CI Chorlton April 14

40
community Chorlton & Whalley Range April 2014 View the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk Delivered FREE to homes & businesses in Chorlton & Whalley Range

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Community Index Chorlton - April edition

Transcript of CI Chorlton April 14

Page 1: CI Chorlton April 14

communitycommunitycommunitycommunityChorlton & Whalley Range

April 2014

View the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk

Delivered FREE to homes & businesses in Chorlton & Whalley Range

Page 2: CI Chorlton April 14

0161 431 3080 www.housx.com [email protected]

Architectural & Building Services in South Manchester

House Extension Specialists

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

Community Index T : 0787 589 5604E: [email protected] @communityindexwww.communityindex.co.uk149 Ayres Road, Manchester M16 9WR

Contents

Cover ImagesGreen Walk Open House, Chorlton Traders and our own home cooked rice!Deadline for next edition15th April 2014

Welcometo the April edition of Community Index

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

Lesley SwannDirector

Joe BeechEditor

Sam PaechterAccounts

Linsey ParkinsonMarketing & Development

ChorltonGreen

0161 431 3080 www.housx.com [email protected]

Architectural & Building Services in South Manchester

House Extension Specialists

ContributorsSam PaechterLinsey ParkinsonAndrew SimpsonLeon HortonChorlton Bookshop

Katherine WatsonGeoff GarnettNola Chesworth

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Through Chorlton Traders, businesses large and small have worked together to raise funds for local good causes, improve the appearance of Chorlton, establish and develop relationships with other local community groups and meet up regularly to share ideas, concerns and information.

Follow us on Twitter - ChorltonTraders or email us at [email protected]

Spring is most defi nitely in the air, so it’s a great time to get out and about and explore Chorlton. Smell the fl owers, support your local shops and cafes, treat yourself to a special weekend lunch or have a stroll through our lively markets. Pick up a TAG! Thank You card and enjoy a few exclusive Chorlton discounts too.

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

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

On the MarketWe love our markets. They’re fantastic places to fi nd individual gifts that you certainly won’t fi nd in High Street chains. You can also pick up the very freshest food and chat to the person who made or grew it. In our book, buying from people who care about what they’re selling makes all the difference. Chorlton Street Market - great street food and more - there’s not many better places for a sunny Saturday lunch. Outside the Library, Manchester RoadSaturday 19th April.Chorlton Art Market - an eclectic collection of the creative, the quirky and the handcrafted, with a focus on textiles this month.Outside the Post Box Cafe, Wilbraham RoadSaturday 26th April. Farmers’ Market - artisan food producers, music and fun.Horse & Jockey, Chorlton GreenSaturday 26th April.

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

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

Chorlton TradersTake a look at chorltontraders.co.uk for information about our next meeting. Come and fi nd out what’s happening in Chorlton, meet other traders and have your say. Non-members are welcome to a fi rst meeting free of charge.

Membership Fees:£15 for those working from home£25 for independents£75 for bigger businesses/chains/nationals

Chorlton Traders community content is kindly funded by a cash grant from Manchester City Council4

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smoothies or indulgent milk shakes

(also available for takeaway)

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

Battery Park juice bar, 615a Wilbraham Road ~ 0161 860 0754

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

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

Healthy, freshly squeezed juices &

Rainforest alliance single estate coffee

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Stitched Up Textile workshops at Stitched Up517 Wilbraham Road (formerly Busy Bee Toys) Tel: 0161 881 7141 | www.stitchedup.co.uk

WEEKLY:

Thursdays:After School Club3pm to 5pm, £5 per child

Fridays:New to KnittingDROP IN | £12 per hour

Fix It Friday1pm to 3pm | £10

THIS MONTH:Upcycled Undies!Wednesday 9th | £25Time TBC

Sewing Machine Driving TestSunday 13th and Sunday 20th | £201pm to 3pm

Upcycle Your Jeans into a SkirtSaturday 19th | £25Time TBC

Fashion Revolution DayThursday 24th

Swap Shop!Saturday 26th | £6 with tea and biscuits!1pm to 3pm

CrafternoonSunday 27th | £3 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Defi ne Your Personal Style WorkshopSunday 27th Time TBC

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Your bathroom should be a heavenly place; somewhere you go to revive, relax and beautify.But too often people have a hellish time trying to buy a new bathroom; shop assistants who really don’t understand your needs, designers who have never visited the space, workmen who break more than they build, websites that don’t deliver, an expensive and limited choice of fi xtures and fi ttings.At Bathroom Angels we want to make that experience more divine. It all starts with a personal visit from Diane and Andy, who will actually listen to what you want

and offer suggestions that make sense to you. We’ll measure up and deliver a design that is both beautiful and realistic. You’ll be given a wide choice of fi xtures and fi ttings. We do not push any particular brand and you can choose from thousands of tile options. We also supply from independents offering exclusive tile design and have access to end of line branded bathrooms which can result in sensational savings.Our quote will be fair and without any hidden surprises. Finally, we supply fi tters who have proven their quality to us. And they are paid a fair wage and provided quality materials to work with.

