Community Index Chorlton & Whalley Range May 2012 by Community Index

Chorlton & Whalley Range

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community

May 2012

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Contents 4. Cinemas of Chorlton 6. Wicknits 8. Invest in Sunshine 10. Longford Park Centenery 14. Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy 16. Lie Down for Life 18. Grow For It 20. May in your Garden 21. Chorlton Open Gardens 22. Food & Drink Index 28. Community Index 31. Book Reviews

Community

I NDEX PUBLISHER

Community Index

EDITOR/ADVERTISING Lesley Swann

SUB-EDITOR/WEBSITE Sam Paechter

CONTRIBUTIONS

Andrew Simpson, Chorlton Bookshop, Grow For It, Katherine Watson, Margaret Westbrook, Bob Cooke, Nicky Jenkins, Fiona Nicholls

COVER PHOTOGRAPH

Wicknits panel at Teahive (see page 6) by Carol Thompson (Tagpassiton)

DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE EDITION 10th May 2012

Cinemas of Chorlton It is difficult today in the age of the multiplex to fully appreciate the novelty, magic and sense of luxury of “going to the flicks.” The very first picture houses may have been in small assembly rooms or converted music halls, but by the 1930s they were sumptuous, almost decadent places. Everything about them was designed to lift the cinema goer into a different world. Here was a sort of comfort few could enjoy at home, which ranged from the rich carpeted floors and plush seating to the bright lights of the foyer and the clean crisp lines of the kiosks. The interiors were bright with reds, blues and gold and the large curtain in front of the screen was always of a thick rich material which would have looked so wonderful in your front room. And it started at the door, with the uniformed attendants who marshalled and welcomed the queues of cinema goers. Remember few buildings remained lit up at night and the cinema was a beacon of coloured electric lights and many retained

Andrew Simpson

their wrought iron canopies which sheltered you from the rain, advertised the show and was the first contact with the picture experience to come.

movies and the running times varied, so that while Call of the Heart lasted 50 minutes, old Harry Langdon was done in under 30.

Cinemas were also warm and smelt clean, all of which made you feel special. There was also the class thing; like theatres, you got what you paid for. The cheapest seats were downstairs the most expensive upstairs in the balcony. Even in the 60s there was a choice to be made. If you were out with your mates, it was the cheap seats and if it was a Saturday and a special date then you splashed out for the balcony. Forget all that stuff about the back row, which I cannot deny I did, but a special date meant a special seat.

And on that Saturday night of May 7th I could have forgone the films and listened to the William J Rees Orchestra who were performing at 7.30 that evening. He was a popular conductor, did stints at Blackpool and other seaside resorts and went on to lead the Blackpool Symphony Orchestra and the Huddersfield Philharmonic. We forget that long before the cinemas were forced to double up with Bingo many had offered live entertainment.

Now I wish I had gone to the Palais de Luxe on Barlow Moor Road in its heyday around 1928. It had opened fourteen years earlier, could seat 1200 and had that wonderful exterior of cream and green tiles with elaborate decoration around the two big circle windows which for all the world looked like two eyes. And completing this grand appearance was a cast iron and glass canopy with the cinema’s name picked out in bright colours. On May 7th 1928 and running for the week I could have seen The Call of the Heart, Long Pants, the Climbers and Sky High Saunders. They were a mixed bunch of films. Call of the Heart was a Western featuring Dynamite the dog, Long Pants a comedy with Harry Langdon, the Climbers a historical drama and Sky High Saunders was about “a daredevil pilot who took on all comers and prevailed.” Now this was cinema going. Of course they were all silent

Our cinema lasted just 43 years closing on December 4th 1957 with the western Lonely Man and the Lost Treasure of the Amazon neither of which I reckon would have inspired me. Nor has its fate as a supermarket. But something of its former glory has survived. Upstairs in what is now the long warehouse of the store almost intact is the plaster moulding which stood above the screen. I guess no more than a handful of people have seen it since the picture house closed and it is the only piece link we have to our four cinemas.

Andrew Simpson’s book Chorlton-cum-Hardy A Community Transformed will be published in the autumn. chorltonhistory.blogspot.com Image: Beech Rd c.1932 from the Lloyd collection

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Wicknits,

Cuddly Handmade Advertising

A few months ago, over a cup of tea and slice of cake, Carol (Tagpassiton) and Lesley (Community Index) were talking about ways to include more local businesses in Chorlton Big Green Festival. They came up with Wicknits (World in Chorlton Knits). They asked local groups and businesses to knit (or sew) a rectangle with their logo or green message. There was a fantastic response... ‘It’s a fun project. Cuddly, handmade advertising for businesses and community groups. We’ve both been really impressed with the quality of the

contributions and the completed panels are lovely.’ One of the panels is currently on display at Teahive (featured on this months front cover). There are plans to take the panels on a tour of Chorlton locations and festivals, starting with the Longford Park Centenery Weekend 12th May. The project is ongoing - so if you’d like to contribute please get in touch for more information or bring your completed creation to the Community Index office at 34 Manchester Rd (next door but one to Village Dry Cleaners).

Wicknits www.greenchorlton.org.uk/knits.php follow us on Twitter @wicknits Carol@tagpassiton.com lesley@communityindex.co.uk Drop off your contribution at: Bezingaprint/Community Index office 34 Manchester Rd, Chorlton, M21 9PH

read the latest edition online at www.communityindex.co.uk

GREEN ROOFING SPECIALIST sedum, wildflower and grass •PITCHED ROOFING - slate, clay & concrete tiles •E.P.D.M. flat roofing • Metal and U.P.V.C. guttering • Repairs & maintenence • Free quotes Call Jake Tidy 07775 038 905 • 0161 861 9796 208 Brantingham Rd•Chorlton•Manchester• M21 0TX www.eskroofing.com info@eskroofing.com to advertise call Lesley on 0787 589 5604 or email lesley@communityindex.co.uk

Invest in Sunshine Individuals and organisations in and around Old Trafford are being invited to invest £100 or more in withdrawable shares, and get a piece of solar panel. Not literally of course but those who get involved will feel part of something quite unique. Although we're asking folk to invest, it’s about people and community more than growing your pension pot! One aim is to raise income from the solar panels (and other sources) and distribute it to local projects through 'Sunshine Grants'. “We want to take something generated locally and invest it in our people and our community. This isn’t investment simply for personal gain. It is investment for community gain.” John Hughes, Founder Member The community share offer was launched on the 1st April (no fooling about here) at the St John’s Centre, with lots of entertainment, bicycle powered smoothies and cake. Kate Green MP (in the picture), who has been championing the project all the way along, also came along and took part. The prospectus outlining all the details relevant to the community share offer, along with a case study (The Story) and other information can be found on the SJS website.

