Have you noticed that a handful of colourful new benches have popped up across Salford over the past couple of days?
Been wondering where they’ve come from? Keen to know what the story is behind them?
Of course, benches are not something the residents and locals of Salford would usually bat an eyelid at considering there are so many dotted all around the borough, but it’s fair to say that these 20 colourful new additions that have been cleverly-designed to resemble the shape of a book, and are inspired by a range of different themes, are worth stopping to take a closer look at.
The new ‘BookBench’ sculptures are actually part of the first-ever Salford Literacy Trail – which began last week and will be running up until 9 September 2022.
The new art trail – which is in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and BUPA Foundation – has been described as a “unique collaboration” between local school children and artists, and features 20 eye-catching sculptures created by global public art producers Wild in Art.
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Wild in Art famously brought the popular Bee in the City art trail to Manchester back in 2018, and has a number of other award-winning art trails to its name.
The 20 new ‘BookBench’ sculptures are part of the first-ever Salford Literacy Trail / Credit: Wild in Art
Artists worked with children from 20 different primary schools across Salford to design benches that capture how their favourite books inspire make them feel.
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The BookBenches have placed at key locations across Salford, including near the Blue Peter Garden, around MediaCity, and at Salford Cathedral, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, RHS Bridgewater, and Salford Shopping Centre, for families to explore their local area, discover the benefits and joys of reading, and engage with stories together.
As you make your way around the trail, you will been able to find inspiration from the children’s favourite books, inlcuding The Boy Who Grew Dragons, Macbeth, The Memory Tree, and the absolute classic that is The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The project is said to have been designed to “inspire a love of reading”, with each BookBench providing “a blank canvas for children’s creativity”, according to trail organisers.
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The trail has been described as a “unique collaboration” between local school children and artists / Credit: Wild in ArtArtists worked with children from 20 different primary schools across Salford to design benches / Credit: Wild in Art
The trail also aims to raise awareness of the positive links between reading and mental wellbeing, as research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who are the most engaged with literacy are three-times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing than their least engaged peers.
“We want to create an environment where every child in Salford has the opportunity to engage with stories and books that reflect their lives, offer them comfort, or an exciting escape,” said Mike Leyland – the National Literacy Trust’s Programme Manager for Salford Literacy Trail.
“We hope that the Salford Literacy Trail starts conversations in families, at schools and in communities about stories that have affected them, or that have shown them a different view on life, and encourages an even greater love of reading in everyone who takes part.”
Each BookBench has been individually-sponsored by local businesses.
These sponsorships, alongside the BookBench auction in the autumn, will raise vital funds for the National Literacy Trust to help it “champion reading” with local disadvantaged children.
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There is a downloadable map available online, along with fun activities for kids to inspire them with the magic of stories, and you can find out more about the Salford Literacy Trail 2022 on the trail’s website here.
A FREE event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term
Thomas Melia
There’s a free event making its way to MediaCity this half term, and its fronted by a very familiar children’s TV character.
As schools across Greater Manchester are out for half term at the end of this month, toy manufacturers Little Tikes are heading to MediaCity and bringing everyone’s favourite adventurous puppy Bluey along for the ride too.
And better yet, it’s all completely free.
This day-long event – which is to celebrate the launch of Little Tikes and Bluey’s collaboration – will feature an abundance of Little Tikes toys for kids to try out, while parents can put their feet up and watch some Bluey on the big outdoor screen.
Alongside some much needed rest for parents, kids and adults alike can take part in a ‘Spin to Win’-style competition and even get their face painted.
Whilst playing around with items such as the ‘Bluey Beach Day Sandbox’ and ‘Bluey Beach Water Table’, fan-favourite moments from the show will be broadcast onto the big screen.
There’s also a foot-to-floor car which kids can zoom around in titled ‘Bluey Grannies Car Coupe’, and the log flume inspired ‘Bluey Bushland Adventure’ where you can splash around mini-figurines from the TV show.
If that wasn’t enough Bluey for you in one day, the cute pup herself will be meeting and greeting little ones throughout the day – what more could you ask for?
A free event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ad what better place to host this special event than at MediaCity Waterside Steps, just outside of CBeebies HQ, which has recently received an all-new revamp.
Each attendee will be given a 45-minute slot throughout the day in which they can visit the attraction, and tickets are given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If you’re interested in having some family fun this May half term, why not tag along with Little Tikes and Bluey for this free event at Media City on Wednesday 28 May from 11am onwards – with tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Bluey
Salford
Four players set to leave Salford City as club confirms retained list
Danny Jones
Salford City FC have announced their retained list for next season as this year’s EFL campaigns come to a close, with four players confirmed to be leaving the club.
It’s been another up-and-down year for the Ammies, with Karl Robinson’s side ever so narrowly missing out on the playoff places despite looking like they might just sneak in only a fortnight ago.
The Greater Manchester club has somewhat plateaued following their streak of promotions in the immediate years following the Class of ’92 buyout – even Gary Neville himself admits they’ve “lost some momentum” – but with another new era beckoning, who knows what the next few years hold?
One thing that we do now know is which players will be staying at the Peninsula Stadium, with Salford City revealing the four names set to depart upon the contract expiry this summer.
Following a sixth consecutive League Two season, Robinson and the administration will no doubt be looking to once again freshen up the squad in the coming transfer window.
That being said, while the likes of ‘Player of the Year’ Ossama Ashley, and fellow first-team stars Haji Mnoga and Luke Garbutt all seeing their deals extended into at the very least 2025-26, not mention seven new contracts offered to new players, they will be losing some key players and fan favouries.
Right-back Liam Shephard has also decided to join those parting ways with the Ammies head of next season, with many fans gutted to see the popular squad member heading for the exit door.
The club are going about sharing farewell videos for each of them, knowing full well a few will feel tought to take for some supporters.
Thank you for the past 4 years Shep ❤️
Across 92 games, a nearly 50% win percentage along with 4 goals and 13 assists, we thank @Liam_Shep2 for all his hard work 🫡 pic.twitter.com/G2cPLYx9hx
Crediting all of them for the years of service, especially given the roles that many of them played in helping Salford reach the playoffs in the 2022/23 season, the club expressed their gratitude to the senior quarter for their contributions.
Meanwhile, in terms of the youth set-up, there due to be even more departures, including the likes of Callum Morton, Jez Davies, Marcus Dackers, Sandro Da Costa and more.
You find out the full details from the 24/25 retained list HERE.
With a second modern takeover of Salford City having just been confirmed this month, the new ownership group will be looking regain some of that monentum Neville talked about and bring in replacements for the outgoings as they look to continue climbing the pyramid.
Emily Sergeant -
18th July 2022 
