We asked Jean Allison, one of The Community Forums founder members to recount it’s past highlights.

The Community Forum was formed in Summer 2000. It evolved from the existing Golborne Business Partnership as it was obvious that concerns of the Business Partnership were the same as those of the community so it made sense to tackle them as a whole. These issues included crime and vandalism, development of the Town Square, social amenities (especially for young people), traffic and transport.

Members of The Forum formed into various sub-groups and liaised with relevant agencies i.e. police and local councilors to try to make Golborne a better place for everybody.

To inform the public of the work being done by the Forum, a founder member created the Grapevine Newsletter and the first four-page issue went out in December 2000.

During the summer of 2000 our Transport Group organized a petition for the reopening of Golborne railway station. The petition was very well supported by members of the public and businesses in Golborne. More than 2500 signatures were collected in just two weeks.

In December 2000 the Environmental Group planted 1500 bulbs and requested the replacement of trees and rose bushes at the entrance to the industrial estate on Bridge Street. Each year up until 2008 we planted bulbs, trees and bushes in various parts of Golborne.

We opposed the arbitrary naming of the Town Square on its completion and carried out a public consultation by ballot. The outcome was to name the square after Peter Kane, the boxer.

A Forum member organized a 10K Fun Run and Gala Day on May Day 2001 with The Royal Bank of Scotland being the main sponsor. This same member also organized a sponsored ‘bed push’ which raised funding towards a new scanner at Wigan Infirmary.

In July 2003 The Community Forum became a Limited Company by Guarantee and applied to become a charity, which was granted in January 2004.

We applied to the New Opportunities Fund and were granted £55,000 for two projects. Improvements to the ‘Bonk’ involved improved access, resurfacing of existing pathways and creating new ones and footbridges where appropriate. To clean out fishing ponds, provide fishing platforms and restocking ponds. To clean children’s play areas and resurface defective football and basketball facilities. To remove all debris and rubbish, provide additional sheltered seating and restrict inappropriate access for motorcycles, vehicles and caravans and to plant additional trees and shrubs.

The funding was also used to create a nature trail along the route of Millingford Brook and adjacent footpaths. To make the footpaths suitable for all members of the community, remove all debris, rubbish and vegetation from the route and from the brook. Provision of appropriate fencing lighting and litter bins planting of trees, flowers and shrubs, the provision of signage and a nature trail notice board.

The Grapevine Newsletter was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the CiB North Awards in the category of Low Budget Publication.

For Christmas 2003 The Forum arranged free festivities and entertainment for the children of the Township on Peter Kane Square and in Heath Street Methodist Church. They have continued to do this event every year since.

We purchased a set of 4 mobile lights, which have been used by Sports Coaches who engage with children around the Township getting them interested in various sporting activities. Also we purchased a P.A. system, which has been loaned out to groups in the area.

We have consistantly improved the floral display along the route from Golborne Island along High Street/Bridge Street.

Golborne Parkside Sports and Community Club affiliated with The Forum in their bid for funding for their new club house.

Golborne High School became involved with The Grapevine to strengthen their bid to become an Art and Media College.

The Community Forum Limited is a not for profit organization so funding has to be obtained for any project such as The Grapevine Newsletter, the running costs of ‘The Community Forum and Christmas Festivities etc.