Your bumper briefing of news and what to look out for
Carlton Club saved from eviction
The Carlton Social and Bowling Club, Whalley Range’s century-old community institution, has been saved from the immediate threat of eviction.
Despite a swell of recent public support for the Save Our Club campaign, the eviction notice served by the Building Company remained a live threat and the situation reportedly ‘had reached a stalemate’.
Three months of campaigning and attempts at meeting followed, but now it seems a glimmer of light can be seen at the end of the tunnel, as Justin Anderson, Acting Chair of the CIC Board, and now also a director of the Building Company, explained.
“Difficult times require bold action,” said Justin. “And today we are delighted to tell you that we have taken a major step forward in protecting the future of the Carlton Social & Bowling Club.
“As of 6.30pm Monday 25 November 2024, there has been a change of directors at the Carlton Social & Bowling Building Company Ltd, and the Club’s historic shareholding in the Building Company will be restored.
“The new directors have voted to stop the eviction notice and move forward with constructive lease discussions for the Club – ending the threat that has been hanging over us.”
Anderson continued: “In recent days, we have used the mechanisms available to us through the Building Company’s own articles to:
• Restore the Club’s legally appointed directors, Justin Anderson and Chris Fox, to the Building Company, and register these appointments on Companies House
• Hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 25 November, at which new directors were appointed (Donna Bradshaw and Joy Wales); improperly appointed directors were removed; and resolutions were passed to restore the Club’s rightful shareholding in the Building Company (618 shares), to stop the eviction and to begin constructive discussions towards a lease. The directorship of Pauline Balderstone, a legally appointed director and a member of and campaigner for the social club, remains unchanged.
“We have not undertaken these actions lightly, but as a last resort. This was the only remaining route open to us to protect the future of the club.”
“Everything we have done is lawful and in accordance with the Building Company’s own articles. We have written to Companies House to inform them of our actions, which we believe are the start to righting historic wrongs and will ultimately put the Club’s ownership back where it should be – in the hands of the members.”
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel hosting George House Trust Exhibtion
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is hosting a new exhibition, A Snapshot of HIV Through a ‘Mancunian’ Gay Lens, curated by Manchester-based charity, George House Trust and renowned HIV activist and LGBT rights champion, Paul Fairweather, in time for World AIDS Day on 1 December.
Curated ahead of George House Trust’s 40th anniversary in 2025, the exhibition brings together key historical moments, including sensationalised mainstream media coverage from the early days of the HIV crisis, community responses from the Mancunian Gay magazine of the mid-1980s, and posters promoting the charity’s vital services and support.
The journey culminates with recent media features, reflecting how the portrayal of HIV has shifted over the years to include more positive and empowering narratives.
The exhibition is free to attend and will be in place throughout December.
HOME announces 2025 programme
HOME arts centre has announced its programme for 2025, which is set to include Emma Rice’s adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic North by Northwest, a celebration of Victoria Wood, LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND: The Music of Victoria Wood, and a staging of Edinburgh fringe hit FAMEHUNGRY.
Alongside marking HOME’s 10th anniversary, 2025 will also see the return of PUSH Festival, HOME’s annual celebration of North West creative talent.
For more information and the full 2025 programme click here.
Manchester Cathedral hosting carol concert to raise funds for youth service
Manchester Foundation Trust Charity is inviting all to Manchester Cathedral on December 12 for its annual Christmas Carols in the City event, in support of the pioneering Youth Service at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
In the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral there'll be an evening of Christmas carols and performances from local choirs with students from Manchester Grammar School, Manchester High School for Girls, The Hammond and Withington Girls’ School. Hosted by Mike Toolan (Hits Radio) and Jennie McAlpine (Coronation Street), the event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
Taking place on Christmas Jumper Day, attendees are invited to get into the seasonal spirit by wearing a festive knit to the event, where refreshments are kindly provided by event sponsor PG Tips.
Tickets cost £15 per adult, £8 for children and concessions or £40 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children).
For more information click here.
The Hallé serving up supper club once again
January will see the return of The Hallé’s Supper Club, with menus inspired by Sir Charles Hallé’s historic dinner parties and hosted in the surroundings of the Hallé St Peters in Ancoats.
Diners will be treated to an informal, relaxed two-course meal with drinks, designed by Café Cotton and inspired by historic menus, tour diaries and newspaper cuttings kept safe in the Hallé’s archive for 166 years.
Tickets for these exclusive experiences are £40 per person (fees apply). Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players, tickets for Ancoats residents are just £25 plus fees (proof of address will be required).
Click here to book a seat at the Halle Supper Club.
