Westhoughton Community Network

WCN Community Fayre Review update: 5/2/13

The second gathering of community groups took place on a cold November morning, with 17 groups taking part and a number of others able to leave information at the Information Point. The groups were varied demonstrating the depth and breadth of community-led support and services on offer. Soon a steady flow of people came through from the market to view, meet and chat with community group representatives.

Westhoughton Art Group was able to display an impressive selection of their artwork; whilst giving live art demonstrations. Both of Westhoughton's amateur dramatic groups were in attendance and in costume promoting their upcoming productions: the Bethel Crowd and Westhoughton Methodist ADS putting on seasonal pantos, the former, Dick Whittington and His Cat (Jan), and the latter, Hansel and Gretel (Feb).

New WCN groups such as the National Association of Women's Clubs and the Guiding Association were able to reach some new people to further their causes and help with their activities. The Guiding Association were interested in finding mentors and leaders, and achieved what they'd hoped for.

It was pleasing to see local dignitaries find time to attend the event, and special thanks is due to Brian Battersby, Town Mayor and local MP, Julie Hilling; both taking a keen interest in the groups and volunteers. Local media were also in attendance: new publication LivinginBL producing a good write-up to help the cause (Dec 2012 issue). Our thanks too to The Advertiser and BL5 magazine.

A selection of photographs from the day is available online at Photobucket - Westhoughton.

Going from strength to strength WACO were able to promote the many activities at Communiversity; as was Bolton College able to promote further education courses at the Central Drive Learning Centre. Bolton Council-managed Get Active, based at the John Holt Centre were on hand to promote youth activities; some children were thrilled to be able to have their face painted. The presence of established local groups such as Daisy Hill in Bloom, SWAN and Friends of Eatock Lodge added further interest.

There was entertainment with organisers able to borrow a stage from Westhoughton High School. Urban dance troupe XDC did a number of high-energy routines for proud relatives and onlookers. XDC, led by David Charlton, with dancers aged from 5 to 18 showed just how hard they work perfecting their routines.

Later a couple of local singer-songwriters took to the stage. Causing a stir with his contemporary and quirky take on growing up and life was Jordan Allen. Jordan, a student at Leeds University has since recorded his first songs and made his first videos. Already, gigging locally and in Leeds, he is building a fan-base and making a big impression with his music.

Chris Buckley, organiser of local music event Howfenfest, performed a number of songs available on his YouTube channel to an appreciative audience including Your Fool. Chris will be adding more of his own songs to YouTube in the coming months.

For Westhoughton Community Network after the planning and effort involved it was good to see the event come off and be a relative success; certainly something to build on. Of course, for the groups involved whether new or established it was an opportunity to raise their profiles, as it is a chance to show Westhoughton at its community-led best.

Our thanks to Westhoughton Market for their help and the use of the rear hall; and to market trader Steve Howarth for use of the PA system.

Hopefully, we should be able to do it again in June 2013 around Volunteer Week.

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Second Event Preparation update: 20/11/12

Following on from the successful, first group event in April 2012, which coincided with the Westhoughton Local History Group's Luddites Bi-Centenary weekend, we are to hold a second 'Community Fayre' at Westhoughton Market on Saturday, 24th November. The event will again be an opportunity for local community groups and organisations to promote themselves and engage with the public, and show the active and diverse range of community supporting organisations in the town. There will be a mix of stalls, entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Groups taking part

• Bolton College - promoting educational opportunities at the college.
• Daisy Hill In Bloom - promotion of floral and community initiatives.
• Friends of Eatock Lodge - activities on local nature reserve; new members.
• Guiding Association - promoting activities of local girl guiding groups.
• HACFRA promoting Hindleys and Clough Farm RA activities & Washacre FM.
• National Association of Women's Clubs - promoting work of women's groups; new volunteers.
• S.W.A.N. (Save Westhoughton Act Now) - update on the group.
• WACO (Westhoughton Active Communities Organisation) - promoting the Communiversity & WACO family.
• Westhoughton Art Group - promoting art classes & work of students.
• Westhoughton Community Queens Association - promoting Carnival Royalty tradition & fundraising initiatives.
• Westhoughton Local Local History Group - bringing local history to life! Info on projects, DVD/books sales.
• Westhoughton Leisure Centre - information about centre, sporting & fitness activities. Health & fitness checks
• Westhoughton Methodist ADS - promoting theatre group and next show!
• Westhoughton Visiting Service - promoting activities and sitting-in services for elderly; supporting carers.
• Westhoughton United Reformed Church - promoting Church activities and Bethel Crowd Amateur Dramatic Group.
• Wingates Band - promoting activities & performances of brass band; selling CDs.
• Youth Services - Get Active (Bolton Council) - promoting John Holt Centre youth & community projects. Fun activities on the day.

Entertainment

• Demonstrations - various activities showcased from WACO-based groups (dance, fitness, martial arts).
• Jordan Allen - Westhoughton student with promising future as singer-songwriter.
• XDC - Excellent Street Dance/Hip Hop troupe (20 dancers, ages 5-18).
• Other activities to include face-painting, treasure hunts, raffle, community royalty on show.

If the last event is anything to go by, it should a fun day with plenty going on and of interest to visitors. It is also a chance to visit and see what's new at the refurbished Westhoughton Market. A sub-committee has formed and has been meeting over recent months to progress the event. We will be taking over the rear of the market and will be decking out stalls with information about the many community groups doing good and important work in Westhoughton - what they do, and how you can help and get involved.

In the main these groups are made up of volunteers giving their time to provide community-oriented services and support. It's a great chance to meet these groups and show your appreciation.

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Allocated Stalls and Layout

Participating groups and stall allocations >>> download (PDF). (Subject to change.)

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Info Point for Local Groups

Whilst there are good number of Westhoughton groups having stalls, not all groups would want to or have the time or resources to be involved on the day.

With some space available we are planning to use one stall as a general information point for Westhoughton-based community groups, the idea being a group could leave an information sheet or some leaflets about events or activities - with people milling around it may be noticed and read, which could help promote your group or activity.

Getting the information to us:

• You can drop off leaflets at the market on Thursday whilst it is open (ask for Jean Coban); there may be people about setting up stalls on the Thursday.
• You could drop some info/leaflets off on Saturday morning at the market.
• Or you could e-mail some information to us at WCN.

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