Shortly after 9.15pm on Monday 7, May 2018 police were called to Claremont Road to reports of an elderly man lying on the ground injured.

He was found by two members of the public near to Lightoaks Park and when the 70-year-old was taken to hospital it was discovered he had suffered a broken neck bone, a fractured nose and cuts and bruises.

He is currently awake and talking.

It is believed the man was walking down Claremont Road when he felt a blow to the back of his head and witnesses described seeing a man running down Acresfield Road nearby.

Despite house-to-house enquiries, a trawl of CCTV as well as victim and witness accounts, it is still unclear exactly what happened and detectives are appealing to residents for more information.

Detective Constable Kim Hines, from GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

 

“This poor man has suffered extensive injuries and we need to know exactly what occurred last night.

“He was innocently walking near to the park on a night when the warm weather meant a lot of people were likely to still be around.

“We are desperate to know how this man came about his injuries and would urge anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage living in the area to please check their cameras.

“If you saw a man running down Acresfield Road, or if this was you, please contact police immediately.

“Any information could be the piece of the puzzle we need to get a clearer picture of what happened.”

 

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 5360 quoting incident number 2553 of 07/05/18.

Details can also be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

The 86-year-old victim was at her home on Lancaster Road at 11.25am on Monday 23 April 2018 when a man called at the house.

The offender offered the woman £50 to clean her path.

The victim invited the man into her home and gave him £50, but he left without undertaking the work.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the offence.

Detective Sergeant Andy Devine of GMP’s Salford Division said:

Quote

 

“This brazen thief deliberately targeted a vulnerable member of the community who believed he was genuine. 

“£50 might not seem like a lot of money to some people, but we take offences of this nature very seriously.

“We would ask anyone who recognises the man in the picture, or who has information about the crime, to contact police immediately.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8565 135 quoting incident number 1662 of 23/04/18 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At about 3.20pm on Tuesday 24 April a woman in her 20s was walking by the overpass on Eccles Old Road when she noticed a man crossing Broad Street. 

The man then walked to her side before sexually assaulting her. 

The victim shouted at the man and chased him but he ran down a footpath on Eccles Old Road before turning left on Langworthy Road. 

Officers investigating are keen to speak to the man pictured in connection with the assault. 

PC Matthew Atherton, from GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

“No one should have to be subjected to such a disgusting act and we need to find the man responsible. 

“The victim was extremely brave and even chased after the attacker in a bid to bring him to justice for his actions. 

“Unfortunately he fled, but we are doing everything we can to identify him and track him down.

“If you know this man and what he is wearing looks familiar, or you recognise him from the area that day, please do the right thing and contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1345 of 24 April 2018. 

The first phase of the Poets development in Swinton is now complete with 22 families now settled into their new, modern homes.

Phase two of the project is well underway, which will see a further 48 homes built on Shakespeare Road.

The 160-home development is the first new-build project by housing association Salix Homes, working alongside contractor Galliford Try Partnerships.

A mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes are being built on the estate, also known as Beechfarm, replacing 146 properties that are being demolished, due to historical structural issues.

Of the new properties, 120 will be social housing, while the remainder will be homes for sale or shared ownership – the first of which will go on sale later this year.

Salix Homes is also carrying out a major environmental improvement project to its properties across the rest of the Beechfarm estate to upgrade and replace fencing and gates to around 300 properties.

Terry McBride, development manager at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“This is the first new-build project for Salix Homes, and we’re very proud to see our aspirations for more affordable homes in Salford brought to life, particularly at a time when housing is in such short supply.

“It’s fantastic to see the first residents now settled in and making memories at the Poets and we look forward to welcoming even more families into their brand new homes in the coming months.

“Later this year, we’ll also begin work on a series of environmental improvements to our properties on the wider Beechfarm estate, which will complement the development and help create a community that people can be proud to call home.”

 

The housing development is being carried out in four phases in order to minimise disruption to residents and the whole scheme is expected to be completed by summer 2020.

Brendan Blythe, regional managing director at Galliford Try Partnerships, one of the fastest growing regeneration businesses in the UK, said:

Quote

 

“We are delighted with the progress being made at the Poets development in Swinton, which is seeing the provision of much needed affordable housing within the Salford area.

“Delivery of the scheme is very much underway with 22 families already settled into their new homes and we now look forward to the completion of Phase Two.”

 

Residents have been involved in the development process from start to finish with the original tenants affected by the demolition proposals temporarily re-housed close by and given priority for moving back into the new properties.

