A Manchester veteran is urging local people to show support by writing messages to other veterans who suffer with physical and mental challenges.
Lamin Manneh, who served in Afghanistan, is fronting this initiative alongside Help For Heroes with the aim to deliver as many uplifting messages as possible to veterans who need a little pick-me-up this Christmastime.
The Manchester-born veteran experienced his own struggles while serving for the Armed Forces losing both legs and an arm whilst on patrol.
There are at least 7,700 veterans in Manchester and there are even more that can be supported by Help For Heroes.
Their latest campaign ‘Send A Christmas Message To A Veteran’ allows anyone to upload their own words and pictures of support that veterans can access virtually.
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It’s easy to access and the message is uploaded straight away meaning people can reach it through any digital or desktop device whenever they need.
Last year, Christmas cards with some inspiring messages and words of support were distributed between more than 9,500 veterans and the Armed Forces charity are hoping to reach even more.
These cards are vital to any retired soldier as Help For Heroes knows for some people this may be the only card they receive this year.
Pairing this with the fact that many veterans are affected by both physical and mental challenges which limit socialising, Christmas can be a tricky time for them.
Some of the messages posted to the online wall have images attached to them too, which you can also do, including some of the cutest dogs, that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
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Manneh said: “During military service, service men and women have a strong support network and a close-knit community, but transitioning to civilian life can destroy that.
“Coupled with physical and mental health issues, which can prevent them from socialising, Christmas can become a time filled with dread rather than a celebration.
“Loneliness can lead to unnecessary thoughts coming to you, which can cause so much harm. Therefore, it is paramount for anyone who needs help to reach out.
“I know from last year that receiving messages from Help for Heroes supporters made a massive difference to some people and showed there are people out there who care. It also encouraged veterans to come forward and get support.”
If you want to get involved and show your support with a few words of encouragement and empathy, you can do so via their virtual message wall here.
Step inside the incredible immersive David Hockney experience that’s opened in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Mancs can now step inside the work of one of the world’s greatest artists, with a new immersive David Hockney experience in Manchester.
The magnificent warehouse space at Aviva Studios has been taken over by the legendary artist,
David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) has opened in Manchester today, with huge projections bringing his life’s work to life.
Running all the way through to 25 January, this dazzling digital exhibition cycles through six themed chapters and features some of his most iconic images.
Spanning six decades, there’ll be lesser-seen images and new work, plus a running commentary from the artist himself and an original score by Nico Muhly.
His most famous artworks, including A Bigger Splash and plenty of his Photographic Collages, are animated and drift across Aviva Studios’ huge walls and floor.
Visitors can view the spectacle from up on the balcony or take to amphitheatre seating and benches to see it up close.
David Hockney Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) is now open in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
In part of the rotating exhibition, you can even see the work of David Hockney taking shape before your eyes, as he paints on an iPad.
From the hills of LA to the Grand Canyon to Yorkshire to Normandy, the work follows Hockney around the world and back here to his homeland in the UK.
Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) affords unparalleled access to the mind of one of Britain’s most loved artists.
David Hockney said: “I’m very happy that my exhibition is going to Factory International in Manchester and that more people in the UK will be able to see my pictures bigger & closer than before. LOVE LIFE DH.”
Standard tickets are on sale from £20, with affordable options available from factoryinternational.org.
Northern Quarter craft beer bar Fierce Bar announces sudden closure
Thomas Melia
A much loved independent craft beer bar in the heart of the Northern Quarter is set to close before the end of the year.
Fierce Bar, which opened in Manchester city centre in 2020, has been a firm favourite for Mancs and visitors alike with their range of beers and IPAs.
The Fierce Beer company has established itself as a leading force within the beer community winning ‘Scottish Brewery of the Year in 2021’ and numerous Scottish Beer Awards.
Their wide range of drink flavours pay homage to varieties from the USA and offered people who frequented their Thomas Street site in the Northern Quarter were treated to a refreshing taste of the transatlantic.
The Thomas Street bar had previously been home to 57 Thomas Street, a bar operated by Marble Brewery, which also operates The Marble Arch.
In a post on social media which opens with, “Some sad news…”, the company have stated: “We face continually spiralling costs that unfortunately mean it’s going to be unsustainable to continue operating the venue viably going forward”.
There’s still some hope as beer brand have also announced: “This is not the end for Fierce Beer south of the border though; we’re continuing to keep an eye on the market and aim to get back as soon as we can with a new physical location.”
Anyone wanting to continue the bar’s legacy in Manchester can sport the indie establishment’s range of t-shirts, hats and funky glasses, some of which adorned the walls.
Being a Scottish born and bred brewery, if you’re still after your alcohol fix, you can still visit their two other locations in Edinburgh and Aberdeen next time you’re heading up north.
The last day of trade for Fierce Bar will be 20 December where the founders Dave and Louise will be heading to the Manchester site say a sad goodbye.
As it will be the final night of service ever, the team are urging anyone to pop down for a pint or two to commemorate the Manchester home.
It’s a shame to see such a well-used city centre social space shutting its doors, however Fierce Beer loyalists fear not as their online website is still very much alive and thriving here.
Thomas Melia -
10th December 2024 
