Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of Borough Life
Important historical landmarks and major events appear to have been the norm for us in recent years. It looks like 2024 is no exception.
In April, Wigan Borough marked its 50 year anniversary following the major re-shuffle of local authority areas in the early 1970s.
In this edition we’ve spent some time looking back on the reasons behind that decision, what it meant for our communities and reflected on some of the major achievements, events and developments which have shaped our lives over those five decades.
As we know, the strength of our borough is in the networks of diverse but inter-connected neighbourhoods and communities that all have their own unique identities.
Through this reflection of our recent history, we explain why the Progress with Unity motto - which was associated with the borough’s Coat of Arms - will see a re-emergence.
Meanwhile, this summer will see some of the music industry’s biggest acts perform alongside our own local heroes for the most highly-anticipated events of a generation at Robin Park Arena.
We go behind-the-scenes to see what wider impact these gigs will have, why we should all be excited and what the acts themselves are feeling in the build-up to the big week.
The Borough Life team also catch up with our front-cover star Jane Daniels to highlight her amazing achievements and how she is a trailblazer in the world of motorcycling.
Elsewhere, this edition shines a spotlight on some of the programmes and initiatives that are helping hundreds of young people into employment through apprenticeships.
There are also important updates on development schemes that are designed to provide families with supported living facilities and sustainable housing options and an in-depth look at how amazing volunteers help to make one of the borough’s most-loved facilities tick.
I hope you enjoy this edition as we look ahead to a busy spring and summer season. As ever, keep an eye-out for the many events, activities and local businesses you can visit, enjoy and support. There’s plenty to keep you busy.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE
Leader of Wigan Council
Contents
News in brief
Your latest news round-up.
Built on amazing volunteers
It provides an incredibly important service for our residents through love and empathy. We meet the caring individuals who make Wigan and Leigh Hospice such an inspiring place.
Life in the fast lane
A world champion and a pioneer in the world of motorcycling. It’s been a remarkable year for homegrown hero Jane Daniels.
Join us on a be well journey
Making positive, healthy changes is a big part of the Be Well movement that is making giant strides across the borough. We catch up with some of our members who have empowering stories to share.
A tasty trek in Tyldesley
A range of independent businesses creating a buzz and a scheme to revitalise its heritage means this borough town has become a popular destination for visitors. So, we went along for a tour of Tyldesley.
Petals of positivity
An act of kindness became a life-saver and led to a new movement that could make positive waves across the country.
A caring career path
Our borough is leading the way when it comes to helping prepare young people build a career in social care.
An eye on the future
Several schemes to create career opportunities are having a huge impact across the borough. We speak to some of the hard-working apprentices who are taking their first steps into the world of work.
50 years of Wigan Borough
It was a key date in the history of the areas that make up our borough. We delve into our archives to reflect on what has happened over the last five decades and how Progress with Unity is making a comeback.
A summer of musical milestones
A superstar returning to his roots, plus there’s amazing home-town gigs for the borough’s rising stars. We look ahead to the Robin Park Arena music series with those making it happen both on stage and behind the scenes.