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.
The new group would soon establish what its aims were, draw up am 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.
For over 30 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.
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 1:00pm to 3:30pm for cards, dominoes, bingo and refreshments. - Monday evenings at the Winifred Kettle, Leigh Road/Washacre, Westhoughton.
Dominoes Evening, 6:00pm to 9:00pm - Thursday evenings again at the Winifred Kettle.
Bingo night with fabulous prizes and refreshments, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
During refurbishment of Winifred Kettle, activities relocated to Daisy Hill Community Centre.
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 £8,000, part of which was raised through the 'Westhoughton You Decide' where W.A.S.P. received the most votes at the community event. The group was featured in the Bolton News (18/2/15).
Programme of Events 2016
- Monday, 9th May (1pm - 4pm) - Annual General Meeting (AGM) at John Holt Centre with Carrs Pasties, tea, coffee and biscuits, with Free Bingo and Free Raffle.
- Friday, 1st July (10:30am) - trip to The Doric Hotel Blackpool for a 4-course lunch at 12 noon with an afternoon of entertainment followed by tea, coffee and biscuits at 3:30pm. Coach leaves hotel at 4.30pm
- Friday, 5th August (10:30am) - trip to The Chadwick Hotel, Lytham St Annes for a 4-course lunch and entertainment. Coach leaves hotel at 4:30pm
- Friday, 2nd September (10:15am) - trip The Headway Hotel, Morecambe for a 4-course lunch, an afternoon of entertainment; tea, coffee and biscuits served at 4:00pm. Coach leaves Hotel at 5:00pm.
- Friday, 7th October (10:45am) - trip to to Ryecroft Hall, Cleveleys, Poulton-le-Fylde for a 3-course lunch and an afternoon of entertainment (Swing into the 60s). Followed by Tea, coffee and biscuits at 3.30pm Coach leaves at 4.30pm.
- Saturday, 19st November (evening) - The 49 Club Christmas Party at the San Marco Restaurant on the A6 Blackrod Bypass. Festive 4-course dinner with entertainment from the talented Lancashire Belle until 10.30pm.
- Sunday, 18th December - W.A.S.P. Christmas Party at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton. Arriving at 11:30am for in time for a Turkey Christmas Lunch at noon, with an afternoon of entertainment and a gift for all from Father Christmas. Leave at 4:30pm.
The pick up point for all outings is the Park Gates, King Street, Westhoughton.
The total cost of activities for the year is £8,905.45, with individual trips costing on average £1,200. A contribution of £10.00 per person per trip is to be made for trips to Ryecroft Hall, Doric Hotel, Chadwick Hotel and Headway Hotel. For all non-regular supporters the cost is £23.00 each per trip.
Previous Years Events
Programme of Events 2015
- Thursday, 7th May (7pm) - Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Winifred Kettle Centre with hot pot supper, pickles, apple pie and cream. Free bingo and raffle.
- Friday, 5th June - trip to Ryecroft Hall, Poulton-le-Flyde for a 4-course lunch. Entertainment (hits of the 50s and 60s), followed by tea, coffee and biscuits.
- Friday, 17th July - afternoon in Blackpool at the Doric house Hotel for a 4-course lunch. Entertainment, bingo; tea, coffee and biscuits.
- Friday, 18th September - trip to Chadwick Hotel, Lytham-St-Annes for a 4-course lunch, and afternoon of entertainment and bingo.
- Friday, 9th October - trip to Eagles Head Inn, at Over Kellet, Carnforth for a 4-course lunch and an afternoon of bingo.
- Saturday, 21st November (evening) - The 49 Club Christmas Party at the San Marco Restaurant on the A6 Blackrod Bypass. 4-course dinner with entertainment until 10:30pm.
- Sunday, 13th December - W.A.S.P. Christmas Party at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton. Arriving at 12 noon in time for 4-course dinner at 12:30pm, with full afternoon of entertainment and a gift from Father Christmas.
- Wednesday, 27th March - a trip to Lytham-St-Anne's to see the wartime nostalgia musical 'We'll Meet Again' with hits from the blitz at The Lowther Gardens, arriving in time for a coffee in the tea room. The show starts at 2:00pm and ends at 4:30pm. Then a short coach ride to Whelan's, the famous fish and chips restaurant recommended by Rick Stein and Gordon Ramsey for a haddock & chips meal and sweet.
- Monday, 6th May - WASP's Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 7:00pm at The Winifred Kettle House with pot supper, apple pie and cream, free bingo and raffle.
- Friday, 14th June - afternoon in Blackpool at the Park house Hotel for a 4-course lunch. Entertainment 2:00-4:00pm followed by tea, coffee and biscuits.
- Saturday, 26th October - Wingates Band Concert - evening begins with meal at the Olympus Fish & Chips Restaurant, Bolton. After which we are transported to Victoria Halls for a 140-year anniversary concert by Wingates Band with Special Guests.
- Saturday, 9th November - The 49 Club Party at the Dean Golf Club, Bolton between 6:00pm and 10:00pm. Transport will be provided and everyone will be picked up from their own home for a 5-course meal followed by entertainment and dancing.
- Sunday, 15th December - WASP Christmas Party at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton. Arriving at 12 noon in time for dinner at 12:30pm, with entertainment and a gift from Father Christmas.
Programme of Events from 2014
Programme of Events from 2013
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
