The Amber Project presents
PARTY IN THE
PARK Monday 28th August 2006 11am - 7pm
douglas green park, charlestown
The Amber Project invites you This Party, the first of many, is a
major event organised by local people volunteering their time to make this a day to remember - we’ve got everything from bands to stalls to fairground rides and singalongs. We’ll also be officially opening the Amber Project building, which will be used as a community space and friendly focal point for young and old people alike. Since being given the keys to the old dilapidated bowling club pavilion last October, and starting work properly at the end of June, it’s been a race against time to have the facility up and running for today’s event. Everyone from local youths to local companies and organisations have mucked in, and as the enthusiasm for the project grew so did our aspirations – hence the decking and, hopefully, animal compound! AMBER PROJECT c/o CREST, 3-5 Concord Place Douglas Green, Salford. M6 6SJ 0161 745 7025
This magazine is:
I could go on and on about the help and hard work that’s gone into the Amber Project building but that’s not my message. My message is that we are Salfordians and proud of it, a community that cares. Today we are making a statement on behalf of everyone in the Dirty Old Town. So have a top day, chill out, enjoy the music and stalls, and join the Amber Project. Help us to move this project forward… Graham Cooper Party in the Park Organiser PS: Hope you like the building PPS: Put your rubbish in the bins provided PPPS: If you see Warren Fisher selling tickets for this event please report him to security…
This magazine is supported by: The Co-operative Foundation
u to Party In The Park… Hi
In this introduction I want to welcome you all inside the minds
of us young people who want you to hear our views. Hope you like the magazine and it gives you the courage to put your views across, and offer your right to be heard to the Amber Project, as this is for Salfordians. You can be heard if you try hard enough. Hope you enjoy the Party In The Park and the magazine - as it is for you, the Salford citizens. Jade Adesile
W
elcome to our magazine about Party In The Park – we had so much fun working on it, and all the interviews, articles and photos have been done by Salford’s greatest asset, our kids. So open it up, look inside, read about the events happening on the day and all the issues relating to the Amber Project. And be proud of our Salford kids and our Salford city. Please turn up on the day – it’s all about having fun and showing that we can all work together to make our city as strong and as proud as she used to be… Dionne Sheen Founder The Amber Project
Party In The Park is supported by V.O.I.C.E. – the Vale of Irwell Community Empowerment Association – an umbrella group of residents associations within the Charlestown/Kersal area. V.O.I.C.E. successfully applied for two grants - Awards For All and N.D.C. Community Chest - which enabled Party In The Park to happen.
The Rat Pack’s Back In Whit Lane ! If you thought the Rat Pack was passé, think again. For a once in a lifetime opportunity they are back, as Frank (Sinatra) Forde and Johnny (Dean Martin) Rich perform at Party In The Park. Craig Hartley gets the story. Frank Forde and Johnny Rich have been on the circuit for years, performing everywhere from cruise ships to top cabaret bars tributing Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as the likes of Neil Diamond and Andy Williams.
Johnny Rich, who was originally a backing singer for PJ Proby, now specialises in Dean Martin covers. So expect such songs as That’s Amore and Little Old Wine Drinker. Plus lots of Sinatra classics from Frank…
“I was brought up on Sinatra and he is my all time favourite singer” says Frank “People say that when I sing I sound like Sinatra.”
Frank and Johnny will be performing 1:00pm – 1:30pm on the Main Stage and between 2:00pm and 4:00pm at St Sebastian’s Community Centre
Not Just A Mere Wiggle Of The Hips! Emma Williams learns that Zehara are not the usual run-of-the-mill dance group.
Y
ou can ‘taste the flavour of the music’ at our Party In The Park, when you watch gypsy dance group Zehara move to the beat. The group’s founder Zehara herself began dancing around 15 years ago and moved on to choreograph her own groups not long after, according to business partner Jan. “Around twenty people are involved in her group,” he said. “And on the day they will be dancing in different ways to the beat. The music has different flavours, and you will be able to see that in the movements the dancers make.” “The music is where the inspiration for Zehara’s dancing comes from,” Jan added. “The movement comes from inside of you. Zehara teaches how to construct these movements into something breathtaking.” Zehara and her group perform all over Britain, often taking part in outside festivals. Although her dances consist of cultural themes, Zehara herself is British.
The group is also open to the public. There are health restrictions with gypsy-dancing – but if you have a lot of time on your hands it may be just what you need, as lots of practise is necessary to catch the beauty of gypsy-dancing at its best. If you want to get involved with Zehara, then have a look at the website at www. zehara.co.uk and find your local class. Zehara perform from 12 noon until 2:00pm at St Sebastians’ community centre, and you can catch them during the day performing around the park.
