Good Old Trafford

I’m back! You may remember I was at the ChillFactor ski centre, right here in Trafford, at the very beginning of my odyssey around the North West. The chaps and chap-esses in charge thought it was a splendid idea to have me (a penguin) there (in the snow) – and it was!

So I’ve returned, though this time I’m down the road in Stretford.

I’ve met some marvellous people here today; they gave an uncommonly warm welcome to the good folk at Smokefree Northwest. In fact, the Smokefree team, who have been pointing people in the direction of NHS stop smoking services, were so pleased with the reception that they’re staying till Saturday. Last year 1,160 smokers quit with the help of Trafford PCT Stop Smoking Service. Shockingly efficient, what?

Trafford has an awful lot going for it y’know. It’s famously home to Manchester United Football Club and Lancashire County Cricket Club – have you ever played cricket on ice? By Jove, it’s thrilling. I still have last season’s bruises.

But this most engaging district is also home to the Imperial War Museum North and Sale Water Park, where you'll find the Broad Ees Dole nature reserve which provides a sort of B&B for migrating birds. I’ve never really understood why some of my feathered friends migrate – what’s not to like about winter?

If you missed me at Stretford in Trafford earlier today but would like to quit smoking, do call my Penguin Stop Smoking Hotline on 0800 032 7252.

See you tomorrow in Stockport!

Chilling out in Trafford

Wheee!!! Check me out as I get ready to go skiing with my new friends!!!

I’ve only been in the North West of England for a few hours, and already I love this place. To be honest, I was very nervous on the plane over from Antarctica (us Emperor penguins aren’t used to flying).

Now I realise I had nothing to worry about. I’m currently in Greater Manchester, and it’s great! I’ve scoffed some delicious fish and chips, had a tootle around the shops and bought myself a CD by an excellent band called Oasis. I’ll impress my mates at the South Pole with all my new knowledge when I go home (they’ll think I’m the coolest penguin on the block).

Anyway, I know I’ll have to knuckle down to some hard graft soon as I’m working for Smokefree North West touring 25 shopping centres across the region to encourage people to quit smoking with help from the National Health Service.

To wish me luck on my amazing adventure, Smokefree North West arranged for me to have a ski today at the Chill Factore real snow ski centre in Trafford. It was nice to cool down and have a waddle in the snow. And I even had a go at skiing, although personally I prefer sliding along the ice on my belly (but keep that to yourself).

I got to meet some lovely people, including Pat Karney from Smokefree Manchester, Kerry Briggs from Trafford Stop Smoking Service, Jo McCullagh from Cheshire and Merseyside Tobacco Alliance and Hadas Altwarg from Smokefree North West.

Would you like to quit smoking? Call the Penguin Stop Smoking Hotline on 0800 032 7252.

Toodle pip!

Percy