At The Lowry on Friday 18 & Saturday 19 February 2022

A co-production between New Slang Productions, The Lowry and Sustained Theatre Up North.

New Slang Productions will premiere new work Tomorrow Is Not Promised at The Lowry on Friday 18 & Saturday 19 February 2022.  Alongside performances in the Aldridge Studio Tomorrow Is Not Promised will be Live Streamed on Saturday 19 February at 2pm. Tickets are available for both the in-person performances and Live Stream now.  

Written and directed by Tian Glasgow this new theatre show follows one woman’s journey through grief. The show incorporates movement and live music, with minimal set, to tell a beautiful engaging story.

The story centres around a black female protagonist. Following an earthquake, she awakes to finds herself homeless and alone. Her house destroyed leaving only her door. While deciding whether to rebuild or to start again, she encounters Suzanne who has suffered her own loss. The two embark on a journey to help others in the hope of finding healing for themselves.

The New Slang Productions team will also be holding an in-person Grief Gathering alongside the performances of Tomorrow is not Promised. Artistic Director Tian Glasgow is a Grief Gathering facilitator having connected with the creators of the sessions Fevered Sleep while they ran their This Grief Thing project.  

Tian said:

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“We are very conscious of the themes of grief, loss and change that are presented in Tomorrow is not Promised plus all our experiences of the past few years can be very close to the surface. We would like to offer a calm and held space for audience members to connect with others and talk about anything pertaining to their experiences of grief.”

The session will be held on Saturday 19 February at 4pm – 5.30pm in the Crosslane Foundation Lab room.  

The Grief Gathering is supported by The Arts Council.  

Tomorrow Is Not Promised is part of The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ artist development programme.

Antonia Beck, Senior Producer| Artist Development said:

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"We are delighted to be presenting the world premiere of 'Tomorrow is not Promised' at The Lowry, and we can't wait for audiences to experience this beautifully crafted and timely new production. As an up-and-coming writer and director Tian Glasgow is definitely one to watch, and it's been a pleasure to support Tian through our 'Developed With The Lowry' programme and his company New Slang Productions - a dynamic company and voice in the arts sector, creating meaningful and thought-provoking new work that champions diversity and representation."

Some 40 plus taxi drivers took to the roads of Salford this morning, as many others across the whole of Greater Manchester joined together in protest over impending Clean Air Zone charges which would see many of them forced out of work.

On driver we spoke to, said:

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"It will cripple our industry"

"I've had many sleepless nights worrying about if I will be out of work in the coming months, which is a very real possibility if these totally unfair Clean Air Zone plans go ahead.

"We're facing huge price hikes in the coming months with the cost of living set to soar, so the burden of having to buy a new car to continue to have a job and make ends meet is just the final insult."

 

The Salford leg of the protest convoy set off from Hallsworth Road in Eccles shortly after 11am and slowly wound its way through the streets to their final destination on Salford Quays.

Watch our video here: https://fb.watch/aXDZ8cjiaE/

Other protest groups headed from areas across the region into central Manchester to make their voices heard.

Meanwhile, embattled Metro Mayor Andy Burnham has vowed to end the clean air zone the minute it can be, which protestors claim will be far too late for them as they will already have been forced off the roads and out of their jobs.

Burnham insisted that the CAZ would be a temporary measure, only in operation until the regions air pollution falls to an acceptable level. But the the governments own air quality sensors already indicate levels to be consistently amongst some of the lowest in the country.

Mr Burnham speaking on the Mike Sweeny show on BBC Radio Manchester said:

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"I just want people to know that this thing will be switched off the minute that it can be."

But protestors argue that they should never be switched on in the first place, citing the current data and the devastating impact the scheme would have on local businesses as well as those looking to do business in the region.

Meanwhile even the PM Boris Johnson has waded in on the issue, claiming it to be 'Completely Unworkable'.

In the last few months, Mayor Burnham's popularity has taken a major tumble with calls for him to step down as a result of the fiasco.

Over 400 taxi drivers plan to take their protest against Clean Air Zone plans, through the streets of Salford and onwards into Manchester tomorrow morning.

