-----Original Message-----
rom: Wriggers1@aol.com [mailto:Wriggers1@aol.com]
Sent: 02 June 2002 19:46
To: christurner@terra.es
Subject: Re: Chris Turner - "The Mancunian Way" song for Commonwealth.

Hiya ok questions as follows:-

Q) How did your song get chosen, were you commissioned to write one or was it short listed.
A) 'DO IT ... THE MANCUNIAN WAY' was originally written as an anthem for Manchester during my final year of music study at University College, Salford, 1986. Unlike Liverpool, ( 'You'll Never Walk Alone' ), Manchester didn't appear to have their own song, so I decided to write one! The song was included in my final year's composition portfolio... fortunately I passed!
Over the years the song has evolved, and has been considered for several high profile events including the Manchester Olympic bid 2000, which unfortunately went to Sydney. In order to bring it to the attention of the Commonwealth Games People, I sent the original version to the Marketing Committee in April 2001 and received a very positive reply from the Ceremonies Manager, although no firm commitment. Over the next 4 months I sent them several different versions, together with follow up letters and phone calls. They finally acquiesced in August when I received a telephone call from the ceremonies manager who informed me that my persistance had worked, that they couldn't get the song out of their heads, and that they would like to use it as the official Welcome Song.

Q) What inspired you with the title the Mancunian Way.
A) The title was inspired by the road or flyover aptly named 'The mancunian way'. I thought that the prefix of 'DO IT' ... The mancunian way' was really catchy, and might capture people's imagination. 'YOU'RE WELCOME' comes from a very well known pub in Rusholme called THE WELCOME INN, which was owned and run by friends of my parents called Hilda and Greg St Clair, who were the parents of the famous wrestlers Roy & Tony St clair, better known as 'THE SAINTS. I remember spending several saturday afternoons in the back room of that pub, after the football. They would always keep a Welcome, win or lose. I also feel that Manchester people offer a walm welcome by their nature, (both my greatgrandmother and my grandmother were true born and bred Mancunians ), and, being welsh born ofcourse, 'We'll keep a welcome in the Hillside' !

Q) Who is going to be singing on the CD - you-have you cut the disc yet.
A) We haven't yet decided who will sing on the actual commercial CD. We only have working demo and guide vocal versions at the moment! It would be great to have a high profile Manchester performer, together with the children from one of the schools! The latest mix is a fusion of past and present eras, combining the sound and styles of nostalgic BIG BAND SWING and REGGAE, with modern DANCE, HIP-HOP, RAP. We did have a major record company interested, but this has not materialised!
Therefore we are looking for interested companies who can help with marketing and distribution, and if necessary, with the actual production of a hit single! (I have a great idea for a video)!

Q) The different keys and variations of rhythm add to the 'boredom" factor, but can you give me something else to say as this is not good PR (ha ha)
A) Over the years, I have recorded several different styles and mixes of 'Mancunian way', as musical trends have changed and developed! I sent a variety of mixes to each of the participating schools, in several keys, in order to give them the opportunity to choose a style, and key, that best suits their school. Many of the schools have decided to arrange their own version of the song, which is great, ...the more the merrier...we do, after all, have to consider the boredom factor as the song will be performed 2 or 3 times a day for two weeks! Anyway, these days CD singles always contain at least 2 different versions of the same song!

Q) Will you be at the games and will you be listening to any of the schools singing.
A) Hopefully yes, I would love to be at the Games. I am looking forward to receiving my invitation to the Opening Ceremony?

Q) I am writing about one school - Well Green Primary School in Hale, Cheshire, do you have anything to say to them about the song. They are doing a sort of reggae feel to the song.
A) I am looking forward to hearing and seeing their performance of the song, and hope they are as excited as I am! I also hope that the whole experience might inspire some of the children, and encourage them to practice and perfect their instrument, or sport for that matter, so that some may even pursue a carreer in music or performance or sport!
Manchester is offering them a golden opportunity, just like it did for me when I was accepted to study music at Salford College all those years ago!

I will speak or e mail on Wednesday about the photos, but the feature itself has to be finished by tomorrow evening - what a horrible deadline.
Thanks for your help, maybe we will meet one day.
I will send you a copy of the magazine when it comes out.
Regards Sue Wrigley