Salford Now 11 December 2018

SALFORDNOW AT THE HEART OF ALL THINGS SALFORD

Tuesday 11 December 2018

Salford professor celebrates women in cinema

REMEMBER THEM Four children who died in Walkden fire will be remembered tonight

By Chloe Hancock THE deaths of Demi, Lia, Lacie and Brandon Pearson in an arson attack on their Walkden home one year ago will be commemorated tonight.

A vigil organised by their grandmother Sandra Lever will be held outside their family home on Jackson Street, from 6.30pm.

On the night of the fire, two petrol bombs were thrown into the home which resulted in the four children losing their lives as they slept in the

early hours of the morning.

Their mother, Michelle Pearson, was badly injured and was unable to attend her children’s funerals. She is still in hospital recovering one year on.

The public are invited to light candles, lay flowers and attach messages to a Christmas tree outside the home to show their respects. A slideshow featuring the four children will be played throughout the night, for the public to see the children.

Another memorial service was held on Sunday to raise money for the

Wythenshawe Burns unit, which has saved their mum Michelle’s life.

The event at the British Legion in Walkden included an auction of a Manchester United football, with the bid starting at £50, and eventually being sold for £150.

Members of the community and businesses helped with fundraising which included a raffle and an appearance of Santa.

Walkden residents were also invited to attend the funerals a year ago to pay their respects to the arson attack victims.

Demi Pearson, 15, her brother Brandon, 8, and her sister Lacie, 7, were pronounced dead on the day of the fire. The youngest sibling, Lia, 3, died in hospital two days after the fire.

Lia was rescued by her mother Michelle, but doctors were not able to save her.

Zak Bolland, 23, admitted causing the fire, and was jailed for life with a minimum of 40 years. His girlfriend, Courtney Brierley was given 21 years in a young offenders’ institution. David Worsall was also given a life sentence with a minimum of 37 years.

A film studies professor at Salford University is curating a year-long celebration of women in film.

Read more on page 2

Builder launches gift appeal for struggling parents

Local builder Michael Cooney, has set up a Facebook group dedicated to helping Salford families struggling this Christmas

Read more on page 5

Salford band bag BBC Introdcing gig

Salford University students have appeared on BBC introducing showcasing their new music

Read more on page 8

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SALFORDNOW

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

Council helps survivors of domestic abuse

By Amy Buchanan

The fund of £99,000 will be used towards accommodation in Salford for survivors of domestic abuse to help them find long term and safe housing.

The money will provide nine accommodation safe spaces and at least one will be used for emergencies when people have to leave on the same day.

The funding is directed at people who do not currently qualify for emergency accommodation, yet feel as though they have no choice but to return to abusive relationships.

Support from experienced and qualified staff will be available to domestic abuse survivors.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “At the moment some people fleeing domestic abuse do not qualify for temporary accommodation under statutory provision. That can leave people feeling stuck in abusive relationships.

A lack of refuge places, affordable private sector tenancies or available social housing compounds this situation. People feel that they have no viable options available to them.”

Salford will work with partnering authorities which aims to help local people find refuge spaces in other areas in order to keep them safe from abusive partners.

Councillor David Lancaster continued: “It’s a dreadful situation that needs to change but thanks to this funding, Salford City Council can now offer them a new service. Even if they are not classed as priority need under housing law we can now help them get into good quality, safe accommodation with the space and support they need to build a brighter future.

They will be supported by the Salford Supported Tenancies service which provides specialist support to anyone suffering homelessness and domestic abuse.

We want people to know that they do not have to put up with being controlled, threatened, hurt or generally abused. There is help available and there is always a way out.”

Salford Quays office collected and donated 60 coats for the homeless in Manchester.

Construction firm workers donate 60 coats to keep homeless people warm

By Owais Masood

SALFORD Quays office workers have collected and donated 60 coats for homeless people this winter.

Staff at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure’s (MSCI) Salford Quays office took part in the big coat collection campaign, run by Barnabus, a Christian charity that helps homeless people.

Homelessness in Salford has doubled every year since 2016 and has become a big problem across Greater Manchester.

Ruth Dymond, communications officer for MSCI, said: “The Big Coat Collection was an appeal that the team saw online.

“Towns were partaking with dropoff points for coats that were no longer required. They thought ‘We can do that!’, and contacted local charity Barnabus with the idea; who welcomed it with open arms.

“The coats have to be in good condition and clean but all sizes are required.”

MSCI is a UK construction and infrastructure business with a network of local offices. The company works

for private and public sector customers on projects and frameworks from £50,000 to more than £1 billion.

Activities range from small works, repair and maintenance, to the design and delivery of complex construction and engineering projects where it is able to provide specialist design, tunnelling, utilities, building, civil engineering and mechanical and electrical services.

Ruth Dymond said: “It’s a great campaign to get involved in because not only does it result in a positive impact on the local community but it is also easy for everyone to contribute.

We were pleasantly surprised with the way people responded to the appeal and took it to heart.

“Homelessness and vulnerability are prominent issues in Manchester and as the cold sets in, suitable clothing can literally be a matter of life and death.”

Ms Dymond also encouraged other offices can join the campaign, She said: “Any office can set up the Big Coat Collection, all you need is a place to store them. Even if there is no campaign near you, contact your local clothing bank or shelter and donate whatever you don’t need.”

Salford professor leads celebration of women in cinema

By Amelia Crombleholme

A PROFESSOR of Film Studies at the University of Salford is curating a year-long celebration of women in film.

