MM e-edition - March 2019

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Manchester City’s quadruple hopes alight after a bounty of goals in the CL

Sports pages 14 to 16

Street Paws and PDSA: Working in unison to help homeless dogs

Picture spread on page 9

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Tales from CloneZone: stories from the UK’s largest latenight gay sex shop

Pages 8, 10 & 12

May voting against no-deal after second record-breaking defeat

By PHILIP K. MARZOUK

PRIME Minister Theresa May has suffered another crushing parliamentary defeat with 391 MPs voting against her Brexit deal and opening parliament to a vote on whether to leave without a deal.

With a majority of 149 MPs against, the government have claimed the fourth biggest parliamentary defeat in history less than two months after claiming the top spot.

This second defeat seems to have well and truly killed May’s deal as an emergency motion was brought forward for MPs to vote on last night whether the UK should leave without a deal.

Communicating great regret for the loss May was quick to remind the Commons that “leaving without a deal remains the default unless this house and the EU ratify an agreement” before stating that the house will

vote on a no-deal Brexit.

At time of writing, the vote still hasn’t taken place but should parliament voted against no-deal last night, a vote for which May has not ordered a party whip giving Conservative MPs a free vote, the debate will move to a vote on seeking an extension for article 50 today.

Following the PM’s statements, Jeremy Corbyn swiftly struck back against the PM to note that May must acknowledge that her deal is “clearly dead” and that nodeal must be taken off the table, a sentiment she agrees with after indicating she will vote against a nodeal Brexit.

Corbyn also took the opportunity of May’s defeat to communicate Labour’s vision of Brexit which retains a customs union with the EU, access to the single market and assures worker’s rights in line with EU policy post-Brexit.

However, it remains unclear how willing the EU would

be to allow the UK an extension considering many EU member states oppose the idea.

Mere minutes after the result from the Commons, Michel Barnier posted on Twitter that “[The EU’s] “nodeal preparations are now more important than ever before.”

He followed this statement up yesterday saying the negotiations with the EU27 are done.

Speaking in Strasbourg, he stated: “Why would we extend the discussions.” The idea that further negotiations could possibly take place are clearly misplaced.

Closer to home, 24 of Greater Manchester’s 27 MPs voted against the government including the Conservative MP for Bolton West, Chris Green.

An ardent Brexiteer, Mr Green is aligned with the philosophies of Jacob Rees-Mogg and the European Research Group, who will be hoping that today’s vote results in a no-deal Brexit.

Photo credit: Tiocfaidh ár lá 1916

Ann Coffey, MP for Stockport, was one of the people who defected from Labour to join Chukka Ummunna’s Independent Group (IG) also voted against the deal.

The IG are along with the Liberal Democrats and the SNP, pushing for a second referendum with a Remain option in the hope that Brexit is averted in its entirety.

The 21 Labour MPs within Greater Manchester voted against for a different reason and that is to push for a general election: still the party line above a second referendum.

Going back to the people remains part of the possible permutations from this defeat alongside a general election, the extension of Article 50 or, most worryingly, a no-deal Brexit. Should parliament vote against that, the Brexit confusion will long continue.

By the time of publication, we will at least have an answer to whether we are leaving the EU without a deal.

Jobs at risk amid fire service cuts

2 MANCHESTER

March 2019

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By ASHLEIGH GRADY

Plans progress for zero-carbon city MANCHESTER is moving closer to its target of becoming a zerocarbon city by 2038.

A draft of the Zero Carbon Framework was considered by Manchester City Council yesterday.

Supported by research from the Tyndall Centre at University of Manchester, the new report outlines the proposed steps to meet one of the most challenging climate change pledges across the globe.

The city is leading the way with an ambitious carbon budget and plans to drastically slash emissions in the next twenty years.

Produced by the Climate Change Board and Agency, the report highlights areas for action such as improving efficiency in local homes and generating more renewable energy.

Sixty organisations, including the council, Manchester City FC and the two city universities, have also signed up to develop their own carbonsaving action plan.

Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive for the Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “We know that Manchester residents want to see a city which is environmentally sustainable, with cleaner air. And a zero carbon city will not just be a healthier city - a new wave of employment opportunities will be generated through the growing green sector.

“As a council, we’re working hard to minimise our own emissions - but the

goal of a zero-carbon Manchester is not one which we can meet on our own.”

The zero-carbon target includes the commitment to releasing a maximum of 15 million tonnes of CO2 from 2018-2100 - an urgent reduction as 2 million tonnes are currently released each year.

“Alongside our fellow pioneer organisations, we hope that all of our residents, businesses and organisations will pledge to reduce their own carbon emissions and contribute towards our shared mission,” Stogia said.

The council has also become one of the first cities to sign up to a new ‘Step Up Now’ initiative, run by EUROCITIES. The Europe-wide project aims to increase the EU’s level of ambition when tackling climate change.

Anna Lisa Boni, Secretary General of EUROCITIES, said: "We need this knowledge and experience from cities like Manchester to be taken on board in the development of national and EU climate mitigation and adaption policies - so that we clear a pathway towards a climate neutral Europe by 2050.”

The Moorland fires in Greater Manchester have been linked to climate change. To avoid climate catastrophe, global warming must be kept below 1.5C degrees, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Bolton North, Stockport King Street, Stockport Whitehill, Philips Park and Manchester Central.

These stations would be merged and replaced by three new state-of-theart facilities in already identified potential locations.

Elsewhere in the proposals, the

“Despite the continued austerity we are doing everything we can in Greater Manchester to maintain the level of service that our fire service provides.”

Andy Burnham

number of fire engines would be reduced from the 56 currently in operation to 47, and the number of firefighters on engine crews would decrease by one member from five to four.

Average response times are also expected to increase by 10 seconds.

The brigade’s current average time to respond to primary fires is 7 minutes and 19 seconds – significantly faster than the national average of 8 minutes and 45 seconds.

“There will be tough decisions to make going forward but all of this will be informed by staff feedback and with the use of a robust evidence base,” said Chief Fire Officer, Jim Wallace.

“These proposals outline some of the most progressive changes in the history of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service but they are important ones to make sure we are a service fit for the future,” he said.

GMFRS bosses have emphasised that no ultimate decisions have yet been made on the proposals. Before finalising, there will be discussions with staff and trade union representatives and a consultation with the public around the plans.

This so-called ‘root-and-branch’ review of the service was announced following last year’s Kerslake Report and after concerns were raised by firefighters outlining issues including the response to the Manchester Arena attack.

Commendation for hero airport worker

Photo Credti: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

By LUCY MILLBURN

MORE than 100 people in support roles are at risk following the latest proposals from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

The cuts have been unveiled as part of new proposals announced on Tuesday in an effort to slash £12.8m from the brigade’s budget over three years.

Up to 113 support staff jobs are earmarked to be axed, including positions in Prevention and Protection, Youth Engagement and Administration.

This would reduce the number of civilian support workers by 27 per cent from 423 to 310 members of staff.

No frontline employees are expected to lose their jobs.

Mayor Andy Burnham, who is also the Fire Commissioner for Greater Manchester highlighted the “frontlinefirst ethos” of the reforms.

He added: “Despite the continued austerity we are doing everything we can in Greater Manchester to maintain the level of service that our fire service provides.”

As well as job losses, six fire stations are tipped to close: Bolton Central,

By MOLLY MILLAR

AN airport worker who saved the life of a suicidal young woman has been presented with an award for her heroism.

Samantha Platts, from Swinton in Salford, was commended by the Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable, Ian Hopkins, for her compassion and quick thinking.

Platts had just arrived for her shift when she noticed the young woman’s legs hanging from the top floor of a multi-storey car park.

While a stunned crowd gathered below, Platts headed straight for the stairs.

She comforted the woman and was able to keep her calm until police arrived. Together they helped the woman safely downstairs.

Platts said: “I am so glad the outcome was a positive one for this lady and she is now receiving the help needed.”

She is humble about her kind act stating: “I don’t classify myself as a hero but I am so proud I could help in this sad and difficult situation.”

Commendation awards are distributed by the Chief Constable throughout the year, recognising outstanding contributions to Manchester’s community by both officers and the general public.

Hopkins said: “Samantha went above and beyond what is expected, gaining the trust of a young woman who was clearly distressed and undoubtedly saving her life.

“I am also extremely pleased to hear that the young woman is now receiving the help she needs.”

Photo Credit: Greater Manchester Police

Moors double blaze continues to disrupt

3 | NEWS March 2019

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

By JACQUE TALBOT

Initiative to make the future of tech female

HOT SPOT: Residents of Saddleworth Moor said the fire was too intense.

Pic: Julian Beckton

SADDLEWORTH Moor should be peat-land like any other, but it's slowly turning into England's own Bermuda Triangle.

The moor’s Wikipedia page even has a subsection dedicated to the strange events that have occurred there over the years: from the plane crash in 1949, which killed 24, to being the burial site of Moors Murders victims.

But it's the fires which have truly ravaged the area and caused problems for local residents, who have had their everyday life greatly affected by the two blazes.

After the fire occurred last summer, major repairs began in October to restore the moor to its former self. But just last month, another huge fire broke out; this time described as “apocalyptic” by witnesses.

"It hit us pretty bad. The smoke that covered our course was hardly bearable,” Mark Smith, director of Stamford Golf Club, said.

“I live just across the road and for

two days we had to evacuate the house and live with my parents. Particularly with having two small children, the smoke was too intense for their health."

The ramifications of both fires have been huge. Certain plant and animal species have been killed off, while air pollution hit an eight on the government's scale of ten during the height of the 2018 fire.

Scientists believe particle pollution from that fire reached beyond Manchester as far as Warrington, Wigan and St Helens, some 60km away.

Not only have the fires caused serious health issues, there is a distrust brewing in the local area, especially with authorities claiming they suspect the 2018 event was arson.

"These things are highly unlikely to start by themselves, and owing to the drought it spread dramatically and very quickly,” said Smith.

"To believe someone was responsible for what happened and how it affected our business, it’s terrible.

“Youths are just unaware of the consequences these crimes have on

By CHARLOTTE HADFIELD

A NATIONAL initiative to empower young girls to get into tech is bringing its mission to Manchester.

InnovateHer’s 8 week programmes are launching in 50 schools across Greater Manchester by 2020, to give over 1,000 girls aged 12-16 the digital skills and confidence, to consider a career in tech.

