Putt it there!

Putt it there!

31 May 2013

FRIENDS of Haigh Country Park have been given a welcome financial boost for their plans to refurbish the crazy golf!
The group, who formed last year, have already made huge in-roads pruning, cutting back and freshening up the overgrown site to make it playable once again.
Now local Aspull councillors have awarded the group £1,000 of Brighter Borough money.
Secretary of the Friends, Edna Hulme, said: "On behalf of the group I would like to thank Cllr Ready, Cllr Hilton and Cllr Conway, for their kind contribution from their Brighter Borough Fund.
"This wonderful donation, plus money that the group has raised from holding different events, will be used towards the re-felting of the Crazy Golf, plus seating and bird feeding stations.
"We are very passionate about bringing back old amenities and new ones and this first major project for us will be completed before the Summer holidays."
Cllr Chris Ready said: "The work the friends group have done over the short period they have been established is remarkable but after we met with Edna and John Hulme, who lead the group, we had no hesitation in helping to fund the refurbishment to the crazy golf and we will be helping on other projects in the future."

"With government cuts getting deeper and deeper volunteers like the Friends will play a key role in helping retain services."
Cllr John Hilton said: "The FOHCP are a dedicated group of volunteers we’re delighted to be supporting. They have a vision and a passion for Haigh."
The Friends of Haigh Country Park formed in 2012 and already have more than 170 members, they are working with leisure and culture provider WLCT who manage the estate on behalf of Wigan Council.
Cllr Ron Conway added: "WLCT’s commitment to volunteering is second to none and we’re really pleased such a strong bond between them and the Friends has developed."
If you would like to become a Friend of Haigh Country Park please visit
www.friendsofhaighcountrypark.org.uk or call 07776 350831

New opening hours for Wigan and Leigh libraries

New opening hours for Wigan and Leigh libraries

07 March 2013

OPENING hours in many of the borough’s libraries are set to change from Tuesday 2 April.

In 2011 Wigan Council, and its partners WLCT, set about remodelling and redefining the borough’s library service to ensure a quality, modern service for residents and to meet the financial challenges faced in these economically tough times. As part of this “Next Chapter” review, opening hours will now be standardised across each of the three new types of libraries – Central, Local and Express.
Work undertaken as part of the “Next Chapter” has already included co-locating services in library buildings, re-locating libraries to other buildings and introducing self-service which has contributed more than £1.4m to the £76m Wigan Council are required to make in savings by central government by 2015.
To properly inform the best opening hours to adopt, WLCT has researched extensively and  - as part of the “Next Chapter” Consultation - sought people’s views to identify those periods when our libraries are most and least well used.
Current opening hours in libraries run by volunteers will remain the same.
Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet member for leisure, said: “Throughout this process we as a local authority have endeavoured to protect frontline services for the taxpayer and ensure quality services for our residents.
“WLCT has done a superb job identifying pragmatic solutions to delivering quality leisure services at a much reduced cost.
“We are proud that despite these huge cuts only one library closed as a result of these savings and that library is now open again and being run by Book-Cycle in Beech Hill.
"When services are at risk we will continue to work with WLCT and community groups to make sure every opportunity is taken to retain quality services despite huge cuts to our local authority budget.”
WLCT’s contract to manage leisure and cultural services, on behalf of Wigan Council, has reduced by £4.6m in the last two years. In 2012/13 it will be reduced by a further £1.8m to £10m per annum. Across all 15 libraries these new opening times result in the average number of hours at each library reducing by just 4.9 per week and now reflects when libraries are used by customers. It also contributes a £150,000 saving.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT, said: “Changing opening times to match customer demand ensures greater retention of individual libraries despite budget cuts. “It’s a practical solution to meeting the financial challenges faced by the local authority whilst retaining a quality service for the people of the borough.”
 

High five for veg king

High five for veg king


09 November 2012

Wigan and Leigh’s king of the allotment has been crowned for the fifth year in a row!



Green fingered Les Hawkins was awarded the James Prescott Trophy for the best kept allotment on Tuesday 6 November and it marks him out as the borough’s top grower for five years straight.



