If like our very own Tony Flynn, you are a regular visitor to the Salford Local History Library, Crescent, Salford to pore over the huge photograph archive collection and local newspapers held on microfilm, We have some news.

From Monday 19th December the building is going to be unavailable for a period of maintenance and stock checking work.

During this period of closure they are looking to decorate the library, reorganise some of their collection and bring in new equipment and furniture which will be a massive boost.

Additionally from the 8th January until the 29th January the Cafe will be unavailable for public use as improvements are being made in the kitchen area, however hot drinks and snacks will be available for takeaway.

All other areas in the building including Larks Hill Place and the Galleries will be open as normal.

ForHousing tenant, Carole Duck from Salford, is bringing comfort and joy to dogs and their owners.  

Carole, who beat cancer 10 years ago, is the creator of the Duxenall forever dog bed – the only flat-pack dog bed on the market.  

The handmade dog beds are self-assembly, don't require tools and have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for pet owners who want to take their companions on holiday. 

64-year-old Carole, who was formerly a carer and makes her unique product at her Salford home, got her inspiration for Duxenall Dog Bedz from her own canine companion, Harry.

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"As a puppy, he would chew all the dog beds I bought, so I decided to create something that would last." 

It had to be cost-effective and comfy. Carole experimented with some bits of wood and deck chair material, creating a sturdy, raised bed that she could take anywhere with her and would be easy to repair if necessary. "Harry loved it and didn't chew it!" 

 

Friends encouraged her to think about selling the beds to other people. A leaflet from ForHousing saying "Do you have a business idea?" was the catalyst she needed. 

ForHousing's 'Do Your Own Thing' project helps budding entrepreneurs launch their own business by providing help and advice on how to set up in business and a grant of up to £500 to get started. Do Your Own Thing has helped launch over 250 start-ups since 2013. 

Enterprise and Innovation Lead at ForHousing, Eric McBean, helped Carole to secure a grant when she launched in 2017, so she could bulk order the materials she needed to make the beds. He also gave her advice and support on setting up and running a business, including how to cost her product so it was competitive. 

Carole said:

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"Eric was so knowledgeable and supportive,

"He gave me confidence to give it a try. I had bowel cancer 10 years ago so developing my own business has given me a real sense of purpose for the future.   

"I work from home at the moment but my dream and ultimate goal is to set up a dog bed factory with onsite childcare, job-share and well-being support so mums can have a proper career. Then I'd leave the factory to my grandchildren one day." 

 

Carole sells her dog beds online and by attending craft fairs and markets.

A pop-up slot at John Lewis in September helped boost the business further and Carole was thrilled with the sales and feedback.  

Carole told us:

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"One customer took the dog bed camping and the dog was so comfy it wouldn't get out. Another customer said it was the best dog bed she'd ever used and had had it over a year at that point!"

The dog bed is versatile and comes in three sizes with four colour choices and can be ordered via Carole's website https://www.duxenalldogbedz.co.uk  

Eric McBean, Enterprise and Innovation Lead at ForHousing said: "At ForHousing we're passionate about making more things possible for more people and the Do Your Own Thing scheme is just one example of that. 

"We're delighted to see Carole following her business dream and Duxenall Dog Bedz going from strength to strength, we look forward to continuing to support her in any way we can." 

For more information on ForHousing's Do Your Own Thing scheme visit: https://www.doyourownthing.org.uk/  

Salford-based brewery, Strange Times Brewing Co recently launched their crowdfund campaign to set in motion their plans for growth. The brewery is aiming to reach £40,000 by 11 am on Friday 9th December to help them purchase an on-site canning machine so that they can distribute their beers nationwide. To incentivise donations, the brewery is offering a rewards-based system with supporters receiving different benefits based on the amount they give, including cans of beer and exclusive merchandise. If successful, the brewery will be able to open an online shop, sell directly to the public and help keep prices competitive, as well as allow them to employ more team members.