A procession will set off from the grounds of Salford City Roosters on Hallsworth Road in Eccles at around 10:30am. It will then snake it's way up through Eccles, into The Quays and along Trafford Road on to Chapel Street, ending in Manchester City Centre at around 1:30pm.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the route if and where possible as heavy congestion is expected.

The drivers say that the introduction of a clean air scheme across almost 500sq miles of Greater Manchester (The largest CAZ in the country), would see many of them unfairly punished with charges of up to £60 for some vehicles types if they do not comply with limits which were set as a result of the Government loosing a high court case against climate protest group Client Earth. Failure to pay would result in a fine of £120 plus the daily charge.

Metro Mayor Andy Burnham has repeatedly said there was no other viable option but to enact the current plans as the Government demanded the air quality issue be tackled, although members of the over 84 Thousand strong Facebook protest group RETHINK the Clean Air Zone cite other areas with similar mandates having opted to tackle the problem without adding the burden and expense on to the motorist, many of whom are small businesses already struggling to cope with the aftermath of the pandemic.

Mr Burnham previously stated that he is ‘open to any solution’ that might cut pollution to legal levels without jeopardising jobs.

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“We have to get the air down to legal levels. Government is requiring us to do that. We want to do that, to clean up the air, without losing a job, a business or putting anybody into hardship."

However, earlier today the Prime Minister piled on the pressure as he waded in over the controversial scheme, when asked if he would intervene by Leigh MP James Grundy.

The prime minister branded the scheme as 'Completely Unworkable'. 

Mr Johnson said:

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"I know from my own experience how vital it is when you're trying to clean up air in a great city that you do not unjustly penalise business and small business and it's become clear that the scheme proposed by the Labour mayor in Manchester is completely unworkable, would do more damage to businesses and residents in Manchester.

"So we must find an alternative that doesn't punish local residents.

 "The Secretary of State for the Environment will be saying more about this in the coming days."

 

Similar protests last week, saw hundreds of rightfully angry taxi drivers take their protest to their respective townhalls in Bolton and Bury. Organisers in Salford hope to replicate that tomorrow.

Local taxi firm Swan Mini Cabs took to Facebook to say:

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“We will have some drivers on but it may be a slightly longer wait.

“Please accept our apologies for this we don’t want this to impact on our customers but if we don’t act now we will be charged £7.50 a day to drive around Manchester.

“If this charge was just in the city centre we could partially agree but this charge covers every road in all areas: Weaste, Salford, Winton, Monton, Eccles, Patricroft, Peelgreen, Brookhouse, Irlam and many many more.”

“Whilst we agree that pollution needs dealing with, by crippling the small self employed businesses who can’t afford to update their vehicles but also can’t afford to pay to drive their current vehicle is not the way to do it.

“So please accept our apologies if this affects you we will do our best to minimise disruption to our service.”

 

The taxi drivers are calling upon the support of the wider public, and for a little understanding as they fight for their livelihoods. 

At The Lowry Tue 15 -  Sat 19 November 2022

This autumn, Frantic Assembly will tour its award-winning and electrifying take on Shakespeare’s tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder. As relevant today as it ever was, Othello exposes the tension, fear and paranoia buried beneath the veneer of our relationships and how easily that can be maliciously exploited.

Frantic Assembly takes Shakespeare’s muscular and beautiful text, combines its own bruising physicality, and presents an Othello firmly rooted in a volatile 21st century.

Directed by Frantic Assembly’s artistic director and co-founder Scott Graham and designed by Laura Hopkins, this is a world of broken glass and broken promises, of poisonous manipulation and explosive violence. Othello’s passionate affair with Desdemona becomes the catalyst for jealousy, betrayal, revenge and the darkest intents.

Originally presented to great acclaim in 2008 and 2014, this updated version in co-production with Curve Theatre Leicester, will tour the UK from autumn onwards.

Kicking off at Curve Leicester in September, it will The Lowry from Tue 15 - Sat 19 November. 

Othello is directed by Scott Graham, designed by Laura Hopkins, with lighting design by Natasha Chivers, sound design by Gareth Fry, music by  Hybrid and casting by Will Burton CDG.

