MAY I draw attention to the wonderful community spirit that exists in Westhoughton.

Westhoughton Local History Group has organised commemorations for the bicentenary of the burning of Westhoughton Mill by Luddites.

There will be fairground entertainment all weekend, courtesy of Silcock’s fairs.

Saturday will start with the opening of an exhibition in the library by the Mayor of Westhoughton at 10am. At the same time, Westhoughton Market traders will be dressed in 1812 style and will welcome up to 20 members of Westhoughton Community Network to new community stalls for the day.

People who visit the market will be able to collect information on these groups, do their shopping and perhaps collect a souvenir or two.

Sunday evening will see the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, close to the mill site, by MP Julie Hilling.

The evening will turn into a mixture of music and drama as The Houghton Weavers, Wingates Band and Activ8, a group of amateur actors from the Octagon, combine to tell the story of the events of 1812. The evening culminates with the burning of a replica mill and fireworks. It all promises to be a great weekend.

I urge people to join in the celebrations and see what the people of Westhoughton can do.

Cllr David Chadwick Westhoughton South Bolton Council