April 2005

All Month Terra
Central Art Gallery, Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne
Liverpool based artist, Nina Edge has been awarded Arts Council funding to work on a challenging new installation piece opening for exhibition in Ashton-under-Lyne in March. In 2003 Nina Edge used a residency at Tameside College in Ashton-under-Lyne to research and develop the terra project. This installation will consist of a map made of camouflage patterned fabric which reflects the militarisation of the earth. The use of so much camouflage blurs the edges of land masses, slowing the speed at which the familiar image of a world map is recognisable. The dominance of military activity as a cultural phenomena, with it's space satellite surveillance make even the seas irrelevant. Thus the seas are represented in earth tones, all dried up. (More...).
Info: Meg Lewis-Crosby, Curator of Art, Tameside Museums & Galleries, (0161 343 2878, meg.lewis-crosby@tameside.gov.uk)

Friday 1 - Sunday 3 Conflict Resolution
From £20 (Bobbins negotiable in part/full payment). Northenden.
Workshop looking at the underlying causes of violence and exploring new ways of dealing with conflict, for anybody who has niggling little resentments that become grudges... anybody who struggles with anger... and anybody who wants to find out about alternatives to violence. Level two workshop for those who have already attended a level one workshop.
Info: Fran Townsend, Alternatives to Violence Project Greater Manchester (0161 832 3660, fran@avpgmr.org.uk)

Friday 1 CN4M Health Inequalities Pool
10am-noon, Cross Street Chapel.
Info: CN4M (0161 234 2916)

Sat 2 Pond Flora and Fauna
Meet 9:30am, Highfield Road entrance, Highfield Country Park, Levenshulme.
Make a difference to Highfield Country Park and gain skills! All courses are NCFE accredited and delivered by BTCV staff, on site at Highfield Country Park. Learn new skills to benefit you and the park. Wear sturdy boots and bring a packed lunch.
Info: Katie Lowry, BTCV (07740 899 539, k.lowry@btcv.org.uk)

Sat 2 WDM North West Conference
10:30am-3:30pm, Friends’ Meeting House, Silverwell Street, Bolton.
A great chance to listen to speakers on water issues, trade justice, debt and fair trade days before the Global Week of Action begins with panel debate on "Liberalisation - good, bad or could do better?" with Barbara Ronson (leader, Bolton Borough Council), Carla Montemayor (Philippines communities against privatisation), Dr. Brian Iddon MP (to be confirmed) and Peter Hardstaff (Head of Policy, WDM) and workshops on campaigning, water, global week of action etc.
Bookings: Neil Hughes (Neil.Hughes@eden.gov.uk)

Sat 2 Demonstrate Against Deportations and Rally Against Racism
The European Social Forum (ESF) has called a Europe-wide Day of Action support of asylum seekers and for the free movement of people across national borders. In Manchester, there will be 3 marches: one from South with Mansoor Hassan and family (assemble 12.30pm, Whitworth Park, Wilmslow Road), one from North with Farhat Khan and family (assemble 12noon, Goldstone Park, Cheetham Hill Road/Waterloo Road) and one from the city centre with Debbie Mgijima and Moses Kayiza (assemble 1pm, Sackville Park, Sackville Street), converging on Exchange Sq about 2pm moving and then together towards Albert Sq in order to be there for about 2.30pm. A city unites against racism, for freedom of movement and for the right to stay and work. This is a local issue. Right now, Manchester people are living in fear of deportation. People such as Mansoor Hassan, an investigative journalist who fled Pakistan after death threats were made against him and his family. People like Farhat Khan, who escaped with her children from a violent husband and whose work in her local community in north Manchester was recently recognised by the Queen. Whilst in the UK many lesbian, gay and bisexual people experience homophobia, in many countries around the world homosexuality is still illegal. And in many more countries extreme and violent homophobia is sanctioned by the state. Many LGB people are forced to flee torture, rape and threats of long prison sentences or even death, and seek asylum in the UK and other "safe" countries. Unfortunately their official welcome here is often far from warm. We are demonstrating in solidarity with those fighting deportation and against injustice of home office decisions. Effective HIV treatment is NOT available in Africa. The government CHOOSES to ignore this and deport people to their death. We choose to say no to deportations. HIV affects us all. Survival is a human right. Show your support for Mansoor Hassan, Farhat Khan, Debbie Mgijima and Moses Kayiza and all other anti-deportation campaigns. Whether you march from the North or the South or even catch the bus, make sure you are in Albert Square on the afternoon of Saturday 2 April.
Also see No Borders Call to Action and their flier (70Kb, PDF)
Info/emailing list: (2ndapril2005@gmail.com)

