wigan courier jan 8th edition

25p

where soldCourierWIGANWIGANTheTheCourierWigan’s GoodNews Paper

email: [email protected] January 8th 2013 Issue no 212

PARENTS across Wigan Borough, with a child dueto start school in September, are being urged to applyfor a primary school place before the deadline passesnext week.More than 1,200 online applications have already been

received and many parents have completed a manualapplication form.

MAKE SURE your child makes it to theclassroom of your choice...With an estimated 3,700 children expected to start

reception class in 2013, many more parents still need toinform the council which school they’d like their child toattend.Applications can be made online at Wigan Council’s

website.Alternatively, paper forms are available. Parentsmust apply by Tuesday January 15th or their applicationwill be considered late and their child will be less likelyto get a place at a school of their choice.Every child living in Wigan Borough who turns four

between 1st September 2012 andAugust 31st 2013 mustapply for a place via the council - even if the child’sname has been registered with a school, has a place atthe school’s nursery or they have a brother or sisteralready at the school.

PreferredIf any of your preferred schools is a voluntary-aided

(church) school, you are strongly advised to fill in theschool's own supplementary information form as well assumbitting an online application or Wigan Councilprimary school application form. You can get a copy ofthe supplementary information form from the school.Parents must hand in their applications by Tuesday

January 15th to find out midApril which school theirchild will be attending in September.Council staff will be at the Grand Arcade Shopping

Centre in Wigan on Friday 11th January offering adviceto parents who maybe struggling with the application orare unsure how to fill it out.Cllr Susan Loudon, Wigan Council’s cabinet member

for children and young people, said: “The start of theNew Year means there is now only a matter of daysbefore the deadline passes for primary schoolapplications. I urge all parents to apply for a place fortheir child now.

Essential“If you want to get your child into primary school, it’s

absolutely essential you apply before the deadline.Parents really need to get their forms completed soon –if they haven’t already done so.“I’m really pleased more than 1200 people have filled

out the online form so far. That shows it is simple andeasy to use. If you need any help filling it in, councilstaff will be at the Grand Arcade on 11th Januaryoffering free support and guidance. I’d encourageeveryone to make this a priority for 2013.”For further details or for advice on filling out the

application, parents can contact staff at the councilon 01942 486040 or by email [email protected].

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2

By Hannah SmithTHE CHALLENGE is back this yearand the project is wanting young peopleofWigan Borough to face the Challengethis summer.16 year-olds from theWigan area have been given

the opportunity to participate in The ChallengeProgramme, a three week scheme spilt into threesections, the Personal Challenge, the TeamChallenge and the Real Challenge, throughout thesummer holidays. Four social action days, in theAutumn, follows the summer programme.Sixty young people from the borough participated in

The Challenge last summer.The Personal Challenge, is an outdoor challenge of a

lifetime. Teams develop leadership and teamworkskills, create friendships and build confidence, workingwith some of the best outdoor instructors in the UK in

beautiful countryside. Last year, participants travelledto Scotland to complete the Personal Challenge- fivedays of outdoor activities, which included, tacklingabseiling, hill hiking and gorge walking.The next challenge is the Team Challenge, when the

groups take on a challenge in the real world byexperiencing university life. Participants becamestudents at the University of Central Lancashire,Preston, for the week.Each group created a presentation on either sport,

drama, photography, media, or enterprise, using thefacilities of the university, and presented their work totheir family and friends. To get the full universityexperience, the groups stopped in the university’s Hallof Residents for five nights.The final challenge sees participants face is the Real

Challenge, which is spilt into two parts, the RealChallenge Design and the Real Challenge Action. Inthe last week of the summer programme, each groupcreates and pitches a campaign idea in a Dragon’s Den

style competition. Each of the six groups from the areago head-to-head, for a chance to win up £100 forfunding their idea. Then, in four weekend days in theAutumn teams have the opportunity to make theirideas come to life and convert ideas into action,demonstrating impressive skills which have beendeveloped over the summer.One of last year’s groups, pictured above, visited The

Wigan Courier office to pitch their campaign idea, andit was clear that everyone was enjoying theprogramme.Participant Caroline Bleakley told The Courier: “It

has been so good. We’ve all become really goodfriends- we’re more like family now.“We’ve all found parts of it difficult, but it wouldn’t

be called The Challenge then. I would definitelyrecommend everyone to take part, it beats stopping inand being bored!”Many of the participants

started college after thesummer and said that theChallenge helped thembuild the confidence theyneeded to start college.All sixty participantsgraduated from thenational programme lastSeptember.The programme costs

£50 per person, includingover night stays, food andactivities. Discounts andbursaries are available toeveryone.The Challenge Network

delivers National CitizenService(NCS), ag o v e r nmen t - f u n d e dprogramme across theNorthwest, the Midlandsand London. This year theChallenge will bedelivering 180 places inWigan and is available toall 16-17 year olds who

live in the area.For more information please contact Luath

Glendinning, via email: [email protected] or call 0161 876 0355 or visit www.the-challenge.org


Challenge is back on for 2013

Members of the Challenge 2012 visit the Wigan Courier office to pitch their ideas

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3

WIGAN Boroughresidents are beingurged to start theNew Year byslashing their fuelbills by up to £250.Householders arebeing encouraged to use‘people power’ and joina ground breakingcollective energyswitching scheme thatcould mean massivereductions to the cost ofheating their homes.As the cold winterweather continues,residents are being urgedto register their interest inthe collective bulk buyscheme, launched onJanuary 2, by visitingwww.gmfairenergy.comor calling 0800 009 3363.A similar scheme run byOldham Council in theautumn attracted morethan 8,000 residents, withmany households savinghundreds from theirannual bills.The project was sosuccessful it is now beingrepeated, with people

from across GreaterManchester invited toregister their interest incombining theirpurchasing power.Under the scheme, thegroup then enters a‘reverse auction’ and getsa cheaper deal together ongas and electricity fromenergy companies.Residents just need toproduce a copy of theircurrent energy bill toregister an interest beforethe scheme closes onJanuary 28, and anyonewho enters will receive anoffer for a new rate whichthey do not have toaccept. The scheme isalso open to residentswho use pre-paymentmeters.Although the schemewill be targeted directly atpeople living in GreaterManchester, it will beopen to anyone in the UKto join.Lord Peter Smith, leaderof Wigan Council, said:“We fully support thisinitiative. High energybills have been a matter ofconcern for some time

and here is an opportunityfor people to take positiveaction to reduce theamount they pay. I’dencourage residents toseriously think aboutsigning up for thescheme.”Sir Richard Leese,leader of Manchester CityCouncil and chairman ofthe Greater ManchesterLow Carbon Hub,commented: “There aremore than 200,000households in Manchesterwho are in fuel poverty,struggling to heat theirhomes this winter, andthis switching schemewill make a hugedifference to the lives ofresidents by enablingthem to knock hundredsoff their household bills.“The more people whocome forward, the morethey could save from theirfuel bills, and residentsdon’t even have to acceptthe offer so they haveliterally nothing to lose byregistering.“Energy switching isstill relatively new in theUK, but in many parts of

Europe it is now commonpractice, and I believe thisscheme will demonstrateonce again how thismakes a lot of sense foranyone who doesn’t likepaying over the odds tokeep warm.”


The next Courier is published on

Tuesday 29th JanuaryDeadline for advertisers: Monday 28th January 12 noon

Advertising & EditorialTel: 01257 400026Fax: 01257 400078

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Wigan Paralympic star salutes job winners

Wiganers urged to use ‘peoplepower’ to slash fuel bills

W I G A NPARALYMPIAN JonPollock brought extrafestive cheer to thecouncil’s SupportedEmployment Servicecelebration evening.“It’s great to be here and findout about the inspiring work youall do,” said the veteran of fourGames.Jon gave his time to presentcertificates to local people whohave been supported into jobs withassistance from Wigan Council.He posed for pictures with awardwinners at Ince town hall as part oftheir annual Christmas party andcelebration of people withdisabilities succeeding in paidemployment.Certificates were presented forlong service – including to PaulHeaton of Belmont Packaging,Janette Davies of Chadwick’s andColleen Beaman of Morrison’s inInce, who have worked for 10years. Awards also went to CiaranO’Connor of Sainsbury’s inWiganand Ian Swanson of Morrison’s in

Ince for their 15 years’ service.Ian Swanson received a specialaward for the quality of his workand both Landgate School andAtherton Tesco’s received specialrecognition for the support theygive to service users.Senior council officers andpoliticians were there, includingdeputy leader Cllr DavidMolyneux and cabinet championfor customers Cllr Chris Ready,who have continued to visit manyof the service users in their placesof work in the last year.Cllr Molyneux said: “The firmsrepresented tonight already makean important contribution to jobsand the economy in our borough.But they are not just an ordinarybusiness, because they make timeto do extraordinary things bysupporting a diverse workforce.”The awards night enables thecouncil to acknowledge the longterm achievements of individualswho they’ve supported intopermanent work, as well asapplaud bosses from firms likeNorthern Feather, Tesco, Asda,McDonalds, BHS, PetreePackaging, the Brocket Arms andEmpire Cinemas who have

excelled in displaying good equalopportunities practice andemploying a workforce thatreflects local communities.Plaudits for the SupportedEmployment team over the lastfew years include ‘Outstanding’from Ofsted inspectors, becomingthe council’s own ‘Team of theYear’ and a commendation at theWigan Life Awards. As well asorganising employment for overtwo hundred local people, theyoffer training and advice foranyone facing complex barriers togaining and sustaining a job.Wigan Council’s SupportedEmployment Manager MarkGlover adds: “Our celebrationepitomises the spirit andcommitment of the team, thedetermination of the individualswe support and the commitment ofthe employers we work with. Byworking together we ensureemployment opportunities exist foreveryone.”Mark paid tribute to the sponsorswho funded the night, includingKath Ryan from Tesco Hindleyand Sandra Pollock from PoolesPies, as well as Rose Leisure andDJs Brendan and Neil.

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ARE you someone with a passion formaking things better? Do you think you could make a positivecontribution to how health and social care servicesare delivered in Wigan Borough?Healthwatch Wigan is a new independent not forprofit organisation, scheduled for launch on 1st April2013, which aims to represent the views of localpeople including those who use health and careservices so they can help shape how services aredelivered.Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults andHealth and Chair of Wigan’s Health and WellbeingBoard, Cllr Keith Cunliffe said: “We’re looking fordedicated people who believe they have the skills andcommitment to become members of the HealthwatchWigan Board. “We are looking to appoint a Chairpersonand nine Trustees who can drive the organisationforward. They will play a significant role indeveloping the strategy, direction, business objectivesand customer focus of Healthwatch Wigan, and theywill maintain strong working relationships withWigan Council, NHS and the local Health andWellbeing Board.”Healthwatch Wigan will be responsible for gatheringviews and understanding the experiences of peoplewho use local services. The organisation will have the powers torecommend investigations or special reviews ofservices via Healthwatch England or directly to theCare Quality Commission (CQC).Candidates are able to apply for one or both of theroles. An information event will take place in Hindleyon Tuesday 15th Jan at 1pm so that people who areinterested can find out more about the roles byattending one of the events before deciding whether toapply. Those interested in attending are advised tocontact [email protected] will be interviewed by a panelcomprising of representatives from the Healthwatchsteering group, members of the Community andVoluntary Sector, Wigan Council and NHSrepresentatives. Training and support will be providedfor the successful candidates.An application pack can be downloaded from theHealthwatch Wigan website healthwatchwigan.org orby emailing [email protected] [email protected] For an informal chat about the role please ring PaulHaunch on 01942 489485The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 25thJanuary 2013. Interviews will be held on 1st Februaryfor the Chairperson role and 7th February for Trusteeroles.

