Westhoughton Age Support Project (W.A.S.P.)
About Us
On 17th July 1982 the 'Friends of Winifred Kettle house' was dissolved. Soon afterwards, the remaining members held an initial meeting in the hope of forming a service for Westhoughton's Senior Citizens. The meeting held at the home of a local resident, involved committed individuals, the then headteacher of Washacre CP School and representatives from Bolton Social Services. With the blessing of a small boy who had collected 50p for the cause, and after much discussion a suitable name chosen - Westhoughton Age Support Project - or the now commonly used and understood W.A.S.P. was formed. (Members are called 'The WASPs'.)
The new group would soon establish what its aims were, draw up an official constitution and have recognised committee members and a treasurer. Working with but independent of the local council, these steps would allow W.A.S.P., a voluntary group, to apply for recognition with the Charities Commission and be recognised as a Registered Charity (515388) some 12 months later. In the September of 1982, a working committee of ex-members of 'the Friends' was formed and so began monthly meetings and the Friday craft session, and new members would come along and join the new group. In December 1983, negotiations with Bolton Education Department took place and W.A.S.P. was to base itself at the new community centre for £2 a session.
Run by volunteers, for over 35 years W.A.S.P. has played a key role in supporting senior citizens in Westhoughton by providing regular activities, trips and friendship, enriching the lives of its members and contributing to community life in Westhoughton. There is a Management Committee overseeing who take care of general business, activity planning and fundraising; an AGM takes place every May.
This is a popular group and well respected by the wider community. In 2015 W.A.S.P. received the most votes at the community funding event 'Westhoughton You Decide' organised by Greater Manchester Police - the group was featured in the Bolton News (18/2/15). In 2018 the group was chosen to receive money from the Co-op Local Causes Fund; Co-op customers donating £8,588, helping to fund activities for the next year and beyond.
Such is the difference we make to the lives of the elderly W.A.S.P. has once again been chosen as one of the Co-op Members 'Local Causes' for 2020, where 1% of customer spending on Co-op products helps their favourite local cause.
Download the information leaflet: W.A.S.P. - What We Do.
Regular Weekly Activities
- Monday afternoons at the John Holt Centre, Birch Avenue, Westhoughton.
Drop-in from 1:30pm to 4:00pm for cards, dominoes, bingo and refreshments. - Due to the unavailablity and uncertainty over their usual venue (Winifred Kettle), the Thursday evening bingo session has not resumed following Lockdown.
Upcoming Trips and Events
Throughout the year W.A.S.P. organises a number of special trips, usually once a month, which will include food and entertainment, such as Llandudno, The Lake District, St. Annes, Harrogate… or nearer trips such as to Rivington Barn to enjoy a 4-course lunch and show. There is also a much-anticipated Christmas Party. Costs are covered by W.A.S.P. from funds raised throughout the year with member contributions of £10 for trips - the budget for activities this year is over £10,000.
Due to Lockdown and 'Shielding' 2020 trips and events were cancelled, and nothing planned for 2021 except the Christmas Party at Brookfield Hall, set for Sunday, 19th December.
Following the AGM (20/8/21) a new Committee was put in place (Wilf Dillon stepping down as Treasurer and Events Organiser). The group is looking to get more members to join them as we return to normal. It is expected that trips will recommence in 2022.
Planned W.A.S.P. Programme of Events - 2020
- **Thursday, 9th April - Seats at the variety show "Old Time Music Hall" at the Lowther Gardens Lytham. Following the show, Afternoon Tea is provided at the Clifton Hotel. Coach pick up from Park Gates, King Street at 12:30pm, and the return journey from will leave the Clifton Hotel at approximately 6:30pm.
- Monday, 18h May (1pm to 4pm) - W.A.S.P. Annual General Meeting in the John Holt Centre 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Free refreshments - Carr's pasties, tea and coffee. Free Bingo. Free Raffle.
- **Friday, 19th June - The Queens Hotel, Llandudno. Leave Westhoughton 10:30am for a 4-course lunch, after which you will be able to relax (hopefully in the sunshine!) — if the weather is inclement we will play bingo. Return journey leaves 4:30pm.
- Friday, 16th July - Mercure Hotel (Georgian House) Blackrod. Afternoon Tea (lunch), followed by entertainment by Sarah Dennis. Own Transport, please arrive at 12:00pm for lunch at 12:30pm. Depart from Georgian House approximately 4:30pm.
- **Tuesday, 29th September - Rivington Barn. 4-course lunch followed by entertainment from The Houghton Weavers. Coach pick-up at 11.15am, with the return journey leaving at 4:00pm.
- Friday, 20th November - '49 Club' Party. A four-course lunch at the Mercure Bolton Hotel (Georgian House). Own transport. Arrive at 12:00pm for lunch from 12:30pm. Entertainment after from 'John on the Level'. Event ends 4:30pm.
- Sunday 20th December - W.A.S.P. Christmas Party at the Brookfield Masonic Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton. Own transport. Arrive 12:00pm for Christmas dinner from 12:30pm . Entertainment provided by 'The Travellin' Strings'. A gift for everyone from Santa. Leave approximately 4:30pm.
The pick up point for all events is the Park Gates, King Street, Westhoughton.
** A contribution of £10 per person is required to attend these events. Subject to availability, non-members may be allowed to attend; cost to them being £25.
Previous events for W.A.S.P. have included: trips to The Eagles Head Inn, at Over Kellet, Carnforth; taking in a fish and chips supper at Bolton's Olympus Chippy followed by the Wingates Brass Band 140th Anniversary Concert at the Victoria Hall; seeing the wartime nostalgia musical 'We'll Meet Again' at the Lowther Pavilion at Lytham St. Annes, trips to Marecambe and Blackpool, and a visit to the world-renowned Whelan's Fish and Chips Restaurant.
Getting in Touch
You can meet or join up or find out more about W.A.S.P. at any of the regular events. You can also contact W.A.S.P. through the Westhoughton Community Network website and we will pass on any contact.
Westhoughton Age Support Project (W.A.S.P.)
Registered Charity No. 515388
class="mail" title="E-mail Westhoughton Community Network">Westhoughton Community Network
