Didsbury
index
community
Dec 2012
view the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk Delivered FREE to Didsbury homes
2
Basement Conversions home office • gym • playroom • wine cellar • bathroom • wetroom
Roy Nesbitt 07921 710 563 Mob: 07921 710 563 Tel: 0161 300 0530
northwest
best ce ars basement conversions
www.bestcellarsnw.co.uk Best Cellars North West • Unit 128 • 792 Wilmslow Rd • Didsbury • Manchester • M20 6UG
Cash in the Loft?
September 2009.indd 14
When you replaced all your old records with CDs all those years ago, did you put them up in the loft? Now could be the time to dig them out... We pay good prices for the right kind of records in the right condition. We’re interested in: Rock n Roll Indie
60s & 70s Jazz & Soul
60s (especially Beatles)
70s Rock & Progressive
Punk
Blues
Folk
Reggae
Northern Soul
We can also help with valuations.
Call us now on: 0161 860 4762 519 Wilbraham Rd Chorlton M21 0UF
www.kingbeerecords.co.uk
14/08/2009 01:05:00
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS • • • • • •
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or leave a message on 0161 881 4822 contact@pro-fresh.co.uk www.pro-fresh.co.uk
win
Contents 5 6 9 10 12
£25
Toys without the noise
Didsbury People
Competition
19
Identify the location of our Didsbury Santas. £25 cash prize!
Didsbury Dinners Recipe
Deborah Grace talks to Wendy Elliot, Manager of Oxfam on Wilmslow Road in Didsbury
20 Rooty Salad
Festive Gift Giving
22 Struggling to find an
Book Reviews Classic festive reading
original gift?
Sweet Tooth? Introducing you to Didsbury’s newest & sweetest shop
26
Tis the Season to be Healthy Festive season health tips
28
December In Your Garden Winter berries
Make Your Own... Armadillo! Or tie yourself up in knots trying
Meet the team Publisher
Contributions
Community Index
Amander Alexander, Carol Thompson, Katherine Watson, Healthy Spirit, Deborah Grace, A Sweet Thought, Didsbury Dinners, Leon Horton, Danielle Lowy
Lesley Swann
Design Editor Joe Beech
Advertising Peter Gidman
Website Sam Paechter
Turn to page 19 to find out how
cash
The Slow Toys Movement
Editor/Advertising
3
Cover Photograph
Carol Thompson (and giving Santa a helping hand, Nola from Harriet & Dee)
@communityindex
Community
I NDEX
Deadline for January Edition 19th December 2012
Contact Us Tel: 0787 589 5604
lesley@communityindex.co.uk 34 Manchester Road Chorlton M21 9PH
www.communityindex.co.uk
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It’s the Countdown to Christmas!! So come and see what’s new in your local toy shop. • Le Toy Van dolls houses, castles, garages and pirate ships; • Great Lego and Playmobil sets; • Djeco arts and crafts; • Science kits, Mystyle designer jewellery;
• Toys that are a bit different; • Stocking fillers; and • 10% off all orders over £20 with your TAG Pass it on card For a great range of toys to suit both kids and pocket come into the shop or go online at www.giddygoattoys.co.uk. Our toys are for life and not just for Christmas!
2 Albert Hill Street . Didsbury . Manchester . M20 6RF Telephone: 0161 445 1097 @giddygoat toys
/giddygoattoys
TOYS · BO OKS · GAMES · GI FTS
• Board games and books for toddlers to teens.
The Slow Toys Movement
5
Toys without the noise The Slow Toys Movement was launched in 2011 by Theirry Bourett, a UK based toy distributor who, inspired by the alternative to fast food offered by the Slow Food Movement, wanted to showcase the range of fantastic, high quality, sustainably produced toys available that don’t just rely on flashing lights, tinny musical sounds and bright plastic to keep our children entertained.
the concept announced that there would be a Slow Toys Award in 2012. With this they aimed to further raise awareness of the importance of traditional toys that encourage children’s learning and exploration.
Instead it focuses on toys that ‘are well made and well thought out. It’s not a matter of having 27 functions or whatever, it’s the playablility of it,’ and that’s surely something that all parents really want from a good toy – toys that will encourage children’s imaginations and development and which are more likely to be passed down the generations.
