RESPECT FALLOWFIELD

HAVE PRIDE IN FALLOWFIELD

Over 100 young people attended the Respect event in Platt Fields during the half term ( Thursday 25th ).

The day was organised by the Rusholme and Fallowfield Community Forum with the aim of consulting teenagers about what their ambitions are for the area and what services they would like from youth support agencies. Young people were able to take part in water adventure activities, bmxing, skateboarding and arts and crafts activities.

Cllr Mike Amesbury stated " This event showed that the vast majority of young people have real pride for the area they live in, thanks must go to all the youth support agencies and John Bynre that made this day happen".

The information given by the young people will be used to shape youth support services for the area and establish a youth forum.

For more information visit http://www.rfcf.org.uk/about

LABOUR IS WORKING



Unlike the dark days of life under Thatchers Tories Labour really is working

New figures showing employment is at a level of 29.1 million – the highest figure on record – have been welcomed by Cllr Mike Amesbury.The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance is down, while vacancies remain high at 668.8 thousand. Over 100 major employers have now committed to the Labour Government’s Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs), working with Jobcentre Plus to fast track long-term benefit claimants into work. Mike Amesbury said: “Today's vacancy figures, combined with the involvement of over 100 major companies in the LEP scheme, mean those who are able to work can find a job.“Those who ten years ago would have been left behind now have the chance to clock in, working for themselves and providing for their families."The challenge for us is to find new ways of helping people develop the skills and confidence they need to take advantage of these opportunities. The companies involved in LEPs have shown their commitment to British workers and we will give people the support they need to get into work."Our strong and stable economy has helped deliver record numbers in work and with unemployment continuing to fall we have in our sights the ambition of reaching full employment within a generation."

More Affordable & Social Housing


One of the most common issues that residents come to see me about is the lack of social and affordable housing. We simply do not have enough housing supply to meet demand.

I was therefore extremely pleased to hear that Yvette Cooper and Gordon Brown have promised a 50% increase in new social housing by 2011, and that they aim to meet Shelter's challenge of building an extra 20,000 a year soon afterwards.
All the evidence shows that homelessness and overcrowding have a devastating effect on the health, education and well-being of young children. If the extra homes that Labour has promised are delivered, we can begin to imagine ending bad housing for the next generation of children.
Even though this announcement is good news for those suffering at the sharp end of the housing crisis, there is already opposition to building new homes in some parts of the country. I strongly disagree with this.
I believe there are plenty of places for us to build the homes Britain needs, and that it is vital we do so. Careful planning can ensure that sustainable and mixed communities are created without concreting over the countryside.
We need to take on the NIMBY lobby. That is why I support Shelter in its campaign to ensure Manchester City Council support and deliver increased house building.

Lanterns, Fire and Fireworks at the Festival of Light

Hundreds of lanterns, a burning giant demon king and a fireworks finale will all light up a Mela to celebrate two of the most popular Hindu festivals, Dashehra and Diwali.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the family-friendly event in Platt Fields Park, Manchester, on Sunday 21 October.
Last year's Dashehra and Diwali Mela, the first held in Manchester, attracted more than 8,000 visitors, almost half of them from non-Asian backgrounds.
This year's event, organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council, will run from 3.30pm to 9pm.
Fallowfield Councillor Mike Amesbury & Assistant Executive member for Arts and Leisure, said: "The Mela will be a wonderful opportunity for all communities to come together and celebrate the richness and diversity of Manchester. It will be a family event with something for every one."
The climax, starting at 8pm, will be the burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, who Hindus believe was killed by Lord Ram.
The burning of the effigy and the flames signify the ridding of the mind and soul of impurities ready for a renewal of the human spirit.
More than 300 children in schools all over Greater Manchester have been preparing lanterns for a lantern procession.
Live performances on stage will include Indian dances, Bollywood, Bhangra and other folk, fire dance, Indian Wedding Brass Band, and live music by the award winning best Bhangra band DCS.
There will also be art and craft (Henna and face painting, Rangoli and paper craft) and Indian dance workshops.
Throughout the evening visitors will be able to enjoy a fun fair and shop or enjoy a mouthwatering variety of delicious Indian food at over 30 stalls. The event will end with a brilliant fireworks display.
Dashehra and Diwali have religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The festivals are celebrated by many communities in India and throughout the world. Both symbolise the power of good to triumph over evil. Diwali also marks the start of the Hindu New Year.
For more information visit http://www.dashehradiwali.co.uk/

Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning.

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

I was pleased to lend my support and donate my money to a worthy cause this weekend in the town hall. Every cup of tea served by colleagues such as Cllr Basil Curley and Cllr Mary Murphy helped provide funds to improve the lives of people living with cancer.