ST THOMAS' CHRISTMAS FAIR AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

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.