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Haigh Hall amenities

Started by: dostaf (inactive)

How many years was that old bus used as a 'playground item' at Haigh?

Started: 18th May 2008 at 23:12

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

I don't know, Mester Dostaf. How long many was it?

Sockpuppetry after five years is allowed.

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 18:39

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Please tell us more, Dostaf - I don't remember an old bus being there at all.

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 18:46

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

It was before the paddling pool was built. The same paddling pool which was then filled with sand.

There was no playground as such in that area. But there was an old single decker bus with no glass in it, which the kids played on.

Bus was on a grassed area which is now the fenced off, sand floored, playground.

I'm not sure if there was a lorry there as well.

1960s

Prior to that there was a playground at the front of the hall on what is now the golf course.

There's a pic on WW somewhere.

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 18:54

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 18:56

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

A beautiful photo and I love the comments below it.

I do remember the paddling pool & have since played with my children in the sand.

Could the bus be a coach and did you ever play on this?

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 19:04

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Cheek!

I'm trying to remember if the bus/coach had a roof on it actually.

It may have been an owd charabanc.

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 22:27

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Sorry, being daft. I've not found any mentions of the bus so far - be great to find a photo of it.

Replied: 24th Aug 2013 at 22:34

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Many remember the old 'steam' roller which was on Alexander Park Newtown, as it was there for years.

Be interesting to know who had the notion of using scrap vehicles as playground items.

A good idea, but a H&S nightmare today.

Replied: 25th Aug 2013 at 18:03

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

I broke my nose on a tank (Armoured Car. Blackgang Chine, Isle of White pic) when I was about 9. I remember putting my foot onto the steering wheel, thinking it was fixed, and then it turned ...

Replied: 25th Aug 2013 at 19:37

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

Jo anne: Tickled me that post...Sorry.

Replied: 26th Aug 2013 at 14:18

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Replied: 26th Aug 2013 at 17:43

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Don't tell him, Pike


Armoured car F339281 Mk2

in the markings of 7th Armoured Brigade

(Privately owned in Great Britain)



This car was rescued in an appalling condition from Black Gang Chine on the Isle of White. Where the vehicles was being used in a Children's playground


Here

Replied: 26th Aug 2013 at 19:21

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

'in an appalling condition' The dint from my nose wouldn't have helped.

(Dostaf, are you sure you didn't dream this old bus at Haigh Hall?)

Replied: 26th Aug 2013 at 19:38

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)
Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

It's just no one else seems to remember it.

Replied: 27th Aug 2013 at 17:09

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

It may have just been there temporarily.

Happen it were in good nick when it landed?

Replied: 27th Aug 2013 at 19:02

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 20:20

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Friends of Haigh Country Park (FB) - 5/11/13:

'Just a line or two to let you all know that we have got £500 of funding from the Skipton B/S, A huge thank you to you all for voting for the FOHCP we can do loads with this money, New Clubs (for the crazy golf) etc.

Also, we have won the £200 community funding from ASDA Wigan. Again Thank you so much to all you wonderful people who voted for us and placed you counters in the slot for the FOHCP.

We will keep the ball rolling and go for the big one next, a new play-area for the children in Haigh Country Park, it could certainly use one.'

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 20:52

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

Great o see the train running again.


Not sure about the decorations on it though.

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 20:52

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

I bumped the thread to mention the FOHCP's next big project.^^ (Have you found anyone who remembers the old bus yet, Dostaf?! )

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 20:56

Posted by: dustaf (inactive)

No, Jo Anne.

I know I didn't dream it.

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 21:04

Posted by: aitch (5487) 

You've flummoxed me there dustaf, in the early 60s I was very friendly with the live in caretaker and his wife from Haigh Hall, {Laurence and Veronica Wilson)sadly Laurence is no longer with us, but for the life of me I cant recall any bus in the area around the Hall, and I spent a lot of time in there, even sleeping in at weekends, the next time I see Veronica I will ask her for her memories of the Hall.

Replied: 1st Dec 2013 at 11:16

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

My mum used to work with veronica at John England. ask her if she remember Hilda Winstanley. I remember going to see Veronica at her flat in Haigh Hall.

Replied: 3rd Dec 2013 at 09:10

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Hope you're able to find out more about the elusive playground bus, Aitch.

Friends of Haigh Country Park - FB Link (9/12/13):

"We will now be working to improve the Crazy Golf at Haigh, with more obstacles and new clubs so more people can play

If you want to get involved and help with this project I.E. or volunteer to help run it, for the coming season, please contact us through our website or through our F/Book page."

