Today marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan which Muslims across the world observe by prayer, and fasting during daylight hours.
To the many families and residents of Whalley Range who celebrate their faith by following this tradition, the three Councillors (Aftab Razaq, Angeliki Stogia and Muqaddasah Bano) wish a very peaceful and productive Ramadan.
Aftab Razaq, Angeliki Stogia and Muqaddasah Bano, the three Whalley Range Labour councillors, are frequently in contact with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) about issues which have been raised with them by local residents.
Now, GMP are carrying out a wide ranging public consultation on their neighbourhood policing. This includes an online survey which all members of the public are invited to complete, and a number of public events to be attended by senior police officers. One of these will be held next week in Whalley Range at the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC, College Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8BP) on Tuesday 8 March at 7pm (concluding at 9pm).
More details about the consultation are in the following GMP statement:
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A group of local residents and garden enthusiasts recently approached the British Muslim Heritage Centre about creating a small avenue of five new trees in the grounds, close to the College Road frontage. They proposed a range of species which will all blossom in the spring, intended to provide an annual reminder of the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and support reflection on the terrible toll of lives lost to Covid-19, while also leaving a symbolic legacy of beauty pointing to a better future for the community and for nature.
The donation and planting of the trees was led by Yvonne Jez, Madeleine Edwards and Robina Shah, joined in the sunshine this morning by more College Road neighbours and BMHC supporters and by Afzal Khan MP and Whalley Range Councillors Aftab Razaq and Angeliki Stogia. Angeliki said “It was a real pleasure to join in the planting this morning – this is a wonderful initiative by local residents which will hopefully lead to much more in the future.” Yvonne explains “The communal planting and dedication of trees by members of the BMHC and residents of Whalley Range provides an opportunity for us to come together, enjoy nature, commemorate and reflect on an extraordinary time, and to say thank you to or celebrate the life of someone we love”.
Today (8 October) is International Clean Air Day, and local schools Manley Park Infants on York Avenue, Manley Park Juniors on College Road, and Our Lady’s Primary on Whalley Road are marking the occasion with temporary road closures at the start and end of the school day. They have three main aims:
Assia Shah (Whalley Range Labour candidate in May 2021) says “86% of UK children breath toxic air – this problem shortens lives. We all have a duty to take action”. Meanwhile Clean Air Greater Manchester have drafted a Clean Air Plan for the region, and they want to know what you think – the details and a link to a short questionnaire are here.
Thursday (October 1st) was International Older People’s Day – to celebrate the occasion Age-Friendly Whalley Range organised a (socially distanced) walkabout, visiting some of the age-friendly benches in Whalley Range and providing an opportunity for some of our less mobile older residents to meet others at their nearest bench for a quick chat.
Councillor Mary Watson joined the walkers – she says “We had such a good time – so lovely to see each other, the first time we’ve been able to (other than on screens) since the lockdown started in March!”. She adds “From the calls that Aftab, Angeliki and I have received in the last few months we know that that the Covid risks and restrictions on movement and socialising have disproportionately affected older people in the area, especially those living on their own. We all need to carry on looking out for and supporting our neighbours”.
More information about Age-Friendly Whalley Range is here, or you can call 0161 881 3744 or email agefriendlywhalleyrange@gmail.com.