Thursday 24 May 2012

I Think We're In Didsbury



It’s time to open the door to my life just a touch wider, dear reader, so that you can take more of a peek into my life.

You can probably guess that I live in Manchester – but which part?

Well I’ll tell you.

I live in a suburb about 4.5 miles south of the city, called Didsbury. In reality it comprises Didsbury Village, West Didsbury and East Didsbury. I live close to Didsbury Village, an area of shops and pubs that is dissected by Wilmslow Road, one of the main arteries out of the city centre.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I have discovered an entertaining video that shows the world what Didsbury is like.

Well sort of…

Actually, it takes the piss out of people who live there.

Didsbury is considered a nice area to live and the house prices reflect this. Mrs PM and I moved here 10 years ago and were lucky enough to get our house just before the housing market exploded. We couldn’t afford to buy a house here now, that’s for sure.

A former work colleague, who has now retired, has lived in Didsbury for years and he bought a massive house for a relatively cheap price a couple of decades ago before the place became so popular; and now his house is worth a small fortune. And he moans about the number of German cars that are appearing on his street and the fact that his neighbours are solicitors and doctors.

That is the perception of Didsbury; that it is full of posh, well-to-do Yuppy-type people, who eat brie and rocket sandwiches. Of course, there are some people like that and you do see them, but most of the residents of our little suburb are perfectly normal.

There have been a few famous people living here, though. For example, John Thomson, seen here hosting Jazz Club on The Fast Show:



I’ve seen him a few times strolling around the village.

Also, comedian John Bishop lives here – and I’ve seen him enjoying a coffee in one of the village establishments:


The video was made by a mate of a friend of mine at work and it has been viewed enough times to make the local newspaper.

It is a mickey take of people, like me, who live in Didsbury and there seems to be a feeling that people who live here will not like it because it contains a few “home-truths”.

For example, according to the video, there are no real men in Didsbury and most people are shallow high-flying yuppies who drink cappuccino in pubs, go on protest marches and spend what little free time they have at yoga classes.

Am I offended?

Absolutely not; on the contrary, I find it hilarious.

I am not like that at all.

What’s more, all of the people mentioned in the video actually exist in one form or another. And that’s what’s most funny about it.

So sit back, relax and watch “I Think We’re in Didsbury”. There are photos of the village, West Didsbury and some of my favourite shops and pubs, just to give you a flavour of where I live.

I hope you enjoy it as much as Mrs PM and I did. Beware - it has a swear word in it.


By the way – I do not make patchwork quilts and have never used moisturiser in my life.

My yoga teacher advised me against such pursuits.

19 comments:

Pandora Behr said...

The only parts of Manchester that I've been to are Didsbury and Dukinfeild... so you are honored.

Very funny.. Pand

Elephant's Child said...

I love it. Yes I laughed. Equally, yes I am jealous.

MedicatedMoo said...

I tend to think that such ribbing is good natured with a fair old sprinkling of 'Bugger it - wish we'd discovered the area when it was affordable.' :)

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Pand,

Wow - you've actually been to Didsbury?

I feel truly honoured indeed. Shame I probably didn't live here at the time.

:0)

Cheers

PM

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi EC,

No need to be jealous. At least where you are, you don't get anywhere near as much rain as we do.

:0)

Cheers

PM

Plastic Mancunian said...

Bonjour Kath,

I think the guys involved are actually from Didsbury - or at least went to school here.

:0)

Cheers

PM

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Anji,

We are indeed - and I love that.

:0)

Cheers

PM

drb said...

WOW!!! 1 small bdrm flat costs 1 million pounds???!! You are sitting on a gold mine Mr PM, no need to worry abt retirement then.

Well done!! Looks like a lovely place.

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi drb,

That was an exaggeration (though not if you live in London).

Sadly, my house isn't worth anywhere near that much - though compared to most of Manchester, it's pretty good.

:0)

Cheers

PM

diane b said...

It was a funny video and I'm surprised there is such a place in Manchester. It looks a nice place to live and I prefer those type of men rather than the brash tough guys who treat women like second class citizens.

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Diane,

Didsbury's nice but like most places there are rough bits.

Most of the men I've met have half-decent jobs so we don't get psych-nutters that much. Sadly there are areas of Manchester that are full of those guys.

:0)

Cheers

PM

Anonymous said...

The Video is now private, gutted.

I used to live in didsbury and Chorlton.

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Anon,

I know - private on You Tube.

Shame - it is funny.

:-(

Cheers

PM

Rich said...

Does anyone know why they made it private? I live smack bang in the middle of Didsbury Village and found this video hilarious :)

I live here because I love having such a variety on my doorstep and it's easy to get to the city centre or the M56 out of Manchester.

And yes, I admit, I am also a plastic Manc! :)

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Rich,

... or should I call you "Plastic Mancunian" too? :-)

I don't know why it is now private. I'll have to ask my mate at work if he knows.

It's a shame - I think they should share it with everybody.

I live in Didsbury for the same reasons - and I love it.

:0)

Cheers

PM

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, I am moving to didsbury to live with my lawyer boyfriend in a flat we will rent from our doctor friend. *sign* at least we will fit in

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Anon,

Don't worry - I love Didsbury - you will too.

:0)

Cheers

PM

mk1rceme said...

I was born and raised in Didsbury....the Didsbury 7000 kilometers from your Didsbury. Sounds like they are about the same in character though.

Hope to visit your Didsbury someday.

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi mk1rceme,

Your Didsbury looks like a town in its own right - as opposed to mine which is a suburb of the metropolis that is Manchester.

I've actually been to Calgary which doesn't look too far away. Next time I'm over there I might pop north to visit.

:o)

Cheers

PM