Website: www.friendsofhaighcountrypark.org.uk and F/Book page: link

Replied: 10th Dec 2013 at 09:53

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 



VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

If you feel you can help and would like to give some time, contact Friends of Haigh Country Park:

Website - link, Facebook - link, or ring 07776 350831.

Replied: 5th Feb 2014 at 08:28

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Crazy Golf Official Opening / Sat 22nd March 2014 / 11am

Cllr Ron Conway will open the Crazy Golf at 11am Saturday 22/03/2014, so come on and have a game, it is just a donation to play, everything we get goes into a pot for other projects within Haigh Country Park.

Replied: 22nd Mar 2014 at 10:37

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Replied: 5th Apr 2014 at 10:10

Posted by: vera howarth (2584) 

Joanne- Isle of WIGHT not white.

Replied: 9th Apr 2014 at 10:02

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Thanks Vera, I don't know how I managed that.

Replied: 9th Apr 2014 at 22:13

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

The Swan Pond Project

A new venture is now on the starting grid, FOHCP, WLCT & WIGAN MBC are all working together to turn the Swan Pond into a picnic area plus an biodiversity educational resource.

Read more - link

The work is expected to start over the next few weeks. If you think you can help:

Contact the FOHCP via their website or ring 07776 350 831 (office hours please).

Replied: 13th May 2014 at 20:20

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Recent photos of the work in progress at Swan Pond - FB link

Replied: 14th Jun 2014 at 08:26

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Haigh Country Park Christmas Market, Sun 14th December 2014, 11am - 4pm



Haigh Woodland Park development - link

Friends of Haigh Country Park (FB Page):

"I suppose most of you have seen the news story's about Haigh Hall and its country park.
Well here is what the FOHCP think about it ...

The group was started to stop the decline of the Hall and its park, well we think we have succeeded in doing that, or at least put a huge amount of work in towards stopping it.

The Deal will bring in investment not only within the park but also to the town and the local economy as well. There is no gain without pain and we have lost our Crazy Golf and our storage as well, but the people will gain a new huge new free play area with climbing ropes and lots of other adventures amenities.

The Hall will have a full makeover with 30 bedrooms and public restaurant's and bar, the café will be extended and improved, but most important the hall will be brought back to its former glory.

The FOHCP will still be around doing events within the park starting with Christmas Market and then we will be doing a two day event over Easter, keep your eyes on the Fbook page and we will keep you updated on all events."

"The crazy golf will continue for now. They are at some point building a new one to be run by someone else. This is some time in the future."

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 15:25
Last edited by jo anne: 4th Dec 2014 at 15:26:47

Posted by: baker boy (15718)

jo anne
what of the golf courses ?

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 18:08

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Here is what's stated on 'Haigh Woodland Park development', Baker Boy - link:

'I play golf at Haigh. Will my game be affected?

Not at all. The golf reception will be expanded to accommodate a cycle centre where visitors can hire bikes - but the shop will continue to operate during this time and lessons will still be available for those looking to improve their game.

The remaining elements of this exciting scheme will continue until completion within the next three to five years:

Golf Course - Improved standards of course presentation with new and innovative membership options and programmes.'

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 16:44

Posted by: baker boy (15718)

the remaining element of this exciting scheme will continue until completion? of what.are they then turning the golf course into a bmx cycling track or somesuch.

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 16:56

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

I don't think so, Baker Boy, it just reads that they're going to improve the presentation of the course.

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 19:04

Posted by: blackrodweaver (628) 

this is from the pro at Haigh Hall in his weekly newsletter to members ref golf course, short and sweet

A £12 million master plan to transform Haigh Hall and Country Park
This past week saw the unveiling of Wigan Council’s master plan to transform Haigh Hall into one of the region’s top tourist destinations. Along with a £6m transformation of Haigh Hall by Contessa Hotels into a luxury four star boutique hotel and several new attractions within the whole Park the Golf Course has received a commitment to improve the standards of course presentation. There will be new and innovative membership options, events and game improvement programmes, all geared to make Haigh the best place to not only play but also to learn and improve.

On top of this there will be a new unique Adventure Golf Facility.

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 19:50

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

the Golf Course has received a commitment to improve the standards of course presentation. There will be new and innovative membership options .....

...... in other words, prepare yourself to pay a lot more in the near future!

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 22:46

Posted by: baker boy (15718)

tonker
master plan from wmbc frightens me.it will be a bmx track very shortly.

