News & Announcements

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL - NEWS RELEASE - 14 July 2010 - Council Aims to Keep Free Swimming.

Following news that central Government is to scrap the scheme which allows free swimming for younger and older people, Manchester City Council has pledged to do it all it can to ensure that there is still free provision in the city for those groups.

In Manchester, those who are aged 16 and under and anyone over 60 are currently able to swim for free at public leisure centres in the city as part of an initiative to help people stay active and healthy.

But the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has cut the funding as part of £73million-worth of savings, meaning that free swimming will be axed at the end of this month.

However, at today's meeting of the full council, it was agreed that a review would be set up to look at options to allow free swimming to continue.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure said: “We have already committed to extending free swimming until the end of the summer holidays and are looking very closely at how we can keep the funding for free swimming in Manchester going beyond that time.

"We recognise just how important this provision is on the long-term health and wellbeing of local residents. I am very confident that we will find a solution which will ensure that both young and old in Manchester will continue to benefit from free swimming in our fantastic pools."

Since free swimming for the over 60s was introduced in 2008, and for those aged 16 and under in 2009, there has been a big impact on numbers heading to the city’s leisure centres.

Among young people, an additional 2,000 swimmers per month are now making use of Manchester’s pools with more than 135,000 visits recorded since the initiative began. The biggest uptake has been in Wythenshawe where there has been a 56% increase in the number of young people swimming.

Among the over 60s, there are more than 5,300 registered swimmers in the city with more than 50,000 visits recorded in the last 12 months.

Urban Art Event - Moston Brook - Failsworth - Open to all - Tuesday 27th July - 12 till 4pm.

This is a FREE event and is part of the Rochdale Canal Festival.

Urban Artist will show you the techniques and then its your go!

Create a work of art that can be displayed around the local area to promote Moston Brook.

Have a go at making bird boxes to donate to local schools and community groups.

Enjoy a Free BBQ and Music by the canal.

Places are limited to book a place contact Jonathan Davies or James Mak:

0161 624 1444 or 07850 310 778.

See attached poster for more information.
Attachment: Urban Art Poster

Summer Garden Party - North City Library - Saturday 31st July - 12 till 4pm.

See Birds Of Prey Up Close & in Flight - from Vale Royal Falconry.....This is another exciting event at North City Library - Lots of things to interest children and young people - the birds of prey are just incredible....Also enjoy outdoor sports, childrens craft, temporary tattoos and Wii games.

Call 219 6442 for more details or see atached poster.
Attachment: Moston Summer Garden Party.

Moston Brook Bat Survey - Date: Wednesday 28th July 2010 - Time: 20.30 until 22.30

Come and join South Lancs Bat Group on a survey of Moston Brook. No experience necessary.

Booking essential. Limited places. Please contact Ann Bates, Moston Brook Project Officer, Oldham Council to reserve your place – ann.bates@oldham.gov.uk or tel. 07801 204 804

See Attached Poster.
Attachment: Bat Survey Poster

Community Clean up and Cycle Ride - Friday 30th July. 9.30 meet, Wrigley Head, New Moston. 1 hour cycle ride from 2.00-3.00pm. Bikes can be provided subject to booking.

Join forces with local volunteers to help clean up Moston Brook and the Rochdale canal from Wrigley Head, Failsworth to Hollinwood Ave, Chadderton. Lunchtime refreshments provided & then take a guided cycle ride along the canal.

Volunteers must wear suitable footwear & clothing. All equipment provided.

Booking is essential. Please contact Ann Bates, Moston Brook Project Officer tel. 07801 204 804 or email ann.bates@oldham.gov.uk to reserve your place

This event is kindly sponsored by Taylor Wimpey

The event is part of the Rochdale Canal Festival. See www.rochdalecanal.wordpress.com for full details of the programme. Lots of free activities for everyone to enjoy

Moston Brook is a partnership project supported by Manchester and Oldham Councils

For more information see attached poster.
Attachment: Moston Brook Clean UP

River Valley Futures - Volunteers wanted - The group meet weekly on a Wednesday evening to plan monthly events for the whole community.

Volunteers will gain skills in event planning and marketing, and will also have the opportunity to learn about conservation and the biodiversity of the area. They can also gain nationally recognised

Certificates for volunteering and the John Muir Award for conservation.

Events so far have included photography, World Environment Day (which was celebrated by making natural bird feeders, tin can herb gardens, and hedgehog homes), and the Big Bug Hunt.

If you are aged 16-25 and interested in joining MBEET on either a regular or one-off basis, please contact Sophie Heywood or Rebekah Beresford on

0161 624 1444 or sophie.heywood@groundwork.org.uk

See attached poster for more information
Attachment: River valley Futures Poster

Summer 2010 All Sorts to Do in Manchester Activity Booklet.........

Don't be bored this summmer, there really is lots to do in your neighbourhood. Take a look at the attached booklet, and find yourself some fun activiites.

Please Note One amendment:

Football & Active Sports at Our Ladys Wks 3,4 & 5 should be 1-3pm not 12-1pm

Hard copies of this booklet will be available at Libraries and Leisure Centre in the next few weeks. The booklet is also abvailable on the City Councils Web site - www.manchester.gov.uk/allsortstodo
Attachment: All Sorts To Do Booklet

Are you aged 16-25 and interested in getting involved in your local area?

