monasteryadmin, Author at The Monastery

NEW Advice and Support Drop-In Every Monday with Be Well @ The Monastery

We all need a little help climbing life’s mountain sometimes, right? That’s why we’re absolutely delighted to announce a brand NEW community advice and support drop-in centre at Manchester Monastery’s Sanctuary.

Launching at 12pm on Monday, November 1st, in collaboration with Be Well, the new drop-in centre will be a free service to the Manchester community, assisting with all kinds of issues and challenges that can all too often produce negative effects on health and wellbeing.

The Be Well team offer a range of practical and emotional support to folk who really need it and we’re honoured to offer this valuable community service here at Manchester’s modern-day Monastery.

Life in the way of healthy living?

The Be Well initiative can help you find a way to live and feel well whatever twists and turns life brings. Together, we can even help you get on top of work, housing, family and money worries. When you come to our Be Well drop-in centre, you’ll be assessed by a trained coach. They’ll talk to you about the help you need and the goals you want to achieve, and set you up with the most appropriate person in the team to get you to where you want to be.

Who is the Be Well service for?

Be Well is for anyone who lives in Manchester, or whose GP surgery is based there. You’ll come to us if you speak to your GP and think that you could be helped by ongoing support in the community, rather than just by a medical approach.

What kind of help can I expect?

You can expect regular one-to-one sessions– either face-to-face or over the phone. Together with your worker, you can talk through any changes in your life you would like to make; and ways to keep you motivated along your journey.

How will I benefit from the sessions?

Through coming to our Be Well drop-in centre, we can help you to feel motivated to make changes that stick and you’ll learn some new ways of staying on the right track.

It might be that you have one particular issue that’s central to you. Because Be Well is a partnership of local organisations, we’ll also have coaches who specialise in certain areas.

If your needs include issues with work – for instance if you need help to stay in work through physio or HR support, or you’re looking for a job – you’ll see a specialist coach with experience in that area.

If you need advice around welfare issues, housing, money management and so on, you’ll be able to access a telephone line run by Citizens’ Advice Manchester.

Do I need an appointment to come to the drop-in centre?

No, it’s not necessary, although if you already have a GP referral, you can make an appointment if you wish by calling the Be Well team on: 0161 470 7120

Where can I find more information about Be Well?

You can check out their website right here.

We invite anyone who needs this service to pop into the drop-in centre in The Sanctuary. If you’re fortunate enough to not need this service, please feel free to share the information with anyone you know who might.

The drop-in centre will be open from 12pm – 3pm, Monday November 1st, then each Monday (except November 8th) through to December 20th.

Related Services @ The Sanctuary

Don’t forget that The Sanctuary at Manchester Monastery also offers a daily silent meditation, Sunday-Thursday, from 12-1pm, which you can find out more about by clicking here.

We also offer free counselling via our listening service from Sunday-Thursday each week which you can find out more about by clicking here.

Admission is free and so is parking. We’re here for you so please don’t be shy. We’re a friendly, helpful bunch and warmly invite you to become a part of our growing, mutually supportive community.

#thereisanotherway

Spooktacular Half-Term Family Activities at Manchester Monastery

FREE Family Activities at Manchester Monastery

Things are going to get spooooky this half-term!

Join us for some spooktacular family activities.

When?

Activities run from 11am to 4pm over three days – Tuesday 26, Thursday 28, & Sunday 31 October.

Full details on the flyer below – please feel free to download, print and/or share 🙂

And…

Our Welcome Café will be open from 10am to 4pm each day, with snacks and refreshments.

Admission and parking are free of charge.

No need to book. Just come along on the day (and bring your best scary face with you!).

Dementia care Manchester: Music Café at Manchester Monastery is in the news

Looking for dementia care in Manchester?

We’re excited to host this new workshop for people living with dementia and their carers.

Music Café provides free weekly music-making sessions created and run by the Manchester Camerata orchestra.

They’re well-known for innovative collaborations and you could hear them playing dance anthems as well as classical orchestral works.

