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

Westhoughton Community Network

Newsletter - September 2012


Next WCN Meeting...

The next full meeting of the Westhoughton Community Network is to take place on Wednesday, 14th November at Westhoughton Leisure Centre. As well as discussing the upcoming Community Fayre, there will be a chance to have a tour of the recently refurbished Leisure Centre, and we hope to have a visiting presentation on a topic related to the voluntary sector.

A big thank you to those that attended the last WCN meeting on 15th August at Wingates Band Hall. A good meeting that featured a very interesting talk on Wingates Band by President, David Kaye - the world-renowned band will next year be celebrating its 140th anniversary; Sam Walke introduced us Westhoughton Leisure Centre and some of the free offers available to residents. There was an update regarding the Sub-Committee's progress on organising the next Community Fayre (details below).

Our thanks to Wingates Band for providing the venue and refreshments.

WCN has now been going for well over a year meeting at different venues around Westhoughton (the next will be our 7th), and hopes to continue both as a support and a communications conduit for local groups. Please feel free to suggest topics for discussion at meetings and to send in information for sharing.


WCN Community Fayre - Saturday, 24th November

WCN Community Fayre 21st April 2012 - stalls Following Sub-Committee meetings and discussions at the main WCN meetings, we are now looking at holding a second WCN Community Fayre at Westhoughton Market
(rear hall) on Saturday, 24th November from 10am to 2/2:30pm. Building on the success of the April event which featured some 17 local groups, we are looking to not only fill the available stalls but also have a programme of entertainment, fun family-oriented activities and group demonstrations to draw in visitors. We will be advertising the event through the local press & media, online promotion, posters and word of mouth over the coming months.

It is an opportunity for community groups to come together, promote themselves, find volunteers and to do a little fundraising: the fayre will highlight the good work that the voluntary sector does within Westhoughton.

In order to plan the event, we would like you to let us know if you wish to participate with a stall or even a display of some sort; we are also interested in hearing from groups/individuals who might wish to be part of the entertainment/activity programme. If you could let us know by Monday, 15th October that will help the Sub-Committee with the planning and allocation of space on the day.

Given the relative ease with which the April event came together, we are confident the November event can be a success. Updates will be posted on the Community Fayre webpage.

Our plan is to have WCN Community Fayres in June, around National Volunteers Week, and November.


Online Calendar

A reminder that 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 that is part of the regular meetings.

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)


A Busy Summer...

A couple of events of note that took place over the recent months worthy of mention.

Firstly, in its sixth year Washacre FM took place between 22nd and 25th August, organised by HACFRA, the community radio station goes from strength to strength, with presenters and production people coming from the local community to put on the radio shows, concluding with the 'Showcase Day' on the Saturday with stalls, mini-funfair and group demonstrations. Listeners will have heard some of our groups taking part. Planning has already begun for next year…

Secondly, set up in 2010 and having established themselves at The Communiversity, the Westhoughton Art Group, were able to put on their very first Art Exhibition at Westhoughton Library in September, featuring a high standard of paintings and drawings, demonstrating both the passion and achievement of this impressively creative group.

A plus being that the group not only received recognition within arts circles but generated some good media interest for themselves and the local community.

Upcoming Events

WACO
As 'active' as ever WACO have a number of events coming up…

Looking for a bargain? On Saturday, 6th October there is Car Boot Sale at The Communiversity (£7 a pitch).
Later that day at the Westhoughton Sports & Social Club, a chance to enjoy some great music from our very own Wingates Band, as WACO invite you to a Night At The Proms, a fundraising event that promises to be a lot of fun. Tickets for this extravaganza are £10 and include supper. Dress to impress!

Later in the month on Saturday, 27th October, there will be a Hallowe'en Party - family fun and spooky games.
For more info on all WACO events call xxxx xxxxxx or visit the WACO Facebook page


Westhoughton United Reformed Church

A Craft Fair is to be held in the Church Hall (The Bethel) on Saturday, 20th October between 11am and 3pm. Raising funds, there will be a variety of specially invited craft stalls; home produce, jams, baking and knitwear for sale, as well as children’s craft activities provided by Daisy Hill Pre-School in the school room. Entrance charge just 25p. The Westhoughton Carnival Queens will be in attendance from noon. All the family welcome. Info.


News

Westhoughton Carnival Queens

Photos and mementos sought! Most will be familiar with the tradition of Carnival Royalty; the girls and boys are still active participating at events and competitions. Sandra Greenall is looking to put together a scrapbook over the years, and is looking for content from former Royalty; especially relevant will be old Carnival memorabilia. Contact WCN and we will pass on any info.

Westhoughton Local History Group

Following on from the successes of the 'Pretoria 100-year Remembrance' events and the crowd-pulling 'Luddites
Bi-Centenary Burning of the Mill' re-enactment and exhibition, the group continues to be active in documenting and celebrating the rich history of Westhoughton, with current projects including Town Trails and work on the town's industrial heritage. They are keen to hear from those that remember or have memorabilia relating to past times. More

Finally

Westhoughton Pictures Past And Present

For those brought up in Westhoughton or those who now make their home here, there is a fascinating collection of old photos from around the town (places, industrial heritage, people) put together by Conrad Howcroft and found on the Facebook page Westhoughton Pictures Past And Present. Well worth a look!


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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