Palestine Fundraiser

There’s a fantastic fundraiser for medical aid for Palestine at the Klondyke on Saturday 2 March. Here’s the latest update from Amira Ahmed who has organised the event:

Palestine fundraising event

You don’t want to miss this!

Introducing Jeremy Hoad & Johnstone McGuckian on the decks playing us the finest 70s disco, and 80s pop from 4pm-6pm. As well as a kite making workshop from Heather Skowood! Siobhan Daniel and Paul Magrs selling their art. Juiced the Tip with fresh juice, Gail Irwin with vintage jewellery, Ruqayya Ali with a henna stall. At Klon Dyke for delicious scran and beverages! Uniquepartyhire with delicious candyfloss and Grounded MCR for beautifully brewed coffee.

And then a fabulous line up of 6 DJs and a live band for the rest of the night…

There’s really something for everyone!

Special offer for students and blue light holders (£3)
£8 if you buy online
£10 on the door

Tickets available HERE

Unheim-Lit Spoken Word

To mark International Women’s Day, Levenshulme Old Library bring you Unheim-Lit, an evening of strange and uncanny spoken word.

Come and hear the readings from award-winning writers Abi Hynes and Gaynor Jones, supported by a coven of Manchester’s finest women writers.

The Talleyrand, will be on hand with refreshments. Men are very much welcome – nay keenly encouraged – to attend and support their strange sisters.

Featuring:

Abi Hynes is an award-winning drama and fiction writer. Her recent writing credits include Anne of Green Gables, an audio drama for Audible starring Sandra Oh and Catherine O’Hara, and Monstrous Longing, collection of short stories

Gaynor Jones is the author of Among These Animals. She has won the Northern Writer’s Award, the Bath Flash Fiction Prize and the Mairtín Crawford Short Story Award, among others.

Tickets are free – although we do recommend a minimum donation of £5 for those who can afford it so we can continue to provide our neighbourhood with artistic activities and opportunities like this.

Levenshulme Youth Project Cultural Celebration Day

Levenshulme Youth Project are holding a Cultural Celebration Day at Levenshulme Inspire on Saturday 24 June 2023, 12.00-14.00.

Workshops:

  • Music
  • Henna
  • Face painting
  • T-shirt design
  • Jewellery making

Plus food from around the world.

Bopcap Books In Timeout List Of 14 Best Independents In Manchester

Timeout has included Bopcap Books in its list of the Best 14 Independent Shops in Manchester.

Timeout says:

Bopcap Books in Levenshulme sits inside the famous Levenshulme Antiques Village and sells a carefully curated collection of books and ephemera (posters, magazines etc) across art, photography, design, pop culture, children’s books and illustration, cinema, fashion, the occult and cult fiction, beat lit, crime noir, graphic novels and pulp fiction. Find books by local authors or order online.

Timeout listing of bopcap books

Absolutely well deserved praise for Bopcap Books. Congratulations to Suzy Prince and Ian Lowey.

Bopcap Books is open:

  • Thursdays (11am – 5pm)
  • Fridays (11am – 5pm)
  • Saturdays (10am – 5pm)
  • Sundays (11am – 4pm)

Levenshulme Pride 2023

Levenshulme Pride is happening again this year 11-13 August. Since starting in 2017 it has grown to be the largest FREE local Pride in Greater Manchester with activities and events across dozens of locations.

Everything at Levenshulme Pride is FREE to attend. This is more important than ever as the cost of living crisis affects us all.

Get in touch. Get involved.

If you have an idea for something to happen at Levenshulme Pride get in touch. Everyone is welcome as Levenshulme Pride celebrates the people, groups and businesses of our community. The event operates on a devolved model so everyone has ownership and control of their own activities.

Levenshulme Pride is also looking for volunteers to support the event. You can get involved in any aspect of Levenshulme Pride. Volunteers are particularly needed to distribute publicity material, brochures and programmes, be marshalls for the Levenshulme Pride March and help stallholders setup.

Sponsorship and Advertising

Levenshulme Pride is supported by sponsorship and advertising with low rates to ensure every group or business can contribute to make the event happen. Without this support the event simply wouldn’t be possible. Thank you to all previous sponsors for their support and to everyone who took out advertisements in our brochure.

Further information is available on the Levenshulme Pride website HERE

Levenshulme Players Present Blue Stockings

The Levenshulme Players present Blue Stockings at Levenshulme Baptist Church. A play about love and learning and the love of learning. It is about the fight for women to graduate from Cambridge.

  • 22 & 23 June @ 19.30
  • 24 June @ 14.30

To buy tickets click HERE

Lev Square Fest

Lev Square Fest is on Sunday 25 June this year, 13.00-16.00.

Levy Choir Free Taster Session

Levy Choir are welcoming new members!

