Achievements

Achievements to Date - February 2008

Since its formation in May 2005 NEPHRA Residents Association has been working hard to improve our neighbourhood. It’s important to note, that without your help and the support of our many fantastic volunteers none of our achievements would have been possible.

Some of our achievements to date (February 2008) include:

The development of excellent working relationships with our local councillors, officers from the city council, our local policing team, NewMostonSchool and St Chad’s Church.
Putting New Moston on the Map – Prior to our work in the area, New Moston was rarely mentioned in dispatches, nowadays it’s common to hear, or to read, Moston including New Moston. This itself is a huge achievement and ensures we receive better representation etc.
The successful lobbying of local councillors to take on board the need to clean up Moston Brook. This is now a multi-million pound project, with firm commitments from Manchester City Council and Oldham Council to work with a variety of agencies and specialists to ensure the Brook is redeveloped as a local amenity. None of which would have happened without NEPHRA’s hard work and determination. For further information see the section on Moston Brook.
Working closely with Zest to bring activities for adults to New Moston. These include Yoga, Card Craft, Learning to Dance, Tai Chi, Love Yourself and Baby & Toddler Yoga. See Zest or Events for more information.
Dena Murphy our chair (and green-fingered genius) was voted Manchester’s Citizen of the Year 2006.
The development of our Organic Allotment and Mini Orchard, which is situated in the grounds of Northfield day Centre. The allotment produces lots of wonderful fruit and vegetables which we use in our Luncheon Club.
The provision of a hugely successful weekly Luncheon Club. The club meets every Tuesday – Ground Floor Parkfield Dance Centre, Eastwood Road, New Moston. For more information and sample menus see Luncheon Club.
The provision of Coach trips for our older residents, to the likes of Skipton and Oswaldtwistle Mill.
One off events in partnership with Zest, such as Happy Feet – a day of relaxation, foot pamper sessions, good shoe fitting advice, as well as the opportunity to consult a podiatrist; Foods of the World gave residents the opportunity to sample seven delicious yet healthy dishes from around the world.
The fitting of three litter bins along Northfield Road & Belgrave Road.
The fitting of two dog bins on the White Stuff.
The fitting of several dropped kerbs in the vicinity of Northfield Road and Moston Lane East.
The planting and lighting of a living Christmas tree in the grounds of the Northfield Day Centre.
The acquisition and planting up of two large bedding plant containers – Etherow Avenue.
The resurfacing of pavements along parts of Parkfield Road North and parts of Eastwood Road, to be followed Spring 08 by Northfield Road.
The provision of free hanging baskets, plants, herbs and shrubs for all interested households.
The arrangement and management of public meetings to help resolve local issues – during the improvement works along the Broadway and also during the consultation period of the proposed housing development alongside the White Stuff.
The gating-off of alleyways along Hollingworth Avenue, and entrances to a number of private garages along Etherow Avenue and Hollingworth Avenue.
The resurfacing of alleyways on Hawthorn Road and Hollingworth Avenue.
The transformation of an old drying area into a children’s play area.
The provision of childrens’ activities during the summer school holidays, which included 7’s and under being provided for at the Parkfield Dance Centre, whilst the 8’s to 16 year olds had sessions in NuthurstPark.
Getting Morrisons to take responsibility to clean up the litter adjacent to the canal bank which abuts the store.
The production of Regular Resident Newsletters aimed at keeping residents informed of local developments and issues.
The development of excellent working relationships with the staff and clients at the Northfield Day Centre.
Sponsorship from local businesses - Citrus Lounge for this Fantastic Web Site, The Whitegate Inn, Soirees, McNally’s Mini Store, Northfield Road Off Licence and Party Animals, all of whom donated prizes for our Christmas raffle. The Parkfield Dance Centre, who’s owner, Tracey Bentley has the most fantastic community spirit and last, but not least, The Parkfield Club who allow NEPHRA free space to hold meetings etc.
The development of Moston Health Forum – an important new development for the Moston Ward, to of course include New Moston.
Fund Raising - each year we raise approximately £2,000, by staging two major fund raising events, the first is in May and is a Family Fun Day, to brighten up our neighbourhood, residents are invited to bring along their hanging baskets and have them refilled for free! In addition we provide free children’s entertainment, food and a variety of sideshows. At Christmas time we hold a traditional Christmas Fair with a variety of festive stalls, we also have a Grotto where children can visit the best Father Christmas in town!
Litter Picks and tidying up of Local Grot Spots, such as the NEPHRA backings and the White Stuff.
The invitation to attend various other significant meetings, where decisions about our neighbourhood are made. Some of these include the Neighbourhood Partnership meeting – a meeting between the police, local councillors, officers from the city council and other appropriate agencies along with representatives from local residents associations who get together to discuss how we can improve safety in our neighbourhoods; FLAMA – Federation of Lightbowne and Moston Residents Association which brings together representatives from local residents groups, to discuss how best we can improve our neighbourhoods; The Moston Health Forum – a place where all things which affect the quality of our health and well being is discussed with appropriate officers and agencies, the local police surgery, which is held monthly to discuss with our local bobbies what’s happening in our streets.

For the future we hope to improve further roads and pavements in the area, as well as provide more shrubs and flowers to brighten up our streets.

Develop further our links with the Northfield Day Centre, and work towards having our own Drop in Centre.

Continue our partnership working with Zest to improve the health of residents, in the future we hope to work more closely with local health providers such as GP’s, Community Nurses and Health Trainers, as well as the somewhat elusive, Primary care Trust (PCT).

If you want to help make a difference to our neighbourhood, and can contribute in any way no matter how small, then either ring 07745 502 526 or email nephra.resientsasscoiation@ntlworld.com