| Four cemeteries and two parks in Manchester have retained their green flag status and another cemetery has been awarded this accolade for the first time. |
| For many, cemeteries are both a place of peaceful contemplation and remembrance but also a valued green space found in amongst our urban communities.
The Bereavement Services Team for Manchester City Council work year round to ensure that these spaces are the best that they can be, with these Green Flag Awards testament to that hard work. Manchester General Cemetery, in Harpurhey, has been awarded a Green Flag this year – the first in its history. No longer a working cemetery, Harpurhey Cemetery had over time succumbed to anti-social behaviour and littering, sadly diminishing its overall amenity. However, through the hard work of the Philips Park Cemetery team, improvements have made been across the board in Harpurhey which has resulted in this historic first Green Flag award. The Manchester cemeteries which have retained their existing Green Flag status are Blackley, Gorton, Philips Park and the Southern Cemetery. There were also celebrations for the city’s parks, with Heaton Park and Wythenshawe Park – two of the city’s most beloved green spaces – have retained their green flag status as well. Mayfield Park, another significant public space in Manchester has also been awarded a Green Flag for the first time. Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon said: “The Green Flag programme is a benchmark for excellent across our parks and cemeteries and I’m incredibly proud to see that five cemeteries and two parks have been recognised this year. “I am especially proud of Manchester General Cemetery in Harpurhey given the incredible effort and care put into it by my colleagues to bring it up to Green Flag status. “Not only is this about caring and tending to an environment which allows people to remember and reflect, but also to experience and enjoy nature within our communities.” |
Manchester wins big at Green Flag Awards
Scare City returns to the abandoned Camelot theme park
North West horror event, Scare City, has announced it’s return for the fifth year to the abandoned Camelot Theme Park.
This year’s event is set to feature a selection of terrifying zones including the Slaughter House, where Camelot’s resident cannibal lives, who has set the date for his annual dinner party.
A number of familiar faces will be making an appearance with the return of Carni Valley set in the darkened depths of the huge abandoned theme park and the launch of new zone ‘Arakhne’, a horrifying spider experience where visitors will enter the spider queen’s web of fear with her cluster of sinister spiders.
With zones being announced on social media over the course of the next six weeks, attendees will get a glimpse of what they can expect from the fifth year of the event.
With cannibal butchers, cults, and a serial killer’s dumping ground, visitors will experience spine-chilling spectres and pure, unadulterated terror.
Visitors will find a feast of food and beverage vendors at the halfway mark, known as ‘Resurrection Zone’ – giving thrill seekers a chance to fuel up for the second half of the harrowing Halloween spectacular.
The event launches on September 26, and runs until the middle of November. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Scare City was voted Best Scare Attraction 2023 by ScareTrack.
Body found in search for Jay Slater missing in Tenerife
Spanish police say they have found human remains during their search for Oswaldtwistle teenager, Jay Slater (pictured).
The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer has not been heard from since he went missing in Tenerife on June 17.
His disappearance sparked a huge search by police, mountaineering staff, TikTok presenters, a detective and Jay’s family and friends.
The Civil Guard said that while no formal identification has taken place, evidence suggests this is the body of the missing man.
The body was found near to Masca, where Jay had been staying in an AirBNB, following a festival with friends.
Officers say the think the man had fallen down a drop in the island, which made it very difficult to see the body as there is a lot of vegetation and sudden drops.
The Spanish police statement said: ‘Initial evidence shows he could have suffered an accident/fall in the inaccessible zone where he was found.
‘Civil guard agents belonging to the mountain rescue and intervention unit have found this morning the body of a young man in the Masca area, in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte, in Tenerife.’
Missing persons charity LBT Global issued a statement this afternoon which read: “LBT Global is saddened to announce that a body found in Tenerife does look to be that of Jay Slater. It is understood the body was found close to the site of his mobile phone’s last location.
‘Although formal identification is yet to be carried out, the body was found with Mr Slater’s possessions and clothes.
‘A post-mortem examination and forensic enquiries will follow.
