Community Index Didsbury Sept 2011

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Sept 2011

view online at www.communityindex.co.uk

Established May 2010 now covering 10,000 Didsbury homes

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PUBLISHERCommunity Index

EDITOR/ADVERTISINGLesley Swann

SUB-EDITORSam Paechter

CONTRIBUTIONSKatherine Watson, Didsbury Dinners

Deborah Grace, Danielle LowySteve Parle, Sue Fleming

& Ursula Harries

COVER PHOTOGRAPHMichael Vicente

CONTACT USTel: Lesley 0787 589 5604

[email protected]

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION12th September 2011

ContentsDIDSBURY OPEN DOORSHeritage Days

DIDSBURY ARTS FESTIVAL24th September to 1st October

URBAN GARDEN CHICKENSDanielle Lowy

PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS FOR CYCLISTSUsing the Alexander Technique

POTATO, CARROT & CORIANDER SOUPDidsbury Dinners recipe

SEPTEMBER IN YOUR GARDENKatherine Watson

5

18

12

21

8

16

Serves 4

1 tbsp vegetable oil1 small onion, �nely chopped1 clove garlic2 large carrots, �nely chopped450g/15oz potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks1 litre/approx 2 pints vegetable stock3 tbsp of fresh coriander, roughly choppedSalt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large pan then gently fry the onion, garlic and carrots for 10 minutes.Add the potatoes and stock and simmer for 15–20 minutes.Add the coriander, season to taste and simmer for a further 5 minutes.Allow the soup to cool slightly then blend in a food processor or liquidiser.Serve hot topped with fresh coriander leaves.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Potato, carrot and coriander soupSheila Lane, Didsbury Village Women’s Institute, www.didsburyvillagewi.co.uk

Reci

pes

— D

idsb

ury

Vill

age

Wom

en’s

Inst

itute

54

“I have made this soup with the vegetables from my daughter’s allotment. I also grow my own coriander on the kitchen windowsill.”

The Women’s Institute, or WI, is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK. One such group is the Didsbury Village WI, founded in 2008. It is very much a friendship group, with the emphasis on fun. Its activity groups include wild walking, cake decorating, reading, knitting, theatre and dining. For further details, visit www.didsburyvillagewi.co.uk

Phot

o ©

Dav

id L

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4

Didsbury Open DoorsDidsbury’s hidden architectural treasuresHeritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It’s a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

This year the days are being co-ordinated nationally by English Heritage and in Didsbury the event is run by the Didsbury Civic Society and takes place over the weekend of 10th and 11th September. The Civic Society has been running tours and opening buildings to the public for many years but over the last three years the scope and variety of the weekend has vastly expanded. Last year we had over 2000 visits from people coming from all over the country to the buildings, tours and exhibitions on offer. This year

we have added more venues, with a host of informative and entertaining activities for all the family.

There is a wedding festival at St James’ Church, including a bridal dress worn in Coronation Street, which will later be auctioned to raise funds for Francis House. At Parrs Wood Environmental Centre you can have a tour of the Georgian stable block and at the Nazarene College on Dene Road they are offering guided tours of this splendid Edwardian building every 45 minutes. Over at Didsbury Methodist Church you can view an exhibition to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the St James’ Bible, as well as popping in for a soup and sandwich lunch on the Saturday.

The focus of the weekend’s events is Didsbury C. of E. Primary School on Elm Grove where there will be displays on ‘Didsbury’s Railway’, ‘Are you being served?’ which is a sociological and historical look at Didsbury’s shops and a display of pupils’ work on four local important individuals.

There are 14 venues you can explore, you can experience

a guided rural walk, see Manchester’s only existing William Morris window, walk the new East Didsbury self-guided tour and much more.

We are also pleased to welcome four new venues, Manchester Islamic Centre, Christ Church on Darley Avenue, the Albert Club and Parrs Wood Environmental Centre, all of which spread the range of ‘Didsbury Open Doors’ across the whole of Didsbury.

This year we have a dedicated mini-bus, which will take you to any site, just hop on and off it as you wish. It costs £1.00 per person, per day (sorry, no concessions), with the tickets available at any of the open buildings.

With all this going on you definitely need to pick up a programme; available free in many of Didsbury’s shops and the library or look at Didsbury Civic Society’s website: www.didsburycivicsociety.org.uk for the latest information.

Steve Parle Didsbury Civic Society

8

67-71 Manchester Rd, Chorlton cum Hardy, Manchester, M21 9PW Telephone: 0161 881 7053

10% OFF with this voucher in September 2011*£5 minimum spend

*

www.barbakan-deli.co.uk

Award Winning Delicatessen, Continental Bakery and Specialist Cheese Merchants.

Freshly made Sandwiches, Soups and Salads. The Famous and Original BBQ Sausage Pan on Saturdays! Come and Eat on our Dining Terrace!

Barbakan Delicatessen

5

Didsbury Open DoorsDidsbury’s hidden architectural treasuresHeritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It’s a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

This year the days are being co-ordinated nationally by English Heritage and in Didsbury the event is run by the Didsbury Civic Society and takes place over the weekend of 10th and 11th September. The Civic Society has been running tours and opening buildings to the public for many years but over the last three years the scope and variety of the weekend has vastly expanded. Last year we had over 2000 visits from people coming from all over the country to the buildings, tours and exhibitions on offer. This year

we have added more venues, with a host of informative and entertaining activities for all the family.

