On Tuesday 14 February, officers attended Clarendon Park over concerns for the welfare of a man thought to be in his 40's - 50's.

He was taken to hospital with head injuries, but thankfully he remains in a stable condition.

At the time officers attended and cordoned off West High Street which leads to the park.

Today, (Thursday 2 March), GMP say that they have arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

He remains in police custody for questioning.

I passed the Wards Bakery shop on Barton Lane, Eccles today and saw workmen stripping the shop out, getting ready for new owners, I asked one of the workmen what the shop would be when finished... "A Chicken Shop" was the reply.

I was fond of Ward's shop not only had it been independently trading in Eccles since 1922 a staggering 101 years, surely a record for a family run business in the Borough?

The last owner was Ivor Ward who had ran the shop for 50 years, took over from his father, Thomas Frederick Ward who in turn took it over from his father and inside the shop were photographs showing them standing proudly outside the premises.

In January 2020 we presented Ivor with a Gold Seal Award for his services over the years supplying freshly baked bread, cakes, sandwiches and his famous Cheese Potato Cakes a proper delicacy.

Sadly the shop closed following the Covid outbreak, a few months after we spoke to Ivor, I know that he hoped to ride out the storm and reopen, he did hope that one of his daughters would keep the family tradition going, sadly this isn't to be.

We wish the new owners good luck with their business but hand on heart, Wards will be sorely missed by many. many people and I just wish that the shop had remained as an independent bakers.

Photo ©: SCM - Ivor Ward

Peter was last seen on the evening of Wednesday 28 December 2022.

His wife, Michelle, reported him missing when he didn't return home from a walk that took him down the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal. His belongings, which included a hat, phone and headphones, were found there the morning of 29 December 2022.

Since then, GMP and underwater divers have carried out extensive searches of the Bridgewater Canal, between the Moorings and Astley Point, and mountain rescue combed the adjoining fields and woodland areas.

They also deployed a drone, which is fitted with infrared and is able to access places that people can't. 

There was a CCTV and doorbell footage trawl carried out, and officers continue to investigate every potential sighting

Today, Thursday 2 March 2023, has seen the POLSA (Police Search Advisors) team return to the canal to carry out a further search, together with mountain rescue, who are searching the surrounding area and the underwater dive team. The drone has also been re-deployed.

These searches will continue over the next couple of days.

Senior Investigating Officer Michael Sharples from Salford CID said:

Quote

 

"There is no evidence to suggest the whereabouts of Peter at this time, so this search is just one line of enquiry that we are following. 

"Today we are carrying out another search of the canal, where we believe Peter was last seen, as well as the surrounding fields and wooded areas.

"At the time Peter went missing, there were extremely low temperatures and not much boat traffic on the water. This part of the canal is very unique and as such, changes in temperature and the fact the season is changing, can impact on how the water behaves. 

"Due to this, we have decided to carry out the search again. We will also have the drone back in the air, which is used to access areas that are harder to reach on foot. 

"We, and specialist officers from GMP, continue to work closely with Peter's wife, Michelle, and the family and we are grateful to the multi-agency response that we have received over the last few weeks.  

"Not only will we be carrying out these searches, but we will be looking for even more CCTV and ring doorbell footage. We continue to follow up on every lead given to us and even if you think you can’t help, we urge you to take another look at your footage, just to be sure.

"If you have any information, you can call 101 or use the Live Chat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk. You can also provide information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111."

 

Today we paid a visit to the Hive Wellbeing Hub in Swinton for a chat with Candice Fawcett the Community Manager for a chat and more importantly hand over some cash for their Foodbank and Veterans Hot Lunches.

The Hive  which was a derelict hut reopened in January this year after a refurbishment from local builders, Seddons and I was more than impressed with the community services they provide.

Glenn Kennedy the premier Genealogist kindly donated the full amount he charges for a full family tree research and todays donation of a whopping £200 is solely due to him and only a portion of the cash he has raised.

Candice told us how the money would be spent with a £100 going to the Veterans Lunch and £100 for their foodbank:

Quote

 

"Firstly I would like to thank Glenn for this wonderful donation, it is much needed.

This will help pay for the Veterans Hot Lunch which we provide every other Wednesday for some 10 Veterans, a two course meal, Curry, Shepherds Pie, a traditional Sunday Lunch it varies from week to week and for many of the Vets it can be the only home cooked fresh meal they eat all week, also we are planning to to make carry out meals for them in boxes.

