Chorlton & Whalley Range
index
community
July 2011
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Contents 4 6 8 11
CHORLTON’S FINEST
12 15 16 18 20 23 26
CHORLTON TAG NEWS
CHORLTON BEER FESTIVAL REVOLVE MCR BOOK REVIEWS
DIDSBURY CAR SHOW JULY IN YOUR GARDEN BARBAKAN DELICATESSEN CHORLTON CIVIC SOCIETY LOCAL ARTS ROUNDUP LOCAL AND INDEPENDENT
PUBLISHER
Community Index
EDITOR/ADVERTISING Lesley Swann
SUB-EDITOR Sam Paechter
CONTRIBUTIONS
Chorlton Bookshop Carol Thompson, Natalia Fedoruk Katherine Watson, Nick Holmes David Edgar
COVER PHOTOGRAPH Nick Holmes
CONTACT US
Tel: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk www.communityindex.co.uk DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION 15th July 2011
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Chorlton’s Finest... by Nick Holmes
Harry Goodwin lives in Chorlton. Harry Goodwin is the finest photographer Britain ever produced. I was a presenter on Chorlton FM this summer when he came onto my radio show. He had just been on the Johnnie Walker show on BBC Radio 2, where they told him he had been talking in front of 6.1 million people. He said “I wouldn’t have done it if I had known that...”
Top Of The Pops it was because you sold millions of records. Millions.
Mancunian through and through, he took photographs for the BBC in the days when the better part of the BBC came from Manchester.
Yoko Ono asked him if he would show his John Lennon photographs at the airport. He told me of John and Yoko “He was useless until she took him in hand. Afterwards, he couldn’t do enough for you.” You don’t hear that very often, do you?
Harry took crisp, clear, black and white photographs of celebrities for the BBC when celebrity meant something: Talent. He was the Top of The Pops official stills photographer for 10 years and only missed 6 shows. Top Of The Pops was important then. If you were a pop star on
He photographed Cliff Richard, Ken Dodd, Marc Bolan of T-Rex, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder and everyone who was anyone. His photographs are still in the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert museum and they are in Liverpool airport.
I asked him if photography was his greatest passion and he said “Not really. I love boxing. I am proud of being a British Board of Boxing Inspector. I went up to Belle Vue and they asked me ten
Harry Goodwin with Muhammed Ali & John Conteh
very awkward questions and at the end, they said ‘Mr Goodwin, you are number fifty.’ I still have the badge.” Once, when photographing Muhammed Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, Ali was giving Harry a rough ride in the session so Harry told him “You weren’t as good as Joe Frazier!” Ali’s face is pure aggression. In the Second World War he was on a boat about to land on the beaches of Singapore and go into action. Ready to die. Suddenly, the word came up: the Japanese had surrendered. “I’ve been very lucky in my life,” Harry told me. Jimmy Saville O.B.E. said “No-one ever forgot Harry.” Too right. Nick Holmes Tel: 0780 5195549 nick.holmes@southman.tv
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monkey
thinking about fostering or adoption?
puzzle
TOYS *
whether you are making the most of home
or on your travels....
for more information please contact our dedicated team
Preston 01772 732 313 Didsbury 0161 445 2933
a ...we’ve got some d Amand Nicola an great ideas 93 Manchester Rd (opp. Unicorn) Chorlton M21 9GA
Company Registration 1596400 • Charity No. 326021
Tel: 0161 862 0100 Mon - Fri 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 12 to 4pm
www.monkeypuzzletoys.com
Alexander Technique ! balance and poise ! ease of movement ! stillness ! strength in action ! voice
individual sessions, groups workshops !
ten-week introductory courses 20 Sept. at 1pm., Fallowfield 22 Sept. at 6.30, Chorlton !
Sue Fleming MSTAT www.alexanderteaching.co.uk CNHC registered 0161 861 8848 to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk
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Cheers Chorlton! 7th annual Beer Festival
THE 7TH CHORLTON
BEER FEST We will have over 50 real ales and over 30 different ciders
OPENING TIMES FRIDAY 8TH JULY 5PM-10.30PM AND
SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2PM-10.30PM ST CLEMENTS CHURCH EDGE LANE CHORLTON
FOR ADVANCE TICKETS AND INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Plans are well underway for the 7th Chorlton Beer Festival to be held at St Clement’s Church, Edge Lane, Chorlton on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July. Those of you who have been before, will know we always run out of beer in the middle of Saturday evening, so this year we have ordered more beers, more ciders and more bottled beers! Food will be provided by the ever popular Kro Bar and Tampopo, who will entice us with their culinary delights. We aim to have a band for each of the evenings, and on Satuarday afternoon, there will be a Jazz duo for easy relaxed listening. Children’s activities will be held on the Saturday afternoon, so this will be an ideal deal time for a family day out. The entrance price is £10 and this includes not only a free pint glass, but also a £5 beer voucher. So come along, enjoy yourself in a friendly, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. David Edgar
The Garden Angels • Landscaping
• Garden Maintenance • Tree Surgery
To consult the ambassadors of garden loveliness Phone Heidi Donnison 07799782551
please mention Community Index when responding to adverts
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in association with
are now installing
Solar Panels Call or email Rob for more infon
0161 202 9729 07738 708 701 Email: rob@rplroofing.co.uk
Small Repairs to Full Re-roofs • Tiling Roof Windows •Slating • Lead Work • Gutters Fascias • Cladding • Chimneys
The Chorlton Handyman
B.G. PLUMBING
EXPERIENCED
local plumber Bathrooms and tiling Blockages and leaks Pipework alterations
GAVIN HOWARD mobile: 07969 605321 email: howard.bgplumbing@gmail.com 87 Haig Road, Stretford, M32 0DP
WRAS approved, cert no. 28518
City & Guilds multi skilled Tradesman
Carpentry • Joinery • Electrical • Plumbing Kitchens • Fencing • Built in Furniture • Decks Gates • Shelves • Locks • Hardware
call Nick
0777 852 3088
Domestic & Commercial Small works always welcome
Public Liability Insurance Environmentally Aware
local, qualified
v
lo
electrician • rewires, repairs & alterations • fire & burglar alarm systems • inspection & testing inc. P.A.T. call me for a free estimate Andrew Maunsell 07729241860
to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk
local, qualified
• • •
A
lo
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Revolve MCR Mobile bicycle repair service Revolve MCR is a new mobile cycle repair service operating in the city centre and south Manchester. The aim is to provide the best bicycle repairs and servicing around, whilst working in an ethically and environmentally sound way, and offering good value for money. We bumped into the owner and mechanic David Trainor outside Unicorn Grocery in Chorlton a couple of weeks ago, and he very happily agreed to speak to us.
