Scribble final by Cartwheelarts

Issue 15

Winter 2012

The

Co-operatiIsson ue

FREE CREATIVE WRITING MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY TELL US ANOTHER ONE AT CARTWHEEL ARTS

Hello Welcome to our latest instalment of creative writing treats. This year celebrates the UN International Year of Co-operatives. Combining this with the fact the Co-op started in Rochdale inspired us to devote an issue of Scribble to the movement. In the following pages you will find a host of stories which celebrate teams and working for the greater good. (We also have some devilish pieces on what happens when people don’t co-operate!)

Photos: Brian Slater & Maurice Jones

We are delighted to have contributions from the Co-op College and Rochdale Co-op Member Eileen Earnshaw so you can see where the ethos and practice all stems from. Enjoy!

Tell us Another one chapter fifteen

Emma Melling Editor

If you were free to fly Where you wanted When you wanted Where would you go? Would you go to the park? Sit down listening to children’s laughter Or maybe the beach? To hear the ocean swiftly moving Or to splash in the sea I would go all over the place I would search for the perfect place But that’s just me How I am Where would you go? © Ashleigh Haigh, age 11

If you would like to see your words in print enter our competitions on page 50.

We enjoyed some great projects over the summer. Despite the rain we performed poetry at Darnhill Festival, took groups out onto the Connect2Poetry trails, celebrated reading through Co-operative Crafts and Story Lab with Rochdale Libraries then played intergenerational games with 10 community centres across Greater Manchester in the Games Now and Then project. Some new projects began in the Autumn, such as Scribble and Scribe, with children from NESTAC (New Steps for African Communities) writing lyrics with MCs from In the Loop. We started a new writing group at Buckley Hall prison and Spotland Story Group have begun creating a large textiles piece inspired by the Hepworth Gallery. We supported the Red Cross Day of the Disappeared with work exhibited by Story Group members, went on a ghost hunt in Uppermill (!) performed at the Lexicon festival in Rochdale and watched professional actor Perveen Hussain perform the Village Girl script, written by Deeplish Story Group about settling in the UK. We are delighted that publicity for this was picked up by the BBC Asian Network. Well done on a great script ladies! We’re performing again at The Met in Bury on 28th November so check out the details on page 37 and we’ll tell you another one! www.tellusanotherone.org 3

Eileen Earnshaw has been part of the Rochdale Co-operative Members group since 2005 and has been the treasurer for nearly three years. Her first job when she left school in 1960 was at the Co-op Insurance office so it’s a way of life for Eileen! We are delighted she has given some background and insight into the movement for you to enjoy:

Close your eyes, just for a moment and imagine. How would it feel, to wake, cold, hungry, to have twelve to fourteen hours of noisy, manual work to do? Every single day with only one half day off every week. And having so little, poor quality food, you had no strength left to fight for survival, for yourself or your children. This was reality until 8pm on December 21st 1844 when a group of working men of Rochdale, financed by contributions from a tiny number of working people who bought stock, and set up shop at 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale. Goods were of the best quality available, sold at a fair price, and any profits were given back to customers in the form of a dividend. This is the Co-op, still owned by it’s customers. One idea that changed millions of lives. Every member has a vote, and can put themselves forward for election. From it’s beginnings, the Co-op has had a policy of gender parity. This was long before the suffragette movement of the late 19th Century. Co-ops are many, they vary enormously from large businesses, to tiny ones. Today, there are many diverse areas in which the concept of co-operation is an integral part of working strategy: banking, farming, etc. It is a leader in larger initiatives such as the Fairtrade movement and supporter of the grass roots efforts of people who join together to improve their communities in diverse areas other than retail. The Co-operative movement is about working always to uphold that the ethics and principles of the original group of Rochdale men. It is inspiring that today this still holds true.

Over to you...

Co-Operation Rainbows In this world of often unrecognised co-operatives where ants depend and bees’ lives thrive in this solar system this universe we’re ant-sized would-be equals striving for a prized Nelson Mandela co-operative of love, peace and sharing hearts and minds where Helen Keller’s heart saw true colours felt nature’s beautiful surprise and through her co-operational senses watched life blossom open your eyes to reality breath the free life-giving air that we all share life is a co-operative

If you want to get involved why not become a member? The Rochdale Co-operative Members Group meet on the third Tuesday of every month in The Baum, Toad Lane Rochdale at 8pm. All are welcome.

rainbow’s end © K. Lomas, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

How it all began (our Story Groups) Co-operation!!!! A friend passed on a message I told another friend Who passed it on to two others Who told other friends Now it is global © Frances Arden, Seedfield Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation My foster family We’re a team because we’re a foster family My role is to be a great sister And someone they can look up to. I make the foster child laugh by acting coocoo I hug them when they are feeling down I play with them at the playground When it’s time to say goodbye I always cry I feel so sad but also happy As what makes me happiest The top of my list Is that we’ve given that child Either mild or wild, that precious child The life they deserved.

Co-operation I started with Darnhill Festival Association last year. We are all volunteers for our community. We work out two or three main themes for the year. We do a Summer Festival, a Christmas Festival and fundraisers like the Pumpkin Fundraiser for Halloween. This year’s summer festival was the Gold Festival, celebrating 50 years for Darnhill estate, the Olympics, and the Queen’s Birthday. It was so well turned out and there were fantastic things to do. Now we are raising money for the next event. We never keep the money it all goes back into our community. We have roughly 12 volunteers and at least 2 are men. We make things for these events and have raffles and do stuff on the stage ranging from musical instruments and a choir (who are great singers) to our very own Tell Us Another One readings. This summer the audience listened eagerly. All the performers worked together and everyone from the Darnhill Festival Association worked together as a team. A lot of hard work went into the organising. I thoroughly enjoyed doing both parts to my satisfaction and greatly appreciated everyone involved. © Carol McGowan, Darnhill Story Group

Headmasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rules Knock knock postmaster rules hard as rocks light as clay one fantastic outstanding item after another stacked high in matt big brown crispy blendless paper nowt to do with sugar gum papers into beautiful things well earned whilst the big Cheshire cat whispers licks its whiskers dry clean with a cheeky little ding dong and little fresh pink cut reading international papers graves the hunger strikes whilst the thirst of a camel walks tall tatty sack of spuds spurned speared into words of wisdom and reason not self pity.

