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.
“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.”
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.”
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
A rising Manc musician is supporting a global popstar on tour in America
Danny Jones
Up-and-coming Greater Manchester musician Elliot James Reay, from just down the road in Bury, has just joined fellow rising solo artist and already established US superstar Benson Boone on his upcoming American tour.
Yes, a lad from Bury is opening for the bloke who belts out that ‘Beautiful Things’ tune that’s been stuck near the top of the charts for what feels like the last year.
Fittingly joining Boone for the US leg of his American Heart tour supporting his sophomore album of the same name, 23-year-old Elliot James Reay has already played a trio of shows warming up the crowds ahead of the headliner and is quickly gaining new fans across the pond.
Especially since his music harkens back to some of their most famous music icons of all time.
The youngster is still having to pinch himself at the mere notion of being on the road with such a big name so early in his career, posting on social media this week, “How do I explain this one to my friends back in Bury?
“A dream come true to be opening for Benson Boone in St Paul last night, I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to sing to you all and thank you for all the love you gave me!”
Roy Orbison-obsessed Raey – who also takes plenty of look and feel from the likes of Elvis and Billy Fury, among other old school, soulful American singers – has gone from releasing covers on YouTube to dropping his first-ever EP back in June and now playing full Stateside stadiums.
What a whirlwind journey it’s been for the local lad already.
The Manc songwriter and guitarist featured as one of our artists of the month last December, and we’re glad to see he’s only gone from strength to strength.
It’s fair to say that he’s matured a lot in the time since then, let alone the last 12 months or so, and booking a slot as a support act for as big as Benson Boone is right now is nothing short of huge.
We said late last year, and we’ll say it again: we see a bright future ahead for this talented young Macunian, and we wish him all the best for the dozen or so remaining US tour dates.
If you haven’t listened to his stuff before, you can get a little taste with his latest single HERE.
Or, if you want to take our advice, why not watch a great music video filmed around some very familiar city centre sites down below?
He’s certainly got his own style, even if it his heavily inspired by some of the greats.
Generally selling out each year, the heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for ‘loads of spooktacular fun’ once the scariest time of year rolls around, and 2025 is expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be ‘fresh twists and new surprises’ to celebrate ‘Year of the Bat’ this year.
Those brave enough at lending the Monster Squad a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
You’ll be greeted by legendary monster hunter, Dr Hurtz Von Driver, who’ll first share tales of his terrifying adventures before deciding if you have the right stuff to join the Monster Squad.
If you make it, you’ll then get to join Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye, and the rest of the team on a chilling adventure.
In this year’s event, the railway will be transformed with elaborate decorations and eerie lighting, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that ‘no ghouls fly under the radar’.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
If you’ve got the guts for the ride of a lifetime, then you’ll first start with a haunted house walkthrough, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride through the Irwell Vale and back.
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and, as it always is each year, screaming and singalongs are to be expected too – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to ‘show off your spookiest fancy dress’ on the day, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child ‘full of tricks and treats’ awaits.
The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over an extended weekend in late October to early November, running from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November – and tickets are now on sale starting from just £14 per person.
Daisy Jackson -
4th May 2023 
