BoroughLife Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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! 🏳️‍🌈

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

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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 🙌

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

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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/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)

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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

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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

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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

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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/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

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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 - YouTube

Interested in getting involved with the Carers Film Club? Get in touch with Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre https://wlcccarers.com/

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