Alan Nisbitt (05/10/86) of Towyn Avenue, Salford has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Possession of Class B drugs.

He was remanded in custody and appeared in court yesterday (Tuesday 20 December 2022). 

Nisbitt was arrested after officers on patrol in Salford stopped a vehicle and recovered a quantity of suspected Class A and B drugs.

DC Reece Brown said:

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"We are working hard in Salford to disrupt Organised Crime and keep people safe.

"This year alone, we have made 139 arrests and recovered 120 vehicles – 51 of which were suspected stolen or cloned. We have also made great progress in reducing firearms discharges from 25 in 2019/2020 to none since November 2021.

"Our efforts utilise all resources – from uniformed patrols to non-uniformed patrols and specially trained officers from across the force.

"We are actively following lines of enquiry but need the communities to keep reporting their concerns to us."

 

GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Around 100 people turned up at Eccles Gateway today, Wednesday 21st November for the Five Days Of Christmas bash organised by Councillor Sammie Bellamy who for the past five days has been feeding over 500 people over the age of 65 at their local Gateways.

Sammie who runs, For The Love Of Food in Salford a  nonprofit organisation delivering a meals on wheels service across Salford to support families veterans and pensioners has really pulled out the stops to make sure that people who for whatever reason wouldn't be able to enjoy a full Christmas dinner free of charge, had one.

With the help of local Councilors, Sharmina August, Mike McCusker, Nathaniel Tetteh and John Mullen who all rolled their sleeves up, donned festive clothing and served up a piping hot three course meal, soup, turkey casserole, Christmas pudding and custard followed by mince pies, tea and coffee.

Tony Nicholls did a superb job keeping the guests entertained with a melody of Christmas songs and requests even playing a Jerry Lee Lewis song at my request, a superb musician and best of all a really nice bloke.

Father Christmas  made a surprise visit to bring an authentic touch to the proceedings, visiting each table chatting to the diners, sadly he couldn't promise Carl his Raleigh Grifter bicycle that he asked for in 1982 and never received.

Bingo was played with Sammie calling out the numbers and prizes were handed out. I must mention that nobody went home empty handed, each person attending was given a large box of shortbread biscuits, a nice touch,

We left but the party was in full swing and people seemed reluctant to leave and who could blame them?

Thanks must be given to everybody who made this events a massive success including the library staff, Liz, Megan, Nicola and Peter, Bailey Bellamy and his younger brothers and far too many to mention...however.

Full credit must be given to Sammie Bellamy for fulfilling her dream of feeding 500 people throughout Salford, free of charge, I dread to think of the late nights and early mornings she has endured to prepare, deliver and serve up the food, a massive thank you from us and all the people you have helped this year...give this girl an MBE, I'm serious!

Party Hats were the the order of the day as Ellen Barker made a slap up breakfast for some dozen service users at The Eccles Unemployed Resource Centre, Breakfast Club, Liverpool Road, Eccles last Thursday.

You may recall that, artist Brian Gorman donated to Salford Media to auction off a painting of Ian Curtis, lead singer with Joy Division to raise money to help foodbanks, this was bought by the mysterious, "The Instigator" a chap who regularly helps our charity appeals by purchasing artwork donated by Brian, and no, they are not the same person!

We contacted Ellen who is the Catering Manager at the Breakfast Club, the club was set up to help local people who use the Resource Centre which helps unemployed people and workers who are facing difficulties, these include educational facilities, advice & representation for people facing problems in a wide range of fields.

She said it would be a good idea if we could purchase food for a Christmas Breakfast as normally they receive a hot drink and depending on donations either a bowl of cereal or a bacon sandwich, which we were happy to do, additionally we were also able to purchase a side of beef and a side of gammon to be used for the Christmas Dinner next week.

