Trafford Community News

16/09/2025

Tickets for Snow White are NOW ON SALE 🎉

Join us for a magical pantomime adventure this festive season! 🌟

📅 Dates: 16th - 20th December
📍 Venue: Move Urmston
🎟️ Tickets: www.umt.org.uk
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group discounts available!

Don’t miss out – it's going to be SNOW much fun! See less

15/09/2025

15/09/2025

Lovely service for Councillor Denise Western today.

23/08/2025

Olympic gold medalist James Guy returns to where it began for exclusive preview of move Altrincham

Olympic gold medalist James Guy MBE returned to where his remarkable swimming journey began, visiting the newly transformed move Altrincham wellbeing centre for an exclusive preview ahead of its public opening on 26th August.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist, who first learned to swim at the former Altrincham Leisure Centre as a child, was given a special tour of the state-of-the-art facilities on the 18th August. Members of Altrincham Swimming Club, along with swimmers from other Trafford swimming clubs, were also invited and received expert swimming tips from the Olympic champion.

James, who made history at Paris 2024 as part of Team GB's first-ever quartet to successfully defend their Olympic relay title with gold in the men's 4x200m freestyle, was visibly moved by his return to familiar surroundings.

James said: “Being here brings back so many incredible memories of learning to swim at Altrincham, plus all the family fun I would have playing in the pool with my dad, who would pretend to be a shark. Such happy times!

“This is genuinely where it all started for me. The new facilities are absolutely fantastic. There’s a real wow moment when you think about what this used to be like and I have no doubt they will inspire the next generation of swimmers. Every child who walks through these doors has the potential to achieve something special, whether that's learning to swim for the first time, competing at the highest level or simply falling in love with being in the water like I did all those years ago. Coming back and showing these local young swimmers what can be done has been amazing.



“To be part of the Trafford community and move Altrincham is something I’m really excited about. It is also important to me to encourage everyone to learn to swim; it’s a key life skill and unfortunately too many children and young people are still drowning. Plus, swimming is great for your wellbeing. It’s a low impact, full body work out, which is suitable for all.”



James toured the transformed facility, which features two swimming pools – a 25m pool and a 20m pool – both equipped with accessible pool pods, wet village changing areas and The Cove – a brand new wellbeing spa facility. The centre also boasts an enlarged fitness suite, live and virtual indoor cycle studio, four-court sports hall, gymnastics hub and café delivered by local favourite MOST Bakery.



Jo Cherrett is CEO of Trafford Leisure, a community interest company wholly owned by Trafford Council, which manages leisure in Trafford on behalf of the council, using any profits and assets for community benefit. She says: “Having our local swimming hero visit move Altrincham before our opening on 26th August was absolutely incredible. To see James back where his Olympic journey began, sharing his expertise with our local swimmers, was truly special.



“move Altrincham will nurture talent and create opportunities for everyone in our community, regardless of their starting point or aspirations. Inclusivity in exercise is absolutely fundamental to everything we do at Trafford Leisure. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality facilities and programmes that support their health and wellbeing journey, whatever that looks like for them.”



The extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment supports Trafford Council's ‘Trafford Moving’ Physical Activity Strategy and commitment to reducing health inequalities. The centre has also embraced sustainability, replacing fossil fuel heating with Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels as part of Trafford Council's Carbon Neutral 2038 action plan.



Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “James is a great inspiration to our community of keen swimmers of all ages and abilities. His visit really added to the excitement and anticipation building!”



move Altrincham will open its doors to the public in a planned phased reopening schedule, starting on 26th August with 1,500 swimmers (primarily children and young people) whose lessons were successfully relocated to Sale Leisure Centre during the building works, who will be welcomed back to move Altrincham.



Trafford Leisure operates one of the largest Swim England learn to swim programmes in the country. The lessons cater for both children and adults, welcoming participants from as young as four months old right through to adults of all ages, creating a complete



pathway that takes non-swimmers on their journey from first water confidence all the way through to competitive club swimming levels. Additionally, Trafford Leisure offers specialist Alpha classes specifically designed for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

21/08/2025

It's an unprecedented achievement in Trafford.

15/08/2025

Trafford Council marked the anniversary of VJ Day today with a civic service and flag raising at the Sunken Garden at Trafford Town Hall, followed by the national two-minute silence at noon.

The event was attended by the Leader of the Council, Tom Ross, Mayor of Trafford Jane Brophy, and Trafford Chief Executive Sara Todd, alongside veterans and local dignitaries as well as council staff members.