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Band’s charitycarols at ChadwicksPROSPECT Garage Brass band played Christmascarols outside Chadwicks Butchers, in Standish, onDecember 23rd and 24th to raise funds for a localcharity.As well as playing outside the butchers, the band also played atseveral care homes within Wigan throughout December to raisemoney for Wigan & leigh Hospice.The money raised is being donated to the Hospice in memory of twoclose friends, Neil Redmond of Bridgemount Car Sale and Kevin Carey,who sadly passed away in August 2012.In addition, the staff at Bridgemount Car Sales visited their friends andcustomers within the car trade during December and raised a total of£150 in Neil’s memory.The total amount raised for Wigan & Leigh Hospice was £1,300.Prospect Garage Brass Band would like to thank all who have supportthem in their fundraising efforts.Our picture shows the badn playing outside Chadwicks Butchers onChristmas eve.

By Ted UnwinPLANNING is soon to beginon organising the thirdShevington and District Fetethanks to its organisingcommittee.Since the first fete two years ago,the fete has gone from strength tostrength with last year’s Fete beingbigger event. There were many morestalls, and there was live music fromlocal band Gifted.With the help of a grant from WiganMetro, the committee also introduced aSocial Sports Olympiad.The committeeintend to repeat the Social Sports thisyear.As well as the sports, there areplanned to be many stalls andattractions, children’s rides, the annualflower and vegetable show, music, anda craft fair at this year’s fete.The fete gives an opportunity for theentire community to join together, tosupport local organisations, charitiesand businesses, and most of all, to havean enjoyable day.For 2013, the Fete will take place on

SaturdayAugust 3rd. Should Fete 2013be a success, then we can reasonablyexpect that the Fete will remain as anannual event, and will continue far intothe future.The greatest issue faced by theorganisers is having sufficient helpers,so, the committee is seeking volunteers.There is a lot of planning andpreparation work to be done. On the dayof the Fete especially, we need lots ofhands, to act as helpers and stewards.The Fete organising committee willmeet regularly from now until the dayof the Fete. The next meeting will takeplace on Tuesday January 22nd at7.00p, in the lounge of ShevingtonMethodist Church.Anybody who feels that they can helpin any way is welcome to attend this, orany, of the committee meetings.Meetings usually take place on aTuesday, late in each month.We look forward to meeting a fewvolunteers, and we look forward to asharing and enjoying with you all asuccessful Fete 2013.If you wish to contact the organisersof Shevington and District Fete email:[email protected]

SShheevviinnggttoonn aanndd DDiissttrriiccttCCoommmmuunniittyy FFeettee 22001133

Children joining in races at Shevington and District Fete 2012

WIN Rosemary Conley’s new diet book for top tips on howto shed those unwanted pounds, for a healthy new you.The book is packed with healthy low fat, calorie counted meals as well asdoable exercises. The FAB (Fat Attack Booster) Diet book also suggests exciting menu plans andrecipes made with real food that the whole family can enjoy. For a chance to win the Rosemary’s FAB Diet book answer this questioncorrectly: What does FAB diet stand for?Send your entries to The Wigan Courier, Suite 107, The Standish Centre, CrossStreet, Wigan, WN6 0HQ by the closing date of Friday January 25th, 2013.Entries can be sent by post or email: [email protected]

Diet book competition

5


Standish Library Christmas Spectacular

Woodfield School Christmas Production

STANDISH LIBRARYhosted a ChristmasSpectacular in December.A full days events where

organised at the library, onCross Street, all librarygroups made their own stalls.Demonstrations in gift

wrapping, jewellery making,flower decoration and hand-madecards were organised throughoutthe day.The library was filled with

Christmas pots and winter plantsales plus card, bag and potterystalls.St. Marie’s Primary School and

St. Wilfrid’s Primary Schoolchoir visited the library to singChristmas carols.On Thursday January 24th

crime writer Chris Simms will bevisiting the library. For moreinformation about this eventcontact Standish Library on01257 400625.

KEY STAGE Two pupils at Woodfield PrimarySchool gave a fantastic performance at this year’sChristmas production.The production told the story of a girl obsessed with receiving

presents rather than giving presents. She finally understood thatgiving people something, big or small, made her a better person.With the help of music teacher Mr Nixon, the pupils gave an

outstanding musical performance.

THE ANNUAL collection made by members ofWigan Rotary Club in the company of FatherChristmas throughout December has been a greatsuccess.Although the total amount raised was slightly down on last

years record figure, in the current economic climate the clubconsider it a tremendous achievement, with collections takingplace every day throughout December until Christmas Eve.Father Christmas toured a number of areas of Wigan, including

Highfield for the first time, and on other occasions he and his helperswere either in the town centre or at one of the supermarkets.

Wigan Rotary President Venk Mani said: “I would like to thankeveryone for their generosity, which will enableWigan Rotary Clubto support local, national and international charities to which we arecommitted. Your support is a tremendous boost and encouragementto us.“We are conscious this festive season has not been the easiest for

a lot of people, and we are extremely grateful for their continuedsupport. We know the year ahead will be difficult for a number oflocal charities and community groups, and I can assure everyonewho made a donation in December that we will use the money ascarefully as possible.“

Success for Santa’s little helpers

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ATTHE END of the most successful ever year forWigan Borough in Bloom, the team have been outand about getting communities crafty forChristmas.Wigan Council and its partners across the borough broughthome a record number of awards at this year’s In Bloom –including a Silver Gilt at the Royal Horticultural Society’sNational Britain in Bloom finals.The In Bloom team held a Christmas Crafts Workshop. The Mayor

of Wigan, Cllr Myra Whiteside, joined around 50 locals inShevington.She said: “In Bloom shows the borough off at its best, and the

judges come in the height of summer. But there’s plenty of festivalfloral fun in Wigan Borough at this time of year too and this eventjust shows how keen locals are to show off their green fingers all

year round.”Six free events for the public have been held over the last few

weeks, in venues including Life Centres, Sure Start Centres andparish rooms. Last year the team spent the festive period in Leigh,this year they were in the north Wigan area.The final fun workshop of the year was hosted by Shevington and

District in Bloom volunteers. It was used as a fundraiser for thegroup’s activates within the village next year.Damian Jenkinson, the council’s Borough in Bloom Co-ordinator,

commented: “We have many new events planned for 2013. We’llbe working with Wigan and Leigh Housing and hosting events intheir estates. For the 30 community groups who take part in WiganBorough in Bloom each year, January is when they begin the vitalpreparation for the spring and summer.“The Britain in Bloom judges won’t be here until June - but six

months before their arrival huge effort goes into planning what ourparks, allotments and green spaces will look like.”


Shevington gets crafty for Christmas

WHEN SOROPTIMIST International ofWigan reached its 70th Anniversary, itsmembers - women in a variety ofdifferent Professions - decided to markall those years of Service by launching a"Young Achiever" Award.The group wanted to find a young person whoset an example of commitment or courage - orwho had achieved in other ways. Someone whohad a similar outlook to SoroptimistInternational (S.I.) of inspiring action,transforming lives.S.I. was introduced to Hannah Ward Young - a 14

year old from Wigan who has, for the greater part ofher life, served the needs of children in the Boroughthrough her dedication to the Charity Butterflies.Add to this, her role within the family unit as a Carer,

and we have a young lady who is most definitely acredit to herself, her family and the Community.In honour of this, The Mayor of Wigan Borough,

Cllr Myra Whiteside and The Mayor's Consort, MrJohn Hurst presented Hannah with the award.Hannah's Mum and her Grandad, along with membersof S.I. Wigan, attended the presentation held in theMayor's Parlour.Members of S.I. Wigan offer congratulations to

Hannah and wish her well for the future.Our picture above shows Hannah Ward Young with

her mum and grandad, The Mayor ofWigan Borough,Cllr Myra Whiteside, The Mayor's Consort, Mr JohnHurst, Mrs Louise Layland, President of S.I. Wigan,The Rev Pauline Makin, Immediate Past President,Mrs Wendy Stuart, who donated the trophy, Dr AnnParr, Dr Penny Cook and Mrs Elaine Tyrre.

Picture shows The Mayor, Councillor Myra Whiteside seen with with Shevington’s proud gardeners

Wigan Soroptimists’ Young Achiever award

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NEED AN extraincentive to kick-startyourNewYear healthdrive? Then howabout this?When you join Wigan

Leisure and Culture Trust's(WLCT) sporty start to 2013,you'll also be helping to raisemoney for a great local cause.Throughout January

WLCT's SportsDevelopment Team aresupporting Wigan Boroughcharity Joining Jack byencouraging people to getback into playing sport.The team runs a wide

variety of programmes thatoffer a gentle re-introductionto some of the nation'sfavourite sports andalternative activities,specifically aimed at adultswanting to improve theirhealth.From Ball Again

Basketball, Zumba, BuggyFun Fitness, to Back toBadminton, the team offerssomething for everyone atWLCT venues and schoolsacross the borough.The sessions, entitled Back

to Sport and Active Womenare aimed at anyone over 16years-old.During January the team

are donating half of themoney raised from eachsession to the Joining Jackcharity and sellingwristbands

and badges to support thecause.WLCT Sports

Development Officer,Richard Smith, said: “At thestart of each New Year theteam chooses a charity tosupport. This year we havegone for one that is very closeto a lot of people on the team.TheNewYear is traditionallya time when people look togetting fitter andwhether youwant to try a new sport or goback to an old favourite, wecan help.“The sessions are also a

great way of meeting peopleand extending your socialcircle, so to help yourself andJoining Jack all you have todo is turn up and take part.”Joining Jack supports four

year-old Jack Johnson, son offormer Wigan Warriorsplayer Andy Johnson, whohas been diagnosed withDuchenne MuscularDystrophy (DMD).The condition means that

his life will follow apredetermined path, mappedout by this progressivemusclewasting condition.Bythe time he reachesadolescence hewill no longerbe able to walk and will losethe use of every singlemusclein his body thereafter.Hemayneed spinal rods to keep himupright andventilation to helphim breath. Eventually hisheart and lungs will fail.His charity aims to raise

money to fund research intoDMD and raise awarenessabout the condition.WLCT Chief Executive,

Stuart Murray, said: “Wehope to raise as muchmoneyas possible for this extremelyworthy cause.“January is amonth for new

starts so please do take thetime to visit one of thesessions and improve yourhealth and, at the same time,help towards improvingJack’s.”For more information onthe Back to Sport andActiveWomen sessions visitWiganLeisure andCultureTrust's website:www.wlct.org or you cancall or emailWLCTSportsDevelopment OfficerRichard Smith on 01942488480, [email protected] Active Women Co-ordinatorKimMcBride on01942 488 483,[email protected] more information onJoining Jack, visit:www.joiningjack.org.


