Levenshulme Inspire today revealed a coronavirus banner – “Physical Distancing, Social Solidarity” organised with the Levy Corona Helpers group.
This brilliantly reflects the community spirit of Levenshulme and combines a message of caution with solidarity and strength.
You can find support and offer help via the Levy Corona Helpers Facebook group HERE
Please note the following announcement from Manchester City Council:
“To protect the health of residents the Councillor’s advice surgeries have been suspended until it is felt it is safe for them to resume. This page will be updated when that happens. Until then, please use the email and telephone contact details.”
Councillor contact details are available HERE.
Manchester City Council have now launched a section on their website with advice and information.
News release from the Department for Education
Published 18 March 2020
From:Department for Education and The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP
After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus.
Examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans – a legal document that describes a child’s special educational needs and the support they require.
Children who do not fall into these groups should remain at home with appropriate care.
Where schools are unable to look after these children, local authorities will work with the Department for Education’s regional teams to ensure an alternative option is available in the same area.
Registered early years providers, including childminders, private schools and sixth forms should also follow this guidance. We will provide financial support for these settings as required.
Where possible, we would encourage settings to also look after key workers’ children and vulnerable children throughout the Easter holidays.
The scientific advice shows that these settings are safe for this small number of children to continue attending – but asking others to stay away will help us to slow the spread.
To lift the pressure on schools themselves and to allow them to focus on supporting those children who need it most, Ofsted will cease all inspections of schools and colleges with immediate effect.
We will not go ahead with primary school assessments or secondary exams this summer, and we will not be publishing performance tables.
We will work with the sector and Ofqual to ensure children get the qualifications they need.
We recognise that many special schools and residential settings will need to continue to look after their pupils.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Fighting Coronavirus and protecting the vulnerable and our NHS are the Government’s top priorities right now. That’s why we are asking schools, nurseries and colleges to close – except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
We are facing increasingly extraordinary circumstances, but by asking schools to support our key workers and vulnerable children I am confident we will help beat this virus.
I am deeply grateful for the civic spirit and dedication of everyone working in education, and I will continue to provide my full support throughout this crisis.
To support children eligible for free school meals, schools will be able to provide meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops.
The government has also confirmed that the total value of vouchers offered to each eligible child per week will exceed the rate it pays to schools for free school meals, recognising that families will not be buying food in bulk and may therefore incur higher costs. The final amounts will be confirmed shortly via guidance for schools.
Effective immediately, schools will be able to order vouchers directly from supermarkets or shops in their communities to be emailed or printed and posted to families, and they will have their costs covered by the Department for Education.
We know that many universities and other higher education institutions are already taking necessary steps to keep their staff and students safe. We are confident vice-chancellors are making the right decisions and the Department for Education continues to support them in doing so.
To support nurseries at this time, the Chancellor has also decided that they will also now be eligible for a business rates holiday for one year. That means non-local authority providers of childcare will pay no business rates in 2020-21, from 1 April.
Local authorities will be fully compensated for the cost of this measure. We are applying the Barnett formula to this additional support in England.
Guidance for local authorities on the application of the holiday will be published by MHCLG shortly.
Central newsdesk020 7783 8300
General enquiries0370 000 2288
How to wash your hands effectively with either soap and water or alcohol hand rub.
Notice from the Levenshulme Market Team:
Hello everyone.
Due to yesterday’s advice from the government we have taken the decision to cancel the rest of our markets for the month of March.
This means there will sadly be no birthday party Night Market this Friday, and no Saturday market on 28th March.
We’re awaiting further clarification on whether it will be possible to continue with our events in Levenshulme in the coming months. The situation is very much a live one at present and making any concrete decisions for our future is deeply challenging. But as a community hub our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our customers, traders and staff.
The situation we find ourselves in comes as a huge blow both to the market and to our traders. Markets exist due to small businesses born out of passion and dedication whose survival depends on opportunities to trade. Cutting off those opportunities gives us no pleasure and we would like to take a moment to add our voice to those venues and events organisers who have highlighted how unreasonable it feels that a decision of such magnitude has been left in our hands.
We’re hopeful that there will be some clarification very soon on how businesses such as ours are expected to cope with the decisions we’ve found ourselves having to make, and any future plans for our markets will be made accordingly.
Due to the recent announcement as well as the University of Manchester’s decision to cancel all in-person seminars, we have also taken the decision to cancel all of the Tuesday lunchtime food markets we run at UoM for the time being.
However, while the market may not be open for business we will still be here for you, working away on ways for you to support independent traders, amplifying those doing good work for the community here in Levenshulme and looking forward to a future when shopping, street food and socialising are safe once again.
