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CHRISTMAS PAST: parties, celebrities, goodwill and festive fun in Wigan (1953-20...

A flashback to last year's World Pie-Eating Championships held at Harry's Bar, Wigan

World Pie-Eating Championships preview

Jigsaw Homes has been given the green light to build affordable accommodation

Derelict hotel will be transformed into new cottage flats

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Where to buy a festive turkey

Wigan Magistrates' Court

Latest court round-up

Brian Blakeman was last seen on December 5

Police begin to search water for missing Skelmersdale man

Police responded to the incident in Golborne

Man arrested after shots were fired at a Wigan home

Jon Vose

Firm's appeal to ensure no-one goes without this Christmas

The cannabis farm which was uncovered

Officers uncover cannabis farm worth £30k

Homes and Gardens

Brian Blakeman was last seen on December 5

Police expand search area in a bid to find a missing pensioner
Police are expanding their search to find a 77-year-old who has been missing from Skelmersdale.

Transform your conservatory into a cosy Christmas living space.

Sagars Conservatory Roof Insulation offers the solution for summer and winter

Street scene of proposed 146-home development off Hooten Lane in Leigh

No decision made on major housing development despite FIVE-HOUR meeting

Gary Hemming CEO of ABC Finance

Homeowner Hacks: revamping your property for market success

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 56 per cent of households in Wigan were living in homes with a rating of 'D' or below as of March.

More than half of homes suffer poor energy efficiency

What used to be the Sisters Of Notre Dame Convent, Lancaster Lane, Parbold

Plans to turn historic former village convent into apartments get green light

The application to build six detached homes in Whelley has been submitted to Wigan Town Hall

Six new detached homes planned for New Springs

Pets

Lifestyle
Feliz Navi-dog: Morrisons unveils biggest supermarket festive pet range
Feliz Navi-dog: Morrisons unveils biggest supermarket festive pet range
A four year old male German Shepherd. Axl was abandoned by his previous owner so little is known about his background. He is lean but otherwise well. He has been good natured with staff but is quite lively and would benefit with an active owner and a bit of training. Again, due to his size and lack of background, homes with young children cannot be considered unfortunately

13 of the latest arrivals at pet refuge looking for a home in time for Christmas

A six year old castrated male British Bulldog that came to the home as a stray. Louis has a markedly overshot lower jaw, but other than this appears in good health for his breed. The staff have found him to be well tempered in his time at the home, but he is a typical boisterous Bulldog so homes with very small children would not be appropriate.

Seven new pooches looking for their forever home at Leigh Dogs and Cats Home

Eight to nine year old male cross breed. Rio came to the home after being abandoned by his owner. He was with another dog but can be a bit selective about those that he takes a liking to so may be difficult in homes with other pets. He has been absolutely fine with all of the staff in the time he has been there so no current concerns with people.

Seven new arrivals looking for their forever homes

A happy go lucky three and a half year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Eddie came to the home as a stray so his history isn’t known but he’s been a joy during his time there. He sometimes gets a bit over-excited around other dogs and can react, so not advised for homes with young children.

12 cats and dogs currently looking for their forever home

Food and Drink

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REWIND: Boxing Day fancy dress 2010
Rewind 13-years to Boxing Day night 2010, when Wiganers made their annual pilgrimage to pubs and clubs in King Street, dressed in their well-planned fancy dress outfits for a night of festive fun.

The BBPA’s Long Live the Local campaign is shining a light on the nearly one million people behind the pint who make the festive season merry

Support 97,000 jobs in the North West with a Christmas pint!

Some of the eateries to receive a new hygiene rating

October food hygiene ratings

The official opening of the Warm Hub and community space at Fur Clemt, Wigan. Pictured are representatives of Fur Clemt, Milliken, AB World Foods (also known as Pataks) and local councillors.

Charity opens new space to keep residents warm this winter

Wigan restaurants have been named among the most unhygienic in the UK

Wigan restaurants named among the most unhygienic

Staycation

Landal Kenwick Woods is set in abundant greenery as far as the eye can see.

Kenwick Woods: A hot tub break with countryside and coastline on the doorstep

This enchanting country house hotel offers a warm welcome and traditional hospitality.

