The longest resident dog at an animal sanctuary in Bury has been successfully rehomed after nearly a decade.
Humbug has finally found his forever home… and we honestly couldn’t be happier for him.
The Akita-cross – who was described as being a “popular pooch” among the staff at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield, near Ramsbottom in Bury – was actually born at the rescue site all the way back in 2014.
He was initially rehomed along with his siblings, however ended up being returned to Bleakholt as a youngster due to being wary of strangers, and then sadly struggled to find another home as he was considered to be, in Sanctuary Manager Karen Weed’s words, “a complex little soul”.
Due to his extended kennel life, Humbug unfortunately had insecurities and phobias, so he needed ltos of training and a patient owner.
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The longest resident dog at a Bury animal sanctuary has finally been rehomed after nine years / Credit: Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary
The lovable pup waited and waited, and in that time, went on to become a firm-favourite of staff and volunteer dog walkers, who he would often “shower with cuddles and smooches” once he got to know them well, and was known for being everyone’s “very best friend”.
Although Humbug was taken home at weekends by who Bleakholt called a “fantastic and devoted” foster carer to get him used to going on long walks and being within a domestic environment – which was said to have helped to “greatly improve” his confidence and behaviour – staff at the sanctuary wanted nothing more for him to “leave his heated kennel and find a heated house” for good.
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And finally, that day eventually came earlier this month.
Humbug was successfully rehomed by Ken Marsh and his partner Sandra Rothwell after nine long years at Bleakholt, and he’s said to already be “settling in well”.
Explaining why they knew Humbug was the one for them, and giving a little update on how he’s settling into his new surroundings after being welcomed into their loving home, Ken said: “Humbug is my seventh dog from Bleakholt. I went to get Herbie five-and-a-half years ago, and asked for the dog that had been there longest.
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“When Herbie died, I went to Bleakholt, and asked again for the one who had been there the longest, and also looked at a few others. We went home and talked about it, and then decided on Humbug.
“It’s the longest I have ever been without a dog since I was 21-years-old, so it was good to pick him up. It’s so far so good. He has two beds, one downstairs and one upstairs, he loves his squeaky toys, and he is a slow walker – I have a 25 minute walk to the canal, but it takes me 45 minutes with Humbug.
“He has settled in well, and it’s a pleasure to have him.”
Featured Image – Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary (via Facebook)
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Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
“This is for all the Patricias out there, see you at Sunset Cocktails to celebrate. Thank you.”
Featured Image – The Television Academy (via YouTube)
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M&S launches new Too Good To Go partnership – with NINE Greater Manchester stores signed up
Emily Sergeant
M&S has finally decided to partner with food waste charity, Too Good To Go.
As of yesterday, a total of 350 M&S stores across the UK – including nine major sites in Greater Manchester – now offer new Too Good To Go ‘Surprise Bags’ that are made up of surplus bakery goodies, giving customers the chance to collect quality food at a reduced price at the end of the day directly from in-store bakeries.
The launch follows a trial in a select number of UK stores, and the Surprise Bags will include bakery treats such as pastries, cookies, and fresh bread.
The partnership with Too Good To Go is the latest move in M&S Food’s work to reduce surplus food and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.
Greater Manchester stores that will be taking part in the new Too Good To Go partnership include Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Stockport, Spinningfields, Prestwich, Wigan Robin, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, and Ashton Moss.
Each of the Surprise Bags will include three to four bakery products to a minimum retail price of £10.20 for just £3.80.
Available Monday to Saturday, customers can order their Surprise Bags through the Too Good To Go app, and collect them one hour before their local store closes.
“It’s great to be involved in this new launch with Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste,” commented Chris Parker, who is the Store Manager at M&S Bolton Middlebrook.
“Our in-store bakeries are incredibly popular with customers, and at the end of the day, customers will now be able to order and collect surprise bags offering fantastic surplus bakery products at great value.
“By finding new ways to re-purpose surplus products, we’re helping ensure more food is enjoyed rather than wasted. This partnership is another positive step towards reaching our goal of halving food waste by 2030.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th January 2024 