Replied: 6th Dec 2014 at 16:18

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

You can't blame the council. It's not their 'plan'. It's the plan of the current government which Wigan Council are ties to implement.
The future of Haigh Hall, as a government asset, has been secured by the Cabinet Office's Manchester branch of their 'Efficiency and Reform Group' in keeping with their Public Sector Estate Strategy.

Replied: 6th Dec 2014 at 16:47

Posted by: baker boy (15718)

forgive me but I thought wigan boro council purchased said estate for the people of wigan.

Replied: 9th Dec 2014 at 15:23

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

You know what 'thought' did? Pissed in bed and 'thought' he was sweating!

Replied: 9th Dec 2014 at 19:07

Posted by: baker boy (15718)

well don't lie in the wet ,tell all.

Replied: 10th Dec 2014 at 21:36

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

From FOHCP's FB Page - link (includes photos):

"Work has now started on the first phase of the Swan Pond with the help of Graham Workman (WLCT).
Graham said, we have located the chain that operated the sluice system and repaired the mechanism which now works, and have started to drain the pond. We will be repairing the structure itself to fix the leaks around the brickwork; hopefully once this is done we can start on the next phase of the project."

Replied: 17th Jan 2015 at 15:54

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

BB. It's a bit of a belated reply, but here goes ......

You said you "thought wigan boro council purchased said estate for the people of wigan".

Well, is the Moon really made of green cheese?
The 'council' is the government. Everything the council has is really the government's. It's all known as 'government assets'.
Haigh Hall is a government asset. It's managed by Wigan council, but it's an asset of the government, whatever party is in office. In other words, it doesn't belong to Labour.
Now, getting back to the future of Haigh Hall. The government have looked into what's happening to their asset and have taken action. The Cabinet Office have forced the use issue under their Government Estates Strategy, enforced by the Government Property Unit.
Wigan council are merely glove puppets in the great scheme of things!

Replied: 17th Jan 2015 at 21:03
Last edited by tonker: 17th Jan 2015 at 21:05:16

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

And JoAnne will keep coming on here with her ""Work has now started on the first phase of the Swan Pond with the help of Graham Workman (WLCT)" remarks, which are all stage-managed to keep the locals contented.
WLCT are one of those 'arms length organisations', set up by the Cabinet Office Efficiency and Reform Group, which are explained in the link I gave earlier!
And, when I say "Cabinet Office" I don't mean the one led by Lord Smith (of Leyth) along with a few selected local councillors. I mean the one in Whitehall, Westminster, that runs the country!

(I have a close friend who holds a high position in that section of the Cabinet Office and she can be plied with cheap Spanish Brandy) (with a bit of Coke in it!)

Replied: 17th Jan 2015 at 21:21
Last edited by tonker: 17th Jan 2015 at 21:23:05

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Graham Workman.... Another name from my Lower Ince past. Always playing with many legged insects of any kind.

Replied: 17th Jan 2015 at 21:38

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

The Government would be happy to see an income coming from Haigh Hall.

The 'Locals' would be happy to see a Swan Pond, a Zoo, and the the mistaken belief that it was 'bought for them'.

Can you see where I'm coming from?

No other residents, of any other place I've ever been, are as taken in by their council as Wiganers are!

Replied: 17th Jan 2015 at 21:56

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Tonker, no hidden agenda in my C&P'd comments, I just thought WWers might want to have a nosy at what's going on at Swan Pond.

Replied: 18th Jan 2015 at 12:58

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Volunteers Needed - Link:

- Help to run the Crazy Golf during school holidays from 11am till 4pm either on a week day or weekend weather permitting.

- Clear and prepare the ground to make access for pathways for the disabled

- Make bird feeding stations that are accessible for the disabled

- Be involved with the Swan Pond project (once birds have finished nesting)

Next Members Meeting, Tuesday 23rd June, 7-30pm at the Crown Hotel, New Springs, Wigan.

Alternatively contact FOHCP - www.friendsofhaighcountrypark.org.uk or call 07776350831

Replied: 12th Jun 2015 at 17:07

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 



FOHCP's two day Bank Holiday Extravaganza, at Haigh Country Park, 30th & 31st Aug - link

Replied: 19th Jun 2015 at 09:15

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

FOHCP:

Here we go, the new children's play area at Haigh starts to take shape. The people of Wigan have waited years for this and it will be ready to use in a few short weeks with much more to come.
Well done to everyone involved not least the FOHCP.


Replied: 15th Sep 2015 at 13:52

 

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