There is a wedding festival at St James’ Church, including a bridal dress worn in Coronation Street, which will later be auctioned to raise funds for Francis House. At Parrs Wood Environmental Centre you can have a tour of the Georgian stable block and at the Nazarene College on Dene Road they are offering guided tours of this splendid Edwardian building every 45 minutes. Over at Didsbury Methodist Church you can view an exhibition to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the St James’ Bible, as well as popping in for a soup and sandwich lunch on the Saturday.

The focus of the weekend’s events is Didsbury C. of E. Primary School on Elm Grove where there will be displays on ‘Didsbury’s Railway’, ‘Are you being served?’ which is a sociological and historical look at Didsbury’s shops and a display of pupils’ work on four local important individuals.

There are 14 venues you can explore, you can experience

a guided rural walk, see Manchester’s only existing William Morris window, walk the new East Didsbury self-guided tour and much more.

We are also pleased to welcome four new venues, Manchester Islamic Centre, Christ Church on Darley Avenue, the Albert Club and Parrs Wood Environmental Centre, all of which spread the range of ‘Didsbury Open Doors’ across the whole of Didsbury.

This year we have a dedicated mini-bus, which will take you to any site, just hop on and off it as you wish. It costs £1.00 per person, per day (sorry, no concessions), with the tickets available at any of the open buildings.

With all this going on you definitely need to pick up a programme; available free in many of Didsbury’s shops and the library or look at Didsbury Civic Society’s website: www.didsburycivicsociety.org.uk for the latest information.

Steve Parle Didsbury Civic Society

8

67-71 Manchester Rd, Chorlton cum Hardy, Manchester, M21 9PW Telephone: 0161 881 7053

10% OFF with this voucher in September 2011*£5 minimum spend

*

www.barbakan-deli.co.uk

Award Winning Delicatessen, Continental Bakery and Specialist Cheese Merchants.

Freshly made Sandwiches, Soups and Salads. The Famous and Original BBQ Sausage Pan on Saturdays! Come and Eat on our Dining Terrace!

Barbakan DelicatessenPh

oto

© D

avid

Lei

tch

6

view the latest edition at www.communityindex.co.uk

The Athenaeum Amateur Dramatic Society

We begin rehearsals for our main winter production (10-12 Nov 2011) of Breeze

Block Park by Willie Russell at the start of October. We meet twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) at 7.30 p.m. at St Nicholas’ Church,

Kingsway, Burnage, M19 1PL.

Roles have been cast, however we do need help with all aspects of the production, from

making a cup tea, lighting and sound to building a set.

If you are interested please do come along to our rehearsals.

contact us: [email protected] or call Jane on 0161 449 3672 www.mcr-ath-dramasoc.org

15/22Sept7-9.30£25.00

Sock Monkeys Transform a pair of old socks into an amazing long armed, long tailed funky monkey. Over two sessions.

6 Oct7-9.30£15.00

Junkmail JewelleryMost stylish & rather addictive to make, transform junkmail into a bracelet; plus earrings or a phone charm

20 Oct7-9£13.00

Manchester Blooms Cheer up your home or garden with two colourful flowers made from plastic bottles and broken jewellery

10 Nov 7-9.00£13

Folksy Hoop Shredding old clothes and sewing a lavender pouch make this gorgeous wall hanging a great stress reliever

24 Nov 7-9pm£13.00

The Lavender Mousevaark Transform an old sock into a quirky looking creature. Whether you think it’s a mouse, aardvark or clanger, it will bring a smile to your face.

1 Dec7-9£13.00

The Marvellous Wheel of TeaAn attractive and fun way to display your tea collection or photos with junkmail and old pegs!

15 Dec 7-9.30£15.00

Festive WrappingsGet Christmas ‘all wrapped up’ with these original wrappings, ribbons and bows; includes newspaper bag.

12 Jan 7-9pm£13.00

The Astonishingly Large Card GlobeSave Christmas cards for this striking-looking globe. A unique & personalised decoration to hang from a ceiling

Workshop Programme September 2011-January 2012

Chorlton, Manchester

Small, friendly groups, tea & cake included

More info, photos and bookings on website

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8

Didsbury Arts Festival 24th September to 1st OctoberA giant yak, Punch & Judy and a pair of very cheeky (but lovable!) horses are just some of the weird and wonderful characters being let loose on local streets during Didsbury Arts Festival 2011.

With more than 150 events, exhibitions and workshops taking place at venues across Didsbury, this year’s annual showcase of local talent promises a packed and varied programme to rival the successful events of previous years.

The week-long celebration will feature daily music

performances, including classical music, jazz and rock. Comedy, drama, dance, film and street theatre will also provide an exciting and eclectic mix, ensuring something for all ages and tastes.

All week long, festival-goers can enjoy exhibitions featuring the work of more than 40 local artists at a number of venues, including the Festival Gallery at Emmanuel Church and the ‘Art Over the Counter’ exhibition of work in

Didsbury village shops.

Most events will be free and this year’s programme features plenty for families and children, including several workshops and events in local schools. Watch out too for the DAF puppet events and street theatre, including Punch & Judy, Yeshe, the giant walkabout Yak, and the mischievous Latin Horses!