They pop up in all sorts of places. They’re just as at home playing in care homes as they are grand concert halls.

Quick facts

What? Free music-making workshops

Where? The Great Nave at Manchester Monastery

When? Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 10.30 to 12.00

Who? These workshops are for people living with dementia and carers

How? Contact Emma Arnold for more information at earnold@manchestercamerata.com

Music Café at Manchester Monastery

Manchester Camerata’s music workshops at Manchester Monastery give those with dementia an opportunity to reconnect with their love of music.

It’s a joy to see the change in people attending the sessions. A loosely held maraca or drumstick soon finds itself in a stronger grip. Passive or uncertain shaking and beating changes to rhythm finding music-making.

All this happens in the beauty of our Great Nave. A special location for a special event.

Memories of music and movement are rekindled and the friendly atmosphere encourages spontaneity. Perhaps encouraged by the open space, some people find they want to move to the music that fills the nave.

Dancing (at first it was impromptu) has become an important part of the session for some participants.

If you’re a carer, the Music Café is a great opportunity to meet other people. Enjoy a little respite and see your loved ones being looked after too.

There’s plenty of time to get a free cuppa and have a chat with other carers over a biscuit (or two).

The support doesn’t end when the session ends. You can learn how to use music at home to keep the fun going.

Music and dementia

Research shows that music can provide emotional benefits for people with dementia.

Often, people can remember songs and music learnt many years ago. The therapeutic benefits of unlocking these memories is an increasingly important part of dementia care.

Music is a powerful way to bring people together. It can reconnect people with their loved ones by reducing anxiety and encouraging social and communication skills.

Music therapy can help people with dementia soothe their symptoms.

‘Simple, effective and often magical’: Music Café on ITV news

After hearing about the high-quality dementia care available at the Monastery, ITV spent the day here to find out more.

Impressed by the quality of the free music-making workshops ITV chose to feature it on the news to spread the word to their viewers.

Watch the news report and read the full story here.

Manchester Music Café brings joy to people with dementia

The outstanding dementia care provided by the Music Café featured on the BBC news too!

The BBC spoke to Bob Riley, the CEO of Manchester Camerata, to find out more about the orchestra’s pioneering music-based dementia therapy.

He describes the sessions at Manchester Monastery as, ‘All about improvisation, so there’s no right, there’s no wrong and anybody can do it’.

See Bob’s interview and the full BBC report here.

Interested in coming to the Music Café?

Manchester Camerata (based here at Manchester Monastery) plan, create, and deliver all aspects of the Music Café as part of their Music in Mind initiative.

Find out more about the Camerata and their Music Café here.

Or contact Emma Arnold for more information at earnold@manchestercamerata.com.

Words| Caroline Paige Photography| Duncan Elliot (unless BBC or ITV watermark)

Book Review: The Greyfriars Players 1937-1948

Subject: Manchester history; Manchester heritage; amateur dramatics.

By Father Agnellus Andrew; reviewed by Janet Wallwork, published 1948 (Historical Reprint Series).

The Greyfriars Players, 1937-1948, Father Agnellus Andrew, Monastery Publications (Historical Reprint Series), 54p, £2.99. First published in 1948. ISBN 978-0-9571484-3-7

This is a book about the Greyfriars Players, written by them, for them and their friends.

The Greyfriars played in many places and made many friends. Even today, people still ask for information about the company and for souvenirs of their work.

Wartime conditions meant their printed programmes were skimpy and austere. They created this book to remind themselves of their origins and ideals and to recall what they hoped were pleasant memories for their friends and audiences.

Monastery Publications reprinted this book so this remarkable story can continue to be enjoyed.

Father Agnellus Andrew was one of the best known and loved members of the Gorton community. He later found fame as a pioneer of religious broadcasting. In 1980, Father Agnellus was called to Rome where he was ordained a bishop and became the Vatican’s head of Press and Broadcasting Relations. He never forgot his days as President of The Greyfriars Players.

