Category Archives: Manchester

What does Rolls Royce mean to you?

Posted on June 25, 2013 by bookvolunteer

I hadn’t given this question much thought until we had the Wilmslow motor show here last summer. It was a successful event: a sunny day, thousands of people, pubs, bars and cafes full and, of course, some great motoring attractions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Engines and Machines, History, Manchester, Motors, Transport, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Is there any hope for the North?

Posted on May 23, 2013 by bookvolunteer

According to this wonderful book (engagingly written, properly researched and extensively illustrated) “Manchester has always been at the cutting edge of dramatic change – technological, social, political and economic.” So, I’m wondering what dramatic change we have coming our way … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Manchester | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The sad life of a would-be tourist guide in Wilmslow

Posted on April 22, 2013 by bookvolunteer

People do come and visit Wilmslow. Generally speaking they are either visiting family and friends or else they have come for the charity shops – which are many, varied and full of lovely stuff. And when they have done what … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, History, Manchester, Travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Would you apply for a job with these conditions of service?

Posted on April 13, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Every person employed by the Company must devote himself exclusively to their service. He must reside at whatever place be appointed, attend at such hours as may be required, pay prompt obedience to all persons placed in authority over him, … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Engines and Machines, History, Manchester, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What on earth is ‘Dry Northern Wit’?

Posted on April 11, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Today’s book is supposed to have it, according to The Independent, whose complimentary review is quoted on the cover of this Manchester Compendium. I live in the North; I have lived in the South, so I should be able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Cheshire, History, Humour, Manchester, Politics, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

People we met at the Manchester Exhibition

Posted on April 10, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Judging from the dates on the drawings, this thin book must be a souvenir of The Royal Jubilee Exhibition of 1887  held in Old Trafford to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It was opened by Alexandra and Edward, the Prince and Princess of Wales, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, History, Manchester | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How did Manchester change during Mrs Thatcher’s lifetime?

Posted on April 9, 2013 by bookvolunteer

This handbook celebrates Manchester in 1926. The photographs show buildings that I recognise but Manchester’s manufacturing, its trade, its optimism and its massive civic pride are not so obvious today. In the mid 1920s the Port of Manchester was buying … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Engines and Machines, History, Manchester | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Book Collecting is more than a Pastime, it’s a Disease

Posted on March 29, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Edmund and Ruth Frow, authors of this brilliant little pamphlet, were infected by the book collecting bug and spent a lifetime building an archive of works on the history of labour: an archive that forms the core of the ‘Working … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, biography, Crafts, History, Manchester, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Has life improved for Arctic Foxes?

Posted on February 26, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Back in the days when you draped an Arctic Fox around your shoulders for an evening out and travelled to town in a Ford Consul De-Luxe, The Opera House Manchester had a host of stars to entertain you. If you … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, French Literature, History, Manchester, Sociology, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Man City or Man Utd?

Posted on February 25, 2013 by bookvolunteer

If you live in this part of the world you’re likely to know which of these two teams you support. Even if you’re not an avid sports fan, you’re unlikely to be comfortable on the fence. L S Lowry, popular … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Manchester | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment