Road works on one of Salford’s busiest roads will be extended for several weeks after workers discovered an old collapsed sewer.

Staff from Electricity NW were laying a high voltage cable at the junction of Green Lane and the A57 Liverpool Road in Eccles when the problem was discovered.

An old 750mm wide sewer beneath the road has collapsed leaving an eight metre deep void.

Work has now started to fill the void and make it safe but could take up to seven weeks to complete.

Traffic is being managed with three-way temporary traffic lights and motorists are advised to find alternative routes or build in extra time for their journey.

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

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“This has to be made safe otherwise the road itself could collapse. Work has started and will be completed as quickly as possible.”

 A scheme to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village has won a top award.

The £12.5m project which has transformed Broughton House in Salford scooped the Community Benefit honour in the north west category of the 2022 RICS Awards.

The awards – run by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – recognise outstanding initiatives in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

The community benefit category celebrates outstanding achievements in providing a facility that directly benefits the local community.

Broughton House now goes through to the national grand final, which will be held in London on Friday, October 21. Since the demolition of the original home in 2020, Broughton House has been transformed into a modern complex featuring a 64-bed care home, including a 16-bed household dedicated to veterans with dementia, and six retirement apartments.

The redevelopment was carried out in phases to ensure Broughton House continued to function and provide care throughout.

Facilities at the revamped site include a museum, a gym, a hairdressing and barber’s salon and a restaurant and bar for residents. There is also an Armed Forces Support Hub which provides welfare support and counselling for ex-service people of all ages living in the local community.

Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said:

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“We are honoured and thrilled that our new Veteran Care Village has been recognised with this prestigious award.

“Creating a facility which better meets the needs of our veterans now and in the future was a major undertaking which is bearing fruit as a modern, comfortable and welcoming home and community for service veterans from across the north west and beyond.”

 

The project manager for the redevelopment was Manchester-based Dooley Associates.

Brendan Dooley, founder and managing director of Dooley Associates, said:

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“I’m absolutely thrilled that Broughton House has been recognised in the RICS Awards.

“It was a challenging brief, creatively, financially and logistically, and I’m immensely pro ud that Dooley Associates led the team on this project.

The scope and budget of the two-stage development was fully respected, and the entire project was handled with empathy and care to the existing residents.

“This prestigious award is testament to what can be achieved when a team strives towards a common goal, particularly when that goal is so critical to a respected community.”

 

Seven men dressed as grannies will be travelling from Preston FC to Blackpool Town Centre on June 25th dressed as grannies to raise funds for specialised physiotherapy for eleven-year-old Freya Bailey from Irlam, Manchester.

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

Dad Darren Bailey, 50, a water engineer, came up with the Scooter Grannies idea in 2016 to help raise funds for an operation which helped ease Freya’s pain. He now has to continue to raise money for ongoing physio which helps to keep her mobile and means she can continue to ride her adapted bike and go swimming.

Darren said:

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

This will be the Scooter Grannies fifth event. In previous years, Darren and his colleagues have scooted from Irlam to Blackpool, Irlam to Chester, Huddersfield to Irlam and Anfield to Old Trafford. They are sponsored by 20 local businesses who sponsor the race to continue to pay for Freya’s physiotherapy – the money raised by this event will cover physio for around the next five to six months.

Darren said:

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

‘As well as her ongoing physiotherapy, which costs £240 each week, I am constantly having to buy or upgrade equipment as she grows and her needs change – recently I’ve spent £3,000 on a off-road buggy so we can do things like go for walks in the woods. She’s nearly 12 now and will be wanting more independence, so I’m keen to get her an electric wheelchair but that can be anything from £12,000 to £20,000.' 

‘This year we are hoping to be granted a street collection licence so that we can raise even more money along the way.’

‘Thank you to everyone involved, family, friends, Scootergrannies, support team, local business sponsors and the local community for still keeping Freya in your thoughts. ‘  ‘There is no cure for cerebral palsy, no magic wand just a family’s resilience against the odds to raise the funds trying to give Freya the best they can. This has been made easier and more pleasurable with the friends and family I have around me.’ 

 

Gill Gibb, CEO of Tree of Hope said: ‘We’re delighted to be helping with Freya’s fundraising and Scooter Grannies is certainly an innovative event! We wish Darren all the best with it.’

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

For more information, images or to arrange interviews please contact Catherine Cooper on 00 33 5 61 69 57 89, 00 33 6 09 03 55 88 or mail@catherinecooper.net

Four arrests have been made and specialist manufacturing equipment suspected to make millions of pounds worth of counterfeit prescription drugs has been seized following dawn raids in the region this morning (17 May 2022).

