Bury AFC has shared a moving tribute after the death of one of their most dedicated supporters, Amanda Freeman.
The fan-owned Greater Manchester club described her as a ‘dedicated volunteer and loyal Shaker’, who was ‘always smiling’.
Amanda, known to most as Mandy, was the daughter of legendary super fan Keith Freeman, who died in 2014.
Speaking of her passing, Bury AFC wrote: “We are devastated to report the passing of a well-loved and dedicated Bury supporter, Amanda Freeman. A ‘Her Game Too’ advocate, fundraiser & tunnel steward.
“Always smiling, go a million miles for anyone, dedicated volunteer and loyal Shaker who will be dearly missed by all.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Mandy competed in her beloved maroon team Bury AFC Women Recreational, being a valued member of the team.
“Our thoughts are with partner Martin & all their friends and family at this sad time. Sleep well, Mandy.”
ADVERTISEMENT
They then added: “Mandy was not only a team member, she was the epitome of what our club stands for. Passionate, loyal, selfless and gave her all to her beloved club and her team maroon. She will be missed by all, sleep well Mandy.”
Bury FC also shared a tribute, writing: “REST IN PEACE MANDY. We are saddened to hear about the loss of Mandy Freeman.
“Mandy was not just a Bury fan through and through, but also much-loved and will now be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences go to her family. From her #ShakersFamily.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Tributes and well-wishes have been pouring in from other members of the club’s community.
Her Game Too, a non-profit that raises awareness for sexism in the game, wrote: “We are so saddened and heartbroken to hear of Mandy’s passing, she truly was a lovely lady and she will be missed by so many, RIP Mandy.”
Another person commented: “Our Mandy! You beautiful lovely lady- such a wonderful smile and such a friendly loving person- sleep well Mandy Jane – I’m absolutely heartbroken that you have gone – but so humbled to have called you a friend. We had such good times in our Bury AFC family – you will always be apart of us.”
Someone else posted: “A massive loss to everyone, can’t believe we will never play alongside each other again I’m absolutely gutted. The most kind, caring and selfless person you could meet who always had a smile on her face. Glad we met you will always be our teammate and with us always. A true legend! x”
Featured image: Facebook, Bury AFC
Bury
Dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are descending on Heaton Park again this summer
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are set to take over the grounds of Heaton Park once again this summer.
Manchester will become the closest thing to Jurassic Park in real life in a couple of months time.
Back by popular demand after proving to be a smash-hit success when it was here last year, our region will transform into “a palaeontologist’s playground” once again, as around 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are descending on the popular park to give dino fans of all ages the chance to get up close and personal with the big beasts.
Dinosaurs in the Park will arrive in Greater Manchester from mid-July and stay until early August, with dinosaurs expected around every corner.
Just as they did last year, visitors can expect an “an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family” this summer.
Among the dozens of dinos which have all been designed with “meticulous attention to detail” are well-known favourites such as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, as well as the lesser-known Dilophosaurus, Kentrosaurus, and Hypacrosaurus.
Explorers will be able to make their way through Heaton Park‘s interactive trail made up of dozens of moving dinosaurs, all while solving puzzles and making the most of a range of hands-on activities along the way.
There’ll be a palaeontologist tent so you can learn all about dinosaur behaviour, habitats, and the fascinating process of fossilisation, and a ‘Dinosaur Dentist’ section where kids can have a go at brushing the teeth of a T-Rex, while the ‘Dino Dig Pit’ will give young explorers a chance to unearth ancient fossils at an interactive dig site.
Not only that, but there’ll also be a ‘Fun Zone’ with lots of other free attractions and thrilling fairground rides, and a ‘Food Zone’ where explorers can either grab a well-earned bite to eat from the food court or use the space for a picnic after a day of hard work.
Dinosaurs in the Park is “an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family” / Credit: Dinosaurs in the Park
Dinosaurs in the Park will be taking over Heaton Park from Friday 19 July – Sunday 4 August 2024.
Tickets are now on sale and cost adults and children over three £12 each, while a family ticket costs £46 for a group of four, and children under three go free – and, if you book any time slot after 3pm, you’ll get 20% off your ticket price too.
An ‘immersive’ 1940s-themed weekend is taking over Greater Manchester’s heritage railway this month
Emily Sergeant
An ‘immersive’ 1940s-themed weekend is all set to take over Greater Manchester’s heritage railway later this month.
Fancy stepping back in time?
After delighting little Mancs and families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, the Greater Manchester public is now being invited to “dig out your gladrags” and head on down to East Lancashire Railway (ELR) this late May bank holiday, as the Vintage 1940s Weekend is returning by popular demand.
The Vintage 1940s Weekend been an absolute hit in previous years, and has been one of the heritage railway’s most popular events, so it’s no surprise that it’s making a return in a couple of weeks time.
Tickets are now on sale, and there’s still plenty of time to grab some for yourself.
This year, the event will “focus on the musical backdrop of 1940s Britain”, which means there’s an exciting collection of live music performances lined up across the three-day weekend – including vintage vocal harmony trio ‘Blue Bird Belles’, and vintage DJ ‘A Train Swing’ too, so you’ll want to make sure to “bring your dancing shoes”.
An ‘immersive’ 1940s-themed weekend is taking over Greater Manchester’s heritage railway this month / Credit: ELR
But the music scene won’t be the only highlight of the weekend, as food, fashion, and memorabilia of the 1940s will also be brought to life too.
ELR says it’s hoping to recreate “an atmosphere of hope and celebration” for all the family to enjoy, as well as “capturing the most positive aspects of this unique period in British history”.
To keep spirits soaring, the famous Avro Lancaster 1 is also scheduled to fly over Rawtenstall on Saturday (25 May) and Monday (27 May).
When the Vintage 1940s Weekend takes over ELR later this month from Saturday 24 – Monday 27 May, all attendees are encouraged to “get stuck in and dress up in period costume” to make the whole event feel like you’re really stepping back in time, and the uniform policy is now available to view on the ELR website here.
Speaking ahead of the event later this month, Mike Kelly – who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway – commented: “The 1940s Weekend is one of our best attended days out in the annual calendar, and we’re delighted to see its return in 2024, as it’s great to see the community, both young and old, come together to celebrate this incredible time period, and to remember those who sacrificed so much for the country.
“This weekend is one you won’t want to miss, so make sure to book a ticket while you still can.”
Tickets are now on sale from as little as £25 for adults and £16.50 for children, but there’s also three-day rover tickets and a range of discounts and family ticket packages available too.
And, if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the ticket price also includes a ride across the Irwell Valley on a genuine steam-powered train too.
Find out more, and grab tickets to the popular event here.