The Salvation Army Housing Association's Abbott Lodge was transformed into a magical grotto this afternoon as a Theatrical Christmas party was staged with the WI Choir, The Salvation Army Band and ace singer Paul Walker providing the sounds as Santa and Bez made appearances to kick the party off.
Outside was a children's fairground, while inside kids could make Christmas decorations, biscuits and puppets, have a go on the human fruit machine or pose for photos with a walking reindeer and Christmas tree.
There was also a proper Punch and Judy Show, courtesy of Professor Shaun McCarthy, and loads of cakes, food and pastries supplied by local companies.
"There's lots of things going on, and the residents have done all the artwork and got really involved" said Wayne Ashbrook, project worker at Abbott Lodge "People performing have given their time free and we've had lots of contributions of cakes and things, everyone's been very kind. This is a Salvation Army Housing Association hostel and we're also trying to raise awareness for the homeless, so it's been really good."
Commenting on Salford's housing problems, Bez said, "What we need is more social housing. It's ridiculous the state of affairs that we're in at the moment. What they're trying to do is push the banking system back on us again, saying `Buy houses' whereas what we need is more social housing..."
What Salford is getting is less social housing, and more private rent and so-called `affordable housing' which is bound to exacerbate the issue.
In the meantime, the Theatrical Christmas event wowed everyone who went... "I'm glad I came down and I wish I'd brought my own son along" said Bez "This is lovely and great for the local community..."
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