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Here is today's Mancunian Way:
By BETH ABBIT - Mon July 18, 2022
Hello and welcome
This is the 100th edition of the Mancunian Way - thanks so much for joining me each day. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you do like the newsletter, please do tell a friend how they can sign up.
We’ll be discussing the heatwave, a Manc's tips for cooling down and how the weather is affecting the region in today’s newsletter.
The absolute punk rock dream
It wasn’t a problem that often came up when he lived in Chorlton, but former Manchester Evening News content editor Simon Smith is currently trying his very best to keep cool in Madrid.
Having swapped the inclement weather of the North West for guaranteed Spanish sunshine, Simon admits he is struggling through Madrid's current heatwave. Having turned a dramatic shade of fuchsia in Madrid myself a few years ago, I feel his pain.
In an act of altruism, Simon has offered up some top tips on keeping cool for anyone struggling with the weather. One controversial tip is to keep your windows closed. “Windows are for keeping the air OUT,” he says. “When we first hit high 30s in June I thought all the neighbours had buggered off. No, but they all kept windows and shutters/blinds shut/down all day. Advanced tip. Wake up early (6-ish) and open the windows for a couple of hours, IF you are certain that outside temperature is lower than inside.”
Among his other top tips, Simon suggests that most Spanish of pastimes - a siesta. It’s certainly something I’ll be taking on board. He also optimistically points out that you can in fact get a load of washing dry before the next one is done - something he describes as his ‘absolute punk rock dream’.
Weather, etc.
Tuesday: Red and Amber weather warnings. 37C.
Pollen count: Medium.
Roads closed: Delph New Road, Dobcross, in both directions for roadworks between Wall Hill Road and Oldham Road until August 5.
A57 Eccles New Road westbound closed for gas main work from Canterbury Gardens to Gilda Brook Road until July 22.
Today's Manc trivia question: It's predicted to reach 37C in Greater Manchester today - when was the last hottest July day?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
How hot is it? (very)
Manchester's public health chief says water, shade and sunscreen are essential during the heatwave. David Regan is also advising people to check on neighbours who may be isolated or find it hard to look after themselves and get healthcare help via 111 or 999 in an emergency.
“As always the people of this city are ready to help one another, especially as we now face exceptionally high temperatures over the next few days," he says.
Meanwhile, Northern has issued 'Essential Travel Only' guidance to passengers planning to use services tomorrow. With temperatures set to reach 37C here, the rail company has stopped short of a 'Do Not Travel' notice, but says disruption is expected. There will be blanket speed reductions in place and a limited timetable in operation.
Schools across Greater Manchester have also been taking steps to manage. Some have relaxed uniform rules and allowed children to wear PE kits, while others have scrapped blazers, ties and tights altogether.
Seeing red
Red heads can watch a film for free this week as Showcase takes a highly sympathetic stance during the hot weather. The cinema chain is offering free entry to people with red hair today and tomorrow.
“While the UK enjoys some much-needed sunny weather, we know how hard some people find the heat,” says UK general manager Mark Barlow. The rest of us are suffering too, Mark. Can we come along as well?
Water warning
Sadly, the warm weather often brings tragedies around water, and this year is no exception. Sixteen-year-old Kalen Waugh died after getting into difficulty while swimming with friends at Salford Quays on Saturday.
He has been described as a 'lovely young man' by friends who have set up a fundraiser to help pay for his funeral.
Despite the tragedy, people were pictured jumping into the water from a bridge just yards from where the tragedy took place less than 24 hours later.
Police say ‘20 youths’ were also spotted swimming at Rumworth Lodge reservoir, in Bolton, on Sunday afternoon, with some seen jumping off a pier into the water.
Police are urging people not to swim in the water, or jump off bridges. "We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.
"We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family - look out for your friends," Detective Inspector Joanne Johnston, of Swinton CID, said in a statement about the Salford Quays tragedy.
Salford Council says the Quays are monitored by CCTV cameras all year round. Under 18s caught jumping from bridges or illegally swimming will receive a police warning and adults will be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.
The mums dreading the holidays
"It's going to be crap," says Charlotte Gregson of the summer holidays. With three kids and little disposable income, she is one of many parents feeling apprehensive about the summer.
"We won't be able to do days out because we can't afford it. We're going camping but that's it.