You’ll see the difference in their attitude (and your carpet afterwards). Across Manchester and Cheshire we have been offering divine bathrooms, heavenly prices and peace of mind: a personal service for the most personal room in your house. To arrange a no obligation design visit from Bathroom Angels, call Diane on 0161 610 3684. Or visit www.bathroomangels.co.uk and request a free estimate.PS We also offer a fabulous range of kitchens!

Avoid bathroom hell with Bathroom Angels

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Post Box Poets Tuesday 1st 7.30pm | £3Chorlton’s own Sarah L Dixon presents poetry in ten minute slots with guest poets. Special menu available throughout.

Chorlton Cake Club Wednesday 9th and 23rd 7pmFeaturing guest chefs. For bakers of all experience. Every fortnight, fi rst session is free.

Community Market Saturday 12th 10 – 4pmNow in its second month, this unique market is capturing the hearts and minds of the local community.

Fresh from Fleetwood, Fish Dinner Friday 18th A three course dinner event created with fi sh caught fresh that morning from our local coast line.

Chorlton History Walk 20th (Easter Sunday) 3.00pm£10 including a drink for the walk and soup or cake after.Hot drink in hand, head out and explore Chorlton’s History on a guided walk lead by Andrew Simpson, fi nishing back at ThePostBox cafe for soup or cake.

Manchester’s political fi ctions Thursday 24th 7.30pm | £6 per person including drink | Pre-Talk Dinner from 6pmTalk: from Disraeli to Christopher Ecclestone by Steven Fielding Gourmet Burger Night Friday 25h tables from 7pm | £15Pick from our range of tasty gourmet burgersChorlton Arts Market Saturday 26th 10-4pm Focus on Textiles. Come and explore this unique monthly market, whilst enjoying live music, the PostBox BBQ & bar.Fabric Craft Club Monday 28th 7.00pm | £3 | Monthly Chorlton Book Club Tuesday 28th 7.00pm | £3 | Monthly

Markets & Eventsat the Post Box Cafe543 Wilbraham Road Tel: 0161 881 7141 | @PostBoxChorlton

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One of the main reasons why parents choose St James for their child is the school’s commitment to excellence. Running against the current trend of large schools, often with increasing class sizes, St. James’ commitment to excellence means class sizes are kept deliberately low. The average class size, currently below eight, gives pupil-to-teacher ratios which are amongst the best in the region. This has helped them to achieve results which are amongst the very best.

This all takes place in an atmosphere of calmness, order and peace: words not often associated with schools. One parent recently referred to the school as “an oasis of calm, where my child is not so much valued, as cherished”.

Don’t take our parents’ word for it: come and see St James’ focus on excellence for yourself.

Call 0161 480 4586 to book a visit or free taster day for your child.

St James Junior School , Belmont Street , Stockport SK4 1TGinfo@stjamesschool .org.uk www.st jamesschool .org.uk

Where chi ldren are cherished

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We are in the grounds of the Independent College in Whalley Range and the year is 1934. Our picture is a postcard which ‘R’ says ‘is a new view of the college which I thought you might like to see. It gives rather a good view of the grounds I think.’He was writing to Mr and Mrs Nelson of Garston Old Road in Liverpool and he went on to say that he had ‘managed a good spot of work,’ and was looking forward to ‘seeing something of a friend of mine who is preaching at Ormskirk on Sunday.’There is nothing more to help us with the identity of ‘R’ but given that the college had been built ‘educate young men of decided piety and competent talents for the Christian ministry,’* I think we can be fairly confi dent he was destined for a religious career.

By the time ‘R’ was doing his spot of work the college had been open for 92 years and had continued ‘the preparation of young men for the ministry of the Independent church’** carrying on the work of the Blackburn Independent Academy which had opened in 1816.Such independent establishments had been necessary by the ban on dissenters from attending universities. So here, along with the study of theology students ‘will have the opportunity of gaining philosophical and scientifi c knowledge, in addition

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

The Story of Chorlton-Cum Hardyby Andrew Simpson

1934 and inside the Independent College in Whalley Range

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Buy Andrew Simpson’s book “The Story of Chorlton-Cum-Hardy” or visit him online at chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/

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The Story of Chorlton-Cum Hardyby Andrew Simpson

battlements about 40 feet high.‘The arrangements in the interior of the College, forming a communication with different suites of rooms, are well designed and exceedingly simple, consisting of corridors running the extreme length of the front and of either wing. The lower storey of the building which is suffi ciently high above the ground to ensure dryness is intended entirely for servants, and the corridor which connects the different offi ces runs along the main building.Entering the College by the broad fl ight of steps in the basement of the tower we come to the entrance hall on the second or main fl oor which is a lofty room about 36 feet by 32 and open to the roof.’***And I suppose this description would have been recognised by

