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Manchester Camerata launch free Music Cafe at Gorton Monastery for people living with dementia

The Manc The Manc - 19th August 2021

Nationally-renowned chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata has announced the launch of a new Music Cafe at Gorton Monastery for those living with dementia.

The music group – which has been described as “Britain’s most adventurous orchestra” – will be setting up special music-making sessions inside the Grade II listed building for those living with the syndrome and their carers.

All classes at the Music Cafe will be free of charge – with therapists providing additional information and training on how to use music at home to help loved ones.

These sessions will be held weekly and begin from September 1, with times to be confirmed.

The Music Cafe will involve music therapists pairing up with musicians from the Manchester Camerata to deliver the interactive sessions.

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The project has been backed by Music For Dementia UK‘s Paul & Nick Harvey fund – a £500,000 pot split between 27 organisations to make music accessible for everyone living with the condition.

MusicForDementia Charity is aiming to make music a part of dementia care in the long-term – stating that music “has a valuable role to play in enhancing quality of life for people living with the syndrome, and their carers” as well as helping people stay connected.

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More information on the Manchester Camerata Music Cafe is available online.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons

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Gary Lineker set to leave BBC this week following more controversy

Danny Jones Danny Jones Gary Lineker to leave BBC early

Former footballer and veteran presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC earlier than expected following further political controversies and social media backlash.

Lineker has been butting heads with the presenter for a couple of years now, being suspended by the national corporation back in March 2023 for his comments about language used by the Conservative government, and has continued to take issue with certain aspects of their news coverage.

Following the most recent incident last week, in which the 64-year-old apologised for sharing what has been described as an ‘offensive’ and since-deleted Zionism post, which included an image of a rat.

He has since gone on to share a further video expressing his regret over what he called an “honest mistake”, as well as confirming that he will be making a premature exit from the BBC.

As you can see in the clip above, he says: “I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused,” insisting that he didn’t see the emoji in question

Lineker is now expected to leave following his final Match of the Day programme this weekend after having already confirmed he would be leaving the role after 26 years at the end of the season.

The ex-English footballer was set to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, but given the latest furore, he will be stepping away ahead of schedule.

Having gradually wound down his work with networks like TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and the BBC in recent years, he has been slowly shifting his focus to his own Goalhanger Podcasts company, which includes several popular audio formats under The Rest Is… brand, including his own flagship The Rest Is Football show.

He goes on to add that he’s “stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all my life.” Since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflicts began, he’s been particularly outspoken on the events. One recent interview with the BBC itself sparked plenty of discussion online.

Lineker reiterated that he would never “knowingly share anything antisemitic” and removed the problematic post as soon as he was made aware.

Nevertheless, the BBC and director general Tim Davie have been facing pressure to address the situation ever since it happened, with many calling for the household name to be sacked.

It seems the ex-Everton, Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona player has made the decision for them.

As he goes on to conclude, despite expressing gratitude regarding his relationship with the BBC, he feels the “time is right […’ to go our separate ways.”

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Featured Images — BBC/Gary Lineker (screenshot)

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Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of arson after large moorland fire in Bury

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Moor fire

Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a large moorland fire took place in Bury last month.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained it was called to reports of an ‘ongoing fire’ at Holcombe Hill at around 12:30pm on Tuesday 13 May, and officers accompanied colleagues from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in attending the scene.

After emergency services attended, the fire was successfully contained and put out later in the afternoon.

An investigation was then subsequently launched.

“Wildfires can spread quickly and cause devastation to the land and wildlife on it,” explained GMFRS’s wildfire lead and national tactical adviser for wildfires, Ady Taylor, “so it’s vitally important that people call 999 as soon as they think they see a fire.”

He continued: “We want people to enjoy the countryside and moorland we have in Greater Manchester, but… [we] remind people to always act responsibly while out enjoying these environments.

“This means no BBQs, fires or fireworks – as they can easily result in wildfires.”

On Wednesday 14 May 2025, a teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and interviewed by police in relation to the incident, and then the following day on Thursday 15 May 2025, another two boys were also arrested – with each of the three having now been released on bail pending further enquiries while investigations are ongoing.

Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a large moorland fire in Bury / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Detective Inspector Andy Wright, from GMP’s Bury district, added: “The moorland fire is being investigated as arson following information from a witness and enquiries we have made.

“We have managed to apprehend three teenagers in relation to this incident, all of them have been bailed following interviews with our officers.”

GMP and GMFRS is reminding Greater Manchester residents that if they see a fire in the countryside, they need to report it immediately, leave the area as soon as possible, and dial 999, and if you witness illegal activity in relation to the fire, then you can report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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“Fires can have such a devastating effect, and we are lucky that this has not caused a significant amount of damage, or cost lives,” Detective Inspector Andy Wright concluded.

Featured Image – Mick Garrett (via Geograph)

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