What is St John’s Sunshine? St John’s sunshine (SJS), the enterprise behind the share offer is resident at the St John’s Centre at the heart of Old Trafford. SJS is a community group, it's also a business and it's a kind of co-op as well. Its co-operative structure means that we can enable anyone to become a member, whether they invest or not. Formally, it’s an Industrial Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community (but this can be a bit of a mouthful!) and it is registered with the FSA and Co-operatives UK. “What is important in all of this is the idea of working co-operatively. All members have an equal say - this is the principle of one member one vote” Pete Abel, Founder Member So far a 3.75kW array of solar panels has been put on the roof of St John’s Church with the power going to the neighbouring St John’s Centre, and it is this scheme that’s the focus of the offer. There are plans to install a larger set of panels as part of a Stage 2 project (See architects drawing). The savings from the panels will benefit the community buildings that home them, whilst the Feed in Tariff (Government cash back scheme)

will be used to further the community goals of SJS. “It’s something people can really get their hands on - the community is doing something itself, for itself.” Gavin Wood, Founder Member

The Co-operative Difference SJS is one of a growing number of co-operative enterprises in and around South Manchester, doing things differently. Others include Unicorn Grocery, The Carbon Co-op and Busy Bee Toy Shop. There are many others in Manchester too including Urbed, Sustainable Change Co-operative, Co-operative Food, Bicycle Doctor and more. Co-operatives are businesses, owned and run jointly by their members, who share the profits and benefits. Although there are many types of co-op, they have common principles and values. The United Nations have announced that 2012 is International Year of Co-operatives and a global celebration has put the spotlight on Manchester this year. “We wanted people to feel like they could make a difference and be part of something really good. It’s an unusual and exciting way to raise money from the community for the community”. Fiona Nicholls, Founder Member St John’s Sunshine got a lot of help from others including The Co-operative Enterprise Hub and Co-operatives UK and is very grateful for this support. There is plenty of guidance on ‘how to do it’ available for free from these and other organisations. contact@stjohnssunshine.org.uk www.stjohnssunshine.org.uk 0161 872 0500

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Longford Park Centenery Weekend May 12th and 13th Longford Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a public park on the weekend of May 12th and 13th. Our Centenary weekend will highlight the park’s past and present. There will be music, dance, sports coaching, a chance to find out about local history and people’s memories of the area as well as kid’s activities, information and craft stalls - making it a real family friendly event. Longford Park has interesting connections with some of the leading figures in Manchester’s history. Thomas Walker, who was the Borough Reeve of Manchester in 1790, lived in the original hall. He fought for the people’s right to vote as well as the rights of non-conformists. Longford Hall and Park was also the home of John Rylands, Manchester’s first multi- millionaire, from 1854 until 1888. John’s third wife, Enriqueta, had John Rylands library in Manchester built in his honour. Many local people, or people who have lived in the area during the past 100 years also have many memories to share. There will be displays sharing the history and people’s stories in the Longfords Athletics Stadium throughout the weekend. Saturday 12th May will be a 1912

Festival Day from 1 – 9pm, when we encourage people to dress in Edwardian costume! There will be two performance stages with music, dance and song, which reflect the era. Besses O’ th’ Barn Band, “one of the oldest Brass Bands in the world” who played at the opening ceremony in 1912 will join us. There will be a chance to join in old time songs with both Manchester Gloriana singers and Sale Gilbert and Sullivan Society, to hear Jamaican Folk and Celtic tunes, to see clog stepping and belly dancing. There will also be guided walks with Mr and Mrs Rylands as well as a chance to listen to a talk in the Longfords with Sherry Ashworth on “Enriqueta Rylands – this is your life!” There will be craft workshops for kids and a variety of stalls for you to browse around. This day will close with an early evening session from 5pm – 9pm with DJ Dr Sid and DJ Peter Parker, which will take us from music of 1912 to today through all the decades – something for everyone!

the Japanese gardens section and local history displays in the Longfords as well. Be active or chill out as you like…..

From 1 – 5pm on Sunday 13th we will celebrate the park as it is now.. With a variety of different music styles from Cajun to Brass Band and Gospel, as well as a whole stage devoted to local young bands. You will be able to get coaching in numerous sports such as football (under and over 7s), golf, tennis and basketball through the afternoon. There will be different cycles to try out with Trafford Wheelers in the Athletics club, circus skills to experiment with and a chance to create a Centenary banner. The bowling club will be open, as will the community allotment. We will also have tours around

www.lp100.org.uk

Over the two days we are expecting many visitors - so if you could help out as a volunteer steward - that would be great. Out of pocket expenses can be provided. Please contact Mark on 07528130349. Stalls cost from just £25 a day and if you are interested in being a stall-holder or caterer please visit our website or contact Sue on 865 7169 or email susanwsimpkins@yahoo.co.uk. We hope that the Longford Park Centenary will be a really enjoyable event for the whole community and that you will come and join us – BUT PLEASE WALK, COME BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR BIKE as there will be very limited parking. If you need any further information then please contact us: email info@lp100.org.uk. You can also find us on Facebook and find out much more by visiting Twitter @longfordpark100

Creative Recycling

Glennis Andrews & Fiona Norton (collab) Celebrating the end of a long journey of treatment for a disease that now effects ‘one in 3’

Gallery NEW EXH I B I T I O N Saturday 19th May

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Light at the End of the Tunnel

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This Exhibition through its work, challenges the current attitude toward the ‘C’ word and its fatalistic associations - at some point we are all ‘survivors’ of natural phenomena and though reminded of our own mortality, it is no different to other challenges we face in our lifecycles. Acceptance of this is vital to recognise the ‘light’ when it comes in its different forms. In recognition of those in the NHS who help us accept disease and treatment positively.

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News Bulletin

HEN it comes to selling or letting your house you want to make sure you choose the right agent. Naturally, you want to be sure you get the best price, in the shortest time frame with the minimum of fuss. JP & Brimelow has many years’ experience selling and letting properties in South Manchester’s most affluent suburbs. Our team understands the unique nature of the area and the many attractions it has to offer, and we have the enthusiasm and determination to actively market your property to the most likely occupier, irrespective of the market conditions. And because we invest in and retain high calibre staff, with a dedication and commitment to customer service, you’ll always see a friendly and familiar face every time you visit the office.

Originally built in 1879, St Clements Old School has been converted into four large, four bedroomed townhouses. Designed by award winning architect Jonathan Davidson at 02 architects, many of the existing features have been retained and are complimented by striking modern interventions, built to the highest specification and standards to create four, individual outstanding new homes. The houses are on Chorlton Green which is a Conservation Area and is close to Chorlton Park and Meadows. Internal inspection is highly recommended by appointment only on 0161 882 2233.

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St Clements Old School NOW available

Prices from ÂŁ550,000 to ÂŁ765,000 Every detail of this conversion has been carefully considered from the hard wearing reclaimed oak flooring on the ground floor and the luxurious bedroom carpets, to the generous sized family bathrooms and the grown up en-suites. Two of the houses (B & C) have full height entrance atriums, while house A has been extended so the original gable end is now a beautiful internal feature and the floor of the entrance hall to house D retains its original York stone. Located in Chorlton Green, one of the most popular places to live in Manchester; full of character and close to many independent bars, cafes, restaurants and shops. Each house has parking for one vehicle and Chorlton Green has good road connections to Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport. The Chorlton Metro link stop is just a ten minute walk away and it takes twelve minutes to get to Manchester city centre on the tram. For more details and to arrange a viewing, call Edward Ellis on 0161 882 2233.

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Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy 25 Years of Services to the Community The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy (formerly The Life Stream Centre) was established in 1987 and moved to Chorlton in September 1988 where we have been ever since! We have been in 454 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, for the last two decades – it has been an enormously enriching and challenging time. The Institute is a four storey building comprising of twelve rooms and Two Training Rooms. Over 18 Psychotherapists and Counsellors work from The Institute - most have been with us for many years.

For over 25 years we have offered a wide range of services to the community from Individual Therapy to Group Therapy and Personal Development Courses. In 1973 we also established a Training Arm to the services we offer and to that end we have been training people to be psychotherapists since that time to the present day. Recently we have extended our services by training people in the areas of Clinical Supervision and Child and Adolescent Studies. In fact we now offer counselling and therapy to children as well as adults.

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We are proud of our achievements and the services we have grown over the years, and we are specifically pleased to be serving such a vibrant community as Chorlton, where we feel we truly belong! Thank you. Bob Cooke (Founder of MIP) Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy 454 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton, M21 0BQ Tel: 0161 862 9456 www.mcpt.co.uk

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Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy THERAPY SERVICES At The Manchester Institute there are over 20 counsellors and therapists, experienced and specialised in many areas as well as seeing people for general counselling or therapy. ISSUES THAT COUNSELLING & THERAPY MAY HELP WITH: Self Esteem

Dealing with Stress & Anxiety

Dealing with Childhood Issues

Bereavement & Loss

Depression

Dealing with Sexual Abuse Issues

Confidence & Assertiveness

Changing Direction in your life

Relationship Issues

Parenting Issues

Divorce & Separation

Shame Based Issues

Anger Management

Eating Disorders

Miscarriage Counselling

Post Traumatic Stress

The Counselling/Therapy takes place at The Manchester Institute, and the emphasis is on friendliness and providing a safe and warm environment. One of the central foundations of the service is protection and confidentiality.

Contact Points If you would like to talk to us, book an assessment, or find out more about the Manchester Institue for Psychotherapy, you can contact us via:

Tel: 0161 862 9456

Email: bob@mcpt.co.uk

www.mcpt.co.uk

The Manchester Institute 454 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0BQ

Lie Down for Life If you’re like me you might applaud all those sporty types who raise funds by swimming the channel or running marathons but there isn’t much chance that you’ll be climbing a few sponsored mountains in the near future. That why the Relaxathon is such a good idea. Local Yoga teacher Hil Bichovsky has teamed up with Chorlton Unitarian church to offer you the chance to have a lovely lie down while raising funds for Water Aid. “I used to live in Africa” said Hil “and I really wanted to do something to help with famine relief”. “We all lead such busy and stressed lives that I thought it would be great to offer half hour guided deep relaxation sessions.” The sessions will take place on Saturday May 5th starting at 2.50 pm and 3.50pm. Comfortable clothes and warm socks will be the order of the day. A suggested donation is £10. “I hope we will be able to fund quite a few wells and water pumps with 15 people per session” said Hil. Space is limited so ring Hil to book your place and avoid disappointment. “A fairer world is possible – one of things we need to learn how to do is … stop and look around us. Hence the Relaxathon” says Hil. So join Hil and the rest of the gang lying down for life on May 5th.

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Inner Changes Psychotherapy & Ecotherapy Nigel Magowan is an Integrative Psychotherapist, based in Chorlton, whose practice incorporates NLP, hypnotherapy and Ecotherapy.

