Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Westhoughton Art Group

About Us

Westhoughton Art Group display at WCN Community Fayre 21 April 2012 W.A.G. is a social and educational self-help group. It is fully inclusive and open to anyone within the community and aim to encourage its members to achieve their goals in art.

The membership is made up of a very wide spectrum of abilities from beginners to the more experienced. The media used is mainly watercolour but there are frequent sessions featuring Acrylics, Pastels, Drawing and other art media. The group invites an artist/tutor to complete a demo or lesson every third week where they are taught skills that they can then practise during the other weeks.

Now based at the John Holt Centre on Birch Avenue in Washacre (BL5 2NR) since 2017, the group meets for a 3-hour creative session on Mondays at 9:30am until 12:30pm.

Westhoughton Art Group student at work during WCN Community Fayre 21 April 2012Originally based at Westhoughton Learning Centre, the first meeting was 6th September 2010; the group has grown 'organically' over the years with friends of friends joining. New members are welcome however places are limited due to venue/class sizes - due to popularity and demand for additional art sessions, a spin-off group 'Art By Elise' is now up and running (see below).

Accumulated over its existence, there is a burgeoning collection of artwork from our students which the group has been able to display at community events and at their very own art exhibitions. A self-financing, self-help group with over 30 members, W.A.G. will continue to build links with both the local community in Westhoughton and the art community in Bolton and Greater Manchester. The group also raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Key objectives for the group

To raise awareness though publicity and word of mouth; raise funds for equipment for possible future exhibitions, and to encourage and support art provision in Westhoughton. A founder member of WCN, the group aims to connect with other groups with a goal of growing the group and accessing resources and facilities, e.g., storage; and also to discover what groups and interests are covered in Westhoughton, and contribute to community life in the town.

Art Exhibitions

Art Exhibition at Westhoughton Library. March and April 2018 saw two back-to-back exhibitions: that of Westhoughton Art Group, followed by sister group Art By Elise'. The former being the sixth since the inaugural display of student art back in 2012. These popular shows allow the public to view the work of the students, showing the variety of styles and techniques of the artists, with work on display by both newcomers and the more experienced. The quality is high and feedback very encouraging - the exhibits showing the development and passion of the group, and feature 'live sessions' as artists show their technique and can be approached for advice and tips. With some artwork for sale, these exhibitions are a good place to pick up unique pieces of art to display at home or in a workplace.

The 2019 art exhibition took place in March, again upstairs at the Library with occasional weekend live demonstrations. The exhibition will feature art from both Westhoughton Art Group and Art By Elise classes. Do visit, its free; some art will be available for sale. An exhibition that always enthrals and never disappoints.

The launch night was attended by art and community representatives who chose their favourite artwork (1st - Last Train Home - David Halliwell; 2nd - Fun at Bathtime - Elise Hendry; 3rd - Winter Red - Gaynor Jeffries), and also raised £173.03 for Macmillan Cancer, money helping alleviate the difficulties met by Cancer patients and their families in the local area.

Westhoughton Library is open from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. Late opening to 7:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday. More info 01942 634640.


Art By Elise - Another Chance to Develop Your Art Skills

Art work by Elise Hendry: Rabbits. Animals, landscapes, people portraits in a variety of styles.One of the former students at W.A.G., Elise Hendry, has developed her art and is now teaching students in her own right, running 2-hour classes at the John Holt Centre, Birch Avenue, Westhoughton, Wednesdays between 12:30pm and 2:30pm; another at Hope Centre, Central Drive, Westhoughton, Thursdays 10:00am to 12:00pm; with a further class Wednesday mornings 9:45am to 11:45am at Lancaster Way Community Centre, Buckshaw Village, Chorley.

These classes are open to people of all abilities, and cover a variety of styles and techniques There is no 'term-time' so you can start any week. Pop along, get started and develop your artistic skills - no pressure and fun. First taster lesson is free. Flyer.

Create realistic animals with charcoal and pastels - workshop 23rs April 2016.Art Courses

Watch out for occasional day-courses - such as the 'Charcoal and Pastel Workshop' - offering a chance to develop your art skills run by Elise Hendry, here students were given tips and techniques on how to create convincing animal figures, bringing your creatures to life.

For more information on classes or courses call 07796 463852 or email Elise Hendry or visit the Art by Elise website.


Westhoughton Art Group display at WCN Community Fayre 21 April 2012Contact Information

Main contact is Dave Hendry (Chairman). For further details email: Westhoughton Art Group

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Participating Groups

Local Amenities

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Useful Links

Community Events

  • Daisy Hill Station Improvements
    March to December 2024
    As part of 'Access for All' improvements station will see changes to ticket hall and installation of a lift and toilet, as well as car park changes. £4m project. Some disruption but services continue. Details at Friends of Daisy Hill Station page -
  • History Group
    Monthly meetings - 3rd Thurs (10:30am)
    Westhoughton Library
    After a busy 2023 including the Wingates Band Story exhibition celebrating the brass bands 150th anniversary (Q323), schedule resumes with speakers and special events for this popular heritage group. Next mtg 21/3 st March - Speaker Ruth Duckworth: My Life in Cricket (Part 2)
  • Rotary Christmas Float 2023
    During December Rotary Club of Westhoughton were out and about visiting local estates and will at Sainsbury's ahead of Christmas. As well as Santa and his Rotary Elves bringing Christmas cheer to young and old, it is an important fundraiser; this year £6,249 was raised to be shared out with local community organisations. £5,640 raised and shared in 2022 - Presentation evening 20/4/23; 19 organisations receiving cheques.
  • Hub at Westhoughton
    The Hub at Westhoughton on Central Drive is home to a range of groups and activities serving the community. Information Leaflet.
  • Westhoughton Library
    Library now open for books, general reading and computer access. With current refurbishment complete, community activities on both ground and upper floor have resumed. Info | Community Plans.
  • Robert Shaw / Book of Quint
    Special event with Ryan Dacko, author of 'The Book of Quint' took place at Wetherspoon's 1st July, celebrating Westhoughton-born Robert Shaw and introducing the backstory of the shark hunter from Jaws. It was a great success with people coming far and wide, leading to Amberley publishing deal.
  • WOW! Women of Westhoughton
    Thursdays from 7:00pm
    John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR)
    Est. 2013, women's group for shared interests, talks, outings & social networking. New meeting venue. Updated programme.
  • Daisy Hill FC Fixtures (Home)
    League Division 1 North
    New Sirs (BL5 2EB)
    Cutters season in full flow. New management, new signings and clubhouse improvements. Support your local team. KO Sat 3pm or Mon 7:45pm. £5 adults / £3 concession / £2 U18s / U12s free w/ adult.
  • Lockdown information (Covid-19)
    For 16 months life and community was disrupted by measures to deal with the pandemic. It has been a long and impactful period, thankfully things are opening up again there is a return to normal. Watch for updates as community re-engages here and on
    Westhoughton.net Facebook Page.
  • Town Centre Masterplan
    Proposals for investment in Town Centre (Market Street focus) were consulted upon in 2019-20 with a Steering Group meeting to discuss plans for £4m investment and significant changes to Market Street, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall.
  • Hope Community Centre
    The Central Drive church and community space is currently closed pending refurbishment discussions with Bolton Council. Hope Church services take place in the Hub.
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