The Prestwich community has been left shaken by the sudden death of visionary local figure Mike Price, who ran the Cuckoo bar and restaurant.
Cuckoo and his family announced yesterday that Mike had unexpectedly passed away at the age of just 45.
His passing has triggered a huge outpouring of grief and gratitude for the work he did for Prestwich, where he has been described as a ‘pioneer’ and ‘pivotal driver’ in the town’s development.
Mike has run Cuckoo since it first opened way back in 2013, when the town’s high street looked very different.
Since then, the neighbourhood has blossomed around it and was this year once again named one of the UK’s best places to live by The Times.
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Many of those businesses that have sprung up over the last decade were first to issue tributes to ‘Prestwich legend’ Mike after Cuckoo broke the heartbreaking news.
The bar wrote: “The family and Cuckoo team are devastated to share our sadness that our beloved Mike unexpectedly passed away yesterday. We love you so much Mike.”
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It later shared: “Mike would want Cuckoo to continue, so we will be open [today] from 3pm. We would love for anyone to pop in, speak to the team, have a drink and take time to reflect. This is what Mike would have wanted.”
Tributes have poured in for Mike Price, a ‘Prestwich pioneer’ and co-owner of local bar Cuckoo. Credit: The Manc Group
Award-winning chippy Chips @ No 8 wrote: “Devastated and heartbroken to hear the news this morning. His legacy is all around us. Prestwich wouldn’t be what it is without his vision.”
The Goods In said: “A massive shock & a massive loss. Sending all our love to the team & his family” while its sister cafe All The Shapes shared: “We just can’t believe this heartbreaking news. Unbelievably sad. We are thinking of you all and are here if you need any support. Xxxx.”
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Freehand artist Myro Doodles – whose work is visible in windows all across town – said: “Just can’t believe it. A Prestwich legend, how much joy have we all had from what he created eh. Love to his girls and the whole Cuckoo family. we’ve got you xxx.”
Indoor plant business Nonsense, which used to have a presence on the Prestwich high street, said: “Oh wow such a shock, thoughts go out to Mike’s family and friends. A pioneer of the Prestwich we see today! such sad news xx”
Artist Stanley Chow said: “OMg… so sorry to hear this devastating news…”
Another person wrote: “Lost for words… Mike was a key player in making Prestwich the vibrant town that it is today. I am absolutely heartbroken and shocked to see this. I can’t believe it. Sending so much love to you all at this time…”
Someone else shared: “Gutted seeing this and reading it over and over again. Mike inspired me, taught me, mentored me and guided me as a boss and as a friend in the early days of my career and I could never thank him enough for that. He also introduced me to music, shops, new artists and designers and talked nonstop about “amaaayzin’ paaarties with the best viiiiibe”, just because he wanted me to feel as happy in the discovery of new stuff as he did. A selfless man. Love you, Pricey. Thanks for everything.”
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One tribute said: “Heartbroken. Mike has been a pivotal driver in making prestwich what it’s had become and is still becoming. Lost for words”
Similarly, one person wrote: “Lost for words really. Mike leaves such a legacy in what he’s done for Prestwich but most of all a big hole in our hearts. Sending lots of love to his family and to all at @cuckoo_prestwich.”
And finally, one tribute said: “Lost for words. What Mike did for my home town, I will never be able to thank him enough for. Mike brought Prestwich together as a community and made it what it is today. Big love.”
Generally selling out each year, and with 2024 expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be “fresh twists and new surprises” to celebrate ‘Year of the Pumpkin’ this 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.
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.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
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”.
Got the guts for the ride of a lifetime?
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.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome visitors back to our Halloween event,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of ELR. “This year promises to be our best yet, with new themes and surprises that will delight and frighten guests of all ages.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to create unforgettable Halloween memories together.”
The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over the October half term from 24-26 October, with special trains running on Halloween itself (31 October), and tickets are now on sale starting from just £14 per person.
Eight GMP officers suspended following reports of ‘racial discrimination’
Emily Sergeant
Eight police officers have been suspended amid internal investigations following reports made of “racial discrimination”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that seven of the suspended officers are from the Bury district, and one is from the Rochdale district but was working in Bury at the time of the allegations and reports made.
Another police officer has also had their duties ‘restricted’ too, alongside GMP’s suspensions made yesterday (Monday 29 July).
Not only that, but these eight suspensions and one restriction also follows the force suspending five officers and placing two officers on restricted duties, again all from the Bury district, earlier this month (17 July).
Because of these suspensions, GMP says it has temporarily relocated officers to Bury to cover operational duties.
This follows the force suspending five officers and placing two officers on restricted duties; all from the Bury district on 17/07/2024.
We have temporarily relocated officers to Bury to cover operational duties and minimise disruption within the district.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 29, 2024
The temporary officers will primarily work to “minimise disruption” within the district.
In light of the suspensions, GMP says it has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to both of these cases – with the independent body currently investigating the first report, but having reviewed the second incident, has now referred it back to GMP to internally investigate.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, who is the Head of GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate, said the reports the force has received are “deeply concerning”.
“I hope to reassure the community of Bury, the wider public, and the GMP workforce that a full and thorough investigation is being conducted into these matters,” DCS Allen concluded.
Daisy Jackson -
24th April 2024 
