A New Lease of Life
Chorlton’s Co-op Funeralcare building isn’t exactly its most attractive destination – but it could be! Linsey Parkinson talks to Chris Peacock of Chorlton Community Land Trust Most of us barely give the Co-op Funeralcare building a second glance, but it used to be something very special indeed. Formerly the Picture House and the Gaumont cinema, it was the main social centre […]
Chorlton Blinds
Liz Purcell of Chorlton Blinds knows her windows. “We have every kind here in Chorlton: from giant Victorian bays (where right angles are a rarity) to high-tech eco new-builds. Choosing the right treatment is about much more than architecture, though: it’s also about lifestyle needs and finding a look that complements your interiors as a whole. “There’s so much choice out there. It’s my job to […]
Chorlton – what now?
So much change has been proposed for Chorlton – and then everything goes quiet – or does it? Linsey Parkinson has a brew with Cllr John Hacking. We’ve had consultations about what might replace the Precinct, the Baths and Ryebank Fields; we’ve been asked for our views on a new cycleway. A research project by […]
Best of Friends
The Creative Recycling Gallery has brought beauty to Chorlton’s Beech Road for 15 years. Linsey Parkinson talked to its owners, Fiona Norton and Glennis Andrews, about its future and how we can all help. The Creative Recycling Gallery is more than just a great place to buy unique, handmade gifts. It’s also been an outlet […]
From Manchester with Love
Chorlton people have been working together to send more than 30 aid containers to refugee camps in Greece. Linsey Parkinson talks to Sue Cockerill, from Refugee Aid Chorlton. One of the best things about Chorlton is that so many of its residents are just quietly getting on with making a big difference for others. Sue Cockerill and her team of volunteers are […]
Chorlton vs. Homelessness
We’ve seen an increase in homelessness and street begging in Chorlton. Can we work together as a community to tackle the issues? We all agree that seeing people begging on our streets is distressing: it’s criminal that a modern society can seem to be leaving so many people behind. A recent study by housing charity, Shelter, found that one in […]
Pretty Boys
These handsome green visitors are now permanent residents in South Manchester. Linsey talks to local ornithologist Tony O’Mahony. “It’s always that distinctive squawk you hear first: they don’t sound like any other wild birds in Manchester.” Tony’s talking about the Ring-necked Parakeet (Psitticula krameri), Britain’s only naturalised parrot. There are already large, well-established flocks in […]
The Real Deal
After a series of pop-ups and temporary take-overs, the Real Junk Food Cafe is settling down in a place of its own. I meet its inspiring director, food waste activist Corin Bell.
Breaking Bread
Rob Tomlinson has taught more than 1,000 local people to bake bread, so the only proper place to have a chat is a cosy kitchen. Linsey Parkinson gets her feet under the table.
Backstage at Barbakan
Every Chorltoner knows that if you’re on Manchester Road at a certain time of day, you breathe in the aroma and smile. The bread’s in the oven at Barbakan and all’s well with the world. It’s no exaggeration to say that this family business is a Chorlton institution. Originally established over 50 years ago, the […]