A total of nine addresses were raided by officers in Salford and Wigan as part of a crackdown on the illegal supply and manufacturing of counterfeit prescription drugs where two sophisticated labs, believed to be where Diazepam pills are being made, were discovered. It’s estimated that both labs, on Albion Street in Salford and Lower Green Lane in Wigan, may have been making thousands of tablets an hour.

The operation, led by GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG), was part of Greater Manchester Police’s commitment to taking drugs off the streets under Operation Cranium, a multi-agency response to prescription drugs and the sale of counterfeit medication mainly being sold around the Cheetham Hill area. Following proactive policing such as warrants, dedicated patrols and intelligence gathering, along with work alongside partners such as harm reduction visits to premises to offer advice and work with users and professionals to help those in need, the area has seen a drop in reported incidents and today’s raids are another huge step in finding those responsible for their supply and manufacturing.

Following warrants at a number of addresses, four men, aged 42 to 77, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class C drugs. A 42-year-old was also further arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Around £20,000 in cash and assets including Rolex and Omega watches worth approximately £30,000 were seized, along with three firearms and ammunition taken from an address on Lower Green Lane in Astley, are awaiting further testing to see if they are viable.

Today’s action follows a seizure of over 2.6 million Benzodiazepine tablets on 1 April on the M61 motorway near Rivington Services where a man was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class C. Ehsan Ahamath, 12/04/1990, of Langley Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, is due to appear at Bolton Crown Court on 19 September 22.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Faulkner, from GMP’s SOCG, said:

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“Misuse of prescription drugs can lead to fatal consequences and there have already been several cases where people have become seriously ill or died as a result of acquiring them illegally.

“Illegal drugs and their distribution can not only blight communities, but can also pose a real harm and risk to both those in the community and those using and taking them. We regularly work with partners including Public Health England and the Greater Manchester Drugs Early Warning System which monitors new and emerging drugs that pose a real threat.

“We will not hesitate in taking action on those involved and today is a strong example of this whereby we’ve wiped out a clearly sophisticated set up and hopefully saved lives as a result. Today’s warrants are another huge step in our crackdown and it doesn’t stop here.”

 

Parts and mechanical items from inside the suspected labs are currently in the process of being dismantled and investigated.

DCI Faulkner added:

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“I can’t emphasise enough the dangers of taking these drugs without a relevant prescription and dosage guidance from a healthcare professional. Illicit supplies of prescription drugs may be counterfeit or adulterated and anyone purchasing such drugs cannot be sure of their origin or what they may have been mixed with. Packages may also contain incorrect dosage information.

“Our best fight against those who would seek to profit from drugs supply are members of the public, on whom we rely on to report suspicious activity. If you suspect someone is illegally supplying prescription or counterfeit prescription drugs, report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.”

 

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

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“People’s lives can be destroyed by the misuse of prescription drugs and anyone taking advantage of this for their own gain needs to be found and brought to justice.

“Today’s operation is a really positive step forward to not only take action against those responsible for these crimes, but to also help get control of an illegal drug market that has such a negative impact on our communities.

“The illegal supply of any drug carries so much danger for those purchasing and using them as there is no way of knowing where it has come from or how it’s been produced. Police will continue to gather intelligence and crackdown on markets like this which inevitably lead to the deterioration of neighbourhoods and increased anti-social behaviour and violence.”

 

Over the past few weeks local artists have returned to the creative, digital and tech destination to re-vamp BOTD’s collection of 30 sheds and greenhouses to create a fresh, summer vibe to the quirky private dining pods set within MediaCityUK’s award winning gardens.

Since launching BOTD last year to help support local artists and the hospitality industry through the pandemic, the concept has grown from to strength to strength – safely attracting thousands of diners over last summer as well as acting as an immersive art trail throughout the winter months.

New additions for the BOTD Summer Season include; The Box on the Docks Bar and Grill which will serve up the best pop-up food Salford and Manchester has to offer on rotating tri-weekly residencies – kicking off with award winning Grandad’s Sausages, followed by the equally lauded I Knead Pizzas, with more to follow. Open daily, it will serve coffee and delicious pastries by Batard Bakehouse and for the grab and go lunchtime customer, amazing/ridiculous subs from Bada Bing Sandwich Deli. Guest beers will feature from local craft breweries and it will host regular DJ sets and live music later in the day.

