We're All Going on a Levy Holiday

After the ROARING success of the first ever Levy BBQ (it rained. A lot. We wimped out) I'm pleased to announce another Levenshulme weather-dependent gathering. Although, actually, this one isn't weather dependent because it's under canvas and it's not Levenshulme-based. That's right folks, I do leave Levenshulme occasionally (under duress). We're going CAMPING! Come one, come all, this is a gathering for all Levenshulme folk (and non-Levenshulme types but you have to prove you love it) who like camping, pubs, the great British summer and um...pubs. All the details are below and also on a Facebook event which is open to anyone to join. If you're unsure about anything or you spot a dreadful flaw in these wonderous plans drop us a line at lovelevenshulme@gmail.com.

SO!

The date:
...Friday 24th June 2011
This is the day before the Levy Baths 80th Birthday celebrations so most people will be jetting off early for that but if you'd like to stay more than one night you're welcome to and you may have some companions. From the chatter that's happened on Facebook already it seems that people will be arriving from 2.00pm/3.00pm on the Friday but I'm sure you can get there earlier if you'd like to.

The location
Wardlow Mires, Derbyshire
The tiny hamlet of Wardlow Miles is 50 minutes drive from Levenshulme and in the heart of the Peak District. It's also the home of the 3 Stags Head - considered to one of the best real ale pubs in the UK with a great selection of ales and ciders, roaring fires and top notch pub grub. The camping site is approx 30 yards from the pub in a field which has basic facilities and costs £2.00 per person per night. Seriously. £2.00!

Cars and tents
If you're without a tent or a way to get to the site then head over to Facebook and see if there's any one who wants to share (no funny business though, this is a family event).

Dogs
Dogs are welcome on the site and in the pub but must be kept under control or on a lead at all times.

Anything else....errr...no...can't think of anything! I'm sure I will though - leave a note on the Facebook event, in the comments section here or email lovelevenshulme@gmail.com if you have any ideas.

Gypsy Dialogue

As part of Manchester Refugee Week, Levenshulme Library is offering residents the opportunity to learn about Romani culture. Members of the local Gypsy/Romani community will be gathering at the library this Monday, 13th June from 6.00pm to share their life and cultural experiences.

The diversity of cultures in Levenshulme is one of the things I think makes us strongest so please use this opportunity to find out about what these cultures have to offer us all.

Levenshulme Festival 2011

Yay, it’s that time again! Well, no, it’s not really, but it is time to start thinking aboutit again. Yay!

This year’s celebration of arts and community in Levenshulme will run from Friday 21st October to Sunday 6th November 2011 in venues around M19 and the organisers are appealing for ideas of fresh, exciting new events that can take the festival to the next level.

There is a LoveLevenshulme idea in the works (but I’m not telling you what it is yet, I like secrets) but we’d be happy to work with you on any ideas you have or you can contact the festival team direct on 0791 251 2977 or info@levenshulmefestival.co.uk.

Just a little hint - the Street Market is scheduled for Friday 28th October on the Village Green but the organisers would like to use this space for other outdoor events during the two weeks of the festival as well. Any ideas?

Levy Parkeque

Sometimes it feels like this blog is just an excuse to list all the things I love (pub quizzes, beer, art n that), and it feels like that to me - goodness only knows what you lot must think. Still, undaunted I soldier on...

BARBEQUES! I love 'em! Especially in the summer and especially in the park. Hence the rather snazzily (if I do say so myself) named parkeque. While I can't claim ownership of the concept the name is all mine and so it is with great fanfare (and probable misspellings) I announce the first ever LoveLevenshulme Summer Parkeque!

This Sunday afternoon (12th June) you are all invited to bring your barbeque (portable or disposable), food and family to the picnic area in Highfields Country Park (click here for a map) and join your fellow Levy residents for good old traditional parkeque. Proceedings (well, burnings) will kick off at 1.00pm and will last as long into the afternoon/evening as we can keep grilling!

Any questions, ideas or suggestions please comment below or email lovelevenshulme@gmail.com. I'm particularly on the lookout for anyone with a rounders bat and the ability to remember any of the rules, otherwise we might be stuck playing hide-and-seek and in a park as big as Highfield who know who we might lose.

Levenshulme Baths are 80!

Edit: The team behind the celebration have let me know that plans have now changes and they're not going to have stalls any more BUT they are looking for musicians, performers and all other sorts of entertainers to be there and make the day fun - get in touch using the details below if that's you.


That’s quite something isn’t it? Being saved from the swinging axe of doom (or Manchester City Council budget cuts as they’re usually known) and turning 80 in the space of a few months. Cor, hope I look that good when I get to that age etc etc.

Anyway, yes, the baths will be celebrating becoming an octogenarian (well, they won’t, but the people inside them will, you know what I mean) on Saturday 25th June with a day of activities.

Firstly there will be a craft fair with children’s activities planned in Pool 1. Stalls are £25.00 each and anyone interested in holding one is asked to contact Beth Marshall in the first instance.

There will also be activities in Pool 2 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, including a lantern ceremony. The gym will also be running free classes including yoga, zumba and kick boxing.