• Inspires the development of one’s own imagination
Like the Slow Food Movement, his campaign aims to support and promote toys sourced ethically and toys that let the child develop at their own pace. Such was the success of the Slow Toys Movement in 2011, that the team behind
The judging panel was searching for products which met the following criteria:• Encourages traditional play • Boosts creative thinking
• Not made of plastic • Without batteries • Sold in independent toy shops • Durable, stands the test of time • Without thousands of different functions
sense to buy sturdy toys that will stand the test of time, be loved, fondly remembered and actually worth the price you pay. Wooden blocks, for example, are almost indestructable and will give years of play – younger children will enjoy building and knocking down towers, whilst older children will have fun creating imaginary castles or houses. Other classic traditional toys that fulfil the Slow Toys criteria include dolls houses, garages, castles, pirate ships, play kitchens, while for older children lego is, of course, an obvious choice. We stock them all at Giddy Goat Toys! Amanda Alexander Giddy Goat Toys
The winners include traditional toys like the ones we stock in Giddy Goat Toys where we also love the idea of child led play. In these cash pressed times it makes
For more information on the Slow Toy Movement visit
www.slowtoymovement.com
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Didsbury People Deborah Grace talks to Wendy Elliott, manager of the Oxfam general shop and adjacent bookshop on Wilmslow Road, Didsbury. How long have you worked for Oxfam? I’ve worked for Oxfam for 15 years and became manager of the Didsbury shops six years ago. What gets you out of bed in the morning? A lovely cup of tea, brought up to me by my husband, Malc. I’m definitely a morning person; up by 6 am and rushing about. It drives my family mad! I immediately focus on the day ahead and always have a mental list of what needs to be done. What do you most enjoy about your job? I love the variety. I never know what the day will bring and no two days are the same. One minute I’ll be sorting through bags of donated clothes; the next I could be in a meeting with Oxfam Chief Executive, Dame Barbara Stocking. Which particular challenges do you face in your role as manager? Managing volunteers is at once one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the job. I work with people from a huge variety of backgrounds. The important thing is to use their individual skills and experience to the best advantage. My current volunteers include a journalist,
a former head teacher, an artist and a former sex therapist! Which important qualities do you bring to your role? Excellent people skills are a must as is a good knowledge of your product. And a sense of humour helps! It’s hard work being an Oxfam shop manager and you certainly don’t sign up for the money! A real commitment to the charity is essential. It’s very rewarding when you realise the funds you’ve raised are being used to build a school for a poor community in the developing world. How important is your relationship with the local community? Absolutely vital. Without the support and generosity of local people we couldn’t achieve anything and we are so grateful. We rely on them for donations, volunteering and for their support of fundraising events such as our annual book festival. Involving ourselves in local community events, such as Didsbury Festival, and visiting local schools also helps raise Oxfam’s profile in the area. Is there anything that would make your job easier and enhance outcomes for the shops? We’re always desperate for
more donations and volunteers. Times are hard and the competition – particularly from other charity shops - is tough. Also, shoplifting is an increasing problem for all charity shops and the sooner it’s addressed the better. We’re all vulnerable and apart from the loss of valuable stock, there’s the time wasted in dealing with incidents. Tell me about your preparations for Christmas. We’ve saved up a huge range of high quality gifts and designer label party wear donated during the year. We’ve just received donations of lovely new books from several publishers. We have a great range of gifts, food and chocolate in our new products section. And if you’re stuck for ideas, there’s also Oxfam Unwrapped. All we need now is for people to come in and do their Christmas shopping! If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I’d love to be able to fly and see what’s going on all over the world. I’d also like to be able to read people’s minds because I’m nosy! Which three words best sum up Didsbury for you? Community, variety and vibrancy. That’s why I’m so happy to be here!
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Lady Bountiful
Size 18-32
Plus Size Fashion
Continental Designer Clothing • Casual • Evening Wear
605a Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, M21 9AN
0161 861 9721
Alexander Technique individual sessions and groups
Sue Fleming MSTAT www.alexanderteaching.co.uk ☎ 07796470163 Burton Road Clinic Didsbury Chequers Road Chorlton
new 10 week introductory course 8 January, Fallowfield
Pauline Leng
MSTAT
www.alexandertechniquemanchester.net
☎ 07821470349 Didsbury Holistic Centre and Lidgate Grove Didsbury
www.ladybountiful.co.uk
Village Physio & Sports Injury Clinic • • • • • •
Physiotherapy Sports Massage Massage in Pregnancy Core Strengthening Podiatry Ergonomic Assessments
3 Warburton Street, Didsbury Village, Manchester M20 6WA 0161 448 7844 didsburyphysio@btinternet.com www.didsburyphysio.co.uk
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In need of a short term cash loan, why not use our discreet pawnbroking service using your jewellery, diamond rings or prestige watch to secure your loan. CASHPOINT All major foreign currencies stocked Ring for Today’s Prices 724 WILMSLOW ROAD, DIDSBURY VILLAGE, NEXT DOOR TO M&S. Telephone: 0161 434 5841 www.cashpointdidsbury.com
Book Reviews
After 21 years, Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s award-winning, seasonal classic retains its irresistible appeal – for children and adults alike – as it is quite simply stuffed full of delightful surprises tucked into real envelopes bound into the fabric of the book.
The Jolly Christmas Postman Janet & Allan Ahlberg
The Jolly Postman rides again … with more real letters and presents, too, in his Christmas postbag as he bikes through the snow and spreads festive cheer to a host of well-known characters loved by children everywhere!
A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens
Merry Christmas! … every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding. I’m sure I’m not alone in sympathising with literature’s most celebrated skinflint. I
There’s a gift for Red Riding Hood from the Big, Bad Wolf (I’d be very wary if I were her!); a personalised jigsaw puzzle for a convalescent Humpty Dumpty; a miniature Christmas annual, packed with jokes and stories for the Gingerbread Boy and a Christmas card from Goldilocks to the three, no four (Baby now has an even babier brother) Bears! Introducing this picture book to small children is
9
Deborah Grace like unwrapping a great, big Christmas present every time. The rhyming text and brightly coloured illustrations perfectly complement each other with each re-reading revealing something previously unspotted in the rich background detail of the images. Most impressively, this is a picture book that acknowledges the capability of very young children to respond intelligently to literature. By referencing familiar nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters, the narrative draws its young readers into a sophisticated literary joke and encourages them to think beyond the limits of conventional story closure. Recommended for children from three years plus.
