On Our Doorstep AprMay23

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 1

On Our DOORSTEP SALFORD • ISSUE 82 • APR/MAY23

Shop Local Eat Local Spend Local Enjoy Local

WORSLEY • ROE GREEN • BOOTHSTOWN • WALKDEN SOUTH • ELLENBROOK • MOSLEY COMMON ASTLEY SOUTH • SWINTON SOUTH • MONTON • ELLESMERE PARK • CLAREMONT

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OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 3

ON OUR DOORSTEP 3

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Contents

Editor’s Note...

Who doesn’t love spring? April and May are colourful months when the cherry trees blossom again and green spaces explode with the vibrant colours of spring flowers. Days are longer and brighter and it won’t be long until we begin entertaining outdoors again.

What’s On 28

6

Competition

12 14 16 17 24 33

32

Recipe Feature

G-Fest Is Coming Home

34

The iconic music festival is back this June!

Help Adults To Read

Volunteer to help adults in Salford to read

Worsley New Hall

Learn about its past life as a WWI hospital

Salford Survivor Project

Celebrating 10 years and still growing

Shop Local Guide

Support our small independent businesses!

Allotment News

Updates from Tindall Street allotments

Social Media Tips

Top 5 content tips for small businesses 4 ON OUR DOORSTEP

The Coronation of His Majesty The King takes place on Saturday 6th May, 2023.

As part of the celebrations, there is an extra bank holiday on Monday 8th May, making a total of five across these two months. Enjoy all the long weekends!

As we approach the summer, there are plenty of local music festivals taking place, kicking off with Irlam Live - Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th June. Don’t miss our fantastic competition to win a pair of tickets for the entire 3-day event (p.32).

Plus, the much-loved G-Fest is back this year on Saturday 17th June at Monton AFC. Read more about it on p.6. Tickets are available for both events now!

Susie Editor

On Our Doorstep is published by Zig Zag Ventures, an independent publisher. 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.

Front Cover Image: Designed by Freepik

Next issue...

June-July23

Copy Deadline: 5th May 2023

Contact us...

All enquiries

Susie: 07967 978831

E: sales@onourdoorstep.co.uk

www.onourdoorstep.co.uk

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 5

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OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 6 Our Community

Georgia’s Children of the World

G-FEST IS COMING HOME! After losing two years to Covid and then other issues, we are so pleased to have finally found a venue that shares our values of supporting children in desperate poverty and need at home around the world.

The communities support for G-Fest has been remarkable and the difference we have made together has been quite incredible, raising over £330k for Georgia’s Children of the World, a charity set up in memory of local girl Georgia Murray.

Unfortunately while we have been away many of our projects have suffered, including our free school uniform project in Salford; Schools, Classrooms, Healthcare and Feeding Programmes in Cambodia and support to individual local families including one of Georgia’s favourite Children, Heidi-Lou. So now is the time for us to pull together once more to put Georgia’s Children projects back on track!

We knew if we were to re-establish G-Fest, we had

to do something special!

So, with Chart Topping band LIGHTNING SEEDS headlining this year, we believe we have achieved this as we bring you the biggest Indie Music Festival Salford has ever seen!

G-Fest will also firmly remain a Family Festival, in the names of ALL we have loved & lost, supported and sponsored by many local businesses.

We look forward to welcoming you all back to THE event of the summer this June...

G-Fest IS Coming Home!

Driven by Love, Guided by Angels x

Steve & Georgia Murray

SPONSORED BY:

WITH VERY SPECIAL GUESTS

6 ON OUR DOORSTEP

CONTACT US ON 07967 978831

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 7

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OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 8

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ON OUR DOORSTEP 9

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 10

FINDING THE RIGHT TUTOR FOR YOUR CHILD

by Kip McGrath Walkden

More parents than ever before are turning to private tutors to supplement their children’s education. Whether your child has important exams approaching, is struggling to keep up with their peers, is nding homework dif cult or just lacking in con dence, could private tuition be the answer for you? Before you begin here are a few things you might like to consider.

What’s in a name?

Be thorough when you do your research. Anyone can claim to be a ‘tutor’, but even a 1st class degree in maths doesn’t necessarily make an effective one!

Look for a tutor that has quali ed teacher status and has relevant school teaching experience. If you decide to consider a private tutor, ask to see their teaching credentials and references, and if youinquire with a specialist tuition centre, check that their tutors are quali ed teachers rather than ‘instructors’ or ‘assistants’.

Safety rst If you are using a tuition centre, check whether they are OFSTED registered. A centre who has gone the extra mile shows you that they have thorough procedures in place regarding the child’s well-being, safeguarding and security. Plus, you may also be able to save some money by using ’Tax Free Childcare ’ to pay for the tuition. Private tutors operating from home need a valid DBS certi cate which shows you that they are not barred from working with children.

Groups or One to One? There are many different models of tuition for you to choose from. The most common options are: (i) Employ a tutor to work 1:1 with your child, either in your home, at their home or online. (ii) Take your child to a ‘group tutor’ or (iii) Enroll at a tuition centre.

Tuition centres have permanent premises and tend to offer individual tuition within a small group setting. ‘Group tutors’ teach a small group of children together, often from their home or a public building.

When is the right time to start?