HANKY PARK Salford’s top band, Hanky Park, are headlining Party In The Park. Here, Dionne Sheen meets lead singer Shinny and finds out why playing for Amber is so important to the band… Dionne: Why have you decided to take part in the Amber Project ?
D: I know that you’re into boxing – so which is best, boxing or music?
Shinny: The road that Amber was killed on is the road towards Oliver’s Gym which I use every day. So it’s good to see us all getting together and doing something. I’m always interested in getting involved in Salford things because I’m Salford born and bred.
Sh: Music because it’s my love and boxing is really difficult – the dieting, the training, you can’t drink and all that – whereas with the band it’s a lot easier.
D: You’re very much identified with Salford aren’t you ?
Sh: We’ve had two singles and an album out and we’re getting big hits on myspace.com because we’ve put our music on there for free. We’ve also got a new tv show on the net which starts Sept 12th, being filmed at Salford Arts Theatre.
Sh: We’ve got a big following here and we get asked to headline all the time for charities, and always do it, every time. We’ve supported New Order four times and we think it’s time to take the big step now on our own. But we’ll always do Salford. That’s what my writing’s about, that’s where we come from and we’ll always come back. Salford’s the kind of place that moulds people into what they are – I don’t think I would be the person I am today if I didn’t have those roots in me. It’s a kind of pay back thing – you’ve got to put back in what you took out – we all owe the place.
D: What’s happening with the band at the moment ?
D: What will you be playing at the Party ? Sh: We’ll be doing all our own music plus a cover of Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart which we recorded with Peter Hook. And we’re trying to get Dirty Old Town together for all the crowd to singalong to at the end of the show… Hanky Park play the main stage 6:00pm – 6:50pm
Graham’s Thank Yous…
NEW PROSPECT Work Completed: new windows, brickwork, plastering, removal of rubbish Special thanks to Margaret Graham (a proper person), Mark Telford for all his help – the painter, plumber, bricky, glazier.
SALFORD PROBATION/ COMMUNITY PAYBACK Brilliant, top set of lads, and, yes, I mean those on Community Payback – made this project possible with their hard work. Special thanks to Ken 1 and Ken 2. Chris – for putting up with me. Brian, coz he’s a top motivator. Thanks to you all – long may you help us.
Photo by Parisse
D
Emma Williams hears the raw talents of Coldside Generals and is amazed at the sensational sounds of these young MC’s.
irect from Wythenshawe, M.S.T. (16), Zane (17) and Redline (17) have been working together as Coldside since December 2005, but have known each other for longer than that – Redline and Zane are actually cousins, and met M.S.T. through football. The boys are laid back but are obviously hardworking – “We’ve got a mix tape coming out soon.” said M.S.T. proudly. And when we asked to hear a sample of one of their songs, they launched into a rendition of a song about meeting a girl that continues right up to getting divorced from her. It’s fast and interesting to listen to.
All Coldside’s music is written about personal experience – most of what you hear in the songs is true, which is different to what you hear from most MC’s. You feel more compelled to listen to the words. Coldside can write any genre of music which can be heard on their forthcoming CD, The Side I Walk On Is Cold. Coldside have performed throughout Manchester in clubs and bars, and even in Bolton and Leeds. If you want to hear some of the music, log on to www. myspace.com/coldsidegen and/or www. cold-side.com (still under construction). You can even add them to your MSN if you want to speak to them – coldsidegenerals@hotmail.co.uk
Photo by Nel Corkovic
Homegrown, the UB4O, tribute
band actually got to meet their role models in Amsterdam. One of the members of the band actually recognised Malcom, lead vocal and guitarist with Homegrown. “We were really shocked to meet UB40” Malcom says “ We spent two days with the actual people we were copying…it felt really strange.” Homegrown have a fabulous hour long show jam packed with UB40 songs such as Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and Can’t Help Falling In Love.
The band has always been close and has been together for just over 18 months. We are not going to hear the last of Homegrown. The band are hoping to some day in the near future perform in Holland. But in the meantime check them out at the Party. Homegrown play the Main Stage 4:45pm -5:45pm By Gemma S and Amanda B
Photo by James McLean
SKA SOUNDS
Jade Adesile checks out the checkered sounds of the New Loaders… Paul Chew, saxophonist in the New Loaders, doesn’t look like he plays ska, which is funky roots Jamaican sounds. The ska musicians wore porkpie hats, bum freezer jackets and did crazy dances, made popular by The Specials and Madness in the seventies. But as we sit down to do the interview in CREST his passion for the music he plays shines through. Paul tells us how at Party In The Park he will be playing different numbers from different bands, either early Jamaican ska (which was here before reggae) or sounds from the seventies when there was a big ska movement. Paul formed The New Loaders when he wanted to play music that wasn’t being played elsewhere, songs that he loved from his childhood. The band doesn’t only cover such songs, a few of the band members are now creating their own tracks which they are hoping to perform in the near future. With the sounds of The Specials and more, the main stage is going to be madness… The New Loaders play the Main Stage between 2:00pm and 3:00pm
Graham’s Thank Yous…
PRESTIGE FABRICATIONS Removal of fencing, re-erecting fencing and possible Pets Corner for Whit Lane. `One day’ Worthy said – Five days we were at it ! Big thanks to you, and the crew, you’ve helped us open up this project to everyone.