THIS JANUARY organised walks are takingplace throughout the borough, thanks to ActiveLiving, to get Wiganers fit.Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust's Active Living

Team have created a Winter walks programme forresidents to enjoy the borough's countryside as wellas feeling healthy.The January walks are as follows:Mondays:- Pennington Flash (on 14th, 21st, 28th) 10am 2hours long- Pennington Flash (on 14th, 21st, 28th) 11am 1½hours long- Pennington Flash (on 14th, 21st, 28th) 11am 1hour longTuesdays:- Orrell Water Park (on 15th) 11am 1 hour long- Worthington Lakes (on 22nd) 11am 1 hour long(please note no dogs allowed)- Haigh Hall (on 29th) 11am 1½ hour longWednesdays:- Haigh Hall Plantation Gates (on 16th & 23rd)9.30am 1 hour- Haigh Hall Plantation Gates (30th) 9.30am 2 hourslong- BorsdaneWoods, Aspull (23rd) 11am 1 hour longThursdays:- Gidlow (17th) 11am 1 hour long- Appley Bridge (24th) 10am 2 hours long- Red Rock (31st) 11am 1 hour- Pennington Flash Power Walk (17th, 24th, 31st)10am 1 hour long- Pennington Falsh Health Walk (17th, 24th, 31st)10am 40 minsFridays:- Shakerley (25th) 11am 1 hourSaturdays:- Leigh Sports Village Nordic Clinic (12th) 9.30am30 mins- Rivington Nordic Clinic (19th) 9.30am 30 mins- Parsons Meadows Nordic Clinic (26th) 9.30am 30mins- Leigh Sports Village Nordic (12th) 10am 1 hour- Rivington Nordic (19th) 10am 1 hour- Parsons Meadows (26th) 10am 1 hourPlease arrive 15 minutes before the walk is due to

start. For more information on the Winter WalksProgramme contact [email protected] or call01942 488481

WLCTwinterwalks

programme

Colinmakes thedraw for theWhiteCrow charity rafflePicture by John CallonFORMER Courier advertising manager Colin Hafez is seen onthe left of our picture with the paper's general managerMichelleHafez and Ian Morrell of the White Crow, drawing the CharityChristmas Raffle at the local hostelry on Christmas Eve.There were seven prizes in the raffle, the top one being two months freemembership of the ladies' only gym inWigan - ideal for working off theChristmas Pudding!

Join Jack and asporty start to 2013

THE estimated 58,652 smokers living inAshton, Leigh and Wigan are beingurged to improve their health bymaking a new year’s resolution to cutout cigarettes for good.Anyone who lives or works in Ashton, Leigh or

Wigan can access free one-to-one support to quitthrough Wigan’s Stop Smoking Service.Quitting with NHS support is estimated at being four

times more effective than going ‘cold turkey’.One local couple who are feeling the health and

financial benefits of quitting are Ashley Mead andAndrew Topping, both age 27 and fromAtherton. Theyhave been smoke-free for the last eight months withhelp fromWigan’s Stop Smoking Service.Since starting smoking at school, they had both tried

to stop several times on their own but without success.During a visit to see her Physiotherapist, Ashley wasoffered the opportunity to be referred to Wigan’s StopSmoking Service.Andrew also decided to quit and theyattended the appointments together.Both Ashley and Andrew found the appointments

encouraging and supportive and they also got adviceon nicotine replacement therapy.Since quitting, the couple estimate they have saved

more than £400 a month.For help on hw to quit smoking call Wigan’s Stop

Smoking Service on 01942 482539 or visitwww.bridgewater.nhs.uk/stopsmoking/

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WIGAN Borough’sannual Duke ofEdinburgh’s Awardshowcase evening tookplace at the DWStadium in December.Young people from acrossWigan and Leigh, who havegiven hours of their time andeffort to achieve theprestigious award, had thechance to show off their hardwork in front of professionalsand families.Throughout the evening theyoung people showcased their

unique skills that helped themearn a Duke of Edinburgh’s (Dof E) Award, includingperformances in dance andsong. Special certificates werepresented to the D of Eparticipants in front of theirfriends and family.Simon Morton, Youth Voiceand Engagement Team Leaderat Wigan Council, said: “Thisevent allowed us to celebrate theyoung people of the borough,and it is quite fitting that in thisOlympic year we have achievedmore awards than ever before -36 gold awards and around 250silver and bronze awards.

“The Duke ofEdinburgh’s Award isabout climbing yourown personal Everest,and through the awardyoung people havelearnt about havingaspirations and,hopefully, this issomething that they willcarry with themthroughout their lives.”The award is aprogramme ofadventurous, practicaland cultural activitiesrun at a Bronze, Silveror Gold level to helpyoung people aged 14 –

25 learn new skills or gainrecognition for activities theyare already involved in.It is a nationally recognisedaward that is guaranteed toimpress on both CVs oruniversity applications.Richard Falk, Chief Examinerfor the Royal YachtingAssociation, said: “As childrenand adults we are inundatedwith choices more than ever.And in these tough financialtimes the people in this roomshould be rewarded for themany varied and enrichingprogrammes they have allowedyoung people to take part in.”Paul Griffiths, North West Dof E Operations Officer, alsocommented: “For those youngpeople who are doing theirDuke of Edinburgh’sAward andliving through it, you arecreating memories andfriendships that will stay withyou for the rest of your lives.“If you are doing the bronze,don’t give and get your silver. Ifyou have got your silver then gofor the gold. You won’t regretit.”The award, run by WiganCouncil Voice and EngagementTeam youth workers, nowoperates out of fire stations inWigan, Hindley and Atherton.

Duke of Edinburgh’s youngsters showcase talents

Holly Beaver (right), Myra Nasim-Mohi (left) and CameronPeters (top) receive their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

STAFF and parents fromWigan Infirmary’s RainbowChildren’s Ward and theNeonatal and Maternity wardshad a surprise on ChristmasDay morning, when FatherChristmas dropped in to givepresents to the children.Assisted by Rainbow Ward’s playspecialist, Pat Barnes, she said: “It’s agreat joy for children, parents and staff tohave Father Christmas amongst us all atWigan Infirmary on this special morning.It’s a great delight.”Wigan Central Councillor George Daviesand Head Porter Tony Grimes, alsopresented RainbowWard staff with gifts forthe children.Pictures show Father Christmas with Patand staff on Rainbow children’s ward andCouncillor George Davies and Head PorterTony Grimes presenting gifts to staff.

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9


CourierClubCorner

STANDISH Pleasant Hour Club held theirannual Christmas party on Monday December17th.Members were presented with a bottle of Bells whiskey, a

box of chocolate biscuits and a diary as well as enjoying a

delicious buffet and a game of bingo.Chairperson IreneAdamson, thanked committee members Edna

Eccles, Edna Fairhurst, Joan Abraham and Lillian Tomlinson fortheir hard work.The next meeting is on Monday January 14th 1.30pm -3.30pm

at Standish Community Centre. Everyone is welcome.

MEMBERS of a local Scottish Country Dance groupcelebrated a successful year, after they happily settled intoa new meeting place.After the Thistle Society moved to St.Teresa’s Church Hall, College Road,

Upholland in 2012, the soceity has never looked back.At the beginning of October the society held their annual Presidents/Visitors

Night, and with more than 140 dancers attending the event, it was a successfulnight. Scottish Country Dance musician Ian Slater provided the entertainment.The society also attended the 350th anniversary celebrations at Tunley U.R.

church. The society’s display team wowed the audience with some beautiful dances,and invited audience members to dance. Members rounded off the display with anexotic Egyptian dance by Josie.In November the society celebrated St.Andrews Night with a celebration in the

Successful year forWigan’s Thistle Society

Members of the Standish Pleasent Hour club show off their gifts at their annual Christmas Party

Standish Pleasant Hour Club celebrates Christmas

Church Hall. Members enjoyed haggis, oatcakes, shortbread with mulled wine.The tuition group meets on a Monday night at 7.30pm – 8.15pm with instruction

from dance teacher Margaret. This is a very relaxed class from new memberslearning steps and formation, to experienced dancers enjoying more advancedtechniques and taking part in team work for display events.

It was a busy December for the ladiesof Shevington WI.Members enjoyed a trip to the Christmas events

at Chatsworth House as well as their annualChristmas party night.The next meeting will take place on Wednesday

January 23rd at 2pmShevington Womens Institute meets on the 4th

Wednesday of every month at Shevington MethodistChurch on Gathurst Lane.The meetings start at 7.30pm and are open to all

women, visitors are more than welcome.Anyone wishing to join us should come along to one

of our meetings or phone our president, SylviaMcHugh on 01257 401963 for further information.

Shevington WI

Top table guests are welcomed at Burns Night Supper 2012

WORLDCHOICE Travel, Wigan have won yet anotherJet2 Holidays award in recognition of their fantasticsupport during a Instore Promotion event in January2012.Based in Market Street, Wigan, Worldchoice Travel surpassed

expectations inwhat has been a challenging year for the industry as awhole.Manager Gill Blundell said “We pride ourselves on excellentcustomer service and product knowledge, we have a loyal customerbase who knowwewill work hard to find them their perfect holiday.We feel very proud to havewon an awardwith Jet2Holidays for the

2ndyear running and are looking forward to continuing this successfulpartnership in 2013”.SimonMarshall, Jet2 Holidays praised the team for their excellent

product knowledge and strong customer service skills in securing theircustomers with the right holiday each and every time.So why not come to our Promotional Event to experience the great

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10


ST. Luke’s Church, Orrell, will beholding its third Messy Church event,on Friday 18th January 2013, in thechurch hall on Lodge Road at 4.30pmto 6.30pm.Now its third event, the Messy Churchprogramme has proved to be to be a great success.Everyone is welcome, children must be accompaniedby an adult.For further details phone 01695 623 410 or [email protected]

ALL Saints’ Church Appley Bridgeand Christ Church Parbold are jointlyrunning The Alpha Course for eightweeks starting on Tuesday January29th at 7.30pm.The course will take place at The WayfarerRestaurant, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NL. Thenight involves a complimentary meal every week, atalk about practical Christianity and the chance todiscuss issues relating to beliefs openly in a group.Allare welcome.If you are interested please contact Simon Glynn oron 01257 4621350 or [email protected]

All Saints’ hostAlpha Course

Messy Churchat St Luke’s

ChurchChatter...

Any new from your church forour readers? - contact

Hannah Smith on [email protected],

or find us onFacebook - Wigan Courier

ST. Andrew’s is holding FridayBreakfast Mornings in January andFebruary to raise funds for charities.The first of the breakfast mornings will take placeon Friday January 25th in aid of the Samaritansfrom 10am-12noon.A second coffee morning will be held on FridayFebruary 22nd in aid of Myasthenia Gravis from 10am- 12noon.Both breakfast mornings will take place in St.Andrew’s Parish Centre, 120 Woodhouse Lane,Springfield.Different kinds of cards, toast, cheese & hamToasties, toasted teacakes, jam, scones, cakes andbiscuits, will be sold during the coffee morning, alongwith a chocolate tombola, a bring and buy sale and araffle.Everyone is welcome.If you would like to make cakes, give a donation orraffle prize, come along on the day, before 10 am ifpossible, with your contributions.

