Centenary Booklet and Its Glimpses of Manley Park Building’S Life, Past and Present

100 YEARS OF WORSHIP, MISSION AND SERVICE

Cover artwork by Omar and Russell MINISTERS’ MESSAGE 2 We give thanks to God for Manley Park Methodist Church, and for 100 years of worship, mission and service.

We give thanks for those faithful people both past and present, who through their dedication to God, have Don’t be fooled by the date -1909 is contributed in so many ways to the life of the church and date of construction. The building made these centenary celebrations possible. opened early 2010 (honest!)

We are grateful for so many people’s prayers and good wishes during this special year and we are glad that some will be able to join with us in our celebration meal and worship services in June.

We ask for your ongoing prayers and support as we look to the future and seek fresh ways of living out our faith alongside our multi-cultural neighbours.

Thank you to all those who have given to the centenary fund. Half of the money raised this year will go to support the valuable community work, which takes place in the building, and we hope this will lead to the further development of our links with these local groups in the future.

We ask God’s blessing on our centenary programme this year, and look forward with hopeful anticipation to many more years of worship, mission and Lyn and Dave Gallimore service.

FROM THE EDITOR: Welcome to our centenary booklet and its glimpses of Manley Park building’s life, past and present. I make no apology for the plethora of over 250 photographs because we are a friendly bunch and like being seen together. You will find a large spectrum of articles from historical and reminiscing to news and advertising. You will see themes of history, continuity and looking to the future but you will also see a working partnership between Church and community. It is symbolic that the partition that forms the wall between church and community hall and rooms is a movable one. The building is one that has been well used and ‘hats off’ to its past. More importantly its present is full of energy and reaching out too .. . .so as you read on you can appreciate that there is a vision that includes more anniversaries to come. Inevitably with many authors there is a variety of styles, fonts and artwork and we urge you to enjoy the flavours and colours! Don’t forget to do the quiz and you must try our famous recipes. This booklet has just got to be worth the donation you made to our centenary fund ! Good reading.

Russell Kirby, church steward and editor. [email protected] 3 CONTENTS:

Don’t be fooled by the date -1909 is date of construction. The building opened early 2010 (honest!) HISTORY Page 4 - Building and Church Page 6 - 1910 Page 13 - Jewish settlement

Page 32 - Growing up in church groups Page 34 - War. Page 37 - Youth work in 1970’-80’s Page 41 - British Muslim Heritage Centre

WHAT’S ON NOW? Pages 18,19 - JNR8 celebrate/food4thought Pages 22-25 WHIZ/Thai box/gangs/girls Page 29 Youth on Solid Ground

MANLEY PARK SCHOOL Both Covers - check out the artwork! Page 20 - spot the teacher Page 26 - School competitions and winners

CHURCH Page 10 - Student Teams Page 21 - Manley Park Mix Page 28 - Local Preachers Page 40 - Past Ministers

MUSIC Page 14 - Church organ, piano + singing Page 16 - Jamaican Folk Ensemble ♫ Page 44 - Hymns written for this centenary ♪

PEOPLE Page 8 - Rose Queens Pages 17 + 20 Photos Page 46 - Weddings Page 47 - Greetings/best wishes

SOCIAL EVENTS Page 33 - Prestatyn Page 38 - Sports and social Page 39 - Sports and social 2

MORE ARTICLES Page 12 - Calfaria, the Welsh chapel Page 27 - School in Panama Page 31 - Politics and Green aspects of church

AND NOT LEAST Page 30 - Pilgrims way/Banner/centenary fund Page 36 - QUIZ Page 42 - Lettings Page 43 - Recipes

... And there’s more. Read on ... 4 congregation to start with volunteers from Whalley Range EARLY HISTORY- took the Church and Sunday Manley Park Methodist Church School posts temporarily until a new congregation could take over. the possibility of starting a new efore 1900, the area South B work in Manley Park. In the minutes of the December and West of Hulme and Moss 1901 meeting Manley Park Side was largely open country, The committee reported that appears for the first time in the farmland and smallholdings, there was a suitable site available numerical returns with 12 until you got to the village of on the corner of Egerton Road members. This steadily Chorlton-cum-Hardy apart and Clarendon Road at a increased to about 40 by the from the large houses of reasonable price and they were middle of the decade. Of course prosperous businessmen in authorised to buy it. However, the actual congregations would Whalley Range and along there was no money available at be far higher than this, and the Seymour Grove. This was now that time to build a Chapel on numbers in the Sunday School rapidly changing as large estates the land, so, for a few months in soon proved a headache [17 came on the market and 1900 services were held in children in 1901 became 81 by developers moved in. English in the new Welsh Chapel 1910 – Ed.]. while other possibilities were The local Wesleyan Methodist considered. One was to rent a As always, money was a Circuit covered Hulme, Moss room in Wellington Avenue, but problem. A new mission had Side, Whalley Range and while this was being thought been started in Cedar Street, Chorlton-cum-Hardy with the about an offer came from a Mr. J. Hulme in a very needy area and leading Church being Radnor Cunnah who owned some land a soup kitchen and clothing Street in Hulme and the Circuit on the corner of Clarendon Road distribution begun, so a new being known as the Radnor and Cromwell Avenue ‘to erect a building at Manley Park had to Street Circuit. With small building on the land and wait its turn. In fact in 1905 it redevelopment it is difficult to make such arrangements with was proposed to open a new say now exactly where the him as they think proper’. Of Church in Old Trafford on Church was but it was in the course this generous offer was Ayres Road but this came to general area of the old Hulme accepted, and the new premises nothing due to lack of funds. Hippodrome which still stands. were put under the control of the Other Churches were in Whalley Range Chapel and Money was always a big Whalley Range (Withington Leaders Meeting. problem even in Edwardian Road) and Chorlton times. Appeals were made and (Manchester Road). This building was opened in late Bazaars were held but somehow 1901 and was constructed of the balance at the bank was In 1899 the Quarterly Meeting of corrugated iron so it soon always overdrawn and interest the Radnor Street Circuit noted became known as the ‘Tin had to be paid draining the the rapid development of the Tabernacle’. As there was no funds even further. Manley Hall Estate and that there was no place of worship nearer The Bazaars were than the new parish of St. The Tin very grand affairs Werburgh formed in 1898; but Tabernacle usually lasting three the Church wasn’t opened until days, with a celebrity 1902. The Presbyterian Church opener (if one could of England (later St. Ninians) was be found) on each established in 1903 but the day. The souvenir Church not built until 1908. A booklet was also committee was set up (a typical rather grand, 72 Methodist response) to explore pages, landscape 5 format, 14 x 22 cm (5.5x8.5 was provided in the ‘present and some never returned. This inches) with details of all the building’ and a public meeting put a strain on the teachers and stalls, sideshows and followed in the evening. leaders and made it acceptable refreshments as well as adverts for women to do jobs they had not only for local shops and For the opening of the new build- not done before. Also, because business houses but national ing no less a person than the there were Army barracks on firms as well like Boots the President of the Methodist Con- Upper Chorlton Road, soldiers Chemists and McDougall’s flour. ference was the speaker. This were billeted on the local Bazaars were held in aid of was on Friday 21st January 1910, residents with them having no Manley Park at Radnor Street, say in the matter and making it then on Sunday 23rd the ex- Whalley Range and Chorlton harder for normal life to continue. President of Conference and later at Manley Park itself. preached and on Sunday 30th it was the turn of the President- Manley Park school class about 1911. By 1908 it was obvious that Many in this picture attend the Methodist Church things would have to be got designate. All the ‘Big Guns’ moving. Money was being paid came to little Manley Park. Al- out in interest on loans and on though the opening was in Janu- rental for the temporary ary there was still work going on buildings plus maintenance until March. which would be better spent on building a new school/chapel on Manley Park must have been the land they already owned. A one of the few Churches built at new committee was formed (of that time not to have had fixed The streets at this time were all course) and they soon got down pews. There is an item in the paved with setts which were to the business of appointing an accounts for chairs, £46/6/- better for the horses hooves to architect, Mr Edward W Leeson (£46.30). Curiously, there is no get a purchase on; the only of Manchester, and raising funds. mention of an organ or any other exception being half of Alport means of leading the singing, Avenue which was always Mr Leeson had built a Method- until in 1913 there is a sale of concrete [These setts are still there ist Church in Glazebrook the work to raise £80 for a new pipe and can be seen when the surface year before and this was used as organ. There was a choir but asphalt is removed for repairs –Ed.] a basis and modified for Manley Methodism is not known for Milk was brought round twice a Park use. The contractors were services. Perhaps a har- day in a churn with a pony and W. Rowlands and son of 78, monium had been brought from trap. You brought out your own Clarendon Road, Whalley Range. another church until an organ container and a measured The terra cotta facings and proba- could be purchased. amount was poured in - no bly the bricks were delivered to fridges then! Mrs. Willott was Chorlton Station and brought As the years went by more and the caretaker at Manley Park; from there probably by horse more houses were built in the and later Miss Willott. They and cart as there were very few area and the Church practiced were related to Mr Clare. They petrol lorries around at the time. that ‘aggressive evangelism’, took a real pride in the job even which the Quarterly Meeting to ‘donkey stoning’ the broad The stone-laying ceremony on had advised, leafleting new steps up to the main entrance. housing as it was built. Saturday 17th July was described Not a speck of dust was allowed Uniformed organisations and a as a glorious day, which was just inside. This was in the days church youth club were formed as well, as there were seven when Trafford Park was the as well as fellowship groups. In people laying stones. Did they ‘Workshop of the World’ and the the First World War there were all have to make a speech? [the air was full of dust and nasties. no air raids but plenty of silver trowel used that day will cut austerity and long queues for our anniversary cake this year! Ed] This early history was written by food. A lot of the young men The Cedar Street Brass Band Philip Lloyd. He is happy for more from the Church went to the stories and additions. would also be grateful for the trenches in France and Belgium, [email protected] good weather. Afterwards tea 6 It is 1910 and .. long with from commercial activity’. Emily has something to tell us the trains Our Church looks grand on the 3 or 4 corner opposite the farm (P). times an Father is a trustee and says it is My Name is Emily Parker. My hour. And isn’t it fantastic there one of the last pieces of land husband, Manley and I live in are aeroplanes now! The first from the Manley Hall estate one of those new houses (A ) ever flight to Manchester from left and they got it for £600. near Manley Hall (F). I’m very London landed near Fog Lane We are Wesleyan Methodist so excited because our church is Park only a few months back we are well ordered and we all moving to new buildings (B) but they say a later one landed have jobs to do in the church. I and we can get out of our tin near Chorlton! Can’t see that I think the people from the shed of a place (C). will ever fly. ‘Welsh Chapel’ (Q) next door I’m going to tell you about the I like the shops on Clarendon are too informal but they sing area around here. I live near the Road for most things but Chorl- real well! border between Manley Park ton is good to visit. I go past and Whalley Range. It is great Hawarden (pronounced MAP extra details to walk along Clarendon Road ‘Harden’) House (I) and down and up York Avenue to take the track through the fields. I ( F ) Manley Hall land went for Wesley to school at Manley always have to watch Wesley houses in the 1920s. Park. We go past the rows of and Sarah over the two planks ( J ) The site of the footbridge terraced houses (D) built with of the footbridge (J) or they are is roughly at the junction of the help of Welsh immigrants bound to fall in. Egerton Rd North and Brant- to house the workers from What can I say of the big houses ingham. If you listen carefully Wales and nearer in to and other places? You will you can still hear the stream Manchester. The “Rec” as we know of the only two times flowing in the culvert under- call it (E) is a bit rough but the this area has been in the nation- neath - be careful of the traffic. line of trees is beautiful – I al press. There was that shoot- ( K )The Seymour Hotel from wonder what will become of ing of the Policeman Nicholas the mid 1920s. the land? Of course Wesley and Cock by Charlie Peace outside ( O ) Manley Park School was Sarah love the school (O) with West Point House (K). He con- a ‘temporary corrugated iron its corrugated iron roof and fessed before they hanged him roofed and walled building and walls and view over to the for another murder but I won- remained so until after the 2nd Manley Hall ruins (F). I’m sure der if he really did it? Then World War. Sarah will get to Whalley there was that amazing Warrell ( R ) Lancashire Independent Range High (G) when she’s divorce case – fancy, a divorce, College trained people for the older – it is a very progressive what are we coming to? The Congregational ministry. The area to have had a girl’s High Warrells lived at Crimsworth GMB Union building in 1985, since 1880. Father says there (L) and he had all that money it is now the Islamic Heritage was local opposition to being a dye works owner. They Centre. educating girls! Most of us say he had lots of telephones ( S ) Became Range Warehous- walk of course, a few come by and there are still less than 300 es. horse-drawn bus, some down on the whole Chorlton ex- ( T ) The Muth family moved the tramway on Upper change. Robert Rohleder the to Beech Hurst from Withing- Chorlton Road (H) and some cotton and umbrella merchant, ton but after 1910. They angli- from the big houses use their lives at Doenberg (M). Whalley cised their name to Marlowe own horse carriages. House (N) is where Samuel and had an astronomical ob- Actually transport is very good. Brooks Esq. lived – him who servatory in the garden. I get the train to Manchester bought and drained the land to sometimes with my father who build Whalley Range in the first NB. Demand for trains was so has a ‘season ticket’ - one up for place. Father says he gave strict high consideration was given Chorlton as we’ve had these instructions how the houses to 4 lines out of Chorlton . tickets for 30 years and they are were to be built and what with hence the extra wide bridge at only starting nationally this so it could remain an ‘exclusive Mauldeth Road West. year. We don’t have to wait residential development free

