Irwell
Thu, 21/05/2009 - 14:58 — editorThe River Irwell is a 39-mile (63 km) long river which flows through the Irwell Valley in the counties of Lancashire and Greater Manchester in North West England. The river's source is at Irwell Springs on Deerplay Moor, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Bacup, in the parish of Cliviger, Lancashire. The Irwell flows through (and separates) the city centres of Manchester and Salford, before joining the River Mersey near Irlam.
The lower reaches of the river were adapted for use as a trading route during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the stretch between Manchester and the River Mersey became part of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation. Large sections of the river west of Manchester were changed radically during the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, which opened in 1896, turning Manchester and Salford into a major sea port and leading to the development of Trafford Park, which became the largest industrial estate in Europe. Changes were also made to prevent localised flooding throughout Manchester and Salford, particularly the rerouting of the river via the Anaconda Cut in Salford in 1970 and the River Irwell Flood Defence Scheme, completed in the early years of the 21st century.
The Salford Support group from the National Osteoporosis Society will be holding a ‘Bones and Scones' tea party event at St Sebastian's Community Centre on Friday 23rd October from 1.30-4pm. The event is being held to raise awareness of healthy bones and offer support to people affected by osteoporosis. There will be tea and scones, lots of free literature to take home as well as representatives on hand from the National Osteoporosis Society, the local support group and specialist nurses from the NHS to offer and advice information on health related matters or services available to assist people affected by the condition. There will also be lots of prizes to win so come along to have a go on our tombola, raffle and Guess The Name of our calcium rich goldfish competition!! 