A Frantic Assembly Production, co-produced with Curve

Originally a Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth collaboration, in association with Royal & Derngate Northampton and developed at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London

Police called to an address on Agecroft Road, Swinton, at about 9.10pm last night (1 February)

Two men arrested on suspicion of murder near the scene are in custody on suspicion of murder

Two men are in custody after a murder investigation was launched in Salford.

Officers found the body of a 40-year-old man at an address on Agecroft Road, Swinton, last night (1 February 2022). 

Police had been called at about 9:10pm to reports of a possible assault. Emergency services attended but the man was sadly pronounced deceased at about 9:45pm. The cause of death is still being investigated.

Two men - aged 43 and 46 - were arrested on suspicion of murder near the scene and remain in police custody on suspicion of murder.

Detective Inspector Mark Davis, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

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"We have launched a full investigation to ensure the person or persons responsible are brought to justice.

"We are working on identifying the victim and the circumstances that have led up to his death. There is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.

"I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant, to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency as any information could prove pivotal to our investigation."

 

Information can be passed to police by calling 0161 856 6377 quoting incident 2878 of 01/02/2022, reported online using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk, calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A teenager whose body was found in a Salford park on Sunday morning (30 January 2022) has been formally identified as 17-year-old Alan Szelugowski.

Police were called around 7.30am on Sunday to Clowes Park, Salford, to a report of an unresponsive male.

Emergency services attended and he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

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"Our thoughts go out to Alan's family at this incredibly difficult time.

"We ask that they are given privacy at this time to allow them to grieve and come to terms with this devastating incident.

"GMP is continuing its investigation at pace into the circumstances surrounding Alan's death.   

"I would urge anyone who may have information or footage that could assist us and our investigation to get in touch with police as soon as you can.

"Any information, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be, could be a vital part of our enquiries and ensure we identify the responsible person or persons."

 

Anyone with information about the incident in Clowes Park can submit it here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22F20-PO1

Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fundraisers are pulling out all the stops to give older Salford residents and children a much-needed holiday break.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Councillor John Mullen is supporting The Salfordian Hotel, built by Salford Council in 1963 in Southport, which provides holidays for people aged 50 plus, people with disabilities and their carers and Salford Children’s Holiday Camp in North Wales, which established in 1926 by a bequest to the city.

He has set a target of raising £30,000 for his charity appeal – which is also supporting the Andrew Cooke charity which helps local children afford to buy a musical instrument and pay for lessons.

Councillor Mullen, said:

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“Every pound we raise will go towards helping local people take a much needed break or helping children learn a skill for life.

“We all know the benefits of a few days away from routine and for many of those we support going to the hotel or the camp could be their only chance of that change of scenery.”

On Thursday February 24 the Ceremonial Mayor’s charity quiz takes place at Buile Hill Park Hall. Tickets are £10 per team with a maximum of six players and there will be prizes for the first, second and third teams.

On Saturday March 19 the first traditional Ceremonial Mayor’s charity ball for two years will take place at Buile Hill Park Hall. Tickets for the three course dinner and entertainment are £45 a head or £400 for a table of 10. The event has been sponsored by Seddon Construction.

On Sunday March 27 there’s a sponsored bike ride from Salford Civic Centre to The Salfordian in Southport.

For tickets for any of the events please email mayoralty@salford.gov.uk or call 0161 793 3618

Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton are back on the road in 2022 to visit some of their favourite parts of the UK with another evening of mind-blowing improvisation. The collective improvisational experience embodied in the Chums is a joy to behold. They flex their improvisational muscles to delight and entertain audiences in this country and abroad.

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums takes to The Lowry stage on Friday 13 May 2022.

Paul Merton is a founder member of The Comedy Store Players, he still appears at the Comedy Store in London most Sundays. He is a resident guest on BBC Radio 4’s Just A Minute and is an established face on TV shows such as the hugely popular Have I Got News For You, Room 101, Paul Merton Looks at Alfred Hitchcock (BBC4/2), Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood (BBC 2) and his travel series for Channel Five, Paul Merton’s Adventures which covered his travels in India, China and Europe. His Autobiography, Only When I Laugh reached the Sunday Times bestseller Top 10 and in the summer of 2021 he co-starred with Suki in Motorhoming with Paul Merton and Suki Webster a six part travel documentary series for Channel 5.

