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A new era for leisure and cultural services in Wigan Borough began this
week as Andy Wiggans embarked on his role as the new Chair of Wigan
Leisure and Culture Trust.
Sport and jazz fan Andy took on his new appointment after Jacqui
Boardman stepped down in December following five successful years at the
helm. Andy’s key responsibility is to lead the Trust’s Board of
voluntary Trustees who have the legal responsibility for ensuring that
the Trust is managed appropriately.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is the largest charitable trust of its
type in England with around 800 staff and an annual turnover of
approximately £26m.
Brought up in Preston, 58 year-old Andy is a freelance community
engagement consultant who has great experience in the voluntary,
education and public sectors. Educated at the London School of
Economics, Andy’s career has seen him work as a Community Development
Officer, a University Lecturer and as a Project Manager studying the
needs of young homeless people. Most recently Andy was an Executive
Director at Rochdale Council before he joined the Trust Board in 2005.
Andy’s passion for leisure and culture is evident in his aims for the
Trust. Andy said: “I want people to be inspired and to have their
aspirations raised by the work we do. Whether it be through art, sport,
or even helping to fight for equality, I want people of all ages to have
the chance to express themselves. I believe we can have a really
positive impact on people’s lives. My role is to provide strong
leadership but I will do it with a sense of humour.”
Andy also has very personal reasons for taking on his new role - his
mother was born in Wigan; sadly she passed away just before Andy joined
the Trust. “I am naturally drawn to this area and believe passionately
that we can rise to the challenges ahead. Jacqui Boardman did a
wonderful job in laying down the foundations for success.
“Jacqui was a real rock and has helped secure a very good relationship
with Wigan Council. By working hard and thinking innovatively we will
help make projects such as Leigh Sports Village and Wigan’s new Joint
Service Centre a real success.”
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Chief Executive Rodney Hill underlined
the importance of Andy’s role, he said: “The position of Chair is key to
the future development of the Trust. The Trust Board has an objective
role, they don’t get involved in the day to day operational side of
things, but they do ultimately shape and determine all of our major
decisions. I am delighted that Andy has agreed to take on the role and I
am sure he will stamp his own personality and bring his own ideas to the
position. He is passionate about cultural services, he is a great
strategic thinker and he understands people and their needs.”
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s vision is to get people across Wigan
Borough more physically, mentally and creatively active. The Trust also
aims to have a positive impact on people’s lives through the wide range
of services it provides. For further information about the Trust and its
services call 01942 828508 or visit
www.wlct.org
-ends-
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Jacqui Boardman and Andy Wiggans |