END OF AN ERA AS LOCAL MAG FINALLY CEASES PUBLICATION

Here at Salford Media we were saddened to hear of the final edition of Local Mag being delivered across Irlam, Cadishead, Hollins Green, Rixton and Glazebook.

It was such a fantastic and informative read a real community magazine which covered every aspect of life in the areas mentioned and amazingly it was a free publication, the running costs being met by advertisers, but in the present economical times these were getting harder to find.

Bill McLaughlin the photo/journalist who is steeped in a local journalism background encompassing some 40 years, starting at the Irlam and Cadishead Advertiser, Salford Reporter, Salford Advertiser, Manchester Evening News, and more recently with M44 Irlam and Cadishead Times and lastly with Local Mag was the driving force behind all of these and deserves a massive thank you for all his contributions to the local area.

Here are just a few of the things that Bill has done for his community recently, being the co-ordinator and organiser of a 40 foot trailer laden with much needed aid to Ukraine, behind a project that gave every school child in the area bags of flower bulbs to plant, he helped raise thousands of pounds each year for the Royal British Legion, a school governor, Vocational Chair of Irlam Rotary Club, on the committee of supporting the Irlam and Cadishead Festival, has instigated a permanent tribute to those local men killed in the Coronation cricket match of 1953... the list is endless, but above all this Bill is one of the most kindest, caring, generous men you could ever meet.

He has supported Salford Media many, many times, photographing us with guests on the Fred and Flynny Show, introducing us to local schools for community related stories, and most recently a full page article about the late Cadishead artist, Ray Lowry when we all drove to Blackpool to film his son, Sam about Ray's career and legacy.

I know that Bill is "gutted" to have to cease publication of Local Mag and it's a terrible wrench for him but and he won't like me saying this but at times he has had to put his hand in his own pocket to cover production costs and that can't go on, he has his own regular bills to pay!

In an ideal world some young, rich entrepreneur would take up the rains and ensure that this fine magazine can continue and lets face it, it does a marvellous service to the local community bit once it's gone... Bill has kindly offered to help show how it's run and the contacts needed etc

Finally Bill it's been a pleasure knowing you and working with you over the years and I can't sing your praises highly enough and so should the residents of Irlam and Cadishead, Bill we salute you.