Salix Homes tenant Christine McMullan was one of the first to move into the new homes.

She said:

Quote

“I’ve lived on this street for 36 years in the same house, so I’m so grateful to move back into a new house at a place I’ve known as home for such a long time.”

Phase three and four of the project is expected to get underway later this year and includes the demolition and development of some properties on Stevenson Road, Tennyson Road, Kingsley Road, Wordsworth Road and Blantyre Street.

Dominic Lattlay-Fottfoy (previously known as Dominic Noonan) (13/06/1964) of HMP Belmarsh has today, Wednesday 2 May 2018, been found guilty of 13 counts of sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 18. The non-recent offences relate to four boys aged between 10 and 17 years-old.

He has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Square to a further 11 years in prison on top of the nine-year sentence he is already serving for arson, conspiracy to blackmail and perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that Lattlay-Fottfoy used his notoriety and influence to groom and sexually assault young boys. The offences took place between 1980 and 1981, 1990 and 1991, 2001 and 2004, and between 2010 and 2012.

One victim, who was assaulted between 2001 and 2004, told the court that Lattlay-Fottfoy would surround himself with young boys, all of whom would wear white shirts that were buttoned up. He would ply them with drugs and alcohol and they would drive around Manchester city centre.

After he began spending an increasing amount of time with the group, Lattlay-Fottfoy began to sexually abuse the victim to the point it was taking place every day.

Another victim, who was aged 15 at the time of the assaults and met Lattlay-Fottfoy at a pub in Stockport, told the court that he and other boys were treated as his entourage and he was provided with a suit by Lattlay-Fottfoy to give him more credibility.Detective Inspector Michael Gladwin from GMP’s Public Protection Investigation Unit said:

Quote

 

“Lattlay-Fottfoy used his notoriety to groom young vulnerable boys, then use them and sexually assault them until his behaviour became normalised.

“Rumours about Lattlay-Fottfoy’s sexual behaviour have followed him around for many years, but it is only thanks to the bravery of these victims that we have been able to bring him to justice for his crimes.”

 

Martin Griffith (20/06/1962) from Eccles is wanted on recall to prison for breaching the terms of his licence after serving part of his sentence for harassment. 

Griffith has links across Salford, Wigan, Chorley and the Isle of Man. 

Anyone with information about Griffith’s whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0161 856 1319 or make a report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
 

  
Nicholas Winter (31/12/90) is wanted on recall to prison after breaching the terms of his licence. 
  
He was released from prison in March 2018 and will remain on license until the end of April 2018. 
  
He has known links to the Salford area and all efforts to trace him have not yet been successful. 
  
Anyone with information about Winter’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At around 3.10am on Sunday 29 April, police were called to Buille Hill Park, Eccles Old Road to reports that a woman in her 20s had been raped.

She is being supported by specially trained officers and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 354 of 29/04/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Barr Hill Ladies Football Club was only launched in March last year with the goal of helping women in Salford to get fit and have fun.

But just a year later, the club has proved they’ve got the winning formula, dominating the Manchester Women’s League, and setting their sights firmly on promotion.

Now the club has secured another win, after Salford housing association Salix Homes donated £500 for some new away kit, as part of its Springboard community fund.

Team organiser Charlie Dewsnip said:

Quote

 

“Barr Hill Ladies are very grateful to Salix Homes for the funding, which has hugely benefited the team in allowing us to purchase a brand new away kit.

“Before we set up our club there was a dire lack of opportunities for women to get involved with football in the Salford area. Now, however, we seem to be dominating the Manchester Women’s League.

“In terms of the team’s future, we hope to be promoted to a higher division next season. This would provide new and exciting challenges for us as it would mean playing teams of a higher ability.”

 

Barr Hill Ladies FC is for Salford women over the age of 16, but thanks to its success, Charlie is also hoping to set up another club for younger aspiring female footballers.

Mick Walsh, neighbourhood manager for Salix Homes, said:

Quote

“Salix Homes is really excited to be supporting Barr Hill Ladies FC. The team have come so far in such a short space of time and are doing great things in helping the women of Salford get fit. We hope their new away kits will help them continue their winning streak.”

Since launching last year, Salix Homes has donated more than £50,000 to local groups and projects in Salford as part of its Springboard scheme, which supports local groups and projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation or improve the environment.

To find out more about how to apply for a Springboard grant, go to https://www.salixhomes.org/springboard

Anyone facing any non-emergency medical problems on these days should, in the first instance, call NHS 111.

