Sale Civic Society

View From The Chair

2011-10-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

It seems to be 'all change' doesn't it? For several years we have met at Ragland Road and now that venue is no longer available.

So for our May and June meetings we went further afield, to the Community Hall at St. Martin's Church. Far afield, did I say? Not really, as Ashton-on-Mersey is older than Sale itself. Indeed, St. Martin's celebrated its 700th anniversary in 2003, while the other churches in Sale followed many years later.

There are many interesting landmarks in Ashton. There is the Church which has a fascinating lychgate, the Brooks' Institute, now used for commercial purposes, but looking very smart, the former school with the clock tower attached - oh! when will they get the clock working again? There is also the Buck Inn, the Plough Hotel, and several 'olde worlde' cottages in Buck Lane and Church Lane. Don't forget the stocks set into St. Martin's Church wall!

Nor do we just live in the past. Most importantly, the Hall was built in two stages and is now of great use to the Church and to the wider community. A few yards from the Hall is the Church tower, now covered in scaffolding and requiring much-needed repairs. The congregation is working hard to raise the £200,000 plus that is required - all contributions gratefully received! Do come and have a look round our thriving village sometime.

I shall look forward to seeing you all in the new venue for our meetings - the United Reformed Church on Montague Road...

Victor Black
Chairman

This and That

2011-10-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

'Seasons of mists and mellow fruifulness' - Keats' 'Ode to Autumn' is pertinent. Autumn tints appeared early and it is reported that bumper crops of top fruits have been gathered this year.

However, Spring and Sumer have held much activity and many events of note. It was pleasing to attend the opening of the Arts Cafe in Hayfield Street - utilising the original Royal Mail sorting office, injecting new life into an old building and retaining a little more of Sale's history. The enterprising young owners are to be applauded.

A memorable year also for Sale Grammar School, celebrating special events - the centenary of the main school building and the 20th anniversary of the school becoming 'co-ed'. Opening as a Girls High School in 1896, it is obviously the oldest school of its style in the area. The 'new' building was built to acommodate the increasing pupil roll.

As is traditional, Sale Festival was held throughout June - this year with an even larger programme of music, song, dance, art and sports. A feast of events for young and the 'more mature'. Instead of the Society's usual pictoral and text display, illustrating all the good things Sale has to offer, the theme was demonstrated by a well-attended slide presentation held in the Town Hall Council Chamber.

A great feature, also at Waterside, was the wonderful display to celevrate the 250th anniversary of the Bridgewater Canal. Researched and compiled by a knowledgeable member of the Friends of the Bridgewater Canal, it was further enhanced by Sale Photographic Society's images of the full 29 miles of today's canal.

Two other memorable events we attended were the inauguration of Sale Councillor Jane Baugh as the new Mayor of Trafford - a moving event indicative of the role of tradition in today's world, and the Royal Society of St. George's 'Youth Presentations' to young people who have been nominated as 'going the extra mile' in the care of others or because of some extraordinary achievement, or dedication to a worthy cause.

'Friends' of our local parks are continually and quietly working hard, securing financial grants and holding events towards the improvement of our 'green lungs'. Ashton and Walton Parks have been given new play equipment through the Playbuilder scheme and Worthington Park's outdoor gymn has been a great success.

Building processes and renovations abound throughout the town - the Hope Road 'Bar 2' site, to rise as a part-5 storey block of retirement apartments is hidden behind decorated hoardings and displaying the Union Flag; the now attractively renovated Sale Hotel, to be renamed 'The Moorfield' (indicative of the site's original name) is to open in late September as a family-oriented restaurant; the old 'Pictor' site on Harboro Road remains derelict and overgrown. The proposed improvement along the A56, adjacent to the 'Waggon and Horses', to consist of shops and apartments, is not yet evident; the day nursery on Marsland Road, on the previous site of the Baptist Chapel, is soaring high at a tremendous rate - very soon 100 little chattering, or wailing, voices will be heard.

Hopefully next year's programme has something to suit everyone - including visual 'trips', some local rural history and archaeology, the story of one of our past, famous residents, and Henshaw's School for the Blind's story and work.