Sat 2 Vegan Organic Network
2:30pm, The Basement, 24 Lever Street.
Trustees and Working Group Meeting of VON which was established to advance the education of the general public in the principles of vegan-organic horticulture and agriculture.We have many exciting developments at the moment, including our Stockfree Organic Standards, the worlds first standard for animal free organic growing.
Info: Peter White (p.a.white@ukgateway.net)

Sat 2 Ian MacDonald
6-9pm, Monsoon Nights restaurant, Wilmslow Rd.
Enjoyable and stimulating evening with speaker Ian Macdonald (only law lord to resign about imprisonment without trial) talking about the implications for us all of the new terrorism legislation. Discussion, good food, local musicians/artists and drink. Organised by the Greater Manchester Guantanamo and Belmarsh Campaign.
Info: Annette (annetterimmer@yahoo.co.uk)

Sat 2 Solid Earth Goes Louche
&\163;6. 7pm-1am, The Carlton Club, Carlton Road, Whalley Range.
A night of high drama and low sleaze. Expect jazz, funk, sweet lounge and casual aural intercourse. All proceeds to Medicins Sans Frontiere’s humanitarian work in Darfur.

Sat 2 Windows for Peace
From £6. 7.30pm, Manchester Bridge Club, 30 Palatine Rd, Didsbury M20.
The nationally acclaimed storyteller Shona Leigh has agreed to appear at a fund raising evening for Windows for Peace. Music and refreshments.
Tickets: Yvonne Singer (01625 572648), Judith Emanuel (0161 226 9790)

Sun 3 Victoria Baths Open Day
£1 adults, children free. 12-4pm, Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road M13.
Open day of the Restoration winning Victoria Baths with children's activity sheets, sales stall, historical displays, hot and cold refreshments and guided tours of the building (no need to book, last full tour at 3pm). Free parking in the adjacent United Utilities car park. There is ramped access to the entrance and most of the building can be seen from the ground floor. Toilet facilities are limited, sorry there is no disabled toilet. (More...).
Info: Victoria Baths (0161 224 2020, info@victoriabaths.org.uk)

Mon 4 & Tues 5 Black Environment Network Conference
Manchester Town Hall.
an opportunity to share project experience, learn more about ethnic community environmental participation and network with organisations from across the country.
Info: BEN UK (01286 870715)

Mon 4 Campaign to Free Mordechai Vanunu
The one year review of the restrictions placed on Mordechai Vanunu will be happening soon. Please contact the Israeli Ambassador here in the UK (His Excellency the Ambassador, Zvi Heifetz, The Embassy of Israel, 2 Palace Green, London W8 8QB, 020 7957 9540, public@london.mfa.gov.il) asking that restrictions are lifted and that Mordechai is allowed to leave Israel. You will be joining activists around the world who will all be asking their Israeli ambassadors the same question. Send copies of any emails to Ariel Sharon (pm_eng@pmo.gov.il) and let CND know if you get any response.
Info: Greater Manchester and District CND (0161 273 8283, gmdcnd@gn.apc.org)

Mon 4 CN4M Sustainable Neighbourhood Pools
9-10am, Committee Room 8, Manchester Town Hall.
Info: Catriona Fothergill (0161 273 1736, info@manchesterenvironment.net)

Mon 4 Zelmys Dominguez
7:30pm, UNISON offices, St John St, corner with Deansgate.
Zelmys Dominguez speaker from the Cuban embassy will give a short talk followed by questions and answers about Cuba today, with an emphasis on the challenges facing the Cuban people, and how Cuba is dealing with them. There will be plenty of time for discussion which might cover tourism and its impact, public services in Cuba, the economy, and the situation in Latin America with the election of centre left governments and the growth of radical social movements.
Info: Manchester Cuba Solidarity Campaign: Mark Burton (0161 881 6887, csc.mcr@pop3.poptel.org.uk) or Alan Neill (0161 226 3688)

