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.
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
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
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
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 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.
All the world’s a stage………….
Ever fancied trying your hand at a bit of acting? Don’t know where to start?
Levenshulme Players, your local am-dram group, are actively recruiting for new members. We’ve put on a wide variety of performances for several years, murder mysteries, poetry readings, “classic” plays, modern theatre etc. Our upcoming plans include a murder mystery at the end of October, a Christmas revue in Levenshulme and a major play production next spring.
Bit apprehensive? Don’t worry! We all began with no experience at one time! We are a very friendly bunch (what we may lack in talent, we make up for in enthusiasm!) and you’d be made to feel very welcome.
All ages and abilities welcome. If you prefer, we always need extra folks for front of house, backstage and props/make-up, sound and lighting, scene shifting etc.
If you want to find out more, call Beryl on 0161 225 1464 or comment below and we’ll get in touch.
The Levenshulme Players next production is the comedy thriller – A Tomb With a View.
It will be performed at the Baptist Church on Elmsworth Avenue, off Broom Lane on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th July at 7.00pm and on Saturday 29th at 2.00pm.
Tickets are available from www.levenshulmeplayers.co.uk and on the door.
Come down for some spooky fun!
Levenshulme’s summer festival season continues with Levstock at the Klondyke on Saturday 24th June starting at 18.00.
Levenshulme WI is hosting an evening with Rosie Garland on Tuesday 23rd May at Inspire.
The very first Levenshulme and Burnage Garden Festival, including an Open Gardens weekender!
Please share *a lot* folks, and help us to make it a roaring success!
Many events are FREE, or cracking value, as we were awarded some cash from Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Fund.
The first ‘event’ is is on 25th May at Levenshulme Market: Incredible Edible Levenshulme will be dishing out FREE herbs & wildflowers for tree pits and community alleys in Levenshulme and Burnage, 10am-2pm. If you’re a member of a residents’ group, have tree pits on your street, or have transformed your alley, you are eligible – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!
On the same day, at 1pm, Andrea, AKA Little Italy Kitchen is hosting a Garden Feast in his beautiful garden. Details are on the poster (expand poster to full screen, left click ‘options’ in bottom right corner and click ‘download’. You should then be able to enlarge it to a legible size).
Hard copies will be available at Bud, The Buttery and in and around Levenshulme and Burnage from Friday 5th May.
Announcing ‘the event with no name’ … a two week celebration of Arts, Creativity and Culture in Levenshulme and Gorton South. Between Saturday 24th June and Sunday 9th July 2017.
As a spin-out from the Old Library campaign we are asking for contributors to a festival of “Art, Creativity and Culture”.
If you are creative in any way, or have a venue, maybe planning an event anyway… please host or hold an activity that celebrates and shows off the creativity, diversity and energy of our community.
Things you are passionate about, that make you happy, that express hope, that challenges us and brings us together, that inspires new ideas. Anything can be art if done with creativity.
We’ll collect a list of events together, create an online brochure and publicise it. Some events may be fundraisers, but mostly its about the residents of our lovely area expressing themselves. Celebrating our community. Sharing the love.
Thoughts welcome!. We’ve created an event page, and starting to gather ideas. If possible, some activities may happen in the Old Library… but mostly its about arts and creativity out in the community.
And if you can think of a better name… add it on the event page. We’ll make a poll of the best ideas and crowdsource the final name!
https://www.facebook.com/events/400172660369250/
You can register interest here:
Come and say hello on 5th May.
Levenshulme Pride is for everyone. We want your ideas. We need your help. Why not organise a Pride event with a group you are part of? Help make Levenshulme Pride yours.
Announcing ‘the event with no name’ … a two week celebration of Arts, Creativity and Culture in Levenshulme and Gorton South. Between Saturday 24th June and Sunday 9th July 2017.
As a spin-out from the Old Library campaign we are asking for contributors to a festival of “Art, Creativity and Culture”.
If you are creative in any way, or have a venue, maybe planning an event anyway… please host or hold an activity that celebrates and shows off the creativity, diversity and energy of our community.
Things you are passionate about, that make you happy, that express hope, that challenges us and brings us together, that inspires new ideas. Anything can be art if done with creativity.
We’ll collect a list of events together, create an online brochure and publicise it. Some events may be fundraisers, but mostly its about the residents of our lovely area expressing themselves. Celebrating our community. Sharing the love.
