SEA LIFE Manchester has launched a new initiative to help the conservation of Manchester’s canals, with a number of clean-ups organised throughout 2022.
SEA LIFE centres across the UK are known to be dedicated to the conservation and clean-ups of the nation’s beaches, but since our region is famous for having ‘everything but a beach’, the team at SEA LIFE Manchester has decided to shift their focus over to Manchester’s canals instead.
The team are now seeking the help of locals to volunteer for the clean-up programme.
Volunteers will not only get the chance to lend a hand in removing litter from the canals, but also help with the potential aquatic creatures that could be found in the city’s waters, according to SEA LIFE Manchester.
SEA LIFE Manchester explains that the main objective of the canal clean-up is “the conservation and de-cluttering of the channels”, but that’s not all, as volunteers will also be encouraged to keep a keen eye out for any terrapins or turtles living in the waterways for the UK citizen project ‘Turtle Tally’.
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Turtle Tally is an ongoing study that’s aimed at collecting observational data on the locations where turtles and terrapins are spotted across the UK, and thanks to public input, organisations such as this one can collect information to understand more on this topic, and the wonderful sea (or canal) creatures.
Through working with Turtle Tally, SEA LIFE Manchester says it is helping to “ascertain the impact” that “invasive species” such as these are having on British waterways.
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On top of that, the project will raise awareness of dangers posed to native habitats, and also how non-native species can struggle to cope in the British climate.
Unfortunately, SEA LIFE Manchester says terrapins and turtles are often released by people who no longer want the creature as a pet, and they then end up suffering in the environment due to competition for food and basking sites.
Speaking on the new project, Matt Barker – Aquarist at SEA LIFE Manchester – said: “Here at SEA LIFE, we are constantly committed to the conservation of our waters, whether that be through our beach cleans, or in this instance, our canal clean-ups, and through these conservation efforts, we aim to create a healthier environment for marine life to thrive, whilst also encouraging others to think harder about the consequences of cluttering waterbodies.
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“We hope to see plenty of local volunteers come down and help us in our latest conservation efforts.”
The upcoming 2022 clean-up dates are:
26 March: 1-3pm
28 April: 1-3pm
26 May: 1-3pm
25 June: 1-3pm
14 July: 1-3pm
11 August: 1-3pm
15 September: 1-3pm
6 October: 1-3pm
All volunteers will get free entry to SEA LIFE Manchester as a thank you, so for more information or to find out how to get involved, then you can visit the dedicated conservation page here.
Featured Image – SEA LIFE Manchester
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One of the largest charity shops in the UK is opening in Bolton this week
Emily Sergeant
One of the largest charity shops in the UK is set to open down at a popular Greater Manchester retail park this week.
The independently-run Regenerage superstore is set to become the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton – which also happens to be the biggest retail park in the UK too – when it throws open its doors to the public tomorrow.
Regenerage Bolton – previously known as Age Concern Central Lancashire – is the first to be launched under the brand’s new name.
Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store offers, shoppers will be able to find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more
One of the largest charity shops in the UK is opening in Bolton this week / Credit: Regenerage
Not only that, but there’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.
This means customers will have the unique chance to pick up the perfect pre-loved items for upcoming occasions, like weddings and proms, in excellent nearly-new condition – with many items having been donated after just one wear.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, you can even get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, without the hefty price tag.
/ Credit: Regenerage
“We’re incredibly excited to be finally opening the doors of our new superstore,” commented Bel Fry, who is the Director of Retail at Regenerage.
“It’s the largest store we have ever launched and the whole team has worked tirelessly to make it stand out from the crowd. I have been blown away by the quality of items coming through the doors, and it’s a real testament to the generosity and kind-heartedness of local people for the range of products we are able to offer customers.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Middlebrook Retail Park, and we can’t wait to make our opening day one to remember.”
The new Regenerage store opens at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 20 March), and the first 100 customers through the doors will be given a free branded tote bag to pop their shopping in.
As part of the grand opening, anyone purchasing an item on the day will be entered into a special prize draw with the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend in-store too.
Featured Image – Regenerage
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Northern is hiring hundreds of new train drivers and conductors with ‘no previous experience’ needed
Emily Sergeant
Northern has just launched another massive recruitment drive, and is looking to hire hundreds of new train drivers and conductors.
The best bit? You don’t even need any previous rail experience to apply.
The train operator says it is looking to recruit as many as 300 drivers and conductors across right the north of England this year – with the new recruits all set to form part of the team that is responsible for running the over 2,500 services Northern provides to more that 500 stations throughout the region each day.
Northern says both its driver and conductor roles “require no previous rail industry experience”, as full paid-for training will be provided at its academies in Manchester and Leeds.
The company wants to welcome 108 new train drivers and 198 conductors in 2024.
Northern is hiring hundreds of new train drivers and conductors across the region / Credit: Northern
The train driver roles – which will be advertised in the coming months in Manchester, as well as other nearby locations like Blackburn, Blackpool, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, and more – come with a starting salary of £23,000 a year, which eventually rises to £54,500 after completing a 64-week training course.
The conductor roles, on the other hand – many of which will also be advertised in Manchester too – come with starting salaries of £22,000 that rise to £29,000 on completion of 16-weeks of training.
Northern says its 2024 recruitment drive is part of a “normal and ongoing recruitment process” across the region, and comes as a handful of its other team members retire, earn promotion, or move on to the next stage of their career.
No previous rail experience is required for the roles / Credit: Northern
“We have a range of rewarding roles for anyone who wants to become part of a dedicated team,” commented Tricia Williams, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Northern, as the recruitment drive launched this week.
“We are looking for customer-focused people with excellent communication skills, who thrive in a dynamic environment and may not have considered a career in rail before. We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve, and we’re proud to include people from all walks of life in our team, from military veterans and ex-police officers, to former office workers, and stay-at-home parents.”
Ms Williams said the rail operator will be recruiting all throughout 2024, and is encouraging hopeful candidates to register for job alerts on the Northern website so they don’t miss out.
You can find out more information and apply for roles here.