Forum Diary - Archive Jan - May 2001

Monday 2nd April 2001

Exclusive pictures from the Gorton Festival

Nobody said they had to be good, but here they are anyway :) The festival itself was an excellent event, attracting lots of people to the Monastery site on both days. Well done to all those involved, both in the organisation and to those who took part in the various events, entertainments and stalls.

Wednesday 7th March 2001

TUB GETS A REPRIEVE

Well, things are taking an upturn on the Tub front, just had notice that the tub has had a reprieve until the end of May. According to a letter I have received this morning from the Rt. Hon. Gerald Kaufman M.P. the Leader of the Council, Cllr. Richard Lees has recommended that the closure be put back for two months in order to allow material submitted to be considered along with other options for maintaining a wet facility.

Now while this is cause for celebration, I would add that the fight is not over yet, the campaign having been given more time to persuade the Council to keep the tub open and what looks like a commitment by the Council to look at the options. I would echo the words of Mr. Kaufman in saying that it is more important than ever that the tub be used as much as possible in order to demonstrate to the Council the need and demand for this facility.

USE IT DON'T LOSE IT!

Thanks to Mr K. for his efforts on our behalf, and I would like to add a big "Well Done and Thanks" to all the Save the Tub campaigners, without whom the Tub would certainly be looking at imminent closure. You are a shining example to us all.

Onto other matters. The Market stall was a great success, a lot of people stopped to let us know what they think and what they want. We are looking at what you've said right now - and taking notice ...
The Factfinders are now recruited and will be training this weekend. This is a fantastic opportunity to find out what people are really thinking about their lot, about services and about what they want. Much of this information will form the basis of a number of strategies throughout the Gorton area, all of which will be grounded in the wants and needs of the community. This is how it should be - many thanks to Lisa, Linda and Tracey for all their hard work in this and to the Central PCT for encouraging it.

Ah, I seem to have spent a lot of time thanking people this morning, well they all deserve it. As do the Forum Management Committee who have given me such support over the last 12 months. Thanks again to you all.

Tuesday 20th February 2001

Thanks to those nice people at Manchester Markets, the Healthy Gorton Group in conjunction with the Central PCT and the Forum will be in evidence on Gorton Market between 10.00am and 4.00pm this coming Friday, 20th February. This is another fact finding exercise in conjunction with the Fact finders project, and we really welcome your opinions. Take this opportunity to have your say in matters of Health or any other subject, we're listening! We have procured some special balloons for the occasion, bound to be collectors items ...
And, of course, there is still time to sign up for the Gorton Fact Finders, forms will be available at the stall, and staff will be on hand with further information about the project. Remember, this is a chance to be involved in first hand research about what the people of Gorton really want - as opposed to what other people say you want .. So look for our stall on the inside market, see you there :)

Friday 9th February 2001

Quick update. The printed newsletter hit the streets today, called by the Tub and it seemed to be pretty busy, great stuff, Use it don't lose it! The Market was quite busy too, helped, no doubt by the lovely weather this morning. And possibly the fact that they've chopped the bushes down at last around the car parks??
Talking about the market, we'll be there on Friday 23rd Feb, meeting people and talking about what you, the people in the community really want. And don't forget that we still need fact finders, Gorton residents who have a bit of time to complete a day's training and undertake a couple of interviews in the area. You must be over 18 and live in Gorton, expenses will be paid. you can get an application form from Jim at the Forum. Please note that the deadline for applications is now 26th February and the training day is SATURDAY 10th March. There are still a few places left, so hurry, sign up and learn a new skill, whilst helping your community.

And finally... I've decided to archive the stuff which has previously appeared on this page, just in case anybody wants to check up on what we were saying last week :) You can find it Here
If you have any comments, criticisms articles to submit or ideas for the site or the printed Newsletter let us know