Newsletter, February 2025
- May 15
- 11 min read
New Longsight Housing Co-op
Members’ Newsletter
February 2025
What is in this newsletter:
Co-op update
Love where you live – the red plaque
Poem – Cycles, by Greta
Quiz - Membership
Draughts and Ventilation, the good and the bad
Recipe – Sticky Tempeh stir fry
Events and Things to Do
Colouring page – Malala Yousafzai
Answers to quiz
Contacting our Co-op
Co-op Update
This is the time of year when our Co-op is both looking backwards and
forwards at the same time.
Farzana is preparing all the financial information from 2024 for our
Auditors to check we are doing things right. The Committee and
subgroups are looking back to 2024 to write our Co-op’s Annual Report.
We have also asked members to look back to 2024 for the tenant
satisfaction survey we must do every year.
Looking forward, we are anticipating more general meetings and social
events in 2025, as well as preparing for our Annual General Meeting, and
trying to encourage members to join the Committee or a subgroup.
The Social Group held a very lively and enjoyable Winter Social on 7
December, with a raffle, a game of Mexican Bingo, good food and great
company.
The Committee organised a general meeting on 25 January to help
members understand what the 30-year finance plan and 2025 budgets
are, and to explain how the rent increase is calculated each year.
Themeeting was very well attended, with people listening to Farzana’s
explanations and asking questions to make sure they understood. A few
members also raised the issue of including the cost of making our homes
more energy efficient (Social Landlord regulators say we must do some of
this soon). Farzana has created two sets of figures, one with the energy
efficiency changes and one without.
Dates for your diary
22 February, 11am – 1pm at the 422 Hub.
There will be a general meeting to talk about complaints, to share the
results of the Tenant Satisfaction Survey for last year, and for you to talk
to members of our Social Group about what events and activities you are
interested in. And of course, there will be drinks and snacks!
A third General Meeting – time and place to be confirmed.
This is a chance to find out what it means to be on our Co-op’s
Committee, be in a subgroup or be Chair, Treasurer, Secretary,
Membership Secretary or Internal Auditor.
Come along and find out about these, and other ways you can support
our Co-op that don’t involve being part of a sub-group.
Our Annual General Meeting will be on 26 April, and we plan to have
some good food to share when the meeting is finished. So please do
come along to find out what our Co-op has been doing, and also to ask
questions or give your comments as well. There is half an hour at the end
of the meeting just for Co-op members to have our say.
Who is on the Committee?
At the general meeting on 25 January, a couple of members said they
want to have the list of who is on the Committee put in the newsletter
more regularly, so here they are:
Steve Graby, Kelly Jones (now Chair since November), Anna Keczer,
Hannah Leighton-Boyce (also Membership Secretary), Mika, Kemi
Omoboye (Treasurer), Julie Ralph (co-optee, Chair of Sensible Housing
Co-operative).
Linda Marsh is Secretary, but not a member of the Committee.
Our Co-op has no Internal Auditor again this year.
Gemma Moran, Nea MacWilliam and Harry Thompson have left the
Committee in the last 5 months.
Love Where You Live – the Red Plaque
Have you ever noticed the plaque on the wall of the opticians where Slade
Lane goes into Stockport Rd? And wondered about the story behind it?
It commemorates a firefighter who fell from his waggon into the road just
opposite this spot, and fractured his skull. He died a few days later on
15th May 1996.
Matthew Fryer from the Fire Brigades Union said: “John Ogden was a
well-loved colleague and friend. His passing is remembered and known
about amongst our firefighting community in Manchester, but this plaque
will ensure that the local community does not forget what he gave.
"Manchester’s firefighters have a close relationship with the community
and we hope that this will only further help the people of Manchester
understand the sacrifices firefighters make and in particular John Ogden’s
story.”
The plaque reads: Honouring the bravery and sacrifice of John Ogden of
Gorton Fire Station who gave his life in the line of duty at Slade Lane,
Longsight, Manchester 15th May 1996
Thanks to https://redplaque.org.uk
Cycles
Nature is us -
Root of a tree, vein of my hand.
Wrinkles of trunk, curve of your smile.
Slowly you lean into the way of a breeze,
I spread with a sneeze.
In a blink of an eye, or here for a while.
Words and photo by Greta Buitkute
Membership Quiz - Answers at the back
1 You can’t get a tenancy with New Longsight if you are not a member.
True or False?
2 Everyone on the waiting list is a member. True or False?
3 Being a member does not guarantee being offered a property.
True or False?
4 If I own a house, I cannot be a member. True or False?
5 Members have the power to call a general meeting. True or False?
6 Membership is always for life. True or False?
7 Ordinary members have no say in how the Co-op is run. True or False?
Draughts and Ventilation – the good and the bad
Ventilation lets nasties out and fresh air in. It’s necessary for good mental
and physical health, and to avoid damp and mould.
Draughts are unwanted cold blasts coming in from outside or from under
the floor or doors or from a colder room. They make you feel cold
especially around your feet so they can be bad for your health. And they
can also cause damp and mould. Plus, they are bad for your bills.