Pat Coulburn

Hon. Secretary

Sale Festival 2011

2011-06-08T02:49:00.001-07:00

It's Sale Festival time again!!

Members of Sale Civic Society will be supporting the Festival's many events. See http://www.salefestival.org.uk/ for more details of the wide variety of exciting activities over the festival period.

As part of the festival, our Secretary, Pat Coulburn will be giving a slide presentation on 'Another View of Sale'. This will be a visual presentation and lively commentary, revealing the vibrancy, heritage and history of our town. It will be held at Sale Waterside on Friday 17th June at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are £6, and £5 for concessions, with a complimentary glass of wine.

Do come along and join us, and if you see us at any of the other events, please do say hello.

View From The Chair

2011-03-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember the Meccano Magazine? I bet some of our male members used to read it. I did, and I always looked forward to the start of every month, when it arrived through the letterbox.

There was something for everyone in it - cars, trains, aeroplanes, sport, landmarks - they were all there. Why do I reminisce about the M.M. after all these years? Because there is always something for everyone at Sale Civic Society.

Since the last newsletter we have had an amusing talk by the Rev. Michael Burgess - who said all clergymen were stuffy? - and a quiet and equally interesting talk and slideshow on Fairtrade by Basil Wakefield. After Natalie James' visit in February, to tell us about the work of Stockdales, we go historical until next Autumn, with four excellent speakers, including our own Pat Coulburn, who we have heard before.

By the way, wasn't it a terrible December? As a Society, we are very lucky to have had our November meeting before the snow arrived and the January meeting after it had gone. I dread to think what our attendance would have been had we met in December - our members would have been tempted to stay indoors!

Thanks for continuing to support us.

Victor Black
Chairman

News Update

2011-03-12T04:09:00.000-08:00

Spring is here once more - after the bitter, long-drawn-out winter we've experienced. The brave snowdrops and crocus showing through, with their splashes of colour, are more than welcome.

With summer on its way, our local parks will offer much to visitors - noticeable parks' improvements will indicate the hard work of parks 'Friends' groups, in raising finance for additional facilities for users young and old.

'Civic Voice', the new 'umbrella' for civic societies is proving strong in its resolve to support societies, by organising appropriate meetins and seminars, varying the venue throughout the country.

Building activity throughout Sale is evident: 'Bar2' at the corner of Hope Road and Northenden Road is presently being demolished for a rebuild as retirement apartments. Listed building consent applications have been made for the renovation of the Sale Hotel. The ex-RAFA Club site now sports an almost completed block of flats, and work will be commencing soon for the Day Nursery on the Marsland Road Baptist Chapel site. The 'Pictor' site application for a care home has been deferred and the ancient cottage on Rutland Lane has been protected, temporarily, from demolition.

We have noticed that various offices along Washway Road have been given face-lifts, much improving the appearance of our important higheay.

As has been known for some time, demolition and rebuilding is to take place at the Raglan Road site, but earlier than initially indicated. Consequently, we shall find a new venue for meetings, and notification will be given to members and visitors at meetings and through the local press. In the meantime, the May and June meetings will be held at St. Martin's Church Hall, Church Lane. See you there.

Pat Coulburn

Hon. Secretary

Chairman's Report

2010-10-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Being Sale Civic Society Chairman can have its worries - even with a hard-working committee. It does, however, have its enjoyable moments too, such as the Saturday afternoon when, in the company of my wife Audrey, Pat Coulburn, and Beryl Earnshaw, we sailed along the Bridgewater Canal as part of the Sale Festival.

All in all, it was a busy day for some of us, as that evening we attended the Ashton-on-Mersey Showband concert in Walkden Gardens. Yes, it was even worth missing the England v USA football match - which was a disappointing draw!

On 17th June, a group of loyal members visited St. Martin's church for an excellent talk on the history of the church, given by two of St. Martin's stalwart members. The weather was beautiful, so that our members were also able to stroll around the churchyard before enjoying the refreshments in the hall.

I hope you have enjoyed yourselves this summer, and I look forward to seeing you at our meetings.