The other £100 will be spent on food and toiletries for our foodbank, we were getting food from Morrisons in Swinton, but since their takeover their donations have been halved, we make up Breakfast Boxes for local families which consist of cereal,milk, bread, crumpets etc which is vital for families with children on half term break.

Our foodbank is open each day from 9.30am - 12..30pm but I must stress that we can only give out what we have in stock which varies from day to day"

 

Candice has further plans which include free lunches each Tuesday this follows her free Soup and a Roll which ran through January - February which was a tremendous success.

If you could help Candice with a food donation, pasta, rice, tinned food, toiletries etc please call into the Hive Wellbeing Hub in Victoria Park, Swinton or follow them on Facebook for regular updates on the many services they provide, failing that call in for hot drink and a snack in their cosy, cafe.

Finally a massive thanks to Glenn Kennedy for his continued support and generous cash donations and it's only right for us to give him a plug for his Genealogy site.

Contact Glenn on familyancestry044@gmail.com or via his Facebook page.

The Hive also has its own Facebook page.

Police say that around 8:30pm last night (Wednesday 1 March) they were called to reports of a fire at a property on Allendale Walk, Salford.

Officers from GMP attended alongside their colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Thankfully there were no reports of injury as a result of this incident and a scene remains in place to establish the circumstances.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time to please come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area before, during, or after the incident occurred.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 8361 quoting incident 3325 of 01/03/23.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

David aged-47 was last seen on Citrus Way in Salford at 3pm on 25 February 2023 according to police.

He was last known to be wearing a grey jumper with a cream/beige overcoat and grey joggers.

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about David and want to make sure he is safe and well.

Anyone with information about David's whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 5351.

Police are conducting an enquiry after reports of a sexual assault having taken place against a staff member at the Sodexo ran HMP Forrest Bank in Agecroft.

It is believed that the incident happened between two members of staff late last year, one of which alleges that they were sexually assaulted.

The prison has declined to comment on the incident.

It is said that so far, no arrests have been made.

Greater Manchester Police issued a statement which reads:

Quote

"GMP received a report of a sexual assault that is reported to have occurred in [2022]. Officers have responded to the victim and enquiries are currently ongoing at this time."

Salix Homes is committed to improving the energy and efficiency of our homes and buildings, which benefits tenants, the environment and helps to reduce bills.

The Government has set a target that all social housing should have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of a ‘C’ rating by 2030, which is part of the net zero ambitions to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions and energy bills.

EPCs are graded from A to G, the lower the rating the higher your energy bills will be and the worse your home is for the environment.

All our new builds are constructed to the highest energy efficiency ratings, however many of our older properties will require improvement work, which will make them warmer and cheaper to run.

Most recently, several terraced houses in Long Street, Swinton owned by Salix Homes have had insulation work to improve energy efficiency and lower the cost of heating as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The project will result in over 900 social homes in Greater Manchester being retrofitted by the end of June 2023. The energy efficiency improvements and new low-carbon heating systems delivered through the project will reduce household energy bills and contribute towards Greater Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038.

Michael Ramsey project manager for Environment and Low Carbon at Greater Manchester Combined Authority said:

Quote

 

“Salix Homes is a member of Greater Manchester's SHDF Wave 1 consortium. This collaboration of 10 Registered Providers has been convened by Greater Manchester Combined Authority to accelerate the delivery of social housing retrofits, by streamlining programme management and sharing best practice and lessons learned.

“There is still work to be done to improve energy efficiency. These improvements also known as ‘retrofitting’ could include, external wall and loft insulation, installing energy efficient doors and windows, the use of solar panels and adding more closed-loop heat pumps to high-rise buildings.”

 

David Malsom, sustainability manager at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“We have secured Government funding to install insulation at a number of our properties and we are continuing to focus on installing insulation across our housing stock, which will make people’s homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

“Climate change is amongst the most pressing issues facing the world as we know it and we all have a part to play. Improving the energy efficiency of all our properties and buildings will help in the fight against climate change, but in the short term, it will also bring real benefits to low-income households who are experiencing fuel poverty.

“Energy prices are at an all-time high, so we’re committed to helping our tenants cut their energy usage through our programme of ‘green’ home improvement work, which not only cuts carbon emissions but saves residents money on their heating bills.”