‘LBT Global are supporting the family at this distressing time and ask for everyone to afford them space and privacy to come to terms with the news.’
Pic: Instagram
Manchester Boss Grants Staff Day Off After Euros Final
MadeByShape, a Brand and Web Design Agency in Manchester, is giving all staff a day off to enjoy the England v Spain Euro 2024 Final without worrying about work the following day.
It is a rare occasion for England to reach a final, and this time – it ‘might’ actually be coming home. The football may not have been the most attractive, but does that matter if England win the Euros for the first time? It has been ages since we last celebrated a (potential) major victory like this, harking back to the World Cup in 1966.
The last time England reached a Euros final was in 2021, and before that? Never. So let’s take this moment to celebrate and enjoy.
Andy Golpys, Co-Founder of MadeByShape, stated: “The majority of our staff will be watching the game, and it’s likely they will have a hangover on Monday. So why not just let them enjoy the night, and not worry about working on Monday? As long as their deadlines don’t get missed and their clients are informed, I think it’s a nice benefit of working at MadeByShape.”
Andy even appeared on Radio 5 Live in 2021 discussing the appropriateness of days off work, when they’re allowed and when they shouldn’t be. We think he’s fostering a great culture, and we fully support it.
Kerry Hounslea, Socials Manager of MadeByShape, said: “I was in the pub, watching the game, and after a few pints of Guinness I messaged Andy asking for the Monday off if we got through that night against the Netherlands. I didn’t expect it to actually work but guess who’s going out Sunday without thinking about work the next morning? Me.”
Do you have Monday 15th July off work? If not, just ask your boss and see what they say.
Embracing sustainable housing: Reshaping the UK property market
The spotlight on sustainability has significantly influenced the property market in recent
years, marking a shift towards sustainable housing. This transformation is driven by increasing consumer demand, evolving government policies, and technological advancements. This isn’t just a passing trend, and the move towards sustainable, energy-efficient properties is expected to remain a significant consideration for the UK market well into the future.
Overview of the shift towards sustainability in the property market
The property market in the UK has witnessed various challenges this year. There has been
rising demand with limited housing supply, pushing prices upwards and making affordability
a pressing issue. Simultaneously, rising energy costs have been putting a lot of pressure on
homeowners.
In response, many homeowners are turning to energy-efficient solutions to reduce the impacts of rising energy prices. This shift is not only driven by financial concerns but also reflects a growing awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibilities. Increasing numbers of individuals recognise the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and minimising consumption within their homes.
Government initiatives play a pivotal role in pushing this transition forward. By incentivising
energy efforts and enforcing energy efficiency standards for new constructions, policymakers ensure that sustainable practices become more prominent across the housing sector.
Top methods for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in your property
If you’re contemplating a move towards a more sustainable future for your property, consider the following practical methods:
1. Sustainable design features: Improve energy efficiency through enhanced insulation to significantly reduce heat loss and lessen reliance on conventional heating systems. Installing solar panels offers a popular means to generate electricity and heat water sustainably.
2. Water-saving features: Implement strategies for water conservation to minimise and reduce water bills:
- Low-flow fixtures: Install taps, showers, and toilets designed to conserve water.
- Rainwater harvesting systems: Collect and store rainwater for purposes like toilet flushing, reducing dependency on traditional water sources.
- Greywater recycling systems: Treat wastewater from showers, sinks, and laundry for reuse in tasks such as toilet flushing, effectively conserving freshwater resources.
3. Smart systems: Integrate smart home technologies to optimise consumption by managing your property’s heating, cooling, and lighting. These systems offer convenience and substantial energy savings.
4. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting: You can upgrade appliances which typically use high volumes of energy such as washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers to ones with higher efficiency ratings. LED lighting will also help reduce both your energy consumption and maintenance costs. Incorporating these sustainable practices into your property benefits the environment and
yields long-term cost savings.
Advantages of sustainable features
Sustainable housing offers advantages beyond environmental benefits, enhancing both quality
of life and financial stability:
- Reduced energy bills and increased savings: Energy-efficient properties result in significantly lower utility bills than your typical home, offering long-term financial advantages.
