Right said Susan its time YOU (me) visited my home town Manchester, this was in July just before we set off for the Rhine. Argg me heart sank – Manchester, what the heck do I know about Manchester? Hmm red and blue spring to mind – ah yes United and City, okay what else – err mills, canals – a big one called the Manchester Ship Canal. Hmm what else – its a city, noisy dirty and like most cities a place to be avoided. However, one cannot say that to one’s partner, especially just before a trip to Europe as one will get a thump and such a look. The dreaded day arrived – and the weather was so so – just like me a right so and so. Susan arrived and she transferred her stuff to my wee Skoda and we set off. The weather brightened and we had a nice drive stopping once at Annandale Waters for Susan to pay her respects to her mum’s memory (A plaque to Mabel Clifton is on the wall in the restaurant place).
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| Hilton Hotel Tower |
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| Metro |
After a fresh up at the hotel – we took a little stroll into town and I was impressed – perhaps this may not be such a chore. The first thing that struck me was the noise of the traffic. Now I was born in Glasgow and experienced city noise, here in Manchester it was bustling and it never really got quiet as regards traffic. The city was bustling and there was an excitement in the air as people made their way around the city. Here was a City that had successfully integrated buses with a Metro Service and more to the point a well used metro system (Edinburgh City Councillors should pay Manchester a visit and get tips on how to provide a service re trams). Most of the old mills had been converted to modern flats, in fact I would think that Manchester had one of the most modern city centres outside London. Yes, it also has retained some of the more historic building as I would find out, that is once Susan regained her composure and bearings. Alas even though she had been here on a visit last year this was the first time as a tourist and she was lost <grin>. Well it is not surprising really, we had arrived the week before the Tory Party Conference was to be held in the Old Central Station across from the Midland Hotel – and there was confusion as they installed the security obstacles etc.
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We wandered our way along the main road towards the City Library (alas covered in scaffolding) as Susan read directions she had taken from the Internet. Susan was looking for a small RC Church which could only be approached via one passage –
St Mary’s or as it is known “The Hidden Gem“. At last we found it – thanks to the kindness of a Mancurian who came to our assistance. Alas it was shut this was a blow to Susan who had been building up her memories of the place and it did have an important part of her life as she later related to me. We did try twice more to no avail, however we will pay a return visit as it is important for Susan. The Hidden Gem is not far from Albert Square where the majestic gothic Town Hall is sited.
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| Manchester Town Hall – (C) Susan Wales |
We did get to see the ground floor area the next day but were unable to see the great hall due to business etc. Again we have earmarked this for another visit..
If I were to continue I would fill this blog up with images taken in Manchester; of the Cathedral, Manchester Exchange Theatre and the East Lancs. Railway and probably bore you. I enjoyed my three days in Manchester, I was surprised at the vitality of the city and the culture within not only the City but in Greater Manchester, the people were very friendly, helpful and considerate. Would I go back, yes I would and intend to – but this time I would make a better schedule of what to see and do – and not let my prejudices against cities over rule this time.
See Susan’s Pictures of Manchester (c) Susan Wales, 2011
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We wandered our way along the main road towards the City Library (alas covered in scaffolding) as Susan read directions she had taken from the Internet. Susan was looking for a small RC Church which could only be approached via one passage – St Mary’s or as it is known “The Hidden Gem“. At last we found it – thanks to the kindness of a Mancurian who came to our assistance. Alas it was shut this was a blow to Susan who had been building up her memories of the place and it did have an important part of her life as she later related to me. We did try twice more to no avail, however we will pay a return visit as it is important for Susan. The Hidden Gem is not far from Albert Square where the majestic gothic Town Hall is sited.
