Allotment Update

Our cabbages love this weird weather

ALLOTMENT UPDATE

by Geoff Hamilton, Macmillan Cancer Support allotment volunteer

THE PLOT

This autumn, we had a very pleasant surprise when our apple crop was picked. What we thought to be a crab apple tree produced the most tasty and juicy dessert apples. It had never fruited in previous years, but we now have a rm favourite and will be giving the tree a much needed winter pruning. Unfortunately, we can’t be too excited about our huge g crop - the glets have arrived too late in the season to mature and we will probably need to remove all of them as they are too small to use and can’t possibly mature. Climate change has certainly upset that workhorse. However, our sprouts and cabbage plants are loving the weird weather and bubble and squeak with sausages and our own onion gravy is a great winter favourite!

The polytunnel has given a great result with our Harlequin peppers - very colourful and delicious on salads, not in the least bit ery de nitely a crop for the future. Our winter onions are settling in trays for planting in the raised beds, probably ready for cropping in spring. Our outdoor experiment with the same onions planted in an outdoor raised bed will tell us whether to grow indoors or outdoors in future.

SALFORD ALLOTMENTS UPDATE

Salford Allotment Federation held their rst postCovid, liaison group meeting with the City Council in October. It was good to be able to have a face to face gathering, even though our Zoom chats had been useful and maintained some momentum.

Many matters needed following up after the Covid delays and several sites have now progressed: Beech eld,Swinton: Bellway have now released the monies for improvements to the area. The Council is planning for works to proceed as soon as possible. The release of some allotment area and reallocation of new lands is under discussion and the Council must approve the package before contractors can move onto the site. Blackleach, Walkden: All of the old piggeries have been demolished and the site has been cleared. A new management committee has been appointed and a self-management agreement has been made with the Council. The committee is now looking to nd a funder to help in the remodelling of the allotment plots. Poorlots, Cadishead: Prices have been submitted for the work planned but this scheme will need major funding and discussions with the National Lottery are in progress. Ordsall: Now has a new management committee and has completed a self-management agreement with the Council. All at the SAF wish the new team every success in their new enterprise. New sites: Some potential new allotment sites have been identi ed and the Council are in discussion with the Councillors to consider which should be given priority. Hopefully, there will be more plots becoming available in 2022.

JOBS FOR THE WINTER..

Protect tender plants outside from frost and windchill. Fleece, or a sheltered corner, is all you need to keep them from freezing but if you can take them inside, even into a cold greenhouse they will only need a gentle, occasional watering until spring. Check your plant pots for hidden slugs and snails. These pests will sleep anywhere they can, ready to ruin your plants as soon as it is warm enough for them to move. Keep an eye on the weeds, they only stop growing if temperatures are very low and will spurt and seed as soon as they are able. Shield beetles are getting more proli c. Remove immediately as they will eat young tender shoots and ruin plants very quickly. Order your onion sets, seed potatoes and early crop seeds now and ensure your compost, plant pots and tools are ready for action as soon as it is warm enough to start working your crops.

WHAT’S ON December-January

COMMUNITY EVENTS

COFFEE MORNINGS Worsley Library

Join us for coffee at Worsley Village Library. Everyone welcome. Please note that the library services is not currently available. Services will hopefully resume in 2022.

Saturdays, 10am-12pm FREE entry

Worsley Village Community Assoc.

SALFORD ARMED FORCES & VETERANS BREAKFAST CLUB The Magdalene Centre, Winton

.Join our breakfast club and meet our fantastic volunteers with a very warm welcome and experience the best breakfast in Salford! Enjoy socialising and the support of other veterans & serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

Saturdays, 10am-1pm FREE

Facebook: SalfordArmedForcesAndVeteransBreakfastClub

WORSLEY VILLAGE LIGHTS SWITCH ON Worsley Village Canal opposite The Bridgewater Pub

Join us for our traditional lights switch on event and meet Father Christmas who will travel from Boothstown Marina to Worsley on illuminated boats. Father Christmas will bring his magic postbox which will send letters to his elves, so don’t forget to bring your letters with you. Mulled wine & mince pies for adults!