The 111 telephone number is fast, easy and takes callers through to a highly-trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and direct you to the best medical care.

In addition to the 111 service, a small number of pharmacists in Salford will be open on each of these days.

Your local pharmacy is the place to go to get any prescription medicines and clinical advice for minor health concerns. As well as helping with common illnesses – like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains – they provide advice on over-the-counter medicines.

Salford pharmacies which will be open on the May bank holidays are:

Patients are advised to call their pharmacy before travelling as opening hours may vary.

Most local pharmacies have consultation rooms for private conversations. Your pharmacist can also talk to you confidentially without anything being noted in your medical records. 

You can check pharmacy opening times on our website : www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/pharmacies   We will also post reminders on our Twitter (@SalfordCCG) and Facebook pages www.facebook.com/SalfordCCG.

Where to go for the right medical care:

NHS Choices website (http://www.nhs.uk) for advice on less urgent health needs.

NHS 111 for clinical advice, assessment and for direction to the most appropriate services for treatment if you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency – available 24/7.

GP practices will be closed on 7 May and 28 May.Appointments at the GP Out of Hours Service will be available on these days, but this service should only be used if you need to see a GP urgently. If you are unwell and want to see a doctor, ring NHS 111 for free and you’ll be directed to the service.

Pharmacists for those with minor health concerns and who are generally feeling unwell.

Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.

Andrew Watson (17/05/1982) was released from prison in March 2017 having served six years for drugs offences. He has since breached the terms of his license and is now wanted.

He was last known to reside in Prestwich and also has links to Salford.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call police on 101 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Warnings have been given as it would appear that Alabama Rot is back in Salford after a number of cases of the disease have been identified in dogs by vets4pets.

At going to press there are 23 confirmed cases within a 20-mile radius of Salford of the disease which can kill 9/10 of the dogs it infects, according to the vets4pets.co.uk website. 

The latest death comes after a dog was thought to have contracted the disease whilst being walked around the Boothstown area of Salford.

It should be noted that only 3 of the confirmed cases have been reported from within the Salford boundary, One in Little Hulton and another at Buile Hil Park, and now this latest one in Boothstown, although it is possible that in all cases the disease was picked up at other locations. It is still best to ensure that you are aware of this when walking your dogs.

Last year two dogs were confirmed to have contracted the disease around Drinkwater / Phillips park (Radcliffe) and another Two around Clifton Country Park.

What is Alabama Rot?

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV or ‘Alabama rot’) is a serious disease which has only recently been recognised in dogs in the UK.

It causes lesions on the skin and occasionally in the mouth, which can look like bites, sores, wounds or stings. Some dogs go on to develop life-threatening kidney failure.

Any age, sex, or breed of dog can be affected. CRGV is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. 

It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure).

What is CRGV? CRGV is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction
(kidney failure).

Symptoms

The first symptoms of Alabama Rot are skin lesions, ulcers or sores, not caused by any known injury. These appear on the legs, body, mouth or tongue (see column on right). The dog will lick at the sores. Within days, dogs get symptoms of acute kidney injury (vomiting, reduced hunger or unusual tiredness).

Treatment & Cure?

At the moment there is no vaccination available for the disease as the underlying cause is still unknown.

Prevention

At the moment there is no real advice regarding how to prevent your dog catching the disease as the cause of it is still unknown.

If you suspect your dog to have contracted it then you should contact the RSPCA or your local Vet surgery immediately, if you have other dogs then separate them to avoid the infection spreading to them.

It should also be noted that at this time of year ticks and parasites are prevalent and can cause skin rashes and hair loss on dogs. Before fearing the worst, get your pet checked out to be on the safe side.

Olympian and Cycling Tsar Chris Boardman, MBE, has opened a cycling network in Salford which it is hoped will one-day inspire a Dutch-style bike revolution across the area.

The Olympic gold medallist and Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner met local cycling groups at Irlam Station as they set off on an inaugural ride along the first 14km of the Irlam and Cadishead Cycle Network, which runs from the station at Irlam to the Boathouse in Astley. 

The Irlam-based charity Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT), which led on work to set up the new cycle network, hopes the launch will kick start ambitious plans to expand it to around 50kms of routes across the area, including the expanse of Chat Moss.

HDT wants this expanded Irlam and Cadishead Cycle Network to link up with the National Cycle routes, 55 and 62 to the north and south of Irlam and Cadishead and improve connections between local communities and further afield.

