Live it Local JanFeb17 by Susie Kwok

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LiveitLocal

CLAREMONT & SOUTH SWINTON

Whatâ€™s On Make 2017 Count! Community News & Local Charities

ISSUE 21 | JAN - FEB 2017 | FREE

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Welcome

Contents

Happy New Year! I hope this is going to be a fantastic year for all of us.

Salford City College In Partnership with the Prince’s Trust

Make 2017 count! Why not support a new charity this year? There are some featured in this issue - help local disadvantaged people or even rescued animals. Or, get involved by signing up for a St. Anns Hospice charity event. We did their colour run last year; it’s a great event for families - highly recommended and this year it has obstacles! If you are aiming to get fitter this year, look after your health, improve your confidence.... there are local professionals on hand to help and plenty of FREE activities to enjoy. Are you setting up a new business or want to build on your existing one? Promote your products and services with us and reach 18,000 local households and businesses, plus more potential clients online, with Live it Local and On Our Doorstep magazines. Time goes fast so plan ahead and book your spaces now.

Susie

Make 2017 Count! A few ideas to improve your health, fitness and lives of others this year

Emmaus Salford Providing a future for the homeless

RSPCA Salford A worthy cause for animal lovers

There’s an Elephant in Worsley Woods The truth behind this local folk tale?

Happy New Plotting Year! Seasonal allotment news

Friends of Lightoaks Park Get involved with your local community in 2017

What’s On Local events and activities

Editor

Live it Local is published by Zig Zag Ventures, an independent publisher. You can contact us by:Telephone: 0161 790 2504 Email: sales@onourdoorstep.co.uk Website: www.onourdoorstep.co.uk Advertising in association with Angel Media Telephone: 07890 268167 Email: info@onourdoorstep.co.uk The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of the Publisher. Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher.

Competition! Win a meal at the Morning Star!

Susie: 0161 790 2504 E: sales@onourdoorstep.co.uk Advertising

Louise: 07890 268167 E: info@onourdoorstep.co.uk

• Distributed to 18,000 Households & Businesses • Published Online • Marketed on Social Media

www.onourdoorstep.co.uk Next Copy Deadlines

On Our Doorstep FebMar17: Fri 13th January Live it Local MarApr17: Fri 10th February LIVE IT LOCAL 3

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Community News

Salford City College in partnership with the Prince’s Trust Starting in January 2017, Salford City College will be running 12 week Prince’s Trust Programmes for young people aged 16-24. These programmes are specifically aimed at those not in employment, education or training and young people will receive £10 per week and free lunch and refreshments. The College and the Prince’s Trust have a shared mission of helping young people to change their lives and get into work, education, training or volunteering. Young people will take on a group community project, take part in an action packed residential trip, complete two weeks work experience and develop English and maths skills. The charity was founded by Prince Charles in 1976. Its mentors, training schemes and grants have since helped 825,000 youngsters follow dreams

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that would otherwise have remained just that. A new team of staff are looking forward to welcoming the young people in January; Nicola Brown, Team Leader said, “There is no better time to start than on the 40th Birthday of the Prince’s Trust. It changes lives and I’ve witnessed that first hand. It is a nationally recognised qualification and is really valuable to employers. Not only does it give young people life-long skills, but they also make friends for life”. The four programmes are full-time Monday to Friday and will run from City Skills Centre, Walkden Centre and then at venues in Irlam/Cadishead and Little Hulton. If you would like to enquire or sign up please ring Admissions on 0161 631 5000.

FOR ADVERTISING OR GENERAL ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 0161 790 2504

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Health Improvement Service:

MAKE 2017 COUNT! Whether you have New Year’s resolutions or other long-standing goals, let the Salford Health Improvement Service help you achieve them. The Swinton Health Improvement Team are running new health and wellbeing activities in 2017. Activities are introduced each Quarter, from gentle exercise & social groups to more challenging running and cycling events. So there is something for everyone and all sessions are FREE. Why not give them a go! Current sessions include: Weigh Ahead! Get motivated and attend our FREE 7 week Weight Support Group where we will conduct a weekly weigh-in, achievable goal setting and learn about healthy portion sizes. Sessions are held every Tuesday for 7 weeks from 24th January 2017, 10.00am - 11.30am

Stop Smoking Support. We provide friendly and supportive advice. Whether you want to reduce or quit completely, would like information on Nicotine Replacement Therapy products or e-cigarettes, then these groups will be for you. • Drop-in on Tues 4-6pm or Thur 9.30-11.30am • Appointment only on Saturdays 10am-12.30pm NHS Health Checks - get a new year MOT and have an NHS health check with free health and wellbeing information, advice and guidance. Available at Swinton Gateway: Wednesdays 12.30-4.00pm and Saturdays 10.00am-12.30pm. All sessions FREE and held at Swinton Gateway. For more information, to book places or request a timetable, ring 0800 952 1000 HealthImprovement.Service @HealthySalford

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A TAXI DRIVER? for information about our new Driver Training School

RING DARREN on 0161 794 3333 Quote “Live it Local” when enquiring

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Make 2017 Count!