 

All residents who require energy efficiency improvements to their homes will be contacted directly by our Investment Team to schedule the work required.

Salford Local History Library on the Crescent Salford threw open it's doors today after a two month closure for both a lick of paint and the addition of much needed new equipment.

There are 18 new wooden filing cabinets which house a collection of over 70,000 photographs, three new digital microfilm scan recorders, on which you can download articles and photographs onto your USB stick, new energy efficient LED lighting, a reading area with comfy armchairs and tables as well as four PC's for the use of the visitor.

I personally like the new look library it is less cluttered, more roomy and airy with a welcoming feel to it, which soon puts you at ease

Duncan MCCormick the Head Librarian told me that:

Quote

"By introducing the new equipment and reading area we hope to attract more visitors to use our facilities,  many people visit the Art Gallery and Lark Hill Place but aren't aware that we are here in the same building, and hopefully this will encourage more people to call in"

If you haven't visited it yet, I urge you to call in, there are as I mentioned over 70,000 photographs of all areas of Salford including, Eccles, Swinton, Pendlebury, Irlam and Cadishead showing streets, schools, factories, shops, markets basically anything you can think off.

There is also, Online access, including access to family history resource, Street directions for Manchester and Salford, Census returns for Salford, Maps and plans of areas of the city. plus friendly staff who are happy to help you with any research you are undertaking or if you just wish to browse the photographs, online newspapers or the book collection.

For the foreseeable, visitors will need to pre-book a visit to our Local History Library.

Pre-book a visit (from 6th April) →

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – Closed

Wednesday – 9.30am -to 4.00pm

Thursday – 9.30am -to 4.00pm

Friday – 9.30am to 4.00pm

Saturday – Closed

Sunday – Closed

If you have any enquiries, please call them on 0161 778 0814 or email them..

On 27th February, Salford residents Abimbola Ajala and Michael Sheridan met with Rebecca Long-Bailey to push the government to urgently step up the UK’s response to the hunger emergency in East Africa at a Westminster event, organised by anti-poverty organisations The ONE Campaign, Action Against Hunger, The Aid Alliance, Oxfam, Save the Children, UNICEF, RESULTS UK, Plan International, CARE International, and VSO.

They spoke with the MP about Salford Somali and Ogade communities who might have family impacted by this emergency, and the severity of the crisis, urging her to escalate the matter in Parliament and write a letter to The Chancellor, to encourage the government to increase the UK AID budget (which has been reduced by 80% since 2017) and support the millions of people impacted by the extreme levels of food insecurity.

Of her work in Africa, Abimbola, said:

Quote

“Nothing prepared me for the hunger emergency I was able to encounter as I personally worked with children in low income communities in Africa.”

The event was opened by Conservative MP Vicky Ford and Labour MP Hilary Benn, and saw speeches made by Development and Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell MP, Mustafa Ibrahim, from the Horn Of Africa and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development Preet Gill MP.

Michael, said:

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“This is a global emergency and it’s absolutely crucial that it’s addressed now. This crisis shows, yet again, that the countries least responsible for the impacts of the climate crisis are continuing to suffer the worst effects. Empathy should not be selective: it’s about time the government showed the level of compassion and support it did to the people of Ukraine, to the people of other continents.”

Whilst speaking to Abimbola and Michael, Rebecca, said:

Quote

“we must ensure that the UK takes urgent action to help end hunger in East Africa. It is not just morally right thing to do, it is essential for global equality and stability.”

Photo ©: Anna Gordon - Abimbola Ajala and Michael Sheridan in the House of Commons

A new installation in the Lowry’s Galleries created to mark LGBTQ+ History Month will help celebrate the contribution to Salford life by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates and remembers the history of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals across the world, paying tribute to the achievements of those who have paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights today.

A large illustrated map has been installed in the Galleries, where people can submit their memories or stories of LGBTQ+ experiences or allyship, which can be placed on the map. People can also submit contributions online.

The area also features an illustrated timeline of Salford LGBTQ+ history – from the surprising tale of a 19th Century bricklayer to the birth of Salford PrideIt is hoped the installation will help bring the real lives of LGBTQ+ people and their allies, and their lived experiences, to the forefront.