Thoughts welcome!. We’ve created an event page, and starting to gather ideas. If possible, some activities may happen in the Old Library… but mostly its about arts and creativity out in the community.
And if you can think of a better name… add it below or on the event page. We’ll make a poll of the best ideas and crowdsource the final name!
Event listing and information here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/400172660369250/
Roll up! Roll up! Fantastic free circus workshops in Levenshulme provided by The Circus House.
Klondyke Club, 19th March, 13.30-15.30
Chapel Street Park, 6th April, 13.00-15.00
Chapel Street Park, 13th April, 13.00-15.00
Juggling / partner balances / spinning plates / hula hoops / arial acrobatics / floor acrobatics.
All welcome.
Happy St Patrick’s Week from Levenshulme. There’s lots going on.
See www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk for full details.
Levenshulme Youth Project is running music making and DJ-ing workshops at Inspire on Monday 13th, 20th and 27th March, 18.00-20.00.
The Klondyke in association with Greater Manchester Unite Community Branch are proud to present a pay as you feel showing of “I Daniel Blake” on Wednesday 22nd March 2017.
Ken Loach`s powerful 2016 film “I Daniel Blake” has been a huge box office success and has won many prestigous awards for its realistic and moving portrayal of the failings of the benifit system and the impact this has on people`s lives in 21st century Britain.
Unite Community campaign against benifit sanctions, welfare cuts and zero hour contracts and provide support to people experiencing difficulties with benifits in Manchester. We will be offering some free tickets for the film to people that Unite meet and help at local jobcentres, who havent yet been able to afford to see the film which depicts their daily experiences with the DWP. Other tickets will be availabe on a pay as you feel basis. all profits will be split equally to help local food banks, the unemployed worker`s centre.
A vegan curry with rice will be available for all after the film, followed by an optional open disscusiion and questions and answers with a well selected panel.
Sweets, popcorn and other refreshements availble PLEASE NOTE …. The Klondyke have kindly offered the room for free so any beverages alcholic or soft must be purchased from the bar.
There is a raffle on the night and also an online raffle both with a large ammount of prizes all donated by local people and businesses.
Please remember when at the payment stage on the booking site when it says a donation the suggested amounts are: £3.50 minium / £5.50 / £8.50 generous
Book HERE
Arcadia’s 1st Birthday Celebration Event
We’re having a Fun Day on Saturday 18th February from 12 noon with exciting and unusual activities and sessions to try out….
There will also be refreshments available, a cake stall, a charity tombola, face painting, plus a fruit bar for the more health conscious.
The event will be opened at 12 noon by Councillor Rahman, cutting a cake and joining in the activities.
Come along and join in the fun!
‘Supper Club’ fundraiser for the Levenshulme Old Library Group – 11th February 2017, 7pm till late at St Mary’s Church Hall, Elbow Street, M19 3PY.
Expect a 3 course feast (vegetarian options), with a complimentary glass of wine, live music from the Jazz Biscuits, dancing and entertainment.
To get your tickets for what promises to be a simply fabulous evening click HERE
Or get in touch via our Facebook page – Levenshulme Old Library Group (LOL)
No entry without a ticket.
MEETING OF LEVENSHULME OLD LIBRARY GROUP AT THE BLUEBELL INN
THURSDAY 12TH JANUARY 7.30pm
As we hit 2017 the work to transform Levenshulme’s historic library building continues but we need help.
So far a small band of dedicated residents have sent a business plan to the council, spoken to potential stakeholders and raised money. It is now time for the community of Levenshulme to get involved and take this project to the next level.
If you would like to get involved please come to the meeting at the Bluebell, Cromwell Grove at 7.30pm to see how you can help.
With new energy and skills at the disposal of the group we will be able to create something new and exciting for Levenshulme. The library building deserves to be preserved and cherished by the community.
So, if you have something to offer or just want to see how the campaign is going please come down the Bluebell.
(Message from Levenshulme Old Library Group)
This Sunday at Inspire! Community Carol Service & DIY Nativity! Come along 4pm (Kids come dressed as any nativity character)… Festive finger food will be available!
Its TODAY, the first Winter Fair at The Beehive set in Cringle Park, Levenshulme! 11am-3pm.