Ellen told me:

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" We all really enjoyed the breakfast which made a smashing change, everybody enjoyed it and a pity we can't do this once a week, we all would like to give our thanks to Brian Gorman, The Instigator and Salford Media for making this happen, we still have a bit of food left over and this will be added to breakfast plates over the next few days"

Despite dreadful weather conditions that included freezing cold temperatures and rain, the people of Eccles turned out to see, Santa Claus in Eccles Precinct.

The plan was for Santa to sit in his Grotto and give a festive greeting to the young children visiting him with their Christmas lists, however at the last minute, organiser Pam Pickard moved him into the unit she was using for free craft displays.

"It's a shame about the weather but we were determined the event would go ahead as planned and I am delighted at the number of people who have brought their children to see Santa, everybody has left with a smile on their face"

With free entry and each child getting a free gift and Christmas crackers to take home, which were kindly donated by Sue Marsh, the Community Champion from Morrison's Store, the day was a big hit.

Santa's little helpers were the aptly named Chilli and Ashlee, Guides from the 1st Patricroft troop, who when not busy helping the children make Christmas cards and decorations at the craft tables were chatting to the parents and children stood wide eyed looking at Santa.

"We are more than happy to help out and get in the festive spirit" said Chilli...not sure if that is her real name!

"We have been helping each year and since the Covid epidemic wiped out the last few Christmases, it is good to smiling faces once again"

Donations were received and all money raised was given to Sue Marsh at Morrisons who was putting the money towards food parcels for distribution to various local charities.

£72,76 was raised from a Teddy Tombola and donations which will be spent on food for local foodbanks, Twenty teddy bears including a huge one were donated and tickets were £2 each.

The cost-of-living crisis is a worry for many, with energy prices rising, food bills increasing and no end in sight, housing association Salix Homes is offering a raft of saving initiatives to residents to ease the burden this winter. 

Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford, has joined forces with Good Things Foundation’s National Databank to provide free data and sim cards for residents. The National Databank works in partnership with network providers Virgin Media, O2, Vodafone and Three and the initiative pledges 24 million gigabytes of data to those who are struggling to access the internet.

The cost of topping up your mobile phone or paying for wi-fi is an added expense that some struggle to afford. 

Up to 1.5 million homes in the UK have no connection to the internet and 2 million people find it difficult to afford internet access according to an Ofcom survey.

With so many essential activities now digital on smartphones and computers, Salix Homes wants to help ensure its customers aren’t left disadvantaged or socially excluded by not having access to the internet.

To claim for a sim card, you need to be over 18 and not have access to the internet at home. If you are interested, please call 0800 218 2000, the contact centre can help with a referral.

Salix Homes has also partnered with the Green Doctors initiative from Groundwork who offer free, impartial advice to help take control of household bills, saving energy where possible, and access to other services such as government subsidies and grants, as well as advice on energy or water debt. 

Green Doctors help residents stay warm, well, and save money. Providing free, impartial advice and support to help save energy, reduce bills, and live in a warm comfortable home. The service is free to all Salix Homes residents.

Another vital tool to fight the cost-of-living crisis comes in the form of the Customer Support Fund, in collaboration with the Rise Foundation, Salix Homes is offering emergency energy and fuel vouchers to the value of £50 for any residents who need assistance to heat their home.

There are 500 vouchers available and given via a referral system. 

A spokesman for the Rise Foundation said:

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“At Rise we understand the pressures the cost-of-living crisis is having on lower income households across Salford and these pressures are set to increase over the winter period. We are really pleased to be working with Salix Homes to potentially help up to 500 families with a fuel voucher.”

All three initiatives are designed to help reduce the burden and ease the constant worry the cost-of-living crisis brings to many. 

Sian Grant Executive Director for Operations at Salix Homes, said “This year has been incredibly tough, and especially as we are nearing Christmas we know every penny counts, that’s why we have partnered with these brilliant initiatives to give some financial help and support. We would urge any of our residents who want help to get in touch.”

