CI Chorlton April 14

Page 1

community

April 2014

Chorlton & Whalley Range

View the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk Delivered FREE to homes & businesses in Chorlton & Whalley Range


House Extension Specialists

Architectural & Building Services in South Manchester

0161 431 3080

www.housx.com

info@housx.com


Welcome to the April edition of Community Index

Dear Readers, Welcome to another bumper issue of Community Index. Spring has finally come to South Manchester and we’ve a whole host of reasons why you should get out there and explore. This month we find out more about pop-up shopping with Alice, founder of Chorlton Art Market; we get a sneak preview of next month’s Chorlton Arts Festival and we get on our bikes in the Longford Park sunshine. Over in the garden, Katherine Watson celebrates the green shoots of recovery, while local wordsmith and semi-professional man of leisure Leon Horton looks back on his eventful first year as a community gardener. We also check out M21’s best places to drink great coffee, recommend reads to enjoy with your brew and feature a whole list of events, activities, clubs and societies on your doorstep. We love local: sport, history, open gardens, walks and markets there’s so much going on!

Joe Beech, Editor

Joe Beech

Lesley Swann

Linsey Parkinson

Sam Paechter

Editor

Marketing & Development

Community Index T : 0787 589 5604

E: editor@communityindex.co.uk @communityindex www.communityindex.co.uk 149 Ayres Road, Manchester M16 9WR

Director

Accounts

Contents Chorlton Traders 4 Stitched Up April Events 5 Markets & events at the Post Box Cafe 8 The Story of Chorlton-Cum-Hardy 10 Book Reviews 15 Green Walk Arts & Crafts Weekend 16 Perfect rice the low-energy way 17 For Cafe Lovers 20-21 Simply Cycling 23 Meet Alice DeVille: Founder of Chorlton Art Market 24 Didsbury Open Gardens 26 April In Your Garden 27 Community Index 28-29 Southern Cemetery 30 Chorlton Youth Project 31 Growing Pains 32 Chorlton Arts Festival 35 Sport In Chorlton 36 Business Index 38 Cover Images

Green Walk Open House, Chorlton Traders and our own home cooked rice!

Deadline for next edition

Green

15th April 2014

Chorlton Contributors Sam Paechter

Katherine Watson

Andrew Simpson

Nola Chesworth

Linsey Parkinson Leon Horton

Chorlton Bookshop

Geoff Garnett


Through Chorlton Traders, businesses large and small have worked together to raise funds for local good causes, improve the appearance of Chorlton, establish and develop relationships with other local community groups and meet up regularly to share ideas, concerns and information. Spring is most definitely in the air, so it’s a great time to get out and about and explore Chorlton. Smell the flowers, support your local shops and cafes, treat yourself to a special weekend lunch or have a stroll through our lively markets. Pick up a TAG! Thank You card and enjoy a few exclusive Chorlton discounts too.

The Constant Gardeners

Volunteers from Chorlton Traders and Green Chorlton rolled their sleeves up and revamped the community planters at the Cross and outside the library last month. Now they have their lovely spring bedding, they will need a little ongoing maintenance, so if you’re a passing gardener, a little bit of skilled deadheading and neatening up would be appreciated and will keep the flowers blooming for everyone. Chorlton Traders would like to thank Severine from Grass Roots Gardening for supplying plants and giving up Sunday to share her expertise. Thanks too to the green-fingered volunteers: Jane (Green Chorlton), Carol (TagPassiton), Danielle (Rubbish Revamped and Chorlton Plant

Follow us on Twitter -

4

Swap), Rachel (Chorlton High and Chorlton Youth) and a special thank you to our youngest helper, Rosy from Chorlton Youth.

On the Market

We love our markets. They’re fantastic places to find individual gifts that you certainly won’t find in High Street chains. You can also pick up the very freshest food and chat to the person who made or grew it. In our book, buying from people who care about what they’re selling makes all the difference. Chorlton Street Market - great street food and more - there’s not many better places for a sunny Saturday lunch. Outside the Library, Manchester Road Saturday 19th April.

Chorlton Art Market - an eclectic collection of the creative, the quirky and the handcrafted, with a focus on textiles this month. Outside the Post Box Cafe, Wilbraham Road Saturday 26th April.

Farmers’ Market - artisan food producers, music and fun.

Horse & Jockey, Chorlton Green Saturday 26th April.

Chorlton Arts Festival Arts & Craft Fair is back on 17th May. More on that next issue.

Can you help?

Chorlton Youth Project (Registered Charity No 1095132) has been working with children and young people to offer opportunities, advice, guidance and adventures for over thirty years. They’re holding a fundraising event on 4th April. If you can help out by providing raffle prizes, please contact Irvine on 0161 860 6238, irvineleeuk@yahoo.com or tweet @chorltonyouth Find out more about Chorlton Youth Project on p31

Chorlton Traders

Take a look at chorltontraders. co.uk for information about our next meeting.

Come and find out what’s happening in Chorlton, meet other traders and have your say. Nonmembers are welcome to a first meeting free of charge.

Membership Fees:

£15 for those working from home £25 for independents

£75 for bigger businesses/chains/ nationals

ChorltonTraders or email us at chorlton@chorltontraders.co.uk

Chorlton Traders community content is kindly funded by a cash grant from Manchester City Council


Stitched Up

Textile workshops at Stitched Up

517 Wilbraham Road (formerly Busy Bee Toys) Tel: 0161 881 7141 | www.stitchedup.co.uk

WEEKLY:

THIS MONTH:

Thursdays:

Upcycled Undies! Wednesday 9th | £25 Time TBC

After School Club

3pm to 5pm, £5 per child Fridays:

New to Knitting

DROP IN | £12 per hour Fix It Friday

1pm to 3pm | £10

Sewing Machine Driving Test Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th | £20 1pm to 3pm Upcycle Your Jeans into a Skirt Saturday 19th | £25 Time TBC

Fashion Revolution Day Thursday 24th Swap Shop! Saturday 26th | £6 with tea and biscuits! 1pm to 3pm Crafternoon Sunday 27th | £3 1.30pm to 3.30pm Define Your Personal Style Workshop Sunday 27th Time TBC

Healthy, freshly squeezed juices & smoothies or indulgent milk shakes

Try our new range of loose leaf teas ... Moroccan mint, Masala Chai and more

Rainforest alliance single estate coffee (also available for takeaway)

Hot panini, deli bagels, vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, home made soup, and much more

Not forgetting our range of home made cakes... Relax in Chorlton’s cosiest cafe!

Battery Park juice bar, 615a Wilbraham Road ~ 0161 860 0754 WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

5


Avoid bathroom hell with

Bathroom Angels Your bathroom should be a heavenly place; somewhere you go to revive, relax and beautify.

But too often people have a hellish time trying to buy a new bathroom; shop assistants who really don’t understand your needs, designers who have never visited the space, workmen who break more than they build, websites that don’t deliver, an expensive and limited choice of fixtures and fittings. At Bathroom Angels we want to make that experience more divine.