Fri 3rd December, 6.00pm FREE entry

Worsley Village Community Assoc.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Damhouse, Astley

Come and browse the stalls of local crafts, gifts and sweet treats. Bring the kids to meet Father Christmas.

Sat 4th December 10.00am - 3.00pm FREE entry

Tel: 01942 876417 Email: info@damhouse.net

WORSLEY TOWNSWOMENS GUILD CHRISTMAS DINNER Worsley Court House

Join us for our Christmas Dinner with speaker Jean Finney on Tales about Cruising and Ukulele Player.

Mon 6th December, 7.30pm £22.50 per person

Anne Adams: 0161 728 6783

FRIENDS OF ROE GREEN Roe Green Church Hall

Join us for “Christmas Memories” , a talk by David Roughly. Refreshments and raffle. Everyone welcome.

Wed 8th December, 2.00pm £2.00 Members, £3.00 Visitors

Jean: 0161 790 4635

ECCLES DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY St Andrew's Church, Chadwick Road, Eccles, M30 9QG

Join us for a history talk by Graham Phythian on “The Manchester & Salford Blitz” . Talks held second Wednesday each month. Non-members welcome.

Wed 8th December, 7.30pm Annual membership £18.00 Visitor’s fee £3.00 per meeting

www.edhs.btck.co.uk

WORSLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET Beesley Green Community Centre

Enjoy a day with family and friends wandering around our Christmas Market. Find a wide range of gifts, delicious treats and rare obscurities.

Sun 12th December 10.00am - 6.00pm FREE entry

www.worsleymarket.co.uk

SALFORD FOODBANK COLLECTION Lightoaks Park

Foodbank collection at the Tea'osk. All donations really appreciated: Tinned Meat • Instant Coffee Tinned Fruit • UHT Milk • Tinned Spaghetti • Long Life Fruit Juice

Sun 12th December Sun 9th January 10.00am - 4.00pm FREE

Facebook: lightoakspark

FRIENDS OF LIGHTOAKS PARK CHRISTMAS CRACKER! Lightoaks Park

Our Christmas event is back for 2021. Enjoy carol singing, a brass band and Santas grotto, as well as festive drinks and snacks. We will also be collecting for Salford Foodbank 10-4pm, all donations very welcome.

Sun 12th December 3.00 - 5.00pm FREE entry

Facebook: lightoakspark

CAROLS IN THE COURTYARD Damhouse, Astley

Join us for a festive evening of carols. There will be hot food stalls in the Courtyard to enjoy too!

Sat 18th December 5.00 - 7.00pm FREE entry

Tel: 01942 876417

ECCLES DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY St Andrew's Church, Chadwick Road, Eccles, M30 9QG

Join our monthly history talk by David Astbury on“Prince Albert: Consort and Manchester Man” . Non-members welcome.

Wed 12th January, 7.30pm Annual membership £18.00 Visitor’s fee £3.00 per meeting

www.edhs.btck.co.uk

FRIENDS OF ROE GREEN Roe Green Church Hall

Join us for “A Porter in Guernsey” , a talk by Peter Levy. Refreshments and raffle. Everyone welcome.

Wed 19th January 2.00pm £2.00 Members, £3.00 Visitors

Jean: 0161 790 4635

VOLUNTEER SESSIONS Lightoaks Park

Join Friends of Lightoaks Park and help make the park a fantastic green space for the community. All ages and abilities are welcome.

2nd and 4th Sunday each month 11.00am - 1.00pm FREE

Facebook: lightoakspark

COVID RISK HEALTH CHECK Venues across Salford

Salford Health Improvement Service is offering free health assessments to anyone over 18 who works in, or has a GP, in Salford. Checks take 20 mins and results available immediately.