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Ecotherapy - Nature-based therapy and coaching, utilising the natural environment as a healing tool. Available for individuals and corporate groups, as one-to-one sessions, regular groups, workshops and bespoke events. nigel@manchester-psychotherapy.co.uk • www.manchester-psychotherapy.co.uk • www.ecotherapy.eu read the latest edition online at www.communityindex.co.uk

Green Walk Open House Art and Crafts Weekend 5th and 6th May

This will be the sixth year of the popular community event, an open house exhibition and sale of art and crafts from local artists, potters, jewellers, glass makers and photographers in the leafy setting of Green Walk, Whalley Range. Home made food and drink will also be available on the green. Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th May, 12–6 pm. Green Walk, off Wood Road, Whalley Range.

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Grow For It! Are you interested in allotments, growing vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers? Do you like the idea of sustainable living, recycling, re-using and reducing your impact on the environment? How about promoting wildlife by creating habitats, micro environments and shelters? Maybe you just like to get active outdoors, meet other people and be part of something positive?

Well… come along to the Grow For It Community Allotment in Chorlton and get involved. We are part of Scott Avenue Allotments and are open at regular times three times a week – you are invited to come along and join in.

Everyone is welcome and we try to cater for all abilities as much as possible. Or just drop in to see what it’s all about, ask advice or exchange ideas. This will be our fourth year since we started up and a lot of work has been done, and is still ongoing, to transform the area into a growing space with a polytunnel, some raised beds with paved access for kids and those with restricted mobility, an orchard and fruit area, flower border and a storage shed with living roof. There is a wildlife area with a native hedgerow, a hazel and willow coppice, and plans to build a dry stone wall. We are also home to the

NamBeePamBee Beekeepers with active bee colonies on site. The community allotment is co-ordinated and all the work has been done by volunteers who just turn up to help out as and when they can make it. All the produce is shared out amongst those who help out. There is a friendly atmosphere at the regular sessions, and we also hold social events at midsummer, Halloween and Christmas/winter solstice for the volunteers, plotholders and local residents. This season there will be a series of Bee Open Days and workshops. So… come along and muck in. Lots of stuff to do… jobs for all abilities… tea and biscuits for all. The Grow For It Community Allotment is open throughout the year: Saturdays from 11am, Sundays from 2pm, and Wednesdays from 5pm (BST only). We are at Scott Avenue Allotments M21 9QW – you can see us from the bridge on Manchester Rd near to the swimming baths. Entry via the gate along the alleyway. Please wear boots or sturdy footwear. Children welcome accompanied by parents. All enquiries please call 07973 139068. grow_for_it@yahoogroups.com Join our Yahoo group to see photos of the community plot and be updated about what is happening. Upcoming events: 13th May – Bee Workshop 1-5pm 24th June – Chorlton Open Gardens/Bee Open Day 11-5pm 29th July – Bee Workshop 1–5pm 19th Aug – Bee Open Day 2-5pm 16th Sept – Bee Workshop 1-5pm

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Call John 0161 445 3650

NACS member

open fires, boilers Agas, multi-fuel stoves, birds nests removed www.acornchimneysweepingservices.co.uk

May in your Garden Fingers crossed we’ll get some going out time in our gardens weatherwise this month as May is a great time to plant grasses. Grasses are a wonderful addition to the border acting as a textural foil to successional perennials but also require little maintenance – a chop in spring usually does the trick before the new growth starts and the usual mulching if you remember will set them up for a good few years. Grasses are grouped into cool climate and warm climate varieties. The cool climate varieties include Carex, Calamagrostis, Deschampsia, Hakonechloa, Molina and Stipa (these seem to be the most popular ones in this category) and the warm climate varieties include Arundo, Cortaderia (pampas grass), Imperata, Miscanthus, Panicum and Pennisetum. Whilst these lists may read something like names from a Roman Legion,

by Katherine Watson

there is reason to specify their difference. Firstly, the cool climate grasses tend – with a few exceptions - to do slightly better in shade and need dividing in winter and early spring. The warmer climate grasses on the other hand will always do better in full sun and prefer being divided in May. The cool set require quite frequent division whilst the warmer lot probably won’t need a great deal (although my Miscanthus have become huge over a four year period and have required a firm hand). Dividing grasses is easy – lift the clump by digging down a generous way and a good few inches wide of the base. Then take two forks back-to-back in the middle of the clump and prise them apart. Some smaller grasses like the black grass Ophiopogon will send little bulblets out that can be picked out and replanted without lifting.

Grasses have very different personalities and will suit a wide variety of garden Miscanthus I’ve talked about before – stately, solid and a good foil for perennials such as Echinacea. For a return to swingers-chic, the pampas grass can be used in our city gardens if we go for a small variety like Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumilla’. Grasses can even be used in shade – Hakonechloa, Millium and Deschampsia varieties will all brighten up a dark corner. So maybe we can think about moving away from our water-guzzling lawns (you never know they may one day be subject to a lawn tax!) and move the grass to the border instead.

Katherine Watson, Fat Grass Garden Designs

Garden Design Planting Advice Consultation Service Project Managment

07989968841 www.fatgrass.co.uk

0781 0147 070 info@greendesigns.eu

www.greendesigns.eu

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

please mention Community Index when responding to adverts

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Chorlton Open Gardens Following the success of the first Chorlton Open Gardens last year, eleven new gardeners have offered to open their gardens. The event will take place on Sunday June 24th between 11am and 5pm and will include 25 gardens and yards, 2 allotments and Unicorn Roof. One garden specializes in plants for dyeing textiles, a yarden in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vertical growingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and one allotment has an orchard and apiary. There will be music including jazz, cellos and a choir in one garden and two will show artwork by local artists. Several gardens will have refreshments and plant sales, garden ceramics and glass. Programmes, costing ÂŁ5 per person, containing a map and description of all the sites will be on sale from mid-May at Chorlton Book Shop, Blossom Flowers, Creative Recycling and Chorlton Plant Nursery. The event is in aid of the charity Freedom From Torture who support refugees and asylum seekers who have been tortured. The centre in Manchester is still receiving between 10 and 15 referrals a fortnight, most recently clients from Sri Lanka, Iran and those caught up in the internal struggles in the Middle East.