“Is it a quantity surveyor? No! It’s Bicycle Repair Man!” Dave set up Revolve MCR at the beginning of this year after taking voluntary redundancy from his previous career as a quantity surveyor. He had known for years that he would rather be working in the bicycle industry, but only when compulsory redundancy loomed large did he actually take the plunge to set up Revolve. He wanted to start a business which
he could take pride in and enjoy every day and so far Revolve has fulfilled his ambition. The basic model for Revolve is simple – fill a trailer with tools and bike parts, and tow it (by bicycle, of course!) to wherever it’s needed. If you think this sounds remarkably similar to Monty Python’s Bicycle Repair Man (youtube it if you haven’t seen it), Dave wouldn’t argue. He has yet to don a lycra one-piece and cloak, though says he will consider it if
demand is high. Revolve will do almost any work, from punctures at the side of the road to race preparation and wheel-building, whether for mountain bikers or road racers. Revolve has about as little environmental impact as any business you can think of, and by default uses and supplies ‘Green Oil’ oils and greases, which are 100% petrochemical free and are made from naturally occurring oils and plant extracts. We asked Dave about his favourite bikes to work on: “I love them all! It’s lovely to work on top class road race or mountain bikes – I still get excited about the beautifully designed and engineered components you find on silly-money bikes - but the most satisfying bikes are “every-day” bikes that lead a hard life; bikes that do a car’s job, and get ridden
9 He worked building bikes at Stif performance mountain bikes in Leeds, and spent all his spare time riding or working on his own and his friends’ bikes. These days he divides his limited spare time Dave’s own bike addiction started between mountain biking and relatively sedate as child, and during his touring, though his teenage years “See stag-do last year he tried how he uses a comprised of a ride his hand at from Manchester to spanner to tighten cross country Amsterdam and back mountain that nut!” again (details of the bike racing, return journey are vague, road riding and and may involve a train from Hull touring (with his tent, sleeping to Manchester!). He now lives in a bag and everything else on his back!) before settling into several terraced house so has had to limit his bike collection – Dave and his years of what today is called wife Lyndsay have “only” seven freeride – basically playing out bikes between them, including on mountain bikes – interspersed with the occasional downhill race. mountain, touring and a 1950s day-in, day-out by a dedicated owner who relies on it as their primary means of transport. They are quite often owned by the people who are most pleased to find we exist as a business; when their bike breaks they don’t have a car to take it to a bike shop with!”
tandem. Revolve MCR will be be put on hold over winter this year due to a delayed honeymoon trip – Lindsay and Dave are starting in New Zealand at the rugby World Cup, and working their way home through South East Asia and much of India – mainly, of course, by bike. Should you need your bike servicing in the meantime, you can contact Dave on 07939 062 600 or find the website at www.revolvemcr.com.
Revolve MCR 07939 062 600
www.revolvemcr.com
www.mezzalunachorlton.co.uk 613 - 615 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, M21 9AN
Italian - Mediterranean
A unique first floor Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Chorlton. Mezzaluna blends a modern comtemporary design with a family friendly atmosphere. Our food is as diverse and varied as the countries and languages that surround the Mediterranean sea. We can cater for gluten free, vegetarian and halal Please visit our website for menu
July Special Offers: • EARLY DINER OFFER - 2 Course Menu £8.95 • FREE GARLIC BREAD on take-away orders over £12
FREE Glass of Wine with your Main Meal
on production of this advert in July 2011 (Not available with the early diner menu)
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Chorlton Trade Paints fax: 0161 881 8415
tel: 0161 881 8337
With our designer tinting machines we can mix 1,000s of colours in a wide variety of finishes and sizes while you wait Suppliers to trade and general public Unit 2a Albany Trading Estate, Albany Rd, Chorlton, M21 QAZ Free Parking and Free Delivery locally on orders over £50
HMC Professional Painters & Decorators Domestic & Commercial Interior & Exterior Local Decorator
NNN
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ina W est ina W ina W est es Decorator Decorator Decorator
ina West “She’s So Neat” Decorator 07958 382 682 “She’s So Neat” Neat” “She’s So
07958 382 07958 382682 682 Interiors, Exteriors
Interiors, Exteriors Paper Hanging Paper ColourHanging Advice Colour Advice
Interiors, Exteriors
“She’s So Neat” Paper Hanging Colour Advice
Call Harry:
0161 881 7982
07799 107 741 Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed
07958 382 682 15 Years Experience Interiors, Exteriors Paper Hanging Colour Advice
Special Credit Crunch Prices! please mention Community Index when responding to adverts
Book Reviews
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from Chorlton Bookshop
Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz
Meerkat Madness by Ian Whybrow
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
It’s been ten years since we were introduced to Alex, but in the books only a year has passed. In Scorpia Rising Alex is now 15, and hasn’t heard from MI6 in five months, giving him the chance to experience a normal teenage life for once. Also his relationship with Jack is changing with Jack questioning what role she still plays in Alex’s life. This is the final Alex Rider adventure and Anthony Horowitz is busy tying up loose ends.