- Higher property values and faster selling times: The increasing demand for energy-efficient homes positions sustainable properties as highly desirable in the UK market, potentially increasing property values and attracting more buyers. Investing in sustainable features can reduce costs, boost savings, and provide a competitive edge if you want to sell your house in the future.
- Improved comfort and living experience: Sustainable homes prioritise personal comfort and well-being. For example, you can enjoy a more convenient and functional environment using smart home systems.
Challenges of energy-efficient housing
Despite the clear benefits, there are some challenges to incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency into your home:
- High upfront costs: Initial investments in sustainable building materials and technologies are typically higher than traditional methods, which may pose financial challenges for some homeowners.
- Limited skilled labour: A shortage of qualified professionals in sustainable construction practices can lead to delays and increased costs for this specialist.
- Complex financial support: While incentives exist to promote renewable systems and sustainable building practices, navigating and accessing these incentives can be complex and time-consuming.
These challenges reinforce the importance of continued investment in education, training, and
policy development to facilitate the widespread uptake of sustainable practices in the UK housing market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sustainable housing is reshaping the UK property market, driven by increasing
consumer demand, evolving regulations, and technological advancements. Embracing sustainability is not just a passing trend, but a worthwhile investment for future-proofing new developments and existing properties.
Whether you’re considering upgrading to a more sustainable property or selling your current home, adopting sustainable practices can significantly benefit both the environment and your financial well-being. If you want to transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient property, We Buy Any House can facilitate a quick sale of your current home, enabling a smoother transition to your future
housing goals.
Wimbledon 2024: Alcaraz thrashes Djokovic to defend men’s title
Carlos Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon men’s singles crown after overcoming Novak Djokovic – and a third-set wobble – this afternoon.
The Spaniard beat the Serbian in a five-set epic last year but, 12 months on, was in charge from the outset as he completed a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7/4) win on Centre Court in two hours and 27 minutes.
Djokovic’s bid for a 25th grand slam title never got out of first gear as he was overpowered and outmanoeuvred by Alcaraz, who at 21 is 16 years his junior.
21 years old. 2 Wimbledon titles. #WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/MOVGKNOXT6
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) JULY 14, 2024
The first two sets were a procession as seven-time champion Djokovic was bullied in a way rarely seen. A 13-minute opening game in which Alcaraz threatened the Djokovic serve paved the way for a one-sided opening set as the Spaniard broke twice to go in front.
The second set was just as comprehensive with Djokovic seemingly having no answer as Alcaraz pushed him round the court with ease.
A further two breaks saw the defending champion go two sets up with a stunned Wimbledon crowd having to switch allegiances and root for Djokovic in a bid to extend the match.
It did not work, at least initially, as Alcaraz broke and served for the match at 5-4, surging into a 40-0 lead and establishing three Championship points. Then came the first sign of nerves as a double fault, a strong Djokovic return and some uncharacteristically sloppy play from Alcaraz saw the Serbian break for the first time in the match.
It ultimately went to a tie-break in which Alcaraz composed himself admirably to get the job done and record his fourth grand slam title.
A gracious Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery on June 5, said: “It obviously was not the result I wanted but of course in the first couple of sets the level of tennis wasn’t up to par from my side. But credit to Carlos for playing elite tennis, especially from the back of the court, he had it all today.
“It wasn’t meant to be, I tried to extend the match, but he was an absolute deserved winner today so congratulations for him.
“I have to be very proud. Obviously there’s a little disappointment right now as we’re talking 10 minutes after the match finished, but when I reflect I’m sure the last four, five weeks and really what I’ve been through along with my team and family, I have to say I’m very satisfied.
“Because Wimbledon was always a childhood dream of mine and to be here on the centre stage – I try to remind myself how serene it is to be here, every single time I step on this court it feels like the first time so I’m a child, living my childhood dream so once again, thank you.”
