Hundreds of cards and gifts were sent to one Salfordian last week as she celebrated an incredible milestone birthday.
Elsie Goodall turned the grand old age of 106 – which officially makes her Salford‘s oldest person.
Reaching a milestone that not many get to achieve, Elsie marked her 106th birthday on 25 July surrounded by her family and friends at the Pendleton-based care home where she is a resident, Beechfield Lodge – which she moved only into about a year ago, after having a few falls – and was showered with cards, flowers, and gifts to celebrate the occasion.
She even welcomed a visit from Salford’s ceremonial mayor, Gina Reynolds, to mark the big day, and got to open a birthday card from King Charles III himself.
Born in Salford all the way back in 1917, Elsie grew up with her two younger brothers and parents in a grocery shop managed by her family on Broad Street, and admirably spent her career within the medical field – going on to work within several hospitals in Greater Manchester, including at Salford Royal as a laundry worker.
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“Fiercely independent” Elsie has never been married or had any children, but her life has always been a fulfilling one thanks to her true passion for dance, which she only recently had to give up at the age of 101.
All throughout her youth, Elsie spent her time dancing, and found a particular love for modern dance and sequence movement.
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Elsie admits “men and good to dance with [but] not particularly to live with”.
Salford’s oldest person showered with cards and gifts as she celebrates her 106th birthday / Credit: Beechfield Lodge
Reflecting on her life, the oldest Salfordian revealed: “I’ve never been married or had children. I did fall in love with a sailor once, he was lovely. I taught him how to dance. He volunteered in the navy and when he departed, we would write letters to each other, but he died in the war.
“I never quite got over it or met somebody as nice.”
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Elsie described her 106th celebrations at the care home as “amazing”, adding that she is “very grateful” to everyone that contributed to the special day, as it’s “lovely to be this old and still be able to get around and talk to people”.
Staff at Beechfield Lodge say Elsie is “the sweetest person you’ll ever meet”.
“Since moving into Beechfield Lodge, Elsie has become a role model to everyone,” admitted Sharon Bollesty – who is the care home’s Manager.
“[She has taught us how] to live life to the fullest, with her can-do attitude, words of wisdom, and knowledge.”
Featured Image – Beechfield Lodge
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Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2023 