Begin with once upon the memory caged unbearable rants and raves redirected correct sole in the bitter forecast honey destined for maybe revenge even scores or lesson to learn not to mess about with the innocent forgiving who will never supposedly beat the game master pat with a fury black and white cat turning bad into good punish the damn evil with reason and discipline ground not immature with some help standing on the troubleshooter evened out creases almost like the church.

Another 3 knocks along with a strike 3 brothers and 3 sisters emerge in the thin open air marked Wolverhampton away from prying unfair faces pointing the finger who will pass judgment based on hard facts and listen carefully to all or some pre-mediated gabble not fall asleep stare back in the reflection and see the bigger fuller figure picture whilst raindrops drop and tap on the window time not standing still in your square pocket awaiting a new direction a new life a new place to roam free whilst a lot of sensible silly souls came back from the past maybe present and future refreshed refined ah fab restrictions hey resentment never in a million years the hills have eyes the cherry tree on top next door where are you?! 10 minute married walk from you again back to the cute-shop all eyes wide open on you! parcelforce always open A body or you The Headmasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple views ÂŠ Tara Casa, Coldhurst Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation 9

Family are good in a crisis

Over to you...

Co-Operation Private Pat’s mam cleaned the shop and offices at our local Co-op; after hours we were allowed to climb the spiral stairs and view rooms normally out of bounds.

As I crashed into horrible pain I went to a dark place. I went home struggling to take each step. My Mum and Dad supported me, helping me to recover from painful memories. I kept on repeating the flip of the car that caused this dreadful pain. With the loving care of my family I soon recovered, but how can I have so much stupidity when they warned me? I can’t run or jump now. Just because I tried to cross the road! © Ashleigh Haigh, age 11, Darnhill Story Group

School over we raided the bread bin and gobbled bread and jam at Pat’s empty house, then tootled round to see her mam cleaning the Co-op.... My mam and gran shopped there and got divvies but only we two kids were privy to the closed shop’s secret upstairs offices and loos......... We’d poke about a bit or empty a paper bin or two then go home for our tea wholesome Co-op food. © K. Lomas, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

Co-operation WORKING FOR THE COMMON GOOD, so the dictionary says. How many ways can we interpret that? Helping each other on a daily basis, caring for friends and family. Listening more and not being so quick to react. Stop seeing how things will affect us personally, seeing the other person’s point of view. Being able to see the bigger picture. Doing things without thought of reward. The world does not revolve around one person. Know that sharing your talents will make this world a better place. © Frances Arden, Seedfield Story Group

Without the customers there is no shop. Without their income there is no stock. Without the divvy there is no Co-op. © K. Lomas, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

Me and my friend co-operated in PE We bent trying to make a shape We were a bit late to perform it But it was great And we worked together As we will forever And this poem is so great because I’m writing it with a wonderful feather. © Shanelle Lamb, age 9, Darnhill Story Group, whilst using a feathered pen!

Over to you...

Co-Operation

Mutual co-operation usually achieves success. Disagreement usually puts a spoke in the wheel of thought. I don’t like people who disagree or can’t or won’t see your point of view deliberately. It’s nice to be co-operative. Co-operation among nations achieves peace. We are all created to help one another in this world or so we hope. Co-operation among couples attains unity and creates harmony in family life and gives the offspring stability, security and a sense of belonging and a feeling of patriotism and hence loyalty to the country. Co-operation at the Olympics produced pride and gold medals for many countries after much hard work and sweat. © Ophelia Morecroft, Fitton Hill Story Group

When writing a song then having it professionally recorded, there is so much team work that goes into the recording process. It requires team work, even on a one to one level - first setting up the technical equipment, microphones to catch the sound of your voice and microphones put on different sides of you to balance out the sound. The acoustics have to be right. The technician operates the controls from this side and you have to go over and over the song, so he with your help will select one of the sound tracks. Also the pace of the song has to be constant each time. The end result, hopefully a good result, is of a finished CD and team work. © John Morris, Fitton Hill Story Group

Norman came into Brownies one day and said “we are going to do poetry today”. We all had to work together as a team And it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. My day was so fantastic today Because I co-operated HIP HIP HOORAY! © Aleesha Lamb, age 10, Darnhill Story Group

Co-operative Fun Our usual Wednesday night, I pick up two smiling faces from school, Eager to see Granma, and they wonder about what swimsuit I have on, What colour is it Granma? Just one minute, I’ll pull my jumper up and have a look Three shakes of a monkeys tale Pierson he laughs and says it’s a lemon one I say it’s diddley scrumptious! Playing draughts I like to teach them new games, And then they teach me. O Granma, you forgot to take me Now I have to take yours, O ecky thump! Not concentrating. At the baths we all help each other to change and help to get into our swimming costumes. The little ones get all the clothes together and put them in the locker - “locked up Granma!”. Then we play in the pool and we have fun and all in all it’s been a good day helping one another. © Marie Hargreaves, Fitton Hill Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation The Party Team Another day, another birthday party. We have three parties in a space of three weeks. Too much for some? Not for us. We prepare for each party. We each have something different to do. Dad blows up the balloons. There’s the cooking of sausage rolls, pizza, and chicken drumsticks. That’s my job. Then there’s my daughter who makes the sandwiches. An aunt takes care of the drinks, and makes sure everyone has had one. Nana looks after the cakes, but not before the savouries have been eaten! This way it’s not too much for one person, and nothing gets forgotten. It all comes together with teamwork. © Carol Keys, Darnhill Story Group