Dr Andy Willis will be a part of the Celebrating Women in Global Cinema which will be hosted throughout 2019 at Manchester based cinema Home.

As a senior visiting curator at Home, he said: “We thought it was about time (that), rather than have one short season that celebrated women, we would have a whole year devoted to it. Throughout the year we will be doing various different events about

the history of cinema and contemporary cinema; writers, directors, producers. We’ll be working with lots of collaborators.”

Dr Willis is co-curating the whole year alongside Rachel Hayward, Home’s film programme manager.

“We’re really excited about the whole initiative; it’s the first time Home’s done anything this big and we’re already getting a lot of positive feedback.

“It’s a really exciting, quite innovative event, and it’s one I think that the University is really pleased to be partnering with Home on.”

The event starts in January with a retrospective of writer Debbie Hors-

field, and will end next December with a study of women in Asian cinema.

“It’s cinema from around the world, not just Hollywood. It’s all four corners of the globe – not that the globe has four corners!

“Personally I have a particular interest in Hong Kong cinema. We’ve a (female) pioneer from Hong Kong, a director called Angie Chen and she’ll be coming over in May for a small retrospective of her work.”

Dr Willis is also looking forward to meeting British producer Rebecca O’Brien, best known for her work with Ken Loach. (She’s) a key person in his working methods so we’re re-

ally excited to have a retrospective of her work.

“From almost the beginning of cinema women have been involved, but the history of cinema has mainly been written around male directors and writers, and by male critics for that matter. We’re hoping to address that by focusing exclusively on women.

“All in all there’s lots of things going on across the whole year and I woulrecommend everyone to come along if you’re interested in global cinema or women in film generally, from to getting in to film to looking at some of the great filmmakers of the past who are overlooked mainly because they are women.”

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TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

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Salford’s Christmas green scheme

By Melissa Garlick CHARITIES across the UK have launched recycle schemes this Christmas and one is based right here in Salford. The Christmas green scheme is a collection of new recycling aids and ideas to help the community recycle their way through the holidays.

The Christmas holidays are a wonderful, magical, joyous time for all.

Full of parties, laughter and fun, but when it comes to recycling, do we live up to our green fingered nickname or do all of our recycling morals go out the window?

We all know how busy Christmas can be and when it comes to Christmas day, a lot of us find ourselves

surrounded by wrapping paper, envelopes and plastic.

Although throwing all of this ‘rubbish’ away into one huge bin bag isn’t a crime it is proving damaging to the environment and there are simple ways to be more environmentally friendly this Christmas.

From glass bottles to plastic bags and wrapping paper, there are always ways we can recycle around the house.

According to Recycle Now every Christmas here in the UK, we use enough card to cover the London Eye almost 50,000 times. Now that is a lot of card!

Now don’t worry this isn’t the film Seven, but do we really know what things we should and should not be

putting in our blue bins? The ‘what’s in the box campaign’ headed by Salford Council is showing us what we need to do in order to make sure what we are recycling should actually be there.

Recycle For Greater Manchester are working with Salford City council to help stop the contamination of recycled goods and to help the community’s recycle scheme take a leap in the right direction over the Christmas holidays.

Leaflets will be distributed to 86,000 homes across Salford to ‘help Salford recycle right in the blue bin’ Be green this Christmas and start 2019 off with a bang knowing you have done everything you can this holiday season to keep Salford as eco-friendly as possible.

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CCTV evidence links car to shooting of gangster

By Grace O’Hare

Shocking tooth decay statistics emerge

By Izak Hannard SHOCKING statistics, released by the NHS and Chemist 4 U, show the worrying rise of tooth decay affecting adults and children across the North West, especially in Salford.

Tooth decay is a largely preventable problem, yet statistics are showing a significant increase in adults and children that suffer with it. In 2015, a survey showed that a quarter of 5-yearolds experienced tooth decay. Now statistics are showing an increase that is worrying parents and dentists that there is not enough awareness on the impact of high sugar diets.

In Salford, these statistics are showing a significant number of children who suffer from tooth decay with those ages 5 and under at a shocking 45%. Children at this age are the most prone as well as during adolescence from the movement of teeth, making oral health a much bigger topic that needs to be discussed.

Dental health professional Ronald Baise, of 92 Dental, weighed in on why adults and children are likely to miss their appointment, saying: “Appointments are usually missed because the symptoms dental problems are usually experienced transiently. If you have tooth pain it is

very rare that the pain will be felt constantly, rather it will come and go over a period of months.”

The statistics show that in the North West, only 43% of adults have visited a dentist in the North West in the last 24 months. That leaves a huge 57% gap of people who have not made a dentist appointment in the last two years.

This means that more people could be suffering from tooth decay than previously thought. Dentists always recommend that you get a check-up every 6 months to prevent and lower the risks of tooth decay.

A Salford oral health professional spoke up on the issue in regards to why many are put off from booking a dental appointment. Jeremy said “often it’s the parent’s fears that they put on to their own children, so the children are frightened to come into the dentist. The times have changed and it doesn’t have to be a painful experience.”

Jeremy also stressed that education is also to blame for why many fail to turn up or book an appointment, saying: “I see many children suffering from tooth decay, many from poorer populations of Salford that need teeth removing.

“All I can do is deal with the problem and educate the parents. It’s soul

destroying for the staff and I to see this.”

