Events Diary

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Belle Vue is Back in Town
Manchester’s Central Library is rolling back the years with a unique exhibition capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens of yesteryear.

Belle Vue's Back in Town is a unique insight into what was once one of the North West's premier tourist attractions, featuring an astonishing collection of original posters, postcards, circus programmes, zoo guides, souvenirs and other memorabilia from the collection of local historian Brian Selby.

Since opening in 1836, Belle Vue provided entertainment and excitement to millions until the zoo's closure in 1977, although the circus continued until 1982.

Many people today still remember with affection the popular outdoor dancing, fairground, Saturday night speedway, firework displays and gardens.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member of Culture and Leisure said: "Belle Vue was an extremely popular tourist attraction and the display is well worth a visit to reminisce on a bygone era and celebrate the unique position that Belle Vue holds in Manchester's social history."

The exhibition runs until 17 October and includes fascinating Victorian artifacts including a series of original zoo guides dating back to 1880.

Belle Vue's Back in Town, Central Library, First Floor until 17 October.

Central Library is open Monday to Thursday 9am - 8pm and Friday and Saturday 9am - 5pm.


Chance for close look at Monastery
Members of the public are being invited to join east Manchester’s landmark Gorton Monastery for four days of music, memories and celebrations next week.

Running from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 September, the long weekend offers everyone interested the chance to enjoy the building and different events every day.

The Monastery will be open free to visitors from 11am to 4pm each day and there will be daily fund-raising events for which visitors will be invited to make a donation.

On Thursday there's a chance to Meet the Monastery Team at noon, 2pm or 4pm. Visitors will not only be able to see the magnificent restoration of the Church and Friary by Gorton Monastery Trust but also learn all about its history through photographs, films and talks.
A special event on Thursday at 6pm will see Manchester opera star Martin Toal launch the Monastery's new Members scheme.

Thursday night is Nostalgia Night from 6.30 to 8.30pm, with visitors invited to take along and share their photographs and memorabilia of the Monastery, Gorton and Belle Vue. Friday afternoon brings The Monastery Tea Dance from 2pm to 4pm with a chance to dance to music from DJ Alan King and singer Carl Benedict.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4pm there will be concert featuring Manchester Youth Orchestra and Gorton Voice Choir.

Elaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of Gorton Monastery Trust, said: "It will be exactly 10 years since the Monastery Trust held its very first open day over the same weekend in 1998.

The restoration was supported by New East Manchester, the urban regeneration company transforming east Manchester, and was funded by major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund, English Heritage, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Architectural Heritage Fund.

For more information see www.gortonmonastery.co.uk or call 0161 223 3211.


Gorton Heritage Trail Action Group
The GHTAG are having an action day when anybody wishing to volunteer an hour or so to help tidy up the Butterfly Garden on Hyde Road, Gorton (opposite the Waggon and Horses pub) would be most welcome. No experience needed but it would be handy to bring some work gloves if you have them. Refreshments will be provided. Members of the Action Group will be there from 10.30 am onwards on Sunday 29 June 2008.


NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH HOLDS KEY TO CUTTING CRIME
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Metropolitan Division is encouraging local residents to get involved in the fight against crime.

As part of National Neighbourhood Watch Week, which begins on 16 June, police are ensuring advice and support about avoiding crime is made more accessible to local people.

A crime reduction guide will be available in all local libraries across the Metropolitan Division.

The handy sized booklet contains helpful hints and tips on issues such as home security, protecting your vehicle and personal safety. This includes simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of being burgled, such as locking doors and windows when you go out and not leaving valuables on show.

For the entire week, GMP will have a display at Gorton library highlighting Neighbourhood Watch Week and offering advice on setting up neighbourhood watch schemes.

As part of national changes to policing, Gorton and all areas of GMP have a dedicated team of neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs who work alongside the local community to tackle crime issues.

Pc Kevin Jenkinson, watch scheme administrator said: "Neighbourhood watch schemes are proven to have considerable success at reducing crime. We really want to bring that message home to local people".

