Leisure & Culture Bulletin
Sport And Healthy Living
Active Life
IFI Accreditation a Huge Success
Boxing hero and patron of the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Michael Watson MBE, unveiled Robin Park Sports Centre and Arena as an official IFI facility on Friday 2nd September.
The former Commonwealth Middleweight Champion was the special guest for an afternoon of sports activities designed to showcase inclusive sport at its best.
Hindley Leisure Centre is also set to receive the honour, making Wigan one of only a handful of dual-sited boroughs in the country.
At the launch Michael commented on how impressed he was with the facilities, "I am honoured to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities. I hope I can inspire people from all backgrounds to get the best out this excellent complex."
Rodney Hill said, "The Inclusive Fitness Initiative is a fantastic campaign and reflects our vision Getting Wigan Active which we hope will improve the physical and mental welfare of people across Wigan Borough. The huge strides taken at Robin Park and Hindley should go some way towards achieving this aim."
Contact: Mike Woodruff on 01942 404957.
British Gymnastics Championships
Young people from across the borough witnessed Britain’s largest and most prestigious men’s gymnastics event of 2005 for free. Robin Park Sports Centre, hosted the British Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships on 24th and 25th September.
Children were allowed to witness the drama of this exciting event free of charge. Over 300 youngsters also attended a free open day on Friday 23rd, where they were shown the ropes by British Champion Ross Brewer and former Olympian Cherrelle Fennell.
"We were delighted that so many young people and their families came along. We are determined to get more and more young people involved in what is a graceful, powerful and dynamic sport," said Mike Lea, the Trust’s Gymnastics Development Officer.
Contact: Mike Woodruff on 01942 404957.
Active Living
Arching out for Better Health
Over this summer as part of the ongoing LEAP project, Active Living has continued to provide fun activities for the Over 50's including Crown Green Bowls courses, Golf Tasters and new Archery Tasters.
LEAP is a National project taking part in ten areas of the country and is funded by the Department of Health, Countryside Agency and Sport England, which aims to get more people more active within each borough across the country.
The Crown Green Bowls courses where a great success with over 70 participants taking part across the Borough. Golf Tasters were held in May and September at Haigh Hall which led to many of the 39 participants taking up the 5-week courses that are on offer with the Golf Professionals based there.
Archery Tasters were held in September at Robin Park Arena in conjunction with Outdoor Education. This was the first time the team had tried this activity and it got a very positive response.
Contact: Alison Molloy on 01942 488481.
Sports Development
Wigan Borough Sports Awards
The Sport Development Unit will be hosting the annual Wigan Borough Sports Awards in February 2006 and are seeking nominees for the awards.
There are six categories in all: Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Sports Achiever of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Young Disabled Sports Achiever and the Special Recognition Award.
Contact: Lizzie Hendley on 01942 404995.
Environmental Management
Haigh Hall
Sunday Carvery Launched
As of Sunday 30th October, the doors of Haigh Hall will be opened to the general public for the first time ever on a regular basis, as Wigan Leisure and Culture Enterprises launch a traditional Sunday Carvery to whet the appetite.
Combining traditional Sunday values with a desire for quality, the hall’s new catering team will serve up a meal that offers a varied choice of freshly cooked meats with high quality fresh vegetables.
This forward-thinking initiative was officially launched to great acclaim at a special ‘taster’ day on Tuesday October 11th.
Gary Povall, Haigh Hall’s Catering Manager said, "Since my appointment over ten months ago, a lot of time, planning and investment have been spent in improving the quality and versatility of the catering operation. We are keen to provide a sumptuous meal in sophisticated surroundings and to continue improving the quality of the service being delivered at the Hall to the general public of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas."
The two-course Sunday Carvery at Haigh Hall will be available from Sunday 30th October priced at £9.95 for adults and £4.95 for children. Three course meals are available for £12.95 and booking is strongly recommended.
Contact: Gary Povall on 01942 832895.
Development Team
LSV Work Commences
Work has started at Leigh Sports Village, with six new pitches being laid out behind Howe Bridge Sports Centre.
