Our first Manc of the Month instalment of 2022 is dedicated to Figen Murray, a woman who puts peace first despite her own world being shattered by the Manchester Arena attack.
Monday 22 May, 2017, was a day that devastated and changed Manchester forever.
The attack at the Manchester Arena killed 22 innocent people, and sent shockwaves of grief throughout the region.
Those who lost loved ones on that dark day will never forget what was taken from them on that night.
That grief could so easily have turned into anger – but Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was killed at just 29 years old, has chosen to embrace and champion peace instead.
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Figen Murray with son Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack
She has recently stated: “One thing I learnt over the past 4.5 years is that there will never be a place in my heart for hate.
“The world is full of wonderful and amazing humans & recognising this has been massively healing. The darkness will never overshadow my life.”
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2022 started in a big way for Figen.
The inspirational campaigner and educator was named on the New Year’s Honours list and appointed OBE, recognised for her services to counter terrorism.
Figen Murray.
Since the tragic death of Martyn, Figen has tirelessly fought to make venues safer.
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Her Martyn’s Law campaign has led to the rapid progression of the Protect Duty, a new piece of legislation that would see certain public places required to be prepared for, and protected against, terrorist attacks.
In a witness statement as part of the Manchester Arena enquiry, Figen said: “The idea for Martyn’s Law came about at the end of 2018.
“My husband had been given two concert tickets for a singer that he likes. The tickets were for 2nd December 2018 in a Manchester theatre. I had not been out and about since Martyn’s death and this was the first time that I ventured into Manchester and into the city life in a long time.
“On attending the venue, I took my smallest handbag with me to enable any bag search to be carried out quickly. When we got to the theatre we walked in and nobody even asked for our entry tickets. We walked past members of staff who were in conversation with each other and took a seat.
We went on Saturday with some of Martyn's friends. It is definitely beautiful. It will be nice when spring adds a touch of colours to it. It is a good place to go and contemplate. I am also sad Manchester needs a memorial. But it is what it is. Nobody can bring them back😔 https://t.co/TTl2GwX9gz
“During the show, I got very tearful as I was astounded by the fact that we had just walked in. Naively, I had until then made the assumption that security checks at public venues were now run of the mill after the Manchester Arena Bombing.”
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She told ITV News: “Absolutely everything I do since Martyn died is purely for the purposes to avoid other families from going through what we as a family have gone through, and are going through and will be going through for the rest of our lives.”
It’s just one example of how this influential woman channels her energies into making the world a safer, more peaceful place.
Before the 2017 terrorist attack, Figen was actually a counsellor and life coach.
Martyn Hett.
She had dedicated her entire career to listening to people, and helping them to build a happier future.
Since making the decision to leave counselling, Figen has embarked on a new challenge, and completed a Master’s degree in Counter Terrorism from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
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She graduated with a distinction (naturally), and said: “This one’s for you, Martyn!”
These are all big, impactful moves – but Figen’s mission for peace trickles down to something much smaller too.
She also knits teddy bears, each one given its own identity and background story, which she sells on Depop.
One of these ‘peace bears’ even made its way into the arms of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, shortly after the Christchurch mosque shootings that killed 51 people.
Figen says that ‘every grown up should own a teddy bear, as people often forget to have fun and let their hair down once in a while when they grow up.’
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She left one particularly special bear, known as Jordan Bear, on a train in brown paper bag, with clear instructions that he should see the world.
The little blue creature has now passed through dozens of hands and countries – including a little holiday with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
On top of all this, Figen regularly visits schools, colleges and universities to try and instil kindness and tolerance.
She said in a blog post for Educate Against Hate: “I hope to create a positive framework for young people, so they embrace each other’s differences rather than fear them.
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“I want young people to have hope for a kinder future and I want to prevent other families from going through the same pain that we did.”
All of us Mancs have heard the expression ‘Be More Martyn’ by now.
Maybe we should all be a little more Figen too.
About Manc of the Month
We all know that Manchester is home to some special people, some born here and others drawn here, and after a bumpy two years that effectively amounted to one big lockdown, it’s these special people that have inspired and led us through the tough times – so we decided to start a series that shines a light on those who should be celebrated.
Following on from our ‘The Mancs of the Year’ feature towards the end of 2020, Manc of the Month officially kicked off in July 2021, with Marcus Rashford MBE, Manchester’s mural king Akse P-19, the local chef feeding the region’s vulnerable families Mary-Ellen McTague, and Manchester’s groundbreaking new Council leader Bev Craig among previous honourees.