 

If you are a Salix Homes resident, and would like to apply for any of the cost-of-living help, please call 0800 218 2000, or email enquiries@salixhomes.co.uk

Police in Swinton have been busy cracking down on thieves operating in the area, with four Individuals having recently been charged for multiple theft offences in and around the area.

They have now been named as... 

Amanda Richens of Long Street, Swinton has been arrested due to her prolific activity amongst Tesco Express, B&M, Matalan, Quality Save and other stores. She has been charged and remanded on many occasion resulting in her receiving a sentence at court. This relates to 17 separate charges. RICHENS would then go on to sell such items in nearby pubs.

Warren Atkinson of Kersal Avenue, Swinton has been arrested and charged relating to three separate thefts in Swinton and Eccles. Atkinson has attended multiple stores in the Swinton Shopping precinct stealing items to be sold on in nearby pubs.

Benjamin Gaffney of no fixed abode has been arrested and charged for six offences of Theft at Tesco Express, Bolton road and Manchester Road. Throughout the months of September and October he was sighted on CCTV to be stealing hundreds of pounds of chocolate to be sold on.

Sarah Vasey of Dorchester Road, Swinton has been arrested and charged for one offence of Theft at B&M, Swinton. An accomplice of Amanda RICHENS who was caught stealing multiple items of value which were later sold in nearby pubs.

Police say that they are aware of activity in certain pubs in and around Swinton where stolen goods are being sold and would like to reiterate that having stolen items in your possession is an offence. It is also an offence to buy stolen items. If you are found in possession of such items they say you will be arrested. The police are working closely with partner agencies to keep a close eye on activity in identified pubs.

Officers would like to ensure that the neighbourhood team are working with partner agencies across Swinton and ensuring that shoplifters are identified and brought to the attention of the courts.. The officers gave praise for the ongoing efforts of store managers and Security guards across Swinton for their continued assistance in ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

Salford City Council has announced interim leadership arrangements are being agreed for its People services directorate, with the upcoming departure of Charlotte Ramsden as Strategic Director of People in February 2023.

Charlotte Ramsden is taking up a new role to head up Bradford Children and Families Trust.

Tom Stannard, chief executive said:

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"To join our highly regarded and well established services, ensuring strong continuity and capacity, we are recruiting interim executive directors for both children's services and adult social services and health, and I can now share Melissa Caslake is joining us as Interim Director of Children's Services (DCS).

"Melissa brings a wealth of experience in comparable roles as a DCS for a number of local authorities including Devon and the bi-borough arrangements between Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster.

"She will join our strong leadership team in children's services and bring much needed capacity, as well as stability and an impressive track record of leading organisations through successful Ofsted inspections and other regulatory processes." 

 

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, added: 

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"I would like to thank Charlotte for all she has done here in Salford and wish her all the best for the future.

"I now look forward to welcoming Melissa to Salford to build on the legacy of Charlotte's work."

 

Melissa Caslake said:

Quote

''I am delighted to be joining Salford as the interim DCS, and I am keen to get started, working with colleagues, partners and families to get the best outcomes for children. I look forward to continuing the great work in place and delivering the ambitions for children and young people. I strongly share the values that underpin Salford's approach to supporting families, intervening early, building on strengths, and empowering individuals and communities. It is a privilege to be joining the team at Salford."

Over 80,000 illegal e-cigarettes and e-liquid products worth £800,000 have been seized from a warehouse in Salford.

Salford City Council's trading standards team took the items from a wholesale distribution business in Broughton last week as part of a multi-agency raid.

Immigration Enforcement officers, part of the Home Office, executed an immigration warrant and arrested five people suspected of working illegally at the premises, along with seizing more than £4,000 of suspected 'profits' from illegal employment.  Firms proven to be facilitating illegal working can be fined up to £20,000 per worker. 

Officers from Greater Manchester Police as part of Operation Vulcan, the North West Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also took part in the enforcement visit and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has now condemned the warehouse as unsafe. The owners have been served safety improvement notices.

