The Oblates of Mary Immaculate acquired Wistaston Hall in 1943. The hall is located on Broughton Lane opposite the Joey the Swan recreation ground and is used as a retreat centre that provides an ideal venue for retreats, prayer meetings and study groups.
Joey the Swan is an area that is rich in wildlife and includes ancient trees and a wildflower garden planted by the volunteers of Wistaston Conservation Group. There are footpaths and a tarmac path that generally follows the line of Wistaston Brook. A recreation ground with football pitches and childrens playground area is situated near to Church Lane.
'Story has it, however, that the recreation ground is named after an adult male cob swan that lived on site in the 1930s. The swan favoured the hilltop, which he would take himself to the top of on a daily basis. His namesake lends the park a jovial, fond tone to locals today, with many making it a regular visiting spot for outdoor activities and walks.'
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