Michael Kershaw from Grandad’s Sausages said:

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“It’s a great spot down at MediaCity. The gardens are lush, the beers are cold and the sausages we knock out are sizzling. It’s a hive of activity down here and we’re proud to put smiles on our customers faces with our high-quality bangers!”

The launch of the new family run SEVEN BRO7HERS brew house not only brings another popular, local independent into the heart of MediaCityUK but also gives a new option for customers to enjoy a pint and one of their signature burgers, flatbreads or wedges either within the beer house or in a private BOTD pod.

Plant based eatery Vertigo as well as have also committed to BOTD for the summer season.

Keith McAvoy, CEO of SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO, said:

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“We are so pleased to finally be launching our MediaCityUK space after months of waiting for covid restrictions to ease. MediaCityUK is such a vibrant and exciting location, so we can’t wait to kick off by being part of the Box on the Docks buzz.

“It is fantastic after months of closures and restrictions to be back doing what we love – welcoming people into our family for a pint. We look forward to seeing our customers in our new beer house and making the most of our Box on the Docks spaces this Summer.”

 

As well as the vibrant BOTD dining scene, visitors to MediaCityUK will be able to capture the moment in front of the new spring/summer flower wall and younger members of the family can take part in the Luna Loves Art Trail.

The Salford Foodbank’s Gift Box also continues to be in situ accepting food donations to be distributed to local families in need.

Josie Cahill MediaCityUK Place Director added:

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“It’s been a long winter and as restrictions gradually lift it’s great to see MediaCityUK coming back to life. There’s a real buzz of excitement among our amazing cohort of artists and independent foodies and operators who have really pulled together to create a special experience for our visitors this summer. We have some fantastic new additions with the arrival of SEVE7N BROTHERS and our very own Box on the Docks Bar & Grill. We’ve also brought in more seating around the piazza and gardens to help people safely socialise this Summer.”

To book a box and for more information please visit: Box On The Docks – MediaCityUK

Three Salford charities have been given a funding boost thanks to the kindness of local residents and businesses.

Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor Councillor John Mullen chose three good causes to support during his mayoral year and organised a series of fundraising events including quiz and music nights and the traditional Ceremonial Mayor’s Ball.

The Andrew Cooke Music Award Trust and Memorial Fund, The Salfordian Trust which runs the Salfordian hotel and Salford Children's Holiday Camp have all received just over £12,000 each.

The Andrew Cooke helps Salford children to buy and learn to play a musical instrument. The Salfordian Hotel has been providing residents and their carers with holiday breaks since 1963 while the Salford Children's Holiday Camp was established in 1926 and has provided an affordable holiday for more than 80,000 children who might otherwise have missed out.

Councillor Mullen and his Mayoress, Mrs Michelle Mullen thanked everyone who has supported their charity appeal and said they were delighted with the amount raised.

Councillor Mullen, said:  

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“We’ve had a challenging year with pandemic restrictions but once again Salford has showed its true spirit and generosity.WeI know this money will be well spent on giving children and adults a lot of pleasure and, in the case of music lessons, new skills and maybe even a career.”

Councillor Mullen’s year as Ceremonial Mayor ends on Wednesday 18 May when Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys will be sworn in for 2022 to 2023.

Photos show George Blagden accepting the cheque on behalf of the Salfordian Trust and Lesley Howard Smith, receiving the donation for the Salford Children’s Holiday Camp

A man has been found dead at his home on Chorley Road in Swinton by police and paramedics responding to a report of concern for his welfare shortly after 9pm last night (Monday 16th May).

His family have been informed and there are thought to be no suspicious circumstances.

A spokesperson for GMP, said:

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"At around 9.10pm on Monday 16 May 2022, we received a report of concern for the welfare of a male at a property on Chorley Road, Swinton.

"Emergency services attended and a man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed. There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death."

 

We extend our condolences to his friends and family.

Last week I was contacted by a good friend Steve Coleman a man after my own heart with his habit of collecting all things weird and wonderful relating to Salford.

He told me that many years ago a friend of his who does house clearances, had to empty out a flat on Liverpool Road, Eccles, the deceased had no relatives and sadly all of his possessions were thrown into a skip, including several paintings done on board.

Steve took several of the paintings and had kept them for safety at his home, Stephen told me that the artist was well known as being a poet and a folk singer and the portrait of a steam train that he gave me was signed, Paul Croghan  and so I did a bit more research and was astounded at what i discovered.

Paul Ambrose Croghan to give him his full name was born in 1934 and died in 2003 and to say he lived a full life would be an understatement, he was described as being,

 "A very individual person in both physical appearance and personality, highly complex and somewhat misunderstood, endowed with a cutting edge acid wit, which did not always endear him to certain persons.