Reconnect on a romantic spa break or friends’ reunion in the Cotswolds

Bike & Boot: Explore the countryside with stay in Peak District hotel

Retro

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MUCH MISSED: picture memories of two Wigan schools no longer with us: Scot Lane ...
We have here images from two schools in Newtown which are no longer with us. Scot Lane Primary and St Edward’s RC Primary were both closed in the early noughties during an education shake-up which saw the creation of the new Westfield Primary at Norley.

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DELIGHTFUL: pictures of Haigh St David's and Aspull CE Primary School (1960s to ...

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CHILLY MEMORIES: more pictures of a wintry Wigan from over the decades

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Decades of memories: pictures of St Paul's CE Primary School, Goose Green

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REWIND: wonderful vintage pictures of Hindley from the 1920s to the 1980s

Family

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Wiganers celebrate Christmas Jumper Day

Wigan Youth Zone is preparing to spread festive cheer and combat holiday hunger with a series of community events and initiatives

Youth Zone prepares to spread festive cheer and combat holiday hunger

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FAMILY MEMORIES: Wigan new-born babies January to June 2012

Staff from 13 businesses at Greensway shopping centre, Ashton-in-Makerfield, have come together to organise their own Santa's grotto. It will run for six days in December and is free, to help families struggling with the cost of living, but any donations will be collected for Wigan and Leigh Hospice

Wigan businesses come together to offer free Santa's grotto to help families

Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill

Eight places to pick up a real Christmas tree

The Spinning Gate Grinch is back to entertain shoppers on Saturday 23 December.

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre are ready for Christmas

Cars and Motoring

Figures from the Department for Transport show there were 81 publicly available electric vehicle charging devices in Wigan as of October, including 18 rapid chargers

Number of electric car charging points doubles in a year

Suzuki Ignis

The diminutive Suzuki Ignis has plenty going for it, says Julie Marshall

Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line

Compact SUV Volkswagen T-Roc is an ideal choice, says Julie Marshall

Subaru Solterra

The Solterra is Subaru’s first electric car. Julie Marshall tries it out

More Lifestyle

Billinge Chapel End Primary School thanked the community for donations

Families thanked for school food bank donations

The Real Living Wage is based on the cost of living and is independently calculated each year by the Living Wage Foundation

Council to give Real Living Wage to carers

The fakeaway leaflet has been designed to educate families on child obesity

Residents to receive leaflet to highlight risks of children being overweight

The Diamond Community Centre in Ashton is looking for residents help to ensure no child goes without this Christmas

Community centre in Wigan aiming to make children's wishes come true

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SCHOOLDAY MEMORIES: archive pictures of Golborne St Thomas's CE Junior and Infan...

Rather more delicate excavations will be taking place on the site of the former Galleries than there has been of late

Archaeologists to search Galleries site to search for historic artefacts

Treat yourself to some festive fayre.

Review: Brewers Fayre and Beefeater serving up great Christmas dishes

Volunteers at Hindley Station

Wigan railway station given makeover thanks to volunteers

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REWIND: 30 years of pictures of Wigan Milliken factory staff, events and visits

Rated 4.7 stars, the Old Band House in Ashton-in-Makerfield will be having two sittings on Christmas Day (12pm and 3:30pm) and a four-course meal will cost £84.95 per person and £35.95 per child. 4 Wigan Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 9BJ

The best places to go for Christmas dinner, according to Google reviews in 2023

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Open all hours: The best corner shops in Wigan as voted for by you

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Here are nine places in and around Wigan to get Christmas decorations

Problem of discarded inhalers (photo: Adobe)

Going Green: ​Inhaler disposal causes environmental blight

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REWIND: 25 photos of Wigan Boxing Day fancy dress

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MAGICAL: 30 years of pictures from St Anne's CE Primary, Standish Lower Ground

Burger King sparks speculation around return of its iconic bean burger – and fans will have a say.

Burger King sparks speculation around return of its iconic bean burger

Wigan Athletic players deliver Christmas presents on Rainbow Ward at Wigan Infirmary. Patient Elliott with Joanne Brown and players Antonio Amaya, Won Hee Cho and Momo Diame

RETRO: How Wigan residents have celebrated Christmas over the years

Office for National Statistics figures show people in Wigan answered the question "how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?" with an average of 7.6 in the year to March – down slightly from 7.7 the year before.

Life satisfaction in Wigan falls during cost-of-living crisis