I hope the weather will be as kind as it was last year and thank everyone for their support. Merryn Cooke

www.chorltonopengardens.org.uk

C horlton

Open Gardens Sunday 24th June 2012 11am - 5pm ÂŁ5 Entry by programme to over 25 gardens/yards/allotments (under 13s free) Programmes on sale from late May at: Chorlton Bookshop (Wilbraham Road) Creative Recycling (Beech Road) Blossom Flowers (Manchester Road) Chorlton Nursery (Vicars Road) In aid of:

Mobile

info@devrod.co.uk 07875 360http:www.chorltonopengardens.org.uk 368 chorlton open gardens

to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk

Food & Drink

INDEX

orth Star Delicatessen N 418 Wilbraham Rd M21 0SD, 862 0133

Chorlton Irish Club 17 High Lane M21 9DJ, 881 2898

The Nip and Tipple 197 Upper Chorlton Road M16 0BH, 860 7330

Oasis Ice-Cream Parlour 109 Manchester Road M21 9GA

Coriander 279 Barlow Moor Road M21 7GH, 881 7750

Nook 535 Wilbraham Road M21 0UE, 882 0700

Out of the Blue 484 Wilbraham Road M21 9AS, 881 8353

Croma 498-500 Wilbraham Road M21 9AP, 881 1117

Oddest 414-416 Wilbraham Road M21 0SD, 860 7515

Simon Dunn Chocolatier 492 Wilbraham Rd M21 9AS 881 1669

Dulcimer 567 Wilbraham Rd M21 0AE, 860 0044

Panicos 418 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AD, 861 0613

Unicorn Grocery 89 Albany Rd M21 0BN

Electrik 559, Wilbraham Rd M21 0AE, 8619558

Parlour 66 Beech Road M4 1LE, 881 4871

Restaurant/Bar

Escape 370 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AZ, 8629911

Pi 99 Manchester Road M21 9GA, 882 0000

Gallery 537-539 Wilbraham Road M21 9LD, 860 6660

Proof 30A Manchester Road M21 9PH, 862 9333

The Hillary Step 199 Upper Chorlton Road M16 0BH, 881 1978

Saray 609 Wilbraham Rd M21 9AN, 881 8292

Horse & Jockey 9 Chorlton Green M21 9HS

Sedge Lynn 21a Manchester Road M21 9PN, 860 0141

Hot Spot 372 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AZ, 881 6881

The Spread Eagle 526-528 Wilbraham Road M21 9LD, 861 0385

Juan Sanchez 366 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AZ, 862 0267

Thai Spice 66a Beech Road M21 9EG, 881 0400

Lead Station 99 Beech Road M21 9EQ, 881 5559

Trevor Arms 133/5 Beech Road M21 9EQ

Lloyds Hotel 617 Wilbraham Road M21 9AN, 286 0693

Turkish Delight Ltd 573 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AE, 881 0503

Leo’s 356 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AZ, 861 9092

The Whalley 2 Withington Road M16 8AA, 232 7159

Mezzaluna 1st Floor, 613 Wilbraham Rd M21 9AN, 861 8880

Yakisoba 360 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AZ, 862 0888

Mint 478 Wilbraham Road M21 9AS, 881 9130

Catering

Cafes Battery Park 615a Wilbraham Road M21 9AN, 860 0754 Beech Road Cafe 52, Beech Road M21 9EG, 283 7751 The Chorlton Eatery 565 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AE, 860 0200 Crema Cafe 111 Manchester Road, M21 9PG, 07931 864084 Jam Street Cafe 209 Upper Chorlton Road M16 0BH, 881 9944 On The Corner 93 Beech Road M21 9EQ, 881 4841

Asian Fusion 489-491 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AG, 881 7200

S weet Tooth Cupcakery 9a Oswald Road M21 9LP, 07855 765355

Azad Manzil 493-495 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AG, 881 1021

Tea Hive

53 Manchester Rd M21 9PW

The Bar 533 Wilbraham Road M21 0UE, 861 7576

Specialist

Bar 480 480 Wilbraham Road M21 9AS, 861 9558

Barbakan Delicatessen 67-71 Manchester Rd M21 9PW, 881 7053 Bitter Sweet 103 Manchester Road Chorlton Wholefoods 64 Beech Road, M21 9EG Coffee N Chocolates 514 Wilbraham Road M21 9AW Craftelicious 127 Oswald Road M21 9GE, 860 4814 Epicerie Ludo 46 Beech Road M21 9EG, 300 2582 Frost W H Butchers 12-14 The Square M21 9AQ, 881 8172 Hickson and Black’s 559A Barlow Moor Road M21 8AN, 881 2001

Bar San Juan 56 Beech Road M21 9EG Beech 79 Beech Rd M21 9EQ, 881 4912 Beer House 57 Manchester Rd M21 9PW, 861 8378 Beggar’s Bush 48 Beech Road M21 9EQ, 861 7393 Bowling Green 1 Brookburn Road M21 9ES, 860 2800 Scott Hill 456-458 Barlow Moor Road, M21 0BQ 881 8596 Chorlton Cricket Club Ellesmere Road M21 0SG, 0783 3735729

Nectar Bistro 404 Barlow Moor Road M21 8AD, 861 9300

Little Bird Catering 07531 777 588

21 21

Barbakan Delicatessen

17 19 23

OPENING TIMES

Monday

8.00am - 5.30pm

Tuesday

8.00am - 5.30pm

Wednesday

8.00am - 5.30pm

Thursday

8.00am - 5.30pm

Friday

8.00am - 5.30pm

Saturday

8.30am - 5.00pm

CLOSED SUNDAYS Winners of the Craft Bakery Business Award 2011

Your local Award Winning Delicatessen and Bakery is ready to serve you with a wide choice of fresh and original Breads and Deli products. Call in soon and give your tastebuds a treat!

