An exciting end to 2024

An exciting end to 2024

As 2024 draws to a close we can reflect on a year in which we have marked the 50th anniversary of our borough.

The latest part of our commemorations will see oak trees delivered to schools as a permanent reminder of the anniversary.

Each will be planted in the school-grounds along with a commemorative plaque.

There have been many highlights of our 50th year and I would encourage everyone to read the article by Dr Tom McGrath from Archives: Wigan + Leigh in the latest edition of our Borough Life magazine, which is now available to pick up from our public buildings.

Speaking of highlights, what an amazing achievement it was for Keely Hodgkinson to be named as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

It has been an incredible year already having claimed the gold in Paris and I’m sure the whole borough will have been voting for Keely earlier in the week.

It was also fantastic to see Keely’s mentors Jenny Meadows and Trevor Painter recognised as coaches of the year and Wigan Warriors claim the team of the year award.  We would like to pass on our congratulations to each one.

Elsewhere, Leigh Leisure Centre gym space and group exercise studios have undergone a refurbishment with new state-of-the-art equipment being added to the popular facility.

The new equipment will be available from 23 December.

It’s the second local Be Well leisure centre to benefit from such investment this year, following the makeover of Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in the summer.

This year we’ve also invested in a new website and app to make our Be Well activities more easily accessible, supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities.

As the festive season is well underway, I’d like to remind you that if you’re struggling with your finances, help is available.

Joining Unify Credit Union can be a good way of borrowing wisely and saving throughout the year.

More than 60 of our community venues and council buildings will be opening as warm spaces over the winter months where you can go and have a brew, meet friends and receive a warm welcome.

Alternatively, you can visit one of our libraries where our friendly and expert teams will be able to point you in the right direction and, as always, I’d encourage you to seek support as early as possible. 

As this is the final column of 2024, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as we look forward to the next 12 months.

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