The Trust’s Development Team is managing the work on behalf of the Council.
This work has to be a carefully managed scheme with surrounding wildlife given special consideration. The new landscape will include a wildlife corridor and protected 'shelterbelt' to aid conservation.
Work on the main LSV site is expected to start early in the New Year.
Contact: Andrew Haworth on 01942 404858
Tots Plot Nominated for Award
The Council’s Planning Department nominated the impressive Astley Tots Plot for an Urban Design Award.
The brand new plot, a partnership project involving the Trust’s technical team, Play section, Parks management team and Surestart did not win first prize, but did receive a certificate for being nominated.
Stubshaw Cross Park, a community group, who worked closely with the Trust’s technical team also picked up a certificate for being nominated.
Contact: Andrew Haworth on 01942 404858
Parks And Countryside
New Biodiversity Strategy
Wildlife and Countryside Development Manager, Graham Workman together with Council ecologist Roz Parks has written a biodiversity strategy for Wigan Borough.
Biodiversity is the name given to the variety of living things, the places where they live and how they work together.
The strategy has been written to ‘protect and enhance Wigan’s biodiversity’ and has been approved by the Council’s Environment Panel, Regeneration Panel and Planning Committee.
The work implemented as a result of the strategy will conserve Wigan’s wildlife for future generations and provide local communities with a healthy ‘green’ environment in which to live, work and play.
The strategy will identify the most effective ways to:
- generate support from the community and council
- implement effective management of Wigan’s sites of nature conservation importance
- provide opportunities for the improvement and creation of habitats and to promote species conservation and diversity
- develop, protect and promote Wigan’s countryside under the ‘Greenheart’ umbrella
- raise awareness of, and provide opportunities for voluntary and community groups to be involved in biodiversity enhancement and conservation
A whole range of actions will be implemented:
- Carrying out works that improve existing wildlife sites and developing new sites
- Setting up a ‘Biodiversity Steering Group’ made up of conservation organisations to develop, implement and manage local wildlife projects;
- Setting up a ‘Biodiversity Partnership’ where wildlife ideas and information can be shared;
- Involving local business and communities in wildlife projects;
- Creating one new Local Nature Reserve in the borough each year;
- Using the planning system to provide new opportunities for biodiversity projects.
Contact: Graham Workman on 01942 828906
Pennington Proms A Huge Hit!
Pennington Hall Park witnessed a hugely successful Last Night of the Proms concert on the evening of Saturday 10th September. The event coincided with the concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London and at Park venues across the UK.
Unfortunately, with the hearing for the Occasional Public Entertainment licence only being held the previous morning, Parks Services were unable to publicise the event.
Despite the lack of publicity, around 150 people arrived along with their patriotic paraphernalia, chairs, rugs and picnic bags for an excellent evening of entertainment provided principally by Tyldesley Band and supported by Barrington Powell and Kelly McDonough.
Having had a successful first attempt at this event – the team are already looking forward to bigger and better things next year.
Contact: Anne Cockram on 01942 828898
Community Regeneration
Arts And Festivals
The Art Factor!
Wigan and Leigh’s foremost artistic talents and enthusiastic community groups have been showcasing their work at an event entitled ‘The Arts Factor’.
The event, organised by the Trust, held on Saturday 1st October at St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh was an active celebration of the positive effect art has on the community.
Various community groups and individuals were present at the celebration including:
- DANCE: Broomfield Academy Junior Group and the Thistle Society.
- DRAMA: ‘Down Memory Lane’ by the Over 50’s Forum and Hindley High; ‘A Higher View’ intergenerational project at Higher Fold and ‘I Want To Fly’ by Wigan Pier Theatre Company from Words ’05
- FILM: ‘Do you see what we are saying?’ a Youth Arts Challenge Project: ‘Why skate? Why not?’ a Youth Development Film and ‘Haigh Film Fest’ by Wigan Music Collective.
- MUSIC: Atomic Hound Dog.
- VISUAL ARTS: contributions by the Turnpike Gallery, Wigan Borough Artists Network, and OK Studios.