é ownedé and developed the land of Manley Park.was He

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the development of the development canalthe Suez coming, lost his money and died in poverty in 1884.

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UPPER CHORLTON ROAD CHORLTON UPPER

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Rose Queen Mavis Gill

Mrs Bailey crowns SE QUEEN Audrey Yuille O The S R Rose Queen Festival was an annual event at Manley Park for around 40 years. One Saturday in summer the church would be festooned with bunting welcoming the local community to partake in home- made cakes, rifle through the jumble and enjoy fun and games on the church lawn. Entrance was free but any monies Minoli raised from socialising and stalls would go towards church funds. de Mel And then a break in the proceedings, and the carpet rolled out, (or retire to the church, depending on the weather), for the crowning ceremony itself. Renée Critten At the front, the retiring Rose Queen, then the music struck up – “Gold and and Valerie Silver Waltz” by Lehar – the traditional piece for the ceremony at Manley Bateson Park. The petal throwers processed up the aisle, then the new incumbent in bridal white followed by more children throwing petals, as if at a wedding ceremony. A few words exchanged and the crown was handed over. Wearing the long, white dresses, home-made by relatives or members of the congregation was the highlight of the day for the teenagers taking part. Rose Queens, Rose-Buds and Petal Throwers were all young members of Manley Park Sunday School chosen by the Sunday School leader for the role. A parade would then be organised on a Sunday following this event. After the morning service the entire congregation would gather outside church then Janet Smith process around the local streets with the local community looking on. The route would change year on year, but would have taken a circular route – perhaps: Egerton Rd North; Clarendon Road; Marlborough Avenue; Brantingham Road; and Cromwell Avenue. Leading, were the 63rd Manchester Boys Brigade Band and banner bearers – two strong men from the Wesley Guild. The banner was blue with gold tassels and bore the Church name, also in gold. Following were the Rose Queen, Rose Bud, retiring Rose Bud and retiring Rose Queen then the rest of the Sunday School. Finally other members of Rosebud Queen the congregation completed the processional party. Judith Bourne Rose Queens had a duty to appear at special events in Beryl Hampson the Church calendar, such as the Christmas fair, although these varied over the years. All ex ☺ Rose Queens, however, remember how special the event made them feel.

Rose Queen Beryl Hampson and Rose Queen crowning presented to Miss Sue Shaw ceremony Lilly Mitchell 9 Beryl Hampson Rose Queen 1968 Parades

Renée Critten

Boys Brigade

“.. The Rose Queen had a full retinue of petal throwers, a page boy, train bearers and Gillian ladies-in-waiting, which stayed with her when she was the retiring queen. The Rose Bud Susan Rosie Janet Smith Smith Queen had two attendants. The Rose Bud Queen was crowned by the retiring Rose Queen Shaw Brown and presented with a bible by the retiring Rose Bud Queen. Mrs Cartman had responsibility for the Rose Queen festival and practices started well in advance. On the day itself, the partition was drawn back, the pulpit removed and the stage Mock Wedding moved to the back of the Church and turned round so that the communion rail was at the back. This is where the Rose Queen sat; the Rosebud Queen sat off to one side and the Retiring Rose Queen off to the other. After all the queens and their attendants had processed up to the stage-end and taken the seats, there was the crowning and speeches. At some point there was dancing by members of the Sunday school. The stalls for 1964 and 1966 (Teas, Sweets, Ices, Minerals, Fancy Stall, Flower Stall and Side Shows) were setup outside the rear of the church. In both years the procession of witness was on the following day - starting at 12 noon. I remember the blue and gold Church banner with tassels and ribbons”. Debbie Evans (née McNulty)

In Clarendon Road

Mavis Gill

Barbara Cartman

Church Hall Cheer Leaders

Cromwell Avenue

Year Rose Bud Queens Rose Queens ? Audrey Yuille ? Judith Bourne ?’53 Renée Crompton ? Mavis Gill ? Beryl Munifox ?’57 Ann Salisbury ?’58 Minoli de Mel ?’59 Barbara Cartman Janet Smith Rosemary Mitchell Colour photos came in 1963 Elaine Shaw Susan Chinnery later but we don’t have 1964 Debbie McNulty Anne Hulme photos of most of the 1965 Helen Smith Linda Stephens participants. Nor do we 1966 Sylvia Marrin Janet Smith have a record of all the Janet 1967 Christine Stephens Sylvia Wilcock ? Rose queens and Rosebud Smith 1968 Ukatchi Nwagbara Beryl Hampson Queens. Can you help? Helen Smith 1969 ? Rosie Brown Send photos, memories or 1970 Gillian Smith Susan Shaw details to the editor. 10 the principalship of Revd (now NATIONAL INFLUENCE Dr) Dick Jones. Graham was ‘Student Team Years’ with us until 1982 when he an Experiment in Ministerial Training succeeded Dick Jones as and Pastoral Oversight Principal and Revd Tom Stuckey became Tutor. Tom The mid-1970s saw Manley with the Circuit and, because led the team until the link with Park Methodist Church Manley Park seemed an Manley Park ended in 1990 accepting and welcoming the appropriate setting, with the (though links between the challenge to play a key role in Church. On all sides, to the best College and the Circuit the training of Methodist of my recollection, the proposal continued). Graham and Vera ministers. Although Methodist was warmly welcomed. It has Slater and Tom and Chris ministerial training had moved to be said that a number of Stuckey continued to be held in from the former Hartley those who had formed the great esteem and affection by Victoria College (HVC) backbone of Manley Park’s the folk at Manley Park after building on Alexandra Road leadership had moved away, their years in Manchester. We South, the College still owned a passed away or become unable have been delighted that Tom number of houses in the area. to maintain their previous roles. and Chris have been able to Some were quite close to But it would not be fair to say share of Manley Park’s Manley Park and some students that this was just seen as a centenaries and that Tom and families began to worship lifeline. The Church genuinely preached at Manley Park during with us. In 1974, the former saw the possibilities of what his year as President of the Withington Circuit was faced was being proposed, not least as Methodist Conference. with having to reduce the a way of making a contribution number of ministers. The Revd to Methodist ministerial This ‘experiment’ was primarily Colin Colclough, one of whose training. And this scheme about making a contribution to pastoral charges was Manley cemented the links which had ministerial formation. Nearly Park, was due to move on. At already begun to develop with forty students spent periods of the same time, at HVC, student families living in the time on the ‘team’. Some had consideration was being given neighbourhood. greater involvement than others to improving the practical – in particular those who lived experience of those in nearby and whose ministerial training. In a paper families also considered by the college late in became part of 1974 it was noted that although the fellowship. students had various ‘Circuit They have gone Practice’ placements, “...there are on to minister in no regular experiences in which the UK and students have sustained overseas in a responsibility (for) any aspect of variety of Graham and capacities. A Church life” and therefore that Vera Slater “...the college would like to number have experiment with a situation in maintained links which a student team, drawn with Manley Park from men and women at all So, in September 1975, Manley and have visited from time to stages of their college life, would Park’s pastoral oversight was time. It may seem invidious to be totally responsible for taken over by a student team pick out names, but I wonder running a Church, but under the under the leadership of Revd how many of us thought that final guidance of a Tutor”. (At Graham Slater who had the young Martyn Atkins would that time ministerial training previously been in the area as become the Revd Dr Martyn was normally full-time and Methodist Chaplain to the Atkins, General Secretary of the college based.) University of Manchester and Methodist Church. (Dare I say who had recently been that I doubt whether Martyn This suggestion was discussed appointed Tutor at HVC under would have envisaged that as a 11 possibility!) We are of course with the College’s weekly and about not leaving things to delighted that Alison Tomlin is service for which there seemed the minister. able to share our centenary to be a three-line whip. More celebrations just before she seriously, there was concern as This type of arrangement embarks on her year as who was actually the person to would not easily fit current Conference President contact should ‘the minister’ be patterns of ministerial required. But perhaps an formation. But it was a far- There were inevitably some unforeseen plus was that this sighted venture and Manley concerns and tensions: the contributed not only to Park can feel some satisfaction tradition of holding Church ministerial formation but to in the contribution it made Council meetings on Mondays Manley Park formation as the over the fifteen team-years. began when they had to shift church learned something from Tuesdays to avoid a clash about a collective self-reliance Arian Curtis

Jim Dobson Andy Foster Philip Wren Roger Dunlop

Some Team Members And students Jonathan Christopher Doreen from the Kerry Mabb Hare past