Victor Black

Chairman

News Update

2010-10-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and Autumn colours forecast the Winter season - what to expect? Whatever, we've had a busy year, involved in a wide variety of happenings and events.

The superb resurfacing of Warrener Street Car Park is a welcome result of its retention, and Sale Hotel looks set to be an asset to the area once again - a family style restaurant, with a skilfully renovated interior and sensible licensing hours.

The developer's appeal regarding the 2 Ashlands demolition and rebuild was refused by the Inspectorate. The Harboro Road 'Pictor' site plans were rejected, and a controversial plan for a massive car park on Green Belt land off Golf Road was withdrawn.

All were part of our brief in assisting others to bring about common-sense decisions.

The Society was represented at two momentous events - the Battle of Britain Memorial Service, organised by the Sale Branch RAF Association, and the Royal British Legion's 90th Anniversary. Both are important events in the nation's calendar, and were observed here at our Town Hall, with Mayoral and Civic representation.

We were involved with the annual Sale Festival - our 'Another View of Sale' display was at the Waterside, and we assisted generally with the numerous exciting events throughout the Festival.

Along with the Friends of Walkden Gardens, we held the annual Heritage Open Day in the Gardens in September. Again, a highly successful day, despite the inclement weather. This year, the presence and music of Sale Brass Band gave a special feel to a 'family day out'.

Other successful Open Days were held throughout the town - St. Paul's church also offered a wide range of much to enjoy, and the historic Cemetery attracting many to the guided tours of graves of many famous people.

Total proof that, as a community, our townsfolk relish such events representing, and important to, our town.

The Civic Trust, the 'umbrella' organisation for all Civic Societies throughout the country, went into administration. We have discussed, deliberated, and decided to be affiliated to the new national body - 'Civic Voice' - which would appear to strongly advocate and support the ideals and working practices of Civic Societies throughout the country.

Being in touch with other neighbouring Civic Societies gives us the realisation that we are all alike - with the same aims, similar successes and like anxieties - 'battles' to fight, membership recruitment problems and steeply rising administration costs.

This last has been discussed, and the committee and attending members are in agreement that an increase in the membership fee would make for a more realistic contribution to our work, and be in line with other nearby Civic Societies.

All members will be notified of the increase in advance of the February-due fee, particularly as some members pay by standing-order - the most convenient method.

With only one more meeting to enjoy before the end of this year's programme, may I wish you good wishes for a happy festive season. We will hope to see you in the New Year.

Pat Coulburn

Hon. Secretary

Heritage Open Day

2010-08-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Come and see some of Sale's rich heritage in 2010's annual Heritage Open Days weekend, taking place from 9th to 12th September.
This year, four events will be taking place in Sale, and as usual Sale Civic Society members will be at the Dovecote in Walkden Gardens, teaming up with the Friends of Walkden Gardens to show visitors this unique part of our local history, in one of Trafford's unrivalled garden gems. So do come along and meet us!

Walkden Gardens

Derbyshire Road, Sale, M33 3EL

Description
Dovecote open to the public, containing display of its history, rescue and relocating. Entertainment in the gardens includes Victorian style family games, children's quiz, guided tours and refreshments.

Special Activities for Children/Families
Cut out for children to assemble into model of Dovecote. Garden quiz to explore the property and gardens. Family Victorian style games.

Directions
Approx 1 m SW of J6 of M60, on A6144 at Derbyshire Rd jct. By foot from Sale/ Brooklands Station - turn R, 5-10 min walk to Derbyshire Rd, which runs btwn Northenden Rd (Sale) & Marsland Rd (Brooklands).

Public Transport Details
METRO - Brooklands or Sale station. BUS - local services btwn Manchester & Altrincham.

Opening Times
Saturday 11th September: 1100-1600

Organised By
Sale Civic Society & Friends of Walkden Gardens

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN SALE OVER HERITAGE OPEN WEEKEND:

Guided Tours of Sale/Brooklands Cemetery

Marsland Road, Sale, M33 7UB

Description
Guided tours of Sale/Brooklands cemetery, one of the first municipal cemeteries in the Manchester region opened in 1862. Its most famous residents include: James Prescott Joule (scientist), Dr Richard Pankhurst (husband of the Suffragette Emmeline), John Benjamin Dancer, John Brogden, Edwin Gibb, Edward Hulton and many more.

