Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service were called to the scene of the fire on Wardley industrial Estate close to Swinton just before midnight on Saturday the 6th of May, after the alarm was raised by locals who had discovered the blaze.

UPDATE - 23:40 pm

A joint investigation to establish whether the fire was caused by arson is on-going.

UPDATE - 19:40 pm

UPDATE - 10:00 am

Manchester Road between Swinton and Walkden remains closed this morning due to a pylon cable which was brought down as a result of the fire and is blocking the A6, it is thought that the road will be opened again at some point in the afternoon. If you are in planning to use that stretch of the road then please use an alternative route.

UPDATE - 3:38am

20 people have been evacuated from their homes following damage caused by the downed power cable.

Residents have been given temporary accommodation by the local Emergency Planning Officer.

The cable has also affected the train line between Manchester and Wigan which will be closed off until further notice.

Power lines have fallen between Moor Side and Walkden stations.

The fire is believed to be involving a large quantity of recycled computer parts in an industrial sized container.

A downed power line has also caused problems at the scene and is being made safe by the National Grid.

Holloway Drive is closed off until further notice while the incident is brought undercontrol.

Group Manager Paul Starling who is at the incident said:

Quote

“We currently have four jets and two hand held hoses in operation to tackle the fire. The large smoke plume the recycled material produces is causing some local residents concern, but we would like to reassure you that we are dealing with the incident well. You can avoid any smoke by simply closing windows and doors and avoiding the area until further notice”.

At its peak there were eight fire engines at the scene, but this has since been scaled down to six due to the fire crew’s speedy response.

An investigation into the cause will take place once we have made the area safe.

Thick black smoke was reported to have blown across the carriageways of the M60 around junctions 14 to 15 as well as also across the M61.

The NPAS helicopter was scrambled with its heat sensing cameras to help pinpoint the heart of the inferno to help those on the ground bring the blaze under control.

It as yet remains unclear as to how the fire started but this is not the first time Salford has witnessed a recycling centre on fire as in March 2015 a blaze ripped through buildings at a neighbouring centre, just up the road in Clifton.

A year earlier in March 2014 a similar fire caused by Arson tore through a site at Duncan Street - Ordsall, which led to operators Recovered Fuels Shipping Ltds loosing its licence later that year in July.

Both previous blazes took days to get under control, smoke and fumes Like lingered in the air around the sites for sometime and in the case of the latter several roads, including Oldfield Road and Liverpool Street, were shut.

All Photos & Video by @DaveBax999 who is a fire officer on the scene. Copyrights GMFRS 2017

Three fire engines, from Agecroft, Eccles and Farnworth, were called out at 3.11pm on Thursday, May 4, after a fire broke out in a beauty salon in Moorside Road, Swinton.

Wearing breathing apparatus and using a hose reel, thermal imagine cameral and positive pressure fan, firefighters tackled the fire which was located on the first floor of the property.

Crew Manager John Ogden from Agecroft Community Fire Station said: “The owner of the beauty salon, which was fully occupied at the time, had gone upstairs and noticed the fire in the beauty room.

“We arrived at the address really quickly and the firefighters who attended all did a great job in minimising damage to the shop, which was heavily smoke damaged on the first floor.”

Crew me members were in attendance at the incident for around 45 minutes.

The fire is believed to have started accidentally due to an electrical fault.

For fire safety advice please visit: http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/fire_safety_advice/ 

Environmental health officers from Salford City Council raided the filthy shop in Great Cheetham Street East.

Parakeets had been crammed into a makeshift aviary with insufficient perching space and were having to cling to the sides of the cage while one bird lay dead on the floor amid piles of bird excrement.

A baby rabbit was left without access to water while three other rabbits roamed freely round the mouse-infested premises because their cage was not secure.

Owner of Pets Place, Jewan Shikho breached 23 conditions of his pet shop licence including having no documentation to show where the animals had come from or who he had sold them to, the court was told. 

