Sweet sounding Strings for The Slow Show

Last night I was at Blueprint Studios in Salford, filming The Slow Show as they construct their first album.

This time it was the turn of the string section. Fred was in the control booth, orchestrating two violins, a viola and a cello. I was quite blown away by all the buttons he had to navigate!

These talented ladies in control of these instruments are from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. I was in good company.

I was tempted to give you guys a sneak preview, but you'll just have to wait for the finished album and documentary, coming soon!

Build up to Manchester 8 Lacrosse Festival

Yesterday I bobbed over to Rochdale to catch the last day of the Flags Festival. Despite not brilliant conditions, a great crowd gathered. 

To go to the Manchester 8's festival, click here.

End of Season for Sale Sharks

After a down and up season, this Saturday sees the last game of the '12-'13 season for Sale Sharks. They are up against London Wasps. Kick off/ party is at 2.30pm at Salford City Stadium.

We talked to Steve Diamond, getting his reflection on the season that was. And on the recent away game to Northampton Saints, I asked travelling fans to describe their season in 3 words.

Sale Sharks Out-takes

Next week is the last week of the season for Sale Sharks. They take on London Wasps on the 4th May.

It's not all about Rugby at Sale Sharks... you get culinary advice as well.

Mark Skeer: British and English Welter Weight Muay Thai Champion

Today I visited Salford Muay Thai Gym for a Muscle-in promo with British and English Champion, Mark Skeer.

Sale Sharks defeat at Franklin's Gardens

Not a great away trip for the Sale Sharks this weekend, going down 47-7 to Northampton Saints. However, as ever, looking on the bright side, the youthful squad showed great promise and will take a lot from the game in experience.

Match Ahead: Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints

With safety in the Aviva Premiership is now guaranteed, Sale Sharks go down to Franklin's Gardens tomorrow to face Northampton Saints.

Northampton Saints are looking to secure their top four position for the play offs in May. 

I think it will be a close fought match and naturally, I think Sale will win. Good Luck Lads!

Sale Sharks Supporters Dinner

Tuesday saw the Sale Sharks Supporters Dinner. It was attended by supporters, players and back room staff.

All had a splendid time, and even though I was 'off-duty' I caught the awards.

Congratulations to the winners and all that were involved in the organisation. 

Steve Diamond talks to the Press after Victory

Sale Sharks victory over Gloucester

On Friday, Sale Sharks played Gloucester, in what would turn into the best game of the season.

Sale played like the Sale of last season. Every time they had the ball they looked dangerous. And Gloucester paid the price with 5 try's being scored by the home side, to the joy of the ever vociferous crowd.

This win, helped to extend the gap between them and London Welsh, who currently sit bottom of the table.

 I went down the tunnel post match, along with Stephen Thomas to catch what the players thoughts on the match, and try scorer and Man of the Match, Johnny Leota's hair style.

  

   

SAFEgorton, Muscle-in and Sale Sharks

It's only Friday and this week has been very interesting indeed.

Wednesday I was at Gorton, with the SAFEgorton project. It's a really interesting initiative  giving everyone an opportunity to improve themselves. The project is in three sections.

The Community Garden, is worked on by local college students, teaching children where vegetables actually come from. There is a log store, for the eco burner, which helps heat the centre. Chicken coup, where each chicken produces an egg a day, which is used by the Community Cafe, as well as the home grown veg and salad.

The Community Cafe, is great, as it gives teenagers of school leaving age, with physical or mental disabilities, work experience in the cafe environment, for their CV. There is a computer where people can come to learn how to use the internet.

And then there is an Ambition Music Project, where kids from the ages 13-18 can come, play and write original music. Supervisor Allan Donoghue, gets local musicians to come in and workshop with the kids. And they are building a industry standard recording studio as well!
This is a project for everyone, with the great message of simply, give someone a chance.

I was there to film some of the goings on. More videos to come...

Yesterday, I was with Muscle-In, on their photo shoot. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it...

AND THEN Tonight! Sale Sharks are taking on Gloucester at home. I'll be there to get the behind the scenes and post match conference. Sale have not lost to Gloucester at home since 2001! Should be an ace match.

Here is Sony Award nominated Sale Sharks Announcer, Tim Cocker, with another edition of Like a Shark.

Sale Sharks draw against London Irish in a Easter Sunday Showdown

Personally, this was the game that I was most looking forward to as the Aviva Premiership season draws to a close.

London Welsh has been deducted 5 points and with that news came the win against Bath last week. This week presented the challenge of London Irish. All season, Irish had been slowly but surely eking away from Sharks in the table. Sharks won, they won, Sharks lost they lost, so what on earth would a head to head bring?

A draw.

Which I think it quite fitting. Each team received 3 points which made Sale Sharks 8 points clear from London Welsh, so regardless of the point deduction from the RFU, London Welsh would still be bottom at this point. It was definitely a squeaky bum match as the lead changed several times throughout the match.

Stephen Thomas was on hand post match to help me grab Dan Braid and Tommy Taylor to see what they thought of the match.

This week's rugby is of the Heineken Cup variety, which Sale are no longer playing a part of. Next home game will be against Gloucester, who saw off Harlequins 17-15. Can't wait!

Here is what Steve Diamond had to say at the press conference.