Come along for a free taster session on 11 June to see if this is for you! 18.00-19.30 at Levenshulme Old Library.

• No audition

• No previous singing experience needed.

• Highly inclusive

• Upbeat/uplifting repertior

• One of the friendliest bunch of people you’ll ever meet!

Painting Workshop at Station South

Levenshulme artist Chloe White is hosting a painting workshop at Station South on 17 May. The evening costs £25.

Levy Choir Spring Sing Concert

Levy Choir’s next concert takes place on Saturday 13th May @5pm. This gives you plenty of time to get back for your Eurovision party!!

Take a look at the link below for tickets and more info.
Uplifting feel-good pop songs through the decades – promises to lift your spirits! Funds raised will go to a local charity!

Find out more and book tickets HERE

Volunteering Website Launch

A new website is being launched that will provide information on volunteering opportunities in Levenshulme. This has been organised by Levenshulme Old Library, Levenshulme Inspire and AllFM.

The launch event takes place on Saturday 11 March at Levenshulme Old Library, 13.00-15.00. Refreshments available from Grounded MCR and art workshop by Laurie Pink.

AllFM Takeover For International Women’s Day

Here’s the schedule for the International Women’s Day takeover at AllFM on Wednesday 8 March. All women. All day.

You can listen to AllFM online via their website HERE or on 96.9 FM.

Levenshulme Community Choir Christmas Concert

Join Levy Community choir for an evening of festive entertainment held at St Peters Church – Levenshulme. 18.00-19.30 on Saturday 3rd December 2022.

This concert promisses to fill you with Christmas spirit and joy. Featuring unique arrangements of ‘Carol of The Bells’, ‘Somewhere in My Memory’, ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ plus many more contemporary choral works.

The concert will also feature guest performers and the children’s choir from Fairfield Road Primary School.

Tickets can be bought via Eventbrite HERE

Levenshulme Artbeats

Levenshulme Artbeats will be happening again at The Talleyrand on Friday 2nd December from 18.30. Thanks to Siobhan Daniel for organising the event.

Christmas Lights Switch On 2022

The annual Christmas Lights Switch on is happening today.

Santa will be at Fred’s Ale House from 16.30. Levenshulme Traders Association have raised funding for free presents for the first 200 children to come along.

The Christmas Tree Lights will be switched on at 17.30.

Levenshulme Community Association has arranged the Christmas Tree lights in partnership with the Levenshulme Traders Association with support from Manchester City Council. The whole event is supported by businesses and groups across Levenshulme. Thanks to everyone who support this event.

Levenshulme Old Library Art Clubs

The LOL Arts Clubs return next Monday with another fantastic Collage Club from the mighty @LHP_collageart

The LOL Art Clubs are free to attend, materials are supplied and all adults are welcome. So next Monday head down to Levenshulme Old Library.

LOL Art Clubs are intended to put our community space to good work for the local artist community here in Levenshulme. 

We’ll be running the following weekly sessions

Collage Club – first Monday of the month 

Come down and create a collage, using photos, magazines, postcards and, well, pretty much anything to express yourself. Run by Katie AKA LocalHotelParking, a local artist whose studio is in the Old Library building and whose incredible collage work will be familiar to regular customers at Levenshulme Market and beyond.

Crotchet Club – second Monday of the month

Join Sophie Benson to learn about crochet and clothing repairs. Bring along your knitting, embroidery, dressmaking, macrame, cat’s cradle or anything else fabric-related for a stitch’n’ditch (the fast fashion) experience.

Zine Club – third Monday of the month

A zine is a DIY book, designed, created and bound by its maker and usually produced in small batches, giving people the means of producing a publication dedicated to their passion. These sessions are run by our very own Levy zinesters Hette and Adam from Let’s Make Zines. Come and learn techniques for repurposing paper into a range of sketchbooks and booklets, and expect to be challenged to fill them!.

Art Club – fourth Monday of the month
Hosted by a range of facilitators, come down for these sessions to talk about art, debate or learn about an element of art or art history, or a practical topic such as preparing for art markets. Bring among your own expertise and share with the group!

Everyone is welcome to attend – whether you’re a total novice or a professional artist, come down to Levenshulme Old Library for some top notch community creativity.

Further information available HERE

Levenshulme Community Choir

Ever thought about singing with a group of lovely people once a week? Levy Choir is launching the start of their autumn term on Sunday 11th September with a free open evening for anyone who is thinking of giving it a go

We explore all genres of music in a relaxed, fun and inclusive environment – no audition required. Previous performances have included music from the Beach Boys, Lady Gaga, Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush, along with many other styles of choral music.

Come along for an evening of uplifting singing that will fill you with positivity whilst meeting a group of likeminded individuals!Why not come and give it a go – you may surprise yourself! There may also be some free biscuits thrown in – what have you got to loose?