The installation visuals have been created by Salford based Illustrator and Graphic Designer Hannah McLennan-Jones. Using her signature pink colour palette, Hannah’s work draws on punk aesthetics, popular culture, and LGBTQ+ history to create vibrant art, often seen in queer spaces across the city. She draws on her own experience as a queer woman in order to create authentic visuals of modern and historic queer culture.

Members of the public, community groups, Lowry staff and volunteers and more are invited to visit, view and contribute to the map for the duration of the project, which runs until Friday 5th March.

Emma Underwood, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at The Lowry, said:

Quote

 

“This event will truly showcase the vast range of experiences from Salford’s thriving LGBTQ+ communities, and its allies. History isn’t just dates – it’s the real life stories, memories, and experiences of those who live it.

“By the end of the display, we will have a tapestry of memories from those who call Salford their home (or those who just like to visit) demonstrating the depth and diversity of the lives lived here.”

 

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace family of a man from Salford.

Malcolm Woods aged-68 sadly died at his home address on Barton Road, Eccles,

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Malcolm's next of kin should contact the Police Coroner's Office in Bolton on: 0161 856 4687.

When the Lord Mayor of Manchester made a VIP visit to Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford, she was delighted to become the latest link to the care home in an unbroken chain dating back to its opening during World War One.

For Councillor Donna Ludford had on the same chains of office worn in May 1917 by Alderman Sir Thomas Smethurst when he attended a reception in his role as Lord Mayor to welcome the first resident of Broughton House, Charlie Fox.

A photograph of Alderman Smethurst and other dignitaries with Charlie hangs proudly in the museum at Broughton House to this day.

Alderman Smethurst was a key figure in the establishment of Broughton House.

In 1916, the Secretary of State for War, the Earl of Derby, asked mayors around the UK to see whether more could be done to find care homes for the war wounded.

Alderman Smethurst chaired a meeting of the East Lancashire branch of the British Red Cross Society to take action. The committee later founded Broughton House as the home of the East Lancashire Disabled Sailors and Soldiers Homes for wounded men of the north so they could be near their relatives.

Charlie Fox, from Higher Crumpsall in Manchester, was carried into the hospital on a stretcher after his legs were shattered by shellfire while serving with the 4th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the Second Battle of Ypres. He stayed at Broughton House until his death in 1944.

Since its opening, Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans and has recently been transformed in a £12.5m scheme into a 64-bed care home with additional independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum, a gym and an armed forces support hub.

Councillor Ludford and her Consort, Councillor Sean McHale, visited the new facility to meet with residents and staff. Their tour was led by Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller and director of care Jane Green.

Karen said:

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“It was an honour to meet the Lord Mayor of Manchester and especially to introduce her to many of our wonderful residents and to show her around our historic museum.

“With Councillor Ludford’s predecessor playing a huge part in the opening of our home and meeting our first-ever resident, Charlie Fox, it was truly a privilege to continue this longstanding relationship between Broughton House and the Lord Mayor’s Office.”

 

The Lord Mayor’s chain of office and badge were made by Messrs John Hall and Co of Manchester in 1851.

Councillor Ludford said:

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“It's wonderful that for over 100 years Broughton House has provided support and care for the armed forces community across the north west. It was an honour and pleasure to meet the veterans and the staff and volunteers, and a privilege to wear the same chains of office as Alderman Smethurst did in 1917.”

Photos ©: Kevin Feddy Photography

Join Sheedyfrost on Friday March 24th at 7.30 at Salford Loaves and Fishes on Paddington Close Salford M6 5PL, for an evening packed with song and poetry.

They will be singing songs about Salford and the World Beyond:

Buffalo Bill Cody and the Oglala Sioux staying by the River Irwell

A Homeless Soldier outside Morrisons in Eccles

The words of the late poet Manny Langford (Ramblin Days)

Walking through Wales (Just Visiting)

The Wigan Diggers (1649) and many more.

All the choruses will be available so you can sing along if you wish!

Joining them will be our Favourite Salford Poet Simon Williams and A Ukulele Trio seeking a name.

