community
February 2015
Chorlton & Whalley Range
View the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk Delivered FREE to homes & businesses in Chorlton & Whalley Range
Š Elin Beckmann
Are you separating and unsure which path to take? Slater Heelis has provided clear direction for over 240 years. Our team of Resolution family specialists are here to support you with first class legal advice and provide the direction you need. The team focuses on divorce, separation, civil partnerships, same sex marriages, finances, pre-nups/post-nups and children arrangements. Our family team all live in and around the South Manchester area; living within the same community offers us a unique insight into what affects all our daily lives. You are just a tram ride away from one of our offices in Manchester city centre or Sale.
“ I moved to Whalley Range for its bohemian, vibrant atmosphere and being so close to Chorlton. Having the independent bars and shops all within walking distance is great not to mention the tram links to the city.� Mark Heptinstall | Head of our Family Department
Get in touch with our family team
family@slaterheelis.co.uk 0161 835 3681 www.slaterheelis.co.uk
@familylawnw
Contents
Wilbrahams of Chorlton
Action for sustainable living puts on a show
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21 Making an impression Joe Beech Editor
editor@communityindex.co.uk 07875 895 604
Lesley Swann
15 On the cover Spring Crocus, Canstockphoto
Deadline for next edition Content 11h February
Director
Advertising 13th February
Linsey Parkinson
Linsey Parkinson
Marketing & Development
advertise@communityindex.co.uk 07870 988 601
Sam Paechter Accounts
accounts@communityindex.co.uk 07939 077 036
@communityindex www.communityindex.co.uk
149 Ayres Road, Manchester M16 9WR
Contributors Andrew Simpson
Chorlton Bookshop Katherine Watson Geoff Garnett
February at The PostBox Cafe Monday 9th February Just Write
A creative and inspirational session for budding writers, be they beginner or accomplished. Find inspiration and support and develop that all important storyline, through fun exercises and creative time. 7-9pm £3 (every 2nd Monday)
Tuesday 10th February Photography Sessions
Under the guidance of photographer Mark Prime, learn how to get the best from your kit and be inspired to capture that perfect moment. 7-9pm £3 (every 2nd Tuesday)
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Wednesday 11th & 25th February Cake Club One of our most popular groups continues to grow. Learn a new skill or recipe and leave with a tasty treat to share. Debs and Chris guide the group to baking success. 7-9pm £3 (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Friday 13th Supper Club with Yakumama
Start your Valentine’s weekend with Latin passion at this mouthwatering three course dinner treat. Enjoy two South American cocktails as well as live entertainment. 7.30pm (booking required) £25 for 3 courses or £30 including 2 cocktails.
Wednesday 18th February The Bead Shop Jewellery Making
Each session teaches a new skill and includes all the materials you’ll need to create a beautiful piece to take home and cherish. For beginners and experienced crafters. 7-9pm £10 per session (every 3rd Wednesday)
Saturday 21st February Street Food Saturday
The second of our new monthly foodies’ treats. This month: The Gourmet Burger Guys, Madame Francoise Crepes and Grandad’s Sausages Jumbo Dogs.10am-4pm (every 3rd Saturday)
BATHROOM ANGELS
Supply • Design • Install
Avoid bathroom hell with Bathroom Angels At Bathroom Angels with no showrooms and no pushy sales staff – the savings are yours… Bathroom Angels will come to your home, listen to what you want and recommend something divine. Every Bathroom Angels bathroom is bespoke. Get a heavenly bathroom – at Bathroom Angels.
Call 0161 610 3684 or visit www.bathroomangels.co.uk to arrange a free 3D design visit and quotation
Chorlton Traders Association (CTA) is a dynamic group of businesses that make things happen, whether that’s campaigning, organising events or raising money for improvements and local charities. They’re all about making sure Chorlton is a great place to live, work and play.
Spring’s on its way and 2015’s going to be a great year for Chorlton Traders: we love where we live and work. We’ve lots of ideas up our sleeve, so here’s to a year of sprucing things up, getting out and about and encouraging everyone to shop local. A New Community Garden
The mysterious fenced-off space on Manchester Road - between the Sedge Lynn and the library - is getting a makeover! We’re unlocking the gates to create a garden that’s perfect for reading, chatting and smelling the flowers. We need a few volunteers to help, so if your heart is willing and/ or your fingers are even slightly green, please get in touch: chorlton@chorltontraders.co.uk The garden is just part of the work we’re doing with the Council and other partners to smarten up Manchester Road. You’ll soon see thousands of spring flowers, along with our new Veloplanters (where bike storage and bedding plants meet) from local company Velotrove. More safe places to lock your bike while you’re shopping mean fewer reasons to bring the car.
Pub and Shop Watch
By working together, Chorlton Traders can share intelligence about suspicious activity and improve security. The new Pub and Shop Watch scheme costs nothing and we know it’s working in other
places: if you’re a member and you’re interested in being part of it, contact us.