My family is my team. Whenever the team has a problem We close ranks As a group we share knowledge If something needs repairing One of us will know what to do One of us may be ill The family call “need any shopping? What can we do?” The love we have for one another Will see my team through anything. © Doris Smith, Fitton Hill Story Group

Tattoo Co-operative Co-operation a team of football players determined to win © K. Lomas, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation No Duds or Divas I aspire to write the perfect poem. The clatter of the Story Group stills We start to write I listen to the rustle of us wrangling the reluctant words. I think that love is a beautiful thing Some people are afraid to love. If I sound like I am nagging it is only because I care. I love my family and my cats. Marriage is going through life together. Together we pick the blackberries. Harmony - co-operation - in sync Being together as one. My goal in life was to work hard and save So I could retire early and make the rest of our lives enjoyable. People achieve so many things In so many different ways. Tear & share cheese and onion herb plait… Absolutely delicious! I love Seedfield Story Group All inclusive, no duds or divas. One big happy, chatty, confident group We all aspire to write the perfect poem.

We work together my tattooists and me. New images spring forth out of my imagination. They have the means to create something out of nothing. Amazing arty designs forever on my skin. The girls love them and my mother hates them, way it is. Battle lines. From tarot card designs by Pixie to Great War warplanes spitting death, my inkers do the best. Nothing else will do, no 2nd place here when my upper body is nearly covered - arms, legs, chest, stomach and back. My legs are next. A flaming comet drawn by Ruth. I had my latest tattoos done by Wes at The Inkpot, Oldham. Only good thing in this mental town. My crazy butterflies on my chest. How it hurt, vodka and coke along with man flu. Emla numbing cream hardly helped. Pain for art: Luftwaffe and RAF butterflies. May to September, each week, I get a new tattoo. My bakery job pays for my ink. Fifty quid a pop. I don’t care, I work with Wes or Ginny and they do their art. A unique design is the result. The pain is often like a tip of pure crystal but hey, art is born. All real. What do I do when I run out of space? Grow a third arm or get a genetic body, allowing more coverage? My quest for artful tattoos is ongoing. Many different artists, many different tattoos; all high quality and each mine, to call my own. Decades of ink to go. Ruth is on my arm, not as my Pagan Bride or intimate lover, no. But in our poem. It reads: ‘Flames are tears, tears are flames. Till the bitter end...’ Isn’t it amazing how a gal can inspire me so? More than art and emotions, what next? Ink this space... © Nick Armbrister, Fitton Hill Story Group

How can words and music combine? People sing to music just fine But how can speaking words work? With the strum of the bass The tap of the drum Travelling on silver saxophone How do we create A mixture of poetry and jazz? We listen We intertwine Until kazam! A spark of a performance is created We are ready © Katie Haigh, Darnhill Story Group

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Co-Operation

Helping with the Tea My son arrives. He’s seventeen. Needs feeding. “Hi Dad, need any help with the tea?” “Blimey, that’s a first”, I thought. Should have known better! “Are you doing the cooking then son?” “No, I just thought I’d help you decide what to make me” he offered. “What would you like?” “What is there?” “Whatever’s in the fridge” “What NEEDS eating?” This is what he calls helping. Like helping to empty the larder! This ritual ends with me preparing one of three meals he has come to expect. Short Stay - Ham Toastie Medium Stay - Chicken Wrap Long Stay (very rare these days) - Pork Steaks Today it is the Toastie, with Jaffa Cakes. I place the food on a table. He says “Cheers” and watches the millionth episode of Friends. “See ya” he says, soon afterwards. “Glad to help” I reply. I collect the clean plate and the Simpsons Mug, go to his room, pause at the photograph of him as a six year old, and make the bed as I’ve done a thousand times before. Only his Teddy is missing now, and the distant echo of a child’s laughter. © Phil Barling, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

Lucky If you were a customer of the Co-operative Society you were given a number that you quoted whenever you bought anything at their various shops. Once a year you went to the office and were given money as a reward for what you had spent using your number. This money was called dividend or “divvy”. There was a well-known saying for anyone who was very lucky: “if she fell off the Co-op roof, she’d land in the divvy!” © Ann Robinson, Langley Story Group

Cooking at St. Andrews A brand new day of cooking today, First time in a group I’m doing this today. We’re all assembled and ready to cook. We’ve come together to learn about healthy living and cook ing at St Andrews. © Karen A Porter, Spotland Story Group

The benefits of working in a group

He was never a vocal person: more of a thinker; and sitting on the wintry park bench watching football, his thoughts skimmed over 50 years to his first serious meeting with Rebecca. She had asked him about his days playing for Bury amateur football team and if he greatly missed the life when had to “get a proper job” to help family finances. Surely the thrill of playing football was better than working in the Mill? He poured out his shattered hopes and frustrations to Rebecca, and she understood. After all, she had her dreams once. In the austerity years she had sung with moderate success in the local Working Mens’ Clubs; but then her mother had died. She swapped the stage clothes for an apron to look after too many younger brothers and sisters and help her father keep the family together. Yes, she also knew the reality of disappointment! It was their first wedding anniversary. He remembered the day well: too much wine; too many memories. Very soon they slipped into the parallel world of “what if?” and “if only...” Rebecca had this crazy idea that planning together they could be celebrities in the North West -a footballer and singer with more impact together than their individual talents warranted. They could lunch with the Lord Mayor, they could open supermarkets: the possibilities were endless. Their names would frequently appear in the Bury Times; but not as Mr and Mrs John Tosh, oh no, most definitely not! But a catchy nickname to catch public imagination, -- wait for it: Tosh and Becky! Tosh and Becky indeed! How they laughed! The wine flowed: they laughed. More wine flowed: they cried. Whoosh! the football whizzed right by his nose. He became aware of the biting wind and a voice from the field calling “Alright Tosh? Did we wake you?” Momentarily he was startled. Then he smiled and dabbed his eyes. “Maybe you did” he said out loud. “Maybe you did”. © Eveline Harris, Seedfield Story Group