Photo ©: Salford Poet - Simon Williams

Supper provided by Resident Chef Paul Ashton and a great Raffle in Jenni's capable hands all for £10 Tickets available online (no booking fee) the link is below, or on the door (Handy to let us know you're coming for our supper numbers just email sheedyfrost@yahoo.co.uk)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/another-evening-with-sheedyfrost-tickets-523023085127

Main Photo ©: SheedyFrost

So Comedy & Broken Robot Productions by arrangement with Mirador Management proudly presents: 

The winner of Drag Race U.K. season 4, Danny Beard has announced their debut solo theatre tour.  The initial shows kick off with a special hometown performance on Thursday 23 February at Liverpool’s Playhouse and then onto Saturday 4th March at London’s Clapham Grand.  Accompanied by a full live band, the show promises to be packed full of humor, show-stopping music performances, and dazzling fashion. 

With over 168,000 Instagram followers and counting, this Liverpool-born performer broke records as the first bearded queen to appear on Drag Race U.K! And the first bearded drag queen to win any Drag Race franchise globally.

Join Danny as they take to the stage and says:

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'I’m so excited to share this solo theatre show with everyone! It’s bigger, better, and more CAMP than ever before!’ 

Since winning Drag Race, Danny has been in huge demand. Most recently they have had a cameo role in Hollyoaks, presented Eurovision content, have been selected to perform at Graham Norton’s Variety performance.

Danny also hosts a weekly LGBTQ+ podcast, The Gossip Gays which has recently been picked up by the Acast Creator network. Produced by Audio Always, Danny and co-host Billy give us a run down on the week's news, gossip, as well as turning agony aunt with hilarious consequences. 

A self-proclaimed ‘shady, singing, cartoon clown’, Danny is a singer and performer with unique flare and humor.  They were a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent and a regular on Manchester’s Drag scene, often appearing at cabaret nights mixing club kid aesthetic with old school drag performance style as well hosting and headlining pride festivals across the country.

The dates are as follows:

Thursday 23 February - Liverpool: Playhouse - everymanplayhouse.com 

Saturday 4 March - London: Clapham Grand - claphamgrand.com 

Tuesday 6^th June – Bristol: Redgrave Theatre – redgravetheatre.com

Wednesday 7^th June – Salford: The Lowry - thelowry.com

Thursday 8^th June – Leeds: City Varieties - leedsheritagetheatres.com

Friday 9^th June – Cardiff: Sherman Theatre - www.shermantheatre.co.uk

 ‘High fashion, hilarious and hairy! What’s not to love?’ GRAHAM NORTON

 ‘The drag, the comedy, the voice - the phrase triple threat was created for Danny Beard ’ ALAN CARR

TICKETS & INFORMATION:

http://socomedy.co.uk/artist/danny-beard/

Irlam single dad Darren Bailey and his friends will be cycling 150 miles from Southport on the West coast to Horsea on the East coast this July dressed as grannies to raise funds for specialised physiotherapy for Darren’s twelve-year-old Freya.

Freya was born with two holes in her heart and has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She has had numerous operations, the most recent in February. Her physiotherapy, which is not available on the NHS, costs around £1,000 per month.

Dad Darren Bailey, 51, a water engineer, has been holding annual ‘Scooter Grannies’ races since 2016 to help raise funds for an operation which helped ease Freya’s pain. He now has to continue to raise money for ongoing physio which helps to keep her mobile and means she can continue to ride her adapted bike and go swimming.

Darren said:

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‘Originally I was thinking of some kind of event with us dressed as superheroes but my friend Olive, who is 80, said: ‘Everyone does that, why not dress as grannies? So I took myself to the charity shop, bought some outfits and Scooter Grannies was born.’

In previous years, Darren and his colleagues have scooted from Irlam to Blackpool, Irlam to Chester,  Huddersfield to Irlam and Anfield to Old Trafford. This year he decided to shake it up and try a longer race, though on bikes instead of scooters. They are sponsored by local businesses who sponsor the race to continue to pay for Freya’s physiotherapy.

Darren said:

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‘As ever I’m grateful to all my loyal mates who take part in my events every year, as well as the local businesses and individuals who donate money to help Freya. The funds raised continue to provide physiotherapy and essential equipment for Freya to make life as comfortable and pain free as possible.’

'As well as her ongoing physiotherapy, which costs £240 each week, I am constantly having to buy or upgrade equipment as she grows and her needs change. I’ve already had to remortgage the house to make the adaptations she needs, and there is always something else that needs paying for, even aside from her physiotherapy.’

