A retired teacher in Standish has created a unique ‘Walking on Wigan’ calendar for 2024.
The calendar features photographs of Wigan, depicting the very best that the town has to offer. Christine Thompson age 76 came up with the idea during lockdown in 2020, when her daily walks took her on routes all around the town and she started taking pictures of her surroundings.
Christine said: “During lockdown I walked every footpath within a 5-mile radius from my house and I started snapping scenery, wildlife, and anything of interest along the way. I shared the pictures with friends and family, and they encouraged me to do something more with the images, so I decided to use the photographs to give back to the community.
“I have always done charity work and getting involved in my community, from being a scout leader for 50 years, through to supporting a variety of charities and running the Dule of Edinburgh scheme at a local secondary school. So, for me this project ticked lots of boxes!”
In the years following lockdown, Christine produced and sold 2 calendars, raising over £3500 for charity, and she published a walk book, along with Jim Meehan, ‘The Standish Way’. All profits from the sales of this have been donated to Wigan and Leigh Hospice. This year, Christine made the decision to donate all proceedings from her latest calendar to The Brick.
Christine is aiming to raise even more for this charity that means a lot to her. Christine adds: “The Brick is doing a wonderful job of helping people in need in Wigan. It is so sad to see so many people on the streets in our town and I admire what the Brick does, every day, to help them. I would encourage people to buy my calendar to not only enjoy a range of photos depicting the very best of our town, but they will also know that their purchase will be helping the Brick and the people the charity supports.”
Keely Dalfen, CEO, at the Brick said: “Christine’s calendar is absolutely breathtaking; the images really illustrate the best that Wigan has to offer, and we are delighted that Christine has made the decision to raise money for The Brick, as every penny raised helps us to continue pour work in the community which is needed now more than ever before as the cost of living continues to increase.”
People can buy the 2024 ‘Walking in Wigan’ calendar for £8 from The Brick Food Community at St Georges Church on Water Street in Wigan, from Standish Parish Hall and Gallimores Restaurant in Wigan.