Editor’s note: This book is available to buy in our Monastery Shop.

Review: Print Pattern Archive talk

2-minute read

Subject: Things to do in Manchester; Manchester tours; textile history; pattern makers

This week, I dropped into Cheryl O’Meara’s talk on her textile archive and spent a delightful hour in a world of pattern. If you’re in a hurry, scroll down for the quick facts.

A little bit about the archive

The Print Pattern Archive is an exceptional private collection of over 50,000 antique fabric swatches and wallpaper books spanning from the mid-18^th century to the 1980s.

Originally from New York’s Garment District, the archive contains handwoven, heritage, conversational, florals, geometrics, mid-century, bark cloths, scenic, heraldic, jacquards, damasks, foliage, novelty, ornate, chinoiserie, juvenile and baroque prints from all over the world. From Japanese silks to beautiful British florals, it’s a treasure trove of historical and global design inspiration.

What I found out

I always take an opportunity to have a look in Cheryl’s archive, to see what creative project she’s busy working on. So, I jumped at the chance to be at her first talk since Manchester Monastery reopened this summer.

The six of us gathered in her small and organised archive ready to immerse ourselves in a world of textile. Perched next to a potted palm, I listened to the history of the archive and wondered how I could recreate just a little of this world.

This archive is all about pattern. For someone (like me) from a rather minimal design aesthetic, it’s very different from the restrained colour palettes that usually surround us.

Cheryl’s archive shelves are a riot of colour and competing patterns. My eye finds it difficult to decide where to rest. Luckily, we have an expert to guide us. It’s beautifully arranged, but uncatalogued. Cheryl’s photographic knowledge of the collection means she can easily find examples of textiles mentioned by my fellow archive visitors.

She gave us a brief tour through the different design histories represented in the collection, whilst we poured over fabric and wallpaper sample books that span over two centuries.

After finding out a little about our group, Cheryl tailored the talk to include our interests. She showed us how she’d hand draw designs to complete a repeating pattern from a modest fabric swatch – removing or adding detail to modernise the design. We saw this process created digitally using Adobe Photoshop and Cheryl showed us some of her latest designs.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the group and exploring the Print Pattern Archive with them.

What I did next

I’m a small-scale hoarder. I’ve a little stash of vintage and antique prints, engravings, postcards, magazines, and photographs that I like, but I have no plan for. Chatting with the group, I realised these bits and pieces are a modest, disorganised collection that inspired some of my own ideas about design.

At home, I routed through my loft and started to put my ‘collection’ together in one unspectacular, cardboard box. Unsure what to do next, I carried the box downstairs and spent some time leafing through it that evening.

It was typography that caught my eye. Now, my office wall – adorned with beautiful examples of hand-drawn, vintage typography – provides inspiration for inclusive fonts perfect for digital communications.

Who would enjoy it?

I’d recommend this talk to anyone with an interest in design, whether you’re a professional working with the latest tech or a curious tourist (like me).

It will get you thinking about the designs that have influenced you – from your grandparents’ sixties wallpaper to your favourite clothing designer – and rethinking how you can use your own design interests creatively.

A great insight into how Cheryl turned her fabulous collection of fabrics and papers into a business!

Liz Phillips, textile collector and owner of vintage furnishings biz, Phillips & Cheers

Quick facts

What? Exclusive access and talk with textile archive owner, Cheryl O’Meara

Where? The Print Pattern Archive housed at Manchester Monastery

When? Talks take place on the first Monday of the month at 1pm and 3pm

Who? Recommended for adults and accompanying children aged 12+

How? Go to our What’s On page to book tickets (£10 a person + booking fee)

Author: Dr Caroline Paige

Book Review: Assisi to Gorton

A 2-minute read.

Subject: Victorian Manchester; Manchester history; Manchester heritage; Franciscan history.

By Father Agnellus Andrew; reviewed by Janet Wallwork, published 1938 (Historical Reprint Series).