STUDENTS (Team and Congregation) STUDENTS (Team and Congregation) Tutor: Rev Graham Slater 1975-1982 Tutor: Rev Tom Stuckey 1982-1990 Tony Clarke (Anthony) and Merryl Peter Taylor Wilfred (Wilf) Kaburu Jim Dobson and Marilyn Derek Palmer Alison Tomlin Malcolm Purdy and Marbeth Will Hunter Philip Seaton and Pauline John Atkinson Barrie Morley and Joan Albert Gayle Peter Bedford Ian Gibson John Fenner Ken Stokes John Izzard and Marian Pam Pettitt John Saville and Ruth Patrick Slattery Peter Summers and Jan Bruce Thompson Martyn Atkins Jonathan Kerry and Debbie Andrew Maguire Geoff cowling Andy Foster and Janice Kathy Smith Philip Wren Peter Cross and Pauline Doreen Hare Roger Dunlop and Ruth Bob Little Elizabeth Peters Christopher Mabb John Wiltshire and Judy 12 between them was symbolically Calfaria -The ‘WELSH CHAPEL’ removed. Egerton Road North The building was initially used by the Sunday School for some of Would you like to rent a One of the congregation was the its classes. In the next 50 years it delightful 50 square metre coal merchant for the area who was used by many different building with a small kitchen, a lived in College Drive. He was groups, for meetings and also for toilet and an interesting history? known as ‘Jones the coal’ and worship (in English!) on Sunday It is the small building next door would have used the depot at the Evenings. to the Methodist Church. sidings at Chorlton station. The building came close to Many immigrants from Wales Rev. T. Aneurin Evans again extinction in 1986 as Dry Rot – came into the Manley Park and - “It was in this Chapel that the fungus that lives off wood Whalley Range areas in the late I and my brothers and sister and destroys bricks and mortar – 19th century to build the houses were baptised and received was discovered. “One of the on land recently drained and into membership. I biggest fruiting bodies we’ve seen” released to developers. Many preached my very first was found under the floor and were Methodists, the church sermon in the little Chapel led to the loss of the altar begun by John and Charles and it was here that I felt the platform and half the floor and walls. Members of the Wesley 150 years before. They call to ordained ministry in congregation put down bibles wanted to worship in their own 1954. The little Chapel was and hymn books and picked up building and so in 1880 built the my ‘spiritual home’ and I chapel called Calfaria saws, trowels, hammers, (pronounced ‘Kal va ria’) chemical spray guns, paint and meaning Calvary, the place The proud history of the chapel varnish. ‘Calfaria’ was saved for where Jesus Christ was crucified. which belonged to the the future, its work not yet done. It cost £1000. It is not known if Manchester circuit of the First they were exclusively Wesleyan North Wales District synod This year of 2010 has been one or if there were Calvinistic came to an end with closure on of refurbishment for the Chapel. Methodists as well. Services October 30th 1956. At a meeting Roof fixed, Floor sanded, toilet were for a long time exclusively that month Calfaria was plastered and fitted out, new in the Welsh language. represented by T.H.Evans, kitchen, new electrics, full re- Gwilym Evan and Rev Berwyn painting, entrance hall re- “The walls of the Chapel Roberts and it was noted that decorated. Double glazing is echoed with the sound of membership was down to ten; planned for 2011. It doesn’t wonderful Welsh singing repairs of £100 were needed; pretend to be a palace but and (rather long) Welsh that it received a shilling each proudly remains a Chapel with a sermons preached by some year for ‘right of light’; and it Welsh origin, a history of worship of the great preachers of should be sold. Manley Park by Methodists and service to Welsh Methodism” purchased the chapel for £400. groups and the community. The debt was cleared by selling This quote is from the Rev. T. the land adjoining Clarendon It is what it is – a part of the Aneurin Evans who spent the Road for the unexpectedly high history of Manley Park and first 20 years of his life at 18 Park sum of £775. The church lost a somewhere to be used. Drive which was then one of the tennis court, new houses built on the site of allotments and a the original Manley Hall. His big maintenance Grandparents came from Wales headache. Manley in the 1880s seeking work in Park Methodist, Manchester and lived at 42 York which those at Avenue. His wife was one of the Calfaria called Williams’ living two doors down “The English at number 38. The chapel Chapel”, took flourished and saw many over the premises weddings, baptisms and funerals. and the fence Garden upgrade in 2010 13 housed in Kershaw House, a JEWISH SETTLEMENT hostel created by the Manchester Jewish Refugees In Whalley Range Committee in Alexandra Road South, and later by the From the earliest days of Jewish All Saints, now well out of appointment of a refugee, Rabbi settlement in Manchester, while walking distance, was replaced Felix Carlebach, as its minister. the main ‘Jewish Quarter’ in 1913 by the fine new building After flourishing a the major evolved in north Manchester, a on Wilbraham Road which still centre of Judaism in south handful of Jewish families chose exists. The domed synagogue Manchester, the South to live to the south of the city. was designed by the Jewish Manchester Synagogue in In the late 1840s Victoria Park architect, Joe Sunlight, who also Wilbraham Road, like its and Plymouth Grove attracted built (and owned) Sunlight predecessor, lost its value as a Jewish export merchants, chiefly House in Deansgate and also place of worship as its of German origin, trading in developed cheap housing in congregants moved still further Manchester cotton goods. In Crumpsall and beyond, correctly south towards Bowdon, where the 1860s this southern anticipating a movement of yet another new South community was increased by Jewish families northwards Manchester Synagogue now families of shopkeepers, again from Cheetham Hill. The South exists. The Wilbraham Road chiefly Germans, but now highly Manchester Synagogue served building remains, however, as a anglicised. moving across the the much smaller body of place of worship, a social and city from Cheetham Hill which orthodox Jewish merchants and study centre, for Jewish students at that time was experienced the shopkeepers in the Fallowfield lodging in the area. It is settlement of Yiddish-speaking area. while those who favoured currently in the process of Russian Jews fleeing poverty Reform, thus freeing themselves reconstruction to better serve and persecution in the Tsarist from restrictions on Sabbath these purposes. Empire. As the area became travel, were able to travel across densely populated by Eastern town to the Reform Synagogue The role of Whalley Range in Europeans, these anglicised in Park Place, Cheetham Hill. local Jewish history is primarily shopkeepers sought a more Jewish settlers in Fallowfield, as a port of call: for Jewish open and sophisticated (and however, were chiefly orthodox families moving southwards more English) life in the and of German origin (the into the leafy suburbs and for southern suburbs. By 1872 they Ashkenazim), but included a few Jewish refugees of the 1930s were sufficiently numerous to merchants who had migrated to either middle-class refugees convert houses in All Saints into Manchester from the coastlands seeking a haven in which they the first South Manchester of the Mediterranean (the might feel comfortable or young Synagogue. The form of service Sephardim, who later developed refugee women seeking the was a slightly anglicised version their own congregations in posts as domestic servants of orthodox Judaism described Withington, which still exist). which alone made it possible for at the time as ‘gentle reform’ to The new South Manchester them to enter Britain. The distinguish it from the Synagogue provided them with social life of young refugees also heterodox Reform Movement. rabbinical leadership, daily found venues in Kershaw The later history of these services, a social life and an House or in the first families, as their social elementary education in headquarters of the Free ambitions developed, like those Hebrew and religion for their German League in Clarendon of their non-Jewish neighbours, children. Road. Although a few refugees was essentially a movement still live in Whalley Range, their southwards along the line of During the 1930s many numbers can be counted on one Oxford Road into Manchester’s refugees from Germany and hand. The area never took growing southern suburbs. The Austria chose to settle in South shape as a preferred place of first stop (in the 1890s) was Manchester and most became permanent Jewish settlement. Fallowfield, where a number of members of the South Jewish families settled along Manchester Synagogue. This Wilbraham Road. To meet their refugee connection was Thanks to Bill Williams religious needs the synagogue in reinforced by young refugees 14 This original organ had two manuals, with a range of MUSIC in Manley Park stops (voices) on each and a Methodist Church Worship pedal board. This was built into the alcove in the south east corner of the Church. The resonance of the alcove Music has always been an gives richness and character important component of to the sound. The organist Methodist Worship. This is sat facing the instrument and characterised by an could see the congregation inclusiveness, Methodist over their right shoulder or congregations tend to sing by using the mirror provided. lustily. Such enthusiasm and even rejection of With regular tuning and a conventional, delicate, ‘music’ little maintenance organs are is certainly not an indication very reliable instruments. that ‘anything goes’ as long as The original served the you enjoy it. The meaning of congregation for seventy the words of hymns is vital. years. The Wesley’s put a great deal of effort into ensuring that One of the early organists the words of Hymns reflected was a Mr Lowe. Joe their theology. Methodists, Bamforth tells us that he including those at Manley Organs are odd instruments, lost his toes from frostbite Park, continue to ‘sing their every one is unique. Indeed in the first World War. theology’. The congregation pipe organs are adjusted to fit And that “people were enjoy singing from a range of their buildings. The original amazed at how well he traditions, this is a organ at Manley Park was could play” democratic activity, there is installed in 1912 although it (quite a feat - Ed) no choir. The singing is led wasn’t paid for until 1913 by by an organ and from time to a “sale of work that required time by a grand piano. The a huge investment of time Nevertheless repair work to a piano was originally in use in and energy to raise the pipe organ has always been Upper Moss Lane Primitive required finance. expensive.. Methodist Chapel in 1932 and donated by the choir. In the early 1980s the bellows (actually this was an Organ stop from first instrument electric pump under the floor) needed to be replaced, other insults included water from a leaky roof and heavy objects being dropped onto the pipes. The identity of these ‘object(s)’ remains a mystery to the congregation but this was associated with decorating work and the object may even have been one of the decorators!

“Sale of work’ to pay off the At this point insurance came debt owed in 1913 to the rescue and also the Church Organ 1912 - 1981 15 organ was sold ‘for parts’, view over the top of the resonance of the board were that is, most of the pipes instrument. cancelling each other out. were recycled into other Some days after this it instruments. The total from Recently it has been noticed occurred to me that turning all sources including a few of that something loose in one the instrument a little, to the pipes being sold to of our new gas wall heaters avoid the back board being members of the congregation resonates when a loud, low A parallel with the walls might was the sum of £1500 is played. For some Hymns help. A quick heave on one pounds which also happened it is as if the heater is singing corner and the problem was to be the cost of the along! In the past, a part of solved, the instrument once instrument and installation as the stained glass window more takes advantage of the paid off in 1913. made a less musical rattle in resonance of the alcove for response to particular notes. the full range of notes. As a replacement an electronic instrument was Several years ago it was One difficulty that has installed. This has rather noted that some very low occurred with the electronic more voices than the original, notes seemed not to be instrument that could never but the variety of sounds may sounding. The engineer was have occurred with the pipe be more limited, but so are called in to investigate, but organ is that for some time it the maintenance bills! The decided that there was happened to act as an aerial electronics are rather dated, a nothing that he could do. and pick up the radio signal similar instrument today His ‘diagnosis’ was that the of a local taxi company. The might include voices that are back board, which is organist had to turn it off based on recordings of pipes intended to resonate, was between hymns or the in other organs being ‘catching’ reflected sounds speakers would deliver activated by digital programs. from the church walls. At messages about picking up However it does make its the critical frequency (the customers from local mark on the building. It is note affected did vary slightly landmarks. The solution was sited in the alcove but the with the weather, to add an earthed screen to player now faces the temperature and humidity) the inside of the cabinet in to congregation and has a direct the reflected sounds and the shield the sensitive parts from the radio waves. Radio technology has moved on but old habits die hard, organists continue to switch it off when it is not being used. This has other benefits, in particular it limits the disturbance for the occasional mishap, for example, a heavy book being dropped on to the keyboard or (much worse) the pedals.

It is interesting to note the way the complex instrument responds to and creates resonance it it’s surroundings. Could it be that this is similar to the way a congregation influences the community Hilary Curtis, our longest serving organist around it?

John Cavill 16

and our ethnic cultural JAMAICAN FOLK activities together with Ensemble Manchester appreciation of the Arts. We also enable children of Jamaican origin who are The Jamaican Folk Ensemble artistic creativity and African experiencing an identity crisis (Manchester) came into aesthetic forms to enrich a to be given the opportunity being in January 1980, as a wide cross section of people to create an interest and response to a cultural need living and working within motivation in our culture, and the stimulus of nostalgic Manchester. and to fulfil some of their reflection. It is a collective A specific purpose of the emotional needs. representing the African and group is to introduce insight Caribbean folk music and create interest in our community across Manchester that has been developed to raise the profile of African Caribbean folk music. The ensemble reflects different aspects of Caribbean

cultural heritage. Although the group has experienced a period of transition today our aims remain the same presenting the flavour of our Jamaican dialect poetry and folksongs 17 MANLEY PARK FOLK Past and present

Carol singing

Mrs Young Mrs Berry

aged 90 in 2009

Miss Marian S. Baynes

Benjamin Jaquiss at 83 yrs Cyril and Mrs Mossman Mrs BrownMrs

Bert Jaquiss at 95 yrs.