‘R’ as well as the countless other students who continued to study there until its closure in 1980.Picture; of the college in 1934 from the Lloyd Collection The Assembly Hall and grounds from The Lancashire Independent College, 1843-93* resolution of the committee held in the vestry of the Mosley Street Chapel, Manchester February 1816, and quoted by Thompson, Joseph, in The Lancashire Independent College, 1843-93, Manchester 1893 Memorial Volume, p18** The Manchester Guardian 1842*** The Manchester Guardian 1842

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Call Cosgrove Hall Court today on 0800 810 0698 to see how we can make a moving package* to suit you

Retirement ApartmentsFOR SALE

For more information or to register your interest please fi ll in the coupon, call 0800 810 0698 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

8 Albany Road, Chorlton Cum Hardy M21 0BAOpen Tues - Sat 10.30am - 5pm Retirement apartments for the over 60sOne beds from £149,950, two beds from £249,950† Photograph of show apartment includes £974 of � ttings

Cho

rlton

-IN

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X-04

-14

Address

Postcode Email

Title Name Tel

Please send me my free colour brochure

Please tick all that apply. Interest: For myself

Friend/Relative New properties Resale

Simply address your envelope in capitals to:

FREEPOST MCCARTHY & STONE (No further address details required)

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

McCarthy & Stone developments are built to the highest specifi cation, with award winning attention to detail throughout every apartment. We’ve paid attention to the things that matter to you, like security with a House Manager on-site, so why don’t you come along and view

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

Come and visit our latest development, to see how you could make a move to Retirement Living this spring.

Call now to arrange your guided tour

Typical Interior

Chorlton-RL-Core-Bespoke-210x148-7.4.14.indd 2 12/03/2014 17:36

Page 13: CI Chorlton April 14

Call Cosgrove Hall Court today on 0800 810 0698 to see how we can make a moving package* to suit you

Retirement ApartmentsFOR SALE

For more information or to register your interest please fi ll in the coupon, call 0800 810 0698 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

8 Albany Road, Chorlton Cum Hardy M21 0BAOpen Tues - Sat 10.30am - 5pm Retirement apartments for the over 60sOne beds from £149,950, two beds from £249,950† Photograph of show apartment includes £974 of � ttings

Cho

rlton

-IN

DE

X-04

-14

Address

Postcode Email

Title Name Tel

Please send me my free colour brochure

Please tick all that apply. Interest: For myself

Friend/Relative New properties Resale

Simply address your envelope in capitals to:

FREEPOST MCCARTHY & STONE (No further address details required)

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

McCarthy & Stone developments are built to the highest specifi cation, with award winning attention to detail throughout every apartment. We’ve paid attention to the things that matter to you, like security with a House Manager on-site, so why don’t you come along and view

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

Come and visit our latest development, to see how you could make a move to Retirement Living this spring.

Call now to arrange your guided tour

Typical Interior

Chorlton-RL-Core-Bespoke-210x148-7.4.14.indd 2 12/03/2014 17:36

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Are you over the age of 60 and craving a more relaxed lifestyle in a low-maintenance home that you continue to own? Perhaps you’re concerned about the prospect of looking after your large family-sized home as you grow older?If you dream of moving somewhere smaller so that you can start making the most of a hassle-free and independent later life, then worry no more, because McCarthy & Stone is offering just the solution at its new Retirement Living development in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.Situated in this highly desirable suburb of Greater Manchester, Cosgrove Hall Court is a premium collection of Retirement Living apartments that makes a popular choice for downsizers.Offering more space in which to enjoy your later years, Cosgrove Hall Court comprises a complex of 47 purpose-built private apartments each offering contemporary retirement living.Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone explains: “Retirement Living encourages its residents to be as independent as they want to be. Whether you simply want to free up spare time by getting rid of the maintenance burden your old house might pose, or, you’re just concerned about what the future might hold, downsizing to Retirement Living could be the solution for you. “We know that as people get older their needs might change, so

although Retirement Living offers a great place to relax and enjoy retirement, it is also purpose-built to make life easier by still providing a number of inherent age specifi c design features.”These features include 24 hour emergency call points, electrical sockets at a raised height to reduce bending, a camera entry system, easy grip lever taps in the bathroom and kitchen and energy effi cient heating.A communal lounge, a hotel style guest suite and landscaped gardens, all aid towards a real sense of community, and offer the perfect place to make new acquaintances with like-minded individuals in sociable and stylish surroundings.“Private apartments are fully

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

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

Independent living with

McCarthy & Stone

This content has been provided by McCarthy & Stone

Page 14: CI Chorlton April 14

9 The Green, Chorlton, M21 9HS0161 860 7794 | www.horseandjockeychorlton.com

Come try the seasonal menu along side our new deluxe deli counter & extended Bootleg Craft Beer.