Chorlton’s on the Map!
Residents – and visitors – need to know about how much is on offer in Chorlton cum Hardy, and how easy it is to find great local products and services. The Chorlton Map will list local businesses, shops and other independents, so you’ll never need to go anywhere else. Coming soon: watch this space...
Pass It On in 2015
The new TAG Pass It On cards are on sale now, offering exclusive discounts on local shopping – from artichokes to acupuncture, dinners to dry cleaning. More than fifty local businesses are part of the scheme, which means that at just £5, your card will pay for itself in no time.
@chorltontraders @chorltonmarkets info@chorltontraders.co.uk
www.chorltontraders.co.uk 6
Every home should have one: look for the logo in local shops or visit www.tagpassiton.com for stockists and available discounts.
Join Us
Chorlton Traders is open to anyone who runs a business, however small, in M21. We work to make a difference and we think there’s never been a better time to join us. It couldn’t be easier and rates start from just £15 a year. Visit us online to find out more.
And before we go…
Big thanks to everyone who bought or sold tickets for our Grand Christmas Raffle; and to everyone who donated such fantastic prizes. We raised £1,135 in total, which goes towards lighting up Chorlton at Christmas. Find the list of winners at our website.
Membership Fees:
£15 for those working from home £25 for independents £75 for bigger businesses/chains/nationals
Chorlton Traders community content is kindly funded by a cash grant from Manchester City Council
CHINESE
KICKBOXING NORTH WEST CHINESE KICK BOXING
Come down and meet your instructor for a chat
Mondays 6.30-7.30pm BEGINNERS KICKBOXING Work through the basics while building your fitness
Wednesday 6.30-8.00pm MIXED ABILITY KICKBOXING Want to push harder? Maybe trained before? This is for you
Wednesday 8.00-9.00pm TRADITIONAL KUNG FU Learn all the elements walks, kicks, punches weapons and forms
Saturday 4.30-6.00pm
Monday!!! Because there’s more to life than work
Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-7pm KIDS KICKBOXING “The youth of Chorlton” Our next generation of martial artists. Aged from 4-14
Your midweek blast
For mind and body
Come and learn kickboxing in a safe, friendly environment where families are welcome to train together.
Your weekend starts or ends here...
Improve your fitness, build confidence and learn a practical martial art, but above all, have fun!
MIXED ABILITY KICKBOXING Body blast
Learn kickboxing from CH
INESE
NO
N.
CHRIS BOUGHEY
K
OXING KB
RTH WE
T
IC
No membership or enrolment fees, simply pay per class Adults £4.80 Under 16’s £4.30 Kids class £4.00 (family rates available)
S
Male and female instructors CRB checked.
W. C. K. B.
7th Degree Black Belt and England Team Coach for The World Kickboxing Council
Unit 3 Albany Road Trading Estate, Chorlton M21 0AZ 0777 472 3839 www.nwckb.co.uk
Cracking good birthday cake! Cracking Good Food celebrates half a decade of healthy, sustainable meal workshops Chorlton’s cookery school and community food network Cracking Good Food celebrated its fifth birthday last month. That’s five years of work with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to encourage cooking from scratch and healthier eating, as well as supporting local growers and reducing food waste.
provide long-lasting cooking skills Director Adele Jordan says: and nutritious food for those most “It’s so heartening to see how in need.” far we’ve come since 2010, but Also on the CGF plate this year the fight against food poverty is tougher than ever. 2015 will see us is the Real Junk Food Project; a community café serving up food working with three food banks and otherwise destined for composting FareShare Greater Manchester to HLF BERRY Chorlton:Layout 1 8/14/14 7:16 PM Page 1
Your Local Legal Experts From Youth To Retirement and Beyond ● From Personal to Business We can help you every step of the way ●
or waste. It’s estimated that nearly 15 million tons of edible food is thrown away in Britain each year. That’s a fact that’s hard to digest: find out more at crackinggoodfood.org and realjunkfoodmanchester.co.uk
HLF Berry Incorporating Solicitors Robin Burman & Co
Company & Commercial Commercial Leases & Commercial Disputes Wills & Probate Residential Conveyancing Lasting Powers of Attorney Court of Protection Charities & Not for Profit Law Employment Law Family & Matrimonial Law Call us today and see what we can do for you
0161 860 7123 446 Barlow Moor Road
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CHORLTON
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www.hlfberry.com chorlton@hlfberry.com
Manchester
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M21 0BQ
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Hearts of Gold
Make your own wedding rings in Chorlton
• By Linsey Parkinson The opening of Wilbrahams of Chorlton - on Wilbraham Road, next door to Croma - sees the return of master goldsmith Alexander Filippidi to M21.
He’s been in the business all his working life, including a spell making, repairing and restoring pieces for Chalmers, our last high street jewellers, which closed around twenty years ago. He’s now teamed up with Heather Williamson, herself a hugely experienced retail jeweller and professional diamond grader, who has managed shops on both sides of the Pennines.