Feature
Acclaimed bakery and other businesses bid final farewell to Prestwich ahead of major redevelopment
Daisy Jackson
After years of the threat of closure dangling over their heads, business owners in Prestwich have finally been served their final notices – it’s time for the demolition and redevelopment of Prestwich Precinct.
The ambitious £100m+ plan will see the dated Longfield Centre – and all the businesses who have been based here – flattened to make way for a new village centre.
When the work is complete, Prestwich’s heart will be a market hall and village square, with space for local businesses, retail units, a new larger library, and even new homes.
In recent weeks, the footpath through the Longfield Centre has been officially cordoned off ‘due to health and safety’, and business owners based here have begun to move out ahead of the redevelopment’s next phase.
While the Prestwich precinct wasn’t about to win any architecture awards anytime soon, the tired facades hid some of the suburb’s top local independents.
Many have moved out into new units with time to spare – like Keg Cask & Bottle, which is now trading as a beer bar and bottle shop further down Bury New Road; and Village Greens, which moved just around the corner into a much larger space – but others are closed indefinitely while they look for suitable new sites.
One of which is Masa, the acclaimed bakery (with the queues to match) that has been operating ‘slap bang in the middle’ of Prestwich for two years.
While they’ve gone on to open a shop and cafe, Neighbourhood, down the road, their unit in Prestwich precinct has been their main home for their bakery operation since 2023.
Masa has run its bakery from Prestwich precinct since 2023
Masa boss Rick Marlow said that they are now on the hunt for a suitable new site, capable of handling the very specific requirements of a bakery – but in the meantime, they’ll be doing their best to keep afloat out the back of Neighbourhood.
He wrote: “It’s not ideal, it doesn’t fit half of our equipment including our ovens (they’ll be going into storage in favour of a smaller one). But, it will allow us to stay up and running for now, albeit with a lower capacity. You will also unfortunately be seeing more of Rick in the shop.
“We know this isn’t ideal, and we hope you’ll be patient with us. We’ve come this far only with the support of our community and we need you more than ever.”
Macca’s Irish pub has already shut
Another busy spot that’s disappeared from Prestwich precinct is Macca’s, an increasingly lively Irish pub right in the heart of the Longfield Centre.
Macca’s announced at the end of January that they’d be calling ‘last orders’ for good, due to the development of the Longfield Centre ‘gathering pace’.
The now-closed pub later added: “Thanks so much for all the love since sharing the news. The messages, comments and support have honestly meant the world to us.
“To give everyone a proper chance to pop in and raise a glass, we’ll be open every day until we close — including Mondays and Tuesdays. No rushing goodbyes, just pints, memories and one last bit of craic together.
“Let’s make these last days count.”
Woodpeckers Pet Store is another local independent that will have to leave when the Longfield Centre is demolishing, receiving notice from Bury Council to vacate the premises by early April.
They wrote: “Alas, the time has finally come! Today, I received my notice to leave the premises. Bury Council want me out at the latest, early April.
“I do believe that all remaining businesses on the precinct have received theirs too! Each business may have different months notice so best to ask each business of their leaving date individually!
“I am still on the lookout for a new premises so if you know of anything suitable, please message me! Now you know exactly what I know, ya know?”
The All Aboard Charity Shop has already closed down (though still operates over in Salford), writing: “Due to the redevelopment of Prestwich Village, our Prestwich shop has now closed and is scheduled to be demolished.
“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Shop Manager Wendy and her team Maria, Cheryl and Victoria and all the wonderful volunteers who have supported the shop over many years. Their dedication, commitment, and resilience has meant so much to us and to the many charities we support. Saying goodbye was an emotional moment, especially for the team who have given so much to the shop and their community.
“We would also like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Prestwich customers and donors, whose loyalty, generosity, and ongoing support made the shop such a valued part of the community and helped make a real difference to the many charities we support.”
Keg Cask & Bottle is one of the lucky ones to already find a new location in Prestwich
Still open for a few more weeks is the Bury Hospice charity shop, which is selling off everything in store for just £1 before it closes at the end of March.
A business that had to leave before its time was officially up was Percivals of Prestwich, a gift shop and newsagent that had been in the village for 45 years.
When its current owners Nick and Christine took over the business, they believed it would only last three years before the precinct was demolished – it managed to hang on for 11 years.
But the pair had to move out last autumn due to the condition of the building, leaving them with just one site left in Ramsbottom.