Make a Change in 2017 with Carol Marshall Clinical Hypnotherapist Carol Marshall is a trained Clinical Hypnotherapist, who graduated after training in a Specialist Hospital in Manchester. She has helped many people to overcome all kinds of emotional and physical problems, including phobias, stress, confidence issues and many more. Carol is able to treat clients of all ages including children and has helped people to reach their true potential in life. She specialises in HYPNOBAND Therapy to induce weight loss and is able to treat most conditions. These include stage performance anxiety,

ego-strengthening, panic attacks, phobias, pain/ pain relief, sleep disorders...to name but a few. With her approachable style of hypnosis Carol helps people to fulfil their requirements for personal and professional development. So...

NEW YEAR, NEW START! BECOME THE BEST YOU CAN BE FOR 2017! Hypnosis is a talking therapy. The client will never do or reveal anything they don't want to. You don't even need to go 'under', for the treatment to work. You will feel pleasantly relaxed as I talk to you and may feel part way between being awake and asleep. You will enjoy the experience.

Tel: 07970 500619 or 0161 7945219 Web:carolmarshallhypnotherapy.simpl.com

Carol Marshall Clinical Hypnotherapist Dip. Int. Hyp. M.F.H.T.

NEW START, NEW LIFE, NEW YOU HYPNO BAND for WEIGHT LOSS EMOTIONAL EATING & CONFIDENCE ISSUES PHOBIAS, PAIN & STRESS RELIEF Offering treatment for most conditions. For an informal chat contact Carol:-

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Make 2017 Count!

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Home Instead Senior Care, Salford is approaching the first-year anniversary on the 1st February 2017 and plans are afoot to celebrate with our Clients and CAREGivers. The level of Client enquiries coming into Home Instead Senior Care, Salford is constantly increasing and consequently we are continually looking for enthusiastic, friendly and caring staff to come and work with us and provide essential non-medical services. If you are dedicated, hard-working and have a genuine desire to work in an environment where you will be helping others, please get in touch.

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Telephone: 0161 870 3861 Home Instead Senior Care, Colgran Lodge, 20 Worsley Road, Swinton, M27 5WW. www.homeinstead.co.uk/salford Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated. 10 LIVE IT LOCAL

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Make 2017 Count!

DDoo Something Somet ething AAwesome we wesome for for St St Ann’s! Ann’s! n

SStt Ann’s Ann’s ne needs eds yyou! ou! St Ann’s Hospice cares for thousands of people from across Greater Manchester each year and is challenging local people to Do S Soom meetthhhiinngg AAwweesssoom mee to support this amazing charity.

H How ow you you can can D Doo So Something Som meetthhhiinngg AAw Awesome weesssoom mee ffor or St St A Ann’s nn’s in 2017. Why not train to run 5km, 10km, a half marathon or even a marathon? Climb the peaks? Hike Kilimanjaro? Or want to get on your bike and burn some calories? St Ann’s will support you every step (or peddle) of the way… Picture by Dan Vernon

Iff a w whole hole marathon marathon in one one go go isn’t isn’t your your thing, thing, try try the the SStt Ann’s Ann’s V Virtual irtual M Marathon arathon b byy rrunning unning 26 m miles iles over over a month. m onth. Tha That’s t’s lless ess than than a mile mile a day, day, and and all all for for a good good ccause! ause!

messy with with the the 5km 5km Grab Grab your your mates mates and and get get messy ark oon n SSunday unday ObstaColour ObstaColour Run Run aatt Wythenshawe Wythenshawe PPark with obstacles… obstacles… 19th 19th M March. arch. A C Colour olour Run Run with end up bright! bright! you’ll you’ll start start oﬀ oﬀ white, white, and and end