The King of Centre Court retains his crown 👑#BBCTENNIS #WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/ILPWJCGDXQ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 14, 2024
Alcaraz is just the sixth man in the open era to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year but he insists he has a long way to go to match the likes of Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic.
“It is a huge honour for me to be a part of those players,” he said. “I’m really happy to be at the same table as Novak to do it. Huge champions. I don’t consider myself a champion yet. Not like them. I try to keep going and building my path, my journey.”
Alcaraz hopes his victory will be the first of a Spanish double with the country’s footballers taking on England in the final of Euro 2024 tonight.
He said with a smile: “I don’t know where but I’ll watch it for sure. I’ve already done my job so let’s see for the football. It’s going to be a really difficult match. I’ll watch it.”
Wimbledon 2024: Djokovic sets up final rematch with Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic breezed past Lorenzo Musetti to set up a rematch against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
The Spaniard beat the Serbian in last year’s showpiece, although it was a five-set epic which lasted nearly five hours.
Read our other sports news stories:
James Anderson bows out in style as England thrash West Indies
Krejcikova to face Paolini in final after stunning Rybakina
And the two will meet again on Sunday, after a dominant performance from Djokovic on centre court.
He won in straight sets 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4, although the young Italian could have forced his way back in the final set, if not for sending a shot into the top of the net.
Musetti crouched down with his hands in his head, knowing it was likely the last big opportunity he would have to get back into the game.
And Djokovic did make him pay and secured his place in a 37th Grand Slam final and a 10th at Wimbledon.
The rematch is on at #WIMBLEDON 😠 PIC.TWITTER.COM/OVQRNYA0VC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 12, 2024
Speaking to the BBC after the match, he said: “I have said it many times Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me to play it and to win it.
“It is worth repeating I was a seven-year-old boy watching the bombs fly over my head and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world which is here in Wimbledon.
“I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room!
“I have the tremendous support from my family and my wife has been with me for many years and my children too – it has been an incredible journey.
“I try not to take it for granted every time I find myself on this unique court.
“Obviously during the match it is business time and trying to do your work and I try out play my opponent.
“I am satisfied and pleased, but I don’t want to stop here – hopefully I get my hands on the trophy.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic are sure to serve up another classic in the final.
🗣 “He’s going to win many more Grand Slams… in the future, when I retire in about 15 years!”
Novak Djokovic wants to see Carlos Alcaraz succeed, but only when he’s finished playing 😂#WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/W0C0ALATQX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 12, 2024
Their previous match is regarded as one of the best in the tournament’s history and fans travelling to London this weekend will be hoping to see another spectacle.
Speaking on his opponent, he said: “He is a great example as a young player that has a well balanced life on and off the court. He has great values in his family a lot of charisma.
“He is deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we have seen in this sport. We will see a lot of him in the future no doubt.
“He is going to win many more Grand Slams, but hopefully in two days not this one! In the future when I retire in about 15-years! I am joking…
“Jokes aside, he has already beaten me here in a thrilling five-setter – I don’t expect anything less than that.
“He is complete as a player as they come. It is going to take my best ability to beat him on Sunday.”
How Less Than Container Load Shipping Maximises Efficiency
Manchester is a bustling hub of commerce, industry, and ingenuity. It is also home to countless businesses engaged in global trade. For these businesses, efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions are paramount. But what is the most effective way to ship goods worldwide when you don’t have enough for a full container?
Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipping is a game-changer for businesses dealing with the international movement of goods. It offers a practical and economical alternative to Full Container Load (FCL) shipping. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of LCL shipping, exploring how it maximises efficiency and why it’s an ideal solution for businesses in Manchester with smaller cargo volumes, with insight from pallet delivery experts Pallet2Ship.
Understanding LCL Shipping
LCL shipping is a method of transporting goods where multiple deliveries share space in a single container. This is ideal for businesses with smaller shipments that don’t require a full container load (FCL). By consolidating shipments, LCL shipping offers a cost-effective and efficient way to move goods, unlocking the international movement of goods to smaller businesses.