Dental health professional Jeremy Cooper, of Salford’s Chiropody Dental Surgery, also discussed what is contributing to the tooth decay in adults and children emphasising the risks of sugary diets.

“Often where you find social deprivation, you find increased decay rates, probably more than anything it is down to poor diets and lots of sugar. The amount of sugar per day is instrumental in people having cavities which can lead to decay. My advice would be to drink water only or drink sugar-free drinks. Use fluoride toothpaste and don’t rinse after brushing.”

There is concern that this statistic could rise and even has some of the community concerned that sugar is a contributor to the rise in tooth decay in children.

A report published by the government, last year, indicates that this is not only happening in Salford, but the rest of the UK. These new findings show that oral health is just as important as any other health issue and dentists still recommend that a checkup is to be booked every 6 months. This is so that children and adults can avoid tooth decay becoming an increasing and painful issue that can quickly be resolved.

A CAR alleged to be used by a man accused of killing Salford gangland figure, Paul Massey, was spotted close to the scene of the fatal shooting, a murder trial jury was told today.

PC Martin Wakeman took to the stand at Liverpool Crown Court to give evidence in the ongoing trial.

The police officer specialises in identifying vehicles linked to crimes, and has spent hours studying the CCTV footage involved in the case.

Massey, 55, was gunned down in July 2015 outside his Salford home.

He was a well-known figure and had been involved in security firms operating in Manchester.

John Kinsella, 53, from Everton, died after being shot in May this year whilst on a dog walk with his partner.

Stephen Boyle, 35, and Mark Fellow, 38, are jointly accused of both murders and the attempted murder of Kinsella’s partner Wendy Owen.

They have pleaded not guilty.

Paul Greaney, QC, for the prosecution, questioned PC Wakeman, over evidence that links a Skoda Superb car with Fellows in the months leading up to the killings.

Mr Greaney said it is accepted Fellows was the user of the five door Skoda Superb and it was spotted by CCTV cameras near the scene of the crime and driving past Massey’s home.

The jury was shown images of the Skoda and PC Wakeman says the car shown in all images is consistent with Fellow’s vehicle.

Mr Greaney said the CCTV foot-

age showed a Skoda vehicle going towards or past Massey’s home a number of times on July 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Mr Greaney told the court Fellows travelled from his home to the Red Lion pub on July 26. This was not following a direct route and instead passing the house of Paul Massey.

PC Wakeman also analysed the footage of Boyle’s car leading up to the killings. Boyle owns a Vauxhall Insignia car. PC Wakeman stated that a car passed through the traffic lights 17 seconds after Massey’s vehicle then turns and it was a white Insignia.

Peter Wright, QC, defending Boyle, said the jury should consider that the quality of the footage was poor and should draw their own conclusions from it.

PC Wakeman accepted the footage was poor and along with the weather conditions it was difficult to make a positive identification.

Last month, the court heard that a Garmin Forerunner watch belonging to Fellows was a key piece of evidence in the case against the accused men.

This type of watch worn by keen runners and cyclists has a GPS function enabling routes to be recorded, along with other information such as pace and distance.

The use of the Garmin watch showed that a few months before the shooting of Massey the wearer of the watch had travelled from his home to the area behind a church in which the killer lay in wait for his victim on 26 July 2015.

The trial continues at Liverpool Crown Court.

Loud bangs in Walkden shake up Salford

By Victoria Petrova

SALFORD citizens were shaken after two loud bangs believed to be commercial grade fireworks echoed around Walkden.

Emergency services were called in near Pall Ford Park at Park Road when the noises were heard around 8pm.

The fireworks were set off in the park’s metal wheelie bins, causing the deafening sounds also heard in Worseley, Little Hulton, and Boothstown.

Citizens took to social media to dis-

cuss the incident.

Michael Ryan tweeted: “Anyone else just hear two huge bangs in Walkden? Any ideas?”

The responses to the incident were confused and scared, with one user saying they’re “really scared”.

No injuries were reported at the scene.

Another user tweeted: “Live on park road and heard two bangs, stinks of smoke and seen the fire engines going. Does anyone know what it is yet?”

No firefighting took place and the incident was handed over to Greater Manchester Police.

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SALFORDNOW

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

Arrests made over Salford club shooting

By Matt Roberts

Woman looking through pieces

Salford showcases work by artists from around the world

By Hira Nasir WEIRD but wonderful artwork was being sold at the Christmas Market, hosted by Islington Mill.

More than 15 artists were selling their original art works, original prints, screen printed clothing, bags, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork and much more.

The Christmas Market at the Mill has been running for the past seven years.

Greg Thorpe, one of the organisers, said: “It is increasingly popular because it’s very different from what you will get on the high street.

Everything here is handmade, locally made and you can support locals artists by shopping here.

“Due to the popularity, this year we have moved to a much bigger space, the warehouses next to the Mill, as they accommodate more people and we are always trying to get bigger and better.”

Salford City Council has been supporting the Islington Mill by leasing spaces, for an affordable

rate so that artists have a platform to showcase their work.

Mr Thorpe added: “We have artists from all over the world and we believe Salford is leading the way and we are part of that which the council has recognised.”

He also explains how the idea of hosting the Christmas Market at the Mill came about.

The market featured stalls from Mill artists and makers including MARC the Printers, a company which has recently joined Islington Mill.

He said: “We’re here because we want to take part in the activities that are going on, meet other people who are working in the mill, share ideas and hopefully sell a few things.”

Aron Smith said it was a great place for artists as they can explore their creativity without any limit.