Until then, please be kind to one another, support independent local businesses where you can and look out for those who may need help in these testing times.
The Levy Market Team
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said today, “Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel“.
Here are some key points from the press conference this afternoon (Monday 16 March 2020):
The LCA has set up a dedicated coronavirus web page to share information and advice. This will contain official information and also ideas and support from the Levy Corona Helpers group.
Follow the link on our main menu or click HERE
A new Facebook groups has been set up to help our Levenshulme community during the Covid19 crisis.
The group is to share ideas and offer support to each other during this difficult time, particularly to those who are self isolating.
If you would like to help click HERE to go to the Facebook group page and then ask to join or search Facebook groups for “Levy Corona Helpers“.
The LCA AGM has been postponed in light of the current situation with the Covid19 virus. Officers have decided it is best to be cautious in the current climate. We will monitor the situation and advertise a new date when confirmed. This is likely to be in May or June. Officers will continue in their current roles until the AGM in these exceptional circumstances.
Levenshulme Community Association is delighted to have worked with partners to plant a living tree on the Village Green.
The new tree will be a permanent feature and means that we will no longer have to pay annually for a Christmas tree. The new tree has been planted in the same position as the Christmas tree is positioned. This means the Village Green remains unobstructed with good views of the Levenshulme Bee and when decorated with lights at Christmas it will be visible from a distance along Stockport Road.
The tree is a sequoiadendron giganteum (giant redwood). This is the best type of tree because it is resilient, long lasting and will establish itself quickly. It was supplied by Glendale Civic Trees, imported from the Netherlands.
We are grateful to Manchester City Council for providing funding through the Neighbourhood Investment Fund. Sponsors also providing funding are:
Thanks to Manchester City Council for arranging all necessary groundworks and in particular to Ikhlas Ur-Rahman, MCC Neighbourhood Officer for providing the support and coordination to enable this project to happen. This would also not have been possible without the support of Levenshulme Councillors Dzidra Noor, Basat Sheikh and Bernard Stone.
The Living Tree also meets several of the aims of the Levenshulme Community Manifesto including to:
from The Secretary of Nutsford Vale
“As you may have seen in an article on Manchester Evening New’s website yesterday Manchester City Council are now looking to build a school on Showcase Cinema, Hyde Road and not Nutsford Vale. We held our monthly meeting today and we our very pleased with this outcome. As stated on Manchester City Council’s website and the article on line, it has proved far too expensive to build safely on Nutsford Vale. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last three years. NUTSFORD VALE STAYS GREEN!!”
Levenshulme Market wins Best Small Outdoor Market Award 2020
****NEW DATE 15th FEBRUARY****
The next LCA General Meeting will be held as follows:
14.30
Saturday 15th February
Community Studio
Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre
Yew Tree Avenue, Manchester, M19 3PH (on Stockport Road)
Topics to be discussed will include:
The next LCA General Meeting will be held as follows:
14.30
Saturday 14th December
Community Studio
Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre
Yew Tree Avenue, Manchester, M19 3PH (on Stockport Road)
LCA Community Forum
LCA General Meeting
These are both public meetings. Everyone is welcome to attend. Parking is available.
The LCA is holding two Hustings meetings for the 2019 local elections.
Burnage Ward
19.30, Thursday 18th April, The Klondyke, 1 Burnage Range, Levenshulme
Levenshulme Ward
19.30, Thursday 25th April, The Klondyke, 1 Burnage Range, Levenshulme
These are open, public meetings where anyone can question candidates directly. The full list of candidates is provided below.
Ward boundaries were changed in 2018 with Levenshulme Ward now expanded to include much of what was previously the Gorton South Ward which has been abolished. Burnage Ward has also expanded and now includes a big chunk of what was previously Levenshulme Ward running right up to Albert Road.
Please share and promote these Hustings. They are your opportunity to question candidates who will represent us on Manchester City Council.
| Candidate’s Surname | Other Name(s) | Description (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Ali | Azra Gulshan | Labour Party |
| Dundas | Benjamin | The Green Party |
| Hossain | Shahed | The Conservative Party Candidate |
| Rae | Ian Sidney | UK Independence Party (UKIP) |
| Timoney | Andrea Dawn | Liberal Democrats |
| Candidate’s Surname | Other Name(s) | Description (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Catterall | Bob | UK Independence Party (UKIP) |
| Hickey | Andrew Peter | Liberal Democrats |
| Sheikh | Basat Mahmood | Labour Party |
| Smith | James | The Conservative Party Candidate |
| Venes | Dick | The Green Party |
The following people were elected to the LCA Core Group for 2019-20:
Officers
John Commons (Chair)
Jeremy Hoad (Secretary)
Nick Clarke (Treasurer)
Ordinary Members
Jean Bernard
Lawrence Hennigan
John Horsfield
There was a vote of thanks to Peter Naughton who has served as Chair for a number of years. Peter’s commitment to the LCA has been greatly appreciated. He has not only served the LCA diligently and calmly but has also been a marvellous representative of Levenshulme.