Tues 5 Wrestling with Funding
1pm, The Grange, Pilgrim Drive, Beswick.
Help with funding and starting a new group from Community Chest and East Manchester Grants Partnership.
Info: Nicola, East Manchester Community Forum (0161 223 3418, 07985 884 040, emcn@eastmanchestercommunity.net)

Tues 5 Stop the War Book Launch
7pm, Cross Street Chapel.
Speakers: Lindsey German, Andrew Murray, plus local contributors to the book, plus exhibition. further details to follow. The book is "The definitive account of the growth of the anti-war movement in Britain by those who made it happen. 288 pages packed with the memories, opinions and reflections of anti-war campaigners, from school students and trade unionists to artists, journalists, authors and celebrities. Plus a colour section of art, poetry and photographs celebrating our movement. These include ex-MI5 agent David Shayler, CND Vice President Bruce Kent, film director Ken Loach, former UN Assistant Secretary General Denis Halliday, award winning journalist Yvonne Ridley; poets Benjamin Zephaniah, Harold Pinter, Adrian Mitchell, Tony Harrison and Michael Rosen; Pete Doherty of Babyshambles; Vietnam veteran Rob Kovic; Military families Against the War; trade union leaders Billy Hayes, Tony Woodley and Jeremy Dear; MPs George Galloway, Alan Simpson and Jeremy Corbyn. Plus a full colour section packed with photographs and art by Banksy, Steve Bell, Martin Rowson, Simon Norfolk, David Gentleman, Leon Kuhn and Jess Hurd including original and controversial works by Ralph Stedman and Peter Kennard."
Info: Richard Searle, ANSWER Manchester (07760 224 580, ANSWERmanchester@aol.com)

Weds 6 - Sun 10 Festival of Dissent
Lanarkshire, Scotland. Transport from Manchester.
A chance to form networks of resistance against the G8.
Info: (g8manc@yahoo.co.uk)

Wednesday 6 A Creative Approach to Environmental Interpretation
From £117.50. Manchester.
Designed for those working in environmental or heritage interpretation, this event includes a range of innovative practical activities and imaginative new ways to reinforce your message. Offering an encouraging and supportive environment, it will provide new practitioners with ideas and confidence, and no previous art or craft experience is required for the event. For those who are more experienced, it will offer some refreshing new approaches to enhance the work you already do.
Bookings: Environmental Trainers Network (0121 358 2155, ETN@unite.net)

Weds 6 Bicycle Maintenance Course for Women
7 weeks, 7pm - 9pm, Pankhurst Centre.
Covering punctures, tyres, tubes, brakes, gears and wheels.
Info: (0161 273 5673)

Thurs 7 Apr - Fri 6 May Marketing Utopia: Communities For Sale
Noon-7pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays, The Basement, 24 Lever Street.
See press release.
Info: Yvan Henner on 07960 963 663, info@common-eye.com)

Thurs 7 Lobby for Future of Green Fish Partnership
10am, Manchester Town Hall.
Voluntary Action Manchester face closure with withdrawal of Council funding to the GreenFish Partnership. The Finance and General Purposes Committee will be hearing an appeal and your support either in person or by contacting your councillor is requested. (NB: VAM's press release may imply that CAS and CTAC also face closure but this is incorrect.)
Info: VAM (0161 234 2929)

Thurs 7 Skills for Presenting to Young People
From £117.50. Manchester.
Want to improve the way you deliver your environmental message to young people? Specifically designed for community and environmental education workers, this interactive workshop aims to help you develop your presentation skills when working with young people. It will look at different presentation styles and their appropriateness for your client group in terms of age, culture, setting, content etc. Using a lively mix of role-play and group discussion, you will discover which styles and techniques work best for you to help put your message across.
Bookings: Environmental Trainers Network (0121 358 2155, ETN@unite.net)

Thurs 7 Apr Community Network for Manchester Annual Forum
5:30-9pm, Manchester Conference Centre, Weston Building, Sackville Street M1.
A celebration of success inc. meal (6pm).
Info: Cath Taylor, CN4M (0161 234 2920, catht@cn4m.net)

Thurs 7 Solid Earth Roots
&\163;6. 7:30pm-midnight, The Green Room, Whitworth St.
Sold Earth Roots with a celebration of Celtic and African rhythms. All proceeds to Medicins Sans Frontiere’s humanitarian work in Darfur.