It all starts with a personal visit from Diane and Andy, who will actually listen to what you want

and offer suggestions that make sense to you. We’ll measure up and deliver a design that is both beautiful and realistic. You’ll be given a wide choice of fixtures and fittings. We do not push any particular brand and you can choose from thousands of tile options. We also supply from independents offering exclusive tile design and have access to end of line branded bathrooms which can result in sensational savings.

Our quote will be fair and without any hidden surprises. Finally, we supply fitters who have proven their quality to us. And they are paid a fair wage and provided quality materials to work with.

WANT TO LEARN TO PLAY OR SING?

PS We also offer a fabulous range of kitchens!

mob 07947 509 411 tel 0161 281 1122

20%

• Weekly Lessons • Structured learning • Learn to read and write music • Ages 7-17 • Jam sessions every week • Take part in local gigs • All equipment provided • Complete beginners to intermediate

DISCOUNT ON FIRST

APPOINTMENT

SS • VOCALS GUITAR • DRUMS • BA

6

To arrange a no obligation design visit from Bathroom Angels, call Diane on 0161 610 3684. Or visit www. bathroomangels.co.uk and request a free estimate.

mobile hairdressing Want a change from the Salon experience? Call Clive on

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING AT ST CLEMENTS CHURCH

More Than Just A Music Lesson!

Across Manchester and Cheshire we have been offering divine bathrooms, heavenly prices and peace of mind: a personal service for the most personal room in your house.

clive victor gale

GET A FREE LESSON CALL 0161-862-9634 or go to www.rockoutschool.com

H O R LT O N NOW OPEN IN C

You’ll see the difference in their attitude (and your carpet afterwards).

Rock Out!

Hairdressing to the highest standard

ool music sch

This content has been provided by Bathroom Angels

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


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


Markets & Events

Manchester’s political fictions Thursday 24th 7.30pm | £6 per

543 Wilbraham Road Tel: 0161 881 7141 | @PostBoxChorlton

Talk: from Disraeli to Christopher Ecclestone by Steven Fielding

person including drink | PreTalk Dinner from 6pm

at the Post Box Cafe Post Box Poets Tuesday 1st 7.30pm | £3

Fresh from Fleetwood, Fish Dinner Friday 18th

Chorlton’s own Sarah L Dixon presents poetry in ten minute slots with guest poets. Special menu available throughout.

A three course dinner event created with fish caught fresh that morning from our local coast line.

Chorlton Cake Club Wednesday 9th and 23rd 7pm

Chorlton History Walk 20th (Easter Sunday) 3.00pm

Featuring guest chefs. For bakers of all experience. Every fortnight, first session is free.

Community Market Saturday 12th 10 – 4pm

Now in its second month, this unique market is capturing the hearts and minds of the local community.

8

£10 including a drink for the walk and soup or cake after. Hot drink in hand, head out and explore Chorlton’s History on a guided walk lead by Andrew Simpson, finishing back at ThePostBox cafe for soup or cake.

Gourmet Burger Night Friday 25h tables from 7pm | £15

Pick from our range of tasty gourmet burgers

Chorlton Arts Market Saturday 26th 10-4pm

Focus on Textiles. Come and explore this unique monthly market, whilst enjoying live music, the PostBox BBQ & bar.

Fabric Craft Club Monday 28th 7.00pm | £3 | Monthly

Chorlton Book Club Tuesday 28th 7.00pm | £3 | Monthly

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Where children are cherished

One of the main reasons why parents choose St James for their child is the school’s commitment to excellence. Running against the current trend of large schools, often with increasing class sizes, St. James’ commitment to excellence means class sizes are kept deliberately low. The average class size, currently below eight, gives pupil-to-teacher ratios which are amongst the best in the region. This has helped them to achieve results which are amongst the very best. This all takes place in an atmosphere of calmness, order and peace: words not often associated with schools. One parent recently referred to the school as “an oasis of calm, where my child is not so much valued, as cherished”. Don’t take our parents’ word for it: come and see St James’ focus on excellence for yourself.

Call 0161 480 4586 to book a visit or free taster day for your child. St James Junior School, Belmont Street, Stockport SK4 1TG i n f o @ s t j a m e s s c h o o l . o r g. u k w w w. s t j a m e s s c h o o l . o r g. u k


The Story of Chorlton-Cum Hardy by Andrew Simpson

1934 and inside the Independent College in Whalley Range We are in the grounds of the Independent College in Whalley Range and the year is 1934.

Our picture is a postcard which ‘R’ says ‘is a new view of the college which I thought you might like to see. It gives rather a good view of the grounds I think.’

He was writing to Mr and Mrs Nelson of Garston Old Road in Liverpool and he went on to say that he had ‘managed a good spot of work,’ and was looking forward to ‘seeing something of a friend of mine who is preaching at Ormskirk on Sunday.’ There is nothing more to help us with the identity of ‘R’ but given that the college had been built ‘educate young men of decided piety and competent talents for the Christian ministry,’* I think we can be fairly confident he was destined for a religious career. Buy Andrew Simpson’s book “The Story of Chorlton-CumHardy” or visit him online at chorltonhistory. blogspot.com/

10

By the time ‘R’ was doing his spot of work the college had been open for 92 years and had continued ‘the preparation of young men for the ministry of the Independent church’** carrying on the work of the Blackburn Independent Academy which had opened in 1816.

Such independent establishments had been necessary by the ban on dissenters from attending universities. So here, along with the study of theology students ‘will have the opportunity of gaining philosophical and scientific knowledge, in addition

to the classics and mathematics.’

There were to be two resident professors and about fifty-two students, the cost was to be met by public subscription and the hope was that this would, in time, be met by endowments. The original design was for a Gothic style building with a tall tower and a principal front 261 feet in length including two professors’ houses at either end, with cloisters in between, serving as an arcade in which the students can take exercise in wet weather. There were to be three storeys, surmounted by

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


battlements about 40 feet high.

‘The arrangements in the interior of the College, forming a communication with different suites of rooms, are well designed and exceedingly simple, consisting of corridors running the extreme length of the front and of either wing. The lower storey of the building which is sufficiently high above the ground to ensure dryness is intended entirely for servants, and the corridor which connects the different offices runs along the main building.

Entering the College by the broad flight of steps in the basement of the tower we come to the entrance hall on the second or main floor which is a lofty room about 36 feet by 32 and open to the roof.’*** And I suppose this description would have been recognised by

‘R’ as well as the countless other students who continued to study there until its closure in 1980.