Darren is currently struggling to get Freya’s care provision increased and worries about how Freya will be cared for in the future. ‘If it was just me, I’d probably just give up,’ he said. ‘But I need to keep on fighting for Freya. I’d do anything for her, but it is exhausting.’

Gill Gibb, CEO of Tree of Hope said:

Quote

‘We wish Darren all the best with his latest event and are sure the local community will get behind him as usual.’

To donate to Freya’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/freyaslittlelegs/

If you are a business who would like to sponsor the event, contact Darren via https://www.facebook.com/groups/665578000278565

Police have sent a warning to parents after they have observed an increase in youths climbing onto the old railway in Cadishead and then congregating at the viaduct, overlooking Cadishead Way.

They say that this has resulted in numerous incidents of items being thrown from above onto passing vehicles and/or houses in the new estate below.

Cadishead Way is a fast road and such incidents could easily lead to a serious/fatal road accident.

A number of youths were removed and arrested following an incident like this yesterday.

In a stark warning to parents, officers said:

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"If you believe your child may be venturing here, please take the time to educate them about the dangers and consequences. We have a number of initiatives in place to catch anybody throwing items from this private land – they will be caught, arrested and prosecuted."

Photo ©: Greater Manchester Police Via Facebook

Salfords Parents Carer Forum have lots of guests confirmed for their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Day which is to be held on Saturday March 18th between 11am and 3pm at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Does your child have special educational needs or disabilities? Come down on the day and speak with service providers and practitioners who can advise you on what help and support is available.

From Salford Local Authority the following will be attending on the day:

Geoff Catteral - Head of SEN

Educational Psychology Service

learning Support Service

SIASS

Starting Life Well

Salford Community Leisure

Short Break Providers

Post 16 Education Service

Salford Learning Support Service

Dawn Fenton, NeuroDevelopment Pathway Co-ordinator

Special Guest Speakers

More services have been invited and will be announced as soon as possible.

For your children's entertainment they have Balloon modelling Round the Twist Balloons Face painting Smudge's Face Painting Arts and crafts with Polkadots

If things get a bit too much they also have dedicated quiet spaces and sensory toys on hand to help.

The whole family is invited to find out more about what services there are to support children and young people with SEND in Salford.

If you are a service that would like to showcase to families on the day please get in touch asap via their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/SalfordPCF

Is it a sign of me getting old but I actually enjoyed my visit to the Elm Bank Craft Fair on Half Edge Lane, Eccles today browsing around the various stalls.

It is run by ANJU Events and is held on the last Sunday each month and attracts stall holders all keen to display and sell their wares.

I was delighted to see David Hill from Leaf Bean Pod, Cafe, Barton doing a brisk trade with his home made pies and with such varieties as Moroccan Beef, Chicken Vindaloo, Cheese and Onion, the legendary Salford Pie, Chicken and Leek, Vegan Pies, something for everyone, plus his chocolate, fudges and custard cakes, well I just had to sample them!

A newcomer to the Craft Fair was Michelle Cantliff better known as The Smokeytop Poet who was selling her books of poetry, dressed in her shawls and clogs, if you haven't read her poems I urge you to have a read, both funny and poignant she weaves her tales of a bygone Salford to wonderful effect... go and buy one!

As can be imagined there were stalls selling craft making equipment, candles, chocolates, wooden toys, perfumes, cards, photo frames, wool, also a stall from Myths and Legends selling weird and wonderful objects, such as skulls, dragons, wizards and warlocks...

Add to this free entry, free car parking, wheelchair access, a fully licenced bar, hot food, tea and coffee and you are guaranteed a splendid time.

Photos ©: Tony Flynn - Salford Community Media

A search has been organised for tomorrow (Sunday 26th February) to help find missing Peter Baglin.

Those wishing to attend should gather at THE OLD BOAT HOUSE PUB, 164 Higher Green Lane, Astley. M29 7JB from 10am.

The search will focus on the area shown in the image below after the family were given indications that a man may be living rough amongst the woodland around the area.

Peter Baglin left his home in Boothstown to clear his head, something that was not suspicious or uncommon and what he would regularly do, only this time he seemingly vanished without trace.

He was last seen on CCTV footage captured at a garage in Mosley Common near Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 28 December, whereupon he bought a small bottle of whiskey before heading out of the shop.

He has not been seen since.

Main Photo ©: The Baglin Family

Map Imagery ©: Google Maps