Chorlton’s landmark pub gets a new lease of life & opens it’s doors after a £750,000 refurbishment.

!!NOW FULLY OPEN!!

Horse and Jockey Pub are donating staff-hours to help transform a patch of neglected woodlands into a play area for Brookburn Primary School.By pledging to donate staff hours over the length of the eight week project, the Horse and Jockey are taking an active role in helping to build their local community. A role which they hope to uphold in the future by getting involved in further community projects.Already a community-lead pub, the Jockey invests £25,000 a year into their community events programme. The investment results in some of the most talked

about events in Chorlton. Such as their infamous fi reworks display and Solstice celebrations. The money also ensures that their events are free for all to attend.The Horse and Jockey’s next main event will be their re-launch party on Saturday 29th March as they re-launch the pub with a completely new menu, concept and interior design. As usual the event will be free to enter and we suggest joining the mailing list for further details.To stay up to date on what’s going on at The Horse and Jockey, come visit us on Twitter

@HorseJockey

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The Horse & JockeyChorlton Pub donate staff-hours to help develop local school

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

AmericanahChimamanda Ngozi AdichieRecently published in paperback, this novel has been deservedly long-listed for the Baileys fi ction prize for women. At the heart of the book is a love story between Ifemelu and Obinze, teenagers attending a Nigerian university who have to leave the country because of university strikes. Ifemelu moves to the States, where she attends an American university and starts a blog dealing with race issues in America, while Obinze moves to England and ends up becoming an illegal immigrant. The novel examines the issues of race and immigration, particularly in the USA, and the idea of being forced to change and reinvent yourself in order to be accepted in a new country or situation. Adichie is such a skilled writer, she manages to convey complex issues without us being aware of it. As with her previous book Half of A Yellow Sun she creates characters who are so real we really care about their fates. One issue I think she highlights well is Africa as a developed continent. In the West we are so used to charity appeals and wars, we forget that many African societies are not in need of our charity.

Book Reviewsby Chorlton Bookshop

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Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 12 – 6pmGreen Walk, off Wood Road, Whalley Range, ManchesterNow in its eighth year, the Green Walk Open House Arts and Crafts Weekend is an event organised by a group of Green Walk residents who open their houses to local artists and designers to use as exhibition space to showcase and sell their work. This includes paintings, ceramics, glass, photography, jewelry and more. The event attracts a large and enthusiastic following from the local community and further afi eld, with attendance growing year on year. With close to fi fty artists taking part, it’s a must for those wanting to spend a leisurely afternoon over the bank holiday weekend. Food and drink are served on the Green.

www.greenwalk.co.uk

The 8th Green WalkOpen House Art & Crafts Weekend

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Lots of people are baffl ed by cooking rice and there’s confl icting advice out there. I learned this method in a Northern commune in the early 1980s. Not only is it low-energy, it also makes the best rice! It works for white and brown rice alike, and it’s stood me in good stead ever since. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s no need to simmer rice for ages or rinse it in boiling water. Once boiled, rice can cook by simply soaking up the water it’s in, so all you have to do is put enough energy in at the beginning of the process, then keep it warm for long enough for the magic to happen. You’ll need rice, water and a heavy pan or microwavable container (whichever you use must have a close fi tting lid) and a blanket or thick towel. For beginners, the pan method is easier (and probably the most energy effi cient), but the

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

Here’s how:1. Measure your dry rice. It’s best done by volume; one mug of rice will feed about three people.2. Put it in a sieve and give it a good rinse under the tap.3. Put the rice in the pan or microwavable container and add two mugs of water for every one mug of rice. The aim is to add exactly the right amount of water for your rice to cook perfectly with none left over. As your rice is wet from washing, reduce the water by about 1cm from one of the full mugs.4. Optionally, add a few strands of saffron and a little salt.5. Place on the heat or in the microwave and bring to the boil. It needs to be thoroughly boiling, but doesn’t need to boil for any length of time. In the microwave

this is a bit tricky. Once nearly boiling, I tend to heat it on full power for a minute at a time, stirring briefl y with a wooden spoon between bursts until I’m satisfi ed all the water is boiling.6. Take your pan or container off the heat, wrap it tightly in the blanket or towel and leave it somewhere warm (or at least not in a cold draught!). Putting it in bed works very well and will make your bed all toasty for later. 7. White rice is cooked and ready to serve in 30 minutes. Brown rice takes an hour and depending on the quality of your insulation, might need a small additional burst of heat after about 40 minutes.