To hear his voice over the telephone, one would gain the impression of a suave and polished intellectual, yet his dishevelled appearance was totally the reverse - very old faded clothes, long unkempt hair, unshaven appearance and heavily nicotine stained teeth"

I have found out amongst his accomplishments he was a keen aviation expert, steam train enthusiast, a poet, a painter, but above all, a well known folk singer in the Manchester and local area who penned his own songs, he was a regular performer at The Black Lion and Star Inn, Salford, The White Lion in Swinton and The Duke of York, Eccles to name just a few, sometimes accompanied by his lady friend, Helen Rhodes, herself a very talented musician.

He does seem to be a very eccentric person, who it has to be said did upset a few people with his outspoken comments, drinking and life style, and yet somehow, had and kept a close circle of friends, sadly I never met him despite him living and drinking in Eccles for several years.

Local folk music stalwarts, Bob Marshall and Phil Cusack remember him from the Duke of York folk nights and both agree he was a very talented if not scatter brained artist, who would recite poems and the next week couldn't  remember them as he had thrown away his notes..

He died in 2003 and was cremated at Peel Green cemetery, a wake was held for him at The Duke of York pub and his ashes were spread in Sackville Gardens, Manchester.

He did have published a book of his poetry, posthumously in 2015, The Poetry Of Paul Ambrose Croghan which has a delicious little poem in it called, The Better Part of Eccles, a wickedly funny ditty about a conversation he overheard about a chap moving to Eccles...The better part, he said snobbishly.

If you knew Paul I would love to hear your memories of him, he does sound a proper character no doubt with faults as we all have, just sad that there is little to remind us of his life.

People’s tenor Russell Watson will host a very special Proms party night to launch the 2022 Hale Barns Carnival this summer.

Salford born superstar Russell returns to Hale Barns after opening last year’s event to headline another evening of traditional Proms’ favourites.

The singer dubbed the ‘the Voice’ is the best-selling classical artist of all time and has also been razzle dazzling British theatre audiences and critics alike this spring playing ruthless lawyer Billy Flynn on tour in smash hit Kander and Ebb musical Chicago, with reviewers describing him as “a sheer delight” and “a triumph”.

This year’s carnival takes place across the weekend of Friday 15 July, Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July 2022 – with the live music being extended to three evenings for the second time, reflecting the demand for tickets.

Alongside Russell Watson, other headline live acts across the three days include Liverpool soul legends The Real Thing and Rose Royce singer, R&B royalty Gwen Dickey.

The Proms with Russell Watson officially opens Hale Barns Carnival 2022 on the evening of Friday 15 July.

The 55-year-old, who originally started singing in working men’s clubs in his spare time from his job as a bolt cutter, is the UK’s best-selling classical artist of all time.

His debut solo album The Voice, released in 2000, reached the number one chart spot – a position it held for a world record 52 weeks, catapulting him into the international spotlight.

He will be joined at Hale Barns by his band to perform a specially curated set full of Proms classics, including patriotic anthems like Jerusalem and Rule Britannia, and some of the world’s best-known operatic arias.

And support will come from String Infusion and rising star teenage soprano Millie Royle who is currently a student at Sale Grammar School.

Russell Watson said:

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“Last year’s Proms concert at Hale Barns Carnival was my first gig in 18 months, and it was such an emotional experience to be able to perform live, made extra special by the fact it was for a Hale Barns where I used to live.

“So when the carnival team asked if I would return for 2022, it didn’t take me long to say yes please!

“Once again I’ll be performing Proms favourites, along with a selection of the repertoire that I’ve recorded over the last 20 years.”

 

Tickets for the concert are on sale now.

In addition to individual concert tickets and weekend passes, special VIP secret garden tickets are also available, giving access to a premium bar, at-table waitress service, VIP toilets and a great view of the stage.

The live concerts are once again complemented by a two-day free Hale Barns Carnival family event on the Saturday and Sunday (16 and 17 July).

The event features local performances and live music, the ‘Kidchella’ mini festival experience for youngsters aged three to 11, traditional fun fair rides, a makers’ market with 30 stalls, plus a foodie village and bars. The Supercar Paddock also returns featuring rare classic cars and supercars.

Daytime entry is free from 12noon until 4pm.

This year the daytime programme will include a host of new attractions including Inflatable World – with a giant inflatable obstacle course; a 28ft rock climbing wall for adults and children giving a bird’s eye view of the festival site; The PartyBus soft play double decker, and a chance to test your skills in a special Football Academy.