Directions
A56 - Sale, A6144 - Marsland Road.

Public Transport Details
METRO - to Brookland Station.

Opening Times
Saturday 11th September: Tours 1030 & 1430

Pre-Booking Required
Call 0161 962 6745 to book a place.

Organised By
Ashton & Sale History Society

Sale Quaker Meeting House

Park Road, Sale, M33 6WX

Description
Meeting house, garden and Quaker burial ground open - leaflets on the history of the Meeting House and someone to answer any questions you have about the building and the Religious Society of Friends.

Directions
By road: A56 from Manchester, turn R at Glebelands Road. Or, A56 to Manchester, turn L at Oaklands Drive. On foot: from Jct of Ashton Lande and Washway Road, follow Ashton Lane, Park Road turns off this road. Car parking in the grounds. Grid Reference: SJ783924

Public Transport Details
BUS - Nos. 16, 19, 245, 263, 41, 99. METRO - Sale Metro station is 10 minutes walk from the Meeting House.

Opening Times
Sunday 12th September: 1200-1600

Access
PDA - There is an access ramp to ground floor of the Meeting House. The garden and burial ground is accessible.

Organised By
Sale Quaker Meeting House

St Paul's Church

Springfield Road, Sale, M33 7YA

Description
The church, built in 1883, will be showing off many of its hidden gems with displays of artefacts & vestments, a photographic exhibition, and a unique opportunity for any family historians to view the Parish Registers. So, if you were married or baptised at the church it's an opportunity not to be missed. A special exhibition will be looking at one of St Paul's most famous parishioners, scientist and Sale resident Professor James Prescott Joule - the Father of the International Unit of Energy. Books and leaflets about the history and architecture of the church will be available and guides will be on hand to give information and answer any questions. This year marks the Centenary of the building of the Church Tower and to celebrate this guided tours of the tower will take place every hour throughout the day.

Special Activities for Children/Families
Activities for children include “Just for Fun” photograph cards of things to find in and around the Parish Church, colouring books illustrating the beautiful stained glass windows and at 2pm 'Stories for all ages' by Professional Storyteller Helen Stewart, who will spin yarns & weave tales for all!

Directions
A56 Sibson Rd leads to the church. Church car park available.

Public Transport Details
METROLINK - 2 mins walk from Sale Metrolink Station.

Opening Times
Saturday 11th September: 1000-1700, Tower Tours 1100 & 1200 & 1300 & 1400 & 1500 & 1600

Access
Full wheelchair access in and around the Parish Church except for Church Tower Tours.

Additional Information
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and between 1300-1500 the Brownies and Guides are organising a Barbeque on the south lawn and serving strawberries and cream. For additional information please see website below.

Organised By
St Paul's Parish Church

Sale Festival 2010

2010-05-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Once again, the time has come for the annual Sale Festival, and this year's Festival looks to be even more varied and exciting!

As ever, Sale Civic Society's Pat Coulburn will be displaying her 'Another View of Sale' exhibition at Sale Town Hall.

Entry is free.

For full details of the Festival, please follow this link: http://www.salefestival.org.uk/

View From The Chair

2010-03-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Here we go again - another New Year is upon us. This year is different - a new decade. It doesn't seem long since the Millenium began, does it? But the main thing is, no matter what the year, Sale Civic Society still continues.

As I write, our member Mike Wong Foo comes to mind. With able assistance from his wife Brenda, he kindly agreed to give a slide show at the last minute for the January meeting. Photographs from unusual angles of Sale, Altrincham and Manchester - it certainly made us think. At our AGM Mike will bring more of his photographs for us to ponder over. Do come - it will be great fun.

Many thanks, also, to all our Committee members. Pat Coulburn has been photographed several times in our local newspaper - and rightly so, as she with others has worked very hard to save the Sale Hotel and Warrener Street Car Park.

