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.
Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost
Danny Jones
In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)
For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Daisy Jackson -
14th April 2023 