"Food bills are going up and we're spending loads week to week. The kids snack like there's no tomorrow when they're not in school. I'll have to ration it and meal prep.
"I've got to pay for new uniforms too because I have one going to high school. I'm just not looking forward to it at all."
Charlotte isn’t the only one worried. While some families battle the queues at Manchester Airport, others can’t afford a holiday at all.
Reporter Tom George has been speaking to mums in Harpurhey - one of the most deprived areas in the UK - about how the cost of living crisis will affect them this summer.
In Manchester, 40.9 percent of children (37,502) qualified for free school meals as of January - but many say there’s no current system in place for the holidays.
Rachel Shelton says her food bills will inevitably increase as her daughter Ella-Louise will no longer receive free school meals.
"Normally they give you vouchers when they're off, but we don't know whether that's going to happen,” she says. “If it came to it, I would have to starve so she can eat. You just have to keep smiling because if you cry you're going to go under."
Final nail in the coffin
Lisa Nandy has accused the Tories of abandoning Levelling Up during a fiery speech in Darlington. The Labour MP for Wigan accused the remaining Conservative leadership contenders of having abandoned Boris Johnson’s ‘levelling up’ agenda in the race to promise tax cuts.
“Those voices in the Tory Party who did try to advance the levelling up agenda have been roundly defeated and now the ugly truth of all of this is on display as leadership contenders vie for the mantle of Margaret Thatcher, promising tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation, and more managed decline for the rest of us,” she said.
“This leadership contest looks set to be the final nail in the coffin for the Conservatives’ short-lived ambitions to level up. Promises that were made with a bang are now fading with a whimper, half-baked ideas that barely made it into the oven. But while the Tories’ commitment to levelling up may be dead, levelling up is not dead, not for the millions of people across our country who voted for change and who need and deserve to see it delivered.”
Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark dismissed the claims as ‘nonsense’ and said the Government is pressing ‘full steam ahead’ with levelling up.
Manchester headlines
Little sunshine boy: The mother of a toddler who died after a collision with a tractor has paid tribute to her 'little sunshine boy'. Three-year-old Albie Speakman suffered fatal injuries during a tragic incident on a farm off Bentley Hall Road, near Bury. His family desperately tried to get the toddler to hospital on Saturday afternoon before flagging an ambulance on Rochdale Old Road at around 12.45pm. Albie was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. His mum, Leah, says she will 'find a way to be strong' for her son. “Albie was an incredibly loving, affectionate and caring boy who just wanted everyone to be happy. He was so sensitive and wanted everyone to be ok, especially the people that he loved.” More here.
Fires: Police are investigating five fires suspected to have been started deliberately close to a car park at Dovestone Reservoir. Traces of accelerant were found at three 'seats' during incidents between July 10 and July 12. Police say the blazes could have been 'devastating' and have reminded people that a Public Space Protection Order, covering Saddleworth Moor, is in place. It’s a criminal offence to start fires in the area, including lighting barbecues.
Rentals: A Metrolink-style map has been released to show the average rent prices for a one-bedroom flat near every tram stop across the region. Digital Media Team’s graphic shows that Shudehill tops the charts at a staggering £2,750 per month, while Market Street has a cost of £1,742 per month. Trafford is the most expensive area outside of Zone 1, averaging at £1,101 a month. Story here.
Changes
The ever-changing face of Manchester city centre can be seen in this image from the archives. It shows Deansgate in the Spring of 1921, when it was a busy tram route.
Worth a read
Levenshulme has long been one of the most desirable spots in south Manchester - so what makes it so great? For the uninitiated, What’s On writer Ben Arnold has compiled an eating and drinking guide to the suburb which includes the city’s best shawarma and a railway station transformed into a community hub.
Meanwhile, What’s On editor Jenna Campbell has been speaking to the team at another Levenshulme staple - Heart & Parcel. They provide cooking and English classes to help women from ethnic minority communities develop their language skills.
That's all for today
Thanks for joining me, the next edition of the Mancunian Way will be with you around the same time tomorrow. If you have any stories you would like us to feature or look into, please contact me at beth.abbit@menmedia.co.uk
And if you have enjoyed this newsletter today, why not tell a friend how they can sign up?
The answer to today’s trivia question, when was the last hottest July day in Greater Manchester, was in 2019, when it reached 33.9C on July 25.