It depends on your reasons for tuition. If you have received feedback from school, or just have a ‘feeling’ that your child is behind or is lacking in con dence, the sooner you act the better. If your child has important exams coming up tuition may be the difference between a pass or a fail. Even children who don’t ‘need’ tuition often blossom and grow in con dence simply through the encouragement and personal feedback they receive. The most important thing is to make sure your tutor or tuition centre understands your motivations and goals for tuition, that way they can work together with you to achieve the best for your child.

How much does it cost?

The price of tuition varies depending on the setting, subject, exam level and experience of the tutor. You should expect to pay around £25-£45 an hour for the services of well quali ed and professional tutors.

FOR MORE ADVICE, OR TO CHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS, GET IN TOUCH WITH US AT:

Kip McGrath Walkden Tel: 0161 790 2100

18 YEARS EXPERIENCE SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN SALFORD

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OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 11

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OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 12

Our Community

CALL TO ACTION:

HELP ADULTS TO READ Can you imagine not being able to read this article or the labels while shopping? There are many adults in your community who would not be able to do either.

Read Easy offers free, one-to-one and confidential Reading support to adults who struggle to read in a way that impacts daily life.

Learning to read transforms people’s lives. They improve their employment opportunities, progress to other learning, are able to support their children’s reading, read official letters, use public transport and understand medical letters and medication bottles…

Above all, people grow in confidence, self-esteem and independence. Being part of that process is special.

We need volunteers to help us set up a group in Salford where there are over 9% of the adult population who

12 ON OUR DOORSTEP

could benefit from such support.

Do you have local knowledge of Salford you could use to raise awareness and build a team to offer this support in your community?

Do you have the initiative, energy and enthusiasm to help us?

Do you have the confidence to network and enthuse others?

If so, you could be just the person we’re looking for.

Once we have formed a team to run the group we will have further volunteer opportunities but our priority is to find key volunteers to get the group set up.

A Read Easy Reader sums up the difference you can make: “Read Easy has changed my life...”

To discuss further, email karen@readeasy.org.uk

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After school and weekend tuition Ofsted registered FREE assessment establishing strengths and weaknesses Childcare vouchers accepted Programmes tailored to individual needs Worksheet based with ZERO screen time SCIENCE programme coming Spring 23 90 minute double subject sessions Separate complementary workstation for parents with fastspeed broadband and hot drinks Free on site parking Revision, 1:1 tutoring, holiday workshops

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ON OUR DOORSTEP 13

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 14

Local History

Worsley New Hall: WWI Hospital S

oon after his arrival in Worsley, in 1837, Lord Francis Egerton decided that both the Old Hall and the Brick Hall were inadequate for his needs and he determined to build afresh.

He commissioned the architect Sir Edward Blore, and the first sod was cut for the foundations of the Victorian Gothic style mansion on 30th December 1839. The first stone laid on the 6th April 1840, and the building completed in 1846, the year Lord Francis became the first Earl of Ellesmere.

Royalty visited the New Hall. Queen Victoria came in 1851 and again in 1857, the Prince and Princess of Wales came in 1869, and again as King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1909. The Crown Prince of Germany and Empress Eugenie were also guests.

During World War One the fourth Earl of Ellesmere lent Worsley New Hall to the Red Cross for a hospital for wounded soldiers. The rooms were converted to wards and the patients made use of the extensive grounds.

Here we show some very rare images of Worsley Old Hall as a hospital for wounded officers.

The picture to the left is of ‘D’ Ward and is possibly the only image of the interior of the hall.

This is the view from ‘D’ Ward.

Other images show Nurse Wilson and Lt Provan, Lt Sindain, Lt Marton rowing on the lake.

The area is now the site of RHS Bridgewater.

Written by Paul Hassall, Eccles & District History Society 14 ON OUR DOORSTEP

WWW.ONOURDOORSTEP.CO.UK

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 15

Local Business

On A Mission To Change The Industry Sid Sethi, the Founder of Specscart shared the challenges and triumphs of his entrepreneurial journey at Startup spotlight, by The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre in Manchester on 9th February, 2023.

Specscart is a fast-emerging eyewear retailer that is taking the eyewear industry by storm through tech and innovation. In an inspiring exchange with team MEC, Sid spoke about his vision of changing how people perceive glasses as a mere instrument of sight correction and how he and his team have been working tirelessly to change that view to making glasses a fashion accessory, which is sustainably produced and sold at a fair price.

The Turning Point Sid launched Specscart whilst a student at the University of Manchester. It began when he broke his glasses a day before his second-semester exam.

He tried to purchase a pair the next day, which turned out to be an ordeal. The prices were too high, the choices were limited, and the delivery time was excruciatingly delayed considering the urgency of his situation. This experience led him to design a company committed to solving these issues.

With no initial investment, the startup took off after it was awarded the Albert Gubay Awards in 2017, kickstarting the business with a grant of £5,000 and a 2-year rent-free shop in Walkden Town Centre. In 2018 Specscart won the Venture Further Award in the business category with the 1st prize of £10,000.

This enabled the Walkden store to install comprehensive eye testing equipment and start free eye tests for all. Within a few months the Walkden store

had delivered hundreds of free eye-tests for the community.

At the event, Sid spoke about the measures taken

by Specscart to make the eyewear shopping experience a delightful one: ‘’We will disrupt the monopolised eyewear industry! So the consumer can get more out of their purchase. We are taking small but powerful steps with-modern designed stores, delivering prescription glasses within 24 hours, and keeping the highest quality standards by making glasses in the UK. We work hard to provide the latest designs and best prices to our family of customers."