If big,, bold and brave is more your thing, try the Gauntlet Games in Heaton Park next September. It’s a 5km or 10km race with Gladiators and a few giant slides, inﬂatables and foam thrown in for fun! Or, if you want to come up p with your own way to Do S Soome mee, get in touch! metthhhiinngg AAwweesssoom Share how you Do S Soom meetthhhiinngg AAwweesssoom mee for St Ann’s on social media at www.ffacebook.com/StAnnsHospice @StAnnsHospice @StAnnsHospice

out more more visit visit w ww.sah.org.ukk, To T o ﬁnd ﬁnd out www.sah.org.uk, eemail mail eevents@sah.org.uk vents@sah.org.uk o all 0161 498 3631. orr ccall

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Local Charities

On the surface Emmaus Salford is a community for formerly homeless men and women providing them food, warmth, support and safety in exchange for work... but underneath the surface Emmaus provides much more. The most important thing Emmaus is able to provide for companions, our formerly homeless residents, is opportunities and it's through these that the companions are able to grow, build their confidence and a foundation for their future. The money the companions raise through their work in our social enterprises doesn't just sustain their home here at Emmaus Salford; it also goes towards courses and other expenses so they are able to secure the job they want. Companions also recognise there are many people in Salford who are far worse off than themselves

and they volunteer in the local community wherever and whenever they can, from helping the elderly maintain their home to dressing up as Santa and his elves to help raise money for local children. Because we are able to provide these opportunities, we hope to help end the vicious cycle that many homeless people can get stuck in, becoming homeless several times before being able to find a place they can call a home and live life becoming active hardworking members of society. There are various ways you can help... by shopping with us, donating items we can sell in our stores or by telling your friends and family about us. Call us on 0161 737 8279 or pop into our stores in Salford on Fitzwarren Street (M6 5RQ) or Seaford Road (M6 6EP). www.emmaus.org.uk/salford

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Local Charities

Manchester & Salford

Calling all Animal Lovers...

Support the RSPCA in 2017 The RSPCA Manchester and Salford is the local rehoming branch of the RSPCA and we are a separately registered charity from the national RSPCA and the animal hospital in Salford. Our role is to rehabilitate and rehome the animals the RSPCA inspectors rescue 365 days of the year and currently we have over 100 cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and reptiles in our care looking for new homes. It costs ÂŁ330,000 a year to run the branch and we have to generate the income ourselves. We have four charity shops that provide two thirds of our income, but they can only do it with public support. So if you have unwanted Christmas presents or you are having a spring clean, please get in touch and

we can come and collect. Please call and leave a message on 0161 882 0680 and select opt 4. We can accept clothing, accessories, shoes and bags, small electrical items, dvds/games/cds and bric-a-brac. We cannot accept bedding, large electrical items and furniture. If you don't have any donations for the shops to spare you can always help with providing food and toys for the animals in our care. We are always in need of Felix and Whiskas adult and kitten food and natural chew toys for the small animals. You can order via:

www.manchesterandsalfordrspca.org.uk/wishlist Thank you so much for helping us to continue the work that we do. www.rspca-manchesterandsalford.org.uk Shop for RSPCA goodies online! shop.rspca.org.uk/manchester

Widdows Pilling & Co Long established, highly experienced local solicitors based in Worsley... We can offer expert advice in the following areas: Probate & Estate Administration Wills & Estate Planning Court of Protection matters & Lasting Power of Attorney Matrimonial and family law Residential conveyancing including buying & selling houses, flats & apartments and Council Right to Buy, New Builds, reâ€“mortgages & transfer of equity Personal Injury Litigation including accidents at work & road traffic accidents

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“There’s an Elephant buried in Worsley Woods you know...” Such was the story that was told to me when I was a child, by an old gentleman, and I believed him because I had heard it from others. Little more detail was available, it was always “I was told so by my father/grandfather” etc. - it was evidently a very old story. We call such memories “Folk Tales”, but often there is more than a grain of truth behind it all... For years this tale had nagged at me and it recently surfaced again when I met, by chance, a former employee of what had been the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester. I told him of my buried elephant and he shared his knowledge, a strange story indeed, of Maharajah the Asian Elephant and his Keeper, Lorenzo Lawrence the Lion Tamer. It seemed that both had been a part of Belle Vue’s history and were immortalised in a book, written in 1988 by David Barnaby, entitled “The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester”. My informant added another treat - the skeleton of Maharajah still existed, in the safe care of Manchester Museum, at the University on Oxford Road. Could it be that my “buried elephant” and Maharajah were one and the same pachyderm? It is therefore to Mr David Barnaby that I owe the history that I now relate in brief. His excellent book, I can highly recommend for a much more detailed and entertaining source.

