In the second half of the episode, Hayley brings along the Galleries time capsule, recovered from the Fettlers site during demolition, for a deep‑dive with Lucy and James. Expect throwbacks, surprises, and all the nostalgic 1986 vibes! If you helped with the time capsule, or would like to be involved in the 2026 version in Fettlers, please get in touch!

Useful links: 

Find out more about The Field, e-mail info@the-field.org.uk 

You can find us on TikTok on @boroughlife 

Have a story about The Galleries time capsule? Email: fettlers@wigan.gov.uk 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about the Museum exhibition here: Wigan Museum

Read the Borough Life magazine here: Borough Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They catch up with Martin Crews, development director for Capital and Centric as he tells us the latest updates on Civic. They then chat with Kee Hong, creative director of factory international and Manchester international festival to uncover what’s in store on the day, and the powerful story behind the project.

For more information about Civic, visit: Civic | Workspace & Co-working in Wigan | Capital&Centric — Capital & Centric

For more information about The Herds, visit: THE HERDS

To read the latest edition of the magazine, visit: Borough Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Hacker's Borough Life podcast debut, Rosie and James (or... Jim) chatted to Lucy and Mel who, alongside local residents, have been working on the name and identity for the Wigan town centre regeneration project - Fettlers.

The newest edition of the magazine - brimming with stories and community focused features - is out now and can be picked up in leisure centres, town halls, family hubs and other locations around the borough.

As always, find all of our latest news over at wigan.gov.uk/BoroughLife or follow us on social media at Wigan Council.

To find out more about Fettlers, visit: Fettlers | New neighbourhood for Wigan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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 Hall

As 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.

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/SpringClean

As 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.

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! 😊

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 💛

In the second-half, we catch up with Tom and Hannah from Down to Earth to share some exciting updates about upcoming arts and culture projects across the borough.

The TREES art-installation exhibitions arrive on February 7 and 8.

 Visit Wigan - We're thrilled to announce that TREES, an enchanting... | Facebook

For more information about Down to Earth, visit:

 Home - Down to Earth

For all Borough Life content, visit: Borough Life

See you next month! 😊

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.uk

Or email: digital@csi2012.co.uk

To donate to the Royal British Legion, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/RoyalBritishLegion80milesfor80years?utm_term=Z5zwJgWQp

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.

And that's not all—this episode includes an exclusive interview with the queen herself, Baga Chipz MBE! 👑 The iconic Drag Race UK star spills the tea on why she loves performing in Wigan and what makes our Pride celebration so special.

🎧 Don't worry—the dynamic duo, Rosie and James, will be back together next month with another episode!

👉 Want to be a part of Wigan Pride 2025? We’re looking for sponsors and volunteers! Reach out to us at info@wiganpride.com

📰 Plus, the Spring 2024 edition of Borough Life magazine is out now! Stay informed and catch up on all the latest news: Read Borough Life Magazine

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.

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 🙌

Don't forget, 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.

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 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.

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.

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 Studio

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.

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.

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/BeWell

It'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/HereForYou

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.

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.

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 311365

E-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.

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/BoroughLifePlus

For Light Night 2023 tickets, visit:

Light Night Wigan 2023 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Visit Wigan - Homepage

To 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.

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.

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.

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.

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/VLuR50OJ88e

Rosie 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.

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 - YouTube

Interested 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.