The Manchester Evening News (MEN) has been a trusted source of news, stories, and information for the people of Manchester and the wider North West of England for over 150 years. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of this newspaper is its deaths and obituary section. While it may not receive the same attention as headlines or sports results, the coverage of deaths and tributes in the MEN is a significant service to the local community. It provides a way for families and friends to honor their loved ones, while also keeping the memories of those who have passed alive in the public consciousness.
In this article, we will explore the Manchester Evening News deaths section—how it works, its significance, and why it continues to be an essential part of the newspaper. We will also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the topic and provide insights into how obituaries in MEN are more than just a notice of death, but a way to celebrate and preserve lives and legacies.
The Role of the Manchester Evening News Deaths Section
A Public Record of Lives
The deaths section of the Manchester Evening News serves as a public record of people who have passed away in the region. It is a place where families and friends can share the details of their loved one’s death with the wider community. In many cases, the obituaries include details of the deceased’s career, achievements, personal life, and contributions to society. These are not just announcements, but tributes that celebrate the person’s legacy.
The Manchester Evening News plays a significant role in preserving local history by documenting the lives of ordinary people, as well as notable figures, who have contributed to the community’s social, cultural, and economic development. It serves as a historical record of the city’s people, ensuring their stories are remembered long after their passing.
Serving the Grieving Community
The death of a loved one is a deeply emotional and personal experience. For many, an obituary in the Manchester Evening News provides a way to publicly honor their memory, share the impact of their life, and inform the wider community about funeral arrangements or memorial services. The obituary section offers a sense of closure for those who are grieving, allowing them to reflect on the deceased’s life and mourn collectively with others who may have known them.
Additionally, obituaries can be a source of comfort for people who may not be able to attend a funeral or memorial service. By reading about the life of someone they knew, friends, family, and acquaintances can feel more connected to the grieving process and offer their condolences.
A Platform for Memorial Tributes
In addition to regular obituaries, MEN also publishes memorial tributes. These can be placed in the paper on anniversaries or significant dates following a person’s passing, serving as a way for loved ones to continue celebrating and remembering their life. Memorial tributes often include messages of love, remembrance, and gratitude and may feature quotes, special memories, and even poems or songs that the deceased held dear. These tributes can be placed for a fee, and many families find them to be a meaningful way to keep the memory of a loved one alive.
How the Deaths Section Works: Submission and Publication
Submitting an Obituary to MEN
Submitting an obituary to the Manchester Evening News is a simple process, but it requires certain information and details. Families who wish to submit an obituary should provide the full name of the deceased, their age, and the date of death. Other key details include:
Biographical Information: A summary of the person’s life, including their career, achievements, and family life.
Funeral and Memorial Service Details: Information about where and when the funeral or memorial service will be held. This includes whether the service is open to the public and any charitable donations in lieu of flowers.
Photographs: Many families choose to include a photograph of the deceased to accompany the obituary, though this is optional.
Personal Tributes: Some families include personal messages, quotes, or memories about the deceased that help paint a picture of who they were.
The obituary can be submitted through the Manchester Evening News website, by emailing the obituary department, or by calling their office for further guidance. It’s important to check for any submission deadlines or specific guidelines to ensure that the obituary is printed in time for the funeral or memorial service.
Obituary Costs
The cost of publishing an obituary in the Manchester Evening News can vary based on factors such as the length of the text, whether a photograph is included, and whether any additional services are requested (like a memorial tribute or a charitable donation). The newspaper provides pricing information on their website, and those wishing to submit an obituary can contact their obituary department for an exact quote.
Digital and Print Obituaries
In today’s digital age, obituaries are published both in the print edition of Manchester Evening News and online on the newspaper’s website. The online obituary section allows people to share their condolences, post memories, and even make donations to charity in the name of the deceased.
The digital platform also means that people who cannot get the physical newspaper can still access the obituary. For families living outside of Manchester, this can be especially important as it allows them to stay connected with their community and honor their loved one’s memory from afar.
Legacy Page and Archived Obituaries
In addition to the standard obituary section, the Manchester Evening News offers a Legacy Page, which serves as a long-term archive for obituaries. This page allows families to create lasting tributes to their loved ones, ensuring that their memories are preserved for future generations. The Legacy Page also provides an opportunity for friends and family to add further tributes or comments after the obituary has been published, creating an ongoing community of remembrance.