Mike McShane has been lucky enough to live by improvising with friends and making friends by improvising. He appeared at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Little Shop of Horrors and Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. TV work includes Doctor Who, Bluestone 42 (BBC) , NCIS LA (CBS) and Wayward Pines (FOX). Currently he can be seen in the webisode western, Red Bird. Go to @thismikemcshane on twitter to find out what latest things he’s up to!!

Richard Vranch improvises comedy in The Comedy Store Players and provides voices for documentaries and adverts. He also works as a writer, stand-up comic and actor. He’s presented a science series on Channel 4 and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Infinite Monkey Cage with Prof Brian Cox. Richard has toured the world from Mexico to Palestine acting in sketch shows and appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe since 1979.

Suki Webster is a regular guest of The Comedy Store Players and has toured the world with Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. In 2021 Suki co-starred with Paul in Motorhoming with Paul Merton and Suki Webster a six-part travel documentary series for Channel 5. My Obsession, a comedy drama series, which she wrote and starred in was aired on Radio 4 in June 2019. Other TV work includes Giles Wemmbley Hogg (BBC 2) and Ross Noble’s directorial debut The Catchment (Sky.) She has also written five documentaries for the BBC TV. Her own improvisation show Suki Webster’s Guest Speaker continues to grow in its success.

Kirsty Newton is a regular musical guest with The Comedy Store Players and has toured with Arthur Smith, Rich Hall, Phil Nichol, Mitch Benn and Jonny & The Baptists amongst many others. She was the musical improviser for Whose Line Is It Anyway? at the Edinburgh Fringe 2019 and her solo show Life Begins At Party! won critical acclaim in 2016.

The award-winning Original Theatre Company and Octagon Theatre Bolton is touring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated adventure, The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Adapted for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus, in a production which was first performed at the Octagon Theatre in summer 2021, the classic detective tale gets a brilliantly farcical overhaul in Lotte Wakeham’s acclaimed production which is directed on tour by Tim Jackson.

The production, which is currently garnering 5-star reviews on tour will head to The Lowry from Tue 1 to Sat 5 February.

A hit in the West End, this ingenious adaptation combines an exhilarating collision of farce, theatrical invention and wonderfully comic performances to offer a brand-new twist on the greatest detective story of all time.

‘Mr Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound…’ 

World-renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr. Watson are asked to unravel the mystery surrounding the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskerville. With rumours of a cursed giant hound loose on the moors, they must act fast in order to save the Baskerville family’s last remaining heir.

The cast of The Hound of the Baskervilles stars Jake Ferretti  as ‘Sherlock Holmes’, Serena Manteghi as ‘Sir Henry’ and Niall Ransome as ‘Dr. Watson’.

The UK Tour is directed by Tim Jackson with original direction by Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director of the Octagon Theatre Bolton who has directed sell-out productions in London, New York, and throughout the UK.

Lotte Wakeham previously said

“I’ve been blown away by the wonderful response to this production of The Hound of the Baskervilles; it’s been a real joy to have audiences back in the theatre, laughing uproariously every night. I’m absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with Original Theatre Company so that this production can now embark on a national tour and be enjoyed even more widely. I think it’s exactly the sort of joyful, energetic and entertaining show that audiences will be hungry for and I’m delighted to be sharing the Octagon’s work across the UK. Our top-notch cast and superb creative and technical team are raring to go, and we’re looking forward to giving our audiences a fantastic night out.”

Alastair Whatley, Artistic Director of Original Theatre Company added

“Audiences up and down the country have been enjoying Lotte and Tim’s wonderful production over the last few months on tour. We are thrilled that even more people all over the UK will now get to experience this ingenious adaptation of The Hound of The Baskervilles with this extension into 2022. After the year we’ve all had, the production is a tonic sure to make theatres buzz with the sound of laughter. ”

The Hound of the Baskervilles creatives team is completed by Francesca Tennant as the Assistant Director. The Designer is David Woodhead, Lighting Designer is Derek Anderson, Sound Designer is Andy Graham, Costume Supervisor is Chrissy Maddison and Production Manager is Tammy Rose.

Running time: 1 hr 50 (plus 20 min interval)
Recommended age: 8+

The image of a male who is sought in connection with the incident at the Boundary Stone Pub in Ellenbrook on the 15th Jan, has been released by GMP.

During a fight which had broken out in the pubs beer garden, a male was recorded on CCTV, leaving the premises to then return from his vehicle with an Alsatian dog, which under his control was set upon a woman who later would require surgery after sustaining serious injuries to her arm from a bite.

The woman was not involved in the fight and was caught up in it.

A press release by GMP read:

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"Police are appealing for the public’s help to try an identify a male involved in a incident On Saturday 15th January 2022.

"An incident occurred at the Boundary Stone Pub. A fight had broke out in the beer garden.

"A male has been seen on CCTV go to his van and got his Alsatian out and brought it in to the crowd of people.

"Within this crowd, a female who wasn't involved in the incident has been caught up in it and has been bitten by the dog.

"The male has control of the dog leaving the victim with serious injuries to her arm, resulting in surgery.

"Police are looking to try identify and speak to this male who was in control of the dog."

 

If anyone can identify the male in the picture, please report this to 101 or online quoting the crime reference CRI/06FF/0001272/22.

At around 12:30pm this afternoon (31st Jan), Assistant Chief Constable Tony Creely gave an update from the GMP Media Suite at their HQ in Newton Heath.

Police were called around 7.30am today (30 January) to Clowes Park, Salford to a report of a male having being found unresponsive by a dog walker.

Emergency services attended the male was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Following enquiries it was established the male is 17-years-old and had suffered a fatal stab wound. 

Mr Creeley has now revealed that a 17-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being held in police custody.

He reiterated that GMP 'would not tolerate knife crime.' with patrols being stepped up in and around the area so as to reassure the public, additionally multi agency groups will be engaging with schools and families.

At present officers are still in the early stages of conducting the investigation and as yet there is currently no evidence to suggest that the body was moved to the scene after death.

His statement in full reads:

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"At around 7.30am yesterday morning on Sunday, 30 January, we were called by a dog walker who had found a male unresponsive in Clowes Park in the Broughton area of Salford.

"The male was found to have a stab wound.

"We believe he was 17-year-old but officers are still liasing with next of kin on formal identification.

"A 17-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is now in custody.

"On behalf of the investigation team in Salford we appeal to anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers anonymously.

"I also ask to those surrounding Clowes Park to check any CCTV or doorbell footage that they may have.

"I would like to say publicly that our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victim of this stabbing.

"The incident closely follows the fatal stabbing on Kennie Carter in Trafford area last week, and we as a force understand and are aware that our community is concerned.

"I would like to reiteriate the Chief Constable's promise that GMP is a force which focuses on fighting, preventing and reducing crime and keeping people safe.

"Fighting knife crime is a top priority."

 

Parents with any concerns or information are being advised to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Anyone with information, or video footage including mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage, should contact police on 0161 856 0055 or 101 quoting incident 854 of 30/01/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An investigation has begun after the body of a male was found at a park in Salford.

Police were called around 7.30am today (30 January) to Clowes Park, Salford to a report of a male having being found unresponsive.

Emergency services attended the male was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Following enquiries it was established the male is 17-years-old and had suffered a stab wound. 

His next of kin have been informed and detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding his death.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

A large scene remains in place and the public are advised to avoid the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies of GMP's Major Incident Team:

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"This is a tragic incident and the impact will no doubt be felt across the community and Greater Manchester.

"We have launched a full investigation and detectives from our Major Incident Team are working at speed to establish all the facts and ensure we support his next-of-kin through this horrific time and ensure the person or persons responsible for his death are brought to justice.

"I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant you feel it may be, to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency. Any information, or video footage, could prove pivotal to our investigation.

