Tuesday 5 November 2013

Bonfire Night!

Happy Diwali! The Festival of Light this year coincides with the British holiday, Bonfire Night - so there will be lots of fireworks to enjoy!

Why not join your neighbours in celebration? Tonight there will be a gathering on the old Infusion site.


We hope that you have been keeping safe, being aware of the dangers of fire and fireworks, and making sure your kids know them too. Also, making sure your pets are safe and reassured at this time, which can be very stressful.

Thursday 17 October 2013

Minutes of the last meeting

Minutes can be viewed at the link below

CLICK TO VIEW MINUTES

Apologies for the delay in getting them up on the blog.

Next meeting Weds 30th October!

Sunday 22 September 2013

Meeting 24th September on the Bus!


Come to our next meeting! We start at 6PM, but if you can't make it for then, feel free to turn up later.
Stagecoach bus, Old bus depot, Bowes Street.
We'll provide hot drinks, but the Bus doesn't have full canteen facilities (yet!) so bring a mug if you want one.

We welcome ideas for what you would like the Resident's Association to do next, whatever this may be!
Should be a good opportunity to have a look at the garden too, for those that haven't had the chance yet!

Friday 13 September 2013

Next meeting - what to discuss?

Hi,

Our next resident's meeting is scheduled for the 24th September.

We haven't yet decided where we're going to hold the meeting, so would appreciate some suggestions!
We thought perhaps somewhere within the area of the RA? Perhaps a social event?

What would you like to do, and have you any ideas for what you would like to discuss?

Join the discussion on the forum
http://bowesstreet.prophpbb.com/post15.html#p15

Thanks!

£14.5 Million Airport Dividend petition

A petition has been started at Manchester City Council's petitions scheme, requesting that the people of Manchester should have a greater say in how the £14.5 million Airport Dividend is spent in Manchester.

The e-Petition is available here 


We, the undersigned, petition the Council to ask the people of Manchester on how to spend the £14.5 million Airport Dividend.
"We call upon Manchester City Council to hold a full public consultation on how to spend the additional Airport Dividend of £14.5 million.  People who live, work and study in the city of Manchester must be able to say what their priorities are.  While we want a cleaner and greener city, techno-fluff like "smarter bins" is an insult to people whose libraries and daycare centres are facing closure or reduction in services. £14.5 million is a huge some of money that would enable, for example, community improvement wards of £30,000 pounds for all 32 wards in Manchester for 15 years." 

See more about why the petition has been started here
http://askthepeopleofmanchester.wordpress.com/

The council's proposals are to spend the money on a "Cleaner and Greener" Manchester
See the proposals here

More information about the dividend is available here, from the BBC News website
Manchester Airports Group dividend windfall for councils


Thursday 12 September 2013

Photos of the Bus arriving at Moss Gardens

I thought you might be interested to see these great photographs taken by Hannah Beatrice, of the Stagecoach bus arriving at Moss Gardens, on the old bus depot site.

http://photography.hannahbeatrice.co.uk/2013/09/moss-gardens-part-one-the-bus-arrives/



Moss Gardens Bus and BBQ (8)
Image from http://photography.hannahbeatrice.co.uk/2013/09/moss-gardens-part-one-the-bus-arrives/




Hannah Beatrice also has a post on the BBQ afterwards! 

She has really captured the spirit of what looks to have been a lovely day! 


We even have a couple of photos of our own to share (with thanks to Paula) 
Click on this post to view

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Open Day at Moss Side Community Allotment - 21st September

Come along and support your local community allotment, on Caythorpe/Bowes Street
Their open day is on the 21st September, from 10AM 
See more about the allotment at their website

Tuesday 10 September 2013

CAN U KICK IT? Moss Side Youth Football Initiative


Can U Kick It? has been set up to offer free football training to children and young people in Moss Side and Hulme, between the ages of 6 - 16. They meet every Wednesday at 6 PM at Moss Side Leisure Centre

A community football programme started by Moss Side-based Fathers Against Violence (FAV) as a way of providing young men with the ambition and confidence to pursue a life away from gang violence. It was set up by James Gregory, whose son Giuseppe was killed in a mistaken revenge shooting.