Finally, thanks to all our members for braving the cold weather to attend our meetings.

Victor Black

Chairman

This and That

2010-03-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Spring is here - it's official! After the dreadful Winter experienced, the spring bulbs bravely showing growth are a welcome indication. The Autumn and Winter months were busy for us.

Laying the Remembrance wreath was a task gratefully undertaken - this year also gave moving evidence of the huge number of young people participating or watching.

On the same theme, attendance at The Royal Society of St. George's Youth Presentations revealed the dedication and zeal of the young people recommended for an award, because of their personal contribution towards a specific project, youth service, or the community.

Further successes to the Sale Hotel and Warrener Street car parks, are the Grade II listing of the hotel and the resurfacing of the Car Park. Both are satisfying results, for all involved in the campaigns.

Other planning applications are being caregully monitored - one submitted for a large care home on the Pictor School site, and a block of flats on the Temple Road/Broad Road junction.

Although there was obvious concern regarding the entire demolition and rebuilding of the Raglan Road/Kings Church site, the plans include accommodation for community use, and the project is due to start in 2011.

There is still debate on the final format of the replacement body for the Civic Trust. Civic Societies throughout the country, including us, are involved in the discussions making for a democratically evolved result.

There are good things to look forward to during the coming months - Sale Festival in June and the annual Heritage Open Day in September - when, throughout both events, Sale's talent, vibrancy, and history is demonstrated.

Still on a historical theme, it was pleasing to note that 2009 was the half-century milestone for Sale Cruising Club. The wonderful array of craft, berthed or sailing on the canal, makes an attractive contribution to the waterway and the town.

Have a wonderful Summer - we have an interesting events programme, so come along to the meetings, and bring a friend.

Pat Coulburn

Hon. Secretary

View from the Chair

2009-12-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

They say a change is as good as a rest - and so it was when our Committee discussed the summer outing.

Although we have had some interesting visits - Gorton Monastery and Ordsall Hall come immediately to mind - it was agreed to try something different this time. This year is the forty-fifth anniversary of the year when a group of forward-thinking citizens decided to form a Civic Society in Sale.

An unusual anniversary, perhaps, but an important one, nevertheless, when one considers that so many such old-established organisations are no longer in existence.

So it was that, on 30th July, thanks to Pat's organising skills, 40 members met for a very enjoyable dinner at the Sale Conservative Club. It was particularly good to meet Martin Elliott again - and he showed me a copy of the minutes from a 1968 meeting. Where have all the years gone?

Many thanks to Pat and to all the members who attended. I look forward to seeing everyone at our meetings in the coming months.

Victor Black

Chairman

News from the Secretary

2009-12-28T03:19:00.000-08:00

The Autumn newsletter, a little late this year - but we can surely recall the wonderful palette of seasonal leaf colours we were blessed with.

A busy year again, with the society's involvement with events - June saw the Sale Festival bringing colour, music, dance, theatre, and art to the fore, revealing the wealth of local talent in all spheres.

Organising the annual Heritage Open Day, supported by the Friends of Walkden Gardens resulted in yet again a highly successful day - beautiful weather, a record in visitor numbers of all ages - with visitors from New Zealand, Canada, America, and Russia! All enjoyed viewing the open Dovecote with our display, themed family games, guided garden tours and delicious refreshments.

We've been campaigning again - the possible demolition of the Sale Hotel was halted by the concentrated efforts of similarly minded folk, resulting in the potential Grade II listing of the building, and for it to be put to some other valuable use. The loss of such an eyecatching representative of Sale's history would have been sad.

The Sale Moor Warrener Street car park's possible re-use was also averted. A petition with over 3,000 signatures showed the strength of feeling to retain the car park, which helps to support the economy of the village.

We've been viewing two of Trafford's parallel-running consultation strategies - 'The Local Development Framework - The Core Strategy', covering the use of available land and associated factors, and the 'Statement of Community Involvement', to make it possible for the community's opinion on various topics to be heard.

We've made a contribution to St. Martin's church Tower Fund - the structure is badly in need of repair. We felt that to donate was right - St. Martin's was Sale's 'mother church' from the early 14th century until the 19th century, when St. Anne's and St. Paul's parish churches were built.