The Specscart Story So Far Specscart is on its way to the top from a one-man show to a team of 18 driven and motivated members spread across 3 stores and a production lab.

Specscart is constantly improving its service and offerings to serve its customers better. Through their online store they now offer free worldwide shipping. Their 7-day free home trial with four frames and three lenses is one of a kind provided by anyone in the UK currently. However, what makes Specscart stand apart from the rest is the customer-first mindset, with their swift yet personalised service keeps their clients coming back to the store.

They are loved for their quick turnaround time; they get your prescription glasses ready within 24 hours through their Specscart rocket service.

Through their ready-to-help customer care, Specscart has acquired a reputation for being the people's champion amongst its customer tribe.

Walkden Town Centre

www.specscart.co.uk Tel: 0161 3125765

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Our Community

Salford Survivor Project:

Celebrating 10 Years!

Salford Survivor Project celebrate their 10th year this July having helped over 12,000 people to live free from abuse.

This year they’ve worked hard to ensure their message reaches more people and have also begun working with young people, raising awareness in schools.

The impact of intrafamilial abuse on survivors changes the way families make choices, how they think about themselves and others. Survivors are more likely to suffer with mental health, physical illnesses, drugs, alcohol or other addictions. There are no quick fixes for the damage done, many abused children will go on to abuse, lacking emotional stability and coping mechanisms.

This year SSP have gone a step further to help the community open Pauls Haven & Family Hub. It is open to community groups and SSP have an outreach service offering advice, support and essential items such as clothes and food.

16 ON OUR DOORSTEP

To raise money for the increasing demand in the community, they also opened a community café Da Vida Deli at 78 Partington Lane, Swinton. Pop in with the knowledge that when you buy a cup of coffee and a delicious cake or meal, you are also helping someone who is living in food poverty.

Da Vida Deli’s profits go back into the project and provides community meals for those struggling at this hard time.

Salford Survivor provides guidance for anyone affected by domestic abuse. Call 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week for emotional support and a listening ear.

T: 0161 706 0468 | www.thesurvivorproject.co.uk

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SHOP LOCAL!

Shop Local!

Support your local artisans, trades and independent businesses ! Worsley Laser Clinic !

NEW TREATMENT! ThermaVein® - Gold standard thread vein removal for face & body.

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! Heather's Affordable Fashion !

The latest fashion trends in ladies clothing and footwear. Various sizes. New stock daily.

FB Group: Heather’s affordable fashion www.boutiquebabez.co.uk

Buy your essentials locally and independently if you can • Buy as gifts • Buy gift vouchers • Leave positive online reviews • Share stories about local businesses on social media • Refer them to family & friends • Seek out new shops, restaurants and services to try

FEATURE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEXT ISSUE • EMAIL: SUSIE@ONOURDOORSTEP.CO.UK

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ON OUR DOORSTEP 17

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 18

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OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 20

Home Improvement

Ways to Style Your Outdoor Space

by Emma Russell

Whether you have a balcony or a backyard, outdoor space is often overlooked. It can be possible to use this extra room for all sorts of activities and extend your living zone. Think about this new area in the same way that you would consider your indoor space: is it casual, modern, traditional or fun? If you want to feel comfortable, it needs to be an extension of your home and a reflection of your personality.

Firstly, consider how you intend to use this additional area. Is it a place for cooking and entertaining, exercise or relaxation? Once you have established that, you can begin to plan the layout and explore your style options. Depending on the purpose, consider whether to have power supplied outside, or keep the space free of electricity and save money on your energy bills. This will effect how you deal with the outdoor light and heating.

Solar powered lighting can be very effective and can be moved easily to suit your needs. String lights are popular - they can be plain, coloured or shaped.

Lanterns are another option with candles that can use either real flame or LED lights. Consider the safety aspects of any lighting you use.

Heating is another safety consideration. Fire pits and chimineas are romantic real-flame centrepieces, but ensure you have room to accommodate them.

Outdoor gas heaters come in a range of styles from small to free-standing, practical to pretty, with something to suit every budget.

Barbecues can be simple, practical cooking stations but outdoor kitchens are the next level in home entertainment. Six burner gas hobs, sinks and beer fridges, these modules can all be tailored to your entertaining needs. Finance is often available to make these expensive additions possible for anyone with enough outdoor space.

20 ON OUR DOORSTEP

Of course, an outdoor kitchen should be under cover to protect it from the elements. Shade is vital, providing some relief from relentless summer sun.

Umbrellas and pergolas can be versatile, simple and easy to move. Awnings can be manual, pull-down shades or fully automated integral systems.

Any furniture you buy should be suitable for outdoor use - strong enough to withstand summer heat and winter cold. Most outdoor equipment incorporates modern materials with durable, weather resistant surfaces. Buy the best you can afford and check if the manufacturer offers any warranty.

Cushions can add a splash of colour to your décor.

Wipeable or washable covers will increase the lifespan of soft furnishings, allowing easy cleaning after any messy spills. Throws and blankets add a touch of softness and texture. Remember to buy a weatherproof box to store them at the end of the day.

Finally, don’t forget to add plants and greenery to your outdoor space. Grass can be high maintenance, so there are astro-turf options for those who would rather sip a cool drink in their new living area (rather than moving the lawn). Don’t forget to make room for a bar or drinks trolley!