Girls currently make up just 20% of GCSE computer science courses, with this figure shrinking to 10% for A Level computer science courses, InnovateHer research reveals.

The initiative which began in 2013 as ‘Liverpool Girl Geeks’, aims to address the digital skills gap which is currently costing the UK an estimated £63bn a year, through its three programmes: Web Development, Tech for Good and Gaming, all led by industry role models.

Chelsea Slater, 28, Co-founder of Innovate Her, said: “I used to work for a tech company where I was the only woman working there and one day I decided I wanted to do something about it, so i quit my job and that’s where Girl Geek’s began.”

Working with 240 girls in 12 schools to date, Innovate Her’s Greater Manchester programme will be delivered as part of a strategic programme backed by Mayor Andy Burnham, with partners including Coop Digital and Northcoders.

The Tech for Good Programme, which is one of three programmes delivered for 2 hours per week after school, asks students to solve nine real world problems using technology.

Ciara Casey, aged 13, who recently completed the programme said: “We were aiming our app at children who were hos-

people and animals.”

James Brisbane, marketing manager of cleaning distributor Robert Scott, in nearby Greenfield, was told how the heat from last year’s fire had become unbearable to live next to.

"I was told by local residents that having a glowing hill side at night was very eerie," he said.

The 2018 fire, which lasted just over six weeks, was so bad the army had to be called in to help local services tackle the inferno.

But the Greater Manchester services are still out of pocket. The government have so far not re-paid the £1million in costs it took to pay for services.

But despite government neglect, the nearby businesses did their best to help where possible, with the golf club offering the fire service and armed forces free refreshments and a place to park their vehicles.

“I loved the idea of the ice cream van that went up to the moors to give out free ice cream to the fire fighters.

What a nice touch," said Brisbane.

Forget fast food: World’s fastest-funded restaurant comes to town

By ADAM MAIDMENT

WORK: InnovateHer aims to reduce the gender gap in the tech industry by introducing tech to girls aged 12-16.

pitalised and I was aiming it at someone who was deaf.

“I’m half deaf so I understood how someone using it could feel and when I was creating my part of the app I understood why they needed it and how it could help them.”

Student, Ciara, added: “Before I came on the course i was interested in drama but since i’ve come on the course i’ve

realised that i can do things like this so I think i’d like to be a space engineer.”

Other girls who have completed the InnovateHer programme to date have secured work experience at companies such as SONY and have entered into national competitions and hackathons.

Jo Morfee, Co-founder of InnovateHer, said: “It’s critical that young people are given the opportunity to learn key digital

skills from an early age as the majority of roles now require digital skills.

“We also have a gender gap in the industry with just 20% of tech roles in the North West taken by women and that’s why we’re on a mission to change the narrative.”

To find out more about InnovateHer’s plans to make the future of tech female, visit: www.innovateher.co.uk/contact/

TAKING fast food to a whole new level, a new city-centre restaurant has won the trophy for the world’s fastest funded restaurant.

The KALA bistro, owned by chef entrepreneur Gary Usher, raised £100k in just 11 hours through a Kickstarter campaign. Usher’s Elite Bistro group also own Didsbury's Hispi, Wreckfish in Liverpool and Pinon in Prescot.

Within an hour, £50k had already been raised for the King Street-based eatery.

“It’s not really about the money, it’s the people believing in what we’re trying to do at Elite Bistros,” Usher said.

“The support we have is always incredible and not just from those who pledge, but everyone who we work with on a daily basis.

“The money means we can continue with the KALA build, be open by May and we really can’t wait.

“Manchester, we’ll see you soon.”

KALA will be managed by Katy Mills with a menu created by head chef Zhelyazko Zhelyazkov.

Dishes on the menu will include beef tartare, braised featherblade, a monkfish, spinach and tomato fondue, apple tart and crème caramel.

An all-day menu will also include bread baked on-site and Elite Bistro’s famed truffle with parmesan chips.

KALA will open in May 2019 and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

4 MANCHESTER

March 2019

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Protesters confronted as clinic vigil turns ugly

By GEORGINA COUPE Photos: Georgina Coupe

The individual threw chairs and other items belonging to the pensioners

ELDERY members of the 40 Days For Life group were targeted after the angry individual got out of a car at around 10.30am on the 8th March 2019 in Fallowfield.

Sending chairs and posters flying, the as yet unidentified assailant screamed: “You people fucking disgust me.”

She yelled other obscenities before grabbing hold of leaflets and placards and hurling them over a nearby fence.

The three frightened pro-life protestors, all in their 70s, were conducting a prayer-vigil opposite the clinic shortly before the aggressive confrontation took place.

Aileen Power, 75, was one of the trio who had been on the road opposite the clinic, and is part of the “internationally, coordinated pro-life mobilisation” group.

She believes that by praying and fasting and holding a peaceful vigil during the 40 days of Lent, they help thousands of women change their mind about having an abortion.

Power attempted to take the keys out

of the woman’s car as the police were called, but the individual drove off in a silver Mitsubishi Colt, before colliding with a parked car.

She told MM it was “sad that people would do that when we’re just trying to save lives.”

Officers later attended and a spokeswoman said that the driver had been asked to voluntarily attend an interview.

She added that the topic of abortion is an emotive one and, whilst people are within their rights to demonstrate, “they are still expected to behave in a certain way”.

Tom Gill, 75, was another one of the protestors stood outside the abortion clinic when the incident occurred.

He said he had “never seen anything like that” in the 15 years he has been attending such events. He believes that: “abortion is murder and against the ten commandments.”

The clinic has been the site of similar campaigns and, in an attempt to counteract such groups; pro-choice volunteers also provide a presence to support those using the clinic.

In the past women have had holy water thown over them and been followed to the door of the medical facility.

Aphra Dawson, 22, was amongst those outside, supporting visitors to the

The belongings were thrown over a nearby fence

It’s sad that people would do that when we’re just trying to save lives.

Aileen Power – 40 Days for

Life

clinic, when the incident took place.

She said she in no way condones aggressive or violent behaviour but explains that the presence of groups such as 40 Days for Life can “confuse and upset people who are already going through a stressful time”.

Marie Stopes clinic have been unavailable for comment.

Rochdale commentator told to ‘lie low’ by police after campaigning for Tommy Robinson’s Facebook ban The individual shouted at the pensioners

By JOE HADDEN THE boss of a Muslim faith charity has been told to lie low by police after being targeted by fans of Tommy Robinson who blame him for the far right figure’s social media ban.

Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of Rochdale-based Ramadhan Foundation, claims to have been inundated with death threats and racist abuse after meeting with Facebook staff to discuss Robinson’s removal from the platform.

After claiming to have received almost 200 abusive or threatening messages, Shafiq reported the incidents to police, who allegedly told him to ‘lie low’, and to Facebook, who are also said to be investigating the situation.

Shafiq said that he’d received chilling messages such as “F**k off you p*** c***, go back to your own country,” “We know where you live,” and “Don’t worry we’re coming for you.”

Incredulous, Shafiq said: “These are the type of things these people are doing. Where does it say this sort of hatred, harassment and bullying is acceptable?

“I’ve just given you a flavour of one or two of things I’ve received. I can sit here and give you 150 or 200 things that I’ve had.”

“There are lunatics out there. Jo Cox got murdered by a lunatic so we know He added that the abuse he had suffered: “Proves that the position we took was the correct one and Facebook made the right decision.”

Shafiq has insisted that whilst he has made representation on behalf of Muslims concerned with Robinson’s online presence, ultimately it was Facebook’s decision: “They’ve got their terms and conditions and if you sign up to that social media account you agree to their terms and conditions and if you break their terms and conditions consistently, he was given a final warning and taken off.

“I’m just a guy from Manchester who was concerned enough to contact them and make representation. That’s all I’ve done, it’s not my decision. They’ve taken the decision based on their own internal processes. But certainly, have we been able to influence that?

Absolutely. It’s our right to do that.”

“The far-right have said that I’ve got

all this power; I decide who’s on Facebook and who isn’t. It’s just stupidity beyond belief”.

Shafiq was also quick to dismiss suggestions of hypocrisy, given one of the members of his own foundation’s board of directors included Abdullah Quick, an Islamic Scholar who had claimed that homosexuals should be killed.

Distancing himself from Quick’s rhetoric, Shafiq stated: “Am I going to defend his comments? That’s ridiculous. I’ve been through 50, 60 death threats myself so I’m not going to endorse anybody. I think this is part of the narrative of people who want to pin something on me. Do not compare me to him. This is stuff the far right are pushing out. Judge me on what I’ve said and what my record is.”

As of the 26th of February this year, Facebook has permanently banned Robinson from the platform for allegedly posting material which used de-humanising language and called for violence targeted at Muslims.

Greater Manchester Police are yet to respond to a request for comment.

Photo credit: Kristoffer Trolle

Pro-choice volunteers provide support outside the clinic the clinic

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March 2019

Landlord: Redevelopment won’t slow down iconic venue

By LUCY MILBURN

NOT GOING ANYWHERE: The venue lives to fight another day

Photo Credit: Lucy Milburn

THE Star & Garter has defied the odds to remain open as the regeneration of Manchester’s Mayfield district begins.

Situated behind Piccadilly Station, the iconic venue has been plagued by threats of closure, rumours of demolition and shrinking crowds for the past decade.

With the Northern Hub expansion of Piccadilly seemingly delayed and the Mayfield Partnership set to retain the architecture of the area, the Grade II listed building isn’t going anywhere – for now.

Landlord Andy Martin is feeling optimistic about the future of The Star but hopes it can retain its unique charm.

“If [Mayfield] becomes homogenised and gentrified, and all these other lovely cliché words for when things become trendy, it’ll lose a bit of its character,” Martin, 47, told MM. “I couldn’t hack living and working here if it became a Starbucks downstairs or a Wetherspoons.”

James Heather, Development Director for the Mayfield Partnership, told MM: “Our development plans for Mayfield will deliver a sensitive and soulful transformation of the area including retaining many of the heritage assets.”

“The Star & Garter is [...] very much a valued neighbour of Mayfield.

“We look forward to see it thriving for many years to come,” he said.

With housing, office space and a public

park, the Mayfield Partnership hope to put the long-neglected district back on the map – starting with Manchester Pride Live and the International Festival this year.

“Mayfield has been crying out for development for thirty years,” Martin said.

I couldn’t hack living and working here if it became a Starbucks downstairs or a Wetherspoons.