The opening is also a step towards reviving 9.5km (6 miles) of disused railway track which could be part of the national cycleway extension as well as a heritage railway carrying steam and diesel trains between Irlam and Timperley.

Last year, HDT launched a proposal for a £30m project to re-open a section of the former Cheshire Lines Railway, which included the re-opening of the Cadishead Viaduct along the route, which is closed off by shipping containers, separating the communities of Irlam and Partington.

HDT ultimately hopes that the new cycle network will help the area contribute to the target of 10 percent of journeys being made by bike by 2025, which has been set by Sustrans and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Chris Boardman said:

Quote

 

“I was really impressed by the commitment HDT is making to encouraging people to get out on their bikes across Irlam and Cadishead.

“People will only take to cycling if it is accessible and easy for them to incorporate into their day. Initiatives like this are key to helping to inspire new people to travel without a reliance on cars and I look forward to seeing how further plans develop to open up more cycling routes locally.”

 

HDT founder Neil McArthur said:

Quote

 

“This event lays the foundations to develop cycling further across the area, which has a fine blend of urban and rural countryside and is a great location for cyclists.

“We hope in years to come to develop an extensive network of cycle routes, which will encourage local people to get on their bikes as well as attracting many tourists and visitors.

“We’ve been inspired by the Dutch model and we have ambitious aspirations that one-day cycling could be just as popular in Irlam and Cadishead as it is there.”

 

The charity has worked with Salford City Council to map the new cycle network and install waypoints and directional signage, based on the Dutch cycling model.

It has also worked with TfGM, Cycling UK, the Doctor Bike Surgery, the Carbon Landscape Trust and Manchester Bike Hire to promote cycling in the local area.

Organisations taking part in the launch included Breeze Network Lancashire and the Salford Cycling Club as well as a number of individual cyclists

The newly-formed St James Computer Club in Higher Broughton has been given £800 from Salix Homes as part of its Springboard fund, to help get the project off the ground.

The cash-injection has enabled the club to provide a safe and social environment where local people can access computers, learn new skills, renew social networks and reconnect with their community.

The grant has been used to purchase two laptop computers, software packages and a printer, which has enabled the club to open its doors for the first time and offer a free computer training course for the over 50s.

Rev Christine Threlfall, who runs the initiative, said:

Quote

“For many who come to the club, it’s more than just learning new skills, it’s a chance to socialise and get to know others in the community. Thanks to this donation from Salix Homes, we have been able to kick-start the club which is now a registered online access centre.”

The computer club runs every Friday between 1pm and 3pm at St James Church and the friendly volunteers welcome people who are socially isolated, struggling to access services or just simply want to learn new skills.

Betty Herring, who lives in one of Salix Homes’ sheltered housing schemes, said:

Quote

“I have a huge family with 22 grandchildren and it’s very important to me that I can keep in touch with them and stay involved in their lives. The computer club helps me stay connected through sharing videos and photos.”

Maureen Kynaston, who also attends the computer club, said:

Quote

“I have a disability so standing around in queues at checkouts and carrying heavy shopping can be difficult for me. I would like to learn how to shop online, but I wouldn’t be able to learn how without the help of the computer club.”

Volunteers at the club have completed training to deliver digital inclusion sessions and share their expertise to help people learn new skills and build confidence.

The Springboard fund provides financial assistance to local groups and initiatives that are making a difference in Salford. Since its launch the fund has donated more than £50,000 to local causes, including a lunch club that also runs at St James Church, providing a free hot meal and companionship to anyone who calls by.Ben Cruickshanks, Broughton neighbourhood manager at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“We are very proud to support another fantastic initiative run by St James which will encourage, empower and assist local people to learn crucial skills that will make a difference to their lives.” 

 

 

To apply for a Springboard grant go to the Salix Homes website.

Anton Lamont Bradley (23/07/1992), who was last known to be living in Cheetham Hill, failed to appear at Manchester Crown Court for a charge of dangerous driving in October 2017.

He also failed to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on two separate occasions in September 2017 for drugs offences and assault.

He has links to the Salford and Cheetham Hill areas.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police on 101 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Daniel Cowell (12/03/1993) of Mayan Avenue, Salford has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Square today, Friday 20 April 2018, to five years and four months in prison.

He previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage with intent to endanger life, aggravated taking without owners consent (TWOC), driving without insurance and driving without a license. 

Shortly before 3.15am on Tuesday 5 September 2017, officers in an unmarked police car were patrolling Salford when they began pursuing a stolen Ford Transit van.