“We offer the full range of services you’d expect from a village jeweller; from everyday needs such as christening gifts and watch battery replacement, to repairs, alterations and valuations of well-loved pieces,” says Heather. “We’re very proud of our exquisite wedding ring collection, but we’re especially excited by our new Wedding Ring Experience.” The Experience involves working with Alexander in the on-site workshop to develop design ideas. It’s you and your intended that melt the gold, then roll it and create rings for each other. Sounds a little scary? Well maybe, but you have a master goldsmith with you every
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single step of the way. He’ll make sure you come away with something that’s not only beautiful, but truly unique – and that includes memories too. “We love taking the time to understand what people really want and helping them to find it,” says Alexander. “We know how meaningful jewellery can be. We’ve resized pieces with enormous sentimental value to make them wearable again and we’ve also refashioned treasured pieces to create something new. Whatever you’re after, we can take your ideas, offer advice and then create CAD drawings and mock-ups so you can be absolutely confident that the result will be something wonderful.” Whenever I meet an expert in a particular field, I always ask for a piece of free advice. Alex has this: “Have your jewellery professionally valued. We have customers who have brought in pieces they’ve inherited, with no idea how valuable they were. Bring your treasured pieces out into the daylight and enjoy them, but do be sure to insure them properly.”
There’s a special Valuation Day at Wilbrahams on Tuesday February 10. It’s by appointment only, so call in the shop at 504 Wilbraham Road, or phone 0161 881 0375 to book your place.
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Book reviews from
Chorlton Bookshop The Relative Harmony of Julie O’Hagan Annette Sills
What a talented and created bunch of people live in Chorlton. Here’s another in the shape of Annette Sills. Having written short stories for a long time, this is her first full length novel. The question is, what’s she been waiting for? This gripping novel has everything a good read needs. Set around Chorlton and Manchester about seven years ago, we follow the family of Julie O’Hagan. As the story begins, Julie is battling to get her child into the primary school of her choice. This is a battle that, no doubt, many parents have had to face. For very good reasons Julie doesn’t want her child attending the school
she went to herself. It’s not until later in the novel that we begin to understand why. As this initial story unfolds, we begin to see that this novel isn’t just a typical lighthearted easy read. Julie’s world consists of her daughter, husband and father. With a recession beginning to bite Billy, the husband, begins to feel the strain and his already tarnished veneer begins to crack. Julie’s Dad, her rock, is also behaving oddly, which forces her to confront demons from her past. Even her daughter is proving remarkably un-loveable! How much more can Julie O’Hagan take? With Annette Sills’ skilful writing the reader is completely sucked into Julie’s world.
Despite dealing with some serious topics, there’s a great deal of humour too. The so called ‘broccoli brigade’ do come in for a serious bashing, but in the context of the story this is well deserved! It’s great to have a novel set so close to home but it’s also great to know that it’s so good. • Review by Jo Legerton
The Art of Smallfilms: The Work of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin Jonny Trunk
Most books you simply read. Others, you devour. But there are some that you actually want to fall into. For anyone of a certain age - that is, if you spent any part of your childhood sat in front of the TV during the 60s and 70s - this is quite heavenly. Pop culture collector Jonny Trunk has sifted through the private archives of the makers of Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and more. The results - sketches, models, photographs - are lovingly presented in this glorious, high-quality art book. The emphasis is very much on the visuals, with text used only sparingly, so it’s a true feast for the eyes. The swathe of behind-thescenes material here allows the reader to marvel at the skill and artistry of the Smallfilms folk in detail and at leisure. If you remember those shows, browsing through this is something akin to time travel. • Review by Andy Murray
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Clare’s Cat Care A dedicated cat visiting service across South Manchester & Trafford. Cat owners can be assured of a professional reliable service while you are away by a friendly cat lover! * Daily visits as required with cuddles & company for your furry loved ones * Feeding & Grooming * Cleaning of litter trays * General house keeping duties * Peace of mind * Regular Text & Email updates
Short, friendly craft courses in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter sewing | knitting | printing | jewellery
Tel:0778 6657 540 / Email: ceod30@gmail.com
www.clarescatcare.com
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Making an impression Are you an incurable romantic with a love of everything hand-made? Planning something special in 2015? Share the love by making your own Valentines or save-the-date cards. Here’s how, courtesy of our Friends at the Ministry of Craft.
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Decide on your design - We chose simple SAVE THE DATE lettering with a heart motif and the date. We used a biro to mark out the design on the surface of the lino, so we could see where to cut. If you’re hand carving lettering and numbers then it’s important to remember to carve them back to front. The print that you take from your stamp will be a mirror image of your block.
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Safety first - It’s worth noting that the lino cutting tools are very sharp and it’s easy to slip. Set yourself up so that you are cutting at a comfortable height on an even surface, and ALWAYS cut away from the hand or fingers that are steadying the lino. And even then, it’s probably best to have some plasters at the ready. This is crafting at its dangerous best!