The products breach safety regulations and 65,000 of the items are suspected to be counterfeit. A criminal investigation has been launched. The team also seized over £25,000 which is now subject to a proceeds of crime investigation.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety, said the team had previously seized items from the premises and given advice on complying with the law.

Quote

 

"We won't hesitate to take action as many times as necessary against businesses which break the law and put people's health at risk with illegal products," she said.

"If anyone has information about illegal or counterfeit goods being sold they can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers and help stamp this out. Apart from putting people's health in danger, it's not fair to legitimate businesses which are working hard to stay on the right side of the law." 

 

The force of nature that is Keri "Typhoon" Muldoon has once again leapt into action and has gathered £1,000 from two local companies, Connell Brothers, Demolition and O'Shea, Groundwork Contractors who both generously donated £500 each.

Keri is The Chair of Green Grosvenor Park a community based group in Broughton which was started up to bring all the local residents together who live near the park and use the park to talk about ideas that as a community could put forward to make the park better and has grown to help tackle community issues.

The money gifted today will be used to buy sport vouchers for teenagers whose parents would struggle to afford new trainers, sports clothes etc, also gift sets for local Mother's and Father's who are often overlooked at this time of the year.

Last week she was at Bridgewater Boxing to collect toys and selection boxes which again will be shared in the community, and let us not forget her collection of slow cookers and food parcels which she has manged to have donated and will share out this week.

Our caps are doffed to this girl who not only holds down at least four jobs including a Lollypop Lady at her local school but finds time to help out Loaves and Fishes, Salford Survivors Project, St Ignatius Church amongst others, a true Salford Star.

Last words go to Mark Mullen from Bridgewater Security who introduced Keri to the Connell brothers and O'Shea Groundwork as they are clients of his:

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"I have known Keri from when she was kid growing up in Broughton, she has a heart of gold and will always put other people first, the world be a sadder place without people Keri, and we need more Keri's in this world"

Cheques presented by John Connell and Paul O'Shea

Detectives in Salford are appealing for information after jewellery and gold bars were stolen during a burglary.

The female victim and her young son were at home at Eastmoor, Ellenbrook, when three masked men forced their way in to their house. 

They eventually made off in the family's BMW with an iPhone, as well as a safe containing cash, high-value jewellery and distinctive Thai gold bars.

Detective Constable Max Baimak, of the Salford Neighbourhood Crime Team, said:

Quote

 

"This was a frightening incident where three men have forced their way into a family home.

"The female victim was letting her dog out when she was confronted in the garden by a man in a balaclava.

"The man was carrying a weapon, believed to be a crowbar, and threatened the woman and her son.

"Two more men have then entered and all three have searched the house before stealing a safe containing several items of jewellery, gold bars and a large amount of cash.

"The offenders fled the address with the items loaded into the family's BMW M Sport, which was abandoned nearby on Bridgewater Road. They have then swapped cars and fled in a white Seat Leon estate.

"The gold bars are very distinctive so anyone who has seen them or has been offered them should contact police.

"Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 0161 856 5063 quoting log 2255 of 22/11/22.

"Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

The incident occurred at around 4:45pm on 22 November 2022.

Arron Corkovic (06/08/1987) of Dixon Avenue in Salford, appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 13 December 2022) to be sentenced for his involvement in serious crime – including the supply of heroin, firearms and ammunition.

Corkovic, who had previously been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment due to his role in a violent robbery at a Morrisons supermarket in Whitefield back in 2013, was released after eight years and bound by strict conditions imposed upon him through the use of a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO).

Despite this, he quickly acquired an EncroChat mobile phone and, by using the handle 'stealthy', ingratiated himself in the world of serious organised crime, connecting with a network of criminals across Salford, Manchester, Merseyside and Dubai.

His crimes were uncovered when the EncroChat network was compromised by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in 2020, which showed Corkovic had been communicating with another EncroChat user, arranging the supply of one kilogram of heroin for the price of £16,000.