THE TRAVELLING MENAGERIES Back in the early 19th century it became fashionable to have an interest in exotic wild animals, many of which were being imported from the Empire, and many “menageries” (travelling zoos), were in the business of exhibiting their collections across the Land. One of the earliest (and destined to become the most famous) was “Wombwells Royal Number One” which began touring in 1805. Founded by George Wombwell it acquired its “Royal” 18 LIVE IT LOCAL

appellation by being exhibited to Royalty on a number of occasions. George died in 1850 and his wife ran the business for a further 15 years before her nephew, Alexander Fairgreave, took over. In 1872 he, in turn, retired and decided to auction the entire menagerie - all of its many and varied animals, wagons and equipment.

A NATIONAL EVENT Mr Fairgreave had so arranged the final Tour that it terminated in Edinburgh in April and the Auction was to be held at that city’s Waverley Market, close to Waverley Rail Station. So great was the fame of the business and so well cared for were the animals that interested buyers travelled to attend the Auction from all over the country and from abroad. Prominent among the buyers was Mr. James Jennison the owner of Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester, eager to add to his collection. By the end of the Auction he had purchased a number of animals, including a lioness, an antelope and the most valuable animal in the entire Auction - Maharajah the 7 year old Asian Elephant which cost him £680 alone - a very large sum indeed and equivalent to many thousands at today’s values.

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSPORT Mr Jennison’s purchases were to travel to Manchester by rail two days later, from Waverly Station and, when the day arrived Maharajah was loaded into a boxed wagon by his keeper, Lorenzo Lawrence. He, now a former employee of Wombwells, had been retained temporarily by Jennison only to control the elephant for the journey (and then, presumably, be redundant). Suddenly the normally gentle and obedient pachyderm began to behave totally out of character. Maharajah had travelled in wagons many times without any difficulty, often over FOR ADVERTISING OR GENERAL ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 0161 790 2504

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Local History

Belle Vue programmes, 1895

Lorenzo Lawrence

Elephant Rides at Belle Vue led by Lorenzo

Credit for centre and right images: Chethams Library - Belle Vue Archive

great distances. Not this time for, without warning, he embarked on a spectacular demolition of his wagon. A frontal heave resulted in the roof disappearing and the elephant’s head appearing. A move to the rear resulted in a view of the elephant’s rear. No doubt some panic ensued until Lorenzo intervened and immediately restored order and a happy and calm animal to the rail platform. Mr Barnaby, in his book, has some suspicion that Lorenzo had instigated the elephant’s behaviour by secret signals to ensure his retention in a future job. However, the rail company had no enthusiasm for future pachyderm transportation, a problem again solved by Lorenzo who announced that he would “jolly well walk Maharajah to Manchester”.

AN EPIC JOURNEY Lorenzo’s offer was accepted (it gained him 40 years of employment at Belle Vue) and the pair set off the same day. They had 200 miles to cover - no problem for an elephant, somewhat more arduous for a man - at a rate of 20 miles a day. They passed through towns and villages, staying at the stables of inns overnight. Their route took them from Edinburgh to Hawick, then over the Cheviots to Langholm and Carlisle before Penrith was reached. Then over Shap Fell (reminiscent of Hannibal and his elephants over the Alps?) down to Kendal. The following day the pair made it to Lancaster, the next to Preston, from where they left what we know as the A6, and deviated to Bolton where they spent the night of day 8. The aim was to arrive at Belle Vue at 2pm on Saturday, April 20th, exactly 10 days after starting and Mr Jennison publicised their time of arrival in “The Manchester Guardian” to ensure a big welcoming crowd. The route from Bolton was almost certainly via Farnworth,

Walkden, Swinton, Pendlebury and Salford, following the A6 .

LIFE AT BELLE VUE Maharajah had a comfortable life at Belle Vue. In company with “Sally”, a female of his own species, he was cared for by Lorenzo and gave rides to children around the Gardens. Sadly, in 1882, 10 years after the great walk, he contracted pneumonia and died. But, so famous was he that it was decided to preserve his skeleton in the museum at the Gardens. No records exist of how his bones were achieved, but I like to think that the story about an elephant being buried in Worsley Woods played a part and that after nature had taken its course he was exhumed and his bones re-assembled.