Rebecca and Ben, two of the attendees, said they love Islington Mill because of the different types of arts and crafts it showcases.

Ben added: “The Christmas Market at the mill is weird and wonderful. It’s a cool way to pick up some Christmas presents.”

Guests viewing the art wrok

and underwear so they no longer have to miss out on school because they don’t have the basic supplies they require.

Twenty-one-year-old Ms Martin, a psychology and criminology student at Salford University, is raffling off numbers on a card for £1.50 each for a chance to win £20 cash for the winner.

Many of the girls in Uganda are forced to not participate in sports or physical activities because of the lack of suitable clothing and equipment for them to wear.

This means they simply don’t get the exercise and social interaction they need to develop.

However, with the help of Ms Martin and the other Salford students, she says they “will empower them so they can finally escape the circle of poverty”.

Finding out about this trip via Salford University, Ms Martin explains this is something she has always wanted to do.

She will join members of the University of Salford and Teams4u charity group in supplying the vital

Student plans fundraising for trip to Uganda

By Chloe Hancock SALFORD student Ellis Martin is fundraising for a trip to Uganda in August 2019.

The trip, called the ‘Develop with Dignity’ project, entails supplying the Ugandan women and girls with the education and supplies they need.

He said: “This will empower them so they can finally escape the circle of poverty.”

This includes sexual education, STI testing for HIV/Aids, family planning and contraception, sanitary products

supplies and help to the rural Kumi district in Uganda.

She said: “I found out about it just by email, the uni is really good at communicating via email and I came across the information about the 2019 trip that Heath Sciences students could go on.

She said: “Seeing as it’s my last year and I would have just graduated, it seemed like a great experience and something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I do a lot of charity work anyway and I just love the feeling of helping others, it’s so humbling.”

POLICE have arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a firearm, in relation to a shooting in Salford in November.

Warrants were executed on five addresses in Prestwich, Salford, Crumpsall, Manchester and Kent on the morning of Tuesday 11 December.

Two men aged, 35 and 39, were arrested and both remain in custody.

There will be increased visible police presence in the areas while officers continue their investigations and active scenes remain in the place.

The arrests follow the shooting of a man in his 20s who had been attending a music event at Kingston Mill, on Cobden Street, on November 23 before he was later shot outside the venue three times.

The man was taken to hospital at around 5.30am on November 24 with injuries which were not life-threatening. He has since been discharged.

It is believed that the shooting was an isolated incident, with no threat to the wider community – either in the Cobden Street area, or in the areas where this morning’s warrants were carried out.

Officers are continuing to appeal to anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward and have set up a dedicated dropbox facility to allow for mobile footage to be left anonymously.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin of GMP’s Major Incidents Team said: “We are making good progress with our investigations and have this morning taken two men into custody.

“I’d like to stress again that we believe this shooting was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“While we have made two arrests, our investigations continue and we have set up a dedicated dropbox where people can leave any mobile phone footage they feel might assist our enquiries.

“This facility is totally anonymous and any footage deposited there will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“Perhaps you attended the club night at Kingston Mill on the evening of November 23 or were in the area at the time of the incident?

“Even the smallest piece of information can open up new lines of enquiry and help officers solve crimes likes this.

“If you have any footage, pictures or information that you think might assist us – then please get in touch.”

The anonymous dropbox facility can be accessed by sending footage and information via email to scd. cctv@gmp.police.uk quoting incident number 504 of 24/11/2018.

Information can also be left with police on 0161 856 6777 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

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Derelict hostel to be transformed into social housing

By Jessica Watts

AN abandoned women’s hostel in Salford is being transformed into social housing.

Running the project is the Salford based multi-award winning social housing provider, Salix Homes.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are delighted to announce the start of work at Joan Lestor House, which has stood vacant for more than five years.

“It’s such a shame to see these sorts of buildings left to go to rack and ruin when for a little investment they could be transformed into desperately needed housing, and this project is just one of several that Salix Homes is involved with across Salford to repurpose empty buildings into homes.”

Joan Lestor House on Ellesmere Street, Little Hulton, has been empty for more than five years. This has seen the location become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Salix Homes purchased the site last year and has now released plans to convert it into nine modern, one and two bedroom apartments for social housing rent.

Across the nation affordable housing is becoming more in demand. In March 2018 the government reported that there were 47,355 affordable homes delivered in England. This was an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2017.

On a more local level, Lee Sugden explained: “We desperately need more of the right types of homes that people can afford and our investment at Joan Lestor House will bring nine, modern homes to the social housing market at a time when there isn’t nearly enough social housing being built.”

Speaking about the communities thoughts on the redevelopment, Sugden claimed: “We are also confident that the local community will be relieved to see this abandoned site, which has become a real eyesore in the area, finally occupied and given a new lease of life.”

Salix Homes will be working alongside it’s partner contractor Emanuel Whittaker to remodel the building and transform the site.

Managing director at Emanuel Whittaker, Clive Newton, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership

Joan Lestor House once again with Salix Homes on another important regeneration project in Salford. We know it will make an immense impact on the neighbourhood and provide much-needed social housing for local people.”

The £800,000 project has been partially funded by a £234,000 grant from Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Pro-

gramme.

Joan Lestor House was named after the Labour MP Baroness Lestor of Eccles. The building was built in 1999 and provided a refuge for single homeless women until it closed down.

