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Sale Sharks signs new wellbeing partner

Helen Greaney
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Sale Sharks signs new wellbeing partner

Sale Sharks are delighted to announce Altius Healthcare as the club’s new official health and wellbeing partner. 

With six clinics based around Greater Manchester, Altius’s team of 20 staff, led by former Sharks’ physio Doug Jones (pictured right), delivers physiotherapy, massage, podiatry and wellness services to more than 1500 patients each month. 

The team provides a range of services to elite organisations including Honda UK and sporting teams including Manchester City and Red Bull Racing.  

They’ll now extend their services to Sharks’ staff and men’s, women’s and academy players, and support the club with its work in schools. 

As part of the partnership Altius will offer free lunchtime injury assessments and screening to pupils at secondary schools all over the North West. Altius will follow up in clinic with anyone who requires further treatment. 

And Altius will also work with the Sale Sharks Business Club, showcasing their services and providing massage chairs at networking events. 

Sharks’ commercial director Luisa d’Aprano (pictured left) said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff and players is vitally important to make sure we perform at our very best on and off the field. 

“Doug and the team at Altius are right at the top of their game and we’re excited to see what we can achieve as a team and as a club through this partnership. 

“We’re committed to working with and supporting northern business and making a difference in our community and Altius’s work with our partner schools will genuinely make a difference to the lives of young people.” 

Doug Jones said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with our local Premiership Rugby team Sale Sharks this year.    

“Our mission is to offer the world class health care services that Sale Sharks enjoy to all our customers from elite athletes to corporate office workers, school children in the community and weekend warriors.”

Easter feasts: Is the ‘Creamosa’ a step too far?

Helen Greaney
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Easter feasts: Is the ‘Creamosa’ a step too far?

Levenshulme restaurant My Nawaab is adding a rather unusual offering to its menu this Easter.

Just when you think you’ve heard it all when it comes to Easter feasting, the team at My Nawaab might turn your head.

They’ve got an eggcellent idea for the bank holiday… the ‘Creamosa’ – or Cream Egg Samosa. It’s a fusion of the beloved South Asian staple and the UK’s favourite treat.

The limited-edition dessert will be available to diners exclusively from tomorrow until Easter Monday.

Only 200 of these indulgently sweet treats will be available, so are being dished out on a  come, first served basis.

Handcrafted in-house by head chef Shama Rahman and her team, the Cream Egg Samosa wraps the sweetness of a cream egg and chocolate ganache in a delicate homemade pastry shell, lightly fried until golden and topped with cinnamon sugar.

She says it’s the ultimate treat for those who enjoy a savoury and sweet combination.

“At My Nawaab, we love blending flavours and traditions in a way that brings joy to our guests,” she added. “This Easter, we wanted to have a bit of fun and create something totally unexpected – and what could be better than wrapping a cream egg in a samosa? It’s different, delicious, and gives our diners something new to try in fusion food.

“We are only serving up a limited number of the Creamosas each day and we expect them to be popular, so we would encourage people to get down early if they are keen to try one, so they don’t miss out.”

Eight years behind bars for man who threw acid at teenager’s face

Helen Greaney
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Eight years behind bars for man who threw acid at teenager’s face

A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport.

Gilson Martins (23) of Ashton Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to eight years, two months at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday, having earlier pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a corrosive substance, and witness intimidation.

The court heard how in March 2024, Martins (pictured) made plans to attack his teenage victim. He even produced the substance and demonstrated its effect to another man by pouring it on a piece of paper.

Hours later, an accomplice rang the victim and planned to meet him at an address in the Woodley area, leaving for the location with Martins.

Martins confronted his victim and an altercation broke out. Martins producing a bottle, which he threw over the male. He then fled the scene and emergency services soon arrived, with tests confirming that a corrosive substance had been used.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries and was later transferred to a specialist burns unit for intensive treatment. He has since undergone numerous treatments and procedures following the attack.

After a different man spoke to the police about the attack, Martins attended his home days, kicking his back door in and threatening to stab him, throw acid on him, and carve his name into the man.

