In memory of the Manchester Arena Bombing, May 2023

This delightful darning creation appeared in late May 2023 atop the pillar box on Fordbank Road, near its junction with Dene Road, and featured 22 colourful bees each about 2½ inches in length. Attached to the side of the pillar box was a handwritten note which read:

Remembering the 22 victims who lost their lives and all the survivors.

I love MCR

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER

The Manchester Arena bombing was an Islamic terrorist suicide attack perpetrated on 22nd May 2017 following a concert by American pop singer Ariana Grande. The bombing occurred at 10.31pm and killed 22 people, injured 1,017, and destroyed the Arena’s foyer. The blast caused an estimated £28 million worth of damage.

The Manchester worker bee is one of the best-known symbols of Manchester and has been an emblem of the city for over 150 years. The bee denotes Mancunians’ hard work ethic and the city being a hive of activity. It has also come to represent the sense of unity in our great city.

Following the May 2017 bombing, the bee emblem gained popularity as a public symbol of unity against terrorism and has appeared on numerous protest banners.

St Ambrose Barlow

This crocheted figurine represents St Ambrose Barlow and was displayed atop the pillar box on Fordbank Road during the week beginning 10th September – his Feast Day. A handwritten note in a plastic folder attached to the back of the pillar box read as follows:

“Ambrose Barlow was born in Chorlton and baptised at St James’ Church next to the Didsbury pub. 10th September is his Saints Day. He was a priest who said Mass for the poor in Lancashire and was martyred.”

NB Ambrose Barlow was born in 1585 at Barlow Hall in Chorlton, now the clubhouse of Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club. His family were forced to convert to Protestantism when the Catholic Church was outlawed, but he reverted to the Catholic faith when he was 22.