Will MMU finance troubles threaten the "Green Campus"?

A string of recent bad news for MMU finances and University funding in general may mean the bold green plans for the proposed Hulme campus are under threat.

The "Green Campus" idea is a big part of the sales pitch, but although there are some imaginative ideas there have never been any guarantee about what they will entail.

As such, these plans could be among the first to be scaled down when belts need tightening. And they do.

First the MMU came unstuck when millions were lost in investments during the Icelandic banking crisis.

Then the university announced 127 job losses in November.




Financial problems now mean the move from Didsbury will now happen in "installments".

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So December's demands for huge cuts in University spending by Peter Mandelson could spell the triple whammy for the eco-plans.


We hope that the MMU can be open and frank about the potential impact of recent problems on their plans for a Green Campus and we will continue to keep you informed.

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Arch Bar

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Winter Green View

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Hulme Action Day

Like you, our aim is to progress towards a fair sustainable society by campaigning on environmental and social justice issues. Part of our 'think global, act local' plan includes getting people elected to Manchester City Council to put green policies firmly on the agenda. Another Labour Councillor wont make any difference; getting a real green voice on to Manchester City Council will - We've got Hulme Green View Newsletters to deliver come along and help out in a friendly social setting.

All Welcome! Come along Saturday, the 5th of December - Fair is Worth Fighting For!

12.00 Meet up at 'Kim by the Sea' Cafe for tea/coffee

12.30 We'll split into groups of 2-3, get a bunch of leaflets, an allotted small area&maps

In the evening - off to the pub!Kim by the Sea, 49 Old Birley Street,Hulme, M15 5RF

ttp://www.kimbythesea.com

Map for directions: http://tinyurl.com/mu2cel

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Book and Photo Exhibition

26 Nov: Hard Rain: Our Headlong Collision With Nature, MMU

The photographer, Mark Edwards, is one of the few environmental communicators to have personally witnessed the global issues that are defining the 21st century.The book and photo exhibition Hard Rain is Mark Edward's latest project, and collaborates with Bob Dylan's lyric to Hard Rain. It was launched at the Eden Project in Cornwall in 2006 to huge public and critical acclaim, attracting the support and endorsement of political and environmental leaders across the world.This exhibition goes straight to the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December after it has been displayed at Manchester Metropolitan University.This event is free of charge and open to all members of the public.When: 5.30pm, Thursday 26 NovemberWhere: Geoffrey Manton Building, Rosamond Street West, off Oxford Road, M15 6LLBook online at: http://hardrainmmu.eventbrite.com/

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What is the LDF? Do you want to find out about the Core Strategy and what it means for Hulme?

The Core Strategy will set out the long term strategic policies for Manchester's future development and will form the framework against which planning applications will be assessed. Manchester City Council have invited people to comment on the draft Core Strategy document from 9th November 2009 until 4th January 2010 - its more difficult to complain about planning decisions further on in the process. City Planners will be holding informal drop-in sessions in Hulme(and else where) to help explain the document and hopefully answer some questions. The drop-in sessions will be held across Manchester from the17th to the 26th Nov.

Drop-in date: 5.00pm – 7.30pm, Thu 19 Nov – Zion Community Resource Centre (Room 6)
These will be followed by an event in the Town Hall on Tuesday 8th December where you can join in discussions on the draft document and how(and if) it addresses the challenges and opportunities Manchester faces in the future. For more information or to pre-register to take part in the discussion event at Manchester Town Hall, call 0161 234 4579 or e-mail: http://uk.mc284.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=planningstrategy@manchester.gov.uk.

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MMU Special Green View-click to download!

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October Green Events

Have you been credit crunched? Here are some affordable activities to do in October that contribute to creating a sustainable Hulme!!!!

Herb Walk
3 Oct 2009
2-3.30pm
Hulme Community Garden Centre, 28 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5RG
The fields and roadsides that surround Hulme have now been undisturbed for over a decade. As a result there is a remarkable diversity of plants growing in these wild inner city spaces. On this walk we will be exploring the medicinal properties of some of these plants as we discover this wilderness pharmacy in the heart of the city.

With Tim Moorhouse
BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist
Donations to the Garden Centre welcomed, there will be a wet weather alternative so don’t be put off! No dogs or unaccompanied children, As the terrain is also wild, sturdy footwear is recommended!

Peoples Kitchen
A-fe-we pub (a.k.a The Grants)
Tuesday 6th October 2009 6.30pm for dinner (£1.50), eat food and meet people in your community. All welcome! Followed by a ‘Our Hulme’ meeting at 7pm to further discuss the proposals for the MMU Development on Birley Fields, and also the plans for our own Hulme Peoples Consultation.


How to make a wood-burner from a gas bottle
10 Oct 2009
9.30am for 10am - 5pm
Hulme Community Garden Centre, 28 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5RG
This course is run by Tom Barron, stone carver and wood-stove builder. Gas bottles can be turned into very effective woodburners that last a lifetime, are easy to install (usually) and if you've made it yourself will be all the more rewarding.

You are encouraged to bring your own gas bottle if you have one, and any tools (angle grinder, drill, jigsaw etc.). It will not be possible for everyone to make a woodburner on the day, but the tutor will attempt (with the group) the de-commisioning, design and contruction of two woodburners.

Gas bottles, for example, can be found at scrap yards, but they can't be crushed or recycled, and if they are old or slightly damaged, can't be returned either. They can be given a new life as a wood-burner though. Stoves can also be made from other reclaimed metal objects.
Book online Price = £60


Introducing Action for Sustainable Living - Find out about volunteering with AfSL
13 Oct 2009 - 5:30pm- 7:30pm
St Wilfrid's Entreprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5BJ

Want to make a difference in your local community?