Margaret Salisbury

Ken Critten’s ‘grandfather Anderson’ who attended Manley Park. The lad, Harold Scarman was killed in 1943 flying with

coastal command. Mr Chester Watson Chester Mr 18 Celebrating the diversity of Whalley Range: Call Chris @ JNR8 on 881 3744

Free accessible Community events, activities and fun from ‘Celebrate’

The JNR8 centre can become a fun, busy and exciting place to meet with friends old and new.

From lantern making to skipping, to clowning, dancing, and singing, cooking, playing and making There’s something for everyone at JNR8 19 Celebrating the diversity of Whalley Range: Call Chris @ JNR8 on 881 3744

The JNR8 centre has a history of successful cookery sessions - including the JNREAT project which created the Food 4 Us practical guide to cookery sessions - and led to the TV appearance of some of the young cooks on Ready Steady Cook.

The cooking and sharing of food is a very important aspect of JNR8 Youth & Community centre; some of the young people who attend come from single parent homes where often the parent will be out at work in the evenings. The centre serves as a welcoming ‘2 nd home’ often providing the only chance of a hot, freshly cooked meal, created in a supportive welcoming environment with friends and staff working together.

The under 12’s weekly cookery club focuses on the importance of a healthy diet, basic cooking skills, safety in the kitchen and basic food hygiene; we have an ongoing recipe book which we share with other groups, families and friends.

Celebrating the Diversity of Whalley Range: Call Chris on 881 3744 20 21 Many of the members went to Bridgewater Hall in Hulme MANLEY PARK ‘MIX’ and that in turn was forced to close because of the building We are many parts of the Mancunion Way, inner but one body ring road so members moved to Wesley Methodist Church, Over the years churches form, The building stays the same Hulme. This too had to close open and close. Often church only the administration chang- in 2003 and a group of (small ‘c’) is used for the es! members began to attend building and Church (big ‘c’) Manley Park. for the body of people - use is A number of churches have not always consistent. “ceased to worship” over the Another aspect of ‘mix’ is that years and at the point of of black and white members ‘Manley Park Methodist’ closure the congregation must of the congregation. Members Church was a group of decide which church to from the Caribbean began to Wesleyan Methodists who change to. Usually a hard form part of the congregation decided that a certain area decision and usually from the 1960’s. The minister, with new houses needed to necessitating a ‘splitting’ of Rev David Kynaston, have their particular Christian the congregation to different probably performed more presence long before it was a churches. Notable splits have weddings and christenings church building as such. led to groups of Methodists than any other at Manley coming to Manley Park on Park. Folk came mainly from An example of Manley Park the closure of their chapels. Jamaica, some from Barbados Church’s caring for each other. and Nevis and St Kitts. Radnor Street church was Methodism is strong on the In the early Church records a sold in the late 1930's and a islands and the influence prominent name is Tom Mitchell of Granville Avenue, later of 2, group transferred to Manley remains strong today with Spencer Avenue. Tom died Park. The old building was communication, prayer and comparatively young, leaving made into a cinema – some holidays bridging across the his widow, Lizzie, with very from the church spelled it ocean. little to live on. However, some ‘sinema’ – and when it burnt Manley Park friends got together down a few years later this Like many Churches a mix of and subscribed an amount each was considered a judgement. ages is something we are week to help her out. This, they having to try much harder to told her, was from a Church fund Great Bridgewater Street achieve. The building, and she never knew it was a Mission was forced to close however, through the private arrangement. She lived to make way for the building community groups has loads to a great age, being looked after of the Great Northern of children and young people - devotedly by her niece Winnie Railway Company warehouse. check this booklet out! Burton, from Louth in Lincolnshire, and the fund continued up to her death

by Philip Lloyd, whose mother was one of the subscribers.

The Methodist churches in an area are formed into ‘circuits’ of anything from a small group to up to 30 plus. Manley Park has been in a number of different circuits including: Hulme Radnor Street: Whalley Range: Chorlton and Moss Side: Bridgewater Hall Manchester Withington: 22 what’s going on at .... WHIZ Youth Project? We provide a space for young people to have fun and take part in leisure/sport activities. Come join us in: MON Girls Only - Thai Boxing Dance - Street, Making Music Group Discussions Food come and tell us what you want! Cooking Music Workshops Pool TUE Whiz Drop in 4-6pm Drama Thai Boxing 6:30-7:30pm Trips out Gaming 7:30-9:00pm Fun WED Gang and Social Gaming Sessions Awareness Sessions Let’s Cook A Place to: 6-9pm Chill-out THURS Whiz Drop in 4-6pm Chat Thai Boxing 6:30-7:30pm Meet new friends Gaming 7:30-9:00pm Get info/advice

We provide volunteering, employment or training opportunities for the young people who attend the project, encouraging them to move from NEET to EET, and get involved in issues that affect them and their community If you are aged 11 to 19 and want to get involved in any of the activities we have on offer, come along and meet youth workers and other young people and share ideas and interests.

82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 0BG For more details contact Alison on 0161 881 3744 Thai Boxing at Whiz 23 The Youth centre attached to Methodist Church on Cromwell Ave in Whalley Range, brings back unforgettable memories till this day. I have lived in Whalley Range for more than Thirty Years and the Church is only around the corner from my home, this is the place as child we used to play hide & seek and we Made our first gang den in the bushes in the back gardens, we would meet up here after school. I used to hide out in the den from my family when getting into trouble ENOUGH SAID! In the early 90’s the church was a full time Thai Boxing gym. I was in my teens by now. Our trainer, Oliver Harrison also lived close by and set it up. This is where I made lots of friends from different areas; we were like a big family supporting each other. Most of all for me this is where I began my career as a professional Boxer / Thai Boxer winning the British Muay Thai Boxing title in 1987 -1994 and fighting on the England team, then pro-boxing 1995 - 2000 Then three years ago in 2007 Mike from the Whiz project, a mentor, asked me to teach Thai Boxing at the church for the youth in the area. I snatched this opportunity as I have a passion to support any community through this sport and also to re-envisage the past memories at the church.

Noor Wahid (Fats)

Thai Boxing is becoming increasingly popular. New equipment has made a huge difference to attendance.

“Its a lot easier to train, there’s no setbacks or time wasting. Now we can get on with it!’

Young person Whiz

Training involves: running, shadowboxing, rope jumping, medicine ball exercises and weight training.

Training that is specific includes training with coaches on Thai pads, focus mitts, heavy bags and sparring. 24

Our Gang and Social Awareness sessions are very well received and attended.

These sessions include cooking, where food is eaten after the session; we see cooking as an essential part of our work – our young people come together, there are no barriers and they can relax. This picture was taken before Mr Joe Kelly re-did the cupboards and the kichen!

Increased attendance to the Gang Awareness sessions is proving that our work is successful in its own right – engaging young people rather than have them stood on street corners and getting involved with gang members and/ or drug dealers, thus reducing the fear of intimidation and crime within the community. 25 GIRLS AT WHIZ Our Girls Only space provides a positive opportunity to engage with local young women

Girls at Whiz applied successfully at the Whalley Range U Decide event and are now putting into place the Street Dance workshops .....

You need your Girl Space... Come and meet new friends De-stress Chill out Chat Get info/advice Most importantly... TELL US WHAT YOU WANT!

‘I really enjoy drama, it gives us a Come join us in: chance to behave in ways we wouldn’t normally - we had a great laugh this day’ Arts n Crafts Young person, Whiz Cooking Trips Dance Pool Music Drama Fun 26

winner, Omar Almohy, having MANLEY PARK METHODIST CHURCH the chance to have his entry as Manley Park Methodist Church has been open for MANLEY the cover. All of the entries were a long time and has a lot of history. It has different great and some of the others are areas and lots of activities, for example:- cooking, on the back cover. kickboxing, craft stalls and much more. It also PARK holds weddings, funerals and birthday parties as well as other functions. The church has stained glass windows and high ceilings that are man The competition for posters was made. Lots of people enjoy going there and they SCHOOL equal between Razeen, Yahya have so much fun. It’s quite popular. Manley Park Methodist Church was opened in 1910 when a and Sameera from 4RA and group of Christians decided they needed a bigger The school has helped a lot with Ethan from 3JM The place to worship. This year the church will be celebrating 100 years of mission, worship and this booklet and not just with competition for writing a history service. It was popular in the 1950s and they had the covers.. However we will was between Dawood and a Sunday school of over 200 children. They held a ‘May Queen’ procession and paraded through the start with them. Maryam of 5UA, Eram of 3HB local streets. In the 1960s many West Indian and Razeen of 4RA. church members joined the congregation and it remains a ‘mixed’ congregation. In the 1970s and A challenge was given to the 1980s, the role of Minister was given to a team of assemblies of the junior and Dawood’s history tells us of the students from the Methodist Training College. Five or six students worked as the ‘minister’ infants to have a competition to under a tutor in the college. Manley Park design a cover. Rushna Avari Manley Park Methodist Church Methodist Church helped to train about 40 ministers. To celebrate 100 years the invited Russell and Hilary Kirby Manley Park Methodist Church is celebrating its 100th church will be holding concerts and events into the junior and infant birthday, so I have been reviewing what Manley Park to mark the occasion. School used to be like and how it has improved, as I assemblies to give a talk about am a student at the school. the Manley Park church and Also the head teacher Mr G. Handforth has made some community centre building. improvements himself such as playtimes, school They showed pictures and asked dinners, ICT and much more. for posters, histories and designs The building itself has made some improvements like to go on the cover of this Crimsworth now has an orchard and we will be planting apple trees which children can eat at booklet. Louise Bamthorpe’s lunchtimes and some handmade statues. class went about designing the In addition we have improved a lot in singing as a cover with a will and nearly school as we have weekly singing assemblies and year Razeen Islam groups have singing lessons from two people called thirty entries resulted in the Chrissie and Beth. Another change is at the end of each term we have singing squares which Miss school and motto. Wolstenhome arranges. A singing square is where the school sits in a square and Ethan tells of a forest of each year group learns two or three songs trees before Manley Hall. and then performs in front of the whole school which ‘song bosses’ lead. Song Maryam talks about bosses are children that practice songs church, road and school. which they sing for the singing square. The year 5 and 6 song bosses have had Razeen gave a history of special training from Chrissie. the Manley Park Church Despite all that happening, lunchtimes and mentioned some of the and playtimes were changing. They now community groups meeting have play leaders who are in charge of putting out sport equipment and in the building. collecting them in at the end of playtimes. Children have been having so much fun with the new equipment. The prize, presented at assembly by Rushna and One of our teachers Miss Livesly has been training chosen children to become either Russell was a chill factor a buddy, mediator or playleader. A buddy trip for all the entries. is a person who sorts out friendship problems and helps children make friends. ☻☺☻☺☻☺☻☺☻☺☻ A mediator is the same but is more serious. A playleader is in charge of putting out sport equipment at lunchtimes and I think our historian, Philip playtimes. Lloyd, has found some Now Manley Park Primary School has competition! Or more changed a lot with singing, the building and playtimes. They have also improved likely we have found more as a school. Manley Park’s motto is people to help make history “Sharing a Love of Learning” and that is what Manley Park have done. real to those coming after. Razeen Sameera 4RA Dawood Rubani Russell Kirby 27 Scholarship fund ensures that Escuela Metodista de Colon poverty is not a barrier for any Methodist School in Panama Vic child to have a place.

