It’s been a great year so far for our local history group, covering exciting new subjects and welcoming back familiar faces.
We’ve looked at Manchester’s pubs, theatres, cafes and restaurants, and famous visitors, while the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act was marked with an exploration of Manchester’s role in both the suffrage and suffragette movements. A popular session was our look at Manchester’s ‘Showground of the World’ Belle Vue, with many in our group having fond memories of visits with their families. Our look at the films and television programmes filmed around Manchester sprawled across two afternoons, such was the wealth of material we found!
-
- The group enjoy a film about pubs from 1946.
-
- Bob giving us a tour of Manchester’s theatreland.
-
- Antonette showcasing her finds on Manchester’s cafes and restaurants.
It was a particular delight to welcome back Ali Ronan, who gave us a wonderful presentation on Margaret Ashton who, among her many achievements, was Manchester’s first female councillor.
Ali Ronan showing us her film on Margaret Ashton.
Looking through a haul of local newspapers.
Our group members have been instrumental in shaping these sessions: finding photographs, articles, online newspaper clippings and videos, with Bob and Antonette preparing and delivering superb presentations on theatres and cafes/restaurants respectively. Our other members are happy to share their wealth of life stories and experiences, in what we trust is a warm and welcoming environment for any new visitor. Our thanks also to Southway Housing for their ongoing support for our Tuesday afternoon group.
Why not come along next Tuesday at 2:00 when we look at Stockport with Antonette? You’re most welcome!