To tie in with the day Levenshulme Library will also have a tombola and photography exhibition.

All the details of the day are still being pulled together and we’ll report more news as we have it but in the mean time if you have any ideas or would like to contribute in some way please email Beth.

Pub Quiz at The Klondyke

Have I mentioned how much I love pub quizzes? Have I? Cos I do, you know, I blooming love ‘em. Thankfully, Levenshulme has plenty to offer in that department and the newest addition to the team (the team of pub quizzes? That doesn’t work does it? Sigh) comes from The Klondyke.

As evidenced by the stunning photo above (taken on a rainy Tuesday night in Tesco, don’t judge me) they’ve been running since 30th March and offer BEER (and cash) prizes in exchange for a £1.00 per person entry fee. The quiz is on every Wednesday night and runs alongside a game (or two) of bingo. BINGO!

Pursuing The Narrative

Bankley Studios Gallery will be showing new work, titled Pursuing the Narrative, by one of their artists in residence, Gary James Williams, and artist and writer Jo Manby over the next two weekends 4th/5th June and 11th/12th June.

The exhibition explores the narrative of the written word, installation and the moving image, examining the blurred frontier between written and visual fictions.

Jo Manby is a freelance writer and artist who writes various types of fiction. She works in painting, sculpture and drawing and has extensive experience of gallery curating and project management.

Gary James Williams exhibits internationally, working in a broad interdisciplinary practice. Williams’ work enquires into the creative potentials of the narrative

The exhibition will be open from 11.00am – 5.00pm on the weekends. If you need any more information about the show or the studios please visit their website, email gallery@bankley.org.uk or phone 0161 256 4143.

Greenbank Neighbours Day/Scruffs

Not that I’m calling the residents of Greenbank scruffs, you understand (although maybe I should try to start a turf war – I’d like to point out that the residents of May Grove are particularly smart and fragrant). No, this Sunday (5th June) is the annual Greenbank neighbours day and they will also be hosting their dog show – Scruffs.

The day itself will feature local crafts and second hand bargains for sale, free face painting, bunting making workshops and a chance to consult on the Residents Association’s plans for Greenbank playing fields.

The dog show will take place on the playing fields from 12.00pm (be there early to register your dog) and entry is just £1.00 per category. Categories include handsomest dog, prettiest bitch (probably best not enter for this since the title is clearly mine), best trick, waggiest tail, best puppy, best rescue dog, best veteran and best fancy dress. There will be representatives from Manchester Dogs Home and all profits will go to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Homes.

Our faithful Greenbank correspondent has also extended a special invitation to any residents who’d like to come along and bring cake, whereby you may be allowed to join her on her special cake eating table. So selfless.

For more information or enquiries contact Judith on 0161 224 7895

Levenshulme Salon – Workshops Begin…

Two weeks have passed since the launch of the Levenshulme Salon and they’re now beginning their programme of workshops designed to foster creative and working relationships with the good people of Levy. The first workshop is tonight, Thursday 2nd June, at POD from 8.00pm and is open to all.

The Salon will be running their meetings fortnightly, alternating between workshops and salons. The workshops are interactive sessions, allowing guest hosts to discuss their work and share skills through group exercises or demonstrations. In the salons, time will be split between hearing from speakers and an informal networking meeting, for people to mingle and swap contacts.

The team behind the Salon are currently taking submissions from different acts, artists, writers, persons in the creative industries and beyond who are interested in presenting their work in either the workshops or the salons and more information can be found on their blog (http://levenshulmesalon.tumblr.com/).

While you’re at it, and if you’re into that sort of techno wizardry, they’re also on Facebook, Twitter AND Mixcloud and they can be emailed on thelevenshulmesalon@gmail.com.

Unfortunately, I can’t make it down tonight, but if anyone feels like taking a few snaps and maybe providing me with a few words on what went on I’d be happy to have a guest blog post. Fame and fortune awaits, eh?

Levenshulme Lasses Step Out For Manchester Roller Derby

The lovely ladies (I have to call them that, they're well hard) at Manchester Roller Derby have been in touch to let us know that they will be playing at Manchester Academy 1 on Sunday 19th June. The bout is called 'A Midsummer Night's Scream' and will involve ruffs, fairy lights and ivy... as well as Levy girls hitting each other on skates.

Just in case you weren't aware of the important role that the Roller Derby team play in our community, I thought I'd take this opportunity to highlight the work that they do with the Manchester Roller Hockey Club (MRHC) to help keep the Arcadia sports centre operational. They help out with costs, run the public skate sessions and about a year ago conducted an intensive cleaning session - sorting out out skates, cleaning the floor and skate room, and repainting.

Mooks, co-founder and co-director of Manchester Roller Derby says:

"For the past ten years Manchester Roller Hockey Club have run The Arcadia - working hard to engage local children and keep them off the streets with their public skate sessions; allowing everyone and anyone the opportunity to give roller skating a go.

Public skating is what brought me and eventually Manchester Roller Derby to The Arcadia. They welcomed us with open arms, have been extremely supportive and are key to our growth and success to date."

IF you get a chance to go down to Arcadia to enjoy some skating, please do, or even better, head along to support the roller derby girls on the 19th.