Don’t miss the DAF opening weekend which kicks off with

music and street theatre outside Didsbury Library at 12 noon on Saturday 24th September. Highlights over the weekend include an open-air stage lineup at Didsbury’s historic Parsonage Gardens (Saturday afternoon). On Sunday a Parade of Artists will make its way from Didsbury Library to assemble at Fletcher Moss Park for an exciting programme of music, dance, street theatre and art.

Parsonage Gardens will be aglow with lamps and lanterns in the early evening of Saturday 1st October. Featuring ghostly tales for all ages in a beautiful and mysterious setting, the Magic of Twilight promises to be an unforgettable event for all the family. Later in the evening the final of Didsbury’s Got Talent, being held at Parrs Wood High School, will close DAF 2011 on a high note!

DAF is a community arts festival which began

in 2009 with around

80

events taking place at 40 venues across Didsbury. Last year’s Festival featured more than 100 events, attracting audiences of more than 10,000.

Festival Director Maria Stripling said:

‘DAF continues to go from strength to strength. This year we have a packed and diverse programme and we are

delighted to welcome many new artists and events,

including, for instance, DAF’s first ever short

film competition.

‘DAF could not happen without the support of the many volunteers, community groups,

businesses, sponsors and, of course, the artists involved, many of whom give their time free of charge to make events free and accessible. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of those who have helped in any way. We look forward to a hugely successful and enjoyable DAF 2011.’

Full details of the DAF 2011 programme are now available at the Festival website: [email protected]

Local band, JazzWorks

Cusan Theatre – Latin Horses

Thingumajig Theatre – Yeshe the Yak

Manchester singer/songwriter Alice Glasson

Rose Divine Angel Healing07747697333Room 1West Didsbury Holistic CentreCard ReadingsCrystal HealingMediumRekiSpirit connection

Guidance, love & light for your future

call us today and get your business noticed

0787 589 [email protected]

communityDidsbury

index

May 2010

New free magazine - 4,000 copies distributed in Didsbury every month

AFFORDABLE EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

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9

Didsbury Arts Festival 24th September to 1st OctoberA giant yak, Punch & Judy and a pair of very cheeky (but lovable!) horses are just some of the weird and wonderful characters being let loose on local streets during Didsbury Arts Festival 2011.

With more than 150 events, exhibitions and workshops taking place at venues across Didsbury, this year’s annual showcase of local talent promises a packed and varied programme to rival the successful events of previous years.

The week-long celebration will feature daily music

performances, including classical music, jazz and rock. Comedy, drama, dance, film and street theatre will also provide an exciting and eclectic mix, ensuring something for all ages and tastes.

All week long, festival-goers can enjoy exhibitions featuring the work of more than 40 local artists at a number of venues, including the Festival Gallery at Emmanuel Church and the ‘Art Over the Counter’ exhibition of work in

Didsbury village shops.

Most events will be free and this year’s programme features plenty for families and children, including several workshops and events in local schools. Watch out too for the DAF puppet events and street theatre, including Punch & Judy, Yeshe, the giant walkabout Yak, and the mischievous Latin Horses!

Don’t miss the DAF opening weekend which kicks off with

music and street theatre outside Didsbury Library at 12 noon on Saturday 24th September. Highlights over the weekend include an open-air stage lineup at Didsbury’s historic Parsonage Gardens (Saturday afternoon). On Sunday a Parade of Artists will make its way from Didsbury Library to assemble at Fletcher Moss Park for an exciting programme of music, dance, street theatre and art.

Parsonage Gardens will be aglow with lamps and lanterns in the early evening of Saturday 1st October. Featuring ghostly tales for all ages in a beautiful and mysterious setting, the Magic of Twilight promises to be an unforgettable event for all the family. Later in the evening the final of Didsbury’s Got Talent, being held at Parrs Wood High School, will close DAF 2011 on a high note!

DAF is a community arts festival which began

in 2009 with around

80

events taking place at 40 venues across Didsbury. Last year’s Festival featured more than 100 events, attracting audiences of more than 10,000.

Festival Director Maria Stripling said:

‘DAF continues to go from strength to strength. This year we have a packed and diverse programme and we are

delighted to welcome many new artists and events,

including, for instance, DAF’s first ever short

film competition.

‘DAF could not happen without the support of the many volunteers, community groups,

businesses, sponsors and, of course, the artists involved, many of whom give their time free of charge to make events free and accessible. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of those who have helped in any way. We look forward to a hugely successful and enjoyable DAF 2011.’

Full details of the DAF 2011 programme are now available at the Festival website: [email protected]

Local band, JazzWorks

Cusan Theatre – Latin Horses

Thingumajig Theatre – Yeshe the Yak

Manchester singer/songwriter Alice Glasson

Rose Divine Angel Healing07747697333Room 1West Didsbury Holistic CentreCard ReadingsCrystal HealingMediumRekiSpirit connection

Guidance, love & light for your future


0787 589 [email protected]

communityDidsbury

index

May 2010

New free magazine - 4,000 copies distributed in Didsbury every month

AFFORDABLE EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

REACH 20,000+ LOCAL HOMES!


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please mention Community Index when responding to adverts

11


12

Grow your own food! Keep chickens! You could have your own bee hive too. How about installing a backyard wind-farm and some solar panels on the roof? Anyone for foraging or road-kill?