The 71-year-old took up the hobby nine years ago after beating bowel cancer.



Nationally it’s been a tough year for both professional and amateur growers. The wettest April to June on record has meant poor harvests and increases in prices at the supermarket.



Les, who lives near his allotment on Hope Carr Lane, Leigh said: “It’s a brilliant feeling, I can’t believe I’ve won it for the fifth year.



“It’s not been easy with the weather, in fact it’s been terrible.

“My crops are about half what they were last year and I don’t know anyone who’s had a good year. It’s been a tough growing year but as always it’s still been hugely enjoyable.”



Judges from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, who manage the borough’s allotments, picked out Les’s patch ahead of the other 325 plots in recognition of its general layout, condition and the variety of produce grown.



Presenting the trophy, Cllr Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure said: “Les’s plot is immaculate and a testimony to his hard work and endeavor. Growing your own isn’t just a fantastic way of bringing down the cost of your shopping bill it’s also a great exercise and because there’s hardly any food miles involved it reduces your carbon footprint.”



The James Prescott Trophy is named after a keen Leigh gardener who donated the prize to Leigh Borough Council in 1956 to encourage more people to look after their allotments.



Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Parks Activity Co-ordinator Michael Fishwick was one of the judges.



He said: “Les has proved once again that, despite one of the wettest seasons in history he is truly King of the Crop!



“Les has consistently demonstrated innovative growing methods, excellent plot husbandry and the necessary skill to produce a broad range of fruit and vegetables.



“Competition from other tenants was strong this year, however Les held off the opposition to quite rightly retain his crown.”

A "great" night for sport

A "great" night for sport


13 November 2012

Leisure chiefs in Wigan have hailed a fantastic year of sport which has concluded with Wigan scooping the honours at a Greater Manchester Awards ceremony.
Three of the seven winners at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards were from Wigan Borough with celebrated wrestling coach Roy Wood from Aspull picking up Coach of the Year and the Be Inspired award Roy has worked tirelessly for the last 50 years promoting and volunteering in the sport as well as training two overseas competitors at this year’s Olympics.
Sean Clare from Leigh Harriers Athletics Club won Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year for an outstanding year which saw him break the British Discus record on four separate occasions as well as becoming the first dwarf athlete to throw over 30m. He also won two gold medals at the England Senior Championships.
The event celebrated the achievements of individuals and community clubs across the area. Award nominees were selected due to their contribution at borough level in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure, Cllr Chris Ready, said: "We have been treated to an exceptional summer of sport. The Olympics and Paralympics, the Ryder Cup comeback and Andy Murray’s US Open win gave us all some memorable moments in 2012.
"Just as important as these high profile events are the activities at grass roots that happen every Saturday and Sunday morning up and down the borough. These awards celebrate and pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who put the nets up, collect the subs and the hundreds of hours. They give their timely freely to make sport happen in their community for which they must be congratulated."
More than 500 people attended the ceremony on Friday 7 November organised by GreaterSport. Winners from the Wigan Borough Sports Awards, which took place in October, were put forward for nomination.
Wigan Borough Sports Awards are organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s (WLCT) Sports Development Unit to celebrate all the unsung heroes who make sport happen in their community.
Chief Executive of WLCT, Stuart Murray, added: "This is a fantastic finale to a fantastic year of sport.
"WLCT are committed to working with volunteers, not just in sport, to enhance and improve the communities where they live. We hope to build on the success in recent years and continue to make a real difference to people’s lives."
The winners at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards were:
Ian Clarke (Salford) - Volunteer of the Year
Nathaniel Whiles (Stockport) - Sports Achiever of the Year
Sean Clare (Wigan) - Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year
Roy Wood (Wigan) - Coach of the YearMoorside Rangers JFC (Salford) - Club of the Year
Steve Pullen MBE (Trafford) - Unsung Hero
GreaterSport supports The Be Inspired Award, this award goes to the winner who a judging panel believes is leaving the best legacy for 2012 in Greater Manchester, this award went to Coach of the Year Roy Wood
 
 

And the winner is...Wigan's 12th Sports Awards

And the winner is...Wigan's 12th Sports Awards


15 October 2012

Wigan capped off a wonderful summer of sport by celebrating the borough’s own sporting achievements at special ceremony at the DW Stadium on Friday night.