Alex Lord, Founder and Company Director, started the business during the COVID-19 pandemic as he had a passion for creating his own brewery after over 26 years in hospitality and brewing. Along with Lauren Guy, Head Brewer and Aaron Barton-Wells, Assistant Brewer, the business has continued to grow at pace whilst focusing on delivering quality and consistency across the five core beers available. Now, almost 30 pubs within a 25-mile radius stock their products in places like Manchester, Preston, Stockport, Huddersfield and their home of Salford.

Most of the beers are vegan, except for their honey beer where a proportion of sales go to bee charities. The brewery has sustainability at its heart and is aiming to minimise its impact on the planet, by reusing core ingredients for composting, animal feed and fuel and reusing stainless steel kegs throughout their lifetime. They chose Artist Mina Mond to design the packaging as they knew it would stand out against competitors on the shelf. Each of the company’s beers is tied to a tarot card, bringing the stories to life through these unique illustrations.

Commenting on the campaign, Alex said:

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“Since we launched last month, we’ve seen huge progress showing the appetite from people who want to support local brewers. Raising the full total would allow us to continue our growth after building a strong fanbase in and around Manchester and Salford, giving us the chance to expand across the UK. If you want to help us spread the word, tell your friends, partners and colleagues as you could help us get across the line!”

To support the campaign, the brewery has created an official video to help people meet the team and understand their mission. If you would like to learn more about Strange Times Brewing Co’s campaign, visit their crowdfunder page now. 

Today we were delighted to call in at The Emmanuel Church, Langworthy Road, Salford to drop of much needed food and cash from our mystery benefactor in Eccles.

The food was courtesy of Sammie Bellamy from The Love Of Food, based in Salford who do so much, excellent work delivering food to families, veterans and pensioners.

Emmanuel Church provides many, many services for local people including, After School Club, Rainbow Haven  (Asylum Seekers and Refugee's Group) Home from Home (Over 60's Group), Snack and Craft Class, Friday Night Project (Youth Club) and the foodbank which is open every Wednesday from 10am - 12pm and is currently feeding some 60 people a week with the numbers growing.

Yvonne from the foodbank told us:

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"I would like to thank Sammi from The Love Of Food, the stock she has donated is a lifesaver, as well as the food I was delighted to see toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and tampons these are items that many people forget are essentials.

Your mystery benefactor we can't thank him enough, with his money we shall be adding little extras as a Christmas treat to each food parcel we give out in the coming weeks, a little "luxury" will hopefully put a smile on their faces"

 

We did say that we would be splitting the money with the Unemployed Resources Center Breakfast Club, Eccles and today we spoke to Helen who organises and cooks for about a dozen a day, the menu being dependent on what has been donated, some day a bowl of cereal others days a bacon sandwich.

She is making a Christmas Dinner for them so we suggested that we pay for a slap up Christmas Breakfast, bacon, eggs, sausage, beans, black pudding, toast, tea and mince pies, which we shall be purchasing next week and delivering the day before so she can prepare the meal.

Once again many, many thanks to Sammie and the Mystery Man as he shall now be known for helping out and making Christmas just that little bit special for those in need.

Finally don't forget if you can drop off any food, toiletries etc to your local foodbank, please find it in your heart to do this.

Cheers!

As part of the BBC’s ambitious Across the UK strategy, BBC Radio 3 today confirms a raft of programme moves to Salford as the network strengthens its base there.

This supports the BBC’s vision to create a UK-wide classical music hub in the North, maximising new partnerships and opportunities, reaching out to new audiences and diversifying voices heard on the station.

As a result, by 2024/25 at least 50% of production hours for BBC Radio 3 will be from Salford. In addition to this Radio 3 move, Simon Webb – recently announced as the BBC’s first Head of Orchestras and Choirs – will be based there from January 2023, and the incoming new Controller of Radio 3 and BBC Proms, to be announced, will spend their time across both London and Salford bases.

Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3, says:

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“Strengthening Radio 3’s roots in the North of England, with a continued and important presence in London, will ensure the station holds its place at the forefront of leading and developing classical music and culture for the whole of the country. We hope to support and develop a wider pool of established and emerging talent, and build new partnerships with different communities in the North as well as with the wider classical music industry.”