POSTSCRIPT There is another thread to Maharajah’s story that concerns he and Lorenzo encountering a Tollgate, during their journey, where payment was demanded before they could pass. However, it is said that no tariff existed for elephants and therefore they could not be allowed to continue. The impasse was resolved by Maharajah lifting the gate off its hinges and walking on. There is no proof that such an incident occurred, but it inspired two paintings, one of which was displayed with his skeleton.

Written by John Kirwin LIVE IT LOCAL 19

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Happy New Plotting Year!! I hope you all managed to get your bedding plants cleared up before the weather got too chilly. We cleared all the fallen leaves off the Macmillan plot... just in time! Over Christmas we were blessed with delicious, fresh parsnips, which were all the sweeter for the frosty spell. It’s a pity they take so long to grow and are ready for eating. Don’t forget that parsnips do have a long growing season and grow best, usually, from new seeds. However, don’t plant them just yet, wait a while, all they need is deep compost and patience. Have you got your chilli, pepper and tomato seeds in their starter pots yet? We put ours in once New Year was safely out of the way and they are all lined up on sunny window cills just waiting to be our first green rush of 2017!

Our Spring cabbage and ‘all year round’ cauliflowers are looking good. We fleeced them up when it got very chilly and they are showing their appreciation. The Spatial Framework In case this is ‘Dutch’ to you, it just means that every builder is trying to build on every plot they can and the Government is pushing all Councils to aid them in the process. Don Booth, chairman of the Salford Allotment Federation, is doing a good job in promoting our Citys’ allotments but, there are plans to build a lot more houses and flats over the next 20 years. So, if you hope to have an allotment in years to come, now is the time to apply to the Council or the Federation Secretary carolyn.collins@me.com. Register your interest, wherever you would like a plot! Geoff Hamilton Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteer

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Community News

Get Involved with Your Local Community in 2017 Friends of Lightoaks Park was established in April 2016 by people from the local community that wanted to improve our beloved park.

projects that you would like us to work on we would like to hear about those too!

We have several objectives which range from organising regular clean ups to ultimately renovating and bringing back into use the summer shed by the tennis courts. We are keen that this is very much a community lead group and that the ideas for our focus come from the community. So if you have some time to donate to helping out with any of our many projects and fundraising we would love to hear from you and if you have

This spring we can’t wait to see all the daffodils and narcissus bulbs come into flower that were planted at our “Awesome Autumn” event last October. Over 1,500 bulbs were generously donated and planted by local resident -volunteers! Make sure you visit the park and have a look - there’s going to be some serious colour! For more information about 2017 events/activities: Email: folpevents@outlook.com Lightoaks Park Salford Friends Group

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What’s On

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2017 Community Events TEA DANCE The Height Methodist Church Hall Join us for a weekly tea dance in the church hall. Refreshments in the concourse cafe. Contact Hilda for mor details. All welcome. Mondays 1.30pm Hilda Wall: 0161 288 1996 ANY YARN GOES Swinton Gateway Health Improvement activity:Knitting Group. Open to all. Drop in. Wednesdays 12.30 - 2.30pm FREE Tel: 0800 952 1000 COFFEE & QUIZ MORNING Humphrey Booth Resource Centre Health Improvement activity:Fun sessions - meet other people, quizzes and board games. Café facilities available for refreshments and snacks. Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm Tel: 0800 952 1000 or 0161 607 1964 CLAREMONT AND WEASTE: COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Lightoaks Primary School Open meetings where residents can influence neighbourhood decisions. Tue 24th January 6.30pm FREE Marie Shields - 0161 603 4091 CLAREMONT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Height Methodist Church, King St. Meeting to discuss issues effecting the local community including, crime, housing and environmental issues. Wed 1st February 7.30 - 9.00pm FREE Mary Ferrer: 0161 288 1968

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COFFEE & CAKE MORNING St Paul’s Church, Monton Please join us for a special Coffee & Cake Morning to raise funds for the Encephalitis Society, funding research and care into this little known but aggressive condition. There will be plenty of tea, coffee, homemade cakes to eat in or take away plus a raffle and a 'prize every time’ tombola. Sat 4th February 10.30am - 12.00pm FREE admission (small donation for refreshments)

Tony: 0161 790 3373

Family Activities

LARK HILL PLACE SWEET SHOP Salford Museum and Art Gallery Visit Mr Tomlinson's Sweet Shop on our recreated Victorian street, Lark Hill Place for some sweet treats! Sundays, 12.30 - 3.00pm FREE donations welcome Tel: 0161 778 0800 SUNDAY FUNDAYS Ordsall Hall First Sunday of every month. Have a go at some fun, hands-on activities that span the history of Ordsall Hall from the 1300s up until the present day. A new activity each month. Sun 5th February 1.00 - 4.00pm £1.00 per child (booking not required) Tel: 0161 872 0251