St. Andrew’s hostcoffee morningsfor charity

ST. JAMES’ the Great, Wrightington,is busy preparing their annual Panto,and this year they are performingBabes in the Woods.The pantomime will take place in the Church Hall,Church Lane, Wrightington, WN6 9SL.

Performances will take place on: Friday January 18that 7.30pm, Saturday January 19th at 2pm & 7.30pm,Thursday January 24th at 7.30pm, Friday January 25that 7.30pm and Saturday january 26th at 7.30pm.Tickets cost £6, concessions £4 (not at lastperformance) and are available from Marie Taylor on01257 424919 or after 10.30am Services in theChurch Hall

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THE only way was Slimming World for realitystar Mark Wright when he met Wigan’s MaggieLloyd at the weight-loss organisation’s annualawards ceremony.Maggie, who manages Slimming World groups in Wigan, was

thrilled to get the chance to pose for a photo with Mark at theevent which celebrates its most successful slimmersMark, who shot to fame on The Only Way is Essex, joined

Slimming World’s founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE to hostthe ceremony.

He said: “Presenting the Slimming World Awards was a realhonour. I was absolutely blown away by the people who joined uson stage.“Throughout the day I met so many fantastic people, not only the

slimmers collecting awards but also amazing people like Maggiewho run and manage the Slimming World groups and help themachieve so much.“Everyone commented that having the support of other slimmers

is really important too. I really feel the people of Wigan are verylucky to have such a great support network on their doorstep.”Maggie said meeting Mark was the perfect ending to a great year

for Slimming World. The club now helps more thana million people every year to lose weight and leadhealthier, happier lives at one of its 9,500 weeklysessions.“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” added

Maggie. “With one of the highest levels of obesityin Europe right here in the UK, we want to help evenmore people to slim down and improve their healthstarting this January.To get your NewYear off to a super slimming start

and find your nearest Slimming World group call0844 897 8000 or visit www.slimmingworld.comMaggie is pictured (right) with MarkWright at the

ceremony.

Wiganermeets Towie star

They’re out all year and inall weathers, making surethat Wigan and Leigh’sparks and open spaces looktheir best.And now the dedicated diggers of

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s(WLCT) Greenspaces Team haveproved they’re in a field of their ownby picking up a major national award.The team has been hailed as the BestPerforming Parks, GroundsMaintenance and Horticultural Servicein the land at the annual Association forPublic Service Excellence (APSE)awards.The competition saw more than 80

public services go head-to-head in a bidto prove they’re the best. Judges lookedat value for money, productivity, qualityand staff development to help themdetermine which was the best.First the Wigan team made it through

to the finals where they faced some stiffcompetition from the likes of Cardiff,Fife and North Lincolnshire. But when

the final scores were tallied it was theWigan team that was the cream of thecrop.The team was on hand at a glittering

awards ceremony in Blackpool lastweek to pick up their prize fromEmmerdale star Kelsey Beth Crossley.WLCT’s Head of the Greenspaces

Team, Paul Barton said: “We areabsolutely delighted to receive thisaward as it demonstrates that we areliterally the best. It is particularlysatisfying as this award reflects thecontinued hard work and dedication ofall of our staff when delivering theboroughs grounds maintenanceservice.”Chief Executive of WLCT, Stuart

Murray also commented: “We arepassionate about the borough’s openspaces and this award reflects that hard-work, positive outlook and dedication.”As well as the award, the WLCT

Greenspaces Team’s story will now befeatured in APSE’s Parks SummaryReport, due out in March and will behighlighted as an example of bestpractice by the organisation.

WLCT awarded for green space

WIGANERS are being warned to look for symptoms of measlesin their families as the disease has reared its head inneighbouring areas.There are confirmed cases in Bolton and other areas of Greater

Manchester. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Health Protection Unitsaid: “2012 has been the worst year for measles for many years. It’s ahighly infectious disease that spreads easily amongst people who aren’tfully immunised.“MMR uptake rates amongst young children are now high and continuing to

improve, but we are seeing cases in older unvaccinated children, teenagers andadults who were not fully vaccinated as children. We’re also seeing measles inbabies and toddlers who are too young to be vaccinated.“Parents should have their children vaccinated at the appropriate times.The HPA is advising people with symptoms of measles to stay away from school,

nursery or work until five days have elapsed after the start of a rash. You shouldtelephone your Doctor's Surgery or NHS walk-in centre before going so thatarrangements can be made for you to be treated in isolation.

Measles alert forWigan

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Courier BUSINESS

THOUSANDS of apprenticeships areto be created across Wigan Borough inan effort to help young people get afoothold in the work place. More than fourthousand youngsters will benefit from on-the-jobtraining and be given the chance to study forrecognised qualifications as a successfulapprenticeship scheme is expanded in 2013.Wigan Council and Wigan Forward Board have

pledged to work with the borough’s businesscommunity to create 4,856 apprenticeships in the NewYear. They have already created 4,356 in 2012. Ahost

of companies and private sector organisations havesigned up to the scheme including Leigh-basedWaterfields Bakery and Tudor Heating in Wigan.Both the council and the Forward Board have

committed to working with training providers andemployers to create opportunities for young people.The ambitious target is part of a campaign to tackleyouth unemployment in the borough.Ian Lenagan, who is responsible for skills and

learning on Wigan Forward Board, says: “This is afantastic commitment from local companies with anambitious target of creating 4,000 apprenticeshipsnext year. We believe this target is achievable with the

“You’re hired”: The Boroughmeans business withApprentice pledge

business community, the ForwardBoard and the council workingtogether.“Youth unemployment is

something that should concern usall and it is important that seriousand substantial steps are taken totackle it. Here in Wigan Borough,we have plans in place to do justthat.”As well as private sector

companies, some of the borough’sbiggest public sector employershave also agreed to take onapprentices next year – includingseveral schools and colleges.Earlier this year Wigan Counciltook on 13 apprentices and hasrecently taken on a further two. It’sthe first time the council has run anapprenticeship scheme since 2009.One of the original apprentices

taken on by the council in Octoberwas Rhiannon Doran, who hasbecome the first of the apprentice

recruits to secure a permanentposition. Rhiannon had onlyworked for the council for a weekwhen she found herselfinterviewing for a full-time job.Thankfully the 18-year old fromScholes in Wigan made a goodimpression early on.Rhiannon said: “I’d only been

with the council for a few dayswhen the job came up. I didn’tthink I’d have much chance but Iapplied anyway. When I found outI’d got it, I was made up. I reallyenjoy working in the team. I’mlearning a lot, earning money andnow have the security of a full-time job behind me.”Rhiannon will continue to study

for an NVQ in businessadministration. She facedcompetition from more than 120applicants for the role in the citizensupport team.Cllr David Molyneux, deputy

leader of Wigan Council, said:“I’m really pleased Rhiannon hasgot a full-time post. I have heardvery good reports about her and allthe other apprentices since theystarted working with us. They havehad a big impact across the counciland it speaks volumes that one ofthem has already secured apermanent job.“Converting apprenticeships into

full-time positions is one of thekey tests of any training schemeand already we have passed thattest. Now the remainingapprentices will be supported intheir search for staff positions.“Apprenticeships open up

opportunities for young people andin the current climate that isessential. It’s a chance to learn newskills, earn money and getqualifications.”

By Hannah SmithWIGAN is fast becoming ahub for entrepreneurship.New entreprise project, Joining

Communities is helping Wigan’sunemployed build confidence,develop new skills, and start up theirown businesses.Based in Lilford House, on St. Helen’s

Road, Leigh, Joining Communitiesprovides one-to-one help to createsustainable employment and enterprisein Wigan Borough.Established in 2010, the service with

the motto “Developing alternativethinking”, creates opportunities andguidance for Wigan’s jobless andprovides accredited courses forstudents. Courses include Businessrelationships, Developing the BusinessVision, Running a Business, LegalRequirements, Cash Flow Forecast,Business Planning, Action LearningSets, Social Media Training, FunctionalSkills, Confidence Building and SocialResponsibility. These courses providethe participants with the skills to starttheir own entreprise.Since its establishment, the students of

Joining Communities have set up fourentreprise projects. Leigh Cancer CareTrust Charity, Butterfly Centre Charity-which gives respite care to people withinvisible diseases, Leighbay- startingtheir own online help and support forentreprises, and In a Lather, anenterprise company which makes soapand bath bombs to help people with lowself esteem and confidence.Jayne Sherwood, Service and

Development manager at JoiningCommunities, said: “We deal with manypeople who are in different situations.People may be unemployed who havemany qualifications so people aren’t

employing them, some may have beenin a job since school and have beenmade redundant and do not have otherskills to get another job. Everyone isdifferent so our one-to-one service istailored to fit any person’s situation.”With an average footfall of 260 people

per week, Joining Communities iscertainly making a difference to theborough.Michelle, a learner at Joining

Communities, said: “It’s an excellentservice to the community, it givespeople a sense of achievement and selfconfidence.”Philip, who is on work experience at

the centre, also praised the project,commenting: “I’ve been able to refreshmy knowledge and experience. I’vefound it a pleasant environment to workin.”Community is also at the forefront of

the project. “The centre can be rented bylocal community groups. Leigh MorrisDancers have held a coffee morning atthe centre and raised money formembers to buy new morris dancedresses,” explained Jayne. “We want toencourage the borough to get involvedin social entreprise projects to bring thecommunity together.”There is a real community atmosphere

at the centre, but also a sense ofdetermination. Learners at the centre arecertainly not sitting back when it comesto finding jobs. “If there are no jobs,make one- that’s our philosophy atJoining Communities,”Jayne added.Lilford House, the centre of

entrepreneurship, confidence buildingand community, is making an impact tothe local community and who knows,one day, many success business peoplewill be created thanks to JoiningCommunities.

Community isthe way forward

14


Courier BUSINESS

WIGAN AthleticFootball Clubhave made a netprofit of £4.3m forthe financial yearending on May31st 2012.This is the first time insix years that the clubhas reported a netprofit, and is a hugeincrease on 2011figures, which showeda £7.2m net loss.Covering the 2011-2012 season, when theLatics achieved 15thposition in the PremierLeague, the turnoverincreased to £52.6mcompared to £50.5m in2011 whilst the EBITDA(earnings before interest,tax, depreciation andamortisation of players)was £8.9m comparedwith £4.9m in theprevious year.Salary costs were themost significantexpenditure but thesereduced to £37.7mcompared to the previousyear cost of £39.9m.Total administrativeexpenses includingamortisation of playercontracts reduced to£55m from £58.4m in theprevious year.During the year, theClub invested £10.4m onnew players whilst profitfrom the sale of playersincreased to £7.9m from£2.3m in the previousyear primarily due to thesale of Charles N’Zogbia

to Aston Villa.Net debt at the year-endincluding bankborrowings and loansfrom Chairman DavidWhelan and his familyreduced significantly to£20.5m compared with£72.2m in the previousyear.During the year £48mof debt was converted toequity whichsignificantly reduced theClub’s long termliabilities. At the sametime the ordinary andpreferred ordinary sharesof the Club weretransferred to a newparent company, WiganAthletic HoldingsLimited which also holdsa controlling interest inthe company operatingthe DW Stadium.Chief Executive ofWiganAhtletic, JonathanJackson said: “Theresults are once againencouraging and we arevery pleased to report anet profit position in avery competitiveenvironment. Byincreasing turnover andcontrolling costs theClub is continuing toprogress to a break evenoperating position whichall football clubs areaspiring to but many arefinding it difficult toachieve.“We continue tomaintain our position inthe Barclays PremierLeague by significantinvestment in the playingsquad to strengthen ourposition on the field in

our eighth year in the topdivision.“In addition, majorimprovement of ouracademy and trainingfacilities will commencethis year to expand ourstrategic aim ofconsolidating andenhancing ourinfrastructure withincreased focus on youthdevelopment. Thiswould not be possiblewithout the continuedfinancial support ofChairman, DavidWhelan who remains anenthusiastic andcommitted owner whohas taken his home-townclub from the lowerreaches of the FootballLeague to being anestablished PremierLeague club.“The conversion of£48m of debt to equityhas significantlystrengthened the Club’sfinancial position andhas, to a very significantextent, written off thedebt owed to MrWhelan.“With significantincreases in revenuesforecasted for PremierLeague clubs frombroadcasting agreementsnext year, the Club isideally placed tocontinue its organicgrowth and continue tocompete in the highestprofile and mostcompetitive league in theworld from a sound andsustainable financialposition.”

