Sir Ian McKellen will star as Mother Goose and John Bishop as Vic Goose, at the The Lowry, Salford at Easter from Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th April 2023.

Mother Goose (McKellen) and her husband Vic (Bishop) run an Animal Sanctuary for waifs and strays and live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams. But when a goose (Casey) flies in, will fame and fortune get the better of them?! Will Ma’s feathers be seriously ruffled? Will Pa tell everyone to get stuffed?! And is their fair life about to turn fowl?

Get ready for fairies with hefty vocal cords, puppets with tap dance qualifications and impeccably constructed mayhem that will quack up the whole family. This hilarious family-friendly mother of all pantos is the ultimate theatrical feast full of fun, farce and more than a couple of surprises that will make you honk out loud.

Mother Goose is on sale to Lowry members on Thursday 29th December and on General Sale on Wednesday 4th January.

Tyron Riley – aged 31 – sadly died after a fatal stabbing in Clarendon Park, Salford on Tuesday 27 December 2022.

In a tribute to Tyron, his mother Nicola and family said:

Quote

 

"Tyron Grech Riley known as Taz was a very much-loved Son, Dad, Grandson and Brother, our hearts are in a million pieces. 

"You were a devoted Dad, super talented builder and could turn your hand to anything, you loved nothing more than sending us a million and one photos of the job from start to finish and always said "I'm ace me aren't a" we were always so proud.  

"We will always remember the good times, your huge cheeky smile and your great sense of humour. 

"Taz" I'm so sorry this has happened to you, my heart is aching so much, you will be missed deeply.

"Sleep tight Son "love ya"

 

Greater Manchester Police are continuing to investigate Tyron's murder, no arrests have been made as of yet.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector David Moores, said:

Quote

 

"We are continuing to appeal for information to bring Tyron's family the justice they yearn.

"Specialist officers will continue to support them through this devastating time.

"A team of detectives are working around the clock to conduct enquiries to piece together a full picture of the events leading up to Tyron's death.

"Officers are visibly patrolling the area and if you have any concerns – please come and speak to us.

"If you have any information to assist our investigation, no matter how small, we would like to speak to you or and if you captured anything on phones or on dashcam, please get in touch."

 

Although officers are gathering evidence from the scene and the surrounding area, we would like to hear from anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage. Please contact police via 101 quoting incident 12 of 27/12/2022. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has been opened to receive information, and you can directly submit images and mobile phone, dash-cam, or doorbell footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S50-PO1

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At approximately 6pm this evening (Thursday 29 December 2022), officers responded to reports of a firearms discharge in Overdale, Swinton.

Specialist firearms officers attended and secured the scene. Bags containing what is estimated to be several tens of thousands of pounds of cash have also been recovered.

One person is also reported to have had their bag stolen during the incident.

Two males have since been arrested on suspicion of Money Laundering, Firearms offences and drug offences.

One man has been taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. 

A scene is remains in place whilst officers carry out their enquiries. 

Detective Inspector Charlotte Poole said:

Quote

 

"I would like to reassure the local community that we have increased the number of patrol officers deployed to the area and are working at pace to understand the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

"If you have any concerns about this incident, please speak to one of our officers in the area who are on hand to support you.

"We would like to urge the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist our investigation, whether it be CCTV footage, doorbell footage, photos, or descriptions of the suspects or events, we would ask that you report it to us directly."

 

If you have any information or footage that could assist the investigation, please contact GMP Salford on 0161 856 5235 quoting log 2399 of 29/12/2022.

You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information which could lead them to the whereabouts of a 55-year-old man known as Peter who has been missing since around 7:30pm on Wednesday 28th December.

He is described as:

A white male, 5ft 10in tall,

He has short grey hair on the side which is a bit longer on top.

He is said to have last been seen wearing a grey coloured jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and a pair of trainers.

Earlier reports that he is wearing a grey beanie hat have been dismissed.`

Police say that Peter also has a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his neck which says ‘Michelle’.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said:

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“Peter (55) was last seen in Salford on 28.12.22 at 19:30pm. Officers are concerned about Peter and want to make sure he is safe and well.”

Anyone with information about Peter's whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 7857 or www.gmp.police.uk.

The Castle Irwell site formerly occupied by University of Salford's student village, is set to see a third stage of the £120m campus redevelopment come to a close with an additional 104 houses built.

Overall 367 homes will be built on the land owned by SalBoy which is 133 shy of the 500 homes which were originally given outline consent for by council planners.

