At a time when headlines are dominated by division and unrest, a quieter story has been unfolding here in Westhoughton—one of migration, curiosity, and connection between two communities from opposite sides of the world.
In recent years, over 100 households from Hong Kong have made Westhoughton their home. Drawn by the UK’s British National (Overseas) visa scheme, introduced in 2021, many have come in search of greater freedom and stability. What they’ve found is not just a place to live, but a community willing to meet them halfway.
One of those newcomers is Po Ling Chan, a former teacher who spent 26 years educating students in Hong Kong before deciding it was time for a change. She moved to Westhoughton in late 2021, joined the University of Manchester as a postgraduate student, and soon after, discovered the Westhoughton Local History Group (WLHG).
What started as a personal interest in learning more about British history grew into a meaningful exchange between cultures. Po Ling began attending WLHG’s monthly meetings and, over time, invited others from the Hong Kong community to join in.
This relationship led to a unique project—part storytelling, part cultural exchange. With the support of WLHG, Po Ling created an illustrated presentation that explored the experiences of Hong Kong migrants: what life was like before, why they left, and what they’ve encountered in their new lives here in Westhoughton.
The presentation was accompanied by a photography exhibition, capturing everyday local scenes through the eyes of newcomers—shop signs, railway bridges, and quiet street corners that might go unnoticed by long-time residents but hold fascination for those seeing them with fresh perspective.
A two-way street
David Kaye, chairman of WLHG, describes Po Ling as “a most impressive lady” and credits her with helping to build bridges between communities. “She’s encouraged others to get involved—attending concerts, joining craft groups, even leading walking tours around town. It’s been a joy to watch this interaction grow.”
He’s quick to point out that this isn’t just about the Hong Kong community integrating into local life—it’s also about locals expanding their understanding of who their neighbours are. Shared events, including a spread of British and Hong Kong refreshments after the presentation, offered space for genuine conversations and connections.
Life beyond the headlines
The backdrop to this story is a serious one. Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, many residents have witnessed a steady erosion of civil liberties. The introduction of the BNO visa was a lifeline, and it's estimated that around 200,000 Hong Kongers have now relocated to the UK under the scheme. Westhoughton’s share of that number may be modest, but its impact is being felt in ways that matter.
