Good News Stories

Archbishops first to step onto MediaCityUK bridge

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York will today be the first people to use a striking new ú11million landmark pedestrian swingbridge at MediaCityUK.

Spanning the Manchester Ship Canal, the footbridge launches from between two of the BBC buildings at MediaCityUK in Salford, landing near Imperial War Museum North in Trafford.

During the ceremony the Archbishops will push a button to set off the mechanism to close the bridge and they will be the first official party to step onto it.

Funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the bridge will provide better access and encourage greater footfall to and from MediaCityUK as well as areas around Trafford Wharf and through to Trafford Park, and Old Trafford football and cricket grounds.

The Archbishops said: "We are delighted to mark the completion of the bridge and to celebrate this new link between Salford and Trafford. We congratulate all involved with its planning, financing and construction. We pray for all who will cross it, for the communities it links, and for the building of bridges between those who live, work and visit this place."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, are making their visit as part of a four-day tour of Manchester titled The Archbishops' in Mission in Manchester. This is the first time the two Archbishops have made a joint tour to a major UK city. The visit to the bridge will also be the first public occasion that the media has to see the Archbishops together on their visit to Manchester.

Robert Hough, Chairman of the NWDA, said: "It has been an honour to meet the Archbishops and to welcome them to the bridge as part of their Manchester tour. Providing the right infrastructure is key to improving access to MediaCityUK and across Salford Quays and the new footbridge completes the picture. It will help to drive development along the river corridor from Manchester through to MediaCityUK and create a legacy of economic growth for Salford and Trafford."

John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Holdings, said: 'It was a privilege to welcome the Archbishops and all our partners to MediaCityUK today. 2011 is an exciting year for all of us and the completion of the new pedestrian bridge emphasises our already strong partnerships with both Salford and Trafford.'

Designed by engineering consultant Gifford, the bridge is the final piece of the jigsaw in a circular walking route connecting Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, The Lowry and Imperial War Museum North. In addition, it complements the Irwell River Park scheme to develop the waterfront along an 8km stretch of the River Irwell.

Councillor John Merry, CBE, Leader of Salford City Council, said: "It's my absolute pleasure to welcome the Archbishops to Salford today. This morning they've seen one of our oldest churches, St Clement's, before coming along to visit the newest community in the city.

"The new bridge at MediaCityUK means this community is even easier to access and is an area that can be used by everyone. Having the Archbishops opening the bridge has particular relevance as we look forward to the imminent arrival of the BBC's religion and ethics section and celebrate the recent appointment of a chaplain at MediaCityUK, showing that religion will be very much at the heart of this new community."

Leader of Trafford Council Matt Colledge said: "It was an honour to welcome the Archbishops to be the first to make use of this striking bridge linking us with our neighbours in Salford. This new physical link between Trafford and Salford signals the beginning of an exciting time for the area and we look forward to becoming part of the MediaCityUK partnership when work begins on the ITV development at Trafford Wharf."

Before the ceremony at the bridge the Archbishops blessed The Anchor Space where MediaCityUK chaplain the Reverend Hayley Matthews is based, and then toured MediaCityUK.

The bridge will officially open to the public in May 2011 following final completion works to the landscaping. The 85 metre long bridge deck has been designed to pivot asymmetrically on a point about three-quarters of the way along its length in order to allow ships and barges to manoeuvre in and out of the nearby docks.

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DanceSyndrome

DanceSyndrome, a not for profit social enterprise working in Trafford is pleased to announce they are recognized and supported by both ‘Awards for All’ from the Big Lottery and Trafford Council.

DanceSyndrome is changing lives in its unique approach to community dance. DanceSyndrome was created to fill a void in the community dance provision for people with learning disabilities. DanceSyndrome is a company led by dance artists who have learning disabilities. With support from ‘Awards for All’ DanceSyndrome is changing lives by taking dance out into the community to those who usually find themselves excluded from mainstream dance. DanceSyndrome offers workshops for community organisations, schools and colleges at minimal costs, and is also setting up workshops for open community dance classes. DanceSyndrome is actively participating in presentations and conferences, most recently a showcase held at Sale Waterside Arts Centre where DanceSyndrome took the crowd by storm and got everyone up and dancing.

DanceSyndrome has a core group of 16 dancers, teaching disabled and qualified support dancers who meet once a month bringing energy, enthusiasm and commitment to this unique model.