"Art has a powerful role to play in society and today has been proof of the positive effect that art has on both community groups and individuals alike," said Chris Wyatt, Community Regeneration Manager for the Trust. "As we work towards publishing and implementing the borough’s new arts strategy it was important that today’s event portrayed the vibrancy and diversity of the arts scene locally."
Contact: Chris Wyatt on 01942 486929
GM Arts & Health Co-ordinator
The Trust has taken the lead in an exciting new project to build a network throughout Greater Manchester of Arts and Health professionals. The aim of the Arts and Health initiatives is to improve health and well being through creative activities.
Pam Rose has recently started with the Trust and will be taking on the role of co-ordinating this new project. She has a healthcare background and is based within the Community Regeneration, Arts & Festivals department, helping support Arts & Health both in Wigan and Greater Manchester.
This places Wigan Borough in a very strong position strategically and it is a very positive step towards raising the profile of the borough as a place where Arts activity is making a difference.
Contact: Pam Rose on 01942 486911
Youth And Community
Kick Racism Kicks Off
Local politicians and sports stars have joined forces this weekend in a united stance against racism. Wigan Borough’s Kick Racism out of Football campaign, co-ordinated by the Trust, is underway with a string of football festivals, art workshops and educational events taking place.
The national anti-racism week of action, organised by football’s anti-racism campaign ‘Kick It Out’, took place between the 13th and 25th October
In Wigan and Leigh the campaign is building on last year’s success to highlight the positive message being cascaded nationally. On Sunday 16th October, Westleigh High School, hosted the first of two community football festivals, with over 200 people attending what was a great day with the football played in a uniquely friendly atmosphere.
Amongst the ranks of teams was Co. Chris Ready’s team of local politicians including Andy Burnham MP and Wigan Athletic’s media man Matt McCann.
A second festival took place at Abraham Guest High School on Sunday 23rd October, with school tournaments planned for November.
Jason Roberts becoming the official ambassador for the 2005 campaign in Wigan has further strengthened this year’s campaign.
Jason, along with fellow ‘Latics star Damien Francis has helped to raise the profile with young people, by visiting local schools and by holding a special press conference at the JJB Stadium.
Contact: John Hesketh on 01942 486916.
Hag Fold Festival Hugely Popular
The 2005 Hag Fold Community Festival proved to be a hugely successful celebration of the local community with over 2,500 people attending. The festival took place outdoors on the 10th September and involved the local community in both planning and delivery.
A steering group for this event was formed - with representatives from the local community and the Trust’s Community Regeneration and Arts and Festivals teams. The steering group provided the backbone to the planing stages of the festival and enabled creative consultations to take place within the community.
The festival included an illuminated lantern and costume parade with over 200 local people participating including three local primary schools. The parade was lead by the WOW (Wigan One World) band and provided a vibrant and dramatic start to the festival.
Throughout the evening there were professional performances by Swank, Bread and Butter, Black Eagles, Big Rory and Dr Southall. A fair ground, and stalls/displays by local groups were also present.
A spectacular firework display by Walk the Plank added the final touch to what was a truly enjoyable event for all.
Contact: John Hill on 01942 486926.
Commercial Services
Tourism
TIC Wins Award
Wigan’s Tourist Information Centre was presented with the 'Highly Commended' award at the inaugural Wigan Council Urban Design Awards 2005. The new centre was nominated under the category of 'Regeneration and Conservation'.
The nomination applauded the centre's combination of sensitive restoration of a Grade 2 listed building and contemporary re-modelling. The main award went to St Annes Church in Hindsford.
Contact: Keith Bergman on 01942 486951
Leisure Venues
Aspull Civic Gets Set for Weddings
After recent building improvements and a redecoration at Aspull Civic Hall, the Trust has now been successful in its application to have the venue licensed for civil ceremonies.
Aspull now joins a select group of venues that can offer this facility in the Wigan Borough.