"By encouraging them to set up their own schemes or join existing ones they will play a crucial role in making their community a safer and more pleasant place to live".

"Setting up your own scheme can also reduce the cost of your home insurance so it's really worth getting involved".

Neighbourhood watch schemes offer advice on how to secure your home and are a channel of communication between scheme members and local police. By talking together, neighbours can identify problems and help find solutions by working with police officers, authorities and other appropriate agencies.

Anyone interested in finding out more about neighbourhood watch in their area should contact Pc Kevin Jenkinson at the community and partnership unit, Longsight police station on 0161 856 6059 or email Kevin-Jenkinson@gmp.police.uk.


Are you interested in a career in welding
Do you want to gain a City and Guilds qualification?
You could be working for one of the local companies in east Manchester in jist six weeks.
Course starts: 25 February 2008
For more information call Mancat on 0800 068 85 85


Welsh Highland Railway Beyer Peacock locomotives
The Welsh Highland Railway is being reconstructed from Caernarfon to Porthmadog at a cost of twenty five million pounds (all of which has been raised). Half of the railway is in use already and the Opening Day for the rest of the line through Snowdonia is planned for Easter 2009.

The locomotives which will be used are mostly of Beyer-Garratt design and were constructed in Gorton by Beyer Peacock. Next September, on Saturday the 6th (and Sunday the 7th) the WHR will be holding a special event featuring 50 Beyer-Garratt locomotives of varying gauges.

I am wondering if there is anyone amongst your readers who would be interested in a day trip to the Welsh Highland Railway at Caernarfon on Saturday 6th September 2008. I would be especially interested to hear from anyone who would be prepared to assist me in organizing such a trip (by coach or rail).

My e-mail address is:- snowdonianexperience@btinternet.com

My postal address is:–
David Foss 7, Layfield Close, BL8 4BN.

Gorton South Respect Action Week
Senior Safety Event.
A free event aimed at reducing bogus callers and distraction burglary.
Date: Friday 30th November 2007
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm & 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Free hotpot lunch for morning event and Free afternoon tea for afternoon event.
Venue: St Richards Church, Sutcliffe Street, Gorton.
Cost: FREE

Free Animal Health Checks by RSPCA.
Free veterinary health check for all pets.
Free microchipping, flea and worming treatment.
Free Neutering vouchers and health care advice and pet 'goody bags'.
Date: Friday 30th November 2007
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
Venue:New Covenant Church, Matthews Lane, Gorton.
Cost: FREE

FREE ALCOHOL awareness seminar - How much do you know about alcohol and the effects it has on your body?
Come along to our Alcohol Awareness Event:
Myths and facts about alcohol.
How much is too much…? What is ‘sensible drinking’
24 hour drinking? the legal duty of alcohol retail staff.
Date: Wednesday 28th November 2007
Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Venue: Contact Heather Kingdom on 0161 856 1377 for venue details.
Cost: FREE

Community Event
Date: Wednesday 28th November 2007
Time: 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: New Covenant Church, Matthews Lane, Gorton
Cost: FREE

Respect Community Fun Day.
Saturday 1st November 2007
Sacred Hearts Church Hall.
Levenshulme Road, Gorton.
12:30pm – 4:00pm


Firework Displays
Sunday 4 November Fairground rides from 5pm; Fireworks display 7.30pm Philips Park - 0161 223 8278

Sunday 4 November Fairground rides from 5pm; Fireworks display 8pm Boggart Hole Clough - 0161 795 2650

Monday 5 November Fairground rides from 5pm; Fireworks display 7.30pm, Bonfire at 8pm Platt Fields Park - 0161 224 2902

Monday 5 November Fairground rides from 5pm; Fireworks display 7.30pm Bonfire at 8pm Wythenshawe Park - 0161 998 2117

Monday 5 November Fairground rides from 5pm; Fireworks display 7.30pm Bonfire at 8pm Heaton Park - 0161 773 1085


Gorton Park planting day
There is a big planting day taking place, part of the 100 Days, on Tuesday 22 May, 9.30am - 3.00pm, at Gorton Park. The planting is being organised by the Friends' Group and Environmental Campaigns.