Picture; of the college in 1934 from the Lloyd Collection The Assembly Hall and grounds from The Lancashire Independent College, 1843-93

* resolution of the committee held in the vestry of the Mosley Street Chapel, Manchester February 1816, and quoted by Thompson, Joseph, in The Lancashire Independent College, 1843-93, Manchester 1893 Memorial Volume, p18 ** The Manchester Guardian 1842 *** The Manchester Guardian 1842

Need a venue for your party? Function Function room room for for hire hire @ @ Whalley Range Cricket & Whalley Range Cricket & Lawn Lawn Tennis Tennis Club Club Kingsbrook Kingsbrook Road, Road, M16 M16 8NR 8NR 0161 0161 881 881 1414 1414 07908 07908 234 234 583 583 ashk82@hotmail.com ashk82@hotmail.com

Suitable for Birthday parties, Christenings, Anniversaries, Reunions and Meetings. Hire Fee from £80 • Capacity 100 Bar and Kitchen facilities Lovely Garden • BBQ area

10% discount with this advert WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

Caroline Channing Stained Glass Bespoke Bespoke Stained Stained Glass Glass Windows Windows Repairs Repairs and and Renovations Renovations

07816 07816 477347 477347 www.carolinechanningglass.co.uk www.carolinechanningglass.co.uk

DIGGER AND DRIVER FOR HIRE Free quotes on all nature work

No obligation quotes

07725613458

CHORLTON Locksmiths Keys cut while you wait Safe & Security Engineers Locks Opened & Replaced Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

24HR CALLOUT

Tel: 0161 881 8502

615B Wilbraham Rd • Chorlton • M21 9AN

11


Retirement Apartments

FOR SALE

Call Cosgrove Hall Court today on 0800 810 0698 to see how we can make a moving package* to suit you 8 Albany Road, Chorlton Cum Hardy M21 0BA Open Tues - Sat 10.30am - 5pm Retirement apartments for the over 60s One beds from £149,950, two beds from £249,950† Photograph of show apartment includes £974 of fittings

Typical Interior

Come and visit our latest development, to see how you could make a move to Retirement Living this spring. McCarthy & Stone developments are built to the highest specification, with award winning attention to detail throughout every apartment. We’ve paid attention to the things that matter to you, like security with a House Manager on-site, so why don’t you come along and view

our beautiful show apartments and take a look at our communal roof top terrace to see how you could be enjoying this spring in style. You’ll be glad you came.

Call now to arrange your guided tour

For more information or to register your interest please fill in the coupon,

call 0800 810 0698 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk Simply address your envelope in capitals to:

Please tick all that apply. Interest: For myself

FREEPOST MCCARTHY & STONE

Friend/Relative

(No further address details required)

Title

New properties

Resale

Name

Tel

Address Postcode

Email

You may be contacted via the methods of communication for which you have provided details. Where a mobile number has been provided, you may also be contacted by SMS or other electronic means. *Ts&Cs apply, available on selected new apartments, excludes resales. See sales consultant or website for details. †Subject to availability.

Chorlton-INDEX-04-14

Please send me my free colour brochure


Independent living with

McCarthy & Stone Are you over the age of 60 and craving a more relaxed lifestyle in a low-maintenance home that you continue to own? Perhaps you’re concerned about the prospect of looking after your large family-sized home as you grow older? If you dream of moving somewhere smaller so that you can start making the most of a hassle-free and independent later life, then worry no more, because McCarthy & Stone is offering just the solution at its new Retirement Living development in Chorltoncum-Hardy.

Situated in this highly desirable suburb of Greater Manchester, Cosgrove Hall Court is a premium collection of Retirement Living apartments that makes a popular choice for downsizers. Offering more space in which to enjoy your later years, Cosgrove Hall Court comprises a complex of 47 purpose-built private apartments each offering contemporary retirement living.

Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone explains: “Retirement Living encourages its residents to be as independent as they want to be. Whether you simply want to free up spare time by getting rid of the maintenance burden your old house might pose, or, you’re just concerned about what the future might hold, downsizing to Retirement Living could be the solution for you.

“We know that as people get older their needs might change, so

although Retirement Living offers a great place to relax and enjoy retirement, it is also purposebuilt to make life easier by still providing a number of inherent age specific design features.”

These features include 24 hour emergency call points, electrical sockets at a raised height to reduce bending, a camera entry system, easy grip lever taps in the bathroom and kitchen and energy efficient heating. A communal lounge, a hotel style guest suite and landscaped gardens, all aid towards a real sense of community, and offer the perfect place to make new acquaintances with like-minded individuals in sociable and stylish surroundings. “Private apartments are fully

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

equipped with all mod-cons, plus because of the in-built camera entry system, they are completely secure,” adds Fiona.

“This means that should you want to go away on holiday, spend a weekend with friends and family, or simply pop out for the day, you can lock up and leave, safe in the knowledge that your property and possessions will be just as you left them when you return. “By introducing Retirement Living in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, we are offering over-60’s who live locally the opportunity to live their later years in the way that best suits them.”

To register your interest, please call 0800 201 4739 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

This content has been provided by McCarthy & Stone

13


The Horse & Jockey Chorlton Pub donate staff-hours to help develop local school Horse and Jockey Pub are donating staff-hours to help transform a patch of neglected woodlands into a play area for Brookburn Primary School.

about events in Chorlton. Such as their infamous fireworks display and Solstice celebrations. The money also ensures that their events are free for all to attend.

Already a community-lead pub, the Jockey invests £25,000 a year into their community events programme. The investment results in some of the most talked

To stay up to date on what’s going on at The Horse and Jockey, come visit us on Twitter

By pledging to donate staff hours over the length of the eight week project, the Horse and Jockey are taking an active role in helping to build their local community. A role which they hope to uphold in the future by getting involved in further community projects.

The Horse and Jockey’s next main event will be their re-launch party on Saturday 29th March as they re-launch the pub with a completely new menu, concept and interior design. As usual the event will be free to enter and we suggest joining the mailing list for further details.

@HorseJockey

9 The Green, Chorlton, M21 9HS 0161 860 7794 | www.horseandjockeychorlton.com

Chorlton’s landmark pub gets a new lease of life & opens it’s doors after a £750,000 refurbishment. Come try the seasonal menu along side our new deluxe deli counter & extended Bootleg Craft Beer.

!!NOW FULLY OPEN!! 14

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Book Reviews

by Chorlton Bookshop

Americanah Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Recently published in paperback, this novel has been deservedly long-listed for the Baileys fiction prize for women.

At the heart of the book is a love story between Ifemelu and Obinze, teenagers attending a Nigerian university who have to leave the country because of university strikes. Ifemelu moves to the States, where she attends an American university and starts a blog dealing with race issues in America, while Obinze moves to England and ends up becoming an illegal immigrant. The novel examines the issues of race and immigration, particularly in the USA, and the idea of being forced to change and reinvent yourself in order to be accepted in a new country or situation.

Adichie is such a skilled writer, she manages to convey complex issues without us being aware of it. As with her previous book Half of A Yellow Sun she creates characters who are so real we really care about their fates. One issue I think she highlights well is Africa as a developed continent. In the West we are so used to charity appeals and wars, we forget that many African societies are not in need of our charity.

Gigantosaurus Jonny Duddle

Jonny Duddle’s fast becoming a star in the world of picture books. He has a knack for breathing new life into classic small boys’ obsessions: pirates (The Pirate Cruncher, The Pirates Next Door) and space adventures (The King of Space). This time he does the same trick with dinosaurs. In fact it’s an all-dinosaur cast, as an assortment of small ones out for a walk try to avoid the eponymous, marauding big one. It’s gentle fun and daft laughs all the way. Duddle’s illustrations are just beautiful, chock-full of detail, character and colour. This hardback edition even comes with a dust-jacket that doubles as a fold-out poster. And there’s a terrific bit of design at the moment when the Gigantosaurus makes his grand entrance...