Monday 9 September 2013

Planter building! Weds. 11th Sept


This Wednesday 11th September, in the evening from 5PM, there is to be a planter building session at the end of Hartington Street.

If you would like to come and help with the building, it would be much appreciated. We already have the timber, and the soil was delivered ages ago, so it's about time we did something with it!

Planters will look something like this - hopefully without the terrible photo editing, and more real plants!

If you'd like to make suggestions of what you would like planted in them, why not head over to the Forum and start a discussion?

Look for the gazebo in case of rain!

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Minutes of the meeting 7th August

Minutes of our last Resident's Association meeting are now available to view online


CLICK HERE TO VIEW MINUTES


You can email any comments to bowesstreetresidents@gmail.com

Start a discussion on the forum at http://bowesstreet.prophpbb.com/

Join the mailing list by emailing bowes-street-residents+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Thanks!

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Discussion Forum!

Hi all,

Just to let you know, the discussion forum is up and running.

Register at http://bowesstreet.prophpbb.com/

Sign up, introduce yourself, start a discussion!

Please be aware that this is early days, so you might not get an immediate answer to any post you make - the more people join, the more likely you'll be able to have a proper discussion!

Read the terms and conditions on signing up, and remember - be nice! We're your neighbours.

Tuesday 13 August 2013

BBQ and Clean-up day! 17th August


Come to the barbecue and clean-up day!
With support from the council, we're having a clean-up day, with litter picking across the RA area -  come and join in, and stop by for the BBQ.

Thursday 8 August 2013

Eid Mubarak!

(image source)


Eid al-Fitr - a celebration at the end of Ramadan starts at sunset and continues tomorrow 8th August, based on the sighting of the new moon.
(please also see the post on Ramadan)

As this is so close to the weekend, celebrations may extend into Friday and Saturday!

This is a time for celebration for Muslims, when people gather to celebrate with family and friends.

Bear in mind traffic may be increased, especially along the "Curry Mile", and with the Caribbean Carnival, there's lots to celebrate in Moss Side this weekend!

Peace and Joy to all during the festivities!

Also see - A message from GMP



Tuesday 6 August 2013

Planning application for Land between Beresford Street and Rosebery Street

I have just received the notice in the post (dated 1st August) of a planning application for the Land between Beresford Street and Rosebery Street. The application was received in April. 

We have until August 22nd to submit comments based on views "relevant to planning", and this should be done in writing. Anyone can comment.
Relevant points are regarding physical aspects of the way the land and the buildings will be used.
e.g.Levels of activity, appearance, parking, noise, traffic, or overlooking.
*Not* effect on property values or commercial competition.

Source
Reference:102221/FO/2013/S1
Alternative Reference:PP-02587405
Application Received:18 Apr 2013
Address:Land Between Beresford Street And Rosebery Street Moss Side Manchester M14 4SB
Proposal:Erection of 13 no. three bedroom, two-storey terraced houses with associated landscaping and boundary treatment
Status:Application Pending Consideration
Plans are online at 
or can be viewed using the online planning system at City Library, Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, M3 3WD

Here is the link
http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/
online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=MLFVJFBC6K000

Letter was from Paula McGovern
p.mcgovern@manchester.gov.uk
Level 6 Town Hall Extension
PO Box 532 Manchester M60 2LA


Perhaps something to discuss at the Resident's Association meeting this Wednesday 7th August?

Friday 2 August 2013

Police advice on security and vigilance



At our last RA meeting (see minutes) , the Police Constable and PCSO Lee Harris talked to us about crime reporting in our neighbourhood and had advice for keeping safe and secure

More information can be found by clicking on this post


Thursday 1 August 2013

Resident's Association Meeting - Wednesday 7th August!

The next Resident's Association meeting will be
Wednesday 7th August, at the Fallowfield Library
6:30PM

Please read the minutes of the last meeting

Please email any comments that you want to see raised to bowesstreetresidents@gmail.com
or on the mailing list (please do this in advance of the meeting)

We look forward to seeing you there!