Over the past three years Salix Homes have overseen various projects to regenerate empty buildings across the areas. These include: a der-

elict homeless hostel in Kersal – The Hive – which is now providing homes for young people, and a former sheltered housing complex – Alexander Gardens in Broughton – which is providing homes for workers at Salford Royal Hospital.

Work is currently under way and is expected to be complete by next summer.

Builder launches gift appeal for struggling parents

By Lucy Fisher

The age-well Inspiring Communities Together supports older adults from 55-100 years old

Six steps to prevent falls in elderly people

By Phoebe Tucker SIX steps to preventing falls in later life training is part of a Salford age-well programme focusing on supporting older adults Inspiring Communities Together (ICT) delivers start-well, live-well and age-well programmes throughout the city.

The age-well programme supports adults from 55–100 years old. So far 114 people have worked through the six-step training.

Salford has one of the highest levels of falls in older adults which results in hospital admission.

Greater Manchester is the sixth worst city in the UK for older adults falling.

The six steps to preventing falls scheme has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund and will run until March 2020.

Bernadette Elder, CEO of ICT.

explained: “Within our community classes we have falls exercise classes, people that are at risk of having a fall referred by GPs and hospitals, then at our end we work in the community field to support people with these six-step messages, co-produced with older adults , healthcare professionals and ICT. “Anybody that comes to the training will know what to do if they have had a fall.”

Dale Tinsley from Transport for Greater Manchester met ICT regarding both organisations so they can work together to spread the message to older people using public transport.

Ms Elder said: “We are not a campaigning organisation, we are a collaborative organisation, wanting to work with people.

“We will work with the older people and with TfGM to make sure we are working on the same thing.”

ICT has found older adults are worried about the buses actually stopping

as it takes them longer to get to their seat or leave the bus therefore ICT are encouraging older people through the six steps training to ask bus drivers to wait while they sit down.

Andrea Wheelan, development worker for ICT, said: “I go on buses a lot and I have exercised my right, the driver has done that, took off safely.

I’ve sat down on purpose, rang the bell and tested it all out.”

Fall detector pendants have been available for older adults however ICT explained that people are not using them.

Ms Elder emphasised: “This information has always been available but the way the hospitals present it is clinical so a lot of what we did was work with the hospital and older people to make it accessible and user friendly and then the training is about these messages.

“It’s about everybody being aware that its everybody’s responsibility to try and make a difference.”

A SALFORD builder has set up a Facebook group dedicated to helping local families who are struggling this Christmas.

The group allows members of the community to post items and toys that they no longer need and offer them to good homes for free.

The idea came about when Michael Cooney, 36, who has two young sons, offered a bike for free on Facebook.

He said: “I could’ve got at least £50 for it but I wanted to help out, especially this time of year, and knew that someone would appreciate it.”

Mr Cooney received many offers of other toys from his friends to also give away on Facebook. This spurred him on to create the group ‘Salford Kids Xmas Appeal’ in order to connect the community and allow people to give and receive for free.

The group has already helped out many locals and has gained over 2,300 members in just over three days.

Kelly Jones, a member of the community and a member of the group, said: “This group is in the process of helping me, I know a family where a foster child has just been placed with them in emergency care so has no presents just yet so we’re getting a few wrap ups for him from the group “I think that ideas like this by local people for local people is an excellent idea and strengthens the local community tenfold.”

As well as people posting the available toys in the group on Facebook, drop-off points are being set up around Salford.

Based in the heart of central Salford, Sunkissed Tan Salon in Eccles was announced as the first drop-off point.

Michael Cooney Claire Whincup, director of the salon, said that many parents are ‘under so much pressure to provide’ around Christmas time. Her salon has a discreet door round the back so parents can collect toys in confidence and ‘without feeling embarrassed’.

With so many toys being offered away for free, Mr Cooney hopes to visit local schools and foodbanks with the donations too.

He urges anyone who needs help over the festive period to get involved.

He said: “There’s a lot of people who might feel they don’t want to ask, but we can only make this work if people do ask so it goes to the right people.

“You don’t have to be completely skint or anything, it might just be a hard time of year for you and you think your kids will benefit.”

Anyone interested in receiving or giving donations to local families, can contact Michael Cooney on 07921293525 or email him at finroc@outlook.com

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SALFORD NOW

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

The community of Salford have rallied to support a whole host

Sam Barry, Salford binman

Santa binmen collect thousands of presents for children

S

am Barry is just one of Salford’s binmen who have collected 2,000 presents for local children along with residents’ waste in the past week.

They asked the public to leave gifts beside their bins on bin collection days, allowing them to collect the gifts for others in need.

Mr Barry said: “The refuse drivers themselves visit 110,000 properties in Salford throughout the week it made sense to have the collections brought from the doorsteps.”

For 37-year-old MrBarry this made his fellow refuse collectors at Salford City Council the perfect people to help spread Christmas cheer throughout the city.

Mr Barry felt it was important to provide help to many families in the area, especially young and single parent families.

“In this day and age parents are ashamed to ask for help, if someone needs help they shouldn’t be afraid to ask, look at all the people I’ve asked for help.”

He contacted numerous local charities like Wood Street Mission and Women’s Aid, as well as many domestic abuse charities, asking them to help with his appeal.

This is not the first time Mr Barry has fundraised or helped charity, as a former solider he has fundraised for various veteran’s charities including doing a 15 mile ‘Tough Mudder’, an obstacle course on harsh terrain.

Despite his activism, Mr Barry told us that he feels “charity will always be needed.”