Mr Shikho, of Cheshill Court, Marlborough Road, Salford (date of birth 20 June 1991) pleaded guilty at Salford and Manchester magistrates court to failing to comply with pet shop licence conditions as prescribed under Section 1(7) of The Pet Animals Act 1951.

He was ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid community work, his pet shop licence was revoked and he was disqualified for five years from keeping a pet shop.  He was also ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge totalling £940.

Magistrates heard that officers from Salford City Council went to the shop in August 2016, following a complaint. They had to get a warrant to enter the shop as Mr Shikho failed to respond to phone calls and messages advising him that officers wanted to inspect.

The rabbits were removed by the RSPCA because they were in poor health. A follow up inspection a week later found  Mr Shikho had removed the aviary.

Ben Dolan, Strategic Director for Place at Salford City Council, which licences petshops annually, said: “The birds, fish and animals in this shop were being kept in appalling conditions. Mr Shikho cared nothing for their welfare and only for his profits.

“We want to work with businesses and help them thrive in the city, but if businesses blatantly disregard the law and put animal health at risk, we will not hesitate to take action against them.”

Thirty employees are acting as trail blazers – with officers from street sweepers to trading standards are in the first wave of new official ‘Digital Eagles’.

Salford City Council and Barclays, which launched its Digital Eagles programme in 2013, have created the first local authority-private sector partnership of this type.

This is just the start as Salford City Council’s ambition is to develop its whole workforce as digital eagles – creating a social movement for a digital inclusive city.

The new Salford Digital Eagles will be a crucial part of the council’s drive for digital inclusion – making sure people have the skills to use the internet to do things that benefit them in their day to day lives.

The aim is that council employees, as well as helping colleagues, will also be able to help family, friends and residents to  improve their digital skills to find information, avoid social isolation by networking through social media and maximise the financial and other opportunities that being digitally confident brings.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I am proud to launch this innovative partnership with Barclays who have been pioneers in the development of digital skills in communities.

“Our first Salford Digital Eagles are being announced and I am so proud of their passion to help colleagues and local people to develop skills that will help them take advantage of all the opportunities that being digital brings.

“We have recognised that tackling digital exclusion requires time, effort and investment.  The benefits are huge and we want to ensure that no one is left behind. Our approach harnesses the strengths of our workforce and our community spirit - making full use of our skills and resources.

“It’s a key part of our anti-poverty strategy as people who are digitally confident and able to make best use of online resources are financially better off.”

Mini sweeper driver and union learner representative Scott Henderson is one of the first Salford Digital Eagles.

“I’ve been a union learning rep for 15 years so I’m always looking for ways help my colleagues develop new skills. I am really excited to be at the start of a new movement in our city.” he said.

“I’ve taught myself digital skills but many of the guys I work with struggle – it’s just not something they’ve grown up with.” 

Barclays introduced Digital Eagles in 2013 with the aim of having the most digitally savvy workforce in the UK. Starting with 18 full-time Eagles in its bank branches, four years on there are now more than 18,000 Barclays Digital Eagles who have so far provided free technology advice to more than one million people.

Luke Christoforidis, Head of Barclays Corporate Banking Digital Eagles, said: “Digital Eagles are a great way of helping people to feel more confident about going online both in your own workforce and for the people who access your services.

“We are really excited to be working with Salford City Council and are happy to help any local authority or employer who wants to adopt this approach.”

Kersal Social Club have 2 Gorgeous Strippers and a Fantastic Drag Queen lined up to entertain you this coming August, its expected to be packed out so best ensure you get your tickets NOW so you don't miss out on the fun!!

There will also be Ann Summers and Plenty of Music!!!

For tickets contact Kelly on 07456 792882 or visit the facebook event page HERE

It really doesn't matter if you're a fanboy/girl or D.C. or Marvel, or for even a lover of Manga, Salford Comic Con has it all under one roof. 

Salford Comic Con celebrates all things related to superheroes and sci-fi such as Star Wars, Dr Who and other popular TV related programmes. Following the lines of the original, traditional comic con's first established in the UK in the late 1960s/early 1970s and has continued to grow ever since. 

