The friends of a missing Salford pub landlord have issued a public appeal for information on his whereabouts.
56-year-old Georg Czysch was last seen walking out of The Showboat pub on Hall Street in Swinton, Salford at 7.50am in the morning on Thursday 29 July.
He hasn’t been seen since.
Worried friends explained that Georg – who was born in Germany – lives alone in a flat above the popular community pub and has been the landlord there for around two years, but on the morning of 29 July, he left behind his mobile phone, wallet, credit cards, watch and passport – as well as his two beloved dogs.
Georg was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark green hoodie.
He is not thought to have any family in the country and also takes medication for a heart condition – which his friends also found in the flat.
His disappearance has been reported to Greater Manchester Police.
56-year-old Georg Czysch is the landlord of The Showboat pub in Swinton / Credit: Google Maps
Speaking to the MEN about the 56-year-old’s disappearance, close friend Thomas Mitchell said: “This is so out of character for Georg.
“I have known him for at least 10 years, others have for longer, and he has never just walked out of anywhere before. He has always been a straight talking guy, funny and genuine [and] he would do everything he could to help a person in need.
“I know Georg has struggled during the pandemic, not being able to open his pub or see friends, but this is so out of character [as] he loves his dogs and to leave them behind is not him.
“He’s loved and respected by all who know him and we just need to know he’s safe and well.”
Another close friend of Georg’s, Luke Martin – 26, from Rochdale – said Georg used to run the Middleton Archer pub in Middleton and the New Road Inn in Blackpool, adding: “He has been running pubs over here for around 15 years [so] there is quite a lot of concern and a lot of worried people.
“I saw him two days before he went missing and everything was fine.”
Georg was last seen heading in the direction of Swinton Railway Station at 7:50am on Thursday 29 July / Credit: Facebook (Georg Czysch)
Luke continued: “On the Thursday, his ex-partner and a cleaner went to the pub and it was unlocked [but] they carried on working [until they] realised that he was not there. All the CCTV shows is a figure which looks like Georg with his hood up walking out of the pub at 7.50am.”
Luke said Georg headed in the direction of Swinton Railway Station on Station Road, adding: “There has been no contact with anyone since [so] his close friends have all said it’s completely out of the ordinary.
“People are worried about him and just want to know he’s safe.”
Georg is believed to have connections with Aberdeenshire in Scotland, Blackpool and Scarborough.
Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting log reference number 622 03/08/2021.
Featured Image – Facebook (Georg Czysch)
News
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16
Emily Sergeant
The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.
So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.
The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.
The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic
Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.
Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.
The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.
Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.
The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)
News
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
The Manc -
6th August 2021 
