – and – our lawnmower is called Lucy”.
Byrchall High School talked about the work the school has done to raise awareness of global issues – and to promote Fairtrade goods – including a fair-trade tuck-shop within the school.
Cath Foxon from Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust explained the key principles about fair-trade produce and how everyone buying locally could make a difference by purchasing items that had achieved fair-trade designation. This label means that items have been produced fairly and that farmers and makers had been paid a fair price for their work.
The Mayor of Wigan, Eunice Smethurst then announced that the Borough of Wigan had been officially designated as a Fairtrade town.
Over 200 people took part in 2 workshop discussions during the convention - covering the following topics:
250 people made a pledge to do something in their own personal life and in their organisation to tackling the issues affecting the planet.
We’ve tried to capture some of them here – and we’ll be tracking and reporting progress on them over the next 12 months.
Most people seemed to say that this was the best – and possible most important convention they had attended so far. Below is a selection of comments made by people on the day:
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“The whole day was of benefit to me” (Andy McNally, Adult Service and Engagement)
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“The workshops and Al Gore film” (Carole Johnstone, Home Start)
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“Byrchall High School and Fair Trade (Councillor Ellis, Wigan Council)
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“Everything - The best one yet” (Irene Nicholson, Gin Pit Homewatch - Astley)
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“So many people getting together for such an important topic” (Joe Taylor, Wigan Borough Heritage Network)
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“Networking and the Workshops” (June Trumble, Over 50s Forum)
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"I thought the Byrchall video was very thought provoking and intense - made you sit up and take notice" (Marion Andrews, Boroughwide Community Partnership)
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“The spirit of involvement” (Joe Blott, Adult Services)
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“Wigan Pier Theatre group dramatic interludes that served to re-enforce the message throughout and lightened the atmosphere; plus adding an air of unpredictability. David Guest presentation was exception and he handled the day with an effective professionalism” (Pam Stewart, Boroughwide Community Partnership)
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“The day as a whole was enjoyable but particularly liked Al Gore film clip – Dave Guest did a fantastic job” (Matthew Stockwell, Economic Regeneration, Wigan Council)
Analysis of Evaluation Forms
|
Excellent |
Good |
Adequate |
Poor |
Totals |
| What did you think of the venue? |
| Respondents |
36 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
51 |
| % of respondents |
71% |
29% |
0% |
0% |
|
| What did you think of the catering? |
| Respondents |
23 |
22 |
4 |
1 |
50 |
| % of respondents |
45% |
43% |
8% |
2% |
|
| What did you think of the presentations? |
| Respondents |
7 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
13 |
| % of respondents |
14% |
10% |
2% |
0% |
|
| Peter Smith, Wigan Borough Partnership |
| Respondents |
9 |
25 |
10 |
6 |
50 |
| % of respondents |
18% |
49% |
20% |
12% |
|
| Al Gore - film clip |
| Respondents |
39 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
49 |
| % of respondents |
76% |
12% |
4% |
4% |
|
| Christian Barnes |
| Respondents |
14 |
21 |
11 |
2 |
48 |
| % of respondents |
27% |
41% |
22% |
4% |
|
| Byrchall High School |
| Respondents |
21 |
25 |
3 |
0 |
49 |
| % of respondents |
41% |
49% |
6% |
0% |
|
| Fairtrade |
| Respondents |
27 |
18 |
3 |
0 |
48 |
| % of respondents |
53% |
35% |
6% |
0% |
|
| What did you think of the workshops? |
| Respondents |
9 |
28 |
12 |
0 |
49 |
| % of respondents |
18% |
55% |
24% |
0% |
|
- Number of evaluation forms sent out: 58
- Number of evaluation forms returned: 51
- Response rate: 26%