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

15


The 8th Green Walk

Open House Art & Crafts Weekend

Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 12 – 6pm Green Walk, off Wood Road, Whalley Range, Manchester

Now in its eighth year, the Green Walk Open House Arts and Crafts Weekend is an event organised by a group of Green Walk residents who open their houses to local artists and designers to use as exhibition space to showcase and sell their work. This includes paintings, ceramics, glass, photography, jewelry and more. The event attracts a large and enthusiastic following from the local community and further afield, with attendance growing year on year. With close to fifty artists taking part, it’s a must for those wanting to spend a leisurely afternoon over the bank holiday weekend. Food and drink are served on the Green.

www.greenwalk.co.uk 16

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Perfect rice the low-energy way By Sam Paechter Lots of people are baffled by cooking rice and there’s conflicting advice out there. I learned this method in a Northern commune in the early 1980s. Not only is it low-energy, it also makes the best rice! It works for white and brown rice alike, and it’s stood me in good stead ever since.

Perhaps surprisingly, there’s no need to simmer rice for ages or rinse it in boiling water. Once boiled, rice can cook by simply soaking up the water it’s in, so all you have to do is put enough energy in at the beginning of the process, then keep it warm for long enough for the magic to happen. You’ll need rice, water and a heavy pan or microwavable container (whichever you use must have a close fitting lid) and a blanket or thick towel. For beginners, the pan method is easier (and probably the most energy efficient), but the

0781 0147 070 info@greendesigns.eu

www.greendesigns.eu

microwave method has the advantage that you can cook your rice in the pot you’ll be serving it in.

Here’s how:

1. Measure your dry rice. It’s best done by volume; one mug of rice will feed about three people. 2. Put it in a sieve and give it a good rinse under the tap.

3. Put the rice in the pan or microwavable container and add two mugs of water for every one mug of rice. The aim is to add exactly the right amount of water for your rice to cook perfectly with none left over. As your rice is wet from washing, reduce the water by about 1cm from one of the full mugs. 4. Optionally, add a few strands of saffron and a little salt.

5. Place on the heat or in the microwave and bring to the boil. It needs to be thoroughly boiling, but doesn’t need to boil for any length of time. In the microwave

• • • • • • •

this is a bit tricky. Once nearly boiling, I tend to heat it on full power for a minute at a time, stirring briefly with a wooden spoon between bursts until I’m satisfied all the water is boiling.

6. Take your pan or container off the heat, wrap it tightly in the blanket or towel and leave it somewhere warm (or at least not in a cold draught!). Putting it in bed works very well and will make your bed all toasty for later.

7. White rice is cooked and ready to serve in 30 minutes. Brown rice takes an hour and depending on the quality of your insulation, might need a small additional burst of heat after about 40 minutes.

professional garden design full construction service planting driveway tree surgery fencing & hedging free initial consultation

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

17


ThePurplePages

Sales & Lettings

Welcome

Every year April starts on the same day of the week as July and in leap years January does too! The name is from the Latin Aprilis which comes from ‘aperie’ which means ‘to open’ - it’s the month when trees and flowers start springing into life, and a perfect time to consider that move... Our diary gets full very quickly so if there is a property you wish to view please give my team a call ASAP to make an appointment. Also, if you are thinking of putting your property on the market in the near future and wish to take advantage of our FREE Market Appraisal service please give my team a call to make an appointment - 0161 882 2233.

Kind regards, Edward Ellis, MNAEA - Director

Meet Val Cunningham, Negotiator

JP & Brimelow are proud to support

Tell us something that your colleagues don’t already know about you. I used to be in the school choir and a sports champion.

What’s the most dangerous thing you have ever done? Coming down a mountain in Thassos with no footpath and an enormous snake at the bottom.

Tell us about a life moment you wish you could forget?

Jumping off a boat as I could see the bottom of the sea to realise my feet couldn’t touch the bottom. Not a good swimmer!

What’s your dream job?

I have it, as I love meeting new people! And to find them their dream home is a great feeling, especially when they pick up keys and they’re so excited!

430 Barlow Moor Rd Chorlton M21 8AD

Green

Chorlton

What motivates you?

Finding people the home they have wished for.

What’s the most frustrating and rewarding thing about working in Chorlton? The lack of parking is frustrating, but it’s really rewarding to meet past and present clients when they’re out and about.

If you could only achieve one thing in life what would it be? To be a great mum.

What would you do with a huge lottery win?

Help all my family, friends and make a huge donation to Childrens Young Oncolgy Unit at Christies.

SALES: 0161 882 2233 chorlton@jpbrimelow.co.uk LETTINGS: 0161 882 2244 chorltonlettings@jpbrimelow.co.uk


the be Eight st for of sale

Kingsbrook Road, Whalley Range

Manley Road, Whalley Range

Regents Court, Whalley Range

Chorlton Park, Chorlton

Chorlton Heights, Chorlton

Burford Road, Whalley Range

Caistor Close, Whalley Range

Maitland Avenue, Chorlton

£330,000

£175,000

£149,950

£199,950

£265,000

£215,000

£195,000

£229,950

www.jpandbrimelow.co.uk Offices also in Didsbury 0161 448 0622 & Withington 0161 445 9700

@jpandbrimelow


For Cafe Lov

Everyone at Community Index (except Sam, who just doesn’t get it Chorlton we are lucky to have so many to chose from. Over the yea most of them and spoken to nearly all of the owners. We love them socialising, laptop working and of course for great coffee and cake They all do coffee and tea to take away.

1. Junipers

2. Simon Dunn

M

an

12

ch

11

Family run business, specialising in handmade chocolates. Indulgent hot chocolate and mochas are freshly made to order with lots of real Belgian chocolate. All hot drinks come with a free chocolate frog!

es

te

10

h

ra ilb

Owned by Whitbread PLC. No locally sourced ingredients.

3

4. Battery Park

5. Sugar Cube

Central location, spacious and bright interior specialising in sweet and savoury filled pancakes. Another late night opening cafe.

6. The Chorlton Eatery

Straightforward cafe with attentive waitress service. Good all day breakfasts.

d

9

3. Costa Coffee

Chorlton’s cosiest cafe with a homely atmosphere. Specialising in freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and shakes. Uses local suppliers, including Unicorn and Barbakan for bread. A great free community noticeboard and book exchange.

rR

2 1 4

W

Lovely owners, bright new decor and delicious homebaked chocolate brownies!


vers...

t) loves a good cafe. In ars, we’ve tried and tested m for business meetings, e!

7. Post Box Cafe

Hosts a range of community events, including history talks by Andrew Simpson and is now the new home to the Chorlton Art Market (next date Saturday 26th April). Opens early doors at 8am.

8. North Star Delicatessen

High quality food and drink in a deli setting with an open kitchen. Light and airy with a range of freshly prepared main dishes, salads and sweet treats. Superb coffee!

9. TeaHive

Extensive range of speciality teas and coffee served in vintage mismatched crockery in a beautiful setting. Fantastic array of delicious home baked cakes which changes daily. Regular themed monthly supper club.