Please share and spread the word to anyone who may be interested!

You can find Levenshulme Community Choir on Facebook and Instagram.

Stories In The Woods

St Marys RC Primary School have been working with a group of 8 Year 5 children for this project, based in our local nature reserve, Highfield Country Park, alongside the Friends of Highfield Country Park.

The children have been making woodland crafts, and Martin Maudsley has told the group nature stories over the 4 seasons and been filmed there.

The whole project will be at The Whitworth Art Gallery for the day on Saturday 2nd July. The children will have stalls to tell visitors about the woodland crafts (foraging, whittling, coppicing, charcoal making, willow bark weaving, wreath making and clay), and Martin is telling stories.

Listen to the stories HERE

Levenshulme Writer Paul Magrs Wins National Award

Levenshulme writer Paul Magrs has won the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association award for best crime short story of the year 2022.

The awards were announced at a dinner in London last night. Congratulations, Paul. The judges said of the winning story:

“Paul Magrs’ story, ‘Flesh of a Fancy Woman’ is a wonderfully evocative mix of the Dickensian and the Ealing black and white films. The sparkling dialogue of Lily Mahon slowly unveils the dark, and sometimes comedic experiences of Lily’s bizarre marriage to her husband, Patrick.”

Flesh of a Fancy Woman is one of 14 stories published in the collection Criminal Pursuits: Crime Through Time in support of the charity PoHWER.

  • Flesh of a Fancy Woman by Paul Magrs
  • From: Criminal Pursuits: Crime Through Time
  • Edited by: Samantha Lee Howe
  • Published by: Telos Publishing
  • Available: HERE
Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Award
Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Award dinner

A Portrait of Levenshulme

Reminder that this exhibition is on today at Levenshulme Old Library until 3pm. Thanks to Ciara Leeming and Laura Deane.

Vivaldi Ensemble Concert At St Mark’s Church

Venice comes to St Mark’s!

Come and join the Vivaldi Ensemble at 7pm on Sunday 26th June in a concert of light classical music at St Mark’s Church, Levenshulme.

This is a family friendly event so all are welcome. Admission is free, and all donations will go to UNICEF to support children in areas of war.

See you there! 7pm, Sun 26th June, at Mark’s Church, Broom Lane, Levenshulme, M19

Levenshulme Market Artists In Residence

A new initiative from Levenshulme Market…

LEVENSHULME MARKET ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE

That’s right! With support from Arts Council England we’re proud announce Levenshulme Market is funding two local artists to work in the heart of Levenshulme’s local high street, creating an artistic project which connects with the community.

As regular customers know, each week Manchester’s artists can be found at the market, selling their incredible work directly to the warm and welcoming people of Levenshulme.

Now two of those artists, both of whom are Levenshulme locals, have been appointed as the market’s artists-in-residence.

This spring their joint project A Portrait of Levenshulme will see Laura Deane and Ciara Leeming popping up at a market stall offering FREE photographic portraits and drawing and collage workshops, and inviting participants to reflect on what makes this neighbourhood special.

This initiative has been made possible by Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund to mark the Queen’s 70 year reign. Similarly, this project aims to celebrate the resilience, longevity and diversity in Levenshulme.

You’ll find Laura and Ciara at the market 11am-3pm this Saturday (23 April) at Levenshulme train station car park.

Alphabet Trail on Fallowfield Loop

There’s a new Alphabet Trail on the Fallowfield Loop. This is an interactive street-art trail by Oskar with a K and Will Albin-Clark.

Spend a day cycling or walking along the Fallowfield Loop, collecting letters and watching them come to life by using the Artivive App!

Full information and the Apps are available HERE

International Women’s Day at AllFM

A message from the fabulous Vicky Richardson at AllFM.

“Listen up to ALLFM on Tuesday March 8th. Its International Women’s Day and the ladies of ALLFM take over the airwaves from 7a.m-2a.m with interesting interviews, great guests brilliant banter and top tunes.

Check out the schedule and join me on the late shift at midnight for a special edition of NIGHT MOVES when I’ll be chatting to my friend the champion videographer documentary maker and soundtrack composer and musician JO GENDLE about her life and many careers. She will also be premiering her new compositions and bringing in her favourite tunes!”

ALLFM 96.9

https://allfm.org

Vicky’s own show, Night Moves, will be on air from midnight to 2am.

Photos courtesy Vicky Richardson/ AllFM

Celebrate Bookshop Day At Bopcap Books

Bookshop Day 2021 at Bopcap Books

To celebrate National Bookshop Day this year Paul Magrs was signing copies of his new book, The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy, at Bopcap Books in the Levenshulme Antiques Village on Stockport Road.

Paul is pictured with Ian from Bopcap Books, Jeremy (LCA Secretary) and, of course, Panda.