BRIDGEWATER SECURITY For providing free security at night and for this event. A commitment to this community and Project. Top one. Special thanks...Also special thanks from Dionne and the Amber Project.
Be Jealous These Boys Got It All! Gemma Slater and Emma Williams talk to lead singer of intriguing band Jealous in the run up to the Party In The Park
Everything about him says rock –
from the spiky blonde hair and the expensive leather jacket nestling on his shoulders to the quite retro Doc Martins on his feet that everyone in the office commented on when he walked through the front door. But once we sit down for a chat, it’s obvious that Jason Edge is down to earth. “We’re not trying to change the world or anything like that,” he tells us when we ask what he hopes to achieve for Jealous. “We’re just a rock and roll band – so we don’t try and tell people what to do with their lives or anything.” At the Party In The Park listen out for Dealer, Jason’s favourite track at the moment. “It’s going to be the first track on the album – the album’s called Sonic Candy. We might even start the set with it.” Jason enthuses. Listening to some of Jealous’ music later, I decided ‘Old Fashion Girl’ was my favourite, slow with soft vocals.
Photo by Gemma Slater
The singer has clearly been working with the band for some time. “Just take your time,” he advises any aspiring rock stars. “be patient, but whatever you do, don’t give up because there’s a lot of people in the music industry who will tell you that you’re no good.” With the current line-up consisting of lead singer Jason, drummer Craig, guitarist Andy and on bass Keith, Jealous has been playing for around two years now. You can find out more about Jealous through the band’s website, www. jealousworld.com and the bands MySpace at www.myspace.com/ jealousworld . Sonic Candy will be out later this year.. Jealous play on the Main Stage between 1.30 and 2pm.
Graham’s Thank Yous…
N.D.C. Thank you to the Community Chest Panel (local people) for having the confidence to invest in this event. To Beth for your vision and support for our young people, it’s been a breath of fresh air. With your commitment many doors have been opened to them and hopefully they will be able to fulfil their aspirations.
Awards For All To Tina Antal – we got there. See you on the day.
SALFORD CITY COUNCIL This one’s the hard bit…To Mark Abbott for his ideas to utilise this building for the Amber Project. To Bill Taylor – top bloke/top floor of Urban Vision but still got his feet on the 1st floor. Without you this would not be possible. Keep up the faith. Also, the Amber Project has this building on a peppercorn rate of approx £1 per year. Without this commitment from the Council life would be very hard. To Mike Sullivan and Neville Ramsbottom (Salford Events Team) for their knowledge in helping to arrange this event. To Vanessa, of East Salford Neighbourhood Management Team, for putting up with me, and reminding me about everything…
Photos by Parisse and Charly
AMBER GRAFFITI ART…
Top graffiti artist, KELZO, has created the portrait of Amber on the side of the Project’s building. Here he tells Elizabeth Corkovic where he’s coming from…
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e’re stood at the hut where famous graffiti artist, KELZO, is painting the picture of Amber.
Moss Side where I live as it’s all high flyers, so it’s really nice to be part of a normal community.”
“I want it to be a picture that makes everybody smile as they walk past” he says.
In the past KELZO has done graffiti on East Enders (‘98) for the character, Jamie Mitchell, and he’s done lots of stuff for films and tv.
KELZO has been painting graffiti for 22 years and has just recently been working on Duchy Estate with some kids at a youth club there. “I ran into Graham who runs the Amber hut and he asked me to get the building looking good for the event” he says “One thing I like about working here is the spirit of the people; I’ve lost that in Hulme/
He’s also painted in all the major cities of the world and lived in America and Europe. But, he says: “I just like the community aspect of Salford, it’s still proper families and a community…” KELZO will be doing a live graffiti performance at Party In The Park too, creating a 30ft long, 8ft high mural.
“I want everyone on the estate to say `There’s Amber’…a positive image to celebrate her life…”
Graham’s Thank Yous…
Thanks to CREST.
OLIVER’S GYM Thanks to OLIVER’S GYM for giving this community the only ray of hope over the last ten years, and the next ten years to come.
PARTY IN THE PARK POSSE... And finally, thanks to everyone who has organised Party In The Park over many months and meetings…stand up Les Smith, Rachel Worthington, Lee Craven, Wayne Fearnley for the Party in the Park flyers, and Sue Hinder.
