Reporter Neal Keeling reflects on his long career covering this great Salford institution
I was dispatched to Salford in 1988 as the district reporter for the MEN. By then The Smiths had split after delivering their swansong album "Strangeways Here We Come" the year before.
Lying on the edge of an estate in need of wholesale regeneration I walked into Salford Lads Club for the first time. It was a refuge from despair, violence, crime, and no hope. Generations of families from the city had gone through its doors. It proved to be a font of guidance when trying to find the right person or be ahead of the game when the council were up to something.
The least I could do was write about it when the club encountered ill winds, unexpected windfalls, global attention, fame, and acquired a neat side line as a place to hire for filming scenes for TV and films, and holding weddings. Yes, I bought the T-shirt when photographer, Stephen Wright, allowed his iconic image of The Smiths outside the building's archway to be embossed on a limited edition. They sold out and raised £40,000 for the club.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A look back at the history of Salford Lads Club'There are family links with the club across three generations'
Read more »
Salford Lads Club is on the brink of closure - it needs our helpEXCLUSIVE: The Greater Manchester institution made famous by The Smiths changes lives but is in financial crisis. Help us raise £250,000 to keep this much needed facility open
Read more »
Manchester's former Press Club to become new Queen St private members clubThe iconic former Press Club is once again to become a members-only bar - although this time as the rather more swanky Queen St club
Read more »
Plan Launched To Tackle Rubbish And Litter Clogging Salford’s WaterwaysSalford City Council has agreed a new plan to tackle the growing problem of rubbish and litter ending up in the city's waterways, especially in Salford Quays. The plan aims to bring together businesses, community groups, and council officials to reduce the amount of rubbish in the city's rivers and water systems.
Read more »
Woman and eight-year-old girl found dead inside house in SalfordA 40-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl have both been found dead inside a property in Salford.
Read more »
Salford: Woman and girl, 8, found dead at home identifiedThe pair, discovered in Salford, are identified by police as Martina Karos and child Eleni Edwards.
Read more »