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Oldham apprentice Gary is full throttle up career ladder

Helen Greaney
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Oldham apprentice Gary is full throttle up career ladder

When Oldham sales specialist Gary Byrne celebrated his 40th birthday in 2020, he thought his chance of passing his Maths and English GCSEs had long gone.

Now Gary – who works in the automotive industry for Oldham Audi (part of Jardine Motors Group) – is on the brink of completing his Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship thanks to training provider Realise. He has secured the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths and English and is already looking forward to his next qualification opportunity.

National Apprenticeship Week starts today and Gary has a message to anyone his age who is contemplating future opportunities – it’s never too late to start an apprenticeship.

Brilliant experience

Gary, who lives in Greenfield and was previously in the Army, said: “I joined Jardine Motors Group in May 2021.

“I soon became aware of the brilliant training and development programme on offer and a few days later I was signed up to start my Level 3 apprenticeship.

“It’s not what I thought I’d be doing in my 40s but it’s been an absolutely brilliant experience and I can’t speak highly enough of Jardine for providing the opportunity and Realise for the training they have provided.

“My trainer, Charlotte Gregory, has been fantastic at making each session bespoke to each individual and that has made a huge difference. The course has been really interesting and completely relevant for the automotive industry and the job I’m operating in at the moment, as well as the positions I aim to progress to.

“The thinking that apprenticeships are only for people who are young and maybe just out of school is very much out-of-date. A lot of apprenticeships now are built around allowing people to develop who are a little older, established in their job roles and looking to progress further by creating bespoke programmes around their specific job.

“Whatever your age, if you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship, my message would be to go for it.”

Gary is due to enter the final stages of his apprenticeship in the coming weeks and, once he has completed his Level 3 qualification, his sights are already firmly set on beginning his Level 5 apprenticeship.

Quay Street Productions hailed one of the best places to work

Helen Greaney
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Quay Street Productions hailed one of the best places to work

Manchester-based indie production company, Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios), has been named one of the best places to work.

In the survey released by Broadcast Magazine, company was awarded 5th place and hailed the nest employer for women in TV.

The news comes after the phenomenal success of Fool Me Once for Netflix and the announcement of two additional Harlan Coben adaptation commissions for Netflix, Missing You and Run Away.

Quay Street Productions was founded by multi-award-winning producer Nicola Shindler OBE in 2021, to make contemporary, provocative, entertaining, and engaging drama for U.K. and global audiences.

The production company builds on Shindler’s reputation to deliver compelling drama, with her previous credits including It’s A Sin, Stay Close, Ridley Road, Finding Alice, The Stranger, Happy Valley and Queer As Folk.

Nicola said: “Values, vision and inclusivity is something we’re proud to effortlessly share as a team at Quay Street Productions. We believe in working side by side, bringing out the best in each other, and celebrating our diverse perspectives.

“It’s wonderful to have such qualities recognised, whether it’s being named one of the best places to work in the Broadcast survey or being honoured as the top employer for Women in TV. These accolades are testament to our drive in being a supportive and inspiring workplace in Manchester – and we couldn’t be more delighted!”.

New trees as Albert Square improvements take root

Helen Greaney
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New trees as Albert Square improvements take root
Ten new, semi-mature trees will soon adorn Albert Square as work continues to enhance this Manchester’s popular public square.
Works to transform the square are part of the wider Our Town Hall project, which is safeguarding, repairing, and restoring the Grade I-listed Town Hall for current and future generations.

In phase one of the planting work, seven tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), two Japanese maple trees, (Sophora Japonica) and one Foxglove tree (Paulownia tometosa) will be planted around the outer edges of the square over the next couple of weeks. (see image for tree location).

Weighing approximately two tonnes each, the healthy, semi-mature trees will be planted in large, engineered tree pits and hoisted into place by crane at night.

It is expected, weather permitting, to take up to ten days to complete the planting. The trees have been selected to fit in with other species across the city.

Improvements also include an increase in pedestrian space which means that when finished, it will be 20 per cent bigger than before. This has been achieved by pedestrianising the roads round three sides of the square, with only the Princess Road side remaining open to the Metrolink and other traffic.

New lighting columns have been recently installed too: these will also feature devices that can project themed images and patterns across the square’s light path, which will enhance the use of the space during events.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman said: “This is another exciting milestone in the Our Town Hall project and the installation of these new trees is a visual reminder that work is progressing on the project. The trees have been chosen with great care: for their quality, maturity, and diversity, and their positioning on the outer edges of the square will make them a major enhancement to this world-class space.”

