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Manchester Culture Champions

Summary and Learning Report 2019-2020

My Generation Club Night, Matt and Phreds © Joel Fildes

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Manchester Culture Champions

Summary and Learning Report 2019-2020

The programme was led by Royal Exchange Theatre

Report compiled by Jane Goetzee, programme coordinator

FROM THEN TO NOW

The Manchester Culture Champions project has been actively tackling social

isolation among older people through arts and culture since 2011.

Originating from work done with Valuing Older People in 2007/8 and funded

variously over the last decade, during 2019/20, the Manchester Culture Champions

project was an Ambition for Ageing project and was delivered by the Royal Exchange

Theatre in partnership with Greater Manchester Ageing Hub, Manchester Age-

Friendly and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The Royal Exchange is proud to have been tasked with developing such important

work – it has been an amazing nine months. Drawing on the huge reservoir of

experience, drive and passion for culture to be found among our Culture Champions,

the aim was to attract more older people, particularly from diverse communities and

from the more northerly neighbourhoods of Manchester to get involved.

Culture Champions catch up at Chapter One in the city centre Jan 2020

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Driven by the formidable energy of the older people of Manchester and with Ambition

for Ageing’s small grants fund, seven new opportunities for and by older people have

emerged. We now have four new age-friendly arts initiatives, one club night relaunch

plus two Champion-led community events. We have had socials and trips and many

city-based meetings and continue to reach out to local areas of Manchester.

WHAT WE DID

We relaunched the project in 2019 with four events during September, kindly hosted

by three culture venues around Manchester – Manchester Art Gallery, People’s

History Museum and the National Football Museum. Together with the Culture

Champions we set our agenda – from the start, we would work together, share our

expertise and local knowledge, pool our cultural insights and information and review

the creative activity in our local areas, focusing on what could be added to attract

older people into the world of arts and culture.

‘When I think of the Champions, I think: dynamism, cultural

commitment and social drive.’

Jane Goetzee: Manchester Culture Champions Coordinator

We also invited both age and culture focused organisations – several befriended us

from the off and gave us lots of support. We arranged presentations from local

people who had been through the process of establishing successful arts initiatives

from scratch themselves. We had our own Culture Champions with experience in the

development of long-running arts interest groups, theatre, dance, film, yoga, radio

– driven by passion for the subject and with consideration of how to make them

durable, through making use of available assets and simplifying responsibilities rather

than wholly relying on funding for example. These were the streams of knowledge

and expertise that poured into our first meetings. And with a co-production approach

from the start, and a sense of equality and democracy at the heart of the meetings,

people’s ideas began to emerge.

‘Without money it would have been a struggle (so absolute thanks to

AfA) but with or without money I was determined to do this…’

Andy Steele, Welcome Centre Music Sessions

By the end of the four sessions, ideas began to evolve into realistic initiatives - a day

of world music, club nights, a celebratory community feast, play-reading for the wary,

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drop in music sessions, crafts and conversation – to inspire local older people to get

involved, to get creative or to try something new in the world of culture.

‘I was encouraged by the interest shown by the Cultural Champions

when I first raised my idea… knowing that I already had interested

participants…’

Geli Berg, World Music Bus Tour

Watching a performance at the National Football Museum September Sessions 2019

In October, November and December we had five more events within Manchester

Art Gallery. Meetings involved sharing food, sharing information, forging friendships

and building networks, discussing ideas – thrashing out what was needed to future-

proof the work of the Champions as a whole, while nurturing the cultural initiatives

that had been born along the way.

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SEVEN CULTURE CHAMPION-LED INITIATIVES

No Experience Necessary Play-Readers Miles Platting

Led by Mike Bishop (pictured)

An extension of East Manchester Theatre Trippers

which was originally set up by Mike Bishop in 2016

who had discovered the love of acting and theatre at

the age of 70 and is now proactive in several theatres

around Manchester. His new initiative, supported by

the Culture Champions project, offers an opportunity

for the very shy – who have always wanted to act – a

friendly introduction to drama through regular play-

reading. It’s a series of 12 monthly sessions facilitated by a theatre professional who

aims to nurture the talents in an atmosphere of friendliness and encouragement – as

Mike says – ‘We welcome mistakes!’ The launch was on Monday 17th February at St

George’s Centre in Ancoats and the sessions will continue as soon as possible.