Thurs 7 Question Time for the Environment
7-9:30pm, Urbis.
Political candidates from each of the main parties will be asked what they are going to do to tackle the five major eco-challenges facing England's Northwest. The debate will run from 7pm until 9.30pm and will include Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale North; David Chaytor, Labour MP for Bury North; Jean Lambert MEP, Green Party and Andrew Stunell, Stockport's Liberal Democrat MP. The event will be chaired by Professor Cary L. Cooper, a board member of Sustainability Northwest and Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University Management School. Invite only.
Invites: Steve Connor or Claire Martin, Creative Concern (0161 236 0600/0797, clairem@creativeconcern.com)

Sat 9 Apr Motiv8 4 G8
£5/3 inc. lunch. 10am-3pm, New Century House, Corporation St.
30,000 people die each day from extreme poverty, 19,000 are children. 2005 is a crucial year for making poverty of this scale a thing of the past. It is the UK's turn at the head of the G8 and thus is a year to make history, to Make Poverty History. Join hundreds of others from the North of England for the "Motiv8 4 G8" conference as we prepare to travel to Scotland in early July to make sure world leaders Make Poverty History at the G8 Summit. At Motiv8 you can learn all you need to know about Make Poverty History and the Edinburgh mobilisation for the G8 and hear from actor, presenter and campaigner Tony Robinson, the Friends of the Earth Trade Campaign Manager, a Cafod rep and international speakers from countries like Brazil.
Info: Chris Worrall, Oxfam (0161 838 5620, cworrall@oxfam.org.uk)

Sun 10 - Sat 16 Trade Justice Global Week of Action
Actions throughout the week with different foci: 11th food, 12th livelihood, 13th water, 14th health, 15th education, including Manchester on Mon & Tues and overnight "Wake up to Trade Justice" action

Mon 11 Trade Justice - Make Poverty History
11am-6pm, under big screen, Exchange Squ.
Collecting for votes for trade justice and giving out flyers for Edinburgh (G8). We have a life size cut-out of Peter Mandelson (the EU Trade Commissioner) and we will be asking members of the public to throw sponges dipped in green dye at him to make him green to show the green needs to be put into trade. Helpers needed!
Info: Dave Pearce (0161 428 9929, dave@davepearce.me.uk)

Mon 11 VSO and Drugs
7:30pm, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street M2.
Social occasion with an informal mix of talks, debates or activities for stimulating discussion, this month Chris Walker, VSO Northern Reg Rep updating members on current issues within VSO & presentation on drugs by Greg.
Info: VSO Manchester: Mary Gillespie (0773 443 9782, mgillespie1608@yahoo.co.uk) or Greg (bubbadig@yahoo.com)

Tues 12 Trade Justice - Make Poverty History
11am-6pm, St Anne's Square.
Collecting for votes for trade justice and giving out flyers for Edinburgh (G8). We have a life size cut-out of Peter Mandelson (the EU Trade Commissioner) and we will be asking members of the public to throw sponges dipped in green dye at him to make him green to show the green needs to be put into trade. Helpers needed!
Info: Karen (karen@manchesterfoe.org.uk) or Dave Pearce (0161 428 9929, dave@davepearce.me.uk)

Tues 12 CN4M Workshop
5pm, Green Fish Resource Centre, Oldham St.
Info: CN4M (0161 234 2916)

Tues 12 Apr Manchester Community Engagement Strategy Review
5:30-7:30pm, Green Fish Resource Centre, Oldham Street.
a workshop as part of a review of the Manchester Community Engagement Strategy (MCES). MCES was established two years ago and has carried out a number of activities including for example significant new commitments to community engagement in ward co-ordination, thematic partnership community engagement action plans, and a community engagement toolkit. The review is asking a series of key questions in order to take the strategy forward. See review discussion document (60Kb, MS Word doc).
Info: Ed Cox, Community Pride (0161 231 4111, edcox@communitypride.org.uk)

Tues 12 Question time for Respect
7.30pm, North Trafford Community Centre, Shrewsbury Street, Old Trafford.