do love Christmas, but in the frantic build-up to the Big Day, I’ll find myself Bah! Humbugging and wishing the ghastly ordeal over for another year. Ironically, it is stingy Ebenezer – or rather his creator, Charles Dickens – we have to thank for the seasonal madness that characterises Christmas as we know it today. In pre-Victorian times, Yuletide observance was apparently a sober affair, but A Christmas Carol, an instant critical hit in 1843, was largely responsible for reviving the turkey-withall- the-trimmings merrymaking quashed by the Puritan Scrooges of 17th century England.
of ghostly visitors, has been adapted several times for stage and screen. Nothing, however, beats the book and re-reading it year after year has become something of a seasonal highlight for me. The ghosts are truly terrifying and the warmth of Dickens’ vision of a joyous Yuletide is tempered by his critique of Victorian industrialisation and the desperate plight of the poor. Most enjoyable is the book’s delicious use of language and tongue-in-cheek humour; take, for instance the early character assassination of poor, old Scrooge: ‘… a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!’
Dickens’ classic tale of a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas from a series
Merry Christmas and God Bless Us, Every One!
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The Sweetest Shop In Didsbury
Remember the days when you used to gasp with excitement as the choice of sweets was too much to take in? Remember the days when you used to go into a shop with a smile and leave with an even bigger smile...? Well now you can step into a world where these memories can be re-lived and everything you see is a sweet treat for you to enjoy and reminisce.... After phenomenal success with its first shop in Bramhall, The Best Sweet Shop in the World Ever is now opening a new shop in Didsbury and you are warmly welcome to experience this fantastic world of sweets. With a range of over 100 pick and mix sweets, 120 traditional sweets in jars and a range of handmade chocolate there is sure to be something that will tempt you. The store is themed around a cocktail of Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory images, with teapots, secret passages and rabbits throughout the store. A Sweet Thought is owned and run by local business woman Suzanne Phoenix. Married with 2 young children, Suzanne runs a successful business and busy home life. Balancing the demands of shop life with home is never easy, but with a great team around her Suzanne is looking forward to the challenge. Local tradesmen and design agency INDUSTRY Design have helped bring this whole experience together and the result is a magical, fairy tale world of sweets and treats for all the family. A Sweet Thought Didsbury opens on Saturday 8th December. A Sweet Thought Didsbury
812b Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6UH
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NEW
Kid’s pa
rties
IN THE WORLD P O H S T E E W S THE BEST ! Y A Y o t comes
DIDSBURY
ught’ our first store, ‘a Sweet Tho After phenomenal success in sbury. We cater for whatever is delighted to be opening in Did ion as providing the largest select your taste buds desire. As well your favorite traditional & retro of pick & mix in the UK and all vice for party bags, wedding sweets, we offer a bespoke ser ditional Sweet Cart available for favors & gifts. We also have tra , guests with sweets at Weddings hire - perfect for indulging your Parties or Corporate events. We are happy to discuss any individual requirements So call in for a chat!
tthought.co.uk enquiries@aswee 812b Wilmslow Road Didsbury Manchester M20 6UH
Sh
7575 0 4 4 1 ught.co.uk op: 016 www.asweettho
Please visit our sister store too on ack lane, bramhall.
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‘ tis the season to be
Healthy!
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me‌.a bout of the flu and an infectious cold sore! Yes it is that time of year again when we enjoy socializing with friends, work colleagues and family and it can also mean excessive alcohol, consuming rich foods and experiencing more stress as we frantically do last minute Christmas shopping. So we have put together 12 easy steps to a healthy Christmas and an even healthier new year...
1 Protect your liver. Take the herb Milk Thistle to protect and support the liver from the effects of alcohol. 2 Avoid infections. Elderberry, Olive Leaf, vitamin C and Probiotics can boost the immune system to help flight off infections. 3 Anxiety and low mood. Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) or Rhodiola can help with post holiday depression. 4 Stress and stamina. Support your nervous system and increase energy levels by taking a good vitamin B
complex or Rhodiola which can help the body adapt to various forms of stress. 5 Digestive Aids. For over indulgence look out for a high potency Digestive Aid formula with a combination of enzymes to aid digestion and relieve bloating. 6 Avoid and treat cold sores. The amino acid Lysine has been shown to prevent the recurrence of and speed recovery from cold sores. 7 Take a walk. Get out into the fresh air and have a stroll.
8 Eat healthy foods. Try and avoid chocolate and enjoy eating dried fruits, satsumas, dates and nuts which are all packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre. 9 Make something. Get creative and invest some time in having some fun making decorations or Christmas cards. 10 Turn the TV off! Spend quality time catching up with friends, family or your partner. 11 Keep off the excess pounds. Try taking a slimming supplement such as Green Tea, CLA or a natural fat binder. 12 Finally take some time out for your self. It is important to give yourself some space to relax and recharge your batteries so you can start 2013 feeling refreshed. Sarah at HealthySpririt
Free events at HealthySpirit Spiritual Healing
Service of Light Celebration
Saturday 8th December 2.00pm-3.00pm
Monday 17th December 7.30pm-9.00pm.