As a veteran of culture groups in the community Mike says:

‘Start small. If the project is good it will build itself… Some of our

members who were shy or doubted their abilities were surprised to find

that they could do it and really enjoyed the session…’

Welcome Centre Music Sessions Cheetham Hill

Led by Andy Steele (pictured)

Based within the Welcome Centre this is a drop-in music

session for the people of Cheetham Hill. It runs every

Tuesday from 10.30 until 2.30 and was initiated by Andy

who is also the volunteer tutor, a Culture Champion and

multi-talented musician himself. Instruments were all

provided by the Ambition for Ageing small grant and

include keyboard, guitars, ukuleles, bass guitar, mandolin,

violin and electronic drum kit. Everyone is welcome to drop

in regularly and learn something new or pick up where they

left off from previous musical days. Marysia Bocquet, the

Health and Well-Being Coordinator at the Welcome

Centre was key in the development of the project, making a large room and storage

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space available permanently for the sessions, and having confidence in Andy to make

it happen.

‘When they say they how much they enjoy the class I’m so glad we got

the grant because this centre needed music’

Andy Steele, Welcome Centre Music Session

Andy (LEFT) and volunteers at Cheetham Hill Festival 2019 at the Welcome Centre

‘I see people’s confidence growing more and more as they are mixing

with others.’

Andy Steele, Welcome Centre Music Sessions

Brunswick Mill Studios Music Sessions - Ancoats

Led by Glyn Treharne and Mike Rikard

Initiated by Glyn and fellow Culture Champions, and hugely supported by Mike

Rikard, Brunswick Mill Studios owner, these are weekly sessions in three of the

amazing group rehearsal rooms at the Mill where people can learn to play guitar,

ukulele, drums or keyboards, with a tutor and other experienced and practicing

musicians. Sessions are on a Thursday from 11.30 until 2.30. With everything

provided – including full drum kits, storage space and help with finding sponsorship,

this is a beautiful example of how a small grant, combined with culture-positive, age-

positive business support plus dynamic volunteering all works together.

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‘The initial grant was so important in establishing the group, and the

Culture Champions Meetings were invaluable in that I was in touch with

so many potential supporters.’

Glyn Treharne, Brunswick Mill Studios Music Sessions

TOP: Culture Champions at Brunswick Mill.

LEFT: Brenda on drumkit with music tutor Steve Rickard. RIGHT Jacquie and Don on acoustic guitar.

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‘The overall aim was also to challenge social stereotyping of older

people and to include people who were socially isolated. I had already

identified someone as a tutor, and who had agreed to give lessons for

free’.

Glyn Treharne, Brunswick Mill Studios Music Sessions.

World Music Bus Tour and Workshop Tues 4th February 2020 – city-wide

Led by Geli Berg

Geli initiated this event after a chat about bringing live world music within reach of

older people and some very enthusiastic encouragement from the Culture

Champions, during our September sessions in 2019. To showcase some of the less-

known talented musicians in Manchester, the bus toured around the city through

Rusholme, Levenshulme Moss Side, and Cheetham Hill, taking passengers through

the less-central places where our world music flourishes with examples of the music

playing as it went. At five stops along the way, we picked up musicians who performed

live to the passengers. The tour ended at the Bridgewater Hall where there were

refreshments, courtesy of the Bridgewater Hall, and a feedback session in the

Barbirolli Room, accompanied by an erhu recital from Henry Fung.

Musicians playing to the passengers on the World Music Bus tour February 2020

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LEFT Henry Fung playing the single-string Chinese violin for the World Music Bus Tour event in the Barbirolli

Room at Bridgewater Hall. RIGHT Culture Champions and guests at the Bridgewater Hall after the tour.

My Generation Club Nights – city-wide re-launch at Matt and Phred’s in the City-

centre

Led by Joyce Gill

These amazing sessions originate from Joyce Gill’s music and social initiatives over

ten years ago. They are 60s club nights for ‘baby boomers’ aiming to combat

loneliness in older people and offer a chance to go out in the city, socialising,

dancing and being part of the vibrant nightlife of Manchester. They include live music

and DJs as an essential. The relaunch of the first of two club nights on Sunday 23rd

February, was a huge success, generously hosted by the lovely people at Matt and

Phred’s on Tib St. Manchester. None of it could have happened without the sheer

determination of Joyce and friends and the small grant from Ambition for Ageing to

get things moving. Further sessions are planned for later in the year – see My

Generation Club Nights Facebook page for the updates.

‘We got our club nights off to cracking start and got scuppered... but just

think about the mighty party we're gonna have when we get through

this!’