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Perfect rice the low-energy wayBy Sam Paechter

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

Tell us something that your colleagues don’t already know about you.I used to be in the school choir and a sports champion.What’s the most dangerous thing you have ever done?Coming down a mountain in Thassos with no footpath and an enormous snake at the bottom.Tell us about a life moment you wish you could forget?Jumping off a boat as I could see the bottom of the sea to realise my feet couldn’t touch the bottom. Not a good swimmer!What’s your dream job?I have it, as I love meeting new people! And to fi nd them their dream home is a great feeling, especially when they pick up keys and they’re so excited!

What motivates you?Finding people the home they have wished for.What’s the most frustrating and rewarding thing about working in Chorlton?The lack of parking is frustrating, but it’s really rewarding to meet past and present clients when they’re out and about.If you could only achieve one thing in life what would it be?To be a great mum.What would you do with a huge lottery win?Help all my family, friends and make a huge donation to Childrens Young Oncolgy Unit at Christies.

SALES: 0161 882 2233 [email protected]

LETTINGS: 0161 882 2244 chorltonletti [email protected]

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www.jpandbrimelow.co.uk@jpandbrimelow

Offi ces also in Didsbury 0161 448 0622 & Withington 0161 445 9700

Kingsbrook Road, Whalley Range£330,000

Regents Court, Whalley Range£175,000

Chorlton Heights, Chorlton£149,950

Caistor Close, Whalley Range£199,950

Manley Road, Whalley Range£265,000

Chorlton Park, Chorlton£215,000

Burford Road, Whalley Range£195,000

Maitland Avenue, Chorlton£229,950

Eight of the best for sale

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For Cafe Lovers...

1. JunipersLovely owners, bright new decor and delicious homebaked chocolate brownies!

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

3. Costa CoffeeOwned by Whitbread PLC. No locally sourced ingredients.

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

Everyone at Community Index (except Sam, who just doesn’t get it) loves a good cafe. In Chorlton we are lucky to have so many to chose from. Over the years, we’ve tried and tested most of them and spoken to nearly all of the owners. We love them for business meetings, socialising, laptop working and of course for great coffee and cake!They all do coffee and tea to take away.

5. Sugar CubeCentral location, spacious and bright interior specialising in sweet and savoury fi lled pancakes. Another late night opening cafe.

6. The Chorlton EateryStraightforward cafe with attentive waitress service. Good all day breakfasts.

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For Cafe Lovers... 7. Post Box CafeHosts a range of community events, including history talks by Andrew Simpson and is now the new home to the Chorlton Art Market (next date Saturday 26th April).Opens early doors at 8am.

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

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

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

11. OasisSpecialist ice-cream parlour open midday to midnight. Friendly service and more delicious fl avours than you can shake a stick at.

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

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

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

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

Everyone at Community Index (except Sam, who just doesn’t get it) loves a good cafe. In Chorlton we are lucky to have so many to chose from. Over the years, we’ve tried and tested most of them and spoken to nearly all of the owners. We love them for business meetings, socialising, laptop working and of course for great coffee and cake!They all do coffee and tea to take away.

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N A Evans Electrical ServicesFamily run, serving South Manchester for 25 yrs

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Contact Tony Goss0161 865 665707973 908 592

For more information, please visitwww.coldproof.co.uk or contact Eric Fewsteron 07814 788 846 or [email protected]

Tired of living in a cold & draughty house and thinking ofdoing some significant energy efficiency refurbishment?

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Simply CyclingGet tyred out at Longford Park!

Simply Cycling is a good way to get a bit fi tter, make new friends and have some fun. We operate three times a week at Longford Park Athletic Stadium; Monday and Friday mornings and Sunday afternoon. We are also at Wythenshawe Park and Boggart Hole Clough on different days. It’s a project run so that absolutely anyone can join in - all abilities, experience and ages. The £2 fee allows you to ride any of our bikes, trikes, hand-bikes, low-riders and many others, you can even ride around the park if you get a bit bored with the track. We’ve got plenty of baby seats so mums and dads can cycle with their bundles of joy. There’s no need to book; just turn up and get on a bike! There’s a great atmosphere, particularly when we get bumper numbers of cyclists - our record was over 173 one Sunday in March. Tea and Coffee is available and even biscuits or cake, when donated by our regular members.www.simply-cycling.org Helen, 07871 621778 or just drop in. Absolutely everyone is welcome!

