On a bright, sunny morning about 25 of us came to help clear litter and rubbish from our streets and alleys (just some of them on the photos below). It was great that so many came to take action to clean up our shared environment. Moaning moves nothing. Thanks to all the residents, young and old, who came to help, and to our neighbours from Hello Student, our Councillor Amna for practical support. Thanks too to Manchester Student Accommodation once again for use of their office as a base and to Moss Care St Vincent Housing for supplying gifts for the young people who took part.

 You might have seen mention in the news of the 2025 Great British Spring Clean, run by Keep Britain Tidy. We on the Groves have registered and will be doing our part on Saturday April 5, 10:30 to 12noon, tidying up our streets and alleys. It's an opportunity to meet and work alongside our neighbours while cleaning up our local environment. The more people come and help, the more we will get done.

As before with our litter-picks, we will be supported by local companies and part of that is being able to use the MSA office as a base to give out bags, gloves and pickers to volunteers. And have a chat and maybe some refreshments. Let's take some action together on the litter and fly-tipping.

Here is the finished Groves mural having an unofficial 'unveiling' by Amna And Abdi, two of our counsellors. Also in the picture is Richard the artist (in the middle) and Cem (second left) who helped organise the funding from 'Hello Student', plus three Groves residents. There has been loads of positive reactions to the mural from people passing by, including this comment from a community nurse who works locally: "This will put a big smile on my face every morning."

Look out for more work on the Groves, starting in 2025 with cleaning up and improving the area in front of the mural.

Big thanks for funding and support to Hello Student, Moss Care St Vincent Housing, Manchester City Council and to Brewers Decorators Centres for paint and Rosgal for equipment loan.

Richard the artist has begun his wall mural for the Groves and we should soon see the finished wild bird design. Weather permitting! Next Wednesday at 3pm there will be a brief informal 'unveiling' at the mural which is on the end house of East Grove at the Carmoor Road end. Everyone is invited to come along.

The annual community switch-on event for the Swinton Grove Park Festive Lights will be on Swinton Grove, Wednesday December 4, from 3:30pm. Goody bags, hot drinks, crafts, local school children singing – and the countdown to the big switch-on. All free. Also free entry for local residents to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House from 11-3pm.

Plans are underway to paint a mural on the end house of East Grove with residents from that end of East Grove currently choosing their favourite between two designs submitted by the artist. Others are also welcome to give a preference - check out Bird A and Bird B from the leaflet below and send an email.

The mural will make a great welcome to our community statement and brighten up the Groves. There are also plans to transform the waste area in front. Big thanks to Richard the artist and to Hello Student and Moss Care St Vincent housing and Manchester City Council for funding, permission and support. 

Here are some pictures from our Play Street yesterday on Upper West Grove. Over the time we estimate between 40 and 50 children and about 30 adults came and joined in sharing food, chatting, playing games, making things and generally having a good time together as neighbours. It stayed dry for most of the afternoon, but not quite all!

Big thanks to everyone who contributed to the Bring & Share meal, which festured some really lovely food. Thanks for support from Manchester City Council, Biffa, MSA, MSV and thanks to our craft worker, face painters and M13 Youth Project workers.

To make the street cleaner and safer we picked up litter and other rubbish in the morning - thanks to those who came to help.

After last week's Play Street on South Grove, don't forget we have another one! Wednesday 1:30 to 3:30pm on Upper West Grove Play. The street will be cleared of cars and traffic, leaving it free for crafts, games, face painting, stalls and Bring & Share food. There will also be goody-bags from local housing provider MSV (thank you).  ​Spread the word!

​Everyone welcome. If anyone can come early or stay afterwards to help set up then clear up, your help will be much appreciated!

​Plus litter-pick 11:30 to 12:30 to make it cleaner and safer for the children.

We can now confirm not just one but TWO Play Street days on the Groves this month! Fun and games and activities for the children and a chance to enjoy refreshments and chat for us all.

• Monday 19th on South Grove from 12-3pm, organised by Manchester Active
• Wednesday 28th on Upper West Grove from 1:30-3:30pm, organised by residents with support from Manchester City council and others. Food is by 'Bring & Share' from residents – bring some home cooking and baking to share with your neighbours!

There are more details of both of these events and other play activities in the area in our latest newsletter recently posted through your door. Or download a copy here. 

More photos from last year's Play Street here.

Advance news that another Play Street is being planned for the Groves this summer. It will be on Upper West Grove on Wednesday August 28 from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Please let everyone know. All are welcome and residents are again invited to bring food and/or soft drinks for one of our Bring & Share Picnics. More details to follow about this and also ANOTHER Play Street on a different Grove on Monday August 19.