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.
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“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.”
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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.”
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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
Last-minute tickets up for grabs for Greater Manchester’s spooky steam train rides this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
One of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events returns this weekend, and there’s still tickets up for grabs.
East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains are a spooky season tradition at this point.
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 2024 is expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be “fresh twists and new surprises” to celebrate ‘Year of the Pumpkin’.
While some little Mancs are already on October half term, and with the rest set to break up from school this Friday, the spooky steam train rides will be happening from 24-26 October this year, with special trains running on Halloween itself (31 October).
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
Got the guts for the ride of a lifetime?
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”.
Those brave enough at lending Zombie Bob and 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 first start off the experience with a pumpkin-themed haunted house walkthrough over the ghoulishly-decorated footbridge at Bury Bolton Street Station, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride to 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 return tomorrow (24 October), and with multiple journeys happening each day, there’s still a handful of tickets left to get your hands starting from just £14 per person, so you’ll want to snap them up quick.
Elbow announce HUGE gig at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
Legendary Greater Manchester rock band Elbow are returning to Manchester city centre next year for a huge outdoor summer gig.
It may be over half a year away but the concert calendar is looking pretty packed and with this new tour announcement – let’s hope there’s some elbow room for… Elbow. (Sorry)
Elbow are a Bury-formed English rock band who dropped their debut in 2001 and soared from height to even bigger height ever since.
Following their introduction into the music industry, the band have accolades and achievements like no other, even writing the song for the London 2012 Olympics titled ‘First Steps’.
This year also saw the rock five-piece score their fourth number one album on the UK charts with their latest album Audio Vertigo.
Their biggest hit ‘One Day Like This’ is a household classic and one that will never be forgotten, as the crowds at their shows know how to sing every single word as loud as they possibly can.
UK fans of the band can follow Elbow round the country as the Manchester dates follows the announcement of more shows including York, Warwick, Tynemouth and more.
Within these cities, the tour is taking place in some phenomenal locations including castles, nature reserves and our stunning city centre.
Guy Garvey said: “We are returning to venues we’ve really loved for summer ‘25 and also visiting some towns and cities that we haven’t been to for a while. There’s nothing like settling in for the evening with old friends.”
Manchester is set to be a very special gig, not only is this the closest date to their hometown in Bury, they’ll also be bringing out guests The Slow Readers Club too.
The special guests are also from Manchester too seeing great success with their indie rock bangers which have been compared to the likes of The Killers.
Elbow are set to play to the crowds of Manchester at Castlefield Bowl on 2 July 2025 with tickets going on sale Friday 18 October HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
4th May 2023 