On 25th May 2009 the School Rev Vic Watson and Annie 1959. In a borrowed room, on celebrated its 50th Anniversary Toya Skerritt, a young church the first day, seven children --- by the Grace of God, a truly member, were concerned about were enrolled. miraculous achievement. the many children in Colon Manley Park Methodist who were denied any real hope Church has contributed to the for an improved quality of life. Escela Metodista de Colon Scholarship fund of the School They had no security for their through individual giving, future because there was no having a concert and enjoying possibility for them to gain pancakes at the Manse. basic educational skills. The We hope that the vision will Church members had for years continue for another 50 years hoped that a Methodist School so that the School may could be built in Colon for the celebrate its centenary children of Methodist parents. anniversary as Manley Park As a Church we believe that Methodist is doing this year. Prayers were answered and a Jesus and His Love are at the Together let us continue to grant of £500 was received centre of all that is wholesome Pray for God’s Blessing on this from the then Methodist Mis- and good. That was the founda- Work of Mission in our world sionary Society and the school tion on which the school was today. was founded on 25th May built. The school today is a gleaming First graduation from kindergarten 1961 1961 The first floor of beacon in a sea of desolation. Escuela Metodista was built, This year 363 children are on providing 3 classrooms, an the school roll and so are able office and toilets. to stand taller and have hope 1964 A second floor was for a brighter future because a added which gave 4 more risk was taken to start a school in the impoverished city of classrooms. The author of this article,Gwenda Watson, 1994 After a painful wait of Colon. No child is turned away whose husband, Rev Vic Watson died a 30 years the school was whatever their background or completed. religious persuasion. The few years ago, is a member of Manley Park Methodist Church.

ACTION FOR CHILDREN years, principally sign one large communal card – Was National Children’s Homes around Christmas. saves paper for the planet and One fun way has saves money for the charity! Manley Park Methodist Church been the annual walk around Members buying goods through has a long history of supporting local streets singing carols. Wind, the a catalogue was a great suc- the children’s charity ‘Action rain, snow, freezing conditions cess for many years and raised For Children’. Originally known have not prevented it! Counting almost £4000 shared between as ‘National Children’s Home’ the cash afterwards in a warm the charity and the fund for the the charity now focuses less on house with hot drinks and main window at the front of the ‘homes ‘ and more on helping mince pies made it worth while. church (which includes a red young people in their Traditionally at this time of cross you can see from Egerton environment with emphasis on celebrating the birth of Jesus Road). ‘action’. Christ people send Christmas The author, Ann Cavill, heads up the work A considerable amount of cards to each other. Members of for this charity each year. money has been raised over the the church are encouraged to 28 of a sermon. This can be approximately 20 minutes LOCAL (although in former times could be much longer) and is Preachers Peter Pat often challenging to prepare. Also as it is a major way to local preachers among its communicate the gospel (the ervices in Methodist S congregation. They are ‘good news’ of Jesus Christ) it Churches are led by a rich ordinary members; male and should be a challenge to hear! variety of people, all called by female; black and white; young God and trained by the and less so. They are different Church. Some are called to Services often include a from ministers as they are not children’s address and as a full time ministry and are ordained and can’t preside at small child I ruined one by ordained and work for God Holy Communion. They are not knowing that real through the Church – they are not paid. mushrooms are not red with called Ministers and are either white spots and the addressed as Reverend or preacher didn’t seem to Deacon as we have two types What is the difference have read any children’s (other churches may call them between a Minister and a story books. Local Preacher? priest, or pastor or father etc). (author’s name supplied) Ministers are itinerant in that A minister is paid to be they move around the good; a Local Preacher is Connexion (the spelling is good for nothing. If you visit a Methodist church correct - another Methodist (Author’s name supplied) for a service thing). However such leaders and the of worship are a minority in preacher is Methodism as they are Before becoming a Local not wearing responsible for more than one Preacher one must serve an a “dog collar” church. So, the majority of our “on trial” period of study and it’s probably services are conducted by lay assessment. A successful one of us - people called Local Preachers. candidate is ‘recognised’ at a Keith special circuit service and is The first local preachers were said to be an “Accredited Local appointed by John Wesley, the Preacher”. founder of Methodism, to assist him with the preaching Part of the leading of worship ministry to the people. by the preacher is the delivery Manley Park Church has five

Adrian Margaret Margaret

- a Local Preacher.

Thanks to Peter Smith and Pat A group of preachers including Ministers, Deacons and Watson. Local Preachers - what should the collective noun be? 29

Youth on Solid Ground is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation that has been working with young people in the Whalley Range and Chorlton area for several years, but formalised this service in March 2009. We work with young people who find themselves in difficult situations. Whatever the reason for their situation, we help them out. We work with their families and their communities wherever and whenever young people need us most; in schools, on the streets, in the home, at youth and community centres. As young people become more positive, productive and independent, the whole community benefits. We provide social, recreational, educational activities, support programmes, sports apprenticeships, activities and facilities for the well being of local youth. We support the social development and interaction of young people in the local community. We help develop the citizenship skills of young people to improve their quality of life e.g: increasing their knowledge and awareness regarding their rights, responsibilities and expectations. We strengthen and develop links to promote community cohesion and well being. We address issues and barriers which may affect the local youth We support local youth who are socially isolated and excluded. Our outreach team offers one-to-one tailored mentoring support, tackling issues the youth are faced with. YSG staff and our multi agency partners have substantial understanding and expertise of the complex issues involved in working in Whalley Range and the surrounding areas, through a combination of living and working locally, professional training in Informal Education, a commitment to community development and a willingness to learn from young people. We seek to stand alongside and work in active partnership with young people in response to their interests, concerns and needs.

Youth on Solid Ground congratulates Manley Park Methodist Church on its 100th Birthday and wishes it the very best for the future.

YSG meets at the JNR8 Youth & Community Centre every Saturday 6pm- 11pm & on Sundays, sports activities are in Manley Park 6pm- 8pm

For further inquiries please contact: Majid Dar / Nabeel Bilal Tel: 07966 882856 Email: [email protected] Web: www.yosg.org.uk 30 FUTURE

Even discussions on the future have a past! Over the years the Church has sought ways to fulfil mission and seek visions. Tom Stuckey’s was a notable time of group discussion and action in this area. We must ask if any of his subsequent books were influenced by his time as tutor to the team here. On the right you will see two of the covers of a 2001 series published by the Methodist Church, resourcing mission office. The series went under the name of “Pilgrim’s Way” and Manley Park and its folk were used for the illustrations. It would be nice to think we have trodden at least part of that ‘way’ and are still on track.

CENTENARY BANNER CENTENARY FUND Have you completed your squares yet? What would you spend £4000 on?

Lyn Gallimore’s idea of a Donations in 2010, money from banner comprising events and sales should total more individual squares made by than £4000. THANKS. This will folk in the congregation and enable the Church and community elsewhere has taken root. (on a 50-50 basis) to fund future Although not completed at projects - but we’re still open! the time this booklet goes to print, about 50 6” x 6”squares have already been One major portion of the Church’s glued, stitched or painted. money has gone to re-furbish the Welsh Chapel to ensure rent for the The whole reflects future and community work from the Manley Park’s past, building. We are also looking at the present and future church entrance, the sound system and its grounding and the grounds - including planters. in the Spirit and gospel. The community has not decided on projects as this booklet goes to print. It is intended However it is likely that bids of up to initially to hang £500 could be considered. If you the banner at the have ideas of where money should go front of the church why not get in touch with someone on the partition. on the users group? 31 In our centenary year, as we look to the future, there are PPPpppolitics ...... many challenges ahead of us to get involved politically and to Ours is a time when politics There is a long tradition in our take our responsibility for the has a bad name and it’s easy to bible of not only caring for world even more seriously. disengage and decide that we others in practical ways but There are important political are quite justified in avoiding also of a constant call for decisions to be made at a time involvement! But, like religion, justice. From the prophets when severe cuts in our politics is about how we live onwards to the life of Jesus, to national spending will have to in our community. Whether Ghandi and Desmond Tutu in be made and when the realities religious or not, to retreat into our generation [and in other and consequences of global ourselves together with a lack faiths] we see a call for warming become apparent. As of concern for others is surely challenge to those in power. believers, we are called to be not how we should be living. Members of Manley Park have Christ’s body in the world in It’s easy for those of us who been involved over the past all its elements – hands, heart are religious, to think that our few years in demands for fair and mind. Our God is very faith is a private matter. But, trade and the lifting of debt for personal but never private and as Jim Wallis argues in his those in the third world and in we are all challenged to be book ‘God’s Politics’ we collections for Christian Aid to involved in the politics of our misunderstand. “God is support its campaigns for world in order to influence the definitely personal but never justice in our modern world. future. private” says Jim. Margaret Westbrook Both church and community sides of the building are looking to green energy solutions. Grant applications GREEN APPROACHES have been made for double glazing and wall insulation and for a bio-mass Ours is a time when there are will help us to prepare for boiler to be fuelled from local sources. many different questions shortages and other potential Effort to has been put in to the about the realities of climate effects of the way we have education, particularly web-site, aspects. We are also using volunteer change. It seems, however, exploited our planet and its effort in further renovation work in that there is little doubt that it fragile eco system. For the hall and the grounds. is happening at a much faster example, the move for rate than previously Transition Towns, which gives experienced, and that most a framework to work with Looking to the future at scientists are convinced of this. others to develop and share Manley Park Church we need In addition, the testimony of local resources and skills; the to build upon our initial those who live in Bangladesh responses to the eco- Crocus in the or Africa or by the glaciers will church garden congregation requirements and simply underline this truth. 2010 look more seriously at how We cannot escape the facts. we can become accredited. As people of faith we believe We can become more practical we share the responsibility for and share our grounds with creation. We are stewards of our neighbours; use the the resources available to us suggested allotment project to and can share this grow more local food; and responsibility with people of develop a garden, which the other faiths and none. Faith4change initiatives, community can share with us. which started in the Anglican We will need hands to do this There are many initiatives to church in Liverpool; and the and more – a challenge to us help us, both inside and opportunity to become an all. outside of the church. They Margaret Westbrook is a member of eco-congregation. Manley Park and a Local Preacher. 32 80’s and 90’s Children Manley park church It was a feature of this period that the church had a number of children, similar in age and leaders willing to get out and about. The first major foray was a Sunday School camping weekend which included a first night in rain when we slept under the 1986 rolled out tent because we couldn’t put it up! Generally a brilliant era to be a child at Manley Park! affectionately nicknamed Inters weekend Grandpa Del! Until a few years ago, I still had one of the artifacts I produced at one of Clovelly Hall his workshop sessions – a translucent ‘stained glass’ window hanging, subsequently Clovelly Hall displayed at the Sunday service – now a faded but poignant reminder of how you could Young people from different explore aspects of the Christian churches away together for a faith through the medium of art. weekend – welcome to “Inters Arthur Brown plus group 1991 These weekends and the Weekend”. During the ‘80s and eagerly anticipated return to early ‘90s we went to Cliff Arthur Brown, whose Cliff College concentrated on College conference centre near anecdotes and infectious laugh youth fellowship, yet they were Calver village in Derbyshire ensured a constant supply of also socially stimulating, good and more recently to Cloverly entertainment. fun and allowed a degree of Hall in Shropshire. Amongst Friday nights we spent getting personal development through the recollections foremost in to know everyone in our dorms. rapports with others, exposure my mind was the excitement Saturdays were industrious, to a unique and interesting and camaraderie experienced with everything leading up to environment by my peers; singing, fellowship, the Sunday’s service of worship and mealtimes, workshops, and of which was the culmination of exploration course trips out to various the workshops including music, and expression places in the locality. dance, drama and my own of faith Our chaperones for the favourite – art & craft. This last through a weekend were Alaine group was led by a man called variety of Alaine Sheppard Sheppard, and the late, great Derek, whom several of us artistic means. plus group 1991