Nasties that need to go out
Moisture caused by breathing, cooking, running hot water, drying
clothes – just living in fact. It can cause condensation and mould which
can cause health problems.
Stale and smelly air – from cooking, people, pets
Pollutants – from cooking, smoking, candles, cleaning products,
hygiene products and furnishings.
Winter time is when poor ventilation and draughts are the biggest
problem. There are more cold patches on walls where moisture is created
indoors or coming in through draughts can be trapped and turn into
condensation,
Good Ventilation Habits – yes, even in winter!
Open windows for a few minutes, even on a cold day.
Make sure the vents on your windows are open and not blocked.
Use your extractor fans if you have them or open the back door after
cooking. Keep fans clean.
Windows at the back let in fresher air than windows facing the
street.
If you are getting patches of mould that come back after you clean
them off, ventilate that room more often.
Good draughtproofing
Check where draughts are coming in by putting your hand or cheek
against any gaps or cracks. Can you see any gaps? Check windows,
doors, floorboards, skirtings, round pipes, and loft hatches.
Never block up vents on the skirting board in rooms with a gas fire,
vents in chimney breasts, and airbricks. These prevent condensation and
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check with the Co-op to agree what may count as a repair and what
you can do yourself.
These recommendations are from Carbon Co-op
For external doors, metal and rubber or foam strips should be used for the
top and sides, brush or fabric sealants for the bottom and sealant for gaps
round the frame.
For windows. Foam or rubber strips and sealant for gaps round frames
For loft hatches. Foam or rubber strips on the hatch itself.
Letterboxes. Flaps, preferably with brushes
Keyholes. You can get metal keyhole covers
Floorboards and skirtings. Silicone sealant or floorboard strips.
Gaps round pipes. Silicone or expanding foam
For more guidance I recommend:
FREE: Tackling Damp and Mould By Carbon Co-op
Saturday, February 15 422 Stockport Road Longsight
Damp and Mould Part 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Free tea, coffee, and lunch: 12:00 - 13:00
Damp and Mould Part 2: 13:00 - 15:00
Learn:
The causes and effects of damp and mould
Practical tips to prevent and eliminate mould growth
Techniques to keep air in your home healthy
email energise-manchester@carbon.coop, or
Call/WhatsApp on 07593711298
or book on
422-centre-longsight-tickets-1074326291859
Sticky tempeh stir-fry
Created by Helena Busiakiewicz, taken from the BBC Good Food Guide:
Preparation and cooking time: prep 10 mins, cook 20 mins. Serves 2
Ingredients
o 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil.
o 200g tempeh torn into chunks.
o 1 red onion finely sliced.
o 3 garlic cloves roughly chopped.
o 1 stick of lemongrass chopped into thirds (optional).
o 2cm piece of ginger peeled and roughly chopped.
o 1 red chilli roughly chopped (deseeded if you prefer).
o 100g mange tout sliced at an angle.
o 100g long-stem broccoli chopped.
o 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
o 1½ tablespoons brown sugar.
o 15g coriander roughly chopped.
o 200g pouch cooked brown rice or dried rice cooked yourself.
Method
1. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a high heat.
Once simmering, fry the tempeh for 3-4 mins until golden and charred at
the edges. Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.
2. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan if it’s dry, then fry the onion for 3-4
mins, stirring continuously. Once softened, add the garlic, lemongrass (if
using), ginger and chilli. Cook for 3 mins, stirring frequently until fragrant.
3. Toss through the mange tout and broccoli, then pour 50ml water
into the pan to create steam. Cook for 3-4 mins. Add the soy sauce and
brown sugar.
4. Return the tempeh to the pan and toss to combine, cooking 2-3
mins more until everything is tender and sticky. Stir in half the coriander.
5. Cook the pouch of rice following pack instructions, or drain dried rice
cooked yourself, then divide between two bowls. Top with the stir-fry and
remaining coriander.
You can find tempeh in most supermarkets, or use tofu instead.
Events and things to do
Writing Competition for 7 to 18 year olds
There is a free, short Story Competition and book review competition,
both have a closing date of 21 March – so you’ll have to get cracking if
you want to send an entry!
Find out more about these – the Portico Sadie Massey Awards – at:
LOL Art Club at Levenshulme Old Library
Each Monday there is a free and informal workshop for anyone (18+) to
get involved with:
Collage Club with Janie Lucchese
Stitch Club with Sopihe Benson
Zine Club with Let’s Make Zines
Writing Club with Kate Ireland
Whether you are engaging with your creativity for the first time or looking to
refine your skills, each session offers a welcoming space to explore
different creative practices and connect with others who share your
passion for art.
Last year the sessions filled up quickly, so now there is a ticketing system
for the sessions, but they're still free and open to all.
Address: Cromwell Grove,
Webpage to book:
Email for information about Levenshulme Old Library:
Events at Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library is on St Peter’s Square in central
Manchester. Get there from Piccadilly Gardens down Mosley Street.
Teen Book Club
Age 13 - 16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books?
Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read,
share recommendations and join book themed activities.
You can drop in to this free new club. It starts on Saturday 15 February,
from 11am to 12 noon, in the Tean Library, lower ground floor in
Manchester Central Library.
Film Club
Free film club for people and children, with crafts and activities related to
the film, suitable for children up to the age of 12– third Saturday afternoon
of each month,
To find out more, email: alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk
International film screening night: 17February, 5:30-7:30pm.
This is the first screening of the Library’s International Film Society. In
Manchester Central Library’s Performance Space, doors open at 5:15,
and there is introduction to the film at 5:30, before it is screened at 5:45. It
is a pay-what-you-can event, so in effect free if you cannot afford to pay
anything.
Vote for which film to watch and book a place at:
international-film-society-launch-monday-17th-february-2/
Black British Book Festival
A celebration of Black British culture and storytelling! Europe’s largest, it
was created to celebrate new and emerging Black British Authors across
all genres.
29 March, a free event at Manchester Central Library.
manchester-edition-29th-march-2025/
Expect a day packed with inspiring panels, live readings, creative
workshops, and an exciting Black Book Marketplace.
Panels & Discussions
Kehinde Andrews – Malcolm X: The Radical Vision Reclaimed
Joseph Coelho – Poetry in Motion: Unleashing Creativity with
Joseph Coelho
Kit de Waal, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, Jeffrey Boakye & Cebo
Campbell – Writing Black Lives: Tales of Resilience and Identity
Live Author Readings
Ola Awonubi – Unveiling History: Writing Stories of Courage and
Legacy
Chibundu Onuzo – Mayowa and the Sea of Words: A Journey
Through Magic and Adventure
Abiola Bello – Wild Magic: Unleashing Adventure with Abiola Bello
Special Guests & Performances
DJ Paulette – Behind the Decks: DJ Paulette’s Beats, Battles, and
Triumphs
Kimberly Whittam – Quiet Storm: Finding Strength in Your Own
Voice
Steven Bryant – My Mommy Is: A Colorful Celebration of Love
LGBT History month
LGBT Foundation 50th Anniversary Online Memory Box
As we celebrate 50 years of the LGBT Foundation, we’re inviting you to
share your memories, stories, and reflections to help us create a digital
time capsule. Whether you’ve been directly involved with us or simply
want to share a meaningful moment from the LGBTQ+ community, your
contribution will preserve our shared history and inspire future
generations.
Find the online form at https://lgbt.foundation/50years/
International Women’s Day – Saturday March 8th
Watch out for events in Manchester.
Sunday March 9th
Open day at the Pankhurst Centre, Nelson St, opposite Manchester Royal
Outpatients
Visit the front room of the trailblazing Pankhurst women where they and
their friends set up the Women's Social & Political Union. Discover more
about the fabulous, strong, activist Pankhurst women, the battle for the
vote and what women are fighting for now!
Tearoom open for hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Admission every half hour 11 – 3
Book your free ticket on https://www.pankhurstmuseum.com/whats-on. If
not able to book online, ring 0161 273 5673.
In the PDF and printed newsletter, there is a colouring page. For
International Women’s Day on March 8 th , a picture of Malala Yousafzai,
Champion of girls’ education
Answers to Membership Quiz
1 True. You need to be accepted as a member, pay your £1.00 for a
share and get your certificate before you can have a tenancy.
2 False. Everyone on the waiting list can apply for membership
3 True. Sadly, there are not many vacancies and there may not be one for
your size of household.
4 True. …
5 True. You need 10% of the membership to join together and call for a
meeting. Ask for a copy of the Rules for details.
6 False. If you move out or no longer want to be in the Co-op, your
membership would end. If you seriously breach your tenancy agreement,
you could lose your membership and tenancy.
7 False. All members can vote people onto the committee, stand for
election themselves, serve on sub-groups, give their opinions and
propose changes.
Please ask for a copy of the Rules and the Membership Policy for more
details
Next Newsletter
If you have something for the April newsletter, please send it to
lindamarsh.nlhc@gmail.com or ring the office about it by 4pm on
Thursday 20th march 2025
Contacts
For rent, repairs and complaints contact Shared Habitat. Say you are
a tenant of New Longsight Housing Co-op.
Shared Habitat
61 Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PP
Ring, text or WhatsApp 0161 791 2000
Office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
For emergency repairs out of hours. Only when there is risk to life or
limb
Ring 0161 791 2000 and leave a message
Shared Habitat now manage our complaints process and are the first
point of contact. The Co-op’s Complaints Officer will work closely with
them to ensure member feedback is taken seriously and helps improve
our Co-op where we can.
For all other enquiries contact the office. Office hours are Wed to Fri.
New Longsight Housing Co-op
Studio 7, Longsight Business Park,
Hamilton Rd, Longsight, Manchester M13 0PD
Ring, text or WhatsApp 07422 692 610
Email office@nlhcoop.org
To contact the committee
Email and mark your message “For Committee” or ring the office and let
the worker know your message is for the committee.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/nlhcmemberforum
(End of newsletter)
Comentários