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Manchester Culture Champions
Summary and Learning Report 2019-2020
My Generation Club Night, Matt and Phreds © Joel Fildes
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Manchester Culture Champions
Summary and Learning Report 2019-2020
The programme was led by Royal Exchange Theatre
Report compiled by Jane Goetzee, programme coordinator
FROM THEN TO NOW
The Manchester Culture Champions project has been actively tackling social
isolation among older people through arts and culture since 2011.
Originating from work done with Valuing Older People in 2007/8 and funded
variously over the last decade, during 2019/20, the Manchester Culture Champions
project was an Ambition for Ageing project and was delivered by the Royal Exchange
Theatre in partnership with Greater Manchester Ageing Hub, Manchester Age-
Friendly and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
The Royal Exchange is proud to have been tasked with developing such important
work – it has been an amazing nine months. Drawing on the huge reservoir of
experience, drive and passion for culture to be found among our Culture Champions,
the aim was to attract more older people, particularly from diverse communities and
from the more northerly neighbourhoods of Manchester to get involved.
Culture Champions catch up at Chapter One in the city centre Jan 2020
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Driven by the formidable energy of the older people of Manchester and with Ambition
for Ageing’s small grants fund, seven new opportunities for and by older people have
emerged. We now have four new age-friendly arts initiatives, one club night relaunch
plus two Champion-led community events. We have had socials and trips and many
city-based meetings and continue to reach out to local areas of Manchester.
WHAT WE DID
We relaunched the project in 2019 with four events during September, kindly hosted
by three culture venues around Manchester – Manchester Art Gallery, People’s
History Museum and the National Football Museum. Together with the Culture
Champions we set our agenda – from the start, we would work together, share our
expertise and local knowledge, pool our cultural insights and information and review
the creative activity in our local areas, focusing on what could be added to attract
older people into the world of arts and culture.
‘When I think of the Champions, I think: dynamism, cultural
commitment and social drive.’
Jane Goetzee: Manchester Culture Champions Coordinator
We also invited both age and culture focused organisations – several befriended us
from the off and gave us lots of support. We arranged presentations from local
people who had been through the process of establishing successful arts initiatives
from scratch themselves. We had our own Culture Champions with experience in the
development of long-running arts interest groups, theatre, dance, film, yoga, radio
– driven by passion for the subject and with consideration of how to make them
durable, through making use of available assets and simplifying responsibilities rather
than wholly relying on funding for example. These were the streams of knowledge
and expertise that poured into our first meetings. And with a co-production approach
from the start, and a sense of equality and democracy at the heart of the meetings,
people’s ideas began to emerge.
‘Without money it would have been a struggle (so absolute thanks to
AfA) but with or without money I was determined to do this…’
Andy Steele, Welcome Centre Music Sessions
By the end of the four sessions, ideas began to evolve into realistic initiatives - a day
of world music, club nights, a celebratory community feast, play-reading for the wary,
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drop in music sessions, crafts and conversation – to inspire local older people to get
involved, to get creative or to try something new in the world of culture.
‘I was encouraged by the interest shown by the Cultural Champions
when I first raised my idea… knowing that I already had interested
participants…’
Geli Berg, World Music Bus Tour
Watching a performance at the National Football Museum September Sessions 2019
In October, November and December we had five more events within Manchester
Art Gallery. Meetings involved sharing food, sharing information, forging friendships
and building networks, discussing ideas – thrashing out what was needed to future-
proof the work of the Champions as a whole, while nurturing the cultural initiatives
that had been born along the way.
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SEVEN CULTURE CHAMPION-LED INITIATIVES
No Experience Necessary Play-Readers Miles Platting
Led by Mike Bishop (pictured)
An extension of East Manchester Theatre Trippers
which was originally set up by Mike Bishop in 2016
who had discovered the love of acting and theatre at
the age of 70 and is now proactive in several theatres
around Manchester. His new initiative, supported by
the Culture Champions project, offers an opportunity
for the very shy – who have always wanted to act – a
friendly introduction to drama through regular play-
reading. It’s a series of 12 monthly sessions facilitated by a theatre professional who
aims to nurture the talents in an atmosphere of friendliness and encouragement – as
Mike says – ‘We welcome mistakes!’ The launch was on Monday 17th February at St
George’s Centre in Ancoats and the sessions will continue as soon as possible.