Inking and printing - When you have your prints carved and ready you can crack open the stamp pads. Press the stamp onto the pad a number of times until you can see that the surface of your print is evenly covered with ink. Then place your stamp face up on a cutting mat, or clean flat surface, and carefully place your card over the top in the required position. You don’t want to smear the ink on the card at this point, so take your time. We used a spoon to ‘hand burnish’ over the top of the print with even pressure in small circular movements. Do this all over the print block (to take a nice even print) and then peel the card off and stand back to bask in your own awesomeness.
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Roll with it - If you want to use ink from a tube, you’ll need a flat surface that you can roll ink out on with a roller. We used a Perspex sheet. When the ink is rolled out and is making a gentle hissing noise (rather than a sticky crackle) then you can use the roller to transfer the ink from the sheet onto the printing block. Roll in all directions to build up a good layer of ink. Then take your print as before, using the spoon to apply even pressure though the back of the card.
You will need : • unbleached craft card • ink pads or block printing ink • • •
(we used neon pink, black and white inks) lino cutting tool set lino or printing block a roller (if you want to try some block printing ink as well as stamp pads, as we did)
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Patience is a virtue – We printed all our ‘SAVE the DATE’ lettering first with white ink. Then we waited for them to dry before printing the hearts in neon pink. Then we waited again for the pink to dry while we carved the date stamp. Overprinting the hearts with the date stamp can end in a mucky mess if you don’t take your time and ensure every bit of ink is dry. The inks dry pretty quickly, so it’s not a big deal. Our top tip is to pass the time with a brew (or a gin if it’s past noon).
If you’d like to learn how to make lino prints (or screen prints) with the help of Ministry of Craft’s expert tutor, Nell Smith, then sign up for a course. Find out more at www.ministryofcraft.co.uk
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ThePurplePages UK Mortgage Market
For most people their mortgage payment is the largest monthly outgoing, making the right choices can be a daunting prospect. Here at JP & Brimelow we have teamed up with Brown Financial Services.
Marlborough Avenue
Based here in my Chorlton office we believe that by providing simple, sensible, mortgage & protection advice we can help our clients make fully informed decisions giving them the confidence that they are getting the right deal from the start.
To arrange a free market appraisal please call my team on 0161 882 2233. Kind regards, Edward Ellis, MNAEA Director, JP & Brimelow
JP & Brimelow are proud to support
Ryebank Road
Green
Chorlton
For most people, your mortgage payment
Nicolas Road
is the single largest monthly outgoing. At Browns Financial Services, we believe our You’re in Safe Hands.
simple, honest mortgage and protection advice helps you feel confident in your choice of lender. You can trust that we will endeavour to get you the right deal to suit you and your individual needs.
Call us today on 0161 976 2628 to find out more.
Brookburn Road
430 Barlow Moor Rd Chorlton M21 8AD
Sales & Lettings
www.jpandbrimelow.co.uk @jpandbrimelow
the be Sixteen st for of sale
Meadow Court
The Coach House
Weller Court
Mayfield Mansions
Dartmouth Road
Range Road
Keppel Road
St Werburgh’s Road
Claude Road
St John’s Corner
Manley Road
Wilton Road
SALES: 0161 882 2233 chorlton@jpbrimelow.co.uk
LETTINGS: 0161 882 2244 chorltonlettings@jpbrimelow.co.uk
Offices also in Didsbury 0161 448 0622 & Withington 0161 445 9700
Local Ethical Tree Work
Chorlton Gas Ltd
Domestic Central Heating and Gas Engineers
fully qualified • fully insured Gas Safe registered • friendly and reliable • local references available
Call Kevin for a no obligation quote
07722 731 801 www.chorltongas.co.uk
We are a unique social enterprise that provides accredited arboricultural services, including planting, pruning, emergency call-outs, dismantling and felling, along with tree safety surveys. All byproduct upcycled to make wood fuels, planks, and other products - nothing wasted
Alexander Technique balance and poise ease of movement stillness strength in action voice
individual sessions, groups, courses and workshops Local hardwood firewood | Timber for joinery Mulch for local allotments Sleepers and Weatherboards Biomass woodchip
www.treestation.co.uk 0161 231 3333 Greater Manchester TreeStation Ltd - A Society for the Benefit of the Community committed to combatting climate change, FSA Mutuals registered number 31552R
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you can improve how you move, perform, look and feel
Sue Fleming MSTAT
www.alexanderteaching.co.uk CNHC registered 0161 861 8848
0781 0147 070 info@greendesigns.eu
www.greendesigns.eu
• professional garden design • full construction service • planting • driveway • tree surgery • fencing & hedging • free initial consultation
Acorn
CHIMNEY SWEEPING SERVICES • rewires, repairs & alterations • fire and burglar alarm systems • inspection & testing inc. P.A.T.