Extra hands would be excellent - if you, or any of your colleagues, friends & associates, are able to come along and pitch in, Gorton Park will be all the greater for it.


Community welcome day
A community welcome day is being held at St. Philips church opposite Sunny Brow Park on Saturday 12th May between 12 noon and 3pm.

Gorton Reservoir
United Utilities are holding a public exhibition at the Debdale Centre, 2.30pm -7pm on Wednesday 17 January 2007


Ladies Keep Fit
Every Thursday evening 8pm - 9pm at Gorton Gymnastics Centre, Garratt Way, Gorton.


Firewoks displays
October
Halloween Workshop, Funfair and Fireworks Display: Debdale Park admission free, Pumpkin workshops: 4.30pm, Funfair: 4pm - 9pm and Fireworks: 7.30pm

November
Funfair and Fireworks Display: Cringle Park, admission free
Funfair: 4.30pm and Fireworks: 7.30pm. 0161 223 8278

Thursday 2 Funfair and Fireworks Display: Philips Park, admission free
Funfair: 4.30pm and Fireworks: 7.30pm. 0161 223 8278

Friday 3 Funfair and Fireworks Display: Platt Fields Park, admission free
Funfair: 4.30pm and Fireworks: 7.30pm. 0161 224 2902

Saturday 4 Funfair and Fireworks Display: Boggart Hole Clough Park, admission free
Funfair: 4.30pm and Fireworks: 7.30pm. 0161 795 2650

Sunday 5 Funfair and Fireworks Display: Wythenshawe Park, admission free
Funfair: 4.30pm and Fireworks: 7.30pm. 0161 998 2117

Sunday 5 Funfair, Fireworks Display and Bonfire: Heaton Park, free Funfair and Children's Fireworks Display 6.45pm - 7.00pm, Main Fireworks Display: 7.30pm

Cancer Research UK - All Walk Together - Heaton Park

Saturday 28th October 2006
11am start
Take steps against breast cancer this October by taking part in a 10km or 5km sponsored walk through beautiful parkland in aid of Cancer Research UK's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. £6 entry for adults & £3 for under 18s. Register via the Cancer Research UK website www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer or by calling 08701 60 20 40.

Price £6 for adults, £3 for under 18s before the event.
Address Heaton Park, Manchester
Post code M25 2SW
Telephone No. 08701 60 20 40
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer


St. Philip’s Church is holding a fund-raising concert on 6th August at 2. 30pm.
CREAM TEA SUMMER CONCERT
featuring: BELLE VUE BRASS BAND
St. Philip’s Church – opposite Sunny Brow Park, Gorton
For further information Tel: 231 2201


No Messin' Live! A free two-day event packed full of activities for 10 to 16 year olds to be held in East Manchester at Manchester Tennis Centre, Sportscity on 21 – 22 August.

Each event will consist of 3 zones – music, gaming and sport – featuring activities such as DJing, urban dance, football, urban cricket, tag rugby, basketball, wrestling, computer gaming and karaoke. If that's not enough, you can also try your skills on the climbing wall and surf simulator.

And everyone that comes along will receive a free gift just for trying stuff out – complete 4 activities and you could get a free t–shirt, beanie hat, clip–on radio, No Messin'! dog–tags or a bag.

On top of that, everyone that takes part goes in to a draw to win an Xbox or MP4 player, so the more activities you do, the greater your chance of winning.

So put the date in your diary:
Where: East Manchester Tennis Centre, Sportcity
When: August 21 – 22 September 1, drop in anytime from 10am –5pm
For more details log onto www.no–messin.com or call 020 8846 8368.


Family Fun Day on Gorton Market Saturday 15th July
Conrad Heald (Market Manager) is organising a FAMILY FUN DAY on Gorton Market to raise funds for Christie's Hospital.