By working in a group confidence is born in us Working together we learn many things We learn different skills We learn many new things Sometimes in childhood with our friends and cousins We got together to cook and make food Everybody brought one thing from home Then together we cooked And what we made was very tasty And in that way we developed enthusiasm To make different things © Shahida Parveen, Spotland Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation

The Two of Us The team work I did for the first time for two of us was with my husband, when we started buying properties which needed to be refurbished and repaired. The property used to be two bed house or three bed house, which may need a new bathroom or new kitchen or maybe both or the whole house needed a coat of new paint or paper. Because my husband is a full time self employed worker, we used to work on the houses over the weekend or in the evenings, after my husband finished work. The work used to be hard for me but I tried to do as much as I could. © Nasim Mughal, Spotland Story Group

The Meal

Working Together

I’ve cooked food with a group of people making bread and soup, One person peeled and chopped onions One person peeled and chopped celery One person peeled and chopped potatoes One person peeled and chopped leeks Vegetables washed and then taking it in turn stirring in onions and vegetables.

It was our first year in high school, our class was given some project work to do. We had a partner, with whom we had to share this work. I chose my best friend to carry out this project, She is called Zubeda. We had to choose a country and write about it. We both chose Portugal. We made a plan so that we knew what to do and where to find the information. We spent a lot of time at each other’s homes, and went to the library. It was a whole lot of experience for 10-11 year olds. We cut out photos from catalogues, Writing out of books was very fascinating. It somehow brought us closer together. After we finished and handed the work in, We got very good marks which made us very happy.

One puts the ingredients to make bread into a bowl Then mixes them together Then a couple of us take it in turns kneading Then the dough is left to rise, then put in the oven. All the veg is in the pot being boiled, When the food is cooked we sit down to eat the meal that we’ve prepared together. © Karen A Porter, Spotland Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation Banner I worked with a group of ladies. They wanted to make a banner. In the first session I explained to them what to do. Then we gather ideas from each other. Some are good at drawing, painting, sewing by hand, good with machines. For the next session I draw a title in the middle to make a start, and they can decide which part they work on. Easier for me and them as well. Also they can focus on the side and they can get more ideas on how to complete the banner properly. © Attiya Malilc, Spotland Story Group

Many ways to co-operate One man and his dog co-operate to win a competition. Husband and wife co-operate to make a successful marriage. Writing groups co-operate to produce good works. Bees and flowers co-operate to make honey. Water and washing powder co-operate to make clean clothes. Doctors and nurses co-operate to heal patients. Sun and rain co-operate to make plants grow. Coaches and players co-operate to achieve a winning team. The computer and I have co-operated to write this piece! To co-operate is good. © Clare Schofield, Seedfield Story Group

Fruit Basket I made a fruit basket for Mother with my sister-in-law We enjoyed it very much I bought materials, fresh fruit: Pineapple, strawberry, melon, Cherries, plums, bananas. Together we made the basket. We made a peacock from a melon Grapes and strawberries stuck on a pineapple with cocktail sticks. © Nusrat Farook, Spotland Story Group

Over to you...

Do it together When I was painting my house, my son was helping me. We decided to paint one wall first. I painted the first coat of paint and he started to go over it after a bit, when the paint was a bit dry. He kept arguing with me and I kept getting angry with him. I was telling him you are missing bits, and he was telling me he was not. Then we both calmed down and decided that he will do the edges and I will paint the walls. We started working and we were talking and painting together. We didn’t realise and finished the painting before we knew it. We were both calm and happy at the end that it had been finished. © Shellah Tasab, Spotland Story Group

Co-Operation Working together

Cake I am nervous when I make cake. I have got a lot of recipes. I don’t know why I am scared, or cakes frighten, or terrorise me. Maybe I’ll put in too much flour or too little butter, The recipe may go up or down. My children love cakes. When somebody came to my house, I forced her to help me make a cake. When my ideas and her method met together, after my touch, there was a delightful cake on my coffee table. It attracted everybody’s desire to finish it all. This is my way to make a beautiful cake.

You’ve got to work together No matter what your aim Whether it be to write a book Or play a football game A couple getting married Wonder how it’s going to be Bringing up your children Trying to agree Making up your quarrels With a nice cup of tea Deciding what you’re going to eat Choosing a colour to paint Looking happy together Especially when you ain’t It’s all co-operation A lot of give and take If you play the game in harmony A good story will you make. © Ann Robinson, Langley Story Group

Examples of co-operation Co-operation is really helping each other which is the main one When I tried to teach my ex-wife to make jewellery She said “no, it’s too hard.” She couldn’t get the bottle nose pliers to make the loops and put beads on. Examples of co-operation: Playing cards in a group; Talking about games and films with a few people; Guard duty in the army. Two of us together. If anyone was giving us trouble we used a pickaxe handle to pick them up between their legs and carry them to the guard room. It sounds funny, but the brigadier that I did it to didn’t think so. Patrolling the barracks and other areas in pairs. When my mum was alive I was going to teach her how to swim but that didn’t happen. Me and my wife went shopping with my mum a good example of co-operation My wife used to push her in the wheelchair And go in pubs singing Everyone would sing along Me and my wife and a few good friends. © Jack Worthington, Coldhurst Story Group

Over to you...