If you would like further details about how to become involved with DanceSyndrome or if you are interested in helping DanceSyndrome develop in any number of ways from strengthening our board to taking photographs, please contact Jennifer on 07984615162 or Jennifer@dancesyndrome.co.uk

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Mo Cooper’s Charity Rock "n" Roll Gig Lymphoma
Research Fund at The Christie Hospital 2010.
Christie Reference: 163486 - Charity Commission No. 1049751

£21,900 Donated Over Five Gigs

This was the fifth Gig we have organised for Lymphoma Research at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, and by far the hardest to run in terms of securing sponsorship and selling tickets with 100 of the 300 available tickets unsold. For sure the recession hit us hard this year with every seat unsold we lost a £7.50 ticket fee that would have been donated to the Fund. On the good side many of the people who were unable to attend did make donations, for which we "Thank them". For all that we will be presenting a cheque to Professor John Radford, Lymphoma Research Fund, for £4,800 in the near future. £21,900 donated from five Gigs.

Mo was supported by Colin Paul & the Persuaders, Kenny Johnson, D.J. Jivin Jim Killey and DJ the D.J. Derek Jackson, who kept everybody entertained and the dancing floor full. Their support is not just confined to the stage, between them they have given the Gig great publicity either at other Gigs, on Colin's Website or in the case of Kenny on his BBC Radio Merseyside Sounds County Show along with Joe Fish on BBC Radio Lancashire, Jimmy Wagg & Eamonn O’Neal on BBC Radio Manchester and not forgetting support from Maggie Sampford Maggie’s Blue Suede News. Thank You everybody and we look forward to your continued Support.

There is also many people, not just Rock "n" Rollers, who have either supported all five Gigs, travelling from far and wide, if they cannot attend buy donated tickets, make a donation, donate a raffle prize, 110 raffle prizes were donated this year, fantastic, Thank You All. We had many donations from, Rock "n” Rollers, Local Football, local retail outlets, Moss Trooper Hotel, Mary and Val Cannon & Family, Joyce & Tommy Durber, Premiership Football Club, Manchester City all of which contributed helped in reaching this fantastic donation to the Fund.

Sale Rock "n" Roll Club made a fabulous donation of £220. Sandy & Phil at Skeggy Rock "n" Roll Weekend donated a free weekend pass which was auctioned. Diane Wardle & Mrs Roth, The Billy Fury Weekend, Blackpool, donated a free weekend which was auctioned and raised £300. We had the full support of Coreen and Derek, Glynis & Terry, Lucia & Geoff from Halifax Rock "n" Roll Club, with Lucia donating a special Cake which raised £102 on the night, all of whom supported the fund. "Thank You All".

The Gig is held in a College, everybody brings their own food and drinks, as soon as the pupils leave the College that’s when the army of Rock “n” Rollers arrive and start dressing up the Stage, decorate the hall, memorabilia is put up on the walls, table clothes, snacks, balloons on the tables, sound checks done, the ladies organise the raffle, Mandy and Caroline organise the Paper Auction. The night just flows like poetry. Then if they wish along with the artists retire to the Staff Room for Mo’s Hotpot or sandwiches. Then at the end of the evening clear up to leave the room as we found it. You know who you are, "Thank You Team".

The moral of the story is when you aim to raise money for a charity you cannot beat Rock "n" Rollers, If it is a a good cause they will support you.

Hope to see you on the 25th November 2011. Same Charity, Same Artist.

Thank You to everybody who has supported Mo when asked to support the Christie Hospital./b>

Ski Club of Manchester Achieves 'The Snowmark'

The Ski Club of Manchester achieves Snowmark accreditation - Only the fourth Snowsports club to achieve this award

The Club worked towards achieving Snowmark to ensure they had consistent good practice and operating standards to enable them to grow and develop and strengthen their future prospects. Having this quality standard in place they hope will demonstrate the club is organised and managed on a professional basis and with consistent good practice.

The club recently supported a schools programme which saw 90 local school children having eight weeks of ski lessons and fun at The Chill Factore. As part of the Ski Club's membership drive, the Committee wants to organise adult beginners' courses at Chill Factore so the families of these children can join the club.