 



10% OFF

with this voucher in May 2012 *£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

to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk

SARAY CAFÉ BAR AND RESTAURANT

Taste of Anatolia FULLY LICENSED

H tSp t AUTHENTIC GERMAN CUISINE

“Ess Paradies”

609 Wilbraham Road • Chorlton • M21 9AN

0161 881 8292 www.saraycafebar.co.uk

We are pleased to offer you the very best of Turkish Cuisine, in our family run restaurant in Chorlton. We take great care and pride in serving top quality, authentic food from our eclectic menu. Our Chefs have a longstanding reputation for tender meat, succulent chicken dishes, fresh fish and a great selection of vegetable dishes. We also offer a huge selection of freshly prepared and flavoursome mezzes along with an extensive wine list.

20% Discount on our TAKEAWAY MENU

Simpler tastes in life are the best. Good quality food served in a relaxed and welcoming family atmosphere, Hotspot is no ordinary restaurant! We serve authentic German cuisine, with an emphasis on Hessian and Bavarian cooking.

15% OFF* * FOOD ONLY Tuesday to Thursday inclusive £20 minimum spend

3 Course Meal 2 Course Meal

ONLY £11.95 ONLY £9.95 Sun to Thurs to 7.30 pm Fri to Sat to 6pm

OPENING HOURS Mon to Thurs 5 to 10.30 pm Fri & Sat 12 to late • Sun 12 to 10pm 10% Discount on food with your Tag Card

(not to be used in conjunction with any other offer)

offer ends 31st May 2012

Opening Hours Tues to Fri 4pm - 10pm Saturday midday - 10pm Sunday midday - 9pm Monday Closed 372 Barlow Moor Rd • Chorlton Manchester • M21 8AZ • Tel: 0161 881 6881

read the latest issue online at www.communityindex.co.uk

EN T

8 26

AN AG EM

Namaste Nepal

N EW

TANDOORI, NEPALESE & INDIAN CUISINE

Mr Chandra Kumar (Director) with 25 years of expertise at the Great Kathmandu along with Mr Dhurba Dangol (Head Chef) introduce the experience of quality exotic dining at the NEW

Namaste Nepal

Fully Licensed, Air Conditioned restaurant, seating up to 100 people

EARLY BIRD OFFER Sun - Thurs 5pm - 8pm

4 FRESHLY PREPARED COURSES Starter Main Dish

(including Rice or Chips)

Dessert Coffee & Mints

ONLY £11.95

10% OFF FOOD BILL INCLUDING DRINKS

(Eat in only. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with the Early Bird Offer)

Valid until 31st May 2012 with this voucher.

Visit to view our full MENU www.namaste-nepal.co.uk

Find us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/thenamastenepal

PLUS A BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE

ONLY £9.99

10% DISCOUNT ON TAKEAWAYS COLLECTION ONLY OPENING HOURS Sunday to Thursday 5pm - Midnight Friday & Saturday 5pm - 1am

164-166 Burton Road • West Didsbury • Manchester • M20 1LH

TEL: 0161 445 9060 or 0161 448 8353 Email: info@ namaste-nepal.co.uk

A home to creating, eating and fun for all ages!

• Pottery Painting • Parties, Hen Do’s, Baby Showers • Crepes & Luxury Cakes

• Decopatch • Team Building • Freshly Ground Coffee & Loose Leaf Teas

Tel: 0161 860 4814 info@crafteliciousuk.com www.crafteliciousuk.com twitter @CraftyTea Facebook.com/Craftelicious.UK

127 Oswald Rd, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9GE

M Duffin Property Repairs Chimneys Pointing Roofs Gutters

Free Estimates

0161 789 6640 07944 729 608

please mention Community Index when responding to adverts

Community

Festivals, Markets & Events Celebrate Festival Bank Holiday Monday May 7th 12-6pm. 15th Annual ‘Celebrate’ community festival for local residents. JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, Cromwell Ave, Whalley Range, M16 0BG Chorlton Arts Festival 17th - 27th May. Gigs, performances, visual art, comedy, craft fairs, theatre. Checkout the website for full details. www.chorltonartsfestival. com Creative Recycling Gallery - Chorlton Arts Festival Event Exhibition of Craft and Art 19th May onwards. Light at the End of the Tunnel, also free ‘Drawing Demonstration’. Claire Mooney - music performance 20th May 7pm. ‘Cocktails & Fine Dining’ Display Sat 26th May (plus cream teas in the Sculpture Garden) 40 Beech Road, Tel: 881 442 www. creativerecycling.co.uk Glad to be in Chorlton Past & Present Exhibition in Chorlton Library. For the duration of Chorlton Arts Festival. Stories of Chorlton past by Andrew Simpson and paintings of Chorlton present by Peter Topping paintingsfrompictures. co.uk Green Walk Open House Arts & Crafts Weekend Saturday & Sunday 3rd and 4th May. 12-6pm Green Walk, Whalley Range www.greenwalk.co.uk

Farmers Market and Craft Fair Horse & Jockey, Chorlton Green. Last Saturday of every month 11–5pm www.horseandjockey chorlton.com Manchester Street Market 3rd Saturday of the month outside Chorlton Library. Pop-up Vintage Fair Vintage homeware, clothing & handmade crafts. Every Saturday 12-5pm at The Beech, 72 Beech Rd, Chorlton chorltonvintagefair@ gmail.com Take the Flour Back Sunday 27th May - day of action against new GM wheat trial. Meet Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts (30 mins from London by train) at 12 noon. www.taketheflourback. org