The pleasures and rewards of a greener, more self-sufficient life, even for busy urban dwellers, are regularly extolled in the press these days. We’re lead to believe anyone can do it – and save money too! Appealing as it may be, is the urban grow-your-own, rear-your-own culture a myth or can us townies make the time, get the knowledge and reap the rewards of some of this eco-self sufficiency – and without breaking the bank? In this issue, we look at some of the highs and lows of urban chicken keeping and offer you some practical tips to make up your own mind.

We’ve chatted with urban chicken keepers past and present to gather views and experiences. Of course everyone enthuses over access to fresh eggs. More unexpectedly, they all vouch for what great pets chickens make, what entertaining and interesting animals they are. But

Urban Garden Chickens Rural idyll in the city?Lovely fresh eggs for breakfast. And lunch. And supper!

Chickens make friendly and interesting pets, full of personality and fascinating to watch. They are inquisitive, interact with other animals and are companionable creatures.

Chickens are voracious eaters who will hoover up garden pests such as slugs. They’ll happily gobble up some of your left-overs too.

There’s plenty for the prospective chicken-keeper to choose from, coming in all shapes, sizes and breeds.

A passionate interest could develop into keeping heritage breeds and ‘showing’ your chickens. As well as specialist egg layers, you can raise some chickens specially for eating.

Re-housing battery farm hens is popular with some and a compassionate way of giving

them life in a more pleasant setting.

Although needing daily attention, chickens are not difficult to care for.

Chicken poo is high in nitrogen so is a great fertiliser for the garden.

More eggs than you can eat? Swap them for something else, say, someone’s home-grown or cooked produce.

Foul Fowls – an urban nightmare? Daily care is needed: giving food and water and checking on their general health and wellbeing.

The whole coop needs cleaning weekly, and the chickens need regular checks for mites and lice. They will also need worming.

Although it’s not illegal to keep a cockerel in a residential area, you could face a visit from the Manchester Council’s Public Protection team if they receive complaints about noise nuisance. 3am wake up call anyone?

Chickens can get a bit clucky at feeding time, but they’re less likely to annoy the neighbours – or do they…?

Let them loose in your garden and they will make quite a mess poo-ing, trampling and digging in search of tasty worms and insects to scoff. They’ll also enjoy a nibble at any home grown vegetables…

Protection from predators such as foxes (who can dig, climb and jump over fencing up to 6ft high!) can be complicated and expensive to install properly.

Rats too can be a problem if chicken food is left out uncovered.

Sadly vandalism of chicken enclosures and chickens themselves can occur, possibly more so in urban areas.

There is a financial investment in the coop and run, as well as food and medical needs, that could outweigh the savings from egg purchases.

If the chickens don’t have enough space to run around they’ll get bored and peck each other.

You will need:Space and housing• for the chickens to be locked up safely at night, with a perch to stand on whilst they sleep, a nesting box to lay eggs and a ‘run’ for them to exercise. If you’ve got the space/set up, they can run around the garden; some owners clip a wing to stop them flying into neighbours’ gardens.

Time and motivation• to feed and water, check for illness or disease and clean out the coop and run.

Protection from predators.•

Knowledge• about which chickens will suit you and where to buy them. Three hens are enough for the average family.

Slaughtering information• if you’re raising them for meat.

Oh yes, and you’ll want to eat • plenty of eggs!

Do your research first. If you don’t know other chicken keepers, you’ll find plenty of interest in sharing experiences and giving advice on the internet. Here’s some links to get you started:

http://poultrykeeper.com offers information for beginners and old hands

http://poultrykeeperforum.com for some chicken chat

http://keeping-chickens.me.uk for useful information including chicken housing

www.hsa.org.uk Humane Slaughterhouse for advice and courses

whilst some may never again buy a supermarket egg and chuck out the TV in favour of chicken-watching, others have found the negatives outweigh the positives, with protection from predators probably top of the list.

Not put off by tales of expense, noise and potential carnage in the garden?

Here’s some practical tips to get you started if you’d like some hens clucking around the garden, laying nice fresh eggs.

A big thank you to Danielle Lowy for researching and writing this article and to everyone who shared their experiences.

13

Grow your own food! Keep chickens! You could have your own bee hive too. How about installing a backyard wind-farm and some solar panels on the roof? Anyone for foraging or road-kill?

The pleasures and rewards of a greener, more self-sufficient life, even for busy urban dwellers, are regularly extolled in the press these days. We’re lead to believe anyone can do it – and save money too! Appealing as it may be, is the urban grow-your-own, rear-your-own culture a myth or can us townies make the time, get the knowledge and reap the rewards of some of this eco-self sufficiency – and without breaking the bank? In this issue, we look at some of the highs and lows of urban chicken keeping and offer you some practical tips to make up your own mind.

We’ve chatted with urban chicken keepers past and present to gather views and experiences. Of course everyone enthuses over access to fresh eggs. More unexpectedly, they all vouch for what great pets chickens make, what entertaining and interesting animals they are. But

Urban Garden Chickens Rural idyll in the city?Lovely fresh eggs for breakfast. And lunch. And supper!

Chickens make friendly and interesting pets, full of personality and fascinating to watch. They are inquisitive, interact with other animals and are companionable creatures.

Chickens are voracious eaters who will hoover up garden pests such as slugs. They’ll happily gobble up some of your left-overs too.

There’s plenty for the prospective chicken-keeper to choose from, coming in all shapes, sizes and breeds.