The Cost Saving Advantage
One of the most significant advantages of LCL shipping is the cost savings. By sharing container space, businesses only pay for the volume their cargo occupies. This is a much more economical option than FCL shipping, where companies must pay for an entire container even if it’s not fully utilised. LCL shipping also reduces warehousing costs as goods are shipped more frequently, minimising the need for long-term storage.
Environmental Benefits
LCL shipping is not only cost-effective but also environmentally beneficial. By consolidating shipments, fewer containers are needed, reducing carbon emissions. Optimising cargo space is a significant benefit in a world where many businesses care about being environmentally minded.
Flexibility and Convenience
LCL shipping offers great flexibility and convenience, just as FCL shipping does. With LCL, businesses can ship their goods without waiting for enough cargo to fill an entire container. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for companies with unpredictable shipping needs.
Just as Safe and Secure
LCL is a shipping method where goods are just as safe and secure as they would be with FCL. Since shipments are consolidated and professionally loaded, processes are in place to prevent goods from shifting and getting damaged during transit. However, insurance options are available if shippers send particularly sensitive or fragile items for extra peace of mind.
Expertise in LCL Shipping
Pallet2Ship has extensive experience in LCL shipping, commenting, “We understand the unique benefits and opportunities that LCL presents as a shipping method. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing effective and reliable LCL shipping solutions tailored to our clients’ specific needs. We take great pride in providing quality service and ensuring a seamless shipping experience. At Pallet2Ship, we aim to make pallet shipping as easy and efficient as possible.”
Choosing the Right LCL Shipping Partner
Choosing the right LCL shipping partner is crucial for maximising efficiency. A reliable partner should have a proven track record, a global network, and expertise in handling different types of cargo. Look for partners that prioritise transparency and communication while keeping clients informed at every stage of the shipping process.
Final Thoughts
LCL shipping offers numerous benefits for businesses seeking cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions. By consolidating shipments and sharing container space, companies can save costs, reduce their environmental impact, and enjoy greater flexibility and convenience.
With LCL shipping, companies can rest assured that their goods are safe.
James Anderson bows out in style as England thrash West Indies
James Anderson took three for 32 on his final international appearance as England wrapped up an innings and 114-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s.
The tourists were bowled out for just 136 on the third morning with Gus Atkinson following up his seven-wicket haul in the first innings with another five to finish with match figures of 12 for 106.
But the day was all about the farewell to Anderson, who leaves the international arena with 704 wickets – the third highest in history and the most ever by a pace bowler – from 188 Tests at an average of 26.45.
Jimmy’s family and the whole of Lord’s rise to applaud a true legend of the game 🥰
They don’t make ’em like Jimmy Anderson anymore ❤️ PIC.TWITTER.COM/SEXVMUFQHG
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) JULY 12, 2024
The 41-year-old was given a guard of honour on to the field and an enormous ovation as he departed for the final time.
Afterwards, he told Sky Sports: “It’s been an amazing week. I’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction and I’m just proud of what I achieved.
“This morning was quite emotional with the two teams lined up and the reaction from the crowd was pretty special. Playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m just happy I’ve made it this far.
“Playing for England is the best job in the world. I’ve been privileged to do it for a long time. We talk a lot in the dressing room about creating memories. It’s not just for us, it’s for our families as well. They’ve been incredible, supporting me back home and allowing me to play as long as I have. Grateful for what they’ve done for me, and grateful they were here.
“I’ve been lucky to play with some of the most talented cricketers that have ever played the game, but more importantly, some really good blokes and some friends I’ve made for life.
“Part of me is a little bit jealous that these lads get to experience it for the next few years.”
Anderson is going to remain with the squad for the rest of the summer as a mentor to the current pace bowling unit and admitted he hadn’t yet considered whether he will return to play for Lancashire.
He added: “I’ve not really thought that far ahead. I’m going to stick around with these guys for the rest of the summer, help the bowling group out.”