If it’s possible for a species to be fashionable, then meerkats certainly are: little known until a BBC documentary back in 1987, they’ve since starred in their own series and even headed up a popular advertising campaign. So it’s perhaps inevitable that someone would latch on to the idea of using the critters in children’s fiction. Thankfully the writer in question is Ian Whybrow, the smart, prolific creator of Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs. This is lightweight, inconsequential fare, but it’s meant to be – a string of bite-sized adventures about the venerable Uncle Fearless, former star of a TV nature documentary and the young meerkats he now looks after. His bountiful tales of high adventure inspire the youngsters to seek out escapades of their own. A little slow to get into gear, perhaps, but it delivers plenty of fun and thrills once it does, and there’s a good deal of comic mileage in the creatures’ unique perspective on humans and our culture.
Based on an idea by the late Siobhan Dowd, this is an emotional heart wrenching story dealing with grief and loss. With stunning illustrations by Jim Kay it’s a real treat as long as you have a box of tissues to hand! The main story is entwined with ancient mythology which simply helps to add atmosphere to an already sad and powerful tale.
Strangely we don’t actually get to read a scene featuring Alex until a third of the way through the book. The first 128 pages are devoted entirely to Alex’s enemies, following them as they devise a scheme that will destroy the boy wonder. Anthony Horowitz sets things up so well you actually begin to wonder how Alex will survive this final encounter. This final instalment has all the best elements of the previous eight including the usual twists and turns and evil villains. The only disappointment for fans will be that it’s the last one ever!
Patrick Ness portrays the thoughts and feeling of a young boy whose mother is being treated for cancer. Although this isn’t simply a book about cancer, it’s a book about a young boy having to face the unfair reality of grief. Aimed at the young adult market this is definitely one that crosses over and would appeal to all.
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Chorlton Tag News
National independents day 4th July your high st needs you!
You can help celebrate diversity on the High St and support your local, independent retailers on the 4th July. Across the country, the public will be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local independent shop to keep the high street alive. With your Tagpassiton card you can not only show support, but save money at over 40 independent Chorlton businesses and also support a local charity, as any cards bought on the 4th July, whether on our website www.tagpassiton. com or from participating businesses, will have the whole profit element donated to a local charity. Tagpassiton cards give you great savings time after time with fabulous independent traders in your local area. Didsbury, Chorlton, The Heatons, Levenshulme and Cheadle all have vibrant, independent businesses that are working together to encourage us to consider the community balance when we spend - so come along with a tagpassiton card in hand (or on key ring) and join in! Please visit our website www. tagpassiton.com for members and their offers and look out for our distinctive hand logo. New offers for cardholders include 10% off at Lush Brownies which are as good as they sound. Winner of ‘most delicious’ category at the 2008 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Bake Off, you’ll now find Nicki on her stall at Chorlton Street Market on the 3rd Saturday of every month. There are gluten free and vegan options too.
£50 boiler service (instead of £69 saving £19) with Chorlton based Breeze Home Improvements. This is the ideal time of year to get your boiler serviced and with such a reduction too!
Free Legal Health Check-up from Carter Moore Solicitors of 559 Barlow Moor Rd Chorlton. A local firm who are delighted to join the Chorlton Community Loyalty Scheme and to offer Tag members this opportunity. Covering a wide range of legal matters they can also advise on funding options if you need further help. 10% off a single bike service with mobile cycle repair Revolve MCR (15% off multiple bike deals or cycle surgeries) Revolve MCR are a new cycle repairs service, the difference being that they come to you with a mobile workshop towed by bicycle! Chief mechanic Dave set up the company after taking voluntary redundancy from his previous job, and looks forward to getting you rolling smoothly again! so no excuse to stop using our bikes..He’s just a phone call away on 07939 062 600 A number you’ll want to keep with you at all times.