A total of eight programmes will move their production from London to Salford by Autumn 2024: Music Matters, Jazz Record Requests, Essential Classics, Through the Night and Sunday Breakfast.

The Listening Service and Afternoon Concert – both currently partly based in Salford – will move the entirety of their production, and Words and Music will also increase its Salford production. Some programmes made by independent producers, such as Unclassified have already made the move.

The move builds the existing creative Radio 3 community in Salford, creating a new hub of excellence for classical music rooted in the North. Radio 3 will continue to commission from a range of suppliers in different parts of the UK.

As part of the BBC’s Across the UK plan, announced by the BBC’s Director General Tim Davie in March 2021, we are moving programmes and stations away from London so that we can better reflect, represent and serve all part of the country. BBC Radio & Music is contributing to the BBC-wide strategy across its portfolio by committing to spending 50% of network spend outside London, creating a single base for BBC Asian Network in Birmingham and rooting both BBC Radio 3 and Radio 6 Music in Salford. We’ll also have programmes, teams and events in range of different locations, including Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show and BBC Audio’s Science unit in Cardiff, Radio 4’s Feedback being produced in Scotland and Radio 1’s new afternoon show coming live from Salford.

What a strange and wonderful day today as we were contacted out of the blue by not one but two, sets of people who want to make this Christmas that bit special for the less fortunate in Salford and Eccles.

We were contacted last night by a local businessman who had read on Salford Media about the growing numbers of local people who are almost dependent on food banks and other local charities and who wished to help but under the strict rule of anonymity, which we have to obey, but I would love to tell who it is!

Over a cup of coffee he explained that he too was once helped out by a foodbank when he hit hard times and he has remained ever grateful for this.

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"I really feel for these people who are struggling to survive in these harsh times, I have been there and feel their pain, it's no fun when you hit rock bottom and are dependent on others to survive.

I swore that I would try and repay in some way the kindness shown to me, and I would like to give this gift of money for you to distribute as you seem fit to local foodbanks in the area and I no don't want any publicity for this, I am a firm believer in that if you can help the less fortunate then do so, but do it for the right reason, help people when you can, no need to brag or boast, just help"

 

What a fine sentiment and I honestly can't thank the person enough for this public spirited donation which will be shared out tomorrow with The Emmanuel Church Foodbank, Salford and The Unemployed Resources Center Breakfast Club in Eccles.

The day got considerably better when Councillor Sammie Bellamy who runs the For Love Of Food foodbank in Salford who we visited last month, lived up to her word when she promised us that she would help out when she could, and she certainly did!

For The Love Of Food are a nonprofit organisation delivering a meals on wheels service across Salford to support families veterans and pensioners, they are also providing, free of charge 500 Christmas dinners to people aged 65 and over, with a 100 people being served at each one of The Gateways in Salford.

Sammie now has two volunteers helping her prepare the meals, Lynn and new comer, Charley who was there today with her daughter, Carmen.

We were given, rice, pasta, biscuits, crisps, tuna fish, rice pudding, mince pies, chocolates, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap deodorants, children's toys and so much more, the boot of the car and back seats were full to the brim.

Sammie told us:

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"The food which we are glad to donate to you is basically surplus to our requirements, and we should all help those who need help, people are struggling so please find it in you heart to help in any way you can, perhaps donate food or toiletries to your local foodbank more so at this time of year than any other"

So all in all, we saw how generous and helpful Salford people can be, and it is heart warming to see them once again rally around and help the less fortunate not just this Christmas but all year round, we are truly blessed to have great people living and helping in Salford.

God Bless Us One And All.

Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford has been boosted by a ‘crucial’ grant of £18,000 towards the cost of care and community support services it provides to former RAF servicemen and women.

The money, from the RAF Benevolent Fund, is helping to fund nursing and residential care to veterans living at Broughton House as well as counselling and welfare benefits advice to veterans living in the community and their families, through its Armed Forces Support Hub.

Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, said: “Grants from organisations such as the RAFBF have been crucial in enabling our home to weather the financial storm created by Covid and now the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the support show to our home by the RAFBF, providing vital financial aid to enable us to care for residents as well as veterans in the community and their families who are in need of expert help and assistance.”

She added: “Many veterans of working age living in the community are struggling with significant mental health problems. “The vital work of our support hub in providing counselling helps them to feel better able to begin employment or training.

“One veteran, who had been homeless, found a secure job as a result of the hub’s support, and got himself back on the right track.

“In addition, by directly helping to improve the health and wellbeing of members of the RAF family and reducing their social isolation, the additional funding has a beneficial impact on veterans’ wider families.

“At Broughton House itself, we have been able to continue to deliver a holistic and person-centred approach to our residents, ensuring their safe care and so that they are able to live well and enjoy life in their later years.”

Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. Recently 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, a gym and the hub. The care village is currently welcoming an average of two new residents a month.

Among those to benefit from the RAFBF’s support is D-Day veteran David Teacher, 98. David signed up to join the RAF in 1942 at the age of 18. He was a mechanic with No. 71 RAF Beach Unit, which was among the first to land on Juno beach in Normandy on D-Day in 1944. The unit stayed on the beach in a trench for three months, repairing vehicles. Later, David fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.

A double amputee, David moved into Broughton House last year and has become an active member of the home. He gets involved in outings and activities, including the cheese and wine club, baking and gardening.

Remembering his fallen World War Two comrades is very important to David and he has given talks about his experiences to groups of schoolchildren to ensure those comrades’ sacrifices are never forgotten.

He was able to visit the Normandy battlefields in the summer of 2022 with his family, and he plays an active role in Battle of Britain and Remembrance Day ceremonies at Broughton House.

David said: “The activities here are very good – in fact they are excellent. I also particularly enjoy trips out to places such as RHS Garden Bridgewater and Knowsley Safari. I’m very happy here, without a doubt.”

Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Partnership working is an essential part of the Fund’s welfare support to the RAF family, allowing us to get the expert help to the people who need it. The work that Broughton House undertakes is crucial and we’re glad we’re able to make a contribution.” 

A pre-loved furniture recycling project is supporting people living in poverty in Salford.

The Furniture Recycling Scheme from housing association Salix Homes aims to give new life to unwanted furniture and help tenants with access to much-needed furniture and household appliances.

Since the launch of the scheme in 2019, more than 1800 items of furniture including sofas, wardrobes, beds, white goods, and even smaller items such as ornaments and mirrors, have been diverted away from landfill sites.

The eco-friendly scheme recycles unwanted furniture, household items and white goods and offers them to customers in need.

Initially, the scheme was only available for new tenants who needed help setting up a home, but the scheme is now open to any Salix Homes tenant who may be experiencing financial difficulty and has proved a lifeline for many, particularly during the pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Janine Hart the recycling scheme coordinator loves that Salix Homes is are able to help tenants furnish their homes and keep unwanted furniture out of landfill sites, she said:

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“It’s great knowing the furniture we collect from houses will be re-used by our tenants. The scheme has gone from strength to strength, and we’ve helped 231 tenants this year and saved over £14000 in disposal costs.  There is a £10 delivery charge to cover fuel costs but when you think about it, that’s still only £2 per item, that’s a bed, wardrobe, or cooker for less than the price of a coffee – so it’s proving a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost-of-living.

Janine continued:

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“The furniture is either donated by tenants or has been left behind when a resident moves out. 

“If it’s good quality and fit for use, it’s collected by the Salix Homes Environmental Team – saving it from being dumped in landfill sites”.

 

Maria Lester, Environmental Services Manager at Salix Homes, added:

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“People who are struggling can come down to our warehouse and pick what they need to help make their house into a home. This includes people struggling with the cost of living, refugees and anyone escaping domestic abuse. Alternatively, if you’ve got any household items that you no longer want, you could donate them to our recycling scheme. You’ll not only be helping the planet but also people who might be finding it tough, especially at this time of year.”