Info: Mark, Respect (0161 872 5178, mark.krantz@ntlworld.com)

Weds 13 CN4M Geographical Network
12-2:30pm, venue TBA.
Info: CN4M (0161 234 2916)

Weds 13 Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre Open Day
1-5pm, Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, Ground floor, Devonshire House, Precinct Centre, Oxford Road M13.
Info: Race Relations Resource Centre (0161 275 2920, Msrsrra@fs1.ec.man.ac.uk)

Weds 13 McLibel
9pm, BBC4.
McLibel film will be broadcast. Filmed over 10 years, this brand new 85 min version includes the McLibel defendants’ victory at the European Court of Human Rights in February 2005.

Fri 15 Apr Tsunami Dinner
£15, Whitworth Hall.
Dinner, speakers from Action Aid and and Oxfam and much much more. Formal dress. Raising money for Action Aid for long-term reconstruction in tsunami-hit regions.
Tickets: Ticket Office, Manchester University Students' Union (South Campus), Oxford Road. Info: Emily Randall e.l.randall@gmail.com)

Fri 15 Wake Up to Trade Justice
10pm-8am, Central London. Transport from Manchester.
Coaches depart Booth Street East, Manchester on Friday 15 April at 4pm, aim to arrive in London 9pm for 10pm and depart London Saturday 16 April, 9am. Cost: £20 (£8 unwaged). Cheques payable to "Christian Aid North West Reserve".
Info: Eunice Vic Akoto, Christian Aid (0161 273 3647, MVolunteer@christian-aid.org)

Sat 16 Third Manchester Social Forum: A Different World is Possible
10am-4pm, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street M2.
Workshops, "fair of alternativity" and People's Assembly: Call for actions, followed by evening social.
Flier (35Kb, MS Word doc)
Info: Mariangela (maciacia50@hotmail.com)

Sat 16 Save Hulme's Green Spaces
10am-1pm, on the green space between Bonsal Street and Stretford Road, Hulme.
Music, food, urban exploration, green space clean up and a chance to contribute your views.
Info: Hulme Green Spaces (hulmegreenspaces@riseup.net)

Mon 18 Campaign to Free Mordechai Vanunu
The one year review of the restrictions placed on Mordechai Vanunu will be happening soon. Please contact the Israeli Ambassador here in the UK (His Excellency the Ambassador, Zvi Heifetz, The Embassy of Israel, 2 Palace Green, London W8 8QB, 020 7957 9540, public@london.mfa.gov.il) asking that restrictions are lifted and that Mordechai is allowed to leave Israel. You will be joining activists around the world who will all be asking their Israeli ambassadors the same question. Send copies of any emails to Ariel Sharon (pm_eng@pmo.gov.il) and let CND know if you get any response.
Info: Greater Manchester and District CND (0161 273 8283, gmdcnd@gn.apc.org)

Mon 18 Stop This Extradition
10am-2pm, Bow Street Magistrates' Court, London WC2. Transport from Manchester.
FACT: U.S. and U.K have authorised use of unreliable evidence obtained under torture. FACT: U.S. continues to hold and torture Muslims in Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere. FACT: Britain’s subservience to America is increasing day by day. FACT: Blair’s Government has now signed one-way fast-track Treaty where U.K Courts cannot challenge U.S allegations. FACT: Once extradited a suspect can be transferred to military tribunal and sent to Guantanamo or even be executed. FACT: No Muslim extradited to America will ever get a fair trial. On March 2nd 2005, British Citizen Babar Ahmad’s Defence lawyers laid out the above facts in the Courtroom. Now, in Round 2, the US will bring a rebuttal and insist upon his Extradition. Stand up for justice! Stand up for Babar! Campaign supported by Stop Political Terror, CAMPACC, Liberty, Stop the War Coalition, RESPECT, MCB, MAB and others.
Transport from M/c: (07761583703)

Tues 19 River Activities for the Community
Venue TBA.
This session will be looking at how to run successful river activity days with the community. Whether you're thinking about running these kinds of activities for the first time, or want to reinvigorate existing activities, come along and gather fresh ideas. These skills share days are a great way of getting to know other Network members and sharing skills and knowledge as well as learning a lot more about a specific activity area.
Info: Ellen Hawkins, Red Rose Forest (0161 872 1660)