Laughing Yoga
Meditation Group
Saturday 8th December 11.00am-12.00pm
Every Monday 1.00pm-2.00pm Every Tuesday 11.00am-12.00pm Every Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm
Toning and Mantra Chanting Circle Saturday 15th December 11.00am-12.00pm
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ECHO Vapour
Electronic Cigarette Healthier Option
SERVING BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT SERVING BODY, MIND AND SERVING BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT SPIRIT Healthyspirit is a health and spiritual shop Healthyspirit is health and shop Healthyspirit is a ahealing health centre. and spiritual spiritual shop with a holistic We offer: with a holistic healing centre. We offer:
DIETARY Wholefoods DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS dietary supplements SUPPLEMENTS FLOWER ESSENCES FLOWER flowerESSENCES essences FLOWER ESSENCES HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES homoeopathic remedies HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES BOOKS BOOKS books BOOKS CDS (MEDITATION (MEDITATION AND AND MUSIC) MUSIC) CDS cds(MEDITATION (meditation & MUSIC) CRYSTALS & GIFTSAND CDS CRYSTALS music) & GIFTS WORKSHOPS CRYSTALS & GIFTS WORKSHOPS crystals & gifts WORKSHOPS
HOLISTIC TREATMENTS HOLISTIC TREATMENTS holistic treatments TREATMENTS MEDITATION CLASSES MEDITATION CLASSES meditation classes MEDITATION CLASSES SPIRITUAL SPIRITUAL HEALING HEALING spiritual healing & & GUIDANCE SPIRITUAL HEALING guidance & GUIDANCE DRU YOGA YOGA DRU KUNDALINI YOGA DEEKSHA BLESSING DRU YOGABLESSING DEEKSHA CHI KUNG ATTUNEMENTS DEEKSHA BLESSING ATTUNEMENTS attunements ATTUNEMENTS workshops HOLISTIC
Visit our website for more Information or buy online:
Visit our website for more Information or buy online: Visit our website for more Information or buy online: WWW.HEALTHY-SPIRIT.COM
WWW.HEALTHY-SPIRIT.COM FREE POST AND PACKAGING WITH FIRST ORDER WWW.HEALTHY-SPIRIT.COM AND RECEIVE A £5 VOUCHER TO BE USED ON FREE POST AND PACKAGING WITH FIRST ORDER NEXT PURCHASE OVER FREE AND WITH FIRST ORDER ANDPOST RECEIVE APACKAGING £5 VOUCHER TO£25.00 BE USED ON AND RECEIVE A £5 VOUCHER TO£25.00 BE USED ON NEXT OVER OR CALL IN ANDPURCHASE CHAT WITH OUR FRIENDLY STAFF AT: PURCHASE OVERDIDSBURY, £25.00 37NEXT BARLOW MOOR ROAD,
MANCHESTER M20 6TW. TEL:FRIENDLY 0161 434 6784 OR CALL IN AND CHAT WITH OUR STAFF AT: OROPEN CALL37 INBARLOW AND CHAT WITHROAD, OUR STAFF AT: MONDAY-SATURDAY fromFRIENDLY 09.30am-5.00pm MOOR DIDSBURY, 37 BARLOW MOOR ROAD, DIDSBURY, MANCHESTER M20 6TW. TEL: 0161 434 6784 MANCHESTER M20 6TW.from TEL: 0161 434 6784 OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 09.30am-5.00pm OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY from 09.30am-5.00pm
224 Fog Lane, Didsbury M20 6EL 0161 434 1624
Are you a smoker? Thinking of giving up or just looking for a healthier way to smoke? Well, why not call in and give an E-cig a try? Suppliers of E-cigs, E-liquids, and all your accessories! Starter kits, batteries,Viva Novas, atomizers & spare parts, cases, etc...
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Namaste Nepal TANDOORI, NEPALESE & INDIAN CUISINE
FINE DINING
TAKE AWAY SERVICE
CHRISTMAS LUNCH ONLY £7.50*
*Christmas Lunch - 1st - 31st December 12pm - 2:30pm
BOOK YOUR TABLE TODAY :
0161 445 9060 07958 643 096
OPENING HOURS : Sun - Thur 5pm - 12am Fri & Sat 5pm - 1am
Come and see us at 748 Wilmslow Rd Didsbury
Home Delivery (3 mile radius) 10% DISCOUNT FOR COLLECTION Visit our website to view our full menu www.namaste-nepal.co.uk facebook.com/thenamastenepal 164-166 Burton Road • West Didsbury • Manchester • M20 1LH
TEL: 0161 445 9060 or 0161 448 8353 Email: info@ namaste-nepal.co.uk
Fosters Didsbury voted one of the
TOP TEN FISH & CHIP RESTAURANTS in the whole of the UK Eat in and take out available 812 Wilmslow Rd Didsbury Village
0161 445 4430 @fostersfish
www.fostersfishandchips.com
Community
Clubs, Societies & Groups
www.friendsofdidsbury park.co.uk
Acting For Fun Central Didsbury 431 4794
Friends of Fletcher Moss Park Alan Hill 215 0971 awhill@globalnet.co.uk
Didsbury Amateur Dramatics www.celestaplayers.co.uk Didsbury Civic Society www.didsburycivicsociety. org.uk Didsbury Cricket Club www.didsburyccsports. co.uk
Friends of Marie Louise Gardens www.marielouisegardens. org.uk South Manchester Camera Club www.smcc.org.uk Didsbury Over 50s Group 247 2323
The Classroom on School Lane Learn new a new craft 24 School Lane www.classroomschool lane.com Wendy Levy Art Gallery 17 Warburton Street Didsbury, 446 4880
Jazz Tuesdays at 8.45pm at the Slug and Lettuce, 651 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury. creativespaceinfo. blogspot.com
