Do you have a story to tell about Westhoughton? A local issue you care about? A piece of town history you want to share?
At The Howfen Journal, we want to hear from you. We’re building a community-driven newspaper that celebrates Westhoughton, uncovers important local stories, and gives a voice to the people who live here. Whether you’re a first-time writer or an experienced journalist, we welcome contributions on a wide range of topics, including:
- Local news and investigations – Reporting on council decisions, planning developments, transport, and community issues.
- Town history – Forgotten stories, historic events, and personal memories of Westhoughton’s past.
- Community and people – Profiles of interesting residents, grassroots projects, and the people making a difference.
- Culture and events – Reviews, previews, and reflections on what’s happening in Westhoughton, from music and theatre to food and drink.
- Local sports – Coverage of Westhoughton’s teams, match reports, interviews with players, and stories from grassroots clubs.
- Opinion and commentary – Thoughtful takes on local issues, changing traditions, and what Westhoughton means to you.
How to contribute
If you have an idea, we’d love to hear it! Whether it’s a short piece, an in-depth feature, or just the start of an idea, get in touch.
📩 Email us at howfenjournal@gmail.com with a short pitch or draft. Tell us what you’d like to write about, why it matters, and any experience you have (though none is required!).
We can’t guarantee we’ll publish every submission, but we’ll always try to work with local writers to develop their ideas.
Join us in building a truly independent newspaper for Westhoughton—written by the people, for the people.