During the pursuit, the van - which had been stolen from an address in Little Hulton - turned around quickly and drove directly at the patrol car, ramming into them, before driving off.

The two officers in the patrol car had to receive hospital treatment and were unable to continue their usual duties for a period of time. Thankfully they returned to work and the same officers spotted Cowell driving a stolen Renault Megan one evening a number of weeks later.

He again attempted to ram the officers off the road but this time they managed to stop Cowell and he was arrested.

Sergeant Danny Kabal, of GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said:

Quote

“Cowell’s actions during the two pursuits were nothing short of an attack on police officers who were just trying to do their job and protect the public.

“Not only did he take these vehicles that didn’t belong to him but he then proceeded to use them as a weapon, putting innocent members of the public and officers safety at risk without giving it a second thought.

“This kind of behaviour has no place in civilised society and simply cannot be tolerated. We will continue to pursue criminals like Daniel Cowell and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Baby Arla Allen-Gregory whose mum Sarah Allen comes from Salford and dad Chris Gregory comes from Bolton, was born at the centre, run by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, at 6.36am on Monday 16 April weighing 6lbs 2 ounces.

Both mum and baby are doing well and the whole family is thrilled, especially Kodi Allen, her big sister.

City Mayor Paul Dennett congratulated the proud parents, saying they had added another chapter to the history of the building, formerly a Victorian mansion.

Records from 1938 show the city’s medical officer suggesting that part of the building could be adapted as a maternity and child welfare centre for £70 a year including lighting, cleaning and heating. But when the Second World War broke out the building in Oakwood Park was used instead as an air raid shelter before becoming a care home.

Today, Ingleside Birth and Community Centre was officially opened after laying dormant for nearly three years. The building has been empty since 2015 and was refurbished with support from £130,000 of crowdfunding from the community. It replaces the birth centre at Salford Royal which closed last September.  

The opening of this free-standing midwifery-led birth centre allows women whose pregnancies are deemed ‘low risk’ to have a greater choice of where they birth. It sits in Oakwood Park and has four birthing rooms, designed in collaboration with women from Greater Manchester. Salford Clinical Commissioning Group pays Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to provide the service.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“Salford people are quite rightly very proud of their roots and we needed a replacement for the birth centre at Salford Royal.

“So we made a decision that meant women with low risk pregnancies had the choice to give birth in this city.

“The aim was to provide maternity services which are safe, personalised and family friendly and those plans have now come to life. We now look forward to a generation of babies being born in this city.”

 

Ingleside is the only free-standing birthing centre within Greater Manchester and also offers additional support to women and their baby in the first few months of their child’s life.

Other facilities in the birthing rooms include high definition projectors which display natural images and sounds to create a relaxing and peaceful environment. This is essential to help the woman’s birth progress.

Ingleside is staffed by experienced midwives and maternity support workers from Bolton Foundation Trust who work alongside an extensive team of doctors, midwives, nurses and other health professionals at Royal Bolton Hospital.  Women can birth their baby in Ingleside 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Salford CCG chair, Dr Tom Tasker, said:

Quote

“This is a huge step for Salford, Bolton and Wigan and our work as Greater Manchester’s maternity pioneers to provide the widest choice of maternity services for women. We have listened to women and their families about what matters when it comes to one of the most important times of their lives as they become parents for the first time or expand their families, and the result is a fantastic asset in Ingleside.”

Sue Ainsworth, Head of Midwifery, said:

Quote

“We’re delighted to be providing this service within the heart of the local community which offers women choice of where to birth their baby, in the most beautiful setting in Oakwood Park, Swinton. We welcome women from Bolton, Salford, Wigan and the wider area to birth with us.”

Dyson Westerman, 72, sadly died at his home on Brookhouse Avenue on Sunday 15 April 2018.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information should contact the Police Coroner’s Office at Bolton on 0161 856 5746.

Adam Wyatt (24/06/69) of Bridgewater Street, Salford has been jailed for three years and nine months at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square after pleading guilty to owning and sharing terrorist material.

Wyatt previously admitted disseminating a terrorist publication, one of which stated that “Britain must atone for its sins in Palestine” and posting on social media that jihad was an obligation for Muslims.

Wyatt also admitted owning booklets called the “Mujahedeen Poisons Handbook” and “Advice to those who cannot leave to sham”.

A Newton Hearing was held to decide if Wyatt’s actions were reckless or intentional.

Detective Inspector Mike Abbott from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said:

Quote

 

“At today’s hearing the Judge not only decided that Adam Wyatt’s actions were intentional but sentenced him to imprisonment.