Environment on Call 954 9000
Didsbury Good Neighbours Every Tuesday, 1011.45am coffee morning. Didsbury Sure Start Centre, Didsbury Park 07749 504298 www.didsburygood neighbours.com
West Didsbury Bookgroup Meets every four weeks at 7.30pm. Lively mixed group of all ages. Call 445 4483 leaving your name, address & landline
Stax of Soul Wednesdays 9.30pm-12 Thursdays DJ Pip Rolfe Weekend warm up till 1am One Lounge Bar 1 Lapwing lane www.oneloungebar.co.uk 448 0101
West Didsbury Residents Association Pam Siddons 445 5406 www.westdidsbury.org.uk
Therapy at Sanctuary Bar Thursday night DJ 7–midnight every week. 653 Wilmslow Road
Didsbury Village Women’s Institute www.didsburyvillagewi. co.uk Manchester Flower Lovers’ Guild First Monday of the month for flower demonstrations. Refreshments at 7.15 for 7.30 start. Visitors welcome £5 St Werburghs Church Hall, Chorlton M21 0TJ Anne 881 6591, collierann@btintnet.com flowersnorthwest.net Friends of Didsbury Park
Arts & Crafts May Wild Ceramics Gallery, Chorlton Exhibition ‘Manchester Made” ceramics from 7 local Manchester ceramicists,affordable tableware & gifts to sculptural interior/ exterior design pieces Visitors welcome by appointment, please email: maywildceramics@ gmail.com www.maywild.co.uk www.facebook.com/ maywildceramics
Useful Numbers Didsbury Library 227 3755
South Manchester U3A Meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 2pm, Emmanuel Church. Contact Edna 434 2509
Didsbury Village East Residents Association www.dvera.co.uk
adopters, foster carers and their children. Meets every two months in south Manchester. newfamilysocial.co.uk email: nwdevelopment@ newfamilysocial.co.uk
Music & Entertainment
Didsbury Dinners http://didsburydinners. wordpress.com For general enquiries/ Community growing group: didsburydinners@ yahoo.co.uk Community cooking group: community. cooking@yahoo.co.uk
South Manchester Dance School 107 Clyde Road West Didsbury, 445 5308
I N D E X15
Pub Quiz Dog and Partridge Every Monday 9.30 Cash Jackpot 667 Wilmslow Road Tel: 0871 951 1000
Social & Support Groups Didsbury Social Group didsburysocial@live.co.uk www.didsburysocial. jigsy.com Social Circle Social and activity group. Walks, meals, weekends away, quiz nights, live music, dancing, theatre, comedy Tel: 0161 434 0098, or 07767 686 177 www. social-circle.co.uk New Family Social UK charity for LGBT
Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service 905 1100 Manchester City Council 234 5000
East Didsbury Councillors Andrew Simcock cllr.a.simcock@ manchester.gov.uk Andrew Taylor cllr.a.taylor@manchester. gov.uk Bridie Adams cllr.b.adams@manchester. gov.uk
West Didsbury Councillors Mark Clayton cllr.m.clayton@ manchester.gov.uk Carl Ollerhead cllr.c.ollerhead@ manchester.gov.uk David Ellison cllr.d.ellison@manchester. gov.uk
14 16
News Bulletin JP & Brimelow - Didsbury Lettings Specialists JP & Brimelow has an enviable reputation across South Manchester. With branches in Chorlton, Didsbury and Withington, the local knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm of the lettings and estate agency teams has helped thousands of tenants and landlords since the business began in 1998. The experienced and locally based lettings team has an in-depth knowledge of the local rental market. Didsbury offers a wide range of properties; from contemporary one bedroom apartments to sizeable family homes with generous outdoor space. The Lettings Team is headed by ARLAqualified company director Rebecca Whitehead and lettings manager Lucy Brown and between them the whole team has more than 30 years experience at the Didsbury branch. It’s no surprise to learn
then, that an average property let is only on the rental market for one to two weeks.
The Lettings Team at JP & Brimelow
Love living in M20!
Call the Team on: 0161 445 2300
Targeted Marketing The Didsbury team is focused on using the latest technology to ensure a targeted approach to marketing. Making use of not only the major online property portals, including Rightmove, the team uses both Twitter and it’s own dedicated iPhone app, which allows tennants to identify their perfect property match whilst on the go. Call the Team on: 0161 445 2300 DIDSBURY LETTINGS 721 Wilmslow Rd Didsbury M20 6WF @jpandbrimelow
LETTINGS: 0161 445 2300 lettings@jpbrimelow.co.uk
Offices also in: Chorlton 0161 882 2244 Withington 0161 434 6169
chorltonlettings@jpbrimelow.co.uk withingtonlettings@jpbrimelow.co.uk
www.jpandbrimelow.co.uk
We can rent property ‘till the cows come home... Tell your current agent to moove over, choose JP & Brimelow.
