Trip to Salford Quays and the Lowry
WI Trip to Salford Quays on September 22nd 2016
Kelsall WI was invited by the Lowry, Salford Quays, to send 4 members to a ‘taster day’ on Salford Quays in order to appreciate the various venues on offer and to encourage members to visit the area, either individually or in groups. Pat, Margaret, Ro and Joan ventured forth on what turned out to be a really interesting day.
There were about 40 ladies present from WIs covering a wide area of Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. In the morning, we were taken on guided, ‘taster’ visits to the special exhibition called ‘Fashion on the Ration’ in the Imperial War Museum, a brief talk about Lowry in the Art Gallery and a talk by one of the directors in the main Lowry Theatre. A tasty, and piping hot, lunch was then provided during a one-hour cruise on the good ship Emmeline Pankhurst (most appropriate) as an example of the longer cruises through the waterways of Manchester which are normally available. In the afternoon, we were given an opportunity to visit the Lowry Retail Outlet Mall (far too short a time, but we could appreciate the shopping experience on offer) and then a foreshortened tour of Ordsall Hall and Gardens, a renovated Tudor Hall a 5 minute minibus-ride from The Quays. Media City was just across the water from The Quays but there was no time to go there, although anyone may visit.
All-in-all a fascinating day out which gave us plenty to think about and the desire to return and experience the full deal. We hope to organize trips to one or more of the venues over the next year or so, depending on what aspect members favour. All four of us were totally exhausted by the end of the day.
(Joan Edwards)