Adventures in Manchester

**McClef** · 18th October 07, 04:12 AM

It's been a while since I have been in Manchester and never been there in a kilt!

There are some real architectural gems which alas the pics don't show

But hope you had a good time!

**highlander_Daz** · 18th October 07, 09:51 AM

where I was marching (Oxford road) I could see the magnificant library at the top of the road. and on the way there I drove along "AlanTuring way" Turing was the pioneer of modern digital computers, Turing is reputed to have been involved in the building of the first "proper" computer in manchester, you could argue that without Alan Turing there would be no Xmarks.

Now Ive a decent camera i will take more pics on my travels

**highlander_Daz** · 18th October 07, 09:58 AM

And Ive passed on everybodies kind comments about the doublet to my Mum, it ended up costing £20 with the donor jacket and braiding and thread etc.

**thescot** · 18th October 07, 10:21 AM

Makes me wish I could play.

thanks for the terrifc photos.

**GMan** · 18th October 07, 10:31 AM

Fantastic shots, and what a great reception.

**McClef** · 18th October 07, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by highlander_Daz

where I was marching (Oxford road) I could see the magnificant library at the top of the road. and on the way there I drove along "AlanTuring way" Turing was the pioneer of modern digital computers, Turing is reputed to have been involved in the building of the first "proper" computer in manchester, you could argue that without Alan Turing there would be no Xmarks.

Now Ive a decent camera i will take more pics on my travels

That would no doubt be the John Rylands Libarary which is indeed a magnificent building and probably the only one on Oxford Rd apart from the old "Refuge Assurance" building. Piping in Albert Square would shown you in front of some wonderful Victorian Gothic.

Alan Turing deserves the recognition. His work on ENIGMA was of incalcuable value.

**jackson1863** · 18th October 07, 02:49 PM

Great pictures!

**Frank McGrath** · 18th October 07, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by highlander_Daz

i long standing friend asked me to play the pipes to promote his business in Manchester in the North of England, Manchesters a massive city with (supposed) issues with guns and knives , however I was made very welcom and caused quite a stir but i had a great time , Thank you Manchester

Caught out eyeng up the red haired lass oops

Oxford road

my best angle

local "hobo" has a dance

Massive city with guns and knives......Sounds like Baltimore, Md

**Hamish** · 18th October 07, 06:02 PM

Well done, Daz. I seem to have missed something to do with your doublet but, by the sound of it, your mother had a hand in its construction - in which case, my congratulations to her too.

I have never been to Manchester, but I guess its people are pretty much as they are anywhere else. One thing struck me from your photos - of course, being kilted, you outshine them all. However, what a drab and scruffy lot they are! Do our fellow human beings really venture out looking as un-washed, un-pressed, un-hair combed/brushed, un-colour co-ordinated, etc. as I see there? What a sad reflection.

By the way, what nature of business were you helping to promote?

**highlander_Daz** · 19th October 07, 10:05 AM

forgive the attire of the mere mortals Hamish, one day they may discover Kilts. the promotional work is something I do quite often, i march along blaring 2/4 marches etc whist a team of assistants hand out leaflets promoting a particular business, on average the distributers go through 600 leaflets per half hour, as people clamour to get a leaflet to see what the leaflet is all about, I was actually promoting a huge leisure centre and swimming complex, nothing to do with Scotland or Kilts but the sight of a piper arouses curiosity and people take a leaflet, its very effective in England where pipers are not often seen marching up the road. I try to keep marching and keep playing, they instant I stop I get swamped with requests for photographs and questions about bagpipes, kilts, Scotland etc. While I stopped for a five minute break to dry my reeds a lady reverand from St.Peters church asked If i would play an impromptu set at a "make poverty history" event that was happening that day, being a sucker for a good cause I agreed and played "bonnie lass of fyvie" with a group of african drummers. All in all an eventful day. I have connection in the North of England as a some of my family moved there some years ago as part of a business expansion.
my mum made the doublet for me as I struggle to find one that fitted because of my hieght.

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