8

10. Barbakan

Celebrating 50 years in Chorlton this year. This award winning bakery and delicatessen also serves great tea and coffee. Sausage pan Saturday not to be missed.

11. Oasis

Rd

7

m

Specialist ice-cream parlour open midday to midnight. Friendly service and more delicious flavours than you can shake a stick at.

ha

12. Crema

Ba

rlo

5

M

oo

rR

Be e

15

ch

Rd

6

w

Fresh salads, paninis, traditional cooked breakfast and good coffee. All served by friendly staff in comfortable surroundings. Good sized outside seating area to watch the world go by.

14

13

d

13. On the Corner

Vegetarian, vegan and raw food cafe and juice bar. Also sells vinyl and vintage clothing. Takes part in the ‘Suspended Coffee’ scheme - buy an extra coffee which will be held for someone who needs food and drink but cannot afford it.

14. Serendipitea

Specialist tea shop producing it’s own tea blends. Delightful setting with a great selection of home baked cakes.

15. Beech Road Cafe Well established cafe with friendly service and a lovely atmosphere. Delicious cakes. Good outside seating area for Beech Road people watching!


N A Evans

Electrical Services

Family run, serving South Manchester for 25 yrs • • • • •

No job too large, no job too small. Quality above all Energy saving and eco friendly advice and installation Inspection and Testing, Installations, Maintenance and Repairs Weekend and out of hours work All work fully guaranteed and to relevant regulations

Tel: 0161 881 6705 Mob: 07711 032 761 Trustmark / ECA / City and Guilds / Part P and JIB approved/ MIET

Select Plumbing & Heating Central Heating Installation Power Flushing Servicing & Repairs Gas Cooker & Fire Installations Landlord Safety Certificates All types of Plumbing Work Fully Tiled Bathrooms Contact Tony Goss 0161 865 6657 07973 908 592

Energy efficiency action plans for refurbishment of old houses Tired of living in a cold & draughty house and thinking of doing some significant energy efficiency refurbishment?

I can help! - Accurate & detailed baseline energy analysis - Done using Passive House methodology - Thermal bridge modelling - Action plan of improvements that will enable you to reach specific space heating demand or carbon emissions reduction targets The action plan is not only the r esult of the energy analysis - it also includes a likely list of materials needed, sequence of work & economic analysis, which is all arrived at th ough r several iterations in consultation with the homeowner. In other words, it takes you to the point where you can crack on with the work. For more information, please visit www.coldproof.co.uk or contact Eric Fewster on 07814 788 846 or ericfewster@coldproof.co.uk

Gas Safe

Registered No. 196842

22

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Simply Cycling

Get tyred out at Longford Park! Simply Cycling is a good way to get a bit fitter, make new friends and have some fun. We operate three times a week at Longford Park Athletic Stadium; Monday and Friday mornings and Sunday afternoon. We are also at Wythenshawe Park and Boggart Hole Clough on different days. It’s a project run so that absolutely anyone can join in - all abilities, experience and ages.

The £2 fee allows you to ride any of our bikes, trikes, hand-bikes, lowriders and many others, you can even ride around the park if you get a bit bored with the track. We’ve got plenty of baby seats so mums and dads can cycle with their bundles of joy. There’s no need to book; just turn up and get on a bike!

There’s a great atmosphere, particularly when we get bumper numbers of cyclists - our record was over 173 one Sunday in March. Tea and Coffee is available and even biscuits or cake, when donated by our regular members.

www.simply-cycling.org Helen, 07871 621778 or just drop in. Absolutely everyone is welcome!

Rewarding customer loyalty

Opening times :

With our customer loyalty card scheme (Terms & Conditions apply). Apply inside.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

20% OFF

Up to

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

8.30am - 5.30pm 8.30am - 5.30pm 8.30am - 5.30pm NIGHT 8.30am - 7.00pm LATE OPENING 8.30am - 5.30pm 8.30am - 4.00pm CLOSED

23


Meet Alice De Ville

Founder of Chorlton Art Market Tell us about yourself, outside of your work in the markets

I am a mother of one with a passion for country music, Fred Astaire and goat’s cheese. I like to sew and paint whilst admiring my collection of vintage 80s Care Bears.

What inspired you to start an Art Market in Chorlton?

As someone who has sold at hundreds of markets and craft fairs over the years, it was always my dream to run an event of my own - but one where the organisers actually cared about the traders. I had sold at many events where it was clear that very little thought had been given to the people who were selling, and where the overall quality of the work varied hugely. I wanted to create events where the traders were the priority because, after all, it wouldn’t be much of a market without good, happy traders. After having a baby in 2011, I gave up my previous career in mental health to focus on this vision. I realised that Chorlton is packed with loads of fantastic artists and designers and I wanted to provide an opportunity for them to sell their work. There are a lot of talented people here, with great products and branding, and yet I know how hard it is to survive by just selling online.

Tell us about the upcoming community market

After a lot of hard work and two successful trial markets in Chorlton Precinct last year, Chorlton Art Market has now moved to its lovely new home at The PostBox on the fourth Saturday of each month. This has led to plans for another new market, The Chorlton Community Market which we hope will be a great opportunity for local charities and organisations to raise awareness and support for their causes. We would also like small online businesses to use the market to provide a ‘face’ for their customers. It will take place on the second Saturday of the month.

You’re an artist yourself, tell us about your own work My brand is Patchwork Papillon and I make personalised Scrabble pictures, as well as patchwork quilts and bags.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re planning some exciting themed events for the Art Market throughout the year, with a Textile special and a Home & Garden market coming up soon.

Chorlton Community Market Second Saturday of the month

Chorlton Art Market

Fourth Saturday of the Month at The PostBox Café, Wilbraham Road

www.chorltonartmarket.wordpress.com chorltonartmarket@gmail.com Search “Chorlton Art Market” on Facebook

881 8162

Domestic & Commercial Electricians For all general electrical work

• No call out charge • Free estimates • Fully guaranteed

www.chorltonelectric.co.uk

24

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


HMC Professional Painters & Decorators Domestic & Commercial Interior & Exterior Local Decorator £25

Call Harry:

0161 881 7982

07799 107 741 Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed Over 30 years experience

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS • • • • • •

FAST DRYING SYSTEM FREE STAIN & ODOUR REMOVAL STAINGUARD PROTECTION 10% RETIRED PERSONS DISCOUNT ALL WORK IS FULLY INSURED ALL FURNITURE MOVED BY OPERATIVE

We are a local company based in Chorlton Fully trained to NCCA standards Ring or email for a FREE ESTIMATE

07742 369 231

or leave a message on 0161 881 4822 contact@pro-fresh.co.uk www.pro-fresh.co.uk

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

25


Didsbury Open Gardens Sunday 8th June 11:30 – 5:30pm

More than twenty gardens across Didsbury will open to the public, in aid of charity, on Sunday 8th June. You can expect to see a broad range of gardens, and contemporary to traditional design and planting schemes.

The community event has raised over £35,000 over the last six years and the team look forward to breaking through the £40,000 mark this year. Maria Stripling, the founder and one of the organisers said, “The event attracts a lot of people of all ages, from Didsbury and across Manchester. There is so much to enjoy from the gardens themselves to meeting old friends as you wander around the village, listening to music in one or two gardens, or watching willow weaving. Of course, plenty of cups of tea and home made cakes are on offer to keep you going and it’s all for a good cause.”