The site is bordered by Littleton Road and Cromwell Road and is close by to the the £10m Second Salford Flood Basin which acts as a wildlife sanctuary for both local and migrating bird species.  

In August of 2022, Lidl's plans to build a 23,500 sq ft supermarket as part of the development were dashed by after the council claimed it would “weaken the positive and high-quality urban design attributes of the emerging neighbourhood”. 

More information can be found by searching for 22/80381/REM on the Salford City Council planning page.

Photo: SalBoy

Shortly after 12am this morning (Tuesday 27 December), GMP were called by colleagues in the ambulance service to a report of a man with serious injuries that appear to be consistent with a stab wound near Clarendon Park in Salford.

Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial enquiries are underway and no arrests have yet been made.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Natalie Dalby, said:

Quote

 

"We will continue to investigate what we believe to be an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public.

"These are the very early stages of what is now a murder investigation, and a team of detectives are working tirelessly to piece together information and evidence. We will be following-up a number of different lines of enquiry we have to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."

"Officers from the Salford district will be providing a visible presence in the coming days for reassurance and we would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and patience so far."

 

Whilst officers are gathering evidence from the scene and the surrounding area, anyone with information, CCTV, is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident 12 of 27/12/2022. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has been opened to receive information, and you can directly submit images and mobile phone, dash-cam, or doorbell footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S50-PO1

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police were alerted to a knife attack having taken place shortly after midnight (27th December) at Clarendon Park in Pendleton.

The male victim was found with stab wounds by police and paramedics but sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

A murder investigation has now commenced into what police are saying is an isolated incident.

No arrests have so far been made.

Detective Superintendent Natalie Dalby, said:

Quote

 

"We will continue to investigate what we believe to be an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public.

"These are the very early stages of what is now a murder investigation, and a team of detectives are working tirelessly to piece together information and evidence. We will be following-up a number of different lines of enquiry we have to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

"Officers from the Salford district will be providing a visible presence in the coming days for reassurance and we would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and patience so far."

 

Anyone who has any information or CCTV footage, is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident 12 of 27/12/2022.

Police have opened a dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has been opened to receive information, and you can directly submit images and mobile phone, dash-cam, or doorbell footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S50-PO1

There were dramatic scenes this morning (27th December), as at around 8am emergency services were alerted to a fire having broken out in a 10th floor flat at Mulberry Court in Pendleton, which is owned and operated by Salix Homes.

Miraculously no one was injured during the incident which saw 6 fire engines and a number of ambulances deployed.

All residents were successfully rescued and some were later allowed to return to their homes once the blaze was brought under control and extinguished.

Investigators are now working to determine just how the fire started.

A spokesperson for GMFRS, said:

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"At around 8am on Tuesday 27 December firefighters were called out to a high-rise building fire in Mulberry Court on Mulberry Road, Salford.

"Six fire engines were in attendance and the whole building was evacuated whilst firefighters extinguished the fire in a flat on the tenth floor, using six breathing apparatus and two hose reels. Residents are gradually being allowed back into the building, as each floor is safety assessed.

"An investigation into the fire is now taking place."

 

Following on with the news that Salford Council have purchased Eccles Precinct for £4.15M which will hopefully go a long way to solving the long standing problems there, further good news.

David Clewes who you may remember was a Superintendent Caretaker over the high rise flats in Eccles for many years, was looking at spending a lonely Christmas and 84th Birthday until Yvonne McGarvey who runs The Eccles Coffee Bar in the precinct got wind of this.

She laid on a surprise birthday party for him today in one of the shop units which is used for craft and children's events, and with some two dozen of her regular customers invited it was a roaring success.

There were sandwiches, cakes, chocolates, biscuits, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and even a bottle of Cava to toast David's birthday, all paid for by Yvonne.

Dave told me:

Quote

"I had no idea that Yvonne was holding a party for me, I am a regular at her tea stall where I go and chat with friends and play Bingo, I am delighted that she has done this for me, but she does so much for her customers, even taking them on day trips out to the seaside, she is a Godsend to so many people"

Yvonne was her usual modest self:

Quote

"David is a lovely man, I know he isn't in the best of health so I thought it would be nice to have a little party for him and invite both customers and friends to attend, I think the world of my customers and I am more than happy to help out"

The day got better for David when two of Yvonne's customers, Jo Jo Wright Lomas and her husband, Steven Lomas invited to come to their house for Christmas dinner tomorrow, what a magnificent gesture"

JoJo, said:

Quote

"I hate the idea of anybody spending Christmas on their own, we know David from chatting at Yvonne's tea stall, he is a nice man and it's no problem in fact I am pleased that he is coming for his dinner with us, we shall have a great time"

These two good deeds for me encapsulate both the kindness of people who go that bit further to help others and the true spirit of Christmas and Eccles, and to think Yvonne's Coffee Stall was under threat of closure from the previous precinct owners.

