Salford

Local History

The main focus of this very popular group is the history of the Salford and Greater Manchester area, with occasional forays further afield. We rarely utilise external speakers, with the overwhelming majority of topics chosen, researched and presented by group members. Each presentation is typically created in Microsoft PowerPoint (technical support is available) and lasts approximately one hour (inclusive of q&a).

Hundreds of past presentations have been given and covered topics such as Haigh Hall, Queen Victoria’s 1851 visit to Worsley, Salford Pals and Joseph Brotherton. The current year’s topics are detailed in the programme below.

The group has also visited many sites of historical interest over recent years, including: Ordsall Hall, Eccles Parish Church, All Saints Church Barton, Chetham’s Library and School, Styal Village and Quarry Bank Mill, the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, Erddig Hall, the Moravian Settlement in Droylsden, the Avro Museum at Woodford, Bramall Hall, Saltaire, Liverpool Cathedral, Speke Hall, Lion Salt Works, the Anderton Boat Lift and Port Sunlight.

2026 programme

DateNameSubject
7 Jan 2026Marlene WalkerChristmas lunch at Worsley Golf Club
21 JanAndy ScuttA royal visit
4 FebMark ChildFoundations of the Manchester Universities
18 FebMarlene Walker and
Hazel Walker		Pendlebury Children’s Hospital
4 MarDavid RoughleyThe History of The Lancastrian Hall and its Artistes
18 MarRichard Haworth and Terry DuroseManchester City Mission
1 AprPaul SherlockSalford’s civic history
15 AprAndy ScuttSpring outing
29 AprHugh JonesTreason Trials
13 MayLinda VeaseySalford Pals
27 MayTrevor CodlingSalford University
10 JunHarry DaviesThe IRA bombing of Manchester
24 JunSheila ThomasWorsley Historical Pageant

2025 programme

Venue

Monton Unitarian Church Hall

Time

Alternate Wednesdays at 1.30-3.00 pm (doors open at 1 pm)

Fee

There is a charge of £6 per person to cover room hire and refreshments for a six-month period, running from April to September and October to March

Convenor

Andy Scutt

The Local History group is extremely popular and membership is currently subject to a waiting list. Places will become available however, so please contact the convenor if you’d like to be placed on the list or if you’d like any information about the group by emailing salfordu3a@gmail.com, marking the subject line of your email ‘FAO: Andy Scutt’.

Please indicate whether, after a settling-in period, you would be willing to be added to the roster of speakers. Those who are willing will achieve earlier admission to the group.

You may also be interested in:

Anyone wishing to explore the history of our area may be interested in viewing the extensive collection of books, documents, photographs and newspapers at the Salford Local History Library.

Links you may be interested in
Our books
  1. Church St Eccles by Helen Wickham and other group members
  2. A walk around Barton by Doreen and Eddie Rowbottom
  3. Industrial History of Eccles by Ronald Britton
  4. A Chronological History of Eccles by Doreen Rowbottom
  5. Treasures of Eccles, Past and Present by Doreen Rowbottom
  6. Pendleton: the Rise and Fall of a Northern Township by Don Lingard
  7. The Girls Who Walked Away by Anne McGarry
  8. A Brief History of Travel in Eccles, Barton and Patricroft since 1628 by Mark Child
  9. Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere by Mark Child
  10. Places of Worship, Past and Present (Clifton, Swinton and Pendlebury)
    by David Roughley
  11. Thanks for the Memories by David Roughley