SALFORD LADS CLUB GAINS SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENTS CULTURE RECOVERY FUND FOLLOWING STRUGGLES CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC

Salford Lads Club say they are pleased to share news that they have received funding thanks to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fund delivered by DCMS the club can continue to serve the local community. 

Salford Lads Club continues to provide opportunities for local young people to participate in sports and creative activities.

Leslie Holmes, Project Manager said:

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“This is really great news after our struggles during the pandemic. We were able to continue with young people’s activities outdoors, but without visitors attending our weekly open days we lost over £90k of our income during the 2 years. International visitors are now beginning to come back to the city – it will be a slow process to recover and this funding will help us survive.” 

The funds will help to protect and share the clubs unique heritage – the building and archive tell stories spanning nearly 120 years, with photos, membership records, newsletters and film reels.

The archive also helps people trace their family trees, with over 22,500 members appearing on our ‘Wall of Names’ created by Why Not Associates in 2016. They will also be able to continue welcoming culture lovers and music fans from all over the world, sharing their place in Manchester’s music scene thanks to a very famous photo of one of Manchester’s iconic bands.

Mike Joyce, drummer from The Smiths and native Mancunian said of the award:

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“Wonderful news to hear Salford Lads Club has been recognised by the Historic England and Heritage Fund in continuing its original purpose and passing on the working class traditions of the club. It’s a magnificent and well deserved accolade for all who have helped along the way. The first time I went to the club was for that photo, but didn’t actually meet the folks involved until 2003. Since then it’s been great to see the club going from strength to strength.”

The Lads Club motto has always been ‘to brighten young lives and make good citizens’ and in these challenging times and with this investment through the Culture Recovery Fund, they can continue to weather the storm of coronavirus, come back stronger and continue their mission. 

You can learn more about our history and work in a new series of short films on Culture Made in Salford from Marketing Manchester, Salford City Council and the University of Salford.