The LCA Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 9th March 2019 in the Community Studio, Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre starting at 14.30. Everyone is welcome.
Levenshulme Community Forum
19.30, 24 January 2019, The Klondyke (1 Burnage Range)
A public meeting open to everyone to discuss issues and priorities for our area.
A new mural called Rebel Rebel has appeared in Levenshulme. A blend of David Bowie and Princess Leia it hasn’t been brought to us by artist Trafford Parsons for (and with the assistance of) Jo Lowes. May the force be with Jo!
See the BBC North West report HERE
Levy Fringe arts festival runs from 23 June to 13 July at Levenshulme Old Library and at venues across Levenshulme. An amazing summer spectacular of splendid entertainment.
The LCA is holding two Hustings meetings for the 2018 local elections.
Levenshulme Ward
19.30, Wednesday 18th April, The Klondyke, Burnage Range, Levenshulme
Burnage Ward
19.30, Wednesday 25th April, The Klondyke, Burnage Range, Levenshulme
These are open, public meetings where anyone can question candidates directly. The full list of candidates is provided below.
The local elections this year are “all out” elections with ALL councillors up for election – three positions in each Ward.
Ward boundaries have also been changed with Levenshulme Ward now expanded to included much of what was previously the Gorton South Ward which has been abolished. Burnage Ward has also expanded and now includes a big chunk of what was previously Levenshulme Ward running right up to Albert Road.
Please share and promote these Hustings. They are your opportunity to question candidates who will represent us on Manchester City Council.
St Peter’s Annual Church Meeting is on Sunday after the 11.15am service with the meeting starting at 12.30pm. All are welcome. There are still opportunities to take on roles and get involved.
Levy Art Trail will be part of Manchester Art Month.
19th April, 17.00-21.00
Fred’s Ale House, The Inspire Centre and Levenshulme Old Library
Further information is available HERE
Plans are afoot for a major redevelopment of Levenshulme Sorting Office. Find out more on Monday 9th April at The Klondyke. There is a local business meeting at 15.30 followed by a residents’ meeting at 18.30.
A nice write up of Levenshulme in Manchester’s Finest by Ben Brown covering Trove, Levenshulme Antiques Village, the Blue Bell Inn, Station Hop, Levenshulme Market, Fred’s Ale House, The Klondyke, Persian Tasty Grill and The Meating Room.
“Before I move out of Levenshulme and into Urmston I thought it best to share my knowledge gained over the last year. It’s a shame The Buttery has shut down but there’s still plenty of places in which to eat and drink and generally have a good time.”
Read the full article HERE
Emergency meeting about cuts to train services.
Levenshulme ‘Meet Your MP’ coffee morning will be taking place this Saturday.
Who is your MP? Afzal Khan (Labour) who was elected in 2017 and took over from Sir Gerald Kaufman.
Hi everyone,
This week is British Science Week. I’m a young doctor and a PhD student at the University of Manchester. Some fellow doctors, medical students and I are organising a day-long workshop at Manchester Royal Infirmary to help young students (aged 14-18) consider Medicine as a career to become a doctor. This workshop is specifically targeted at students from non-traditional backgrounds. Date: Sat 24th March 2018.
The registration fee is £30 (we are non-profit). However, if the child comes from a low-income background, they can apply for a bursary (100% discount). We have 12 bursaries remaining to give out so the deadline has been extended to this Friday (16th March 2018).
For more details, see our website at www.intouch.org.uk
Please share with young students or any parents with young students who may be a little bright and just need some help to get ahead.
Interesting facts:
the Northwest has the most underperforming schools in the UK
AND
in some parts of Manchester, up to 50% of families are living in poverty.
What are we doing about this as a community?
Dr Majid Ahmed
Learn Circus skills for free at the Circus House.
Hidden Herstories at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre for International Women’s Day.
18.30, Thursday 8th March 2018
Come along and find out about the new Levenshulme Community Manifesto on Wednesday 28th February at The Klondyke. Developed by and for our community it is a statement of what our community wants for the future of Levenshulme.
Levenshulme Community Association AGM
14.30, Saturday 10th March 2018
Community Studio, Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre
Elections for 2018-19 will be held, the Annual Report will be given and we will discuss and hopefully approve the new Levenshulme Community Manifesto along with the usual updates on community activity and issues.