Matt Stirton, principal landscape architect from Planit-IE said: “Planit is honoured to be part of the team helping to deliver the biggest heritage project in the UK. Much of the restoration work has been happening inside the Town Hall but the planting of 10 new large trees is a momentous occasion that marks the next major milestone of significant improvements to Albert Square.

“The plans have been many years in the making, and we are excited to see these trees come into leaf and flower for the first time in their new home!”

AO Arena redevelopment will increase capacity to 23,000

Helen Greaney
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AO Arena redevelopment will increase capacity to 23,000

AO Arena has announced it will increase its total capacity to 23,000 including a 100% increase in standing floor capacity, to help fans feel even closer to their favourite artists.

There will also be a brand-new lower concourse designed to enhance the experience for standing floor visitors.

The 30-year-old arena is already amongst the biggest in the UK and is getting larger thanks to the redevelopment project set for final completion in March – with AO Arena and ASM Global promising to keep door open for the duration of the re-development, which includes room for 2,000 more visitors.

Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe said: “As part of AO Arena’s redevelopment we have dramatically expanded the standing floor space which means it will compete with any other venue in the UK.

“Its unique bowl configuration means that AO Arena proudly remains the biggest sporting indoor arena, and we are excited to continue to host the world’s biggest and most exciting events here in the heart of Manchester.”

Guests will see new entrances and state of the art technology. Getting in and out of the arena will be the quickest in any venue in Europe. Digitalisation of the concourse spaces will heighten pre-show excitement and offer even more ease for guests finding their way around the arena.

The venue will also boast a multitude of new bars and an elevated food offering including The Mezz restaurant and bar featuring a menu which includes some dishes created by Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan and chef Tom Barnes of Skof.

There will also be improved acoustics, sound and sightlines. And for the artists, there will be an upgraded backstage artist compound complete with a private kitchen. Industry-leading heating and ventilation systems have been installed.

Manchester rapper Aitch visited the venue for the recent topping out ceremony. He said: “When the AO Arena asked me to be part of tonight I thought, how can I say no? It’s always been a huge part of the culture here in Manchester and you know I’m all about anything that gives back to the community.

“The AO has been pushing the music scene forward for years and over one million people walk through these legendary doors every year, and we have them right on our doorstep.”

Brianna Ghey legacy fundraising campaign reaches initial £50,000 target

Helen Greaney
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Brianna Ghey legacy fundraising campaign reaches initial £50,000 target

A campaign honouring Brianna Ghey – a young girl who was murdered last year – has reached its initial target of £50,000.

Brianna (16) (pictured) was stabbed 28 times in an unprovoked attack by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who were sentenced to a minimum of 22 and 20 years, respectively.

brianna ghey This legacy fund will go towards mindfulness training for teachers in Warrington, where she was from, and beyond.

Jointly set up by Esther Ghey (Brianna’s mum) and the Warrington Guardian, the Peace in Mind campaign was started in September 2023, attracting donations from individuals and businesses around the world.

Money raised will fund vital training and support for teachers through the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), a charity that aims to equip today’s young people with mindfulness skills and techniques that will support their lifelong wellbeing

Esther Ghey said: “Bringing mindfulness to schools can help to create communities built on empathy, compassion, and resilience. I believe this could create a more peaceful society for us all.”

The Peace in Mind campaign has also reached parliament, with a House of Commons debate on mindfulness in schools, led by local Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, taking place at 2.30pm on February 7.

MiSP was established in 2009 and is one of the most experienced and well-respected providers of mindfulness training in the UK, specialising in education settings.

Emily Slater, CEO of MiSP, said; “We want to say an enormous thank you to Esther, the Warrington Guardian, and everyone who contributed to the Peace in Mind campaign. The funds raised will go such a long way, training many more teachers in mindfulness such that they can better support the children in their care to flourish.”

Esther added: “Brianna struggled massively with her mental health and there are so many young people right now that continue to struggle.

“If we get mindfulness into schools, we can provide young people with coping strategies that they can use in their school years and the rest of their lives.”

A vigil for Brianna is being held at 3pm on the anniversary of her death, February 11, at the Golden Square Shopping Centre in the Old Marketplace, Warrington.