Assisi to Gorton: A brief record of the work of the Franciscans in England, and especially their work in Gorton, 1861-1938, Father Agnellus Andrew, Monastery Publications (Historical Reprint Series), 108p, £4.99. First published in 1938. ISBN 978-0-95714-842-0

The Church and Friary of St Francis, Gorton – known locally as ‘Gorton Monastery’ – was built by Belgian Franciscans who arrived there in 1861. They engaged the famous church architect, Edward Welby Pugin, and over the next ten years, and with only limited resources, they constructed a magnificent church of cathedral-like proportions.

The church opened in 1872 but work to complete it continued for many years. It was consecrated in 1938 and this book was published to mark that occasion.

It gives first a brief account of the Franciscans in England, from the arrival of the first friars in 1224, followed by the story of their work and achievements in Gorton.

Although the friars left in 1989 their wonderful buildings survive. They now belong to a charity, The Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, which rescued and restored them as a community, cultural and corporate venue. The Trust reprinted this little book to mark the 150^th anniversary of the Franciscans in Gorton.

Father Agnellus Andrew was one of the best known and loved members of the Gorton community. He later found fame as a pioneer of religious broadcasting. In 1980, Father Agnellus was called to Rome where he was ordained a bishop and became the Vatican’s head of Press and Broadcasting Relations. Based at Gorton from 1932 to 1954, he was a charismatic and inspirational preacher. In this history of The Monastery he tells the Franciscan story simply and clearly.

Editor’s note: This book is available to buy in our Monastery Shop.

A Compassionate Approach to Mental Health in Manchester is Here

LAUNCH: The Sanctuary of Peace & Healing (SOPH) at Manchester Monastery

LIFTING THE SPIRITS OF THE CITY

It is with great joy that we announce the launch of an innovative urban retreat, spearheading a compassionate and conscious approach to mental health in Manchester at our brand new Sanctuary of Peace and Healing (SOPH).

Manchester’s modern-day Monastery is now home to SOPH, a modern, ‘drop-in’ retreat; a healing sanctuary that provides a quiet place to escape from the hustle, bustle and strain of daily life. The sanctuary will be open from 19th September, a day which coincides with the 25th anniversary of The Monastery’s Charitable Trust. The very same trust that was responsible for the heroic renovation (and continues to fund the upkeep) of our incredible grade II listed building.

We’re thrilled to mark our 25th anniversary celebrations with the launch of The Sanctuary, continuing in our absolute dedication to serve the people of Manchester, just as the Franciscan brothers before us would have wished, staying true to the original spiritual purpose of our beloved Monastery – a sanctuary for those in need.

Countdown to launch

Mark the day in your diary, dear reader, because the launch day itself will be EPIC. Click here to get your FREE ticket & feast your eyes on the full, fabulous programme with a whole host of celebrations, talks, workshops, therapies and activities to celebrate this monumental occasion!

PLEASE NOTE: We will also be streaming live from the Great Nave on the day, so if you can’t make it in person, be sure to like our Facebook page and watch out for our LIVE STREAM!

From launch, The Sanctuary will be open habitually from Sunday to Thursday each week, with an hour’s meditative silence from 12 noon. This silent meditation is open to the public and admission is free.

Mental health in Manchester | a game changer

This pioneering new service, heralded by many as a game changer in supporting people with mental health issues here in Manchester, has been co-created by psychologist, Dr Jeannine Goh, and psychotherapist, Charmain Berry, in an effort to plug a gap in resources for those needing a place to come and be heard.

The new Sanctuary, which offers free counselling and listening services, will open from 19 September, 2021, and a befriending service is also in the pipeline. Slots need to be booked (scroll down for full details) but there will also be group drop-in sessions each Tuesday. If you, or anyone you know needs a non-judgemental ear, we warmly invite you either book a slot or share this information with anyone you think may benefit.

What exactly is the listening service?

The listening service is an inclusive, friendly space for anyone who wants an ear, whether that’s to talk through plans, problems or just ponder. A friendly team of highly trained listeners will be available at The Monastery five days a week, Sunday-Thursday. They can guide you to further offerings at the Monastery and free counselling both here and around the city. Scroll down for full details and how to make an appointment.