Levenshulme Old Library is having a soft launch on 23rd February, 16.00-18.00.
There will be music from the Jazz Biscuits and Afzal Khan MP will say a few words.
Read the Manchester Confidential article HERE
Madina Masjid and Community Centre open day.
Sunday 18th February 2018, 12.00-16.00
2 Barlow Road, Levenshulme
Three years ago the community of Levenshulme stood it’s ground and made clear that it was not willing to lose this fabulous community asset, the old library. They campaigned, organised, planned and worked together, as a community.
This morning at 1030hrs in the old library Levenshulme Old Library Charitable Incorporated Organisation signed an agreement with Manchester City Council and took over the library building.
To the many people in this community that have been involved, please accept a most sincere and very heartfelt thank you.
Levenshulme now has an art centre.
#MadeItHappen
If you’d like to have a say in the future of the old library by becoming a member, or become a volunteer, please click here:
Levenshulme Community Association
General Meeting
14.30
Saturday 9th December
Community Studio, Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre
Everyone is welcome to share information about what is going on in Levenshulme and propose new ideas. We will also be discussing progress on the Levenshulme Community Manifesto.
A message from Helen Power:
“Hello, as some of you may know there are some changes afoot at the Market. I will be stepping down from my position as a director at the end of this year (sniff!) and we’re having a bit of a reshuffle, which means we have a position available for a communications and marketing director! Is that you? Is it someone you know? Is it your cat? Find out if you, your pal or your pussy qualify.”
Full details can be found on the Levenshulme Market website HERE
Helen has been a key driving force behind the new Levenshulme Market since it was established five years ago as a social enterprise. Her energy, commitment and enthusiasm have helped make the market the success it has been as a vibrant focal point for Levenshulme on Saturdays and for many wonderful evening markets as well.
Levenshulme Good Neighbours is looking for trustees.
Can you help? It’s a fantastic chance to help shape a local charity so it can continue to do good work in the community.
Levenshulme Players Christmas Review.
There will be sketches, songs, fun, games, magic and a man sitting mostly naked in a bath… PLUS a three course meal. All this for just £20!
Call 07970 885 684 or e-mail levplayers@gmail.com to book your place.
Levenshulme Community Association is supporting a new project to develop a Community Manifesto for Levenshulme.
The first meeting took place on 27 September and identified a wide range of issues that people wanted addressed. We will hold monthly meetings leading up to publishing our Community Manifesto in Spring 2018.
The first meeting identified key priorities and areas to be addressed. This is a starting point, not a definitive list:
1. Community cohesion
2. How to communicate more effectively with different groups / communities
3. Public transport
4. Traffic levels and cycling provision
5. Personal safety, crime and policing
6. Antisocial behaviour
7. Older people’s issues
8. Youth provision and support
9. Landlords – private and commercial
10. A6 corridor – development, shopping offer, visual appeal, high rents, number of takeaways
11. Quality of housing
12. Recognition of the character and heritage of the area, particularly the architecture – promotion of the Conservation Area
13. Planning issues and enforcement
14. Clean air
15. Generating clean energy / local energy supplies
16. Green spaces – quality, support and use
17. Street trees
18. Playgrounds
19. Redevelopment of Old Baths
20. Public facilities including new use for Old Library
21. Employment opportunities
22. Business development and support
The next meeting will take place at 7.30pm in the Community Room at Levenshulme Methodist Church on Wednesday 25 October.
Dont forget the LYP Youth Festival this Thursday from 12PM – 8PM at the Jain Centre. Food, fun,fashion, talent show, prizes and much much more! Open to 8-16 yr olds.
Family Event at Highfield Country Park – Building Bat & Bird Boxes – Fri 27th October
Come to this family friendly event and help protect the wildlife of the park. The biodiversity of the park is growing, and it is great news we now have confirmed bat populations living there. This event is supported by the John Muir Trust and we are grateful to them for support. Read more about bats in the UK at the Bat Conservation Trust.
Location: Highfield Country Park (meet at the picnic area by the Fallowfield Loop)
Time: 10am – 3pm
Date: Fri 27th October
Contact: Peter – 07507786893
The Levenshulme Old Library group are holding a fundraising party to support the development of the library building as a community facility at The Klondyke 18 November in collaboration with Leve Nights.
It’s autumn so that means it is time for the fabulous Levenshulme Festival.
Find full details of venues and events HERE
Levfest Closing Night Party & Free Fireworks Display by Manchester City Council is Weds 1 Nov 730pm – Cringle Fields – M19 2QP