Tag: Manchester

The 60 for 60, Inside the M60: George Frewer leads 60km challenge for Movember

  • Monton local George Frewer will be leading a 60km run over two days to raise money for men’s health charity Movember
  • George is a passionate ambassador for Movember after experiencing mental health struggles during COVID-19
  • Donations and participation in the Movember running events are welcomed and encouraged

In a powerful initiative to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention, Monton local George Frewer will lead a dedicated team on “The 60 for 60, Inside the M60” challenge on 30 November and 1 December.

This effort, in support of Movember, will involve two days of running and walking to draw a giant number 60, inside the M60 in Manchester, symbolising the tragic statistic that 60 men die by suicide every hour globally.

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George’s Movember challenge in 2022

Using Strava, the team will create a massive “60” on the streets of Greater Manchester, drawing attention to the urgent need for action and support in mental health.

The almost 60km route takes the team to Swinton, Eccles, Old Trafford, Chorlton, Ardwick, Clayton, Middleton, Heaton Park, Cheetham Hill and Manchester City Centre.

“We are committed to making a difference and supporting Movember’s incredible work in mental health and suicide prevention,” George said.

“This challenge is more than just a physical feat; it’s a statement that we need to change the narrative around men’s mental health and provide the support they need.”

George, 48, is a leader of Monton Runners, and has also organised a Movember themed 5km run and fundraiser this evening with the local running group this evening (25 Nov).

Earlier this month, a couple of members of Monton Runners, including George, also participated in the Mo Running Liverpool half marathon.

From left to right: George Frewer, James Broadbent, and Matthew Godfrey of Monton Runners at the Mo Running Liverpool event on 16 November

Having struggled with his own mental health during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and seeing many of his friends and family going through the same thing, George applied to become a Movember Ambassador in 2020 to increase his involvement with the cause and make a difference.

He said: “I was lucky in that I managed to talk to two friends in particular and that helped me enormously. By walking with one and playing golf with the other, conversations happened and I was able to help myself through it.

“But too many people, men particularly, still feel there’s a stigma about opening up and talking about their struggles and feelings.”

How you can help

Now, George and his team are calling on the community to join them in this crucial cause by contributing to their fundraising efforts.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact in helping Movember continue their vital work in mental health and suicide prevention.

To get involved, you can:

  • Donate: Visit https://mobro.co/big-george to contribute directly to the cause
  • Spread the Word: Share George’s story and fundraising efforts on social media to help reach a wider audience
  • Join the Challenge: If you’re in the Manchester area, you can join George for part of the “The 60 for 60, Inside the M60” run and walk to show your support

“Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”

For more information on how to get involved or to donate, please contact George Frewer at gfrewer@gmail.com or 07824415410.

Wandering Palate nominated for Manchester Food and Drink Festival award

For the third year in a row, Monton’s Wandering Palate has been nominated for the Food and Drink Retailer of the Year award.

The Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) awards 2023 seek to showcase Manchester’s food scene and celebrate the region’s food and drink businesses.

There are 18 categories in total, which have been ‘carefully considered and created with an absolute passion for the city’s industry at their heart’.

Wandering Palate, a Monton retailer offering wines, craft beers, cheese and charcuterie, has been shortlisted for the Food and Drink Retailer of the Year award.

Will Evans, owner of Wandering Palate along with wife Emma, said: “It’s actually our third year in a row being nominated for this award. So yeah, it’s good to be recognised by the wider Manchester food and drink community.”

Will and Emma Evans opened Wandering Palate in 2021

Nominees are compiled by the MFDF judging panel, consisting of ‘the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers and experts’.

“For them to recognise us three years in a row, it kind of gives us some positive affirmations that we’re doing something right, so it’s really nice just to be just be nominated,” Will added.

Wandering Palate opened in March 2021, and their ambition to be a ‘community hub’ means that their services also include workshops such as life drawing classes, quiz nights, and wine tastings.

Will expressed a particular pride for the shop’s music nights every Friday, during which locals who are passionate about music are invited to curate the evening’s soundtrack.

“We do a little bit of everything for the community of Monton. We always wanted to be more than just a shop.”

Will Evans, Wandering Palate

It is their food and drink, however, for which they have been nominated. Will attributes this to the shop’s ‘premium convenience’ offerings: “I always talk about the fact that we’re not really a specialist in anything in particular, so even though we’ve got a really wide and varied wine selection, it’s not as big as some wine specialists in Manchester.

“Also with the cheeses and charcuterie, even though I think we’ve got a really good selection, we’re not a cheese specialist or a cheese monger.

“But what we do do is premium convenience, so if you’re living in Monton and you want a little treat, you want some nice cheese, or you want some nice charcuterie, or you want a really nice bottle of wine, you can come and get a really good selection.

“You can come and get something that’s a little bit special and just heightens those occasions that you’ve got, either on a night out or something to take to your friend’s house or a little gift for for a loved one.”

Wandering Palate sell a wide selection of wine, cheese, and charcuterie

Monton itself has also been shortlisted in the category ‘Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year’, alongside other Greater Manchester hotspots such as Altrincham, Prestwich, and Stretford.

“I think the awareness of Monton in Manchester now is much bigger than before we opened. I think we’ve done a little bit towards that but I think people have their eyes on Monton anyway,” Will said.

“It’s a beautiful village, it’s got all the shops and bars on one main strip which leads up to a lot of green space at the top so it looks like a pretty village, and I think people in Manchester have their eye on Monton for potential future sites.

“The more Monton is recognised for awards such as this and the more venues in Monton are recognised for awards such as this, the more people will want to develop and grow and expand into Monton and with that will come more investment in the right people wanting to get involved.”

To vote for Wandering Palate as Food and Drink Retailer of the Year, and for Monton as Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year, visit: https://foodanddrinkfestival.com/awards/