Often referred to as ‘Sackville Street’s best-kept secret’, the Godlee observatory in Manchester city centre has been going strong for over 100 years – despite the fact that the roof is constructed from papier-mache.
Located in a tower on the roof of the University of Manchester’s Sackville Building (formerly the Municipal School of Technology), its origins date all the way back to 1892.
An impressive architectural feat, it’s stood high in the sky for over a century and even survived WWII, which saw a large proportion of old Manchester decimated by air raids.
Yet, despite the observatory having been at the heart of the city’s astronomical research for more than a century, most people don’t know this tiny window to the stars even exists.
But it does – and even better, it actually belongs to all of us.
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Gifted to the city by an eccentric chap called Francis Godlee, it was donated to the people of Manchester when construction on the building and observatory was first completed in 1902.
Reached by way of a winding, ornate wrought iron staircase that dates all the way back to Edwardian times, and then by clambering through a trap door, it’s possible for anyone to visit and really does feel like a hidden secret – tucked away at the top of the impressive Spalding and Cross building.
The Godlee Observatory is home to two original telescopes made by Grubb of Dublin: a Newtonian telescope and a.refracting telescope, both of which date back to 1902. Apparently, if you know what you’re looking for, you can see all nine planets in the solar system from here – including Pluto.
As for that papier mache roof? It sounds impractical given the amount of rain we get here in Manchester, but it actually has a very sensible intention behind it.
The lightness of the material allows the dome’s panels to be rotated with ease using a wheel, opening up a space in the roof that’s perfect for stargazing. It’s an engineer’s dream.
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And it’s not just the observatory that’s of interest. Its generous donor and namesake was, by all accounts, quite a character in his own right too.
Known for his massive clock collection, the businessman and philanthropist entertained a wide range of interests that ranged from breeding horses to yachting.
Fascinated with mechanisms and machines, he was so quick to get a telephone hwas awarded the magnificent number of ‘4’, and even had his own x-ray machine at home which he would apparently use to photograph visitor’s hands when they came to tea.
The wheel that is used to open the roof and find the perfect spot in the heavens / Image: The University of Manchester
For years, the Godlee observatory has acted as the base for the Manchester Astronomical Society – which is said to be the oldest of its kind in the whole of England.
The society still meets here most Thursday evenings, and members of the public are able to attend on request – which we’d definitely recommend.
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Today, Manchester’s astrologists prefer to use the Lovell Telescopes at Jodrell Bank when they scan the night sky – but that doesn’t mean that Godlee doesn’t have an important place in the history of astrology in the city.
Private guided tours of the facility can also be arranged.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th September 2021 
