Manchester

Taxi drivers in Greater Manchester given new dress code and behaviour rules

Price-setting will also be made uniform across the city region.

The Manc The Manc - 30th September 2021

Taxi drivers in Greater Manchester are to be given a dress code and a new set of rules for their cabs which includes an eating ban and no vaping.

According to the BBC, council chiefs in all 10 boroughs have signed up to minimum standards for private hire and hackney carriage drivers in the licensing process.

There will be a minimum English proficiency test for all drivers including enhanced criminal record and medical checks.

Price-setting will also be made uniform across the city region.

Mantax | Manchester's Largest Fleet Of Black Cabs
Mantax

The standards agreement also means drivers are bound to take the shortest routes possible and must keep their vehicles clean and comfortable for passengers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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Details of the scheme presented to Trafford Council before being approved stated that the “collaborative approach” would help achieve “a strong, professional and healthy” taxi and private hire sector to provide “safe and high quality services” across Greater Manchester.

The standards, which also ask drivers to be punctual and park considerately, are based on feedback from a consultation involving drivers, customers and unions in June.

There are an estimated 2,000 hackney vehicles, 11,500 private hire vehicles and 18,600 drivers in the region.

Manchester

A literacy charity is making its way to Manchester bringing lots of FREE books

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A charity dedicated to literacy is coming to Manchester in May providing families and individuals with plenty of free books.

Led by Bookbanks, this London-founded organisation was set up in line with food banks to provide people with access to free books and now they’re coming all the way to Manchester.

This charity started in 2022 all thanks to writer and journalist Emily Rhodes, who has read her fair share of books and wants to give this privilege to anyone who might not be able to get their hands on any.

The charity has seen widespread positive reception quickly expanding into Norfolk and is now partnering with various food banks in Manchester, marking the organisation’s first Northern venture.

Bookbanks gives out an average of 30 books per week, per site and has distributed over 5,000 books so far at food banks.

Crates being organised in Manchester food bank.
Crates being organised in Manchester food bank.
Credit: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

Titled Bookbanks after the fact that they work very closely with food banks to provide books far and wide to food banks across the UK, they also host a range of interactive events.

Alongside all the fantastic work the team do, there’s a handful of free workshops and author events on offer for all ages and backgrounds, to further build the connection between people and their books.

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Currently, there are two famous figures backing this book-based charity, Elizabeth Day and Andrew O’Hagan, both of which are no stranger to a pen and paper.

Day is an award-winning author who has written nine fiction and non-fiction books to date, while O’Hagan is Booker Prize nominated and is London Review of Books’ Editor-at-Large.

Bookbanks relies on the general public to spread their message further and there’s even a section on their website detailing how you can get involved to continue distributing books within food banks.

One of Bookbank's many free author events, some of which will hopefully take place in Manchester.
One of Bookbank’s many free author events, some of which will hopefully take place in Manchester.
Credit: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

Whether you’re an avid runner or keen to try something new why not raise money for and be sponsored by Bookbanks, knowing you’ve done your bit to bring books to those who need them most.

If you don’t fancy lacing up those trainers and heading out for a run, why not donate any old books you’ve finished reading to this book-focused charity and allow others to discover a whole new world of reading.

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Bookbanks first official Manchester site will launch on Friday 2 May at Manchester Central Food bank and a second site is already in talks at Greater Together Manchester’s Social Supermarket in Miles Platting.

To find out more ways to get involved as a company, publisher, member of public and more, you can find all information on their official site HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture via Annabelle Williams

Manchester

The Manchester vintage shop selling designer brands for £25 has reopened in a new location

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A much-loved and viral vintage shop selling all your favourite designer brands is finally returning to Manchester after a 16 month closure.

Already loved vintage shop Catch My Thrift is reopening in a new location in Manchester city centre and it’s providing people with high-end fashion at budget-friendly prices.

After a successful run of pop-up shop dates on Deansgate, now, Catch My Thrift now has a permanent location to help make the streets of Manchester even more stylish, one thrifted tee at a time.

There’s no catch here, besides the one you can find in their company name, as you can bag brands from Yves Saint Laurent to Ralph Lauren from as little as £25.

Located in Chatham Mill, this vintage clothes shop is suitable for shopaholics and bargain lovers alike as they’re providing the people of Manchester with trendy tees while keeping prices in the forefront of their mind.

An Yves Saint Laurent polo shirt from Catch My Thrift in Manchester.
An Yves Saint Laurent polo shirt from Catch My Thrift in Manchester.
This vintage store has a variety of cool jackets, just like this one.
This vintage store has a variety of cool jackets, just like this one.
Credit: The Manc Group

Just a five minute walk from iconic music venues Gorilla and O2 Ritz, Catch My Thrift also finds itself right in the heart of Manchester’s student accommodation.

Catch My Thrift is the brainchild of sustainable fashion brand owner Scott Joseph, known online as Sustainably Scott, and initially launched all the way back in 2023.

Now, this vintage clothes site is well-trusted as their Instagram account highlights notable names that have visited the including the England Rugby team as well as a whole host of influencers.

And very soon you’ll be able to walk round with coffee in hand as the attached space will act as a coffee shop venue working alongside the vintage clothes vendor titled, Canteen.

There’s an additional third unit just next door that owner Scott has plans for in the future, however all is being kept secret as of yet.

One thing we can guarantee is whatever this space becomes, it’s sure to be a hit.

Catch My Thrift, colloquially referred to as Catch, is open now and their attached coffee shop Canteen will be opening very soon, both located at Chatham Mill in Manchester.

A lovely outfit combination made by Catch My Thrift owner, Scott.
A lovely outfit combination made by Catch My Thrift owner, Scott.
It doesn't get more vintage than a snazzy windbreaker, does it?
It doesn’t get more vintage than a snazzy windbreaker.
Credit: The Manc Group

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Featured Images: The Manc Group

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