Gimli, the Cheshire Oaks-obsessed cat with her very own Facebook page
From curling up in a hidey hole at All Saints to making herself part of L'Occitane's window display, one thing about Gimli is clear. The cat's got excellent taste.
If you’ve ever spotted a furry tail whipping around corners or burrowing into blankets whilst on a shopping trip at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, well, then this cat will likely need no introduction.
Gimli, or as she’s more commonly known, Gimli Queen of the Oaks, is the Cheshire Oaks-obsessed cat who loves to tunnel into blanket piles in homeware sections and carry out regular health and safety inspections in the designer outlet’s back-of-house.
An unofficial mascot for the designer outlet, she’s so often spotted playing mannequin in the store windows or curled up on shelves that she’s even got her own Facebook page detailing her luxury outlet adventures.
Image: Facebook
Run by her loving owner, 5-year-old Gimli’s page has over 4,300 followers – drawing in shoppers and staff from the Oaks alike, all keen to be kept informed of her latest escapades.
The pair live right behind the designer outlet, just a two minute walk away – making it easy for Gimli to pop over for some fuss, then back home for her breakfast and a snooze whenever it pleases her.
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Her owner has had her since she was a kitten, and says that from the moment she first spotted her she was immediately ‘drawn to the kitten that was trying to escape the box/bed she was in with her litter mates’.
Evidently, Gimli’s always been somewhat of an adventurer.
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Photos posted on her page are often sent in by visitors to the shopping outlet who manage to clock her, often depicting her strutting her stuff down aisles and looking sassily into the camera as if to say ‘how did you find me here?’
Others come from staff, amused at finding her once again roaming their stores.
From Visitor Information Officer, to Health and Safety and Public Protection Officer, it appears Gimli has many roles to play at the Oaks – and wherever she goes, she finds new fans.
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Image: Facebook
One recent post, showing her curled up under a trio of mannequins wearing the new collection ospring/summer dresses at Polo Ralph Lauren, reads: “After spending most of the day napping on my bed her majesty decided it was time to go out… For another nap at Ralph Lauren.
“I wish I had time for as many naps as my cat.”
Another, shared in March, styles her as somewhat of a guardian angel: “This one made me smile… ‘Hi! Just thought you’d want to know I sometimes finish work late and Gimli will emerge from the bushes nearby and come for a pet! She sits on my lap for some cuddles until I get picked up haha.’
Image: Facebook
“So it seems we can add personal protection officer to Gimli’s list talents! There was a little video that came along too but technology is letting me down and won’t let me save it.”
Speaking about the elusive Gimli, her owner told The Manc: “Personality-wise she’s a stereotypical cat really, quite aloof mostly but also has moments of being incredibly sweet and enjoys a fuss on her terms, but when she’s had enough if you don’t spot the warning tail twitch she’ll definitely let you know”
As to why she thinks Gimli is so enamoured with the Oaks, she confessed that she’s not entirely sure.
“I have zero idea if I”m honest, [my] best guess is she found a whole heap of people that she could convince she hadn’t been fed for days with her cries (lies of course) combined with warm comfy spots under shop heaters for a snooze.”
From curling up in a hidey hole at All Saints to making herself part of L’Occitane’s window display, whilst her motivation for constantly visiting isn’t neccessarily apparent, one thing about Gimli is clear.
The cat’s got excellent taste.
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To follow more of her adventures at Cheshire Oaks, check out her Facebook page here.
Feature image – Facebook
Feature
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Could the reaction to Casemiro’s swansong Man United season see him stay ‘one more year’?
Danny Jones
Casemiro has arguably been up there with one of the best Manchester United signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, after the likes of Bruno Fernandes; maybe not in terms of how it’s impacted the wider transfer budget, but now he’s about to leave, most supporters aren’t ready to let him go.
Truly, if they had their way, many would happily keep him for at least “one more year”, as they continuously chanted during the most recent home game.
However, with the footballing veteran himself admitting that he’s been left moved by the response and certainly basked in the chants for him to stay following the win over Aston Villa last weekend, another one in which he chipped in with a key goal.
Casemiro scored the opener in what went on to be a vital 3-1 win in their pursuit of Champions League places, and has made it clear that, like the rest of the squad, this is his only goal for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
But with United now looking closer to securing third or perhaps even chasing down second place, according to many (some have even gone further than that…), this current, albeit still early doors, resurgence under Michael Carrick could be the start of a corner turned for the one serial winners.
However, fans have seen many false dawns at Old Trafford over the past decade or so, and there is obviously the risk of him ultimately spoiling what should now be a fine and fitting farewell.
Then again, after speaking in a recent interview with Sky Sports, the 34-year-old said it’s been “way more” special than he was expecting since he revealed his plans to leave on a high, and stranger things have happened.
You only have to look at Mohammed Salah and Liverpool, who looked all set to go before eventually U-turning and signing a new deal – though contract terms no doubt helped swing those negotiations.
As one of the highest-earning players not just at Man United or even the Premier League but in Europe, he’s already earned serious amounts during his time with the Red Devils, so there is a belief that the incumbent INEOS board would be happy to shift him off the books and reinvest in replacing him.
#mufc are in advanced talks to sign Bruno Guimaraes for around €80m, but renewed interest from Real Madrid threatens to complicate the proposed move [@Reuters, @fernandokallas]
The likes of Guimaraes, previously courted Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Wolves duo André and Joao Gomes have all been linked with possible moves to Manchester of late.
In fact, depending on how much room Jim Ratcliffe and co. have for spending on recruitment, they could potentially even cover the wages of more than one signing in the middle of the park or other positions that they feel may require further reinforcements.
All this is still very much in theory, of course, and while Casemiro has seemingly confirmed that he will depart this summer, who knows how much of the recent reaction and outpouring of love and support from the Stretford End and beyond could potentially sway the outcome?…
Then again, do you think reconsidering the decision would be a wise move, or at his age, is four years in the English top flight enough?
Georgina Pellant -
6th April 2022 