DOUBLE Congratulations! In this months prize draw for registered cardholders, congratulations go to Moira Cahill who won a nights stay at Chorlton’s Famous Abbey Lodge B&B run by Heather-the only Tourist Board inspected accommodation in Chorlton and a fabulous place for the friends and family of local residents to stay. Congratulations also to Heather, whose family has been here since the 30’s, as Abbey Lodge is celebrating it’s 20th birthday this year so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a Chorlton treasure. Don’t forget to register your cards for entry into the next draws! COMMUNITY NEWS Come and see us at Beech Rd Festival on 3rd July . We will be sharing a stall with Lesley, running a raffle, offering strawberries and donating profits
13 to a local charity. The Tagpassiton scheme has been designed to help community groups raise money; every £5 card bought from a charity, school or community group raises £2.50 for their cause. St John’s Catholic Primary School PTA has just started to use the scheme to raise funds and Jean Genie is currently also donating profits from card sales to Beechwood Cancer Care. Donations will continue to be made to Chorlton FM when cardholders mention the station when registering. Chorlton’s vibrant and independent businesses are working together to encourage us to consider the community balance when we spend - so come along and join in and support a community group at the same time!
Carol & Sam
Here are a few of our valued longer standing Tagpassiton members and their generous offers. We are so lucky to have such a committed, varied, vibrant and interesting collection of independents.
Village Dry Cleaners by appointment to the stars. Only the best will do whenever Take That and other Arena artistes come to town. Dry cleaners of Distinction - in family tradition, Amir’s knowledge, expertise in preparation, and dedication ensures he’s the guru and can do what others can’t; especially in the exceptionally difficult fields of silk, vintage and wedding
dresses. Established for 25 years in Chorlton and a member of the Guild of Dry Cleaners and Launders, you have the best on your doorstep. The Village Dry Cleaners offers 10% off Dry cleaning to Tagpassiton cardholders. T&C’s apply.
Hollywood Toes, Karin Herzog facial and body treatments, Brazilian Waxing, Manicures and Pedicures.We are one of the first salons to be awarded the NSI Gold Salon Award, for demonstrating our commitment to business and clients plus we are one of the few salons offering Fully Sculptured Acrylic Nail enhancements. Funki Inc 20% off on a first visit to Tagpassiton cardholders.
Celebrations. In February 2005 a hobby turned into ‘Celebration’ –my very own dream one stop party shop in Chorlton. It’s a family business with that great personal touch, decorating rooms for all events and stocking a wide range of fancy dress outfits and accessories too. I love helping people develop their ideas, plan for their event and transform themselves into a pop star, Movie star etc for a fancy dress party (sale or hire). A warm welcome awaits and my lucky spiders! Celebrations offer 10% off to Tagpassiton cardholders.
Funki Inc Nail and Beauty Studio is at the heart of Chorlton Village. Our aim is to offer excellent treatments in a relaxed environment, all delivered by highly trained professionals. Amongst our extensive range of treatments are St Tropez Tanning,
Chorlton Wholefoods. When George retired 7 years ago Anna and Mike wanted this shop but the timing was not quite right (babies) so this year, after such a long wait for their dream shop, when it came up in October 2010 they jumped in to provide an authentic wholefood shop with an apothecary that the community would cherish. They live by the moto of ‘be healthy, look after yourself and have fun; wholefood is for everyone’ Their delightful oasis is the epitome of ‘slow shopping’; they want their customers to feel the warmth and calm and be happy to wander at leisure, sit down, have a chat and take the time to sign their friends book. Chorlton Wholefoods also offer veg box delivery!
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VILLAGE DRY CLEANERS Specialist Dry Cleaners Est:Over 25 years
albanyautoservices Servicing•MOT preparation Exhausts•Brakes•Tyres
BUYING A CAR? ...OR A LEMON? we’ll check it out BEFORE you buy
Established in 1983, a family run business where you can trust us when handling your garments... • Curtains & Upholstery Cleaning £5/kg • Duvet Cleaning: Single £10 Double £15
VEHICLE INSPECTIONS WE BUY & SELL VEHICLES COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE Call Dave:
0161 860 6064 07860 445 586
MOT
Unit 6•Albany Trading Estate•Albany Rd•Chorlton•M21 0AZ
• Ironing Services
DEVINE
• Repairs & Alterations • Stain Removal
KITCHENS
• Same Day Service • Evening Dress & Wedding Dress Specialist
Special Offer
3 2 Garments Cleaned for the price of
Pick-up & Delivery Service
Call: 0161 860 4451 or visit: www.villagedrycleaners.com 8.30-5.30pm OPEN Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Thurs (late night) 8.30-7.00pm
TIME
Saturday
8.30-4.00pm
38 Manchester Rd, Chorlton M21 9PH
Village Dry Cleaners
Design Service Available A new kitchen can add both character and wealth to any home, and here at Devine Kitchens we have the expertise and knowledge to advise you on the best use of space, lighting, fixtures and fittings to help create that dream kitchen into a reality. We have established an excellent reputation over the years for our high qulaity of workmanship and customer focus, all backed up with the various testimonials from our many satisfied clients. We have over 20 years of experience with high quality workmanship fitting kitchens that will inspire. We have a vast range of kitchens from the classic styled kitchens, or the more contemporary designs. We have a kitchen to suit everyones taste.
Tel: 0161 291 9680
www.devinekitchens.co.uk
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Didsbury and South Manchester Car Show Sunday 10th July
A sunny Sunday afternoon in Didsbury Park saw over one thousand people attending the only Manchester Car show last year. The show attracted over 80 cars. The cars came from endless leaflet posting at local car shows. The show is taking place again this year on Sunday July 10th 12-5pm and will be raising money for the Christies. Perhaps the greatest compliment paid last year was ‘How many years have you been holding this event? Our reply – ‘this is the first time’. A real tribute to the small, hardworking committee and you, the public. See you there!