You can buy one of these special signed copies of The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy or browse and buy other wonderful books available at Bopcap Books.

The Bopcap Book Boutique

First Floor, The Antiques Village, 965 Stockport RoadLevenshulme, Manchester, M19 3NP

Open Thu-Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4

Paul Magrs at Chorlton Book Festival

Levenshulme writer Paul Magrs is appearing at Chorlton Book Festival tonight to launch The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy.

An Evening With Paul Magrs

Join us for a celebratory book launch of Paul’s new book ‘The Panda, The Cat and the Dreadul Teddy’.

Tired of relentless inspirational wisdom? Craving something a little more truthful? So was author and illustrator Paul Magrs. His new book, a parody of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, is full of foul-mouthed belly laughs for even the darkest times.

Swear, complain loudly and always protect yourself from self-righteous teddies!

Paul Magrs is the author of several Dr Who novels and audiobooks, and young-adult novels including The Ninnies. He’s also the creator of Iris Wildthyme and the much-loved Brenda and Effie Mysteries.

This event is for 18+ as Panda can be quite rude!

Register for free tickets HERE

The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy will be stocked at Bopcap Books in Levenshulme Antiques Village and will be available through booksellers from 30 September as well as being available to pre-order online now.

The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy at Chorlton Book Festival

Bankley Mill Open Studios and Open Call Exhibition

Bankley Studios is holding its annual Open Studios event and exhibition of artists selected from its Open Call.

Bankley Open 2021 presents works from 20 artists selected from our annual open call.

“…the judges were drawn to works that stirred a sense of intrigue, often dream-like narratives, that spoke of human, personal stories…”

On the opening weekend, all three floors of our artist studios will be open to the public, a chance for you to see what goes on behind closed doors and enter the weird and wonderful worlds of our artists.

Bankley Open 2021 artists:
Reece Adair
Jason Carr
Rups Cregeen
Craig Coulthard
Shona Davies, David Monaghan & John Klein
Aisling Davis
Hannah Louise Foster
Catherine Hill
Daniel John
Minjoo Kim
Chloë Louise Lawrence
Daniel Leyland
Jen Orpin
Warren Reilly
Sam Sherborne
Lee Shott
Errol Theunissen
Sylvia Waltering
Vic Wright
Garry Young

Opening Night + Award Ceremony + Bankley Open Studios
6-9pm Friday 25th September

Bankley Open Studios
6-9pm Friday 24th September
12-4pm Saturday 25th September

Artists Selected by judges Tamar Hemmes: Assistant Curator at Tate Liverpool, Simon Buckley: Artist, and Audrey Albert: Artist and Creative Facilitator

To arrange a viewing at another time, please get in contact via email gallery@bankley.org.uk or on social media

Exhibition Continues 
12-4pm Saturdays + Sundays until 10th October

Access information
Bankley Gallery is situated on the first floor of an old mill building, which unfortunately is currently only accessible by stairs. The studios are located on the first, second and third floors and are also only accessible by stairs.The building is located just off the main road, with regular bus services from Manchester and Stockport, and is around 450m from Levenshulme train station. The station has no lift and both platforms are only accessible by stairs.

Levy Little Theatre Drama Classes

Levy Little Theatre classes are starting again in Levenshulme Old Library next week.

YOUTH / ADULTS – Weds 15th Sept

TOTS / KIDS – Sun 19th Sept

You still have time to book for one of our popular drama classes. Places are being grabbed fast so speedy booking is recommended!

You can find info on pricing, class times & course content and book places HERE

No previous experience in drama or performance needed, just a willingness to learn and have fun along the way.

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day Events

The Community Day at Levenshulme Old Library (17 July, 10.00-16.00) includes three sessions available to book.

Little Levy Theatre is also running a children mask making session from 11am.

LOL Community Day Sessions to book

Shake The Dust at 10am
Book HERE

Cosmic Kids Yoga 12.30pm
Book HERE

Family BreathWork and Meditation 2pm
Book HERE

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day

Levenshulme Old Library is having a Community Day on 17 July.

Come and join us for a fun Community Day with lots of different activities throughout the day including Children’s Crafts, Family Yoga and Shake the Dust.

We will also have our Maker’s Fair in full swing and food provided by Squarebakes Jo and The Little Srilankan.

We also need your help! We are going to do some planting in the new and improved Levy Old Library Garden. If you would like to volunteer, we would love to see you.

Please email jen@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk if you would like to volunteer!

As part of the day, we we will be asking for your feedback on what you think the diverse needs of our community are and how Levy Old Library can support the community. There will be opportunities for you to have your say on the community day!

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day

Pop-Up Art Exhibition On The Floop

Pop-up art exhibition on the Floop.

11.30 am onwards, Saturday, 12th June.