Yesterday, he received a sentence of nine years for the conspiracy to supply class A drugs and four years for the S44 Serious Crime Act 1977 offence of intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence (namely to transfer a firearm) – for them both to run consecutively.

DC Steven Walker in GMP's Organised Crime Unit said:

Quote

 

"The conviction of Arron Corkovic is another significant result arising from the compromise of the Encrochat network – a communications network utilised exclusively by organised crime groups.

"Despite spending the best part of his twenties in prison, Corkovic has demonstrated his intention to continue where he left off in what he anticipated would be a lucrative alternative to being a law-abiding citizen.

"Even after being given the benefit of an early release under licence conditions, he immediately became involved once again in the most serious of crimes that cause the most harm to our communities – selling heroin, firearms and ammunition.

"Having enjoyed a short period of freedom, he is now paying the price for his decision.

"GMP will continue to investigate and prosecute offenders for their participation in the Encrochat network under Operation Venetic and I would like to thank our partners, the National Crime Agency (NCA), for their assistance.

"I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the Crown Prosecution Service and Counsel in this case for bringing it to a satisfactory conclusion."

 

Corkovic will now be subject to a confiscation order under POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) at a later hearing.

Police Constable Elaine Taylor was yesterday (12 December 2022) found guilty of Gross Misconduct and dismissed without notice. She formerly served on Greater Manchester Police Bolton Division.

She faced allegations relating to Discreditable Conduct and Honesty and Integrity. 

The matter for which she stood accused related to an incident on 8 January 2020, where PC Taylor had been discovered hiding in a wardrobe at an address that was subject to a search warrant.

Present at the same location was a wanted person of whom the officer had full knowledge of, but chose to acquiesce and ignore.

The matter was found proven at the level of Gross Misconduct.

Detective Sergeant Tony Dixon, of GMP's Professional Standards Branch, which conducted the investigation said:

Quote

"We hold all of our police officers and staff to the highest standard, and unfortunately, PC Taylor fell below those standards. 

"We remain committed to addressing any misconduct of any kind, at any rank, and will take swift and robust action to ensure we maintain the confidence of the public we serve."

Free Christmas meals are being provided for over 500 people aged over 65 in Salford. 

Councillor Sammie Bellamy has partnered with a local charity, Unite the Union, UNISON, Salix Homes, Onward Homes, Great Places Housing Group, ForHousing Irwell Valley Homes, Bupa and Salford CVS to raise over £5,000 to provide free three course meals live entertainment and bingo for local people. 

The events titled 'Five Days of Christmas' will take place in Salford City Council owned buildings across the city.

Councillor Sammie Bellamy said: 

Quote

 

"It is absolutely fantastic to help our local residents get in the Christmas spirit and provide them with a nice warm meal and day out.

"But it would not take place without the fantastic support and donations from our partner organisations in the city. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done – without them this just would not be possible.

"All the people involved in this project are volunteers and are doing all they can to provide a warm welcome for our older residents.

"It is very difficult times with the cost of living rising and people struggling financially. Many of our residents live on their own and can get lonely – but thanks to this initiative they can come out, have a nice meal and not have to worry about the bill."

 

A Go Fund Me page is available for people who wish to donate to the https://gofund.me/8f7d8444

The Five Days of Christmas are taking place across the city on the below dates:

Thursday 15th December – Swinton Gateway

Friday 16th December – Walkden Gateway

Monday 19th December – Broughton Hub

Tuesday 20th December – Pendleton Gateway

Wednesday 21st December – Eccles Gateway

To book a place for any of the dates you should contact Councillor Sammie Bellamy on 07736005240 

Salford City Council is also providing a package of support in the cost of living crisis. For more details see: Support with the Cost of Living • Salford City Council

Video footage has appeared of two men apparently drying off following an after-dark swim in freezing Salford Quays.