When it comes to letting out your property, we have expert local knowledge and experience, giving you peace of mind that your valuable asset is in the care of professionals. Our extensive letting services offer you:• Market appraisal
• Collection of rent
• Accompanied viewings
• Arrears procedures
• Retention of original legal paperwork
• Marketing
• Tenant contact
• Empty care
• Referencing of applicant
• Advice throughout the tenancy
• Check outs
• Tenancy agreements
• Repairs and maintenance
• Section 48
• Quarterly property visits
• Standing order
• Renewals and extensions
• Inventory
• Rent increases
• Deposit registration
• Serving of legal notices
• Deposit releases • Deposit disputes • Court appearances • Legal fees incurred in the case of seeking possession or any claims through the court
Call our SALES team today to0161 find out more! SALES: 448 0622 Offices also in: DIDSBURY
Chorlton 2233 0161 chorlton@jpbrimelow.co.uk 748a Wilmslow Rd 2300didsbury@jpbrimelow.co.uk Didsbury 0161 445 | Withington 0161 434 61690161 | 882 Chorlton 882 2244 Withington 0161 445 9700 withington@jpbrimelow.co.uk Didsbury M20 2DW
www.jpandbrimelow.co.uk
@jpandbrimelow
@jpandbrimelow
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Freewheeling!
Harriet & Dee 8 & 9 Warburton Street, Didsbury, M20 6WA www.harrietanddee.co.uk | www.harrietanddeegifts.co.uk
01613382500
Free adult cycle safety skills sessions www.bikeright.co.uk/ freewheeling or call 0161 230 7007 See website for terms and conditions
GUITAR/SONGWRITING LESSONS • Ideal as a Christmas present (gift cards available)
• Learn songs, styles or grades • Fun and informal • I travel to you • Lessons start from £11 • 5 years+ teaching adults and children • Fully CRB checked
Call: 07906 203388 domkearne@gmail.com www.dominickearne.com
The Didsbury Handyman 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
v
19
Competition
win
ÂŁ25
Can you identify where these Didsbury Santas can be found hanging around? If you can tell us which Didsbury businesses they work in you could be in with a chance of winning ÂŁ25 cash.
a.
cash
b.
c.
d.
To enter, email win@communityindex.co.uk or send a postcard with your answers to Community Index, 34 Manchester Rd, Chorlton, M21 9PH by December 30th. The winner will be picked at random from the entries that identify the most correct Santa businesses and will be announced in the Februray edition of Community Index. Thank you to Carol Thompson at TAG! for taking the photographs & all the Didsbury Santas for taking part!
e.
Rooty salad 20
with ginger and orange Serves 2–3 as a side salad
2 medium sized beetroots (no bigger than a cricket ball) 2 medium sized carrots (equal in amount to the beetroot) Celeriac (equal to half the amount of beetroot) 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds Small piece of fresh ginger 1 orange 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tbsp chopped parsley Peel and grate or julienne the beetroot, carrot and celeriac and place in a bowl.
Unicorn Grocery 89 Albany Road Chorlton M21 0BN www.unicorn-grocery.co.uk
Recipe reproduced from Didsbury Dinners: The Low-Carbon Community Cookbook, with kind permission from the editor Amanda Woodvine.
Didsbury Dinners is an
80-page A4 glossy paperback packed full of recipes from local residents and groups. Buy your copy for just £6.99 from The Albert Club and Didsbury Civic Society. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards promoting local food sustainability. didsburydinners@yahoo.co.uk
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan until they ‘pop’, then allow to cool and add to the root vegetables. Peel and finely chop the ginger and stir into the salad. Add the juice and zest of the orange taking care not to include any pith as this will add a bitter taste. Mix together the oil and vinegar and pour over salad.
“This is a salad for autumn and winter, using some rooty veg varieties raw that many people only ever eat cooked. The UK excels at producing root veg, and UK field crops like these are really low input and therefore low carbon. If you think they’re boring, now is the time to give them a go in a salad like this.”
© Chava Eichner
Add the chopped parsley. Mix well and serve.
21
Acorn
CHIMNEY SWEEPING SERVICES
Call John 0161 445 3650
Wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
open fires, boilers Agas, multi-fuel stoves, birds nests removed www.acornchimneysweepingservices.co.uk
Biscuithead & the Biscuit Badgers
Dinosaurs
Membership Fees £25 for independents £75 for larger companies info@didsburytraders.co.uk
NACS member
www.biscuithead.co.uk
Advertising in Community Index commu c noitmy co m & Whall ey
Nov 2012
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22
The
Community Index
Guide to
Festive Gift Giving
The Gift of Song I’ve been teaching guitar and songwriting in Manchester, Stockport and Bolton for over 5 years. I began teaching when I was approached by people who’d seen me perform at gigs and because I don’t come from a classical or traditional background (I only have 3 fingers on my fretting hand and I’m self taught to a Grade 8 distinction on guitar) I tend to use more unorthodox methods to teach. I believe it’s important to recognise that everyone learns differently and for this reason I have a lot of success with people who might not otherwise think it was something they could do, or have maybe had a difficult time with other teachers. Many of my students say they wish they’d
started lessons when they were younger but I firmly believe it’s never too late. I teach as many retirees who want to bang out tunes and finger-pick without reading music as I do children learning grades and standard notation. Music is for everyone and there WILL be a method we can find to get you to make it. Although I teach a lot of people on a weekly basis I also offer lessons intermittently for those wishing to refine their playing or writing without committing to a regular slot. For anyone interested in learning I travel to you and I offer new-starters 6 lessons for the price of 5 and, if you’re thinking of buying lessons for a loved one, I do gift cards for Christmas and Birthdays. I also teach on a pay as you go basis with the first lesson offered at half price. There are lots of testimonials on my website, please call me if you have any queries. Dominic Kearne www.dominickearne.com 07906 203388
Finding a unique gift online or in high street stores can be nigh-on impossible and if you’re anything like us you’ll be struggling to find inspiration. Maybe some of these lovely gift ideas will be just the thing...