Leisure Venues Manager Brian Yates said, "With its pleasant surroundings and facilities Aspull has now become a great location for a wedding celebration. The facilities include a large car park, great locations for photographs and an excellently presented room for the ceremony itself. Couple to this the wealth of experience of the staff and catering options of the Trust it all adds up to a great package on offer."
Contact: Chris Gore on 01942 846900
Spikey Sell-out Marks Monaco Revamp
Comedian Dave Spikey kicked off his ‘Living The Dream’ tour with a sell out show at the Monaco Ballroom, Hindley on Sunday 4th October and was quick to sing the praises of the revamped venue. The Trust managed venue recently received a facelift to make it more attractive for high profile acts.
"The Monaco still retains a classic ballroom feel, but has been really smartened up. To get over 600 people in here is a sight to behold, the atmosphere was fantastic and I really felt at home on the stage," remarked Dave after his performance.
The improvements at the Monaco include the installation of new modern lighting including chandeliers and the redecoration of the walls and ceiling to the main hall, entrance and bar to give it a modern feel. Dave performs at the Monaco again on November 9th.
Contact: Chris Gore on 01942 846900
Libraries, Information And Heritage
Wigan Pier
Another Award for Pier
Wigan Pier has once again achieved Visit Britain's increasingly highly prestigious Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Accreditation (VAQAS).
This tourism industry accreditation involves independent assessment on the quality of the visitor experience from pre- arrival onwards and evaluates all aspects of the attraction, including interpretation.
The assessor commented in this year's report that, "Considering the extent of the changes and the reduction in staff numbers, the management and staff have done a remarkable job in maintaining such high standards of customer care."
Contact: Linda Marsh on 01942 776088
Quarter Plans Underway
Plans for the regeneration of the Wigan Pier Quarter have become a visible reality as work commenced on the demolition of the Victoria Hall.
The long-derelict structure situated at the entrance of the Trencherfield Mill site has been carefully taken down, symbolising the start of the much-anticipated project.
The demolition heralds the beginning of Wigan Pier Quarter’s journey as it is transformed into a rich cultural, heritage, leisure, tourism and business location of regional significance. The total level of investment in the project will be over £45m, including the £6m grant aid secured in August.
Contact: Keith Bergman on 01942 486951
Heritage Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Wigan Heritage Services, including Wigan Pier, are looking to increase their band of loyal and trusted Volunteer Helpers.
There is a wide range of varied and interesting activities that people can become involved with including work at Wigan’s History Shop, working at Wigan Pier in roles such as guiding and interpretation or working with the Trencherfield Mill steam engine.
Volunteers normally work one day per week, although any regular commitment is appreciated. They can be of any age over 16. The work may suit people at college with free time; people recently retired/about to retire; people looking to build up their CV ready for a return to work, or anybody with an interest in their local history and heritage.
Volunteering brings with it its own set of rewards including a sense of fulfilment and purpose, the chance to make new friends and also the opportunity to learn more and pass this knowledge on to others. There is also the opportunity to undertake an NVQ in Heritage Care and Visitor Services thereby gaining a nationally recognised qualification whilst you volunteer.
A Volunteer Information event is taking place on Wednesday 9th November at 1.00p.m at Wigan Pier.
Contact: Debby Hill on 01942 323666.
Libraries
New Initiatives Launched
Two new brand new initiatives have been launched by Wigan’s library services (People’s Network online services and Book for Babies) that are hoped will go along way to improving the quality and depth of service that the libraries provide.
The service is set to go live 24 hours a day with the launch of the People’s Network online services. Wigan Library hosted the official launch, with the aid of Wigan Warriors star Sean O’Loughlin and Gareth Hock.
The launch of the People’s Network online services signals the creation of the first ever national online face for public libraries, with a new 24/7 question and answer service (Enquire), a personalised Internet search engine (Discover) and enhanced access to online services linked to reading (Read).
Books for Babies is an exciting new scheme that is the Trust hopes will encourage parents to share the fun of reading with their babies. The project is part of the national Bookstart initiative and has received more than £650,000 in government funding.
Books for Babies will give every child in the borough aged from 0 to six months with a special pack to help them and their parents get their noses in a book.