Organiser Max Eden from Hale Barns Events said:

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“I’m really pleased to be able to welcome Russell Watson back to Hale Barns Carnival for 2022. He was a big hit with audiences last summer, so it’s guaranteed to be quite an evening this July.

“And of course, it’s just the start of the Carnival weekend with the Proms night kicking off three consecutive evenings of great music from some very special guests.”

 

Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Website:        https://www.halebarnscarnival.co.uk

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/HaleBarnsCarnival/

Twitter:           @HaleBarnsEvents #HBCarnival

The city centre park is being upgraded to provide a green oasis for nearby residents, make walking and cycling through it easier and join it to the Greater Manchester Bee Network which will be the largest network of off-road walking and cycling routes in the UK when complete.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority awarded Salford City Council £683,249 for the improvements.

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

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“The paths, cycle routes and lighting through the park will be upgraded along with the lawn and an area for pop up events or a café will be added.

“More seating will be added, new trees planted to soak up rainfall, more plants including seasonal wildflowers which will benefit wildlife and landscaping will make it an even more pleasant place to relax.

“We’re adding cycle parking which includes Salford’s first stands for cargo bikes. We have an e-cargo bike library at Manchester Bikes in nearby Chapel Street to help more businesses try a green alternative to deliveries.”

 

Islington Park houses a mosaic which local school children designed in 1992 to commemorate Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of the classic children’s novel The Secret Garden. Frances lived nearby as a child before emigrating to America and published the book in 1911, drawing on her memories of England.

Councillor McCusker added:

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“Unfortunately, after 30 years of weathering, damage and many, many repairs the mosaic has reached the end of its life but we will preserve parts of it in feature walls, so it lives on for future generations. We will also work with local children to create new mosaic designs which will be printed on aluminium.”

Nearby footpaths will remain open but the park itself will be closed during the work which is expected to finish in September.  

Festival fundraiser promises a fantastic weekend of family fun and music

The excitement is growing for this year’s fantastic Bowdonbury Festival which returns to Greater Manchester next week

The weekend of unmissable fun for all the family is being held at the Bowdon Cricket, Hockey & Squash Club at Altrincham with a host of stellar acts and attractions planned to entertain festivalgoers.

The two-day event takes place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May and festivalgoers are being promised a memorable experience with music from some of the UK’s best tribute artists along with a full daytime programme.

This year organisers have brought together even more artisan traders who will be offering refreshments from some of the finest of the local food and drink scene, a range of new bars and an even bigger family-friendly funfair. There will also be a Makers Market, huge inflatable obstacle course, pop up stalls from local businesses and family displays.

General entry tickets, weekend passes and Premium Pavilion Pass tickets are all on sale on the Bowdonbury Festival website.

Premium Pavilion Pass holders have access to the pavilion and exclusive use of a raised viewing platform from which to enjoy the line-up of award-winning live performers, along with a premium bar featuring waitress service at your table, indoor seating and toilet facilities and a set menu available with catering by award-winning chefs.

The Bowdonbury Festival opens on Friday 20 May with a new Friday night concert featuring some top tribute acts and a brilliant set from DJ Darren Proctor.

The evening will take audiences on a nostalgia trip back to the 90s and noughties with headliners Take That Live and award-winning Michaela Weeks as pop princess Britney Spears.

Take That Live were named the ‘best Take That tribute band’ in the National Tribute Awards. They have appeared on numerous TV shows and have won plaudits not just from fans but from those connected with the superstar band including Nigel Martin-Smith – the man who formed and managed them.

Accompanied by the best Lighting show of any Take That tribute band in Europe today, they offer a 'live' tour experience featuring massive Take That hits from across the whole of the band’s stellar career including Pray, Greatest Day, Rule the World, Patience and Back for Good to name just a few.

They will be joined by award-winning Michaela Weeks who has been voted the UK’s number one Britney Spears lookalike and tribute act.

Michaela – who has spent years perfecting the art of being a celebrity impersonator - has wowed audiences across the globe, from Dubai to Istanbul Los Angeles, and has appeared on countless television shows and in newspapers and magazines. In 2014, Britney herself asked to meet Michaela at her Las Vegas residency and the two were photographed together.

Expect brilliant live vocals and dance routines along with perfect performances of all those massive Britney Spears hits from Baby One More Time to her latest releases.

Bowdonbury continues on Saturday 21 May with a full day of family-friendly entertainment across the festival site as well as an unmissable line-up on the main festival stage.