If you’re wandering round Levy tomorrow, you might like to pop down and take a look at some of the stuff I’ve been painting in lockdown. You can find me on the grassy knoll behind the Crayfield Road entrance to the cycle path – just round the corner from the Antiques Village. Look forward to seeing you.

Siobhan Daniel

SHE MADE THAT Pop-Up Exhibition & Craft Market

SHE MADE THAT

Celebrating women makers.

A pop-up exhibition and mini craft market is coming to Levenshulme Old Library over the Bank Holiday weekend showcasing work made by @CreativeCityGM’s wonderful community of Manchester artists and crafters. wellbeing-boosting women’s projects, with gorgeous craft products for sale too.

Sat 29 & Sun 30 May, 12-4pm at Levy Old Library

Creative City’s projects use arts and crafts to boost confidence, wellbeing and resilience, and to amplify local voices. Empowering women and young people in Manchester. 

Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – @CreativeCityGM

Website: https://www.creativecity.org.uk

Community Art Project

Ciara Leeming is organising a community art project. Submissions for the zine she is producing are welcome by 31st May 2021. You can submit entries or ask for further information by emailing Ciara on info@ciaraleeming.co.uk

IWD at Highfield Country Park

If you go down to Highfield Country Park today, you’ll be sure of a big suprise!

Leve Ramblers are setting up fact sheets for you to hunt down for International Women’s Day.

Why don’t you venture out and see who you can find? Who’ll be the first to find them all? On your marks, get set…. GO

This event is made possible with the support of Manchester City Council.

Levenshulme Community Directory

Over the past year Levenshulme Community Association has developed the Levenshulme Community Directory. This LCA project, developed and led by LCA Secretary Jeremy Hoad, is a resource for our community and promotes Levenshulme to the wider world.

The Community Directory shares information, supports community cohesion and links people together as well as supporting several key aims identified in the Levenshulme Community Manifesto.

The Directory provides listings organised into five themed sections as well as a complete A-Z page:

The Community Directory is a “live” resource and always open to additions and improvements. If you have anything you think should or could be added then please get in touch.

A New Look For The New Levenshulme

The new Levenshulme Pub has a fantastic new look. Colin Campbell and Chris Thompson who run the pub have been working hard during lockdown to refurbish it. On 6 February the makeover came to the front in style with a huge rainbow flag across the full width of the building closely followed by a live streaming of entertainment by Jordan William Smart.

“The new Levenshulme is an LGBT+ friendly venue where everyone is welcome. This is the place where you’re safe. This is the place where you’re entertained. We have worked hard during lockdowns to create a new business concept. We hope you all like it.”

Colin Campbell, The Levenshulme

This new look for the new Levenshulme coincides with Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week (1-7 February 2021) which aims to raise awareness of hate crimes and increase reporting of incidents. This is particularly relevant following a hate incident against a gay man in Levenshulme last week. This does not reflect the wonderful, diverse and supportive community in Levenshulme but shows we must all be vigilant and stand together against hate of all kinds.

Levenshulme is also home to the largest independent local Pride in Manchester outside the city centre which was itself started after a homophobic hate incident. Levenshulme Pride will be held this year 13-15 August 2021, covid restrictions permitting.

The New Levenshulme is on Stockport Road beside the Antiques Village.

959 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3NP Tel. 0161 2242629

Photographs courtesy of Jeremy Hoad

Levenshulme Library Opens Again

Levenshulme Library on the ground floor of the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road will open again tomorrow (Monday 14 September).

Opening Times and Contact Details:

  • Monday, Wednesday 10am to 3pm
  • Saturdays 11am to 3pm
  • Library available for use by over 60s from 10am to 11am
  • Phone:  0161 227 3725

Changes to using the library

When visiting the library, you will be asked to give your name and a contact number. All libraries have been asked by Government to collect the following information, to assist with the control of the Covid-19 pandemic. This information will be shared with NHS Test and Trace where requested, to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Residents can have up to 30 minutes to browse for books, or can select and reserve up to six books for collection from their chosen library.

Computers are also available for public use. Due to limited availability, residents wishing to use a computer are encouraged to call their library in advance to book a slot.

Books which were borrowed before libraries were forced to close in March have been renewed until 22 September, so residents will not have incurred fines during this period.

To help ensure social distancing, the numbers of users allowed inside each library at one time will be limited, so it may be necessary to queue outside the library at busy times. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent, carer or older sibling.

Library users can reserve books to be picked up, using the online libraries catalogue or using one of the following options:

  • Ring and Read – get help to find books which you might enjoy by calling one of the libraries that are opening
  • Click and Collect, using www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries

“Our Future Manchester” Council Survey

Manchester City Council is half way through its ten year strategy for the city. It is now doing a survey about priorities at the half way point. You can go direct to the survey (deadline 23rd September 2020) HERE.

