A handful of UK radio stations are to join in with a minute’s silence this morning as a mark of respect in memory of Brianna Ghey.
Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl from Birchwood in Warrington, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3:13pm on Saturday 11 February, and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short while later.
She was just 16 years old.
Her heartbroken family described their “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister” in a tribute issued shortly after her passing as a “larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her” – adding that she was “beautiful, witty, and hilarious.”
“Brianna was strong, fearless, and one of a kind,” her family said in tribute.
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Detectives from Cheshire Police confirmed earlier this week that a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl have been charged with murder.
Over the past couple of days, a series of candlelit vigils organised by action groups, and members and allies of LGBTQ+ communities, have been held in Brianna’s memory in several major cities across the UK and Ireland – including here in Manchester city centre.
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UK radio stations to fall silent this morning in memory of Brianna Ghey / Credit: Cheshire Police
Now, a handful of LGBTQ+ radio broadcasters across the UK are to join forces at 11am this morning (Friday 17 February) to lead a one-minute silence as a mark of respect.
They will fall silent to commemorate her life, and stand against hate and violence towards trans people.
Stations including Gaydio, Hits Radio Pride, Pride Radio, Gorgeous Radio, Glitterbeam Radio, Trans Radio UK, and Juice 1038 will be joining to simultaneously broadcast a package introduced by prominent trans broadcaster, Steph Hirst, followed by a one-minute silence.
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In the feature, Hirst will reflect on the discrimination and violence that trans people face, before commemorating and remembering the life of Brianna.
This morning at 11am, we join forces with all other LGBTQ+ radio stations in the UK to lead a 1 minute silence to remember the life of trans teenager Brianna Ghey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OGUJgkGxal
Gaydio’s Network Content Manager, Kriss Herbert-Noble, who has coordinated the broadcast across all seven UK LGBTQ+ broadcasters, said they “felt it important” to work across the LGBTQ+ radio sector so that they could show as a community “we stand together against hate”.
“Trans people face daily challenges, and our role is to stand up and highlight these stories and voices,” he added.
“This event in particular has reverberated across the community and it’s right we take a stand and remember the life of a bright, young trans person.”
Featured Image – GoFundMe
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Iconic Salford music venue The White Hotel to reopen under new ownership from 2027
Clementine Hall
After announcing plans to close at the end of the year, famed Manchester club The White Hotel is changing hands.
Just a couple of months ago back in May, it was announced that one of Greater Manchester’s most cutting-edge and best-loved nightlife venues would be closing its doors for good.
Despite ‘continuing to draw full houses’, co-founder Ben Ward told The Guardian that the venue had found itself in a flood-risk zone, saying: “Basically, it’s a swamp.”
He added that it was better ‘to go out on our own terms, long before we became a museum’.
But it seems the swamp may live on…and although it is the end for the cult favourite nightclub as we know it, the former garage in Salford will be reopening in new ownership from 2027.
From January onwards, the disused Dickinson Street space will be known as BASTION according to a social media post shared to Instagram yesterday.
It will be run by the team who operate neighbouring venue The Bag Factory and will be supported by the Strange Art Collective CIC.
Images: The Manc
The Bag Factory shared a black and white illustration of the iconic White Hotel’s exterior, along with coordinates to the venue, stating: “The underground has a new stronghold”.
Rather cryptic we must say, and although we hope The White Hotel that we know and love could stick around forever – we hope the new owners will keep some of its magic alive.
‘Own a landmark, create a legacy’ – Historic chimney goes on sale for £300k in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
How would you like to live in a big chimney?
I know that might sound like an odd question, and in some respects, it is… but we’re being 100% genuine, as over in Bolton there is currently a historic local landmark on the market with planning permission to make it into your new home, and it’ll only set you back £300,000.
‘Only’ is a bit of a stretch, but when you consider the magnitude of this property, it’s surprising that you’re able to get your hands on it for such a reasonable price.
This is Barrow Bridge Chimney.
Rising above the tranquil stone cottages and wooded valley of the stunning model village that is Barrow Bridge, this striking Victorian chimney stands as a lone sentinel of Bolton’s proud industrial past – and now, with full planning permission secured, estate agents say it offers an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ to reimagine history as a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A historic chimney has gone on sale for £300k in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Originally built in the early 19th century as part of the ‘ambitious’ Dean Mills complex, the chimney once crowned a thriving cotton-spinning hub founded by Thomas Bazley, who was one of the Industrial Revolution’s great innovators.
Long after the mills fell silent though, the chimney endured and remained a local landmark in Smithills visible for miles, and today this relic of the steam age is ready for its next chapter.
Approved plans for the chimney are described as being a ‘bold’ residential conversion that will honour its industrial heritage, while still creating a dramatic modern dwelling like no other in the town.
The planning permission is in place for a two-storey residence of approximately 3,939 sq ft, with a striking contemporary design blended seamlessly with practical living.
The planning permission is in place for a ‘striking’ two-storey residence / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The approved plans include three spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and a study that can easily adapted to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout to suit modern family life.
What makes this an even more attractive prospect for future buyers is that the chimney is well-connected to both amenities and nature – with both independent businesses, good local schools, and convenient transport links on the doorstep, as well as parks and tree-lined walks.
“This is your chance to own more than bricks and mortar,” estate agents Miller Metcalfe said.
“It’s a chance to live inside a landmark, to shape its story for future generations, and to call a piece of Bolton’s proud industrial heritage your own. Enquire now to discover how you can transform this iconic chimney into a legacy home that will stand for generations to come.”
Fancy it then? Take a look at the property on Rightmove here.
Emily Sergeant -
17th February 2023 