Swinton Gateway Mondays, 1-6pm Walkden Gateway Wednesdays, 1-6pm Eccles Gateway Fridays, 9am-1pm Book your appointment

Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

SALFORD WELLBEING WALKS Various locations

FREE local walks designed to help you become physically active and to improve your health. A safe and sociable environment to achieve the recommended 150 mins of exercise each week. Arrive 10 mins early.

Boothstown Community Centre Monday 1.30-2.30pm Roe Green Monday 10-11am Monton Green Tuesday 10-11am RHS Bridgewater Tuesday 10.30am-11.30am Kersal Wetlands Wednesday 1-2pm Blackleach Country Park Thursday 10-11am Clifton Country Park Thursday 10.15-11.15am Worsley Green Friday 10-11am Monton Green Sunday 10-11am FREE

Jo Bennett : 0161 778 0559 Email: jo.bennett@scll.co.uk

BE WELL WEEKLY WALKS Various locations

Weekly walks, meeting at various venues across Wigan. Suitable for those looking to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.

Pennington Flash Country Park Mondays, 11am-12pm

(Please arrive mins 10 minutes early)

St. John's Church, Mosley Common Thursdays, 10.30-11.30am Blossom St. Car Park, Tyldesley Saturdays, 10.30-11.30am FREE

Tracy Morris: 07943 840259 www.wigan.gov.uk/BeWell

PARK RUN Peel Park, Salford Worsley Woods

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Registration required before event and bring a printed barcode. Volunteers always needed. Email us if you would like to come and help.

Saturdays, 9.00am FREE

Email: peel@parkrun.com Email: worsleywoods@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk

RUN THE WORLD MCR Dukes Drive

A friendly running group for women in the local area. We go on a circular route ranging from 5-7km. We always have a tail walker so no-one is left behind. Any pace or fitness level welcome. To join us, meet at Dukes Drive car park or DM us on Instagram.

Tuesdays, 6.30pm FREE

Instagram: runtheworldMCR

RUN TALK RUN WORSLEY Standfield Centre, Boothstown

A free weekly 5km gentle jog where people can talk to others. Combine the benefits of talking and exercise with an emphasis of individual and collective health and well-being. A great way of meeting new people. Sign up via an app called MyCrew.

Tuesdays 6.45pm for 7pm start FREE

Instagram: runtalkrun _ worsley

CLIFTON WINTER WALK Clifton Country Park

A two hour walk around the Irwell Valley and beyond. Please wear suitable clothing & footwear. Meet at the visitors centre.

Tue 7th December Tue 14th December Tue 21st December 10.00am - 12.00pm

FREE (booking required) Tel: 0161 793 4219 Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

KERSAL WINTER WALK Kersal Wetlands

Join us for a two hour walk from Kersal Dale to Kersal Wetlands. Meet at the end of South Radford Street off Littleton Road. Please wear suitable clothing & footwear.

Wed 8th December 10.00 - 12.00pm

FREE (booking required) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

WORSLEY WOODS WINTER WALK Worsley Woods

Join us for a two hour walk from Beesley Green to Dukes Drive and back. Please wear suitable clothing & footwear. Meet at Beesley Green.

Sat 11th December 10.30am - 12.30pm

FREE (booking required) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

BOXING DAY STROLL Clifton Country Park

Join the Ranger for this festive walk. Meet by the visitors centre. Walk may involve steps & uneven ground. All ages welcome. Collection for our chosen charity, donations welcome.

Sun 26th December 10.30am - 12.30pm

FREE (donations welcome) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

WORSLEY WOODS NEW YEAR WALK Worsley Woods

Get a great start to the New Year and join us for a two hour woodland walk. Please wear suitable clothing & footwear. Meet at Beesley Green.

