Like a lot of us over this past year, Becky Kay had celebrations planned for her birthday that sadly had to be put on hold.
She usually likes to spend her special day relaxing with an overnight stay at a spa hotel.
Free bubbly on arrival, complementary chocolates on the pillows, a wealth of treatments and massages available to choose from, all followed by a three-course meal and room service throughout her entire stay, is something she was understandably looking forward to – especially as an NHS staff member, who has worked throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
But with England firmly within its third national lockdown, the public advised to “stay at home”, and spa facilities told to close their doors because of this, that unfortunately couldn’t be her reality this year.
So her three daughters hatched a plan instead.
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In a bid to make sure her birthday didn’t pass by unmarked, Becky’s daughters – Molly, Lola, and Scarlet – decided to secretly transform their Salford home into ‘The Kay Hotel & Spa’ as a surprise, so Becky could still celebrate her big day in the way she knows best.
And judging by the photos shared by the girls’ father, Stevie, to social media yesterday, they really put a lot of time and hard work into bringing it all together.
“[The girls] have been thinking about it for a couple of weeks, as we usually spend a night at a spa hotel every year for Becky’s birthday.
“[And] our eldest, Molly, did most of the planning over the last week.
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“She wrote me a list of everything we needed, and I sneaked out to get it all the day before”.
The Costa del Salford’s aptly-named ‘The Kay Hotel & Spa’ – which we have also been told has an impressive “5* rating on TripAdvisor” – is home to everything you could ask for from a spa getaway, with its very own reception area, room key cards, hospitality menus, complementary room service, massage and facial facilities, candle-lit bathtubs, and more.
Becky and Stevie didn’t even have to move a muscle either, as the three sisters were happy to wait on them hand and foot throughout their ‘stay’.
He continued: “It [certainly] made my life planning Becky’s birthday very easy”.
How brilliant is all of this?
While you unfortunately won’t be able to make reservations for your own stay at the exclusive ‘The Kay Hotel & Spa’ any time soon, you can still check out all the photos of the venue on Facebook here.
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More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled
Danny Jones
Further disruption to the Bee Network is now expected during an already full-on time of year, as more Metrolink tram strikes have been scheduled over the festive period.
Put in the simplest terms, members of Unite the Union have said: “The dispute is over driver fatigue and fears that their shift patterns and lack of rest breaks are putting them and passengers at risk.”
As a result, they have now pencilled in protests on 19, 20 and 31 December, holding walkouts from their usual timetable.
A largely empty St Peter’s Square tram stop is a fairly rare sight to see. (Credit: The Manc)
In addition to the other pair of strikes planned for this coming weekend (5-7 Dec), the latest trio have been specifically timed in and around key dates on the city’s calendar.
As well as the return of Manchester’s firework display on St. Peter’s Square, the walk-outs will also coincide with a Manchester City fixture at the Etihad Stadium, as well as notable live music gigs like Jools Holland and Manc band, Doves.
Naturally, tens upon tens of thousands are set to use the Bee Network and trams, in particular, to travel to these events – reiterating just how important properly investing and staffing the Metrolink and other arms of Manchester’s public transport service is.
The most recent update from the union continues: “Unite has repeatedly raised issues with management, but has been told there is no funding available for improvements to working patterns.”
Their General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said as part of the most recent statement: “Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Our members are raising serious concerns about their and their passengers’ safety, but Metrolink management is burying its head in the sand.
“Management must sort this problem out once and for all. It can’t try to fob drivers off by putting profits before safety.”
Here are some of the scenes from the demonstrations earlier this year:
⏰HAPPENING NOW; when Transport for Greater Manchester wouldn't come to the table SO the strikers brought the table (*and chairs) to them! We're ready when you are TfGM. pic.twitter.com/io1OFHED8I
Union members have also clarified their position surrounding ‘fatigue’; it isn’t just the fear of possible risks in operating a tram whilst being “exhausted”, but both the wider mental and physical toll that working the current shift patterns has on workers.
One driver quoted as saying: “My colleagues are tired, but the fatigue is also giving them cold-like symptoms and many have been going off sick with stress, which adds to problems with staffing levels.”
So, if you’re planning on using the Metrolink this holiday season when travelling around for Christmas shopping or even just going home, make sure to keep the strike dates in mind.
Elsewhere, the Bee Network has also provided more information on the designs to bring tram lines to Stockport town centre. Read more down below.
Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/The Manc Group
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Lidl reveals one of Manchester’s most-bought items in new ‘Lidl Wrapped’
Daisy Jackson
Lidl has unveiled the most-bought items in each major city around the UK, launching its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ to share the nation’s shopping habits.
The supermarket chain has gathered data on the most purchased items from 10 cities around the country, to see what the top sellers in each city has been this year.
You might be expecting a clean sweep of boring stuff like milk and bread – but no, apparently Manchester has been obsessed with… avocados.
According to Lidl Wrapped, Manchester has developed an avocado obsession, while Leeds residents have collectively purchased more than 133 million peas, and Bristol has invested in 11 tonnes-worth of coleslaw.
To celebrate the Lidl Wrapped for 2025, the supermarket is now rolling out its own wrapping paper range, and opening free gift-wrapping stations at 10 stores nationwide.
Between the 4 and 17 December, you’ll be able to have your shopping wrapped up in Manchester’s exclusive design (which, yes, will have avocados on it) so your Middle of Lidl find can switch into the perfect present.
The pop-up gift-wrapping stations will also have interactive games with prizes, like in-store discounts and a £50 golden ticket.
Lidl reveals most-bought item in Manchester in new ‘Lidl Wrapped’. Credit: Lidl
You can also buy the wrapping paper in packs of three for just 75p, with all proceeds donated to Neighbourly.
Joanna Gomer, Marketing Director at Lidl GB commented: “This year, our customers have shown us once again that the weekly shop is about more than groceries, it’s about moments, surprises, and the little joys that make life easier and bring people together.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we’re focused on giving our customers even more to value, extra reasons to smile, and plenty of those Lidl surprises that keep them coming back for more.”
The free Lidl wrapping stations will be available from 9am while stocks last between 4 and 17 December.
‘Lidl Wrapped’ top groceries across the UK:
Birmingham – Roses
Bristol – Deluxe Creamy Coleslaw
Cardiff – 15 Welsh Mixed Weight Free Range Eggs
Edinburgh – Lighthouse Bay 2 Scottish Salmon Fillets
Emily Sergeant -
4th February 2021 