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July in your Garden Last month I picked up a gardening book by the once renowned advocate of cottage gardening, Margery Fish called ‘An All the Year Garden’ (1958). In a chapter entitled ‘They go on Blooming’, Fish recommends a range of perennials that have a long season of flowering and rather charmingly counters that whilst short lived plants such as Delphiniums, Lupins and Poppies are invaluable as spectacular punctuations in urban flower beds, “…it is nice to meet old friends who have no office hours and feel that their job is to go on producing flowers so long as the sun shines and there is a vestige of warmth in the air…” There are many perennials that provide weeks of flowering interest but for the sake of brevity I have chosen a handful that would particularly suit a cottage garden scheme. Top of any list must surely be an old friend, the
Katherine Watson
Geranium. Most of us will be very familiar with the common variety (endressii), with its small pink flowers and colonising habits and the stand-out ‘Johnson’s Blue’. But another variety, Geranium phaeum, is also a ‘good doer’ particularly in shade, where its purple/black flowers come in feathery profusions from early summer and continue for many weeks if dead-headed. Another stalwart for the cottage border is the Penstemon. As with many of these perennials, there are lots of varieties, giving a range of flower and foliage colour across the pink, purple, white spectrum as well as some reds and blues. Popular varieties include ‘Sour Grapes’ and ‘Alice Hindley’. I have two varieties of Astrantia that have been flowering in my garden now for over a month – the very standard but not-tobe-overlooked A.major with light white/pink starry flowers and
Acorn Gardening • Garden maintenance • Fencing, lawns & hedges • Tree surgery
Call Ben: 07986 594822 0161 8319448
A. major ‘Rubra’ – a lovely deep red version. Another that has been flowering for a month or so is Acillea ‘Summerwine’ – flat red flowerheads in profusion atop cotton-lavender foliage, looking strangely at home with some purple Sedums and Stachys byzantina (silver lambs ears). My Gay Feather (Liatris spicata) has just come into it’s own and will last for a long time with candle-like, pink fluffy flower heads and keeping the backbone of the border together, the phlox is doing what it always does – providing solid texture and colour. So whilst not necessarily the divas of the border, these good-tempered perennials almost without fail provide a chorus of harmonious colour when we need it most. Katherine Watson, Fat Grass Garden Designs
Landscaping, design and maintenance • • • •
Paving, garden structures, brickwork Full design and planting service Specialist in new front garden planning laws Pressure washing service
Free advice and quotes benpratt123@hotmail.co.uk
to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk
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Community Index
PRINT Litho print • Digital print• Graphic Design Service
Business Cards Loyalty Cards Leaflets
Acorn CHIMNEY SWEEPING SERVICES Call John 0161 445 3650
Flyers Posters Postcards Letterheads Compliment Slips
open fires, boilers Agas, multi-fuel stoves birds nests removed
Email us for a quote: print@communityindex.co.uk
Tel: 0787 589 5604
NACS member www.acornchimneysweepingservices.co.uk
Select Plumbing & Heating
JOE DURKIN BRICKWORK AND BUILDING CONTRACTOR
Central Heating Installation Power Flushing Servicing & Repairs Gas Cooker & Fire Installations Landlord Safety Certificates All types of Plumbing Work Fully Tiled Bathrooms
“Building on experience”
Contact Tony Goss 0161 865 6657 07973 908 592
0161 861 8636 07505 323 191 Call for a free quote Friendly and reliable service
881 8162 Domestic & Commercial Electricians For all general electrical work • No call out charge • Free estimates • Fully guaranteed
Gas Safe
Registered No. 196842
www.chorltonelectric.co.uk view the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk
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l Library
ter Centra
© Manches
Barbakan Delicatessen Barbakan represents independent retail at its best; part of the fabric of Chorlton and one of the finest continental bakeries in the UK. Established over 45 years ago, current owners Stefan and Joanna Najduch have spent the last 25 years making Barbakan the success it is today. The awards have stacked up and deservedly so; including ‘Best Food and Drink Outlet’ at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2009 and 2010, ‘Best Delicatessen in the UK’ at the Guild of Fine Foods in 2006 and have been runners up 3 times for ‘Best Independent Bakery’ at the prestigious British Bakery Awards.
The Deli Barbakan’s award winning delicatessen counter stocks traditional delights from all over Europe including Germany, Poland, Italy and Spain and customers come from far and wide knowing they will find that special ingredient they’re looking for. There’s a mouthwatering display of freshly prepared salads,
l Library
ter Centra
© Manches
quiches, spicy sausages, smoked hams, salamis, traditional pates, olives, English and continental cheeses. On the central isles you’ll find a wide range of pasta- including fresh pasta- jams, sauces and canned delicacies including delicious locally produced Chorlton honey.
bread its original authentic tasty crust. Over 50 different varieties are produced including Cheese, Bacon and Tomato Bread, Norlander Rye Bread, Margarita Olive Bread and of course the famous Chorlton Sourdough Bread.
If you’re stuck for a gift idea for a gourmet friend a Barbakan Food Hamper is a great option. Just choose what you’d like to put in and give them a budget they’ll do the rest! Job done.
The bakery also produces a fantastic range of cakes and pastries; including traditional Polish cheesecake, poppy seed cake and stollen as well as banana cake, American muffins, carrot cake and fruit cake.