A History of Didsbury
This 30 minute film covers some of the historical events which have affected Didsbury over the last 800 years. In full colour and using some of the Didsbury community as actors. The film brings to life some scenes from Didsbury’s history. The DVD costs £6.00 or £10 for two copies; proceeds to the Didsbury Community Film Group. Contact Peter Gidman for further details 07930 342142 or petergidman@gmail.com Pick up a copy from Didsbury Library or Harriet & Dee.
23
A Crafty Gift
Why not treat someone to the book of Festive Craft Projects with recycled materials? It’s full of innovative, easy and thrifty crafts to suit all ages and abilities. From turning junkmail into gift toppers to folding newspaper into bags and even rolling used wrapping paper into jewellery, this colourful 20 projects book takes you through each step with photographed tutorials. Only £5 Available from the website www.rubbishrevamped.org.uk/book_festive. html Rubbish Revamped run recycled craft workshops for individuals and organisations. Contact Danielle at danielle@rubbishrevamped.org.uk or on 07910 270 789. www.rubbishrevamped.org.uk
Have a friend made for you
If you’re looking for a present that’s a bit different, maybe even something personalised to show it’s not just been whipped off a shelf, you’d be hard pressed to find something more original than one of ‘Helen Makes’ crocheted Monster Friends. Helen crochets these to order working from just a couple of photos and a short description. No detail is too hard and she says, the weirder, the better! Posing for you here are two recently made Monster Friends, ordered by Danielle for her husband Bruce as an anniversary present. “As Bruce
is a keen runner, I asked Helen to dress him in runing gear. He’s also got a medal and of course his football team scarf” said Danielle “I’m a bit jealous of his long legs in real life too, but very taken with my hair and purple glittery top!” There are more Monster Friends - and their owners - to look at on her website gallery at www.helenmakes.co.uk Monsters cost £50 for standard sized ones and £30 for smaller
ones. To order your monster for a friend, family member or even for yourself or your pet (yes, really!) contact Helen at helenmakes@gmail.com
24
10 Reasons to
Shop Local & Independent at Christmas 1 Independents are one-of-a kind. It’s this character which helps attract other new businesses, residents, visitors and investment to the area.
6 A local business is more likely to purchase from another local business. Money spent locally stays local for longer, thereby bringing disproportionate 2 You are greeted and served benefits to our local economy and job-creation. by the owner. Someone with a unique passion and honed 7 Boosts the local economy. knowledge of the products If we all switched a they are selling and the small proportion of our community they are serving. weekly spend to our local independents the boost to 3 Locally owned companies the local economy would be contribute to local school sizeable. fairs, charity events & community groups by way of prizes, donations and help with publicity.
4 Independents are part of the very fabric of Didsbury and have a personal stake in its well-being, guaranteeing that they act in the interests of the wider community.
8 Green Didsbury. Shopping local means less traffic & reduced pollution and if our streets are less
crowded with cars we can enjoy a more pleasant and safer walking and cycling environment. 9 Competition & diversity. More Didsbury independent businesses creates competition & diversity on our high street leading to more choice & lower prices. 10 Local discounts. Local Didsbury independents are more likely to value your custom & are far more likely to offer discounts for loyalty both individually and collectively.
5 Resilient & green. We need a strong independent sector, accountable to the local area.
You can buy your TAG! cards online at www.tagpassiton.com or at participating businesses. A warm welcome awaits at the TAG! Pass It On Didsbury Community scheme.
25
www.treestation.co.uk 0161 231 3333
Local Ethical Tree Work & Firewood We are a unique social enterprise that provides high quality arboricultural services, including planting, pruning, emergency call-outs, dismantling and felling, along with tree safety surveys. Our service is professional and sensitive both to our clients’ needs and to environmental concerns. We are SAFEcontractor accredited. And what other tree surgeons regard as waste, we regard as opportunity – everything is used, to make truly local hardwood firewood; timber for joinery; mulch for local allotments; compost; and biomass woodchip. Firewood prices, including free local delivery: 1 Cubic Metre for £100 | 2 for £190 | 3 for £270
Greater Manchester TreeStation Ltd - A Society for the Benefit of the Community committed to combating climate change, FSA Mutuals registered number 31552R
Our wide selection of Wedding Cakes and Special Occasion Cakes are designed and hand crafted to suit all tastes from traditional to modern.
Christmas cakes, mince pies, truffles and lots of other Xmas goodies now in store!
christmas cakes • wedding cakes birthday cakes • christening cakes • fancies 35 Gorton Road, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 6AZ 0161 442 7581 new store 30 Copson Street, Withington, M20 3HB 0161 312 1412
www.classiccakes.org
26
December in your Garden Our local gardening expert reflects on winter berries...