Fancy volunteering, but not sure what is right for you?

There is an informal induction where find out all you need to know about Action for Sustainable Living and what voluntary position would best suit you. Light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to book a place on the induction please ring in and ask for Jess Buck or Annabel Bradbury.
0161 227 0377

Day of short documentaries brought to you from twelve corners of the world by MA Visual Anthropology students from The University of Manchester.
Sat 17th Oct 2009 at 10:00
The Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Rd, Manchester - 0161 226 1912Follow indigenous miners in Ecuador; pontificating poets in Yemen; asylum seeking women in Manchester; young creatives in Berlin; Bangla generations in London and strippers in Miami.Take a tour of rural Mexico; a transatlantic burial rite in Austrailia; an afternoon with Morrocan migrants; a day in a gypsy life in Spain; a heartwarming tale from Japan and a song and dance in India.

Entry if free and you can come and go throughout the day. Final schedule will be announced shortly, but not one snapshot, all under 30 mins in length, should be missed!

Apple & Pumpkin Day
Sunday 18th October
Hulme Garden Centre, 28 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5RG
Pumpkin carving, apple juice making (bring an empty bottle to take some juice with you), many varieties of apple to taste and discover. See

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Out Now!!October Events Guide for Hulme

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Hulme Events This September!!!

Hulme Climate Flashmob - Mon 21st - 5:15pm
Hulme Common, opposite the Post Office, Stretford Road

This event is part of the Global Climate Wake-Up Call -- a wave of local events throughout the world on and around Monday September 21. From Singapore to Sydney and Johannesburg to Buenos Aires, together we'll be sounding the alarm calling for climate action from our leaders. Just RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/flashmob2109 with your details, and you'll receive instructions and a reminder as the event approaches. Remember to bring your friends!


SUST Swapshop - Mon 21st - 5:45pm to 7:00pm
The Eighth Day Café, Oxford Road, Manchester

SUST Swapshop is back! Update your wardrobe and beat the credit crunch by bringing a minimum of three items of clean clothing to the SUST Swap Shop at 8th Day Café on Oxford Road, Manchester on Monday 21 September, clothes drop off 5.45-6.15pm Swapping 6.15-7pm FREE if you have three items of clothing and £1 if you don't.
Donations also welcome. Items can include garments, shoes, bags, accessories, please make sure all items are clean. Please, no underwear!
Contact no: 07989 595 327

People’s Kitchen - Tues 22nd - 6:30pm
A-fe-we pub (a.k.a The Grants)

Tuesday 22nd September 2009 6.30pm for dinner (£1.50), eat food and meet people in your community. All welcome! Followed by a meeting at 7pm to discuss plans to oppose the proposals s the MMU Development on Birley Fields and also the plans to work with MMU to get a better deal for residents.




Manchester Bike Friday - Fri 25th - 8am Chorlton Library

Manchester's Bike Friday happens on the last Friday of every month.
Meet outside Chorlton Library (8.05am) or join the ride anywhere on Upper Chorlton Road (after approx. 8.10am).
Whether you're new to cycling, returning to your bike after a break, or cycle every day, join us on our monthly commuter rides (except December). They ride at a moderate pace and have experienced ride leaders. It is entirely law-abiding. For more info: http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/lyb/bikefriday.php

Beer Making - Sat 26th - 9:30am to 5pm Cider Making - Sun 27th - 9:30am to 5pm
Hulme Community Garden Centre

This is a course for those out there who would like to learn how to brew beer of the quality produced by professionals. The session will be largely practical but will include a brief overview of the theory necessary to brew good beer from a malt mash. A set of course notes will be provided.
All equipment and ingredients will be provided but students should bring a sterile demijohn or other container (for example, a 5 litre plastic bottle with a secure top) to allow them to take home a quantity of wort for the final fermentation. Brewing can be messy and some sort of protective clothing is advisable.
The course is run by Chris Holliland of Brewlab.
This course and cider making are run on consecutive days, so that you can do them individually, or have a go at both in the same weekend.
Book online: http://lowimpact.org/hulme_beer.htm
Price: £60
Parent and Toddler Group - Every Thursday - 11am to 12pm Hulme Garden Centre, Claremont Centre, Rolls Crescent, Hulme

The group meets every week throughout the year to learn and grow together through horticulture.
The sessions are open to all 0-5 years old, accompanied by an adult. Each session costs £2 per child and refreshments and materials are included in the fee.

Downloadable schedule:

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Monthly Green View newsletter for Hulme

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MMU Campus Plans in Hulme

Residents concern over loss of green space

In a document called Birley Fields Campus Proposals, we finally got confirmation from the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) of their plans for the last remaining green space in Hulme. We also found out where the car park would be situated. Clearly, they responded to the many residents who emailed them with their concerns about the 750-space car park, which was going to be plonked right next to Hornchurch Court. Thanks to residents’ pressure, the car park has shrunk to 400 spaces and has been moved over to the other side of Princess Parkway.

Local resident Nigel Woodcock, who is the Secretary of the Hornchurch Court residents’ association and Green Party member, said, “The car park victory is small but significant. However, the plans still involve the removal of the last of our green space, including the destruction of many beautiful mature trees. I want to try to save as much green space as possible, and on the consultation leaflet they’ve not even given an option for ‘green space’, which is highly biased in my opinion. I’d urge all Hulme residents to fill in a consultation form and to write ‘green space’ after ‘Other’ on the form – see what they do about that!”

For more information on the plans see here and click here to take part in the survey

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