While the man barricaded himself in his bedroom, Martins continued to make threats, knifing the bedroom door and leaving the blade behind. Police were called, with Martins leaving shortly before their arrival.

Martins was subsequently sought by police, and arrested by armed officers. Upon his arrest, he was discovered to be in possession of acid, being kept in a bottle of hair dye.

Detective constable Heather Parke said: “The effects of attacks involving corrosive substances are well-known, and can result in severe, life-changing injuries or even death.

“Using them in attacks is utterly vile and I am glad Martins is now behind bars for his vicious assault. His victim received injuries from which he is still suffering, and has already received numerous treatments.

“We have zero tolerance for these sort of crimes, and we put considerable resources into ensuring that Martins was arrested, charged, and sentenced. He now has a long time to think about his actions inside a prison cell.”

Giant creative tech campus to launch in June

Helen Greaney
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Giant creative tech campus to launch in June

Campfield – a ground breaking creative tech campus that aims to change the workspace landscape in Manchester – is being launched in June.

Located in the vibrant St. John’s neighbourhood, this 130,000 sqft mega campus spans three buildings, including two iconic Victorian market halls, and will be managed by Department, a leader in flexible workspaces.

Allied London, which is behind the launch, wants Campfield to foster collaboration and innovation, providing world-class facilities for businesses in the creative and tech sectors.

The development will be a dynamic destination that blends professional life with social and cultural experiences, from morning coffee to late-night events.

With its cutting-edge design and emphasis on flexibility, it’s hoped Campfield will become a catalyst for Manchester’s creative and tech ecosystem, elevating the city as a global hub for innovation and attracting top talent from across the world.

With support from Manchester City Council’s ‘Culture in the City’ project, Campfield joins landmarks like Aviva Studios, Bonded Warehouse and Manchester Goods Yard in the St. John’s district.

The campus will also host the Exchange programme, a growth programme designed to support both start-ups and scale-ready businesses, allowing them to accelerate their capabilities and take them to the next level.

At the heart of Campfield is award-winning Department. Department will deliver the full operational infrastructure of the campus, offering a range of cutting-edge facilities tailored to tech and creative businesses.

The mega campus will also house Exchange, one of the UK’s most successful tech accelerators. Exchange is dedicated to helping businesses succeed by providing critical resources, coaching and a collaborative community.

Campfield Studios is the smaller of the two listed former market halls and will contain a series of creative and media studios, along with production spaces and a dramatic central atrium which can be hired for creative happenings, film and TV shoots, events, exhibitions, product launches, as well as ground breaking virtual production.

Michael Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, said: “Campfield will provide creative, tech and media businesses with the infrastructure and facilities they need to grow and develop. Importantly, it will once again be open for social gatherings and for the public to enjoy. The project will see these historically significant buildings given a new life and fully equipped to play an integral part in the next generation of artistic and creative output from the city’s new creative district.”

 

Flight of Fancy parade brings in Rochdale crowds

Helen Greaney
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Flight of Fancy parade brings in Rochdale crowds

More than 2,500 flocked to Rochdale Town Hall Square as the ‘Flight of Fancy’ parade came to town.

People from across the borough came together to soak up the carnival atmosphere, as the area surrounding the stunning Grade I Listed town hall exploded with colour and light.

An energetic performance from 40 piece Brazilian Samba band, Batala Manchester, set the tone for a fun, family friendly evening, while Hebden Bridge based, Handmade Productions, brought along large scale puppets and light art.

Thingumajig theatre, from Todmorden, also joined in the fun alongside a host of community groups, including PossAbilities, the New Pioneers Group and Red Ant Art.

The focal point of the evening was a stunning display of lanterns created by local community groups and schools. The creative groups took their inspiration from the nature and wildlife which is depicted throughout the town hall, in its carvings and painted walls and ceilings, to create a stunning display, which they then paraded across the square.

More than 220 local people got involved in designing the beautiful lanterns, including pupils from Broadfield Primary School, Smallbridge Youth Club, Bowlee Community Association, Spotland Community Café, the town hall volunteers team and many more.

