ON CHRISTMAS DAY the streets of Manchester and Salford were almost empty of traffic. These images document some familiar churches and other landmarks as they looked around dusk on Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2002.
HULME PARK is a newly created green space which stretches from the Mancunian Way to Stretford Road. Here we are looking from the north end of the park towards the spire of St Mary's Church, around half a mile away. The Zion Centre is visible on the right. On the left are new houses.
Equipment: Fuji Finepix F601
EWM says: Previously, the view of St Mary's spire was blocked by two of the Crescents. To see how Hulme used to look in its two previous incarnations, go to the Archives and Local Studies unit at Manchester Central Library and view the photo archive.
THE VIEW ACROSS HULME PARK is enlarged here to show the outline of the spire of St Mary's church, and the roof of the Zion Centre on the right.
Equipment: Fuji Finepix F601
EWM says: In the development of the new Hulme, planners have taken care to preserve sight lines, especially towards St Mary's Church spire. Though no longer used as a church, St Mary's is an important local landmark and symbol of continuity.
THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM seen against a dusk sky on Christmas Day 2002. We are looking across the Manchester Ship Canal from the Lowry - in the City of Salford - to the new museum - in the Borough of Trafford.
Equipment: Fuji Finepix F601. Composite of siz photographs
EWM says: There are conflicting opinions on the content of the new museum, but it appears to be developing a reputation as an important centre for historical study and education, with a strong community involvement.
ST JOHN'S CHURCH on Bellott Street Cheetham Hill is currently being renovated. The tower is covered in scaffolding.
Equipment: Nikon Coolpix 990
EWM says: This photo was taken through the windscreen of the car at around 5pm on Boxing Day 2002.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE in Didsbury is decorated with multi-coloured lights. On the left is Didsbury Library. In 2002, Manchester celebrated the 150th anniversary of the city's first public library.
Equipment: Fuji Finepix F601
EWM says: Didsbury library is like a mini-cathedral to reading and education.
SACRED TRINITY CHURCH on Chapel Street Salford is one of the few buildings in this part of the city from the pre-19th century era. It stands next to the former Exchange Station, constructed in the late 19th century. It's Christmas Day 2002 and Chapel Street is almost deserted.
Equipment: Fuji Finepix F601
EWM says: Trinity Church was painted by LS Lowry, whose pictures are an inspiration for my photography.
MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL seen from the traffic lights on Victoria Bridge at dusk. On the left is an illuminated advertising column, a source of warm glowing light in an otherwise cold and dreary scene. Normally Victoria Street is full of traffic, but today, Christmas Day, it's almost empty.
Equipment: Fuji Finepix F601. Composite of two photos top and bottom.
EWM says: Manchester Cathedral has seen many Christmases, and remains mostly the same despite many changes to the surrounding environment.

THAT'S THE LAST EYEWITNESS IN MANCHESTER UPDATE for 2002 - See you in 2003 with lots more photographs, articles and opinions from the UK's Northern Metropolis.

Page1 | Page2 | Page3 | EWM home page