A time capsule dated back to 1873 has been unearthed inside the walls of the Manchester Museum during refurbishment works.
The glass jar time capsule with its wax seal still intact was found hidden deep within a cavity wall.
As builders renovated the oldest surviving synagogue in Manchester, they discovered the almost 150-year-old capsule buried next to the Museum’s Ark – the chamber which houses the Torah scrolls – and found it filled with synagogue papers, newspapers and some old coins.
Buried almost 150 years ago, the time capsule was found during renovations of the Manchester Jewish Museum.
The museum said staff were yet to open the capsule and examine its contents in more detail.
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The Grade II-listed building – described by English Heritage as “one of the highlights of Victorian Gothic architecture in the country”, is the oldest surviving synagogue in Manchester. The local Jewish population moved away from the area in the 1970s, making the synagogue redundant, and it was given a new lease of life as the Manchester Jewish Museum in 1984.
It is currently being restored and extended as part of a £5m project.
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Manchester Jewish Museum
Museum leaders now hope the discovery of the time capsule will help to tell the story of the museum’s former life as a synagogue.
Max Dunbar – Chief Executive of Manchester Jewish Museum – said: “This timely discovery comes at an apt and symbolic period when millions of Jewish people around the world prepare for the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement, a reflective and thoughtful time of year when many observers look backwards as a means to move forwards,”
“We are thrilled and overwhelmed by its discovery and look forward to displaying it in the new museum next spring.”
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It is hoped the redeveloped museum will increase annual visitor numbers from 10,000 to 40,000 when it reopens in spring 2021.
You can find more information via the Manchester Jewish Museum website here.
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Murder investigation launched and five people arrested after man dies in Salford
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a man in Salford this week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to an address on Great Clowes Street in Salford at around 7:50pm on Tuesday evening (6 October), and when they arrived on the scene, a man in his 40s was found ‘unresponsive’.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and all the medical professionals involved, the man sadly died a short time later.
The identity of the man has not been revealed as of yet.
Police have confirmed that five men, all aged between 24 and 35-years-old, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A public appeal for information has now been issued as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this man’s death continues.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Partington explained: “Our priority is to establish exactly what happened and we are keeping an open mind as we work to build a full picture of the events leading up to his death. A post-mortem is taking place to establish the cause of death, which will be an important part of our investigation.
“We understand that an incident of this nature will understandably cause concern within the local community but at this stage, we are confident that there isn’t any wider threat to the public.
“Officers will remain in the area while enquiries continue, and I would encourage anyone who has information, or who may have witnessed anything that could assist our investigation, to speak to officers or contact us.”
Can you help? Anyone with information should contact police on 101, use the LiveChat function on the GMP website, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Police appeal launched as woman dies after being hit by lorry in Bury
Daisy Jackson
A woman has tragically died after being hit by a lorry in Bury yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.45pm on Tuesday 6 October, emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Radcliffe.
The collision was between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West.
Tragically, the pedestrian – a woman in her 50s – passed away at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A large cordon was in place yesterday and road has remained closed this morning.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for information.
They said: “At around 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 October 2026) we were called to reports of a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West, Radcliffe.
“Emergency services attended but sadly the pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, passed away at the scene.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information including CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2299 of 06.10.26. Reports can also be made via our website of the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
25th September 2020 
