In Memoriam

My most visited building in Manchester during my working week is Churchgate House.

It is offices, and home to the Combined Authority, as well as the Greater Manchester Mayor’s office.

But it was originally built as a bonded warehouse with offices for Tootall Broadhurst and Lee, cotton manufacturers. They finally ceased trading in 1999, it’s conversion to modern offices happened relatively late in its life.

I regularly pass this memorial as I walk up and down the stairs. It commemorates those who worked here who lost their lives in the two world wars. In death, there is a hierarchy. Noel Lee, who I would guess is a son of the owners of the warehouse, gets pride of place at the top. And there is one recognisable woman, first name Patricia. All others are surnames in alphabetical order, with first name initials.

Someone has added a poppy.

I imagine lots of Workplaces had memorials, although I suspect this is better than most.