The Greater Manchester rugby community has suffered a tragic blow as rising star Logan Holgate has sadly died at the age 18.
The talented young Cumbrian prospect had been playing for Hensingham Amateur Rugby League Football Club (ARLFC), but was on the under-18 pathway for Salford Red Devils.
He also helped guide the England Community Lions to victory in the under-19s European Championship in Italy in 2022, when the talented young team defeated France in the final.
The teen was due to join the Greater Manchester rugby league side’s reserves team this season but was sadly announced as having passed away on Wednesday, 12 January.
Dedications have been pouring in for the future Red Devil with the England Community Lions Programme paying tribute to “a brilliant young man and team mate” who always impressed with his “work ethic, infectious attitude and quick humour”.
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After breaking onto the scene in an impressive debut in the under 16s win over Wales at Colwyn Bay in 2021 – following in the footsteps of his brothers, Ellison and Fletcher, as all three siblings proudly represented their country – and it wasn’t long before he was fast-tracked for older age groups.
Even despite his tender age, many of those fortunate enough to play with him insisted he will leave “a lasting legacy”, as former teams including St Benedicts RUFC, Moor Row FC and more all paying tribute.
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His former secondary school, St Benedict’s Catholic High, and even local environment and energy authority, Sellafield Ltd. (where he served as an apprentice), have issued emotional messages following the deeply saddening news.
They described him as a “popular… dedicated student who lived for his sport” and who always brought joy to his fellow classmates with his “amazing sense of humour”.
At present, the exact nature of his death is still unknown but some outlets are reporting that the suspected cause is cardiac arrest.
Writing on Facebook, his cousin Georgina Lily-anne Holgate said: “Our hearts are truely broken, and I don’t think they can ever be fixed… My childhood is one thing I’ll never forget we we’re surrounded by love and we all had the best bond”. As for his brother Fletcher, he simply wrote: “Love you bro”.
A GoFundMe page has been set to help Logan’s family during this difficult time, with nearly £20,000 already raised in contributions. You can donate HERE.
Our thoughts go out to his Logan Holgate’s family, friends and former teammates. Rest in peace.
Featured Image — GoFundMe/Salford Red Devils (via Twitter)
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‘Stop and search’ powers introduced after several incidents of violent disorder in Oldham
Emily Sergeant
Police in Oldham have been given extra ‘stop and search’ powers following several incidents of violent disorder overnight.
As of 8pm yesterday evening (Monday 6 May) up until 4am today (Tuesday 7 May), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had authorised the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across an extensive area of the Royton area of Oldham.
This tactic had been introduced following what police have called “a number of incidents of disorder” overnight in the community.
These include reports of a group of men with weapons, and an incident which has left a man with “life changing injuries”.
Under Section 60, officers have extra powers to ‘stop and search’ people in the area defined within the specific times listed, while a section 60AA allows police to require people to remove face coverings which are used to disguise or conceal their appearance.
Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, of GMP’s Oldham District, says he understands why members of the public would be concerned at “the nature of these incidents”, but has assured the Oldham community that there will be an increased police presence within the coming days as a measure of safety in response to this.
“Please be assured that we are working round the clock to ensure the safety of the local community, and to do this, we have increased visible officers across the district to provide added reassurance to the public,” Superintendent Hutchinson explained.
“If you have any concerns, or would like to share some information with them, please do not hesitate to speak to them, as they are there to help you.”
He also added that police will “continue to have a presence in the area beyond the conclusion of the additional powers” and urged the public to continue coming forward with any information that will allow officers to “take action to keep our streets safe”, as they are “keen” to gather as much information as possible in relation these incidents.
“We would encourage anyone who may have seen anything, or have information concerning this. to contact us,” Superintendent Hutchinson concluded.
You can contact GMP by calling 101 and quoting log number 1242 of 06/05/2024, or alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can report information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.