Face painting, mulled wine, hot chocolate, christmas yummy things, beautiful Steiner children’s and adults books, wooden toys, handcrafted knitted items, raffle, delicious homemade lunches, Steinery arts and crafts resources, gorgeous smiling modelling beeswax for sale, children’s activities and making corner, women’s Weleda pampering gifts and more…
Levenshulme writer Paul Magrs has just been shortlisted in the BBC 2017 Audio Drama Awards.
Best Online/non Broadcast
Baker’s End: The King of Cats, Bafflegab Productions
This was the first instalment of Baker’s End. The third instalment has recently been recorded and is in production now. The series stars Tom Baker with a supporting cast including Sue Jameson, Katy Manning and David Benson.
More success for the lovely, talented people of Levenshulme. We are our own creative hub.
You can order/download the first two episodes of Baker’s End on the Bafflebab website HERE
Find out more about the BBC Audio Drama Awards HERE
An award winning film by Levenshulme based director Gareth Taylor will be screened on 1st December at the University of Manchester.
Namaste: A Himalayan Journey
In the film, Dr Kate Yarrow, founder of Doctors for Nepal, goes on a life-changing, two-year adventure following some of the incredible journeys patients endure to reach healthcare in remote areas of Nepal. After the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal on 25th April 2015, Kate uncovers the challenges facing doctors and patients in rural areas, and reveals the extraordinary personal journeys of the people she meets along the way.
Here is what broadcaster and journalist Jon Snow has to say about the film:
“It’s a lovely piece and a very neat, acute and moving insight into the way things are post earthquake in remote Nepal . . . it’s a terrific film to put on for awareness raising . . . The journey alone is a terrific achievement, but the way you have made the film is too. Congratulations.”
Watch a trailer HERE
Get yourselves down to Levenshulme Baptist Church this afternoon for the final performance of The Importance Of Being Earnest by Levenshulme Players.
This Sunday 9th On Fallowfield Loop, Crayfield Rd entrance, A pocket full Of Treasures is Having a creative event.
More information is available HERE
Please do bring a little treasure, and Share in the Gallery Of Gilded Frames, Make a clay Treasure, have the back stories of your treasure turned into Poetry!
Next month the Levenshulme Players will be staging the Oscar Wilde classic The Importance of Being Earnest.
It will be on at Levenshulme Baptist Church on the 10th and 11th of November at 7PM with a Saturday matinee on the 12th at 2PM.
Watch out for Lady Bracknell…
Tickets can be bought here:
http://www.levenshulmeplayers.co.uk/tickets-for-importance-of-being-earnest/
Open meeting of the Levenshulme Old Library Group
Tuesday October 11th, 2016, 7.00-8.30pm
Klondyke Club, 1 Burnage Range, Manchester M19 2HQ
The Levenshulme Old Library Group is holding an open meeting on the 11th October, at 7pm, at the Klondyke (in the function room), to update the community, to celebrate what has been achieved and ask for your help to make this exciting but complex project happen.
We need your skills, your time and your support to help us move to the next level.
We look forward to seeing you on October 11th.
Levenshulme Old Library Group
Keep up to date on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLBSG/
Website is
http://levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/
An initial vision for the future of the library building can be downloaded here:
The next LCA General Meeting will be on Saturday 10th September, 14.15 in the Community Studio at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road.
As agreed at the last meeting this meeting will consider minor constitutional amendments as requested by an external funding body. As such this would technically make the meeting an Extraordinary General Meeting. The constitutional amendments are primarily to specify the quorum for meetings more explicitly.
Pleas and any reports or requests for agenda items (with supporting papers where possible) to Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary at secretary@levenshulmecommunity.org.uk
Levenshulme writer and artist Paul Magrs wows the Edinburgh Evening News with his latest audio drama.
“Beautifully bizarre and laugh-out-loud funny, writer Paul Magrs’ wonderfully baroque dialogue suggests the star himself may have had some input… A riotous, fantastical, absurdist romp then… 82-year-old Tom has never sounded more at home than in Baker’s End.”
Baker’sEnd is released on 2nd September but is available to order now. The second instalment is in production now.
Read the full article HERE
Find out more and order Baker’s End from Bafflegab HERE
Levenshulme Old Library group (LOL) has an open meeting on Tuesday 26th July at 7pm at Inspire (in the cafe) to update people on the good progress made recently.