Andy Martin – Star & Garter landlord

“They’ve got a massive open space here but 80% of Manchester doesn’t know it exists.”

Martin is confident that Network Rail’s plans for the Fairfield Street venue are currently on hold.

The two additional platforms, promised as part of the Northern Hub project and originally scheduled to open in 2018, have yet to materialise at Piccadilly Station.

After relying on credit cards for years, the redevelopment could present new opportunities for The

Star. Martin is already taking bookings for next year.

“We might even open like a pub during the day – that would be unchartered territory for us,” he said.

Famed for its legendary Smiths disco, indie night Smile and its support for local bands, the venue has a special place in the hearts of many Mancunians.

Several of Manchester’s venues have been forced to permanently close their doors, marking a difficult time for the city’s independent nightlife.

Following in the footsteps of Sound Control and The Roadhouse, Northern Quarter favourite The Ruby Lounge is the latest casualty of the struggling scene.

Last month, The Star raised over £6,000 in two separate fundraising events. Their charitable efforts are proof that while it’s not in its heyday, the venue still plays a valuable role in the local community.

“I’m super proud to be part of it,” Martin said.

“I want [The Star] to continue doing what it’s always done, just to prove all the naysayers wrong.”

At the time of publication, Network Rail have yet to respond about their plans for Fairfield Street.

Britain after Brexit: Left-wing thinkers meet to plot agenda after country leaves the EU

By JOHN VARGA

“BREXIT is the most significant public rebellion in the UK since the miners’ strike of 1984/85,” so said Kim Bryan, of Arthur Scargill’s Socialist Labour Party, as she addressed a meeting at the Methodist Central Hall in Manchester, last week.

Organised by Trade Unionists, left-wing academics and activists, other speakers at the meeting included Eddie Dempsey of the National Union of Rail and Maritime Transport Workers, and the star of the show, professor Costas Lapavitsas from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

The event was part of a series of nationwide meetings to set-out the political and economic agendas of the Left for a post-Brexit UK and was characterised by rousing speeches, a sense of opportunity to shape Britain’s long- term future and a conspicuous lack of love for the EU. If Brexit means anything, then for the Left it is rule for and by the people, and not by EU diktat.

Throughout the evening, the EU was castigated as being an uncontrollable anti-democratic giant, unresponsive to the interests of ordinary people, while slavishly serving Corporate interests and seeking to entrench the neoliberal economic order.

Ms Bryan went on to accuse the EU of imperialistic overreach, forever seeking to expand and subjugate in the name of international capital but the most thought- provoking speech was given

by Costas Lapavitsas.

Mr Lapavitsas was briefly an MP for the Greek left-wing party Syriza, that came to power in January 2015 at the time of the Greek financial crisis.

He sees Brexit as an opportunity to rebuild

PLAN: Left-wing Brexiteers meet to discuss plans in post-Brexit Britain

democracy, an essential part of which involves rejecting the EU’s neoliberal economic agenda. In his view neoliberalism and democracy are antithetical. Neoliberal economics concentrates wealth and power in the hands of a small wealthy elite, who see democracy as a burden.

He sketched out his vision for a post-Brexit UK. At its heart is the creation of a socialist economy, oriented on serving the needs of local communities and the wider public.

In practice this means: shrinking the financial sector and developing an industrial strategy to

promote industry and manufacturing, much stricter controls on private banks and capital flows, the renationalisation of public utilities and some banks, greater public spending on housing, education and wealth, as well as new policies on wages, income support and taxation.

State aid, public procurement and nationalisation should be tools to help control markets and redistribute wealth, rather than to promote greater market competition, as stipulated by current EU regulations.

EU actions during the Greek financial crisis have

Photo Credit: John Varga

convinced Costas Lapavitsas that the EU will not tolerate radical left wing political and economic agendas, and any attempt to devise and implement such programmes will be ruthlessly crushed.

And therein lies the crux of the issue for the SOAS professor. Through its imposition and enforcement of a set of prescribed economic policies, ostensibly designed to protect the prerogatives of international finance, the EU denies its citizens the right to choose their economic destiny, and that in turn is an unacceptable infringement of their democratic rights.

6 MANCHESTER March 2019

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“A ray of hope”: The fiction led fight against prejudice

By ASHLEIGH GRADY

Story circles and 2017 performance at Manchester Cathedral.

Photo credit: Nick Sidle

PRIMARY schools across Greater Manchester are using words to tackle racism and hate crime.

Almost 100 schools are set to take part in the Heartstone Odyssey project which kicks off at The Lowry in Salford on April 25th.

The project will see children across the area – aged between nine and 12 years old – deal with themes surrounding intolerance through a fantasy fairytale novel called The Heartstone Odyssey.

The UK non-profit organisation Heartstone is running the programme that involves schools reading the book in story circles and discussing its main themes.

“This is a hugely relevant story for today,” said Heartstone Director, Sita Kumari.

“We are in a time once again where we need to see that we are all human first and any other label comes after that.”

The Heartstone Odyssey tells the story of the heroine Chandra, her mice companions and the heartstone, a gem broken centuries ago by British soldiers in India.

A piece of the heartstone is brought to Britain sparking a quest across the country, notably arriving in Manchester in

1819, the year of the Peterloo Massacre and significant social change.

“It doesn’t just deal with racism, but many types of intolerance, whether that’s gender, disability, or faith-based,” explained Kumari.

The project will open with a free public event at The Lowry consisting of a procession involving all of the participating

It’s a question of building a harmonious world where everybody looks out for each other.

Sita Kumari – Director, Heartsone

schoolchildren.

It will culminate in the schools creating exhibitions to be presented in each of their individual boroughs at the end of the year.

These presentations will be based on their experiences and their thoughts on the kind of future they would like to build.

Schools from nine Greater Manchester boroughs are set to take part: namely, the City of Manchester, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan and Salford.

Describing what makes the project

unique, Kumari said: “There is nothing else like this because of the age group we’re reaching. It’s the age where you can achieve the greatest change because they are so receptive to new ideas. It’s a ray of hope.”

One of the schools participating in the project is Haveley Hey Community School in Wythenshawe. Deputy Head teacher, Leanne Straker, 35, told MM that the children in Year Six will focus on the project for one hour each week.

"We're very excited to work with the Heartstone Odyssey Project.

“It seems like an excellent tool to provoke interesting discussion and challenge the intolerance and discrimination that we see in society all too often,” she said.

The UK-based, Heartstone was established in 1990 and the organisation has previously hosted projects across the UK. Their events and performances have attracted the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, Joanna Lumley, Dame Judi Dench and their patron Sir Derek Jacobi.

A 2017 event at Manchester Cathedral caught the attention of The Elders, a group of independent global leaders set up by Nelson Mandela, and the Heartstone project became the group’s very first endorsement in Britain.

Room2Read project to provide books for homeless children

By LUCY MILBURN HOMELESS children in Manchester will soon receive the gift of a bookthanks to a new project from Mancunian Way. Launching in April, Room2Read will address the educational and social issues arising from the record number of homeless families.

Children presenting as homeless at the Town Hall will receive a fiction book before they are transferred to temporary accommodation provided by Manchester City Council.

During the initiative's launch week, staff will also distribute age-appropriate packs that may include an educational book and colouring activities.

The volunteer-run project is funded by a crowdfunding campaign and charitable donations from the Siobhan Dowd Trust and Mancunian Way themselves.

There are now over 1,400 families and 2,000 children living in temporary accommodation in Manchester, according to 2018 research from Shelter.

“They’re the hidden victims of this

homeless crisis,” Nick Buckley, CEO of Mancunian Way, told MM. “We forget the children who are not rough sleeping but their lives have still been turned upside down.”

While temporary accommodation provides an immediate solution to homelessness, it introduces new problems for young people such as disrupted education and social isolation. Families are often placed in a single hotel room with limited access to toys, television and other home comforts.

“This is a group of young people that we really need to focus on and make sure that we’re not ruining their lives and their education before they’ve begun,” Buckley said.

“The traumatic effect to lose your home, your friends, everyone you know and having to go to another school – even I find it hard to imagine.

“You don’t even have the chance to say goodbye.”

Losing their home is likely to have a devastating impact on a child’s wellbeing and development. Many schools are full with long waiting lists

and it can often be months before children return to education – some will never return to Greater Manchester.

“Education is dramatically damaged for these young people who have already had a poor start in life,” Buckley said.

“It’s not the child’s fault but they’re the ones being affected most of all.”

Providing these children with the small pleasure of a book is only the first step.

The packs will also include information about joining the local library as part of a long-term strategy to improve access to books, regardless of housing situations.

After being inundated with offers on social media, the team hope to start welcoming donations of quality second-hand books soon.

The initiative comes at a critical moment as Manchester is hit by the national housing crisis.

Buckley believes some privatelandlords are evicting tenants before the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act comes into force on 20th March. The new legislation will empower tenants to sue their landlords over unfit living conditions.

“They know that they need to get rid of tenants and do the work that’s needed,” he said.

Room2Read is part of Mancunian Way’s Change4Good project that helps rough sleepers secure employment opportunities across Manchester.

You can help Room2Read share the gift of reading from just £1.50.

The Heartstone Odyssey story which forms the basis of the project, which kicks off at the Lowry in Salford on April 25.

LGBT+ 7 March 2019

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

As Ariana Grande is announced as the 2019 headliner, Mancunian Matters asks: Is Pride pricing people out?

By MOLLY MILLAR

LOUD AND PROUD: MCR Pride

MANCHESTER Pride, a weekendlong celebration for the city’s LGBT+ community, is held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The line-up this year is headed by honorary Mancunian Ariana Grande, returning to the city two years after the terror attack at her concert.

Pride events are generally known for being a fun and vibrant expression of queer life, where freedom and creativity are encouraged. But Manchester’s event has been subject of much controversy. Critics argue the event is problematically commercialised and inaccessible to many of the people it should exist for.

Part of this is because the Pride Live festival is 18+, excluding younger LGBT+ people from attending - some of whom may be most in need of having their identities validated by such an event.

People are also claiming that Ariana Grande’s headline spot is an erasure of LGBT+ artists and means the event may be hijacked by her fans, many of whom will be straight.

Photo credit: Sheila Martin But Pride has primarily been derid-

ed for the fact that a weekend ticket comes to £74.50 plus fees, more than double the £28 it cost in 2018.

Inevitably, this will price people out, closing the space off to huge numbers of LGBT+ people who lack this kind of disposable income.