Tues 19 CN4M Transport Pool
12:30-2pm, Friends Meeting House, Mount St.
This will be a workshop to identify issues of concern to pool members, select the issues that we can influence through the Transport Partnership (see their action plan (400Kb, MS Word doc)) and plan how to progress with these.
Info: Catriona Fothergill (0161 273 1736, info@manchesterenvironment.net)

Tues 19 New geographies of ethnicity: urban regeneration, tourism and immigration
4-5pm, Hanson Room, Architecture and Planning Building, South Campus, Univ. of Manc.
Seminar by Monica Degen (Brunel University).
Info: Aidan While (0161 275 6889, aidan.h.while@manchester.ac.uk)

Weds 20 Apr 2005 Effective Local Strategic Partnerships
7:30-9:30pm, Committee Room 3, Town Hall.
Professor Hilary Russell from Liverpool John Moores University will be looking at case studies from the national review of LSPs. This is an early and important opportunity to discuss the implications for the future of community involvement in local decision making. Sue Kidd from Liverpool University Department of Civic Design will discuss what impacts the recently published document Securing the future ­ delivering UK sustainable development strategy has for local governance and living within environmental limits whilst ensuring a cohesive, healthy and just society.
Info: Lydia Meryll, Greater Manchester SERA (0161 249 0943)

Weds 20 CN4M Executive
1-3pm, venue TBA.
Info: CN4M (0161 237 9309)

Thurs 21 Mansoor Hassan Campaign Press Conference
11am, NUJ Office, Fifth Floor, Arthur House, Chorlton Street, Manchester.
Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street is coming to the NUJ office to front a press conference for Mansoor Hassan. The conference will begin at 11am and will be followed by a reception.
Info: Bob Pounder (O7837558036, bob.pounder@tesco.net)

Thurs 21 CN4M Joint Pools
2-4pm, Green Fish Resource Centre, Oldham St.
Info: CN4M (0161 237 9309)

Thurs 21 Pre-election Question Time
7pm, Students' Union Council Chambers, Oxford Road M13.
6 MPs, PPCs, and Councillors representing Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, UKIP and Socialist Party have agreed to come along and battle it out. Speakers: Mr. Graham Stringer MP - Labour MP Manchester Blackley; Dr. Amar Ahamed - Conservative PPC Manchester Blackley; Mr. Marc Ramsbottom - Liberal Democrat Councillor City Centre; Mr. Steven Durrant - Manchester Green Party; Ms. Lynn Worthington - Socialist Party; Mr. Robert Gutfreund - UKIP Prof. Paul Layzell the Vice President of External Affairs will chair the event. Admission is free and you are encouraged to ask any questions you wish to the panel. The event should make for a highly interesting and entertaining evening.
Info: Philip Cohen, Manchester Debating Union c/o (Patrick.Hackett@manchester.ac.uk)

Fri 22 Resource Efficiency in Construction
This conference will provide practical guidance for improving resource efficiency in the UK construction industry. Studies show that construction accounts for significant amounts of material resources used in the UK, and of the waste generates. While progress is being made with waste management, this event will look at the many benefits of improving the efficiency of resource use at all stages of the construction process.
Info: http://www.ice.org.uk

Fri 22 CND Fund Raiser
£5/4. 8pm, Star & Garter pub, Fairfield Street M1.
With Tsuji Giri, Sadie Hawkins Dance, Four Years of Black Fiction, Doublejo(h)ngray plus compere/comedian Steve G.
Info: Greater Manchester and District CND (0161 273 8283, gmdcnd@gn.apc.org)

Sat 23 Ideas into Action
10am-5pm, Council Chambers, Manchester University.
One day G8 awareness raising event. Speakers incldue Alfredo Saad Filho, Ed Amann, Prof. Paul Cammack and Mark Hoskisson.
Greater Manchester and District CND (0161 273 8283, gmdcnd@gn.apc.org)

Sat 23 IndyMedia
10am-2pm, The Basement, 24 Lever St.
Indymedia "ReBoot" training event. There is a workshop at noon called "Outreach and Inclusion": How to get more people involved in Indymedia and for it to reflect the social diversity of Greater Manchester. Other workshops include How to post to the Newswire, Writing centre column features and Making Indy Video more visible.