Call Andrew on 07729 241 860 or visit www.amelectricalandalarm.co.uk
Call John 0161 445 3650
NACS member
open fires, boilers Agas, multi-fuel stoves, birds nests removed www.acornchimneysweepingservices.co.uk
Basement Conversions
home office • gym • playroom wine cellar • bathroom • wetroom garage & loft conversions Roy Nesbitt
Tel: 0161 300 0530 Mob: 07921 710 563
www.bestcellarsnw.co.uk Best Cellars North West • Unit 204 792 Wilmslow Rd • Didsbury • Manchester • M20 6UG
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CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS • • • • • •
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THE WASHING MACHINE WOMAN Female Domestic Appliance Engineer For repairs or service, call Lucie Brione
07766 704 851 luciebrione@hotmail.com Washing machines Washer dryers Tumble dryers Electric cookers/hobs/ovens Freestanding dishwashers I’m a member of: The Washing Machine Woman
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Seymour
Dry Cleaners
172 Manchester Road Chorlton Manchester
0161 860 7024
Price List
3 Piece Suit .................. £9.00 2 Piece Suit .................. £8.00 Coats Full Lenth ............ £8.00 Coats 3/4 Length ......... £6.85 Trousers ....................... £3.85 Jackets ........................ £4.85 Skirts Plain ................... £3.85 Skirts Pleated ............... £4.85 Dresses ........................ £6.20 Pullovers ...................... £3.50 Shirts ........................... £1.75 Ties .............................. £1.75
all garments are re-textured & hand finished
Quality dry cleaning at the right Price!
Go where the action is Action for Sustainable Living (AfSL) is a Manchester-based charity, which develops and supports environmental sustainability projects. All over the city, communities are cutting down waste, growing their own food and thinking creatively about how best to use finite resources. One such AfSL project is The Lost Plot, Chorlton’s community allotment, which we featured in these pages in August. You can support their work – and have a great night out – at their fundraiser later this month. Compered by Courtney Lovelace, the party features comedy from Joe Colett, music from Lucy and Virginia, plus beatboxing, street dance and drumming by Soul
Monkey/Sofire. There’s also a bit of burlesque naughtiness from Suzie Sequin. You can enjoy a free taster (literally) of the Real Junk Food Project too (see page 9), with fantastic food that would otherwise been consigned to waste. It’s not only delicious, but a vivid reminder of how much we needlessly throw away.
All money raised goes to support the work of AfSL, Clean Up Salford and Manchester Friends of the Earth. 7.30pm Friday 20 February at the Carlton Club, 113 Carlton Road, Whalley Range. £4.75 advanced booking online (via afsl.org.uk), £5 on the door.
Chorlton Library Community Garden Apple Grafting Workshop
Saturday 14th March 12.30 - 4pm £15 including lunch and a grafted apple tree to take home with you! Delivered by Hilary Dodson of the Northern Fruit Group working with Chorlton Traders email: lesley@communityindex.co.uk to book your place
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Therapy in Manchester is run by Paul Melia, a qualified and experienced psychotherapist and counsellor registered with the BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists). We work with men and women in a professional, confidential and supportive environment. The first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy. By the end of this hour-long meeting you will have an understanding of how psychotherapy and counselling can help you.
arranging therapy is easy... phone Paul Melia on 07592 340 211 or email Paul.Melia@TherapyInManchester.co.uk Therapy in Manchester, 583 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton M21 8AE (by the HSBC Bank)
Retrofit energy advisor
Improving comfort & energy efficiency
Planning a renovation? It's an ideal time to address any chronic problems, such as: - Draughts - Condensation & mould - Poor indoor air quality - High energy use I can help you do this through: - Accurate energy analysis & modelling - All aspects of planning the work
Contact me for a free initial discussion of your needs Eric Fewster Tel. 07814 788 846 Email: ericfewster@coldproof.co.uk Web: www.coldproof.co.uk
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Pinkstone Local professional service Whole of market mortgage advice Comprehensive from start to finish Carefully selected protection advice
Whether you are a first time buyer, looking at making that next move, considering a remortgage or a buy to let investment, be sure to speak to us first. ‘Highest standards of service, you can trust’
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Phone: 0161 870 8024 or Email: james@pinkstonechase.co.uk Ask for James Pinkstone CeMAP Independent Mortgage Adviser Typical Fee for Mortgage Arrangement £250
February In Your Garden By Katherine Watson
A mild winter makes us gardeners a bit jumpy.