Many have taken to social media to slate the event, often sharing the sentiment of a tweet calling the prices “exploitation of the LGBT+ community” that Grande herself responded to.

“I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me,” she wrote.

Perhaps this dispels claims that as a straight woman she has no right to perform on a rainbow-covered stage.

But it doesn’t entirely resolve the concerns about exploitation, and the issue of the ticket pricing remains.

Manchester Pride, a registered charity, makes much of the fact that part of its high ticket costs go towards good causes. Their profits help fund initiatives such as the George House Trust Welfare Fund which provides support to people with HIV. In 2017 it stated that £161,000 was generated for these causes - a size-

able amount on the surface. But it made a huge £1,090,465 that year in ticketing revenue, meaning that just over £4 for every weekend ticket sold went to charity.

The rest of the money goes towards the running of the festival - an amount that has had to increase massively to pay for a huge name like

On the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, it’s not hard to see why having to pay to celebrate your identity is an issue for LGBT+ people Grande, who is allegedly banking £250,000 for her performance.

In a statement, Manchester Pride chief executive Mark Fletcher defended the jump in ticket price, saying that it was “the biggest line up of artists we’ve ever had, for less than the price of a single concert ticket.”

But many on social media have

argued that Pride is a protest, not a concert. And on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, it’s not hard to see why having to pay to celebrate your identity is an issue for LGBT+ people.

While the costs of Manchester Pride may exclude some, there are alternatives. Sparkle Weekend, an event in July, is organised by the national transgender charity and attracted over 18,000 visitors in 2018.

“One of the charity’s core values that the event remains free-to-attend and is as accessible and inclusive as possible,” a Sparkle spokesperson told MM. “Beyond that we try to ensure that there is a diverse and inclusive range of entertainment on the main stage, that we offer free space to unfunded support groups which may not have the resources to participate in larger Pride events, and that we take consideration for those of differing abilities.”

Events like this show that the community and solidarity that Pride at its best represents don’t have to come at a price.

From 1969 to now: Stonewall’s mark on LGBT+ rights continues to resonate in city

By ADAM MAIDMENT

ON June 28th, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn on Greenwich Village in New York, unintentionally kick starting a movement for LGBT+ equality.

Tipped off by rumblings of bootlegged alcohol and blackmailing mafia owners, the raid on the gay-friendly bar would see patrons lined up, interrogated, and, in some cases, kicked and pushed about.

The evening would be responded with a week of protests, fighting against the handling and marginalisation of the LGBT+ community. During an era where it was still illegal for two gay men to be seen dancing together, the community had decided enough was enough.

Exactly a year on from the raids, the first gay Pride event in New York took place.

“We’ll never have the freedom and civil rights we deserve as human beings unless we stop hiding in closets and in the shelter of anonymity,” Gay Liberation Front founder Michael Brown told the New York Times in 1970.

Those couple of years in New York would set a precedent, not only for gay rights in America but for the rest of the world too. Was it finally time for it to be okay to be gay? Not quite.

It would not be until the late 80s where the UK would have its very own ‘Stonewall moment’. As homophobia hit fever pitch following an association of HIV/AIDS in gay and bisexual men, the UK government was set to put Section 28 in motion – an amendment to the Local Government Act 1988 that would stop local authorities and schools from promoting homosexuality.

The amendment was met with criticism up and down the country. Most famously, Manchester became the centre of another historic moment for LGBT+ rights.

On 20th February 1988, 20,000 protesters took to the streets of Manchester to fight

Where it all started: New York’s Stonewall Inn

against the discriminating clause. “There was a sense that the whole community was under threat,” Paul Fairweather, who helped set up the North West Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Equality, told The Guardian.

“There were also lots of questions about section 28’s possible impact on gay bars and clubs, as well as concerns about the attitude of the police force.”

Lisa Power, co-editor of the Pink Paper, said to The Guardian that Manchester’s section 28 protests helped to “bring what we called the scene queens together with the political.”

While the battle was not won (the clause was passed through parliament and wasn’t repelled until 2003), Power believes the protests still had an impact. “This did make people think much more strategically about how we

should go about getting lesbian and gay rights to win the war.”

The effects of Section 28 can still be felt today. Recent research by Anglia Ruskin University found that 88% of post-2003 teachers were public about their sexuality to all school colleagues, compared to 20% of those from the Section 28 era.

Dr Catherine Lee of Anglia Ruskin University, author of the study, said that it was “clear that a lot of teachers remain scarred by their experiences during this period.

“While this legislation was not the only difficult aspect of being an LGBT+ individual in the 1980s and 1990s, it has helped leave a legacy of caution, self-censorship and complex identity management that harmfully lingers some 15 years after the repeal.”

Photo credit: Travis Wise

The fact that many people who grew up in Section 28 era still feel unable to be their true selves highlights why it's still important to fight for equal rights. Those who fought back against the Stonewall raids and the Section 28 clause show that change can happen.

The protests also demonstrate how we can never rest on our laurels. Recent news of parents campaigning against the teaching of LGBT+ relationships in schools and the scarring misgendering and dehumanisation of transgender people in the media showcase how the fight for equality is far from complete.

As Michael Brown suggested in 1970, we’ll never have the rights we deserve if we stay complacent.

Charities helping homeless hounds

8 FEATURES MARCH 2019

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

By GEORGINA COUPE

£50,000 on surgery is just the start

PDSA running health checks on 7-year-old Coco.

Photo credit Georgina Coupe

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Coco is the latest dog on the streets of Manchester to be given a helping hand by charities in Manchester.

Having a pet is a barrier for many being able to find permanent homes, as hostels and prospective landlords are reluctant to house animals.

It’s estimated there are about 30 without permanent accommodation in Manchester. Recent reports of the city’s homeless population being moved on by police make it difficult for the charities to locate animals they want to check on.

Veterinary nurse Rachel Bean from Street Paws has been patrolling with Ellie Bailey, a People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) vet to provide free care to animals owned by homeless people or those severely affected by poverty.

Carrying a bag full of antibiotics and bandages they are ready to treat anything from cut paws to providing worming and flea treatments.

Some pedestrianised areas prevent PDSA’s van gaining access, so Rachel and other volunteers walk around and bring people back to the van.Ellie examines Coco in the PDSA

van and gives her an immunisation jab.

She listens to her heart, lungs and chest before checking her weight (a healthy 27kgs). Unfortunately she has a mammary tumour and will need further treatment.

Coco is given a microchip so if she goes missing she’ll be reunited with her owner, David for free. The service normally costs £180, but Street Paws have arranged the waiver with Manchester’s dog warden for animals they register.

We provide a non-judgemental service that helps bridge this gap allowing us to talk to them through their dog.

Ellie Bailey- PDSA

They can also arrange emergency kennel care if their owner has to go into hospital or a hostel overnight.

For David, it “means a lot to have her checked over” and knowing she is chipped brings him piece of mind.

Describing Coco as the “most important thing in his life,” he finds it reassuring “to know that someone cares.”

Ellie describes the Staffordshire cross as: “obviously very well looked after” and

By BECKY PAGE

AN adult entertainer famous for his £50,000 surgery is planning to partly transition, after feeling too anxious to leave the house.

James Holt, 25, has been in the spotlight for many years, following extreme surgical decisions and is now planning to fully commit to an androgynous persona by getting breast surgery.

In the hope he’ll feel happier and more himself, he’s getting a £10,000 boob job and an £800 weave before 2020.

The webcam worker moved out of his family home at only 15 and has since lived alone in Ramsbottom.

James’ surgeries are largely funded through ‘financial domination’ where he adopts a dominatrix role and earns around £150 for one quick conversation.

Holt first began getting lip filler at 16years-old and has since had them done over 100 times.

He also attends regular botox top-ups, and receives injections in his cheeks, nasal folds, chin, forehead, jawline and temple; Holt described himself as having no expression anymore.

Although being deemed a crazed, Kardashian super-fan who wants nothing more than to have lips like Kylie Jenner, Holt denied this to have ever been the motivation and said his ultimate goal was always to match his outside to his inside.

Looking to the transgender porn-star Mia Maffia and androgynous singer Pete Burns for inspiration, Holt believes his desire for a feminine look has always been leading him here.

When asked about the transition, the 25-year-old said: “It’s coming this year I’m fully going for it.”

He said: “I’ve done my face, I can do the make-up but now I need the breasts.”

Despite disapproval from family mem-

challenges the misconception that dogs without a permanent home aren’t as well treated.

In her experience, dogs on the streets can be better looked after than those with families at home. She says: “all their basic needs are met and tend to be well fed, loved and generally much better socialised. “ For Rachel it’s important that being homeless or not being able to afford expensive vet bills shouldn’t be a barrier to having access to emergency vet care.

She describes people using the service as: “sometimes ostracised from society. We provide a non-judgemental service that helps bridge this gap allowing us to talk to them through their dog.”

The two charities joined forces last month. Street Paws volunteers have already built up trusting relationships with many and PDSA provide funding and access to services including x-rays and operations.

They meet in Piccadilly Gardens on the first Tues of every month and at The Booth Centre on the first Friday morning. of every month.

Street Paws has a team of over 300 volunteers. For anyone wishing to donate, warm dog coats, blankets and leads are always greatly appreciated.

Tales from Clonezone: case of the stolen bot

By LUCY MILBURN

IN our first tale from CloneZone, shop assistant Kazuki ‘Kaz’ James recalls the theft of their beloved robot Tengo, a promotional item from sex toy company Tenga.

On a busy afternoon last month, a suspicious man tried to pay with a fake £20 note.

“He was very insistent that we served him straight away,” Kaz, 37, told MM. The employee immediately

CHANGES: James Holt pictured in 2013 (left) and 2019 (right).

bers and dealing with vicious Instagram trolls on a daily basis, Holt refuses to let anything stop him from living life by his own rules.

Noting that most reactions to his appearance were negative, the 25-year-old said: “I can ignore it. I’m just doing my own thing.”

A childhood friend, Ashlee, 26, who knew Holt before any of the surgery, said he always had trolls, even before the

fillers.

She said: “People have always looked at him. Back when he worked in Asda - one day his hair would be red, the next it’d be pink.

“He’s always been extreme but that’s James.”

Being asexual, a complete sex-change is currently not on the cards but his friend still thinks this could be an option for Holt in the future, often describing him as a “girl’s

Photo credit James Holt

soul in a boy’s body.”

Ashlee added: “He even goes to the girls’ toilet- well, he sneaks in!”