Song Sung True
Photo by Craig Hartley
Amber’s mate, Kiefer Greig, has written a song for her called Can’t Let Her Go which he’ll be performing on the main stage at Party In The Park. Here, Jade Adesile meets the budding music maestro…
“I wrote the song because Amber’s
mum asked me to do a performance at the Party and rather than do any other song I thought I’d write one for the occasion” says Kiefer “I’m trying to get across in the song that we can’t forget Amber because she was so special.” Kiefer is a 15 year old local lad who knows what his ambitions are in life – music. He has been writing music for over a year now and is inspired by all types of sounds, from R&B to reggae. He hasn’t got one favourite artist but
the first CD he bought was Justin Timberlake. Kiefer doesn’t know what he’s got planned for the future but says that if the opportunity came along to be in a band he would grab it with both hands. When I ask Kiefer if he would go on X factor he says “Yes”, so good luck on stage and hope it’s the practise you need for the future. Kiefer Greig will be performing Can’t Let Her Go on the Main Stage around 4.30pm
PARTY IN
DISPLAY E IC V R E S E FIR
At last the Amber Project has got a chance to promote some of the organisations and companies we have worked with since the project’s inception and some of the organisations we hope to be working with in the future…you’ll find them all in our big marquee. Please come to their stalls and see what they do…
FOOD ST ALLS
AMBER PROJECT STALL - come and learn more about the Amber Project and sign our petition for a law change on drivers who kill on the roads. The stall is also an information centre for Party In The Park and a point for lost children.
POLICE GAMES UNIT
F
BRAKE ROAD SAFETY CHARITY – works to promote road
safety through campaigns, educational literature, policy and PR, and also provides services for people affected by road crashes.
JOUSTING
KIDS’ BALL
POOL
SALFORD ROAD SAFETY UNIT – displaying a car ramp showing the importance of seat belts in a fun and informative way, and giving advice on new seat belt laws.
STALLS AND
THE PARK STREET ART HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SCHEME – giving out information on
health issues in Salford.
BUCKING BRONCO SALFORD STAR – promoting their excellent magazine and selling Salford Star t-shirts. Pop by and give them your views.
FAIRGROUND RIDES
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FENTON’S SOLICITORS – provide legal help and advice to bereaved families, and also work with and support BRAKE. One of their aims is to improve the treatment of bereaved families.
BOUNCY CASTLE
TRANSPLANT UK/TRANSPLANT CO-ORDINATORS – highlights the need for people to put themselves on the organ donor register, and to talk to their families about organ donation.
ATTRACTIONS
PARTY IN THE Monday 28th August 2006 11:00am – 7:00pm PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
INDOOR @ ST SEBASTIAN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE Douglas Green
Doors open at midday with an ongoing tombola and lots of other happenings… 12noon – 2:00pm: ZEHARA - gypsy dancers perform an array of global delights… 2:00pm – 4:00pm: SOUNDS OF THE RAT PACK – the hits of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more brought to crooning life by cabaret stars Frank Forde and Johnny Rich… 4:00pm – 5:00pm: Chill out with some eeeeeeeaaaasssssy listening tunes…
Dirty Old Town (Ewan McColl) Found my love by the gaswork croft Dreamed a dream by the old canal Kissed my girl by the factory wall Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town Clouds are drifting across the moon Cats are prowling on their beat Springs a girl from the streets at night Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town
I heard a siren from the dock Saw a train set the night on fire Smelled the spring on the Salford wind Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town We’re goin’ to take a good sharp axe Shining steel tempered in the fire And we’ll chop you down like an old dead tree Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town
E PARK OUTDOOR @ DOUGLAS GREEN PARK MAIN STAGE 11:00am – 1:00pm: TUNES FROM TRAFFORD – MCs, rappers, divas and dancers do their stuff 1:00pm – 1:30pm: SOUNDS OF THE RAT PACK – the hits of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more brought to crooning life by cabaret stars Frank Forde and Johnny Rich… 1:30pm – 2:00pm: JEALOUS – Salford rockers raunch out… 2:00pm – 3:00pm: THE NEW LOADERS – break out the pork pie hats and scooters, it’s ska time 3:00pm -3:30pm:
OZZY – cool soul sounds
3:30pm – 4:00pm: COLDSIDE – raw rap from top MC crew 4:00pm – 4:45pm: WHY PARTY IN THE PARK ? A few well directed words from Dionne Sheen, Amber Lok’s mum, plus release of balloons, performance by Kiefer Greig and presentation of the world’s first Citizens’ Media certificates to the area’s young people who have put this mag together. 4:45pm – 5:45pm: HOMEGROWN – reggae rag out 6:00pm – 6:50pm: HANKY PARK – Salford’s top rock band 6:50pm – 7:00pm: A quick message from Dionne and the day closes with Salfordian anthem, Dirty Old Town…
We held a press conference with Graham Cooper, who is like the co-ordinator for the Amber Project and who has made the Amber Hut happen. He’s also done loads of other stuff in the area…
Photo by Thomas Denton Curtis: What do you think about road safety ? Graham: Since I’ve been involved in the Amber Project my driving habits have changed - I never speed any more really, as far as I know I’m a very considerate driver. It’s had a lot of influence on me in lots of respects. Craig: Did knowing Amber make a difference to getting involved in the Project ? G: I only knew Amber slightly actually, just by passing though the estate and having little talks with her, through the youth club and that. The biggest impact that got me involved in the Project was Dionne and the way she thought and the injustice of it all. Craig: For you, what will be the main success of Party In The Park ? G: I’d like to see everyone who comes to the Party sign up to the organ donor list – that would be a major, major thing.