The footage, shot by a member of the public around 7pm last night (Sunday 11 December) when temperatures had dropped below freezing shows two young men in swimming trunks with towels on a pontoon close to the Water Sports Centre. One appears to be drying his hair.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety said the video had sent shock waves through the council.

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"If these two young men are experienced cold water swimmers then going into the Quays in the dark by themselves on a freezing December night is utterly reckless. If they are not trained to swim in cold water then they are lucky to be alive," she said.

"We're constantly warning people of the dangers of cold-water shock and reminding them that open water is cold even on the hottest days of the year. I cannot begin to imagine how cold the water must have been last night and I hope this was just a one-off moment of madness.

"Cold water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers which is why people should only ever swim in the Quays as part of an organised and supervised session for their safety. Given the current freezing conditions people should take even more care near any open water."

 

Salford City Council has stepped up CCTV camera 'patrols' covering the Quays and says it will report any dangerous activity picked up to the police.

Electricity Northwest has started issuing emails to customers on their extra care support scheme, claiming that although unlikely, there is a possibility that emergency power cuts could happen in a 'worst case scenario' due what they claim to be the 'Bad Weather'. 

The communication states that cuts could last up to three hours at a time, up to twice per day, and would essentially leave some homes without heating or lighting.

Although the National Grid has said that this likelihood of this happening is unlikely, Electricity Northwest has made provisions as a precaution.

Power cuts would be made using a block system with homes effectively put onto a rota.

As temperatures remain below zero in some parts of the country, the prospect of potential power cuts offer a bleak outlook for the coming winter.

No homes would be exempt from the cuts including those on the extra care scheme, and ENW are unable to offer assistance with generators etc...

Those who require power to run medical equiptment should contact your GP with regards to how any such cuts would affect your health.

Hopefully this will not come to pass, but it is better to be prepared than not.

The letter reads as below:

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Be Winter Ready: Help for your household

Your rota block letter: #
PLEASE KEEP THIS INFORMATION SAFE
 
Helping you prepare

As the temperatures are dropping and the risk of bad weather increases, we want to help you prepare. You may have seen has been some information in the media about emergency power cuts this winter. We want you to know that while National Grid has said that this is unlikely, we do plan for such events every year. 

As you are registered for our extra care services, we want to provide you with some helpful information to help you understand possible impacts and prepare. You can see more at www.enwl.co.uk/BeWinterReady

What would be the impact?

If emergency power cuts are needed, you could have a power cut for at least three hours at a time, once or twice a day. The power cut would affect all power in your home including lighting, heating, electrical cooking appliances, wi-fi and some landline phones.

How can I prepare?

If needed the power cuts would be scheduled in blocks. Every property has a block letter and a rota will be announced publicly in the unlikely event of emergency power cuts happening.
Your rota block letter is #

If you want to check it, you can go to www.powercut105.com/findoperator or by looking at the top of your latest energy bill. Keep it safe as it will help you find out when you’ll be without power if power cuts are needed.

No homes are exempt, even if you are an Extra Care Register customer. Due to the scale and size of demand, electricity network operators cannot supply generators/backup power to customers for these emergencies.

What if I rely on electricity for medical equipment?

We recommend that you speak to your GP or NHS professional if you are reliant on electricity to support medical equipment, to create or confirm your personal back-up plan. You can also take a look at our frequently asked questions at www.enwl.co.uk/BeWinterReady to help you consider what you might need in your back up plan or for more information, including advice and support that can help you with the cost of living.

Have a safe winter.

Electricity North West Customer Team

 

A team from online electricals retailer AO brought some early festive cheer to residents and staff at Broughton House Veteran Care Village when they spent the day there putting up Christmas trees and decorations and handing out gifts.

All eight members of AO’s communications team took part in one of the firm’s Make a Difference days, which enables employees to give back to the community by volunteering with a charity or good cause.

Broughton House in Salford has been redeveloped in a £12.5m scheme to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village and is currently welcoming new residents.