The Bakery
Al Fresco
The extraordinarily energetic bakery with a team of no less than 12 Master Bakers works round the clock to produce the best bread you’ll ever taste.
Barbakan has recently expanded the outside dining terrace where you can enjoy coffee, tea, juice or a smoothie with your favourite snack from the deli or linger for longer over your lunch and watch the world go by.
Barbakan breads are made using traditional baking methods and authentic European recipes. Only the finest ingredients are used and the bakery gets through more than 9 tonnes of the highest grade Rank Hovis flour every week. Each loaf is individually hand moulded and baked on the sole of the oven – no tins are used and this is what gives the
On Saturdays the ‘Sausage Pan’ always attracts a crowd. One customer describes it as ‘The best hangover cure in Manchester!’
Service The staff provide the friendly and efficient service you’d expect to find, but there’s definitely something special about the atmosphere in Barbakan. With late night opening planned in the near future (Thursday and Friday evenings), why not give the supermarket a miss, cut out your Community Index discount voucher (see opposite) and give your taste buds a treat?
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Barbakan Delicatessen
Award Winning Delicatessen, Continental Bakery and Specialist Cheese Merchants.
Freshly made Sandwiches, Soups and Salads. The Famous and Original BBQ Sausage Pan on Saturdays! Come and Eat on our Dining Terrace!
10% OFF
*
with this voucher in July 2011 *£5 minimum spend
67-71 Manchester Rd, Chorlton cum Hardy, Manchester, M21 9PW
Telephone: 0161 881 7053
www.barbakan-deli.co.uk to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk
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Chorlton Civic Society Chorlton Civic Society’s next meeting is Tuesday 12th July 7.30pm in the Library Meeting Room.We are happy to welcome anyone who would like to come along.
Contact Chorlton Civic Society Mary Paul 07966 785 511 mary@dreemway.co.uk Jenny Slee 07570 879 091 www.chorltoncivicsociety.org.uk
Meetings are held at the library at 7.30pm Dates for 2011: Tuesday 12th July Tuesday 13th September Tuesday 8th November
M Duffin Property Repairs Chimneys Pointing Roofs Gutters
Free Estimates
0161 789 6640 07944 729 608
please mention community index w please mention community index when responding to adverts
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Are you a LANDLORD? or thinking about letting your property? We have hundreds of potential tenants DESPERATE for property in Chorlton, Whalley Range and Didsbury.
We are confident that we can offer the most competitive rates in the South Manchester Market. We offer let only, let & management or management only services to ensure all of the properties on our books are kept at the best standard for our clients.
CALL NOW for a free no obligation quote from our expert team.
Tel: 0161 861 0060 Anglo Homes • 261 Barlow Moor Road • Chorlton • Manchester • M21 7GJ
www.anglohomes.co.uk
DO YOU NEED MORE SPACE? 18
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19 21
Local Arts Roundup by Natalia Fedoruk Star Gazers: Children’s Performing Arts
Held at Brookburn Primary School each Saturday, Star Gazers performing arts classes teach a range of entertaining skills in a fun environment, with classes for children ranging from the ages of 5 – 16 years. Each class experiences a variety of performing arts including dancing, singing and acting, and is run by a qualified performing arts teacher. For more information, email kateobrien@ stargazersperformers.co.uk or telephone: 07860566005.
Dancefit!
Fancy dancing your way to fitness? Street Dancefit offers fun and easy to learn dance classes for anybody ages 16 years upwards. Classes are every Tuesday, 8-9pm. They run at The Studio at the Power for Life Gym, Whalley Range High School for girls on Wilbraham Road (£4 per session). For more information: www. manchesterdancefitness.co.uk
Clear-Up-Your-Clutter Cans This month, Rubbish Revamped is holding an introductory course to crafting. Revamp those odd buttons, tin cans, bits of clothes and anything else you find into amazing desk tidies! Bring what you can or just use the classes’ own materials. No experience in crafting necessary, and you are guaranteed to have a fun time. The class in on Thursday 7th July, 7-9pm, (£12 including tea and cake). Booking is advised: www. rubbishrevamped.org.uk
Manky Poets On 15th July, Manky Poets with see guest poet John Latham sharing some of his work. Not only is John an acclaimed writer published in the fields of poetry, short stories and playwriting, but he is also a research scientist who had been awarded several medals by the Royal Meteorological Society. His poetry has won several major prizes and his originality is not
to be missed! As usual, there will also be a chance to read your own work if you wish. Chorlton Library, doors open 7.30pm, starts before 8pm until 9.30pm (£2/£1 entry).
Of Gods and Men This month Chorlton Film Institute will be showing French drama Of Gods and Men (15) (2010), which is based on real events during the Algerian Civil War. It’s the mid 1990s and French Christian monks leave peacefully in Algeria alongside Muslims, until one day fundamentalists kidnap and murder nine of the monks from the monastery of Tibhirine. The screenplay focuses largely on events leading up to this and Director Xavier Beauvois creates a deeply moving and passionate film with an acute attention to detail and human behaviour. The film has won three awards. Thursday 21st July, doors open at 8.10pm at St Clements Church, film starts 8.30pm.