December can be a contemplative month, inviting us to reflect on the year past and consider certain decisions for the near future. Whether we’ll be able to get to the Christmas markets on an early evening when a. we will miss the crowds and b. it’s not raining, may be one of them. Another more philosophical contemplation usually hinges around an observance of time – how quickly it passes - and on how nature exemplifies a sense of continual renewal that is both reliable and predictable.
Once the leaves have fallen and the winter garden takes on a sparser, skeletal frame, the things that stand out all the more are the usually bright and seasonally rich winter berries. There is something about winter berries that taps into a pseudo-christian mythological imagination (say that after three schooners of sweet sherry) – the stuff of Victorian Christmas cards and carols, and there is something in it. Religious or not, certain trees bearing winter berries have an ancient history of mythology attached to them. The yew tree (Taxus baccata) is perhaps the most prolific with olive-like, bright red seed cones, a tree associated with immortality, renewal and regeneration – which is ironic seeing as every part of the tree is poisonous. There are said to be yew trees dating back thousands of years, pre-dating Britain’s cemeteries and churchyards where they stand in number,
Garden Design Planting Advice Consultation Service Project Managment
07989968841 www.fatgrass.co.uk
revered by the Celts and worshipped by Druids.
We have veteran yew trees at Dunham Massey and in Wythenshawe park. One of the oldest at around 2,000 years, with a girth of 31feet, stands in the grounds of a ruined priory in Berkshire. The yew was also the original Christmas tree. Other winter berry-bearing shrubs that have graced British gardens, parks and roadsides for many years, but which are sometimes overlooked, are things like the common Spindle – Euonymous europaeus – with its vibrant pink and orange winged fruits and more unusually, the ‘Beauty Berry’ - Callicarpa bodinieri (var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ is recommended by horticulturalists) which has stand-out purple berries from October onwards. Perhaps the best known December berry and always worth having in the garden, is the holly – Ilex aquifolium – but remember the berries appear on the female variety and (unlike in the human variety) may need a male in close proximity to bear fruit.
Katherine Watson,
Fat Grass Garden Designs
27
Chorlton Trade Paints With our designer tinting machines we can mix 1,000s of colours in a wide variety of finishes and sizes while you wait Tel: 0161 881 8337
£10 discount with this advert
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
Rooms For Hire
The Old Parsonage Stenner Lane, Didsbury
Photo © David Leitch
Re-opened in September 2012, after extensive repairs and refurbishment, as a community hub, is now available for lettings. A variety of rooms are available for hire accommodating from 8 to 60 people. Didsbury Parsonage Trust
Tel: Steve or Christine 0161 445 7661
Suitable for: • exhibitions • meetings • courses • workshops
• talks • seminars • Wedding & party enquiries welcome.
Offices to Rent Two well appointed offices available on the first floor
info@didsburyparsonagetrust.org.uk
28
Make yourself an Armadillo Tie Brooch Danielle Lowy from Rubbish Revamped shows you how to rustle up an original gift for someone who has everything … except for an armadillo brooch! It’s the perfect project for a tie that’s become too worn or stained on the front but might have some nice memories. Now where’s that old school tie? You will need •
45cm long skinny piece of tie
•
Stiff felt, about 10x10cm
•
Ruler
•
Two or three small buttons
•
One brooch backing
•
Needle & thread
•
Scissors
3. Stitch down the pointy piece of the tie.
6. Stuff some felt off-cuts into the back of the tie to fill the hole, then sew the felt head to the tie.
1. Cut a 45cm length from the thin end of a tie. Starting with the cut end, wind the tie in a spiral and sew it together along one side as you wind it.
4. Cut out your ears from the template - or make up your own version. Trace them on the felt and cut out the felt.
2. After about three winds, pull the tie into a bit of a cone shape to make a snout. Continue sewing until you reach the tip.
5. Sew the brooch backing onto the felt, near the top of the head.
7. Sew on buttons for eyes. Add one to the snout too if you like.
Invent your own tie creature. Can you get any crazier than Turkey Lurkey? Send your photos in to danielle@rubbishrevamped.org.uk for us to share.
29
&
Now how about revamping your friends’ and family’s socks into presents for them? You’ll find the Rubbish Revamped e-book, How to Make Monsters & Monkeys, available to download for just £3.00 on the website at www.rubbishrevamped. org.uk (psst, you can also do this with any naff socks you get for Christmas).
Not a fan of Armadillos or don’t want to cut up your new issue of Community Index?
Template
You can find other templates in Daneille’s book (see page 23) or be creative and make your own design using this template as a size estimate.
&
PHD PAINTING & DECORATING INTERIOR
•
EXTERIOR
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COMMERCIAL
Time Served Tradesman • Insurance Work • Free Estimates Philip H Duxbury www.phddecorating.co.uk
Tel: 0161 881 8300
Chorlton Carpenters Built in Furniture Plantation Shutters (Made in Chorlton)
Tel: 07917 035 270 www.chorltoncarpenters.co.uk
Mob: 07940 300 146 We clean your oven… so you don’t have to Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned Ian Glancy Mob Tel: 07580 765765
www.ovenwizards.com
07875 360 368
info@devrod.co.uk
30
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13 25
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