30 July 2016 – 4:00pm to 6:00pmSustrans Fallowfield Loop cycle route, Crayfield Road entrance, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3NX
Bicycle-riding theatre company The Handlebards will bring their brilliant all-female version of Romeo and Juliet to our very own Fallowfield Loop cycle route in Manchester as part of a tour to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
The Handlebards ‘4 for 400’ season includes four plays each performed by four actors in over 70 venues over the summer. The troupes carry all their costumes, props and sets by bicycle, travelling across the National Cycle Network to reach their shows.
Cycle or walk to the open-air show at Levenshulme along our linear traffic-free path, which runs between Chorlton to Gorton, and bring a picnic and a blanket or portable chair.
There will be three led rides to the event at Levenshulme – from Chorlton at one end of the Fallowfield Loop, Debdale Park at the other end, and Heaton Moor.
Further information available HERE
As part of the French literature week, Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will be running a one off special story time and performance session for 0-5 year olds in French, that’s right in French.
The session will take place on Monday 11th July at 10:30-11:15
This is a free event and due to space limitation we advise you book in advance.
To reserve your place, please contact 0161 227 3707.
Learning a new language can be fun whatever your age!
Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre wants your views on how the Centre can develop to best meet the needs of our community and make best use of the fantastic facilities available in Levenshulme. So there’s a consultation. Do get involved.
This is what they say:
“As you will be aware, the centre opened in February and as a result of consultation carried out during the two years prior, the leisure programme from Levenshulme was transferred under the ‘lift and shift’ principle In the weeks since opening, we’ve received a small number of challenges regarding the existing leisure programmes.
In addition, leisure usage at Better, Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre is considerably higher than at Levenshulme, so over capacity of some sessions is being experienced.
We’d appreciate it if you would take a few moments to answer some questions about the centre, and your usage of it, in order for us to see whether there any changes required that could help improve the service and facilities that we currently deliver.”
If you use Arcadia please click HERE
If you haven’t used Arcadia yet please click HERE
You can also collect a survey form from the Arcadia reception.
The closing date for surveys to be returned to Arcadia or completed online is Sunday 3rd July 2016.
Levenshulme Players are performing Separate Tables at the Klondyke tonight and tomorrow at 19.30.
Our resident theatrical troup always put on a wonderful show so do try and catch one of the performances.
Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre User Group
The next User Group meeting will take place at 6pm on Tuesday 17th May at 6pm.
All welcome!
Levenshulme Good Neighbours and Happy Monday’s
Over 50 Group invite you to pantomime sing along“One Fine Day” by the North East Producers.
If you are over 50 and live in Levenshulme – please, come along and join us!
Monday 9th May 2 – 3pm at The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, M19 3AR
Levenshulme Old Library Group are holding a fundraising event at the Klondyke (1 Burange Range) on Saturday 30th April 2016. Come along and support their work to save the old library and turn it into a valuable community resource.
Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum would love to hear your ideas for how you want Levenshulme to develop. What’s your vision for our community?
14.00 today in the Community Studio at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
This isn’t just bout dull planning matters, this is bout what we want our community to be and to look like.
Everybody welcome.
This May the Levenshulme Players will be performing a 20th century classic – Separate Tables by Terrance Rattigan.
It will be performed at the Klondyke Club, Levenshulme on May 13th and May 14th at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available on the door or via the Levenshulme Players website HERE
Zeeshan & Co. Certified Accountants celebrated Pakistan Day yesterday at their office on 1074 Stockport Road. The firm celebrated the day and reported that:
“Pakistan Day (23rd March 1940) is celebrated in memory of the draft political resolution at the Minar-e-Pakistan that called for establishing a independent state.
The All India Muslim League played a vital role in the creation of Pakistan. This was the vision of the great Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the great leader of the muslims, Mohammed Ali Jinnah and by the time had become the lining symbol of Muslim unity and muslim politics.
Helium Balloons were released in mark of the celebration and a one minute silence was also held for the great tragedy in Belgium.”
The Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum will be holding a meeting on Saturday 19th March 2016 at 14.00 in the Community Studio in the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
Come along and say how you want Levenshulme to develop.
The first meeting of the Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre User Forum has been confirmed. The invitation is provided below:
Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre User Forum
The first User Group meeting for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will take place in the Community Studio at Arcadia on Tuesday 8th March from 6pm to 8pm.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact reception and come along on the night. You can leave you details with one of our team, email arcadia@gll.org or call us on 0161 641 9911
We look forward to meeting you.
