Landlords at Stockport gastro pub The Midway have left punters welling up after sharing news of their planned retirement in an emotional tribute.
Posting on the pub’s Facebook page on Sunday, 30 July, married couple Paul and Pauline – who have been fixtures at the pub ever since 1999 – revealed they had taken the decision to retire this October in order to spend more time with their family.
The couple shared their heartfelt thanks to both customers and staff as they revealed their last day at the pub would be on 1 October 2023.
They also reflected on three decades spent serving the people of Stockport, 25 of which have been dedicated to The Midway.
In that period, the duo has taken the boozer from a dilapidated shell to one of the region’s best pubs – leading it to take home the North West Pub of the Year Award this year.
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Reflecting on their time there, they told followers: “We are both so proud of what we have achieved at The Midway over the last 25 years.
“When we arrived in January 1999, the pub was closed and in disrepair and now, in our final year of trading, we were thrilled to win the North West Pub of the Year Award, which is something that we and our team are elated by and it is a perfect note for us to end on.”
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Image: The MIdway
Image: The Midway
They continued to thank their front-of-house and kitchen teams by name, before adding: “The Midway has built its reputation as a premium food destination in Stockport and that is as a direct result of all our team operating at the top of their game.”
Writing that it had been a ‘privilege’ to serve the people of Stockport for so many years, they added: “we are so thankful for the great number of you who have supported us during these years and who we now proudly call friends.”
As a testament to the landlords’ popularity, since being shared last night the post has been liked over 400 times and been inundated with comments from well-wishers – many of whom, it seems, have been there right from the start.
One person wrote: “I wish you both all the best in your new chapter. I loved working with you both at the Blarney, and also the Midway at the very start. I have some great memories, and i have made some great friends along the way.
“You have both put 100% into everything that you do, and it shows! What a fabulous place, you have built. From excellent food to friendly welcoming staff. I am sure your team will miss you both very much. Good luck and lots of love, Mr and Mrs T.”
Another person said: “Best of luck with whatever you have planned next, had some great times in the Blarney and the Midway. You both will be sadly missed. But all the best.”
A third added: “Was great being there in the early days of both pubs and having a good laugh ( usually at my expense) along the way…. Running down St Petersgate shouting after Deaf Michael has to be up there. Wishing you both the best of luck for the future and here’s hoping Paul and his brother don’t take up singing again”
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A fourth wrote: “13 years ago I met a friend one evening for some tea & fudge cake & as the cake arrived I went into labour with my son! Luckily, I only lived opposite at the time ”
Owners confirmed their last day at the pub would be 1 October, adding that they “look forward to seeing The Midway go from strength to strength and continue to build in its next chapter.”
Featured image – The Midway
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Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
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Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree
Daisy Jackson
A man has been charged for a series of burglaries in Wigan – one of which saw him nick the ingredients for a Christmas dinner.
Gary Marsh of Heath Street in Golborne had reportedly taken a number of festive food items from a freezer at an address.
In the burglary on 7 December, the 38-year-old took items including a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
Mr Walsh also made off with a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.
Police have said he has been charged for stealing ‘a Christmas dinner worth of goods’.
He’s been charged with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference and will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court today.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
GMP said in a statement today: “One frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
“Gary Marsh 16/05/1986 of Heath Street, Golborne, in Wigan, was charged on Wednesday 18 December with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference.
“On 7 December 2024, the following items were reportedly taken from the freezer in the basement of an address: a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets, a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.”
Georgina Pellant -
31st July 2023 