Councillor Sue Smith said: “It was wonderful to see so many people in the square having a fantastic time against the stunning backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall. I was involved in the parade as a member of Bowlee Community Association and it was such an uplifting and joyful experience. We had so many different people, with lots of residents bringing their children along, who were really enjoying the spectacle.

“This is what the town hall is all about; bringing our communities together for unforgettable experiences like this, and, with the generous support of the National Lottery Fund, we are able to ensure that these events are either free or low cost, so there are no barriers to people getting involved.”

The Flight of Fancy parade was one of a number of events taking place this year at Rochdale Town Hall.

On May 15, a huge health fair, featuring more than 50 stalls, will be coming to the town hall. This drop in event will support any resident who wants to know more about health and care services available across in the borough, and will also feature information about key council services, like recycling and pest control.

On June 21, the family friendly Street Eat food and drink festival will return. A summer organ concert will also take place on July 23. Led by Bridgewater Hall’s resident pianist, Jonathan Scott, this summer special will take place in the splendour of the great hall.

‘Flight of Fancy’ was part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.

 

Forte DGTL Rebrands to forténext, Reinforcing Its Leadership in Salesforce Solutions

News Desk
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Forte DGTL Rebrands to forténext, Reinforcing Its Leadership in Salesforce Solutions

Forte DGTL, a market leader in Salesforce solutions, global staffing, and managed services, has adopted a new name—forténext.

The rebranding signals a continued dedication to delivering seamless and personalised digital experiences, powered by technologies such as AI and data-driven insight. As the USA’s foremost B2B Salesforce implementation specialist, forténext remains a key partner to industries like retail, healthcare, fintech, distribution, and manufacturing.

Armed with over 20 years of experience and 120 Salesforce-certified professionals, forténext provides end-to-end support across Salesforce’s ecosystem, including Experience Cloud, Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud.

With a portfolio boasting 100 completed Salesforce Lightning projects, the company continues to deliver dynamic solutions tailored to both B2B and consumer-facing enterprises.

“Our rebrand to forténext reflects our ongoing focus on future-proofing businesses through best-in-class Salesforce solutions,” said Nadiya Kreynin, CEO of forténext. “As we move forward under our new identity, our goal is to emphasize our specialized expertise in Salesforce and continue to deliver transformative results for our clients. “With 150 Salesforce certifications in our team and a proven track record, we are perfectly positioned to help organizations streamline operations, automate processes, and deliver exceptional customer experiences in an increasingly digitized world.” For over two decades, forténext has helped businesses optimize their Salesforce ecosystems, improving operational efficiencies and driving growth. The rebrand marks the next step in forténext’s evolution, with a renewed focus on its deep specialization in Salesforce and an unwavering commitment to providing tailored solutions for diverse industries. The company serves clients across North America, Europe, and South America, with offices in Miami and Chicago and delivery centers around the globe. A new era of specialized Salesforce expertise With the rebrand, forténext underscores its dedication to offering not only implementation services but also comprehensive staff augmentation and ongoing managed services. The company’s leadership team, including CEO Nadiya Kreynin, CTO Alex Kolesnichenko, and Head of Delivery Maksym Koval, is focused on expanding its multi-industry expertise and ensuring the seamless integration of Salesforce products that drive meaningful business outcomes. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being more than just Salesforce implementers,” said Alex Kolesnichenko, CTO of forténext. “As forténext, we’re doubling down on our specialization to ensure our clients not only adopt Salesforce solutions but also realize the full potential of these tools to elevate their business operations, enhance customer experiences, and remain competitive.” Delivering tailored solutions for the next generation of digital transformation forténext’s deep-rooted expertise and multi-industry experience uniquely position the company to help organizations overcome their most complex challenges in an ever-evolving digital landscape. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer journeys and delivering ROI-driven results, forténext is committed to empowering businesses with the tools, strategies, and insights needed for sustained success in today’s digital-first world. As forténext continues to build on its legacy of excellence, the company remains committed to nurturing its team of Salesforce-certified specialists and further expanding its reach across global markets. This rebrand reinforces the company’s focus on becoming the go-to Salesforce partner for businesses seeking to digitally transform and drive lasting impact in their industries.