The day will be packed with exciting exhibitors selling vintage Marvel Comics, DC Comics, toys, t-shirts, Manga and other related memorabilia. There will also be competitions for the whole family to enter and enjoy, including cos-play and dancing, with junior and senior categories, plus prizes and certificates to be won! 

So come and enjoy this fantastic event and cosplay as your favourite superhero!

Tickets are available from this link and start at £4 per adult, £2 per child or there are family passes for £8 for 2 adults and 2 children or £10 for 2 adults and 4 children.

We all know D.C. is the bestest though right? ReBirth for the win  

When traced he told council officers he had only “put on a little bit more“ because people had already dumped rubbish there. When told that ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ he said it was his “first and last mistake” and he was ashamed of wasting tax payers money.

Mr Pervaiz, date of birth 5 December 1966 of Sheepfoot Lane, Prestwich, appeared at Salford and Manchester magistrates court on Tuesday May 2  and admitted two offences of illegally dumping waste on land at Dickinson Street on 4 August and 6 August contrary to S33(1) and S33(6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

He was fined £320, ordered to pay costs of £486 and a victim surcharge of £32.

The court heard that Salford City Council’s CCTV team caught Mr Pervaiz driving a Toyota Land Cruiser and dumping rubbish in the street just before midday. Two days later they caught him driving a different car and dumping more rubbish in the same spot.

The wood and domestic rubbish blocked the pavement and posed a fire risk to nearby businesses.

Both cars were traced and while the council officer was speaking to someone in connection with the second incident Mr Pervaiz drove up in the Toyota Land Cruiser which the officer recognised from the first offence.

Speaking after the case Ben Dolan, Strategic Director for Environment and Community, at Salford City Council, said: “Mr Pervaiz’s excuse was, frankly, utter rubbish. All this waste could easily have gone in the bin or to the tip. There’s no reason whatsoever to dump it in the middle of a Salford street creating a nuisance for other businesses in the area and wasting taxpayers’ money in cleaning it up.”

Over the last two years Salford City Council, under Operation Pandora, has prosecuted 45 offenders for 56 flytipping offences (some committed more than one offence) resulting in over £48,000 in fines, costs and compensation.

Naveed Mubashar from Crumpsall was called to pick up two passengers from an address in Blackley.

At the end of their journey, Naveed pulled up at the side of the road, one passenger got out of the vehicle while the other stayed in the taxi to pay the fare.

Naveed noticed a car pull up behind his vehicle and saw five men get out of the car. The man who had left the taxi saw the group of men and ran off.

Things moved very fast at this point and before Naveed knew it, one of the men ran to his vehicle and stabbed his passenger who fell back onto the seat. He was stabbed a further seven times in both his arms and legs.

Naveed said:

Quote

“As soon as I saw the car and five men get out, I knew something bad was going to happen. I just didn’t know what to do, I couldn’t get out of my vehicle, I didn’t want to get hurt, he could easily have stabbed me too."

Quote

 

“I shouted ‘stop it, you’ve done it now, leave him alone’ – he eventually stopped and ran off with the rest of the group after the other man who had been in my taxi.

“I realised that I needed to get the man to hospital as soon as possible, I knew there was no time to call for an ambulance, it would have taken too long, he was losing so much blood. I kept him talking the whole time, I didn’t want him to lose consciousness but by the time we got to the hospital, he had passed out.”

 

About 15 minutes later, Naveed saw the other man who had been chased by the group arrive at the hospital in an ambulance.

Naveed waited for three hours at the hospital and assisted the police with their investigations, including giving up his vehicle for forensic tests.

Naveed added: “I am a tough guy, but to go through something like this, it doesn’t matter how tough you are, it affects you. It’s always in the back of my mind that I was so close to this man, I was inches away from him, I could have been next.

“I had a few weeks off to recover, but I’m back at work now and I’m doing fine. The whole thing has definitely left a mark on my brain, I won’t ever forget it.”

