The people's voice of Greater Manchester

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AJ Handley-Rowe - 10th November 2021

Much-loved Manc music shop Tasty Records goes up for sale as owners calls on next custodians to take over local favourite

Danny Jones

Much-loved Greater Manchester record and music store Tasty Records has officially closed, and the current custodian is putting the Trafford institution up for sale in hopes that someone will take over as worthy successors.

What an opportunity for any budding entrepreneurs.

The Alty record shop in its current brick-and-mortar form has stood for some time now, but popular owner Ben Molesworth has been selling physical media from 2012 onwards, and now his time at the helm of the hailed south Manchester spot has come to a somewhat bittersweet end.

A bit of a local legend with regulars who frequent and flick through his coveted vinyl collection, not just on Record Store Day but throughout the year, the area will be sad to see him go – and so will we – but it doesn’t mean this has to be the end.

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Writing a heartfelt statement on their social media pages, Ben admitted that the situation is “complicated”, to say the least.

“The shop deserves more than I can give it, and I have sold records in Altrincham for 14 years”, he explains, before going on to add that “It’s time for me to concentrate on different things.

“What happens now?” he continues, “Keep following! I’m not sure yet. I have closed the doors, but everything is still there… A busy website, Discogs, socials, a strong set of accounts and £ks of great vinyl stock.”

You’d think with a sales pitch like that, it would be a no-brainer for audiophiles who’ve ever dreamt of spending their days cataloguing their favourite tunes and artists, whilst providing a still criminally unsung public service: delivering printed music to the masses.

With more than a decade and a half of experience to his name, we’re sure Ben has plenty of wisdom to impart about how to take good care of his baby moving forward – he just needs some to set up to the plate/turntable.

As saturated as the Manc music market and record store scene is, it was also comfortably on this list pretty much since day one.

20 of the best record shops in and around Greater Manchester

You’ll know and love plenty of these, no doubt.

All that being said, part of the challenge for any independent business is getting the word out, hence why we thought we’d help do our bit by shouting about it.

He signed off by adding: “Thank you to all of my wonderful customers, friends and supporters. Tasty Records isn’t dead, only sleeping. Lots of love, Ben.”

For anyone who might fancy taking over this “awesome little record shop” (his words AND ours), you can express your interest/table an offer over email via [email protected].

What an honour it would be to carry on this place’s legacy – here’s hoping someone takes up the mantle soon.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

New Natural History GCSE to be introduced in ‘landmark moment’ for education

Emily Sergeant

A new Natural History GCSE is set to be introduced to the curriculum in the UK in what is being described as a ‘landmark moment’ for education.

Young people will soon be able to grow the knowledge and skills they need for future careers shaped by science, technology and environmental change, as the new Natural History GCSE is now one step closer to being taught in classrooms.

The new qualification will see students study three core areas – habitats and wildlife in the UK, human influence on the natural world, and the study of climate change, biodiversity loss and conservation.

It will also include time outside of the classroom for fieldwork, giving students an opportunity to, quite literally, get their hands dirty and apply their knowledge and skills by studying real habitats in their local area.

The introduction of the Natural History GCSE comes as jobs in sustainable sectors and so-called ‘green careers’ continue to rise in demand, according to the Government – with around 900 UK businesses in nature-related sectors raising £2.8 billion in 2025, supporting 21,000 jobs in total.

Parents in Greater Manchester say friendship is one of school’s most valuable lessons — A new Natural History GCSE is set to be introduced in the UK in what is a ‘landmark moment’ for education / Credit: Department of Education (Supplied)

Now, with plans to introduce the new subject, a 12-week consultation has been launched to seek views from pupils, parents, teachers, and the green industry on the proposed subject content.

What we do know, however, is that at the heart of the new GCSE is a ‘deep understanding’ of UK habitats and wildlife pupils will find around them.

By learning to use scientific models – such as taxonomic keys and food webs – the GCSE will ask students to understand how habitats form, and how changes on Earth affect forms of wildlife differently, while also learning how the UK’s landscape has changed over time, giving young people the historical context to make sense of changes that are happening today.

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The subject content will also examine human influences on the natural world, such as urbanisation, fishing and deforestation, as well as conservation approaches, while exploring how everyday actions – from wildlife-friendly gardens to reduced mowing of roadside verges – can support biodiversity.

“As we move into a world where careers are being increasingly shaped by science, technology and environmental change, it’s crucial young people have the skills for the jobs of tomorrow,” commented Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

“This new GCSE will help students build a strong understanding of the natural world, alongside the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to access careers in some of the UK’s fastest growing sectors.

“With extensive fieldwork built in, the GCSE will also get young people out and about exploring local parks, rivers and more – a critical part of childhood as more and more of our worlds are taken up by screens.”

Featured Image – Dmitry Zvolskiy (via Unsplash)