Health & Fitness

WHEELS FOR ALL Cleavley Track, Winton A weekly event, suitable for families and young people of all abilities. A chance to cycle 2 or 4 wheels around a track, in a safe environment. Wednesdays, 10am-3pm Fridays, 10am-3pm Saturdays, 11am-2pm £3.00 per child Tel: 01925 234213 / 07704 167085

HEALTHY HIPS AND HEARTS Kemball House, Monton Chair based exercise sessions targeting older people to reduce ill health, reduce falls, increase social interaction, improve balance and improve overall wellbeing. Classes are open access for all to attend. Mondays, 10.00 - 11.00am FREE Louise: 07928 522308

SATURDAY PLAYHOUSE The Lowry Weekly art activity for children and their families in our Lookout space for families. Taking inspiration from our theatres, galleries and surrounding landscape. Every Saturday there is something new. Ages 5-11 years. Saturdays, 11am-12.30pm FREE (no booking required) Tel: 0843 208 6000

INDOOR KURLING Valley Community Centre Health Improvement activity:A gentle form of exercise for all ages and abilities. Indoor kurling and social group. All welcome. Drop in. Mondays, 1.00 - 3.00pm FREE Tel: 0800 952 1000

CREATION STATION Salford Museum and Art Gallery Join us every weekend and see what you can make at our craft table! Suitable for families and young children. This is a weekly event. Saturdays & Sundays 12.00 - 4.00pm FREE (no booking required) Tel: 0161 778 0800

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA The Grand Palais, Swinton Health Improvement activity:For people living with Dementia and their careers. Join us for a pleasant afternoon of music and dance. Held 2nd Monday each month. Mon 9th January Mon 13th February 1.00 - 3.00pm £2.00 donation per dance Brenda: 07768 644 421

PLEASE REMEMBER TO MENTION LIVE IT LOCAL WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

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What’s On WEIGH AHEAD Swinton Gateway Health Improvement activity:Get motivated and attend our FREE 7 week weight support group. Weekly weigh-in, achievable goal setting and learn about healthy portion sizes. Tuesdays from 24th January 10.00 - 11.30am FREE (booking essential) Carly: 07554 438564 STOP SMOKING DROP-IN Swinton Gateway Health Improvement activity: Open to anyone who would like to quit/reduce smoking. Friendly and supportive advice. Information on Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum, the inhalator and e-cigarettes. Tuesdays, 4.00 - 6.00pm Thursdays, 9.30 - 11.30am FREE (booking required) Carly: 07554 438564 JUST PLAY Salford Sports Village A fun and informal way to get involved and play football. There's no pressure whatsoever, it's just a FUN kickabout. Sessions run by a qualified football coach. Teams picked on the night, playing 5 or 6 a side. Weekly event. No need to book, just turn up and play! Tuesdays, 6.30-7.30pm (16yrs+) Thursdays, 7-8pm (16yrs+) Fridays, 6-7pm (35yrs+) £3.60, Aspire Members FREE Tel: 0161 793 3555 Email: jpleague@scll.co.uk NHS HEALTH CHECKS Swinton Gateway Health Improvement activity: Free NHS health checks including blood pressure, BMI, pulse rates, cholesterol and general health advice. Must have a Salford GP. Please make an appointment. Wednesdays FREE (booking essential) Tel: 0800 952 1000 WEDNESDAY WALKERS Clifton Country Park A two hour walk around the Clifton countryside, for those who want to be fitter and more active. Meet at Clifton Country Park Visitor Centre. Wednesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm FREE Tel: 0161 793 4219