The Trust’s Children and Young People's Co-ordinator Christine Appleton says, "Reading with your baby is great fun. It's a great way to spend time and interact with your child and research shows it really does make them better prepared for school."
Contact: Jean Lamb on 01942 404126.
Lifelong Learning Courses
From now until July next year, libraries will be hosting a variety of learning opportunities, from Basic computer and Internet courses to Arts, DIY, Gardening, Floristy, and Food and Drink Courses.
For anyone interested in fashion or music, the Arts courses offer an ideal insight. Delivered by specialist tutors from Wigan Schools of Art, Wigan and Leigh College, students will have the opportunity to design and make their own fashions creations or budding composes can have a go at making their own music on the Music Technology course.
Catering for those with ‘green fingers’ the Gardening and Floristry courses provide an ideal introduction. Led by expert tutors from the Trust’s Environmental Management Team and Horticulture Department, students will be taught basic gardening techniques, including how to make a hanging basket and plotted plant arrangement. Similarly, the Floristry courses will provide students with key basic skills such as how to create seasonal flower arrangements both modern and traditional, including vase and table arrangements, Christmas wreaths etc.
Finally, for any aspiring Nigella or Jamie Olivers, the library Food and Drink courses are a great way to get started. A professional Chef and tutor from the Hospitality Department at Wigan and Leigh College will be demonstrating how to make easy, creative dishes such as pizza and various salads and sweets.
Courses are being run throughout the borough’s libraries from November onwards. Dates, times and locations may vary.
Contact: Sally Clunan on 01942 486971.
Family Learning Flourishes
Libraries hosted Family Learning Week events, between 8th and 15th October, at The Wiend Children’s Centre and Leigh Library, which proved popular, with 66 people of all ages attending the two events.
Children and adults alike had fun with literacy and numeracy based activities linked to popular stories that were read to and by children. Children took their creations home with them including postcards, bookmarks, pictures and puppets, all of which were made with enthusiasm and patience.
Contact: Sally Clunan on 01942 486971.
Wigan Pier Theatre Company
Creative Funding Secured
As part of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust’s "Communities that Work" scheme, Wigan Pier Theatre Company has been awarded a grant of over £30,000 to continue drama workshops and theatre performances over the next three years on the Higher Folds estate in Leigh.
Last year, the Coalfield Regeneration Trust (CRT) gave the Theatre Company a grant of £5,000 to test pilot a youth theatre for young people aged 12 to 15, at the Higher Folds Community Centre for one year. This resulted in the performance of "A Higher View" back in March as part of the Trust’s Words Festival.
"A Higher View" was a great success, with a full audience, but was only performed for one night. However since this performance, the youth theatre has performed at conferences such as the Tenants Association Conference and The Arts Factor event at St Joseph’s Hall.
The plan for the next three years includes introducing another youth theatre and a series of workshops for adults. After Christmas, these groups will then go into rehearsal for a major piece of theatre to be written by local professional playwright, Julie McKiernan.
Contact: Martin Green on 01942 709305
Community Projects Progress
Wigan Pier Theatre Company has teamed up with the Education Department again to create an intergenerational project for the community.
Thanks to a grant from "Home Front Recall", the Theatre Company is employing four actors, a visual artist and a technician on a two-week project celebrating the end of the Second World War.
Working primary schools in the borough a Street Party will be created inside Wigan Road Methodist Church in Leigh on 4th November. The Primary Schools will create eight doors to make up the "street" and will learn traditional war songs and explore the Second World War through drama workshops.
The event will be a party involving older relatives of the children and members of the British Legion, the Over 50’s Forum and the Golden Years Group.
Wigan Pier Theatre Company is also to be part of a regional project entitled "Crossing Boundaries". With assistance from AGMA, six youth theatres in the North West will be part of a week-long residential drama workshop during February Half Term 2006 at The Conway Centre in Anglesey.
This will lead to a major performance in February at a North West main-house theatre.
Now well established, the Theatre Company’s regular drama workshops for young people will continue to run at various locations throughout the borough.
Contact: Martin Green on 01942 709305
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