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale are looking for young volunteers to get involved in improving the area of Moston Brook and to arrange monthly events for the whole community.

Gain skills and experience in:

Planning and delivering events•

Woodland management •

Conservation and biodiversity •

Photography and media•

You will be part of a group of young volunteers that meet once a week to plan monthly events that will take place at Moston Brook, Failsworth. These events aim to get more of the community using the site and actively involved in improving it. Travel expenses will be paid.

For more information contact Sophie Heywood on:

T: 0161 624 1444

M: 07873 428 394

E: sophie.heywood@groundwork.org.uk
Attachment: Volunteer Information Moston Brook

FIRE SERVICE ISSUES BBQ SAFETY MESSAGE

As the weather continues to gather pace and with warm forecasts, many people are planning to enjoy barbecues This should be safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone; but cooking in the open can be hazardous.

Chief Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said, “It’s too easy to be distracted when you’re enjoying the atmosphere of the football fixtures and you have family and friends around you whilst cooking. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service urge everyone to follow some simple precautions to reduce the risks of barbecue mishaps”.

To minimise the dangers please follow this advice:

Make sure that your barbecue is in good working order.

Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies and never leave a barbecue unattended.

Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs.

Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches).

To light your barbecue only use barbecue lighter fuel or firelighters; NEVER use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids.

If there is a wind blowing, make sure that it is blowing away from you when you light the barbecue (just in case it flares up), and ensure that your not wearing any loose clothing that could flap on it and ignite.

Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.

Once ashes are cool empty onto bare garden soil, never into a dustbin or wheelie bin.

Gas Barbecues

Bottled gas barbecues need special care when being turned on and off.

Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.

Change gas cylinders in the open air if possible or open doors and windows to provide good ventilation. Never smoke whilst changing cylinders.

When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls, to ensure any gas in the pipeline is used up.

Remember – Barbecues should never be lit indoors and people should avoid drinking alcohol while cooking.

VELODROME SUMMER HOLIDAY CYCLING SESSIONS

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF MANCHESTER’S FAMOUS VELODROME TRACK – WHERE THE GREAT BRITAIN TEAM HAVE WON GOLD MEDALS!

Mondays throughout the summer holidays 12-1pm.

(Please arrive for your session at 20mins in advance to be set up with a bike).

(Riders must be 9 years old or over)

See attached Poster for more information.
Attachment: Poster Veledrome Summer 2010

Unmissable Manchester- There’s Allsorts to do this Summer in Manchester!

Coming soon:

There’s plenty of exciting activities across the city for children and young people this summer holiday right on your doorstep.

Most activities are FREE so getting bored is not an option. Check the website for a full list of activities.

www.manchester.gov.uk/allsortstodo

Hyundai Fan Park Manchester

Until 11 July

Castlefield

Watch the remaining matches live on the outdoor big screen at Castlefield. Screenings are free.

BP Summer Screens – FREE Live Relays From The Royal Opera House: The Royal Opera’s Simon Boccanegra

13 July

Exchange Square

Live screening of Verdi’s moving opera, featuring the world’s greatest operatic stars, Placido Domingo, Marina Poplavskaya, Joseph Calleja and Ferruccio Furlanetto. This rollercoaster tale takes you from the furious drama of the opening scene to the tender duet between Boccanegra and his daughter to the architectural grandeur of the Genoese Council Chambers ending in the despair of the final act. Live screening: 7.30pm. Free.

The BP Summer Big Screens are presented through a unique collaboration between BP, the Royal Opera House and the BBC. BP has now supported the Royal Opera House’s Summer Big Screens programme for ten years. Last year, screenings of the live performances throughout the UK attracted more than 44,000 people, a number that continues to grow each year.

2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championships

15–24 July

University of Manchester Armitage Sports Centre

A record 30 nations will compete, including defending champions Canada. For the first time ever, the FIL World Lacrosse Festival (17-22 July) will take place alongside the World Championships featuring touring teams from around the world. Tickets are now on sale.

Hazard MMX

17 July

Manchester City Centre

Chance encounters and random occurrences… cheeky, thought-provoking with sprees of eccentricity… a unique micro-festival of all things bizarre and playful returns for its third outing. Look out for a flash of yellow and black to see what 2010 will bring!

Produced by hÅb and greenroom. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Exodus Festival

18 July

Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall

Bring the kids and your dancing shoes and come and enjoy traditional and contemporary music and dance from across the globe, creative workshops, children’s activities, world crafts and delicious international food. Event times: 12-6pm. Free. Brought to you by Greater Manchester’s diverse refugee communities.

Heartbreak Productions: An Ideal Husband

21–24 July

Fletcher Moss Gardens, Didsbury

An Oscar Wilde favourite, full of intrigue, romance and razor sharp wit. Sir Robert Chiltern is a man up to his neck in a political scandal that could ruin his life. His wife has a strong moral code. Enter the blackmailing villainess to create trouble…will the wife forgive her husband? Will love conquer all? Or will he get his just deserts? An ideal conundrum for a summer’s evening.

Performance times: 7.30pm (Sat matinee at 2.30pm).

Tickets: adults £12.50, concessions £10, child (age 6-16) £8.50. Limited covered seating is available at an additional £3 per ticket.