Innovative approach to mental health

Dr. Jeannine Goh & Charmain Berry (left to right)

Set up voluntarily, using Heritage Emergency funding, the innovative service is breaking new ground in its approach to supporting people in need or struggling with their mental health. Co-founder of The Sanctuary of Peace and Healing, Dr. Jeannine Goh, psychologist explained:

“We offer a place to talk, where people can go within the secular society. There is a desperate need for this kind of initiative. Being heard is so important.”

Elaine Griffiths, chief executive of The Monastery said:

“The Sanctuary fits perfectly the ‘Modern Day’ Monastery’s ethos. What Jeannine and Charmain are creating is truly unique. There has been nothing like this before, yet an urgent and growing need. It will be a place where people can come and be welcomed and not judged. There are times in all of our lives when we need someone to really listen to us. Just being heard can be incredibly healing.

The Silence is something that can benefit us all. How long you stay is up to you. Stay for ten minutes or a full day – whatever slots best into your life. Silence is a wonderful tonic for the brain, for the soul and for the self. This time is a gift to you, a time to relax and nourish yourself. Some people take the time to pray or meditate. We are not proposing a particular path. However, we do know that silence can be incredibly healing and powerful.”

Therapy training and workshops

The Sanctuary is carefully listening to the needs of the city and will be running a series of important drop-in sessions and courses that will be announced soon. The café, visitor facilities and shop will be open and entry and parking are free.

This urban sanctuary is YOURS

We really urge anyone here in Manchester, who needs someone to talk to, or knows someone who does, to please get in touch with us and book an appointment, drop by any Tuesday, or send this information to a friend in need.

If you wish to book an appointment with one of our listeners then please click on this link. Appointments are available at 11am and 1pm each day Sunday to Thursday. You will receive an email confirmation and our terms and conditions upon booking.

We at Manchester’s modern-day Monastery passionately believe that it is only by nurturing a compassionate approach to ourselves and each other, that we can move forward, with love and support, to process the tough times and learn to appreciate the many simple joys that surround us each day.

Please see the short video below to hear a bit more about our vision about the future of our compassionate and conscious approach to mental health in Manchester, as explained by Dr. Jeannine Goh.

In the meantime, we warmly await you, judgement free with open arms and a friendly ear. Please contact us or even better, drop by and introduce yourself, we look forward to meeting you soon!

The listening service and the beginnings of the Sanctuary are all thanks to a cultural recovery grant from the Heritage Lottery. We are so grateful to Manchester’s modern-day Monastery for sharing this vision.

FREE Storytelling + Den Building Workshop for Kiddies

Manchester’s modern-day Monastery is very excited to present this wonderful 3 x day series of interactive, free storytelling workshops for children and their families by the incredibly talented Round the Twist performing arts collective. And what’s more, as part of our community programme and Belle Vue Week, admission is completely free!

For more information about the full, fantastic, programme of talks, exhibitions and workshops during Belle Vue Week, please click here.

When are these fabulous, free storytelling workshops?

Starting on Tuesday, August 24th from 11am-3pm, this series of fun, interactive storytelling events will run daily for 3 days running, until Thursday 26th August. Please scroll down for full details and timings for each day.

Why are these workshops SO special?

The amazingly talented and professional performing arts team from Round the Twist are absolutely brilliant at engaging, entertaining and re-inspiring children using a wide range of arts – from puppetry to dance to arts and crafts.

They run acclaimed workshops in schools and private venues all over the land, bringing imagination and creativity into the lives of the young people they engage with. We’re so proud to have this crack team at our beloved Monastery!

We REALLY hope you & the kiddie-winkles can join us for these fantastic, free workshops – and by family we mean all of you – mum, dad, siblings and grandparents – all are welcome!

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Full Workshop Programme

Tuesday 24th Storytelling for Under 5’s:

11am – 11.45 with extended arts and crafts activity. (Repeats at 1pm).

