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New mosaic mural inspired by Manchester’s music and sporting heritage unveiled

The Manchester Originals mural was unveiled outside of Emirates Old Trafford yesterday.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 4th August 2022

A brand new mosaic mural inspired by Manchester‘s iconic music, sporting, and architectural heritage has just been unveiled.

Ahead of the return of cricket’s newest and most entertaining tournament, The Hundred, later this week, the new mural has been unveiled just outside of the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground and it pays homage to the city’s very-own team, Manchester Originals.

The new mosaic mural – which is described as being a “legacy artwork” – not only brings to life the Manchester Originals’ striking monochrome branding that fans will know well, but it also draws inspiration from the architecture, music, and sporting heritage that the Greater Manchester region is world-famous for.

It also features the city’s emblem, the Manchester worker bee, The Stone Roses’ lemon, and also a clever nod to “the Mancunian Way of doing things”.

The Manchester Originals mural has been unveiled outside of Emirates Old Trafford / Credit: Nathan Whittaker (@Manc_Wanderer) via Manchester Originals

The new mural is the impressive work of renowned local mosaic artist, Mark Kennedy – who’s recognisable creations adorn the streets of Manchester, and have become synonymous with the city for over 20 years now.

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Mark was as at Emirates Old Trafford himself to help unveil the mosaic yesterday.

“Manchester has been my canvas for nearly 30 years, I can’t imagine being from, or based, anywhere else,” Mark said on the unveiling of the new mural.

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“We wanted this piece to be modern, but with references that will stand the test of time.”

The new mural is the work of renowned local mosaic artist, Mark Kennedy / Credit: Nathan Whittaker (@Manc_Wanderer) via Manchester Originals

A handful of local residents and cricket fans were also invited down to Emirates Old Trafford to place the final pieces into the mosaic ahead of Manchester Originals’ first home game of the tournament against the Northern Superchargers this Friday.

The mural also depicts Manchester Originals’ Women’s captain, Kate Cross.

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Read more: Manchester Originals and The Hundred is returning with cricket, music, and more

Speaking on the mural’s unveiling, Kate explained: “Manchester is more than our name, it’s our home, so to be part of a piece of art that captures that iconic Manchester spirit is a real honour… and I hope to see plenty of photos [of our fans] stood next to the mosaic.”

Unfamiliar with The Hundred?

Now in its second season and already proving popular with people of all ages, it’s cricket’s newest one-day 100-ball tournament that runs for four-weeks and gives spectators the chance to enjoy a mix of fast-paced world class cricket, along with music, entertainment, and street food off the pitch.

“This concept of cricket is radical – and Manchester is a radical city,” Mark Kennedy added.

Featured Image – Nathan Whittaker (@Manc_Wanderer) via Manchester Originals

News

Man who stabbed beloved gran to death sentenced to hospital order

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Man who stabbed beloved gran Michelle Hodgkinson to death sentenced to hospital order

The man who stabbed Michelle Hodgkinson to death in broad daylight in Tameside has been sentenced to a hospital order.

Paul Hughes, 30, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court today after his arrest on 3 June 2023 on suspicion of murder.

He was deemed too mentally unwell to stand trial – at the time of Michelle’s murder he was suffering from a schizophrenic attack at the time of the incident and still is suffering from Schizophrenia.

On 2 June 2023, Hughes brought a four-pack of kitchen knives, boarded a tram to Droylsden and headed to a canal path, where he appeared to be ‘lying in wait’ for someone to walk past him.

Tragically, that person was Michelle Hodgkinson, who walked past on her way to meet her mother.

She was followed, attacked from behind and stabbed multiple times.

The attack was captured on dashcam footage and several witnesses came forward to police with statements.

The court heart this week that despite being unwell, Hughes carefully planned the attack.

Hughes bought a pack of kitchen knives and waited down a canal path before he stabbed a stranger, a 51-year-old woman, on 2 June 2023.  

Michelle died at the scene on Edge Lane despite the best efforts of passers-by who tried to give her first aid, and the emergency services.

Detective Chief Inspector Danny Lee of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Michelle’s death has left a void in her family, and nothing will fix the pain they are feeling. I hope that they can gain some form of closure and justice from the sentence passed today.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who rushed to Michelle’s side and the first responders, both paramedics and response police officers who also attended the scene to give CPR in an attempt to give her the best possible chance of life.

“It is a moment to recognise, however, the devastation knife crime causes in our communities. Across Greater Manchester, officers and staff are working hard to fight, prevent and reduce this type of crime.

In a previous tribute to Michelle Hodgkinson, her family have said: “Everyone who knows Michelle are still in utter shock at the attack she endured and how horrific her last moments were.

“Our Shelly B was the most amazing, loving, selfless and funny daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie and most recently a nanna. It was a privilege to have been known and loved by her. She loved helping people in her community and was known for volunteering as an appropriate adult, her charity work and loved creating hampers to make people smile.

“She would be there for anyone and the day she was taken from us, she was doing just that – walking to meet her mum to take her shopping and to go for a coffee.

“Our family and friends are heartbroken. In one moment our world has crumbled and will never be the same. We will support each other, and we thank and appreciate the love and support shown by our family and friends. Please hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them and make memories.

“Words cannot describe how much she will be missed. Our biggest cheerleader, our confidant, our rock – she will never be forgotten. We love you to the moon and back!

“Love you forever and always!”

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Featured image: GMP

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10 ‘high-risk’ Manchester football fans arrested following recent violent disorder

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Several arrests have been made this week following an incident of violent disorder linked to a football match a few months back.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Specialist Operations branch were joined by colleagues from across the force – including those in Challenger teams – as they conducted several arrests around Greater Manchester this past Wednesday (13 December) in relation to violent disorder that recently took place.

The violent disorder in question occurred the day before Manchester United and faced FC Twente in the Champions League back in September.

Prior to the match, police say it is believed that a targeted and organised large-scale fight took place in the Lower Broughton area of Salford, all before the group of supporters then headed towards Manchester city centre.

As a result, 10 supporters – who are men aged between 20 and 64, and police say are suspected to be “high-risk” – are now in custody for questioning as investigations continue.

On top of this, when officers entered two properties on their search mission, two separate cannabis farms were found, and this meant that a 36-year-old woman was also subsequently arrested on suspicion of cultivation.

With the Manchester Derby now only days away, GMP says these arrests are a reminder that violence of any sort, whether it’s linked to football or not, “will not be tolerated” in our region.

Speaking ahead of the massive Premier League clash this weekend, Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, from GMP’s Specialist Operations division, commented: “With another big fixture coming this weekend, we want to send a strong message and reassurance that our specialised officers will be deployed to ensure you remain safe and peace is maintained, so you can enjoy the game.

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“On occasions when enforcement is needed, those who are intent on causing harm will have to answer for their actions.”

Featured Image – GMP

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