For more information on donating furniture or if you could make use of this new service moving into your new Salix Home then please get in touch by calling on 0800 218 2000 or visit Furniture recycling scheme - Salix Homes

We took a little trip to St Thomas' 'Pengy' Church today, to try some cake and grab a brew at their annual Christmas Fair and it was a real joy to see so many people active within the church, be that by manning the stalls or as visitors busily browsing through the merchandise on offer.

Hardworking Broughton Councillor Maria Brabiner was there having previously attending the memorial for Hadge Musk earlier in the day, prompting Tony to make claims that she has a time travel machine as she gets everywhere and often before us.

A variety of stalls were available selling everything from scrumptious cakes to books, and the lovely Therese was on hand to talk about the fantastic 'Unearthing' of Pendletons Past in which a number of headstones belonging to the people of what was then Hanky Park; were uncovered having previously been grassed over.

The research into the many souls interred within the Church grounds has been on going ever since and a wealth of information has been uncovered which will be disclosed on a future date, as there is still much more to be done.

The Unearthing Pendletons Past project is in our opinion one of the most important excavations to have taken place within Salford in a long time, as it deals with real people and showcases their lives and struggles in times gone by. The church grounds are the final resting place of many of the areas wealthiest as well as its poorest members of society and the project aims to uncover the stories of both.

The beautiful and beloved Anglican Parish Church which lies within Pendleton, is a prominent feature on the Salford skyline, with its iconic ashlar stone facades in a Gothic Revival style, and over the years it has served countless families, both in the local area as well as much further afield as it continues to do so today.

As for the cake, it was as delicious as ever and the folks manning the kettles make the best brew in Salford.

Pengy Church as it is affectionately known, is stunningly beautiful and holds a special place in the hearts of Salfordians and remains just as important in the community today as it did when it was first built.

Tony did try to make an escape with Raffle prizes but was aprehended by a vigilant member of the congregation.

A cold, winters day at Agecroft Cemetery saw some 40 people turn up to pay their respects to Harold Musk the much loved and respected leader of the 31st Salford Sea Scouts as a new memorial stone was dedicated to him and his memory.

Geoff Greenhalgh was the man who was determined that "Hadge" who died in 1987 wouldn't be forgotten and has campaigned to have a permanent memorial headstone placed in the cemetery and working with Salford Council has realised his ambition.

A lone piper led the cortege to the headstone where Rev Karen Owen gave a moving speech about the good work that "Hadge" had done working with the young people of Salford and instilling in them values to guide them through life.

Speeches and memories were made by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Ann - Marie Humpreys, Councillors for Broughton, Maria Brabiner and Jim King, Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey, Paul Kelly from Salford Trades Council and Geoff Greenhalgh.

Geoff spoke movingly of "Hadge" and thanked everybody who had helped in getting the memorial headstone in place, he told of the wording on the headstone which are the same as on Lord Baden Powell's and on the rear are Geoff's own heartfelt words and the mystery of "Skenning Emma" words carved on the base of the headstone.

The piper played a lament followed by the dipping of the flags by the standard bearers from British Legion, Royal Airforce, and Armed Services, followed by the playing of The Last Post.

Finally Rev Owen gave a moving talk about the importance of people like "Hadge" to Salford, unsung heroes who diligently carry on helping others without asking for reward for favour a person who we could all learn from in this day and age.

"Hadge" you served Salford well and today we turned out to honour you, sleep well.

Two weeks ago we offered you the chance to purchase a piece of artwork by Brian Gorman, depicting, Ian Curtis the doomed lead singer of Manchester band, Joy Division.

We have had a few enquiries and the highest bid stands at £50 but we all know that this artwork is worth considerably more if not double that amount, plus Brian has added a fully signed programme from the cast of his award winning play, New Dawn Fades which played to sell out audiences this year.