The event attracts around 1,000 visitors and creates a great sense of community, with a number of community groups also getting involved at The Parsonage Trust, Friends of Fletcher Moss Gardens, and The Bradley Fold Allotments. It’s a real treat for all the family, so don’t miss it.

Programmes go on sale early May from selected shops in Didsbury, including Inman’s Newsagents, Lapwing Lane, and The Cheese Hamlet, Didsbury Village.

www.didsburyopengardens.org

M Duffin Property Repairs Chimneys Pointing Roofs Gutters

Free Estimates 26

0161 789 6640 07944 729 608 WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


April In Your Garden by Katherine Watson We had some mixed weather in March, some beautiful, hot spring days as well as the ubiquitous rain all of which will have stimulated the growth of April’s emerging foliage. There are some magnificent youngsters pushing their way through this month. Some are flushed with the bright colours of youth and with foliage that is soft and still fragile, whilst others are only just unfurling from a tight protective knot of leaves.

The hostas fall into this last category having sent up pointed fingers of purple through March, they are just about to come into their own. There are a huge variety of hostas from miniature (for example ‘Baby Bunting’) through to the truly giant leaved example, ‘Empress Wu’, via some medium to large, more saucily named varieties, ‘forbidden fruit’ and ‘climax’. A particularly lovely medium sized hosta is ‘Avocado’ with shiny dark green leaves shot through with a subtle yellow. These more leathery hostas are supposed to be less susceptible to slug attack although I have

the smaller hosta, ‘Devon Green’ in two large pots, with similarly thick leaves that eventually get chomped but perhaps not quite so quickly.

The shuttlecock fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris is also making an appearance unravelling from tight, furry whorls into upright lime green foliage. These ferns like the damp so you could try digging out a section of a shady border, lining it with a bin bag (perhaps one or two holes punched through) and back filling it with a mix of the old and some new compost before planting the ferns. Both the ferns and hostas

will thank you for a mulch and/or a feed in spring.

The furry, dissected leaves of the oriental poppy have been around for a while now with the perfect, round buds just forming. Varieties like ‘Patty’s Plum’ continue to be a favourite but I might try ‘Royal Wedding’ this year – a beautiful white version with a dark purple heart. We tend to think of June and July as the most thrilling in flower and foliage terms with perhaps September coming a close second for repeat flowering and late interest, but April’s promise is just as lovely- you just have to look at bit closer.

Garden Design Planting Advice Consultation Service Project Managment

07989968841 www.fatgrass.co.uk WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

27


Community Index Clubs, Societies & Groups

Barlow International Folk Dance Group Tuesday evenings at

St.Ninians, Wilbraham Road Mary O’Mahony 0161 881 0955

Chorlton Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of the

month, 2pm, Chorlton Library. 0161 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 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 £3.00 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 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

Chorlton and District Rotary Club

Every Wednesday 6.45 pm Hough End Centre, Mauldeth Road West, rosie. paver@gmail.com

Circolo Italiano Every Monday, 7.00-9.00 pm at Union Chapel, Fallowfield. Intermediates and native speakers.guglielmifranco@clara.co.uk or 881 8314 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 www.cgncg.org.uk Co-op members’ group

Chorlton Bridge Club

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

Chorlton Civic Society

French Circle Led by enthusiastic

Christine Blackburn 225 8854 www.bridgewebs.com/chorlton Chorlton Library meeting room. Tuesday 13th May 7.30pm. Chair - Jenny Slee 0757 0879 091 chorltoncivicsociety.org.uk

Chorlton Evening Townswomens Guild Meet every 2nd & 4th Thursday

of the month at 7.30pm Chorlton Library. 0161 881 6354

native speaker. Tuesday afternoon or evening at St Werberghs Church Hall 881 8314

Friends of Alexandra Park 226 7525

www.friendsofalexandrapark.org.uk

Friends of Chorlton Meadows

Chorlton Good Neighbours 881

881 6276 www.friendsofchorltonmeadows. blogspot.com

Chorlton History Group

co.uk friendsoflongfordpark.org.uk

2925 goodneighbours@btconnect.com

Meets on the 1st Thursday of the month, 1.30 - 3pm at Chorlton Good Neighbours St Nininians Church, Egerton Rd South

Chorlton Knits 1st and 3rd Thursday

Friends of Longford Park info@folp. Manchester Flower Lovers’ Guild

St Werburghs Church Hall, Chorlton. Anne 881 6591 flowersnorthwest.net

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 St. Clements Fellowship

Barbara 0161 881 5912 or Ida 0161 861 7158

Trafford Athletic Club, Longford Park. Mon & Thu 6 - 9 pm. Min age 9. Tonya 0161 881 4488 www.traffordac.co.uk

Whalley Range Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club

every Friday indoor cricket nets :Years 5 & 6: 6.30-7.30; Years 7-10: 5.30-6.30: Seniors (16+): 7.30-8.30. £4 Springbridge Road, William Hulme Grammar School

Whalley Range Forum

JN8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Ave, M16 0BG 881 3744 info@whalleyrange.org www.whalleyrange.org

Whalley Range 4 Wildlife

wr4wildlife@yahoo.co.uk wr4wildlife.wordpress.com

Arts & Crafts

Chorlton Art Group

Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon at St. Werbergh’s church hall. Brenda at brensidebeck@aol.com

Chorlton Sewing Club

1st Thursday of the month 7.30 - 9.30pm Chorlton Library chorltonsewing.wordpress.com

Drum & Percussion Group Playing

Brazilian and Cuban rhythms. Thursdays 7-9pm St. Margarets Church, Whalley Range Sue 226 4311

Dolls House and Miniatures Group

2nd Monday of each month, 8-10pm, Whalley Range Venue. Ann 07814 861285

Peter Topping presents Chorlton: A Moment in Time 3 years of paintings

of Chorlton capturing the shops and people as they are now. 22nd April - 17th May The Arison gallery, 512 Wilbraham Road, M21 9AW

of the month at Lloyds

28

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Entertainment

Chorlton Film Institute

Sunshine On Leith - 24th April. Doors open 8.10 pm, film starts 8.30 pm Entrance £5 St Clements Church

Chorlton Folk Club

Landscaping and raised beds

Thursdays 9pm Ellesmere Rd Cricket Club

Edge Theatre Warnings to the Curious: The Ghost Stories of M R James Fri 4th Apr 7.30pm. Tickets £10 / £7 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

Manchester Sing Out Choir (Gospel Choir) Tuesdays 7-9pm

St Johns Centre, Old Trafford. manchestersingoutchoir.org msochoir@ live.co.uk

Stagesquad Present ‘Downtown Flabby’ 11th and 12th April. Tickets £10 Hough End Leisure Complex, Chorlton

Therapy & Support Groups

Breast Cancer Care Walking Group

Every other Friday at Chorlton Water Park bestfootforward@breastcancercare.org.uk

