WELCOME TO THE HOWE BRIDGE HERITAGE TRAIL, WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY LEARNING ABOUT THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF HOWE BRIDGE, IF THERE ARE ANY SITES WHERE YOU FEEL THAT YOU COULD ADD SOME FACTS OF HISTORY ETC PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR ON terrydaly1@sky.com OR PHONE 07412 521040
SITE No 1 HOWE BRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE
SITE No 2 ATHERTON CRICKET CLUB
SITE No 3 ATHERTON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
SITE No 4 HOWE BRIDGE SHIELD COMMEMORATING THE “ BATTLE OF HOWE BRIDGE “
SITE No 5 HOWE BRIDGE “ BRIDGE “
SITE No 6 PENNINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB
SITE No 7 LANCASHIRE UNITED TRANSPORT
SITE No 8 COLLIERS CORNER { LOVERS LANE / LEIGH ROAD }
SITE No 9 GARDENERS PUBLIC HOUSE AND GARDENERS BOWLING CLUB
SITE No 10 MINES RESCUE STATION
SITE No 11 OLD MANOR PARK
SITE No 12 HOWE BRIDGE VILLAGE { CONSERVATION SITE }
SITE No 13 BRIARCROFT HALL
SITE No 14 2ND ATHERTON SCOUTS & 3RD ATHERTON GUIDES HEADQUARTERS
SITE No 15 ATHERTON CEMETERY MEMORIAL GARDEN
SITE No 16 ATHERTON CENOTAPH
SITE No 17 ATHERTON WELCOME SIGN
SITE No 18 ST MICHAELS PRIMARY SCHOOL
SITE No 19 HOWE BRIDGE STATION
SITE No 20 PHIL`S WALK
SITE No 21 ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS CHURCH
SITE No 1
HOWE BRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE
Howe Bridge Sports Centre, now run by Wigan MBC was opened on 7th March 1977 by the Duchess of Gloucester.
In 2015 there was a major refurbishment
That included new male and female disabled changing rooms; family and group changing facilities; improved shower facilities; vanity facilities including hairdryers and shaving points; new ceilings, lighting and decoration and improved flooring throughout the changing rooms.
As part of the refurbishment in 2015 the BRIDGERS COMMUNITY GROUP designed and created a Garden at the entrance to the sports centre and made, supplied and now maintain several plant boxes at the centre.
PHOTO TAKEN AT THE RE-OPENING CEREMONY 2015
Mayor of Wigan Borough Cllr Susan Loudon unveiled a plaque to mark the £2.9m redevelopment of the site which has taken place over the past year.
She said: “There has been a real buzz around the project taking shape on site, with the local community showing great support and enthusiasm. The finished product definitely lives up to expectations, with its first class facilities offering such a variety of ways for people of all ages to keep active and healthy.
As well as the climbing, skating and play opportunities in the adventure zone, there is a new, modern 80-station gym, a sauna and steam room, plus an indoor cycling studio, a studio for group exercise and new changing rooms. A 3G FIFA 2 star pitch has also been built on site.
“As part of the Deal, we want people to be proud of living in Wigan Borough, and I think we should all be extremely proud of this leisure facility on our doorstep.”
The opening event included demonstrations in the adventure zone by leading UK rock climber Emma Twyford, top inline skaters, and BMX-ers from Alan’s Bikes. World Champion inline skater Jenna Downing also attended the celebration.
The new facilities have been introduced thanks to a £2.4m investment by Wigan Council, as well as £500,000 funding from the National Lottery’s Sport England Improvement Fund, secured by leisure partner Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles.
THE GARDEN AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE LEISURE CENTRE, WAS CREATED AND IS MAINTAINED BY THE BRIDGERS COMMUNITY GROUP WHEN THE CENTRE HAD A THREE MILLION POUND RENOVATION AND IMPROVEMENTS.
THE SCULPTURE IS MADE FROM WILLOW WICKER.
MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGERS HARD AT WORK
FINISHED LEISURE CENTRE GARDEN IN 2017
FACILITIES AT THE LEISURE CENTRE, INCLUDING AN ALL WEATHER PITCH OUTSIDE, AN OLYMPIC SIZED SWIMMING POO, SKATEBOARD PARK AND CLIMBING WALLS
MIKE UPTON & HIS TEAM FROM WIGAN PARKS DEPARTMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGERS COMMUNITY GROUP WORKING ON THE 2021 RENOVATION OF THE GARDEN AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE HOWE BRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE, A TERRIFIC TEAM
GARDEN NOW COMPLETE AND EASIER TO MAINTAIN