The artwork is A4 size which equates to 16-1/2 x 23-3/8 inches or 42.0 x 59.4 cm and comes unframed, you can pick up some nice frames from Ikea or Wilkinsons for a fiver.

All monies raised will be split between The Mustard Tree emergency weekend foodbank, The Salford Unemployed Resource Centre on Liverpool Road, Eccles, and the Emmanuel Church, Salford foodbank.

So do the right thing, dig deep and purchase a piece of original artwork and get that warm inner glow from knowing that you have helped somebody less fortunate, you know it makes sense.

Contact me on Facebook Messenger, or Newsdesk@salford.media with your bid, and if local we can deliver!

Finally have a look at Brian's artwork if you fancy purchasing some original artwork at very reasonable prices, ideal Christmas gifts.

https://www.facebook.com/briangormanartwork

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

From the writer of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the world premiere of Claus The Musical. Based on the beloved children’s book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, this brand-new musical is as magical as Christmas itself.

With spellbinding songs from Andy Collyer, heart-warming storytelling, enchanting sets, and a whole load of festive fun, discover the story of Claus and how he became a man forever in our hearts, and on Christmas Eve, forever in our skies.

Abandoned as a baby in the magical Forest of Burzee, he is gifted to Necile, a wood nymph, who showers him with love and names him Claus.  With a helping hand from the mystical inhabitants of the forest – Fairies, Knooks and Ryls – she teaches him that kindness is the most important lesson of all, a gift that Claus eventually shares with us, as he embarks on a journey to bring the miracle of Christmas to the whole world.

Make Christmas in 2022 unforgettable and book now!

Adapted for the stage by Simon Warne, Claus will warm the hearts of everyone from 7 to 97, and is a truly joyful production for the whole family to cherish and enjoy together.

Tickets available here.  https://thelowry.com/whats-on/claus-the-musical/

A man has been charged following an appeal by police after the attempted kidnap of a teenage girl in Monton.

Sean Anthony Gillings (06/09/1989) of no fixed abode, was arrested on Sunday 27 November 2022, following an appeal to the public.

CCTV captured images of a dark, hatchback vehicle, with a distinctive silver wing mirror cover, on Monton Green, where the attempt kidnap of the 15-year-old had been reported on Monday 21 November 2022.

This appeal resulted in the arrest of Gillings, who was then questioned and charged yesterday, Tuesday 29 November 2022. He remains on bail for the other two attempt kidnaps whilst further investigations are ongoing.

Gillings was today, (Wednesday 30 November 2022), remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Square Court on Wednesday 4 January 2023.

Salford City Council is hoping to give local shops a boost with free parking in the run up to Christmas.

Shoppers can use six council-run pay and display car parks for free on four Saturdays in December. They are Saturday 3 December (which is also Small Business Saturday), Saturday 10, Saturday 17 December Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: 

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"I know people are concerned about all aspects of the cost of living at the moment and we have details of a lot of local support on our website www.salford.gov.uk/costofliving

"I hope this small Christmas 'gift' helps and encourages people to shop locally and support our fantastic Salford businesses."

 

The car parks involved are:

Partington Street, Monton

John William Street, Eccles

St Mary's Road, Eccles

Irwell Place, Eccles

Hankinson Way, Salford

Church Street, Swinton

Notices will be posted on site at these car parks. All other conditions for using the car park, such as parking within properly marked bays and displaying a Blue Badge if you have one, still apply.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of attempted kidnap, following an incident on Monday 21 November, when it was reported to police that a teenage girl had been approached by an unknown male at a bus stop between the two roundabouts on Monton Green, Monton, at around 6.15pm.

The male is reported to have made advances towards the girl and attempted to physically get her to go with him into his car.

Detectives have had sight of CCTV footage, which has led them to possibly linking this event to two more, which took place in other areas of Salford.

Operation Wraith has been set up in response, with dedicated Detectives investigating the offences.

Detective Inspector Chris Horsfield, of GMPs Salford CID, said:

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"Although we have made this arrest, we are still very much looking to speak to anyone who may have information or dashcam footage, which could help us to establish the circumstances.

