BoroughLife Podcast

Tune into the latest episode of the Borough Life podcast where James takes you on a tour of Haigh Hall's grounds. He chats with guests who have been instrumental in the hall's multi-million pound makeover, sharing the latest updates on its progress. To learn even more about Haigh's restoration plans, visit: The restoration of Haigh HallThe official opening of Amphitheatre For A Tree at Haigh Woodland Park takes place on Sunday 18th May, with poems, speeches and a performance by the Wigan Community Choir kicking off a full day of family-friendly activities from 11am. To learn more, visit: New garden set to open at Haigh HallAs always, find all of our latest news over at wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLife or follow us on social media at Wigan Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rosie catches up with Be Well's Joy, and keen cyclist Ron, who completed Sofa to Saddle and is back on two wheels once again after three decades.And James joins the team as they get stuck into a litter pick as part of the borough's Great British Spring Clean efforts, which you can find out all about here: wigan.gov.uk/SpringCleanAs always, find all of our latest news over at wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLife or follow us on social media at Wigan Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month's sporting special, Rosie and James attend the Progress with Unity sporting summit, where sporting legends gathered to share their inspiring stories and advice with over 400 young people! They catch up with Rugby League icon Brian Carney, Gladiators superstar Betti Worth, and Wigan Warriors' own Junior Nsemba to get their insights on the event and hear what they thought of the day!For all Borough Life content, visit: Borough Life See you next month!

We're back for 2025! In our first episode of the new year Rosie and James share some amazing news about our Here For You campaign. Wigan Borough resident Colin calls into the studio to share his story about how Here For You has changed his life. And Gabe from the council's welfare team provides all the important background. For all the information about Here For You and income maximisation, visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/helptoclaim To watch Colin's star turn, click here: Here for you - Colin and Linda's story

Can you believe it's the end of 2024? Join us for an extra-special episode as hosts James & Rosie roll back the clock and share their best bits from 2024!Read the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie and James are back with another exciting episode! This time, they catch up with Lucy from Wigan Council's Communities teams to talk all about their new Communities SOS project. Then, they speak to Alex about digital inclusion with the team behind the council's TechMates scheme.As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie and James are back with another exciting episode! This time, they catch up with Great Britain Lioness Jane Banks and ex-rugby league referee Julia Lee to discuss the Pioneering Women in Rugby League project. This initiative aims to uncover, document, and celebrate the history of the sportswomen who paved the way for thousands of girls and young women to play the game today. They're inviting everyone to rummage through their memory boxes and see if you can dig out any souvenirs and mementos, no matter how big or small, and share them with the project to help piece together the history of women in rugby league. Later, Rosie chats with Mike Sharkey and Dave Lyon to talk about their incredible year of fundraising. Their teams have been working hard to raise money for three local charities: The Brick, Daffodil Dreams, and Wigan and Leigh Hospice. From completing the National Three Peaks Challenge to walking 80 miles to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, they cover it all. To get in touch with the Pioneering Women in Rugby League project, visit: https://womeninrugbyleague.org.ukOr email: digital@csi2012.co.ukTo donate to the Royal British Legion, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/RoyalBritishLegion80milesfor80years?utm_term=Z5zwJgWQpAs always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, James is flying solo without Rosie, but he's not alone! He's joined by special guests Andrea and Tom to bring you an exciting recap of Wigan Pride 2024!

Rosie and James catch up with sporting legends Ella Toone and Jenny Meadows! From reminiscing about the 2022 Women's Euro's to getting insights into coaching Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson - they cover it all in the latest episode

