New social club helps residents
Sir, We have started an Over 60s social club in Spring View, Ince.
Helping to make life a little better for some of our most vulnerable in our community is what we are aiming to do.
Our aim is to get older folk out of their houses and into an environment where they can meet new friends, take part in games and activities like painting, cake decoration and other crafts.
We will hold our social meetings at the Spring View Community Sports Club from which we have had fantastic support.
We have also been awarded £250 from the ward councillors of Abram towards future costs.
Future plans will include days out, maybe weeks away. Many of these pensioners will not have had a holiday for years. The club is disabled friendly and has a big car park and a bar. We are completely non-political and people of all religions and any ethnic origin are most welcome.
The club is for everyone in Abram, Platt Bridge, Ince, Spring View and Hindley, but anyone over 60 can join as an associate.
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month in the club off Hatfield Close. For more information ring 01942 861083 and ask for Norman or Anne.
Norman OMalley, Hathaway Walk, Spring View
Editors note: Because Borough Life is the only publication which goes to all households in the borough, were often contacted by voluntary groups asking for help with promoting their activities. Volunteers play a huge role in our community life and we wish both this group and the Ashton U3A every success.
U3A works at living
Sir, I thought your readers would like to know that Ashton now has its very own University of the 3rd Age group (U3A).
U3A is a nationwide organisation of people who have stopped living at work and started working at living. It offers the chance to share experiences in a wide range of interest groups, not for qualifications but for fun. Were a youth club for the young at heart!
We launched our group on 24 April and meetings are held from 1pm to 3pm on the first Friday in the month at the YMCA in Hilton Street. Borough Life has helped promote the Ashton Festival and we hope you will help us publicise this exciting venture.
For more information, contact Winnie Burns, tel: 01942 200817.
Doreen Glover, Ashton (by email)
Oh for a free swim!
Sir, How nice it is to be offered free swimming now Wigan hasnt got a swimming pool! A round trip of at least 20 miles to the nearest pool is necessary for me to take up this free offer.
Margaret Hurst (by email)
Editors note: There were good reasons for the closure of Wigan baths. Refurbishment wasnt a feasible option there would have had to be a complete redesign to meet modern day standards, plus significant ongoing repairs and maintenance costs. The planned new 25m x 21m swimming pool (pictured above) will be designed to national standards. The start has been delayed because of the credit crunch, but closure of the old pool was no reason not to offer free swimming at other pools in the borough. Anyone over 60 or 16 and under can swim free in some neighbouring pools such as Chorley or Skelmersdale.
Footpaths to abuse
Sir, I live on Spencer Road in Wigan and the road boasts an excellent cycle lane.
However as pedestrians we are constantly in danger of being run over by adult male cyclists riding on the pavement.
This is particularly dangerous to the very elderly who have difficulty getting out of the way.
I have tried pointing out to them that they should use the cycle lane but that just results in a mouthful of abuse!
What can be done to stop this happening?
By email (name and address supplied)
Where does waste go?
Sir, I am a supporter of recycling and welcome the arrival of the brown bins in Astley.
It will certainly save me trips to the tip.
I would be interested to know how the mixed contents are dealt with.
A short article in Borough Life, a magazine I find most interesting and informative about the borough, would be welcome.
Jim, Astley (by email)
Editors note: Wherever possible we take readers suggestions on board. See page 18 for information on this important topic.