The programme of live music will be headlined by Paul Bacon as Ultimate Elton. The lifelong Elton John fan began singing and playing his music while studying performing arts at university in the 1980s when he discovered he had an extraordinary similar singing style to the superstar singer-songwriter.

Drawing on an amazing back catalogue going back more than 50 years including Your Song, Candle In the Wind, Crocodile Rock and Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me, Ultimate Elton is a wonderful and authentic celebration of Elton John’s sublime music. And Paul even wears some of the original Elton stage costumes he has acquired over the years.

The line-up also includes Paula Randell as Totally Tina. Paula, who is recognised as the best Tina Turner tribute in the world, is set to recreate the singer’s Tina ‘Live’ 50th Anniversary concert with exact replica costumes and dance routines. Expect all those classic hits including Private Dancer, Simply the Best, River Deep Mountain High and Proud Mary.

The Saturday entertainment doesn’t end there with ABBA and Chic tribute performances on the programme, along with music from fantastic local bands to make it a day-long party.

Away from the music, there’s a host of attractions including a popular Makers Market with everything from gifts and crafts to cakes and sweet treats, and a spectacular 100ft Inflatable World obstacle course for adults and children to enjoy.

All-new bars for 2022 include a gin bar, cocktail bar and local wine bar, while Macclesfield brewery Bach 95 – owned by a group of Sale Sharks players - will run a beer tent.

And the food offer will include amazing wood fired pizzas from Little Red Pizza Company, Banksy’s gourmet burgers, Indian street food, Dutch fries, churros, Greek wraps and vegan specialities.

The Bowdonbury Festival is organised by Max Eden with all profits going to support the Bowdon Cricket, Hockey and Squash Club. The event will also support its nominated charity which this year is the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The festival is sponsored by Benchmark Security Group.

Organiser Max Eden said:

“I’m delighted to be able to bring back the Bowdonbury Festival next week. The event, which we launched last year, has been embraced by both the local community and festivalgoers from further afield who really enjoy and appreciate the quality family-friendly entertainment and fantastic music we work hard to bring together.

“We’ve got another great line up of talent for 2022, and plenty for families to enjoy throughout the day and evening with a real emphasis again on supporting the superb local and regional food and drink scene and other businesses.

“Proceeds from the festival will go towards supporting the work of Bowdon Cricket, Hockey & Squash Club. And this year we’re also supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust so we want to raise as much money as possible for a great charity doing such important work.”

Tickets are available to purchase from https://www.bowdonbury.co.uk

VENUE INFORMATION

BOWDONBURY FESTIVAL

BOWDON CRICKET, HOCKEY AND SQUASH CLUB

5 Downs Road,

Bowdon,

Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 3DT

FESTIVAL DETAILS

FRIDAY 20 MAY 2022

Gates: 5pm / Finish: 9.30pm

Featuring: Take That Live

Britney Spears (by Michaela Weeks)

DJ Darren Proctor

SATURDAY 21 May 2022

Gates: 12 noon / Finish: 9.30pm

Featuring: Ultimate Elton

Totally Tina

The ABBA Tribute

Chic – Le Freak Party Band

DJ

TICKET PRICES

Per Night: £25 Adult / £10 Child

Weekend Passes: £40 Adult / £15 Child

Premium Pavilion Pass: £45 / £80 Weekend

Available from the website: https://www.Bowdonbury.co.uk

A drunk driver from Lytham who mowed down and killed a 19-year-old Salford Uni student who was staying with family in Kirkham during lockdown, has had his sentence cut.

David Turner lost control of the Audi S3 he was driving which lead to the death of 19-year-old Gabriel Field who he collided with as he was walking to a local shop to get snacks, Turner had downed 10 pints of larger as well as shots of tequila and sambuca shortly before the accident.

Turner reportedly sped from the carpark of the Swan Hotel and was seen to be travelling of speeds upwards of 70mph on a 20mph residential street before losing control.

So horrific was the collision, the vehicle left the road, destroying a bench before coming to rest after hitting a tree. University of Salford student, Gabriel, was killed instantly. A passenger in the vehicle was also seriously injured.

During the investigation into the collision, Turner refused to cooperate with Police and even refused consent for police to access his hospital records or access vehicle data on the speed he was travelling at when the airbags of his vehicle deployed.

Today at a court of appeal hearing, he had his jail sentence REDUCED after a successful appeal by his lawyers, who argued that he should have been awarded a 30% reduction on his sentence as his early indication that he would plead guilty at magistrates court 'spared Gabriel's family the ordeal of a trial'.