Esther will be speaking at the vigil and students from Birchwood Community High School, where Brianna was a pupil, will perform music in her memory

Bumrah dismantles England as India level the series at 1-1

Jon Fisher
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Bumrah dismantles England as India level the series at 1-1

Jasprit Bumrah claimed three for 46 as India hit back to win the second Test against England by 106 runs and level the series at 1-1.

The tourists went into day four on 67 for one as they attempted to chase down 399 for victory. It seemed an improbable chase but, on a good pitch, England had their chances – several batters getting in only to fail to build on promising starts.

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Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin took wickets at regular intervals, Ashwin doing the damage early with Bumrah dismantling the middle and lower order to ensure there was no late drama.

At 132 for two, England were very much in the game – first Test hero Ollie Pope and Crawley going along nicely. However, the Surrey man played back to a full length delivery from Ashwin and only succeeded in nicking off to Rohit Sharma, who took an excellent catch.

Ashwin also accounted for Joe Root (16), who perhaps struggling with a finger injury, came out throwing the bat. He succeeded a couple of times but then played an ugly shot which ballooned to Axar Patel at backward point.

Crawley continued to play nicely at the other end but his innings ended on 73, snared leg before wicket by Kuldeep Yadav.

Jonny Bairstow (26) and Ben Stokes (11) played with uncharacteristic caution in a ploy that failed to reap dividends – the England captain run out sloppily after jogging through for a quick single and being caught short by Shreyas Iyer.

Ben Foakes (36) and Tom Hartley (36) put on 55 for the eighth wicket, showing a nice mix of aggression and solid defence. Having pushed the score on to 275 and within 124 of victory, India may have been starting to feel a little edgy but Bumrah returned to end any lingering nerves.

He got Foakes caught and bowled and, once Shoaib Bashir came and went, produced a wonderful reverse outswinger to remove Hartley’s off-stump.

India captain Sharma was delighted his patched-up side, missing the likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, found a way back into the series.

He said: “When you win a game like that you have to look at the overall performance. We know that winning a Test match in these conditions is not going to be easy, the bowlers stepped up. 

“This win gives us a lot of confidence. I’m very proud of such a young squad, to come up against a team like that, it’s a good challenge.

“England have been playing good cricket and it’s not going to be an easy series. Three more games to go, we need to make sure we do most things right.”

England have won games from seemingly impossible positions since Stokes became captain and the Durham all-rounder was confident they could do it again in Visakhapatnam.

He said: “We had full belief in ourselves that we could chase that down. The way we have gone about taking on challenges like that is what we are about. 

“In moments like that, when you have scoreboard pressure, that is when we get the best out of ourselves as individuals. The way we applied ourselves and put India under pressure was great, unfortunately we didn’t end up on the right side of the result.”

The third Test takes place in Rajkot on February 15.

“Maintenance is Key,” Stresses Chris Boyd of NSWUK on the Importance of Upkeeping Security Systems

News Desk
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“Maintenance is Key,” Stresses Chris Boyd of NSWUK on the Importance of Upkeeping Security Systems

NSWUK, a leading security firm in the UK specialising in CCTV, alarm systems, and cutting-edge security technologies, highlights the challenges that arise when sophisticated setups lack regular maintenance. Recent research indicates that over 30% of service calls are attributed to outdated alarm systems.

Thanks to technological advancements, alarm systems are now more user-friendly and pivotal for the safety of communities. Nevertheless, Chris Boyd from NSWUK emphasises the increased need for upkeep, stating, “The new technology we have in security industries today are incredible, you can now keep an eye on your home, garage or any building in real time at all times, but this means that the new systems in place will need some extra care.”

Ensuring the upkeep of security measures like access control, CCTV, and burglar alarms has always been essential. When security systems fail, the consequences can be severe, risking the safety of individuals, property, and sensitive data.

Modern security systems, with their complex and sophisticated designs, are a significant leap from the traditional analogue CCTV and basic alarms. The industry is moving towards more intricate systems capable of identifying and mitigating potential threats through internet-connected devices.

Chris Boyd reflects on the evolution, “Working with more recent, sophisticated systems has been so rewarding. There are countless advantages to choosing these more advanced systems. In addition to safety, this will make assisting the local authorities much simpler and faster.”

Preventative maintenance involves regular checks by skilled technicians on security installations, whether they are directly managed or under professional oversight. Depending on the system and client requirements, service visits could be arranged quarterly, with each contract tailored to the client’s specific needs. Maintenance contracts ensure that all equipment is kept in optimal condition and that expert technicians are readily available to address any service issues promptly.