Chorlton Anxiety Group 226 3871

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

Are you part of a voluntary or community group? Drop Joe an email on editor@communityindex.co.uk WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

We are a unique social enterprise aiming to make the best use of wood produced by treework in Manchester. In addition we make sleepers, and provide landscaping and invasive weed removal services, making raised beds, patios, fencing, decking, and chainsaw sculptures.

www.treestation.co.uk 0161 231 3333 Greater Manchester TreeStation Ltd - A Society for the Benefit of the Community committed to combatting climate change, FCA Mutuals registered number 31552R

29


Southern Cemetery by Nola Chesworth

Spring in the cemetery Southern Cemetery is seen by most as a place of peace, calm and rest, but it is also a thriving home to numerous species of animals; mammals, birds and insects. Springtime is when the cemetery really comes to life; daffodils and crocuses that have been planted around the graves are joined by wild flowers such as bluebells, common dog violet and cuckoo flower. All adding beautiful colour and delicate fragrance to the surroundings. During the day squirrels are a common sight;

scurrying around, going about their business, and when night falls they are joined by a whole host of other animals. Tawny Owls keep watch from old trees that cast shadows over the foxes who are patrolling the ground, while three different species of bat circle high above.

Efforts have been made to ensure Southern Cemetery remains an urban paradise for our wildlife; grass is no longer cut around some of the oldest graves, so that wild flowers can flourish and small mammals and insects can

make their homes; while The Meadow offers environmentally friendly burials in a site dedicated to attracting wildlife to the area. Southern Cemetery, first and foremost is the resting place for loved ones, but it is also a place full of life, colour and natural beauty; something which is never more apparent than at this time of year.

Alexander Technique  balance and poise  ease of movement  stillness  strength in action  voice

individual sessions 

10 week course start 29 April 

cycle-technique days May 10 and June 7th 

Sue Fleming MSTAT

www.alexanderteaching.co.uk CNHC registered 0161 861 8848 30

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Chorlton Youth Project Chorlton Youth Project (CYP) was established over thirty years ago. It is a charity dedicated to promoting opportunity and improving the lives of young people living in South Manchester.

The project runs a range of activities based at Chorlton Central Church and the new Barlow Moor Community Centre on Merseybank Avenue, as well as in and around Chorlton Park and the Nell Lane estate. It also runs a summer playscheme, and an after school club once a week in Burnage.

fundraising, youth support and other activities so if you can help, please get in touch.

“CYP is a great place to socialise and I feel very lucky to be a part of it.”

CYP is always looking for volunteers to help out with

To volunteer or find out more email Irvine on info@chyp.co.uk, As the fundraising climate gets call 0161 860 6238 or follow them tougher, CYP is increasingly reliant on twitter @ChorltonYouth on local support. Irvine Williams, The first event of 2014 is CYP’s Project Manager said “We want annual fundraising quiz at to increase awareness of the Chorlton Central Church on charity and the work we do within Friday 4th April 7– 9pm. Adults Chorlton and we’re grateful of the £3, Children £2. support from local businesses.”

Handmade chocolates & Coffee Shop Personalised Easter Eggs & Gifts SDC_Chorlton Simon Dunn Chocolatier Chorlton | 492 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9AS | T. 0161 881 1669 | Simon Dunn Advert p2.indd 1

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

14/2/13 20:00:09

31


Growing Pains by Leon Horton

Regular readers of this magazine may recall my article ‘Shrubs and Snails and Old Wives’ Tales’ last year, when I endeavoured - for the first time in my life, I might add - to take up gardening. It was a steep learning curve, with that long hot summer turning into a long hard slog of blood, sweat, shears and soil. But as anyone with green fingers will tell you: gardening, even at the best of times, can be a Churchillian task... It was never going to be easy. Nothing worth doing ever is. Mistakes were made and plants went out the window. But, one year on and my enthusiasm for my newfound hobby hasn’t waned. If anything, it’s increased tenfold (I’ll resist the urge to say ‘in spades’) as - buoyed by the encouragement, appreciation and financial assistance of my fellow tenants - our community garden is starting to look like... well, a community garden. Last summer when my little piece of England was in full

bloom, brimming with the trials and errors of my endeavours, I was hoping the other residents would be so impressed by the fruits of my labours they would grab a little piece of the gardens for themselves.

It isn’t easy to get people enthused, let alone involved (at this point I must say a big thanks to Lisa and her mum Eileen for all their encouragement and generosity), but as the herbaceous perennials and the bedding plants and the climbers all came into bloom, people started coming out of their flats and talking to me. People I’d passed on the stairs for years without ever exchanging a word. Some gave me donations, others a kindly word. We learnt each other’s names, likes and dislikes, discovered we’re not so very different. OK, so that’s a bit purple rose – sorry, prose – but the point is: I’ve got to know my neighbours, and they me, and hopefully we’re seeing the first shoots of a more green and pleasant land – one I intend to cultivate further

this year with some even grander plans. The philosopher Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626) once said of gardening “it is the purest of human pleasures.” As a man who’s had his fair share in the last year I can’t help but agree.

(If anyone knows where Leon can procure a picnic bench, planters, large pots or any other garden furniture, cheap or preferably for free, please, please, get in touch with him at leonhorton@live.co.uk)

07986 594 822 0161 222 8438 32

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Manchester produces 8,000 metric tons of plastic carrier bags a year and it costs us over £1,000,000 to dispose of them in landfill

Shop & Café Ethical Workers Co-op, Dine In & Take-Away, Nutrition, Wellbeing & Body Care, Artisan Groceries & Wine, Catering & Special Events

Sign the e-petition to ban plastic bags in Manchester petitions.manchester.gov.uk/petitions.ti/bagitmanchester

8thday.coop/bag-it-manchester/

100% n taria vege

The EIGHth Day 111 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7DU eighth-day.co.uk

Designing Your Own Garden 6 week PRACTICAL Introduction to Garden Design £90 for 6 weeks Start date: 24th April , Thurs 7-9pm

Venue: St. Barnabas, Hardy Lane, Chorlton BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE

Contact Katherine on 07989968841 or email K.L.Watson@hotmail.co.uk

www.fatgrass.co.uk

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

33


34

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Chorlton Arts Festival 2014

Chorlton Arts Festival is one of the largest multi-arts events in the North of England and this year is proud to present over 90 events, over 70% of which are free. The festival runs 16th - 25th May, in various venues around Chorlton; see the website and soon-to-bereleased print programme for full details.

CAF’s arts and craft market opens the festival on Saturday 17th at St Clements Church, with the now famous Chorlton Weekender 23rd - 25th May (this year showing John Smith, Liam Frost, Lisbee Stainton, Paper Aeroplanes and The Family Rain), and Dave Haslam’s legendary ‘In Conversation’, this time with Manchester music legend Vini Reilly. The first weekend features a

series of comedy nights held at SW Cricket Club with established and up-and-coming acts.

There’s also a range of workshops, talks, performances and visual arts, including a commissioned piece involving eight underground artists creating site-specific work, plus the Word on the Street project with poet Mike Garry. Also Bread Art Collective is working with school pupils from Chorlton High and Chorlton Park Primary. Festival Director Ella Byford says: “We’re incredibly excited to be presenting such a varied programme. We hope there’s something for everyone to enjoy and we are delighted to be able to offer the majority of events free of charge.”