Urban Moves International Dance Festival

23–25 July

Manchester City Centre

Surprising the crowds with a unique blend of dance and spectacle, this 3 day festival celebrates the cityscape and architecture of Greater Manchester – out in the parks, in the squares and in the gardens. In addition, you can be the performers in a unique Bicycle Ballet – a choreographed dance on bicycles (no dance experience required, basic bike proficiency essential). Free.

Manchester Jazz Festival

23–31 July

Various venues

Now in its 15th year, Manchester Jazz Festival is a home-grown celebration of Manchester’s vibrant music scene and its unique personalities, bringing the coolest and newest contemporary jazz to the city centre. Enjoy live music in St Ann’s Square, Albert Square and other landmark venues including Band on the Wall, RNCM, Matt & Phred’s, St Ann’s Church and the Bridgewater Hall. Let yourself be surprised and entertained by the finest musicians from the North West and around the world. Most of the gigs are free.

Manchester Summer Mega Mela

24–25 July

Platt Fields Park, Rusholme

A two day celebration of south Asian arts and culture with music and all styles of performance from Bollywood to Bhangra. There will be entertainment from locally and internationally renowned artists, sports such as Kabaddi, Indian wrestling and stone lifting, fashion shows, arts and crafts stalls, funfair, street theatre, food stalls and much more. Free.

Contacting The World

25 July

Various venues

Contacting the World brings together young people from Jamaica, Iran, South Africa, Indonesia, India, USA, Switzerland, Denmark, Amsterdam and England as part of a unique performance festival to celebrate a year of communicating, exchange and extraordinary theatre making.

Urbanathlon

25 July 2010, from 11am

Sportcity

Conquer this unique multi-disciplinary race and raise funds for good causes. You'll run, you'll ford a river, you'll scramble through an urban obstacle course...and you'll never, ever forget it! MCC staff have been offered a discount on team entry, to redeem you need to download the MCC Urbanathlon offer PDF and attach it with your entry form .

For entry forms and event information visit the Urbanathlon website via www.manchester.gov.uk/mcrlive

24:7 Theatre Festival

26 July – 1 August

New Century House

Manchester’s unique theatre event is back! Following six award-winning seasons, an expert panel of judges has chosen ten plays, created by the freshest writing talent, providing cutting-edge drama, thought provoking situations and genuine comedy. Performed away from the traditional theatre setting, no play lasts longer than 60 minutes, making it perfect for a lunchtime refreshment or after-work happy hour. With three performances a night, you’ll be able to see everything.

Tickets: £8 or less.

UEC European Masters Track Championships

27–31 July

National Cycling Centre, Sportcity

Once again Manchester plays host to the European Masters Track Cycling Championships, delivering six days of intense competition.

Family Friendly Film Festival

30 July – 15 August

Various venues

If you’re looking for fun, affordable things to do with your family during the summer holidays, Manchester’s Family Friendly Film Festival is just the ticket! Featuring the best in children’s cinema from across the globe, amazing workshops and events, and classic family favourites, all set in some of Manchester’s best family friendly venues. Tickets: up to £5 per person. Many events are free.

Sky Ride Manchester

1 August

Manchester City Centre

Sky Ride Manchester will give you the chance to cycle in a safe, fun and family-friendly environment on 11.3km of traffic free roads in and around Manchester city centre. With live entertainment, music and a few more surprises along the route, it is the perfect event for all the family to take part in together. Manchester has lots to offer cyclists of all ages and abilities, so give Sky Ride a try and be part of something big.

For more information and to register visit the Sky Ride website via www.manchester.gov.uk/mcrlive

Sky Ride Local

Until October

Various locations

Register for a Sky Ride Local ride, whether you want to explore the water parks with the family or fancy a 28 mile tour of the Pennines, there’s something for everyone.

The rides are free and are led by friendly British Cycling trained ride leaders, who will guide you along the route, and provide tips and advice on cycle safety and skills. Rides vary in levels, from beginners to more experienced cyclists, so you can pick a level to suit your skills and enjoyment Free. Go to the Sky Ride website via www.manchester.gov.uk/mcrlive

A World Observed 1940 – 2010: Photographs By Dorothy Bohm

Until 30 August

Manchester Art Gallery

This is the first comprehensive retrospective of London-based photographer Dorothy Bohm, widely acknowledged as one of the doyennes of British photography. The exhibition features over 200 photographic images that trace Bohm’s career, including time she spent running her own studio in Manchester. It also includes documentary materials such as cameras, books, exhibition posters, family photographs, correspondence with photographers and artists and replicas of Bohm’s portrait studio and darkroom.

Screenfields

Until 9 September

Spinningfields

Head down to Spinningfields for free Thursday night films, the best of live sport, prom nights and a brand new family film club. As well as an extended Giraffe bar and popcorn machine, there will also be a gourmet barbecue from Carluccio’s throughout the summer. So what are you waiting for? Grab a deckchair, kick back and enjoy.

Heaton Park Golf Centre - Special Offer for Juniors - Until 16th July!

Monday to Friday Special School Children Offer - £3.00.

To receive the offer just mention where you saw this poster.
Attachment: Junior Golf Special offer...

