Newsletter for Westhoughton community groups and members of WCN
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Westhoughton Community Network

Westhoughton Community Network

Newsletter - March 2012


Last WCN Meeting...

A big thank you to those that attended the last WCN meeting 15th February at St. John's Church Wingates, and thanks to the Church for providing the venue and refreshments.

Those that were there had a very good and informative presentation from Mark Grundy from Bolton CVS on grants and funding available to local community groups. We will circulate and post some information on the website shortly. Additionally, we should be able to provide some information on Big Lottery Funding at the next meeting. There were updates on the Community Fayre and the Luddites Bi-Centenary Event. The meeting was productive with mixed format of presentation, networking and discussion.

The next meeting is to take place Tuesday, 15th May at the John Holt Centre - venue provided by HACFRA, with the subsequent meeting planned to take place on Wednesday, 15th August at the Wingates Band Hall.

We are looking at bringing in a Solicitors to look at legal aspects of community groups for one of the meetings. Should you have ideas for topics of that might be of interest let us know.


WCN Community Fayre - Saturday, 21st April

Following sub-committee meetings and discussions at the main WCN meeting, we are now looking at holding a
WCN Community Fayre
at Westhoughton Market on Saturday, 21st April between 10am and 3pm. Using the back Market Hall and taking advantage of the Westhoughton Local History Group's Luddites Bi-Centenary weekend, there is an opportunity for community groups to come together, promote themselves, find volunteers and do a little fundraising.

Working with Westhoughton Market, who are offering us the space free of charge, and making available 18 stalls for groups, we are looking to provide a community day of activity, information sharing and entertainment in the heart of the town. Similar events run by WACO have been very successful benefiting both groups and the market.

With a month to go until the event, we need to plan and allocate stalls, and look at promoting the event locally. If you are interested in having a stall (or sharing a stall) on the day can you let us know before Monday 26th March for the sub-committee meeting on Tuesday. A good number of groups have already expressed and interest.

Two rules: one, any fundraising will not duplicate market traders wares, and, two, we leave the place in a good state. We want to make the event interesting and diverse so are welcome to ideas. We are also looking at an entertainment itinerary during the day with group demonstrations and a show of local talent - let us know if you'd like to take part.

Market traders will be dressing up in Luddites period costume; the Local History Group will have an exhibition in the library on the day; and on the Sunday, their big event takes place with enactments, entertainment and the 'burning of the mill'.


Online Calendar

There is now a calendar available at the website, the idea being that groups can add events and a picture can emerge of what is going on in Westhoughton and will enhance the information share.

WCN Calendar

In order for events to be added, for the time being can information be sent to 'Events' for adding to the calendar - in the following format:

Event Name:

Day / Date / Time(s)
(State if a repeating event and the frequency.)

Where it is taking place

Short Description

Contact Name / Number / Website / Email
(if applicable and if you want this made public)


Just in...

The Houghton Weavers - Sit thi Deawn

Raising funds and organised by the Westhoughton United Reformed Church, our perennial favourites perform at The Bethel on Saturday, 24th March 2012 from 7.30pm. There are a few tickets left, priced £12.50 including supper - bring your own drinks & glasses. Contact John Purnell (01204 414915).

Upcoming Events

Wingates Band
Wingates Band invite you to 'White & Red Rose Brass' where our very own, world-renowned musicians perform tonight, Saturday, 17th March, with special guests at the Victoria Hall, Bolton. Tickets are £10 (£9 concessions).

The world famous brass band who have been around for over 100 years are credit to the town, often coming out for community events, welcome the support of local people coming to see them, buying CDs and spreading the word of an institution that is as howfen as bulls stuck in gates. Full details and more about the band


Friends of Eatock Lodge

Hoping to build on the successes of last year, the group are to continue with facilitating improvements and activities around this picturesque Daisy Hill nature reserve. The first event of 2012 will be a Community Litter Pick to take place Saturday, 31st March (meet 10am at The Lodge Hoskers entrance). The Friends hope to work with other groups to put on activities through the spring and summer months, with a Funday in August.


Westhoughton Carnival Queens

Keeping up this fine tradition of Carnival Royalty. Westhoughton Carnival Queens Association present a fundraiser, Carnival Princess selection and Carnival Queen competition on Sunday, 22nd April between 12 and 4pm at The Communiversity. Plenty to see and do, including 'Teddy Bear Parachute Jump', stalls and car boot sale, and activities in the Community Centre.


WACO - It's A Knockout

An organisation going from strength to strength, and building on the success of last year's event, the WACO team will be back on Sunday, 27th May (from noon),
with a jam-packed, family-friendly day of fun and entertainment, with an 'It's A Knockout' team competition, community stalls and funfair at the Communiversity on Central Drive, Westhoughton.


Westhoughton Community Network is a network of voluntary organisations and community groups based or offering a service in the Westhoughton area. The purpose of the network is to provide an effective means of communication between groups and to give all groups a stronger voice - achieved through: Information Sharing; Collaboration and Co-operation; Mutual Support and Advice, and Building relationships.

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