A completely free-to-attend soapbox derby is coming to Stockport this May and those going along will even get to see a rare flyover by a legendary Lancaster Bomber.
With Totally Stockport’s Krazy Races returning to town, promising more fun and fast-paced action, the popular annual event is also taking part in the 2023 Battle of Britain Memorial Flights, nearly 83 years on from the historic World War Two date.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flights take place between May and September every year, choosing to hover over events that meet the values and principles of the RAF, so community events like this are a no-brainer.
That being said, the people of Stockport will be fortunate enough to see one of only two remaining Lancaster Bombers from the original fleet of 7,377, giving locals a rare opportunity to witness the most successful RAF heavy bomber of WWII
More than 10,000 people are expected to rock up to town for the event and cheer on the 40+ local teams set to take part in this year’s Stockport soapbox derby.
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Starting at St Peter’s Square, the racers will launch themselves down the steep hill onto Mersey Square, slaloming through chicanes before hitting a tight right-hand turn onto Chestergate, past the town’s famous Air Raid Shelters and navigating 350 metres of track, obstacles, water and more.
The top 10 teams will make it through to the finals where they’ll battle to take home the trophy but this day is all about taking part and having fun, with plenty turning up in whacky costumes and really committing to bringing their soapbox themes to life.
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There’ll also be plenty of music and entertainment throughout the day, not to mention plenty of places for food and drink around the town centre. It’s going to be a great day.
As founder and director of Krazy Races, Sarah Belcher, said: “Competition for a flyover is very tough with the majority being over massive, well-established airshows.
“To be able to share this extra, added treat with the families of Stockport is a real pleasure. The motto of the Royal Air Force Memorial Flight is ‘Lest We Forget’ and we are sure that this special honour will help give the people who attend our event, memories that will last a lifetime.”
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The best part is this as well as being treated to a Lancaster Bomber flyover, the entire soapbox event is completely free to attend and is sure to live up to its name — Wacky Races step aside.
The Totally Stockport Krazy Races soapbox derby takes place on Sunday, 28 May and you don’t need to grab a ticket, just turn up and enjoy the comedy-filled karting chaos. You can find out more information HERE.
King Charles III’s annual income to increase by more than 50% as crown estate revenue rises
Danny Jones
King Charles III’s annual income is reportedly set to increase by more than 50% after the total revenue of the official crown estate rose significantly over the last 12 months.
Posting record-breaking profits since King Charles was coronated back in May, raking in a total of £1.1 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, the crown’s budget is now being adjusted, with a review set for 2026/27.
As per the official royal accounts published this week, the sovereign grant which helps fund members of the royal family and their civic duties is set to rise from £86m this year to £132m in 2025/26, meaning the King is set for a whopping £45m (approx. 53%) pay rise.
The royals currently receive 12% of the crown estate’s overall profits and as the majority of Britain continues to struggle with a cost of living crisis, it’s also the details surrounding last year’s outgoings and overall expenditure that have proved tough reading for many.
It makes no sense that profits from renewable energy projects are funnelled out of poor coastal communities to fund the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace.
Wealth from our natural resources should be invested in our people and communities. https://t.co/D4ZzzFiffk
In addition to roughly £600,000 of the sovereign grant being spent on the King’s coronation and other related events last year, the monarchy’s accounts also revised the £369m set aside for renovations in and around Buckingham Palace, let alone other royal residences.
According to The Guardian, “Royal accounts also show that the Prince of Wales received £23.6m income from the Duchy of Cornwall in his first full year after inheriting the land and property-owning estate from his father.”
Frogmore Cottage, located on the Windsor estate, saw a £2.4m refurbishment on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as well but has remained empty for more than a year – though the costs have reportedly since been returned to the public purse.
Perhaps one of the toughest/most frivolous to swallow for the taxpayer, though, is the revelation regarding the two new helicopters. Set to replace the existing aircraft used by the royals for the last 15 years, the two new AgustaWestland AW139s are said to cost £8m a pop.
Making 170 journeys last year and costing a total of £1,096,300, the monarchy’s travel bill rose from £3.9m to £4.2m all-told, with the official royal train remaining the most expensive per mile.
Elsewhere, in the King’s Speech (written for him) following Labour’s landslide updating of the Conservative Party after 14 years, Charles said: “Stability will be the cornerstone of my Government’s economic policy and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules…
“Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission. My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost of living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities.”
While the crown and government have reiterated the aim of “rising living standards”, many Brits will understandably struggle to take these words as sincerely as others, with urgent action needed to support some of the poorest regions across the nation.
Ex-Salford rugby player and Andy’s Man Club co-founder receives special honour from University of Bradford
Danny Jones
Ex-Salford rugby player, motivational speaker and health coach Luke Ambler has been given a special honour for his work with the men’s mental health organisation, Andy’s Man Club.
The former rugby league athlete and Ireland international – whose career started out at Salford City Reds before moving on to Leeds Rhinos, York, Harlequins and Halifax – set up Andy’s Man Club in 2016 after the loss of his brother to suicide, with the vital support group and charity growing massively since then.
Now hosting more than 4,500 men at over 190 different regional support groups across the country every week, including several here in Greater Manchester – one over at Etihad being the most recent – the non-profit has become a vital resource for men in the UK and only keeps spreading further.
To share this day with my beautiful family, mother in law and Sabrina our General Manager and all those who were graduating was a pleasure and a day I’ll remember for years to come.
As reported by The Hoot, Ambler received an outstanding contribution award from Bradford Uni on Tuesday, 16 July, being presented with the accolade during their ongoing summer graduation.
In typically humble fashion, he dedicated the honour to everyone but himself: “To all my team; my parents, my kids, my family, friends, staff and volunteers thank you – none of us do it alone.
“Thank you also to all of you who have supported us and continue to do so thank you.”
Speaking to the BBC, he went on to add: “It’s amazing to look back on how far it has come… I don’t want to put a limit on it – we really want to help more men and find out why people get into such dark places.”
Male mental health continues to be a hugely overlooked and pressing issue and the impact of organisations like Luke’s cannot be overstated, having not only provided an all-important outlet but also raised huge funds and awareness for the cause.
Meeting every Monday at 7pm, Andy’s Man Club is all about creating a safe space for men to open up about the storms affecting their lives in a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment. You can find your nearest location HERE.
Well done from all of us at The Manc Group, Luke. You can watch the presentation and his acceptance speech in full down below.
#ITSOKAYTOTALK
What a lovely way to honour the Andy’s Man Club co-creator.