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Naveed was put in such a difficult position, wanting to help his injured passenger but at the same time not wanting to put himself in danger, there is no knowing how a situation like this is going to turn out, thank goodness he wasn’t injured too.

“Naveed’s actions helped to save this man’s life, not many people would have kept their calm the way he did. Well done Naveed.”

Unfortunately no victims were willing to support the police and no persons were arrested for this crime.

Businesses and community groups wanted to help turn Salford purple! Why? To co-incide with a major, international conference on the work of musician Prince being hosted by the University of Salford this month. The world's eyes will be on our city - can we give a great, purple welcome?

The conference, taking place between 24th-26th May 2017,  will provide fresh perspectives on the creative and commercial dimensions of Prince’s career, re-examining the meanings of his work in the context of his unexpected death.

Purple Reign presents a timely consideration of the cultural impact, iconic status of Prince and his global legacies across many media platforms. It will examine all aspects of his creative output and the ways in which it intersects with video, performance, literature, theatre, film, digital culture, design and fashion.

We will address the issue of Prince’s significant influence and lasting appeal from a number of multi-disciplinary perspectives. We have welcomed scholars form across the globe, covering study fields of popular music and sound, gender and culture, television, film and celebrity studies, visual arts, performance studies, and digital media.

Dez Dickerson

Our keynote address will be delivered by Dez Dickerson, Prince’s guitarist from The Revolution, and Prof. Sarah Niblock, co-author of Prince: the Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon.

HOME will also mark the event by screening the 1986 musical drama Under the Cherry Moon, which Prince directed and starred in, alongside Kristin Scott Thomas and Steven Berkoff.

To close the conference, students from the University’s Music programmes will perform music in homage to Prince to delegates, while art and design students will create branding and exhibit their art for the event.

For more info see http://blogs.salford.ac.uk/prince-conference/

David Glausiusz (13/01/1970) of Leigh Road, Broughton Park, Salford has today, Friday 28 April 2017, been jailed for three counts of rape of a child under the age of 13, six counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13, three counts of assault and three counts of child cruelty after being found guilty at an earlier hearing. 　

Sentencing Glausiusz at Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Rudland praised GMP’s investigation, telling the court:

Quote

There will be no place that the police light will not shine to protect the vulnerable.

In April 2014, a referral was made to Salford Children’s Social Care raising concerns about a young boy.　

Extensive enquiries by officers and staff from the Salford Borough, Salford City Council, along with partners, established the boy had been sexually and physically abused by Glauciusz. 　

Months of further enquiries, both locally and internationally, identified a number of other victims, some of which had later made disclosures to police that Glauciusz had raped them, struck them with a piece of wood and stood on their stomach. 　

In court, it was proved that Glauciusz was guilty of a number of recent and non-recent abuse against his victims including children as young as seven. 　

While investigating, officers discovered his victims had been convinced by Glauciusz that they would not be believed if they reported his crimes. He had also tried to threaten them about potential repercussions in the community if they reported it. 　

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Clitherow of GMP’s Salford Borough, said: “The astounding bravery shown by those who suffered at the hands of Glauciusz has helped put a stop to his prolific and frankly evil actions. 　

"We are determined to continue working with a range of partners to safeguard victims and prosecute offenders and I’d like to recognise the valiant steps his victims have taken to put him behind bars."　

"Tackling sexual and physical abuse of children and young people will remain a priority for GMP but protecting children and young people is the responsibility of us all."　

"It is crucial that we work together to identify individuals who prey on vulnerable children and empower young people to speak up."

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims. 　

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available. 　

You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.　

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.　

Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.　

Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.

One was so large it was bleeding from dragging on the ground and, in a £400 operation funded by Rochdale Dog Rescue, took vets two hours to remove.

Luckily it turned out to be just non cancerous fatty tissue and Salford City Council dog wardens Erica Eaton and Will Harris say they can’t believe the change the operation has made to the dog they named April.

“We think April was abandoned from a car or van on Cholmondley Road near Lightoaks Park. Fortunately a lady spotted her in the road and picked her up straight away,” said Erica.