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BEECH ROAD
SUMMER FESTIVAL Sunday 3RD July 2011•12 Noon This is the 14th year of this amazing festival in Beech Road Park, Beech Road and Chorlton Green Live Music in the Park with local bands playing till 7pm. Unity Arts with their special brand of fun and music for children Lots of interesting stalls around the Park and on the Green All along Beech Road, every shop is open and food from all around the world on offer Folk music at the Beech Pub with Les Jones and friends plus Amouse Bouche singing acapella
ON THE GREEN
nd July 2 n u f l tiva erform p Pre-fes s d n a cal b more lo H CLUB S I R I E at TH available from tickets ps oad sho Beech R
Hula Hooping Salsa Dancing Open Voice Choir to round off the afternoon a 30 strong acapella group!
We have the local We have the local knowledge, expertise knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm and enthusiasm When it comes to selling or letting your house, you want to be sure you’re When comes to selling or letting making theitright choice of agent. You your house, you want to be sure you’re want to be sure you get the best price, making the right choice of agent. You in the shortest time frame with the want to be sure you get the best price, minimum fuss. in the shortest time frame with the
At JP &minimum Brimelow,fuss. we have many years experience and letting At JPselling & Brimelow, we haveproperties many yearsin South Manchester’s most popular and affluent suburbs. experience selling and letting properties in South We understand themost unique nature the area and Manchester’s popular andofaffluent suburbs. the many it has to offer. alsoarea have We attractions understand the unique natureWe of the and the enthusiasm and determination to actively the many attractions it has to offer. We also have marketthe your propertyand to the most likely enthusiasm determination to occupier, actively irrespective market conditions. marketofyour property to the most likely occupier, irrespective of market conditions.
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National & Corporate Links
National & Corporate Links Based on our quality of service, local knowledge and Based on our qualityJP of service, local knowledge professionalism, & Brimelow have beenand hand professionalism, & Brimelow have been hand picked by the JP Home Sale Network. picked by the Home Sale Network.
Home Sale Network members are Cartus’ preferred
Home Sale Network members are Cartus’ preferred estate agency for corporate relocations. This gives the estate agency for corporate relocations. This gives the sale or let of your home national coverage to those sale or let of your home national coverage to those looking to relocate. looking to relocate.
Lettings Lettings
JP&&Brimelow Brimelow offer a specialist department in all JP offer a specialist lettingletting department in all ourcovered covered areas provide a tailored professional our areas andand provide a tailored professional service second to none. We provide a let only service service second to none. We provide a let only service andalso also more popular letmanaged and managed all and thethe more popular let and service,service, all handled byby ARLA qualified staff staff to give peace handled ARLA qualified toyou give you peace ofofmind that your valuable assetasset is in the care mind that your valuable is in theofcare of professionals. professionals. As ofof ourour service, we provide dedicated property Aspart part service, we provide dedicated property management andand accounts departments to ensure your management accounts departments to ensure your let smoothly throughout its’ term. letruns runs smoothly throughout its’ term. Our services department basedbased in the Didsbury Ourproperty property services department in the Didsbury office are also on hand to deal with any maintenance, office are also on hand to deal with any maintenance, repair works, refurbishment or general building work, all repair works, refurbishment or general building work, all completed by our full time and experienced workforce at completed by our full time and experienced workforce at competitive prices.
competitive prices.
430 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton M21 8AD @jpandbrimelow
SALES: 0161 882 2233 chorlton@jpbrimelow.co.uk
LETTINGS: 0161 882 2244 chorltonlettings@jpbrimelow.co.uk
www.jpbrimelow.co.uk
26
Local and Independent Over the past century, our economy has changed a lot. The world has become ‘smaller’ and more inter-linked, and the products and services we buy every day reflect this. Take shopping. In a single day we will use and consume products from countries all over the world, many of which will have been mass-produced by large multinational firms, transported thousands of miles, and sold through outlets present all over
the globe. When we do stumble upon a British-made item, it’s likely to have been produced at the other end of the country, road freighted to a depot somewhere else, and finally sold back to us by a (inter)national supermarket with a hiked up price and (in the case of food) considerably less fresh than it started out! These patterns of ‘globalisation’ now shape life as we know it, but it’s increasingly clear that they do damage too.
To the environment, to local communities, and to the people who produce the products we consume. But there is an alternative, and the focus is shifting towards sustainable development that strengthens local economies. But what does it mean? Why is it a good idea? And how can we do it here in Chorlton and further afield? Choosing to use locally owned and independent businesses keeps more control in the hands of local people, and it also ‘multiplies’ the effect that money spent has on the local area. A study conducted by NEF demonstrated that every £1 spent with a local supplier was worth £1.76 to the local economy, but only 36p if it was spent with (inter)national firms. It makes sense to spend our money in a way that benefits our locality instead of developers and shareholders. We are lucky. In our area there is a pretty good mixture of small and medium sized independent businesses.
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association of town centre management
Often, very little of the money we spend day to day actually remains to benefit our local area, because even if we are, in a physical sense, spending our money close to home, much is siphoned off to the shareholders and managers of the chains and multinationals that now dominate our economy. Our local economies should be under our control, and they should work for real well-being rather than just financial wealth. A resilient economy is one in which economic activity is based around many small and medium-sized businesses
27 for a local person. The more times it changes hands, the better for that community. This is what the New Economics Foundation (NEF) term the ‘multiplier efect’; in that re-spending money locally ‘multiplies’ the local value of that money.
instead of concentrated between fewer and fewer mega-corporations, where local people have some control over local economic activity, where there is space and opportunity for local entrepreneurship and where local people (rather than, say, shareholders or developers) benefit from local economic ‘growth’. It’s about supporting both local produce (and producers), locally owned shops, services and businesses. Building strong local economies doesn’t mean that every community would be entirely self-reliant; it just means getting a balance between trade and local production by diversifying economic activity and shortening the distance between producers and consumers wherever possible.