Get ready for the upcoming elections with Rosie and James as they bring you a special bonus episode! They've got you covered with everything you need to know, from important dates to remember, to what to bring on the big day.All this important information and more is available at: Voting and elections (wigan.gov.uk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie and James catch-up with motorcyclist, Jane Daniels, to chat about her fascinating off-roading career. From her performance at the Dakar Rally to winning four cross-country Enduros, Rosie, James and Jane cover it all. Rosie later catches up with Michaela and Sarah to learn more about a blooming good idea to spread kindness which later became a life-saver. This chance encounter saw the creation of a new mental health initiative called #PetalsOfPositivity. And finally, the Spring 2024 edition of the Borough Life magazine is out now! Read the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie and James catch up with colleagues from the town hall, Julie and Oliver, to chat all things elections. On Thursday, May 2, we have both Wigan Council and GM Mayoral elections in the borough and Julie and Oliver explain what their roles involve and what everyone needs to know in order to vote. There's plenty of key information and dates mentioned, such as register to vote deadlines and an explanation of voter ID. All this important information and more is available at www.wigan.gov.uk/elections We'll be back in May for our next episode, see you then! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International Women's Day special: Wigan Council's chief executive Alison McKenzie-Folan joins Rosie and James to explore what it means to be a successful leader and advocate for women. They cover the great progress being made throughout the borough, as well as the work being done to break down barriers against challenges.Thank you to the Magicalogical team for welcoming us into their podpod studio in Wigan Hall where we recorded this episode of the podcast. For more information about Magicalogical and the podpod studio, visit: Magicalogical - Creative design agency based in Wigan Podpod - The Ultimate Podcast & Recording StudioFind out more about safety at night: Safety at night (wigan.gov.uk)Read the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie and James take a trip to Manchester City to chat to Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord. From the iconic hacienda days, Wigan Kababs, and the exciting future for our borough's nightlife - they cover it all in this new episode. Find out more about safety at night: Safety at night (wigan.gov.uk) Read the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join James and Rosie as they catch-up with the Be Well team to get the scoop on how to make realistic new year's resolutions and set achievable wellbeing and fitness goals that last all year. As we pass the one year mark since Here for You was created, Jo Mitchell stops by the studio with heartwarming updates from the cost-of-living campaign which signposts residents to top tips and relevant support. Find out more about Be Well: Be Well - Leisure and wellbeing services (wigan.gov.uk) wigan.gov.uk/BeWellIt's hard to know where to turn, Here for You can point you in the right direction: Here for you (wigan.gov.uk) wigan.gov.uk/HereForYouRead the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an extra-special episode as hosts James & Rosie roll back the clock and share their best bits from 2023!Read the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Rosie catch-up up with Andy, Raf and Sarah to get the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes of Bake Off: The Professionals and uncover how Andy & Sarah started their delectable local business, Harwoods Patisserie in Standish. To mark White Ribbon's 16 days of action against domestic abuse, James and Rosie speak with Jane from Wigan Borough domestic abuse service about red flags to look out for in a relationship and find out what support is available for those affected by domestic abuse. Wigan Borough domestic abuse service offers a wide-range of support for residents including drop-in sessions and training courses. To find out more about what's on offer, visit: Domestic abuse (wigan.gov.uk) DIAS contact information:Helpline: 01942 311365E-mail: admin@diasdvc.org Website: DIAS Domestic Violence Centre (diasdvc.org) Find out more about Harwoods Patisserie here: Harwoods Patisserie – Fine Patisserie & Chocolates Read the new Borough Life magazine edition here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlifeplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Rosie join up with Gemma and Jude from Things That Go On Things to get the lowdown on Light Night 2023.They delve into the world of Haigh Hall's Victorian kitchen gardens with Haigh's new head horticulturist, Sylvia Travers, who has recently made her move from Moor Hall's Michelin Star restaurant to the historic grounds of Haigh Hall.If that wasn't enough, we have bonus content featuring interviews with those making a big difference at our annual youth climate summit.The next edition of Borough Life magazine is in production, so don't forget to listen to episode 3 to go behind the scenes and see how it is made.As always, you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLifePlusFor Light Night 2023 tickets, visit:Light Night Wigan 2023 Tickets, Multiple Dates | EventbriteVisit Wigan - HomepageTo read more about Haigh Halls restoration plans, visit:Restoring Haigh Hall - The Masterplan (wigan.gov.uk)Renowned horticulturalist brought on board at national visitor destination (wigan.gov.uk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Rosie