Be Proud of New Moston - Neighbour's Fun Day - Sunday 30th May

Our 6th Annual Neighbours Day event to be held in the grounds of the Northfield Day Centre, Northfield Road, New Moston - 11.30 till 2pm.

See attached poster for more information.
Attachment: Poster - Be Proud of New Moston Fun Day

Calling All Young People - There's All Sorts To Do in Manchester During Whit Week.....

Whatever your taste in leisure and sport, there’s a wonderful pick ‘n’ mix of activities and treats for children and families going on around you this half term.

Then there’s swimming, arts and crafts, music and more at our galleries, parks, libraries and leisure venues – all guaranteed to keep the kids sweet, whatever the weather.

For what's on in your area and how to register for activities see the attached booklet.
Attachment: All Sorts To Do Booklet.

Silver Surfers Event - Fridau 21st May - St Mathew's RC High School.

For all levels of ability.... See attached poster for more information.
Attachment: Silver Servers Poster

Rochdale Canal Towpath and Access Improvement Scheme. Starting 10th may 2010 for 3 Weeks.

The overall aim of the work is to improve the towpath, from Wrigley Head Bridge, through to Failsworth District Centre.

See attached Poster for further informationm including tow path closure times.
Attachment: Rochdal Canal Tow Path Improvements.

NEW TENNIS COACHING - Our Lady’s RC High School - All sessions only £1 - No Equipment Needed!

4-5pm JUNIOR TENNIS (9-11 YRS).

5-6pm FAMILY TENNIS (bring a family member to play).

6.30-7.30pm ADULT TENNIS.

JUST TURN UP!! All welcome STARTS 27TH APRIL - Our Lady’s RC High School, Alworth Road, Blackley, Manchester, M9 0RP

See attached poster for further information.
Attachment: Tennis Poster

A NEW group for male carers and their children under 5yrs

Starting from Saturday 22nd May 2010

Running each week at Abraham Moss Leisure Centre

10am – 11am Football for under 5yrs

11am-12pm Family swim (all ages)

12pm-1pm Multi skills (Golf, Hockey) for under 5’s

Under 5’s go FREE

There is a weekly charge of £2.40 per Adult

for the morning activities

FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT Annette HayesHigher Blackley Sure Start Children's Centre160 Victoria Ave, Higher Blackley MANCHESTER TEL:0161 227 3636.

See attached Poster.
Attachment: Poster - Men on the Move.

Free Gym and Swim Session - Friday & Saturday Evenings at Broadway leisure Centre...

Friday Nights 7 till 10pm GYM ONLY - this is for young People aged 14-19.

Saturday Nights 5 till 7pm GYM & SWIM - this is for young people aged 8 -19.

Call Ross McGuigan , Community Activity, for more information on 0161 277 1914 / 07760 328273 or see attached Poster.
Attachment: Broadway Leisure Centre Free Gym & Swim Sessions.

Get Fit, Get Walking, Have fun & Meet New Friends.......

Hello Everyone!

We are starting a brand new walking group on April14th in Moston including New Moston.

The group will meet at 2pm at

Broadhurst Park Sure Start

Lightbowne Road

Moston

Manchester

M40 0FJ

All participants will get a step-counters and walking packs, along with local maps and advice.

For more information see attached flyer
Attachment: Moston Marchers Flyer

Football Academy Year 11 Trials - June 2010

Think you’ve got what it takes to join our Football Academy

squads? Prove it!

The Manchester College’s Football Academy has an established partnership with FC United of Manchester. This partnership allows talented players the opportunity to progress through to the U18 men’s and women’s FC United of Manchester teams but also offers a pathway into open-age non-league football.

Students do not have to be already enrolled on a course at The Manchester College for the 2010/11 academic year in order to be involved.

See attaached poster for further information.
Attachment: Football Academy Trials.

Men’s Basketball - Women’s Netball Academy - Men’s Cricket Academy...

At The Manchester College you will benefit from excellent sporting facilities and first rate coaching, as well as all the best learning and personal support.

Interested see attached poster for more information.... Students do not have to be already enrolled on a course at The Manchester

College for the 2010/11 academic year in order to be involved.
Attachment: Sports Academy Trials

How important is nature in Manchester? Does it matter to You?

Do you Value Manchester Wildlife? Then tell us about it!

We want to know what local people think about Biodiversity in

Manchester. How important is nature in Manchester? Does it matter to you? Do you enjoy feeding the birds or going for walks in the Park?

What role does nature play in your life? YOU can help provide the answers to all these questions, by filling in this quick questionnaire now.

We also want you to tell us your stories about what makes Nature special to you. If you've got a good wildlife story, tell us about it! It could be your love of the dawn chorus, checking out the frogs in your garden pond or simply feeding the ducks in the local park.

Spend just a couple of minutes filling in this quick questionnaire to

help us find out what people think about Nature in Manchester.

For more on the origins of the Biodiversity Strategy see:

http://www.wildaboutmanchester.info/site/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=59

MERCi - Ideas into action for a sustainable future

Free mobile calls for benefit claimants starting from 18 January

Free phone calls for most people using their mobiles to claim benefits and pensions have been announced by the Department of Work and Pensions.

From next week, six of the biggest mobile phone network companies will offer free to their customers calls to the Department’s 0800 Benefit Claim lines.

Currently approximately 12% of UK households use only mobile phones and do not have a land line.