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Tell us about yourself, outside of your work in the marketsI am a mother of one with a passion for country music, Fred Astaire and goat’s cheese. I like to sew and paint whilst admiring my collection of vintage 80s Care Bears.What inspired you to start an Art Market in Chorlton?As someone who has sold at hundreds of markets and craft fairs over the years, it was always my dream to run an event of my own - but one where the organisers actually cared about the traders. I had sold at many events where it was clear that very little thought had been given to the people who were selling, and where the overall quality of the work varied hugely. I wanted to create events where the traders were the priority because, after all, it wouldn’t be much of a market without good, happy traders.After having a baby in 2011, I gave up my previous career in mental health to focus on this vision. I realised that Chorlton is packed with loads of fantastic artists and designers and I wanted to provide an opportunity for them to sell their work. There are a lot of talented people here, with great products and branding, and yet I know how hard it is to survive by just selling online.Tell us about the upcoming community marketAfter a lot of hard work and two successful trial markets in Chorlton Precinct last year, Chorlton Art Market has now moved to its lovely new home at The PostBox on the fourth Saturday of each month.  This has led to plans for another new market, The Chorlton Community Market which we hope will be a great opportunity for local charities and organisations to raise awareness and support for their causes. We would also like small online businesses to use the market to provide a ‘face’ for their customers. It will take place on the second Saturday of the month.

You’re an artist yourself, tell us about your own workMy brand is Patchwork Papillon and I make personalised Scrabble pictures, as well as patchwork quilts and bags. What are your plans for the future?We’re planning some exciting themed events for the Art Market throughout the year, with a Textile special and a Home & Garden market coming up soon. 

Chorlton Community MarketSecond Saturday of the monthChorlton Art Market Fourth Saturday of the Monthat The PostBox Café, Wilbraham Roadwww.chorltonartmarket.wordpress.comchorltonartmarket@gmail.com Search “Chorlton Art Market” on Facebook

Meet Alice De VilleFounder of Chorlton Art Market

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK24

881 8162

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Page 25: CI Chorlton April 14

HMC Professional Painters & Decorators

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Property Repairs Chimneys

PointingRoofs

Gutters

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M Duffin

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Sunday 8th June 11:30 – 5:30pmMore than twenty gardens across Didsbury will open to the public, in aid of charity, on Sunday 8th June. You can expect to see a broad range of gardens, and contemporary to traditional design and planting schemes. The community event has raised over £35,000 over the last six years and the team look forward to breaking through the £40,000 mark this year. Maria Stripling, the founder and one of the organisers said, “The event attracts a lot of people of all ages, from Didsbury and across Manchester. There is so much to enjoy from the gardens themselves to meeting old friends as you wander around the village, listening to music in one or two gardens, or watching willow weaving. Of course, plenty of cups of tea and home made cakes are on offer to keep you going and it’s all for a good cause.”

The event attracts around 1,000 visitors and creates a great sense of community, with a number of community groups also getting involved at The Parsonage Trust, Friends of Fletcher Moss Gardens, and The Bradley Fold Allotments. It’s a real treat for all the family, so don’t miss it. Programmes go on sale early May from selected shops in Didsbury, including Inman’s Newsagents, Lapwing Lane, and The Cheese Hamlet, Didsbury Village.

Didsbury Open Gardens

www.didsburyopengardens.org

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We had some mixed weather in March, some beautiful, hot spring days as well as the ubiquitous rain all of which will have stimulated the growth of April’s emerging foliage. There are some magnifi cent youngsters pushing their way through this month. Some are fl ushed with the bright colours of youth and with foliage that is soft and still fragile, whilst others are only just unfurling from a tight protective knot of leaves. The hostas fall into this last category having sent up pointed fi ngers of purple through March, they are just about to come into their own. There are a huge variety of hostas from miniature (for example ‘Baby Bunting’) through to the truly giant leaved example, ‘Empress Wu’, via some medium to large, more saucily named varieties, ‘forbidden fruit’ and ‘climax’. A particularly lovely medium sized hosta is ‘Avocado’ with shiny dark green leaves shot through with a subtle yellow. These more leathery hostas are supposed to be less susceptible to slug attack although I have

the smaller hosta, ‘Devon Green’ in two large pots, with similarly thick leaves that eventually get chomped but perhaps not quite so quickly. The shuttlecock fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris is also making an appearance unravelling from tight, furry whorls into upright lime green foliage. These ferns like the damp so you could try digging out a section of a shady border, lining it with a bin bag (perhaps one or two holes punched through) and back fi lling it with a mix of the old and some new compost before planting the ferns. Both the ferns and hostas

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

Garden DesignPlanting AdviceConsultation ServiceProject Managment

07989968841www.fatgrass.co.uk

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AprilIn Your Garden by Katherine Watson