"We understand that the local community will be concerned but we are doing all we can to solve this investigation. I'd urge anyone who knows anything at all to please get in touch as soon as possible. In particular we are interested in the movements of a Black Vauxhall Astra 08 plate with a silver driver's wing mirror cover; the passenger side is black.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage pertaining to the following locations in particular:

- Rocky Lane/Monton Green/Monton High Street on Monday 21 November 2022 between 6-7pm.

- Mossfield Road/Ackworth Road, Swinton on Monday 21 November 2022 between 8-9am.

- Liverpool Street (Salford), between Fitzwarren Street and Albion Way on Wednesday 16 November 2022 between 7:45-8:20pm.

 

Officers are requesting that you email cctvretrieval@gmp.police.uk with your name and contact number and will email you back with instructions to upload your footage.

You can also contact Police on 0161 856 8361 (voicemail facility), by dialling 101, or by using the LiveChat function quoting log number 2786 of 21/11/22."

Eccles Precinct was once again brightened up with the celebrations for The A World Shop as it celebrated three years of trading in the area.

They provided a bouncy castle, singers, free cakes, mince pies, tea and coffee, tombola, raffles for enormous cuddly toys and other prizes, and it was good to see the staff manning the stalls and in particular. Louise belting out the hits on the karaoke machine! take a bow.

I spoke to the company's founder Jamie Howell who told me more about A World and what services it provides to children affected by Autism.

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"Along with my brother Adam  we decided to help families affected by autism as we have had first hand experience with family members being affected, we could see there  was a lack of support within Salford for the autistic community, and so three years ago we opened the Eccles store.

"We are a CIC  which means we get our money from trade and we are not entirely dependent on donations and grants, we have a Director and Trustees.

We have now expanded with 16 stores employing some 40 people and we believe they all serve a need in the community, the Eccles is extremely popular and today is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers"

 

The A World UK has been able to offer a variety of support over the past 3 years, supporting over 2700 people through:

Weekly autism friendly football sessions with Little Legends.

Exclusive hire of Playkidd’s playcentre in Swinton, with Twinkleboost in attendance. 

Horse-riding sessions*

Funded holidays*

Nerf event with Busy Bushcraft.

Carer’s event.

Christmas events for children and adults.

Blackpool Illuminations Tram Tour's.

Exclusive hire of Gulliver’s World - Warrington.

I was delighted to receive the 12 Chip Shops calendar from my old chum, Steve Marland, a retired University FE Lecturer, artist, print maker, photographer, musician, tour guide and all round good egg.

Steve has produced various calendars over the years including one's on Launderettes, and his Estate Pubs one is pride of place in my kitchen, showing various pubs in shall we say, faded splendour?

With a personal passion for chip barms, mushy peas and bockles of pop, Steve has been munching his way around Greater Manchester, whilst recording the interiors, the signage and the sheer variety of chippies across the county.

I love the way he has captured these humble chippy's for posterity, we all must have memories of our favourite street corner chippy, "Greasy Emma's" on Clarendon Road, Salford, Mares on Weaste Bridge. Kidds, Bolton Road  I can almost smell the chip fat and vinegar  a Salford. "Madeline moment"... look it up.

I have been on several of Steve's "Mooches" as he calls his guided tours great fun and the added bonus of being educational...but I digress we are here to read and learn about Twelve Chip Shops, so lets have a quote from the man himself..

"This is the third calendar that I have done it's to raise cash for The Manchester Modernist Society and I do it because otherwise nobody else would choose these subjects. it fits my mooching lifestyle and I eat fish and chips too."

But how do I purchase one of these beauty's that will grace my home for the next twelve months and bring joy into my life I hear you ask.

They are A3 portrait size and cost £15 plus p&p (these are A3 in size so more expensive to post than normal) 

Contact the Manchester Modernist Society by following this link https://the-modernist.org/pages/get-in-touch

Police in Salford ask motorists for help in identifying a man who attempted to kidnap a local schoolgirl in Monton, following similar incidents across Salford which could be linked.