She must stay and carry on with her good work, she is almost an unpaid social worker the way she looks after her customers, they see her stall as a meeting place where they can meet, for a drink and a chat, bringing people together, holding events in the square, just recently the 100th Birthday Party she threw for one of her regulars being a prime example.

All in all a lovely little morning out in Eccles precinct and I hope to see many. many more of this kind, it warms your heart, bless them all.

Salford City Council has bought the 200,000 sq ft Eccles Shopping Centre from Columbia Threadneedle for a whopping £4.15 million, as part of plans to completely redevelop Church Street and the Town Centre.

The shopping centre had seen a huge decline in recent years, despite being in a prime position with its extensive travel links via train, bus and tram.

If handled properly Eccles could once again become a thriving location as it was once before.

At the other side of the Metrolink tracks, Bury has found it's place by regenerating into a thriving market town as a well a destination for good food, drink and entertainement, and there is nothing stopping Eccles from becoming the same as it was once before.

Most people we have asked on the subject of Eccles have expressed the return of its much loved market.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, said:

Quote

 

“It’s time to accept some hard truths, that the centre as it stands now isn’t working for the town or the community,”

“It’s now time to show Eccles the love and support it badly needs.”  

 

The councils purchase of the Eccles Shopping Centre, follows a consultation undertaken earlier this year, during which over 600 residents gave their views on what the future of the town should look like. 

Dennett said:

Quote

 

“We’ve listened to the needs of the community and by taking ownership of the shopping centre, we can work alongside the local community, stakeholders and a developer partner to bring this shared vision to life.  

“A vision to re-purpose the area and create a modern mixed-use development with civic spaces that complement the historic parts of the town centre.” 

 

The council is expected to undertake further consultation in the coming year.

People who can offer young people in Salford a safe and supportive environment to stay in are being invited to apply to a mentoring with accommodation scheme. They will play an important role in helping young people develop their skills as part of Salford City Council's supported lodging service.

Supported lodgings carers will give a helping hand towards independence to young people who are leaving care or unable to live at home. The young people are aged 16 to 21 (or 24 if they are in higher education). Sometimes this can also be a young person from overseas who is claiming asylum.

Councillor Teresa Pepper, Executive Support Member for Education and Learning, said:

Quote

"The scheme could make such a difference to young people who are leaving care or not living at home. The carers will play a very important role in helping young people have positive futures through developing their skills in areas such as cooking, washing, completing job applications and generally preparing for adult life. The emotional support and encouragement carers provide will make a huge difference to help them meet their potential."

The young person will stay with the carers while they are in the scheme, however they will usually be able to get themselves around independently to college and employment – so good transport links are essential.

Carers will receive a weekly allowance, support from a council children's services support worker and have access to training.

To be considered as a carer people need to have:

a spare room

life experience

an understanding of the issues young people can face

the desire to make a difference.

Applications are welcome from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnic groups, faiths and age groups, including people who have recently retired and people who work full time, single carers and carers with families of their own.

If you think this role could be for you, the next step is to complete the online form and they will then contact you to arrange a visit and start an assessment.

For more information visit: www.salford.gov.uk/children-and-families/supported-lodgings/ or contact the Supported Lodgings Co-ordinator on 0161 607 1888.

Salford City Council has announced interim leadership arrangements have now been finalised for its People services directorate with the upcoming departure of Charlotte Ramsden as Strategic Director of People in February 2023.

After the announcement of a new interim Director of Children's Services (DCS), Melissa Caslake, the council has now appointed Maggie Kufeldt as the new interim Director of Adult Services (DASS).

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive said:

Quote

 

"I am pleased to announce our interim leadership is in place for the new year. Joining our highly regarded team, providing continuity and capacity, the two new experienced interim executive directors for both children's services and adult social services and health will start in the new year. I look forward to welcoming Maggie Kufeldt as interim DASS along with Melissa Caslake as DCS.