On SUNDAY 16th a team from the Market will be completing the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride, also in aid of Christie's.
A PA will be in place on Saturday and a performance area has been designated. Conrad has asked if any local acts would be willing to take part on a voluntary basis to help with this charity event. He is looking for anything from Martial Arts displays to dancers; bands to comic mayhem.

Mike Sweeney (now of Capital Gold, ex Piccadilly Radio) and Gorton Voice are already booked, the PCT are also involved. So if you would like to take part and show how Gorton can get behind a good cause contact:

Conrad Heald
Market Manager
Gorton Market
Gorton Cross Street
Gorton
Manchester
M18 8LD.


Manchester Mental Health Patient and Public Involvement Forum
Annual General Meeting, 18th July at 7pm at Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester. This is an oppertunity to hear about some of the forums work over the past year.

Filling the Gaps
Are you suffering from toothache? Can you access a NHS Dentist? Do you know how to get an appointment in an emergency? Would you like to help shape the vision of dentistry in Manchester? Would you like further information on the changes to dentistry from 1st April 2006?

Share your experiences, comments and views with the Patient and Public Involvement Forums for Manchester - Central, North and South. Forum members strongly promote the involvement of patients and the general public in the delivery of local health services.

The Forums are independent of the NHS and are working in partnership to make a real difference to the dental health of Manchester. Contact the Forums at the details below and let your voice be heard.

Write to: Manchester PPI Forums, FREEPOST NAT14073, 2nd Floor, Gaddum House, 6 Great Jackson Street, Manchester, M15 4AX.

Email: ppim@blackhealthagency.org.uk

Call: Health Issues Hotline 0845 601 8047(all calls are charged at local rates, leave your views or contact details and you will be called back)


THE STROKE ASSOCIATION
The Stroke Association now hold a group at Gorton Library , Garrett Way, Gorton. on Thursday's from 1-3 pm . For people affected by stroke who have any communication difficulty from forgetting the odd words,through to total aphasia (unable to speak).Come along and join other stroke people, for a couple of hours of social interaction geared towards improving your communication skills. There is no need for nerves or embarrassment, we are a small friendly group, who have the stroke experience in common, help yourself and others over tea and biscuits, volunteers always welcome too. Please call in and see us or for further details please call
Anne - Dysphasia Support Organisor on : 0161 438 - 2008 mobile : 07717275712


Expert Patients Programme
Central Manchester Primary Care Trust is running a free expert patients programme. Starting 14th June 2006. at the Angels. Endicott Close, off Gorton Lane, opposite Gorton Monastery

Are you living with a long term health condition
Diabetes, Arthritis, Chest problems, Stroke, Depression, Asthma, Anxiety, Sickle Cell, Irritable Bowl Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Breathing problems, Epilepsy, Chronic Pain, Crohns, Angina, Cancer Skin Problems and many more.

This six week course, eachsession being two and a half hours long is designed to help you deal with and manage the problems, symptoms, concerns worries and emotions of living with a long term health condition.
For more information contact: 0161 958 4132


West Gorton Youth Centre is open five nights a week
.
Monday 7 - 9.45pm - seniors (13+)
Tuesday 6.30 - 8.45pm Juniors (7-12)
Wednesday 7 - 9.45pm - seniors (13+)
Thursday 7 - 9.30pm Young womens group 7.9.30 (13+)
Friday 6 - 8.45 (11+)

Activities include - drama, art, cooking, football, quizzes, sports, dance, filmmaking. We also run programmes of trips in school holidays

There is also a Teenage Parents group on a Tuesday afternoon from 1pm until 3pm. There is a crèche for the little ones and we always have a (late) lunch! We do art, photography, trips, play sessions and any other stuff that teenage parents want to get involved in.

If you would like more information on any of the sessions or would like to get involved in volunteering at the centre please contact Donna on 01612235299 or email me at donnanimanwgyc@yahoo.co.uk


SureStart events
Adult & Toddler Group
every Wednesday 10-12 Emmanuel Church, 35 Blackwin Street, West Gorton
£1 per family-free refreshments
for more info contact Shazia, Angela or Darren on 273-7650

Cook & Taste sessions (free)
Learn how to make a healthy family meal for £5
Bushmoor Childrens centre
Starting September
call Shazia, Angela or Darren on 273-7650 for more details.