Chorlton Weekender Limited number of earlybird weekender wristbands on sale at £28 as well as individual tickets for each show.

www.chorltonartsfestival.com

from small borders to whole gardens

grass roots garden design

garden design, landscaping, planting plans horticultural and landscaping advice

Contact Severine Cochard on 07790 631 078

mail@grassrootsgardening.org.uk www.grassrootsgardening.org.uk

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

35


Sport in Chorlton by Geoff Garnett

South set for a strong finish

Dave enjoys the move Dave Mackinnon (pictured) enjoyed working as the assistant professional to Peter Barber at Didsbury Golf Club for the best part of a decade before he took the opportunity to join the team at Chorlton Golf Club.

Action against Mellor FC (South in red shirts)

South Manchester FC are one of the oldest clubs in Chorlton having been members of the prestigious Lancashire and Cheshire AFL for the past 100 years. Based at Chorlton Sports Club on Hardy Lane, South have enjoyed Premier Division status for many years and after a slow start to the season, hampered by serious injuries to key

players, they have begun to put together a good set of results to see them climb away from the relegation zone. Their best win came in the Rhodes Cup with a fine 4-2 extra-time derby win over Whalley Range to book a last eight slot against Old Ashtonians. They’re hoping to win the competition for the first time since 1959.

Acorn

CHIMNEY SWEEPING SERVICES

Call John 0161 445 3650

NACS member

open fires, boilers Agas, multi-fuel stoves, birds nests removed

There he works under club pro James Curtis and has been delighted with the opportunity to bring his teaching skills to the fore in the club’s two indoor teaching studios at the Manchester Golf Performance Centre. Dave said: “I had a great time at Didsbury where I made many good friends but I couldn’t miss the chance to develop my coaching with the state-of-the-art facilities on offer here. It has been a great move for me.”

If you have any stories about sport in Chorlton or Whalley Range contact Geoff on 0161 881 7550 or ggggarnett@aol.com

www.acornchimneysweepingservices.co.uk

36

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


hen I’m w d n a e o j s e I do n i my name’ z a g a m g this not makin

C I H P A GR

N G I S DE

Steamed Up Windows? Handles and Hinges too hard to handle? Door & Window locks behaving badly?

JoeBeech.co.uk

07528 617 870 10 Year Guarantee On The Glass No Minimum Order No Credit Card Charges • 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

We clean your oven… so you don’t have to

Contact your local WindowGeek today for a free, no obligation quote

Sample Price List: (including VAT & fitting)

Steamed Up Windows

from £30

Replacement Handles

from £35

Replacement Hinges

from £55

Replacement Locking Systems

from £60

Anti-bump/Anti-snap Security Locks

from £69.95

Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned Ian Glancy Mob Tel: 07580 765765

www.ovenwizards.com WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK

37


Business Index Electrician

Bathrooms

Bathroom Angels

Building & Maintenance Gutter Sucker HouseX

7

25 2

M&H Building Contractors

38

Window Geeks

37

Campaigns Bag It

33

Chimney Sweep Acorn Chimney Sweep

Cleaning

Oven Wizards

Profresh Carpet Cleaners

Copywriting Chin Up Duck

24

NA Evans Electrical

22

Energy Efficiency Coldproof

Estate Agent JP & Brimelow

36 37 25 30

18-19

Battery Park

Horse & Jockey Post Box Cafe Simon Dunn Chocolatier

Dry Cleaners 23

Hana K Plumbing

5

33

14 8

31

Graphic Design Joe Beech

32

33

Fat Grass Garden Designs 27, 33 Grass Roots Garden Design Green Designs

35

17

37 6

Alexander Technique

30

Joinery & Furniture Evolve Joinery

Language Tuition Instituto Cervantes

34 40

Chorlton Locksmiths 11

Music Tuition

HMC Professional Painters & Decorators

34

Select Plumbing & Heating

22

25

Retirement Apartments

McCarthy and Stone M Duffin

12 26

Schools

St James Junior School

9

Stained Glass

Locksmiths

Carol Smith Home Improvements

BG Plumbing

Roofer

Health & Wellbeing

Painting & Decorating

Gardening

22

Clive Victor Gale

11

Whalley Range Cricket Club

34

Hairdressing

Rock Out! Music School

Chorlton Nursery 11

Select Plumbing & Heating

Function Room Hire

Acorn Gardening

Digger & Driver for Hire

22

Food & Drink

Plumbing

Chorlton Gas

37

Chorlton Electric

Eighth Day

Digger

Villlage Dry Cleaners

AM Electrical

Gas Safe Engineer

Caroline Channing Stained Glass

Trade Associations Chorlton Traders

Tree Services 6

38 25

Nina West Decorator 34

11

Tree Station

4 29

Please note: Community Index accepts no responsibility for transactions entered into or work undertaken by any of the businesses advertising in the Index or any loss, harm or damage arising from using any of the products & services listed.

21

M & H BUILDING CONTRACTORS over 10 years experience

• Extensions • Renovations • Plastering General building repairs • Garden wall Re-pointing • Patios • Bricklaying/block work Cheap rates, excellent quality & reliable friendly team

Tel: Stephen Harrison 07912351114 Joe Murphy 07525415612 email: m.hbuilders@hotmail.com

38

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK


Get in touch today to reach 20,000+ South Manchester homes for only £110

communit y

Didsbury, Chorlton and Whalley Range - on your doorstep

Love where you live We are Community Index (established 2008) and we stand for local economies and fellow independent small businesses. We shop local because we know that money spent in an area tends to stay in that same area. By supporting Community Index and its advertisers, you’re also helping to keep our neighbourhoods distinctive and interesting, with quality products and services on our doorsteps. We publish two titles, one for Didsbury; another for Chorlton and Whalley Range. Each is delivered to 5,000 homes one month, then 5,000 different homes the following month. We also put magazines in shops, libraries and other community settings. This is a pattern that keeps our costs down, meaning we can keep advertising rates reasonable and fair. Format/position

Twelfth page Eighth page Quarter page Half page Full page Inside front cover Inside back cover Back cover

Size in mm (width by height)

One month

43.5 x 45

-

£49

£110 £156 (saving £40)

67 x 93.5 (vertical) 137 x 45 (horizontal)

£69

£220 (saving £56)

137 x 93.5 (horizontal) £99 67 x 190 (vertical)

£340 (saving £56)

67 x 45

148 x 210* 148 x 210* 148 x 210* 148 x 210*

£169 £189 £189 £250

Four months/ editions

£596 (saving £80) £700 (saving £56) £700 (saving £56)

£900 (saving £100) * Please add a 3mm bleed

We also offer cost-effective leaflet distribution. Just ask. If you’d like to advertise with us or find out more, visit www.communityindex.co.uk email advertise@communityindex.co.uk or ring us for a chat - 07875 895 604.


T Ema EL. 0161 visiT iL. cE 661 4 . ww nma 201 w.m n@c anc Erva hEsT nTE Er.c s.Es Erva nTEs .Es


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.