Clubs, Societies & Groups Chorlton Aikido Club Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm St Ninians, Wilbraham Rd www.lancashireaikikai.org 861 8456 Community Allotment and Apiary, Scott Avenue Allotment Sat 11am, Sun 2pm 07973139068 07521500223 uk.groups.yahoo.com/ group/grow_for_it/ Chorlton Bridge Club Christine Blackburn Tel: 225 8854 www.bridge webs.com/chorlton Chorlton Good Neighbours 881 2925 goodneighbours@ btconnect.com Chorlton Reading Group Once a month in the meeting room behind

Chorlton library 7.30pm All welcome 881 1813 chorltonreadersgroup@ gmail.com Manchester Flower Lovers’ Guild 14th May Joan Robinson “Tints, Textures, Curves and Contrast” Refreshments at 7.15 for 7.30 start. Visitors welcome £5 St Werburghs Church Hall, Chorlton M21 0TJ Anne 881 6591, flowersnorthwest.net Friends of Alexandra Park 226 7525 www.friends ofalexandrapark.org.uk Friends of Chorlton Meadows 881 6276 www.friendsofchorlton meadows.blogspot.com Function/Meeting Rooms Do you need a cheap local place for a meeting or gathering? Rooms available for up to 25 people. From £10/Hour Shakespeare House Community Centre Whalley Range M16 8NR, 823205 admin@r-squared.org.uk Transition Chorlton Ways to encourage a more sustainable future in Chorlton. 1st Thursday of each month at the Lloyds Hotel from 7.30pm Whalley Range Forum JN8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Ave, M16 0BG 881 3744 info@ whalleyrange.org www. whalleyrange.orgWhalley Whalley Range 4 Wildlife wr4wildlife@yahoo.co.uk www.wr4wildlife. wordpress.com 50+Social Group Arts/Walking/Holidays Lila:lilawaiz@tiscali.co.uk 2261214

I NDEX Health & Fitness Over 50 Walking Group Last Wednesday of the month 30th May. Meet at the car park of Chorlton Water Park at Maitland Rd entrance, 2 hour, 3 mile walk to Fletcher Moss. Will Peters 226 2454 Capoeira – Cordao De Ouro Tuesdays 7-9 (All levels), Saturdays 11-12 (Kids) The Edge Theatre, M21 9JG, www.cdonw.co.uk The Yoga Rooms Thursday 10-11.15am Drop-in Yoga (all levels) Friday 10-11am Drop-in Pilates (all levels) Full Programme at www. theyogarooms.co.uk Pilates Classes drop in £6 Mon 5.30pm, 6.35pm, 7.40pm, Wed 1pm Thurs 9.35pm St Clements Church Tues 5.30pm, 6.45pm, 8pm St Johns School Beginners workshops Studio classes and 1-1 on the reformer, Cadillac & chair Sarah 07776196504 www. energyflowfitness.co.uk

Arts & Crafts Battyandgorgeous www.batty andgorgeous.com Beetlefelt Craft Workshops Textile Club Tuesdays Weaving Workshop Wednesdays Sewing Surgery Thursdays other workshops inc. Mosaic Heart, Felt Table Mat, Seamless Felt Purse Carol Mowl Tel: 881 6309 www.beetlefelt.co.uk

FREE for voluntary/not for profit groups - email your notices to: lesley@communityindex.co.uk

Community Creative Corner Café inclusiveartsresources @gmail.com 14 Milton Grove, Whalley Range, M16 0BP 07745 855399 Creative Recycling Gallery One day craft courses Sat 5th May Collage - Paper Patchwork. Sun 6th May Felting. Sun 13th May Print & Textile Collage. Sun 20th May Songwriting Workshop. Sat 27th May Collage - landscape. Sat 9th June/Sat 7th July Glass Fusing. Sun 10th Jun Bead Making. Sun 17th June Book Creation. Can’t Draw/Can Draw Workshops Wednesdays in July. 40 Beech Rd M21 9EL craftscreativecourses. co.uk Drum & Percussion Group Playing Brazilian and Cuban rhythms. Thursday evenings 7-9pm St. Margarets Church, Whalley Range Sue 226 4311 The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre The Edge Youth Theatre Dance — ages 11-16 Saturdays 11–12pm £5 Theatre Club 5-8 year olds — Mondays 4-5pm £5 Out On The Edge (LGBT Theatre) Theatre group for LGBT 16 to 25 year olds. Mondays 7-9pm £5 Manchester Rd, Chorlton Tel: 282 9776 www.watersedgearts.com Ministry of Craft Sewing patterns decoded Saturday 19th May 07850 894 752, www. ministryofcraft.co.uk

Mosaic Therapy Thurs 7.15-8.45pm Chorlton Central Church Mosaic Yourself Potty Hulme Community Garden Centre Mosaic flowerpot June Roman Mosaics for Beginners Victoria Baths Manchester July Mosaic Masterpieces at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens May & June Tracey 860 0387 www. traceycartledge.co.uk Rubbish Revamped Junkmail Jewellery 10th May 7-9pm Newspaper & magazine weaving 24th May 7-9.30pm www.rubbishrevamped. org.uk South Manchester Camera Club Club Meets Monday nights at 8pm Didsbury Methodist Church M20 5LR www.smcc.org.uk Pottery Corner 34 Beech Road M21 9EL 882 0010

Music & Entertainment Chorlton Film Institute Wuthering Heights Thurs 17th May Doors Open 8.10pm Film starts 8.30pm Entrance £5 St Clements Church Chorlton Folk Club Thursdays 9pm Ellesmere Rd Cricket Club Dulcimer DJs every Friday & Saturday and live acts from around the world every week www. dulcimer-bar.co.uk Folk Songs and Tunes at The Beech If you enjoy folk songs and tunes even older

I NDEX

than the Beech. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays for Songs 2nd & 4th for Tunes. Beech Road, Chorlton, M21 9EG

adopters, foster carers and their children. Meets every 2 months in south Manchester. newfamilysocial.co.uk