As a veteran of culture groups in the community Mike says:
‘Start small. If the project is good it will build itself… Some of our
members who were shy or doubted their abilities were surprised to find
that they could do it and really enjoyed the session…’
Welcome Centre Music Sessions Cheetham Hill
Led by Andy Steele (pictured)
Based within the Welcome Centre this is a drop-in music
session for the people of Cheetham Hill. It runs every
Tuesday from 10.30 until 2.30 and was initiated by Andy
who is also the volunteer tutor, a Culture Champion and
multi-talented musician himself. Instruments were all
provided by the Ambition for Ageing small grant and
include keyboard, guitars, ukuleles, bass guitar, mandolin,
violin and electronic drum kit. Everyone is welcome to drop
in regularly and learn something new or pick up where they
left off from previous musical days. Marysia Bocquet, the
Health and Well-Being Coordinator at the Welcome
Centre was key in the development of the project, making a large room and storage
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space available permanently for the sessions, and having confidence in Andy to make
it happen.
‘When they say they how much they enjoy the class I’m so glad we got
the grant because this centre needed music’
Andy Steele, Welcome Centre Music Session
Andy (LEFT) and volunteers at Cheetham Hill Festival 2019 at the Welcome Centre
‘I see people’s confidence growing more and more as they are mixing
with others.’
Andy Steele, Welcome Centre Music Sessions
Brunswick Mill Studios Music Sessions - Ancoats
Led by Glyn Treharne and Mike Rikard
Initiated by Glyn and fellow Culture Champions, and hugely supported by Mike
Rikard, Brunswick Mill Studios owner, these are weekly sessions in three of the
amazing group rehearsal rooms at the Mill where people can learn to play guitar,
ukulele, drums or keyboards, with a tutor and other experienced and practicing
musicians. Sessions are on a Thursday from 11.30 until 2.30. With everything
provided – including full drum kits, storage space and help with finding sponsorship,
this is a beautiful example of how a small grant, combined with culture-positive, age-
positive business support plus dynamic volunteering all works together.
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‘The initial grant was so important in establishing the group, and the
Culture Champions Meetings were invaluable in that I was in touch with
so many potential supporters.’
Glyn Treharne, Brunswick Mill Studios Music Sessions
TOP: Culture Champions at Brunswick Mill.
LEFT: Brenda on drumkit with music tutor Steve Rickard. RIGHT Jacquie and Don on acoustic guitar.
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‘The overall aim was also to challenge social stereotyping of older
people and to include people who were socially isolated. I had already
identified someone as a tutor, and who had agreed to give lessons for
free’.
Glyn Treharne, Brunswick Mill Studios Music Sessions.
World Music Bus Tour and Workshop Tues 4th February 2020 – city-wide
Led by Geli Berg
Geli initiated this event after a chat about bringing live world music within reach of
older people and some very enthusiastic encouragement from the Culture
Champions, during our September sessions in 2019. To showcase some of the less-
known talented musicians in Manchester, the bus toured around the city through
Rusholme, Levenshulme Moss Side, and Cheetham Hill, taking passengers through
the less-central places where our world music flourishes with examples of the music
playing as it went. At five stops along the way, we picked up musicians who performed
live to the passengers. The tour ended at the Bridgewater Hall where there were
refreshments, courtesy of the Bridgewater Hall, and a feedback session in the
Barbirolli Room, accompanied by an erhu recital from Henry Fung.
Musicians playing to the passengers on the World Music Bus tour February 2020
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LEFT Henry Fung playing the single-string Chinese violin for the World Music Bus Tour event in the Barbirolli
Room at Bridgewater Hall. RIGHT Culture Champions and guests at the Bridgewater Hall after the tour.
My Generation Club Nights – city-wide re-launch at Matt and Phred’s in the City-
centre
Led by Joyce Gill
These amazing sessions originate from Joyce Gill’s music and social initiatives over
ten years ago. They are 60s club nights for ‘baby boomers’ aiming to combat
loneliness in older people and offer a chance to go out in the city, socialising,
dancing and being part of the vibrant nightlife of Manchester. They include live music
and DJs as an essential. The relaunch of the first of two club nights on Sunday 23rd
February, was a huge success, generously hosted by the lovely people at Matt and
Phred’s on Tib St. Manchester. None of it could have happened without the sheer
determination of Joyce and friends and the small grant from Ambition for Ageing to
get things moving. Further sessions are planned for later in the year – see My
Generation Club Nights Facebook page for the updates.
‘We got our club nights off to cracking start and got scuppered... but just
think about the mighty party we're gonna have when we get through
this!’