We’re excited to have been out and about over the winter months and looking increasingly forward to the growing season. Our sap is rising. But there is also a trepidatious nervousness about what the early spring could bring in terms of inclement weather, and what we could lose as a result. I’m staying positive and hoping my Euphorbia mellifera makes it through another winter unscathed and that my tree ferns will produce furry knots of unfurled fronds in their crowns later in the spring. And so to the seed catalogues for optimistic (over) buying of dwarf veg for a few pots and some salad potatoes this year. Unwittingly I’ve blundered into the annuals section and I’m actually considering trying some from seed this year. Annuals have never been my thing, as I have a smallish garden with only one true sunny border and some dubious contenders for partial sun. I have grown the spider plant Cleome from seed before and the amazingly coloured Cerinthe major purpurascens (a colour not dissimilar to luminescent tie-dye), but it falls into the category of tinkering rather than full on propagation for successional planting. I’m not promising to do any different this year, but I would like to embrace some choice annuals as yearly fillers to bring the excitement of change and renewal in contrast to the permanence of the perennial stayers. One such annual is the hardy annual umbellifer Ammi majus. Umbellifer describes the shape of the flowering part of the plant which will be flat or domed - in the case of Ammi majus, the umbels have individual, white lace-like flowers that mix well with other border perennials. Ammi visnaga is a denser, greener form that I’m going to try this year (see www.sarahraven.com or Thompson and Morgan for seeds). I also fancy a variety of Cleome called Hairy Fairy for the name alone. Both these annuals can be sown in February inside, hardened off and then planted outside after threat of frost. Alternatively the Ammi can be sown directly into your chosen bed in April or May.
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The Story of Chorlton & Whalley Range
The Twilight Sleep Home on Upper Chorlton Road • By Andrew Simpson “Oh yes I was born at The Twilight Sleep Home on Upper Chorlton Road.” And with that casual remark Ann set me off again, with the Twilight Sleep Home for painless child birth and thoughts on just how important are listening and recording people’s memories. In the past some historians were sniffy about oral history, preferring objective and verifiable sources of historical information. And memories can be highly subjective and unreliable but, that said, they can also be a powerful way of getting right to the heart of an event in the past. Only yesterday Tina was baking bread. It was the Doris Grant’s loaf, which had been perfected by Ms Grant in the 1940s, and its claim to fame is that it is made by leaving out the kneading process. Ms Grant had forgotten to knead the bread, but it turned out alright and, with a bit more experimentation, produced a loaf which was a bit heavier but quicker to make. And it was pretty much exactly like that made by my grandmother sixty years ago on a range in the kitchen of the family house in Chellaston. Nothing more simple than the taste of a wholemeal loaf and I was back half a century in a tiny village outside Derby. And in much the same way, the smell of warm hay and old plaster and timbers always sends me back to the loft of their barn on hot summer’s days, when the only sound was that of insects and the humming of the telegraph wires outside the hatch.
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From the listing of the Manchester Guardian, 1923 So, back to the Twilight Sleep Home. Now, it’s not the zippiest of names and has feint comic overtones, but it takes you back to one of those fashionable medical practises of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, centring on the attempt to find a painless way for giving birth. The standard approach had been to administer chloroform, but in Germany experiments had been undertaken to see if women could give birth while asleep. The mother was given a mix of morphine and scopolamine and early results were so promising that by the early 20th century the method had been adopted in the USA and Canada. There was Twilight Sleep Home, which opened in 1917 on Henrietta Street, in Old Trafford and moved to Westonby on Edge Lane sometime in 1921 or early 1922. It advertised itself as offering ‘Painless Childbirth’ and featured regularly in the classified section of the Manchester Guardian until 1927. During those ten years its name varied slightly but always retained Twilight Sleep. But by the end of that decade there is no further reference to it and, given that the
practice had received some bad publicity when expectant mothers had died, it was reasonable enough to assume it had closed down. And so our home on Edge Lane was renamed, but was still operating as a rest home during the late 1940s, using more conventional methods. Ann, however, was born at the Twilight Sleep Home on Upper Chorlton Road in 1944. Now, I can’t be sure whether the Twilight Sleep method was used, but the name was still the same over the door. Either way, mother and child stayed in the home for a fortnight. That may seem a long time, but will have had more to do with ensuring that mothers were not pitched straight back into the routines of running a home which, with far fewer labour saving machines, will have been a tough task. Of course, today it is a world which has pretty much been forgotten. But I am hoping that the Twilight Sleep Home on Upper Chorlton Road will provoke more memories which people will share with me.