Caribbean Carnival 10th August 2013


The Caribbean Carnival and Parade this year is on Saturday the 10th August at Platt Fields Park

For more information please see
www.themanchestercarnival.com

The parade procession starts at 12:30 PM from Alexandra Park, leading to Platt Fields Park

http://manchestergazette.co.uk/manchester-caribbean-carnival-2013/


Friday 26 July 2013

Pics from our Hanging Basket Refresher/Social

Just thought we'd share a couple of photos from the hanging basket refresher/social! 
(more photos after the jump, click on this post to view) 
It was a lovely, sunny day, and we were busy from 11AM 'til 3PM when we completely ran out of plants!

Thanks to everyone who joined in, and it's great to see so many lovely hanging baskets on our streets

Hope you enjoyed it!

Friday 19 July 2013

Blog admin update

Hi all,

In response to points raised in the minutes of the last meeting I have archived past comments and turned off the commenting facility on the blog.

Everyone's voice is still equally valuable in our association, but we recently reached the point where comments on the blog no longer seemed the most effective way of having a constructive discussion, and sometimes it would be better to have a separate 'public face'. The main problem (which I know many people will not have realised) is that this blog does not 'belong' to the committee, and never has. I understand though that it has come to be seen as the official voice of the BSRA, so I agree it needs to change slightly in the way it's organised:

  • The blog will now be for announcements, news and features written largely by and on behalf of the residents' association committee. I have completely handed over my 'ownership' to them. Anything that you'd like to see shared with a wider audience can be emailed directly to bowesstreetresidents@gmail.com. This is also the best way of contacting committee members directly.
  • A seperate online discussion forum for neighbourhood issues will be launched shortly, for those of us (for example) not able to get to meetings or who just want to share ideas. Watch this space...
  •  The e-mail distribution list will still be used to share information.
    Join the mailing list by emailing : bowes-street-residents+subscribe@googlegroups.com, but be aware that your replies will go to everyone, not just to the person who sent the original 
    message.
  •  You might also like to follow @moss_side on twitter. This is not linked to the committee.
However you choose to communicate, please bear in mind that we are a living, breathing neighbourhood community, and online comments are a poor substitute for talking face to face with another human being. The potential for misinterpreting someone's intentions or for taking offence where none was meant is massive. Be careful out there in the internet.


Ben Hill (129 Rosebery)
Blog Admin

Thursday 18 July 2013

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Minutes of Meeting 9th July

The minutes of the last meeting of the Resident's Association on 9th July are now available to view online

Please email any comments or suggestions to bowesstreetresidents@gmail.com or start a discussion on the googlegroups mailing list (instructions on how to join can be found below)


Click here to view the minutes


Join the mailing list by emailing : bowes-street-residents+subscribe@googlegroups.com
or
To sign up to the group
1)Go to http://groups.google.com/group/bowes-street-residents
2)Click "Apply for group membership"
3)Sign in (or for non google users give some extra info). You shouldn't need a Gmail email address.



Some useful links
Reporting fly-tipping and waste to the council
https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/forms/form/658/reporting_flytipping_or_dumped_rubbish
Local police
http://www.gmp.police.uk/Live/Nhoodv3.nsf/community.html?ReadForm&Division=South%20Manchester&Area=Longsight&Community=Moss%20Side

Email
william.harris@gmp.pnn.police.uk



Wednesday 10 July 2013

Hanging basket refresher! Sunday 14th July

At yesterday's meeting, it was suggested that some of the hanging baskets planted up last year are looking a bit tired... and dead.

So this Sunday 14th July, there will be an informal replanting session if you would like to join!
Meeting at 11AM on Sunday, on the spare land on Rosebery/Beresford Street (Infusion sales office site)
We are hoping to get some bedding plants from the post office on Hart Road, which Paula has recommended.

