The Wigan Courier Newspaper :: Wigan's Good News Paper

Saturday February 27th 2010 is the relaunch date for the Business Men’s Fellowship UK at the Britannia Hotel in Wigan.
The Business Mens' Fellowship UK has been running since 1995 with members across the whole of the United Kingdom. It is a Christian organisation that has seen thousands of Businessmen attend its monthly events all over Great Britain.
BMF UK Chairman Duncan Dougall said: “The BMF-UK is a charity which has influenced communities not just in our country but also in countries across Africa and Asia. In 2010 we aim to bring a new vision by revitalising and refreshing the way we support communities across the UK.”
The BMF – UK has groups/members in most major towns and cities who are actively involved in plans to have events weekly and monthly in those communities. These are all aimed at inspiring our nation to follow Christian values.
Duncan Dougall added: “ With so many companies and people in business looking for answers in this time of recession we have republished our International magazine ANSWER, to give hope and support to this area of the community. But we also recognise that everyone is having a difficult time and offer support at a personal level to members.”
With this fresh vigour we would like to invite you to our relaunch on Saturday 27th February at the Britannia Hotel.
If you would like to attend contact us on 0845 5192473 or through email at bmfwigan@gmail.com.
If you cannot attend check out the BMF - UK website at www.businessmen.org.uk.

Two services supporting local families have been launched in Wigan as a result of a new partnership between leading children’s charity Action for Children and Wigan Council.

Wigan Parental Outreach Service (formerly known as Parenting 4U) will be delivering help for parents through local children’s centres, including parenting classes, support and advice for families, and finance planning workshops to help families learn how to manage their budgets. The team will be based in new premises at Worsley Mesnes Methodist Church, where rooms are being specially renovated for the purpose.

A series of ‘Surviving Christmas’ workshops have already been planned and will focus on hints and tips for a stress-free holiday season. Families will learn how to manage festivities on a budget, and parenting techniques will help parents to deal with increased ‘pester power’ and advertising aimed at children at this time of year.

The workshops will also include fun and games for parents, together with free gifts and prizes. They will be taking place at

For further details or to book a place, contact your nearest children’s centre on the numbers above.

Another new service for families living in Wigan and Leigh will be Wigan Family Intervention Project (FIP). Managed by Action for Children, Wigan FIP will provide intensive support for families experiencing multiple and complex issues that are directly affecting the care of any children living with them.

Nicola Forshaw, Action for Children’s Group Services Manager, says: “Action for Children is delighted to have the opportunity to extend our work with children, young people and their families across Wigan and Leigh, and I would like to thank all of our partners including Wigan Council. Particular thanks also go to Reverend Clowes and the community of the Wigan Methodist Circuit who have kindly allowed us to lease premises.”

Wigan Council's Cabinet Champion for Children and Young People, Cllr Susan Loudon, says: "I really welcome these initiatives in the borough; I believe that the whole of the community will benefit from these exciting projects. If our children and families are supported they, in turn, will be able, to support others and play their part in making their community stronger and more vibrant."

THE COURIER has introduced a new texting service for readers and customers. If you want us to call you, want to make changes to adverts, want to let us know about events taking place, or want to make contact over anything else, especially at weekends, just text us on 07966 573761. The number is available 24x7 and will be checked for messages every 1/2 hour during working hours Monday to Friday.

Shevington Sharks came off second best in an entertaining 2nd round National Cup game away to Wigan St Cuthberts. Shevington had the best of the early play but, unfortunately, they only had 2 points to show despite all their efforts. St Cuthberts were reduced to 12 men, but this spurred them into action, quickly scoring two converted tries. But after 22 minutes, an excellent flowing move saw Joe Valentine crash over in the corner, reducing the score to 12-6. Lack lustre defence, right on half-time, saw Cuthberts add a further 6 points to go in leading 18-6.

The opening five minutes of the 2nd half proved to be decisive as Cuthberts ran in two early tries. But, rather than letting their heads go down, the Sharks showed great spirit and commitment. The following 15 minutes saw the Sharks play the rugby that Coaches, Terry Meadows and Ian Kay, know that Sharks are capable of. A Danny Binder hat trick had Cuthberts on the back foot, reducing the scores to 30-22. Unfortunately, tired legs saw the Sharks visibly fade and Cuthberts ran in three late tries; making the final score 48-22.