It has been transformed into a modern complex featuring a 64-bed care home and independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum and an Armed Forces Support Hub, which provides welfare support and counselling for ex-service people of all ages living in the local community.

The AO team was the first group of volunteers which Broughton House has been able to welcome into the building since the onset of the pandemic.

Russell Craig, director of communications at AO, said:

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“What a day! We met some amazing people – staff and residents – and it felt so good to make a positive difference to their day, as a team. We're so lucky that AO provide us with two Make a Difference days a year and we can't thank everyone involved enough for giving us this opportunity.”

Scott Bennett, one of the AO team, suggested the team visit Broughton House after hearing about its work with veterans.

He said:

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“We enjoyed putting up the Christmas trees and decorations in all of the units, we chatted and had tea with the residents, and we loved hearing their stories and all about their lives and histories, as well as being shown round the museum by Broughton House historian Owen Hammond.

“We also hosted bingo in the Veterans’ Mess, with Christmas gifts and goodies as prizes for everyone taking part.

“We’re hoping to visit again on further Make a Difference days, as it was the best teambuilding day we’ve had for a long time.”

 

Jack Stephenson, marketing and fundraising executive at Broughton House, said:

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“We’re extremely grateful that the AO team offered to volunteer at our home during this busy Christmas period. They did a fantastic job putting up festive decorations and were great hosts of bingo, even being kind enough to buy gifts for our residents.

“Being able to invite people into Broughton House once again has been wonderful. Our residents love interacting with the wider community, as it provides them with an opportunity to share some of their incredible stories.”

 

Hundreds of visitors called into Elm Bank Masonic Hall, Half Edge Lane, Eccles today, Sunday 11th December to visit the Craft Fair.

I must admit I am not a fan of craft fairs I find them a bit twee, but I was pleasantly surprised at both the number and variety of stalls displaying their wares,

There were about thirty stalls selling hand made crafts including, scented candles, perfumes, crochet work, gift cards, hand painted bottles, wooden toys, hair accessories, craft sets etc, basically everything and anything for the person who loves craft work.

Dave from The Leaf Bean Pod Cafe, Eccles was doing a roaring trade selling his artisan pies, cakes and fudges, he told me that he sold 30 of his Salford pies within the first half hour, his complete stock of them, happily there were plenty more of his other pies for the eager customers.

Santa and his two lovely helpers were on hand as free gifts were handed out from his Grotto to each child there, a nice touch.

Add to this free admission, ample free car parking space, wheelchair access, a licenced bar, hot food, cakes, tea and coffee and it was bound to be a sure fire hit.

The organisers, ANJU Events tell me there are plans to have a Craft Fair on the last Sunday of each month, next year, so be sure to call in you'll be in for a pleasant surprise, just like I was

It's not often that I am moved by the behaviour of strangers but today I was left, speechless with gratitude and felt myself blushing by one person's good deed.

You may have read that Salford Media had auctioned off a portrait of Ian Curtis kindly donated by the ever wonderful, Brian Gorman and purchased for £70 the equally marvellous and mysterious, "The Instigator" to raise money for local foodbanks, this money is earmarked for The Unemployed Resources Center, Eccles who hold a Breakfast Club for people who use their services.

I spoke to the organiser, Helen who asked me if I would purchase the food and deliver it to her this Monday and she would prepare the slap up Christmas breakfast this coming Thursday.

I went in Aldi, Eccles this morning and stuffed my trolley with bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, pigs in blankets, tomatoes, hash browns, eggs, beans, potato cake, bread, mince pies and basically anything I could carry.

At the check out was a lady who was purchasing a large box of American waffles and a few other items, she was struggling to load them onto the conveyor belt, and so I helped her with them, she noticed my large breakfast selection and I told her that it was for a local food bank and their Christmas breakfast, she smiled and moved on, paid for her groceries and left the store.