"Violence like this will never be tolerated and I understand the deep concern and upset that this will cause for those who live in the surrounding area. I want to reassure you were are treating this with the utmost seriousness and there will be a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days as we carry out enquiries and I would encourage anyone who may be worried or have information to speak with our officers."

 

Anyone with information, or video footage including mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage, should contact police on 0161 856 0055 or 101 quoting incident 854 of 30/01/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Ordsall Lane just before 9am on Friday 28th Jan.

A man, said to be aged in his 30s, was hit by a car, a North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) spokesperson, said that the mans injuries are not thought to be serious.

So far there have been no arrests made, and enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson for GMP said:

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"Police were called shortly before 9am this morning to a report of a collision involving a car and pedestrian on Ordsall Lane in Salford.

"Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made."

Salford City Council is looking for two green champions to have their home upgraded to becoming completely carbon neutral to show Salford’s residents how they can do the same to help combat climate change.

Residents can now apply to have the chance to receive up to £50,000 of measures to retrofit their home to a high green standard by Manchester-based firm Red Cooperative. These measures could include installing air source heat pumps, insulation and solar panels.

The council has secured funding for two homes to receive the works from the Homes As Energy Systems project – which is bringing together several partners to deliver energy efficiency technologies in more than 700 homes across Greater Manchester.

Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Development, said:

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“Homes cause more than a third of Salford’s carbon emissions so we must seek to retrofit our homes where possible and inspire others to make the changes needed to help our city tackle climate change.

“We are looking for two green champions in Salford to receive the benefits of a carbon neutral home that will reduce their energy bills and cut emissions but also help us show others how implementing these measures can be a key tool in our bid to tackle the city’s carbon footprint as we aim to build a greener Salford.”

 

Charlie Baker, from Red Cooperative, said:

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“There’s a revolution needed in our housing and it’s about time. Whether your priority is the carbon emissions from it, the cost of running it, your comfort or the winter coughs you get from it.

“This project will show the way to upgrading our homes so they are not just fit for the future but a critical part of delivering a viable one by making them zero carbon to run.”

 

The Homes As Energy Systems project has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Successful applicants will receive up to £25,000 in an ERDF grant with the council providing conditional funding of up to £25,000 on top of it.

To apply for the scheme, you can complete this expression of interest form https://forms.gle/JLxuqC1YxDndzhiz5 and then the project will be in touch. You can also contact Red Cooperative for more information by emailing sarah@red.coop.

The council is also working with E.ON to deliver grant funding of up to £10,000 for homeowners through the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme which has now been extended for applications until March 2022.

Applicants which own their own home, have a combined gross annual household income of less than £30,000 and a low energy performance certificate (EPC) rating can access funding to install measures to help reduce their energy bills. You can check if you are eligible for the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

The University of Salford is delighted to announce that we have been awarded Silver accreditation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus (HFC) scheme.

The HFC team has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months and has been working hard to achieve Silver accreditation after being awarded Bronze in February 2021. By completing a list of nine objectives which include: running hedgehog surveys and awareness campaigns, working with the local community to litter pick and creating a hedgehog highway on campus, the team has succeeded in reaching this next major milestone.

Funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the national campaign is designed to safeguard the hedgehog population and turn universities into a safe space where they can thrive.

Bec Bennett, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the University, said:

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“I am absolutely delighted that we have achieved Silver accreditation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme! A huge thank you to our dedicated staff and student volunteers for all of their hard work over the last 12 months to help make this happen and ensure the hedgehog population can prosper on our campus.

“We are looking for more volunteers to join us as we work towards Gold, so please get in touch with the team if you’d like to help us reach this next accreditation level.”  

 

If you would like to get involved and help the team reach Gold accreditation, please contact the team.

Salford was well represented at Sunday’s March with Midwives at St Peter’s Square,
Manchester City Centre.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles, opened proceedings with an impassioned
speech urging for change in maternity care in the region’s and UK’s hospitals and birth
centres. 

Also present were Sarah Davies, retired senior lecturer from Salford University and
midwife for 40 years, Midwifery Students from Salford University,  and  many practising
midwives and families from Salford who attended in order to give solidarity to the cause.

