We nipped over the Pennines on Wednesday to visit our dear friend M who lives not far away from the wonderful Yorkshire Sculpture Park. M treated us to lunch at YSP’s restaurant from where we could see the head of Damien Hirst’s The Virgin Mother although I much preferred to look at the lake behind. We quickly admired Barbara Hepworth’s The Family of Man, much more my cup of tea, before the rain set in making it too gloomy for photos. As H and I made our way back to the hotel, legions of 
We took advantage of Thursday’s sunny start to wander around the city’s canals, home to numerous Canadian Geese several of whom weren’t too keen on us trespassing on their patch but 
I’d spotted some shots of Rochdale Town Hall on social media, fabulously restored to its neo-Gothic glory, and was keen to see it so off we went on Friday. We both shy away from guided tours but George, fresh to volunteering, wasn’t having 
We thought we’d given ourselves oodles of time to get from the hotel to
Manchester Piccadilly Station on Saturday, but the traffic was horrendous. We made it by the skin of our teeth, arriving home to a hungry cat more interested in being fed than saying hello.
And the book? Lara Thompson’s One Night, New York centres on a revenge pact between two women, one of whom has followed the brother she idolises to the city to find him caught up in some dangerous shenanigans; the other wanting to avenge her sister. Set in Depression-era Greenwich Village, it’s very atmospheric but the story is spun out for so long it lacks suspense until the last few chapters.
Since getting back, I’ve been wondering where spring has gone and hoping it’ll be back soon.
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Manchester was my student city, but it’s changed so much that I barely recognise it. One place that’s changed in a good way is the John Rylands Library. Did you get there? https://margaret21.com/2012/11/21/our-day-out-with-john-rylands/ And Rochdale. Thanks for the tip. I’ll get over there soon.
It was my brother’s, too, so I remember it from the early ’80s. Quite a contrast! We crammed in the the John Rylands on our last morning but didn’t have time to do it justice. Never mind – we’ll be back. There are plan to open what looks like a very good restaurant at the Town Hall in May.
I need another visit!
Lovely photos Susan, I haven’t been in Manchester in years and even then I wasn’t there for long.
Thanks, Cathy. All down to H who has a much better eye than me. The city’s changed beyond all recognition since I visited it in the ’80s.
How lovely! We had some time in Manchester a few years ago (oh, eleven years ago as it was before we got married!) – enjoyed the John Rylands and the art gallery, but I really want to go to the People’s History Museum.
We scooted through the John Rylands having not left ourselves enough time. Definitely worth a second visit. The People’s History Museum has the bonus of an excellent cafe with a sustainable and ethical menu.
Never made it to Manchester for some obscure reason – a major omission! Sounds like you had a great visit, with a nice mix of culture and food!
Well worth a visit! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
That town hall looks amazing! I’ll have to make time on my next visit to Manchester.
It’s fabulous! I’m so glad I spotted those photos otherwise we wouldn’t have gone.
Sounds (and looks) a lovely trip; glad you enjoyed yourselves. I’m glad the geese were obliging!
Thank you. We counted ourselves warned and passed politely!
I’m glad you had a good break. I haven’t spent much time in Manchester, just a couple of day trips years ago. It’s clearly has so much to offer.
Thanks, Ali. It’s a lively, interesting city and quite prosperous in the centre, a far cry from the 1980s when I first visited.
As always, I enjoy reading your chronicles. What a wonderful and rich time you had! I’m curious: do you keep digital notes while you’re travelling, or do you keep a journal and create your post from that, or do you simply look at the photos and write about it from memory?
Thank you! It’s a great city. I write a few rough notes along the way then pick photos from H’s gallery at home. He has a much better eye than I do.