Laticsmakes profit forthe first time in six years

WHEN it comes toa healthy attitudeto work, localbusinesses andWigan Council areleading the way.Nine organisationshave now receivedspecial certificates thatrecognise the fact thatthey are putting thehealth of their staff first.Wigan Leisure andCulture Trust (WLCT)is supporting theborough’s businesscommunity in the drivefor better health throughits [email protected]@Work teamworks with businesses,visiting workplaces andoffering free healthchecks and training for‘Workplace Champions’.The team also puts on

health and wellbeingroadshows to informworkers about localhealth promotion servicessuch as LoseWeight, FeelGreat and HealthTrainers.Nine businesses initiallysigned up to worktowards theActive@Work GoodWork: Good HeathChartermark.To achieve this, theyhad to prove how theypromote healthy eating,physical activity, positivemental health, stoppingsmoking and other healthissues to their staff.Bosses also have to leadby example bydemonstrating positiveleadership andmanagement, promotinghealth and safety issuesand effectivemanagement ofattendance at work.Now, the first nine to

take part in the scheme -Heinz, Murphy Group,Wigan & Leigh College,Wigan Council, Ash Hire,Garton Limited, HealthFirst CIC, Dr Russell &Kumar Practice and PurePeople Limited – havefulfilled the criteria andreceived their certificates.Wigan Council were thelatest to receive the awardearlier this week.In congratulating thewinners, Dr Ardern,Executive Director ofPublic Health for WiganBorough, said that shehoped the programmewould make businessesrealise that healthy staffare more productive.“It is necessary toensure that employersand employeesrecognise not only theimportance ofpreventing ill-health,but also the key role theworkplaces can play in

promoting health andwellbeing.” Dr. Ardernsaid. “The positive impactthat this programme hason individuals’ lives, aswell as on the localeconomy is vital for theborough.”At least 40 local firmshave signed up for theprogramme and are goingto work towards thecharter in 2013.Businesses interested intaking part in this freeprogramme, can contactthe Active@Work teamon 01942 828587, or e-m a i l :[email protected]

Wigan’s well@work

Carol Southern, Active Living, WLCT; Claire Whittle, (HR) and Lewis Jones, (Health& Safety) fromWigan Council, certificate presented by Kate Ardern, Director of PublicHealth ALW PCT and Donna Hall, Chief Executive Wigan Council

15


DOCTOR Andrew Wardman, ofWrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHSFoundation Trust hasbeen recognised in theNew Year’s Honours list.Dr Wardman, ResponsibleOfficer and recent Director ofMedical Education, has beenawarded an MBE for Services toHospital Medicine.During the 25 years DrWardmanhas worked at the Trust he has helda wide range of medical roles,including Medical Director,Divisional Chair of Medicine andRegional Advisor for the RoyalCollege of Physicians.As a consultant physician, with aspecial interest in respiratorymedicine, Dr Wardman hasprovided an exceptional level ofhard work and clinical excellence.He became a consultant in acutemedicine and has led theestablishment of this very busymodern speciality, designed to dealwith the needs of the most extremely ill patients.Dr Wardman plays a vital intrinsic role which hasprovided a continuity of quality care for both thepatients of the Borough and the clinical teams; of thehospital and local health community. He routinely

exhibits an amazing combination of sharp, clinical,scientific focus, whilst always remaining mindful of

the needs of the patient.Andrew Foster, Chief Executivecommented: “There is noconsultant in the Trust whocommands more respect oraffection than Dr Wardman.Everyone will join with me ingiving our warmest congratulationsfor this well deserved accolade.”Finding out he was to be awardedan MBE came as a surprise. DrWardman said: “I felt bothhonoured and privileged to receivethe MBE. My work within hospitalmedicine has always been apleasure to me. I am immenselygrateful to have been able to workwith some fantastic colleagues atWWLduring the past 25 years. TheTrust is a superb employee, whichhas offered me many wonderfulopportunities.”It is not only patients who havebenefited from Dr Wardman’sexpertise. Several thousands of

trainees, who have spent part of their training atWWL, have experienced firsthand his outstandingsupport and leadership. This award further commendsDr Wardman for his efforts to develop the clinicalskills, knowledge and competencies of severalgenerations of doctors in the North West.

Dr Andrew Wardmanawarded MBE for Servicesto Hospital Medicine

Borough doctor awardedMBE

FILMS showing at Parbold PictureHouse in the first quarter of 2013.Films are shown at Parbold Village Hall, TheGreen, Parbold.Sunday 6th January at 7.00 p.m. From Russia withLove. Cert PG 115 min. Admission: £3.00.Thursday 17th January at 7.00 p.m. National TheatreLive: The Magistrate by Arthur Wing Pinero. Cert12A. Admission: £12.50. Front Row Box Office Tel:01257 463878.

Sunday 20th January at 7.00pm The Reader. Cert15 123 min. Admission: £3.00.Sunday 3rd February at 7pm. In Love with Alma

Cogan. Cert 12A 95 min. Admission £3.00Sunday 17th February at 7.00 p.m. Kolya. Cert 12

105 min. Admission £3.00.Front Row Box Office Tel: 01257 463878.Admission payable on the door. Doors open at

6.30pm, tea and coffee available.

Parbold Picture House film showings

YOU really have to see ImagineKitchens to believe it!Billy and his team provide theircustomers with high quality,bespoke services from designing toinstalling the finest kitchens in thearea.Imagine Kitchens has consistentlyoffered their clients some of the bestkitchen products on the market.Imagine Kitchens offer you a fullinstallation service by their in houseteam of plumbers, tilers, plasterersand electricians. All work carriedout by qualified tradesmen.Mr and Mrs Deardon are verysatisfied customers: "We are reallypleased with our new kitchen. Thequality of the units and appliancesis excellent. We were extremelyimpressed with every aspect of the‘package’ - from theplanning/design stage through tothe final fitting.”Mr and Mrs Spicer commented,

“The manner of all the work forcewas extremely good. All worked toa very high standard and wereconsiderate and respectful at alltimes. We are delighted with ournew kitchenThis is just a couple of our manyglowing recommendations thathave been accredited to Imagine.As customers of Imagine know,the company caters for all tastesincorporating modern andcontemporary to traditional andpractical but far more importantlythey always focus on the quality of

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16


Pupil Sam Bithell, one of the“Wigan Stars” of the show, anda pupil at the school, was filmedwith some of his rugbysupporting fellow pupils on theschool’s pirate ship (picturedabove) before being asked whythey will “Be There,” the themeof the advertisement.Sam is one of just three winnersin a national competition to designthe official mascot for the RugbyLeague World Cup 2013, agednine and the youngest finalist, he

helped to create the mascot andalso gave it the official name -“Grubber”.Sam was chosen by a panel oflocal experts following a recentcompetition to represent ourborough in the competition.WiganBorough received over a thousandentries and each host area selecteda design for submission to thenational judging.Sam’s design was chosen by theNational Judging panel as one ofthe successful national winners inNovember where he previewed the

final design and was presentedwith a signed England Shirt at theEngland vs France AutumnInternational game at Craven Parkin Hull, with the other two finalistsLuke and Emily from Chorley andHull.The final cut is available to viewalready on the RLWC2013 website and YouTube; alongside our“Wigan Stars” are others such asBradley Wiggins, Ben Westwood,Darren Lockyer and otherOlympic 2012 medallists:www.rlwc2013.com

Our Lady’s Primary promotes rugbyWorld CupA GROUP of filmmakers fromWigan Council’smedia team haverecently beenfilming a shortvideo in OurLady’s R.C.Primary School,Aspull to promotethe Rugby LeagueWorld Cup 2013worldwide.

Students at Wigan & Leigh College’sLeigh Centre enjoyed a special visitfrom experts at London’s ConfuciusInstitute.Both the Image and Sixth Form Centres studentswere treated to a wellbeing workshop from themanager of the Confucius Institute Yannan Yu,Doctor Jun She and tutor Jian Chen.The London Confucius Institute aims to promoteChinese language, learning, and teaching and the

understanding of the Chinese culture in the UK.The students learned the art of acupuncture, cuppingand self massage, with some even experiencing thetreatments themselves.Changli Chen, from Wigan & Leigh College, said:“We’d like to thank the Institute for putting on theseworkshops. The students learned so much from them,and it provided many with a better understanding ofChinese culture.”Wigan & Leigh College boasts its own Confucius

Classroom which is open to all students and residentsfrom across the borough of Wigan.

Students learn Chinese well being techniques

17


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By Hannah SmithWigan CentralCouncillor GeorgeDavies searches fortruth in the story ofLady MabelA Lancashire legend of

secrecy, betrayal and love isheld at the heart of Wigan.One ofWigan’s main roads,

leading into the town centre,tells the tale of romance,deception and penance- thelegend of Lady Mabel.To this day the story is still

told in the town, yet the truthof the tale will always remaina mystery.According to local legend,

in the 14th century, after SirWilliam Bradshaigh failed toreturn from the crusades, hiswife Lady Mabel Bradshaighmarried a Welsh knight.Ten years later when Sir

William returned, hemurdered his wife’s newhusband in Newton-le-Willows. As penance for herunintentional bigamy LadyMabel was forced to walk asix mile route, bare footed,from their home Haigh Hallthrough its grounds to Mab’sCross, on Standishgate, onceevery week. SirWilliam diedin August 1333, it is thoughton the same spot as where hekilled the Welsh knight inNewton-le-Willows. Thisspot is thought to be the redstone, known as the bloodystone, seen on the mainNewton to Winwick road.

It is thought the ghost ofLady Mabel is seenwondering the grounds ofHaigh Hall on her route fromthe Hall to the cross.The Legend of Lady Mabel

has intrigued Wigan CentralCouncillor George Davies.He said: “So much local

history lies in the area ofSwinley from the localschools, Wigan Infirmary,Tyldesley monument andLittle London, but I felt thatour first story would be aboutthe most talked about, LadyMabel.“I’d like to thank the Rev

Ray Hutchinson and Mab’sCross Primary School fortheir contribution in theoutcome of this story.”Lady Mabel’s route ended

at Mab’s Cross, Standishgate,which now stands in front ofMab‘s Cross Primary School,but was originally situated onthe other side of the road.Pupils at the school are

fascinated about the legendof Lady Mabel, so much sothe pupils have learnt aboutthe story and its place inhistory in their historylessons and have also made atapestry explaining thelegend.Deputy Head Teacher of

Mab’s Cross, Mr Wilsonsaid: “It is important thechildren learn about localhistory but also about theschool and its name. All thepupils are interested aboutthe story of Lady Mabel, it’salmost like she’s part of our

school.”The children love to talk

about the legend, whether itis true or not the story hascaptured the imaginationsand curiosity of the pupils.It’s not just children who

learnt about the story of LadyMabel.Wigan-based charity

BETA, Basic Education andTraining for Adults, havealso taught their studentsabout the legend of LadyMabel and the story’s placein history.Students of BETA visited

Haigh Hall, Speke Hall inLiverpool, Wigan ParishChurch and Lancaster Castleas part of their research intoLady Mabel and her story.BETA found it hard to find

any written proof of LadyMabel’s existence, due tomany of Wigan’s archivepapers were destroyed duringthe English Civil War, buteventually found writtenproof of her birth at SpekeHall,home of the Norreysfamily, when they visited.Their research showed that

Sir Bradshaigh could nothave been fighting in theCrusades and was most likelypart of the Banastre rebellion.At the heart of Wigan TownCentre is where Lady Mabelnow lies, buried with herhusband, Sir WilliamBradshaigh, in the CrawfordChapel at All Saints’ ParishChurch. The chapel, alsoknown as the Lady MabelChapel, was founded in

1338. Underneath the familyvault lies 14 relatives of theCrawford family.The Rev Ray Hutchinson

of All Saints’ Parish Church,said: “We get so manyvisitors intrigued by the storyof Lady Mabel, whether it istrue I don’t know, but it hascertainly sparked interestamongst local residents.”The mystery surrounding

Lady Mabel and act ofpenance will alwayscaptivate the minds of localresidents.No one will ever know ifLady Mabel really didwonder the streets of Wiganfor her sins.

Wigan councillor investigates local legend

18


YOUNG PEOPLE fromacross Wigan Boroughhave been honoured fortheir part in a lifechanging high seasadventure.This year, approx 30young people have set sailon voyages with the TallShips Youth Trust in watersaround the English Channel- in turn learning atremendous aboutthemselves and otherpeople.The voyages are the result of

a unique partnership betweenWigan Council’s Voice andEngagement Team, schoolsacross the borough, localbusinessman Martin Ainscoughand the Tall Ships Youth Trustto deliver innovative and lifechanging experiences to theborough’s young people.

Young people and theirworkers, parents and teacherscame together at InceCommunity Centre for apresentation evening to honourthe achievements of all thosewho have taken part.Vicky Perry, a Voice and

Engagement Team youthworker, said: “So far there havebeen three, six-day voyagesand around 30 young peoplehave taken part.“We have had some loud and

lively times, we have had somechallenging times and we havehad some inspiring times buteach voyage has given us andthe young people theopportunity to learn so much.”Lorraine Roper’s son, 14-

year-old Aaron fromRosebridge High, was one ofthe lucky young people to goon a Tall Ships voyage.She said: “He might not get

an amazing opportunity likethis again and he did not wantto come home.“He has learned a lot about

himself and how to tackledifferent situations as theyarise. They said he was one ofthe star pupils on his voyagewhich proves he showed a lotof guts and determination, andit also makes us very proud.”Mr Ainscough, Wigan Youth

Zone Chairman and one of thedriving forces behind the newtown centre development,kindly funded the berths on theTall Ships voyages.Simon Baker, Youth Zone

Development Manager, also

commented: “I know howmany requests Martin gets forcharitable support and healways wants to know whatresults will be seen if he doesoffer support.“I cannot wait to go back to

him and tell him about thisproject because it is so clearthat every single young personinvolved has benefitted somuch.”Sue Astbury, Wigan Council

Head of Early Intervention andPrevention, said: “This hasbeen a really good example ofpeople from the private andpublic sector coming togetherto create fantastic opportunitiesthat young people might notnormally have. The youngpeople and the staff have learntso much and have cementedgreat relationships for thefuture.”The voyage has been

organised through the TallShips Youth Trust, a registered

charity who promote increasedself esteem and selfconfidence, healthier lifestylesand improved life andcitizenship skills throughsailing.Chas Cowell, Youth

Development and TrainingManager at the charity, said: “Ithas been an absolute pleasureto work with everyone fromWigan Borough. I have had thepleasure of meeting you allboth before and after thevoyages so I know how muchyou have all grown.“Through the voyages, we

want to give you independenceand the skills needed tosucceed in work and life. Wehave every confidence you willgo on to achieve great things.”

For more information onthe Tall Ships Youth Trust goto www.tallships.org and forfurther information aboutWigan Youth Zone visitwww.wiganyouthzone.org

A SENIOR CITIZEN fromStandish got rather more thanshe bargained for when sheplaced her Christmas turkeyorder – she won a brand newcar with all the trimmings!Margaret Fairhurst, of SouthlandsAvenue, was the lucky recipient ofa Nissan Micra after scooping thetop prize in a Christmas raffle runby Noel Chadwick’s butchers.The 63-year-old could barely believe her

luck when she was handed the keys to thecar on Christmas Eve.Chadwicks cameupwith the idea for the

raffle, whichwas free to enter, as a way ofboosting trade and it worked a treat, with150 extra customers visiting the shop eachweek in the run up to Christmas.Margaret said: “It was a lovely surprise,

especially so close to Christmas.“I only found out I’d won when I went

into the shop shortly after the draw was

made and one of the staff broke the newsto me. To say I was surprised is anunderstatement.”John Chadwick, owner of Chadwicks’

family butchers, said: “We’ve had achallenging couple of years so thiswas ourway of fighting back.“We came up with the idea for the raffle

as a way of attracting customers and itcertainly seemed towork – on averagewegot an extra 150 customers comingthrough the doors in the run up toChristmas, so it was definitelyworthwhile.”GaryLamb,Manager ofChorleyNissan

in Wigan, who supplied the car, added:“Hats off to John and his team for comingup with such a novel idea.“The raffle clearly proved a big draw

with customers and unsurprisinglyMargaret was absolutely delighted withher unexpected Christmas present.”

Mrs Fairhurst is pictured abovepicking up her new car from ChorleyNissan’s Gary Lamb at Chadwick’s.

Chadwick’s suprise forStandish senior citizen

Life on the oceanwave..

19


SHE'S ONLY been in office fortwo and a half years but one ofParliament's youngestmembers, Wigan's Lisa Nandyis turning the heads of theLabour Party, includingLabour Leader Ed Milliband.Since becoming an MP in 2010, Lisa

has served as Parliamentary PrivateSecretary to Tessa Jowell MP, ShadowOlympics Minister, and in May 2012 shewas promoted to Shadow Children'sMinister, with responsibility forsafeguarding, children in care andadoption.With Lisa's background of working for

national children's charity The Children'sSociety as a Senior Adviser, it seemed theperfect role for Lisa to take."I didn't just want to take any role, I

wanted to have the experience and theknowledge to be able to make a realdifference. I worked ten years at TheChildren's Society before becoming an MPso I accepted the role. I was offered anotherpromotion before this but I turned it downbecause I felt I couldn't give as much to thejob as I could with being ShadowChildren's minister."With any promotion, it means more work

and being an MP is no different. " The pastfew months have been so busy. I feel likeI've been hit over by a bus!" Lisa says, withan exhausted laugh.

TheWigan MP has been dealing with theJimmy Saville case and the recent child sexabuse cases in Rochdale, as well as takingtime to listen to her local constituents.

As ShadowChildren's minister,Lisa has beeninundated withhundreds of lettersfrom people across theUK coming forwardsaying they wereabused as a child."It's been really

tough reading theletters but I'mdetermined for thosepeople to seek justice."

UnclearJanuary is a busy

time for Lisa. TheChildren and FamiliesBill is set to beintroduced in theHouse of Commons inthis January.

In the Bill seesmeasures to make theadoption processquicker and easier, itgives provision tospecial education. Lisa

is opposing shared parenting, which seesfathers get equal rights. "The Bill is unclearwhen it comes to the shared parentingmeasures. We are arguing that you can'tpaint every situation with one brush, eachcase is different."We want the best for children and their

best interests are not supported by the Bill.Australia gave equal rights to parents, andit was a disaster. We want the best for eachchild."Although Lisa is opposing the Bill, she is

working with the Children's minister,Edward Timpson, not against him, to helpthe safeguarding of children in care andadoption.

Heated"It is a hard job being shadow children's

minister, we are dealing with children andso I don't like to bring in politics. I justwant to be able to change their lives andmake things easier for them. I have beenworking closely with Edward, andsomethings we do disagree on and I willstand up and say that, but we do also agreeon other issues. We need a good workingrelationship to be effective in our roles."Being in Opposition, Lisa does not hide

the fact that it is frustrating. "I can't eventell you how frustrating it is. I've neverbeen an MP in Government so I've onlyever spoke back. It does get heated in theHouse, and at first I really had to keep mycool. There's only so much I can do andthat's to stick up for the people I representand hope they [the Government] willlisten."With her workload rising by the minute,

Lisa has to find a balance between her roleas Wigan MP and as Shadow Children'minister, Lisa is keen to in herconstituency."It's so hard to balance the two. I still

spend four days inWigan, Friday, Saturday,Sunday, and Monday morning, because it'simportant to experience what my

constituents are feeling. Sometimes it ishard to put myself in the public's shoes, Iearn above the average wage and lives intwo separate bubbles, Parliament andWigan. It is strange working in London oneminute and the next inWigan, but you can'tlet that effect you."I want to be stuck in the same traffic

jams as the people of Wigan, and use thesame services as they do to understandtheir issues and problems."Locally, Lisa is campaigning against the

cuts, and with 1/3 of Wiganers employedby the public sector, times ahead are hard."The Government are cutting too much, toosoon and are not thinking of people indeprived areas."Lisa, who kick started the campaign for

the Government support the CoalfieldRegeneration Funding, did have successpersuading the Government to keep thefunding for coalfield communities inEngland, securing the £33 million funding.

Backing"Although it is hard being in Opposition,

the times you win on an issue does makeup for it. I secured a debate on theCoalfields Regeneration Fund and had a lotof backing from MPs of all parties and wewon, keeping the fund. It was sorewarding, to see our hard work payingoff."Describing the moment, when the

Opposition lost in their campaign to keepthe Education Maintenance Allowance(EMA), Lisa said: "It is soul-destroying,when you lose your campaign, that's theonly way I can describe it. When you feelas passionately as the people who you arerepresenting do and you lose it isfrustrating."But Lisa is still determined to fight for the

people ofWigan and it is clear to see whereLisa's priorities lie. Although, Wigan'srising politician is one to watch in thefuture, Lisa is supporting and representingthe people of Wigan.