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 21

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ON OUR DOORSTEP 21

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ON OUR DOORSTEP 23

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 24

Our Community

TINDALL STREET ALLOTMENTS

by Geoff Hamilton, Macmillan Cancer Support allotment volunteer and Acting Chairman of Salford Allotment Federation A Busy Start to the Year The Plotters started off 2023 with a hectic day when the delivery of free (peat free) compost arrived. Our volunteers quickly emptied the 1 tonne bag into wheelbarrows and spread the compost across the various beds ready for planting up when the time is right. We then sat back to admire the result and to plan our next moves, naturally we were aided by tea and biscuits and vigorous discussion.

Once planning was done, we set about pruning our trees as appropriate, leaving those that don’t like winter treatment until their time is right.

Tindall Street Allotments The Macmillan Cancer Support allotment is based at Tindall Street, Eccles. As well as managing our own plot, we also get involved with others. At one time Incredible Edible Salford operated from part of this site, but they recently moved to Winton.

Salford NHS Mental Health Team have a small group here and have successful sessions each week but some of their buildings, which are quite new, are under-used so our Deputy Chairwoman negotiated a transfer of them to Tindall Street Allotment Group (TSAG), at no cost. This was most welcome as the existing TSAG buildings are in need of extensive and costly repair. There are several ongoing users of the area, all independent and full of enthusiasm - all good social inclusion material.

One big advantage of the arrangement with the Mental Health Team is that there is a new, unused composting toilet on the site and this now means that we have a unisex toilet next to the Trading Hut

and separate mens and ladies toilets at the orchard end of the site. There is a minor issue over the need for lights to be installed in the orchard end units, but the site manager has this in hand.

TSAG are now able to use the newer building for committee and other meetings when the various other groups are not on site. For now, we can avoid having to consider any costly remedial/renovation work to the existing buildings.

The committee hopes to hold the 2023 AGM in the new building to save the cost of hiring a room, off site, to accommodate all our plotholders.

A separate delivery of 1 tonne of peat-free compost was made to the orchard end of the site and was made available to plotholders as they brought their barrows to cart it away. We’ll see how the peat-free product shapes up against the traditional peat based commodity.

Another welcome result for TSAG has been the cash raised from honey production. The total income to date is £192 and the honey was very quickly snapped up by local connoisseurs.

TSAG had a donation of 5 modern lockers for use across the site and these will be in place shortly.

Distributing the peat-free compost

24 ON OUR DOORSTEP

Also donated was an elderly, working, cement mixer which is to be painted and placed as a planted feature when it is ready for display.

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 25

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ON OUR DOORSTEP 25

OOD AprMay23.qxp_Issue 82 17/03/2023 15:42 Page 26

Lasting Power of Attorney: What is it and when would you need one?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets someone (the donor) appoint one or more people (known as attorneys) to help them make decisions, or to make decisions on their behalf, if they are no longer able to.

A lasting power of attorney for property and financial affairs (PFA) can be used when a person has capacity, or when a person has lost capacity. If a person has capacity, they may wish to have someone to assist them with their finances. For example, a person may not be very mobile, so having a PFA LPA will enable their attorney to pay bills on their behalf and make longer terms plans in the event that they lose capacity and can no longer make their own decisions.

Anyone 18 or over with mental capacity can have a power of attorney.

What powers does an attorney have?

A property and financial affairs LPA gives the attorney(s) the power to make decisions about money and property for a person. For example: Managing a bank or building society account Paying bills and signing cheques Collecting pension benefits Selling a property Investing money Arranging repairs to a property A health and welfare LPA can only be used once the person lacks capacity; it gives the attorney(s) the 26 ON OUR DOORSTEP

power to make decisions about things such as: The person’s daily routine, for example washing, dressing and eating Medical care Where the person should live What kind of social activities they should take part in Life-sustaining treatment Once the LPA has been executed, it is sent to the Office of the Public Guardian with the application fee to be processed. At this point, the OPG must wait for four weeks (the statutory waiting period) before they can register your LPA. This gives people involved in the LPA time to raise any concerns they may have. If there are no objections or problems, the LPA is usually sent back to the person, or a solicitor if one has been instructed. Once the LPA has been registered and sent to you or your solicitor, the LPA can then be used with consent, or if the person has lost capacity.

This is just one of the services we provide at Widdows Pilling LLP. We also specialise in all aspects of Conveyancing, Commercial Property Transactions, Wills & Probate and Family Law. For more information, contact us: Telephone: 0161 790 1825 Email: enquiries@widdows-pilling.co.uk

Widdows Pilling LLP

WWW.ONOURDOORSTEP.CO.UK

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WHAT’S ON April & May COMMUNITY EVENTS

ROE GREEN BOWLING CLUB Beesley Green Find out more about Crown Green Bowling and give it a go! Arrange a FREE visit - call us to book a date in for you. Flat shoes or trainers only.

FREE (initial visit) Beryl Hughes: 0161 794 3310 BOARD GAMES AND FRIENDSHIP An afternoon of activities including board games and light refreshments.

Beesley Green Community Centre Tuesdays, 1-3pm Height Library, M6 7GY Fridays, 10-11.30am FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) HOLY ROOD COFFEE MORNING Holy Rood Memorial Hall Please come along and join us for a chat over a brew. Fresh tea, coffee and snacks on offer. Term time only.

