What you say makes Salford simply super
IT is a city on the up and up. It also boasts the world’s largest collection of L S Lowry paintings and one of the country’s best hospitals - as well as being a national media hub.
But its locals - straight talking and brimming with community spirit are the foundation stone of a great city.
So when a teacher asked what was great about Salford, the response was overwhelming. Alice Preston posted a request online as she planned a lesson for her pupils.
She teaches five and six year-olds in the Langworthy area of the city.
She posted: “This half term’s topic is about our locality. Our first question is: “What makes Salford a great place to live? I wanted to show the children a little video highlighting some of the best bits. I will read some of your comments to the children on why you think Salford is a great place...please remember they are only 5 and 6.”
The appeal triggered nearly 200 uplifting, positive replies.
Karl H Davison replied: “The best thing about Salford is its people, diverse, proud, compassionate and a few maybe a little eccentric.
“Buildings come and go, the spirit of Salford is eternal. I would sooner see kids taught that in classes than anything else. Maybe then we might instil a little pride for our City within the next generation of Salfordians, the future Rileys, Lowrys, Finneys and Ecclestones.”
To prove his point he added: “Salford has its own superhero, obviously he’s not allowed out now cos his mum said so but nonetheless he’s still the hero Salford deserves, but not the one it needs right now, so we’ll hunt him. Because he can take it, because he’s not a hero. He’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a Dark Knight Warrior.”
He was referring to Knight Warrior, real name Roger Hayhurst, who hit the headlines in 2011 and won national fame for patrolling the streets of Swinton, breaking up fights and tackling anti-social behaviour. He later hung up his cape to pursue a dream of becoming a broadcast journalist.
Pat Johnson replied: “It’s a city next door to a city and Peel Park was one of the first public parks. Take them to the art gallery and into Lark Hill Place inside the gallery.”
Vicki Tyrer said: “I’d say history of Salford such as the Salford docks, major cotton and silk factory. Salford is the home to University of Salford and was the first city to open a public free library. It also homes MediaCity and is the headquarters of BBC Sport and CBBC and ITV Granada.”
Marie Harvey posted: “Many great actors and actresses came from the area, Sir Ben Kingsley who played Gandhi, Sir Robert Powell who played Jesus Christ and so much more. Kesley Nicol from Irlam, the cook in Downton Abbey.”
Nicole Bassett replied: “Too many positives! Summed up... history, humour, warm people, shopping, culture, sport, art, great heritage, diversity and every kind of scenery from beautiful parks, open countryside, rivers, canals, urban area, cobbled streets and historical buildings. It’s got the lot and then some!”
Sarah Urmston-Toft said: “Salford is a wonderful city lots of history lots of famous people came from Salford some bands we have a Salford lads club on the cover of the Smiths album. It has its own cathedral which is lovely inside and the people are really friendly being a Salfordian is brilliant.”
Deb Drinkwater highlighted the fact that the city, according to an audit in 2016, has 2,053 hectares of green space. “We have tons of green space...much more than other neighbouring areas - where children can run, climb, play football, go on long bike rides. We have a water sports centre, we have a HUGE sports stadium. ITV and BBC think Salford is so fab they moved here!!”