Home on the Range Everything from punk, funk to classic house. Last Friday of every Month The Carlton Club, Whalley Range www.carltonclub.org.uk

Rainbow Families 07903 397 108 rainbowfamilies@ hotmail.com

Horse & Jockey Quiz Night Every Sunday (except Bank Holidays), from 8pm. 9 Chorlton Green M21 9HS www.horseandjockey chorlton.com Oddest Bar 414-416 Wilbraham Road Chorlton. Mooch down to Oddest every Friday & Saturday to find our fab DJs sifting through the vinyl 11pm-1.30am 860 7515 www.oddbar. co.uk/oddest

Social & Support Groups Café Spirit Meets 2nd Monday of the month at Copperfields Café in Chorlton 7.30pm Lesley 882 0848 Email: cafespirit@live.com Chorlton Anxiety Group 226 3871 Coffee and Craft Mornings at Chorlton Good Neighbours. Meet friends and have a coffee, with arts and crafts group. Thursday’s 10-11.30am Wilbraham St, Ninian’s Church 881 2925 www.cgncg.org.uk LGBT Parents Group 636 7507, 07970 298 559 New Family Social UK charity for LGBT

St. Clements Fellowship Contact Barbara Burns on 0161 881 5912 or Ida Bradshaw on 0161 861 7158 for information.

Local Websites www.beechroadm21. co.uk www.chorlton.co.uk www.chorltoncivic. blogspot.com www.chorlton.fetch.it www.sochorlton. wordpress.com www.whalleyrange.org

Useful Numbers Allotments Manager 226 3322 Bus, Train & Tram 228 7811 Chorlton Library 227 3700 Citizens Advice 0870 126 4094 Environment on Call 954 9000 Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Manchester City Council 234 5000 www.manchester.gov.uk National Rail Enquiries nationalrail.co.uk 08457 48 49 50 Police – non emergency 872 5050 Samaritans 236 8000 Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service 905 1100

to advertise call Lesley: 0787 589 5604 lesley@communityindex.co.uk

SHERLOCK HOMES Estate Agent

sherlockhomes4u.com We aren’t the biggest agent in the country, we are not a front for a mortgage shop to sell you a finance package. We’re family owned for two generations and we sell and rent homes, it’s as simple as that. We don’t wear designer suits or loud ties, we’re not too flashy, not too staid but get the job done with a little bit of style! When you instruct us to sell or rent your home you won’t regret it! Helen Sherlock Managing Director

Sherlock Homes Properties Ltd, 58 Beech Road Chorlton Green, Manchester M21 9EG 0161 881 8228 sherlockhomesproperties

@sherlockhomes4u

Book Reviews

Agatha Parrott and the Mushroom Boy

from Chorlton Bookshop

Before I go to Sleep S J Watson

This psychological thriller had me gripped from the start. Christine goes to sleep every night knowing she will wake the following morning having forgotten everything from the last twenty years. A traumatic accident has left her with a particularly unusual form of amnesia. Her long suffering saint of a husband asked all kinds of experts to help but nothing so far has triggered her recovery. That is until a doctor she seems to have been meeting in secret suggests keeping a journal. Slowly obscure memories begin to return, which lead Christine to making worrying and disturbing discoveries. This is a great read, impossible to put down. The author manages to convey the fear and desperation of the situation which helps add to the atmosphere of this page-turner of a story.

The Trials and Triumphs of Les Dawson Louis Barfe When Les Dawson's wife went into labour in London, he had her flown by private jet up to St Mary's so that his daughter could be born a Mancunian. It's impossible not to admire someone like that. In many ways Dawson's public persona was pretty simplistic: Northern, loveable and very, very dry. But in this new biography Barfe unpeels many more layers of the man. It takes in Dawson's Collyhurst childhood, early interests in literature and music, the rocky, embryonic beginnings of his career, and subsequent TV stardom. His greatest routines - the skewed piano playing, gossipy Cissy and Ada - will live long in the memory. Dawson continued to harbour literary ambitions, though, and parlayed that magnificent, evocative turn of phrase into semi-autobiographical comic fiction, and even a serious dystopian sci-fi novel. Barfe lays out a fair degree of heartache, too. Dawson's health and his love-life had many ups and downs. But on balance this is the engrossing tale of a funny, talented local man quietly carving out a name as one of the all-time greats.

Kjartan Poskitt illustrated by David Tazzyman Once a TV presenter, Kjartan Poskett is now a successful author and performer, celebrated for his Murderous Maths shows. Now, in the wake of the runaway success of the madcap Mr Gum books, the publishers of that series have teamed Poskett up with Mr Gum illustrator David Tazzyman. The result is its own beast, though. Last year's Agatha Parrot and the Floating Head introduced our determined young heroine, her friends and neighbours, and most crucially her mean-spirited big brother James. But Agatha takes no nonsense and when James crosses her this time he winds up as the mushroom boy of the title, but not before many other strange and unlikely things have occurred, involving large cakes, painted toenails, gnomes and a human remote control. Pin-balling from one barmy scenario to the next, it's a perfectly-pitched riot of child-like inventiveness and daft jokes. 6-8 years

881 8162

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Village Dry cleaners

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Established in 1982, a family run business where you can trust us when handling your garments... • Curtain Cleaning • Duvet Cleaning: Single £10 Double £15 • Ironing Services • Repairs & Alterations • Stain Removal • Same Day Service • Evening Dress & Wedding Dress Specialist

“What can I say about Village Dry Cleaners? Just excellent! Amir, who owns the business, goes above and beyond what is expected and I can whole heartedly recommend his services. I run a vintage inspired bridal boutique in the heart of West Didsbury. As we stock highend dresses with sometimes challenging silks and fabrics to clean, we’re always amazed at how Amir manages to spruce up our dresses. I recommend his services to all our brides. He’s truly excellent at what he does and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to fabric – the best dry cleaners in the north, without a doubt!” Nikki Graeme Owner, The White Closet, Didsbury

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