Wednesdays, 10-11.30am FREE (donations for food) Facebook: Holy Rood Church Swinton www.achurchnearyou.com BREW AND CHAT Meet new friends. Find out what’s going on in your area. Get wellbeing support and information. Run by Age Friendly Salford. Sessions based around the 5 ways to wellbeing.

ELMWOOD’S WARM SPACE Elmwood Church, Salford, M6 8AG Entertain the children with crafts, junk modelling, games and activities at our free Warm Space. Free light lunch 12.30-2pm, drinks and biscuits.

Children must be with an adult.

Fridays, 10am-4pm Sundays, 12.30-4pm FREE Tel: 0161 281 4545 Facebook: ElmwoodChurch BOOTHSTOWN REPAIR CAFE Boothstown Village Hall Community project run by volunteers to help people to repair rather than replace. We work on everyday items; electrical and mechanical devices, computers, bicycles, clothing & more.

Sat 1st April, 9.30-11.30am Sat 6th May, 9.30-11.30am FREE entry (donations for parts) Facebook: BoothstownRepairCafe WORSLEY TOWNSWOMENS GUILD Worsley Court House Join us for a talk by Geoff Scargil: “I never left school”. Visitors welcome. Refreshments included.

Mon 3rd April, 7.30pm £2.50 Anne Adams: 0161 728 6783

FREE Andrea Whelan: 07375 049 963

VOLUNTEERING DAYS Lightoaks Park Join Friends of Lightoaks Park and help to maintain the park. No skills or tools required. All abilities and ages welcome. Meet at Tea’osk and finish with free refreshments/chat.

Sun 9th & 23rd April, 11am-1pm Sun14th & 28th May, 11am-1pm FREE Facebook: lightoakspark

BINGO IN THE PARK Buile Hill Park Join Friends of Buile Hill Park for a game of bingo at the Pavilion. Games are free with a chance to win fun prizes! Refreshments available.

Wednesdays, 12.30pm FREE entry FB: FriendsOfBuileHillParkFOBHP

ECCLES DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY Alexandra House, Eccles, M30 7HB Join us for a talk by Martin Baggoley: Murder and Manslaughter in Nineteenth Century Salford.

Non-members welcome.

Wed 12th April, 7.30pm Membership £22, Visitors £4 www.edhs.chessck.co.uk

Eccles Library Mondays, 1.30-2.30pm Swinton Library Thursdays, 11am-12pm

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WORSLEY TOWNSWOMENS GUILD Worsley Court House Join us for a talk by Elaine Bates on Lyme Hall & Gardens. Visitors welcome. Refreshments included.

Mon 8th May, 7.30pm £2.50 Anne Adams: 0161 728 6783 ECCLES DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY Alexandra House, Eccles, M30 7HB Join us for our AGM. Details to be announced. Non-members welcome.

Wed 10th May, 7.30pm Annual membership £22.00 Visitor’s fee £4.00 per meeting www.edhs.chessck.co.uk RABBIT & GUINEA PIG HEALTH CHECK Pets at Home, Regent Rd, Salford FREE rabbit and piggy health checks with RSPCA. Bookings taken three weeks ahead of the event, or just turn up between 1.30-3.30pm.

Sun 23rd April Sun 4th June 11.00am - 1.30pm (appts only) 1.30 - 3.30pm (drop ins) FREE E: admin@rspca-manchesterandsalford.org.uk MONTHLY LITTER PICK Buile Hill Park Join Buile Hill Mansion Association and help keep this beautiful park clean and tidy. Meet outside the Mansion. Equipment provided.

Sun 30th April, 11am Sun 28th May, 11am FREE entry Facebook: BuileHillMansionAssociation PICNIC & PIMMS Boothstown Village Hall St Mary’s Church, Ellenbrook, will be hosting Picnic & Pimms to celebrate the King’s Coronation. More details to follow on Facebook.

Sun 7th May, 1.30 -3.30pm FREE entry Facebook: BVHAboothstown/events

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HEALTH & FITNESS SALFORD WELLBEING WALKS Various locations FREE walks to improve your physical activity & health, ending with an opportunity for tea/coffee.

Arrive 10 minutes early.

Roe Green (Wooded Triangle) Monday 10-11am Boothstown Community Centre Monday 1.30-2.30pm Monton Green Tuesday 10-11am RHS Bridgewater Tuesday 10.30am-11.30am Blackleach Country Park Thursday 10-11am Clifton Country Park Thursday 10.15-11.15am Worsley Green Friday 10-11am Monton Green Sunday 10-11am FREE Jo Bennett : 0161 778 0559 GET ON YOUR BIKE! Blackleach Country Park Come along and enjoy cycling your way to fitness. Sessions suitable for beginners and those returning to cycling. Bikes and helmets available.

Mondays, 10am-12pm FREE Tel: 0161 790 6124 OUTDOOR GYM The Hive, Victoria Park, Swinton Walk followed by a gentle exercise circuit using the outdoor gym equipment. Suitable for beginners.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring water. Weekly from 4 April to 12 September 2023.

Tuesdays, 10.45-11.30am FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) SIT DOWN AND STRENGTHEN Eccles Gateway Gentle, fun and enjoyable way to exercise from the comfort of your chair. Everyone welcome. Suitable for all abilities. Ongoing.

