Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Westhoughton Allotment and Gardening Society

About the Group

Planter at Daisy Hill Station Set up in 2022, intitally the idea of the group was to bring together the local outdoor volunteer groups at work in Westhoughton to look after and take responsibility for the town centre planters and displays, which is currently subcontracted out thus saving the Town Council money and having a similar arrangement to Daisy Hill in Bloom with some funding to cover costs.

In time, the new organisation aims to take on gardening projects and maintenance tasks around the town centre and local areas, tapping into the skills of the 'green-fingered' and those able and willing to give some time to the community. Doing some good around the local environment whilst encouraging gardening, food cultivation, wildlife and nature conservation.

The first meeting took place on 21st April 2022. The group meets once a month on the 3rd Thursday (7pm) at the John Holt Centre, Birch Avenue (BL5 2NR).

Bench-Planter at Daisy Hill Station Group Aims and Objectives

  • As well as taking care of the plants and planters on Market Street, the aim is to have colourful all-year-round displays.
  • We will encourage year-on-year growth at designated sites and locations, and displays through planting to attract wildlife and nature and enhance the environment we live in.
  • We will carry out tree planting where appropriate introducing diversity and visual appeal.
  • To work across the community and generations - young people will have the chance to do some good and learn about horticulture and the importance of environmental management.
  • To promote a cleaner, greener, cared-for local environment as a safer and nicer place to live.

Speaker Programme & Events

One of the goals of the group is to share information and knowledge by bringing in 'experts' and project leaders to give talks on topics of interest.

  • Third Thursday of month from 7pm at John Holt Centre.
  • 21 April 2022 - Launch meeting.
  • 21 July 2022 - Speaker: Christopher Nightingale - Sow, Grow and Show
  • 18 August 2022 - Speaker: John Daly - Howe Bridge in Bloom
  • 15 September 2022 - Speaker: Harry Barton - The Importance of Bees
  • 17 November 2022 - Speaker: Jack Speight - Allotments
  • 15 December 2022 - Joint Christmas Party with Women of Westhoughton
  • 16 February 2023 - Speaker: Phil Broughton – Turton Tower Kitchen Garden
  • 16 March 2023 – AGM (Chair Jack Speight)
  • 20 April 2023 - Speaker: Ann Shaw – The Ancient Art of Hedgelaying
  • 18 May 2023 – Speaker: Ian MacKennon - Non-native Invasive Species
  • 15 June 2023 – Speaker: Heather Berry - Litter-picking to Forest Garden
  • 20 July 2023 – Speaker: Veronica Swinburne - Senior Solutions Allotment Project
  • 17 August 2023 – Speaker: Frank Whittaker - Ash Grove Allotments Updates
  • 21 September 2023 – Speaker: Steve Anderson - Running a Community Garden
  • 19 October 2023 – Speaker: Alison Jackson - The Big Plant (Westhoughton Town Council)
  • 16 November 2023 – No meeting - local election.
  • 21 December 2023 – Christmas Party with WOW (Women of Westhoughton).

Next Meeting

Westhoughton Allotment and Gardening Society - Speaker event 19/10//23 :: Alison Jackson - The Big Plant (Westhoughton Town Council).

Grants and Funding

It aims to reduce the money that Westhoughton Town Council pays out to private business. It will look for grant funding and sponsorship, to enable investment in the community, supporting local groups involved in leisure and outdoor activities bringing enjoyment and pleasure to all.

A £1 charge is made at meetings to cover the cost of room hire and refreshments.

Getting in Touch

Main contact: Jack Speight (Chair).

For further information call 07977 262022 or email: Westhoughton Allotment and Gardening Society.

Page last updated: 31/8/23.

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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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