Cannabis plants worth up to £350,000 seized in Rochdale

Helen Greaney
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Cannabis plants worth up to £350,000 seized in Rochdale

Rochdale police have uncovered a cannabis farm worth around £350,000.

A warrant took place at a business on Reed Hill at around 7.22am yesterday.

In total, 510 cannabis plants were discovered at the scene, along with 7kg of dried herbal cannabis, valued at a street-value of £70,000.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity without authority.

A Rochdale Town Centre neighbourhood spokesman said: “This was a sophisticated cannabis farm that would be capable of producing four or five harvest per year. This would represent a street value of between £1 million and £1.75 million per annum, should police not have discovered the farm.

“We have got an offender in custody in relation to this offence and the plants have been seized with enquiries ongoing.

“We treat any information or intelligence provided by the public with utmost seriousness. It is crucial to our investigations, and we will take action on it when necessary.

“Please let us know if you have any concerns about drug activity in your local area – anybody who has any information or concerns regarding ongoing crime within their community should contact GMP on 101 or via the reporting tools on www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

Historic bridge unveiled following multi-million pound repairs

Helen Greaney
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Historic bridge unveiled following multi-million pound repairs

A historic bridge which has stood proud for almost a century has fully reopened, following an ambitious restoration project.

Queen’s Park Bridge in Heywood has been transformed from a crumbling eyesore into a stunning bridge which looks much like it would have done when it was first unveiled in 1933.

Heywood company, BDB Special Projects Ltd, delivered the £4.5 million scheme, led by Rochdale Borough Council, with work getting under way in January last year. It was delivered using national CRSTS (City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement) funding.

The work included major structural repairs, resurfacing of the pathway and road, the creation of new pedestrian railings and kerbs and the replacement of the parapets. Great care was taken to recreate the parapets in the ornate 1930s style.

Historic lighting specialist Metcraft, based in Middleton, was also drafted in to reconstruct historic lights which had once lined the bridge, but were damaged beyond repair.

The team was able to use photos and remnants of the old lights, to recreate them and make them appear almost exactly as they would have done, even down to painting them in the original dark green and gold leaf. The lights have been reinstated onto the bridge and will be lit up once again.

BDB also delivered a host of additional benefits as part of the project, including supporting the reconstruction and repair of the BMX track in Queen’s Park and taking part in projects with nearby primary schools, St Michael’s in Bamford and St Luke’s in Heywood.

Councillor Shah Wazir said: “Queen’s Park Bridge is looking absolutely fantastic and what a sight to see it is. This is not only a feat of engineering, it’s also a heritage project, which has involved the careful restoration of an historic structure which honours the proud history of this area.”

Heywood resident Terry Kirkby (87) whose grandad had worked on the original bridge, was one of the proud locals who was on site to see the unveiling.

He said: “My grandad, Ernest Kirkby, worked on the historic lights on the bridge in the 1940s, so this is really personal for me. It was such a special moment to see it open and the workmanship has been simply marvellous. My grandad would have been so proud to see it today.

“When I was a young lad, this bridge hadn’t been open long, and now it looks just like it did back then. So many people were beeping and waving and coming to speak to us about the bridge, I hadn’t realised it was so popular. I walk around Queen’s Park regularly to stay fit, so have followed the work as it has happened and now I get to see the finished result every day.”

Craig Hall, one of the directors at BDB Special Projects in Heywood, said: “We are proud to have been associated with this project. The restored and upgraded structure is truly remarkable and will now be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.

Image: (from left) Craig Hall, one of the directors at BDB with Terry Kirkby, whose grandfather had worked on the bridge, with councillor Shah Wazir

Derelict petrol station to become ‘Manchester Charging Oasis’

Helen Greaney
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Derelict petrol station to become ‘Manchester Charging Oasis’

A Manchester-based EV charging network is investing £4 million to transform a derelict petrol station into an electric vehicle forecourt.

The development from Be.EV is the latest in a string of projects in the area which have been revitalising neglected urban spaces and supporting local economic growth.