Co-Operation

Condem(n) and resist Part 1 School was Westminster and Eton, University was Cambridge and Oxford, Our intelligence and charm cannot be beaten, Our cunning like cats embarrasses the craftiest fox. Married with children and in our forties, Our pastimes are riding and shooting, Born in Buckinghamshire, Home Counties, Labour we think needs uprooting. We and our friends are millionaires, Old Etonians are the front bench, Funded by taxes and billionaires, The Duck House was a small expense. But we will forge the seas and stormy weather, Because we are all in this together. Part 2 We are the ones you made redundant, Men with axes let us fall, We are the ones made homeless, not prosperous, My income has shrunken to smaller than small. Men with axes let us fall, Greedy Bankers; the suited vulture, My income has shrunken to smaller than small, Bankers birthed recession with hedge-fund culture. Greedy Bankers; the suited vulture, MP’s your money feeds you sunny weather, Bankers birthed recession with hedge-fund culture, So ‘We’ are ‘Not’ in this together. MPs your money feeds you sunny weather, We are the ones you made homeless, not prosperous, So ‘We’ are ‘Not’ in this together, We are the ones you made redundant. © Julia Davenport, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

Thanks to the enthusiasm of Fran at Dumer’s Lane Story Group, we are delighted to have received the following story all the way from Australia!

Over to you...

Co-Operation

A little teamwork It was just another team building session - one more workshop I had to attend. The same old patter, the same old faces, going through the motions. Heard it all before - but I suppose it was good to get out of the office for the day. “Let’s finish with an exercise” gushed Gareth, the seminar leader, spraying his enthusiasm into the room. We lined up obediently, got ourselves into pairs and held our partner’s right hand in a handshake stance. We had to visualise an imaginary a white chalk line on the floor immediately in front of us. “The object of the game” said Gareth “is to close your eyes, hold your partner’s hand firmly, and score a point for every time you can pull your opponent’s arm over that line. There will be a prize for the highest score - a dining voucher. You have 1 minute.“ Suddenly , we became enthusiastic as we squared off in front of our opponents. The stakes were suddenly high, and there could only be one winner. We closed our eyes on command, took a deep breath and prepared for battle. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to get the juices flowing. 28

My partner went for the first point hard, and tried to pull me over the line. I dug my heels in hard and held on. We both started breathing hard and I managed to hold my ground. I bent my knees to get more balance and launched the next attack, hoping to take him by surprise. But neither one of us lost our positions. We sweated and strained with closed lids and sweaty palms - a fight to the death. For the last 30 seconds all that could be heard was straining and groaning, heavy breathing and feet scraping on polished boards. Determination was high, and the battle raged. “Open your eyes” said Gareth. “Let’s see who scored the highest points.” We all yelled out our scores, but surprisingly the highest one was only 2. Sue and Jenna, the two older ladies at the back of the room announced they had scored 50 points each and had decided to share the prize. We were all flabbergasted and asked how they did it. I mean there wasn’t a bicep between them! “Perhaps you can give us a demonstration” said Gareth. Sue and Jenna smiled, joined their right hands softly then began to move their forearms horizontally, backwards and forwards, so softly, so gracefully, as if they were operating an imaginary saw. We were completely gobsmacked. “Sometimes” said Gareth “a little teamwork is all it takes”. © Ann Clegg, Virtual Story Group, Australia

If you are overseas and would like to submit something on the next topic Space, email emma@cartwheelarts.org.uk

Over to you...

Former Tell Us Another One Project Co-ordinator Kim Haygarth has been working with a new Story Group! It’s great to have her back on board and bringing new people together to have fun writing. Here are some group pieces from them:

Co-Operation

I Know I know clowns in banana cars. I know it will be a long, cold Winter. I know I’ll never know enough. I know lemons are bitter. I know cats are harder than Dogs. I know when someone’s Gorging on food. I know I will Never be a good writer, but it’s Fun to have a go. I know a mundane issue. I know my daughter is coming home tonight, Causing noise and leaving a mess Then going out and leaving the house quiet Again. I know it’s all downhill for me then. I know that’s not too bad. I know one day I will see Rowan again.

Teenage Recollections I have lots of little memories of days gone by. Of bright sunny days and a cloudless sky. Running barefoot throught the sand. Sitting in Clarence Park listening to the band. But my teenage memories are filled with pleasure Things that I wll treasure for ever. With my friends, Margaret, Georgina, John, Bob, and Willie We would go for walks through Chesham Woods and act silly. Walking round the “Raz” on a cold frosty night Singing “White Christmas” with all our might, Playing Mother Bear in the Sunday School pantomime For the first and last time! Nights at the Youth Club, table tennis, badminton, pop Alchohol - not a drop. We would talk about things to do when we were old Some of the suggestions were quite bold. As we grew up we all drifted apart But the memories still live on in my heart. 30

Retain for a Rainy Day I will put in the box: the smell of newly cut grass, my running shoes which pinch my toes, the photo of the relay team. I will put in the box: the memory of my first night in prison, the taste of prison curry, the contact details of released inmates. I will put in the box: my anxiety prior to secondary school, the tune of the school anthem, the photo of my first love. I will put in the box: childhood memories of Christmas, the taste of Christmas pudding, Christmas decorations. © Buckley Hall Writers

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As our contribution to the “Co-operation” theme, we decided to have a go at collaborative writing, where several writers work together to make a finished piece. We started by deciding together on a setting for our story (an old house). Then each of us chose one room to focus on, and wrote. Intriguingly, a collaborative story emerged from our different viewpoints...

THE HOUSE

(a piece of collaborative writing by Dumers Lane Story Group)

Living Room As I approached the house, I noticed the garden was beautiful. Looking through the window, I saw an unfinished chess game, a dog-basket in the corner, pictures of family weddings, babies, grandparents, graduations. Life went on here. Gone away, I hear! I took the crowbar from my bag. © Frances Arden, Dumer’s Lane Story Group

Garden Whispers filtered through the park children gathered to have a lark through the overgrowth of trees crawling on grazed grassy knees.