THE SINGING MERMAID

Welcome to the travelling circus that has kept somebody hostage against their will… but how will we save her? Embody the circus ring leader character and let go of being mean and masterful! Together we will work as a team to use our bodies and voices to free us from any traps, start a new Belle Vue Circus troop in Gorton, and leave the old one behind!

Wednesday 25th Storytelling for Under 5’s:

11am – 11.45 with extended arts and crafts activity. (Repeats at 1pm).

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Help Jack’s mum figure out how to help Jack climb the beanstalk. What is your favourite smell? Can you bring something that smells lovely to help us trick the giant? How can we make him fall asleep?

Join us in the beautiful gardens of the Monastery for our storytelling sessions, and experience playing chaotic and then calm sounding instruments. In this session we will use our voices and bodies to feel empowered in the story and work together to plant our very own magical beanstalk to take home!

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Thursday 26th any age welcome (as long as accompanied by an adult):

11am – 3pm

Round the Twist Den Building Session:

Please come and join us for a full day using our gross motor skills and brilliant brains in building and shaping our very own dens outside with recycled and reusable materials. Form weird and wonderful structures whilst making new friends! Tipis, castles, robots, race cars…making something out of nothing is our favourite challenge!

Adventure outside with us with support from Sal to explore how brilliant and bizarre our dens can look and feel. Let’s see what we can build!

And remember ladies and gents, admission and parking are free of charge. No need to book.

Come on down!

Belle Vue Week | 5 days of FREE, Family Activities at Manchester Monastery

Whether you love reminiscing or finding out about the fascinating history of Belle Vue for the first time, we invite you to come and enjoy a wonderful week of history and nostalgia here at Manchester’s modern-day Monastery.

Manchester History & Heritage

Home to a zoological garden, circus, fair, speedway, dancing, boxing, wrestling, fireworks, music, and dancing for over 150 years, Belle Vue was a Showground of the World. Over these 5 days of Belle Vue Week, you’ll discover just how monumental Belle Vue Zoo was in its heyday in this fascinating stroll through Manchester’s history & heritage.

Belle Vue Week at Manchester Monastery — Copyright Chethams Library

When?

From 10am – 4pm each day, on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th of August, The Monastery opens its doors with a range of free talks, workshops and exhibitions.

Featured Talks

Talk: The Great Apes of Belle Vue (Monday 23rd, 2-3pm)

Come and listen to fascinating talks given by local inter-faith minister, Rev. David Grey, a former Belle Vue Zookeeper. Here’s your chance to ask questions and find out more about the attraction which formed a huge part of Manchester’s social history.

Rev. David Gray had many teachers over his life, among them the Great Apes of Belle Vue, for whom he was keeper during the closing months of this historic local zoo.

This talk covers how a hug from a gorilla opened a deeper understanding of the universal language used by all living things, but which humans had come close to forgetting. It covers his journey as a faith leader, his negotiator role at the 1990 Strangeways Prison riots and the part he played on the team that restored this monastery. If you love animals and care about the future of planet earth for all living things, this is not to be missed.

Talk: The Magic of Belle Vue (daily, 12-1pm)

This will be a daily talk looking back at the fascinating history of Belle Vue, once known as the Showground of the World, and how it played a big part in Gorton & Manchester’s past social history.

Talk: Belle Vue Over the Years (2-3pm, Tue 24th)

This talk by Robert Nicholls, provides a brief overview of the various periods in the development of Belle Vue over the years.

Talk: Belle Vue on Film – Fragments of ‘The Showground of the North’ (12-1pm, Thu 26th)

This talk from the North West Film Archive with Geoff Senior delves into what’s left of historical footage of Belle Vue. Belle Vue appeared on many films and home movies and the North West Film Archive looks into some of its collection, including surviving fragments of the lost classic Mancunian Studios film of the venue, as well as more recent reflections of its filmed past.