Calls to claim benefits and state pension use 0800 numbers which are already free to customers using BT land lines and mobiles. But currently people calling 0800 numbers from other mobile phone providers are charged for these calls.

The Department has now reached agreement with O2, Orange, Tesco Mobile, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone to end charges to their customers for mobile calls to around seventy of its 0800 numbers. These numbers are used by people making initial claims for benefit and pensions and to request emergency payments, such as crisis loans.

Together the six companies with whom the Department has now signed agreements cover over 90% of the mobile market in the UK.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper, said:

"We don't want people who lose their jobs or the poorest pensioners to be penalised when they need to claim benefits just because they call from a mobile phone. Lots of people need to use mobiles rather than landlines.

The 0800 numbers that will be included in the scheme are used to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, State Pension, Pension Credit and the Employment and Support Allowance. The initial agreements will last for two years.

Warning: Please check with your service provider about the new tarriffs before making a call.

Feeling Unwell this Winter.......

There’s a range of NHS services on your doorstep:

Self-care

www.nhs.uk

NHS Direct 0845 46 47

Pharmacy

NHS walk-in centre

A&E or 999

For More Advice See the attached Leaflet
Attachment: Choosing the Right Service....

Crack the Family Code - Are you interested in your Family History?

Delving into your family history has never been easier thanks to Manchester Libraries’ brand new research service.

For the first time, Manchester Libraries has its own research officer on hand to help people solve the mystery of their origins, reveal unknown ancestors, and unearth hidden family secrets.

The service can help anyone looking for a starting point, someone who has stalled in their research and needs help moving onto the next stage, or for people who may live out of the area, or even in another country, and who can’t easily access the library themselves.

Putting the expertise of skilled researchers to use can be a cost effective, time saving way of deciphering the clues left in electoral registers and census documents, to create a more detailed picture of preceding generations.

The service is tailored to each individual’s needs and will provide a full report on findings at the end of the research session.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: “The library is a central resource for those researching their family history and I’m delighted that we can now offer an improved service that can offer a dedicated researcher to those looking for some extra help. It will give the customer the benefit of utilising the skills of a genealogy expert, who has access to all the library resources and who will be able to undertake work much more quickly, finding more results.”

The researcher will be based with the Manchester Archives and Local Studies Department and the service costs £30 per hour with a maximum of three hours for one enquiry.

For help building your own family tree contact 0161 234 1979 or email archiveslocalstudies@manchester.gov.uk

For more Manchester Archives and Local Studies’ information, including the research service visit www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries/arls

NEPHRA wins Manchester City Council Be Proud Award....

On Wednesday Evening 9th December, at a Gala dinner at the Town Hall NEPHRA were honoured at Manchester City Council’s ‘Be Proud’ Awards, they won the won the 'Group Contribution to the Community' award.

The award recognises the group makes a real difference to their communitiy and are part of the city council's year long 'Proud of Manchester' campaign which encourages residents to take pride in themselves and their community.

More than 130 nominations were received for Manchester heroes and all finalists were honoured at an awards ceremony at the Town Hall, hosted by Gordon Burns from BBC North West Tonight and the Lord Mayor, Councillor Alison Firth.

Councillor Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment says: "We were inundated with nominations this year and the quality of applications meant this year's was one of the hardest we've ever had to judge.

"Anyone living in Manchester should be proud that we have people like this who are happy to work so hard to benefit their communities."

NEPHRA wins its second North West in Blooom Award!

On Thursday 22nd October 09 - Dena Chair of Nephra Residents Association proudly received NEPHRA’s second Royal Horticultural Society Award.

The award recognises NEPHRA's work in the Smaller Neighbourhood category, for North West in Bloom - and recognised their efforts to make a better environment in their neighbourhood with hanging baskets, street tubs, containers in alleyways, and the shrubs baskets and containers in the gardens on their allotment at the Northfield Day Centre. The brilliant planting scheme Dena works on in North Atherly gardens was also recognised. Bren Fawcett Secretary of NEPHRA said it was a fantastic achievement for the group especially as they had gained a merit in their first year in the competition!
Attachment: Dena & Bren with Bill & Ben the Flower Pot Men......

HandyVan is a FREE Service to anyone 60 plus with less than 20k in personal savings.

HandyVan

Once a client applies for the service our fully trained fitters will visit and make recommendations to how you can improve security etc .

We will fit : Mortice Locks , Window Locks . Door Chains, Door Viewers etc We will also fit 10 year smoke alarms - 5 year carbon monoxide alarms and carry out a fire risk check for the fire service .

We will also offer minor repairs and DIY tasks, as well as extra stair and grab rails.

Contact info: 0845 026 1055 - handyvan@hta.org.uk - the quickest way it to call

Free Multisports at St mathews High School for all 11 - 16 year olds.

Thursdays 6- 8pm For more information Contact

Natalie Radcliffe on:

07515067322 or take a look at the attached flyer.
Attachment: St Mathews - Thursdays 6- 8pm

Are you a Carer or do you receive Care Services, or maybe you know Someone who Depends on Adult Social Care Services? If so, Please tell us about your Experiences & Help us Improve Services for Everyone!

The Moston Health Forum together with the Manchester Local Involvement Network (LINk) want to make Health and Social Care services better in the Moston area.