Curtis: Are you going to sign up ? I’m already an organ donor, for about 20 years, and I used to donate blood and plasma, your white blood cells. They’re not having my brain though ‘cos then they’ll understand how I work, so they’re not getting that. Curtis: How do you think the Amber Project has come on since it started ? G: It’s amazing, it’s brilliant I love it, I’m proud of it – I think we’ve done really good work over there. Emma: Are you having any more protests for Amber ? G: We’re talking about going to Hazel Blears’ office with local kids and just all stand outside and give her loads, because she deserves it. That’s the only way you get listened to, to tell you the truth. It was only when we all went into community committee, all of us together, that they started taking what we were saying seriously. We were shaming them into it and it worked, so we’ll do it with Hazel Blears next.
Photo by Craig Hartley
We held a press conference with Dionne, Amber’s mother, and she told us about how the ‘Amber Project’ can help Salford belong to Salford people again… What are your goals for the Amber Project?
What made you decide to start the Amber Project ?
Dionne: There are many goals that I have got but one of the main ones for the Amber Project is the petition we are starting, which we’re hoping to send to Tony Blair. We want any driver who is found guilty of killing a person on the roads banned from driving for life. If someone shot someone and went to jail for 10 years, when they got realised they wouldn’t be able to join a gun club.
D: Well, after Amber died, it was my instinct to fight for her justice from the law. We haven’t really received that justice yet, but we are still continuing to fight. We have been protesting for years for the council to make the changes on the roads.
Is there a strong Salford feel to the Project? D: I am very proud of coming from Salford and so was Amber, so I think it is about time we took our community back into our own hands. Also, a community isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s people… it’s you!
‘New Deal’ even came to my house and talked to Amber about what she wanted for her community. Amber wanted railings and speed bumps on the road; she didn’t want them for herself but for the community. We deserve safer roads - what comes first cars or kids ? I think it should be kids and I think the government and the council should start remembering that. By Gemma Slater
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The Amber Hut… In just six weeks the old dilapidated bowling pavilion on Douglas Green Park was transformed into the Amber Project hut by local young people, professionals volunteering their time and lads from the Community Payback scheme. There are now plans to put more `Amber huts’ in different areas around Salford. The Douglas Green hut will be used as offices for the Amber Project and other community groups, and as a drop-in centre for local people with a wide range of activities going on…
THE WHIT LANERS Rhys Kershaw, Jamie Wynne, Josh Branen, Steven Kevanan, Kieron Lenord, Jade Blakesley, Sam Thormand, Marlis Kay, Jamie Denton, Ryan Collins and Reece Collinge
“We helped clean the hut out and are looking forward to doing the graffiti art on the back wall. Reece and Kev were good friends of Amber and because of this the Amber Project is really important to us…” Interview by Jade Blakesley
THE AMBER PROJECT VISITS THE YANG SING… A
mber comes from a mixed background of English and Chinese, therefore we are trying to make people address both cultures. A group of Amber’s close friends and family were invited to the Yang Sing restaurant in China Town to sample some of their dim sum. These would be the types of food Amber would be familiar with from her father, Kevin’s side. We are trying to reach the Buddhist communities regarding organ donation, as an 18 month old girl from Singapore has her life saved by receiving two of Amber’s heart valves. This was the first time that a British donor’s organs have transported so far abroad. Amber’s decision to become a donor at such a young age made people see her as a responsible young adult, respected and looked up to by her younger brothers and sister, Leo, Jasmine and John. By Sarah Murray Amber’s dad, Kevin, will be running a Chinese food tasting stall at Party In The Park – all donations to the Amber Project.