Garden On a summer’s afternoon, when I’ve mown the lawn and done all my other chores, I love to sit in the back garden, put my feet up and relax. Not something I can do very often when the owners are about; or should I say, the current owners. They work in London, and aren’t here much during the week. The previous owners lived here all the time. There were many servants back then; now it’s just me, a part-time cook and a part-time cleaner, and the place is shut up in the winter. What do they think we do? Disappear into the woodwork? I wish! Life still goes on, bills have to be paid...

A penny-peek-a-boo a scary domain with smelly drains; our imagination fed on its tarnished grandeur: Grubbily, cheekily we united with this white house and its secrets.

The garden beautiful in its disarray, a window broken, a crowbar lay on top of a shabby coat and we ran away.

Conservatory I’m sitting in the conservatory, watching Jill in the garden. It’s a huge garden; the house is a huge mansion, very isolated. There is someone approaching the house. It’s a man. I’m getting out of here and into the garden with Jill. Safety in numbers! Once they’ve gone, we can carry on squatting... 32 32

Tiptoeing to the side of the house peeking through broken glass at the huge high-ceilinged space evidence of life now and the past not erased.

FOCUS ON..

Katie Haigh We are delighted to present you with some words from one of our regular Tell Us Another One participants and Cartwheel volunteers, Katie Haigh. We are very excited about her debut poetry collection - Prejudice and Pride.

- What got you into writing? It was the emotional release of writing which first drew me in. Although I came from a loving and supportive family I struggled with dyslexia at school and found I had to be up late every night just to keep up with my peers. Struggling to get a diagnosis and a lack of support from the school led to me developing an eating disorder to have some control back in my life. So I found writing down how I felt helped me cope better. Also at this time I was studying Wilfred Owen at school and found his poetry fascinating, as well as raw and real. His pieces Dulce Et Decorum Est and The Disabled spoke to me and gave me such vivid images. - Tell us about your new book Prejudice and Pride. When I wrote Prejudice and Pride I wanted people to have a deeper understanding of disabilities both physical and mental. In these dark times - where there is a lot of hate crime towards the disabled, through scapegoating and assuming anyone in receipt of a benefit is a scrounger we need someone to be the voice for the disabled. and to bring back human compassion and understanding. The subject matter is dark and sometimes taboo but it’s time to break the silence.

Over to you...

Co-Operation

- Which writers inspire you? I love the darkness of Edgar Allen Poe, the rawness of Wilfred Owen and the passion of Carol Anne Duffy. - What are your plans next? I’m in the process of organising a book launch at my local library in Heywood. There will be an open mic for people to read as well as some readings from my book by me. Come along and find out more! Monday 3rd December, 6-7pm, Heywood Library, Church St, Heywood, OL10 1LL.

- Where is the book available from? At the book launch (details above), through www.chipmunkapublishing.co.uk and www.amazon.co.uk on Kindle and in paperback, priced at £10.

Behind My Pen No one wants me Pushing the writers’’pen. I am too serious. Bleak and controversial. I am a taboo. Unspoken. I am ignored. Never questioned. My voice is silenced, My words unheard. They may not see me But I am still there. I am war, illness and devastation. I am death, eating disorders, Bereavement and starvation. They crave laughter, Fun and joy. Happy endings. To escape their lives. Oblivious to the issues Of another day. But I remain, Chipping away. My point of view Will be heard. My chance will come. To make them think Of the world beyond The writer’s ink. © Katie Haigh

What’s it all about? Check out this fantastic poem about a recent Rochdale writing event by one of our regulars Carol Keys:

Lexicon Lexicon Festival, literary event So many people came, and went. They listened to the spoken word From writers and poets they may have heard. Performing Arts, and dancers too. That Poetry Bloke read poems for you. Hosted by Touchstones writing group. Began with All Soul’s Brownie troop. The girls performed their very best As Norman put them to the test. Stories and poems recited for you By writers and poets who love what they do. Cartwheel Arts told us another, While words were woven in vivid colour. The Bards from the Baum spoke from the heart. Tony and Ged toned down, that’s a start. Our Mayor popped in to join the fun. He stayed a while, didn’t turn and run. Connect2Poetry, a mobile app. Enabling poets to write on tap. Poems created while out and about. Superbly read, without a doubt. The day went well we all agreed. Pam and Sue kept all up to speed. Then off to the Baum for a snack and a jar. Lexicon Festival, the best by far.

To find out about how you can get invovled in these workshops check out What’s Going On on pg 51

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Rochdale Pioneers Museum Lecture Programme Find out about all things co-operative at a series of free monthly talks at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. What’s on: Thursday 22 November - The Co-operative Wholesale Society

Here are the friendly staff holding a large piece of cheese!

Explore Rochdale’s co-operative history on Toad Lane The name ‘Co-operative’ is a familiar sight on the high street, giving its name to everything from pharmacies to funeral homes and, of course, food shops. Did you know, though, that what we know as the ‘Co-op’ started on Toad Lane in Rochdale? Back in 1844, a group of poor weavers got together to find an answer to their common problems - the lack of affordable, decent quality food - by pooling their resources to set up a co-operative store. The Rochdale Pioneers Store opened its doors for the first time at 8pm on 21 December 1844, and what happened next became history, inspiring a worldwide movement.

Thursday 20 December - A Co-operative Christmas

Thursday 17 January 2013 - ‘Politics Pays a Divi’ The Co-operative Party in World War Two

Thursday 21 February 2013 - The Bury & District Co-operative Society

Thursday 21 March 2013 - Woman’s Outlook: a surprisingly modern magazine?

Lectures take place on the third Thursday of every month at 6pm. Lectures last around forty minutes and are followed by a Q&A session. To book, contact Jennifer Broadbent on 07855 265402 or email museum@co-op.ac.uk.