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Clubs, Societies & GroupsBarlow International Folk Dance Group Tuesday evenings at St.Ninians, Wilbraham Road Mary O’Mahony 0161 881 0955Chorlton Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2pm, Chorlton Library. 0161 881 2544Chorlton Aikido Club Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pmSt Ninians, Wilbraham Rdwww.lancashireaikikai.org861 8456Community Allotment & Apiary Scott Avenue Allotment 07973 13906807521 500223uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/grow_for_it/ Chorlton and Friends Gardening Group 3rd Monday monthly, in Chorlton Library, 7.30 - 9pm. Admission £3.00 [email protected] Bookshop Book Group 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Horse and Jockey Pub 7.45pmDetails from Chorlton Bookshop or call 881 6374Chorlton Bridge ClubChristine Blackburn 225 8854 www.bridgewebs.com/chorltonChorlton Civic SocietyChorlton Library meeting room. Tuesday 13th May 7.30pm. Chair - Jenny Slee 0757 0879 091 chorltoncivicsociety.org.ukChorlton Evening Townswomens Guild Meet every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at 7.30pm Chorlton Library. 0161 881 6354Chorlton Good Neighbours 881 2925 [email protected] History GroupMeets on the 1st Thursday of the month, 1.30 - 3pm at Chorlton Good Neighbours St Nininians Church, Egerton Rd SouthChorlton Knits 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Lloyds

Chorlton Kung Fu Wednesdays 8pm, Albany Estate, behind Morrisons 07774 723839Chorlton Philosophy Group Tuesdays 7.30pm, upstairs at the Lloyds pub chorltonphilosophygroup.wordpress.com/Chorlton Reading GroupOnce a month in the meeting room behind Chorlton library 7.30pm All welcome 881 [email protected] Chorlton and District Rotary Club Every Wednesday 6.45 pm Hough End Centre, Mauldeth Road West, [email protected] Italiano Every Monday, 7.00-9.00 pm at Union Chapel, Fallowfi eld. Intermediates and native [email protected] or 881 8314Coffee and Craft Mornings at Chorlton Good Neighbours. Meet friends and have a coffee, with arts and crafts group. Thursdays 10-11.30am Wilbraham St Ninian’s Church 881 2925www.cgncg.org.uk Co-op members’ groupEvery 2nd Wed of the month at 7.30pm, room above the Hardy Lane Co-op.Talks, trips, events. Brenda 0752 507 1672 [email protected] Circle Led by enthusiastic native speaker. Tuesday afternoon or evening at St Werberghs Church Hall 881 8314Friends of Alexandra Park 226 7525 www.friendsofalexandrapark.org.ukFriends of Chorlton Meadows 881 6276www.friendsofchorltonmeadows.blogspot.comFriends of Longford Park [email protected] friendsofl ongfordpark.org.ukManchester Flower Lovers’ Guild St Werburghs Church Hall, Chorlton. Anne 881 6591 fl owersnorthwest.net

Shakespeare House Community Centre Whalley RangeM16 8NR, [email protected] Cycling Longford Park, Athletics Stadium Mon & Fri 9.30 - Noon, Sun 1-3pm. All abilties and ages welcome Sue 0775 342 8937Helen 0787 162 1778www.simply-cycling.orgSt. Clements FellowshipBarbara 0161 881 5912 or Ida 0161 861 7158 Trafford Athletic Club, Longford Park. Mon & Thu 6 - 9 pm. Min age 9. Tonya 0161 881 4488 www.traffordac.co.ukWhalley Range Cricket & Lawn Tennis Clubevery Friday indoor cricket nets :Years 5 & 6: 6.30-7.30; Years 7-10: 5.30-6.30: Seniors (16+): 7.30-8.30. £4 Springbridge Road, William Hulme Grammar SchoolWhalley Range ForumJN8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Ave, M16 0BG 881 3744 [email protected] www.whalleyrange.org Whalley Range 4 [email protected]

Arts & CraftsChorlton Art Group Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon at St. Werbergh’s church hall. Brenda at [email protected] Sewing Club1st Thursday of the month 7.30 - 9.30pm Chorlton Library chorltonsewing.wordpress.comDrum & Percussion Group Playing Brazilian and Cuban rhythms. Thursdays 7-9pm St. Margarets Church, Whalley Range Sue 226 4311Dolls House and Miniatures Group 2nd Monday of each month, 8-10pm, Whalley Range Venue. Ann 07814 861285Peter Topping presents Chorlton: A Moment in Time 3 years of paintings of Chorlton capturing the shops and people as they are now. 22nd April - 17th May The Arison gallery, 512 Wilbraham Road, M21 9AW

Community Index

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Greater Manchester TreeStation Ltd - A Society for theBenefit of the Community committed to combatting climate

change, FCA Mutuals registered number 31552R

Landscaping andraised beds

www.treestation.co.uk0161 231 3333

We are a unique social enterpriseaiming to make the best use of

wood produced by treeworkin Manchester. In addition we makesleepers, and provide landscaping

and invasive weed removal services,making raised beds, patios, fencing,decking, and chainsaw sculptures.