She said: “I think he’d go all the way eventually. But right now he’s sticking with the boob job and seeing how it goes.”

Suffering with anxiety to the extent that he sometimes struggles to leave the house, James hopes that breast surgery could be the answer to his long sought after happiness.

Photo credit: Kazuki James

recognised the con and ordered the customer to leave.

“He realised he still had a bottle of lube in his hand and threw it at another shop assistant,” Kaz said.

Watching security footage after the incident, they saw the man pocket Tengo who sat proudly on the cash desk.

“We miss him dearly.”

March 2019

1

PICTURE SPECIAL

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9

2

3 4 MM reporter spent an evening with the PDSA as they carried out checks and treatments on homeless dogs.

1 Rachel Bean takes details for micro-chip 2 Coco has vaccination 3 Coco is treated in PDSA van 4 Ellie weighs Coco 5 Rachel Bean prepares equipment

5

All Hands on Deck for gender equality

10 MANCHESTER March 2019

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

By PHILIP K. MARZOUK

UoM dropout builds booming beauty empire

FOUNDERS: All Hands On Deck duo Anne Cooper (left) and Tracy Duah (right).

Mystery Bouncer cons customers

By LUCY MILBURN

AN opportunistic customer decided to implement his own door policy at CloneZone one Saturday night.

Standing outside the entrance, he demanded a £4 entry fee from an unsuspecting – and worse for wear – customer.

Confused, the man approached Kaz to enquire about the shop’s policy.

“I thought he was being funny at first,” Kaz told MM. “You don’t pay to get in, you just pay for things in the shop – that’s how shop’s work!”

After being threatened with security footage, the man confessed.

“The guy looked very sheepish, put his hand in his pocket and gave him back his £4,” Kaz said.

IN a male-dominated DJ scene, All Hands On Deck (AHOD) have created an inclusive platform in Manchester for women and non-binary people to exhibit their talents.

Inspired by open deck nights in Bristol (open mics for DJs) Anna Cooper, 27, Tracy Duah, 24, Rosa Méthol, 23, and Sophie Hayter, 23, formed the collective out of the desire for a space in which women and non-binary people could flourish behind the decks.

Duah explained: “Whoever plays at our nights or whoever’s interested in playing is part of the collective.

“It can consist of experienced or beginner DJs and we’re trying to expand it so that sound engineers can help us out as well. Through that we’ll have a lot of skill sharing.”

Meeting at a workshop for female DJs at Partisan, a co-operative activist space in central Manchester, Cooper and Duah bonded over the lack of a space that catered to women and non-binary DJs. Cooper and Duah were then blessed with an opportunity after an open call out

By BECKY PAGE

A UNIVERSITY drop-out has become the mastermind behind the nationally-recognised cosmetics brand Jordana Ticia Cosmetics.

Beginning in 2015 when owner, Jordana Franks, 22, was a freelance make-up artist with the odd few clients booked in between her university classes.

What started as a business that only stocked 3 items, has now grown into a beauty empire that offers 9 liquid lipsticks, 9 glosses, 3 lustre enhancers, 8 base and sparkle eye-shadow duos, 4 blushes and 2 highlighters.

Today, the young entrepreneur’s cosmetic products are stocked at over 75 salons across the UK and the business has reached an impressive 62.1K following on Instagram (@jordanaticiacosmetics).

With a large celebrity following, fans of the brand include: Loose Women’s Stacey Solomon and Love Island’s Georgia Steele, Sam Chapman (@pixiewoo) who founded the globally recognised ‘Real Techniques’ brushes, as well as the famous YouTuber,

Nikki Tutorials (@nikkitutorials) who has done Kim Kardashian’s make up.

Having studied Business Management at Manchester University before dropping out in her third year, Jordana said: “To say I didn’t enjoy it is an understatement. I hated it.

“I was so hesitant to leave university because school had pushed it in my head.”

After deferring a year due to anxiety, the self-made beauty queen began to put more time into her freelance work.

It was at this point that she realised how certain products were extremely difficult to purchase in the UK and had to be shipped from America.

Franks took it upon herself to find a factory in England to produce the product and then to sell them on herself, not foreseeing the immense success that was awaiting her.

“I thought I’d just sell them on Depop or something,” she said, humbly.

Currently running Jordana Ticia Cosmetics from a section in her father’s office in Swinton, she

for female DJs to play at a fundraiser for the Rojava conflict in June 2018; this led to the swift establishment of AHOD in July 2018 with Hayter and Méthol.

Cooper said: “Something that stopped me [DJing] for a while was I was nervous to put music on in a room and have other people listen to it but, at the Rojava gig,

We just want people that are playing to be comfortable and emanate that confidence.”

Anna Cooper - All Hands On Deck

because it wasn’t about the music, people were just there to have a nice time and that’s something that we can create.”

Duah added: “When you go to a night, you see four guys behind a DJ booth wearing all black. That’s a really intimidating space. Having that freedom of

saying come along, do this, do that and have fun is what the collective is about.”

The four founding members, once beginners, have progressed to the point that AHOD now have residencies at Deaf Institute and Common in the Northern Quarter, but they still run workshops and support women and non-binary people to break into an often closed scene.

According to Cooper, these workshops and nights are always inclusive: “We don’t want people coming in, standing there being really judgemental and reactionary if [DJs] do a bad mix. We want crowds to be supportive.”

Duah said: “We don’t focus on specific genres at our club nights. We’ve had people come in and play new wave, rock and grime. We just want people that are playing to be comfortable and emanate that confidence.”

If you identify as a woman or nonbinary and want to get involved visit their Facebook page: allhands0ndeck or see them playing at The Klondyke in Levenshulme, on Friday 15th March.

spends her days packaging orders, but Jordana says she is quickly outgrowing the space.

With hopes to be stocked in retail by the end of the year, as well as conquering more of the “Youtube world”, this business is far from ending its expansion.

In light of last Friday’s International Women’s Day, Franks has undoubtedly become a role model for many girls who are hoping to break into a career in business.

The young entrepreneur told MM: “It doesn’t come easy. You have to enjoy it, to put the effort in.”

With working days that rarely end before 11pm, when Jordana finishes replying to emails and working on her social media, after a full day of organising postage and packaging, she is not afraid of the less glitzy jobs.

Franks said: “You have to be willing to do all the jobs - even the not so glamorous ones like packing orders.

“It’s important to remember that it’s not just make-up. It’s a business.”

Watch out Kylie Jenner, Manchester’s got its own beauty queen!

GOING PLACES: Entrpenenur and beauty queen Jordana Franks

ENTERTAINMENT 11

Stephen Bailey:

March 2019

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PAGE’S PICKS: Upcoming films with female leads

Funny as folk

By BECKY PAGE This year has kicked off to a powerful start for women in film.

We’ve seen Marvel release Captain Marvel, its first film with a female lead (turn to page 12 for our very own Molly Millar’s review), last month saw Olivia Coleman awarded an Oscar for her triumphant performance in The Favourite, whilst Ruth Ginsberg’s revolutionary advocation for women’s rights has finally been brought to life by Felicity Jones, in On The Basis of Sex. In light of last week’s International Women’s Day, MM have listed our top three upcoming and unmissable movies that are set to continue this empowerment throughout 2019.

What Men Want (March 22nd)

By CHARLOTTE HADFIELD THE Manchester comedian everyone’s talking about is back at the Lowry this April with his tour Our Kid. Stephen Bailey, known for his appearances on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, Celebs on the Farm and his role as resident agony aunt on ITV’s ‘Zoe Ball on Sunday’, has a gossipy, open and outrageous humour which has audiences in tears from the get go.

The comic’s new tour is all about identity and giving the audience a break from the real world for a while, Stephen (32) from Denton, explained: “I want to bring old school laughter back and just make people laugh for an hour or two.

“I think the way the world is at the minute is quite heavy and we’re in a time when politically it's mad and no one knows what’s happening, so we need to let our hair down and have a good time.”

Stephen added: “I also have a bit of a bee in my bonnet because we’re always told who we are, what we’re doing wrong, what we’re not doing enough of and what we can’t do and this starts as kids.

Trixie Mattel Review: A dazzling, audacious masterclass in drag

By SONAL LAD WITH the bright lights of the O2 Apollo flashing with the name Trixie Mattel, crowds were lining up in anticipation to see the Wisconsin Queen.

With the bright lights of the O2 Apollo flashing with the name Trixie Mattel, crowds were lining up in anticipation to see the Wisconsin Queen.

Brian Firkus, better known as Trixie Mattel, a contestant on season seven of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and winner of Drag Race: All Stars 3, embarked on her UK Tour: Skinny Legend.

Before Trixie even came on the crowd were treated to amazing support acts including Irish drag star, Victoria Secret, and some of the biggest queens in Manchester.

The audience were already full of adrenaline when the lights went down and the one and only Trixie Mattel walked onto the stage. The crowd erupted!

From the word go, Trixie had the audience in the palm of her hand. She came out in a beautiful Mamma Mia-esque outfit, introduced us to her sippy cup and dived straight into the comedy.

It was difficult to know whether it was appropriate to laugh or not.

Many would shy away from more controversial and sensitive topics but Trixie joked about race, sexuality and current affairs, all interjected with stories about her drag sisters including Bob the Drag Queen and Kimchi.

As good as the comedy was, what was unique about the show was that she blended her comedic flair with music. Any fan of Trixie or Drag Race recognises this star’s talent, from her vocals to her ability to play multiple instruments, including a bright pink clarinet.

Alongside her arsenal of well-known songs, including her hit Little Sister and a clarinet rendition of Colours of the Wind, we had some obviously made up ones. She sang about being rich and about how she could do whatever she wanted because we’d already bought a ticket. Trixie had the ability to wow people with her talents whilst they were all crying with laughter.

After a small break, Trixie returned to the stage, showing us her costume change. She was now wearing a dazzling pink number fit for Vegas and the crowd were even louder as the show went on effortlessly.

That’s not to say everything ran like clockwork. There were malfunctions with her guitar strap and points where she even forgot the lines to her songs. However, in pure Trixie fashion, she made

Photo credit: Duncan Elliott

“We tell kids what their destiny is going to be, so if you do a degree in IT then you’ll do IT and if you do a PCGE then you’ll become a teacher but I think we should do what we want, you don’t have to do anything forever.”

“We need to be a bit more American and encourage everyone to go for your dreams.”