A passionate interest could develop into keeping heritage breeds and ‘showing’ your chickens. As well as specialist egg layers, you can raise some chickens specially for eating.

Re-housing battery farm hens is popular with some and a compassionate way of giving

them life in a more pleasant setting.

Although needing daily attention, chickens are not difficult to care for.

Chicken poo is high in nitrogen so is a great fertiliser for the garden.

More eggs than you can eat? Swap them for something else, say, someone’s home-grown or cooked produce.

Foul Fowls – an urban nightmare? Daily care is needed: giving food and water and checking on their general health and wellbeing.

The whole coop needs cleaning weekly, and the chickens need regular checks for mites and lice. They will also need worming.

Although it’s not illegal to keep a cockerel in a residential area, you could face a visit from the Manchester Council’s Public Protection team if they receive complaints about noise nuisance. 3am wake up call anyone?

Chickens can get a bit clucky at feeding time, but they’re less likely to annoy the neighbours – or do they…?

Let them loose in your garden and they will make quite a mess poo-ing, trampling and digging in search of tasty worms and insects to scoff. They’ll also enjoy a nibble at any home grown vegetables…

Protection from predators such as foxes (who can dig, climb and jump over fencing up to 6ft high!) can be complicated and expensive to install properly.

Rats too can be a problem if chicken food is left out uncovered.

Sadly vandalism of chicken enclosures and chickens themselves can occur, possibly more so in urban areas.

There is a financial investment in the coop and run, as well as food and medical needs, that could outweigh the savings from egg purchases.

If the chickens don’t have enough space to run around they’ll get bored and peck each other.

You will need:Space and housing• for the chickens to be locked up safely at night, with a perch to stand on whilst they sleep, a nesting box to lay eggs and a ‘run’ for them to exercise. If you’ve got the space/set up, they can run around the garden; some owners clip a wing to stop them flying into neighbours’ gardens.

Time and motivation• to feed and water, check for illness or disease and clean out the coop and run.

Protection from predators.•

Knowledge• about which chickens will suit you and where to buy them. Three hens are enough for the average family.

Slaughtering information• if you’re raising them for meat.

Oh yes, and you’ll want to eat • plenty of eggs!

Do your research first. If you don’t know other chicken keepers, you’ll find plenty of interest in sharing experiences and giving advice on the internet. Here’s some links to get you started:

http://poultrykeeper.com offers information for beginners and old hands

http://poultrykeeperforum.com for some chicken chat

http://keeping-chickens.me.uk for useful information including chicken housing

www.hsa.org.uk Humane Slaughterhouse for advice and courses

whilst some may never again buy a supermarket egg and chuck out the TV in favour of chicken-watching, others have found the negatives outweigh the positives, with protection from predators probably top of the list.

Not put off by tales of expense, noise and potential carnage in the garden?

Here’s some practical tips to get you started if you’d like some hens clucking around the garden, laying nice fresh eggs.

A big thank you to Danielle Lowy for researching and writing this article and to everyone who shared their experiences.

14

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15

please mention community index when responding to adverts

Mobile Email

07875 360 368 [email protected]

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Tel: 07936 884644didsburywindows.com


16

Matching ourselves with our bikes: When cycling, the bike is an extension of ourselves, as our arms and legs extend the torso, so the movements of cranks, sprockets, chain and wheels extend our torso into cyclical movement, with handlebars and brakes to allow for stopping and turning. So bodies need to fit bikes and bikes bodies. The skills of good use, body work and balance, from the Alexander Technique, complement those of the Cycling Instructor whose knowledge of the function of the bicycle, riding skills and good use on the road translates into practical cycling.

Cycle-technique workshops: Cycle training abounds in Manchester, with skills in

using the technology. We are concerned to also address the cyclists use, so we did not ‘fit’ bikes to the current habits of the cyclist irrespective of whether they are unhelpful or not. To take our ideas forward we decided to run two workshops, targetted to two audiences, the ‘willing but wobbly’, with a greater need for balance and confidence, and the ‘experienced and aching’ who had perhaps already developed some unhelpful habits around riding.

Alfred, the infamous mini-skeleton (pictured), is around to lend his obvious skills. Sitting on his borrowed tricycle, he demonstrates clearly the points of contact between bones and the bike: sit-bones, feet

on pedals and hands resting on handlebars. We play with using these points of contact for support, to keep the length in the back, keeping arms and legs connected. We try out hand contact and hand grip on mock handlebars before going on to experiment with the various types and styles we had assembled for the workshop.

After looking at where we get our support when standing (feet) and sitting (sit bones) we looked at where we get our support when riding. If you see the bike as an extension of ourselves, then the importance of keeping tyres well inflated makes obvious sense. Many regular cyclists have never been shown that the optimal pressure range is written on the tyre, and that a pump with a pressure gauge on it really is a must for keeping tyres properly inflated.

Our focus for the workshops was on ‘functional cycling’ – people who want to use their bikes on a regular basis to get from A to B, but it was useful to remind ourselves of the different, and sometimes extreme, things that people do with bikes, in order to reconnect with what it was we wanted to use bikes for, and how this knowledge could inform our practice. Varieties of bodyshapes and sizes are matched by the multiplicity of options that cyclists can now choose in terms of handlebars, grips, gearshifts, saddles and pedals. There was a chance to try out the range of bikes and styles we had assembled for the workshop. A turbo trainer, designed to fix bikes so people can train on the spot, gave the Alexander Technique teacher a chance to work one-to-one.