On the Sunday met each week. young people. One that was night before going We enjoyed planning worship particularly remembered was a back to school, services, songs and dramatising service on HIV and Aids were 7 many children get parts of the bible. Adrian Curtis sufferers came to talk to us and bored and led a discussion on comedy we learned about life from a complain a lot - stories and funny parts of the completely different perspective. 4 but Manley Park bible encouraging us to read it We also loved the charity sleep- children were more. over in the church, going bowl- lucky enough to Every month 745 went to Col- ing, tasting chips from all the 5 have 745 group! liers (aka Centre Spot) in the local chip shops to choose the Organised by centre of Manchester for a col- best, and of course cooking in Hilary Kirby we lective worship with other the Manley Park kitchen! 33 Homefield

Prestatyn Homefield

Worship, family and fun – for us, Leisure times included; playing 'Prestatyn’ took all the best parts cricket, football, giant chess, of Manley Park Church and zooming down the wooden rolled them together for one slide (which looked harmless weekend! Meals would be cooked in the Homefield was a Methodist hol- communal kitchen with what iday home we went to from to us children seemed to be 1987 to 1998. 25 to 40 of us giant pots and pans and enough would gather with piles of gear food to feed the 5000! and food. It was a grand old house with many bedrooms, On Sunday we had a worship communal areas, massive coordinated by the leader of the grounds and lots of nice places but was really fast!), John weekend, often one of the stu- to visit in the surrounding areas. Cavill’s treasure hunts, the se- dent ministers. Everything we cret garden with the sundial, had learned and created during We have taken a survey of the trips to the beach (and making the weekend would be shared. children of that era (youngish a big sand car for everyone to sit adults now!) and between us in) and of course who could have many amusing and some forget Arthur Brown rolling wacky memories! We enjoyed down the hill with all of us! the more serious side making up hymns and dances, doing 1987 music and arts and crafts.

Enid Saunders leads a music group

Thanks to James Robertson, Eleanor and Rachel Kirby for the articles on these two pages .

Try these jokes from Lois: See Why Didn’t the two elephants go swimming? answers 2010's Children Why did the skeleton cross the road? later What has three heads is ugly and smells? What type of paper sings? 34

War is hard. Hard Church youth group at the start Road painted over for combatants; of the war 1939 except for a small those left behind; patch at the bottom. W evacuated; However it wasn’t bereaved; long before many defenders; the didn’t bother and A imprisoned; those kids would play in fear and cricket down the traumatised … shelter annoying R People from few. Manley Park had all these roles and On the outbreak of experiences and memories of Mr Jaquiss suggested we sang a World War Two many children these times are strong. hymn and asked Betty had been evacuated. Renée and Mossman who had a beautiful Derek Critten went to Listen to Bert Jaquiss - “In the voice. She sang ‘Silent Night’ .... Charlesworth in Derbyshire. First World War in France I was in German. Others joined in. Many from local schools were running the telegraph wires The young men escorted the billeted together but some made between forward base and the girls home. In the blackout, with private arrangements. Bert trenches repairing breaks in the a girl on each arm I escorted Jaquiss got his son Bryan and wire from artillery damage. I Lillian Ridgeway and Joan the boy next door, Ian Sutton, was lucky. I got a wound in the Bardon along the shaken streets”. fixed up in Lymm. Visits by foot” - (‘blighty wound’ allowed parents didn’t always help home him to be shipped home). The blitz for Manchester started sickness and Bryan was rescued on Christmas Eve and Day from unhappiness and brought Listen too to Derek Critten 1940. Manley Park area was hit back to Hulme Grammar Prep from the Second World War - and many church members had School which had kept running. “Services at the church were to leave shattered homes. There rarely interrupted by air raids was civil defence and the church The church maintained a and the church itself had had Fred Clare, Joe Bamforth membership of about 100 sustained little or no damage and maybe others as ARP throughout the war. Neither the from them despite the fact that wardens. One operated from the start nor the end of the war was nearby houses in Cromwell warden station on Clarendon noted in the ‘society minute Avenue had been destroyed Road where police houses were book’ but ‘home’ and ‘overseas’ [look at the difference now in later built. When the siren missions continued and the roof line and architecture in Nos sounded for an air raid it was flower fund was ever present. 73,74,75: Ed.]. Numerous the warden’s job to get people One statement in the book houses in the surrounding area out and down the local shelters. noted “work done by the suffered damage mainly to The biggest shelter in the area comforts committee in windows blown out and roof was the one under the corner of distributing eleven parcels of tiles dislodged. All windows in what is now Manley Park. The socks made by the knitting mother’s house were replaced entrance was down a slope at circle”. by white cloth nailed to the corner of York Avenue and wooden frames”. Clarendon (not the large mound Local metal including iron at the back of the park) to a fencing was handed in for the Derek’s brother Ken writes - “In door nine feet below ground war effort. Some holes atop December 1940 the bomb level. The shelter held up to 500 stone walls where railings were dropped in Cromwell Avenue. It people and was ‘furnished’ with removed can still be seen with was Sunday evening. We youth wood forms and duck boards good examples at Park Drive group members were having a for the flooding when it rained. next to ‘RB Halal Poultry and meeting. The blast from the In the early days after 1940 folk Grocery’ and 133 College Road. bomb scared the wits out of us. would make their way to shelter There was a Barrage Balloon in The floor appeared to rise. I felt treading gingerly through rubble the grounds of Crimsworth near as if I was being lifted with it. along streets blacked out and Upper Chorlton Road and the We were plunged into darkness. with the gas lamps in Clarendon local Ack-Ack (first war slang 35 for AA - anti-aircraft) battery In 1944 it was considered safe was in the grounds of what is enough to start an evening mid now the Islamic Heritage Centre. week youth club for boys and girls from 13 years. About 40 There wasn’t much to occupy teenagers came twice a week. local youth. Some collected There was dancing, darts, shrapnel to be melted down – billiards on a half-sized table and Derek used to sell the best bits occasionally boxing. The in the school playground! highlight of the evening for the Manley Park and other boys was a tough chasing game Churches kept morning services called ‘British Bulldog’. although evening ones largely Individual and group skills shut down. The Sunday evening didn’t avoid abrasions and youth group at Manley Park bruises – not something to have Derek Critten called up after continued and there was a to write a risk assessment for. the war, age thriving Dramatic Society. (Have any readers got memories 18yrs in 1948 of that time? Who were the

Charlie Buckley rehearses ladies that helped Charlie the drama group during Buckley and Bert Jaquiss run the the war club? Ed.) Derek again: “my Arrangements were made by the memory of those days is not so church for VE day - a short good but I can recall Norah service followed by a social. Bough, Muriel George, Lillian, Joan ... I wish I could see again those young girls I knew in Russell Kirby those long gone days”. Memories of an Earlier Time

I was born on December 11th 1919 at 12 Spencer Avenue and was christened on March 2 1920 at Manley Park Wesleyan Methodist Church by my uncle the Rev Joseph Grange Radford my mother’s elder brother. We moved in 1921 to 28, College Drive, Whalley Range and were there until the house was badly damaged in December 1940 by a land mine in the war. My father ran a Boy Scout Troop and my mother a Girl Guide Company. The Church: In ground alongside the chapel were tennis courts. The ground was available for extension to the Chapel if and when necessary. The Sunday School: There were two departments and the primary was led by Miss Annie Johnson. At 8 years old you moved into the ‘Big School’. Until about 1925 my father was superintendent (Sunday School) and after came Mr Percy Frost. After came Bert Jaquiss, Mr Bateson and Mr Cook. Sunday School Sports: There was a circuit event held annually in the grounds of the Independent College. The Sunday School with highest scores was awarded a large engraved shield held for a year. Missionary Interest: JMCDSO – ‘Junior Missionary Collectors Distinguished Service Order’ was a sort after award. Collectors had a dated notebook to record weekly subscriptions which were handed to the ‘Missionary Secretary’ each week. I was started on this exercise with my mother’s help at the age of 4 and collected for 14 years. If you collected £5 in a year (often in pennies and half pence) you got a medal and a bar for each succeeding year. You got a certificate with 7 different coloured seals and the annual amount recorded. I still have mine and the medal. Sunday School Anniversary: These were highlights of all the Chapels in the circuit and I am sorry to say engendered a good deal of jealousy. My debut as a reciter was at the age of 8 when I was given the longest piece to memorise and recite in a presentation entitled ‘The Building of the Church’. Wooden shapes were slotted into a frame, each shape depicting a characteristic of a church such as prayer, praise and so on. Mine was ‘faith’ and I still remember the opening line. In the weeks before the anniversary after Sunday dinner I was sent upstairs while my parents were in the kitchen and if they couldn’t hear every word distinctly there was trouble! Later: When I went to Sheffield University in 1938. Eventually in the 1950s I found my spiritual home among the Baptists. My mother maintained her Methodist membership and was invited by the Manley Park Chapel to return as one of the speakers for the 50th anniversary celebrations. 36 MEMORIALS QUIZ Around the church 8 Your task, should you In Cathedrals and churches choose to accept it, is to find ...... one will go to anyone throughout the land you will the brasses, record what connected through the find brass plaques and objects they are on and community side of the memorials commemorating where they are placed. building the lives of people who have died.

4 9 ...... and one to the first school student from Manley 1 Prizes can be claimed from Park School, not connected the Editor. to the community side of Sometimes they will say the building, to complete the something about them or a challenge. particular deed. Sometimes a plaque records a gift and the name of the giver. 5

2 Prizes are limited so .... 10 On this page you will see black and white photos (often deliberately hard to G read!) of ten brass plaques that can be found O somewhere between the front doors of the church 6 ☺ and the partition through to O L JNR8 and the community hall and rooms...... only one will go to a member of the congregation, D U C 3 7 ☻ K 37 “IT WALKED FROM THE BUPA HOSPITAL”

few were in and out of trouble could compete and succeed. On n the late 1970s and early I with the police and a handful in the other hand it exposed them 1980s Lorraine and I ran a and out of prison. Yet many (and by association, us too) to youth club that met each others were decent kids trying startlingly overt racism. They Monday night in the back to make their way were shunned, stere- rooms of Manley Park in a world they otyped and blamed. Methodist Church with loyal struggled to un- It was an eye-opener help from a social worker friend, derstand and for Lorraine and me. Nigel. Drawn exclusively from which so often I only hope our soci- the local West Indian made no effort to ety has become community, at least 30 and understand them. more tolerant and occasionally up to 100 young understanding in the teenagers met together to listen The vast majority last 30 years. to their reggae music, play pool, of ‘our kids’ were table tennis and, of course, just like teenagers For those not play- dominoes and just hang out all around the ing serious domi- together. world, trying to make sense of noes, music was the big pull at growing up, trying to find role the Youth Club each Monday It was a place of refuge for a models they could admire and evening. Huge sets of speakers group of first generation British follow, trying to put meaning to would be hauled to the church born black young people many the experiences and the places and set up at one side of the of whom struggled to find their they found themselves. They room, often joined by a second place in our society. Our proud- were spirited and lively, always set brought by another group of est moment was being the only interested if sometimes be- young people, set up on the youth club open to offer a place mused by our white middle opposite side. Led by two com- of shelter from the violence on class ways. Once tuned into peting DJs, each ‘sound system’ the streets the night that Moss their street language, conversa- would compete with the other. tion was never a problem. It Style and volume were the was us, as much as them who grounds on which the competi- learnt about a different culture, tion was won or lost. different diets, different relation- ships between the sexes, differ- On one evening a group of ent attitudes to drugs (accepted) youngsters arrived with a and alcohol massive set of sound (frowned upon). system speakers (or ‘boxes’ as they called Occasionally we them). As an NHS Side burned in a summer of took groups of administrator at the rioting. the young people time, I noticed that Our kids’, as we thought of out of their com- as they came to the them, were often alienated from fort zone away door they were their parents who themselves from the streets wheeling their boxes had been brought up in much so familiar to them. The girls on a hospital bed. “Where on stricter, god fearing, tight knit were ace netball players and the earth did you get that bed from”, communities, yet they clearly lads not at all bad at 5-aside I cried. “Don’t worry, Stephen”, did not fit into the wider white football. So we took part in they replied, “it walked from the working class community Methodist Association of Youth BUPA hospital, not from the around them. Many struggled Clubs sports competitions. In NHS”. That was all right then! at school and underachieved. one sense this did them a power Some regularly played truant. A of good, showing them that they Steve Thornton 38