"Maggie brings a wealth of experience in comparable leadership roles and as DASS at Liverpool City Council and at the London boroughs of Camden and Islington. She also has in-depth knowledge and understanding of Greater Manchester from working in the sector at a number of the Greater Manchester local authorities including as an executive director (with both DCS and DASS roles) at Oldham MBC.

"She will join our strong leadership team, working closely with our Director of Public Health and ensuring our partnership arrangements in adults services are strong and effective." 

 

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, added:

Quote

 

"Maggie Kufeldt is an excellent appointment as a highly experienced board-level health and care professional with a proven track record of successful operational and strategic delivery across the NHS, national and local government and the wider public and voluntary sector.

"She has expertise in leading and integrating health and care systems, managing services, and large-scale transformation programmes and projects.

"She is passionate about putting residents at the heart of what we do and focusing on excellent services, and I look forward to welcoming her to the Salford family."

 

Maggie Kufeldt said:

Quote

 

"I am delighted to join Salford City Council as the Director of Adult Social Services. During my early years I lived and went to school in Salford, so I am looking forward to have the opportunity to work alongside and serve the people of Salford. This means a lot to me.

"The challenges for adult social care will be immense in the coming year and I'm pleased to accept this role and lead the service over coming months, to deliver the outcomes Salford residents need."

 

I passed the Duke of York public house tonight and saw a For Sale sign hanging above the front door, not certain how long it's been there as the pub is still open and thriving, but I did a bit of research.

The property is up for sale with Latchkey and Vault, Estate Agents based in Manchester who specialise in commercial and residential sales with a guide price of £1,500,000, and here is their description of the premises...

"The Duke of York is a substantial 3 storey brick building with beautiful Tudor design. this freehold property is situated conveniently next to the tram station, providing easy access to and from Manchester City Centre, local to all amenities and dominating a prominent corner location.

The building has recently undergone major refurbishment works through-out.

The ground floor commercial space is Let on a 6 year lease from June 2017 and generates an income of £32,000pa.

On the first and second floor is the residential accommodation comprising of 13 studio rooms which is Let on a corporate 5 year lease from January 2021 generates £76,000pa till January 2026 producing a combined income of £108,000pa. Further details available upon request.

It looks as if the pubs six year lease is up in 2013 and the accommodation lease for the 13 studio rooms is up in 2026, presumably the new purchaser will have to negotiate extensions to both leases.

I knew there were flats or studio flats as they are called in the pub, but had no idea there were 13 spread over the two floors which generates £76,000 per annum, which is a good return, whilst the bar generates £32,00 per annum which seems fairly healthy.

As a lover of the pubs of Eccles I have very fond memories of this pub which dates back to 1898 and no, my memory doesn't stretch quite that far back.

I attended several concerts there in the music room upstairs which had both Folk and Jazz nights which attracted large crowds and first class artistes including, Christy Moore and Mike Harding.

More recently when Robin Bence took over the pub and changed it into a Real Ale emporium, which was a success for a while, and could boast of having Eccles's first non smoking room, a novel idea at the time.

To bring this up to date the Duke of York has in the past few years had a refurbishment with new toilets, new management and is a pleasant pub to have a pint in.

Hopefully the new owners will keep the pub as it is and not convert the entire premises into studio flats which would be heart breaking, Eccles can't afford to lose any more pubs.

Children in hospital and hospices will be able to enjoy a live-streamed performance of Room on the Broom this Christmas, direct from The Lowry stage.

The special event is thanks to a partnership between The Lowry, Salford and Tall Stories theatre company, who have their Olivier Award-nominated adaption of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s classic picture book running from 7th December to 8th January this festive period.

And a performance of the show, on Wednesday 21st December, will be streamed lived from the Quays Theatre stage to children watching at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, and Francis House Children’s Hospice.

It is estimated that up to 500 children and their families will enjoy the show remotely, alongside the live audience watching at The Lowry. With all the children watching the performance from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, and Francis House Children’s Hospice receiving specially produced theatre tickets and programmes as a memento of the performance.

David Ireland, chief executive of Francis House Children’s Hospice said:

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“Caring for a child with complex needs can put a huge strain on families and around Christmas time there is often a high level of stress. When life is short, we want the children and young people to have the best time possible. The staff and children are looking forward to experiencing the performance and we would like to thank everyone involved in making it happen.”