Joyce and Tracey, My Generation Club Nights
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Joyce and 150 guests having a boogie, free pizza and half-price cocktails at Matt & Phred’s with a fantastic
live performance from Babalola Jr.
‘A superb night had by all and absolutely nothing but positive feedback’
CAH, MGCN Facebook page
DJ David Balderstone keeping guests on the dancefloor at the My Generation Club Night
Burnage Buddies Community Food and Music Event, Burnage
Led by Saira Qureshi
Based within Burnage Community Centre this amazing group of people have done
so much in their neighbourhood to encourage older people to join in community
through breakfasts and other creative social events. They decided it was time to
celebrate their achievements and shine a spotlight on their hardworking volunteers
and share their stories from the last seven years with friends, families and guests.
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Part-funded by Ambition for Ageing the Burnage Buddies provided a wonderful meal
and a feast of traditional music from the singing group Jazbaa (meaning ‘passion’).
‘It was a lovely opportunity to hear about the Buddies’ work in Burnage
particularly from the women of the BAME community – of all ages.’
Burnage Buddies Volunteers receiving their awards from Councillor Yasmine Dar
Music and delicious food shared by the Burnage Buddies to celebrate seven years work
Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall Culture Creatures Woodville Centre, Crumpsall
Led by Ruqia Allana and local facilitators.
Based within North Manchester Black Health Forum at the Woodville Centre on
Shirley road in Crumpsall, this is a weekly creative group for older people, welcoming
everyone who loves to get involved and make things. All the materials are provided
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by the centre and with a small grant from Ambition for Ageing to cover the facilitator
costs the monthly session will move round three venues in the Crumpsall and
Cheetham area. Ruqia and Mags launched it on Wednesday 12th February with a
special session of card making and a shared meal – and so close to Valentine’s Day,
there were chocolate hearts for everyone!
Twitter @Nmbhf2010ruqia
Telephone Ruqia or Mags 0161 720 9974/ 0791 435 0602
Culture Creatures launch day at the Woodville Centre in Crumpsall
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OUTREACH SESSIONS
The Culture Champions project also wanted to contribute to the creative life of older
people who live in retirement schemes and care homes. Teaming up with two writers,
and the Elders Programme at the Royal Exchange Theatre, we were able to offer a
supportive and ‘stay at home’ means of returning to theatre through drama and story-
making. Focusing on Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall, our aim was to re-ignite interest
which would then be nurtured by the ongoing Local Exchange team at the Theatre,
over the next year or two.
Wellington Lodge in Cheetham Hill, and George Halstead Court in Crumpsall
(joined by residents from Broad Oak Court) invited us to hold a series of sessions
based in their community rooms. The sessions were led by Joe Gilmour-Rees and
Rebekah Harrison, both writing and drama professionals who drew out the actor and
storyteller in each participant – who fully rose to the challenge with some hilarious
and hugely imaginative results. The aim was to create original drama pieces, to be
recorded and broadcast by Sonder Radio.
As with many things, this work was interrupted by the pandemic, but important and
lasting links have been set up and will be revisited in the future.
Although ending in May 2020 these significant parts of the project will run on into
the future. They show what is possible by providing the opportunity for Culture
Champions and local health, social and cultural asset-holders to meet and work
together. We are so proud of the outcomes and will continue to be inspired by
people’s ingenuity and drive.
‘I think (funding Culture Champions initiatives) is a great idea as it
endorses the fact that we are still creatives with great ideas.’
Geli Berg, World Music Bus Tour
For further information about the work of Culture Champions programme during
2019-2020, please contact Andy Barry, Elders Programme Manager at the Royal
Exchange Theatre [email protected]
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LEARNING
Eleven months is a relatively short time in which to make changes and of course our
plans for the last quarter were impeded by the pandemic. But we hope that by
pushing the boundaries of what it is to be a Culture Champion and providing people
with access to small grants, we have increased the potential for more and more older
people to get involved in creative and cultural activity around the city and in our local
neighbourhoods. Below is a short breakdown of some of the learning we have done
together.
‘The city is full of buildings, spaces, heritage, goodwill, talent - these are
our assets – but our main asset is the people who know this city and who
know what they want. Just ask them, work with them. Add some funding
for the remaining essentials... and good things happen!’.
Jane Goetzee Culture Champions Coordinator 2019-20
LEARNING ABOUT CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
Meetings and co-production:
• instigating the co-production culture from the start meant every voice was
involved in the discussion, ideas and plans considered by all
• building up as a ‘working group’ of individuals each with their own areas of
expertise and knowledge brought dynamic discussion and high levels of
positivity
• increasing dissemination of cultural news and events through robust
information sharing
• creating opportunities to take the lead and promoting active involvement in
planning helps sustainability – people ‘make it their own’ and rely less on the
project.
