The Manchester Evening News (MEN) has long been a trusted source of information for people in Manchester and beyond. While the newspaper is known for covering a wide range of topics—everything from local news to sports and entertainment—its obituaries section serves a very particular, yet important, role. Obituaries are more than just notices of death; they are heartfelt tributes to lives well-lived, chronicling the legacies of individuals who have shaped the community. In this article, we will explore the significance of obituaries in the Manchester Evening News, how the obituary section has evolved, and why it continues to hold cultural and emotional importance for many people in the region.
What is an Obituary?
An obituary is a written notice of a person’s death, typically published in a newspaper. It often provides a brief summary of the individual’s life, accomplishments, family relationships, and funeral arrangements. Obituaries not only serve as a public announcement of a person’s passing but also as a way to celebrate their life, honor their memory, and reflect on their contributions to family, society, and the world.
In the context of the Manchester Evening News (MEN), the obituaries section offers a vital service to the community, allowing friends, family, and the broader public to share in the mourning and celebration of lives that have touched the fabric of Manchester.
History of the Manchester Evening News Obituaries Section
The Manchester Evening News has been a significant part of Manchester’s journalistic landscape since its founding in 1868. Over the years, the newspaper’s obituary section has grown to become a prominent feature, helping readers stay connected with the lives of their loved ones, neighbors, and public figures.
Historically, obituaries were printed in a more formal style and were often reserved for notable figures in the community, such as business leaders, politicians, and celebrities. However, in recent decades, the rise of digital media has expanded the scope of obituaries, with MEN and other news outlets now publishing obituaries for people from all walks of life.
Today, the Manchester Evening News continues this tradition, publishing a wide range of obituaries that span various social, cultural, and professional backgrounds. These obituaries serve as a historical record of the city, chronicling the people who have contributed to its development over the years.
Why Are Obituaries Important?
A Celebration of Life
Obituaries in the Manchester Evening News provide an opportunity to celebrate the life of the deceased. They are often written with an emphasis on positive aspects of a person’s character, accomplishments, and the impact they made on others. These tributes are a way of honoring the memory of individuals who may not have been famous but whose lives were significant to their families, friends, and communities.
In addition to details like career achievements and personal milestones, obituaries often highlight a person’s hobbies, passions, and quirks, adding a personal touch that paints a more complete picture of the individual. For example, a local teacher’s obituary might highlight not only their professional accomplishments but also the way they inspired generations of students. Similarly, a community volunteer’s obituary may reflect their dedication to helping others.
Providing Closure for Families and Friends
For many people, obituaries serve as a crucial part of the grieving process. They allow loved ones to share their memories, reflections, and feelings about the deceased with the wider community. In a city like Manchester, where many people have deep roots in the area, these notices can provide comfort by allowing family and friends to publicly acknowledge their grief and honor the life of their departed loved one.
Additionally, obituaries can help provide closure for those who may not have been able to attend a funeral or memorial service. It gives them an opportunity to honor the person’s life from afar and to reflect on the person’s contribution to their own lives or the wider community.
Recording Local History
Obituaries are an important historical record. They provide a snapshot of the lives of ordinary people, as well as local figures, who may not have made headlines during their lifetimes but who played crucial roles in the community. The Manchester Evening News archives are a treasure trove of local history, offering future generations insights into the people who shaped the city’s development.
When someone passes away, particularly someone who lived through significant historical events or who was part of a key community development, their obituary becomes part of the collective memory of the city. In a city like Manchester, which has been through both industrial boom and decline, these historical moments are integral to understanding its transformation.
Public Record and Announcement
Obituaries also serve a practical function by informing the community about a person’s death and the details surrounding it. In many cases, funeral arrangements, memorial services, and charitable donations in memory of the deceased are included in the obituary. For many, it’s the first place they’ll learn about the death of someone they knew, and this kind of public acknowledgment is crucial for spreading news within local communities.
How Are Obituaries Written?
The process of writing an obituary can vary depending on the family’s preferences and the newspaper’s requirements. However, many Manchester Evening News obituaries follow a general structure that includes the following:
Basic Information: The name of the deceased, their age, and the date of death.
Biographical Details: A summary of the person’s life, including their place of birth, career achievements, family life, and personal accomplishments.
Family Information: An acknowledgment of surviving family members, such as spouses, children, siblings, and grandchildren.