09/07/2025

Tickets can be bought on the door or online - www.outsavvy.com/event/27892/flixtonsummer2025

04/04/2025

YOUNG CITIZEN AWARDS

In March, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O'Neal OBE DL, hosted the Young Citizen Awards.

We are extremely proud that three 318 cadets were nominated for recognition in this award, which is supported by the Greater Manchester High Sheriff Police Trust, Manchester United Foundation and Beaverbrooks, and celebrates the service of young people in the Greater Manchester community.

Sgt McKay and FS Ward received recognition for their contributions (Highly Commended). We are very pleased to announce that Sgt Chapman was short-listed, attended the awards evening, and ultimately achieved the Runner-Up prize.

Sgt Chapman has been recognised in particular for her kindness and thoughtfulness, always first to support others and look out for welfare needs: as well as her position as an NCO at 318, where she focuses on welfare and mental health advocacy, she also volunteers in the community, providing company for elderly and those in palliative care.

The awards evening was also attended by FS McManus, alongside Dr O'Neal as his appointed High Sheriff's Cadet, fulfilling his duty serving the community and helping to recognise the incredible nominees from all over Greater Manchester.

The commitment and community spirit of these cadets is exemplary, reflective of the good citizenship that characterises our Squadron and the greater RAFAC organisation. Our cadets make us proud every day!

Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Trafford Community News Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man

23/03/2025

Very sad to hear about the fire at J. Davidson they were great supporters of Trafford community news

15/03/2025

Lancashire Cricket to host ‘Destination Manchester’ trade event in Bengaluru

Lancashire Cricket is set to host a ‘Destination Manchester’ trade networking event during the Club’s 2025 pre-season tour of Bengaluru.

The event, which will be held on Tuesday 18 March at the Conrad Bengaluru, will focus on showcasing Manchester as a tourist destination, and a dynamic investment landscape, ahead of the India Men’s and Women’s Cricket Teams playing at Emirates Old Trafford on several occasions over the coming years.

Destination Manchester is being hosted by the Club in association with Visit Britain, Manchester India Partnership and Marketing Manchester and will feature presentations for the travel trade in Manchester from senior business leaders.

There will also be a Q&A session hosted by former Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Warren Hegg, with the panel including Club President Dame Sarah Storey, Lancashire Cricket and Manchester Originals players Tom Hartley and Fi Morris - plus Lancashire Men’s Harry Singh while the full Lancashire Women’s squad will also be in attendance as part of their pre-season tour.

Chandru Iyer, Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala, will also be in attendance on the evening, alongside a representative from RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG).

Lancashire Cricket is playing its role in supporting bilateral trade talks between the UK and Indian Governments.

Following a recent visit which included Bengaluru, the UK Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson announced over £100million worth of Indian investments into the UK. The investments strengthened UK-India economic linkages and showcased exciting opportunities for Indian companies looking to grow in the UK.

The Lancashire Cricket hosted event follows last month’s announcement that the Club has entered into exclusivity talks with RPSG Group for the owners of Lucknow Super Giants to acquire a stake in Manchester Originals, The Hundred franchise team which is based at Emirates Old Trafford, with the transaction set to represent a deal of over £100million in value on its own directly into Manchester.

This is the fourth year-in-a-row the Club has travelled to India for pre-season preparations, a country the Red Rose shares a long-held connection with stretching back more than 50 years when Indian International wicketkeeper batter Farokh Engineer joined the County in 1968. Since Farokh retired, six further Indian players – Murali Kartik, Dinesh Mongia, V.V.S. Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Washington Sundar and most recently Venkatesh Iyer – have represented the Red Rose.

In this year’s Indian Premier League, Lancashire players Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Liam Livingstone (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) will all feature, whilst Sophie Ecclestone (Up Warriorz) is involved in the ongoing Women’s Premier League.

Speaking about the event, Lancashire Cricket’s Chief Executive Daniel Gidney said: “We are delighted to be in Bengaluru once again for our annual men’s and women’s pre-season tour. Destination Manchester will bring together senior business leaders from both India and the UK to highlight all that Manchester has to offer as both a tourist destination and as a dynamic investment landscape.

“Lancashire Cricket is proud of its relationship with India, and we are excited to be welcoming the Indian Cricket Teams to Emirates Old Trafford over the next few years, starting this summer when we host our first Women’s IT20 in over a decade, followed by a Men’s Test Match in July.