Significance of the Deaths Section in Manchester’s Culture
Honoring Local Heroes
In a city with such a rich history as Manchester, the obituary section plays a crucial role in honoring the many individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. From prominent business figures to local activists, musicians, and educators, the MEN’s deaths section ensures that the legacies of these individuals are preserved for the public to acknowledge and remember.
Manchester’s industrial past, its contributions to sports, music, and arts, and its modern-day cultural dynamism are reflected in the variety of people whose stories are shared in the Manchester Evening News. These obituaries create a historical record of those who helped shape the city, both on the global stage and within their own neighborhoods.
Connecting Families with the Community
The Manchester Evening News deaths section also acts as a bridge between grieving families and the broader community. It provides a space for people to publicly express their sorrow, share information about memorials, and offer condolences to those left behind. In a time when people often live busy lives or move far away from their hometowns, obituaries in MEN serve as a reminder of the importance of connection and community.
The obituary section allows the wider public to pay their respects, whether they knew the deceased personally or not. It’s an opportunity for the city to come together, in both grief and celebration, to acknowledge the lives of its residents.
A Source of Reflection for the Wider Community
Reading the obituary section of the Manchester Evening News provides an opportunity for the wider community to reflect on the lives and experiences of others. For many, it’s a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and an opportunity to appreciate the people and relationships that shape their own lives. Obituaries are more than just announcements; they are opportunities to reflect on the values of kindness, achievement, and the impact of a life well-lived.
FAQs
What is the Manchester Evening News Deaths Section?
The Manchester Evening News deaths section is a part of the newspaper dedicated to publishing obituaries and death notices. This section provides important information about those who have passed away, including their names, ages, dates of death, funeral details, and, in many cases, a tribute or summary of their life. The obituary section not only informs the community about recent deaths but also serves as a tribute, highlighting the contributions and legacies of individuals who were part of Manchester’s history.
How Do I Submit a Death Notice or Obituary to Manchester Evening News?
Submitting an obituary or death notice to MEN is relatively simple. The process can be done online, via email, or by calling their office for assistance. To submit, you will typically need to provide:
The full name of the deceased
The date of death
A brief biographical summary (details of their life, career, family, and accomplishments)
Funeral details (time, location, and whether it’s open to the public)
Photographs (optional but common)
Personal tributes or messages (optional)
It’s important to check the submission guidelines for deadlines and pricing, as these can vary based on the size and length of the obituary.
Is There a Cost to Publish an Obituary in Manchester Evening News?
Yes, there is typically a cost involved in publishing an obituary in Manchester Evening News. Prices depend on various factors, including the length of the notice, whether you include a photo, and whether you request additional services like a memorial tribute. The exact pricing can be obtained by contacting MEN’s obituary team or by visiting their website for more details.
Can I Access Obituaries Online?
Yes, obituaries published in the Manchester Evening News can be accessed online. The newspaper has a dedicated obituary section on its website where you can find both recent and archived death notices. In addition, the MEN’s Legacy Page serves as a long-term archive for obituaries, where you can revisit tributes and add comments or personal messages.
Can I Leave Messages or Tributes Online?
Yes, the Manchester Evening News allows family and friends to leave messages, memories, or tributes on their website. This can be done through the obituary page itself or through the Legacy Page. These tributes offer a way for loved ones to share condolences or express personal memories, even if they are unable to attend the funeral or memorial service.
In Summary
The Manchester Evening News deaths and obituary section is far more than a simple listing of names; it is an essential part of the community’s connection to its past and present. Whether it’s a tribute to a local hero, a beloved family member, or a person who quietly contributed to the community, the death notices in MEN serve to celebrate lives, acknowledge legacies, and provide comfort for grieving families.
In today’s digital world, the accessibility of obituaries online allows those near and far to honor the deceased, share memories, and offer condolences. The MEN’s Legacy Page further enhances this by providing a space for people to continue their tributes long after the initial publication. For families, submitting an obituary not only serves as a means to inform others but also acts as a personal tribute to their loved one’s impact on the world around them.
Whether you’re submitting an obituary, remembering someone through a memorial notice, or seeking a past obituary, the Manchester Evening News continues to serve an invaluable role in Manchester’s cultural and historical fabric. Its deaths section remains a vital way for the community to come together, share stories, and ensure that the legacies of those who have passed live on.
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