Sadly, the Civic Trust, the 'umbrella' supporting body for Civic Societies, has gone into administration after 50 years of existence - another victim of the present financial turmoil. Their wide range of projects - the Green Flag Award, Civic Trust Awards for the built environment, community regeneration projects, and support of the Heritage Open Days, were all part of the Trust's valuable work.

The 'phoenix' rising is the Civic Trust Initiative, a strong body - members from various Civic Societies, supported by the National Trust, English Heritage, and the CPRE. There is the intention to carry on the work of the Civic Trust, with support from Civic Societies throughout the country.

On a lighter note, we have noticed that throughout the spring and summer, local parks 'Friends' groups have held or hosted events encouraging community involvement and enjoyment - seasonal fairs, Festival events, and projects with local school children to encourage their interest in nature and the environment.

Planning applications are closely reviewed, but with the present financial climate very few large schemes are being put forward - it's interesting to note that on the domestic front, folk are extending their homes rather than selling and buying elsewhere.

Finally, it is left to wish all a wonderful and happy Festive Season. Please keep on attending our meetings, and do bring a friend.

Pat Coulburn

Save Chorlton Meadows!

2009-09-14T01:34:00.001-07:00

Although not in Sale, Chorlton Meadows is the large stretch of open land just over Jackson's Bridge from Rifle Road. This area is a haven for wildlife and a pleasant retreat from the urban sprawl that surrounds it.
Therefore we were shocked to learn that developers are planning to build three astro-turf pitches on a large section of this land. So large, in fact, that the path leading to Hardy Lane in Chorlton will have to be diverted!
These plans will have a very negative impact on the local environment, which many Sale people also enjoy.
So Sale Civic Society is throwing its weight behind the 'Save Chorlton Meadows' campaign.
Please see the following website for further details: http://savechorltonmeadows.wordpress.com/

Fun in the sun at Walkden Gardens

2009-09-12T10:51:00.001-07:00

The sun shone on the annual Heritage Open Day in Walkden Gardens.

Amongst the events organised for the family friendly day were a tombola, victorian games, guided garden tours and refreshments and hot dogs, all organised by the Friends of Walkden Gardens.

Hundreds of people came along from near and far, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Trafford. The new Miss Cordingley's Garden was also officially opened.

Sale Civic Society rose to the occasion as usual, welcoming visitors to the historic Dovecote, originally moved to the Gardens from its old site by the M60 in 2003. An exhibition of the History of the Dovecote and the History of Walkden Gardens was also provided by the Civic Society.

Sale Civic Society's Rob Chilton and Pat Coulburn at the Dovecote

Heritage Open Days 2009

2009-09-05T01:28:00.001-07:00

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September, a number of events will be occuring in Sale as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative:

- Walkden Gardens - Dovecote Exhibition

An illustrated history of the dovecote's origins, its rescue from demolition and its rebuilding as an integrated design feature of Walkden Gardens.

Special Activities for Children/Families
Cut out for children to assemble as model of Dovecote.

Directions
Approx 1 m SW of J6 of M60, on A6144 at Derbyshire Rd jct.

Public Transport Details
Metrolink - Brooklands or Sale station.

Opening Times
Saturday 12th September: 1100-1600

Organised by
Sale Civic Society

- Walkden Gardens

Beautiful historical gardens known locally as The Maze and containing the rescued Grade II listed Dovecote building. Guided tour of the main features of these historic gardens conducted by a member of the gardening committee which will highlight the gardens development in the past and the future. Brass band concert with victorian games and entertainment for the whole family in these historic gardens.

Special Activities for Children/Families Details
Self led trails and quiz for children.

Directions
Approx 1 m SW of J6 of M60 on A6144 at Derbyshire Rd Jct.

Public Transport Details
Metrolink - Brooklands or Sale stations. GMPTE bus.

