We want to hear from Salford!
In this week's newsletter we want to hear from our you and what topics we should cover for you after the Easter break.
In this week’s newsletter, we are hosting an opportunity for our readers to tell us what you would want to see from your Salford Now Newsletter going forward. We’re taking a break over Easter but want to think about what we cover going forward for the rest of the year.
We’ve added 50 subscribers over the last week and are closing in on 1,000 subscribers. We’re hoping to reach that milestone within a year (we launched last Summer) so please do share this newsletter with people you think might enjoy it. And if you have a tip, let us know at Now@Salford.ac.uk.
We want to hear from you and all of Salford!
As the Salford Now Newsletter comes closer to its one-year anniversary, we are asking readers to have their say going forward on what you would love to see us write about — whether it’s investigations, historical memories from the area, food-and-drink, sport, arts-and-culture…
Over the last seven months, we’ve had the chance to meet some amazing people, try some amazing food, and take part in some ridiculous challenges. We’ve been able to showcase the best of the community that Salford has to offer and we love nothing more than hearing from you about something we may have missed.
We would really appreciate any ideas (within reason!) and you can submit them here. Thank you
Newsletters you may have missed…
For any new subscribers — or for people who’ve come along for the ride since we first wrote some of these exclusive stories — we’ve rounded up some personal favourites (yours and ours) you might like to visit, or revisit.
Whether it is chowing down at a family-favourite restaurant, uncovering moments from the city’s history, meeting some extraordinary Salfordians, or running around the whole Salford border in one day there’s something here for everyone.
The oldest passenger railway pub in the world is in Salford — and it's thriving
If walls could talk a pub would certainly be able to give you the best conversations; in the heart of Patricroft, one particular example would have more to say than most.
The Queens Arms has stood proudly in Salford for nearly 200 years, boasting a varied history — from name changes to railway punters, royal visits, and even new ownership. Oh, and it is the ‘oldest passenger railway pub in the world.’ Read more here.
'A sad and painful day' - 55 years since the Bob's Ferry disaster
“I could see flames shooting across the sky at the back of the tar works, alongside the canal,” Lynn told me, “I had never seen flames like it, and the way they spread was frightening.”
Almost 55 years ago, a tragic accident on the Manchester Ship Canal would devastate families and residents. Decades later, the pain and sadness remains. Read more here.
I ran the entire boundary of Salford — in a day
As a journalist covering Salford, I have occasionally been accused of not knowing the area, even though I have lived here for several years and written hundreds of articles about the city.
So, I pondered what the best way of reaching the four corners of Salford: to explore the landscape, history and people; to discover as much as I could about this fantastic city as possible in one day. Read more here
“They built this city” - Life and death in Salford’s Pendleton Colliery 85 years on
Coal mining was rampant in Salford during the late 19th and early 20th century, with five pivotal pits serving the needs of the community: Agecroft, Clifton, Wheatsheaf, Newtown and Pendleton.
As the years tick away, the number of ex-coal miners in Salford decreases. Memories that reflect a time of value and pertinence to the city are disappearing. Read more here.
Sweet success: The beekeeper bringing Salford honey to the masses
As children we often have a variety of interests that capture our hearts, but as we grow older most people change their interests or move on from the hobbies and experiences they once loved. But not for Dan Cook.
Dan is 27-year-old Salfordian who has been able to turn his love for bees into a new and rapidly growing business - Dan and the Bees - with over 60 colonies spread across hives at his home, Boothstown, Worsley and Buile Park. Read more here
Inside the Salford restaurant that blew Jay Rayner's mind - and tastebuds
Acting on a tip from Manchester hospitality buff Thom Hetherington earlier this year, Jay Rayner headed out to the ‘barren-looking ribbon of Liverpool Street’ next to an industrial estate in Salford - in search of one of the city’s best eateries.
The Observer’s food critic discovered a place both ‘good and cheap’ and offering plates of ‘profound care and nourishment’.
Rayner had found what many in Salford already know - that Maida Grill House is serving up some of the best Indian and Pakistani cuisine in the north of England. Read more here.