Practical Workshops for CyclistsSue Fleming, Alexander Technique Teacher and Ursula Harries, Cycling Instructor

Riding with less stressWe move from the classroom to the road in easy stages; bringing new found skills gradually into more complex situations; from easy riding in the car-park, to weaving in and out of cones. As a finale the ‘willing but wobblies’ go out onto the road. The more experienced group use a 3D model to explore different strategies that participants adopt in busy traffic situations. On both occasions so far a successful and fun day was had by all, the trainees liked the increased awareness of how they were using themselves when cycling and the changes to the bike set-up that helped posture and use on the bike

For Niamh Moore ‘the workshop was great. Even though I’ve been cycling for years and have had some Alexander Technique lessons, the workshop was a revelation! from the apparently basic how to sit on a bike to thinking about knees, ankles, hips and a lot more. I’ve always enjoyed cycling but now its so much more comfortable.’

The next Willing but Wobbly is on the 10th September, the Experienced but Aching on the 24th September. Both are at St. Clements, in Chorlton. For details and to get in touch, go to

www.alexanderteaching.co.uk

17


Matching ourselves with our bikes: When cycling, the bike is an extension of ourselves, as our arms and legs extend the torso, so the movements of cranks, sprockets, chain and wheels extend our torso into cyclical movement, with handlebars and brakes to allow for stopping and turning. So bodies need to fit bikes and bikes bodies. The skills of good use, body work and balance, from the Alexander Technique, complement those of the Cycling Instructor whose knowledge of the function of the bicycle, riding skills and good use on the road translates into practical cycling.

Cycle-technique workshops: Cycle training abounds in Manchester, with skills in

using the technology. We are concerned to also address the cyclists use, so we did not ‘fit’ bikes to the current habits of the cyclist irrespective of whether they are unhelpful or not. To take our ideas forward we decided to run two workshops, targetted to two audiences, the ‘willing but wobbly’, with a greater need for balance and confidence, and the ‘experienced and aching’ who had perhaps already developed some unhelpful habits around riding.

Alfred, the infamous mini-skeleton (pictured), is around to lend his obvious skills. Sitting on his borrowed tricycle, he demonstrates clearly the points of contact between bones and the bike: sit-bones, feet

on pedals and hands resting on handlebars. We play with using these points of contact for support, to keep the length in the back, keeping arms and legs connected. We try out hand contact and hand grip on mock handlebars before going on to experiment with the various types and styles we had assembled for the workshop.

After looking at where we get our support when standing (feet) and sitting (sit bones) we looked at where we get our support when riding. If you see the bike as an extension of ourselves, then the importance of keeping tyres well inflated makes obvious sense. Many regular cyclists have never been shown that the optimal pressure range is written on the tyre, and that a pump with a pressure gauge on it really is a must for keeping tyres properly inflated.

Our focus for the workshops was on ‘functional cycling’ – people who want to use their bikes on a regular basis to get from A to B, but it was useful to remind ourselves of the different, and sometimes extreme, things that people do with bikes, in order to reconnect with what it was we wanted to use bikes for, and how this knowledge could inform our practice. Varieties of bodyshapes and sizes are matched by the multiplicity of options that cyclists can now choose in terms of handlebars, grips, gearshifts, saddles and pedals. There was a chance to try out the range of bikes and styles we had assembled for the workshop. A turbo trainer, designed to fix bikes so people can train on the spot, gave the Alexander Technique teacher a chance to work one-to-one.

Practical Workshops for CyclistsSue Fleming, Alexander Technique Teacher and Ursula Harries, Cycling Instructor

Riding with less stressWe move from the classroom to the road in easy stages; bringing new found skills gradually into more complex situations; from easy riding in the car-park, to weaving in and out of cones. As a finale the ‘willing but wobblies’ go out onto the road. The more experienced group use a 3D model to explore different strategies that participants adopt in busy traffic situations. On both occasions so far a successful and fun day was had by all, the trainees liked the increased awareness of how they were using themselves when cycling and the changes to the bike set-up that helped posture and use on the bike

For Niamh Moore ‘the workshop was great. Even though I’ve been cycling for years and have had some Alexander Technique lessons, the workshop was a revelation! from the apparently basic how to sit on a bike to thinking about knees, ankles, hips and a lot more. I’ve always enjoyed cycling but now its so much more comfortable.’

The next Willing but Wobbly is on the 10th September, the Experienced but Aching on the 24th September. Both are at St. Clements, in Chorlton. For details and to get in touch, go to


Alexander Technique

Sue Fleming MSTAT


! 861 8848 mob 07796470163

The Burton Road Clinic Didsbury and

Chequers Road Chorlton

Pauline Leng MSTAT

www.alexandertechniquemanchester.net

! 445 8530! mob 07821470349

The Didsbury Holistic Centre and

Lidgate Grove Didsbury! !

individual sessions and groups

10 week introductory course

20 Sept 1pm Fallowfield

22 Sept 6.30 Chorlton

The Burton Road Clinic 121 Burton Road, Didsbury M20 1HZ

0161 446 2533www.theburtonroadclinic.co.uk

theburtonroadclinicOSTEOPATHY

Nicholas Vine & Carolyn GreenhalghRegistered Osteopaths

Osteopaths treat back and neck pain and muscle and joint problems such as whiplash, sciatica and headaches. These problems may be caused by manual work, computer use or stress. Osteopathy can

help with the mechanical effects of pregnancy – both during the pregnancy and afterwards, and with age related conditions and the pain of arthritis. We also treat sports injuries such as shoulder problems and

knee problems, and injuries due to repetitive actions such as playing musical instruments.