At the moment we are especially interested in finding out more about care services people receive in their own home.

Recently a number of people have expressed concerns about homecare services to us and we are trying to gather more information to present our case to Manchester City Council.

Therefore, if you or someone you know get help from an agency care worker we would appreciate if you would share your experience with us.

You can do this by getting in touch with Bren (Tel 07745 502 526) or Valeska (Tel: 0161 214 3981; valeska@blackhealthagency.org.uk),

Or by putting your comments on the comments down on paper and send them free of charge to Manchester LINk, FREEPOST NAT 14073, Dignity & Respect, Gaddum House,

6 Great Jackson Street, Manchester, M15 4AX

Alternatively, we can come and talk to you in person about your experience with the services you use and how to improve them.

The Moston Health Forum and the LINk are independent organisations and whatever you tell us will be strictly confidential.

We will not share the information with your service provider or anyone else unless you ask us to do so. Indeed, you don’t have to let us know who you are at all. Just tell us your story and the name of the service it relates to.
Attachment: Tell us your story letter

Wanted budding footballers for Moston Brook Junior Football club!

Players are for the under 15's team for the forthcoming season, anyone interested should contact John Hughes via our web enquiry form.

Players need to have a date of birth between 01 Sept 1994 - 31 Aug 1995

All managers/assistant managers hold at least Level 1 FA football coaching badge, child protection, emergency first aid qualifications and are all CRB checked.

Calling all Unemployed 16 - 25 year olds - Get Started with Football - Starting 14th September at Bury FC - apply now.

Get Started with The Prince’s Trust is for unemployed young people aged 16-25. If you are into football but out of work, then

Get Started with us and achieve your goals.

Join our five day football programme and you could:

Work with a professional football club

Learn how to coach from professionals

Get new skills and qualifications

Meet new people

Build your confidence

Make a difference to your local community.

Starting 14th September at Bury FC - apply now.

For more information call Andy McNally on 07931 614736

or email andrew.mcnally@princes-trust.org.uk.

Or call free on 0800 842 842.

Click on the link below for more information.
Attachment: Get started Poster

COMMUNITY VOICES – NMFM 106.6 SHOW - A NEW RADIO GIVING A VOICE TO ALL NORTH MANCHESTER PEOPLE.

The show is hosted and facillitated by Michael Snaith

•The aim of the show is to invite people from all sections of our society living and/or working; paid and/or unpaid in the North Manchester area and beyond. He salso welcomes people accessing services and sharing their experiences live on air to other listeners, as they may like to listen and learn from other people's experiences.

•The subject matters will vary from young people and children's issues, older person's issues, sexual health, mental health, disability issues, just naming a few once again.

• This show is your show, and the presenter of the show allows you to express issues that are often ignored or set-aside. So some of the issues raised may be quite risky, but in line with the Radio Guidelines laid down in the Offcom booklets and information. We will endeavour to be impartial and unbiased at all times.

•The Show (Community Voices) is open to anyone and everyone living and or working in North Manchester. Paid or unpaid, volunteer or service user, management or PR.

•This show aims to promote services – so take advantage,

this show will enable groups large and small to promote their services empower our listeners with information and debate. We are now fully operational, we have a text messaging service and a phone-in allowing members of the public to directly speak you the representative of services that you provide or to speak to individuals directly engaging a dialogue between people accessing or using services.

By the way you don't have to be in paid employment you may be a volunteer committed to your group and have benefited the experience and sharing that with others.

Interested - email nmfm.communityvoices@yahoo.co.uk

or ring 0161 918 6826 - Station Managers (Steph Jones) for more information.

Get a Qualification in Media by joining a FREE Community Reporters Course in East Manchester.

People’s Voice Media is launching a FREE fifteen week accredited media training course in September 2009 at The Wells Centre on North Road in Clayton, M11 4NE

On successful completion of the course you’ll get a Level 1 Certificate in iMedia and be a recognised People’s Voice Media Community Reporter.

You don’t need any formal qualifications but enthusiasm and basic computer skills are a good start!

During the course you’ll find out all about different technologies such as blogging (you’ll set up your own blog where you’ll be able to post your stories online), video making, digital photography and sound recording and editing.

Get in touch today to find out more and book your place

For more information contact: David Kay 0161 230 1430

Email: david@peoplesvoicemedia.co.uk
Attachment: Poster Media Training.

The Manchester LINk August Newsletter

The Manchester LINk August Newsletter is now available - download available below.

The Manchester LINk is the umbrella organisation which brings together other networks, organisations, communities and individuals in Manchester to give them a voice in improving health and social care services.
Attachment: Link Newsletter.

Boggart Hole Clough - Wildlife Regeneration Volunteers Needed

To get involved turn up any Saturday 10am outside the Lakeside Café and help carry out woodland conservation tasks.

For more information email Peterfmilner@hotmail.com or log on to www.boggartholeclough.wordpress.com

Bogus Caller Alert - Posted July 2nd 09

A lady was cold called at her home in Gorton by 2 traders, firstly asking for a key to access the gates at the rear of the property. The lady stated she didn’t have a key and the traders left.

They returned later stating they were doing work to another property and that her pointing needed doing.

They offered to carry out the work for £150, but the lady didn’t hear him properly and thought he meant £1.50. The work was completed unsatisfactorily and the lady ended up paying £10.