Worsley's St Mark's Church is falling down
Worsley is famous for its beautiful stretches of canals, bridges, pubs, and cafes – an ideal tourist destination along the history trail. A glimpse of an octagonal spire that towers in the distance.
It’s a church – but not just any old church. And while St Mark’s isn’t showing its age to the eye, it’s in severe need of restoration. The church is currently trying to raise £450,000 to renovate the entire building and grounds, whilst aiming to maintain the artwork and history for future generations. Read more here
"We've always played it - I'll always play it" - Log-end darts survives in Eccles, but for how much longer?
Conjuring up half-forgotten images of the back rooms of pubs, lager and bar pork scratchings, with the boards once adorning seemingly every traditional pub in Britain, the game of darts has been transformed — with a new lease of glitz glam and heap of cash added to the mix.
However, in Salford and Greater Manchester, one variant in the world of darts continues to struggle. Manchester’s very own take on the game, using its very own board, continues to persist. The Log End — or Manchester — darts board is still used in leagues across the county, kept alive by a small league in and around Salford and Greater Manchester. Read more here.
"Young lads from Salford went first" - How men from the city shaped D-Day landings
Philip said he “couldn’t imagine how dreadful” his great uncle felt on the D-Day landings. His uncle Joseph Cavanah was one of the first to land on the Normandy beaches 80 years ago today in 1944.
Joe, born in 1918 and from Ordsall, was a member of the South Lancashire Regiment, who served as the assault battalion for one of the biggest operations in military history. “I got like shivers up my spine,” said Philip Duval, 43, from Stretford, who recalls discovering the shocking information at The Lancashire Infantry Museum in Preston. Read more here.
"It was different": Inside the abandoned Salford University building that won awards — and baffled staff
The University of Salford’s campus has seen huge expansion over the past two decades, with the addition of MediaCity and bold plans to rethink the Peel Park campus around Salford Crescent. However one teaching building, less than 30 years old and the world’s first winner of the Stirling Prize – the most prestigious architecture award in the UK – now lies empty.
30 years since the construction of the building hailed “dynamic, modern and sophisticated”, trees cover the glass facade of a space forgotten in a quiet corner of the University of Salford campus. Read more here
This week’s news and sport
Salford residents to receive 500 free tickets for very special comedy night at the Lowry
Salford residents will be welcomed to laugh at the Lowry as they host a very special comedy night this May.
The comedy night, Live At Lowry is offering 500 free tickets to Salford residents as a part of their 25-year celebrations.
Residents will be welcomed into the theatre to ‘Laugh For Less’ on May 7 2025, as the Lowry want to say ‘thank you’ to Salford locals for their contribution for the last 25 years. Read more here.
Salford Darts Academy receive visit from two professional darts players
The Swan Darts Academy received a visit from two professional players to show support to the next generation of darts.
The academy was visited by players Jamie Caven and ‘The Diamond’ Ian White, with the players giving the younger generation a chance to play PDC professionals. Read more here.
Salford football team host raffle with signed Kobbie Mainoo shirt to raise £3,000 for team trip
A football team from Salford are raffling off a signed Kobbie Mainoo shirt as they aim to fundraise £3,000 for a trip to Spain.
The City of Salford School F.A are hosting a comedy night to allow their under-15 boys teams to travel to compete in Spain this May – with residents also being able to win a signed Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United shirt. Read more here.
What’s On in Salford this week
🎭 Lou Sanders: No Kissing in the Bingo Hall will take place at the Lowry Theatre this weekend, as she said: ”Just like Tom Cruise does all his own stunts, I'm going to do all my own jokes.” Find out more here.
🎨 The main exhibition celebrating the life and talent of Salford’s famous artist, Harold Riley marking the one year anniversary of his death. Tickets are not required and you can find out more here.
⚽ Salford City will take on Gillingham at the Peninsula Stadium this Saturday, as the Ammies will look to continue their promotion push to the playoff places. Find out more here.