He said: “To throw out my personal opinion, I don’t think charity work should have to be done.”

Mr Barry would like to see more done by the public and government to end the need for charity work, and enable everyone to have a Merry Christmas.

The last collection was on Friday December 7, with 2,000 gifts being collected within four days.

The gifts have been donated to a variety of charities and will provide children in struggling families with age appropriate gifts.

By Cameron Gordon

Salford’s Whichway Trust gives back to community

W

hichway Trust, in Sutton Community Centre, celebrates its four month anniversary by giving back this month.

On December 16 and 23 the community group is hosting a Sunday roast between one and three in the afternoon.

Sarah Whitehead,director of Community Pride, said: “It is so much more important this time of year, especially for some members of the group, who don’t really have any connections, haven’t got any family or are struggling.

“It definitely is important that they have somewhere to come, be with people and have a hot meal.

“The cooking is now a self reliant project that the group will carry on into the future.”

The event was organised has been set up as a ‘pay what you can’ system.

The Whichway Trust was set up by three men, who at the time, were living in a hostel.

It is supported by Community Pride and Cooperative Mutual Solutions, and funded by the Movember Foundation.

Through work that had been done with the Movember Foundation, Community Pride were looking for a group who were willing to explore their skills and start a small enterprise.

Ms Whitehead said: “Typically when you are homeless people do

things for you, they cook food for you, they serve food to you, you have to eat it in a certain time frame.

“Everything is controlled as to when you are allowed to eat, and they really wanted to get into the kitchen and cook it themselves.”

It was set up to provide support for vulnerable people, who experience punitive poverty.

She continued: ” This is people who were punished for being poor and are made to pay more for services, and for instance, if they found a job whilst living in the hostel they would be made to pay hundreds of pounds a week.

“Most people with a job can’t afford rent like that, so it is here to provide peer support for each other.”

They have a job club which helps the members, and other members of the Salford community gain the skills and qualifications they need to get themselves a job.

Companies around Salford have shown interest in the small enterprise that two of the members started, orginally called Mushroom Mafia.

The pair have shown passion in growing mushrooms at the community centre, restaurants and HMPasties have shown interested in using them in their recipes.

She continues: “It’s giving people confidence, self esteem and a reason to get out of bed.”

The group also sets up activities for the members such as bowling, go karting, mini golf and many more, Natalie Langford, member of the

Hot roast dinners will be served Wellbeing Hub, said: “It takes you away from your everyday worries, and just being together.

“To get out of this environment and just be normal.”

The Monday Wellbeing Hub is

open to new members or anybody who wants to drops in and have a pay what you can lunch or just to speak to other members of the community.

By Hannah Clayton

The venue for the GMP’s charity performance

GMP Male Voice Choir sing at charity event

T

he Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Male Voice Choir held a concert, last Saturday, at Monton Unitarian Church to help raise money for wheelchair access.

The concert also raised money for their local food bank, Mustard Tree.

As well as the concert, the church also held a Christmas Tree Festival were several schools and businesses donated trees to decorate the church.

The church also decorated three of their own Christmas trees which

added their own personal touch.

Each of the three trees represent the amount of baptisms, marriages and deaths the church has held in that period.

Reverend Anna Jarvis, Minister of Monton Unitarian Church, said they are in need of wheelchair access for the church.

“The reason why we are raising money for tonight is partly for the Mustard Tree which is our local food-bank. We know that life is going to be extra hard this Christmas

for a lot of people.

“We are also trying to raise money for a proper wheelchair ramp access to the church and we’ve just had it demonstrated how much we need it.

“The ramp that we had nearly tipped a young boy out of his wheelchair so that just makes me more determined to raise as much money we need here and get the ramp installed next year.”

Ged Sweeney, chairman of the GMP Male Voice Choir, highlighted the importance of the police involved

in community events.

“We mainly sing for charity. We sing tri-annually at the Royal Albert Hall for Cancer Research and we’re here tonight to raise money for wheelchair.

“It means that people can see us in a different light for certain. We socialise with them afterwards during the interval so it’s quite a friendly atmosphere, so I think that very important as well.”

By Maria Cassidy

http://www.salfordnow.co.uk

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

7

of good causes spanning over the length of the festive period

Volenteers at Salford Whichway Trust

Worsley Rotary reverses advent calendar

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Presents stored at Worsley Rotary Club

orsley Rotary Club has called for the people of Salford to donate a present for someone less fortunate this Christmas.

The club is appealing for the public to join in the Worsley Rotary’s Reverse Advent Calendar Project which support three local charities: Incognito Manchester, Wipe Your Tears and The Launch Project.

Tony Clayson, membership campaign: “Rotary is typically thought of as an old person’s dining club and service group. In Worlsey we have what is called a satellite rotary group where we have younger, more active members, ranging from mid-20s to 60s.”

The agenda behind the project is to add items in a bag for 12 to 20 days and donate them to the given charities.

Incognito Manchester charity, based in Swinton, takes items out on the streets of Manchester and Salford giving to homeless members of our communities.

Donors are asked to label their bags of items for homeless people including toiletries, gloves, hats, chocolate, sanitary products for a man or lady.

The bags need to be with the charity by December 13.

Mr Clayson said: “Incognito’s work is about supporting people on our streets who don’t have food, clothes and essentials. It’s not actually solving the homeless problem, but instead supporting the people who are unfortunate enough to be in that situation.”