Lisa looks to a challenging new year in 2013

Rising star- Wigan MP Lisa Nandy

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Wigan & LeighCollege studentHannah McCoymade it throughto the final of theprestigious YoungDesigner of theYearAward at theClothes ShowLive at the NECin Birmingham.Hannah, 17, fromHorwich near Bolton,beat off stiffcompetition fromuniversity students tomake it to the final tenin Birmingham.She saw her design,which was inspired by

chart topper Katy Perry,showcased at theprestigious fashion eventin front of a crowd ofhundreds of people.Hannah, a second yearstudent on the ExtendedDiploma in Fashion andClothing course, wastasked with designing adress to the theme of‘fashion wonderland’ fora favourite fashionindustry icon.This is the second year ina row that one of Wigan& Leigh College’sfashion students hasreached the final of thiscompetition.


Courier EDUCATION

STUDENTS from Wigan & LeighCollege’s Level 2 Retail and Businesscourses have been learning howWiganis linked to a town in North WestFrance.For more than 20 years Wigan has been twinned

with Angers and the town’s ambassador for town

twinning, Toussaint Lebeugle has been on campusto talk to students.In his role he arranges for students from Angers to

come to Wigan on work placements, and he wastasked with helping students at Wigan & LeighCollege understand more about French culture. Thestudents learned about a wide variety of subjects,ranging from traditional foods to universities, festivalsand monumental buildings.

WIGAN MP and Shadow Children’s MinisterLisa Nandy has joined the National Union ofTeachers (NUT), the NationalAssociation of HeadTeachers (NAHT) and the Musician’s Union inlaunching a petition to Education SecretaryMichael Gove on his review of exams insecondary schools.The Education Secretary wants to replace GCSEs in all the

English Baccalaureate subjects (maths, English, sciences, alanguage and history or geography) but Lisa believes thatignoring creative and vocational subjects may exclude manypupils and has concerns that the Government is rushing towards

the change without meaningful consultation.Along with leading education unions, she wants the consultation

period on the change extended and widened to give the views ofparents, students, governors, businesses, teachers and head teachersmore consideration before changes are made.Lisa said: “The plan to scrap GCSEs in favour of an English

Baccalaureate risks sidelining creative and vocational subjects whichare vital to the North West economy.Criticism of the EnglishBaccalaureate is wide-ranging, with education unions, authors, theCBI and the head of the exams watchdog all voicing concerns.“Before Michael Gove proceeds any further, he must extend the

consultation and make sure the voices of parents, students,governors, businesses and teachers are heard.We need anexamination system which recognises and develops the talents andskills of all pupils - not just a few.”

Wigan student reaches national final

French ‘exchange’ forWigan students

Students from Wigan & Leigh College with Angers ambassador for town twinning, Toussaint Lebeugle

WiganMPwarns against English Baccalaureate

Students from Wigan & Leigh College with Angers ambassador for town twinning, Toussaint Lebeugle

Fun French..Fun Spanish..

For children 3 – 12 yrs

For more information call01257 251358/07787 338875

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21


Blinds

Aerials

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07967 499 084

22


IS it just me, or isthe beginning ofJanuary thebleakest timeof the year?However, thePremier League isthe saving grace.Martinez was allover the nationalnews because, forthe first time insix years, WiganAthletic had madea profit. This giveus that little bit offinancial security and willallow the club to invest inthe training ground.Roberto has alreadybeen busy in the Januarytransfer market. Chileaninternational strikerAngelo Henriquez hasjoined us on loan fromManchester United andRoger Espinoza, hasjoined us from KansasCity Wizards.Nevertheless, we stillcan’t seem to find anyconsistency in the league.The disappointingfestive fixtures beganwithArsenal scraping a 1-0 win at the DW on the22nd.Even the Banana Armycouldn’t inspire the Laticsto a result at GoodisonPark on Boxing Day, withOsman and Jagielka bothscoring for the Toffees.Kone scored aconsolation goal but itwas a case of too little toolate once again forWigan.

The next game away atAston Villa, though, wasa totally different story.

Buoyed by thereturn of IvanRamis, the Laticsran riot inpossibly the best90 minutes of theseason so far.Ramis, Boyce,and Kone allfound the net.But all goodthings mustcome to an end

and, unfortunately,Manchester United wereup next at the DW.The 4-0 defeat almostflattered Wigan as theRed Devils sliced openour defence time aftertime.After a dismal defeat, agood FACup game wouldbe an ideal time forMartinez to rotate thesquad and integrate hisnew signings. He did justthat againstBournemouth, but wewere unable to turn ourpossession into goals. Thematch ended in a 1-1draw and a replay isscheduled to take placeon Tuesday January 15that Dean Court.The next three fixturesbring the Latics upagainst Fulham,Sunderland and Stoke; allpotential three pointers ifwe play well.Let’s keep the faith andcheer on the lads. InBobby we trust!

Opinionstraight fromthe goalmouth

By our LaticscolumnistSam Oliver

Situation Vacant

Standish Under Fives Nurseryand Pre-School

based in grounds ofStandish Community High

REQUIRE AN EARLY YEARSPRACTITIONER

to join our expanding group, applicants mustbe experienced and enthusiastic, to join ourteam to work as a practitioner in our toddler

room, educating and caringfor children 2-5 years of age.

Essential criteria: To be considered, you musthave experience and be qualified

at NVQ level 3 or above.Salary/pay rate will be dependent on your skills

and experience.Must have a high level of spoken and writtenEnglish, have experience of working with 2-5year olds, be prepared to be a key person to asmall group of children, updating their learningjourneys weekly and have the ability to work as

part of a team and be flexible,Standish under Fives is committed to

safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildren and vulnerable adults. As such, youwill be required to complete an up to dateCRB, Standish under fives is an equal

opportunities employer. As such, we do notdiscriminate based on age, gender, disability,

race or any other equal opportunities.CONTRACT 8 MONTHS

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY8.45am - 1.00pm

Plus supply cover with a view to increasingmornings – working term time and holiday club

please contact the nursery managerKatie on 07730230476

Interviews will be arranged upon receipt of afully comprehensive CV

Please post to/ or email Standish under fivesc/o Standish community high schoolKenyon Road, Standish, WN6 0NX

email: [email protected] date: 11th January 2013

Interviews to be held w.c 14th January 2012,please provide a day time telephone number

as you will be contacted to arrangean interview

Stationery

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it to us at: The Wigan Courier, Suite 107 The StandishCentre, Cross Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HQ or e-mail your advertisement to [email protected] 25 words. Be sure to include a contact telephone number.

23

YOU HAVE to be atrue fan of Mazda’sMPS performancebrand to be able totell this newfacelifted version ofthe 3 hot hatchapart from itspredecessor.As part of a range

of minor tweaks, thenew 3 MPS now getsa choice of fourmetallic colours,including our testcar’s Crystal White,and a set of newgunmetal grey 18-inch alloys asstandard.The other upgrades

concern the mirrorcaps, lower backbumper and second,smaller rear wing –all are now finishedin gloss black ratherthan body-colouredpaint.While the Mazda is

still a handsome car,the design tweaksdon’t really move thegame on much in acompetitive marketthat includes rivalssuch as theaggressive FordFocus ST andswooping VauxhallAstra VXR.

There are nochanges to theinterior, either – so itremains simple andwell made, if a littleon the plasticky side.Standard equipment

includes everythingfrom heated frontseats to a nice-sounding 10-speaker

Bose stereo.Sat-nav also

features, although it’soperated via steeringwheel buttons, whilethe 4.1-inch displayis quite small andtricky to read.The driving

experience is veryfamiliar.The 2.3-litre engine

still delivers its256bhp to the frontwheels in great,eager punches, forhuge accelerationparticularly in themiddle of third gearwhere the turbo isproperly spooled up.Yet while it has

decent pace, a247bhp Focus STpromises fueleconomy andemissions that are9.1mpg and 50g/kmbetter than the 3’s30.1mpg and219g/km.The Mazda’s six-

speed box is as slickas ever, but theprevious model’storque steer has alsobeen carried over.So the wheel jiggles

in your hands as thefront tyres struggle toturn the engine’spower into forwardmotion.


Reviews courtesy Auto Express,your No1 stop for news and

information about the motor tradewww.autoexpress.co.uk

ClassifiedCourierTEL: 01257 400026 to advertise in themotors section

MOTORS

Hot, but not a shock...KEY SPECSPrice: £23,995Engine: 2.3-litre4cyl turbo

Power: 256bhpTransmission:

Six-speed manual,front-wheel drive0-62mph:6.1 secondsTop speed:155mph

Economy:30.1mpgCO2: 219g/kmEquipment: 18-inch alloy wheels,Bose stereo, sat-nav, keyless goOn sale: Now

VerdictThe Mazda 3 MPS is decent value andremains a powerful, handsome and veryfast hot hatch. However, the class hasmoved on considerably since the cardebuted in 2009, and these subtletweaks can’t hide the fact that it’s now afair way off its rivals’ pace, if not inoutright speed then certainly in terms ofdesign, economy and technology.

The stiff suspension doesn’t help. Hit a bumpmid-corner and the car is thrown off line, witha violent kick from the wheel.

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24


ClassifiedCourierTEL: 01257 400026 to advertise in themotors section

MOTORSThousands lose licences

over poor eyesight

ALMOST 6,000motorists have had theirlicences revoked orblocked because theycannot see the roadproperly.The Department for Transport(DfT) revoked or blocked5,285 licences for cars andmotorbikes in 2011 because themotorists could not pass astandard eye test. This is an

increase of eight per cent since2010, when 4,906 motoristswere banned.The number of lorry or bus

drivers who had their licencesrevoked or banned has increasedby 39 per cent, from 493 in 2010to 685 in 2011.Transport minister Stephen

Hammond revealed the figures inresponse to parliamentaryquestions from Labour MP MegMunn. He said: “Licensing ruleshave an important part to play in

keeping our roads safe. We mustmake sure that only those who aresafe to drive are allowed on ourroads while at the same timeavoiding placing unnecessaryrestrictions on people’sindependence.”Under DfT rules, drivers must beable to read a car number platefrom 20 metres in order to pass adriving test. But once a driver haspassed their test, there are nofurther compulsory eyesight tests.Instead, drivers assess themselveswhen renewing their licence toensure that they meet the requiredstandard.Mr Hammond continued: “If the

DVLA is made aware that alicence holder may not meet theminimum eyesight standards fordriving then they will investigate.If it is confirmed that a driver doesnot meet the standards, the DVLAwill revoke the licence.”Driving with defective eyesight

is an offence and a driver who doesnot meet the required standardcould be prosecuted or have theirinsurance invalidated. But theGovernment has ruled outintroducing mandatory eye testsfor drivers looking to renew theirlicence.