The construction of a travel hub is moving at pace in Prestwich – and as the precinct itself empties out, it looks like the face of the village will soon change for good.
While the work is going on, it’ll be more important than ever to head out in support of the local businesses still operating around Prestwich village – we’ve rounded some up below.
RPB + Coffee– an award-winning barbershop with a star-studded client list, and brilliant coffee shop downstairs
Chin Chin – a beautiful wine bar from the team behind Elnecot, which has jazz vinyls spinning, Sunday roast sandwiches, and an ever-changing range of wines
Keg Cask and Bottle – a bar and shop where you can pick up a few cans of craft beer and sit in the shop to drink them
Cellar Door – another wine bar, operated by brother and sister Ben and Sarah, with more than 200 different wines, batched cocktails, and two floors of seating
Neighbourhood – the bakery shop for Masa, which has been thrown into turmoil by the closure of the precinct. Brave the queue and show them some support
Village Greens – a local co-operative that’s an organic supermarket, deli, and village community cornerstone
Chips @ No. 8 – An award-winning chippy, with fish and spuds sourced fresh and fried in beef dripping
Cuckoo – a cosy neighbourhood bar hosting cinema nights and serving top-notch pizzas
All The Shapes – seasonal brunches plus loads of craft beers and cocktails
The Crooked Man -a charming beer bar that feels like you’ve wandered into someone’s living room
Codi’s Kitchen – known for its freshly made, mouthwatering sushi but also offers a wide selection of pan Asian dishes
The Pearl – A neighbourhood British restaurant that’s deserving of every bit of the critical acclaim it’s received. Also, has a wine window
Remal – Authentic and unique home-style Lebanese dishes, in a cosy restaurant space
Whole Bunch Wines – A lovely wine shop where you can crack open your purchase and drink it on a seat by the windows with a charcuterie board
Thai Corner – A new-ish takeaway and small restaurant on the corner of Clifton Road, serving authentic Thai dishes.
Cruz Beckham and The Breakers live in Manchester – a torch passed from father to son?
Lonnie Bowes
Cruz Beckham graced the stage of The Deaf Institute in Manchester last night. Whether it’s your first time through the doors or you’ve been going for years, the venue carries an unmistakable energyand always will.
With a feel and set in its Victorian past, unmistakable Mancunian patina, the building leaves a mark on you – and on every grassroots artist who plays there.
The intimate upstairs room has long been a springboard for acts who go on to much bigger stages. History certainly likes to repeat itself, and perhaps this was a small sign of things to come for the youngest son of David and Victoria Beckham.
With his dad watching from the wings – fittingly in a number seven shirt synonymous with his years at Man United – Cruz stepped onto the stage with quiet confidence. For the next hour, he set his sights firmly on the crowd, eager to show exactly who he is as an artist beyond the famous surname.
Backed by a tight band that seemed to fit together like a glove, the set leaned into guitar-driven indie with an easy chemistry between players.
There were moments where the group locked into a groove, so naturally, it felt less like a new project and more like a band that had been touring together for years.
Cruz and co’s audience reflected the curiosity surrounding the night; inside the packed room was an eclectic mix of indie fans, university students, couples of all ages and a fair share of Beckham devotees – all keen to see whether the hype surrounding the young performer translated on stage.
The 21-year-old ran through his most popular (albeit limited number of) tracks thus far, including ‘Lick the Toad’, ‘Optics’, and ‘For Your Love’, each of which was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
His songs showed off a good deal of melodic indie sensibility, with jangling guitars and hooks that landed well in the intimate setting of the venue.
While Cruz held the stage, there were emotional moments playing out just above him. Throughout the set, David Beckham could be spotted proudly filming and what appeared to be FaceTiming other family members to share the moment in real time. We’re not sure Brooklyn’s picking up at the minute…
Toward the end of the night, visibly moved, the former footballer appeared to wipe away a tear — a quiet but powerful reminder that beyond the celebrity and headlines, this was still a father watching his son manifest his own destiny.
For Cruz Beckham, the night wasn’t about stadium lights or global headlines: it was about proving himself in a room that has hosted literally countless emerging artists before him. If the energy inside Deaf Institute was anything to go by, this may well be one of those early chapters people look back on later.
Did any of you head to the venue as a fan or purely out of curiosity – and if so, what did you make of Cruz Beckham’s first proper Manc gig?
Daisy Jackson -
28th January 2022 