WE WANT SOME ANSWERS
We held a press conference at ComCP, attended by Councillor John Cullen, Deputy Lead Member for Planning and Transportation at Salford City Council, and by the Council’s Road Safety Officer, Nicola Jones…We wanted some answers, not just for Amber but for every kid and adult in the country… Curtis: Do you know what the motto on the Salford Crest means ? Councillor Cullen (CC): It means the welfare of the people is the highest good
CC: I think we do pay a great deal of attention to road safety, we’re doing our best to make sure that Salford’s roads are safe for everyone, young people and old.
Curtis: So don’t you think more attention should be paid to road safety and to people getting run over?
Parisse: Do you know how many Play Streets are left in Salford ? Nicola (N): I’m not too sure CC: Not as many as there used to be
Curtis: Why aren’t you building them any more ? CC: The only thing I can say is that when I was a kid the road I played in was a Play Street but it couldn’t be a Play Street now – because every house has a car, if not 2 or 3, so there simply isn’t the space. As any road safety expert will tell you playing near parked cars is dangerous. Gemma: So where can we play then ? CC: What we’re trying to do, and it’s very difficult, is to find spaces where playgrounds can be made…but they’re expensive and we haven’t got as far along that road as perhaps we’d like. Sadly the play streets are very difficult to provide simply because of the way people live now. Curtis: What about the justice system – the person who hit Amber only got a £750 fine and 6 penalty points ? Gemma: £750 for a girl’s life ? Jade: Do you think that’s enough for your child’s life ? CC: What you’re highlighting is a very serious issue – it’s something for Government because they make the laws and they dictate the punishment. In many cases, as in Amber’s, it’s seen as inadequate. I don’t think it’s adequate for the seriousness of some of these offences. It has to be addressed by our MPs in Parliament… Curtis: Hazel Blears? She’s not really interested… John: I met her yesterday and she wasn’t interested in what I was saying…If she was interested she would have done something sooner… She’s trying to ignore the situation hoping it will go away but it won’t… Curtis: So when are you going to do something about Langley Road
- there’s still no cameras or speed bumps? CC: I don’t represent this area. N: It’s not an issue I can answer. Curtis: 20 mph limits isn’t going to bother anyone if there’s no cameras ? N: We can put signs up but at the end of the day the individuals aren’t going to take any notice. There used to be a police traffic unit that was really big and that was disbanded and it’s unfortunate that it’s not top of the agenda. Gemma: How many children have to get killed before you do something ? N: I can’t comment really. CC: The person you want to get in touch with is Hazel Blears. Nicola gets out a pile of road safety education materials – leaflets, books, films… Curtis: How much do you spend on all that education stuff in a year ? N: We got a lot of money from the Dept of Transport to pay for all these materials Curtis: How much ? N: Not too sure Curtis: We do road safety at the Amber Hut and we get no money at all – yet you get enough to make all that – you don’t need all that N: This is from the Government and we’ve had a lot of people employed to look at this and research it but it’s your community that’s benefiting from this. Curtis: But why don’t you fund us instead ? We’ve got the Amber Project over there which is all about road safety N: I know where you’re coming from but that’s a private thing; this was set up with Government money.
Photo by Naomi Moran
The first Play Street in the world was introduced in Salford in1929
Curtis: What happened to putting chicanes on Langley Road ? CC: Have they been proposed but not arrived? I’ve made a note and will look into it. Stephen: The Council has put a children’s play area on Seaford Rd – but there’s no traffic lights or speed bumps near it…the reason they haven’t been put in, we understand, is that the Council won’t pay, saying there’s no money left… CC: I can’t comment on it because I don’t know the circumstances but I can look into it. Curtis: So you’re spending money on parks but you’re not spending money so that children can get to them safely ? J: I’ll go away and look into it for you. Gemma: I didn’t need a book/CD to teach me to cross the road – my mum taught me… N: Road safety is down to responsibility but that’s in an ideal world. Curtis: Don’t you think you’d be better off spending on the roads themselves rather than all this education stuff ? N: There’s more to it than putting in a zebra crossing. Curtis: How much is the budget for road safety around here ? N: I don’t know CC: What is new this year is that your Community Committee has been given £100,000 to spend on road improvements. That’s another avenue…. Curtis: I’ve been to that – they don’t listen… Curtis: You’re doing all this road safety stuff for kids but you’re doing nowt about the drivers… N: It’s a lot about the education of children because you are the future… Curtis: But there won’t be a future if you
keep knocking the kids over… N: We are on the same side here and I agree with a lot of what you’re saying but we’re limited to resources and budgets and we do everything we can… CC: Every single planning application for a new estate or flats the builders have to submit a travel plan to show that cars coming in and out are going to be safe and that they won’t pose a danger to other road users. Jade: You say that you ask people what they want for the roads – but when you went to Amber’s house she wrote down what she wanted – railings on the side of the roads and more crossing points. After she died that’s the only time you tried to sort out the road – but she was asked three years before she died and you didn’t do anything about it – so people must be saying things and you’re not taking notice… Curtis: It’s taken a kid to die before you take any notice… Gemma: How many more kids have to die before you sort it out ? CC: It’s dreadful and I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you there’s cases like this virtually every day. Jade: What I don’t understand is why the council go around asking people what they want to do and then someone gets killed before they do it ? CC: Because I’ve only been in post a couple of months I can’t answer this but it’s one of the things I will look into when I get back to the council. Road safety is as high a priority as it can be within the council – putting money into large scale projects can be very expensive… When you’re dealing with budgets you’ve got to prioritise and in doing so you’re going to disappoint people. Curtis: How much has been spent on Langley Rd ? CC: I can’t answer that - I don’t know.