Sports and Social - MANLEY PARK MESSING ABOUT Enjoying themselves participating

Curtis’s attempt to catch a six with Panto is a You will see on these pages and lot of fun. his bald(ing) head! read on the captions a few aspects Oh yes it is It is many years since the Church of Manley Park Church’s life on a has ventured on the field of play more social front. Drama used to be a big thing, particularly in the The last trophies we won. 1940’s and 1950’s but that mantle has passed in a Methodist sense very much to Manchester Road church. Please support their productions. The 1960’s was an era of uniformed organisations but later in 1970 and with a brilliant bunch of young people from the

Netball Team Tramp up Scafell Pike

This social and we are content with our Friday business night social evenings where isn’t all fun

5-a-side football 1977-78 dominoes, table tennis and pool hold sway.

Beach

Caribbean, 5-a-side football and Rev John Bennett leads the line in Grease netball held sway. Circuit sports On a less strenuous note our coach days and the annual swimming trips to gala were major competitions after Cricket Lovely Llandudno, Cricket the war but sadly petered out by Chester, York, the early 1970’s. Cricket made a the Lakes, wonderful but fleeting appearance Stourport-on- in the early 1980’s when our faster Severn and so bowlers were mainly white and the on have spinners black. Arthur’s slow provided great turners were a wonder as was the memories and appearance of Vera Nevers on the still do – next field in full ‘whites’. Honours have trip is in a few to go to Chester Watson for his all weeks time, round performance with an God willing. Trip to the Lakes honourable mention to Adrian 2009 39

York

Walking group in 2009... Meals are a Manley Park feature over ...not walking. the years

Llandudno

D a Another n meal i e C l h L l e e e a Youth group in London r d e r

Raising money collecting paper in Cromwell Avenue was a social event as well. 40

LISTS: for those that like them. Ministers from the start of the Church Year Circuit Minister Comment

Dec.1901 Radnor St. Burnett First mention of MP in circuit Schedules. Dec. 1901 MP has 21 members, 1 on trial, 20 junior members. Jan. 1910 MP building opened with 27 members. 1901-1902 Radnor St Burnett Rented premises 1902-1905 Mees Rented premises 1905-1908 Jones Rented premises 1908-1911 Radnor St. Smith T. Manley Park Church moved to current premises 1913 Wilbert F. Howard 1917-1922 Robert Simpson ..Active supernumerary minister over Manley Park 1922-1928 William Johnson ditto 1928-1932 Stephen First minister. Given Manley Park as 'second charge'. Gibson Had BSc "..preaching ability and keen science interest” 1932-1935 Cecil H.G. given Manley Park as his "second charge" Carter “real Lancashire "...there are no loose ends to his work". 1932 Methodist union decreed that Radnor St. close and members transfer to Upper Moss Lane (former Primitive Meth.Ch.) - significant numbers join Manley Park. 1935-1938 Hulme and Stanley Finch MP 1st; Maitland Ave. 2nd charge. (His ministry began at MP) Whalley Ra. 1938-1940 Robert Bowers ditto 1940-1944 James Wright ditto. (His ministry began at MP) 1944-1948 John Winn Whalley Range first charge; Manley Park as second Gtr West St, High La, BurtonRd (ex-prim) churches join MP 1948-1951 Chorlton + Cyril Henman Whalley Range first charge; Manley Park second. Moss Side 1951-1954 Malcolm Womack Whalley Range first charge; Manley Park second 1954-1957 Thomas(Tom)Mellor High Lane first; MP second; Maitland Ave. third charge 1957-1960 Alexander(Alec)Reid ditto 1960-1962 Baden Pearce Whalley range first charge; MP second 1962-1965 Brian Jackson Whalley Range first charge; MP second. 1965-1970 David Kynaston Manley Park first charge; Maitland Ave. second. 1970-1975 Manchester Colin Colclough Manchester Rd. first charge; Manley Park second. Withington 1975-1982 Student Teams(1) Student Team under Rev Graham Slater . 1982-1990 Student Teams(2) Student Team under Rev Tom Stuckey. 1990-1995 John Leech Manchester Road and Manley Park ☺ 1995-2004 John Bennett Manchester Road and Manley Park 2001-date M/cr circuit 2004-date M/cr circuit Lyn+Dave Gallimore, deacons - responsibility for M/cr Road. and Manley Park

David Kynaston

James Wright Baden Pearce

John and Jean Colin Colclough Leech 41 for Manchester but for the North West and indeed for B M H C the whole of Britain. British Muslim Heritage Centre The long term vision at the BMHC possesses both a as a result of entities holding national and international he best way to understand T their own interests at heart at dimension as it seeks to reach what the British Muslim the expense of others, which out not only to the local Heritage Centre (BMHC) is is only exacerbated by the community, but to the wider all about would probably be flurry of media we are faced British, European and to study the rationale behind with on an hourly basis. The International communities as the name as it in itself Centre will aim to focus its well. This aspect of the captures in very few words efforts to make authentic project what the BMHC is aiming knowledge available on a renders it for. Add a little context to neutral platform for all, thus unique in it and you will very quickly portraying the religion of the sense realise what ingredients have Islam for what it actually is. that it is been used and why. The Centre will create an the first ‘open to all’ ethic and ever environment by opening its project doors to the entire spearhea community regardless of faith, ded by culture, ethnicity or the background. The Centre will Muslim endeavour to facilitate access community to be wholly to education about Muslim dedicated to the cohesion of Heritage and the rich people of different faiths, contribution it has made to cultures and backgrounds on The BMHC is a large civil society as well as aiding both national and National Centre based here the general development of international levels. It is for in Whalley range aiming to the community, be it in an these reasons, and more, that reach out to a wide diversity educational, social, economic the Centre enjoys widespread of people on local, national or spiritual way. support, including that of the and international levels. Manchester City Council, a The BMHC was established number of MPs including partly in response to the Leader of the House of growing need for greater Commons— Harriet Harman community cohesion and QC MP and Secretary of improved understanding State for Foreign & between different sectors of Commonwealth Affairs — society, be they of a religious, David Miliband, MEPs, cultural, ethnic or socio- Ministers and International economic nature. It aims to As you may be aware the dignitaries such as help shape a cohesive British building site acquired for the Ambassador Susman for the society through promoting a project (the former GMB U.S. and Dr. Khaled Al common sense of belonging National College), is one of Duwaisan—The Kuwaiti to British values, citizenship significant historical prestige, Ambassador, amongst others, by facilitating social recognition and architectural most of whom have been to engagement and dialogue via beauty. The Grade II* listed the Centre and have high its services and programmes. building, set in approximately hopes for the future of the The authenticity of 8 acres of land, now stands as project. information or knowledge is an iconic landmark not only becoming increasingly diluted 42 otherwise known as JNR8, moved in. This has fulfilled our LETTING the buildings wish to reach out to the local Church, Hall and Welsh Chapel community and provide income and a steady relationship - we hope this will long continue. Before 1988, we had a number change]. One way we could do of long term lettings - such as this was by hiring the hall for Meanwhile, over in the Welsh Girl Guides and Brownies, a parties, often for Asian weddings, Chapel, we hosted a succession nursery and of course youth sometimes for birthdays. There of church groups, one of which clubs. The first club is noted in was a downside from wear and was led by a bishop, no less, and the 1940’s and early on was tear, clogged drains and the which were notable for the associated with drama lingering food smell for Sunday length of their worship. The productions. In recent times worship. However, we became recent letting to Cool UK ended work has manifested as after- more known in the community on a bad note with money owed school, peripatetic work, and and the church was occasionally and the building left in a poor other community groups and used for meetings – some of state [but there is often a ‘silver activities. which showed local tensions lining’ and this year’s centenary and could become heated or fund has allowed such good The hiring out of the building even violent renovation work that we can serves a number of functions begin again our letting of the providing us with the income What we needed was a long term premises]. Youth on Solid we need to maintain the ‘let’ to provide steady income Ground are our current users. building and worship in it; it and outreach. Along came advertises our presence locally; Oliver Harrison and his boxing In the best traditions of Manley and it forms part of our mission ring. The ring and punch bags Park, The Big Comedy Shop is to the community. took up most of the back hall using the back hall on Saturdays. and did years of service. We had I became lettings steward at a a succession of similar lettings time when we needed to until the Whalley Range Youth Thanks to Dave Robertson. increase our income [plus ça Opportunities Association,

The In the earth passed through the tail of Hailey’s comet 1910 Year The first labour exchanges opened in England Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird, composed Birth of Mother Teresa Alliott Verdon Roe and his brother founded AVRO in an Ancoats mill Henry Ford sold 10 000 automobiles Death of Leo Tolstoy The union of South Africa became a dominion Louis Paulan made the first London to Manchester flight, landing near Fog Lane Park Dr Hawley Crippen was arrested on board ship, the first time ‘wireless telegraphy’ had been used for that purpose. He was later hung for murder. Death of Mark Twain Geoege V ascended to the throne on the death of Edward V111 Birth of Jacques-Yves Cousteau Death of Florence Nightingale Manley Park Church moved into current building 43 Jamaican Patties For the pastry; 12 ounces plain flour, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt, 6 ounces RECIPES margarine For the filling; 1 tablespoon cooking oil, 9 ounces minced lamb or beef, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 1 clove garlic, crushed Spicy Chicken 1 red chilli pepper finely chopped, seeds removed 2 tomatoes Ingredients skinned and chopped, salt and pepper. 6 chicken pieces Method; sift flour salt and turmeric into a bowl rub in margarine 1teaspoon minced garlic till it resembles breadcrumbs. Add about 4 tablespoons cold 1 teaspoon coriander water to make a firm dough. Cover and chill for 1 hour. ½ teaspoon black pepper Preheat oven to gas mark 6 (200ºC); heat oil in frying pan, fry ½ teaspoon salt onion, garlic and chilli until soft add mince and stir until ¼ teaspoon chilli powder browned. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Stir in 4 ounces 2 tablespoons olive oil or water and cook for 10 minutes until liquid has evaporated. vegetable oil Leave to cool. Method Divide pastry into 8 and roll into circles approximately 7ins. Put Mix together all the above a spoonful of filling on 1 half of each circle. Moisten the edges ingredients, rub into the with water and press down to seal. Place on greased baking chicken pieces and leave to tray, brush wit beaten egg and bake for 30 minutes until golden. marinate for at least 1 hour. Pat Watson Cook in preheated oven at Weight Conversion gas mark 6 (200ºC) for 40 1 oz = 30 g: 2 oz = 55 g: 3 oz = minutes. 85g: 4 oz = 115 g: 5 oz = 140 g: 6 oz Mincemeat Crumble Pat Watson = 170 g. Bake Ingredients Volume conversion 12 oz self raising flour Carrot, Banana ½ teaspoon = 2.5 ml: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml 3 oz sugar & Raisin Salad 1 tablespoon = 15 ml: 2 tablespoons = 6 oz margarine Ingredients: 30 ml 1 egg 3 large carrots, 2 bananas, a 4 tablespoons = 55 ml generous handful or two of 5-6 rounded tablespoons of raisins, Juice of half a lemon. JNR8 Cookery mincemeat Method Club Peel and grate the carrots to Easy way to 5-a-Day Method get a pile of grated flesh on Fruit Smoothie Recipes Mix flour and sugar. your chopping board. Separately melt margarine (Banana added for (not too hot!) and add the Brush generously the whole sweetness and texture: add beaten egg to it. bananas with lemon juice and yogurt for creamy flavour!) With a fork, mix these cut into slices. Lay the slices ingredients and press 2/3 on the plate and brush again Strawberry and banana into a greased, 12”x 8”, with juice. smoothie Swiss roll tin. Layer the ingredients in a bowl. Add the mincemeat and Reserve plenty of banana and Approx 3 strawberries, a third spread on top. Sprinkle the raisins for display on the top. of a banana rest of the pastry on top Pour any remaining lemon Blend with 100 mls orange leaving the texture rough. juice over. juice. Bake for 30 minutes at gas For variations add kiwi, mango, mark 4 (180ºC). Put aside in a cool place for frozen berries; Cut into squares and lift an hour or so for the raisins to Add a splash of pineapple juice when cold.. soften and flavours to mingle. and/or coconut milk for a tropi- John Cavill cal twist! Hilary Kirby via Joan Morley Chris Ricard 44 Centenary Hymn

