Welcome to the September-October newsletter!

The past two months I’ve been plotting and scheming and I’m very happy to announce I’m hosting Mapping Hulme, an open workshop at the Old Abbey Taphouse on Sunday 13 November, 2-4pm.

On Sunday 13 November, I will be setting up in the Old Abbey Taphouse, drawing, mapping, creating collages, and inviting conversation about Hulme and our connection to it. Come for two hours or drop in for 10 minutes, and explore what Hulme means to you through drawing, collage and conversation.

No booking necessary. Open to all residents, neighbours and friends of Hulme, past and present. All materials provided. Free tea and coffee for participants.

Will be wonderful to see you there!

Hulme Tenants Union’s Block the Block campaign saw a big win this month, with the Planning Committee at Manchester Council voting ‘minded to refuse’ on the proposed development at the Gamecock site on Booth Street West.

The developer’s previous plans were rejected in May, after which they chopped two stories off and tried again. October’s refusal was jointly on the grounds of there being no adequate disabled parking on the site, and the quality of student housing in the development would be poor and cramped, with rooms smaller than prison cells and no natural light in communal living areas.

On the subject of old pubs, walking past the Junction on Rolls Crescent at night lately, the lights have been on. Looks very spooky. Squatters? Security? Developers testing the electric? Ghosts? Get in touch if you have any leads or want to feed my imagination.

Got any recommended reads? Drop me an email and let me know!

Thanks for reading, take care.

James Varney

he/him

Lead Artist, We Live Here