Sat 23 Rail Against Privatisation
11:30am assemble at All Saints Park for march to Mechanics Institute.
Part of the RMT's two week long 14 cities national mobile demonstration and march from Glasgow to London to put the case for rail renationalisation during the general election campaign. Followed by public meeting at 1:30pm, Mechanics Institute. Speakers include Bob Crow - RMT General Secretary, Alan Manning - North West TUC Regional Secretary, Bob Wareing - Labour candidate Liverpool, West Derby.

Sat 23 School on World Poverty
1-5pm, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street M2.
Talks and discussion.
Info: Paul Bennett, The Socialist Party (0161 860 7189)

Sat 23 Ceile & Barn Dance: AIDS Fund Raiser
£6/4 inc. hot supper. 7-11pm, Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, Fairfax Road, Prestwich.
Info: Manchester VSO: Mary Gillespie (0773 443 9782, mgillespie1608@yahoo.co.uk), Eddy Richards (0161 861 0378, eddy_richards@fireflyuk.net) or Angela Hilton (0161 928 2095, royhilton@aol.com)

Monday 25 - Sunday 1 May International TV Turnoff Week
A campaign to get us all off our sofas - and make us curious about the life we're missing! Have you ever gone away on holiday without television? Then you've already done a TV Turnoff. Maybe you missed a show here or there. But you found it surprisingly easy. Pretty soon you were more involved with the things you yourself could do than you were the things people on TV pretend to do. And when you came back home, the television seemed a bit alien. You'd forgotten how it demands attention. Sitting around watching seemed less fun. Even if you just want to be a "discerning viewer", remember that there's a whole industry of highly paid, well educated people whose job it is to see that you don't discern. They get paid to keep you sitting there - no matter what's on. That's why the best way to moderate your viewing is to stop watching entirely for a while. It will give you a chance to see how much TV you really need. You'll also get a chance to rediscover your own life: you are interesting. Your friends are worth knowing, and the things you do are more important than the things you watch others do on television. This year, you can get a free TV-B-gone key.
Info: David Burke, British Director, White Dot (07816 610380, dburke@whitedot.org)

Monday 25 - Fri 29 Bluebell Recovery Project
Venues in Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Trafford.
Help protect native bluebells from invasive Spanish ones.
Info: (01625 534790)

Mon 25 What's Wrong with Child Labour?
3pm, Council Chambers, University of Manchester Students' Union, Oxford Rd.
In a bid to raise the dialogue about child labour at the academic level, SCREAM-Manchester are hosting a Big Discussion on Child Labour. SCREAM-Manchester (Supporting Children's Rights through Education the Arts and the Media) is a MSU society that has joined the global movement to raise awareness about the scale and tragedy of child labour and change society's attitude on how to react to and deal with it.

Monday 25 ALL Community Group Network's Annual Network Day
6-9pm, Jain Community Centre, Stockport Road (next to Crowcroft Park, Longsight).
This has been a very popular event in the past, and we want to make it just as successful this year so please come. Apologies for the short notice - we have organised the event very quickly in order to fit in with the consultation timetable for the Inner South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF), which will bw the theme of the event. The SRF will be the most important strategy for regeneration in south Manchester over the coming years, and will pick up where the old Regeneration Partenrships (A6 Partnership, Moss Side and Hulme Partnership) left off. This is your chance to find out what its all about and have your say. As well as people in Ardwick, Longsight and Levenshulme, we will also be inviting people from other areas included in the SRF - Gorton, Moss Side, Hulme, Rusholme and Whalley Range. The programme will inlcude: Presentations by ALL Community Group Network, Wythenshawe Voices (who will be sharing their experience of going through an SRF process in their area), and senior staff from the Council's South Manchester Regeneration Team; Workshops - what are the differences between different parts of the area - what's working well in different places, and what's particularly needed where you are from? Different workshops will look at Education Economy and Employment, Sustainable Neighbourhoods and Transport, Children, Young and Older People, and Safe and Healthy Communities. Delicious food will be provided by Be My Guest catering, and entertainment will be provided by local kids involved in the What We Want group.
Info: Carl (0161 248 4248, carl@allnet.org.uk)

Monday 25 Community Chest
5:30-8pm, Green Fish Resource Centre, Oldham Street.
Workshop focusing on Fastrack applications to the Community Chest, including: Background to the Community Chest; Community Chest themes; How applications will be judged; "New" criteria; The application form; Case studies; Question and answer session; TopTips for successful applications.
Bookings: (0162 234 2905, communitychest@vamanchester.org.uk)