“We collected her from the RSPCA and feared the worst with the tumours being so large but we had to give her a chance. We think the tumours had been growing for months and she lost 1.5 kilos in weight when they were removed.

“She couldn’t jump up or stand on her back legs, she didn’t want to play and was subdued because of the pain relief and medication she was on but her tail never stopped wagging. She’s a lovely dog and everyone who has met her has been giving her a big fuss.”

The pair took it in turns to care for April in their own homes over the weekend before taking her to the vet for her operation yesterday (Wednesday 27 April). Both admit they left the vets with tears in their eyes and were relieved to hear the good news.

Will took the dog home again and after a good night’s sleep April jumped up onto the sofa and started to chase a ball in the garden.

“She was as good as gold and house trained. We think she has been someone’s family pet because she’s good with everyone including children and other dogs,” he said.

April, who needs further minor medical treatment, is now in a foster home and will be put up for adoption by Rochdale Dog Rescue.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, praised everyone involved in caring for April.

“This kind of heartbreaking story is something our dog wardens deal with day in day out.  Fortunately this time it had a happy ending. They really go above and beyond to care for dogs in Salford and I’m delighted to see April so happy and well,” he said..

Salford City Council dog wardens are staging the Dogs in Salford festival on Sunday 25 June at Clifton Country Park, Salford and all funds raised there will go to Rochdale Dog Rescue.

To enquire about adopting April or any of the other dogs available you can call 'Rochdale Dog Rescue' on 01953 602379.

Emergency Services were called to the prison just before 7:45am on the morning of Wednesday 26th, the incident was described as being a 'Sudden Death'.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances involved but as with all deaths in prison the case has been referred for an independent investigation by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman.

A statement was issued by GMP in which the death was confirmed at the prison. it was not revealed as to if the inmate was on remand of convicted, nor were any personal details about him given.

A file is now being prepared to be handed to the coroners office.

Police have recovered £60,000 worth of cocaine in a dawn raid in Salford.

This morning, Thursday 27 April 2017, officers executed warrants at properties on St Mary’s Street and Kielder Square, as part of an operation to target drug dealing and organized crime groups.

A 22-year-old woman and two men aged 21 and 22 have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine. They all remain in police custody for questioning.

As well as £60,000 worth of cocaine, police recovered £35,000 in cash.

It follows concerns raised to the police by the community and falls under Challenger Manchester team which is dedicated to targeting organised crime.

Detective Inspector Paul Walker of GMP’s Challenger Manchester Team said: “Those involved in the supply of drugs pose a danger to our communities, and today, we have recovered £60,000 of cocaine before it made its way into our streets.

“Working with the people of Salford and our partners is how we will keep our streets safe and stop the drugs trade that destroys lives.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555.

Thousands will flock to Worsley on bank holiday Sunday (30 April 2017) to see this year’s line-up, with all funds raised going to the Georgia’s Children of the World charity.

G-Festival is stepping things up this year, with its first headline sponsor, new staging areas and massive line-up of live acts playing throughout the day and into the night.

Familiar faces will include BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Sweeney and his Salford Jets band. G-Festival veteran Linda Jennings, from Bolton, will perform again this year too, including her version of the Beatles classic ‘Long and Winding Road’, which wowed the judges at the blind auditions of The Voice earlier this year.

Founded by Steve Murray in memory of his daughter Georgia, left, G-Festival and the Georgia’s Children charity is now in its sixth year and has raised over £175,000. Steve, who fronted 70s punk band Fast Cars, said: “The event is run by an army of dedicated volunteers and we receive immense support from individuals and local businesses. With a major funding boost from high profile local businesspeople this year, G-Festival 2017 is going to be the biggest yet.

“The event will feature up-and-coming new talent, alongside some of the legends. It attracts a great crowd and raises funds that do amazing things for children around the world and locally.”

he charity now supports five Georgia’s House facilities and is running live projects in Cambodia, Romania and much closer to home in Salford. ‘Georgia’s House 5’ partners with The Life Centre on Langworthy Road – and has provided hundreds of free school uniforms to those in need in Salford over the past 12 months, as well as many other initiatives.