Coaches, teams, volunteers and sports clubs gathered for the glitzy annual awards ceremony that shines a sporting spotlight on unsung heroes and stars of the future.



Coach Roy Wood from Aspull Wrestling Club was one of the major winners during the evening after he was awarded Coach of the Year in recognition of his tireless work promoting and volunteering in the sport as well as training two overseas competitors at this year’s Olympics.



Aspull Wrestling Club, founded by Roy, was also named Club of the Year in recognition of Roy’s 50 years in the sport, producing national and international champions and working at grass roots level with schools.



Home grown star of the 800m and European Indoor and Outdoor Champion, Jenny Meadows, was the guest speaker on the evening and presented the awards.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Sports Development Unit, who organise the event, received 64 nominations this year for the nine categories.



Andy Wiggans, Chair of WLCT’s board of Trustees, said: “Wigan Council has invested millions in top quality sports facilities in recent years. In order to get the most out of them we also need the commitment and dedication of sports coaches and many other volunteers whose achievements have been proudly celebrated at this year’s Sports Awards. This work is ably supported by our own Sports Development Unit who work so hard to promote involvement at all levels in sport throughout the borough. My thanks and congratulations go to everyone who has been nominated and to all those who work so hard throughout the year to support their particular club.”



To mark this year’s fantastic Olympic and Paralymic Games, winners and runners-up collected their Gold, Silver and Bronze medals on top of the podium.



Wigan’s Cabinet member for Leisure, Cllr Chris Ready, said: “We have been treated to an exceptional summer of sport which has captured the imagination of the nation.

“But just as important as these high profile events are the activities at grass roots that happen every Saturday and Sunday morning up and down the borough whether it's football, rugby, cricket or wrestling and many other sports.



“Without the commitment of the committed volunteers who, week-in week-out, put the nets up, collect the subs and place a damp sponge on bruised knees we would not have achieved anywhere near the success we have.”



Other winners on the night included Leigh St Mary’s Under 16 and Under 18’s Girls Water Polo Team who were awarded Team of the Year. Sean Clare, from Leigh Harriers Athletics Club, was named Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year.



Whilst Sports Achiever of the Year was Grace Morley for her magnificent season with Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club and Leigh St Mary’s High School Water Polo Team.



The 12th Annual Wigan Borough Sports Awards



Team of the Year This award goes to a community, club or school based team that has made a significant improvement in their performance in the last 12 months.



Finalist – Wigan Seahawks Men’s National Volleyball League Squad. The Team won the National Volleyball League losing only three games this season



Runner Up – Wigan St Patrick’s Amateur Rugby League Football Club Under 16’s Team. Winners of the National Cup, 17 out of the 22 players have achieved scholarships with Super League Clubs.



Winner – Leigh St Mary’s Under 16 and Under 18’s Girls Water Polo Team. This year, both the under 16 and under 18 teams won the English Schools Swimming Association Water Polo Championships. This is a national competition and an amazing achievement considering the school doesn’t have their own pool unlike the public school, the teams competed against and beat.



Coach of the Year - This award goes to a community, club or school based coach who has made a significant impact or contribution to the development of performers in their sport or borough.



Finalist – Simon Edwards – Wigan Seahawks Volleyball Club. Simon is a Level 2 qualified Volleyball Coach who coaches twice per week at both junior and National League level. Simon turned a newly formed volleyball team into league champions in the space of one season



Runner Up – Angela Walker – Lowton St Luke’s Badminton Club. Angela is a Level 2 qualified coach who has mentored two new coaches to becoming qualified and seen the club grow to over 15 junior members and over 25 adult members



Winner – Roy Wood – Aspull Wrestling Club. Roy’s knowledge dates back 50 years and it is hard to find a Wrestling coach in the UK with more experience. This yearRoy has been coaching wrestler Maria Dunn fromGuam in the run up and at the Olympic Games. He has also mentored 12 members to become Level 2 Coaches, spends 25 hours each week coaching voluntarily and was an Olympic torchbearer.



Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year - The award is given to a disabled sports performer who has made a significant improvement in their development as a sports player/athlete.



Finalist – Amy Molyneux – Wigan Swimming Club. Amy has been training at Wigan Swimming Club for several years and has progressed to also train with the Wigan Scheme of Excellence resulting in an improved swimming technique. Amy won gold at the Regional Championships in the 100m Breaststroke and Silver in the 100m Freestyle. She then qualified for the National finals and won Gold in the 50m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle and Silver in the 100m Freestyle.



Runner Up – Stefan Barnes – Hope School. Stefan competed for his school , representingWigan in Goalball at the Greater Manchester Summer School Games and with his team won bronze. He was also the top goal scorer at the competition. Within this competition, Stefan acted a Team Captain and was a great leader, he encouraged and inspired his team mates.



Winner – Sean Clare – Leigh Harriers Athletics Club. Sean broke the British Discus record on four separate occasions, was the first dwarf athlete to throw over 30m and won two gold medals at the England Senior Championships. Sean smashed the qualifying for the Paralympics, only to be left out of selections.



Sports Achiever of the Year - The sports achiever award goes to a sports performer who has made a significant improvement in their development as a sports player/athlete.



Finalist - Oliver Avis - England Youth Fly Fishing Team/Astley and Tyldesley Junior Football Club. Oliver is self taught in the art of fly fishing and today he is involved in both international and World Championship Fly Fishing forEngland.



Runner Up – James Smith – Aspull Wrestling Club. Over the last 12 months, James has competed in domestic, National and European Freestyle Wrestling Competitions winning four gold medals and two silver medals.



Winner – Grace Morley – Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club and Leigh St Mary’s High School Water Polo Team. Grace competes at an international level in Swimming and Water Polo . She is on the England Talent Squad and played for GB U17’s Team at the European Junior Water Polo Championships. In Swimming, she swam for GB in the FISEC Games in Malta winning three gold medals and two silver medals and helped GB win gold overall



The Martin Lynn Special Contribution to School Sport - This award was created to reward a teacher, assistant, parent or pupil that has made a significant contribution to school sport by going beyond the call of duty.



Recipients:



West Award – Lawrence Hoy from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. Lawrence has been a teacher at Sacred Heart for 41 years. Over the years, Lawrence has been involved in organising numerous school sport leagues. He is also heavily involved in the running of the junior section at Wigan Cricket Club and the Open Age Football Teams for Ince Central Football Club.



East Award – John Griffin – St Edmund Arrowsmith High School. ( Award collected by Jim Keating) John is very active within the PE Department and has helped produce many Super League standard players. He is involved in Schools Rugby League as Treasurer and Secretary and has organised a Super League style play off system for schools who are unsuccessful in the North West Competition.



Volunteer of the Year Award - The Volunteer of the Year award is given to a person who has volunteered their time and made a significant impact or contribution to the development of performers, club, community or school sport.



Finalists – John Shaw – New Spring Lions AmateurRugby League Football Club. John is the Club Development Officer for News Springs Lions ARLFC, on the committee for Aspull RUFC, supportd theRugby league Service Area and local Housing office. He is also on the Wigan Borough Sports Council Exec Committee. John has recently secured funding for a new gym at the rugby clubs and a kit for the Service Area and Shevington Sharks. Now he is retired, John spends hours everyday helping the rugby clubs and local housing office.



Finalist - Sandra Green – British Cycling Breeze Project. Sandra is a British Cycling Breeze Champion, Cycling Instructor and Breeze Regional Co-ordinator with a role to encourage and assist women to get back into cycling. Since 2011, Sandra has organised over 80 rides in her spare time as well as helping new Breeze Champions set up their own rides through mentoring and advice. She has helped over 300 women to get back into cycling since last September



Runner-Up – Steve Martlew –Wigan Cricket Club and Whelley Alexandra Junior Football Club. Steve is the Junior Cricket Manager at Wigan Cricket Club and Secretary and Coach at Whelley Alexandra Junior Football Club. Steve has raised nearly £6,000 for Wigan Cricket Club and dedicates four evenings per week as well as weekend matches. Steve and a fellow volunteer, Alan Blazy’s set up Whelly Alexandra JFC from scratch and have taken the club through CharterMark.



