My daughter – a dissatisfied only child – thinks of Mums & Dads as her younger sibling. One of the twins on the cover of our first edition has a little boy of his own now. My art editor David and I, despite having worked together on this project for 20 years, have managed to stay friends. And although there have been changes in the look of the magazine, inevitable and multiple digital additions, new topics to talk about, and fresh problems to be concerned with, the spirit has stayed the same. It’s a magazine by local parents for local parents.
Being of the respectable age that it is, the magazine is now read mainly by the second generation of parents; the very kids who were the subjects of joys and worries in the first editions of the magazine have become adults (and many have children of their own). And we, the curious editors of M&D, decided to trace a few of them to see what they are up to nowadays.
Tanya
This young lady from Didsbury appeared in the very first issue of M&D as a toddler from Olive Shapley nursery (now Ducklings), introducing the publication to its readers. She then went on a long educational journey, which started at Beaver Road Primary School, and took her all the way to UCL. Tanya now lives in London, works as a deputy editor for The Legal 500 and is still studying – this time to become a lawyer.
Joe and Tom
More Didsbury kids from Beaver Road Primary School were also featured in our magazine in the first year of its existence. Brothers Joe and Tom went off to different universities around the country. The charms of the North soon tempted Tom back, and he’s now settled in Manchester, while Joe lives and works in Europe.
Rachael
Rachael continued her studies at Hulme Hall Grammar, before going on to college and university. She’s now juggling work with being a full time mum, and lives locally with her partner and beautiful baby girl.
Jenny
Jenny, another little girl from Manchester, always wanted to be a teacher! After years of hard work, she became the Head of History at a school in Kent. She’s got two mischievous and adorable little boys, and lives in Seven Oaks, where this year she stood as a candidate for the Lib Dems.
Jon
Over in Trafford, we were delighted to hear from someone who had featured in the magazine all those years ago. Sam recently emailed us saying: “
I was delighted to see that Mums & Dads magazine is still going. I remember contacting you first when I was on a writing course and sent three articles on being a mum to an autistic son. Since then, Jon has completed an English degree and is currently studying an MA, he has taken drama exams, written a sketch performed on stage, and has two novels waiting to be published.”
Ellie
And now – to Stockport, to find out that Ellie, who starred in one of our early articles, is now happily living in the capital. After getting her primary education foundations at Pownall Green in Stockport, she travelled the world with her family, and came back to do her A-levels at Reigate Grammar School. Ellie continued her education at Cambridge, where she read Natural Science. She now works as a management consultant in London.
Happy 20th Birthday
Happy 20th birthday 🥳 going from strength to strength 👍
A very happy 20th birthday to you – Wishing you continued success in the future! 🥳
Wow, Happy Birthday, so amazing!
Happy birthday, Always a great read
Hugh congratulations on your 20th Birthday.
Here’s to the next 20 years.
Best wishes on your birthday! may you have many, many more.
Happy Birthday, just baffled as to why I have not heard of this site.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear mums and dads
Happy birthday to you 🎉🎉🎉
Happy 20th Birthday Anniversary. That’s quite an achievement!
Happy 20th birthday!