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Community Index
Local groups and useful numbers Clubs, Societies & Groups Barlow International Folk Dance Group Tuesday evenings at St.Ninians, Wilbraham Road Mary O’Mahony 881 0955 Chorlton Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2pm, Chorlton Library. 881 2544 Chorlton Aikido Club Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm St Ninians, Wilbraham Rd www.lancashireaikikai.org 861 8456 Community Allotment & Apiary Scott Avenue Allotment 07973 139068 or 07521 500223 uk.groups.yahoo.com/ group/grow_for_it/ Chorlton and Friends Gardening Group 3rd Monday monthly, in Chorlton Library, 7.30-9pm. Admission £3 candfgg@yahoo.co.uk Chorlton Bookshop Book Group 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Horse and Jockey Pub 7.45pm Details from Chorlton Bookshop or call 881 6374 Chorlton Bridge Club Christine Blackburn 225 8854 www.bridgewebs.com/chorlton Chorlton Bujitsu Wednesday 8pm at St Werburgh’s Church Hall 07866312616 facebook.com/Iki.Yoyo.Dojo Chorlton Chess Club Tuesday 7.30 pm-11 pm at St. John’s Social Club, High Lane 860 6929 Chorlton Circle Dance Group Tuesdays, 7.30-9pm Upper Hall, St. Werburgh’s Parish Hall, £5-7, 1st session free chorltoncircledancegroup.co.uk
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Chorlton Civic Society Chorlton Library meeting room. Check website for date of next meeting Chair - Mary Crumpton 07751 696 055 chorltoncivicsociety. org.uk Chorlton Community Wildlife Garden
chorltoncommunitywildlifegarden. org.uk Chorlton Evening Townswomens Guild Meet every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at 7.30pm Chorlton Library. 881 6354 Chorlton Fundraising Group Marie Curie Cancer Care. Meets monthly at the Irish Centre Julie. peters@mariecurie.org.uk
Chorlton History Group Meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, 1.30-3pm at Chorlton Good Neighbours St Nininians Church, Egerton Rd South Chorlton Kung Fu Wednesdays 8pm, Albany Estate, behind Morrisons 07774 723839 Chorlton Philosophy Group Tuesdays 7.30pm, upstairs at the Lloyds pub chorltonphilosophygroup. wordpress.com Chorlton Reading Group Once a month in the meeting room behind Chorlton library 7.30pm All welcome 881 1813 chorltonreadersgroup@gmail.com Circolo Italiano Every Monday, 7-9pm at Union Chapel, Fallowfield. Intermediates and native speakers 881 8314 or guglielmifranco@clara.co.uk Coffee and Craft Mornings at Chorlton Good Neighbours. Meet friends and have a coffee, with arts and crafts group. Thursdays 10-11.30am Wilbraham St Ninian’s Church 881 2925 cgncg. org.uk
Co-op members’ group Every 2nd Wed of the month at 7.30pm, room above the Hardy Lane Co-op.Talks, trips, events. Brenda 0752 507 1672 brenda.copnall@gmail.com French Circle Learn French with friendly native speaker. Tuesday afternoon at St Werberghs Church Hall 881 8314 Friends of Alexandra Park 226 7525 friendsofalexandrapark. org.uk Friends of Chorlton Meadows 881 6276 friendsofchorltonmeadows. blogspot.com Friends of Longford Park info@ folp.co.uk friendsoflongfordpark. org.uk Grand Day Out Free computer taster sessions and a cup of tea, for the over 50s in Chorlton Library, Fridays 2-4pm 227 3700 d.gilligan@manchester.gov.uk Greater Manchester Humanist Choir Sundays 2.30-4.30pm, Chorlton Unitarian Church gmhumanistchoir@gmail.com @GMHumanistChoir Intergen Volunteer opportunities for Chorlton residents 55+ to work with local primary school children. Estelle Longmore 264 0089 or 07946761785 intergen. org.uk Lipreading and Communication Skills classes Free to deaf people and their families and friends. Wednesdays 1-3 pm at Mauldeth House 0161 832 0444 enquiries@ manchesterdeafstudies.org Manchester Flower Lovers’ Guild St Werburghs Church Hall, Chorlton. Anne 881 6591 flowersnorthwest.net Old Mancunians AFC Training twice a week at Manchester Academy 07855-947411 oldmancs@hotmail.co.uk Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Tuesday 7.30pm, Classes at Manley Park Primary School, College Road, Whalley Range rscds-manchester.org.uk
Shakespeare House Community Centre Whalley Range M16 8NR, 823205 admin@r-squared.org.uk Simply Cycling Longford Park, Athletics Stadium Mon & Fri 9.30 Noon, Sun 1-3pm. All abilties and ages welcome Sue 0775 342 8937 Helen 0787 162 1778 www.simply-cycling.org Social Circle UK’s BIGGEST Social & Activity Network dedicated to providing FREE events. social-circle.co.uk South Manchester Book Club Meets fortnightly at The Woodstock Arms on Barlow Moor Road southmanchesterbookgroup.uk South Manchester Camera Club Mondays 8-10pm, Didsbury Methodist Church www.smcc.org.uk St. Clements Fellowship Barbara 881 5912 or Ida 0161 861 7158 Trafford Athletic Club, Longford Park. Mon & Thu 6-9pm. Min age 9. Tonya 881 4488 www.traffordac.co.uk Whalley Range Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club Indoor cricket nets : Years 5 & 6: Fridays 6.30-7.30; Years 7-10: Friday 7-8.30: Seniors (16+): Tuesday and Thursday 6-9. £4 Kingsbrook Road, whalleyrange.play-cricket.com Whalley Range Forum JN8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Ave, M16 0BG 881 3744 communityforumwhalleyrange@ gmail.com Whalley Range 4 Wildlife wr4wildlife@yahoo.co.uk wr4wildlife.wordpress.com