Courier SPORTCrewe & Nantwich 5 Wigan 17South Lancs & Cheshire div 1January 5th 13WIGAN made a winning start tothe New Year with a 5-17 win,albeit in a scappy contest atWillaston.Although dominating territorially

and controlling the lineout throughTomWilson and Peter Rigby, Wiganwere unable to take full advantageuntil the closing minutes of the halftaking the lead with a try fromMartinGambles, the arch-predatorscampering to the line aftersupporting a break byMike Rigby 35metres out.Andy Whittle nailed the

conversion, but as Crewe seized theinitiative after the interval Wigan'srearguard defence in which MikeJones was rock steady was severelytested.Eventually the tide turned and as

Crewe collapsed a driving maul closeto their line, Whittle slotted a penalty

from near touch for a 10 point lead.Wigan continued to defend

aggressively in the Crewe half andforced a weak clearance which wingLuke Southern took on the full torace 45 metres to the corner. Whittleconverted from the touchline.Crewe refused to capitulate and, in

the 4th minute of added time, gainedconsolation pouncing on a loose ballover the Wigan line following aspeculative cross kick.Orrell 9 West Park 10South Lancs & Cheshire div 1January 5th 13A LATE penalty prevented

Orrell from gaining only theirsecond win of the season goingdown by one point at home toSt.Helens rivals West Park.The visitors took the early lead

with a penalty and althoughdominating both possession andterritory some great Orrell defencekept them out. However the pressuredid eventually tell with 'Park'

crossing under the posts for aconverted try.Orrell countered, forcingWest Park

to concede a series penalties.Spurning the kick and opting to runOrrell got over the visitors line butwere held up.Orrell continued to press and were

awarded a penalty converted byChris Owen for 3-7 at the break.In the second half both sides try to

run the ball despite the heavy pitch.Owen slotted a second penalty toclose the gap and with a West Parkplayer yellow carded Orrell took thelead with a third penalty from Owen.Unfortunately, Orrell were unable

to press the advantage of the extraman further. West Park attempted toregain the lead with two drop goalattempts, and a kickable penaltypushed wide before in time added ona poor line-out by Orrell allowed thevisitors to regain possession with aninfringement at a ruck resulting in'Park' kicking the winning penalty.

GOING intoSaturday’s clash,Winstanley StAidens sat 2nd inthe GarswoodTrophies PremierDivision, andStandish StWilfrids in 4th,both with games inhand on currentl e a d e r sBickerstaffe.In an entertaininggame, Standish tookan early lead, beforeWinstanley hit backand took control ofthe game, racing to a4-1 lead.Standish pulled thescore back to 4-3,but in the dyingminutes as theypushed forwardlooking for adramatic equaliserWinstanley wereable to capitalisewith a fast counterattack and securedthe game withanother goal to makethe final score 5-3.Elsewhere leadersBickerstaffe beatGidlow Lane away,2-1 and 3rd placePemberton lost 1-2to Shevington.

Orrell denied secondwin by late penalty

St Aidan’s win high scoring gamePicture specialby Marc Taylor

In heavy conditions Standish look to play the ballthrough midfield.

A frantic finish saw Winstanley putting there bodies on the line tokeep Standish at bay.

Battling for the ball Winstanley try toplay there way out of trouble

Winstanley head the ball clear Winstanley on the attack

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25

IT READ LIKE alocal version of theSports Personality ofthe Year – the guestlist for the Mayor’sParlour as Cllr MyraWhiteside invited theborough’s brightestsports stars, clubleaders andvolunteers for acelebration at the endof a momentous yearof sport.Olympians JennyMeadows, Jon Pollockand Louise Watkin joinedwinners of the WiganSports Awards and GamesMakers, plus seniordignitaries from WiganCouncil and WiganLeisure and Culture Trustto reflect on 2012.Cllr Whiteside said: “I

am so proud of all yourachievements and I amthrilled that my year as

Mayor has coincided withsuch an astonishing list ofachievements. The

turnout on the day theOlympic Torch camethrough our streets and thepride in our athletes reallyshowed that WiganBorough loves its sportand I salute you all.”Earlier, the Mayorhonoured Jenny Meadowswith a star on the piazza ofthe new Wigan LifeCentre for services to thetown.In the Parlour, wrestlinglegend Roy Wood sharedhis story of how hebrought the highlysuccessful wrestler MariaDunn from the PacificIsland of Guam to Wiganto train for the LondonGames. Roy even carriedthe flag for her at theOpening Ceremony. Hetold the Mayor that Mariaunexpectedly lost out

early in the Games – onlydiscovering later that shewas six months’ pregnant!The event gave winnersof the Wigan SportsAwards, including several‘volunteers of the year’,chance to swap storieswith professional athletes.Swimmer LouiseWatkinbrought her bronze andsilver medals from twoParalympic Games andJohn Pollock, whoseParalympic basketballcareer goes back toSydney, spoke of thesupport received at home.European Indoor 800mChampion JennyMeadows, who narrowlymissed the London Gamesbecause of injury,delivered an inspiringpresentation to theMayor’s guests about hercareer and the trials andtribulations of training.“I am always proud tosay I am a Wiganer,” saidJenny. “The Mayor kindlyreminded people I tookWigan Warriors as my‘Mastermind’ specialistsubject. Being connectedto the community andclubs is important to me.It’s thanks to the trainingfacilities of the counciland the support of localsas they cheer me on whenI am out training, that Ican really focus as anathlete.”Before the gathering inthe parlour, the Mayorunveiled a ‘star’ on theWigan Walk of Fame forJenny. This collection ofstars at the Life Centreincludes fellow sportingcelebrity Billy Boston. Allthose who are honoureddo so for going beyond the‘day job’ as they havebecome ambassadors forthe borough.As well as anopportunity to sharesuccesses and memoriesfrom behind the scenes atthe Olympics, the Mayorlooked forward to theborough hosting twogames in next year’sRugby League World Cupand the chief executive ofthe Leisure and CultureTrust paid tribute to thepartnership with voluntarygroups which, inchallenging economictimes, means local poolsat Tyldesley and Hindleyare being kept open tosupport the champions ofthe future.


Courier SPORTWigan RU VeteransReunion Day

Mayor honoursWigan sports stars

WIGAN RUFC former Veteranplayers held a re-union at theDouglas Valley club on the sameSaturday, December 15th, that alunch was being held organised byformer skipper Danny Barker forthe Joining Jack charity.The Veterans, match day sponsorsof the Wigan first team, werecelebrating another hugely successfulyear of charity fund raisingthemselves, through their three bikerides for Christie’s, the Steve PrescottFoundation and for Derian HouseChildrens’ Hospice.True to form the Vets, ably led asalways by Malcolm Holland, whothese days wields a whistle (poacherturned gamekeeper some wouldcorrectly say), decided to join in thefundraising for Joining Jack on theday.The only downside to a successfulafternoon was the Wigan 1st team’sloss to Broughton Park, but that didn’taffect the atmosphere and sgeneral

feeling of goodwill as the afternoonwore on...Our pictures are as follows:TOP: Malcolm Holland presentstheWigan man of match award to Wiganwinger Luke Farrow, watched byWigan Chairman Martin Rigby.MIDDLE: Malcolm made a specialpresentation to Katherine Boardmanand Liz Lowe for their help with theVeterans’ charity bike rides over thesummer of 2012BOTTOM: Jack’s’ dad and formerWiganWarriors playerAndy Johnsonpresents a signed JJ rugby shirt toJimmy Cummins, the landlord ofSams Bar in Scholes, in appreciationof his continued support of the vetscharity bike rides over the years.The shirt is one used in the recentDubai sevens event, and was donatedby Saints and Great Britain legendChris Joynt who got it signed by allthe squad who played there, includingWigan greats Jason Robinson andMartin Offiah.

Dean Wood Golf ClubUp Holland, Wigan

Please contact Ray Benton on 01695 622219Email: [email protected]: www.deanwoodgolfclub.co.uk

VACANCIES FOR 2013We can now offer NO ENTRANCE FEE

for 5 day membershipOur 5 day membership equates to just

£59 per month!!We can also offer discounted Entrance fees

for Family/Group membershipWe are still offering discounted rates

for 18-30yr olds

Our 120 seating function room is available for hire

26


Courier SPORT from Aspull

WIGAN sports photographer MARCTAYLOR was on hand to capture the

action from the Aspull Vets v Military VetsChristmas Friendly played at WoodshawPark on Thursday December 27th.

CCLLUUBB CChhaaiirrmmaann SStteepphheenn HHaawwkkiinnggss ffoouunnddeedd tthhee cclluubb aatt aa ttiimmeewwhheenn hhee wwaass hheeaavviillyy iinnvvoollvveedd iinn cchhaarriittaabbllee wwoorrkk oonn bbeehhaallff ooffMMiilliittaarryyVVeetteerraannss.. TThhiisswwoorrkk ggaavvee hhiimmmmaannyy ccoonnttaaccttsswwiitthhiinn tthheeVVeetteerraannCCoommmmuunniittyy,, aannddwwiitthh ssoommeeooff tthhee ooffffiicciiaall oorrggaanniissaattiioonnsscchhaarrggeedd wwiitthh hheellppiinngg VVeetteerraannss ttoo oovveerrccoommee tthheeiirr ppssyycchhoollooggiiccaallddiiffffiiccuullttiieess..Believing that tough physical sport can help overcome emotional problems,and having this confirmed by the Head of Armed Forces PsychologicalServices, he started the Military Veterans' Rugby Programme. This ultimatelyevolved into the new Rugby Club.Some of the players were referred to the Chairman by their case workers(usually mental health nurses) in the knowledge and belief that his experiencein dealing with emotionally damaged men would speed up their recovery. This has proved to be correct, as a few of the guys he has worked with wouldtestify. One man in particular comes to mind; He was socially isolated, andlacked the confidence to function in society. The change in this man sincejoining the club is amazing, and he puts it all down to his involvment with theclub and rugby.Many of the guys have been through a living hell, and Stephen regards it as hisduty to make life better for them: ‘I know that the people of Wigan would wantto help if they could, and I strive to make them aware of the need to help re-integrate these men into the community. Wigan has a huge VeteranCommunity, and I want them all to get involved.’‘We have members from other parts of the region, including Bolton,

Blackburn, Chorley, Preston and St Helens. They all have one thing incommon --- they have all served their country. Though Army Veterans arethe most numerous, we do have a few Navy lads in the team.‘Some of the club’s currently serving members have recently been deployedto Afghanistan, and more will be deployed in 2013. This leaves a big hole inour playing membership, and I call on any Veteran who has ever picked up arugby ball to help fill those vacant places.’Membership of the club is free. All we expect is that our men take part in

charity matches in aid of our partner charity, Blesma. In this way we are ableto look after our own, and help raise much needed money for a very importantand worthy cause.

The new Military & MilitaryVeterans RUFC, based at

Woodshaw Park courtesy AspullRFC, is looking for members in

the following categories:

� Players � Coaches � Administrators

� General Members.If you want to make a difference to the livesof Ex- Service Personnel, and raise muchneeded funds for badly wounded Soldiers,please join our club.Players and Club Officials must have servedin the Armed Forces (any branch). T.A. andReserve Forces are also welcome.Email the Club Chairman, StephenHawkins, at [email protected],or call him on 07968 928739.Alternatively, meet us for a chat on Tuesdaythe 15th of January at the Plough & HarrowPublic House in Shevington. ChairmanStephen Hawkings will be there from 19.00hrs.The Families of Military Veterans are verywelcome to join and to get involved with the

Military & MilitaryVeterans RUFC



CONTACT US: Stephen Hawkings - 07968 928739 [email protected] 15th January: Plough & Harrow, Shevington: 19.00 hours

Pictures from Military Vets V Aspull Vets friendly played on December 27th at Woodshaw Park courtesy MARC TAYLOR

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wigan courier jan 8th edition

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