Author: loisbarnett

Uncategorized

From Service to the Sidelines: Why Veterans Struggle After Leaving the Forces,

At Leigh Library’s Writing to Remember event, veteran John Stephenson introduced his new book, The Making of a Hunter, aimed at helping ex-service personnel navigate life after leaving the forces. Too many veterans leave the military unprepared, struggling to find meaningful work. Stephenson’s book tackles that gap head-on. After leaving the military, Stephenson discovered just how tough civilian life could be. Seeing the gaps in … Continue reading From Service to the Sidelines: Why Veterans Struggle After Leaving the Forces,

Unknown's avatarloisbarnettLeave a comment
People & Places

Remembering Dr Kamal Gupta, MB, BS.

For those living in Leigh and the surrounding areas, Dr Kamal Gupta was a familiar and respected figure. A dedicated GP, he served the community with compassion and professionalism until his passing in 2021. His medical career spanned several decades, leaving a legacy of commitment, care, and community spirit. Born and educated in India, Dr Gupta qualified from MGM College in Indore in the early … Continue reading Remembering Dr Kamal Gupta, MB, BS.

Unknown's avatarloisbarnettLeave a comment
Arts & Culture, People & Places

French Culture Takes Center Stage at Angers Twinning Association’s Wine and Cheese Tasting

The rich tapestry of French flavours and culture took centre stage at the Angers Twinning Association’s annual Wine and Cheese Tasting, a highlight of French Week. Now in its fourth year, this event celebrates Wigan twinning with the French town of Angers, fostering community spirit and cultural appreciation. The evening offered an insightful exploration into the deep-rooted connection between wine and cheese in French culture, … Continue reading French Culture Takes Center Stage at Angers Twinning Association’s Wine and Cheese Tasting

Unknown's avatarloisbarnettLeave a comment
People & Places

Business Bitesize: Industry Panel of Women Leaders Inspires Ahead of International Women’s Day

This week, Wigan Council’s Business Consortium hosted its Business Bitesize event at Wigan and Leigh College ahead of International Women’s Day. The event featured a keynote speech from solicitor Cecilia Goodwin, followed by an industry panel Q&A and networking session. Despite the barriers women often face in the business world, a recent UK Government report highlights a record number of female business owners. The FTSE … Continue reading Business Bitesize: Industry Panel of Women Leaders Inspires Ahead of International Women’s Day

Unknown's avatarloisbarnettLeave a comment
Arts & Culture

Dolly Mavies Live at The Snug: An Intimate and Raw Performance

Dolly Mavies delivered an intimate and raw performance at The Snug on Friday as part of The Early Doors Club, a UK government-backed program supporting the nighttime economy and local music across Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, and Wigan. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to boost the local economy by increasing footfall and encouraging visitors to support surrounding businesses. Hailing from Oxford, Dolly Mavies was joined … Continue reading Dolly Mavies Live at The Snug: An Intimate and Raw Performance

Unknown's avatarloisbarnett1 Comment
Arts & Culture

An Enchanting Evening: Bek Jones & Ríoghnach Connolly Live at The Snug

From the moment Bek Jones and Ríoghnach Connolly took the stage at The Snug in Atherton, the audience was captivated. Jones, with her rock-infused, bluesy vocals and evocative lyrics, blended seamlessly with Connolly’s hypnotic and enchanting voice. Their performance was a mesmerising fusion of folk, rock, blues, and storytelling. The intimate venue, filled with an eager crowd, provided the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable … Continue reading An Enchanting Evening: Bek Jones & Ríoghnach Connolly Live at The Snug

Unknown's avatarloisbarnett2 Comments
Arts & Culture, People & Places

Express Yourself at The Coffee Stop’s Spoken Word Swap

Since July 2024, The Coffee Stop has hosted Leigh’s very own spoken word evening, Word Swap, led by Julie McKiernan. Taking place on the third Thursday of every month, the event encourages local poets, writers, and anyone who wishes to express themselves creatively through the written word to perform. Featuring performances of poetry, prose, and even the occasional song, there’s truly something for everyone. Local … Continue reading Express Yourself at The Coffee Stop’s Spoken Word Swap

Unknown's avatarloisbarnett3 Comments
Arts & Culture

Turnpike Gallery: Ukrainian Photography Reveals the Fragility of Home in War

Ukranian Photography Exhibition at The Turnpike Gallery. A touring exhibition of Ukrainian photographers arrives at The Turnpike presented by the Open Eye Gallery. At the heart of the exhibition are questions about the meaning of home and how we can visualize it. Curated by Max Gorbatsky and Victoria Bavyzina, the exhibition offers unique perspectives on themes such as identity, landscape, experimental art, and folk and … Continue reading Turnpike Gallery: Ukrainian Photography Reveals the Fragility of Home in War

Unknown's avatarloisbarnett1 Comment
Arts & Culture

An Educational Festive Journey with Santa’s Little Helpers

Santa’s Little Helpers at the Over Hulton Conservative Club transports audiences back to the winter of 1974. Guided by Babs and Sand, two disheartened seasonal entertainers working at a local department store, the audience embarks on an educational and festive journey that delves into Christmas traditions and history. From the outset, the audience was met with confusion as the characters stumbled into the room, mistakenly … Continue reading An Educational Festive Journey with Santa’s Little Helpers

Unknown's avatarloisbarnett5 Comments
People & Places

How Bolton’s Armed Forces Breakfast Club Supports Veterans in Battling Loneliness and Isolation

On a cold morning in Bolton, former Paratrooper Ken Royles sits at the table with a hearty breakfast and steaming tea, sharing stories of his service. Like many veterans, the transition to civilian life has brought the struggles of loneliness and isolation. “No veteran wants or needs sympathy, they want understanding.”, Ken says. “Civilians don’t know what I have seen and done and how it … Continue reading How Bolton’s Armed Forces Breakfast Club Supports Veterans in Battling Loneliness and Isolation

Unknown's avatarloisbarnett2 Comments