Mrs Justice McGowan said:

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"We find, according to the indication that was given and on further investigation, that the Crown Court should have afforded the appellant a reduction of one third."

His sentence has now been reduced from seven and a half years to six years and eight months. Additionally a driving ban has also been cut to five years and 40 weeks.

Main image: David Turner & His Crashed Audi

Inset: Gabriel Fields

73-year-old Gerald Coppel was just 2-years into a 14-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to 19 counts of indecent assault in South Manchester upon three girls whose ages ranged between 16 and 13-years old.

At a hearing in 2020 it was revealed that Coppel had plied the girls with alcohol before exposing himself and then abusing them.

He had been serving his sentence at HMP Forest Bank where he had been placed in the health care unit upon admittance due to a pre-existing illness. He was transferred to Salford Royal in the final stages of his illness as his health deteriorated.

At a pre-inquest in Bolton Coroners Court it was said that he had refused treatment for his condition prior to his death.

Bolton Coroner Peter Sigee requested Coppel's medical records during the time of his imprisonment at Forrest Bank but said that he had not seen anything at this stage which would suggest an unnatural death.

The evidence so far suggests Coppel had 'died as a result of natural disease processes whilst in state detention', he said.

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"If there were care concerns to suggest Mr Coppel's death was contributed to by neglect, that would make it a potential unnatural death. But at this stage nothing has suggested this is an unnatural death."

A final inquest hearing is expected to take place in November.

Photo: GMP

A FEATURE film created by a Salford-based actress is celebrating it's 40th award with a winners' showcase at the World-renowned Pinewood Studios.

Enemy of the Heart written and produced by Claryn Scott received the Jury Award for Best First Time Feature at the Lift Off Global Network festival last month.

During it's 85-year history, Pinewood has become synonymous with some of the world's most enduring productions hosting Hollywood's finest to shoot scenes for Star Wars, James Bond, The Hobbit and Killing Eve.

The film has won in Los Angeles, New York, London, Rome and Florence and is Claryn's first screenplay penned during the UK's initial lockdown in March 2020.

Speaking about the process, Claryn from Weaste, said:

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"It's been an incredible two years. I had the idea for the story for a few years but due to continuous work commitments, never fully had the opportunity to sit down and write. Lockdown provided that much needed time and focus. During production, the cast and crew instantly clicked and we knew we had a solid team of creatives who could bring this story to life. However, until the audiences watch the film, you can't fully envisage the response, so having such positive feedback means a great deal for everyone involved."

Inspired by true events, the war-time drama centres around an Anglo-Italian family living in Britain during the outbreak of the Second World War and the subsequent anti-Italian riots on June 10, 1940, when Italy declared war on Britain. Italian males aged 17 to 60 who had lived here for less than 20 years, were considered 'Enemy Aliens' and on the orders of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, were removed from their homes and sent to camps across the country.

Thousands were interned, including those from Ancoats Little Italy community, before being shipped to Australia and Canada. The nearest camp was Worth Mill in Bury.

Enemy of the Heart follows the events leading upto the departure of the S.S. Arandora Star which sailed from Liverpool in July 1940 with more than 1,600 Italian, German and Austrian internees onboard. Just two days following departure, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat resulting in the loss of 800 lives. Many of Manchester’s Italians perished whilst the survivors were reinterned and sent overseas. One of the memorials stands at Liverpool's Pier Head.

Claryn portrays the role of Elsie O'Connor, the niece of Italian businessman and single father of three, Giovanni Cipriani played by Manchester-based Mattia Paradiso. Giovanni is sent aboard the Arandora Star destined for Canada whilst his son Tomas (Michael Dolan) is serving in the British Expeditionary Force for the very country which has interned his father. His youngest child Luca portrayed by eight year-old Jack O'Connor is faced with prejudice from school friends for having an Italian father, whilst 16 year-old daughter Maria (Lucy Wareing) is left to run the family home and business. Neither the Italian or British governments provided support and businesses closed due to the internment and rationing. Many families never saw their fathers again having perished on the ship.

The film won Best Screenplay in Florence plus ten accolades in Rome, which was particularly poignant considering the sensitive content.

Claryn explained:

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"The internments and tragedy of the Arandora Star is still painful for the families so it was imperative this was approached respectfully. There were multiple complexities, particularly concerning the British-born children of the Italian men being interned. The sons serving in the British forces were considered the enemy by their Italian cousins, yet in Britain, these young men were considered the enemy due to their Italian heritage."