The Walkden-based charity, Wipe Your Tears, is supporting children in families affected by cancer or domestic abuse.

It has requested items for teenage boys, unwrapped but accmpanied by wrapping paper and sellotape. The items are required by December 16.

The Launch Project, also based in Swinton, is supplying 1,000 Christmas Meals on Christmas Day for people living in social isolation or who are homeless.

The charity has asked for individually wrapped small gifts to be given with each meal such as socks, gloves, chocolates and toiletries and each wrapped item should be labelled for a man or a woman.

The items must be in by December 20.

Mr Clayson said: “For the last three years we’ve run what is known as

the reverse advent calendar project, and the idea is that we put a call out to the local community and ask people to put items into the calendar bag which we then distribute to the homeless and people in social isolation.

“At a time when we’re buying presents for ourselves, it causes us to think of others and make a conscious effort to put an item in for somebody else. It’s nice for those in our community to do something for those less fortunate than us.”

Mr Clayson said: “In our charity we have about 70 bags of Christmas presents ready to donate.

“That’s around 500 presents, so we are pleased with that.

“The response that we have received has been amazing, and it has enabled rotary to do what they do best, which brings the community together for a joint project.

“At a time when we’re buying presents for ourselves, it causes us to think of others and make a conscious effort to put an item in for somebody else.

“It’s nice for those in our community to do something for those less fortunate than us.”

By Alexander Blackman

8

SALFORDNOW

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

Salford band bag BBC Introducing gig Velvet Shakes are a group of students from Salford University

F

rom the back room of a Salford boozer to the BBC airwaves Velvet Shakes, a band formed of Salford university music students, have appeared on BBC introducing showcasing their new music in an exclusive live session.

The quartet, who all met at the university, were invited onto the programme by Shell Zenner who runs the Manchester segment of the show after their most recent single ‘The Love I Feel’ was played on the Saturday evening broadcast.

“When we brought out the second track I focused a lot more on the production and got it to a higher

standard. It was amazing when they played it, it was all so quick. I sent it on the Wednesday and they played it on the Saturday!” said Josh Bithell, frontman of the quartet.

The song was recorded and produced in Josh’s small Salford flat and after being hotly received and critiqued by the shows hosts Michelle Hussey and Natalie-Eve Williams, the band were asked to join them live in the studio to record a stripped back, beautiful acoustic version of their upcoming single ‘Feel It Through Your Bones’.

BBC Introducing is no stranger to catapulting class acts into the career they deserve.

Other bands that have started out on the programme are Blossoms, Florence and the Machine and Jake Bugg all of which have now created a name for themselves in the industry.

“It was a bit overwhelming but so much fun,” explained Scott Hill, guitarist in the band.

“Walking past all of the studios and seeing BBC Breakfast was surreal.

Especially when we got to the studio we were performing in and we were sat at the mixing desk with all the mics. It was crazy!”

Having only been together a matter of months, Velvet Shakes have made an important name for themselves on

the local scene.

Gracing some of Manchester’s most prestigious music venues with their often energetic, dance-inducing gigs their psychedelic disco sound is making its way into all the right ears.

“Being on BBC Introducing has reiterated that confidence in ourselves,” explained Josh.

“Being in this industry is hard. You get told all of the time that you’re not going to make it or that you’re not as good as that other band.

“We’re certainly doing all the right things here.”

With the support of BBC Introducing under their belts and an exciting headline show at the Deaf

Institute - see below - the band are on their way to undoubtedly achieving serious success.

Speaking about their future plans Josh said: “We want to step out of our comfort zone and make a name for ourselves in other places, not just in Manchester.

“We’ve only been going for about six months and we’ve achieved so much. Just think where we could be this time next year.”

Velvet Shakes upcoming gigs: December 11 at Salford Student Union and December 13 at The Peer Hat.

unwavering throughout.

The Velvet Shakes demonstrate some fantastic musicianship and to anyone watching, the hours of practice that went into this show were obvious from the get-go. The Salford band’s music translates flawlessly from the recording to a live gig.

With the whole crowd moving and dancing, The Shakes set list drew to a close as they went into their penultimate song of the evening ‘Feel It Through Your Bones’, a song which they have previously uploaded to YouTube as an acoustic song.

Bassist Louie demonstrated his skills with an excellent performance

as did drummer Ant who’s groove was tight and tasteful throughout.

Guitarists and Vocalists Josh and Scott also complimented each other brilliantly throughout.

The combined talents of all of the band blasted at you in a live environment makes for a truly unforgettable experience and there are certainly big things on the horizon for this band.

“Playing iconic venues is always an honor and band on the wall is certainly one of those venues, we truly had a blast,” said drummer Ant.

By Emma Davidson

Salford four-piece Velvet Shakes headline Band On The Wall

S

Velvet Shakes opened with their latest single ‘The Love I Feel’

alford band Velvet Shakes brought nothing but good vibes to their gig at Band On The Wall.

The Salford four-piece (Josh – guitar & lead vocals, Ant – drums, Louie – bass and Scott – guitar & backing vocals) headlined the evening’s show and certainly lived up to expectation considering their set followed some outstanding performances from some extremely talented musicians.

The boys took to the stage at around 10.30 following performances from James Walsh, Origami Tsunami and Phthalo.

Opening with their latest single ‘The Love I Feel’, the evocative clean tones on the guitar in the intro gave way to the funky groove that Velvet Shakes pride themselves on.

From here onward, dance fever set in.