1: Come and celebrate this day of days, HYMNS to celebrate Hearts and voices lift in songs of praise, Thanking God for all the wondrous ways He brought salvation to our lives. our birthday ♫ So we share this anniversary – ♪ A hundred years of history, A Century of witness A Hundred Years Blessed by countless people’s ministry To spread the message of God’s love. 1. A century of witness 1. A hundred years of worship, From those who’ve graced this place, A hundred years of grace; 2: We have many stories to impart Borne out in life and service A hundred years of blessing Of men and women who played their part to Christ, God’s human face. bound-up in love’s embrace. To give this church a warm and loving heart We gather here together, We gather here in worship, By selfless giving of their lives. To mark this hundredth year, Your name by all adored. With all the Lord’s disciples, We come to sing your praises - So we share this anniversary – who’ve served Christ Jesus here. one Church, one faith, one Lord. A hundred years of history, Blessed by countless people’s ministry 2. We celebrate together, 2. A hundred years of service, To spread the message of God’s love. on this auspicious day, A hundred years of care; we join the stream of worship A hundred years of living; 3: Loving Father, show us now, we pray from all along the way. sustained by daily prayer. How to serve you in this present day. Here gathered in your presence, We gather, Lord, to bless you Give us strength to keep us in your way. let hearts and voices blend, in deeds of love record, May your spirit fill our lives. to praise you for your greatness, a people called through Jesus - our constant, faithful friend. one Church, one faith, one Lord. So we share this anniversary – A hundred years of history, 3. We thank you for the gifts, Lord, 3. A hundred years of preaching, Blessed by countless people’s ministry shared with your people here; A hundred years of time; To spread the message of God’s love. for those you’ve called and chosen, A hundred years of sharing to serve you far and near. Your life in bread and wine. Ruth Lamont. August 2009. For all the signs of love, Lord, We learn the ways of Jesus; Tune: Calypso Carol – HP 118 for acts of kindness too we join in one accord, for faith and prayer and service, in worship and in mission - Manley Park all offered here to you. One Church, one faith, one Lord. 1. Now we give our thanks and praise 4. We’ve coped with many changes, 4. A hundred years of working, For our church’s witness here. around us and within; A hundred years of love; Hymns of adoration raise the things to stir and challenge A hundred years of seeking Show our faith both far and near. each passing year may bring. the ways that God would prove. (alt: This is our one hundredth year.) For you have been there with us, We praise you for the power, to lead us through it all; That takes away discord, 2. Years of prayer and thoughtfulness you are our inspiration And binds us in Christ Jesus _ Sharing times of trial and doubt, and we have heard your call. one Church, one faith, one Lord. Overcoming strain and stress, That’s what this church is about. 5. A century of travelling 5. A hundred years of future, (alt: That’s what Manley Park’s about.) along the Christian way; A hundred years of past; empowered by the spirit, A hundred years of living 3. Young and old together sing, enabled day by day. in God from first to last. Prayers are said for all around, In this our hundredth year, Lord, We give our lives of witness Bless the people here within, we celebrate today; to Christ the living Word, ♫ Listen to our joyful sound. from here we’ll travel onwards, and strive each day to serve you: with you to lead the way. one Church, one faith, one Lord. Hilary Curtis. May 2010 7.7.7.7. own tune supplied. ©John Forster 11.07.09 ©John Forster Nov 2001 Sing out some praise. Tune 7.6.7.6.D Aurelia (HP515) TUNE: 7.6.7.6.D Thornbury (HP784) 1. We join together, in celebration A revelation to share our joy. So come together, oh congregation. ♪ Man, woman, girl and boy. Come and Join the Celebration Sing out some praise. Sing out some praise. Come and join the celebration, it’s a very special day, Bring happiness as we sing in harmony. Come and share our jubilation, Manley Park’s 100 today! Sing out some praise. In glory blaze. Celebrate and sing in harmony. 1. Friends and family hurry down to Whalley Range, Remember good times, look to the future and embrace its changes. 2. Oh come and join us; let every heart sing; Give Praise for everything. This is our Prayer: 2. Wise folk gathered led from distant scenery, Unite and guide us in peace and harmony. To play our part in Manley Park centenary, so, In faith and hope we share 3. God is with us, round the world the message bring, Chorus. Spreading good news, wake up Manchester it’s time to sing! ☻ Chris Ricard. Feb 2010. Own tune supplied Eleanor Kirby. April 2010 Tune HP 97 45 Thanks Thanks Thanks Acknowledgements are due to: T h a n k s Hannah Anderson; Yvonne Anderson-Boyd; Ann Cavill; John Cavill; Alison Chisholm; Adrian Curtis; Hilary Curtis; Lyn Gallimore; Dave Gallimore; Eleanor Kirby; Hilary Kirby; Rachel Kirby; Majid Dar; Philip Lloyd; Numaan Mahmood; Margaret Morris; Jim Peck; Chris Ricard; Dave Robertson; Hannah Robertson; James Robertson; Enid Saunders; Peter Smith; Gwenda Watson; Pat Watson; Margaret Westbrook and Bill Williams for written articles and help with articles.

Bill Bamforth; Marion Baynes; Derek Critten; Ken Critten; Renee Crompton; Rev Aneurin Evans; Debbie Evans; Evelyn Gledhill; Bryan Jaquiss; Rev Baden Pearce and Janet Robertson for their memories, memoirs and photographs.

Rushna Avari, Louise Bamthorpe and the children from Manley Park School for all their help and involvement – particularly with the cover, posters and histories.

Ruth Dillon; John Forster; Ruth Lamont; Chris Ricard; Eleanor Kirby and Hilary Curtis for hymns.

Peter Laws; Chris Ricard and Phil Reed for help with computing and publishing.

Members of the centenary group for work and support.

Lois for Jokes.

Hannah Robertson and Hilary Kirby for proof reading.

Washington Alcott; Philip Lloyd; Anthony Morris; Enid Orr; Doreen Prince and Yvonne Boyd for additional photographs.

Manchester Council U Decide and Graham Kirby for grants for printing.

And Hilary Kirby for help, support and great patience.

For further reading see: “For the Work of Ministry” by Elaine Kaye, published in 1999 by T and T Clark. It covers the history of the Independent College (now British Islamic Heritage Centre). “ Britain in Old Photographs: Chorlton-cum-Hardy” by Cliff Hayes, published in 1999 by Sutton. It includes pictures of MP church, MP hall, local transport and the story of Charlie Peace. “The decline and fall of Manley Hall” an article from the Manchester Evening News, February 28th 1968. “Daughters of the Manse” by Miss Irene Johnson and Mrs Winifred Campbell.

And the answers to those jokes? 1. They only had one pair of trunks. 2. To get to the body shop. 3. Oops! My mistake, you don’t have three heads. 4. Wrapping paper.

All mistakes, inaccuracies and errors are ultimately my fault and/or responsibility as editor. However I would very much like corrections and additions. In particular please contact me with more memories or photos of the area and the church, Church, buildings and grounds. [email protected] 46

WEDDINGS At Manley Park 47 “..my greetings to the people at CENTENARY Manley Park Methodist Church (which we in our family used to refer GREETINGS to as – ‘the My sister Ruth, “…Manley is still so English Chapel’)”. brother John (who has Rev. T. Aneurin Evans 78yrs dear to me and I wish you a lived in New Zealand for 20 very happy and successful years) and myself all send anniversary. How I wish I you our best wishes for could be with you but I will be the celebrations and the Manley in Spirit.” future. Park will ever have a Renee Crompton (née Critten) Anne special place in my heart. I thank 78 yrs Klinkenburg God for its continuing ministry and “Totally impressed pray that the centenary celebrations will with your efforts around be a time of much blessing for the memory - totally in keeping church. with Jesus’ technique to Rev Baden Pearce (minister connect memory with meals. 1960) Just sorry I can’t be with you th [June 5 anniversary meal]. Mem Blessings and peace. ories of Inderjit Bhogal the 19 people, the 70 -1974 when Fond memories … the conversations, I was minister was experience I got as a the time of my introduction to plumber’s labourer when we learning and working with a mixed white- installed de-humidifiers; the mistakes west Indian community, from monthly rounds collecting (accompanied by much which I learnt a lot about the waste paper decades before patience on the part of two cultures. Although the recycling was fashionable; members!) never fail to bring a smile to my face and a sense adult congregation then was cricket matches that were as of warmth and joy within. serious as test matches; the mostly white the Sunday Bruce Thompson (student minister School was mainly black. food at church events; the in 80’s) Valentine’ day parties; the Our best wishes for a recurring nightmares caused great celebration. Rev Colin Colclough by the alien life form posing Warmest as a dry rot fruiting body the greetings and best Please give my size of a football (lol); the wishes to all at Manley good wishes to those patience, understanding and Park as you celebrate who remember me. care of the folk – Bert your centenary. Thanks and God bless. Jaquiss, Jean and Edie. We Rev John and Anne considered ourselves very Bennett Alison Tomlin (student fortunate to be part of the minister at MP and Manley Park President of Methodist Family for three Conference 2010) years. Peter (student Best Wishes and minister in 80s) greetings to and Pauline Manley Park Cross. Many more greetings, verbal, Methodist Church by phone, email, text and in writing have been received. It is a great blessing to become aware of affection from near and far. 48

Ethan 3 JM

Zaina 2LB

Moneeba 2LB

Erin 2LB

Aadil 2LB

Amanda 2LB

Sameera 4RA

Yahya 4RA

Isabella 2LB

Taniya 2LB

This Booklet was published by: Peter Laws for Manley Park Methodist Church Centenary in June 2010 with the help of a grant from Manchester City Council.

This booklet cost approximately £4 to produce.

Please consider giving a donation of £4 or Junaid 2LB above to go to the Centenary Fund to finance Church and community projects in the area