As we've always said, this is a community site written by, and for the community of Atherton. Following that philosophy, Matt Howarth got in touch with us saying he wanted his own weekly column to give his views about the town and it's issues from a younger persons' point of view. So here it is! We'd really like more people to write for the site (if anyone knows about sport or would like to tackle politics, that would be a massive help). So if you think you would like to get involved, please e-mail us at hello@athertononlne.co.uk or come and have a chat with us in the forum [HERE] - Alex
QUICK DISCLAIMER: All views & opinions expressed in Matt's posts are his own and not necessarily the views of Athy Online.
I would like to start by saying how very excited I am at this being my very FIRST Column here at Atherton Online.
I have had a passion for Writing and being a Journalist ever since I started to send in some written articles to National Newspapers, as a result of winning numerous writing competitions at school. After initially being naive into thinking my work would be immediately recognised, I soon discovered that the world of Journalism was an extremely tough one! A world, which you must prepare yourself to be criticised and have your very personal words constantly rejected. Hard at first, though in some sort of way I believe that the constant responses from Newspapers and Magazines I got, telling me that they were "not interested" made my written work stronger, my confidence and just generally my passion for writing. I have been lucky enough over my short career so far to have two of my articles printed in the National Tabloids, others being commended on for their quality and content, and another time defending Vanessa Feltz in a national Newspaper Racial Allegation! I am 18 years of age with my head thoroughly screwed on I would say. I am in a state of mind at the moment where I am looking forward to my life unfolding, seeing just how it unfolds and to hopefully see my career prove successful.
I have been an Atherton resident for many years and as the years have gone by for me, going through High School then into College. I haven't always spoken highly of the town. I always thought that I was somewhat unlucky and unprivileged to be living in a town which is forgotten by its council, a town which is relatively unknown to many and a town which I thought had nothing going for it. Can I, a growing boy of this crazy world from a town such as Atherton really have such Big Dreams and Ambitions? In Fact can someone from a small town really have a chance in life? It has only been in the last 12 months or so where I have started to hold my head up high and say to people "I'm from Atherton" rather than my past pleasantry of "I'm from Manchester" what has made me change my mind I hear you ask? The COMMUNITY! Atherton may not be the largest town, the most thriving and it could even be described as the "Forgotten Town" but what Atherton DOES have, which is lacking in most other towns across not just Greater Manchester but the rest of the UK, is a thriving Community Spirit. We only have to think of the recent disgusting closure of Hesketh Fletcher High School, the overwhelming amount of support, protesting and action to fight against the council's abysmal decision was absolutely hearth warming and I do hope that all of you involved gave yourself a real pat on the back even though we didn't get the result in which we wanted. It is all about the effort. Another example is the proposed closure of Atherton library... I have every confidence in the community that you shall be pulling together on any upcoming meetings and protests to do everything you can to save our beloved library. The community is what MAKES Atherton and I for one am happy to be part of a town where the people have those feelings and care for the town and for everybody in it. In answer to my previous thoughts I believe that the fact I am from a small town shall work in my favour and anyone else who has big ambitions to move onto other things in life in the long run. I propose to show MY community and the outsiders in the big bad world in the future that to build yourself a successful career without being overly privileged, being helped financially or otherwise or even to be born without the proverbial "Silver Spoon" in my and many other's mouths is something to not only be proud of, but to be achieved!
I hope I have gained your approval and indeed hope that my community (as I'm sure you will) shall support me throughout my career, and even with this very column! I have been told I am an extremely opinionated person many times. That of which, led me to creating my own blog which is gaining thousands of views per month. I shall be commenting on the local town of Atherton but also the general News, Television, Showbiz and pretty much anything I wish! I hope to show that some of us younger members of the community do care about the town but also we have views... and I am a very strong believer that any form of views from a younger perspective do not get listened too or heard, nor do we have any sort of platform to express ourselves. This is my opportunity to express my views, comments and opinion. But also, a chance to share them with the town of Atherton.
I am hoping for discussion and debate. I believe Atherton Online is a fantastic way for the community to get together, share views and discuss. The latest news from around the surrounding area but a lot more! Let's all get together and make Atherton Online the HEART of the community and also the voice.
If you have any news, comments or opinions which you would like to be published on my part of the site, or involved in a discussion please email me: matt.howarth@athertononline.co.uk
I would like to thank Alex for allowing me to be part of such an exciting project, and allowing me to have free range with my column!
Matt Howarth
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