At the moment our economy feels more like a leaky bucket. In pour wages, salaries, pensions and etc, but most of it pours straight back out again, through chain stores, supermarkets and multinationals. “Yet every outpouring is a potential local livelihood, local business, training opportunity. “Plugging the leaks”, as the New Economics Foundation calls it, has huge potential for economic regeneration, as well as for making communities more resilient in increasingly uncertain times.” Rob Hopkins (Transition Network)
Picture a £1 coin. Every time that £1 changes hands within a community it means an income
Chorlton Gas Domestic Central Heating and Gas Engineers
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07722 731 801 www.chorltongas.co.uk
So, what can we do? On 4th July 2011 across the country, the public will be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop to keep the high street alive. Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the country to encourage the public to celebrate diversity on the high street and support their local, independent retailers on 4th July. This is great, but let’s extend this single item on one day to the rest of July. Or, even better, lets change our spending habits for good.
evolve joinery Wooden & UPVC windows Internal & external doors Engineered & solid wood floors Stud partition & plasterboard work All aspects of internal joinery Decking & fencing High quality work for a competitive price For a free quote contact Pete
07947 242 339 0161 718 2425 evolvejoinery@yahoo.com
view the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk
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to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk
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REACH 20,000+ LOCAL HOMES! May 2010
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Business Index Architect
Food & Drink
Ibelin Architecture
Barbakan Delicatessen Unicorn
Building & Maintenance Broadoak Preservation Devine Building & Maintenance Joe Durkin
22 2 17
Carpet Cleaning Profresh
29
Chimney Sweep
Acorn Chimney Sweeping Services
17
Computer services Unitech Computers
5
Dry Cleaner
Village Dry Cleaner
12
Andrew Maunsell Chorlton Electric
7 17
JP & Brimelow
25
Electrician
Estate Agents Festivals
Beech Road Festival Didsbury Good Neighbours RSPCA Summer Fair
24 28 30
Devine Floorsanding
20
Floors
31 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.
19 32
Fostering & Adoption
5
Caritas Care
Furniture & Joinery Evolve Joinery
27
Games Console Repair Unitech Computers
29
Albany Auto Services
14
Acorn Gardening Fat Grass Garden Angels
16 16 6
Chorlton Gas Select Plumbing & Heating
27 19
Garage
Gardens
Painting & Decorating
Chorlton Trade Paints Ella Spiers HMC Painters & Decorators Nina West
10 29 10 10
Personal Injury
7
Circle Claims
Plumbers
BG Plumbing Select Plumbing & Heating
7 17
Print Service
17
Community Index Print
Gas Engineer Handyman
Restaurant Mezzaluna
9
M Duffin RPL Roofing
20 7
Roofer
Shopping
12
Chorlton Tagpassiton
Chorlton Handyman
7
Kitchens Devine Kitchens
14
Anglo Homes
21
Letting Agent
Solar Panels RPL Roofing
7
Sue Fleming, Alexander Technique
5
Monkey Puzzle Toys
5
Therapy & Healing Toys & Games
Useful Numbers Council
Services
Manchester City Council
234 5000
www.manchester.gov.uk
Environment on Call
954 9000
Chorlton Library
227 3700
Chorlton Leisure Centre
861 0790
Local Councillors Chorlton Matt Strong
07788 978677
cllr.m.strong@manchester.gov.uk
Sheila Newman
cllr.s.newman.manchester.gov.uk
Victor Chamberlain
881 9641
07947 383740
cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk
Local Councillors Whalley Range Aftab Razaq
cllr.a.razaq@manchester.gov.uk
07799 560 244
Mary Watson
860 5523
John Grant
860 7488
Allotments Manager
226 3322
cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk cllr.j.grant@manchester.gov.uk
Chorlton Civic Society
Citizens Advice
0870 126 4094
Gas Emergency
0800 111 999
GMPTE Bus, Train & Tram Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service Rail Enquiries NHS Direct
0870 6082 608 228 7811 905 1100 0845 7484 950 0845 4647
Police - non emergency
872 5050
Samaritans
236 8000
Community Organisations Action for Sustainable Living
277 0377
info@afsl.org.uk
www.chorltoncivicsociety.org
Chorlton Folk Club Thurs 9pm, Ellesmere Rd Cricket Club
Chorlton Good Neighbours
881 2925
goodneighbours@btconnect.com
Chorlton Reading Group
881 1813
Friends of Alexandra Park
226 7525
www.friendsofalexandrapark.org.uk
Friends of Chorlton Green
07092 898 721
http://friends.chorltongreen.org
Friends of Chorlton Meadows LGBT Parents Group
881 6276 636 7507 07970 298 559
Oxfam Chorlton
www.chorlton.co.uk Chorlton Aikido Club
861 8456
Chorlton Anxiety Group
226 3871
Rainbow Families
861 0108 07903 397 108
South Manchester Camera Club www.smcc.org.uk
www.whalleyrange.org
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