EntertainmentChorlton Film InstituteSunshine On Leith - 24th April. Doors open 8.10 pm, film starts 8.30 pm Entrance £5 St Clements ChurchChorlton Folk ClubThursdays 9pm Ellesmere Rd Cricket ClubEdge Theatre Warnings to the Curious: The Ghost Stories of M R James Fri 4th Apr 7.30pm. Tickets £10 / £7 The Edge M21 9JG edgetheatre.co.ukFolk Songs and Tunes at The Beech 1st & 3rd Wednesdays for Songs2nd & 4th for Tunes. Beech Road, Chorlton, M21 9EGManchester Sing Out Choir (Gospel Choir) Tuesdays 7-9pmSt Johns Centre, Old Trafford.manchestersingoutchoir.org [email protected] Present ‘Downtown Flabby’ 11th and 12th April. Tickets £10 Hough End Leisure Complex, Chorlton

Therapy & Support GroupsBreast Cancer Care Walking Group Every other Friday at Chorlton Water Park [email protected] Anxiety Group226 3871Manchester Diabetes Support Network: Details/ venues/ monthly dates etc Register interest with Mike 860 5688 [email protected] Family Social UK charity for LGBT adopters, foster carers and their children. Meets every month in south Manchester.newfamilysocial.org.ukRainbow Families 07903 397 108 rainbowfamilies@ hotmail.com

Local MPJohn Leech - MP8 Gawsworth Avenue M20 5NFTel: 434 3334 [email protected]

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Are you part of a voluntary or community group? Drop Joe an email on [email protected]

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

individual sessions

10 week course start 29 April

cycle-technique days May 10 and June 7th

Sue Fleming MSTAT

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

cycle-technique days May 10 and June 7th

Southern Cemeteryby Nola Chesworth

Spring in the cemetery

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

scurrying around, going about their business, and when night falls they are joined by a whole host of other animals. Tawny Owls keep watch from old trees that cast shadows over the foxes who are patrolling the ground, while three different species of bat circle high above. Efforts have been made to ensure Southern Cemetery remains an urban paradise for our wildlife; grass is no longer cut around some of the oldest graves, so that wild fl owers can fl ourish and small mammals and insects can

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

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To volunteer or fi nd out more email Irvine on [email protected], call 0161 860 6238 or follow them on twitter @ChorltonYouthThe fi rst event of 2014 is CYP’s annual fundraising quiz at Chorlton Central Church on Friday 4th April 7– 9pm. Adults £3, Children £2.

Chorlton Youth Project (CYP) was established over thirty years ago. It is a charity dedicated to promoting opportunity and improving the lives of young people living in South Manchester. The project runs a range of activities based at Chorlton Central Church and the new Barlow Moor Community Centre on Merseybank Avenue, as well as in and around Chorlton Park and the Nell Lane estate. It also runs a summer playscheme, and an after school club once a week in Burnage.CYP is always looking for volunteers to help out with

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

As the fundraising climate gets tougher, CYP is increasingly reliant on local support. Irvine Williams, Project Manager said “We want to increase awareness of the charity and the work we do within Chorlton and we’re grateful of the support from local businesses.”

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Handmade chocolates& Coffee Shop

Personalised Easter Eggs & Gifts

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| 492 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9AS | T. 0161 881 1669 |

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

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

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

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

(If anyone knows where Leon can procure a picnic bench, planters, large pots or any other garden furniture, cheap or preferably for free, please, please, get in touch with him at [email protected])

Growing Painsby Leon Horton

WWW.COMMUNITYINDEX.CO.UK32

07986 594 8220161 222 8438

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Ethical Workers Co-op, Dine In & Take-Away,

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6 week PRACTICALIntroduction to Garden Design

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Chorlton Arts Festival is one of the largest multi-arts events in the North of England and this year is proud to present over 90 events, over 70% of which are free. The festival runs 16th - 25th May, in various venues around Chorlton; see the website and soon-to-be-released print programme for full details.CAF’s arts and craft market opens the festival on Saturday 17th at St Clements Church, with the now famous Chorlton Weekender 23rd - 25th May (this year showing John Smith, Liam Frost, Lisbee Stainton, Paper Aeroplanes and The Family Rain), and Dave Haslam’s legendary ‘In Conversation’, this time with Manchester music legend Vini Reilly. The fi rst weekend features a

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

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

Chorlton Arts Festival 2014

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Dave Mackinnon (pictured) enjoyed working as the assistant professional to Peter Barber at Didsbury Golf Club for

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

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

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

Sport in Chorltonby Geoff Garnett

South set for a strong fi nish Dave enjoys the move

Action against Mellor FC (South in red shirts)

If you have any stories about sport in Chorlton or Whalley Range contact Geoff on 0161 881 7550 or [email protected]

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Dave Mackinnon (pictured) enjoyed working as the assistant professional to Peter Barber at Didsbury Golf Club for

Page 37: CI Chorlton April 14

If you have any stories about sport in Chorlton or Whalley Range contact Geoff on 0161 881 7550 or [email protected]

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BathroomsBathroom Angels 7

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Page 39: CI Chorlton April 14

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

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

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