The Rochdale Pioneers Museum is unique because it uses the original shop to ensure the story of the Rochdale Pioneers continues to inspire the people of Rochdale - and the co-operators of the future. Recently reopened following major redevelopment, the museum has a new team who look forward to answering your questions, as well showing off the new exhibitions and interactive displays. A new meeting and education space can be used free of charge by community groups, and an access tower and lift ensure the building is fully accessible. The Museum welcomes school groups, and look out for special events such as tours and family-friendly activities during the school holidays. www.rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop

Gillian Hush Bursary Fund

Gillian Hush, who died unexpectedly in June was a longstanding trustee and champion of Cartwheel. A regular attender (and participant and, when needed, organiser) at our events, Gillian’s empathy and commitment was inspirational and unfailing. She gave her time unstintingly in spite of her numerous commitments to other organisations, and is much missed. The Board and staff of Cartwheel would like to pay tribute to Gillian by establishing a Bursary Fund. The aim of the fund is to support young people who are desperate to begin a career in the arts, but cannot get on the first rung of the ladder because they have no experience. Gillian’s final involvement with Cartwheel was to assist in the recruitment of a young trainee on a short placement. This was to have been a one-off initiative but it would be very much in keeping with Gillian’s passion for encouraging young talent if we were able to offer further opportunities. The bursary would be used entirely to pay a basic fee to the trainee. This is important to us - there are enough unpaid internships on offer to those who can afford to take them. If you would like to support this idea please send a cheque made out to Cartwheel Arts to the address page 52, marking it “Gillian Hush Bursary” on the reverse. If you wish to pay electronically, our bank details are: Co-operative Bank, Sort code 08 92 99, A/c number 65549836 If you make a payment in this way, please e-mail Lucy Sutcliffe at admin@cartwheelarts.org.uk to advise her that you have done so. Many thanks, Rick Walker, Director & Stephen Hobson, Treasurer Cartwheel Arts

Oldham Libraries Oldham Libraries have a range of fantastic events coming up for you to try. Check them out:

Jonathan Harvey All She Wants Tuesday 13 November, 7pm Failsworth Library Jonathan Harvey is the multi-award-winning writer of the play and film Beautiful Thing and the creator and writer of the Bafta-nominated sitcom Gimme Gimme Gimme. All She Wants is the story of Jodie McGee, a Liverpool girl who dreams big, attains a starring role in one of the country’s biggest soaps, Acacia Avenue, and then has a spectacular - yet redemptive - fall from grace.

Sophie Coulombeau Rites Tuesday 4 December, 7pm Lees Library Community Hub ‘When I was fourteen I did something terrible. At least, that’s what some people tell me’. Sophie Coulombeau is the winner of the Route Young Author competition and her debut novel Rites is about four teenagers who make a pact to lose their virginity away from the watchful eyes of parents and priest. Fifteen years later, they reflect on the past and unravel how it all went horribly wrong. Contact Lees Library 0161 633 5764

Contact Failsworth Library 0161 770 5820

Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Thursday 22 November, 7-9pm Oldham Library Tickets £4.00 Join Holmes and Watson as they race against the clock to put paid to a perilous poisonous plot. Interrogate the suspects, look for the clues and see if you can get to the bottom of the secrets that are hidden within the library. Contact Oldham Library 0161 770 8000 www.afterdarkmurder.co.uk

Hot Chocolate and Storytelling Sprinkles Ursula Holden Gill Wednesday 12 December, 7-8pm Failsworth Library Ursula Holden Gill will be sharing seasonal stories to brighten a winter’s evening. Relax with a hot chocolate and a wonderful storyteller after a day of Christmas shopping! Contact Failsworth Library 0161 770 5820 All events are £2 library members and £4 non members unless otherwise stated

Competition Corner A big thank you to Julian Jordan of www.writeoutloud.net for his help judging the entries this quarter. We always enjoy reading what is sent in and this time was no exception.

Shining a light on community cohesion in Darnhill

Young Writers

*illuminUS * Darnhill Winter Festival Monday 10th December

Congratulations to Aleesha Lamb of All Souls Brownies in Heywood and Aimee Hooley from Oldham for these wonderful takes on co-operation. Enjoy your vouchers and certificates!

Darnhill Library, 3.30-7pm Whats going on? • Set Design Workshops at Siddal Moor Sports college, • MC Workshops with ‘In the Loop’

Family Cleaning

• Puppet Making Workshops for under 14s then ……. • The Dark Room - outdoor exhibition of illuminated artwork accompanied by poetry written by the Darnhill Story group • Music from the Solar Powered Handcart • The Light Box, a performance space inside the library • A BBQ organized by DFA and Guinness Northern Counties • Beat Bang Boom workshop with the Auto Aukestra • Light Dancers • ‘Glowing Grotto’ with Father Christmas • DFA Christmas tombola and stalls 44

Mum’s running about paying the bills while my Grandad is taking his pills My job’s the dusting and cleaning the front room while my sisters are busy cleaning the back room My house is the busiest of them all we all work together plus my house is really small © Aleesha Lamb, aged 10

Writers’ Competition Outside the Bingo

Goal! “We have to work together” The team captain said Keep passing and going That’s the motto tonight We passed, scored and finished the game Well the first half The score was two for us And one for them The second half began… They passed and passed The other team scored Two-two the game became Five minutes left in the game Now we tried and tried And… GOAL Three - two to us We worked together as a team And achieved all our goals So that’s the moral of the story Work together as a team © Aimee Hooley, aged 11

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Congratulations to Carol Brown for this Alan-Bennett-style entry and our runner up Sheila Kelly for sharing a special time with Failsworth Writing Group.

They stood outside the Bingo, The appointed place, Waiting for the coach. They had got up early, Leaving everything in order, Mr and Mrs Davies, an elderly couple, Accompanied by their son, A young man in his twenties. Mr Davies, in trousers pressed to a knife edge, And freshley ironed pastel shirt, A lightweight anorak of beige, His annual acknowledegment of Summer, He carried her shopping bag, Insisted on so doing Her freedom from years of heavy weight his main concern, And so also would insist, when once they boarded, On giving her the window seat.