The questions in the survey are weighted towards prioritising issues that have already been determined but there is also opportunity to comment.

The Council’s description / introduction to the survey is below for reference or can be viewed HERE.

The current version of the “Manchester Strategy” is available HERE. The existing priorities state that the city needs to be:

  • Thriving — creating great jobs and healthy businesses that our people benefit from. 
  • Filled with talent – homegrown in all our local communities as well as the world’s best. 
  • Fair — with equal chances for all to unlock their potential, no matter where in our city they were born, or where they live. 
  • A great place to live — with loads to do, leading the way to a low-carbon future that creates new opportunities for our residents
  • Buzzing with connections — world-class transport and brilliant broadband that put all Mancunians in touch with chances to get ahead. 

The Council says:

“The challenge to now include everyone in this successful future is bigger than ever. But Manchester is determined to do it. We’ve seen, through the COVID spring of 2020, what coming together in new ways, and doing things differently, can achieve.

Help to reset Manchester’s ambition to be the place where everyone can be everything they want to be. Take the survey, tell us your priorities, share your ideas and let us know how you can play your part in moving Our Manchester on.”

Manchester City Council Strategy Survey
Continue reading

Levy Lockdown Portraits

What did you do during lockdown? Well, Ciara Leeming did a photography project documenting the people in our community. Levy Lockdown Portraits is a record of lockdown through photographs of people in their windows.

“It started with my street. A few weeks into lockdown, in mid-April 2020, I asked if any of my neighbours would let me photograph them as a way of documenting this odd period of history. These inaugural window portraits went down well – they were surreal and interesting and I needed something creative to do. So I kept going.

I approached friends in Levenshulme, Manchester, and, when I shared the work on social media, potential participants began finding me. I approached people on the street and knocked on doors when plant displays, window decorations or chalk slogans caught my eye.

I photographed households from many local communities, captured the socially-distanced VE Day and Eid celebrations, and met loads of interesting people along the way.

By the time lockdown restrictions began being eased at the end of May, I’d made 260 portraits, over 38 days of shooting. Every portrait was made within cycling distance of my home, often with my two young sons in tow.

Ciara Leming

Given the historic nature of this time – and the local appreciation for the project ­– the obvious next step was to turn the series into a physical book. This will now definitely happen as the original fundraising target for Levy Lockdown Portraits has been reached. The stretched target ends on Saturday 1st August. You can see options and contribute and secure copies of the book HERE

Ciara Leeming is a print journalist and documentary photographer who has lived in Levenshulme, Manchester, since 2004. Read an article about Ciara and her project in the Manchester Evening News HERE

Station South Project Update

The marvellous Station South project has confirmed it has secured £100,000 funding from Railway Heritage Trust for further works:

“Good news to report that Railway Heritage Trust has committed to match fund to the tune of £100,000 in the next phase of building works to bring the railway building and structure back to everyday use, one of their key aims. We’re going to get one of those cool railway heritage plaques as well when it’s all done.”

This big project continues to progress with the help and support of people across Levenshulme and beyond.

You may also have noticed the Station South Community Collage on the advertising hoarding beside the building:

“We were feeling the need to do something creative in the midst of all of the Covid-19 unknowns. We decided to ask that the talents of the neighbourhood help us out and create a little visual booster for passers by on our Advertising Board.”

See the full update on Station South on their website HERE

Pride for All

Jeremy Hoad, Levenshulme Pride Organiser and Chair of Friends of Manchester’s Gay Village is a panellist on one of the Pink News Pride for All videochats at 13.00 today.

01:00 pm BST Safe Spaces after COVID-19

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about safe spaces? Joining PinkNews on this panel to discuss this are Asifa Lahore, Switchboard’s Natasha Walker, and Levenshulme Pride organiser Jeremy Hoad.

Follow this link to see what else is happening and view the videochat:

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/pride-for-all/

Queen’s Awards Triple Win

We are delighted that three groups connected with Levenshulme have won Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. 

Congratulations to AllFM, Burnage Library and Manchester Parents Group for their invaluable and inspirational activities.

AllFM

All FM announced the award on their Facebook page with the simple statement:

“We’re delighted to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Hurrah!!!!!”

ALL FM 96.9 uses radio to improve the lives of the people and communities of Greater Manchester. Broadcasting live, 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, it provides a positive medium of expression for those in our communities whose voices are least heard, as well as an opportunity to highlight events, issues and the voice of the Manchester communities. Plus some of the finest music to be heard anywhere on the radio.

Burnage Library

Announcing the award on their Facebook page, Burnage Library says:

“Our little Library has some big news to share! Our fantastic volunteer team has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Theyare an amazing bunch and really go the extra mile to welcome everyone. Big shout out to the power behind our Community Powered Library!”

Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub is run by Friends of Burnage Library, in partnership with with Southway Housing Trust and Manchester City Council. Located in the centre of Burnage, it runs activities and educational events for community groups, children and adults. The Hub is also the base for a outreach library service delivered by Manchester City Council. The programme of activities and events encourage community involvement, helping people make new friends and learn new skills. Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub is run by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to providing a much needed, and much loved resource for the community.

Manchester Parents Group

Manchester Parents Group’s Chair, Barbara Spence says:

“We are delighted that this culmination of many years’ work has been recognised, we would particularly like to pay tribute to Catherine Johnson, the late Joyce Leyland and the late Brenda Oakes all of who led Manchester Parents Group from its inception. We would also like to thank the group of volunteers for their commitment, over the years, in supporting the work of the group.”

Manchester Parents Group is a voluntary organisation which supports families and friends of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Volunteers are all parents of lesbian, gay and bisexual sons and daughters and understand the confusion and questions people may have when they first find out their child is gay.

MPG volunteers have accepted their children’s sexuality and want to help other parents and family members to do the same. MPG works to help people understand gay and lesbian children in various ways.

  • We meet each month in central Manchester as an informal support group.
  • We run telephone help lines and offer a friendly listening ear.
  • We campaign for acceptance, justice and equality for all our children.
  • We educate other organisations and work with the media on issues surrounding homosexuality.

Manchester Parents Group has been a partner and participant in Levenshulme Pride since it was founded in 2017. See the post on the Levenshulme Pride website HERE

Paul Magrs Reading Stardust & Snow

Paul Magrs will be reading his wonderful story Stardust and Snow tonight at 7pm on Facebook Live.

Click HERE to go to his Facebook page.

Vandal Decapitates Bee

The head of the “Bee Unique” sculpture in Crowcroft Park has been sawn off. The vandalism was discovered on Easter Sunday.

Read the MEN report HERE

Image: Lee Panther

Station South Community Collage

A call for contributions for a Community Collage on the advertising board beside Station South on the A6.

Here’s an idea! We’d like to do something to keep us all entertained in these crazy times! 

We’re giving the advertising board over to you for a big #COMMUNITYCOLLAGE challenge.

To help lift people’s spirits and get creative at home we’re setting you an arty challenge over the next few days…we’ll prompt your efforts with themes!

A daily ‘call to action’ to submit your photos/artwork/words coming out of these trying times which represent the #positives and spread #hope and #happiness during this time. 

We’ll put the best ones into the #communitycollage and showcase on the advertising board on the A6/Stockport Road where we hope it will cheer up key workers and the like. 

Theme’s for inspiration so far are  #simplepleasures #workingfromhome#naturelovers  #foodforthought

Post your images/words/art on the Station South Facebook page HERE
Or email them to hello@stationsouth.co.uk – let us know if you’d like a credit x

Spread the word and GO! x

Storyswap from Levy Little Theatre

Levy Little Theatre is organising Storyswap, an online sharing of your stories during isolation.

  • Write and / or perform your own 2-4 minute script, poem or sketch.
  • Send to Levy Little Theatre by 1st May 2020.
  • Professional actors will be invited to perform your piece.
  • Your piece will be curated into an online film.

Find out more information including the full brief, writing tips, terms and conditions and how to submit an entry below or click HERE

Free Newspapers and Magazines via Manchester Libraries

PressReader

If you are a member of Manchester Libraries, you can access the website or app PressReader. There are over 5000 newspaper and magazine titles from more than 100 countries, in over 60 languages for free!

All the UK newspapers are there, including the Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and The Guardian.

To sign up you just need your library card and pin number. You can access PressReader on your PC or download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Just click here for all the info.

Newsbank

Newsbank is another website available for free offering a digital range of regional and international English language newspapers, including The Manchester Evening News , The Guardian , The Times , The Daily Mirror , The Daily Mail , and The Daily Express . 

Includes international newspapers such as The New York Times , The South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), The Times of India , The Nation (Islamabad), and The Irish Times . 

All you have to do is go to the website and type in your library card number. 

If you don’t have a Manchester Libraries card but still want to access the site, you can now sign up for a temporary library card and the wonderful people at Newsbank will give you full access! 

Register for a temporary library card here.

Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe Online Discussion

The Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe will be hosting its first online discussion on Thursday, 2nd April from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, using the videolink provided by Zoom.

The topic is: ‘What is this pandemic teaching humanity?’

We can consider such questions as how this situation is affecting our attitude to life; what is the best attitude or mindset to adopt; the role of philosophy at this time; whether a better world can emerge from this or any other issues that you feel are important.

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/647652013…

The meeting is open to anyone who is a member of the Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe – though you don’t have to be from Levy to be a member.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts at this turning point in history. Stay safe.