The more the merrier, and maybe your kids would like to join in? Do let us know if you're interested, so we can work out how many plants to get. If you can't make the day, but would like your basket to be refreshed, let us know via email or in the comments, and we'll see what we can do.


join the mailing list by emailing : bowes-street-residents+subscribe@googlegroups.com
or
To sign up to the group
1)Go to http://groups.google.com/group/bowes-street-residents
2)Click "Apply for group membership"
3)Sign in (or for non google users give some extra info). You shouldn't need a Gmail email address.



Minutes from the meeting will be available as soon as possible.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan Mubarak to our residents, their friends and families that are observing Ramadan!


Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection observed by Muslims, and is characterised by fasting from dawn to sunset. It is also a time for sharing and charity, a time to think of others around us, and to gain knowledge to lead a better life, as well as an opportunity for families and communities to come together for Iftar, the breaking of the fast in the evening.


Best wishes from the Resident's Association at this holy time for you. I hope that we can all find time in our lives to reflect and think of others, and to spend time with families and friends, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.


Monday 8 July 2013

Resident's Meeting Reminder - Tues 9th July!

You’re invited to the July Bowes St Residents’ Association meeting
Topics include:
Updates
Events/Your Ideas
Funding/Project Ideas
Environment
Tuesday 9th July 6.30pm
Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane
Come and share ideas with your community!
If you can’t attend, but would like to be involved
join the mailing list by emailing :
bowes-street-residents+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Thursday 13 June 2013

Central Local Youth Panel - An opportunity for 13-19 year olds to have your say in your local area

























We are a group of young people age 13-19 yrs, who represent Central Manchester. We meet every 3 weeks, on Wednesdays 5-7pm, we meet at the Power House in Moss Side. Our meetings cover discussions about some of the issues young people face in our area today.  If you are aged 13-19 yrs, live in Moss side, Hulme, Longsight, Rushlome or Ardwick, we need you on our panel, a new voice to the community. By working with us you’re not only helping your community, but you can gain lots of new skills such as communication skills and you’ll have a chance to meet new people in your area and most importantly you will have a voice and influence on decisions that affect young people’s lives.

Open Evening:           
Wednesday 17th July 2013 5-7pm.
At The:                                                         
Power House                                                  
140 Raby St                                                    
Manchester                                                 
Greater Manchester                                     
M14 4SQ

Please call for more details…..
Tel: 0161 232 3123
Mob: 07795 486900



Monday 29 April 2013

Time is ripe for urban orchard on former Stagecoach depot site

From Manchester City Council's website:

Land which was the hundred-year home to a bus depot in Moss Side will be turning over a new leaf as it’s turned into a community orchard this weekend (27-28 April).

Stagecoach Manchester ended its century-long association with the Princess Road site in August 2011, when it moved to new purpose-built premises on the Sharston industrial estate in Wythenshawe.

The land was acquired by Manchester City Council, who invited the community to make suggestions for a ‘meanwhile’ use of the land, while its long-term future was discussed.

This prompted Dan Hasler, who runs the Moss Cider Project – a social enterprise venture to turn unwanted fruit into cider or apple juice – to come up with a solution to benefit the whole community.
Dan, aged 31, and other residents suggested starting an urban orchard on part of the land, growing apple trees in pots so that they could be moved easily once the land was set for redevelopment.
Dan said: "We wanted the land to become a little part of Eden in an urban setting, which all the community could enjoy and help to grow."

Since then Manchester City Council has provided £10,000 through regeneration funding and cash grants for the project, which will start tomorrow. In addition Heineken, whose Moss Side brewery employs more than 270 people locally, has donated 25 apple trees to the project.

The first trees will be planted tomorrow in an event which will also coincide with Moss Side’s annual Open Yardens celebration. The ‘yarden’ is a term coined for the area’s yards which have been transformed into green areas.

The first open yarden event was held in 2011, which saw over 30 back yards, community gardens and alleyways in Moss Side open their gates to the public to show what can be grown in a small space.
Councillor Jim Battle, deputy leader with responsibility for regeneration at Manchester City Council, said: "The urban orchard will really boost the green credentials of Moss Side, which is already known for its creative gardening. A ‘meanwhile’ or temporary use for land is a very effective way of letting the community have full use and benefit of a piece of land for a specific amount of time before it can be redeveloped."