Talk: The Halle & Belle Vue – Lessons in Popular Appeal (2-3pm, Thu 26th)

This talk by Eleanor Roberts, Halle Archivist, charts the relationship between Manchester and this legendary orchestra.

When the Second World War broke out the Halle faced several difficulties – not least was having nowhere to call home. The Orchestra travelled around the region over the next few years, and in 1942 played in the King’s Hall, Belle Vue, for the first time. Seating up to 6000, those war-time concerts provided lasting memories for many, and created a bond with the city that still endures – having been tested again recently when the pandemic silenced the orchestra for the longest time in over 160 years.

Children’s Fairy-Tale Themed, Storytelling Workshops

The fantastic Round the Twist performing arts collective will be taking over our children’s activities for three days of interactive arts during Belle Vue Week. They use a wide range of arts – from puppetry to dance to arts and crafts – to engage children creatively.

For the full workshop programme, check out this article.

Books and Exhibitions

Exhibition of archive posters, memorabilia and photo displays

Come and gaze in wonder & delight at this fabulous collection of memorabilia that celebrates the much-loved attraction that was Belle Vue. Nothing remains of the old zoo, not even a plaque to say what once stood there – from 1836 until 1977 – so don’t miss your chance to see this wonderful exhibition.

iNostalgia Trust with Henry Hochland

iNostalgia is a small publishing company based in Manchester. They’re a group of experienced publishers, editors and writers who believe passionately in recording local heritage. The iNostalgia team love hearing, reliving and capturing the public’s stories and are dedicated to bringing local history to life. Do come along and have a good browse.

Painting Display – Belle-Vue Clowns – With Pamela Armstrong

Exactly what it says on the tin, folks! Whether you love clowns or find them a bit scary, come and enjoy some clown-inspired art (or enjoy the feeling of spookiness, urgh!)

This painting is for illustration only & not part of the display

Belle Vue Week | The full programme

Repeating each day from 22nd – 26th August, 10am-4pm in the Welcome Wing

> Pictures from Gerald Isles archive

> Original posters, memorabilia and photos

> Memories table and a collection for our much-loved and missed volunteer, Frank Rhodes, author, local historian and Belle Vue expert.

> Daily talk from 12-1pm: The Magic of Belle Vue

Sunday 22nd August

All the daily features plus:

> Memorial for Frank Rhodes 1949 – 2021 | Please join Frank’s family, friends and former colleagues to celebrate all of our precious memories of Frank and pay tribute to the life of such a remarkable, kind and gentle man.

Monday 23rd August

10.00am – 4.00pm

> Exhibition of archive posters, memorabilia and photo displays

11.00am

> Painting display – Belle Vue Clowns – with Pamela Armstrong

12.00pm – 1.00pm

> TALK – The Magic of Belle Vue

2.00pm – 3.00pm

TALK – The Great Apes of Belle Vue

Tuesday 24th August

10.00am – 4.00pm

> Exhibition of archive posters, memorabilia and photo displays

> Book stall in the Great Nave

> iNostalgia Trust

11.00am – 3.00pm

> Round The Twist Activities – Fairy Tales Performing Arts Workshop

12.00pm – 1.00pm

> TALK – The Magic of Belle Vue

2.00pm – 3.00pm

> TALK – Belle Vue Over the Years

Wednesday 25th August

10.00am – 4.00pm

> Exhibition of archive posters, memorabilia and photo displays

> Book stall in the Great Nave

> iNostalgia Trust

11.00am – 3.00pm

> Round The Twist Activities – Fairy Tales Performing Arts Workshop

12.00pm – 1.00pm

> TALK – The Magic of Belle Vue

Thursday 26th August

10.00am – 4.00pm

> Book stall in the Great Nave

> iNostalgia Trust

11.00am – 3.00pm

> Round The Twist Activities – Fairy Tales Performing Arts Workshop

12.00pm – 1.00pm

> TALK – Belle Vue on Film – Searching for the fragments of ‘The Showground of the North’

2.00pm – 3.00pm

> TALK – The Halle & Belle Vue – Lessons in Popular Appeal

And…

As well as ALL that, our Welcome Café will be open from 10am-4pm each day, with snacks and refreshments throughout Belle Vue Week. We’ll also be hosting our daily, silent meditation, with an hour of silence in the private chapel from 12-1pm.

