In the ring with Marty Jones: The Oldham legend keeping British wrestling alive

A photo essay by Ben Jackson with words by Ophira Gottlieb

Dear readers — today we’re stepping into the ring with Marty Jones, Oldham’s answer to The Undertaker, Shaw’s answer to Shawn Michaels. Marty has been championing British-style wrestling – part substance, part style – since he was six years old. Nowadays, he’s bringing up a new generation of Oldham fighters ready to throw their weight around. Photographer Ben Jackson and Mill writer Ophira Gottlieb went along to watch them fight at The Cotton Rooms. That’s after the briefing.

Plus, we ask why Oldham Council wants to commission another independent review into historic child sexual exploitation in the borough, despite the fact there was already a mass fact-finding exercise in 2022, wax lyrical about a “hedge-fund pseudo bakery” opening in Prestwich and issue some congratulations to Manchester City Council, who are finalists in their own awards ceremony for their partnership with Aviva Studios.