Westhoughton Community Network

A new group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

• The inaugural forum meeting took place on 9th August at Brookfield Hall sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westhoughton with groups taking part in the establishment of the community network.
• Informal discussions took place on its structure, objectives and how it fits in with and how it can be complimentary to existing group activities. As well as some of the issues facing groups locally - fundraising, facilities, resources.
• A list of priorities is to be set to provide a framework for the group. These will include: communication, information sharing and support.
• The second meeting took place on 6th September at The Westhoughton United Reformed Church (The Bethel). Another very well attended meeting, with some new faces; continuing with the evolution of the network, covering a basic terms of reference, information share, events and membership.
• At the third meeting took place on 15th November at the Westhoughton Community Centre (Central Drive), agenda items included membership where a decision was taken to allow the attendance of residents and elected members; voting by group only on substantive matters; WCN is to look at putting on an event, likely to take place at Westhoughton Market, during Volunteering Week 1-7 June 2012, with a view to promoting community groups and encouraging participation in group activities. The meeting ended with an information share and networking. Minutes will be available in due course.
• The next meeting is to now take place at St. John's Church Hall (opposite La Scala A6) on Wednesday, 15th February, this is a change from the original plan - the John Holt Centre being unavailable; further meetings to be arranged on a quarterly basis at venues around Westhoughton.

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• Sub-committee meeting at The Central Drive Community Centre (6th February) preliminary discussion for plans for a community group fayre at Westhoughton Market during Volunteer Week (June).

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• A Bolton Council run Westhoughton with Chew Moor Area Forum, giving access to Council Officers and Westhoughton Councillors took place on 24th January at the Carnegie Hall (Town Hall). Items covered included an update the award winning Westhoughton Market improvements, local waste management, a budget update. More info at the official Area Forum website.