Derek Orford, site manager at Heineken Manchester, said: "As the leading cider-maker in the UK, we are delighted to have been able to share our cider experience as well as donating apple trees to a local, grass-roots social enterprise like the Moss Cider Project."

Anyone who wants to get involved with the Open Yardens event or planting the community orchard tomorrow and Sunday is asked to call Jo Wilkes on 07904 244 557.

Sunday 28 April 2013

AGM Minutes

 As mentioned in the last post -see below for the link to the minutes.

Kath

Link to PDF copy of AGM Minutes

Annual Report of the Bowes Street Residents' Association

Please follow the link to read the annual report of the residents' association, as agreed at the AGM last Tuesday.

Link to annual report as PDF file

Full minutes of the meeting will be published here shortly.

New committee

Congratulations to the newly-elected BSRA committee members who will be co-ordinating things on our behalf for the next twelve months. Please contact them through the blog or e-mail if you'd like to get in touch.

Chair:                                   Kath Cunningham (Cowesby Street)
Vice-chair:                            Jo Campbell (Hartington Street)
Secretary:                             Natalie Lewis (Hartington Street)
Treasurer:                             John Haines (Rosebery Street)
Communications officer:     Anna Mannion-Jones (Rosebery Street)
Committee member:            Dorothee Devouge (Beresford Street)
Committee member:            Neelam Zaka (Rosebery Street)

The next planned residents' association event will be a 'bring and share' alleyway barbeque on Tuesday 28th May - see you there!

Pest control information

Posted on behalf of Jo Campbell:

As discussed at the meeting last Tuesday, I've put together some info on pests. I can't seem to create a fresh blog so if one of you clever folks can shift this to a more suitable place for me I would be very grateful.

Cockroaches are by their very nature difficult to get rid of, they can survive with very little food or water and they simply move between houses. I would welcome a targeted approach for each row of terraces because at least that way we would be killing them or stunting their ability to reproduce.

A professional will know where best to place chemicals, deep into the crevices if that's the approach you wish to take or you could try doing it yourself. There are DIY products available. I heard about a hormone powder that makes the females infertile from a woman in the pub who was a pest controller for many years.

To fill gaps (and to keep mice and rats out) you'd need to use wire wool or copper mesh packed into the hole/crack and then sprayed with expanding foam. The wire wool/copper mesh is not something rodents like to chew, they will soon give up and move on. The expanding foam seals the area and not even the most persistent cockroach will bother with that, they too will move on.

I would suggest pulling out as many appliances as possible and reaching as far behind the cupboards as you can, the further back you can keep them, the better as they give off a horrid smell. For your front and back doors, you could get draught excluders to close the gap, there are a few types, some have bristles on, some are thin foam strips, what you use will depend on how big the gap is.

For the roof a fine mesh will keep them out but still allow for ventilation, the mesh should be very small as mice can get through holes that are the diameter of a normal pen.

I have some links below, not managed to find the copper mesh in the UK. I really does work, I mouse-proofed my very old Bulgarian house in a rural village using this method and it's kept them out. You just have to be methodical taking care not to miss any gaps/holes.

Copper mesh http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Copper-Mesh-FBcopper50-Stuff-It/dp/B004G6YL5E

Metal wool http://stores.ebay.com/SteelWool-biz/_i.html?_fsub=2110059013&gclid=CO_lqtHy7LYCFUXJtAodPg0A-A

Rentokil sell DIY products http://www.rentokil.co.uk/technical-support/our-products-and-services/insect-control/index.html

Good luck, just give me a shout if you need some help.

Monday 22 April 2013

Open Yarden Garden - work begins soon!

Work begins this weekend on the 'Open Yarden Garden' project on the former bus depot site at the end of our streets. Heineken have kindly donated 25 fruit trees and they need planting!