Arts & Crafts
Entertainment
Adventures in Painting & Drawing Tutor led art group. Tuesdays 1-3.30.Chorlton Park Adult Learning Centre rowojo@hotmail.com Penny 0161 256 3528 Art Fusion Amateur artists meet each Tuesday at 7-9pm at St Clements church hall. Fiirst session free then £5 ahomersham@ntlworld.com www. artfusion.org.uk Crafty Sew ’n’ Sews Friendly sewing group with a professional tutor. Mondays, 6.308.30pm (except second Monday of each month) Co-operative Hall, Hardy Lane. Angela 225 6931 Chorlton Alternative Art Class Life drawing, all levels of ability welcome. £6 entry. Weds 7.30-9.30pm The Edge Theatre ww.chorltonalternativearts.com Chorlton Art Group Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon at St. Werbergh’s church hall. Brenda at brensidebeck@aol.com Chorlton Knits 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Lloyds Chorlton Sewing Club 1st Thursday of the month 7.30-9.30pm Chorlton Library chorltonsewing.wordpress.com Co-operative Sewing Group Fridays, 10am-12pm Co-operative Hall, Hardy Lane Pam 07906 311455 Dolls House and Miniatures Group 2nd Monday of each month, 8-10pm, Whalley Range Venue. Ann 07814 861285 Manchester Sing Out Choir (Gospel Choir) Tuesdays 7-9pm St Johns Centre, Old Trafford. manchestersingoutchoir.org msochoir@live.co.uk Stitched Up Textile workshops 0161 881 7141 www.stitchedup.coop
Chorlton Film Institute The Lunchbox - 19th February. Doors open 8.10 pm, film starts 8.30 pm Entrance £5 St Clements Church Chorlton Folk Club Thursdays 9pm Ellesmere Rd Cricket Club
Are you part of a voluntary or community group? Drop Joe an email on editor@communityindex.co.uk
Edge Theatre Singing, drama and ukelele workshops The Edge M21 9JG edgetheatre.co.uk
Folk Songs and Tunes at The Beech 1st & 3rd Wednesdays for Songs, 2nd & 4th for Tunes. Beech Road, Chorlton, M21 9EG
Therapy & Support Groups Breast Cancer Care Walking Group Every other Friday at Chorlton Water Park bestfootforward@ breastcancercare.org.uk Chorlton Anxiety Group 226 3871 Chorlton Good Neighbours Support for older people 881 2925 helen@chorltongoodneighbours. org Manchester Diabetes Support Network: Details/ venues/ monthly dates etc Register interest with Mike 860 5688 diabetesinmanchester@gmail.com New Family Social UK charity for LGBT adopters, foster carers and their children. Meets every month in south Manchester. newfamilysocial.org.uk Rainbow Families 07903 397 108 rainbowfamilies@ hotmail.com
Local MP
John Leech - MP 8 Gawsworth Avenue M20 5NF Tel: 434 3334 johnleechmp@parliament.uk
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Sport in Chorlton By Geoff Garnett
Golf: Malcolm beats the shanks and the odds At the start of the golfing year in 2014, Chorlton nine-handicapper Macolm Brownhill (pictured) was afflicted with a severe attack of the dreaded ‘shanks’. He struggled hard with his game for several months and saw his handicap rapidly climb to 12. Then, on one dramatic day, Malcom had an hour of unbelievable success with two holes in one!
Malcolm said: “I’m just glad to be back playing some good golf, but a pair of double aces on the same day is unbelievable! “Apparently the odds are 64,000,000-1 as opposed to 14,000,000-1 for winning the
National Lottery (which I don’t do). No-one at Chorlton can remember if this has ever been achieved before and they doubt if many players have done it anywhere in the world.” Club professional, James Curtis added: “Malcolm’s determination to overcome his problems is a great example to all golfers and shows what a little help can do for a struggling golfer.”
Judo: Another top award for Steve Chorlton judo legend Steve Pullen MBE has seen his outstanding dedication and service to his sport rewarded.
Steve, who has been involved in judo for nearly 60 years, was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award at the National Judo Meeting at Nottingham University. Steve has helped many youngsters go on to achieve national and international success. He was also a leading light in the development of blind judo at all levels and
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has helped organise many top sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Steve said: “I have never lost my motivation and it was great to
Steve celebrating his award with some of his local judo stars receive this award from the judo community. I’ll continue to do all I can to promote the sport.”
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Leapfrog Home
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Alan Stuart Carol Smith Harlequin Decorating
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We clean your oven… so you don’t have to Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned
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A fair days work for a fair days pay. We will arrive on time and do what we have agreed to do in a courteous and respectful manner. We will use top quality materials. We clear up after ourselves.
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