"Going through the Snowmark accreditation process has improved our governance and organisation, and given us a wider credibility, whilst bringing us into contact with a new range of people and possibilities. Club were presented We are now looking afresh at how we do everything, which has brought about significant improvements. The process has energised the Club and made easier the forging of stronger links with both local and national organisations who acknowledge that we are a modern Club worth working with. We face the future with a very positive outlook knowing that accreditation gives us access to a raft of practical support agencies. We now have a new set of challenges, challenges relating to growth." Said Ian Harford, Club Chairman.

The Ski Club of Manchester is a voluntary body which organises a wide range of activities for skiers and snow boarders. These include regular members’ events and training sessions at the Chill Factore slope, weekly Keep Fit programmes, holidays abroad, social evenings and talks and a programme of outdoor events and activities over the summer.

They are expanding its activities, working closely with the Chill Factore management and Snowsport England and drawing in new members as part of an ambitious new Development Plan. Members come from both the Greater Manchester area and further afield. More information about the club is available on the club’s website  - www.scom.org.uk.

Evening Ski Meets are currently held every fourth Wednesday in the month throughout the year. At these sessions from October to February the Club hires Chill Factore instructors for those who wish take advantage of free coaching (not suitable for complete beginners). There are two levels of instruction: up to intermediate and intermediate and above.

Peter Hinde Operations Manager for Chill Factore Said:

"Chill Factore are delighted that the Ski Club of Manchester have achieved this industry recognised award. The Club have been coming to the Chill Factore since we opened in November 2007 and we have supported their members with dedicated lessons and coaching. We look forward to continuing our successful working relationship with them in the future."

The Ski Club of Manchester were presented with their certificates by Graham Bell former Olympic skier, presenter of BBC Ski Sunday and High Altitude (extreme skiing and snowboarding programme) at the British Ski and Snowboard Show Saturday 30th October at the NEC. The other three other Snowsport Clubs with Snowmark are Norfolk and Kendal and Midland.

• Ski Club of Manchester Congratulation Letter -

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Imperial War Museum North Wins Prestigious National Tourism Award

Imperial War Museum North in Manchester has been named among the top four large visitor attractions in the country at the prestigious tourism 'Oscars'. Organised by Visit Britain, the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010 recognise the best of England's tourism and were presented at a glittering awards ceremony in Brighton.

The Museum was celebrated as a great, free day out for all the family as it won the Silver award for 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year'. It beat stiff competition to win at both the Manchester and Northwest tourism awards in 2009, where the Museum was described by judges as 'a near faultless visitor experience' and achieved one of the highest mystery shop scores ever. The Museum was then rigorously assessed to make it through to the national shortlist, beating competition from distinguished attractions such as The Eden Project, The National Maritime Museum and The National Space Centre.

The award follows widespread critical acclaim for the Imperial War Museum North's current exhibition, Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin, the largest ever UK exhibition on the life and work of the world renowned photographer. The exhibition features photographs and objects, many of which are on display for the first time, from more than 50 years of conflict photography.

Jim Forrester, Director, Imperial War Museum North said: "The award reflects the dedication and commitment of the staff and volunteers at Imperial War Museum North. We try to run a thoughtful, well rounded service which gives visitors the chance to explore the history of war and conflict, and we are delighted that our service has been recognised once again as one of the best in the country."

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Timperley Moat Restoration.

South Trafford Archaeology Group (STAG), after three years preparation, succeeded with a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) securing a grant of £44,400, intended to restore public access to Timperley Moat (behind Altrincham Golf club).

This has been matched by Trafford Council in a £30k restoration of the 200 year old Georgian fruit wall built on the site in 1801, which is related to the listed Timperley Old Hall nearby.

The site is in the context of two other sites with wildlife and historical heritage interest of local or regional significance. These are King George V Pool and the cobbled farm yard and Georgian Cow House and Hayloft. The latter is a rare example of rapidly disappearing agricultural heritage.

Works include: Installation of a metal bridge (to replace a structure demolished by Trafford Council as unsafe), landscape in-filling in centre of site, heritage fruit wall repair, footpath work & interpretation materials on history and wildlife.

STAG have excavated the site over the past ten years and have found evidence of human occupation of the site stretching back 4000 years. The final phase of the dig continues this summer investigating medieval and later remains. Visitors are welcome and the dates will be advertised in Trafford’s Four Weeks of Culture programme.

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