Chris Boyd further mentions, “Our maintenance service packages receive the same level of attention and care as our installations.”

NSWUK is committed to delivering bespoke solutions for their clients, ensuring both the installation and subsequent maintenance meet the highest standards. For more information on their tailored packages, visit here.

Wales to begin Six Nations campaign under closed roof after Scotland U-turn

Harry Carr
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Wales to begin Six Nations campaign under closed roof after Scotland U-turn

Wales’ opening Six Nations game against Scotland will now be played with the Principality Stadium roof closed, following a U-turn from the visitors.

Scotland are eyeing their first victory in Cardiff since 2002 on Saturday, with their last win over Wales coming in Llanelli during 2020’s COVID-19-impacted Six Nations tournament.

Six Nations regulations state that both teams must agree to have the roof closed, and Gregor Townsend’s visitors had initially asked for the roof to be left open.

Wales boss Warren Gatland described that decision as “disappointing”, saying his team always want the roof closed to enhance the atmosphere at the 74,000-seater venue.

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However, with rain expected in the Welsh capital throughout Saturday, Scotland have now acquiesced to the roof being closed.

Scotland captain Finn Russell became accustomed to playing indoors during a five-year spell with Racing 92 in France, but he admits the change could provide an additional challenge for less experienced players.

“For me personally, it does not change too much,” he said. “I was at Racing for five years and they have an indoor stadium so I am pretty used to it.

“I think the weather conditions have changed over the week so that’s why it is now closed.

“We know we have to start this game as quickly as we can to take the crowd out of it.

“I have been here a few times but there are quite a few boys who won’t have been here with a full house and the roof closed, so it’s going to be a new experience for them.

“With the roof open it’s an amazing atmosphere, but with the roof closed it will be even louder, so that’s something we might bring up tonight.”

Wales team to face Scotland: Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Owen Watkin, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Corey Domachowski, Ryan Elias, Leon Brown, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins (c), James Botham, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Kemsley Mathias, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Tomos Williams, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady.

Scotland team to face Wales: Kyle Rowe, Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell (c), Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Scott Cummings, Luke Crosbie, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson.

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Alec Hepburn, Elliot Millar-Mills, Sam Skinner, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Ben Healy, Cameron Redpath.

Brianna Ghey’s killers given jail terms for “sadistic” murder

Helen Greaney
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Brianna Ghey’s killers given jail terms for “sadistic” murder

Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe – who killed transgender teen Brianna Ghey – have been jailed today.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Scarlett Jenkinson will serve a minimum term of 22 years imprisonment, whilst accomplice Eddie Ratcliffe will serve a minimum of 20 years.

The 16-year-olds had previously been found guilty of murder following an 18-day trial which concluded in December.

Brianna (16) died on February 11, 2023, following a harrowing knife attack in Culcheth Linear Park, Warrington.

Jenkinson had developed a friendship with Brianna prior to the attack – and had convinced Brianna to meet up with her and Ratcliffe in Culcheth that day.

In the afternoon, they met Brianna at the bus stop on Warrington Road and made their way towards Culcheth Linear Park. This was part of their twisted plan.

Frenzied attack

Jenkinson and Ratcliffe led Brianna deep into the park before brutally murdering her. However, their frenzy was cut short when they were disturbed by two dog walkers who suspected something suspicious, and the pair fled.

The walkers discovered Brianna’s lifeless body and called police immediately.

Officers arrived just 12 minutes later and found Brianna had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Emergency services attempted CPR but Brianna was pronounced dead by paramedics.

The court heard that Brianna had been stabbed 28 times – mainly to her neck, chest, and back.

A murder investigation was launched, and the two teens were quickly identified as suspects after a number of eye witnesses came forward following a large media appeal.

Jenkinson and Ratcliffe were arrested 24 hours after the incident and were subsequently charged with Brianna’s murder.

Searches were conducted at the defendants’ home addresses and their mobile phones were seized by detectives for telecoms analysis.

At this point of the investigation, it became apparent that the defendants had an unhealthy fascination with murder and torture.

Plan to kill

brianna ghey A hand-written note detailing their plan to kill Brianna (pictured left)  was found during a search of Jenkinson’s bedroom.

A hunting knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was also recovered from Ratcliffe’s bedroom, and found to contain traces of Brianna’s blood.

Thousands of deleted text messages, exchanged between the two defendants, were restored from their mobile phones.