The trader has subsequently tried to return to the property to request more money for the work carried out.

Further Information -Two males not described. Company name of Allied Cleaning (Clearance?) Services. Telephone numbers provided are 07592955107 and 07786812745. The vehicle used is a blue car registration number W714 ACK.

Remember if you’re not Sure Don’t Open the Door!

Please advise all vulnerable people you know!

Swimming is even more fun now for the under 16's and 0ver 60's - it’s free!

Manchester City Council has ‘taken the plunge’ and opted in, providing under-16s and over-60s with free swimming all year round.

The Government’s £140 million free swimming programme has been designed to extend opportunities to swim and to maximise the health benefits of wider participation in swimming.

“Now the Government is introducing free swimming nationally, which will enable Manchester to develop its swimming programme even further, helping those who haven’t yet benefited from free swimming to be able to do so, and with the tough financial crisis we are all facing, helping to ease the burden on the family budget.

The health benefits of swimming are endless, for young and old alike.” For more information drop into your nearest swimming pool or contact Marrtin Roberts Direct:

Telephone: 0161 277 1914

E-Mail: m.roberts2@manchester.gov.uk

Junior Netball Sessions - North Manchester High School for Girls every Monday.

Learn New Skills

Play Netball

Have Fun

Make New Friends!!!

If you're aged between 7 & 11 come along and join in the fun!Between 5.00 – 5.45 pm

Years 7,8,9 (High School) 5:45 – 6:30

For more information please contact:

Helen Davies

(Manchester Netball Development Officer)

0161 232 3120
Attachment: Netball Information

MONTHLY GYM MEMBERSHIP - ONLY £5 - Manchester Leisure are seeking to find young people who wish to get into joining in healthy activity.

The individuals need to be :

• 16-22 years old (Manchester residents)

• able to pay £5.00 a month until 31st March 2010. (which will get them full membership)

• participation of at least twice a week - each gym will have regular monitored attendance and will actively encourage those members not achieving activity sessions on at least two separate occasions per week.

This is an excellent opportunity for young people to belong to and use the fitness suites in the local leisure centre (Broadway Leisure has vacancies for this scheme). Everyone will receive support from a fully trained professional. This is a brilliant opportunity, so don't miss out.

If you know of any young people who may be interested, please pass this information on to them. For further information you need to contact Martin Roberts directly. His contact details are:

Telephone: 0161 277 1914

E-Mail: m.roberts2@manchester.gov.uk

DON’T GET IN WITH A LOAN SHARK...IT WILL COST YOU AN ARM AND A LEG

Have you or anyone you know:

• Been offered a cash loan without paperwork?

• Been threatened when you couldn't pay?

• Had your benefit or bank card taken from you?

• Had a loan which keeps growing even though you are

making payments?

If you can answer yes to the above you may have

been bitten by a Loan Shark.

For confidential help and advice contact

the Illegal Money Lending Team 0300 555 2222

(local call rate, including inclusive minutes from mobiles)

Or email: stoploansharks@manchester.gov.uk

You can also Text: loan (space) shark (space) + your message to 60003.
Attachment: Loan Sharks Further Advice...

Learning Traditional Country Dancing - Mixture of English, Irish, Scottish — Folk and Country — not line dance.

Try Something New - Make New Friends - At Parkfield Dance Centre, Parkfield Road North, New Moston Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm

Every Tuesday Evening - Very popular

6.30-7.30pm

£1.50 per session.

For further information Ring

Shirley on 655 7882

See attached Poster.
Attachment: Poster Country Line Dancing.

New Community NETBALL Club at North Manchester High School for Girls.

For players of all abilities, come and have fun, learn new skills and keep fit! Every Monday from 5 – 6.30pm starting 17th November 2008. For ages: 8-13 years old Cost: FREE!!
Attachment: Poster Netball.

Bowel Cancer Screening

The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is now operating in North Manchester. If you are aged between 60 and 69 and registered with a GP you will automatically be sent a screening kit to use in the privacy of your own home around the time of your even birthday.

Please spread this message as far as possible, the more people who go for screening, the more lives will be saved saved.

For more information see attached article.
Attachment: Bowel Cancer Screening - Manchester additional information.

Herbie to stop at Parkfield Dance Centre...

Herbie is a mobile greengrocer which operates in North and East Manchester, in areas where there is little fresh produce sold in shops.

Thanks to the efforts of Shirley McCardell from Zest and the Moston Health Forum, come July, Herbie will be selling affordable fresh fruit and vegetables to New Moston residents.

Herbie already sells a good selection of fresh and affordable fruit and vegetables in a number of locations, and is looking forward to serving the NEPHRA's Tuesday luncheon club at Parkfield Dance Centre when a new timetable begins in July.

This new location will enable luncheon club members and local residents to buy affordable fruit and vegetables in portions which suit individual needs.

Herbie has been delivering fruit to the Dance Centre for a number of months, and this has been enjoyed by the people who attend the Zest classes at the centre.

Herbie is run by the sustainable development charity MERCi, and is a key contributor to Manchester's Food Futures Strategy.