INDOOR KURLING Humphrey Booth Resource Centre Health Improvement activity: Light exercise and social group for people with Dementia and their carers. Wednesdays 1.30 - 3.30pm FREE Tel: 0800 952 1000 HEALTH WALK 1 hour gentle walk followed by refreshments. Meet at visitor centre. Blackleach Country Park Thursdays, 10.00 - 11.00am Clifton Country Park Thursdays, 10.15 - 11.15am FREE Tel: 0161 793 4219 BIKE RIDES FOR BEGINNERS Cleavley Track, Winton Health Improvement activity:Free leisurely community bike ride. A number of adult bikes and helmets are free to use, but must ring to book. Fridays, 10.00am - 12.00pm FREE (booking essential for bikes) Tel: 0800 952 1000 INDOOR KURLING The Height Methodist Church A great fun game for all ages. Ideal as light exercise for people over 50. Fridays, 1.00 - 3.00pm £2.00 Dave: 07790 419555 BATS, BALLS AND SHUTTLECOCKS Eccles Recreation Centre Health Improvement Activity: Come and join us in playing short tennis and badminton for adults. Ongoing activity. Fridays, 1.30 - 3.00pm FREE Tel: 0800 952 1000 PARKRUN Parrin Lane, Monton Join our weekly Worsley Woods 5k Parkrun. Free, timed run for all levels. Saturdays 9.00am FREE www.parkrun.org.uk/worsleywoods

Kids Activities TODDLER WALKS Blackleach Country Park Join us for a walk around the park, followed by refreshments in the visitor centre. Suitable for under 5s. Mondays 10.15 - 11.30am FREE Tel: 0161 793 4219 STORY-RHYMETIME Stories, rhymes, crafts and play. Books and storytimes are a fun way to help babies and children develop their listening, thinking and talking skills. For children up to 4yrs. Term time only. Height Library, King Street Tuesdays, 2.00pm Swinton Gateway Library Thursdays, 2.00pm FREE, 20p refreshments www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk ROLLER DISCO CLARENDON LEISURE CENTRE Come and get your skates on and skate along to the very latest music. All skates and equipment provided and the SAYO/SPARKY team will be there to ensure you have a fun-filled session. Suitable for 4 to 8 years. Tuesdays 4.45 - 5.45pm (booking required) £1.85 per person per session Tel: 0161 778 0568 / 0161 603 4214 Email: sayosparky@scll.co.uk ONCE UPON A TIME… Ordsall Hall Museum Discover what is behind the doors of Ordsall Hall with a different activity each week such as storytelling, craft or music in our weekly session for the under 5s and their families. Wednesday (term time only) 9.45 - 10.45am £1.00 per child (booking not required) Tel: 0161 872 0251 TINY TOTS RAMBLERS Clifton Country Park A walk for young children and their parents or carers. Explore the park on these themed walks. Refreshments afterwards at the Visitor Centre. Fridays 10.15 - 11.30am FREE Tel: 0161 793 4219 LIVE IT LOCAL 23

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What’s On UNDER 5'S FIRST STEPS The Lowry Weekly dance workshop where your little one can explore their creativity and have tons of fun! In this season we will wriggle, jiggle and jump as we explore stories, rhythm & music through our bodies. Ages 2½ - 4½. Fridays 10-10.45am | 11.00-11.45am £3.50 (£1.75 Salford Residents) Tel: 0843 208 6000 SALFORD JUNIOR PARKRUN Buile Hill Park A free weekly 2k timed run for juniors only (4-14 year olds). The course is run on a mixture of tarmac paths and grass. Ideal for all levels. Sundays 9.00am FREE www.parkrun.org.uk/salford-juniors HALF TERM: MINI DIG Ordsall Hall Come and explore the ‘Salford’s Early Past Revealed’ exhibition and have a go at digging for buried treasure yourself in our mini dig. Suitable for ages 5yrs+ Sun 19th - Sun 26th February During opening hours FREE (no booking required) Tel: 0161 872 0251 HALF TERM: MEET THE MAIDS Ordsall Hall Drop in to our kitchen and meet one of the servants. You’ll be able to find out about her life and have a go at some brass rubbing. Tue 21st and Thu 23rd February 10am-12pm | 1.00-3.00pm £1.00 for brass rubbing (drop in) Tel: 0161 872 0251

Special Events SALFORD VOLUNTARY RANGERS Blackleach & Clifton Country Parks Volunteer for practical conservation tasks at our local Country Parks. Blackleach: Tuesdays 10am-3pm Clifton: Thursdays 10am-3pm FREE Tel: 0161 793 4219 24 LIVE IT LOCAL