Photos by Parisse and Charly
What we thought of the press conference…
“I thought the councillor was pretty rubbish – he didn’t know much about what we were talking about and said he didn’t represent this area, so he was no help at all.” Jade, 19 “I thought it went ok.” Curtis, 16
“I thought it was appalling because they got stuck on answering the questions…” Parisse, 10
“The woman was rubbish at answering our questions. The councillor at least tried to answer our questions.” Charly, 8
“It was amazing to see how the councillor was dealing with his embarrassment by shoving the blame on Hazel Blears. He should come back and tell us all this stuff when he is prepared !” Emma (right), 15 “I didn’t really think the councillor was much help. He put all the blame onto other people. He needs to start getting to know Salford better – after all, he is a councillor.” Gemma (left), 14
HIT THE STREETS ! We went out on the streets around Whit Lane and Charlestown and asked people what they thought of the £750 fine and six penalty points punishment dished out to the driver who killed Amber…
“it was wrong – he definitely should have got a long sentence. The streets aren’t safe around here – you get too many idiots driving too fast down the roads. There should be more speed bumps, cameras, play streets. Party In The Park’s a great idea – we’ll be there.” Nicole Corkovic, Laura Matthews “Ridiculous” Elizabeth Jackson
“Sad – he should have got a long sentence” Shane Tymon “I think it was awful – it’s getting worse isn’t it ? They’re all getting off with it aren’t they ? They should make it so that they get sentenced. Terrible isn’t it ?” Anne from Ho Yee chippy
“He killed a person at the end of the day, whether intentionally or not, and he should have got punished a lot more than he did. The road safety has been improved down Langley Road where Amber lived but the rest of the roads around Salford could do with some improvement as well I think. Some streets should be closed off so no traffic at all goes where children are playing, especially where there’s lots of families living.” Pat Killeen “I think the fine’s ridiculous really – it shouldn’t come down to fines and money, it should come down to justice for the public. This road, Seaford Road, is really wide and cars travel so fast, they just seem to put their foot down. There’s a children’s park here with no speed bumps – says it all really.” Katherine Martin “Absolutely atrocious – he knocked down somebody and should have got time for it. “ Roy Killeen
Photos and interviews by Naomi and Molly
“The punishment the driver got was absolutely shocking, disgusting. The roads could be a lot better than they are. A little boy died in Kersal and they put speed ramps up which slowed the traffic, but there’s nothing like that around here.” Gary Wheeldon
I think giving him just a fine and some penalty points was disgusting. Road safety around here is not very good. They’ve put a children’s park on Seaford Road which is a main road with no crossing points. It’s the most stupid place to put it. Shirley Greenhalgh
WHAT WE THINK…
“I disagree with the fine – I would have given him something a lot worse !” Liz
“To just get a fine for what that man did to Amber is a disgrace.” James “I think the fine was out of order – he got a speeding fine, not a murder charge which he should have got.” Curtis
Hi
Naomi and Molly
I’m Naomi Moran and I want to tell you about the affect on me when the man who killed my best friend, Amber Lok, walked away with a £750 fine and six penalty points on his license. What kind of justice is that ? The night that Amber was taken away from us I felt that a piece of my heart had been ripped apart. Then the day that man walked away with a fine and some penalty points made me feel sick. He should have been banned for life and put in prison. I thought to myself `Is that all we are worth’ ? £750 ? That can’t be justice. R.I.P. Babe. Miss U loads. Love Naomi xxx
TALES From SALFORD, M6
The story of Jenny Green Teeth, the witch who lives in the River Irwell, and Black Douglas, the spook that haunts the streets around Douglas Park...
The Tale of Black Douglas
Nearly 200 years ago there was a mill by the River Irwell owned by William Douglas, a rich, evil man. He was tall and thin with a disfigured, ugly face, and and he wore a long black cape with a tall hat. He strode around the mill shouting at children in a loud rasping voice, beating them at will. He would make abandoned orphans work long hours with little food. All the kids were terrified of him. They called him Black Bill. Black Bill died in 1810 but his ghost still haunts Charlestown today...They say he’s around at night prowling, and still scaring children and grown ups who venture out after dark.