Officers in Salford are appealing to drivers who were in the Monton area of Salford on Monday 21 November 2022, at approximately 6.15pm, to come forward and help with their enquiries.

Greater Manchester Police responded to reports by the parents of a teenage girl on Monday 21 November 2022, who had been approached by a male at a bus stop between the two roundabouts on Monton Green, Monton.

It is believed that he made advances to the 15-year-old and tried to physically get her to go with him to his car, a dark hatchback.

GMP have had sight of CCTV footage, which has led to them to possibly linking this event to two more, which took place in other areas of Salford.

Operation Wraith has been set up with dedicated Detectives investigating the offences.

Detectives are now keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage pertaining to the following locations:

- Rocky Lane/Monton Green/Monton High Street on Monday 21 November 2022 between 6-7pm.

- Mossfield Road/Ackworth Road, Swinton on Monday 21 November 2022 between 8-9am.

- Liverpool Street (Salford), between Fitzwarren Street and Albion Way on Wednesday 16 November 2022 between 7:45-8:20pm.

Officers are requesting that you email cctvretrieval@gmp.police.uk with your name and contact number and will email you back with instructions to upload your footage.

Detective Inspector Chris Horsfield from Salford Division said:

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"The victims have been left extremely shaken up by this encounter and it's very important that we get this man identified and off the streets as soon as possible."

"We believe that the man we want to speak to may have been driving a dark-coloured hatchback car, but we need to review dashcam footage to identify the make, model and registration plate.

"We are appealing to drivers in the areas on the dates and times above to please submit their dashcam footage to us, so our specialised officers can go through and analyse it.

"You can contact us on 0161 856 8361 (voicemail facility), by dialling 101 or using the LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 2786 of 21/11/22."

 

A new executive director has joined the leadership team at Salix Homes.

Eric Tamanis took up the post of Executive Director of Resources earlier this month (November), taking over the reins from Sara Sharrock, who has left the organisation to take up a new post as Chief Executive of Empower Housing Association in Chorley.

Eric joins our three-strong Executive Management Team, working alongside our Chief Executive Sue Sutton and Executive Director of Operations Sian Grant.

Eric has worked in the social housing sector for more than 30 years, having qualified as an accountant during his early career and going on to hold directorate responsibilities for finance, property services and business development in various organisations.

At Salix Homes, Eric is responsible for overseeing all our back-office support services, which includes Finance, Performance, Governance, People Services, Marketing and ICT.

He said:

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“I’m honoured to join the Salix Homes team and look forward to working with the Board, our partners, stakeholders and of course our colleagues, as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.

“My approach is to focus on directing resources to the benefit of customers, adopting a commercial approach driven by value for money and social principles, while maximising the potential of our colleagues.

“My focus has always been on people – our customers and colleagues – remembering always why we do what we do.”

 

Cemetery visitors can now remember their loved ones and do their bit for the planet.

Salford City Council is trialling new green waste bins at Peel Green cemetery for visitors to recycle flowers and plants which will be turned into compost.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety, said the idea would only work if people were careful about what they put in the bins.

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“It sounds such a simple and obvious idea but other councils around the country have tried it and found the green bins get contaminated with waste that can’t be composted,” she said.

“I’m sure the good people of Salford will help us make this trial a success by removing any plastic, paper, oasis, ribbons, elastic bands, metal or anything else that can’t be composted before they put flowers, plants or leaves in the bin. If this works in Peel Green we can roll it out to the other cemeteries in the city.

“Non compostable items can be put into other bins around the cemetery. If they go into the green bins, we can’t remove them and a contaminated load can’t be recycled. I hope people will appreciate being able to remember their loved ones in an eco-friendly way which is good for the planet.”

 

The new bins, which can be found between plots U and T, are part of a plan to make Salford’s cemeteries more sustainable, reduce their carbon footprint as part of the council’s plans to become carbon neutral by 2038 and improve bio-diversity. Green materials from maintenance at all cemeteries is already recycled.