The new Manchester Charging Oasis will offer 12 ultra-rapid charging bays that can deliver up to 300kW, meaning drivers can add up to 325 miles of range in a 20-minute stop. There are also four waiting bays for drivers who are queuing for the chargers.

The site, which has been derelict for 15 years, will also have a new Caffè Nero Express providing a welcoming destination for EV drivers and the wider community.

This landmark project forms a key part of Failsworth’s ongoing regeneration. Failsworth forms part of the ‘Northern Gateway’, one of the six key growth zones outlined in Greater Manchester’s 10-year industrial strategy, and has been undergoing an extensive transformation in recent years.

The Manchester Charging Oasis is located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road,  and the new site expects to serve more than 26,000 daily commuters.

With Greater Manchester’s EV population projected to exceed 150,000 by 2038, the development provides crucial infrastructure for the city’s net-zero ambitions.

Crucially, the site has undergone a comprehensive decontamination process, removing old petrol tanks and restoring the soil to safe, sustainable conditions. 

It is now officially certified as a green site by Manchester City Council, making it one of the first former petrol stations in the UK to be repurposed for clean energy use—a blueprint for converting disused urban sites into assets for the green transition.

Beyond enabling EV adoption, the Manchester Charging Oasis plays a vital role in the city’s Clean Air Plan.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said: “We are on a mission to improve community access to EV charging and with the Manchester Charging Oasis we are putting our money where our mouth is.

“This once-derelict site is set to become a key transport feature of the community—a thriving hub buzzing with activity. By breathing new life into this space, we’re not just revitalising the area—we’re paving the way for cleaner, greener streets.”

Community cafe opens doors in Levenshulme

Helen Greaney
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Community cafe opens doors in Levenshulme

A brand-new community cafe has opened its doors in Cringle Park, Levenshulme.

The construction of the new eco-style cafe and accessible toilet provision has just been completed, and the work complements several other recent investments in Cringle Park, including upgraded competition standard tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment, improvements to the play area and a new zip wire.

Lord mayor, councillor Paul Andrews officially opened the new cafe and toilet facilities. A host of activities featuring tennis and karate taster sessions and spoken word recitals were just some of the activities taking place to mark the occasion.

Councilllor Lee-Ann Igbon said: “We’ve created a strong partnership with the community in Cringle Park and the result is this fantastic new cafe and toilet facility where people can relax, enjoy quality food and drinks and feel part of the wider community.

“We are investing in our parks with our communities as they are places where people can enjoy nature, play sport and feel pride in their park – they are not just green spaces, they bring people together and are beneficial for both our physical and mental health.

“Our commitment is demonstrated in the 50% uplift we’ve seen in Park visitors from pre pandemic level. 9.2 million park visitors across the city in the past 12 months”

Grounded MCR CIC, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting community mental health has been awarded the contract to operate the café – it is led by residents, Kerry and Natalie Lobel. They provide employment opportunities for individuals experiencing anxiety, allowing them to work at their own pace in an inclusive and understanding environment.

This is the first new cafe to open in a park in several years and is part of the refreshed parks action plan and wider parks strategy, which aims to continue building on partnerships with community groups to improve and enhance local park service provision as well as generating income into the service.

Natalie Lobel from Grounded MCR said: “Grounded Manchester CIC is so happy to have been given the chance to open a community cafe in Cringle Park. Thank you to MCC – between us we can support local disadvantaged people into work whilst improving the mental health of our staff and customers. We can’t wait to get cracking.“

Grounded are a pivotal force in the community and already organise a variety of events in the park, including dog shows, health and wellbeing festivals and nature walks. For almost four years, they have been serving the community from their vibrant coffee trike near the Cringle Park playground, bringing people together through coffee and connection.

In addition to the cafe, extensive planting and landscaping improvements have been made, including a new ‘green roof’ to ensure the cafe is sympathetic to the park surroundings.

The cafe will be serving a range of affordable hot and cold food and beverages and in line with the council’s commitment to reducing food waste, Grounded will be working with FareShare to save unused food from being wasted.

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