Before entering the comedy circuit officially in 2015, Stephen held various jobs including working at Sainsbury’s, as a receptionist and as a TV runner.

As a natural storyteller, he’s also been described by reviewers as ‘everyone's gay best friend’, with his sets often including stories about the highs and lows of dating and the peculiar messages he’s received on Grindr.

When discussing the representation of gay comedians in the comedy industry, Stephen said: “On the whole it is getting better but I think there's chats that need to be had.

“We have an LGBT+ community so there’s definitely room for comedians from that community and there needs to be a discussion there.”

To see Stephen on tour with Our Kid, he’ll be at the Lowry on Saturday 6th April.

Many will remember Mel Gibson’s witty performance in the 2001 rom-com What Women Want - well here’s a gender swapped remake starring Taraji P. Henson (who also worked as an executive producer for the movie).

Henson plays a female sports agent who is always bested by her male colleagues, before a bump on the head in a nightclub renders her privy to all men’s hidden thoughts. This has not been the first of its kind, following an all-female cast in Oceans 8 (2018), as well as the Ghostbusters (2016) switch up.

WHAT MEN WANT: Taraji P. Henson stars as Ali Davis.

Wild Rose (April 12th)

Jessie Buckley stars as an aspiring country singer, Rose-Lynn Harlan, who has recently been released from prison.

Rocking an iconic white leather jacket and cowboy boots as well as a slightly less fashionable ankle monitor that ensures she keep to a law-enforced curfew every night, the film follows Harlan’s journey as she juggles chasing the dream with looking after her children and dealing with her mother’s (Julie Walters) disapproval.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sonal Lad

it part of the act. It was the same with the audience interaction. Every time someone did anything, she’d involve them and molded her act to fit in with what was happening around her.

After almost two hours of laughter, the show neared its end. Trixie, being who she is, had to end on a big note. So, she grabbed someone from the audience to join in on a rendition of the All Star version of Kitty Girl as the crowd sang along.

In a world of chaos and political correctness, Trixie’s Skinny Legend Tour provided a great bit of light-hearted humour, escapism and put a smile on everybody’s face.

THE HUSTLE: Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson.

The Hustle (May 10th)

“Why are women better suited to the con than men?” Hathaway smugly asks in the trailer. “Because we’re used to faking it?” Rebel Wilson replies.

Setting the comedic tone for yet again, another gender-swapped remake (this time of the 1988 comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), the movie promises a hilarious battle of two polar opposite female characters, one highly slapstick and the other oozing sophistication, as they compete to scam a billionaire out of his fortune.

12 ENTERTAINMENT March 2019

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

Captain Marvel review: crucial but underwhelming

By MOLLY MILLAR CAPTAIN Marvel is the first film from the franchise to feature a female lead, so while it might not be a great film, it is a necessary one.

Carol Danvers’ story doesn’t differ much from formulaic superhero origin fare, and the script isn’t nearly sharp enough to elevate it above similar films.

It almost hurts to think of all the millions poured into CGI battles that are ultimately so joyless to watch.

However, the emotional beats of the film undeniably work when they cash in on its protagonist’s ongoing struggles with men who either want to belittle her power or harness it for themselves.

Carol’s feminist moments pack a punch, literally and emotionally. It’s a shame that the film has to rely so heavily on motifs of female empowerment to make up for such mediocre filmmaking.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Mitchell

Kingdom Hearts III: Retrospective

By CECILIA MITCHELL

Photo Credit: AntMan3001

Tales from CloneZone: The case of the porn purveyor

By LUCY MILBURN

ONE customer decided to donate some old porn DVDs to CloneZone.

Unfortunately, the DVDs were ancient and they couldn't legally be sold without a certificate.

“We decided to take them as a favour,” Kaz told MM. But it didn’t stop there.

Over the past 18 months, the shop has received multiple bags of porn DVDs, books and tapes every six weeks from the same generous customer.

“It got to the point where we had to politely ask him if he would stop donating the porn,” Kaz said.

They thought he’d got the message until the following week a bag of porn was left on the street outside the shop.

KINGDOM Hearts III was highly anticipated for a long time - it’s been 7 years since the last chronological game in the series - so expectations were high for the game on release. But unfortunately, while the title excelled in a number of places, it missed the mark in areas previous titles were always praised for.

The gameplay of Kingdom Hearts III is without doubt the best the series has ever seen. It’s clear they’ve incorporated what they learnt by experimenting in previous ‘side titles’. KHIII returns to its hack-and-slash roots, while incorporating the Command Deck system from handheld titles for powerful magic and flashy Disney Park ride themed attacks.

In terms of presentation, the series has never been better. Each world is lit using Square Enix’s custom-built Kingdom Shader which emulates the aesthetic of each Disney world near-perfectly. The Pirates of the Caribbean world even completely skips past its visual whiplash from Kingdom Hearts II, while also nicely avoiding the uncanny valley. The end result is a masterclass in balancing realism with a more cartoony style.

Voice acting is largely incredibly skillful - Haley Joel Osment managed to recapture his voice for main character Sora after a shaky period in previous titles. The loss of Leonard Nimoy as main villain Xehanort is certainly felt, but Rutger Hauer’s job with the role is very good.

Composer Yoko Shimomura’s musical score is also somehow even more breathtaking than usual, with each cutscene having its own orchestration. Thanks to this, fan-favourite pieces feel brand new again with the

grandiose and emotive pacing of a movie soundtrack. It’s disappointing that new pieces are few and far between, largely isolated to Disney worlds, but considering Shimomura already had 17 years-worth of music to juggle with, it’s not particularly surprising.

Unfortunately, the writing - usually the draw of a Kingdom Hearts title, despite its complexity - leaves many dissatisfied. Character writing in Disney worlds is joyous. The involvement of Disney themselves is certainly apparent. Sora and co’s interactions with beloved Frozen, Toy Story and Monsters Inc. characters feel natural in a way they never have before, and when Disney and Kingdom Hearts’ plots collide, it doesn’t feel ham-fisted like it might have in earlier titles.

But most fans have stayed with Kingdom Hearts for the sprawling overarching plot, not Disney. While many threads are wrapped up nicely, there are absolutely bizarre character writing choices in the finale. Important characters have very sudden motivational changes, and some confused fans have found themselves driven to study the game in great detail to try to find an explanation - one such theory is a whopping 350 pages long (interested parties should visit @Nikutsune on Twitter).

It’s undeniable that Kingdom Hearts III is one of the best titles in the series. The Disney vibrancy and flashily-lighted gameplay that sucked fans in initially is easily the best we’ve ever seen, but the things that ensured fans stayed - characters and story - truly drew the short end of the stick. This mismatch of extremes leaves Kingdom Hearts III as simultaneously a great success and an unfortunate disappointment.

Yoko Ono a nn oun ced a s part of b igg es t-ever line-u p for MIF

By HARRY BENBOW

MANCHESTER International Festival returns this July and will be bigger than ever.

The 18-day festival will welcome projects from stars including Idris Elba, Skepta, David Lynch and Yoko Ono. Yoko, 86, will open the festival with a mass-participatory artwork which will invite crowds to sing for peace at Cathedral Gardens.

Cult US director and Twin Peaks creator Lynch will bring his largest UK exhibition of visual art to date to HOME. The project includes Lynch-inspired gigs from musicians of his picking, screenings of his films and those that have influenced him as well as conversations with the man himself.

Manchester both Maxine Peake and Sarah Frankcom will celebrate the legacy of Velvet Underground singer Nico with a theatrical look into her identity at the Stoller Hall, with an all-female creative team.

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe will perform an exclusive show to open the festival with a bang on July 4.

BBC Radio 6 DJ Mary Anne Hobbs will bring together five of the most exciting and boundary pushing electronic acts for one evening only, with Jlin, Holly Herndon, Aïsha Devi ft. MFO, Klara Lewis and Katie Gately performing.

Grime star Skepta has stepped beyond his musical outings with DYSTOPIA987, a series of intimate events held in secret locations across Manchester, celebrating the rave culture where his roots lie.

Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah have collaborated to bring their play Tree to the festival. Combining dance, music and film to tell the story of a young man on a journey of healing.

At the announcement for the line up, Kwame said: “We want you dancing, sweating and moving,” with their aim to make the play like a club, playing South African house music.

The incredibly rounded selection of performers is topped off with a partnership between legendary composer Philip Glass and actor/director Phelim McDermott who bring Tao of Glass to the festival for its world premiere.

Manchester International Festival has once again proved its ability to bring the biggest names in the world of arts to our city,

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Review: Kourtney Kardashian at HOME

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

By JOE HADDEN AS has always been with performance art pieces, particularly the overtlyearnest, hard to define ones that don’t appear to follow any comprehensible structure, they are easily dismissed as pretentious, pseudo-intellectual fluff, reserved solely for equally pretentious, pseudo-intellectual audiences.

Such shows are not to be enjoyed, but merely a statement of one’s supreme intelligence. Anyone who isn’t a hardened veteran of arthouse theatre might find it hard to go into this without a degree of cynicism, but it serves as a relief that Kourtney Kardashian is in tune with such cynicism, and has the self-awareness to acknowledge it.

Brought to us by Basque Country based Sleepwalk Collective, a two woman performance by Iara Solano Arana and Nhung Dang, Kourtney Kardashian is the final instalment in an ‘accidental trilogy’ of performances about ‘high art and celebrity’.

The follow-up to 2016’s ballet Kim Kardashian and 2017’s stage play Khloe Kardashian, it follows the trend of taking on an entirely new medium, this time

Final Fantasy VII: thematically relevant?

PERFORMANCE AT HOME

By CECILIA MITCHELL

WHILE environmentalism, capitalism and identity aren’t uncommon themes in JRPGs, it’s likely that newcomers will find its take on them a little uncanny.

From the get-go, players are introduced to AVALANCHE - a group of eco-terrorists who are trying to stop the Shinra Electric Power Company from draining the planet of its “lifeblood”, mako energy - a clear comparison to fossil fuels.

The energy is formed when people die (a literal circle of life), and is hard to source and extract akin to both oil and coal. Perhaps most prominently, the constant use of mako energy is killing the planet - directly comparable to global warming. Shinra also has some disturbing similarities to current real life events. President Shinra, the founder, started in business before turning his company into a political power. By the time the games’ events start, he rules the entire world, thanks to monopolising mako, privatising governmental duties and fear mongering.

