Life & Community
The carers who never get a break
Across the UK, 5 million unpaid carers provide essential round-the-clock support for loved ones. The Howfen Journal's Lois Barnett meets one of them for Carers Rights Day.
Lois Barnett
Howfen journalist featured in Wigan Today and Bolton News. Local stories & events.
Opinion
Former officer lifts lid on ‘broken’ police system
Jay Darkmoore says the system “prioritises stats over people”. The Howfen Journal's Lois Barnett went along to listen to what he had to say.
Culture
Oddly Perfect: St. Joseph players bring laughter and charm to The Odd Couple
Performed in front of a full and eager crowd, the show transported the audience back to 1960s New York, blending nostalgia and humour seamlessly on stage. From the very first mismatched moments between Felix Ungar (Wayne Lythgoe) and Oscar Madison (Ciaran Travis), the comedy never missed a beat.
Life & Community
Brighter, bolder and back again: Pride in Leigh shines
Marking its fifth year, Pennington Hall Park was bursting with colour, warmth, and celebration for this year’s Pride in Leigh. Even the flowers seemed to bloom in shades of the rainbow, reflecting the joy and beauty of the day
Culture
A Night for Hovis: laughter, love, and Northern Soul in tribute to a local legend
A heartfelt tribute to Hovis Presley brought together comedy, poetry, and northern soul in a night of laughter and remembrance. Local performers honoured the Bolton poet and comedian.
Culture
Open mic night blends visual art and spoken word
Words and images intertwined yesterday at The Hive Gallery in The Market Place, Bolton, as poetry echoed from the walls in celebration of the Let’s Talk About Text exhibition.
Culture
Art meets language in new exhibition at The Hive Gallery
The installation provides people a foundation to explore on a personal level how text can be a tool to think, reflect and unpack ideas or events for us to connect with moments of the past, present and future.
Culture
Herds create thought-provoking display at Pennington Flash
Last weekend the Herds, a spectacular public art initiative made up of life-sized animal puppets made a striking debut at Pennington Flash. Having travelled 20,000 KM on a journey from Africa to the Article Circle.
Culture
With smiling faces and a fantastic turnout, Tyldesley Carnival returned this year for the first time in 33 years
Tyldesley Carnival made its long-awaited return last weekend, with over 3,000 residents turning out to celebrate the occasion.
Culture
Witty and heartfelt: Calendar Girls made the audience laugh and cry at Turnpike community production
Turnpike Community Theatre's production of Calendar Girls by Tim Firth invited the audience to laugh together, and, at times, quietly wipe away tears.
Life & Community
Undervalued and frustrated: the hidden challenges of unpaid carers
In this special investigation for Carers Week, Mia Mohamed Sueres and Lois Barnett shed light on the lives of local carers.
Life & Community
Fighting loneliness through cups of tea and conversation
In a small backroom behind a Wigan charity shop, tea, laughter and quiet kindness offer a powerful response to loneliness.