Volunteers are needed on both Saturday and Sunday. Jo Wilkes is your contact for further information, or to say you'd like to help:

Text 07904 244557
Or email openyardens@gmail.com



Agenda for AGM

Our AGM is tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd April, 6.30 pm at Fallowfield Library. Hopefully you should have seen had a flyer by now!

Agenda as follows:

6.30 - Annual report (Chair & Treasurer) and election of new officials
7.15 - Tea and cake!
7.30 - Brainstorming session: Plans and priorities for next year including: Bus depot and 'the bus!', links with the allotment and hub, planning our next gardening day, safety and security, hanging baskets. Councillor Cox and (hopefully) our PCSO will attend this part of the meeting.

If there are any other 'big' issues that you want to bring up then let me know asap.

As ever, please tell neighbours who might not be on the mailing list and feel free to pass on issues from residents who can't make the meeting for whatever reason.

Best wishes, Jo (chair)

Thursday 11 April 2013

Moss Side Budgeting Club

Posted on behalf of Mosscare Tenants Panel:

Worried about how the changes to benefits and the recession will affect you and your fellow tenants and residents in Moss side?  Mosscare are running a budgeting club which is open to anyone in the community. 
 
The club will last for 6 weeks (2 hours per week from 11am to 1pm) starting on;
 
When - Wednesday, 10 April 2012
Time 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue – Hartshorne Court, Opposite Claremont Primary School, 3 Grantham Street, Rusholme M14 4EG
 
The club will be run by local residents.  During the course, you will be able to;
 
·         Share recent experiences of having to manage on tight budgets
·         Get ideas on making savings and opening bank accounts
·         Consider the impact of the new 'universal credit'
·         Receive advice from the CAB on debts
·         Consider priority debts and create personal financial statements
·         Learn how to review and choose the right energy tariff for your home
·         Shopping on a budget and loving food/hating waste!

For further information, e-mail Teyei.Chollom@mosscare.org.uk

Monday 4 March 2013

Agenda for Wednesday 6th March

Dear all,

Here is the agenda for Wednesday's meeting. Please email or post a comment if you would like to raise anything under 'A.O.B'.

Please spread the word to your neighbours too, especially those who don't use the Internet.

Bowes Street Residents’ Association: Meeting Agenda: 06/03/2013

1. Minutes of last meeting
2. Updates
3. Alley Gardens
4. Speed Restrictions on Bowes Street
5. Environment/waste/tipping
6. A. O. B.

Thanks,
Kath

Tuesday 5 February 2013

Save Fallowfield Library

As many of you will know, our regular meeting venue at Fallowfield Library is under threat of closure from this summer as part of council spending cuts.

They have arranged a community open day this Saturday, 9th February, which is also national libraries day. The flyer below says more:

SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY - OPEN DAY

10 – 1pm – activities for families, displays and tours
12noon - talk by Fallowfield Councillor and a Senior Library Manager.
ASK YOUR QUESTIONS AND FIND OUT MORE

AND IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT …
• Sign the petition • Take part in the consultation
INFO AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY 227 3744
or email: annetucker85@gmail.com

Friday 1 February 2013

Alexandra Park Redevelopment

Many residents will be concerned at the current redevelopment work and tree-felling taking place in Alexandra Park. The city council's plans and proposals can be viewed here.

Please note that posting a link from this blog should not imply that the Bowes Street Residents' Association either approves of or supports the redevelopment work. However, strong feelings among the community will no doubt be raised at the next meeting.


Thursday 31 January 2013

Moss Side Adventure needs your help!

If you are able to give some time, please consider lending your support to an excellent community asset:
Moss Side Adventure is looking for volunteers to help paint the adventure building on Friday 15th Februarybetween 9.30a.m and 3.00p.m to decorate the entrance and hall. The adventure is a children & young peoples charity offering free services for children and young people aged 5-19yrs living in the community and an education provider working with vulnerable and children out of main stream school. We are hoping the community can support use in offering a few hours of their time to make the building look more attractive due to the high use of the building its looking a bit run down.