Sun 2nd January 10.30am - 12.30pm

BUGGY FIT Dukes Drive, Monton

Salford Health Improvement activity. A great way to get some fresh air, meet other parents and ease back into exercise. Meet in the car park.

Thursdays 13th January to 17th February 10.30 - 11.30am FREE

Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

WEIGH AHEAD Online course

Salford Health Improvement activity. Follow our weight loss programme from the comfort of your own home. Fun, interactive sessions with tips and advice to support your weight loss journey. The internet and an email address are required to join.

Mondays from 17th January 6.00 - 7.00pm FREE

Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

WALKING TRAILS Bridgewater Canal

Access a series of self-guided trails and explore the Bridgewater Canal. Each one is packed with information, maps and directions. Simply choose the trail you want to do, download the guide and off you go. Why not try to complete them all? Trails cover Worsley, Roe Green, Barton, Monton, Walkden, Boothstown.

FREE

www.est1761.org/trails

KIDS ACTIVITIES

DODGEBALL SESSIONS The Den, Walkden M28 3AD

Come along and take part in some fast paced fun at our new dodgeball session at The Den! Suitable for ages 7-11 years. Term time only. Please note: Tickets released the Wednesday after each session for the session running the week after.

Tuesdays, 5-6pm

FREE (booking essential) info@youthalliance.org.uk

SOCCER STARS ACADEMY MANCHESTER NW

Learn through fun and Football with Soccer Stars Academy the UK's fastest growing kids Soccer Academy! New Monton class launches Saturday 8th January:

Monton Unitarian Church Saturdays, 9am-12pm

Ages 18 months to 5 years Swinton Classes:

Springwood School, Swinton Saturdays, 9.30am -1.15pm

Ages 18 months to 9 years

£29.00 per month

(sibling discount available) Tel: 07369 222724 www.soccerstarsacademy.co.uk

STORYTIME Salford Libraries

For parents/carers in the local area. Bring your baby or toddler to a storytime at one of our libraries. Please book as spaces are limited. Term time only.

Winton Library Tuesdays, 10.30-11.30am

Tel: 0161 921 2180

Boothstown Library Tuesdays, 10.30-11.30am

Tel: 0161 799 6549

Walkden Library Wednesdays, 10.30-11.30am

Tel: 0161 607 6639

Eccles Library Thursdays, 10.00 -11.00am

Email: eccles.library@scll.co.uk

PARENT & CHILD GYMNASTICS Worsley Leisure Centre

Fun activity session with equipment to climb, crawl and bounce. Music and toys to encourage movement and simple gymnastics skills. For ages 12 months to 2.5 years (adult must attend). No booking required.

Thursdays 2.00 - 2.45pm

£4.00 per session (pay as you go) www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB The Den, Walkden M28 3AD

Come and join in a range of fun activities, including football, cricket, dodgeball, table tennis, pool, air hockey, table football, console games, arts and crafts. Term time only. Suitable for 8-11 and 12-19 years.

Fridays 8-11 years: 5-6.30pm 12-19 years: 7-8.30pm

FREE (booking essential) www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

SALFORD JUNIOR PARKRUN Buile Hill Park

Free, weekly, timed 2k parkrun for 4-14 year olds. They are open to all and are safe and easy to take part in. The aim is to have fun. Please come along and join in whatever your pace! Registration required before event and bring a printed barcode. Volunteers always needed. Email us if you would like to come and help.

Sundays, 9.00am FREE

Email: salfordjuniors@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/salford-juniors

THEMED TODDLER WALKS Beesley Green Community Centre

Salford Health Improvement activity. Join us for bug hunts and nature trails. Dress for the weather.

Mondays 17th January to 21st February 10.30 - 11.30am FREE

Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

READING GROUP Eccles Library

We’re back! Join us on our Tuesday afternoon reading groups. Read and chat about a new book each month.

