Author: loisbarnett

People & Places

Wigan Business Awards 2024 celebrate extraordinary local businesses and their impact

Local achievements took centre stage as businesses gathered to celebrate at the Wigan Business Awards at The Edge on November 8. Organised by Nichola Howard and Jo Leigh, founders of Launch Event Northwest in Atherton, the awards celebrated the achievements of 75 finalists across 22 categories, showcasing a diverse range of businesses such as tourism, wellbeing, and community enterprises. DASCO Construction, based in Ince, was … Continue reading Wigan Business Awards 2024 celebrate extraordinary local businesses and their impact

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People & Places

Fresh and dynamic fashion show held by local charity

Daffodils Dreams, a local charity, hosted a fresh and dynamic fashion show at Whelans Bar on the 6th of October, showcasing an array of pre-loved clothing. The fashion show was organised by the Wigan-based charity Daffodils Dreams, which supports local children and families by providing essential items and positive life experiences to those in need. By highlighting the benefits of buying pre-loved clothing, the charity … Continue reading Fresh and dynamic fashion show held by local charity

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Remembrance Sunday: We Shall never forget their sacrifice

Remembrance Sunday, observed on the second Sunday of November, is a day to honour all those who gave their lives for the peace and freedom we cherish today. Countless men and women made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of liberty, and we have to ensure that their memory endures.This year, Remembrance Sunday was observed on November 10, serving as a day of reflection throughout … Continue reading Remembrance Sunday: We Shall never forget their sacrifice

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Arts & Culture

Mixed Motives and Blackmail in St. Joseph’s Players’ ‘A Murder is Announced’

I had the pleasure of watching St. Joseph’s Players’ production of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, which ran from October 1st to 5th at St. Joseph’s Hall in Leigh. Originally adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon, this production was directed by Barbara Myers, a member of the Players. Set in the 1950s in the small town of Chipping Cleghorn, a local newspaper announces … Continue reading Mixed Motives and Blackmail in St. Joseph’s Players’ ‘A Murder is Announced’

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Arts & Culture

The Joy of Words: Language and Laughter, Served Up with Fish & Chips

On September 19th, Wigan Libraries revived their beloved evenings with a fantastic series of insightful talks, all accompanied by a beloved fish and chip supper. Jan Porteous, a poet, writer, and retired teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and English, delivered a fun poetry evening titled The Joy of Words, exploring how the alphabet, through words, letters, and sounds, can both amuse and astound us. Jan … Continue reading The Joy of Words: Language and Laughter, Served Up with Fish & Chips

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Arts & Culture

Ladies of Leigh: A Thought-Provoking Play Illuminates the Untold History of Women in Leigh

“The Ladies of Leigh,” written by Julie McKiernan and Corrie Shelley, is a dynamic performance that brings the forgotten history of Leigh’s women to life. Julie, a freelance writer, creative writing tutor, and amateur historian, is known for her work on local history through scripts, essays, and books. Corrie, a talented singer, photographer, and composer of local history folk songs, adds her musical flair to … Continue reading Ladies of Leigh: A Thought-Provoking Play Illuminates the Untold History of Women in Leigh

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Arts & Culture

Review: Beyond the Surface—Journeys from Within Exhibition by Fallen Angels Dance Theatre at The Turnpike Gallery

Launching a major exhibition at The Turnpike Gallery, Beyond the Surface celebrates 10 years of Fallen Angels Dance Theatre’s work in Wigan. Showcasing a range of multimedia artworks—from photography to immersive dance, light, and sound installations—the exhibition explores the healing journeys of individuals in recovery. It aims to highlight not only the healing process but also the human experience behind recovery, addressing its significance as … Continue reading Review: Beyond the Surface—Journeys from Within Exhibition by Fallen Angels Dance Theatre at The Turnpike Gallery

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Arts & Culture

Women of Grit and Grace: The Steel Magnolias Shine in The Turnpike Community Theatre production

Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling, is a thought-provoking and sentimental play that highlights the strength of friendship. Inspired by the tragic death of his sister Susan due to complications from diabetes, the characters in the play are close to Robert’s heart. The play was famously adapted into a film in 1989, featuring stars such as Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley … Continue reading Women of Grit and Grace: The Steel Magnolias Shine in The Turnpike Community Theatre production

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People & Places

Being your authentic self: How Savvy Style helps local children build confidence through Personal Style

Local stylist Natacha Diskin, known as Savvy Style, is helping children build confidence through workshops focused on personal style and self-expression. Aimed at students in their final year of primary school transitioning to secondary, these workshops address the low self-esteem that often begins in childhood, empowering kids to embrace their individuality. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Natacha and learn more about … Continue reading Being your authentic self: How Savvy Style helps local children build confidence through Personal Style

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Arts & Culture

Revealing Silent Wounds: Joy Unspeakable Review at The Turnpike Gallery.

On Wednesday, September 11th, I watched Joy Unspeakable, an all-female production directed by Amy Hailwood from her theatre company, Ordinary Glory. The play uses verbatim text, physical theatre, and live music to explore the real-life experiences of four women dealing with disordered eating. In addition to these true accounts, the play is influenced by Hailwood’s own experience with bulimia during her late teens and early … Continue reading Revealing Silent Wounds: Joy Unspeakable Review at The Turnpike Gallery.

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