Appointments are available Monday to Saturday, including early mornings and evenings.

18

Potato, carrot & coriander soupSheila Lane, Didsbury Village Women’s Institute


Recipe reproduced from Didsbury Dinners: The Low-Carbon Community Cookbook, with kind permission from the editor Amanda Woodvine.

Didsbury Dinners is an 80-page A4 glossy paperback packed full of recipes from local residents and groups. Buy your copy for just £6.99 from The Albert Club and Didsbury Civic Society. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards promoting local food sustainability.

[email protected]

Serves 4



1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Reci

pes

— D

idsb

ury

Vill

age

Wom

en’s

Inst

itute

54



The Women’s Institute, or WI, is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK. One such group is the Didsbury Village WI, founded in 2008. It is very much a friendship group, with the emphasis on fun. Its activity groups include wild walking, cake decorating, reading, knitting, theatre and dining. For further details, visit

www.didsburyvillagewi.co.uk

Serves 4

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic

2 large carrots, finely chopped

450g/15oz potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks

1 litre/approx 2 pints vegetable stock

3 tbsp of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large pan then gently fry the onion, garlic and carrots for 10 minutes.

Add the potatoes and stock and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Add the coriander, season to taste and simmer for a further 5 minutes.

Allow the soup to cool slightly then blend in a food processor or liquidiser.

Serve hot topped with fresh coriander leaves.

19

Carol SmithHome Improvements

Painting & Decorating•Wall & FloorTiling•Joinery & Laminate Flooring•Kitchens & Bathrooms Fitted•

07751 208582Established for 15 years

MANCHESTER SOCIAL FRIENDS

Varied social events for 25-45s

in Manchester

Visit

www.meetup.com/manchestersocfriends

or phone John on:

01253 626268

Extend your social scene and make new friends

Dog Walking, Cat Visits, Small Pets & Exotics, Home Boarding, Pet Taxi. Insured & Police Checked Staff. Call 07795 417272 Host families wanted for Home Boarding, please visit website for details www.petpals.com [email protected]

DEVINE KITCHENS

Tel: 0161 291 9680

A new kitchen can add both character and wealth to any home, and here at Devine Kitchens we have the expertise and knowledge to advise you on the best use of space, lighting, fixtures and fittings to help create that dream kitchen into a reality.

We have established an excellent reputation over the years for our high qulaity of workmanship and customer focus, all backed up with the various testimonials from our many satisfied clients. We have over 20 years of experience with high quality workmanship fitting kitchens that will inspire.

We have a vast range of kitchens from the classic styled kitchens, or the more contemporary designs.

Design Service Available

www.devinekitchens.co.uk

Potato, carrot & coriander soupSheila Lane, Didsbury Village Women’s Institute


Recipe reproduced from Didsbury Dinners: The Low-Carbon Community Cookbook, with kind permission from the editor Amanda Woodvine.

Didsbury Dinners is an 80-page A4 glossy paperback packed full of recipes from local residents and groups. Buy your copy for just £6.99 from The Albert Club and Didsbury Civic Society. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards promoting local food sustainability.

[email protected]

Serves 4



1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Reci

pes

— D

idsb

ury

Vill

age

Wom

en’s

Inst

itute

54



The Women’s Institute, or WI, is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK. One such group is the Didsbury Village WI, founded in 2008. It is very much a friendship group, with the emphasis on fun. Its activity groups include wild walking, cake decorating, reading, knitting, theatre and dining. For further details, visit

www.didsburyvillagewi.co.uk

Serves 4

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic

2 large carrots, finely chopped

450g/15oz potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks

1 litre/approx 2 pints vegetable stock

3 tbsp of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large pan then gently fry the onion, garlic and carrots for 10 minutes.

Add the potatoes and stock and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Add the coriander, season to taste and simmer for a further 5 minutes.

Allow the soup to cool slightly then blend in a food processor or liquidiser.

Serve hot topped with fresh coriander leaves.

The Didsbury Handyman City & Guilds multi skilled Tradesman

Domestic & Commercial Public Liability Insurance

0777 852 3088

Environmentally AwareSmall works always welcome

Carpentry•Joinery•Electrical•PlumbingKitchens•Fencing•BuiltinFurniture•Decks

Gates•Shelves•Locks•Hardware

call Nick

v


20


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tag

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w.p

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Tel:

0798

9 40

6 85

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acc

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at: I

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252

Che

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Rd

Hul

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M15

4E

X

21

September is a month that seems to glow with a lowering sun and the hues of turning trees and shrubs in the garden. The perfect addition to this gradual change is the range of golden-yellow later flowering perennials for the border. Over the last few years, I have come to realise that most people have very strong feelings regarding their choice of flower colour in the garden. For example, a fellow garden designer friend of mine can’t stand any yellow coloured flowers in her own garden – a very common dislike I have since found out. But in the September garden, yellows, reds and oranges can really come into their own. Two particular perennials that can look particularly effective are Rudbeckia and Heleniums.