How to build a business brand on Twitter: A brief guide to essentials
The business environment is undergoing its most prolific period due to the digitised market and easy form of communication with the target audience. If you look at it, the usage of social media has increased public involvement establishing trusting B2C relationships and elevating the business profitability.
According to statistics, 76% of social media users have made purchases after seeing an ad on social media, which made over 50% of the business revenue.
Facebook is a globally recognised marketplace, and platform for reaching the target audience. Yet, due to data breaches and rather weird algorithms, the trust level has decreased significantly, which also deteriorates the business performance.
Twitter, however, has been able to maintain a relatively stable level of trust among users, despite all the updates of policies and name changes. Therefore, let’s learn how to build brand visibility and trust with users on Twitter.
How to build a business brand on Twitter
Twitter-based business is about strategy and the gradual development of trust.
1. Elaborate on tweets
Tweets have the biggest value in the Twitter space; they are short, meaningful, informative, and not overwhelming. Just what modern society looks for.
The major recommendations for tweets:
– The tweets contain 280 characters, thus the idea should be concise and clear to be reposted and liked.
– The usage of hashtags improves the visibility, yet, be very specific and concise with them – don’t use more than two or three per tweet.
– Consider catchy and high-quality images, as they boost users’ involvement.
– Watch your grammar and punctuation, and use Tweet Deleter if some of them, especially old Twitter posts, don’t fit the page’s image or don’t receive the expected response from the followers.
Tweets create your business identity, thus, make sure they follow the brand guidelines.
2. Build a loyal follower base
Loyal followers will form a powerful base of clientele, spreading the word about your business. The expansion of followers takes time, patience, and smart solutions:
– Be consistent with the content. Make sure it brings value to the users. Nobody likes to waste time on useless stuff.
– Be involved. Don’t let the followers be lonely in comments, but show your presence by
responding to their questions or remarks.
– Collaborate with influencers. Influencers are a real force behind brand recognition. Ensure
mutually beneficial collaboration, which will attract followers from each side.
– Be responsive. The ability of businesses to respond promptly to requests and address the
followers’ issues helps to feel valued and appreciated.
Followers are the core of any business, do everything to show how you appreciate them.
3. Go live
Live tweeting spurs interest in your business and activities, thus, attracting a wider audience. Let users see what you do, and share the updates and announcements. Live tweeting is a proven way to keep people online, and make them actively involved with your brand.
4. Organise contests
The contest is an efficient booster of customer engagement. Ask your audience for simple activities like commenting, taking photos, retweeting, friend tagging, and in return, offer the prize.
The comments help to boost the page while also exposing it to other potential followers.
5. Be twitter-wise
The trends are always changing; to be accepted and understood by the public, follow the changes and trends to maintain stable interest from your target audience.
Why should businesses use twitter?
1. User activity
Since Twitter isn’t public anymore, it doesn’t share all the data regarding its functioning; yet, according to 2022 estimates the number of daily monetised active users is around 245 million worldwide with a tendency for growth. Such an activity creates a wide audience right at your fingertips. The majority of active users are between 18 to 35 years range, which is also important to consider when communicating with the audience.
2. Direct communication
One of the best features of social media for business is the ability to communicate directly with potential users. The interaction should be informationally enriching, and valuable for users.
3. Advertisement
Twitter gives you a chance to advertise your goods and services to a target audience and thus increase significantly customer engagement and outreach. Yet, there should be limits. Once the advertisement becomes annoying, there are more chances to scare off the potential clientele and lose credibility among the users.
4. Brand awareness
Twitter allows businesses to develop their brand recognition by posting relevant and engaging content regarding the industry.
5. Proactive position
Twitter, with direct customer outreach, allows businesses to address the issues instantly, once the customers experience them. Such a level of responsiveness will certainly appeal to the users, building a trustful C2B attitude.
Twitter is like an out-of-the-box marketing tool for modern businesses. It brings together brands and their clients, allowing for better interaction. Twitter is not about a direct advertisement but about quality communication, and trust-establishing relationships that, after all, will work better than any ad.
Editorial credit: Yalcin Sonat