Jennifer Riding, Director of Learning & Engagement at The Lowry said:

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“The idea to stream this special performance of Room on The Broom to children in hospitals and hospices came directly from a member of The Lowry team who experienced first-hand what it’s like for children in hospital and their families.

“Knowing the strain on those in hospital (particularly during the festive season) and understanding how much joy and escapism theatre can bring, The Lowry and The Lowry Digital have been working together with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, and Francis House to make it possible to share the magic of theatre this Christmas time. Creating happy memories for those families who are going through the most difficult of times.”

 

Laura Woodward, Tall Stories Executive Director:

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“We are delighted to be live-streaming Room on the Broom to children and families in Manchester’s hospitals and hospices sharing the magic of theatre and enchanting storytelling at this special time of year.

“One of the reasons we do what we do is to bring wonderful stories to life through the immediacy of live actors on stage creating theatrical experiences for young children – the impact of which we see time and time again in their joyful faces. So, it is a privilege to be able to bring our show directly to these children, during an undoubtably challenging time of year for these families.”

 

The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears! Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

With enchanting puppetry, sing-a-long songs and hilarious fun, ‘Room on the Broom’ is a magical theatre experience for young children and their families.

Acclaimed theatre company Tall Stories brings great stories to life for audiences of all ages. The company is a registered charity which tours the UK and the world with its exciting blend of storytelling theatre, original music and lots of laughs.

Police are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace a wanted man who has links to both Salford and Trafford areas of Greater Manchester.

Bradley Simister is wanted for a domestic related Robbery.

Officers are asking for anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Simster, to contact the police on 07393467221 independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police say that 38-year-old Jonny Tama was last seen in Eccles on Monday 19 December 2022.

He is described as a black male, 6’ 1” tall, of large build and shaved head, with a distinctive skin tag under his eye.

Jonny was last seen wearing black and white New Balance trainers and was driving a black Mercedes A180 registration CE63 ZKP.

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

Anyone with information about Jonny’s whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 7857 or by dialling 101.

Located in the heart of bustling Old Trafford, the Kids Planet Salford Quays nursery has close community links, and this month has focused on giving back within their area.

The team has donated to a local food bank called Community Grocery Salford, with the help of parents and families from the nurseries who donated to the harvest food collection. They have also visited the doctors and nurses at Salford Royal hospital with some gifts and cards from the children, to thank them for all the exceptional work they are doing for everybody.

The giving doesn't end externally, and the team has been making time to give recognition and thanks to colleagues. Staff are often given a 'hug in a mug' which is a mug filled with treats, on top of the Employee of the Month award. And not only that, this month Salford Quays staff paid a visit to the Kids Planet Day Nurseries Head Office in Lymm to say a huge thank you to the head office teams for the continued support they have shown throughout the past year.

Gemma Corpe, Nursery Manager at Kids Planet Salford Quays, said:

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"Here at our setting, we feel that it is important it give back to our community, and there is no better time to give the gift of giving than around Christmas. We wanted to thank our NHS, especially after the recent tough times after pandemic. Salford Royal hospital is in our local community and we really wanted to recognise all that they do.

I'd like to give a huge thank you to all to our parents and families who have helped us in any way. The Community Grocery Salford were extremely grateful for all your wonderful donations to our harvest food collection. We wish everyone a healthy and happy Christmas."

 

Has anyone felt the earth move in Salford recently?  Well it certainly did in Buile Hill Park for the second time in 3 weeks.

The Sensory Garden (was Garden for the Blind) volunteers, alongside the Salford Park Rangers and Salford Council Grounds Crews started the full relocation of all the precious plants, shrubs and trees in the garden to their new home within the grounds of the Buile Hill Park Hall (Woodland Suite as was). 

Now that renovation works are ramping up at The Mansion and surrounding areas, the plants are being moved to safety during building works in The Sensory Garden and being returned home by the SG Gang once the works have been carried out.

This is the second time this horticultural dream team has come together to move high volumes of plants around the park.  Last month saw the plants from the flowerbed outside of the Mansion relocated for safety to another bed near to the Manor Road entrance of Buile Hill Park. 

Check it out.  Look for the Pampas grass in its centre.  This bed was designed and created by the SG Gang and tended to every Tuesday evening come rain or shine. 

Both plants relocations involved a serious number of luxury biscuits, hot drinks, laughter and a great mix of horticultural knowledge and experience. 

The Sensory Garden Volunteers (SG Gang) are a happy band of grafters who have over the last 3 years become great friends not only working inside the garden every Sunday but getting together outside of it too.