Tuesdays, 2.00pm FREE

Facebook: SalfordLibraries

LANCASHIRE MINING MUSEUM Astley Green

Come and see the last surviving headgear and winding house in the whole Lancashire coalfield. The museum houses many exhibits, not least of which is the collection of 28 colliery locomotives, the largest collection of its type in the UK. Run by The Red Rose Steam Society Ltd.

Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun 1.00 - 4.00pm FREE entry

www.astleygreencolliery.com

POPPIES IWM North

The iconic hand-crafted ceramic sculptures have returned to IWM North as a brand-new artwork. Re-imagined into a new sculptural form, Poppies, cascade down and pool within the unique architecture of IWM North’s Air Shard, combining the pieces from the 2018 artworks Poppies: Wave and Weeping Window.

Permanent display Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm

FREE (booking to IWMN required) www.iwm.org.uk

CLOSE KNIT FRIENDS Boothstown Community Centre

A friendly knitting group suitable for all. Sessions ongoing. Drop in.

Thursdays 1.30 - 4.30pm Small charge may apply

Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

KNIT AND NATTER Walkden Library

Come along to knit and natter with like minded individuals! The rhythmic motion and focus of crafts like knitting can distract from the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression and even reduce the physical symptoms like high blood pressure and a fast heart rate. Open to all, from beginners to experts.

Thursdays 1.30 - 2.30pm

FREE (drop in) 0161 607 6639 walkden.library@scll.co.uk

GARDENING: MULCHING Peel Park, Salford

Join the ranger and help to mulch the herbaceous beds. No experience necessary, just willing to join in! Dates in January to be confirmed.

Thursdays 2nd, 9th & 16th December 10.00am - 12.00pm

FREE (booking required) Tel: 0161 793 4219 Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

MAKERS MARKET Quayside MediaCityUK

Join us on the last weekend of each month and discover the very finest local food, drink, art, design, vintage and modern craft carefully selected from Manchester artisans and business local to the North West.

Sat 4th to Sun 5th December Sat 11th to Sun 12th December Sat 18th to Sun 19th December Sat 29th to Sun 30th January 2022 Sat 10am-5pm | Sun11am-5pm

www.quaysidemediacityuk.co.uk

BOOTHSTOWN REPAIR CAFE Boothstown Community Centre

This is a community project run by volunteers to help people to repair rather than replace. Pop down with your household item. We work on everyday items including electrical and mechanical devices, computers, bicycles, clothing and more....

Sat 4th December Sat 8th January 9.30 - 11.30am FREE entry

FB: BoothstownRepairCafe E: boothstownrepaircafe@gmail.com

WORSLEY WOODS CONSERVATION Worsley Woods

Join the ranger in conserving the woodlands. Help remove invasive Rhododendron. Meet by the Aviary.

Sat 4th December Sat 8th January 10.30am - 12.30pm

FREE (booking required) Email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

WALKDEN FOOD & CRAFT MARKET Walkden Town Centre

Food & Craft markets will be held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Come and browse our amazing local sellers! Fresh produce and amazing crafts. Located inside, 1st floor by Tesco. Check our Facebook page for forthcoming market dates.

Sat 11th December Sat 15th January 10.00am - 4.00pm

Facebook: WalkdenTownCentre

BEGINNERS INDIAN COOKING Boothstown Community Centre

Salford Health Improvement activity. Join us to learn the basics of Indian cooking. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Fridays 14th January to 18th February 1.30 - 3.30pm

FREE (booking required) Tel: 0800 952 1000 (option2)

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCEWORKS The Lowry

The Danceworks Ballet and Theatre School proudly present their eighth spectacular showcase of talent. Featuring various dance genres incl. ballet, tap, modern, commercial and contemporary pieces, as well as drama, song and musical theatre ensembles performed by students aged 2 through to 18 years.

Sat 22nd January, 7.00pm Sun 23rd January, 12.00pm Sun 23rd January, 4.30pm Tickets from £14.50

www.thelowry.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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