Supported People Awards 2010

Top Support for Wigan’s Supported Employment

It’s been another successful year for the Council’s employment and training provider for people with disabilities. And once again, as they gathered for their Christmas party and annual awards, the Supported Employment Service were joined by senior council staff.

“I’m here because I am so impressed with what you all do,” Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn told them. “I have met many of you – those in jobs and those who support you in finding work – and I am proud of what you have achieved.”

The Chief Executive was joined by Cllr Chris Ready, the cabinet’s champion for customers, as well as managers from the Adult Services Department and business leaders, to celebrate long service awards at a sparkling ceremony at Ince Town Hall last week which was sponsored by Zimmer Products, Simply Med, Tesco Hindley, Cube Marketing and Pooles Pies.

The awards night enables the Council to acknowledge the long term achievements of individuals who they’ve supported into permanent employment, as well as applaud bosses from firms like , McDonalds, Morrisons Ince, Asda Golborne, and MPV Packaging who have excelled in displaying good equal opportunities practice and employing a workforce that reflects local communities.

Cllr Ready said: “Once again, it has been an inspirational evening and a pleasure to see everyone. I’d also like to thank the employers who work to support you – it is a great partnership and the results are here for all to see.”

Ms Redfearn and Cllr Ready presented awards to thrilled local employees, including:

· Gary Box and Ritchie Taylor, for 15 years’ service
· Andrew Knight for 10 years’ service
· Caroline Travis, Michael Hoyle, Darran Makin, Nicola Biggs, Duncan Morrison and Philip Bird for 5 years’ service

There was a special achievement award for Leigh’s Ritchie Taylor, who has clocked up a very impressive 15 years’ service at the McDonalds on Bradshawgate, and also for bosses at the branch as Employer of the Year.

Plaudits for the team over the last few years include ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted inspectors, becoming the council’s own ‘Team of the Year’ and a commendation at the Wigan Life Awards. As well as organising employment for over two hundred local people, they offer training and advice for anyone facing complex barriers to gaining and sustaining a job.

The awards’ night at Ince Town Hall saw over a hundred people, as well as their carers, parents and employers, enjoy a pie and pea supper, lively disco and raised over £700.00 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice and Derian House.
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Haigh Show

Presenting a cheque to Haigh Show Chairman and President are Cllrs Chris Ready & Ron Conway

Chris Commented This years show was the most successful to date people were there in their hundreds the weather was great the organisation was excellent its a pleasure to be involved and help in a small way here's looking forward to next year.

Alan Kay Trophy

Recently Aspull Man Alan Kay passed away Alan's passion was the British legion and bowling
Alan was chairman of Aspull bowling club for the past 12years his heart and soul was in the bowling club he never missed a game in all the years
Norman Winrow said Alan was a great bowling player when Alan passed away we contacted the local cllrs to see if they could provide a shield in Alan's memory and without hesitation they did

Alan's other passion was the British legion were he was the founder member in 1965 he was Chairman for 15 years and held many other positions over the years and he also organised remembrance Sunday every year

art project

The art project was a day session with Mrs Charnock's Year two class at St David Haigh and Aspull Ce Primary.
Pupils drew around leaf stencils, then cut out material shapes and created pompoms.
The project was based on Haigh Hall plantations and leaves from trees that can be found in Haigh Hall. Colour played an important part with autumnal earthy colours being used and rich reds from berries that can be seen at this time of year.
The structure was assembled using all the pupils works and hung in the classroom to relate to their materials topic, I use various materials within my artwork so this project allowed the pupils to experiment with this.

St Davids New Classroom

The next exciting phase for St David’s at Haigh! The children, staff and governors are overjoyed that the long awaited building work has started. It has taken a considerable time to get the go ahead as the school is a listed building and in a conservation site. Now the plans are agreed, and work has started on 3 new classrooms. The new building will be similar in character to the main school building but having the advantage of up to date interiors and modern building materials. These new classrooms will also pave the way for a cooking kitchen. Currently the school meals are cooked off site and brought in but our own kitchen will really be an added bonus to the school.
The governors are delighted and welcome the improvements to the teaching environment which will help to support the excellent results the school has at the end of each year.

Councillor Ready commented this will be a great Improvement to the school I would like to congratulate all involved with this project

street dancers

info to follow

St Davids Lollipop is a great success

In September working in partnership with school and parents I managed to get a crossing patrol person on a 6 month trial I have been monitoring the use over that period and I am very pleased with the usage and all the positive comments from all party's hopefully the crossing will stay in place

Mrs Boulton the Head Teacher says we are really grateful to Chris he as worked really hard to get the crossing in place it is well used and St David's is a safer place for all our pupils