1st

Scarborough was their considered choice of destination, For the allure of compact sandy beach, Of donkeys and cups of tea, The thrilling railway cable car, And the jaunty pirate ship, To take them out in the choppy bay. Previous trips had taught them how to allocate their time Into the rations of the day. Their son had agreed to join them, And even he, from his sophisticated world of clubs and pubs, And his unpsoken desire for something better, Admitted the cable car’s romance, Though he meant to go off on his own. So there they stood with the growing crowd, And in their waiting was felt Their quiet patience, their modest joy in life, their love, Watching for the coach, Outside the Bingo. © Carol Brown, Manchester

Writers’ Competition

Readers’ Competition Well done to Ann Robinson (no, not the Ann Robinson folks) - one of our stalwart writers and magazine delivery volunteers. This is a welcome glimpse back to the reading of our youth.

A way with Words (A celebration of co-operation for Failswortth Writing Group.) Dramatic scenes on the Rochdale Canal. Weeks of preparation… led by Cathy Crabb Playwright extraordinaire. Cathy listened as we read our work She suggested… we discussed Praising and applauding As talent was revealed Supportng one another Until the writing was done. Then over to Julia… director of our dreams To set the stage for ‘A Way with Words’. She asked for props, so props we brought Grandma’s shawl and Grandad’s cane Mam’s old basket and dad’s flat cap A brother’s bike and sister’s skirt Red roses from Aldi… top hat from Masquerade. Our actors were dressed… they learnt our words. Clayton; Dolly; Liam; bringing our work to life. Moving us to laugh and cry As we shared our umbrellas and marvelled in the rain. © Sheila Kelly, Failsworth

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When I was a little girl, my favourite books were the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. Georgina, or George as she liked to be called, was an only child and a bit of a tomboy, just as I was. But there the likeness started and finished. She lived in a house by the sea with her parents, her father was a scientist, and she had her own rowing boat and owned an island just off the shore. The ‘Five’ consisted of herself and her dog Timmy, and her three other cousins Julian, Dick and Anne who came to stay every summer for the holidays. They had such exciting and amazing adventures! My friends and I used to enjoy the summer holidays playing in the street whilst our parents worked in the mills, but in my dreams I was George. I had a dog once and actually named it Timmy, but that was about the nearest I got. © Ann Robinson, Langley Story Group

If you want to be in with a chance of winning, enter our Space competitions over the page.

Competition

What’s Going On

For the Readers Our next issue covers the topic of

SPACE.

If you love sci-fi, solo journeys across the Atlantic, desert island adventures or tranquil books on meditation we want to hear your favourites. No matter what the context, if something related to space floats your boat we want to hear all about it. The best entry will receive a £15 book voucher and Katie Haigh’s debut collection Prejudice and Pride.

Why not check out a regular writing group near you? Deeplish Story Group 1st Mon every month, 1-3pm, Deeplish Community Centre Darnhill Story Group 2nd Mon every month, 1-3pm, Darnhill Library Fitton Hill Story Group Oldham, 3rd Tues every month, 2-4pm, Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre Spotland Story Group 1st Wed every month, 9.30-11.30am, Art House, Falinge Park High School Coldhurst Story Group 1st Wed every month, 1-3pm, Northmoor Library, Oldham

Competition

Seedfield Story Group 1st Thurs every month, 11am-1pm, Moorside Library, Bury Falinge Story Group 2nd Thurs every month, 1-3pm, NESTAC, 237 Newstead, Rochdale

For the WRITERS As our next issue of Scribble is on the theme of

SPACE we want to hear what space means to you in all its guises - science fiction, room to grow, clearing out the attic, mediation, you name it - give it a stab with your pen and see what comes! The winning entry will receive a £20 book token and a signed copy of John Lindley’s new poetry book Screen Fever. The runner up will receive a £20 book token and both will be published in the next issue of Scribble. Deadline for both: Friday 18th January 2013 Only pieces under 200 words and on the theme of space will be in with a chance of winning. One entry per person. If you’ve entered before and not yet seen your name in print don’t lose hope! Try, try, try again! Let your imagination flow.

Please send all entries to: Scribble c/o Tell Us Another One Cartwheel Arts, 110 Manchester Street, Heywood OL10 1DW t: 01706 361300 e: emma@cartwheelarts.org.uk

Langley Story Group 4th Thurs every month, 1.30-3.30pm, Langley Library, Middleton Dumer’s Story Group 3rd Fri every month, 11am-1pm, Dumer’s Lane Library, Bury

Another Open Poetry Night run by Just Poets takes place at the The Baum, 33-37 Toad Lane, Rochdale, the second Sunday of every month at 7.30pm. It’s free. For more info call Norman on (01706) 670829

Open Mics • Write Out Loud’s fantastic open mic night at Ring O’Bells, St Leonard’s Sq, Middleton, every fourth Sunday at 7pm • Weaving Words is the second Monday of each month, 5.30pm at Rochdale Central Library

Once More with Meaning A monthly poetry night with readings from open-micers and guest poets. First Sunday of every month, 7.30pm at The Met, Bury (entrance through Automatic). £2 (£1 concs) Tickets on the door only. Guests appearing are: • Sunday 4th November: Winston Plowes and Rod Tame • Sunday 2nd December : Steve Garside and Jo Bell

q Find us on Facebook: Cartwheel Arts (look for the blue hand!) Follow us @cartwheelarts Youtube: Cartwheelartsonline Check out our latest photos on www.flickr.com: Cartwheel Arts

Scribble c/o Tell Us Another One Cartwheel Arts, 110 Manchester Street, Heywood OL10 1DW t: 01706 361300 f: 01706 361400 e: emma@cartwheelarts.org.uk w: www.cartwheelarts.org.uk www.tellusanotherone.org This book is made from 100% recycled paper

design & print: www.tyme design.com