Manchester Town Hall & the Christmas lights switch on

 

So last night we went to the Christmas lights switch on. Along with about 25,000 other people. It certainly felt pretty crowded and there were times when people in the crowd were being pretty annoying as they tried to squeeze past us into space that wasn't there. Do I sound like I'm getting old? We went down because we were expecting good fireworks and it was our Zoë's birthday and she likes the sort of music that was promised. The fireworks really were spectacular and well worth seeing, the music and the chatter were rather less engaging for me. The musical highlights were The Vamps and James Arthur. Surprisingly The Vamps don't look anything like sexually predative women but are a group of very enthusiastic teenage boys. Perhaps it's a good thing that a female noun is used for a group of males as very often male nouns are imposed on females and perhaps they take inspiration from bands such as The New York Dolls (but probably not musically!) The sound quality where I was stood was awful so it's very hard to judge the bands musically. James Arthur seemed to be pleased to be there and everyone was very positive. Several times we were asked if we excited about Christmas, which seemed a little bizarre at the beginning of November. Apparently Manchester is "officially Britain's number 1 Christmas City"! That sounds like a statistic that needs unpicking by Radio 4's "More or Less". Christmas is certainly very important to the City Centre economy and Manchester has done a great job of developing the Christmas markets. I quite like the Christmas markets and shops but I prefer them in December. I do love Christmas. I love the Christmas Story but I also enjoy the secular trimmings around it. Perhaps we Christians should be pleased that the incarnation of God's love in the world creates such joy and celebration amongst the population even if they aren't sure why. 

Has anyone lost some balls?

These assorted balls were on the River Irwell near us this afternoon. They were doing an amazing dance. They'd come over the weir but the water flow kept them in the white water right next to the weir. It was a strange sight. 

The newly refurbished Salford Crescent Station

It's good to see some positive investment in these difficult financial times. The station now has longer platforms, a lift, a great new ticket office and so it's easier to use the station and it feels a lot more spacious and safer.

The Mayor of Salford, Ian Stewart was there to do the official opening.

Cllr Derek Antrobus admiring the view from the ticket office.

Photography Group walk around Prince's Bridge

The Photography Group that for the next few weeks meets outside Canon Hussey Court on Wednesdays at 1 pm went down to Prince's Bridge yesterday. Here are some of my photos. Some from the group can be found here: http://wewanderedwesaw.wordpress.com/page/2/ Most of the group still need to upload their photos though as we had such a good time that we didn't have enough time to upload pictures at the end. Many of the group had never been to this area which is full of lovely views and surprising quiet. The area will soon become a construction site though as they build the Ordsall Chord, so enjoy it while you can!

Town from Middlewood.

The Tory party conference was still on.

Recreating a famous Kevin Cummins Photo of Morrisey

I wish it could be Greenbelt every day...

Here I am at Greenbelt and it's drawing towards a close. I've had a good time. I've heard some good music, been inspired by some good speakers, failed to get into a few venues, drunk to much (very lovely) beer in the Jesus Arms, caught up with some good friends, chatted to a few strangers and generally got a lot from being here, part of this temporary community that for me is such a good model for church. It is fantastic that 20,000 people can come together, young & old, straight & gay, families & single, from all over, with all sorts of different interests and passions and we become a fantastic inclusive community. This is how church should be. Here are some photos. Our Zoë has loved being here. When I get home I'll upload quite a few more (as well as putting some washing on and having a shower or bath!)

On top of St Philip's tower

 

The scaffolding now goes all the way to the top of the tower so today I went up there and took a few photos.

At last I've managed to visit the Biospheric Project

 

At last I've managed to visit the wonderful Biospheric Project. We went to see two good and inspiring films: Best Before and Truck Farm. Below are some photos from the roof.

Chapel St views

St Philip's Church, as seen from the other side of Vimto Gardens. Soon the scaffolding on St Philip's will reach up to the top of the tower. They seem to be making good progress on Vimto Gardens. below is a picture of Canon Hussey Court getting it's cladding and upgrade. Our area will look great when it's all finished.

Latest addition to the large building site that is Chapel St

 This large piece of equipment has arrived on the Vimto Gardens site now. In the background Arthur Millwood Court is still being clad and various improvements are happening. Improvements to the houses will start when the finish on the tower blocks. Behind me is the scaffolding on St Philip's. The scaffolders have had a pause for the last week whilst they wait for some special clips but it should carry rising up this week. A little further down on Trinity Way the hotel that is being created from the old Brown Brothers building is taking shape and will apparently open in the autumn.

I'm busy working very hard here.

Launde Abbey, retreat & conference centre for Leicester & Peterborough dioceses and venue for our meeting of chairs of houses of clergy from across the country. It's a really useful time but also very good food and lovely venue.

Oh dear, Deva can't remember where they are!

They've only been here some 15 years or so but they seem to have forgotten which side of the river they are. This new sign went up last week. I know that we Salfordians bang on about this like a stuck record (to wilfully mix my metaphors!) but it just isn't right. If I was looking for something that gave it's address as Manchester I wouldn't look in Salford!

Lovely confirmation service last Sunday