Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Friends of Daisy Hill Station

About the Group

Daisy Hill Station today viewed from road bridge Our aim is to enhance the appearance, improve the environment, develop facilities at the station, so helping to deliver a better travelling experience for local commuters. Networking with other Friends of Stations groups we hope to work to develop our railway stations to make them more pleasant and community-focused.

Work began in November 2013 with fortnightly initially with Saturday volunteering sessions - these now take place once a month on a Sunday afternoon. A social meet-up at the John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR) was started initially on a Tuesday mornings, organisers and volunteers now meet there monthly on a Thursday evening incorporating the Westhoughton Gardening and Allotment Group (WAGS) established in 2022.

In February 2018 the group was awarded a Westhoughton Environmental Award by the Town Council for their hard work and dedication both keeping the station tidy and in adding environmental touches such as planters, benches and bird boxes. Write-up (Bolton News).

Below is the 2023 Friends of Daisy Hill Station work and meeting schedule dates and times. Everyone is welcome to participate in volunteering any time available in helping to transform one of our local railway stations.

Meeting Days
Thursdays 7pm to 9pm
John Holt Centre
19th January
16th February
16th March
20th April
18th May
15th June
20th July
17th August
21st September
19th October
16th November
14th December
These are Westhoughton Gardening & Allotment Society (WGAS) meetings
Volunteering Days
Sundays 1pm to 3pm*
Daisy Hill Station
29th January
26th February
26th March
30th April
28th May
25th June
30th July
27th August
24th September
29th October
26th November
17th December
*Come for as long as you can, when you can

2023 Schedule (download).

About Daisy Hill Station

The station is located 14 miles (23km) west of Manchester Victoria and operated by Northern Rail. Onward trains to Kirkby and Southport via Wigan Wallgate. Annual rail passenger usage was 106,257 in 2005/05, rising to 241,480 in 2010/11. 2013 marks the station's 125th year.

Steam train at Daisy Hill Station in 1952The station has seen many changes over the years; in years gone by there were additional rails either side for express trains. There was once in the past a cast iron roof, similar to that seen at Atherton Station, covering a good portion of the platform.

In 2008, in light of increased station use, a new car park was created by the Council with 77 places to the left of the station (formerly a 5-a-side pitch), adding needed capacity to the existing car park across the road from the station. Electronic displays were also added to the platforms improving passenger information.

As part of railway investment by Network Rail, Daisy Hill Station had its usable platform extended in 2019 to accommodate longer trains. Funding has been allocated for a lift at the station. It is hoped further amenity improvements will be part of the investment package.

Daisy Hill Station of old The Daisy Hill area of Westhoughton in 1965, mostly post-war development

Getting in Touch

Main contact: Jack Speight (Chair).

For further information call 07977 262022 or email: Friends of Daisy Hill Station.

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Participating Groups

Local Amenities

Photos & Videos

Music

Useful Links

Community Events

  • 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.
  • Senior Solutions Christmas Fair
    Tues 21 Nov (12-4pm)
    Winifred Kettle Centre (BL5 2NG)
    Traditional festive fair with variety of stalls, refreshments, tombola. Learn about work of this group looking after and enhancing the lives of older people.
  • History Group
    Monthly meetings - 3rd Thurs (10:30am)
    Westhoughton Library
    After two months Wingates Band Story exhibition came to a close 31/10 - a tremendous success from 'National Heritage Open Days' events (talks & entertainment) to fascinating displays. 16 Nov mtg sees talk on '153 Church Street' by Alison Whitaker. A Christmas meal early December in Bolton.
  • Wingates Band 150th Anniversary
    150th Anniversary celebrations has seen an exhibition, a exhibition, Houghton Weavers reunion, special concerts culminating in an event at Bolton Parish Church (St. Peter's) 4/11/23 with guest soloist Peter Moore (LSO).
    The brass band heads into Christmas period with concerts at St. John's Wingates (12/12) and St Vincent's Church, Over Hulton (18/12). Catch up with band News and Concerts. Official Website | info.
  • 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.
  • Hub at Westhoughton
    The Hub at Westhoughton on Central Drive is home to a range of groups and activities serving the community. Information Leaflet.
  • 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.
  • Rotary Christmas Float
    in December Rotary Club of Westhoughton were out and about visiting local estates and were at Sainsbury's ahead of Christmas. They are very grateful for public support and donations they raised raising £5,640, which will help local charities. Presentation evening took place 20/4/23 with 19 organisations receiving cheques.
  • 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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