“Wyatt used social media to air his abhorrent views and encourage terrorist attacks in Britain and across the world.

“Although Wyatt never pursued an attack himself, he was encouraging others and sharing information that could have led to the deaths of others.

“He will now spend the next three years and nine months in prison where he can no longer poison minds and encourage people to kill for his cause.”

 

Ordsall-born Joseph Woodall, who was serving with the 1st Battalion The Rifle Brigade went on to capture 30 more prisoners and took charge of two platoons when the officer in charge was killed.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous bravery and fine leadership during an attack” as army chiefs said the success of the operation that day was almost entirely due to his “coolness, courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety.”

On Sunday, April 22 a commemorative paving stone will be laid in his memory in Regent Square Park, Salford watched by family and the local community.

Grandson Michael Mahoney will travel from Australia for the occasion. He will be joined by Nigel Mahoney, Joseph’s great-grandson and Nick Crompton and other members of Joseph’s family.

Michael, a Chartered Accountant from Manly Beach, Sydney Australia said he had travelled 12,000 miles:  “to join with the wonderful people of Salford to honour the bravery, gallantry and valour of our hero, Joseph Edward Woodall VC.”

Joseph’s paving stone will be unveiled next to The Regent Park war memorial which commemorates 46 local men who died in World War One and hundreds of others who served in that and other wars.

Joseph Edward Woodall was born in Robinson Street, off Regent Road, on 1 June 1896, and was the second of 11 children.  He was educated at St Ambrose infants school until the family moved to Patricroft where he attended Beech Street school.  

After leaving school he worked at George Mort’s quilt manufacturers in Legh Street, Patricroft and joined the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (now the Royal Green Jackets) on 2 September 1914.  

On 11 April 1918, the 1st Battalion was rushed up in buses to a position on the La Bassée Canal, France, to stem a German breakthrough in a battle which is now known as The Battle of the Lys or the Fourth Battle of Ypres.

Over the next 11 days, Joseph’s battalion was involved in severe fighting in the area around Hinges and Robecq. On 22 April, together with the 1st Hampshires, the battalion took part in an attack which helped secure the Canal. It was during this fighting that Lance Serjeant * Joseph Woodall earned his Victoria Cross on the far side of the canal at La Pannerie. [Correct spelling of this rank with the Rifle Brigade] 

His citation reads:

“Sjt. Woodall was in command of a platoon which, during an advance, was held up by a machine gun. On his own initiative, he rushed forward and, single-handed, captured the gun and eight men.

After the objective had been gained, heavy fire was encountered from a farmhouse some 200 yards in front. Sjt. Woodall collected ten men and, with great dash and gallantry, rushed the farm and took thirty prisoners. Shortly afterwards, when the officer in command was killed, he took entire command, reorganised the two platoons, and disposed them most skilfully.

Throughout the day, in spite of intense shelling and machine-gun fire, this gallant N.C.O. was constantly on the move, encouraging the men and finding out and sending back invaluable information. The example set by Sjt. Woodall was simply magnificent and had a marked effect on the troops. The success of the operation on this portion of the front is attributed almost entirely to his coolness, courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety.”

Joseph Woodall was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 23 November 1918. He remained in the army after the war and on 7 March 1919 became a Second Lieutenant with one of the Service Battalions of The Rifle Brigade. He retired from the army as a Captain on 1 September 1921 and resumed civilian life.

Joseph married Rosannah Lighton on 14 June 1923 at St Sebastian’s RC Church, Pendleton and undertook a textiles course at Salford Technical school. Despite coming through World War One unscathed Joseph lost part of his arm to unfenced machinery while working at a mill in Oldham.

The family, including daughter Patricia, mother to Michael Mahoney and son David, moved to Bramhall where Joseph worked as a cotton yarn salesman. He moved to Eire in 1955 where he died aged 65 on January 2, 1962, in Dublin.

In 1910 the Mid-Antrim Friends of the Somme unveiled a commemoration stone in Dean’s Grange cemetery, Dun Laoghaire after learning Joseph was buried there without a headstone of his own. He is also commemorated on the Rifle Brigade memorial in Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire.  

Joseph Woodall VC’s paving stone, which will be unveiled by his family is part of the First World War Centenary campaign to honour recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC). Over 460 paving stones will be laid in communities across Britain.  Joseph Lister VC, from Broughton, who was awarded the VC in 1917, was commemorated last October with a paving stone outside Broughton Hub.