Joyce and Tracey, My Generation Club Nights

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Joyce and 150 guests having a boogie, free pizza and half-price cocktails at Matt & Phred’s with a fantastic

live performance from Babalola Jr.

‘A superb night had by all and absolutely nothing but positive feedback’

CAH, MGCN Facebook page

DJ David Balderstone keeping guests on the dancefloor at the My Generation Club Night

Burnage Buddies Community Food and Music Event, Burnage

Led by Saira Qureshi

Based within Burnage Community Centre this amazing group of people have done

so much in their neighbourhood to encourage older people to join in community

through breakfasts and other creative social events. They decided it was time to

celebrate their achievements and shine a spotlight on their hardworking volunteers

and share their stories from the last seven years with friends, families and guests.

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Part-funded by Ambition for Ageing the Burnage Buddies provided a wonderful meal

and a feast of traditional music from the singing group Jazbaa (meaning ‘passion’).

‘It was a lovely opportunity to hear about the Buddies’ work in Burnage

particularly from the women of the BAME community – of all ages.’

Burnage Buddies Volunteers receiving their awards from Councillor Yasmine Dar

Music and delicious food shared by the Burnage Buddies to celebrate seven years work

Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall Culture Creatures Woodville Centre, Crumpsall

Led by Ruqia Allana and local facilitators.

Based within North Manchester Black Health Forum at the Woodville Centre on

Shirley road in Crumpsall, this is a weekly creative group for older people, welcoming

everyone who loves to get involved and make things. All the materials are provided

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by the centre and with a small grant from Ambition for Ageing to cover the facilitator

costs the monthly session will move round three venues in the Crumpsall and

Cheetham area. Ruqia and Mags launched it on Wednesday 12th February with a

special session of card making and a shared meal – and so close to Valentine’s Day,

there were chocolate hearts for everyone!

Twitter @Nmbhf2010ruqia

Telephone Ruqia or Mags 0161 720 9974/ 0791 435 0602

Culture Creatures launch day at the Woodville Centre in Crumpsall

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OUTREACH SESSIONS

The Culture Champions project also wanted to contribute to the creative life of older

people who live in retirement schemes and care homes. Teaming up with two writers,

and the Elders Programme at the Royal Exchange Theatre, we were able to offer a

supportive and ‘stay at home’ means of returning to theatre through drama and story-

making. Focusing on Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall, our aim was to re-ignite interest

which would then be nurtured by the ongoing Local Exchange team at the Theatre,

over the next year or two.

Wellington Lodge in Cheetham Hill, and George Halstead Court in Crumpsall

(joined by residents from Broad Oak Court) invited us to hold a series of sessions

based in their community rooms. The sessions were led by Joe Gilmour-Rees and

Rebekah Harrison, both writing and drama professionals who drew out the actor and

storyteller in each participant – who fully rose to the challenge with some hilarious

and hugely imaginative results. The aim was to create original drama pieces, to be

recorded and broadcast by Sonder Radio.

As with many things, this work was interrupted by the pandemic, but important and

lasting links have been set up and will be revisited in the future.

Although ending in May 2020 these significant parts of the project will run on into

the future. They show what is possible by providing the opportunity for Culture

Champions and local health, social and cultural asset-holders to meet and work

together. We are so proud of the outcomes and will continue to be inspired by

people’s ingenuity and drive.

‘I think (funding Culture Champions initiatives) is a great idea as it

endorses the fact that we are still creatives with great ideas.’

Geli Berg, World Music Bus Tour

For further information about the work of Culture Champions programme during

2019-2020, please contact Andy Barry, Elders Programme Manager at the Royal

Exchange Theatre andy.barry@royalexchange.co.uk

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LEARNING

Eleven months is a relatively short time in which to make changes and of course our

plans for the last quarter were impeded by the pandemic. But we hope that by

pushing the boundaries of what it is to be a Culture Champion and providing people

with access to small grants, we have increased the potential for more and more older

people to get involved in creative and cultural activity around the city and in our local

neighbourhoods. Below is a short breakdown of some of the learning we have done

together.

‘The city is full of buildings, spaces, heritage, goodwill, talent - these are

our assets – but our main asset is the people who know this city and who

know what they want. Just ask them, work with them. Add some funding

for the remaining essentials... and good things happen!’.

Jane Goetzee Culture Champions Coordinator 2019-20

LEARNING ABOUT CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

Meetings and co-production:

• instigating the co-production culture from the start meant every voice was

involved in the discussion, ideas and plans considered by all

• building up as a ‘working group’ of individuals each with their own areas of

expertise and knowledge brought dynamic discussion and high levels of

positivity

• increasing dissemination of cultural news and events through robust

information sharing

• creating opportunities to take the lead and promoting active involvement in

planning helps sustainability – people ‘make it their own’ and rely less on the

project.