This evidence proved that the pair had discussed their sadistic fantasies for months prior to the attack and had thought of multiple ways in which they could kill a number of children, including Brianna.

The messages also demonstrated that there had been previous attempts on Brianna’s life.

Earlier this year, Jenkinson claimed in her messages to Ratcliffe that she had given Brianna a number of ibuprofen tablets – Brianna’s mum, Esther, confirmed that Brianna was extremely unwell at the time and had to take a day off school.

When Jenkinson realised Brianna had recovered, she messaged Ratcliffe asking for alternative ways to kill Brianna.

This was initially disputed by Jenkinson’s defence during the trial who claimed this was part of a fantasy that her and Ratcliffe shared.

On Saturday 28 January, the defendants arranged to meet Brianna in Culcheth for the first time with the intention of murdering her.

Brianna cancelled due to a family commitment, but they decided to meet up anyway, as shown in their messages, to finalise the details of their plan to kill her. They set a new date – Saturday 11 February.

During their initial interviews, both defendants vehemently denied any involvement in Brianna’s death but when the messages (that they thought were irrecoverable) were put to them, they began to turn on each other.

Both Jenkinson and Ratcliffe pleaded not guilty to Brianna’s murder despite the mountain of evidence gathered against them throughout the investigation.

In December, a jury found them guilty of murder following a trial spanning almost four weeks.

Today, Jenkinson and Ratcliffe have been sentenced to serve minimum terms of 22 years and 20 years in prison respectively.

Sentencing

Following the sentencing, DI Nige Parr said: “This has been a challenging and complex investigation from the very beginning and while I am pleased that the two responsible for Brianna’s brutal and senseless murder have been handed significant sentences, there is no escaping the tragedy in this case.

“Thankfully, Brianna’s family will finally see those responsible for her murder being punished for their part in this shocking crime.

“Jenkinson and Ratcliffe have shown absolutely no remorse for the pain they have caused, refusing to admit responsibility for their actions and selfishly subjected Brianna’s family, and their own families, to the ordeal of a trial.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to Brianna’s family. They have shown an immense amount of courage and dignity throughout the investigation and the trial, and this has been an incredibly difficult experience for them. I hope that they can now in some way start to rebuild their lives after going through so much pain and grief.”

Mercedes boss Wolff holds no grudge over Hamilton’s Ferrari switch

Harry Carr
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Mercedes boss Wolff holds no grudge over Hamilton’s Ferrari switch

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admits he was surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, but says he will not hold a “grudge” against the seven-time world champion.

On Thursday, Hamilton shocked the Formula 1 world with the announcement that he will join Ferrari for the 2025 season, just over five months after signing a new contract with Mercedes.

Hamilton – who has won six of his seven drivers’ championships since teaming up with Mercedes in 2013 – will take Carlos Sainz’s seat with the Scuderia, with the Spaniard now on the lookout for a new team for 2025.

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On Friday, Wolff revealed Hamilton had visited him to explain his decision earlier this week and said there was nothing he could do to change the 39-year-old’s mind.

“We got together for coffee at my place in Oxford. He said to me he had decided to race for Ferrari in 2025 and that was basically it. We had a good hour of conversation,” Wolff said.

“Formula 1 has made me resilient to surprises, but it was a surprise. Once he said, ‘this is what I’m trying to do’, that was the fact. I didn’t try to convince him otherwise.

“It means that our professional journey comes to an end, but it doesn’t mean our personal relationship ends. I have found a friend. We have built a relationship over the past 10 years.

“I will always respect the difficult situation he faced. In the future we can discuss whether this could have been done in a different way or not, but I will hold no grudge.”

Hamilton has failed to win a race since missing out on a record-breaking eighth world title in controversial fashion at the end of the 2021 season, with Max Verstappen capturing three straight crowns during a period of dominance for Red Bull.

Wolff hopes Mercedes can provide Hamilton with the tools to enjoy a more memorable campaign in 2024, before turning their attention to building a new era of success.

“He felt he needed a change and I can understand that,” Wolff said of Hamilton’s decision. “We have had tremendous success.

“We shared the opinion when we decided to sign a short-term contract that there may be opportunities for him and for us.

“Maybe one consideration was the opportunity to sign a longer-term contract with Ferrari and give it a really big go at the end of his career.

“We have had a sensational journey together that will go down in the history books.

“We want to finish on a high in terms of his [Mercedes] career, but we will build another phase of success, and we will look back on this very good time with Lewis.”

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