Rudbeckia, commonly known as Black-Eyed-Susan, are easy to grow and have daisy-shaped flowers with, unsurprisingly, a small dark centre. The variety ‘Goldstrum’ has been particularly popular in recent years. Heleniums come in a colour range of bright yellows through deep golds and rich reds – good examples are the popular ‘Moerheim Beauty’ and ‘Septembergold’. There is something about the velvety overlapping downward lean of the petals supporting a large cone centre that reminds me of the wings of a large colourful moth, and like the moth, Heleniums are best appreciated throughout the twilight of summer. Many varieties of Rudbeckia and Heleniums add some height for the border

and look particularly good in a ‘prairie-like’ setting i.e. with grasses that age well through the season. So if you have a particular aversion to yellow in the garden, I would urge you to reconsider. Regardless of our colour preferences, certain plants at certain times have a significance that transcends colour alone – most of us like daffodils for their cheery announcement of spring – maybe Rudbeckia and Heleniums could also be embraced for their gentle introduction to the quiet of autumn.

Katherine Watson, Fat Grass Garden Designs

September in your Garden by Katherine Watson


22


Community Index

PRINTLitho print • Digital print• Graphic Design Service

Email us for a quote: [email protected]

Tel: 0787 589 5604

Business Cards

Loyalty Cards

Leaflets

Flyers

Posters

Postcards

Letterheads

Compliment Slips

Useful Numbers

Business Index Please note: Community Index accepts no responsibility for transactions entered into or work undertaken by any of the businesses advertising in the Index or any loss, harm or damage arising from using any of the products & services listed.

23

Building & MaintenanceBest Cellars 14Broadoak Preservation 7Devine Building & Maintenance

2

Carpet CleaningProfresh 10Chimney SweepAcorn Chimney Sweeping Service

15

Dry CleanersVillage Dry Cleaners 10Estate AgentJP & Brimelow 24FloorsDevine Floorsanding 14Food & DrinkBarbakan Delicatessen 4GardensFat Grass Garden Design 21

Handyman/womanCarol Smith 19Didsbury Handyman 19Homes & Interiorswww.planetvintagegirl.com 20KitchensDevine Kitchens 18NurseryKidsunlimited 15OsteopathyBurton Road Clinic 17Painting & DecoratingGeorgina Cullen 10Sally Gilkes 14Carol Smith 19PetcarePetpals 19PlasteringKieran’s Quality Plastering 19

PrintingCommunity Index Print 22RadioJohn Lowry 6RemovalsAMS Removals 15RooferM Duffin 2ShoppingTagpassiton Didsbury 11Social GroupManchester Social Friends 19Therapy & HealingAlexander Technique 17Rose Divine, Angel Healing 9Window CleanerDidsbury Window Cleaning 15


Didsbury Amateur Dramaticswww.celestaplayers.co.uk

Didsbury Civic Societywww.didsburycivicsociety.org.uk

Didsbury Cricket Clubhttp://didsburyccsports.co.uk

Didsbury Good Neighbourswww.didsburygoodneighbours.comMarie Greenhalgh07749 504298

Didsbury Over 50s Group247 2323

Didsbury Village East Residents Associationwww.dvera.co.uk

Didsbury Village Women’s Institutewww.didsburyvillagewi.co.uk

Friends of Didsbury Parkwww.friendsofdidsburypark.co.uk

Friends of Fletcher Moss ParkAlan Hill 445 1535

Friends of Marie Louise Gardenswww.marielouisegardens.org.uk

Oxfam Didsbury434 5380

South Manchester Camera Clubwww.smcc.org.uk

West Didsbury Residents Associationwww.westdidsbury.org.ukPam Siddons 445 5406

West Didsbury Society for WritersJane Woolley 957 1663

DIDSBURY ON THE WEBhttp://didsbury.fetch.it/

CouncilManchester City Council 234 5000www.manchester.gov.uk

Environment on Call 954 9000

Didsbury Library 227 3755

Local Councillors Didsbury East

Andrew [email protected]

Andrew [email protected]

David [email protected]

Local Councillors Didsbury West

Mark [email protected]

Graham [email protected]

David [email protected]

ServicesCitizens Advice 0870 126 4094

Gas Emergency 0800 111 999

GMPTE 0870 6082 608

Bus, Train & Tram 228 7811

Rail Enquiries 0845 7484 950

NHS Direct 0845 4647www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Police - non emergency 872 5050

Samaritans 236 8000www.samaritans.org

Community

SALES: 0161 448 0622 [email protected] [email protected]

LETTINGS: 0161 445 2300 748a Wilmslow Rd Didsbury M20 2DW

www.jpbrimelow.co.uk@jpandbrimelow

KEEPCALM

AND WE WILL

SELL ON

SALES | 748a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 2DW T. 0161 448 0622 E. [email protected] LETTINGS | 721 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 0WF T. 0161 445 2300 E. [email protected]

Office also in Chorlton 0161 882 2233 and Withington 0161 445 9700

KEEPCALMAND LET US

RENTON

SALES | 748a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 2DW T. 0161 448 0622 E. [email protected] LETTINGS | 721 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 0WF T. 0161 445 2300 E. [email protected]

Office also in Chorlton 0161 882 2233 and Withington 0161 445 9700

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Community Index Didsbury Sept 2011

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