Tuesdays, 1-2pm FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

What’s On HOUSEHOLD GYM St Mary’s Church, Ellenbrook Beginners exercise group with easy exercises you can do at home with what you have available around you.

Everyone welcome. All abilities.

Wednesdays, 10-11am FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) WEIGH AHEAD COURSE Salford Health Improvement activity: Five-week weight management course. Book your pre-course assessment and then join on any Monday, as long as capacity allows.

Eccles Gateway Wednesdays, 11.30am-12.30pm The Vine, Claremont Thursdays, 9.30-10.30am Boothstown Community Centre Thursdays, 10-11am Walkden Gateway Thursdays, 1.30-2.30pm Swinton Gateway Thursdays, 6-7pm Saturdays, 10.30-11.30am Booking required Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) BE WELL WEEKLY WALKS St. John's Church, Mosley Common Weekly walks to get active and to enjoy the great outdoors.

Thursdays 10.30 - 11.30am FREE Tracy Morris: 07943 840259 ANYONE FOR TENNIS Winton Bowling and Tennis Club Have a go at tennis in a relaxed and friendly environment. Beginners welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a drink.

Fridays, 1-3pm FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) GET ON YOUR BIKE! Cleavley’s Track, Eccles, M30 8HY Bike ride for beginners and people returning to cycling. Improve your cycling skills and confidence on the smooth surface of the athletic track.

Bikes and helmets provided.

Fridays, 10am-12pm FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

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CALM CLOUDS BABY MASSAGE Worsley & Walkden Relaxing classes for parents and babies. Learn baby massage techniques to help with wind, colic, constipation, congestion and teething. Classes where you can press pause, slow down and spend quality time with your baby, building a beautiful bond.

Refreshments provided. For babies 8 weeks+ to active movement.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Elaine: 07809 739711 info@calmcloudsbabymassage.co.uk www.calmcloudsbabymassage.co.uk WEEKLY WALK AND TALK Explore Salford’s green and blue spaces with Age Friendly Salford and improve your wellbeing.

A different location each week.

Suitable for all abilities.

5th April - Buile Hill Park 12th April - Victoria Park 19th April - Peel Park 26th April - Lightoaks Park 3rd May - Media City 10th May - River Irwell 17th May - Kersal Wetlands 24th May - Drinkwater Park 31st May - Buile Hill Park Tonicha: 07983 884160 Facebook: agefriendlysalford WALKIES AT BRIDGEWATER RHS Garden Bridgewater Bring your dog for our special Walkies session. Enjoy a stroll around the gardens as we open up the grounds to you and your canine companions. Two dogs permitted per person. Dogs must be kept on a lead. Booking required.

Tue 18th April, 4-7pm Tue 2nd May, 4-7pm Mon 15th May, 4-7pm Members: FREE Non-members: Half price entry Tel: 0161 503 6100 www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater ON OUR DOORSTEP 29

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What’s On

KIDS ACTIVITIES STORYTIME Salford Libraries For parents/carers - bring your baby or toddler (0-4yrs) to a storytime session. Term time only. Please book.

Winton Library Mondays, 10.30-11.30am Tel: 0161 921 2180 Boothstown Library Tuesdays, 10-11am Tel: 0161 799 6549 Walkden Library Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am | 10.45-11.45am Tel: 0161 607 6639 Eccles Library Thursdays, 10.30-11.30am Tel: 0161 607 8237 Height Library Thursdays, 10.30-11.30am Tel: 0161 921 2240 Worsley Village Library Thursdays, 2-3pm Tel: 0161 794 8750 Swinton Library Fridays, 11am-12pm Tel: 0161 793 3736 Little Hulton Library Mondays, 9.30-10.30am Thursdays, 1.30-2.30pm Tel: 0161 790 4201 FREE (booking required) Facebook: SalfordLibraries STAY & PLAY Little Hulton Library For parents/carers - bring your under 5’s and enjoy our toys and lovely books! It’s a great way to make new friends. Term time only.

Mondays, 9.30-10.30am Thursdays, 1.30-2.30pm FREE (booking required) Tel: 0161 790 4201 Email: littlehulton.library@scll.co.uk BUGGY WALKS Beesley Green Community Centre Join fellow mums for a social walk with your child. A leisurely buggy walk around local greenspace.

Wear suitable shoes. Ongoing.

Wednesday, 10.30-11.30am FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) 30 ON OUR DOORSTEP

LEGO CLUB BOOTHSTOWN Boothstown Library New after-school lego club. Let your children unleash their creativity, socialise and have fun! Free activity, suitable for children 6yrs+. Under 8‘s must be accompanied by an adult.

Term time only.

Thursdays, 3.30-4.30pm FREE Email: boothstown.library@scll.co.uk Tel: 0161 799 6549 ST JOHNS PLAY DAYS St John’s Community Ctr, M28 5RE Parents/carers - bring your baby and toddler to this new baby & toddler group for two hours of play and socialising. A free drink for adults included, extra refreshments can be purchased. School term time only.

Fridays, 9.30-11.30am £2.00 per child (booking required) Tel: 07500 978330 Facebook: St Johns Play Days YOUTH CAFE Boothstown Community Centre For young people aged 11-18 years.

Come and socialise and enjoy a snack and drink for a small fee.

