The moving tribute says: “Our beautiful Sharon sadly passed away on Wednesday 12th April 2023. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends.
“Sharon brought joy and laughter to every single person she met in her life. Her kindness and friendship will be missed by so many people. She lived life to it’s fullest, without any prejudice and always with love.
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“She was a devoted daughter to her Mum, Norah. A fantastic role model to her brother Ash. And the most loyal friend to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting her.
“Her loss will leave such a hole in so many lives.
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“We have set up this GoFundMe to raise money for Sharon’s funeral costs, we would love to give Sharon the beautiful service that she so deserves.
“Any contribution big or small is very much appreciated.”
Sharing the sad news today, EatMCR wrote: “A young woman called Sharon, who some of you will know, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday.
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“You might have seen her around town or had one of her bakes. She worked at both @longboisbakes in Levenshulme and @trove_foods. From the few times I met her, she immediately stood out to me as someone who radiated positivity and had a heart of gold. I really do mean that.
“A Go Fund Me has been set up to raise money for her funeral costs. The donation link is in our bio.
“I know there’s many of you reading this who might not have met her and this is quite a personal post for us to share. Sharon was a well loved member of the Manchester hospitality community, it felt only right we help as much as we can now.
Sharon Nagadya-Tendo. Credit: GoFundMeCredit: Long Bois BakehouseSharon with the Long Bois Bakehouse team at the MFDF Awards. Credit: Carl Sukonik
“If you are able to donate to help her family with the funeral costs, that would mean a lot to her loved ones. Sending love to all her family and friends.”
Local hospitality businesses have all been sharing their fond memories of Sharon this afternoon – all centring about her positivity and smile.
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Tiny coffee and cocktail bar Kiosk on Lapwing posted: “Sharon probably baked many of the things you popped in your mouth here at Kiosk and anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path knew about it because she will have BLASTED you with positivity and joy.”
Local supper club Seasons Eats wrote: “Such sad news. She was always smiling and full of joy. She will be missed.”
The Palms Bakery posted: “You couldn’t go anywhere with Sharon without her knowing at least one person at every stop. She’s had such an impact on so many people and she’ll be remembered and loved forever.”
Levenshulme locals have also been sharing their memories of Sharon. One person wrote: “This is so shocking. She was a pandemic staple for me when I would visit Long Bois and she would always stop to pet my dog who she fondly called Meatball. She was always so positive, smiley and really could spin any day into a positive. She will be missed.”
Another person remembered how they would always leave the bakery ‘so happy and smiling’ after spending any time in her presence.
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Her loved ones hope to raise £15,000 in her memory to pay for her funeral costs – and after just hours, it’s already sailed past £10,000.
Manchester palaeontologist unearths bones of what may be the largest known marine reptile
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester-based palaeontologist has unearthed the bones of what may be the largest known marine reptile.
This new identification is a crucial part of a fascinating eight-year long discovery journey.
It all started when a seasoned fossil collector named Paul de la Salle found a giant jawbone on Lilstock Beach, near Bridgewater in Somerset, back in May 2016, and then father and daughter, Justin and Ruby Reynolds from Devon, found the first pieces of a second jawbone and another giant bone while searching for fossils on the beach at Blue Anchor, also in Somerset, in May 2020.
And now, a palaeontologist at the University of Manchester (UoM) Dr Dean Lomax, has identified the fossilised remains of the second gigantic jawbone that measures more than two metres long.
Experts have identified these bones as belonging to the jaws of a new species of enormous ichthyosaur – which is a type of prehistoric marine reptile – and astonishing estimations suggest the oceanic titan would have been more than 25-metres long.
Dr Lomax has been working together with Justin and Ruby Reynolds, along with Paul de la Salle and several family members, since the father-daughter duo first contacted them about their groundbreaking discovery in 2020.
A Manchester palaeontologist has unearthed bones of what may be the largest known marine reptile / Credit: UoM
“I was amazed by Justin and Ruby’s find,” Dr Lomax commented.
“In 2018, my team and Paul de la Salle studied and described Paul’s giant jawbone, and we had hoped that one day another would come to light.”
He explained that Justin and Ruby’s new specimen was “more complete and better preserved” than the first find, and that he “became very excited” at the chance to learn more following their discovery.
As mentioned, the Manchester-based research team, led by Dr Lomax, revealed that the jaw bones belong to a new species of giant ichthyosaur that would’ve been about the size of a blue whale, and they have called the new genus and species Ichthyotitan severnensis – which means ‘giant fish lizard of the Severn’.
The bones – which represent the very last of their kind – are around 202 million years old, and date back to the end of the Triassic Period in a time known as the Rhaetian.
During this time, the gigantic ichthyosaurs swam the seas while the dinosaurs walked on land.
The University of Manchester, where Dr Dean Lomax works as a palaeontologist / Credit: UoM
Ichthyotitan is not the world’s first giant ichthyosaur, but the discoveries by Paul, and Justin and Ruby, are said to be “unique among those known to science”, as they appear roughly 13 million years after their latest geologic relatives – including Shonisaurus sikanniensis from British Columbia in Canada, and Himalayasaurus tibetensis from Tibet in China.
Speaking on the confirmation of the bones’ identification this week, Dr Lomax said: “This research has been ongoing for almost eight years.
“It is quite remarkable to think that gigantic, blue whale-sized ichthyosaurs were swimming in the oceans around what was the UK during the Triassic Period.
“These jawbones provide tantalising evidence that perhaps one day a complete skull or skeleton of one of these giants might be found.”
Featured Image – UoM
News
Northern Quarter favourite Pie and Ale has sadly closed down
Danny Jones
Beloved Northern Quarter eatery and pub Pie and Ale has sadly and quietly closed its doors this week in yet another gutting bit of news for the Manc hospitality sector.
Known for its legendary homemade pies, great selections of ales, craft beers and lagers, not to mention a great little pub when it comes to watching live sport, it’s long been considered an NQ institution.
Unfortunately, however, as confirmed by a sign posted in the window, Pie and Ale has now closed for business after more than a decade.
Safe to say, we’re absolutely gutted, as we’re sure everyone else is.
Credit: The Manc Eats
While no official announcement has been made on their social media as yet, which will no doubt receive love and sadness from its loyal following, the sign in the window simply reads: “Pie and Ale has unfortunately ceased trading. Apologies for any inconvenience.”
The local favourite which was always hailed for being great value for money – celebrated especially for its popular pie and a pint for under a tenner deal – also served up great nibbles and light bites as well as dessert specials.
Although the Lever Street spot previously shut down for a short spell back in 2018 due to what they labelled as “unforeseen circumstances” before reopening just two months later, this latest update looks pretty definitive.
Sister-site Bakerie also ceased trading back in April 2019, with husband and wife founders, Alyson Doocey and David Cook, admitting that all independents had been “feeling the squeeze”.
While we have few other details at this stage, it does look like Pie and Ale has indeed closed down for the foreseeable future.
A mainstay on our list of the best pies in Manchester since day dot and just the latest in the list of losses in 2024 so far, they will be sorely missed.
We sincerely hope this is like last time and will keep our fingers crossed that we see the pie pros and expert pourers back in business at some point.
Daisy Jackson -
14th April 2023 
