ABOUT BETA

BETA is a Registered Charity established to improve Literacy and the love of learning.

BETA is committed to researching local history and recording local people’s memories for the future.

Access to this research is in printed books and digital formats. The research is available free of charge via this website.

BETA works with the local community, taking part in local heritage events, thus furthering education and access to local history.

BETA - Basic Education & Training for Adults was established September 1991. BETA researches local history working with and for the benefit of the local community.

BETA organises community events and presentations. These activities are funded through small grants and fundraising and are run by volunteers. BETA has seven regular volunteers and can call on more when needed. These volunteers cover a wide range of ages and ability.

BETA does not have any paid staff.

BETA is a registered education charity and is well established in Wigan and known for research into local history, working with a diverse group of local people of all ages and abilities.

HOW BETA BEGAN

In September 1991 Eileen Bithell and Eileen Walsh had a dream of offering free help to adults regardless of age or ability and, most importantly, that they would never put personal gain before those to be helped. This free help was to be on an immediate individual basis in Literacy, Numeracy, Job Search, Life and Social Skills.

Eileen and Eileen set up in St. John’s Presbytery through the kindness of Father Tillotson. We started with paper, pens, books, an old typewriter and a small group of adults needing educational help. After only two weeks we were offered employment with Wigan Training Services, which we declined and then were offered a sub-contract which enabled BETA to be able to afford to rent their own premises in Rodney House in March 1992.

In February 2,000, Eileen and Eileen were successful in receiving a small Millennium Grant which enabled them to open an internet café, BETA Netc@fe, offering employment to 12 disabled adults and free I.T. tuition. Eileen and Eileen, together with their families, set up and decorated an office turning this into an internet café. This offered a friendly supportive atmosphere conducive to learning.

Eileen & Eileen building the counter at the BETA Netc@fé

People Helped by BETA

During the last 27 years over 2,700 adults of all abilities have been helped by BETA.

Many of those helped by BETA gained employment e.g.:

10 people who are now in the Police,

8 people in the Prison Service,

9 people who are now in the Armed Services,

26 women workplace returners are now nurses

1 man is now a doctor (G.P.)

3 BETA Volunteers became teachers

Many others went onto further education and a range of other employment

During the 27 years, BETA has employed 10 people as Sessional Tutors.

BETA has trained 30 volunteers and still has 8 volunteers who help with events, fundraising and research

Schools and Community Groups in receipt of BETA Research books and Reminiscence boxes

BETA RESEARCH PROJECTS

Researching 2,000 years of Wigan’s History

Research Book printed “A Window on Wigan’s History”. History Exhibitions: in Wigan Town Hall, Museum of Wigan Life and Grand Arcade.

Wigan and the English Civil Wars
Research and book to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of Wigan being granted a Sword of State and Charter from King Charles II in thanks for the support given by Wigan to the Royalist Cause.

Research book printed “Wigan and the English Civil Wars” . BETA organised a day re-enacting Wigan battles in the ECW, including Musketeers firing from Wigan Parish,Pike and Cannon battles in Wigan Town Centre. Parades and exhibitions were also held.

Local life in the 1950’s and 1960’s
Research, local memories and photographs

Research book printed “When We Were Young”. Local exhibitions held of 1950’s and 1960’s memorabilia. Books and Multi-sensory Reminiscence boxes distributed to local Community Groups, Dementia Groups etc.

Wigan in 1937 compared to 2017
Memories and photographs

Research book printed “Then and Now Wigan in 1937 And 2017”. Local Exhibitions held of 1937 and 2017 Memorabilia. Books and Multi-sensory Reminiscence boxes distributed to local Community Groups, Dementia Groups etc.

Local Memories of World War One

Research book printed “Local Wigan Memories of World War One”. Exhibitions held and books distributed to local schools and community groups.

RESEARCH BOOKS PUBLISHED

A Window on Wigan’s History Wigan and the English Civil Wars When We Were Young
Then and Now Wigan in 1937 And 2017 Local Wigan Memories of World War One