Bridger 141
December 2012
Vice Chairman Keith Sumner opened the meeting by welcoming everyone, especially Warren Done and Kath Godfrey, Warren is the co-coordinator for the proposed Food Bank and Kath was there to talk about the possibility of developing Guest Fold.
Apologies were given for Rev Kathryn Carmyllie and group chairman, Terry Daly, Terry was doing a presentation to the Heritage Society at Wigan Museum of Life.The presentation was in the form of powerpoint and was about all the projects that the Bridgers are involved with, especially in the North West in Bloom Competition.
Guest Fold.
At a recent meeting that had been called for the residents who could be affected by this project, only 5 residents turned up, however, those that did attend left the meeting reassured about the project, there would be areas for fruit trees, community allotment and raised flower beds, another meeting will be arranged soon.
Food Bank.
This would be for people in a temporary financial crisis, the idea is to provide these people with 3 days supply of non-perishable foods as a stopgap to getting out of crisis.
The food would be donated by the public.
A voucher system would be implemented which agencies such as Doctors, CAB, Schools, Job Centres etc would issue.
Emergency food boxes would be made up and given out as appropriate with menus.
It is envisaged that the project will start early February and it is hoped that by then there will be at least 3 Tons of food stored in the Food Bank ready for use.
The food will be stored in a warehouse in Astley but will be given out from Atherton Parish Church.
A steering group- has been set up to supervise the running of the project, but, many volunteers will be needed to help, if you can help PLEASE contact Warren Done on
or Terry Daly on 01942 603175.
Non-perishable food can be donated through the Bridgers by contacting Terry Daly by phone or
North West in Bloom.
2012 has proved to be the most successful year we have ever had, at the recent awards ceremony held in Southport, The Bridgers won the GOLD award in the BEST LARGE VILLAGE Category, we also won the OVERALL WINNERS award in the VILLAGE Category.
We were also awarded the HERITAGE TROPHY for our very innovative Heritage Trail that uses the Q R Coding system.
This wasn`t the end, at the Museum of Life we were presented with a trophy to thank the Bridgers for the work we do within the Environment and local Heritage.
Wigan in Bloom gave us a certificate of thanks for the help we gave them during the National RHS in Bloom competition.
This has resulted in a fantastic year for Howe Bridge that has been made possible because of the tremendous work that has been, and still is being done by not only the people who live in the village but also the many volunteers, from surrounding areas, especially the members of the Gardeners Bowling Club, Atherton Environmental Projects, St Michaels Primary School and our elected members who have been unstinting in their support, THANKS to everyone.
Heritage Trail.
Because of the excellent administration there is still some money left from the funding we received, so it was suggested by Councillor Loudon that the trail could be expanded, a few ideas were put forward, but, if you have any suggestions how the trail can be expanded please contact either Councillor Loudon on 01942 897240 or Terry Daly on 01942 603175.
Remembrance Sunday.
What a fantastic turn out for this years Remembrance service, record numbers attended, not only for the service but also for the refreshments on offer in the Scout headquarters.
One of the most notable age groups was the school age children, it seemed that all the schools and junior uniformed groups were represented, Scouts, Guides, Cubs Brownies, excellent , congratulations to all the leaders of these groups for their efforts, it is very important that young persons are taught the results and futility of war, it is them that will control the world in the years to come.
In readiness for the Remembrance service the area at the rear of the Cenotaph has been cleared and re-turfed, a floral barrel has also been put there to brighten the area up, thanks to AEP and the Gardeners Bowling club who supplied the turf.
New Footpath.
The new footpath will run from near the Talbot Pub down to Leigh Road via the old railway line, it is being created, to make the area more accessible and at the Leigh Road end the area will be landscaped around the old railway bridge abutment.
Wigan & Leigh Housing
There will be some external work being done over the next 10 weeks, this will entails 2 cabins being put in Rivington Street for use by the people doing the work, at the same time the railings on Leigh Road will be painted when the panniers are removed for replanting.
St Michaels Primary School.
A BINGO evening is taking place on Friday November 30th at St Michaels Primary School, Leigh Road, Howe Bridge. Doors open at 6-30pm and Eyes down at 7-00pm.
On production of this Bridger you will receive a FREE glass of either wine or sherry plus a mince pie or cake, this is a family event and everyone is welcome.
Hot food will also be available.
Entrance is £1.00 and bingo books are £1.00 each.
Santa Visits.
Councillor Mark Aldred is doing the Santa home visits again this year in aid of the Mayor`s charity, The charity is the Wigan & Leigh Pensioners link.
The charge for a visit is £7.00 per child and this includes a special letter and present and also includes Carol singing.
There needs to be a minimum of four children per household, this ensures that as many children as possible will be visited, last year, many children were disappointed because the visits were either booked up or they were too late making the booking. PLEASE book early by phoning 01942 886452 during the day or 01942 894262 after 5-00pm and at weekend.
Housing Benefits.
There are changes planned that will affect Council Housing Benefits, but, these changes will not be known until January 2013 when the rents for 2013 / 14 will be set.
Wigan & Leigh Housing have set up a helpline for people to ring if you have any queries about the changes.
Please ring 01942 705040 and trained staff will be on hand to answer any queries you may have.
Nativity Walk.
This is taking place on the evening of Friday December 7th for further details ring 01942 897240.
St Michaels Church.
Sunday December 9th 9-30am
All Age Service with help from School.
Sunday December 23rd 6-30pm
Service of 9 Lessons & Carols, this is a family service, everyone welcome.
Monday Dec 24th 4-00pm Christingle Service
Monday Dec 24th 11-30pm
First Eucharist of Christmas
Tuesday Dec 25th 8-30am
Christmas Eucharist
Tuesday Dec 25th 10-00am St John`s Parish Church.
Christmas Eucharist.
Scouts.
CONGRATULATIONS to Elsie Hulme who has been the President of our local uniformed organisations for 50 YEARS, A fantastic record of achievement and commitment.
THAT is what you call service to the community, THANKS Elsie.
Pretoria Memorial
A service is being held at the new Memorial Garden, Broadway, Atherton on Friday December 21st starting at 2-00 pm, this will be to officially open the new Memorial Garden, Mayors of Wigan & Bolton and the MP for the area, Julie Hillings will be present.
After being asked for help with the project the Bridgers and Moss Bank Nurseries donated two large floral barrels.
Gardeners PH
Major steps are being taken to improve the pub and the most important is the introduction of FOOD.
Food is served every Saturday and Sunday 2-00pm – 6-00pm.
There is a good varied menu which includes, Vegetarian and Children’s menus.
EVERY Sunday during December a Traditional Christmas Dinner will be on offer 2-00pm –6-00pm, 3 Courses for just £9.95. { pre-booked }
Outside and Internal Catering is available for, FUNERALS, CHRISTENINGS, WEDDINGS ETC.
For bookings please ring, Kathryn or Shirley on 07432 678257 or visit TrulyScrumptiousbuffets@vpweb.co.uk
Next Meeting December 6th
May we take this opportunity to wish everyone a VERY MERRY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS AND SAFE NEW YEAR
Last edited: 05/07/2021
