Magazine


Sweats in the city

Conrad Astley
19/ 5/2006

CELEBRITIES, elite athletes, and those hoping to raise money for charities will be among the thousands sweating it out in Sunday's Great Manchester Run.

One of the world's most prestigious 10km races will weave through the city centre's streets, setting off on Quay Street before heading through Castlefield, along Chester Road and passed the Imperial War Museum, before returning to the finish line on Deansgate.

Celeb spotters may notice Coronation Street stars Antony Cotton, who plays knicker stitcher Sean Tulley, Susie Blake, who plays Bev Unwin, and the show's former actress Denise Welch among the runners, along with regular competitor North West Tonight presenter Gordon Burns.

Former Great North Run winner Benita Johnson and Olympic medallist Zersenay Tadesse, who set a world record at last year's Tyneside event, will be among the international elite competitors.

Although many members of the public may not envy the runners taking part, they can watch the competitors set off at 10am, before seeing them around an hour later.

IT'S spring again, and traders are bringing tulips from Amsterdam into Manchester city centre once more.

Britain's only Dutch market is back in town after a successful run last year, and is opening on St Ann's Square on May 19.

Gardeners will be able find plenty to brighten up their flowerbeds, as some of Holland's best florists will be selling roses and delphiniums.

There will also be Delft pottery, white ceramics, hand-crafted leather belts and bags, and handmade tablecloths, while craftsmen will be demonstrating their traditional woodwork skills.

Other traders will be selling unique food, including around 20 types of farmhouse cheese, and delicacies such as stroopwafels - biscuit waffles with caramel centres.

There will also be poffertjes - pancakes made with shredded potatoes - and karertkes - mini pancakes served with syrup, chocolate and liquors.

Dirk Van De Waray, a landscape gardener who will be setting up a stall in the market, said he would be able to offer advice on planting combinations to gardeners, adding that he will be focusing on tropical flowers this year.

He said: "The flowers in Holland are so good thanks to generations of growers and huge competition.

"We export flowers not only to the UK, but also all over Europe and we need to ensure they are of the highest quality.

"I am looking forward to creating some very special displays."

The market is open from 11am-8pm and runs until May 29.

HOW do you fancy meeting the Victorian gentleman who likes to wander around the dusty corridors of Manchester Museum late at night?

Or seeing the elderly porter who still pops in for his morning cup of tea - even years after his death?

Or what about hearing the mysterious footsteps which staff hear when they're locking up at night?

Bosses at the museum are inviting Mancunians - if they dare - to find out about the spectres that haunt the historic Oxford Road building.

The museum will stay open for a special night tomorrow (Saturday) featuring live music and various activities along with some very spooky tours through the building's corridors.

The tours cost £1 per person, and start at the museum's reception every half hour from 6-8.30pm. Anyone wanting further details about the event, organised as part of Museums and Galleries Month and the European Night of Museums, should call 275 2634.

AN evening of organ music is on offer at a Reddish church.

Nigel Ogden, pictured, presenter of Radio 2's The Organist Entertains, will be at St Elisabeth's Church on the corner of Leamington Road and Bedford Street, to present pieces of light classical and popular music tonight (Friday).

The event, in aid of the church's organ restoration fund, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 on the door or £5 in advance by phoning 442 0950.


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