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Despite the overwhelming abundance of things to do and see in London, there’s much more to see in Britain than just the cosmopolitan capital.
Manchester, the economic hub of Northern England, has a proud heritage stemming from the industrial revolution. Skirted by the Pennines, a continuation of the charming Peak District, Greater Manchester initially gained worldwide notoriety through the success of its football club, Manchester United – which boasts a global following and annual turnover of $350 million. Despite this glitzy image, the city has strong working class roots and it’s through this working class upbringing that many Manchester bands, including Oasis, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays attribute their stoic attitudes to. To book your Manchester escape, and gain expert insight in the process, contact your personal travel manager.
Salford, an underprivileged city in the west of Greater Manchester, is home to one the most famous boys’ club in the world. Founded in 1903, Salford Lads’ Club was built by the Groves family and opened by Robert Baden-Powell prior to the creation of the scout movement. The massive terracotta Edwardian Grade II listed building, with alpine windows, still watches over the community it has served for over a century. Peter Hook, of seminal Manchester act Joy Divison, grew up on the estate and introduced the documentary marking the club’s centenary.
The interior remains unchanged and oozes opulence, with chunky mahogany fittings complimented by shiny brass. The boxing ring, snooker hall and gymnasium are as they were over a century ago and incredibly are still used – as is the extravagant tiling that has bore the weight of an incredible alumni.
The Hollies practiced at the club prior to fame and Graham Nash, who later played with supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, has his membership card proudly on display. The artwork for The Smiths’ album ‘The Queen is Dead’ features the band posing outside the institution and vocalist Morrissey personally donated £20,000 towards ongoing restoration work. The club’s musical heritage has made the location a pilgrimage site for fans, who arrive onto the housing estate in droves to recreate album artwork and see where it all started.
As well as a living museum, the club is an ode to generosity and kindness. Established by a benevolent businessman over a century ago to nurture the deprived community, the club is still run by a member of the Groves family and relies on a band of committed volunteers.
For more information on how to visit this historic establishment, contact your local, personal travel manager- http://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm-search/
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
