Aspull Juniors Awards 2006

Walkingday 2004

I have been asked to post old pictures from my work in the community i have got hundreds so i will post them when i can so look out for them

Councillors Making The Difference

A Brighter Christmas for Disadvantaged Children
Wigan Councillors and volunteers have donated £2,550 from the Brighter Borough Initiative to the Wigan Children’s Fund Christmas Appeal.
The appeal distributes presents to disadvantaged children and is supported by the council and run by volunteers.
Many councillors joined forces with local volunteers and got involved in the fundraising. Heinz staff also kindly donated presents to the appeal and the company also donated food for hampers.
Cllr Susan Loudon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said, “Last year the appeal reached more than 300 households. At present we’ve reached 200, but we’re hoping to help as many as 500 before Christmas!”
The appeal takes referrals before Christmas and volunteers work very hard to deliver gifts to as many of the borough’s disadvantaged families as they can.
"We have more than 250 active volunteers who go to great lengths to support our children and families.” said team manager Jan Lee. “The volunteers are actively involved with the planning, wrapping, and delivery of presents to families who need them the most.
“Without the caring, sharing thoughts of our volunteers a lot of children and young people would otherwise not have very much to smile about during the festive season.”
She added: “The donations made from the Brighter Borough Fund, local businesses and individuals really do make a difference as without these the project would not go ahead."
To celebrate the success, councillors and volunteers will bag all the presents up ready for delivery before Christmas.
· PHOTO – Councillors and volunteers celebrate a great fundraising effort. Pictured are (from left): Viv Wilcox, Trevor Lewis, Lyndsey Stone, Cllr Chris Ready, Cllr Pam Stewart, Cllr Susan Loudon, Cllr Nigel Ash, Jan Lee, Cllr Steven Dawber and Cllr Brian Baldwin.

Ritchie Top Man

I Love My McJob!

Here’s Ritchie Taylor. He’s possibly the most cheerful man in Leigh – with a bigger smile than Ronald McDonald and a positive attitude that his bosses are rightly proud of.

Ritchie works at the Bradshawgate branch of the burger chain – and has done so for 15 years. And this month, he won a clutch of awards from Wigan Council for his commitment and dedication.

“He’s a real superstar,” says Kerry Claxton. Kerry is an Employment Engagement Officer and keeps a friendly eye on Ritchie – and many others – who are in supported employment across the borough. Her team have just celebrated another successful year as the council’s employment and training provider for people with disabilities.

“I love working here,” Ritchie says, “It’s great to be part of the crew and to know I can do something good for my bosses and the customers.” He has also worked at the nearby Asda branch of the restaurant, making Ritchie a familiar and popular face across Leigh.

This week, the council’s champion for customer services, Cllr Chris Ready, called into see Ritchie and congratulate him on 15 years’ service under supported employment. Cllr Ready says: “Ritchie is the man who brings great service with a smile. I’ve visited many people in supported employment across the borough and they are all a credit, but when the chips are down, Ritchie’s enthusiasm is hard to beat.”

Franchise owner Laurence Hilliker is delighted with Ritchie’s progress over the years. He says: “With excellent support from the council, Ritchie has become a real asset to my team. He has progressed through the training programme and is giving his best – I’m really proud of him.”

As well as his two awards from Wigan Council, Ritchie today received £350 Argos vouches from McDonalds for his 15 years’ service with them.

Earlier this month, Cllr Ready was joined by council Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn to present awards to members of the supported employment staff, employees and business leaders. The ceremony, at Ince Town Hall, honoured the dedication of those who have been in post for 5, 10 and 15 years.

Chairman Jimmy

Jimmy Hough is the organiser at st Elizabeth's over 60s he as been the main man for more than a decade winner of many community awards he just keeps running the club with great success
pictured with Cllrs Chris Ready Ron Conway and Lisa Nandy

Lisa said Jim is one of the nicest people i have met and his work in the community is incredible

Over 60s Xmas Party

Jimmy Hough Chairman of the over 60s organised another superb xmas party down at the st Elizabeth's Church hall guests of honour were Cllrs Chris Ready and Ron Conway and Lisa Nandy MP
Chris commented another excellent party jimmy works wonders all year with coach trips and outings and party's
Lisa said when i was on the election trail in may i visited the club and they invited me to the xmas party and i accepted what a great time the group are lovely

jimmy said the cllrs help us all year which is great Lisa came in may to see us and she kept her promise it was great to see her

Frenchwood Court Xmas Party

Cllrs Chris Ready John Hilton and Ron Conway attended the party held at Aspull British Legion With comedian Trevor Wallace and Singer Ryan James
Chris Ready Commented once again the committee have done a exellent job great night thanks for the invite