Shredding on the streets of Wigan

How the North West influenced the 1980s BMX scene. Plus: a mysterious Deansgate stranger

Dear members — welcome to an eclectic Thursday edition, featuring nostalgic photos of BMX riders in the ‘80s, a researcher discussing treatments for depression, and a piece about a daily encounter with a Deansgate stranger.

If that didn’t sound intriguing enough, there are some great weekend recommendations involving a robot nun, ziplines and an exciting festival kicking off in May.

🎧 Our latest podcast episode just dropped. In it, Jack Walton talks about witnessing Oldham Athletic’s historical relegation from the English Football League. We also hear from Jack Dulhanty about the expansion of a prison in Wigan, and Dani gets a line from the local Conservative candidate who has been suspended for comparing trans rights activists to Nazis. You can listen on Apple Podcasts here, Google Podcasts here, and Spotify below.