Admission and parking are free of charge and there’s no need to book. Just come on down and bring the family.

We hope you can join us, love from the whole Monastery team

Stone Carving 2021 | A FREE 2-day Workshop at Manchester Monastery

Ever fancied trying your hand at stone carving? Well, this could be your lucky day!

Manchester’s modern-day Monastery is delighted to announce a FREE, 2-day stone carving workshop with Shawn Williamson, Cumbrian-trained stone mason and sculptor. Shawn is a master craftsman who has created some beautiful works of art, such as this one, on the shores of Lake Windermere, as reported by the BBC.

When?

Either Wednesday & Thursday, 18th & 19th OR Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd August, 2021.

All workshops will take place between 10am – 4pm.

What can I expect?

Over 2 days, you’ll be guided by Shawn to carve a stone animal to your own design using traditional tools. All equipment will be provided and the workshops are free as part of our dedicated community programme.

This really is an incredible, rare opportunity to learn an ancient craft from a master and we’re thrilled to be able to offer these very limited, fully funded places to just 5 students per workshop.

Ready, set, go!

Bookings are already open and we only have a couple of places left, so please act quickly & reserve your place now to avoid disappointment.

Please be aware that the workshops will be held outside, although shelter will be provided.

Hope to see you there!

Accept our invitation

NEW Advice and Support Drop-In Every Monday with Be Well @ The Monastery

Life in the way of healthy living?

Who is the Be Well service for?

What kind of help can I expect?

How will I benefit from the sessions?

Do I need an appointment to come to the drop-in centre?

Where can I find more information about Be Well?

Related Services @ The Sanctuary

Spooktacular Half-Term Family Activities at Manchester Monastery

FREE Family Activities at Manchester Monastery

When?

And…

Dementia care Manchester: Music Café at Manchester Monastery is in the news

Looking for dementia care in Manchester?

Quick facts

Music Café at Manchester Monastery

Music and dementia

‘Simple, effective and often magical’: Music Café on ITV news

Manchester Music Café brings joy to people with dementia

Interested in coming to the Music Café?

Book Review: The Greyfriars Players 1937-1948

Subject: Manchester history; Manchester heritage; amateur dramatics.

Review: Print Pattern Archive talk

Subject: Things to do in Manchester; Manchester tours; textile history; pattern makers

A little bit about the archive

What I found out

What I did next

Who would enjoy it?

Quick facts

Book Review: Assisi to Gorton

Subject: Victorian Manchester; Manchester history; Manchester heritage; Franciscan history.

A Compassionate Approach to Mental Health in Manchester is Here

LAUNCH: The Sanctuary of Peace & Healing (SOPH) at Manchester Monastery

LIFTING THE SPIRITS OF THE CITY

Countdown to launch

Mental health in Manchester | a game changer

What exactly is the listening service?

Innovative approach to mental health

Therapy training and workshops

This urban sanctuary is YOURS

FREE Storytelling + Den Building Workshop for Kiddies

When are these fabulous, free storytelling workshops?

Why are these workshops SO special?

Full Workshop Programme

Belle Vue Week | 5 days of FREE, Family Activities at Manchester Monastery

Manchester History & Heritage

When?

Featured Talks

Children’s Fairy-Tale Themed, Storytelling Workshops

Books and Exhibitions

Belle Vue Week | The full programme

Repeating each day from 22nd – 26th August, 10am-4pm in the Welcome Wing

Sunday 22nd August

Monday 23rd August

Tuesday 24th August

Wednesday 25th August

Thursday 26th August

And…

Stone Carving 2021 | A FREE 2-day Workshop at Manchester Monastery

When?

What can I expect?

Ready, set, go!