• welcoming support organisations to get involved at meetings as Culture

Champions themselves results in key conversations, practical advice and offers

of resources, and active support

• invite inspirational talks from the people themselves and from local role models

Help from supportive organisations:

• opportunities for conversations between people and organisations benefits

both when done with a co-production approach

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• involve health and well-being as well as cultural organisations in the project

from the start

• people have local knowledge about and explore possible community assets as

well as community needs - and with support will use it to create new initiatives

• culture-positive, age-positive businesses plus dynamic volunteering has lots of

potential

• organisations can host initiatives and hold money in their accounts

• Champions are age-friendly consultants – they can advise/support cultural

organisations in return

Communication:

• regular meetings with co-production approach

• regular newsletter - establish best means of maintaining interaction and invite

comment, ideas etc

• encouragement to swap contact details and build networks among themselves

• linking people from the same neighbourhood

• create tutorials and offer individual/peer help with Whatsapp and social media

• create a hub using a blog

Small grants:

• people new to receiving a small grant need time and support

• take time to build trust and offer tailored support early in the funding process

- means less need for the lengthy/complex administration that often deters

people from applying

• giving help in identifying available assets when planning initiatives and people

asking around between themselves – opens up more possibilities with less

money

• funders need to consider the recipients means of receiving the money –

individual initiators may not have a usable account and not all groups are

‘constituted’

• can be maximised when used in conjunction with available assets, eg spaces,

time, skills

• spending can be done on behalf of recipients through an organisation’s

account

• acknowledge that people are wary of taking on the responsibility of community

money

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• suggest Ask Forms, rather that Application Forms - people ask for a specific

amount for essentials once they have explored and secured use of other

resources

LEARNING ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS

About getting involved:

• people want to be fully informed about the provenance and aims of the project

• people’s eagerness to get involved increases once they realise it’s about

working together as equals, not as older people needing help

• people are happier when they are mixing, but not every gathering suits every

person

• not everyone minds being alone or may opt to be unreachable because they

prefer it that way, for their own reasons

• people liked the concept of being a ‘champion’ when they realised it was their

knowledge/passion or skill that was being drawn on

• people seemed to like the idea that it was not a fixed programme of

volunteering, that they could do as much or as little as they wished, or that they

could manage or fit in.

Challenges:

• people have varying backgrounds, education and experience – time for

preparation and training must be factored in for any person electing to lead

an activity

• finding information about the range of things happening around Manchester

is not always easy – it is fragmented, often inaccessible, not in appropriate

formats (small print, wrong language, off-putting images)

• people get involved less because of the basics: cost, transport, health/mobility,

fear (of darks streets, incontinence, socially daunting etc) lack of access to

information.

Active membership was down to 24 in August 2019 but is now up to 65 with 40 of

those having attended at least one event, and around 20 in attendance at each of

the events.

About the experience of ageing:

• people don’t like being stereotyped or put in the ‘older’ category

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• 50 – 80yrs is a huge range, people had widely ranging lifestyles, skills, work

and responsibilities

• some people do not consider themselves ‘old’ or ageing until they are much

older than 50, that ‘ageing’ varies from one person to another.

• some people in their 70s hardly thought of themselves as older people, and

continued to support ‘older people’, without seeing themselves as one of them.

• health and mobility affect people’s sense of their age.

• income levels vary a lot.

About being alone:

• isolation can be sudden and for many reasons, people take time to readjust

• through bereavement – people struggle to get involved if they have always

been part of a couple

• bereavement can continue for years

• some are more positive than others in wanting to explore life after their partner

dies

• budgets change, social circles change, confidence drops.

THE FUTURE

The sustainability of the project lies in the determination and passion for culture of

our Culture Champions. The initiatives are likely to thrive because they have been

created by people who are directly in touch with their neighbourhoods, their arts-

interest groups and friends. They are Manchester people – and in the true Mancunian

spirit of manufacturing something new out of what we have around us – their projects

will flourish. Help with building on what they have started is always useful, for example

information about further small pots of money, sources of training and support.

But it is they who have been the driving force and through them and with them so

much is possible. With a city full of assets, of imaginative businesses and open-

minded supportive organisations, with dynamic, resourceful people and a bit of

carefully spent money, more of this can happen.