Author: loisbarnett

People & Places

A rather unusual bookshop: the reopening of Leigh Book Cycle

On June 18th, the beloved charity book shop Book Cycle reopened its doors, marking a new chapter since its closure earlier last year. Previously located in the Spinning Jenny shopping centre, the store holds fond memories for many Leigh residents. However, the end of their temporary tenancy of goodwill with Spinning Jenny meant they had to find a new home. Book Cycle is a UK-based, … Continue reading A rather unusual bookshop: the reopening of Leigh Book Cycle

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People & Places

Celebrating Armed Forces Day 2024: ‘Writing the War’ Workshop with Julie McKiernan Hosted by Healthy Arts and Wigan and Leigh Archives

Every last Saturday in June marks the celebration of Armed Forces Day which this year fell on the 29th of June. The day marks a chance for people to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces Community: from personnel currently serving, to service families and cadets. Wigan and Leigh Armed Forces Day was celebrated by Wigan Council holding an Armed … Continue reading Celebrating Armed Forces Day 2024: ‘Writing the War’ Workshop with Julie McKiernan Hosted by Healthy Arts and Wigan and Leigh Archives

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People & Places

One in a million: celebrating Delia Clarke’s 70 Years

Delia Clarke has dedicated fifty years to the health and well-being of the Leigh community as a nurse, and this year she celebrates her seventieth birthday. Reflecting on her career, Delia’s journey began at eighteen when she chose to pursue nursing, a calling she felt deeply was her true purpose. “Being a nurse is ‘me’,” she affirms, underscoring her natural inclination towards caregiving. Delia’s early … Continue reading One in a million: celebrating Delia Clarke’s 70 Years

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People & Places

Community Clean-up: Litter Picking in Hindley with Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre

Two weeks ago, I joined the Wigan and Leigh Carer’s Centre to participate in their community litter pick. As part of The Big Help Out, the centre called on volunteers to help clean up the streets of Hindley. The Big Help Out ran from the 7th to the 9th of June, aligning with Volunteers Week to raise awareness of volunteering in the UK and to … Continue reading Community Clean-up: Litter Picking in Hindley with Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre

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Arts & Culture

Meditative writing: Calligraphy with Let’s Shape Our Creativity and Sammie Lister.

Images courtesy of Let’s Shape Our Creativity As a writer, I had never thought about the visual art related to writing until I attended the “Let’s Shape Our Creativity” workshop with Sammie on calligraphy. This experience allowed me to learn about and engage with this new visual art form. The term “calligraphy” derives from the Greek words for “beauty” (kallos) and “to write” (graphein). I … Continue reading Meditative writing: Calligraphy with Let’s Shape Our Creativity and Sammie Lister.

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Arts & Culture

Creating deep and lasting impressions: The Turnpike Gallery’s Chance Encounter Exhibition

‘Chance Encounter Banner’ by The Turnpike Gallery. On April 20th, I had the pleasure of attending the Turnpike Gallery’s launch of their latest exhibition, “Chance Encounter.” This captivating exhibition features the works of two distinguished artists, Jeanette Orrell and Leonard Green, both hailing from Leigh and boasting impressive international careers. The showcase was lively upon arrival with people gathered to share and celebrate local artists … Continue reading Creating deep and lasting impressions: The Turnpike Gallery’s Chance Encounter Exhibition

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People & Places

The Heart of Tyldesley: Radio M29’s local impact

Radio M29 is a community station celebrating its second birthday this year that shares great music, local events, news, and sports updates. Recently, connecting with presenter Joe Graham at the Early Doors Club allowed me to discover this gem in the heart of Tyldesley. Today I popped down to the radio and met with the team to see the station’s inner workings. I was kindly … Continue reading The Heart of Tyldesley: Radio M29’s local impact

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Arts & Culture

Good Ol’ country: Noel Fraser and Kyle Edge live at St George’s Church, Tyldesley

British music critics have long maintained a love-hate relationship with country music, much like Marmite. Consider timeless country artists such as Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline legends who have captivated people with their music. With its stripped instrumentation and heavy narrative, country is a genre grounded in everyday life, telling stories that resonate. However, country is coming back swinging with artists such as Beyonce and her latest … Continue reading Good Ol’ country: Noel Fraser and Kyle Edge live at St George’s Church, Tyldesley

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Arts & Culture

A Sense of Deja Vu: Early Doors Club at The Snug

Within the last week, the significance of grassroots venues within the music industry has once again been brought to people’s attention. A controversy occurred when Gary Roden ex-CEO of CO-OP Live resigned following his ignorant remarks on grassroots venues. Gary  commented on how smaller venues are poorly ran ignited fury among music lovers, and rightfully so. Mr Roden’s comments highlight bigger venues’ reluctance to support their smaller counterparts. Places such as The Snug in … Continue reading A Sense of Deja Vu: Early Doors Club at The Snug

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Arts & Culture

A Cultural Marriage: Wine and Cheese Tasting by Angers Twinning Association

Last week marked the third celebration of the beloved annual partnership between the Wigan Borough and Angers, a city in France. French Week spanning across many venues in Wigan, Hindley and Leigh allows local people to immerse themselves in French culture whilst strengthening the ties between both towns. Throughout the week there are a range of events held from the allure of French cinema, engaging … Continue reading A Cultural Marriage: Wine and Cheese Tasting by Angers Twinning Association

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