Wigan bake off 24th August

'On Sat 24 Aug 2013, The Good Life Show will be hosting The Great Wigan Bake Off at Haigh Hall. If you love home baking then this is your opportunity to see baking in action

There will be two amateur categories being judged:

Category One is for 12 Years - 17 Years

Category Two is for 18 Years +

If you would like more details,  please email: wiganbakeoff@gmail.com
Or tel: 07825 512989'

Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGreatWiganBakeOff & Twitter - @TheWiganBakeOff

Miniature railway is back on track at Haigh Hall

Miniature railway is back on track


16 August 2013

GET your engine running with a ride on Haigh Country Park’s restored miniature railway!



The vehicle, which has been out of operation for two years, is back in action thanks to the sterling efforts of rail enthusiast and engineer Derek Moss.

Derek, from Appley Bridge, said: “I’ve visited Haigh Country Park since I was knee high to a grasshopper and can remember when the miniature railway first opened back in the 1980s so this is something close to my heart.

“I’ve got the locomotive working and repaired enough of the track to allow me to offer a service between the two stations on site. I’m now hoping to continue work on the track so I can reopen as much of the complete loop as possible.”

Derek has worked closely with leisure and culture provider WLCT to develop the project, which is also supported by the Friends of Haigh Country Park.

Stuart Murray, Chief Executive at WLCT, said: “Derek has done a fantastic job in restoring the miniature railway and I’m delighted that it is running again. I’d encourage families to take a trip to Haigh Country Park during the summer holidays, have a go on the train and experience some of the other attractions we’ve got on site.”

Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “It’s great to see the miniature railway come to life again. The train was always a popular feature and now a new generation of visitors can get on board to enjoy a ride through this beautiful country park.”

The miniature railway is open at weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays between 11am-4pm. Cost is £1 per person.

Fracking is not the answer

The policy only allows Fracking if it can be demonstrated there would be no unacceptable adverse environmental impact.

In my opinion Fracking is not suitable for Wigan with our mining background.

 Maybe there would be no need for Fracking if Thatcher hadn't closed all the mines.
 let's hope Cameron doesn't follow Thatcher and go for short term gain at the expense of the community at large.

Fracking's Aftermath: Wastewater Disposal Methods Threaten Our Health ...

 switchboard.nrdc.org

Licences to exploit oil and gas are granted via the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). There are three Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences that we are aware of which cover parts of Wigan borough – EXL 273 (Alkane Energy Ltd), PEDL 165 (Cuadrilla Resources) and PEDL193 (IGAS PLC). Details of these licences can be found on the DECC website at https://www.gov.uk/oil-and-gas-licence-dataWigan Council, as the Local Planning Authority, only becomes involved if there is a need for a planning application or related planning issues. At present we have received no applications for companies to carry out hydraulic fracturing (aka "fracking") in the borough."

Friends of Haigh Country Park Festival 25th August 11 till 4

A big thank you to the friends of Haigh this should be a fantastic day lets hope the weather smiles on us see you all there



Daniel Dawoud a truly inspirational person

I first met Daniel at last year’s Sports Awards. I knew straight away that there was something special about him as I couldn't get a word in for 10 minutes - which is unusual for me. Daniel has brittle bones and is dependent on his wheelchair but this does not deter him from leading a full life.

Daniel says “Chris and I have become good friends. We meet up for lunch and connect on Twitter on a regular basis. We both share the same passion for sport and everything Wigan and once I knew Chris was doing the 10k I couldn't resist the challenge, plus if Chris gets tired he can jump on the back of my chair”!

Daniel started playing Wheelchair Rugby roughly 18 months ago. He says “In my short time in the sport I have experienced some great success winning the Domestic League in my first season and most resonantly winning a European Club Competition in Amsterdam.

Due to the increased interest in the sport since London 2012 the club West Coast Crash formed a second team named West Coast Burn. The governing body for the sport in this county GBWR, also formed a second division due to more clubs being created across the United Kingdom. In the Second Division our team, West Coast Burn, came 2nd and also won promotion into the first division for next season. Our first team, Crash, came 3rd in the League and also 3rd in our Nationals Cup Competition which is our highest ever finish. Both teams also competed in a German club competition this year finishing strong in 5th and 6th positions.”

I've also included our club website for you and the National Governing Body's site for you for more information if needed. If there is anything else you need please let me know. 

inspirational

http://www.westcoastcrash.co.uk

Haigh Hall the place to be

Fun in the sun on National Play Day


Issued on 08/08/13

MORE than 4,000 people visited Haigh Country Park to enjoy a jam-packed programme of free activities on National Play Day.

The event yesterday, aimed at children aged five-13, offered everything from giant junk modelling and pond dipping to Victorian games and crafts, plus a range of sports and dance activities all on site. Entertainment also included birds of prey displays, face painting and a climbing wall.

Stuart Murray, Chief Executive at leisure and culture provider WLCT, said: “I’m really pleased with yesterday’s event. The weather was perfect, the turnout was fantastic, and everyone looked like they were having a really great time. We had the opportunity to showcase a range of activities for children against the wonderful backdrop of Haigh Country Park, which is a great place to hang out and play.”

Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “It’s really important that we provide outdoor play opportunities for children and yesterday’s National Play Day celebration achieved this on a grand scale.”

There’s plenty going on this summer at Haigh Country Park, Haigh Hall and across Wigan. To find out more about WLCT events, please visit www.wlct.org



JoiningJack

After spending the day at Haigh Hall at the Play Day event look who I bumped into the JoiningJack mascot who wished me luck for the 10k which I will need 

Training for Wigans 1st 10 k run

My First 10 k training session with the help of my new training colleagues, and Alison from the active living team. 

It was very hard but great support from all the team it will all be worth it for joining jack, joseph goal, and Wigan and Leigh Hospice,

 

Wigan parks go green

Parks fly the flag for excellence!


Issued on 29/07/13

THREE Wigan parks have once again been awarded Green Flags, heralding them as some of the best green spaces in the country.

Pennington Hall Park in Leigh, Alexandra Park in Newtown and Jubilee Park in Ashton will fly the flags, which are a sign to visitors that they are well-maintained and well-managed with excellent facilities.

Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of leisure and culture provider WLCT, which manages the parks on behalf of Wigan Council, said: “A lot of hard work goes in to making the borough’s parks quality green spaces that can be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.

“Well done to all those individuals and groups, from WLCT staff to Friends of parks, for their sterling efforts, which really make a difference in the community.”

Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture Chris Ready said: “I am delighted that we have retained our Green Flag Awards. People in Wigan are extremely proud of their local parks and this accolade recognises the commitment shown to maintaining these spaces for the benefit of all visitors.”

This year a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces across the country are receiving a Green Flag Award.



Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.



“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.



“Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.