change up their surroundings to bring you the latest Borough Life podcast from their brand new podcast studio in Wigan Market, chatting to artist William Titley to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Wigan Casino and Northern Soul.50 years on, the soul stays strong and we're looking forward to a jam-packed series of events to mark the anniversary, including exhibitions, events and even theatre productions. You can find the full schedule here: https://www.visitwigan.com/Events/Casino-50.aspx Then, James headed over to Leigh Sports Village to speak to the man of the moment, Derek Beaumont, following Leigh Leopards' roaring Challenge Cup success earlier in the summer. You won't want to miss this one as we reminisce on the incredible scenes from the homecoming parade enjoyed by over 30,000 residents in Leigh.The next edition of Borough Life is in production so don't forget to listen back to episode 3 to go behind the scenes of our lifestyle magazine.As always you can catch up on our latest news via our social media channels and Borough Life Plus: wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLifePlus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Borough Life podcast has reached episode 7 and this time Rosie and James popped over to Manchester to visit our friends at Feel Good Club.With their origins in the borough, the Feel Good movement is taking over the world and it was great to catch up with Aimie and Kiera Lawlor-Skillen.Catch up with Feel Good Club over on Instagram.We also have a jam-packed new edition of Borough Life Plus, which you can view on our website: wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLifePlus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide Rosie and James are back in their usual surroundings of Wigan Town Hall with some important topics to discuss. Up first is Alanya who helps us talk through our Making A Difference campaign, highlighting the range of services provided by local authorities. Rosie takes the opportunity to talk about the registrar's service and a possible career change! Lisa and Diane from Wigan's Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) group then join Rosie to shine a light on suicide awareness. For more information about the group, visit: Wigan – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (uksobs.org) and for more on the Baton of Hope: Baton of Hope | It's Time To Start The Conversation (batonofhopeuk.org) You'll also hear an update about Be Well's Andy Hakesley's charity bike ride (from episode 5). You can still donate here: andrew Hakesley is fundraising for The Brick (justgiving.com) If you'd like to have your own Star Wars wedding (or any other wedding!) at one of our venues, check them out here: Births, marriages and deaths (wigan.gov.uk) As ever, all of our Borough Life content including past editions is available here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Borough-Life/BoroughLife.aspx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were back in Wigan Town Hall for episode five, talking digital inclusion with the team behind the council's amazing TechMates scheme. If you know someone who you think would be perfect to pop down to a TechMates tea party, all the details are available here: https://ow.ly/VLuR50OJ88eRosie and James also caught up with Kerrell, our climate change manager, to hear about her role as the council marks World Environment Day in early June. To find out more about the work of Kerrell and her team, visit: Climate change journey in Wigan Borough - YouTube Finally, we met up with Andy who is cycling 1,000 miles in two weeks to raise money for The Brick charity. Read the full story here: Inspirational Andrew to cycle length of country for The Brick (wigan.gov.uk)And please donate if you're able to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-hakesley1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A thoroughly enjoyable trip to Leigh saw Rosie and James meet Rosie and Tom at the borough's Archives service – no white gloves in sight! Plus, Leigh Film Society's amazing Elizabeth Costello gave us the lowdown on the Carer's Film Club project and some exciting updates about their new venue. For all things Wigan and Leigh Archives, please visit: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Museums-archives/Wigan-Archives/viewing-the-collections.aspx To find out everything that's going on at Leigh Film Society visit https://www.leighfilmsociety.com/ and this is worth a watch: We Built A Cinema - YouTubeInterested in getting involved with the Carers Film Club? Get in touch with Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre https://wlcccarers.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Rosie talks to the inspirational Izzy and Layan about their role in the borough's International Women's Day celebrations. Meanwhile, James takes you behind the scenes of BoroughLife magazine as he chats to graphic designers, Mark and Mel, and writer, Andrea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Museum of Wigan Life's newest exhibition Make Some Noise opening its doors to the public, James and Rosie catch up with the museum's curators, Eleanor and Joan, to find out more. They also chat to young people from the newly opened Leigh Youth Hub about their experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of BoroughLife Podcast, James and Rosie talk to Joanne Mitchell on the Here for You cost of living campaign. We also have Wigan's very own poet Louise Fazackerley discussing Wigan culture, poetry and arts, plus a special performance of her poem "We've got a lot". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.