The “heartbroken” family of a man who’s ashes were stolen from a house in Bury are appealing for information alongside police.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has explained that, back on Tuesday 19 September, officers were called out to reports of a burglary at a woman’s home on Brandlesholme Road in Bury, and it’s believed that a number of power tools were stolen from the garage.
Not only that though, as in what is a truly upsetting incident, the ashes of the woman’s husband were also stolen.
Given the distressing nature of the theft – especially after the couple had been married for nearly 50 years before the man sadly passed away earlier this year – GMP has now launched an investigation, and is following a number of lines of enquiry at the moment.
In the meantime though, the family of the man have issued a joint appeal with police to the public for further information.
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#APPEAL | Family appeal for information after husband's ashes stolen from their house.
On Tuesday (19/9/23) GMP were called to reports of a burglary on Brandlesholme Rd, Bury. A number of power tools were stolen from the garage, but also a man's ashes. https://t.co/3xyFZogVnRpic.twitter.com/cXwrvsO3Hj
“Earlier this year, I lost my husband Nigel to pancreatic cancer after being married for nearly 50 years,” the family’s public appeal begins, “Nigel’s death has completely devastated our family, and to say we are heartbroken would be an understatement.
“On Tuesday 19 September 2023, I discovered that the garage at the rear of our home had been broken into and a number of power tools had been stolen from inside.
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“Also stolen from inside the garage, from the wooden workbench, were Nigel’s ashes. Nigel’s ashes were in a mint green coloured box, inside a burgundy coloured tote bag.
“Nigel spent the majority of his time in the garage, as he was a passionate handyman who would turn his hands to absolutely anything and loved spending time at his workbench. When we received Nigel’s ashes, we decided as a family that we would place them on his wooden workbench in the garage, as this is where he loved to be, and where he was his happiest.
“One of Nigel’s last wishes was that he wanted to have his ashes scattered at Woodbank Cricket Club. A place which held a special place in his heart, he loved spending time here, but as a family, we decided that we would wait until the cricket season was over to scatter Nigel’s ashes.
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“And now the season is over, we cannot fulfil his wishes as someone has stolen them from us.”
GMP issues appeal after a man’s ashes are stolen from a house in Bury / Credit: GMP
The family’s appeal continues: “I am appealing to the local community and the people of Bury, and I ask that anyone with any knowledge of this crime come forward with information.
“There must be someone who knows or has any information about this.
“I am not interested in the return of the power tools, all I want is for my husband’s ashes to be returned to us, so as a family we can fulfil his last wish and lay him to rest.
“I have already lost my husband, and now I have lost him for a second time.”
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Anyone with any information is asked to call GMP on 0161 856 8222 quoting log 2738 of 19/09/23, or alternatively contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time
Danny Jones
More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.
As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.
The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.
Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…
If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.
As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”
These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.
As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.
However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.
Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)
The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,
“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.
“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”
Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.
Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ is coming to Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.
Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.
The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.
This Vogue-fronted experience will incorporate interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.
As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.
‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.
You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.
Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.
This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.
Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone’s calendar year in and year out.First Northern Quarter’s Chanel show, now this… Très chic. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/GoodFon)
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”
“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January when it visits Aviva Studios this winter.
Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd October 2023 