• welcoming support organisations to get involved at meetings as Culture
Champions themselves results in key conversations, practical advice and offers
of resources, and active support
• invite inspirational talks from the people themselves and from local role models
Help from supportive organisations:
• opportunities for conversations between people and organisations benefits
both when done with a co-production approach
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• involve health and well-being as well as cultural organisations in the project
from the start
• people have local knowledge about and explore possible community assets as
well as community needs - and with support will use it to create new initiatives
• culture-positive, age-positive businesses plus dynamic volunteering has lots of
potential
• organisations can host initiatives and hold money in their accounts
• Champions are age-friendly consultants – they can advise/support cultural
organisations in return
Communication:
• regular meetings with co-production approach
• regular newsletter - establish best means of maintaining interaction and invite
comment, ideas etc
• encouragement to swap contact details and build networks among themselves
• linking people from the same neighbourhood
• create tutorials and offer individual/peer help with Whatsapp and social media
• create a hub using a blog
Small grants:
• people new to receiving a small grant need time and support
• take time to build trust and offer tailored support early in the funding process
- means less need for the lengthy/complex administration that often deters
people from applying
• giving help in identifying available assets when planning initiatives and people
asking around between themselves – opens up more possibilities with less
money
• funders need to consider the recipients means of receiving the money –
individual initiators may not have a usable account and not all groups are
‘constituted’
• can be maximised when used in conjunction with available assets, eg spaces,
time, skills
• spending can be done on behalf of recipients through an organisation’s
account
• acknowledge that people are wary of taking on the responsibility of community
money
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• suggest Ask Forms, rather that Application Forms - people ask for a specific
amount for essentials once they have explored and secured use of other
resources
LEARNING ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
About getting involved:
• people want to be fully informed about the provenance and aims of the project
• people’s eagerness to get involved increases once they realise it’s about
working together as equals, not as older people needing help
• people are happier when they are mixing, but not every gathering suits every
person
• not everyone minds being alone or may opt to be unreachable because they
prefer it that way, for their own reasons
• people liked the concept of being a ‘champion’ when they realised it was their
knowledge/passion or skill that was being drawn on
• people seemed to like the idea that it was not a fixed programme of
volunteering, that they could do as much or as little as they wished, or that they
could manage or fit in.
Challenges:
• people have varying backgrounds, education and experience – time for
preparation and training must be factored in for any person electing to lead
an activity
• finding information about the range of things happening around Manchester
is not always easy – it is fragmented, often inaccessible, not in appropriate
formats (small print, wrong language, off-putting images)
• people get involved less because of the basics: cost, transport, health/mobility,
fear (of darks streets, incontinence, socially daunting etc) lack of access to
information.
Active membership was down to 24 in August 2019 but is now up to 65 with 40 of
those having attended at least one event, and around 20 in attendance at each of
the events.
About the experience of ageing:
• people don’t like being stereotyped or put in the ‘older’ category
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• 50 – 80yrs is a huge range, people had widely ranging lifestyles, skills, work
and responsibilities
• some people do not consider themselves ‘old’ or ageing until they are much
older than 50, that ‘ageing’ varies from one person to another.
• some people in their 70s hardly thought of themselves as older people, and
continued to support ‘older people’, without seeing themselves as one of them.
• health and mobility affect people’s sense of their age.
• income levels vary a lot.
About being alone:
• isolation can be sudden and for many reasons, people take time to readjust
• through bereavement – people struggle to get involved if they have always
been part of a couple
• bereavement can continue for years
• some are more positive than others in wanting to explore life after their partner
dies
• budgets change, social circles change, confidence drops.
THE FUTURE
The sustainability of the project lies in the determination and passion for culture of
our Culture Champions. The initiatives are likely to thrive because they have been
created by people who are directly in touch with their neighbourhoods, their arts-
interest groups and friends. They are Manchester people – and in the true Mancunian
spirit of manufacturing something new out of what we have around us – their projects
will flourish. Help with building on what they have started is always useful, for example
information about further small pots of money, sources of training and support.
But it is they who have been the driving force and through them and with them so
much is possible. With a city full of assets, of imaginative businesses and open-
minded supportive organisations, with dynamic, resourceful people and a bit of
carefully spent money, more of this can happen.
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