ECCLES DAY TIME CHOIR Eccles Library, Eccles Gateway NEW relaxed and friendly choir led by Salford's Music and Performing Arts Service (MAPAS). Have a go at singing for the first time. Perfect for beginners and experienced singers alike. Meet new friends, improve your confidence and enjoy the positive effects on your health and wellbeing. Performance opportunities at local events. Refreshments provided. Weekly event, term time only. Wednesdays 2.45pm £2.00 per session (booking required) Tel: 0161 909 6528 OUR SOUND! Humphrey Booth Resource Centre Want to sing but not sure you can? Come and join our new singing group led by Margaret Garner (Music Therapist). Explore different ways of singing for pleasure. All welcome! Thursdays 6.30 - 8.00pm £3.00pp Tel: 0161 788 9053 Email: j.gumboots@gmail.com ECCLES MAKERS MARKET Church Street, Eccles Town Centre Bringing together passionate, award winning food, drink, art & craft producers in Eccles. Markets every 2nd Saturday of each month. Sat 14th January Sat 11th February 10.00 - 4.00pm FREE entry Facebook: Eccles-Makers-Market BRIDGEWATER VOLUNTEERS: WINTER WORKOUT Barton Aqueduct Pocket Park Work off all that Christmas pudding outdoors by joining us at the newly improved aqueduct pocket park to manage the vegetation that’s grown in abundance since our last visit. Meet at entrance at the steps leading down from Barton Road. All abilities welcome. Tools and materials provided. Wearing suitable footwear and outdoor clothing. Bring a packed lunch – tea and coffee are provided. Over 18’s only. Sun 15th January 10.00am - 3.00pm FREE Jill Tyson: 07872 808003 E: bridgewatercanal@salford.gov.uk

FARMERS’ & CRAFT MARKET Eccles Shopping Centre Homemade sausages, salami, dairy products, preserves, crafts and lots more! 3rd Saturday of each month. Sat 21st January Sat 18th February 9.30am - 2.00pm FREE entry Tel: 0161 707 3058 BRIDGEWATER VOLUNTEERS: POND CLEARANCE Barton Aqueduct Pocket Park Don a pair of waders and in you go! Help reduce the amount of reed mace in the wetland area and create more open water habitat in the pond, beneficial to local wildlife. Wed 25th January 10.00am - 3.00pm FREE Jill Tyson: 07872 808003 STORY TELLING FOR BURNS NIGHT Ordsall Hall Be captivated by listening to stories from Scottish history and folklore in Ordsall Hall's 'Chamber of Light' The Solar Room. Suitable for families. Sun 29th January 1.30 - 3.30pm FREE (no booking required) Tel: 0161 872 0251 BRIDGEWATER VOLUNTEERS: BIRD FEEDER MAKING Duke’s Drive, Monton Help us make bird feeding stations to install for our feathered friends. No woodwork experience needed. Meet in Duke's Drive car park, off Parrin Lane. Sun 12th February 10.00am - 3.00pm FREE Jill Tyson: 07872 808003 WEDDING OPEN DAY Ordsall Hall Enjoy the stunning setting and see the Hall in all its wedding glory. Relax with a glass of Prosecco and taste of our delicious canapés. Meet the team who will be hosting your special day. Booking required. Sat 25th February 12.00 - 3.00pm FREE (booking essential) Tel: 0161 872 0251 Details are correct at the time of publishing. However, it is advisable to check event dates and times with the venue in case of changes.

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Competition! Win a meal for 2 people with a bottle of wine at the newly refurbished Morning Star, Swinton. Enter this issue’s compe on to win a delicious 3 course meal for 2 people with a bo le of house wine. Morning Star Joseph Holt’s Morning Star has recently been refurbished oﬀering gorgeous surroundings and a delicious new menu. Ranging from tradi onal pub classics like steak and ale pie and sirloin steak to healthy salads and hanging kebabs. Try the Sunday Lunch with giant homemade Yorkshire puddings to help soak up the gravy. Families and children are welcome with children’s meals priced at £4.45. There really is something for everybody at the new and improved Morning Star. The pub is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week from 12pm. 520 MANCHESTER ROAD, SWINTON, MANCHESTER, M27 9QW TEL: 0161 727 8373 | www.joseph-holt.com

MorningStarSwinton

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For your chance to win this amazing prize, email your:

NAME, ADDRESS & TELEPHONE NO to competitions@onourdoorstep.co.uk (subject: “Morning Star”) Deadline: Friday, 10th February 2017

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.ONOURDOORSTEP.CO.UK

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farmers’ & craft market

FARMERS’ & CRAFT MARKET 2017 3rd Saturday every month 9.30am-2.00pm 21st January 18th February 18th March 15th April 20th May 17th June

15th July 19th August 16th September 21st October 18th November 16th December

For future events check our Facebook page EcclesShoppingCentreEccles

@ ecclesmall

For all enquiries Tel: 0161 707 3058 | Centre Management Suite, Unit 1 Boothway, Eccles Shopping Centre, M30 0EB

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