Activities include games, cooking, project work around special events.

Relax after a long week at school.

Come and go as you please!

Fridays, 6.30-8.00pm FREE entry (drop in) Tel: 0161 799 6674 CRAFTY FAMILIES The Lowry Come up to The Lookout and drop in anytime between 11am and 1pm for these artist led activities. Please book tickets if you intend to come along. Suitable for under 11’s.

Saturdays, 11am-1pm FREE (booking required) www.thelowry.com SALFORD JUNIOR PARKRUN Buile Hill Park Free weekly timed 2k parkrun for 4-14 year olds. Open to all, have fun, join in whatever your pace! Register before event and bring a printed barcode. Volunteers always needed!

Sundays, 9.00am FREE Email: salfordjuniors@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/salford-juniors

EASTER ACTIVITIES EASTER BUNNY HUNT Join the Salford Rangers for some Easter fun at your local parks! Easter trails for young families. Just turn up!

Peel Park Tue 4th April, 1-3pm Dukes Drive Wed 5th April, 1-3pm FREE (drop in) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk EASTER EGG HUNT Buile Hill Park Friends of Buile Hill Park. Come and join us at the Pavillion for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. We will be giving Cream Eggs out!

Wed 5th April 12.00 - 4.00pm FREE entry FB: FriendsOfBuileHillParkFOBHP WORSLEY WOODS EASTER TRAIL Beesley Green Entrance Join the ranger for some Easter fun.

Please park responsibly.

Thu 6th April 10.30am - 12.30pm FREE (donations on the day welcome) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk NORTHWEST FUNFAIRS Buile Hill Park All the fun of the fair is returning to Buile Hill Park for lots of family Easter fun. Special offers on tickets from the on-site ticket box.

Fri 7th to Sun 16th April 12.00 - 8.00pm FREE entry (charges for rides) Facebook: northwestfunfairs EASTER EGG HUNT Boothstown Village Hall The Easter Bunny will hide letters around Boothstown which can be used to spell Easter words. Maps will be available from the village hall from 9.30am on the day. Find the letters for a chocolate reward back at the Hall where Easter Craft and refreshments will be available.

Sat 8th April 9.30am - 12.30pm £1.00 per map per person FB: BVHAboothstown

CONTACT US ON 07967 978831

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SPECIAL EVENTS EXPLORING THE COLLECTION: ANIMALS Salford Museum and Art Gallery Throughout time the lives of humans and animals have always been closely connected. We have used items from our collection to explore these relationships, from animals used in sport, working animals, the bonds developed through domestication of animals, and how animals have influenced decoration and entertainment in everyday life.

Suitable for all ages and intrigue.

Starts Sat 27th May 2023 Tue to Fri, 9.30am-4pm Sat to Sun, 11.30am-4pm FREE (tickets not required) Tel: 0161 778 0800 www.salfordmuseum.com BASIC SEWING Boothstown Community Centre Come and join us, learn to use sewing machines and make friends.

Suitable for beginners.

Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm FREE Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) INDIAN COOKING Boothstown Community Centre Learn how to make authentic Indian meals from raw ingredients.

Ongoing. Call to join the waiting list.

Wednesdays, 1-3pm FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) PHILOSOPHY IN PUBS (PIPS) Join us and share ideas about life's big questions in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss anything and everything, in a compassionate manner, with a different starter question each week chosen by the group.

Oats & Honey, Monton 1st Wednesday of each month Blue Bell Pub, Monton 3rd Wednesday of each month 7.30 - 9.30pm FREE entry Nicola: 07808 557354 Email: sixsmithies@yahoo.co.uk www.philosophyinpubs.co.uk

BAT WALK Join the ranger for a guided Bat Walk. All ages welcome. Walk may involve uneven ground & steps.

Bring a torch. Booking required.

ECHO EVENTS Eccles Town Hall Monton Art Group Exhibition Visit the ECHO Cafe, enjoy some light refreshments and admire exhibited artworks by the talented Monton Art Group.

Sat 1st April, 10am-2pm FREE entry Greater Manchester Police Male Voice Choir A welcome return for this talented choir. Enjoy a concert of choral works with some solo items.

Bar, tea, coffee and raffle.

Sat 13th May, 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £10 on the Door (U16s Free) E: enquiries.echo@ecclestownhall.org www.ecclestownhall.org GET CRAFTY Eccles Town Hall, Church Street Salford Health Improvement activity.

Arts and Crafts group including drawing, painting, knitting and crocheting. All abilities welcome.

Thursdays, 1-3pm FREE Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2) SPRING PLANT FAIR RHS Garden Bridgewater Join us for a weekend all about plants. Buy beautiful and unusual spring plants. Listen to a variety of talks and demonstrations.

Sat 1st to Sun 2nd April 10.00am - 5.00pm Normal garden admission applies www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater WORSLEY WOODS CONSERVATION Worsley Woods Join the ranger in some woodland management. Meet by the play area off Sefton Drive. Please avoid parking off Woodstock Drive. Email to book.

Sat 1st April Sat 6th May 10.30am - 12.30pm FREE (booking required) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

Worsley Woods Meet by Beesley Green entrance Tue 11th April, 7.45-9.00pm Lightoaks Park Meet by the Tea’osk Fri 14th April, 7.30-8.30pm FREE (donations welcome on the night) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk DUKES DRIVE CONSERVATION Dukes Drive, Monton Join the ranger to help maintain the park. Email to book.