Opening Times
Saturday 12th September: 1100-1600, Tours 1230 & 1400

- Heritage Tour of Sale and Brooklands Cemetery

Guided tour of Sale & Brooklands cemetery. One of the first municipal cemeteries in the Manchester region opened in 1862. Its most famous residents include: James Prescott Joule (scientist), Dr Richard Pankhurst (husband of the Suffragette Emmeline), Alfred Knowles, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engles.

Special Activities for Children/Families Details
Cemetery quiz.

Directions
A56 - Sale, A6144 - Marsland Road.

Public Transport Details
Metrolink - Brooklands Station.

Opening Times
Saturday 12th September: 1030 & 1430

Pre-Booking Required?
Yes - Tel 0161 962 6745.

Organised By
Ashton & Sale History Society

- Sale Quaker Meeting House

Meeting House, garden and Quaker burial ground open from 12 noon to 4 pm on Sunday 13th September. There will be leaflets on the history of the Meeting House and someone to talk to during those hours.

Directions
Car parking in the grounds By road: A56 from Manchester, turn right at Glebelands Road. A56 to Manchester, turn left at Oaklands Drive On foot from Junction of Ashton Lande and Washway Road, follow Ashton Lane, Park Road turns off this road.

Public Transport Details
Buses: 16, 19, 245, 263, 41, 99 Metro: Sale Metro station is 10 minutes walk from the Meeting House

Opening Times
Sunday 13th September: 1200-1600

- St. Paul's Church

The church, built in 1883, will be showing off many of its hidden gems with displays of artefacts & vestments, a photographic exhibition, and a unique opportunity for any family historians to view the Parish Registers. So, if you were married or baptised at the church it's an opportunity not to be missed. A special exhibition this year will be looking at two of St Paul's most famous parishioners, scientist and Sale resident Professor James Prescott Joule - the Father of the International Unit of Energy, and Peter Tinniswood, novelist, author and radio and TV comedy scriptwriter. Books and leaflets about the history and architecture of the church will be available and guides will be on hand to give information and answer any questions. Highlights of the day include guided tours of the church tower - every hour from 1100 to1600.

Special Activities for Children/Families Details
Activities for children include “Just for Fun” photograph cards of things to find in and around the Parish Church, colouring books illustrating the beautiful stained glass windows and at 2pm 'Stories for all ages' by Professional Storyteller Helen Stewart, who will spin yarns & weave tales for all!

Directions
A56 Sibson Rd leads to the church.

Public Transport Details
Two minute walk from Sale Metrolink Station.

Opening Times
Saturday 12th September: 1000-1700

.

2009-08-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

A developer has submitted plans to demolish the historic Sale Hotel. Help us fight to save this vital piece of Sale's heritage, and get it listed.

See the following site for details:

http://salehotel.blogspot.com/

Click on the videos above to see local campaigners (including Sale Civic's very own Pat Coulburn) speak of the Hotel and its importance to the community.

Sale Civic Society 45th Anniversary Dinner

2009-07-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

On 29th July, Sale Civic Society celebrated it's 45th Anniversary in style, with a special dinner at Sale Conservative Club.

Many old friends mingled with new members, and what with excellent catering and jolly company, a marvellous time was had by all!

In his speech, Chairman Victor Black said "We are here to celebrate our past, but I am also very confident for the future".

Below is a selection of snapshots of the evening.

Walkden Gardens - Sale's Gem

2009-02-05T14:48:00.001-08:00

Walkden Gardens, originally Moorside Nurseries, was generously donated in 1949 by Mr. Harry Walkden, who willed that, after his death, the land should be used for the good of the public, preferably laid out as a park, pleasure ground or botanical gardens.

Situated at the corner of Marsland Road and Derbyshire Road, its history of ownership and development can be traced back to the early 19th Century, through census returns and the Tithe map of 1844, with later information from directories and maps.

Once part of the Moor (Sale before it's development), in the early 19th Century the site became a series of 'parcels' of land, classed as 'arable', of roughly the same acreage as today. Owned then by the Moores, the 1841 Census indicates 'Moor Cottage' on the same site as the pair of houses on Marsland Road. A little later, two more dwellings were built on the site of the detached property, the 'Raft' on Derbyshire Road.

