BoroughLife Podcast

This episode contains conversations about mental health and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. For help and support, visit wigan.gov.uk/MentalHealth

We’re kicking things off with a catch‑up from Tom Stocks, better known as The Chubby Northerner. You might recognise him from his pavement poetry, uplifting scrolls, or his iconic PO-E-TEA.

Tom shares why poetry should be part of everyday life - not just something for the few - and reveals some incredible stories about how his words have made a real difference to people across the borough.

In the second half, we sit down with Northern Heart Film to explore the story behind the borough’s brand‑new Filming Fund.

A project that reinvests 100% of the councils filming fees straight back into young local creatives… and the first big opportunity? Young people in Leigh will get to create a documentary following chart‑topping band The Lottery Winners ahead of their homecoming stadium show in 2026!

Useful links:
Learn more about funding opportunities and what's going on in the community: Wigan Borough Communities Teams
Learn more about the filming fund - Lights, camera, action: Filming fund set to help creative Leigh youngsters
Like Wigan's film-friendly approach? Film in the borough! - Filming in Wigan Borough
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This month's podcast is all about staying well in winter!

With Kevin Parker-Evans, the chief nursing officer from the WWL NHS Trust and Lee Girvan from the Council's Public Health Team sharing advice on how keep yourself, family and friends safe and healthy this winter.

The UK Health Security Agency is reporting a increase in cases of flu and RSV in early December, but there is still time to get protected for the rest of winter.

Useful links:
Get to know where to go | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy - NHS
Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111
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🎙️ Rosie and James are back!

Join them for another exciting episode of The Borough Life Podcast. They’re bringing you the inside scoop on all the events happening across the borough - just in time for half-term fun!

Rosie and James catch up with Jemma and Jude from Things That Go On Things, the creative minds behind Light Night Wigan. They chat about what’s in store for this year’s event and all the excitement you can look forward to.

Stick around until the end for a full roundup of local activities and spooky Halloween happenings, so you’ll have everything you need to plan the perfect half-term, all in one place!

Get your light night tickets: https://www.lightnightwigan.co.uk/

Halloween paddle, pumpkin pick and campfire: https://bewellwigan.gladstonego.cloud/book?fbclid=IwVERDUANnNPZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsLB5IOucA-TqUh0UxcdZS-ax_VzECm4UZIh6Hw8IVT85rgL_PBuC2k4iqso_aem_y6UewYPhyd0793Y5d0Km5A

Spooky Halloween trail:
https://facebook.com/events/s/spooky-halloween-trail-at-penn/811987014745847/

Winstanley park pumpkin picking: https://winstanleyparkevents.co.uk/product/pumpkin-picking/

Roby Mill pumpkin patch: Pumpkin Picking @ Roby Mill Pumpkin Patch 2025

Haigh hall activities: https://www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk/News-and-events/Whats-on.aspx

Wigan libraries: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Libraries/Events.aspx

Wigan Pier Halloween music night: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/News/Articles/2025/October/Wigan-Pier-event-space-to-launch-with-Halloween-themed-music-night.aspx?fbclid=IwVERDUANnNp5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtTiSYRMXCvSUMwt6O9lNBCrYgu1oKUK2gg3DDM_5SvtY-iFSV26qXhJ4rJp_aem_QqT6pzGJrxI_1132rEpuYQ

Find more event near you at Visit Wigan: https://www.visitwigan.com/index.aspx
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James and Rosie are back with Episode 30, and it’s a packed one!

First up, they catch up with the team behind Wigan Living, the local social creators making waves in the community. Then it’s off to Phil Fletcher’s Believe Star event, where they chat with Hacker and Katie Thistleton about what the Believe Star means to them.

But that’s not all, they also sit down with coaches from Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors to reflect on their incredible year so far. With the Mayor welcoming both teams to the Town Hall, it’s a moment to celebrate their achievements and the pride they’ve brought to the borough.

Tune in for a feel-good episode full of local stars, inspiring stories, and plenty of Wigan pride!
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Rosie and James are back with a brand new episode of the Borough Life podcast!

In this episode, James chats with Jennifer Doyle, author of Billy the Blackbird, about all the jam-packed summer activities happening at Pennington Flash - from Summer Fun Trails and Billy the Blackbird story sessions to Birdbox Workshops - they cover it all!

Then, they dive into the launch of the powerful new climate change video, Arctic Home, and explore the message behind it.

Watch Arctic Home here: https://youtu.be/ZLFHhpFSH1k?si=B6ec8TLies40irud
Discover more about Billy the Blackbird adventures: Families flock to Flash for new Billy the Blackbird trail
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