“After recently entering into exclusivity talks with RPSG, we are looking forward to completing that deal and strengthening our relationship with India even further as we work together to grow Manchester Originals and Lancashire Cricket alongside their stable of teams, including Lucknow Super Giants of the IPL.”

Shuja Bin Mehdi, VisitBritain’s Senior Manager Industry Engagement, India commented: “VisitBritain is excited to welcome Lancashire Cricket and Marketing Manchester to India. Through this roadshow, we aim to showcase our trade partners the incredible experiences that Greater Manchester and Emirates Old Trafford offer visitors – whether it is world-class sporting events, vibrant culture, heritage or great music. With the recent launch of our global ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign, we are inspiring visitors to see Britain as the star of the show, bringing iconic film and TV locations to life. Be a part of the set-jetting trend, choose Britain, explore more and come now.”

Simon Arora, Chair of The Manchester India Partnership, and founder of B&M, said: "Lancashire Cricket’s ‘Destination Manchester’ event in Bengaluru is a great example of the deepening ties between Manchester and India. Sport has always been a powerful connector, and with Manchester set to host India’s men’s and women’s international cricket teams, this event is a great platform to strengthen relationships across tourism, business, and investment.

“The Manchester India Partnership is proud to support initiatives like this, which not only celebrate our shared passion for cricket but also create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. With significant Indian investment already flowing into the UK, and Manchester playing a central role in these economic partnerships, we look forward to seeing even greater connections grow following this visit.”

Victoria Braddock from Marketing Manchester added: “India is a key market for the growth of Greater Manchester’s visitor economy, and ‘Destination Manchester’ is a unique opportunity to showcase the best of the destination and engage with travel trade partners and the media to drive visits to the region.

“It is also a timely opportunity to explore connections with the announcement of a new direct flight from India to Manchester Airport with airline IndiGo, starting in Summer 2025, which will open up new opportunities for visitors, trade and investment to strengthen Manchester’s position as the global gateway to the north.”

12/03/2025

TRAFFORD LOSE OUT AGAINST STRONG ASPULL

Trafford MV Rugby stumbled once again in their relegation plight as they were hit be a significant defeat at Aspull. In excellent Spring conditions it was the home side that looked up for the contest and Trafford were much too lethargic in the early part of the game to prove a strong opposition.

The game started at a ferocious pace and intensity and it did not take Aspull long to build up a deserved 28-0 lead - the writing was on the wall. Aspull were well coached and played the game at a pace that Trafford never really got to grips with. The final score 66 - 28 tells it's own story, Trafford battled to stay in the game but Aspull proved too strong on the day. Tries from Micah Dyos 2, Lewis Kingdon and Craig Collier plus 4 conversion from Pat Eccles was some reward to TMV and earned them a losing bonus point but this was small consolation. Player of the Match for Trafford was open side flanker Chris Ward who led from the front and worked hard in defence.

Despite Trafford's efforts Aspull had too much in reserve and took the game 66 - 28 and the league points were in the bag.

With just two league games left Trafford have plenty of work still to do as the chance to avoid relegation is still there for grasping although more and more the fortune of other teams in the scrap becomes vital.

Trafford MV's next game is at home on March 22nd against Glossop which will be vital to the seasons outcome. Other results at the weekend were

Aspull 66 vs 28 Trafford MV
Broughton Park 24 vs 27 New Brighton
Didsbury Toc H 9 vs 21 Tarleton
Glossop 19 vs 26 West Park (St Helens)
Heaton Moor 25 vs 40 Aldwinians
Liverpool St Helens 12 vs 22 Wilmslow

Trafford MV 2nd XV were let down late in the day by opponents Altrincham Kersal who could not raise sufficient player numbers to get their team on the field leaving a disappointed Trafford squad kicking their heels with no fixture.

Eccles 3rd XV Home Walkover Glossop 2nd XV
Leigh 2nd XV 17 vs 36 North Manchester
Rossendale 3rd XV 40 vs 26 Aldwinians 3rd XV
Trafford MV 2nd XV Home Walkover Altrincham Kersal 2nd XV
Warrington 2nd XV 77 vs 12 Rochdale 3rd XV
Wigan 2nd XV 57 vs 7 Tyldesley 2nd XV

Join us in the Clubhouse at Trafford MV this Saturday for the final day of the Guinness 6 Nations Championship this weekend when all 3 games will be showing on the screens.

Match report Wilf Dooley
Photo Chris Ward vs Aspull 080325

30/12/2024

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