Winner – Alex Winstanley – Wigan Sports Development Volunteer Team. Alex is one of the longest serving members on Wigan Sports Development Volunteer Programme despite being only 20. Alex volunteers 15 hours per week on a number of different programmes including those that tackle anti-social behaviour and provide activities for people with a disability. Over the summer, Alex volunteered 30 hours per week for four weeks on the Multi-Sport and Disability Sport Holiday Programme. Alex has recently embarked on a two week charity trip toGhana to deliver sport and physical activity to disadvantaged communities



The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award -The unsung hero award goes to a person who has made an impact over a number of years on people, their club, a school or within the community.



Finalist – Connie Mason – Leigh Ladies Bowling League. Connie founded Leigh Ladies Bowling League in 1986 and has acted as Secretary and Match Secretary for 26 years and Treasurer for five years. Connie organises all the fixtures and collates the results every week, runs pairs and singles competitions, organises a presentation night, chairs team meetings and represents the league in the wider bowling community. The league would like to acknowledge and thank Connie for her contribution to the ladies bowling community in Leigh.



Runner Up – Kevin O’Leary – Hindley Amateur Swimming Club. Kevin has worked tirelessly for the past 30 years regularly attending every club session each week on top of attending all the necessary meetings that keep a community swimming club successful and the Wigan Aquatics Development Group. Kevin was the driving force behind the club achieving and maintaining Swim 21 Accreditation. The club would like to thank Kevin for his loyalty, hard work, passion and determination that he has shown the club over the last 30 years



Winner – June Phillips – Astley and Tyldesley Cycle Speedway Club. June has been Astley and Tyldesley’s Cycle Speedway Club’s Catering Manager for 16 years. June and a small team have provided excellent catering for small crowds to 600 people at the World Cup Final. The income raised from the catering ensures the club are able to improve its facilities and support athletes. June travels the 80 mile round trip to volunteer at the club



Club of the Year -This award goes to a sports club which has made a significant impact or contribution to the development of sport in the community.



Finalist – Wigan Seahawks Volleyball Club. Described by VolleyballEngland as ‘a club to watch’, Wigan Seahawks have achieved many great things including Clubmark Accreditation, a squad winning the National Volleyball League (Men’s League Division 2). The club has an active membership of 120, nine volunteers and over the last year has become a real success story. The club has four players on the North of England Squad and two players selected for the UK School Games



Runner Up – Wigan Swimming Club. The club achieved and maintained Swim 21 Accreditation, assist in the organisation of swimming events for local schools and organised a gala for all community swimming clubs in the borough. Several of their swimmers are competing nationally and internationally winning medals in swimming and Water Polo. The club is committed to an inclusive programme and have several disabled swimmers that train with the club. One of these swimmers has just competed at National level winning gold in two events.



Winner – Aspull Wresting Club. The club has produced national and international athletes with a medal tally of 17 gold, 20 silver and 7 bronze medals. The club hosted and coached two Olympic athletes from Guam and Samoa. The club delivers sessions in local schools and has strong links with local rugby clubs providing alternative training. The club provides classes from age four upwards female only and disability sessions.



Physical Activity Achiever Award -This award is new to the Sports Awards as part of a Greater Manchester pilot. The award is to recognise a person that has taken steps to improve their health through undertaking physical activity.



Winner– Paul Carter from the Active Living Referral Scheme . Paul was referred to the Referral Scheme after two ankle fractures but he also has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Paul undertook a gym based programme and then decided to try running which he has developed a passion and enthusiasm for, gaining confidence. Paul completed the Run 4 A Life 5km in September, his first even.



Wigan Borough Healthy Stadia and Sports Club Network Award Presentation (new award)



The Wigan Borough Healthy Stadia and Sports Club Network is a three year programme which has been commissioned by NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan to support local stadia and sports clubs in becoming healthier environments for their fans, staff, visitors and the local communities they serve.