Art Waves
takes place at Gorton Library on Friday afternoons between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
The group is funded by Community Chest. It welcomes all people in Gorton who may, for one reason or another, be feeling fed up/ down etc.
It is very informal. There are a variety of activities on offer including painting, card making, painting with wax and batik (a type of fabric dying). The cost is 50p and this includes tea coffee and biscuits. We would love to see new faces attending the group. For more information telephone Joanne on 07963 638 511. Look forward to seeing you!


The Money Maze Project
The Money Maze project is here to help older people, their carers and family members.
Most people will now be receiving their state pension and benefit payments direct into an account. If you need any support or help to manage this change the Money Maze team can provide free impartial advice on the payment options that are available, and assist with any changes that need to be made. Just as importantly, we can do benefit checks to make sure that everyone that contacts us is receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. Over £2 billion of benefit goes unclaimed every year by those aged 60 or over? Our team of advisers are fully trained in the benefits system, and can offer a broad range of advice and support to older people and their carers or family members. This includes:
  1. Advice over the telephone for general enquiries, call free on 0800 027 57 87
  2. Free factsheets to help with managing finances confidently
  3. Help with obtaining and filling out forms
  4. One-to-one advice at our - see below for more information
  5. Home visits for clients that are unable to visit us
Outreach Money Advice Sessions - These sessions are by appointment only, but if our advisor has some time in between appointments they will be able to see people. Local sessions take place at: Beswick Citizens Advice Plus on: First Monday of every month, 10am-2pm call 231 2730 for an appointment
Call free on 0800 0275787. Write to: Age Concern Manchester, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, M4 5JW Or pick up a leaflet in one of the Age Concern shops.


OPENING DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY
Free course in Gorton
Do you sometimes feel you're not making the most of what you've got to offer?
This course will help you:

The programme is run with a tutor and half the time is spent on the computer using fun and colourful online resourses. Improve your confidence and learn computer skills at the same time!
Interested? Sign up for the course or book a place on the taster day to see what you think.
To find out more, contact either:
Gorton North Online Centre on 0161 231 7870
Gorton South Online Centre on 0161 223 9262

Gorton community Centre
Gorton Community Centre is situated on Highmead Street at the junction of High Bank and Abbey Hey Lane. A room is available for meetings or group events. for further information Tel 0161 223 1516
Weekly Events include

Gorton North And Gorton South U.K. Online Centres.
Both centres are now running courses in CLAIT and ECDL as well as Photoshop. a Dreamweaver course is planned and we are now taking names of anyone wishing to take this course.


Manchester Action Team venues A government initiative set up to help people get back into work. Advisors Paul Etchells and Margaret Pope offer daily drop in session
Monday 2pm till 4pm - Grumpy, Grumpy House, Vaughan St.
Tuesday 10am till 12noon - Gorton North UK Online Centre, Highmead St.
Tuesday 1.30 till 3.30pm - Mobile unit Co-op car park, Garratt Way,
Wednesday 10am till 12noon - Gorton South UK Online Centre, 28A Sutton Rd.
Wednesday 1.30pm till 3.30pm - Gorton Gateway, Garratt Way
Thursday 10am till 12noon - BEVC @ breakthrough, Aked Close Ardwick
Thursday 2pm till 4pm - Northmoor Community Center, Northmoor Rd. Levenshulme
Daily appointments are available at Gorton North Housing Office, Garratt Way.
Please telephone for an appointment before calling in 0161 231 0447

Nextstep advice and learning
An advisor is available on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 5pm at Gorton Gateway, Wednesdays between 10am and 4.30pm, Thursdays at Gorton Gateway between 9.30am and 5pm,
An appointment can be made on Mondays and Fridays by contacting Laura Speakman on 07908 088304