Atherton Dragons U9's 24 Shevington Sharks U9's 36

In their first match of 2010 Shevington's strong first half performance was enough to seal the win despite a valient fight back in the 2nd half from the Dragons.
The 1st half saw the young sharks open the scoring through a well-worked try from Louis Smith. Atherton soon hit back to level the scores before Man-Of-The-Match Jack Welsby scored 3 unanswered tries to take Shevington into the half-time break with a healthy 4 - 16 lead.
The 2nd half was a much tighter affair with both teams matching each other try for try. Both teams crossed the line 5 times to take the final score to 24 - 36 to Shevington.
Shevington's 2nd half tries came courtesy of Jack Welsby(2) & Spectators Award winner Matthew Rodgers(3).
Coaches Award was split between Harry Mosley & Declan Goodfellow.
Coach Martyn Ellis said "The first game back after a long xmas break is always tough, but I was really pleased with how well the lads performed." Supporter of the Day went to Tony Smith.

Shevington Sharks U11s v Oldham St Annes U11s

The last time these two sides met the game ended in a hard fought 6-6 draw, and after this epic encounter both sides were eagerly looking forward to this rematch.
Once again both defences were on top for long periods of the game, with spectators award winner Liam Fowler leading the Shevington defence, ably supported by George Bridge, Josh Caldwell, and Brandon Earlam. The Sharks scored the first try with the ball being moved out to the left, allowing coaches award winner Tom Gray to crash over out wide. Oldham responded immediately, following a missed tackle, bringing the scores level. When Shevington held out for three consecutive sets on their line it looked like both sides would go in at half time level; that was until Man of the Match Tom Darbyshire picked up a pass near the half way line, ran across to the left, broke a tackle and then headed back across the field on a jinking run to score in the opposite corner beating almost every Oldham player in the process.
Half time Shevington Sharks 14-4 Oldham St Annes
Shevington started where they left off in the first and continued to pressurise Oldham and a cross field kick, superbly caught by Callum Parr, allowed Liam to pick the ball up from the ensuing play the ball and dive through the boots to score. With no intention of giving up on the game Oldham scored again leaving the score at a nail biting 14-10 with 5 minutes to go. Fortunately Tom Darbyshire scored his second try of the day with a little scoot over the line to take the game away from Oldham.
Final score Shevington Sharks 18-10 Oldham St Annes.

WIGAN Council has set up a new, locally-managed landlord accreditation scheme aimed at recognising property standards and good management service.

The scheme, introduced in response to requests from local landlords and managed by the Council’s Housing Strategy Team, is free to join and offers a host of benefits, including discounted landlord insurance and free credit checks.

The scheme offers free advertising of vacant properties through the Property Shops as well as discount cards for Jewsons, one of the UK’s leading chains of builders merchants, and plumbers merchants Grahams.

The scheme requires landlords to complete an application form and provide evidence of certain certification, in addition to complying with property inspections to ensure that they comply with Housing Health & Safety legislation.

“We are responding to requests from local landlords who have told us quite clearly they want a scheme based in Wigan. We want the many Wigan landlords who offer a high quality standard of property with a good management service to be recognised. We also know that letting a property for the first time can be a daunting task so we want to be able to help new or inexperienced landlords so that they can get it right first time. We are hopeful that the many landlords operating in the Wigan area will see the benefits of joining our scheme and gaining the recognition they deserve.”

For those seeking accommodation in the private sector, this scheme means that tenants can be assured that checks have been carried out on landlords with accredited properties - and that they meet minimum standards in terms of property maintenance and housing management.

Overall, this will raise standards in the private sector, as well as increasing access to additional housing options for those seeking accommodation in the borough.

Patricia Wildon has been renting out properties across Wigan Borough for over ten years. She says she’s delighted to be the first landlord accredited on the scheme:

“I think this is an excellent idea! It whittles out the less responsible landlords and recognises the effort and investment that many landlords make to ensure their houses are homely, safe and comfortable. Tenants need to know that the property they rent is maintained to a proper standard, for instance that the electricity and gas supplies are reliable and safe. Inspections also flag up potential problems with damp and drains, and highlight hazards such as open staircases which may pose a risk to toddlers. This accreditation scheme is good for landlords and tenants, and will bring rented accommodation across the borough up to an acceptable standard for all.”

One of Mrs Wildon’s tenants is Andrea Tate. She agrees that the accreditation scheme is a great idea:

“It offers peace of mind. My landlords are very thoughtful and because they are local, I know that day or night, if there is any problem, they will always be there to deal with it. With this kind of scheme, tenants know that the accommodation is kept to a quality standard - so you can sleep at night confident that your family is safe.”

Further benefits include access to the Council’s Private Sector Leasing Scheme which enables landlords to lease their properties to the Council on a long term basis and received a guaranteed monthly rent. The Council subsequently employs Wigan Housing Solutions, a not-for-profit organisation, to manage the properties on its behalf. Wigan Housing Solutions also manage the Bond Scheme on behalf of the Council - another benefit available to landlords who become accredited.

If you have any queries about the Wigan Landlord Accreditation Scheme please contact Jen Martlew on 01942 488478.