Mon 25 Help Manchester Make Poverty History!
7pm, The Basement, 24 Lever Street.
An evening full of coffee, chocolate and inspiration! Come and find out what you can do in the build up for July's G8 in Edimburgh.
Info: Manchester Oxfam Activists Group (01865 313 123, manoxgroup@hotmail.com)

Mon 25 What Capitalism Does to Your Food
8pm, Hare and Hounds, Shudehill.
Talk followed by discussion.
Info: Paul Bennett, The Socialist Party (0161 860 7189)

Tues 26 The contribution of the organic agriculture and food sector to regional sustainability and quality of life
4-5pm, Hanson Room, Architecture and Planning Building, South Campus, Univ. of Manc.
Seminar by Martina Schäfer (Technical University, Berlin).
Info: Aidan While (0161 275 6889, aidan.h.while@manchester.ac.uk)

Tues 26 No Borders
7pm, The Basement, 24 Lever Street.

Weds 27 Make Poverty History and The G8 Protests
5pm, 5pm Main Debating Hall, UMSU Oxford Rd.

Fri 29 get clued up bout democracy
7-9:30pm, The Basement, 24 Lever St.
A night of know-how, short films, inspiration, 'bout democracy to inform of issues before the elections. The first of a new series exploring issues connected with the G8.
Info: Do Summat (dosummat@shortcutz.org.uk)

Fri 29 Moses Must Stay Campaign
7:30pm, Taurus, Canal Street, Manchester.
Fundraising social with drinks, nibbles and social solidarity with Moses.
Info: (07816 992218, moseslgb@yahoo.co.uk)

Fri 29 Perparim Demaj Must Stay Campaign
£5/4. 8pm, St Johns Parish Hall, Chequers Road/High Lane, Chorlton.
Social event with bar 'til 11pm, band: Abina and Friends, disco: The Grappa Brothers, bingo, raffle and more. UNISON Manchester presents Soca Survivors - Manchester's premier ska jazz fusion-tastic outfit. Proceeds from the night will go to the Perparim Demaj Must Stay campaign. Fleeing persecution in Kosovo, Perparim (Peter) sought safety in England and after being given permission to stay, has worked very hard in difficult circumstances. He has worked in social care in the Greater Manchester area in a voluntary and paid capacity since 1999 as an ESOL support worker, translator, Mental Health Nursing Assistant and as a Community Support Worker with older people and people with HIV/AIDS. He has helped countless vulnerable people in Manchester and paid his taxes but now the Home Office have reversed their decision and want to deport him. UNISON, Manchester City Council and numerous other organisations and individuals are campaigning to prevent this. Other entertainment on the night includes a salsa disco plus a raffle and bingo, as no benefit night would be complete without these. All welcome.
Info/tickets: Barbara Topping, Liz Woods, Barbara Reid at Hillside RC. (0161 273 2016) or Wendy Allison, UNISON Manchester (0161 254 7500, w.allison@manchester.gov.uk)

Fri 29 Activist Network/Red Pepper Grand Quiz Night
£4/3. 7:30pm, Irish Association Social Club, 17 High Lane, Chorlton.
Wonderful Company, Fantastic Prizes, Great Fun.
Info: Gary (info@activistnetwork.org.uk)

Sat 30 Youth Resources Day
10am-2:30pm, Kingsburn Hall 814 Burnage Lane M19.
A fantastic opportunity for youth leaders to get all the info and resources they need to explore social justice, global poverty and God’s heart for the poor with their youth groups. Includes workshops from CAFOD, Christian Aid, Speak and Tearfund and a resources fair.
Info: Eileen Hayes, Student and Youth Liaison Worker, Christian Aid Greater Manchester (0161 273 3647, ehayes@christian-aid.org)

Sat 30 Seventh Manchester Radical Bookfair
12-5pm, The Basement, 24 Lever Street.
Promoting radical DIY and anarchist politics in Manchester.
More....
Info: David (info@radicalbookfair.org.uk)

Sat 30 This is Camp X-Ray - DVD Launch Night
7pm, The Basement, 24 Lever St.
Manchester responds to injustice with art. A documentary film by Damien Mahoney, showing starts 7pm.
Info: UHC Collective