Wed 12th April 10.00am - 12.00pm FREE (booking required) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk WALKDEN FOOD & CRAFT MARKET Walkden Town Centre Browse our amazing local sellers!

Fresh produce and amazing crafts.

Located inside, 1st floor by Tesco.

Sat 15th April Sat 20th May 10.00am - 4.00pm Facebook: WalkdenTownCentre MAKERS MARKET Quayside MediaCityUK Join us for an array of art, craft, food, drink, coffee, music and street food.

A great day for all the family!

Sat 29th April to Mon 1st May Sat 27th & Sun 28th May Sat 10am-5pm | Sun11am-5pm www.quaysidemediacityuk.co.uk CORONATION CELEBRATION St. Mark’s Church, Worsley Join us with the Brighouse & Rastrick Band, the 2022 British Open Champions, for an evening to celebrate the Coronation.

Sat 13th May, 7.30pm £18.00 per ticket Paul: 07746 467879 Tony: 07856 200711 Church: 0161 790 5597

IMPORTANT NOTICE Details are correct at the time of publishing. However, please check event dates and times with the venue in case of any changes.

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WIN! IRLAM LIVE 2023 Tickets to...

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IRLAM LIVE 2023 IRLAM LIVE is back for its seventh year for three great days!

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Not all hearts beat the same and once again we have carefully pulled-in an eclectic line-up for an awesome vibe and we can’t wait to see you all.

Headliners for this year include Heather Small, Blue, Martin Kemp doing his Back To The 80’s DJ Set, Toyah, Mark Shaw (Then Jerico), The Lottery Winners, Abz from 5ive, Ben from Phats & Small, Brutus Gold’s Love Train and lots, lots more kicking off on Friday 2nd June, where we have a full day of fun for the whole family including a host of the UK’s finest tribute bands.

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Top Five Social Media Content Tips

Business Marketing:

by Monton Business Group

In this issue we’re delighted to share some pointers to help you effectively plan your social media content for your local business, with interesting posts published regularly!

1) Write your content out in advance It’s super helpful to create a calendar on a Word document for example, so that you can write posts in advance. You don’t have to post every day – posting content every few days, or even once a week is enough, depending on the type of business you have, the number of products/services you sell, and if you have enough content stored up.

2) Create bespoke graphics Use platforms such as Canva.com where even on a free account you can design your own bespoke images. However, there are also lots of templates you can use which allow you to change the colours to match your own brand.

Make sure you add your logo on to all of your graphics to generate brand consistency with your followers.

3) Share informative and engaging content Mix up your content to include the benefits of using your business as well as examples of customer reviews. You can even promote the services of your customers on your social media!

Use national holidays and events to help generate engaging content, for example can your product or service tie into Mother’s Day? Alternatively, simply put out a post wishing your followers a Happy Mother’s Day! Use an online ‘Social Media Calendar’ to find out about special days in the month that you’re planning your social media content.

WWW.ONOURDOORSTEP.CO.UK

4) Use a social media scheduling tool Whilst Facebook and Instagram allow you to post to both platforms through their built-in social media planning and scheduling tool, other more dedicated software such as Hootsuite, Buffer and Later allow you to schedule content to all your social media accounts simultaneously.

Some of these planning tools offer a free month trial so be sure to utilise this and get yourself set up and in the rhythm of pre-writing and scheduling your social media content.

5) Connect and engage positively on social media Don’t just churn out content without engaging on social media. Make sure you are following your customers and contacts (who in turn will follow you), as well as regularly ‘liking’, ‘sharing’ and ‘commenting’ on their posts.

If people are engaging on your posts with replies and comments, it is good practice to continue the conversation by liking their comments and responding with an answer to a question they might have asked, or even a simple ‘thank you’ for kind words they may have said about you or your post.

For more business advice from local companies, come along to a Monton Business Group networking event on the last Friday every month.

Visit montonbusinessgroup.com to find out more and to register your details.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Recipe Feature

Rhubarb Crumble Muffins Deliciously light and fluffy muffins with tasty rhubarb and finished with a crumble topping. These Rhubarb Crumble Muffins are a new way to enjoy a popular dessert.

Preparation time: 25 mins Cooking time: 15 mins Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

For the muffin mix: • 175g caster sugar • 175g rhubarb, halved lengthways then diced • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 125ml buttermilk • 200g plain flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the crumble topping; • 50g light muscovado sugar • 50g plain flour • 25g porridge oats • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 50g butter

34 ON OUR DOORSTEP

Method

Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan(gas mark 7) Fill a 12-hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases.

Mix the sugar and rhubarb together and set on one side.

To make the crumble topping, mix together the muscovado sugar with the flour, oats and cinnamon. Rub the butter into the mixture until it comes together into crumbly clumps.

Beat the oil and the egg lightly together, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk. Pour the mixture over the sugar-coated rhubarb. Add the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and mix well.

Spoon the mixture into the cases, then cover each one with a thick layer of the crumble mixture.

Bake for 15-18 mins until golden and a skewer poked into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

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FIND NEW & REPEAT CLIENTS 20,000 copies distributed every 2 months to 11 villages / c.50,000 residents Published online & on Social Media

OUR READERS ARE YOUR

POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

E: sales@onourdoorstep.co.uk | T: 07967 978831

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