Save Our Baby Bank campaign in need of cash fast
A Manchester baby bank and vital community charity at risk of closure has launched a huge fundraising campaign to enable it to continue providing children and families around the region with essential items needed during the early stages of motherhood and beyond.
Since 2022, Little Green Sock Project has supported over 1,300 children, redistributing more than £240,000 worth of essential items like clothing, cots, prams, and stair gates to local families, saving 20 tonnes of items from landfill.
But now, the vital community charity supporting disadvantaged children and families across Greater Manchester is at risk of closure with its 5,000 sq ft premises in Stretford Mall scheduled for demolition in 2025. The charity must quickly raise £200,000 to secure a lease on a new premises by January or face shutting down its life-changing services.
“We believe that essentials needed for the health and wellbeing of children should not only be for those that can afford them”, says Catherine D’Albertanson, Founder of Little Green Sock Project. “Our work ensures that no child in our community goes without essentials, but without new premises, we will have no choice but to close.”
Little Green Sock Project is Trafford’s only baby bank, helping families in their moments of greatest need. Of the families it serves, 58% are single-parent households already struggling with the cost of raising children, while 29% are fleeing domestic abuse, often leaving their belongings behind to protect their family.
The Save Our Baby Bank Campaign
The campaign aims to raise £200,000 to secure a long-term lease, ensuring the charity can continue to provide life-changing support.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Every pound brings us closer to securing a new home.
- Share Your Networks: Spread the word to help us reach potential partners and donors.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses can sponsor our space and engage in hands-on volunteering days.
For more information and to donate to the campaign visit their website.
The Trading Route opens Friday 6 December
The Trading Route, the new bar from Manchester Union, Trof, and Wandering Palate, will be open to the public from 6pm on Friday 6 December, ‘serving Cold Beer and Hot Chicken’ until late.
Come January the European-inspired lagerhouse and restaurant will also be offering 50% off food Sunday to Thursday, all month long, for any booking.
To book a table in January visit The Trading Route website.
Platt Fields Art Market
Platt Fields Art market are hosting a free and community led art market in Platt Fields Park on the 8 December from 10am to 3pm.
There'll be over 20 local makers, hot food and drinks available as well as some mulled cider from the fire.
Christmas at NOMA
NOMA is hosting a raft of festive merriment over December, including workshops, cocktails and a pop-up from Where the Light Gets In.
Here’s the NOMA team, with more than a bit of festive giddiness, to explain what they have on this December:
“Sink your teeth into NOVA STAR’s pigs in blanket hot dog courtesy of street food legends Parmogeddon… escape from the chill with a winter spiced brie sarnie from Allpress… or even indulge in a Ply Christmas Pizza in New Century. Plus, for a festive tipple to warm your stomach, New Century are brewing up a Terrys’ Tini, your chocolate orange favourite in liquid form.
“Stockport’s Green Michelin-starred restaurant Where The Light Gets In, is hosting a pop-up bar until the 20 of December at NOMA’s very own hobby house, Altogether Otherwise. This hearty month-long of drinking and dining is open to Manchester’s foodies every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during its run-time, encouraging patrons to drink natural wines and gorge on delectable dishes roasted over wood. There’s weekender takeovers from the team’s favourite labels and record shops too… all free-entry and no-reservations are necessary.
“Additionally, Altogether Otherwise is spreading yuletide joy with the Rare Finds Flea Market on the 1st of December, the perfect way to dig up treasure from vintage traders, as well as the Manchester Ceramics collective on the 8th of December, where a collection of brilliant local potters are selling their wares, just in time for some Christmas gift giving.”
For more information visit the NOMA website.
Blank Street to open gifting kiosk
Blank Street Coffee are opening their own pop-up gifting kiosk this Christmas season, taking over Market Street for three days.
From 13 December to 15 December, 10am to 6pm, the gifting grotto will be open for customers to shop for limited edition merch and other limited edition gifts.
Here’s Blank Street with a bit on what to expect.
“The limited-edition gifts are inspired by a classic and nostalgic Christmas, reminiscent of opening stockings and sitting in front of the TV with family watching festive classics. Customers can expect to find gifts including kitsch Christmas baubles, boxer shorts, novelty mugs and matcha candles
“Once they’ve found the perfect gift, customers can head to the gift wrapping station for that extra special touch; gift wrapping costs £3 for a small gift bag and £5 for a large gift bag. Along with bespoke wrapping, tags and greetings cards, each gift will be spritzed with a scent of choice, from Crème Brûlée, Winter Spice and Dark Chocolate.”
For more information visit the Blank Street Coffee website.
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