 
Lee-Ann Igbon
Centre Manager
 
0161-226-3311
mossside@manchesteryounglives.org.uk 



Tuesday 22 January 2013

World Cafe event - Sat 26th January

Picture
Greater Manchester Police and the city council are jointly holding a joint World Cafe event on Saturday 26th January from 11am - 1pm at Greenheys Adult Education Centre on Upper Lloyd Street.

Refreshments, cakes and pastries will be available, but organisers have asked that participants must be available for the full two hour session. A creche will be available for up to 24 places for 0-5 year olds; residents need to book any places that they require.

The themes are 'your voice your choice' and 'conversations that matter'. The event aims to gather the views of residents on issues that matter to them in relation to the environment and crime. 

Please e-mail Angela Reid at MCC for any further information.

Monday 21 January 2013

Chilly!

Ok, so the predicted 'snow chaos' that some parts of the country are experiencing hasn't exactly made it to Moss Side yet, but temperatures are still likely to be below freezing for much of the week and life might still be tricky for a few of our neighbours, particularly those who are older or who have problems getting around.

The Greater Manchester Fire Service has circulated a letter (read it here) detailing what they can do to help should the weather take a turn for the worse, and also asking for a community-spirited approach to helping some of our more vulnerable residents.

Seeing as community spirit is what we do best anyway, let's all give a thought to how we can look out for each other during this cold spell, and in case our neighbourhood finally does get snowed in, stay tuned to the blog!

Thursday 17 January 2013

Save £250 on your electricity and gas bills

Re-posted a message from the Council which might be of interest:

You have the power to save £250 on your electricity and gas bills. Fill in a simple online form to receive your offer in the energy auction You'll need a recent energy bill to hand so that we can estimate your annual energy use and spend.

How does it work?

Energy providers will take part in an auction to see who can provide the best value deal for customers.
They will be offered the chance to supply energy to people across Greater Manchester who have signed up to the scheme.
Each provider will bid for your custom by offering their cheapest energy deal.
The best-value provider will be chosen and their deal offered to everyone who signed up to the scheme. Once you have received your offer, you can decide whether to accept or decline.
You have until Monday 28 January to sign up to take part. The more households that sign up, the better the deal for everyone!

No obligation

There is no obligation to switch providers. After the auction you will be given a new personal offer price for your energy for the next year. At this point you can choose to sign up to the scheme if it works for you. It's hassle-free and there's nothing to lose, so what are you waiting for?
Complete our online form today to see if you could save up to £250 a year on gas and electricity.
Find out more at www.gmfairenergy.com
Join the conversation #gmfairenergy

Saturday 12 January 2013

Happy new year from the Bowes Street Residents' Association

Hi, Neighbour!

Hope you had a great New Year. January's a great time to remind ourselves of how much we have achieved so far and to start planning for next year.

Since getting together in April we have:

  • Won £1500 in grant money for alley gardening
  • Gained funding from Heineken for a monster Christmas tree and brought the community together for a day to decorate it
  • Held the best bonfire night party in the neighbourhood
  • Spent a day clearing the streets, alleys and spare land at the top of Hartington Street
  • Planted and distributed over 120 hanging baskets free of charge
  • Planted some daffodil bulbs for the spring
  • Worked with the council towards solving the problem of tipping and improving bin provision
  • Helped residents on Princess Road get access to the gated alleys
  • Gained loads of new members and built links in around our local community
I think we all should be really proud of what we have managed in a relatively short time.

Here are our New Year's Resolutions:

  • We'll meet at the end of January to shares some food and drink and celebrate what we've done so far (look out for the posters and flyers!)
  • We hope to hold another skip day in late Jan / early Feb so that everyone can get rid of post-Christmas rubbish
  • We've still got loads of bulbs that could be planted before the spring to get the neighbourhood looking great for the new year
  • Work will begin in earnest very shortly on the alleyway trees
  • We'll look ahead to our AGM and 1st birthday party in April and start planning an event that can bring everyone together
Any other suggestions? Add them as a comment below!

Here's to a great 2013.