Douglas Green Park
is named after him and it’s his favourite haunting place…but he was last seen on Littleton Road last winter, on one dark foggy night... We went out looking for Black Bill
JENNY GREEN TEETH
...she’s a water witch who lives in the River Irwell...and anyone walking alone near the water could be dragged in by her icy wet hands... Jenny Green Teeth has hair made from reeds and if you stand by the Irwell and look very closely you can sometimes see her hair floating on top of the water‌Jenny is as old as time itself and is sometimes known to come out of roadside grids too... So BEWARE !!!
Illustrations by: Charly Kavanagh age 8 And Parisse Woods-Ward age 10
RULES FOR THE DAY Use bins provided – it’s our Park ! Take your bottles and glasses home – it’s our Park ! Anyone incapable through drink/drugs will be escorted away from the event Anyone seen taking drugs will be reported to security/police There is a police presence all day
Please be aware that there are pedestrians and young people in the Park, therefore No Bikes (quads, pedal) for one day. No selling alcohol Please use toilets provided – see site plan If your dog fouls please clean up after it
It seems like there’s lots of rules but remember why we are here, respect each other and have a good day. The Amber Project
The Party In The Park magazine has been made possible with funding from the Co-operative Foundation and all the young people from the area who have been involved. Some are Amber’s friends and family, some just wandered in, and others have come through the following local youth groups… OLIVER’S YOUTH CLUB – a free local youth facility, based in Oliver’s Gym, run purely and simply by volunteers from the community. It has an active Youth Council and is very active within the local community. LOWER KERSAL YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUP – open membership for anyone aged 12-19 (costs £1 to join) and gets involved in all sorts of things from making films to doing activities, and is currently working on the Littleton Road allotment project and a three year healthy eating project. Has over 50 members and is hoping to get new premises in the near future. Anyone interested in joining phone Tommy on 792 1786
YOUTH COUNCIL – it’s about youths saying what they want instead of adults saying what they need. Anyone from 13-16 can join and it meets at Oliver’s Gym on Mon, Wed and Fri between 6pm and 8pm, talking about trips out, funding and everything else. YOUNG VOLUNTEERS – works with teens mainly from All Hallows High School and Albion High School. It’s a new NDC project, working with Salford Business Education Partnership, which encourages, supports and recognises 13-15 year olds who want to get involved and be a part of their community. As well as the community benefiting from this the volunteers work towards getting 25, 50 and 100 hour rewards which lead to trips out. For more info contact Joanne on 787 3838
A word from the mag’s creators T
his very special magazine would not have been possible without the help of local people. Young people from all over Salford have contributed time and effort to make the work the best it can be, and we have generated more buzz about the Amber Project. We know that adults such as Dionne Sheen and Graham Cooper have put the best of their effort into the Party In The Park and The Amber Project. We are at the beginning of a long journey to change the reputation of Salford, and I think that as long as we continue on the road and help each other out we will soon be at our destination. The more people who join in, the faster we will go. It’s going to be hard, but we’ll make Amber proud. We’d like to thank some special people - Dionne Sheen and Graham Cooper for inspiring us, Stephen Kingston and Steven Speed from Mary Burns Community Group for all their help throughout making the magazine, Wayne at ComCP for being cool about us wrecking his office (oops), Collette and Rachel at Crest, Ben Harrison for his work on the map (which can be found in the centrefold pages), Lyndsey Winnington for her photography, Vicky Speed and Mike Skeffington for the ghost stories, and everybody else that has showed support to The Amber Project and The Party In The Park - you know who you are! The young people will have surprised people all over Salford with the effort they have put in, and we’d like to tell you who we are - Liz
Corkovic, Kiefer Greig, James Mclean, Sarah Murray, Craig Hartley, Jade Adesile, Nel Corkovic, Naomi Moran, Molly Moran, Michael Dunne, Jade Blakesley, Emma Williams, Gemma Slater, Parisse Woods-Ward, Charly Kavanagh, Jessica Davies, John O’Neil, Amy Evans, Amanda Bailey, Curtis White, Asa Wood and Thomas Denton. Every single one of us has given our time to complete this magazine to the best of our ability.
AMBER LOK Amber Lok was a 13 year old bright, happy, charming girl from Langley Road who had many friends from many different communities in Salford. She was sadly killed on January 29th 2005 hit by a car outside her home. Since her death we have founded the Amber Project. The aims and beliefs of the Project are:
1) That every child has the right to play safely in their own areas without risk of being hit by speeding and reckless drivers. 2) Promoting organ donation 3) Getting our Salford communities to work together to make our great city even greater than she is‌
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