The strategy has improving access to healthy, affordable food as a key priority. For more information about the Herbie project and up to date information about stops, please email herbie@merci.org.uk or contact MERCi on 0161 273 1736 and ask to speak to someone in the Herbie tea
Attachment: Herbie Flyer

Bogus Caller Alert.

Be on your toes Bogus Callers are operating in our area.

Please inform vulnerable family members, freinds and neighbours.

Bogus Caller Advice

Most people who knock on your door will be genuine callers. However you can not always be sure, so it is important to take some precautions before opening the door.

What is a bogus caller?

A ‘Bogus Caller’, also known as a ‘Distraction Burglar’ is someone who calls at your home unannounced, to trick, distract or lie with the intention of stealing money or valuables from your home.

Safety tips

The incidences of distraction burglary are low, but by always following these steps you can ensure you are able to confidently deal with unsolicited callers.

Stop: Think if you are expecting anyone. Check that the back door is locked and take the key out. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.

Chain: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency.)

Check: Ask for and take the time to check their identity card. Call the company they say they are from using the phone directory. Don’t call the number on the ID card as it may be fake.

Be extra careful with callers who:

Say they need help urgently

Ask you to step outside

Want to come in

Ask to make a phone call

Want to use your toilet

Ask for a glass of water

Only go to help if you have someone else with you. Don’t worry if you decide not to help – it is not rude or unfriendly.

Do's and Don’ts:

Bogus callers may turn up as and offer to do repairs or sell you something.

Do ask friends or relatives to recommend builders or gardeners they have used before

Do get quotes from two or three companies if you think work needs to be done in your home

Don't keep large sums of money in the house, use a bank or building society.

Do report bogus callers. If you think a bogus caller has called at your door, report it to the police immediately.

For mor information see the attached poster.
Attachment: Bogus Burglary Alert

Launch of New Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in North Manchester.

Invitations to take part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme are now being sent out to men and women in North Manchester. Manchester PCT is introducing the screening programme to help detect bowel cancer at an early stage, so that early treatment can be administered to help save lives!

Early detection is important to help lower the number of deaths from bowel cancer. This is currently the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. This screening programme could help reduce deaths from bowel cancer by 16 per cent in those invited for screening.

Men and women aged between 60 and 69 who are registered with a GP in North Mancheste,r will be invited to take part in the the bowel cancer screening programme on their next even numbered birthday.

So those of you who will be 60, 62, 64, 66 & 68 this year will be invited for screening on your birthday this year. and those of you having and odd birthday this year (61, 63, 65, 67,) will be invited to take the test on your birhday next year. At the moment it's unclear when 69 year olds will be invited to join the screening but Nephra will seek clarification on this and update this article.

A leaflet entitled ‘Bowel Cancer Screening – The Facts’ will be sent to everyone with their invitation to help them make an informed choice about whether or not to take up the opportunity of screening.

This leaflet explains bowel screening and the benefits and limitations of the test. Step-by-step instructions for completing the test at home are being sent out with the test kit and further support is available from the freephone helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

The test involves collecting a small sample from three separate bowel motions - this can easilly be achieved with the minimum of fuss, by placing a large paper plate inside the toilet bowel, then by using a specially designed spatula a sample can be taken and popped into the prepaid envelope. Once you have taken a sample from three seperate bowel motions, the envelope can then be returned to the laboratory for analysis.

The test does not diagnose bowel cancer but gives an indication as to whether further investigations are required. An abnormal test result can occur for a variety of reasons including piles (haemorrhoids) or stomach ulcers. Those people who require further investigation will be referred to a specialist screening nurse-led clinic where the option of a colonoscopy will be discussed.

All men and women aged over 60 are eligible for screening every two years. Those aged 60 to 69, and registered with a GP, will be automatically invited and will receive an test kit. Those aged 70 and over are strongly encouraged to request a test kit by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 707 6060.

Further information on the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is available from www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk.

Dog Fouling - The amount of Dog Excrement on our Streets is out of Control...

Every dog owner has full responsibility to ensure that if their dog fouls, the mess is cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Sadly, dog owners who walk their dogs along our streets, think it's acceptable to leave their dogs mess behind. NEPHRA's Bag it & Bin It Campaign is about to hit the streets. NEPHRA residents are urged tio help to clean up our streets by reporting offenders and any offending excrement deposits to Environment on call 0161 954 900.

In Manchester it is an offence for a person in control of a dog not to clean up immediately if the dog has fouled on public land.

is an offence for a person in control of a dog not to clean up immediately if the dog has fouled on public land.

If you see someone walking a dog and not cleaning up after it has fouled, or they allow their dog to go out unsupervised and do not clean up after it you can report this using an online form, or by contacting Environment on Call on 0161 954 9000.

If there is a problem of dog fouling in a particular street or area you can also (by ringing the same number), arrange for the fouling to be removed.

If there is a persistant problem of dog fouling in a particular street or area the dog warden will erect No Fouling signs, carry out patrols of the area and arrange for the fouling to be removed. Vsit www.manchester.gov.uk and under the A-Z of council services, choose Dog fouling and follow the on screen instructions.

In addition, from the same web site, Manchester residents can obtain poop scoops free of charge by contacting the Dog Warden team direct. Dog owners will need to provide their name and address details, one will be delivered.

Remember, only by working together can we clean up our Neighbourhood!
Attachment: Bag it and Bin it! Poster