One of the charity’s trustees, Keith Tulsie, has also just received the British Empire Medal for the fundraising work he has done for Georgia’s Children and G-Festival.
Steve added: “The success of G-Festival allows us to get involved with some fantastic projects to help children in Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond. It’s wonderful to see how funds the event raises can transform children’s lives.”

G-Festival 17 is being sponsored by the Morson Group and will take place at Ellesmere Sports Club in Worsley on Sunday 30 April 2017 from 12 noon until late. There will be live music and dance acts across two stages, Madchester DJs, a fairground and family fun throughout the day. The evening set will be headlined by The Total Stone Roses and Small Weller.

This year G-Festival is selling advanced tickets. To avoid disappointment at the gate, they can be purchased here https://georgiaschildren.yapsody.com

Founded as the 'United Kingdom Van Dwellers Protection Association' in 1889, it went on to become known as the Showmen's Guild in 1917 and recognised as the trade association for the travelling funfair business. The Guild represents the business at both local and national levels to this very day, some 128 years after its launch.

Its chaplain and first General Secretary was the Reverend Thomas Horne who was based in Didsbury, Manchester, and the Lancashire, Cheshire and North Wales Section of the Showmen’s Guild played a prominent role in these early years. The Showmen’s Guild was formally registered in 1917.

The plaque was presented by the Salford Trades Union Council and expertly fitted by the irrepressible George Tapp under the ever watchful gaze of ladder holding health and safety expert John 'Deffo' Catterall, with Paul Kelly also in attendance to aid and assist.

Photos by John Catterall & Paul Kelly

A Brief History

Between 1884 and 1891, evangelist George Smith referred to members of the itinerant community in Britain as ‘the dregs of society’ and proposed legislation to restrict the movement and lifestyle of the people. He was successful in bringing about restrictions on the movement of barge–dwellers, known as Bargees in 1884. In 1888, he introduced the Moveable Dwellings Bill into Parliament. This bill would force the registration of all moveable dwellings and compulsory school attendance. It also sought to empower local councils to enter and inspect dwellings and regulate so-called ‘moral irregularities’. These proposals aroused so much anger and hostility that Smith was chased out of Birmingham, and had to be given police protection in Leicester and Northampton!

In 1889, the leading Showmen of the day gathered at a meeting held in the Black Lion Hotel in Salford. From this and other gatherings, the Van Dwellers’ Protection Association was born, to safeguard and protect the interests of fairground people. The fairground community arranged public meetings across the country, distributed information pamphlets and collected petitions to Parliament. In the first year, a membership fund received donations from over 500 Showmen to fight George Smith’s Bill.

For more information please see the website linked bellow.

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/nfca/researchandarticles/historyshowmensguild

The plaques official unveiling will take place at the Salford TUC Unity in the Community May Day rally on May 1st.

A police vehicle was involved in a crash with a Blue Ford Eco Sport this morning at the busy junction in Eccles, it is thought that none of the occupants were seriously injured although they were a little shook up and so an ambulance attended to make sure they were ok.

Damage was done to the passenger side of the Ford and the front end of the police vehicle.

It is thought the police were going through a red light whilst responding to an emergency call when they collided with the vehicle as it was turning right.

A local PCSO was heard to say that it was all caught on local CCTV so there should be no problem identifying who was in the wrong.

As ever Local community photographer & (Admin of the SalfordOnline group) Albert Spiby was quickly on the scene with his camera to snap the photos bellow.

We wish all those involved a quick and full recovery.

 Photo Copyrights - Albert Spiby

Councillor Karen Garrido (Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford) took the time to pay a visit to Irlam Primary School along with Tony Prescott (Hamilton Davies Trust) to cut the ribbon and open the schools new school library, thanks in part to a £3,000 grant from the Hamilton Davies Trust to replenish ageing book stocks.

In a day and age when technology rules the lives of many, it's nice to think that kids are still getting the chance to sit in a quiet place and immerse themselves in a good book.