Over 300 people from across Greater Manchester attended the event, which involved
speeches from speakers of all ages and backgrounds, singing, reading poetry, and culminating
in attendees marching twice around the square chanting and waving their heartfelt banners
and signs.  I attended as I feel passionately about the cause, and as a mother I recognise the
value that a midwife, who has time to properly support a birthing mother, has for the health
and wellbeing of a family.

#

Salford & Eccles MP - Rebecca Long-Bailey

The campaign recognises that 2021 has seen maternity services become critically unsafe for
staff and users. For every 30 newly qualified midwives, 29 are leaving. A recent RCM survey
of midwives found 60% of staff are thinking of leaving the profession. The campaign aims to
give midwives support and empowerment and raise awareness  of the issues so that change
can happen with the support of the whole community.

The event was one of 72 across the UK that took place on Sunday afternoon. Manchester’s
event was one of the biggest in the country, alongside the marches in Parliament Square in
London and Birmingham. The UK-wide petition reached 100,000 signatures by Sunday
evening and the event was hailed a great success.

Anyone wishing to  support the petition and to join in future events, should visit the
‘March with Midwives UK’ and the ‘March with Midwives UK Manchester’ Facebook
Pages

A estimated crowd of over 500 people gathered at Eccles Cenotaph today, to pay their respects to our fallen heroes.

The emotional sound of a lone bagpipe set the tone for the proceedings as the Goodshaw brass band led the way into the cordoned off area, followed by veterans, scouts, guides and numerous other associations.

The service was led by Rev Ross Garner from, Churches Together In Eccles, who spoke eloquently throughout the service, and mentioned a local family from Eccles and four brothers who had gone to fight in the Great War, one of them Joseph was to die in combat, another from Spanish Influenza shortly after the war.

Standard bearers from the Merchant, Navy and The British Legion raised and lowered their colours as the Last Post was blown.

Events organiser and Parade Marshall Graham Walker read the poem, For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon with the immortal lines, "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. ... We will remember them"

Wreaths were then laid by, Salford Council, Greater Manchester Police, Merchant Navy Association, Rotary Club, Morrisons Store, Army Cadets, The Buffs, British Legion, Women's Institute. The Buffs, Eccles Parish Church.

Rev Garner then told of the follies of war and how the names of 240 local men are remembered in a plaque in Eccles Parish Church, and a reminder that conflicts are still raging in Yemen and the Sudan amongst other places, worldwide.

He then read out the Siegfried Sassoon poem, Aftermath, a beautiful poem which urges people not to forget the horrors of war.

This was followed by a reading of the Lords Payer and The National Anthem.

The people gathered then laid their individual wreaths and poppies for loved, lost ones, i was intrigued to see a young man, Graeme McCaig lay out his Grandfathers WW! medals and take a photo, his name was George McCaig who had served in the Ist Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and Graeme had to carried on the family tradition by serving in the armed forces.

As the crowd made their way home I was impressed by a cavalcade of motor bike riders, some flying the Union flag on the bikes who roared past the Cenotaph to a standing applause, a nice touch.

Finally congratulations to everybody who turned up, certainly the most I have ever seen in all my years of attending, and a special mention for Graham Walker who made it run with military precision.

On a cold, crisp autumnal morning, some 200 people gathered at the Eccles Cenotaph to pay their respects, lay wreaths and individual poppies.

Amongst the people there I was pleased to see some 25 Year Four children from Lewis Street, primary school, Patricroft under the guidance of Lizzie Dunn, who behaved impeccably throughout the service.

The two minutes silence was observed with people deep in their own, private thoughts. for those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rod O' Connor was on duty and raised and lowered the Union Jack flag in what was quite a moving experience, hats off to him for attending, today.

I saw many familiar faces in the crowd, both young and old and it is heartening to see so many people there, despite the official ceremony being this Sunday.

Also I noticed amongst the tributes left on the base of the Cenotaph, there were several home made paper wreaths from the Manse Nursery in Eccles which I thought was a nice touch.

We shall be there this Sunday to make a video of this years service and do a more in depth interview and write up.

My thanks to all of you attended today, good to see you all.