Many a Motown Night and a Malibu at the Woodland Suite have gone a long way towards cementing their friendships. 

The Council Grounds Crews have enjoyed working alongside them on both projects and particularly enjoyed the Wagon Wheels during brew breaks.

Who doesn't love a Wagon Wheel? 

Jess from the Salford Park Rangers coordinated these relocation days beautifully and made sure that the conditions for plants on site were ideal before even a single one was lifted and replanted.

For further information about what other gardening shenanigans the SG Gang will be getting up to inside and outside of the Sensory Garden, please follow their official volunteers page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/532213508782082/?ref=share

Hillary Curran, said:

Quote

"Mmf nom nom nom, gurgle nom nom"

Which makes no sense as she had her gob full of waggon wheel.

Big Thankyou to Sue, Jelena, Billie, Wendy, Nicole, Lyndsey, Melanie, Ruth, Forest, Jess, Salford Council Grounds crews for their graft during both plant relocations and Dave at the Woodland Suite for the brews. 

See you lot soon on the next one. 

With the cost of living on the up and Christmas just around the corner, many families and individuals in the region will be feeling the strain and perhaps relying on a local food bank for help.

Committed to supporting the local community, First Install has made a monetary donation of £500 to two local food banks; Stretford Foodbank and Irlam & Cadishead Foodbank.

Both part of the Trussell Trust, the foodbanks are committed to helping local people in a crisis, providing emergency food parcels for those in need.

The donation from First Install, which is part of The First Interiors Group, will allow each food bank to be sustainable over the coming months and purchase items to enable them to carry on supporting clients in the current economic crisis.

Veronica Fowler, Trustee at Irlam & Cadishead Food Bank, says:

Quote

“It was lovely to be contacted by First Install with the offer of a monetary donation.  December can be an incredibly difficult month for many, and this year the number of people we are helping is unprecedented, so the generous donation will allow us to supply extra treats this Christmas that families cannot afford.”

Louise Kershaw, from Stretford Food Bank, adds:

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“Support from the local community is very much needed in these challenging economic times and we are grateful for the donation made.  With Christmas wrapped up, the money donated by First Install will kick start our 2023 holiday hunger project.”

Mike McVey, Head of Group Sales & Operations at The First Interiors Group, concludes:

Quote

 

“The rising cost of living is widely reported, and we can all feel the pinch in our pockets, but for those in genuine need, this time of year can add further pressure, worry and anxiety. 

“We wanted to show our support for both the Stretford Foodbank and Irlam & Cadishead Foodbank, both just a short distance from our office, by donating £250 to each.  Run by volunteers, the food banks provide real help to the local community and tirelessly try to prevent hunger in the region.”

 

To make a dotation to either food bank, please visit https://www.irlamcadishead.foodbank.org.uk or  https://www.stretford.foodbank.org.uk.

The First Interiors Group is a collaboration of four successful and like-minded firms; First Install, its sister company Specialist Interiors Division, Apex Joinery and MBS Workplace Environments.  Offering design, manufacturing, installation and interior fit out services nationally, across all sectors, The First Interiors Group is fast becoming the first choice interiors partner in the UK.  For further information, please visit https://www.firstinteriorsgroup.com

Kings Church Salford, a local church in the heart of Pendlebury, has benefitted from a donation of a brand-new hob and chest freezer thanks to online electricals retailer, AO.com.

The donation means that volunteers from the church can provide free hot nutritional meals alongside a warm space and activities for anyone in the local community that is in need, over the colder months and festive period.

Chris Case, Pastor at Kings Church Salford, said:

Quote

 

“We are so grateful to AO for their kind donation to Kings Church as this has enabled our team to cook the meals we are offering to our community and help with freezing any leftovers so there is no food waste.

“Over the last couple of weeks, we have had members of the community come to the church who have said they have gone home and slept properly for the first time in weeks because they have had a hot meal and someone to talk to. So, this donation has been a huge blessing to both the church and the community.”

 

AO’s Brand and Marketing Director, Vicky Monk, said:

Quote

“When we heard about the incredible work that the Kings Church Salford were doing over these colder months, we knew as a locally based business that we had to get involved. We’re all about making decisions that would make our mums proud and this is certainly one of them – a big thank you to everyone who helped make this donation happen.”

For more information on the initiatives that the Kings Church Salford are running please visit www.kingschurchlife.com/salfordevents.