Claryn continued:

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"To have such positive feedback from the Italian audiences, meant a great deal to us. Then to be selected for Pinewood, that was incredible. We're so grateful to everyone who has supported us along way in bringing this important aspect of history to life which until recently, was relatively unknown."

Police in Cadishead have made two arrests after a number of homes were targeted for burglaries from Fir Street, Allenby Road and Victory Road in Sunday 8th May. Two vehicles were taken during the thefts.

One male adult and one male juvenile from Eccles have since been arrested for Burglary.

The juvenile who can not be named for legal reasons, has been released under investigation.

Meanwhile Piotr Kindzierski aged 18-years-old has been charged and remanded in prison for Burglary.

Both stolen vehicles have been recovered by police and are to be returned to their rightful owner.

Officers involved have thanked members of the community for their help.

The Dogfather Graeme Hall, star of Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, is bringing his wisdom, charm and puppy prowess to his first ever UK tour, arriving at The Lowry, Sun 12 June 2022.

For the first time ever, dog and puppy owners up and down the country will have the chance to seek advice from ‘Britain’s best dog trainer’ (Daily Telegraph) for all their canine concerns.

The tour will feature a specially crafted 90-minute show full of tricks, memories, heart-warming surprises, and an exclusive Q&A, all presented in an intimate and relaxed live setting.

Graeme Hall is a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. With more than 10 years’ experience, a list of celebrity clients, and regular appearances on BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning, Hall has built a glowing reputation on providing quick but long-lasting fixes to almost any dog behavioural problem. Hall has one motto, ‘any dog, any age, any problem’ and now it’s your turn to be inspired, benefit from his expertise, and get your pooch back on track and trained for life.

Announcing the tour, Graeme said: 

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“I’m thrilled to be adding extra shows to the tour. For years I’ve been training dogs in village halls and in people’s living rooms, and more recently on TV. I’ve had the chance to write books and record podcasts, now finally I get to do something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ll be sharing the lessons I’ve learnt from training thousands of dogs, and telling more than a few funny stories along the way in my first UK tour… I can’t wait! Come along, learn something and have a laugh with me!”

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the family of a man who lived in Gorton and Salford.

Radek Stehlik, (17/07/1966), was a Czech national who lived in Engell Close, Gorton, he is also believed to have lived in Salford in the past and may have family still in the city.

He sadly died at home on the 27 April 2022, police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Radek’s family should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Manchester on 0161 856 3527.

Worlsey and Swinton South MP, Barbara Keeley, has submitted a Statement of Case against the application by Peel which if successful would increase the Warburton Bridge toll from the current rate of 12p, to a maximum of £1.00 plus yearly inflation increases.

In a post on Facebook Barbara, said:

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"I did a survey of how my constituents felt about this proposed increase and I have used the survey responses to highlight the strength of feeling against the proposed increase and to illustrate the impact that this increase would have on those who regularly use the bridge.

"I know that many people in the surrounding area of the Warburton Bridge are concerned by the proposed increase, especially during a cost of living crisis and with inflation expected to hit over 10% by Autumn. I will continue to challenge Peel’s absurd proposal to increase the toll by 733%."

 

Peel Ports who own the bridge along with several other crossings along the ship canal which include Barton swing bridge which is currently in a sorry state, submitted a Works Act order to the government after a local consultation.

A spokesman for Peel Ports said:

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"The business case shows, 12p per crossing is clearly insufficient".

"The bridge requires modernisation and an appropriate level of toll to ensure it has a sustainable future."

 

The bridge which Links the villages of Rixton in Warrington, Cheshire to the north, with Warburton in Trafford, Greater Manchester to the south is not within the Salford boundary but an increase in charges would affect those who regularly use the crossing via Irlam and Cadishead.

It remains the only route across the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60.

Campaigners have called for the fee's to be scrapped altogether, claiming they are outdated in this day and age.

Warrington's MPs, Labour's Charlotte Nichols and Conservative Andy Carter, have both previously called for the bridge to be run by local authorities.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and section 18 assault after a fight broke out amongst a group of men armed with weapons in Swinton.

Police responded to an incident, temporarily closing off Ackworth Road in Swinton at around 4pm on Sunday 8th May, after a member of the public reported a group of men fighting on the street.

A statement from the police said:

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“We were called at around 4pm on Sunday 8 May to a report of men fighting with weapons on Ackworth Road, Swinton. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and section 18 assault. He remains in custody.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact us online via our LiveChat facility, if able, or by calling 101 quoting incident 2179 of 08/05/2022. Details can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”