THING OF THE WEEK
JIGGERY POKERY… Walter Menzies, a fierce friend of sustainable development and head of the Mersey Basin Campaign, passed away in December aged 69. Gone but certainly not forgotten, Steve Connor of Creative Concern organised Waltfest, a rousing bash to celebrate Menzies’ life at HOME last Saturday. Packed with the great, good and colourful from the development world, a particular emphasis was on Walter’s no nonsense brand of humour. ‘The Lexicon’ listed Walter’s handy phrases for cutting through architectural, business and local government waffle. Some highlights below, and keep an eye out for other choice quotes to be featured in THING in the coming weeks.
I can’t begin to express my gratitude to @CreativeConcern @HOME_mcr for putting on such an incredible tribute to my dad, Walter Stuart Menzies. He would have loved today, and we must channel him and carry on his work, rallying against the shite. #Waltfest pic.twitter.com/UOB0PXHLJ4
— Flora Grace Menzies (@Floragmenz) February 2, 2019
TAKES THE BACON… Celebrations for Chinese New Year are under way, and it’s been hard to miss a 9-metre tall creature slowly being built in the centre of St Ann’s Square in Manchester. Although slightly terrifying while under construction, it has been revealed as a sculpture of a piglet, to honour The Year of the Pig. The piglet has been created by artist Alex Rinsler, and commissioned by Manchester BID. In the spirit of giving associated with Chinese New Year, visitors are being invited to contribute to donation boxes around the sculpture. Proceeds will go to homelessness fund Big Change MCR and the Wai Yin Society.
LET THERE BE LIGHT… In Liverpool, as well as a pig-themed augmented reality trail which can be explored throughout Chinatown, for those who like their entertainment a bit more IRL (in real life, if you’re not down with the kids), evenings this weekend will feature a light show projected across the Chinese Arch and neighbouring buildings.
Wow! Loved the sneak peek of our #chinesenewyear projections. Check them out from 7pm Fri & Sat and from 6pm Sunday #cnyliverpool @CultureLPool pic.twitter.com/60EoPRtmQ8
— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) February 7, 2019
Shared kitchen facilities offer beer on tap
KILLJOY… No coworking space is complete, it seems, without beer or prosecco on tap. But WeWork in Manchester has now found itself slapped with an order from the council to provide a community manager to patrol any areas where alcohol is available. Ain’t no party like a heavily patrolled party. A sensible move though. No one wants to be tripping over office poodles after one too many on-tap bubbles.
MASTER’S VOICE… Those working up to the wire at Manchester Central Library may have been startled by a familiar booming voice at closing time this week. Brian Blessed has recorded a message for the Library’s tannoy, and over the next couple of weeks will be joined by other distinctive voices, including Happy Mondays singer Rowetta, and former Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh. A perfect way to wake up if you’ve nodded off over a good book…
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