There’s also flavour-text about him being involved in a sex-scandal - it’s like game writers Kazushige Nojima and Yoshinori Kitase predicted the future of a certain global superpower.

The effect of colonialism is also a very prominent theme in FFVII. 15 years before the game’s story begins, Shinra declares war on East-Asiabased Wutai after they refuse to let them build a mako reactor on sacred ground. Wutai loses and the country becomes a tourist trap.

Though this war takes reference from those fought by the United States during the 20th century, it is only now in the 21st that many are realising how fetishised Asian culture is in the West as a result.

Each protagonist the player follows suffers through extreme trauma. It’s unsurprising that none of them are particularly mentally healthy most (if not all) have depression. It’sinteresting to see similarities in mental health trends between

Photo Credit: IsasiFoto

the longer Arana holds her fairly unremarkable pose, the more its value increases, given that it occupies more time in a £12, hour long show.

Whilst you can’t deny the logical reasoning, it can feel like, at best, a pointless observation mademerely for the sake of making it, and at worst, shamelessly taunting you for spending your money on what is essentially nothing.

That said the show does provide moments of substance, even if they’re too abstract to make much sense of. The carefully timed choreography of Dang and Arana, coupled with some impressively immersive sound production, makes for an interesting spectacle that comes to a head in the closing moments of the performance. It manages to fill you with a gripping sense of unease an impending doom.

It may be difficult to make sense of, but that’s probably the intention. In the landscape of creative nihilism that Kourtney Kardashian lives in, binary ideas like good and bad seem rather pointless.

So in keeping with the central theme of the show: sure, whatever.

Gangs and Mormons: The best musicals coming up in Manchester

By SONAL LAD

a 1997 “farfetched” version of late-stagecapitalism, and the reality of the present.

There’s a definite surge in poor mental health in young people - minors are a particular point of research in recent years.

While it’s unlikely that young people in 2019 have personally seen the extremities of trauma in FFVII, it’s clear why their mental health is poor with easy access to traumatic news stories and content on the internet.

The Switch port of Final Fantasy VII will be more relevant to the times than its creators probably ever imagined - and this won’t be the last we see of the title either; there’s still a full HD remake of the 22-year-old title in development.

With no release window four years postannouncement, no one knows how soon we’ll see Final Fantasy VII Remake. But hopefully by the time we do, the dark hopeless setting will seem familiar, but like a distant memory rather than a direct parallel to the world we live in.

Photo Credit: Square Enix

opera. Iit’s clear the word opera is used very loosely - the show notes concede it’s “an art form we barley understand”.

More than enough reason to roll your eyes it seems but, like most performances of this ilk, there’s the presumption that we’ll be presented with profound answers to life’s most existential questions.

We’re told that it’ll touch on everything from identity, selfhood, technology, automation, and Brexit.

Ambitious? Perhaps.

Early on, our attention is drawn to two large speakers in both far corners of the room, playing snippets of sitcom-style canned laughter. Dang reminds us that just as almost every human purpose is being slowly outsourced to machines, audience membership is no exception. Better yet, the canned laughter knows just when to laugh in all the right places.

Whilst there’s certainly an amusing novelty in this self-awareness and self-deprecating humour, it can begin to feel hollow, and just that, a novelty.

At one point, Arana holds a pose whilst Dang commentates over it, informing us that,

March 2019

WESTSIDE STORY

The Book of Mormon From the 6th June to 27th July, the Palace Theatre has a run of The Book of Mormon which is one of most popular musical comedies to grace the stage in recent years.

The story follows a pair of missionaries travelling to preach Mormonism in a small Ugandan village. However, it’s less about religion and focuses on the power of love and belief.

Selling out shows all across the world and with an amazing original soundtrack, you’d have to be crazy to miss out on the opportunity to watch this.

American Idiot To mark the show’s 10 th anniversary, American Idiot is coming to the Manchester Palace Theatre between the 2-6 th April.

The Tony Award winning rock musical features some of the biggest tracks from one of the biggest bands in the world: Green Day. It follows three friends searching for purpose in a world following the traumatic events of 9/11. The musical is a perfect show for Green Day fans and also anyone who loves an amazing story accompanied by some of the biggest tracks of the millennium.

West Side Story Set in Upper West Side New York, the musical production of West Side Story is coming to the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre from the 6 th April to the 25 th May. The story follows a rivalry between two different ethnic background gangs and is a beautiful and tragic story of two star crossed lovers, not dissimilar to Romeo and Juliet. It’s a classic musical with some of the best songs I’ve heard and a story that will entrance you from start to end.

Blood Brothers The Laurence Olivier Award winning Blood Brothers is coming to The Lowry between the 9th -13th April as part of their UK tour.

The classic story follows a pair of fraternal twins separated at birth and growing up in two different environments until meeting at aged 7. It follows the story of how their upbringings change impact their adult lives and is accompanied by songs narrating how different their lives are.

Dirty Dancing If you grew up loving a romantic film, you’ve watched Dirty Dancing at some point. If you’re a fan of the film, then what’s better than watching it live? Running from the 22-27 th April at the Palace Theatre, the show contains all the hits from the film including Do You Love Me? and the world-famous Time of my Life. The musical contains all of the most memorable moments of the well-loved story but also includes added scenes to quench your thirst for a bit extra from this epic Photo Credit: Lee Baxter story!

14 SPORT March 2019

www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

S a l fo r d C i t y : A n o n - l e a g u e c l u b l i k e a n y o t h e r

By JACQUE TALBOT & HENRY DISTASTIO

THE city of Salford has never had the greatest public image, but in recent years perceptions of the area have started to change.

"Not too long ago, when residents talked about going into town, they didn't mean Salford. They meant Manchester," said Frank McCauley, Salford City F. C’s club's longest-serving committee member.

"What's happened with our football team now, it's given a lot of locals an identity. Now around the city, you see everyone walking round with beanie hats, badges, replica shirts."

McCauley, a former schoolteacher who has lived in the area for the past forty years, joined the club’s committee in 1984. He has seen a great deal of change since but nothing as dramatic as the past several seasons.

Three leagues have been climbed, a stadium has been developed, and money has been invested. Even the average attendance at the Peninsula Stadium has increased from about 130 to 2,400 per game.

"When I joined, we were in the North-West Counties division. We couldn't pay anyone and relied on our players to use their own cars to get to games.

“You get involved with non-league football, and as much as you start to enjoy the running of it, you just

don’t' want to stand still. You want progress."

It’s undeniable that those who work behind the scenes share a passion for the club.

Asking the bar staff whether they enjoyed working at Salford, Laura Demato replied: “Come on. This is football. This is the passion of the nation!”

In 2014, the Class of 92, the players who made up the core of Sir Alex Ferguson's successful team at Manchester United, banded together with Singaporean businessman Peter Lim to invest in Salford City.

The side has made unprecedented progress and a good finish to the current season would see them climb into Football League territory, three promotions off the Premier League.

The takeover, which was subject to a documentary by the BBC, was done through a third party. At first, committee members were under the impression that former Premier League players - Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes - were inquiring about a sponsorship deal.

"It was only until we got talking with Gary in particular and he started describing what their vision was, we realised it was bigger, says McCauley.

David Beckham recently joined in on the takeover, investing in a 10% share and completing the full Class of 92 Reunion.

Although it may be too early to determine the impact

of Beckham’s investment, it has certainly been a draw for fans.

“Everyone decided to come out!” said barmaid Sarah Buckley. “We don’t usually get tips her but that weekend we got a tenner each.”

Salford currently sit in the playoff positions of the National Conference. After three years of straight promotions, getting into League Two isn’t a guarantee – not that it bothers committee member Dave Wilson.

“If you’d told me that this time this year now we were going to be fifth in the league I’d have been over the moon.

“There’s a lot of quality, ex-football league, established teams in this league who have had money behind the ground and players, and we’re new on the block.”

Wilson shares everyone else’s enthusiasm, exclaiming “I’d love to go straight to the top, though I don’t think it’ll be in my life time to see it.”

No matter how long it takes, the people behind the club have all the hope that Salford will get into the professional leagues, even if there is a stigma attached - but McCauley isn’t fussed.

"We get a lot of negative publicity from non-league supporters all over the country, but - and this is a question I pose to directors and representatives of other non-league clubs - if the same offer happened to you,

Photo Credit: Jacque Talbot

would you turn them down?” he said.

The belief among current staff is that the Ammies were just lucky, that it was an offer no right-minded non-league club would say no to.

“We lost a few of the regular supporters. But they were mostly Manchester City fans who they said they wouldn’t watch a team wearing red. Others just thought the ethos of non-league would go.”

But the ethos has largely stayed intact. As you start peeling back the layers of Salford City, you soon find they're a non-league club like any other.

Their ground, for instance, is the longest-running sports ground in the north of England. According to one historian, races were held on the same patch where substitutes warm up back in the middle 1600s.

Even long-serving committee members and staff, like McCauley and Wilson, remain on board, pitching in and bridging the club to the community in which it resides.

"We've raised the profile of Salford as a city. Now people from Asia, North Americans, Scandinavians, Irish come to matches,” said McCauley.

“Salford as a city has benefitted from this. It's not cost the locals anything and it's a fantastic club we now have."

With Media City, Paul Dennet and the growth of Salford City FC, the second city may take over yet.

England women out to reclaim The Ashes WILL JENNINGS

In a seismic year for England Women’s Cricket, captain Heather Knight and her players continued to build on their World Cup triumph in 2017, emphatically defeating India in their T20 series and furthering the ever-growing profile of the sport.

The team’s 3-0 victory followed their disappointing defeat in the preceding One Day International series - a result that rendered their tour of India a relative success.

But a challenging year awaits England’s female cricketers. On Saturday they commence their tour of Sri Lanka before flying home to prepare for their summer visits of the West Indies and, most significantly, Australia.

The Ashes presents a Photo Credit:Chris Wood

great opportunity for England’s enterprising young team. The series has not been won by England since 2014, with their historic nemesis retaining the urn on consecutive occasions in 2015 and 2018.

Furthermore, given the importance of the year ahead for the women’s game, this enthralling encounter’s popularity and continually-increasing profile looks set to expand even further.

Women’s cricket is becoming more accessible. The advent of the Kia Super League in 2016 represented a watershed in its rise, with the domestic competition attracting greater crowds and enhancing the sport’s visibility.

This trend continued the following year, when England conquered India in the World Cup Final at a

packed-out Lord’s in front of national television cameras.

The Ashes is an opportunity for the game to become further widespread. With an inexorably growing number of girls playing cricket around the country, tickets for the games at Leicester, Canterbury and Taunton are selling quickly.

Although an even more significant year for the England’s men’s team who have both their own Ashes as well as a World Cup on home soil to prepare for - The Women’s Ashes in July adds to what is shaping up to be a spectacular sporting summer.

If they use their momentum gained on their sub-continent tour, England’s women have every chance of regaining the urn and capturing the nation’s hearts once again.

SPORT

March 2019

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Women’s wrestling leading path to g e nd e r e qu a l i ty i n sp o r t s

15

Six Nations Grand Slam glory awaits Dragons in Cardiff lair

By HENRY DISTASIO

By SONAL LAD WOMEN are continuously fighting to bring equality to everyday life and International Women’s Day is evidence of this battle, one that has raged in the world of professional wrestling as women fight to be seen as equals to their male peers.

If you ask anyone who’s watched wrestling what they thought women’s wrestling was, I can only imagine what their response would be. The answers probably reference WWE and are along the lines of, “You mean the valets,” or, “The toilet break.”

Women’s wrestling matches of the past have been renowned for barely reaching 5 minutes, being the first to be cut if matches overran and sometimes based on gimmicks like red carpet, Christmas and even lingerie

pillow fights.

In an interview with former WWE superstar Gail Kim on PressBox Online, former member WWE creative Kevin Eck stated that, back in the day, WWE’s Chairman Vince McMahon view was that, “no one wants to see the girls fight like the guys.”

Fast forward to 2019 and the wrestling business has changed for the better. The change has to be put down to the wrestlers themselves, the ever passionate fans and independent wrestling companies who have pushed all the boundaries to make women’s wrestling popularity possible in mainstream sports entertainment.

With all female promotions like Pro Wrestling, EVE in London, Japan’s Stardom and Shimmer in the US, fans have come to

realise that men aren’t central in making a company or show successful. We also see UK promotions and US promotions, like Bar Wrestling, consistently allowing the women to fight in inter-gender matches without hesitation.

Through these matches, women are having matches with men on a regular basis. However, they’re not shown as weak or being unable to hold their own. Instead, it’s just an exhibition of two amazing athletes with an equal amount of talent and an equal chance of winning.

In terms of WWE itself, things have moved on leaps and bounds from the ‘diva’ days.

Since 2012, we’ve huge victories within the fight for this equality in WWE. WWE now allow women to main event payper-views, allowing them to participate in

Photo credit: Miguel Discart

matches that women were never really allowed to do, like Money in the Bank and Elimination Chamber, and the introduction of the all-female pay-per-view Evolution last year.

Currently, there are also rumours flying around with the idea of women main eventing WWE’s Wrestlemania: the World Cup of professional wrestling. The idea of having two women being able to have their place on a card, which has always been male dominated, seems even more realistic.

Even though there’s always more to be done, it is impossible to not watch women’s wrestling and not see how far it’s come.

With the number of female wrestlers increasing at such a rapid rate, women’s wrestling is only getting bigger and it’s exciting to see what the future holds.

Aspinall targets further darts glory after maiden major success at UK Open

By WILL JENNINGS TWELVE months ago even the most avid darts fan would be forgiven for not recognising the name Nathan Aspinall.

Such has been the rapidity of Aspinall’s rise, a player who began applying his trade on the oches of Stockport but has since gone on to achieve global darting stardom.

Last weekend, Aspinall was crowned UK Open champion at Minehead: his inaugural television major title and a triumph that propelled him into the sport’s elite.

“It still hasn’t really sunk in to be honest,” the 27-year-old told MM, reflecting on his trophy-clinching victory over 2018 World Champion Rob Cross last Sunday.

“It wasn’t the greatest game, but to win my first major with a 170 checkout felt extremely special.

“Getting to the World Championship semi-finals was great, but winning my first televised event has to be my career highlight so far.”

But Aspinall isn’t resting on his laurels. On Thursday, he makes his Premier League debut in Nottingham. He has been selected as one of the nine players to replace the injured Gary Anderson on the sport’s UK-wide darting bonanza.

Speaking ahead of his game against 28 year-old Michael Smith, Aspinall said: “I can’t wait. I’ve been practic-

ing really hard recently as I’m going to need to bring my Agame.

“I’m up to 16th in the world now, which is great as it means I’ll be playing in all of the televised majors this year.

“The next goal is definitely to get into the top ten and con tinue building on what I’ve achieved so far.

Photo credit: Proffessional Darts Cooperation

Aspinall’s rise has been infectious. Growing up in Stockport, he begun playing in his local league at 17, impressing and getting selected for the Lancashire youth team.

His performances continued to attract attention, getting

picked for Stockport’s senior side before going on to try his hand in the sport’s premier division - the Professional Darts Corporation.

“I took a bit of a risk and decided to join the PDC. I struggled at the start but got to the youth final in 2015 and won my tour card from that.

“I’ve never looked back from that point, and have just tried to push on from there.”

Aspinall’s UK Open triumph came after his astonishing run at the World Championships over Christmas: a tournament he entered as a 500/1 outsider.

Despite his widely-perceived lowly chances, ‘The Asp’ caused a number of upsets at the Alexandra Palace, claiming famous wins over Gerwyn Price, Kyle Anderson and Brendan Dolan to progress to the last four.

And this week’s Premier League encounter against Smith sees a rematch of December’s epic semi-final, providing Aspinall with the perfect opportunity to claim revenge.

“Hopefully I can put in a good performance and make my case for getting picked for a permanent spot in the competition next year,” he told MM. If Aspinall continues to deliver the same quality fans are starting to associate with him, then he has every chance of doing so.

THE Six Nations are already almost over – quite literally a case of blink and you’ll miss it.

We’ve had four action packed weeks of rollercoaster rugby including Wales’ unbeatable form and Italy’s unwinnable streak.

Last weekend’s fixtures were kicked off by Wales and Scotland at Murrayfield. The Dragons stormed into a commanding 15-6 lead at half time with the help of tries from Josh Adams and Jonathon Davies.

Scotland struggled to get going but eventually hit back in the second half, finally breaking through with Darcy Graham’s try.

Wave after wave of attacks were successfully fended off

by Wales, with the men in red eventually bringing home an 18-11 victory, leaving the Scottish heartbroken for a third straight week.

England against Italy followed with a result that probably surprised absolutely nobody. The English hammered the Azzurri, rolling in eight tries and cruising to a 57-14 victory.

A combination of swift, open rugby mixed with the all-out battering of the defensive line left the Italians winless in a record shattering 13 straight games.

The weekend concluded the following day with Ireland easily overcoming France 2612, despite a late rally that saw the struggling French side earn two tries in the last 5 minutes.

So where does that leave us?

The rampant Welsh winning machine has shown no signs of stopping, with only victory against Ireland needed to secure their first Grand Slam since 2012.

Of course, Welsh defeat could spell overall victory instead for the Irish, who are looking to defend the title they also secured on the road last year at Twickenham.

And speaking of Twickenham, let’s not forget about England. With three bonus points already under their belt, victory against Scotland under the circumstance of an Irish victory in Cardiff could see Eddie Jones claiming his third Six Nations victory from four.

It’s all to play for this weekend, with the Six Nations trophy well and truly up for grabs.

@MM_newsonline www.mancunianmatters.co.uk

Man City shellac sorry Schalke with seven of the best at Etihad

Seven heaven: City players celebrate with Phil Foden after sixth goal in Tuesday’s romp

Photo credit: BT Sport

Guardiola: “The teenagers have the patience”

By HENRY DISTASIO

MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his delight to have at least three English teams in the Champions League quarters after his side cruised past Schalke 7-0 in the round of 16.

The Citizens join fellow English sides Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the quarterfinals – and Guardiola sees this as only a positive for the Premier League.

“It is nice for English football,” said Guardiola. “"In the last decade, Spanish teams controlled everything. It is good for us. For English football, it's incredible."

Spanish sides have dominated the Champions League recently – with La Liga sides winning the competition for the past five seasons - but their reign is looking very likely to come to an end.

Following their 3-2 victory in Germany last month, City showed no mercy as they put the Bundesliga side to the sword at the Etihad, winning 10-2 on aggregate.

The first thirty-five minutes saw some action but not much finishing prowess, as Schalke continued to fend off City pressure.

That all changed when a Sergio Aguero penalty broke the deadlock.

The Argentine would add a second before former Schalke player Leroy Sane would bring the score up to 3-0 by half time.

With the game already tucked under their belts, City ran riot. Further goals from Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus left Schalke a sight for sore eyes.

Guardiola describe his side before the match as the “teenagers” of the tournament. That maybe so in terms of history, but when you take ability and prowess into account, it can’t be denied that Manchester City might be seen as standout favourites.

Ronaldo hat-trick fires Juventus into Champions League last eight

By WILL JENNINGS

POSTERITY will surely consider this one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s defining nights, a performance when the 34-year-old rolled back the years and ruthlessly dispatched Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League.

This was Ronaldo’s 52nd career hat-trick. These were his 122nd, 123rd and 124th Champions League goals - 18 more than the immortal Lionel Messi. Few would argue that Ronaldo is the better footballer, but when a team needs a man for the big occasion, look no further than Juventus’ Portuguese talisman.

Atletico were stunned. This was Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus at their brilliant best, conjuring up all of their defiance, grit and indefatigability in Turin to miraculously overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi were dominant, casting a shadow over Saul Niguez and Rodri in midfield. Giorgio Chiellini produced one of those timeless European performances, extinguishing whatever sniff Atletico and their World Cup-winning Antoine Griezmann thought they had.

In the shadows of the Italian Alps, Diego Simeone’s side looked rattled.

It was on 27 minutes when Juventus converted their initially disjointed build-up into an opening goal, with Ronaldo towering over Juanfran to hammer his header past Jan Oblac.

Twenty minutes later and the tie was level, when Ronaldo evoked memories of his goal in Moscow 2008 to head home once again.

Juventus were rampant. They continued knocking on Diego Godin’s

and Jose Gimenez’s usually-impenetrable door. When they were awarded a penalty with five minutes to go after Angel Correa fouled Federico Bernadeschi, there was only one man to take it.

And up stepped Ronaldo, brutally finishing into the corner and booking his side a place in the last eight.

With him in their team, Juventus will take some stopping.

Ronaldo jubilant after netting 52nd career hat-trick Credit: BT Sport