Wigan Rugby Union Football Club

Aspull Juniors Football Club

Wigan St Patrick’s Amateur Rugby League Football Club

Wigan Academy of Karate

Orrell Rugby Union Football Club

Leigh Genesis Football Club

Wigan Athletic and the DW Stadium

Wigan and Ashton Gymnastics Club

Wigan Sports Club

Orrell St. James Amateur Rugby League Football Club

New Spring Lions Amateur Rugby League Football Club





Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Registered Charity Number 1105278

Wigan's Sport Makers

Wigan's Sport Makers


17 October 2012

Wigan is aiming to have the highest number of volunteer “Sport Makers” in the whole of Greater Manchester!



So far, 150 people have signed up in the borough to carry out a minimum of 10 hours volunteering within their local communities and, with two more inductions due to take place in the next few weeks, organisers are hoping to top the 300 mark.



Inspired by the huge success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Makers – those 70,000 volunteers who ensured such a smooth games – a national project called Sport Makers aims to continue the Olympic legacy though volunteering and by inspiring people to play sport.



In Wigan and Leigh, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s (WLCT) Sports Development Unit are leading on the initiative in partnership with Greater Sport.



Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT, said: “Wigan already has a strong voluntary sports club sector but we’re delighted that so many people have already signed up to take part.



“Many of those taking part want to give something back to their club or community but there are also a large number of students looking to gain employment in the sports sector at the end of their courses who also see this as a wonderful addition to their CV.”



British Champion inline skater Jenna Downing will lead two induction sessions at St John Rigby College on Tuesday 23 October and 9 November where 200 new Sport Makers will pledge to uphold the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship.



Cabinet member for leisure Cllr Chris Ready said: “One of our main aims as a council is to create a confident place with confident people and this initiative has a major part to play in that. Volunteering can increase confidence, creates a closer connection with the community and can lead to employment.



“We’re delighted the people of Wigan are leading the way.”



Anyone over the age of 16 can join the Sport Maker programme which hopes to give those taking part the knowledge, information and connections to help make sport happen.



The project hopes more than 40,000 people nationally will sign up.

Make Sport Happen

Make Sport Happen


26 October 2012

More than 100 St John Rigby College students have become the latest volunteers to sign up to make sport happen in their community.



The 16 to 18-year-olds signed up to become “Sport Makers” following an induction at the college by former Team GB track cyclist Bryan Steel this week.



Steel, who won bronze alongside Bradley Wiggins in the cycling team pursuit at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 also helped the team to silver at the Athens Games in 2004



So far 250 people have signed up in the borough to carry out a minimum of 10 hours volunteering within their local communities



Inspired by the huge success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Makers – those 70,000 volunteers who ensured such a smooth games – a national project called Sport Makers aims to continue the Olympic legacy though volunteering and by inspiring people to play sport.



In Wigan and Leigh, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s (WLCT) Sports Development Unit are leading on the initiative.



Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT, said: “To see so many young people signing up to make sport happen in their communities is just wonderful.



“They can choose to organise something as small as a five-a-side game in their local park or get involved in much bigger projects. For these students it’s a wonderful addition to their CV and one that could help them find employment once they’ve qualified.”



Cabinet member for leisure Cllr Chris Ready said: “One of our main aims as a council is to create a confident place with confident people and this initiative has a major part to play in that. Volunteering can increase confidence, creates a closer connection with the community and can lead to employment.



“We’re delighted the people of Wigan are leading the way.”



Oliver Gildart, 16, and Elliot Dainty, 16, both signed up at the St John Rigby event.



Elliot said: “I’m studying A-Level PE so this really will be great for my CV but I also really want to make a difference. I’m planning to get involved in a range of sports to get more experience.”



Anyone over the age of 16 can join the Sport Maker programme which hopes to give those taking part the knowledge, information and connections to help make sport happen.



The project hopes more than 40,000 people nationally will sign up.



For more information call Rob Burrows at Wigan Sports Development on 01942 488 495 or e-mail R.Burrows@wlct.org