Our History 2003 - 2026
The Pemberton Community Association is a non political Community group and was founded in 2003 by two local residents and great friends, Dave Arrowsmith and Mike Dewhurst. In 2001, they set up a Pemberton Homewatch Scheme with over 330 members and 6 coordinators, (Mike, Dave, Steve Cartwright, Eileen Dewhurst, Keith Catchpole and Ann Butcher). Residents began bringing issues to them which weren't Homewatch related, and so they decided to look into and eventually set up a community group to support residents with problems they were experiencing in their community. The Association soon became established, and eventually began arranging family events and Children's parties, as well as still resolving issues which were brought to them. Initially set up as 'The Pemberton & Worsley Green Tenants and Residents Association on 10th April 2003.
In 2009, the name changed to simply 'The Pemberton Community Association' to incorporate the larger area which the group now covered, such as the shopping centre and areas outside of Worsley Green. In July 2006, the Association secured funding to renovate the former burial site on Chapel Street, and made it into a Memorial Garden for the community. St Johns Primary School pupils were asked to design a memorial garden, and a piece from each child's picture was incorporated into the final design. The garden was officially opened by the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Eunice Smethurst and was dedicated by Revd Colin Oxenforth and Rev Ken Sowerby.
In July 2014, we built our own Sleigh, with funds provided by a Better Neighbourhood grant, Brighter Borough grants and ourselves. The Sleigh made its debut Street Tour on 6th December 2014 on The Green and Lamberhead Road on Norley Hall. The Sleigh now travels our local areas allowing children to meet Santa on their street, as well as local Christmas events.
We work alongside partner agencies, such as Police, Housing, Pemberton & Douglas Ward Councillors, Environment, ASB Team to name a few.
Although Mike left the group in 2006 to concentrate on other projects, Dave is still part of our team of incredible volunteers, including our young volunteers. We are extremely proud of the work we have done to date helping those in need, and resolving some of our local issues, especially through the Pandemic.
In 2017, our chair, Helen, initiated the first Pemberton Christmas Market, which has steadily attracted more visitors. All of this wouldn't be possible without our sponsors and the incredible work of our volunteers, who give up their time to ensure the events are a success
In
Our Volunteers
Our regular and part-time volunteers are committed to helping others. We take our ideas and turn them into action. We work alongside partner agencies and local businesses. We are proud to have had Asda supporting us, their former community champion, Charlene Frodsham presented a cheque at our last Christmas market in 2019 to support our work. Our Chair, Helen, Secretary, Alison, and some regular volunteers were present to accept the cheque.
Photo above,
L to R: Trisha , Vicky, Helen, Alison & Charlene
MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS
Dave Arrowsmith - Cofounder and Chair
(2025 - 2028)
Helen Arrowsmith - Treasurer (2025 - 2028)
Alison Glover - Asst Secretary (2025 - 2028)
Ruby Bennett - Secretary (2025 - 2028)
VOLUNTEERS
Helen Arrowsmith - Volunteer & Treasurer
Dave Arrowsmith - Cofounder & Chair
Ruby Bennett - Volunteer & Secretary
Janet Presho - Volunteer (St Johns Church
Allison Pyke - Volunteer
Trish Wright - Volunteer
Lucy Tracey - Volunteer
Karen Watch - Volunteer
Carol - Volunteer
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
We have an incredible team of young volunteers as well as our adult members. Our youth volunteers play an important role inputting their ideas to resolve local issues and suggesting ideas for events and helping to bring them to reality.
Katie
Mia
Lillie
In March 2020, our youth volunteers at the time, received an award from ourselves and Wigan Council in recognition of their hard work in the community.
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ASSOCIATION CHAIRS SINCE 2003
Mike Dewhurst 2003 - 2006
Alan Liptrot 2006 - 2009
Dave Arrowsmith 2009 - 2010
Steve Cartwright 2010 - 2015
Helen Arrowsmith 2015 - 2025
Dave Arrowsmith 2025 -
SECRETARIES SINCE 2003
Dave Arrowsmith 2003 - 2009
Helen Arrowsmith 2009 - 2015
Alison Glover 2015 - 2025
Ruby Bennett 2025 -
Alison Glover (Asst) 2025 -
TREASURERS SINCE 2003
Kath Hall 2003 - 2006
Steve Cartwright 2006 - 2010
Dave Arrowsmith 2010 - 2025
Helen Arrowsmith 2025 -
Our Meetings
Our Meetings take place on alternate months from February, taking place in St Johns Church, Pemberton (Unless otherwise stated)
Our Meetings 2027