The boys continued to bring the grooves with new tunes ‘Cloak and Dagger’, ‘Late Night Sleeze’ and ‘Work This Out’. The fantastic harmonies and guitar work of vocalist Josh and his back up Scott

By Benedict Harrison

http://www.salfordnow.co.uk

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

9

Irlam FC make history as they secure sweet tie with Cadbury Athletic FC Irlam FC’s history making squad

By Thomas Schofield

Irlam FC are through to the 4th round proper of the FA Vase, for the first time in their history, after beating Winterton Rangers over the weekend.

The Mitchells were 2-0 winners over the northern counties east first

division side, in third round fixture.

Goals from Connor Martin and Marcus Perry was enough secure Irlams place in the fourth round of the FA vase.

Irlam carried have their good league form into the cup this season, having only lost once in 11 games prior to the victory of Winterton.

All of Irlam’s cup fixtures have

come at the Ambitek stadium, and will also be hosting Cadbury Athletic there in the fourth round.

They currently find themselves in 9th position in the North West Counties League, on 28 points.

Speaking after the game, Irlam secretary Warren Dodd spoke to the hallmark security league website.

Mr Dodd said: “We are all very hap-

py. The last 32 of the Vase is something we have never experienced before, so we are in unknown territory.

“It’s important now that we try and progress in the Vase, and we must think big.”

Mr Dodd is confident of his sides chances of progressing as well, feeling that this Irlam side can continue to make history.

He said: “We are playing well, we have a good side, confidence is high and with our next opponents Cadbury Athletic only being in mid-table in Division One in their league, we are in with a good chance to progress further.”

The game against Cadbury Athletic is set to take place inside the new year, on January 5.

Salford-born Munich victim made United debut on this day

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By Thomas Schofield

The grave of Manchester United’s Geoff Bent (pictured above)

On this day in 1954 Salford-born, Geoff Bent, made his debut for Manchester United, in a 4-2 victory over Burnley.

A full back, Bent could play on both flanks of the back four, and was often used as cover for Roger Byrne on the left and Bill Foulkes on the right.

Bent went on to make 12 appearances for United in a seven year stint at Old Trafford.

Born 27th February 1932, Bent was brought up in Salford and resided there until his death in 1958.

Aged just 25, Bent sadly died in the Munich air disaster on February 6

1958. He was one of 28 casualties on that fateful day, seven of which turned out for the Red Devils.

Busby’s Manchester united team, had played a game just a day before the accident against Red Star Belgrade. They beat the then Yugoslavian team, 5-4 on aggregate to get through to the semi-final of the European cup for the second year in a row.

The Manchester United staff had enjoyed a night of drinking and cocktails in celebration of their victory, not even 24 hours prior to the event that would rock world football.

United would go onto lose the in the Semi-final against Italian side AC Milan, despite winning the first leg, they were well beaten in the return tie.

After stopping in Munich to refuel, and two failed take-off attempts, the plane crashed killing 28 people and injuring a further 19.

Alongside Geoff Bent, the United players that sadly lost their lives were Roger Byrne, Mark Jones, Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor, Liam Whelan, David Pegg, and another Salford born legend, Eddie Colman.

Bent was survived by both his parents, as well as his wife and his 5-month-old daughter.

Despite only a handful of appearances for United, Salford-born Bent left a lasting legacy, and will be etched in the history of Manchester United forever.

SALFORDNOW SPORT AT THE HEART OF ALL THINGS SALFORD

Tuesday 11 December 2018

YOUNG SALFORD REDS FAN OFFERS TEAM XMAS MONEY FOR NEW PLAYERS Cael Curren (centre) was given the opportunity to meet the team following his generous offer

By Mathew Taylor

A 13-YEAR-OLD Salford Red Devils super fan offered to give up all of his Christmas money to the club he loves.

The club were so impressed with the gesture, from Cael Curran, that they sent along players Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick to visit the youngster that wanted his Christmas money to go into the clubs funding campaign, Squad Builder.

Cael joined in with training

Cael was then invited to the training ground, where he met the players and was given the opportunity to help train the Red Devils team from the dugout at the AJ Bell Stadium.

He was also allowed to stand on the touchline with the coaching staff whilst the team had a training session against Rochdale Hornets.

The 13-year-old also got to sit in on a video session with the coaching staff and players where he would get an insight into the teams tactics and how they setup on a day he wont forget.

Cael’s dad, Andy told Salford Now: “When he saw the advertisement for the squad builder, he asked me if it was something he could do. He understands that fans contribute what

they can, to take the club forward.”

“Ian Blease got in touch and said how impressed he was with Cael’s offer, and had spoken to Jackson Hastings who had been blown away by the offer.

“Cael was gobsmacked, it took him a while for it to register. He didn’t speak for a while.

“Everybody was really accommodating and really welcoming, chatting to him and signing his shirt.

“It ws a great experience for him, and one he’s still talking about now.

It was a great day.”

The club use the Squad Builder campaign as a way of helping raising funds for the club, securing its future.

The club does not operate with a benefactor model, so is self sufficient.

Cael was even handed his own personal jersey Fans are given the option to contribute extra money to the club, with incentives included depending on how much you contribute.

Fans can contribute as little as £100 and qualify for the silver package, or

up to £500 for the platinum.

This comes after former Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash wrote off the clubs outstanding debt to him, thus helping to secure the club’s future.

SALFORD MATTERS: Check out our website www.SalfordNow.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @SalfordNow