I loaded my groceries up and as I went to pay  the cashier said, 

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"The lady in front of you wanted you to have this £10 towards your shopping, as you had said it was for a foodbank"

What could I say? I looked around for her to thank her but she had long gone, I stood there red faced and virtually speechless..what an incredible act of kindness to do, and to a complete stranger, I had never set eyes on her before.

I am still in a semi state of shock and random acts of kindness like this help restore your faith in humanity, with this money and some I have left over, I shall purchase some more food and in fact Helen had asked me if there was any left over could I purchase a small side of beef to serve at the Christmas dinner she is preparing and wants to add to the turkey they have, and I will gladly.

So who ever you are young lady who did this wonderful act of kindness today, your good deed will not go unrewarded and as we say, you will get a good bed in Heaven!

God bless us one and all. 

Some 15 people will sitting down to a slap up Christmas Breakfast thanks to donated artwork by the ever generous Brian Gorman and not forgetting the purchaser of the artwork, the man who wishes only to be know as, "The Instigator".....

Brian very kindly gave us a portrait of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of local band, Joy Division who was sadly to commit suicide in 1980, aged 23 leaving behind an almost mythical. music legacy.

The winning bid of £70 was offered by "The Instigator" and here the mystery deepens, the Instigator who has asked for anonymity has already kindly purchased several pieces of Brian's artwork in previous charity auctions, and who are we to stop him, many thanks!

The meal will be given to the members of The Unemployed Resource Centre, Liverpool Road, Eccles who meet daily and use the facilities to chat and help them make new friends as many of them became isolated with the Covid outbreak and struggled to come to terms with how to adjust to the new life.

We asked Brian for a quote:

Quote

 

"Being an artist can sometimes feel quite lonely, one creates a piece of art, and one frets over whether it is ever good enough, who will like it, and what actual worth it has. 

Since becoming involved with the wonderful Salford Media, I have found that art and creativity is incredibly important. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help, in some small way, to helping those in our community who need a hand now and again. 

If I can continue to contribute a little of my time and energy to spread a little cheer, then that makes me a very happy man indeed!"

 

This wonderful attitude to helping people is so heart warming and we can't thank Brian and "The Instigator" enough for their kind deeds in selflessly helping the less fortunate,

We shall be delivering the food next week and will keep you up to date with how the meal was received and possibly have a brew ourselves.

Finally have a look at Brian's artwork if you fancy purchasing some original artwork at very reasonable prices, ideal Christmas gifts, and help support the man who has supported us.

https://www.facebook.com/briangormanartwork

https://www.facebook.com/groups/403216776491453

Salford's first ever cycle lane roundabout has been unveiled – and it could be the first of its kind in the country. 

It's part of the multi-million pound Trafford Road changes  - Salford City Council's biggest ever road improvement scheme --  and has been designed to help cyclists and pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairment, safely navigate a point where two cycle lanes cross.

The new roundabout sits at the junction of segregated cycle lanes – ie ones separated from motor traffic – which run north-south along Trafford Road and east-west from Broadway and Rowland Street across Trafford Road.

After extensive consultation with members of the public, cyclists and groups representing people with a wide range of disabilities and visual impairment, the roundabout was created to provide the safest crossing solution.

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable development, said:

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"This is possibly the first roundabout of its kind in the country, so it is certainly creating some debate and we have had a lot of positive feedback.

"The roundabout allows pedestrians to cross the junction safely in two short moves so they only have to be aware of one lane of cycle traffic at a time. It provides a quicker crossing for them and is safer than trying to cross a wider junction with traffic from both directions. It has been designed to accommodate people on foot or in wheelchairs or pushing buggies.

"Cyclists circulate round it like a 'normal' road roundabout so they, too, can get round this junction safely without putting pedestrians in danger."

 

 The Trafford Road scheme has seen every junction along both sides of the mile-long road upgraded to improve traffic movement for all road users and make crossings safer for pedestrians and cyclists. A mile of segregated cycle track has also been introduced as part of a package of measures to encourage more cycling along with new crossings and signals.