Andrew Smith
Partnership Manager – Manchester
Levenshulme’s Bankley Studios is offering a residency for a local artist from Greater Manchester.
Residency opportunity for an artist based in Greater Manchester
Bankley Studios would like to offer the opportunity of a two-month residency in Bankley’s project space ‘Studio20’ to an artist based in the Greater Manchester area. We are particularly interested in hearing from artists who may not be able to participate in intensive creative practice away from home due to various other commitments. We welcome applications from artists working in all types of contemporary visual art, including two- and three-dimensional practices, installation, new media, moving image and performance.
Taking place during May and June 2016, the residency will offer the artist space and time to experiment and test ideas, and to produce a new body of work for an exhibition in our newly renovated Gallery Space. The Artist will be supported by the Project Space Team and receive one-on-one mentoring sessions with a curator in preparation for their show.
During the residency Bankley will be hosting talks and critical discussions with artists and arts professionals around the theme of ‘Process’. The artist in residence may wish to contribute towards this event, i.e. with an Artist Talk or Open studio event.
The residency includes:
The artist will be encouraged to hold their own artist talk and/or or Open Studio event and to add to the Bankley blog whilst in residence
Application process:
Artists will be required to submit an application form (see below) alongside 5 images of current work (in .jpeg format, no larger than 1 MB each) and an Artist CV. Selected artists will then be invited for an interview with members of the Bankley committee before the final decision is made.
Deadline for applications: Friday 18th March 2016
Interviews will take place in April 2016.
Further information about Bankley Studios can be found HERE
After years of campaigns, consultations, marches, plans, occupations, letters, meetings, talking and even quite a bit of dancing the people of Levenshulme can now celebrate as our new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre throws open its doors.
Here are a few photographs of the new Arcadia. These are the third set in the series of photographs recording the old Levensulme Baths, the original Levenshulme Library and now the new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
Arcadia is a brand new £9.3m facility. It is managed and operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited under the Better brand through a contract with Manchester City Council. GLL are experts in managing leisure facilities. The facilities were built by Laing O’Rourke both on time and on budget. The quality and attention to detail is very impressive. Arcadia includes:
Arcadia stands as a wonderful facility and proof of what can be achieved when there is a genuine cooperative, positive collaboration between residents, our community, councillors, council officers, designers and developers.
This is our facility.
(All photographs copyright Jeremy Hoad)
Act now to save yourself money on membership at the new Arcadia Library Leisure Centre.
The old Leisure Centre closes on 18th February before the new one opens on 20th as the new Arcadia Centre. The pricing at the new Arcadia facilities has come as a surprise to people, particularly as we were assured pricing would be sensitive to the area and remain affordable.
But there is a way you can save a lot of money on membership…
If you join at the £18 a month rate at the existing Leisure Centre on Cromwell Grove this rate will continue at the new facilities. To keep this membership rate you MUST continue to renew your membership every month by cash or card in person. No direct debit option is available. If you miss a month you will be counted as having cancelled your membership and will have to renew at the £35 a month rate charged at the Arcadia Centre for use of all the facilities.
The £18 a month current membership includes:
Classes at Arcadia will be held in a dedicated multipurpose Community Room with a sprung floor and wall of mirrors.
Levenshulme Library which is also part of the new facilities is, of course free to use. There will also be access to free use of computers and free wifi at the new Arcadia.
Join now to save yourself over £200 a year on membership at the new Arcadia.
UPDATE 23/02/16
Statement from GLL today after councillors have asked for clarification of pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre:
“It has always been our intention to honour the membership benefits of those customers who have historically enjoyed using the facilities at Levenshulme Pools. Unfortunately during the migration period from Levenshulme to the new Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre there has been miscommunication in relation to the extended availability of the £18 membership previously available at Levenshulme.
As a gesture of goodwill, until the end of day on Friday 26th February, we will be happy to honour this rate to any of our customers who can demonstrate previous use of Levenshulme Pools.
Customers who believe that they are entitled to take up this offer yet are unable to prove their past use of Levenshulme will be looked at on a case by case basis. All applications should be made in person at Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre.
From Saturday 27th February only the new membership pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will be available. This is in line with all the other comparable/ new leisure centres across Manchester including the Manchester Aquatics Centre”.
Not long to go until the new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre opens on on Saturday 20th February on Stockport Road right in the heart of Levenshulme. Here’s a nice positive article in the Manchester Evening News.
Read the article HERE