You can join the Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe Facebook Group HERE

MIF Paid Opportunities for Creatives

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PAID OPPORTUNITIES FOR GM CREATIVES

We know these are difficult times for artists and communities in Greater Manchester and that lives and livelihoods are being impacted daily. We want to support artists and creative practitioners to continue to experiment, dream and to support and influence society.

We are repurposing some of our artist development funds to support this and offering the following opportunities to GM-based artists and creatives. Alongside this we’re continuing to reach out nationally and internationally to support artists and projects impacted by these times. We are very open to proposals that would be delivered through online international collaborations in response to this call out, and we will be developing our ideas further in the coming weeks.

We encourage proposals under the following headings:

– Festival In My House – an opportunity to re-imagine MIF’s Festival in My House programme for today’s unique times. We want people to host their own micro-international festival at home, exploring remote collaborations and audiences – up to £1000 budget for each event

– Get creative – opportunities to create and deliver activity that safely engages artists / community / wider society during the crisis. This could take the form of an online workshop, performance, talk, discussion or other creative idea of your choice – up to £350 per activity.

– Remote residencies – an opportunity to develop your practice and to develop new ideas and projects. This could include responding to the COVID-19 situation or other imaginative ways to support communities, artists or audiences during the coming months,  alternatively, this could be an opportunity to research and develop an idea you’ve always wanted to do. Residencies do not have to result in specific outcomes but need to take place at home – up to £1000 per residency.

Key notes: 

  • We’re open to ideas that are not digital in form provided they are compliant with current government guidelines – these might include the use of phones, radio or other ideas.
  • Budgets includes all fees, materials and other expenses
  • Whilst our teams will do our utmost to offer support and help remotely, we’re unable to offer our usual level of producing or technical support at the moment; please bear this in mind when submitting your proposal.
  • You are eligible to apply for this opportunity if you are over 18 years of age and resident in Greater Manchester.
  • We encourage proposals from people with specific access needs and are happy to work with you to help with both the application process and to realise your idea.

How to apply: 

We are accepting proposals from GM-based artists and creatives. Please send a maximum 500-word overview of your idea to creativeengagement@mif.co.uk; we will also accept video proposals (up to 2 minutes in length) or if you would like to apply in another way, get in touch.   If you are applying via video, please send us the URL via email.

You should include:

  • what you would like to do and which of the three strands it sits within
  • how you might do it
  • who it would benefit or engage
  • any support that you might need in delivery
  • how your budget is worked out
  • your postcode
  • links to your previous work or any reference points for the ideas you’re suggesting.

Selection: 

We aim to review all proposals quickly – we’ll be looking for:

  • interesting ideas with the ability to stimulate creativity and connection
  • ideas that consider the local and international
  • ideas that are deliverable on the levels of financial and practical support available
  • proposals that help artists to develop artistically, a space to dream, imagine, create and test new ideas
  • ideas that allow for audience participation and involvement, beyond simply broadcasting
  • proposals that represent the diversity of Greater Manchester.

We will be reviewing applications based on the ideas and the opportunities these will make for the applicants.

Timeline:

We’ll be accepting proposals on a rolling basis until the end of April, or until all available opportunities have been filled. We will be continuing to respond to the needs of our community during this time and will be looking at providing ongoing opportunities past April.

Questions or support:

If you have any questions or need any support in preparing your application please email: creativeengagement@mif.co.uk and a member of the team will respond. We can also arrange to call you if that is more convenient.

Further Links 

Resources For Artists and Freelancers – An evolving open document of resources for the freelance creative community who are looking for support and guidance.

MIF Drop in for Artists and Freelance Creatives – A forum for chat and support, every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm.

MIF Drop in for Artists and Freelance Creatives – A place to share information, useful links and discussion.

Levenshulme Creatives Chat Space

Levenshulme is full of wonderful people. Creative people. People who care.

At this difficult time some of the people at LOL (Levenshulme Old Library) are wondering… what do we do now?… how does the Levenshulme creative community respond? We know that the Inspire Centre are doing great stuff supporting the covid-19 response, such as being a rallying point for the Levy Corona Helper mutual aid group.

I’m sure we are all feeling a bit lost still. So… if you are in any way connected to Levenshulme Old Library… or live in Levenshulme and want to think how we can be creative online and safely… Join us for this 1 hour initial webinar and chat.

Hosted by Jez Hall, treasurer at LOL, we will be using Zoom, kindly donated by Shared Future CIC (who have a paid account they have let us use)

If you sign up we can capture your email and that will help us stay together. 

If you can’t make it on the day… don’t fret… there will be other online chats.

No agenda. Nothing expected of you… just come together.
We’ll email a zoom link to you if you sign up

Follow the link to register HERE