The properties and the fields behind were rented by the Bardsley family and the Walkdens appear around 1886, with Thomas Walkden - indicated as 'Market Gardner', living in the Marsland Road cottage, later in property on Derbyshire Road, and subsequently, Harold Walkden lived here at the 'Raft'.

The Walkden's 'Moorside Nurseries' contained many glasshouses, utilised until no longer required - the site they occupied is now 'The Field of Hope' within the Gardens. But it was in 1970 that the then Sale Borough Council commenced the annually phased creation of the Gardens. Mindful of Harry's wishes for a botanical gardens, a plan was evolved, based on ideas from Hidcote Manor Garden, on the Warwickshire/Gloucestershire border.

So there are Fuchsia and Heather gardens, a centre walk with its huge range of plantins, traditional beds of seasonal plants, the 'Cherry Walk', the fine Theatre Lawn with its stage and wonderful 'baffle' hedge. Spring daffs amongst the Silver Birches delight the eye and Autumn colours enchant. All this could have been lost in the early 1990s, with the threat of the land being converted to plating fields for the adjoining Sale Grammar School. However, strong local opposition prevailed and the plan was withdrawn.

Since then, the Friends of Walkden Gardens, with strong support from Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, the Police and the local community, have aimed to restore the gardens and stage events there to continue to fulfill its former owner's wishes.

Harry would be pleased.

Pat Coulburn

Editors note:

The website of the Friends of Walkden Gardens can be accessed by clicking here.

Heritage Open Days 2008

2008-08-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Put a note in your diaries! - Thursday 11th September to Sunday 14th September is the weekend of the Heritage Open Days, and there will be much to see and do throughout Greater Manchester.

Here in Sale, three sites of interest will be open to the public -

Sale and Brooklands Cemetery, Marsland Road, M33 7UB.

Guided Tours. One of the first municipal cemeteries in the Manchester region, opened in 1862. Its most famous residents include: James Prescott Joule (scientist), Dr Richard Pankhurst (husband of the Suffragette Emmeline) and Alfred Knowles.

Saturday 13th September: Tour 1030 & 1430. Pre-book tour on 0161 962 6745. Organised by Ashton and Sale History Society.

St. Paul's Church, Springfield Road, M33 7YA

The church, built in 1883, will be showing off many of its hidden gems with displays of artefacts & vestments, a photographic exhibition, and a unique opportunity for any family historians to view the Parish Registers. So, if you were married or baptised at the church it’s an opportunity not to be missed. A special exhibition this year will be looking at two of St Paul’s most famous parishioners, scientist and Sale resident Professor James Prescott Joule - the Father of the International Unit of Energy, and Peter Tinniswood, novelist, author and radio and TV comedy scriptwriter. Books and leaflets about the history and architecture of the church will be available and guides will be on hand to give information and answer any questions. Highlights of the day include guided tours of the church tower - every hour from 1100 to 1600.

For children “Just for Fun” photograph cards of things to find in and around the Parish Church, and colouring books illustrating the beautiful stained glass windows are all available. Refreshments available. Full wheelchair access in and around the Parish Church except for Church Tower Tours.

Saturday 13th September: 1000-1700, Tours 1100-1600 (hourly)

homepage.ntlworld.com/rodney.hadwen/stpauls/

Walkden Gardens, Derbyshire Road, M33 3EL

Beautiful historical gardens known locally as The Maze and containing the rescued Grade II listed Dovecote building, with an illustrated history of the dovecote’s origins, its rescue from demolition and its rebuilding as an integrated design feature of Walkden Gardens.

Victorian games, garden trail, appropriate amusements, croquet.

Saturday 13th September:

1100-1600
1200-1600 (Children's Trail)

Exhibition and activities organised by Sale Civic Society.

Sale Festival!

2008-06-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Sale Festival begins on the 11th June, and there will be a varied programme of music and cultural events on offer for the whole family, including an exhibition of photographs of Sale by the Civic Society's very own Pat Coulburn.
For more details, have a look at their website: http://www.sale-festival.co.uk/

Sale Civic Society is online!

2008-06-06T03:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new website