Funeral or Memorial Service Details: Information about where and when the funeral or memorial service will take place, and whether it is private or open to the public.
Special Tributes: Many obituaries include heartfelt tributes or quotes from family members, which often highlight the deceased’s qualities and the impact they had on others.
Charitable Donations: If applicable, some obituaries mention charitable causes or organizations where donations may be made in lieu of flowers.
Writing Your Own Obituary
Some people prefer to write their own obituary while they are still alive, a practice that allows them to ensure that their legacy is accurately portrayed. While this is not a common practice, it is something that some individuals find meaningful. In such cases, a person may choose to include specific details about their life, accomplishments, and relationships that they believe should be remembered.
Manchester Evening News Obituaries Online
As digital media continues to play a larger role in our lives, many people now turn to the Manchester Evening News website to read obituaries, especially since these are often posted online before appearing in print. This shift allows for a more immediate and broader reach for families and friends, especially those who may not reside in the Manchester area but want to pay tribute to a loved one.
The MEN website also allows users to leave comments and messages of support on the obituaries page, creating a virtual community where people can share their memories, condolences, and tributes. Additionally, the online platform enables families to update or amend details if necessary and allows them to reach a wider audience, including people who may not have seen the obituary in the printed newspaper.
Manchester Evening News Legacy Page
For those seeking to honor loved ones over time, the Manchester Evening News offers a “Legacy” page. This is an online archive where obituaries can be accessed long after the original notice is published. It’s a space where families can revisit the tributes, and others can explore and reflect on the lives of people who made an impact in Manchester. The Legacy page also enables people to add personal tributes and remembrances to the digital archives.
FAQs
What is an obituary?
A written announcement of a person’s passing that is usually printed in a newspaper is called an obituary. It includes important details such as the deceased’s name, age, the date of death, funeral arrangements, and often a brief summary of their life and achievements. In the case of the Manchester Evening News, obituaries also serve as a tribute to the individual, celebrating their impact on the community and their loved ones.
How do I submit an obituary to the Manchester Evening News?
To submit an obituary to the Manchester Evening News, families or friends of the deceased can contact the newspaper directly. Obituaries can be submitted online through the MEN’s website, or by emailing their editorial team. It’s important to provide relevant information such as the full name of the deceased, their age, key life events, and details about the funeral or memorial service. Some families choose to provide a photograph of the deceased and additional personal tributes.
For pricing and submission guidelines, it’s best to consult the Manchester Evening News‘ official website or get in touch with their obituary team directly for up-to-date details.
Are obituaries published in the print edition and online?
Yes, obituaries are typically published both in the print edition of Manchester Evening News and online. The printed obituary can be found in the newspaper’s obituary section, while the online version can be accessed via the MEN website. Online obituaries also allow for comments from the public, providing an additional avenue for friends and family to share memories or condolences.
How much does it cost to publish an obituary in Manchester Evening News?
The cost of publishing an obituary in the Manchester Evening News can vary depending on several factors, such as the length of the obituary, whether a photo is included, and the specific wording requested. MEN typically offers packages that include both print and online publication, and the prices will vary based on the specifics of the request.
It’s best to contact the newspaper’s obituary team for an accurate quote and to discuss the details of your submission.
Can I publish a memorial or tribute in Manchester Evening News?
Yes, Manchester Evening News also allows people to publish memorial notices and tributes. Memorial notices are often placed on anniversaries or important dates following the death of a loved one, allowing family and friends to continue to honor the memory of the deceased. These can be published in both the print edition and online, offering a lasting tribute to those who have passed.
In Summary
The obituaries section of the Manchester Evening News plays a crucial role in the local community. Not only does it provide a means of announcing the death of a loved one, but it also serves as a reflection of the city’s history and culture. Obituaries in the MEN allow families to pay tribute to the lives of those who have passed, remembering their achievements, personality, and influence on the world around them.
Moreover, the Manchester Evening News’ online obituary offerings, including the Legacy Page, provide a platform for individuals to connect with the memories of the deceased, share tributes, and even make charitable donations in honor of those who have passed. The ability to view, share, and comment on obituaries ensures that these tributes reach a wider audience, offering comfort and support to grieving families while preserving important aspects of local history.
Obituaries are more than just notices of death; they are powerful statements of remembrance, celebration, and legacy. Whether in print or online, they help to preserve the collective memory of a community, and the Manchester Evening News continues to serve this vital function for Manchester and its people.
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