Bits and Pieces

1976

APRIL 2: Police Sergeant Jim Roper surveys vessels passing through the Manchester Ship Canal at Stanlow Island.

Opened in January 1894, the 36-mile-long inland waterway connects the Mersey Estuary to the port of Manchester. It passes through the Barton Swing Aqueduct and the world’s first planned industrial estate, Trafford Park.

Regular sailings by oceangoing vessels were established by shipping company Manchester Liners. Its 7,698ton ship Manchester City became the largest vessel to reach the terminal docks in 1898.

1950

APRIL 5: Shoppers mill around Manchester’s Market Street with no thought of masks or Covid restrictions just after the Easter Bank Holiday.

The weather can’t be too warm as the throng of bargain hunters are all dressed in coats and hats. Some are walking on the cobblestones that are still in place.

How good is your knowledge of Manchester? Find out in the iNostalgia Easter Book Quest on social media. Just identify five locations for a chance to win five books from the iNostalgia range.

1935

APRIL 6: Everton goalkeeper Ted Sagar kicks the ball away during a league match against City at Maine Road.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw with the City goals coming from centre forward Fred Tilson and inside forward Jimmy Heale. England international Tilson was the Blues’ top scorer for the season with 18 goals in all competitions.

City went on to finish fourth in the First Division with 48 points. Arsenal were champions with 58 points.