You should have had our latest newsletter through your door in the last couple of days. It includes news of a litter-pick over the weekend of July 11-12. Due to the Coronavirus lockdown we haven't been able to organise one of our usual picks centred on the MSA Office, but it's been good that some individuals have been doing some anyway.  We need to try and stay on top of keeping our streets and alleys clean and tidy for good hygiene reasons. And it looks so much better.

Just go out at a time that suits during next Saturday or Sunday and fill a bag with rubbish, keeping a safe distance away from other people.  BIFFA will collect official bags from the usual place at the end of Upper West and West Groves. If you need bags or pickers send an email. Let's be good neighbours.

We have added a new page with links to reliable sources of advice and information so we can steer clear of the bogus stuff doing the rounds. Also links to useful online activities. More to be added as we come across it. See it here.

We are taking part in the Great British Spring Clean again this year. Our Groves Clean-Up will be on Saturday on March 21. Come along anytime between 11am and 2pm. As before we are being supported by Manchester City Council, Moss Care St Vincent housing. local businesses such as MSA, and our Councillors will be calling in. Also this year we welcome Manchester Student Homes who will be encouraging our local students to come and join in. 

We will have prizes and goody-bags and we're asking everyone if they can to bring some cake or biscuits to share. Let's make it a fun community and family time together doing something positive.

Our clean-up is registered with Keep Britain Tidy and our number of volunteers and numbers of bags filled will be counted in the national statistics. More details soon.

Once again we fitted our picnic between rain showers! It was an excellent time together. Thanks to everyone who came and brought all sorts of delicious food and drinks. Thanks to M13 Youth Project for children's games. And thanks to Trae for capturing several of us in silhouette on the Community Garden walls.

It's time for our Bring & Share Picnic in the Community Garden. Saturday August 31, from 12:30pm. Everyone welcome – please bring some food to share.

​This year we will be joined again by community artist Trae who will be encouraging us to take part in creating some artwork to decorate the garden. M13 Youth Project will be providing some activities for children and young people. And all of us will be providing the food and (soft) drinks to share. It’s a great way of getting to know your neighbours better and enjoying some new tastes and flavours. We particularly welcome any new students who may have moved into the Groves recently.

STOP PRESS: Once again Akutu has made some jam from one of the plum tree in the garden (thanks to Matteo for helping pick the fruit). Jars available to Groves residents on a first come basis.

Today we had our latest Bring & Share event, hosted by Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. Thanks to everyone who came and brought food to share. As part of our time together we had free tours of the house. We enjoyed finding out about this historic building on our doorsteps and the people who lived there from a time when round here was mostly fields. Thanks also to our 2 tour guides, and to the Jo Cox Foundation for providing our funding, via Forever Manchester, as part of the Great Get Together.

On Wednesday April 24, 10am to 2pm there will be an Action Day on the Groves, led by the Council with support from Biffa (who empty our bins) and housing providers such as Mosscare St Vincent, Arawak and S4B. Activities will include jet washing, litter-picking, removing bulky waste and advice over a cuppa about your concerns. There will be free give-aways, goodie bags, prizes for children and more.

​Further information from Tanique on 07703 807200.

We had an excellent time at our Groves Bring & Share event at Elizabeth Gaskell's House on Saturday. Lovely home-cooked food, drawing our silhouettes with Trae, and lots of dressing up in Victorian clothes! Here are photos of some of those who came. Thanks everyone for the food, thanks Trae and thanks to Elizabeth Gaskell's House for hosting us.

Saturday, February 23, 12:30-3:30pm
An afternoon of art workshops, conversation and Family Fun with Community Artist Trae at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, 84 Plymouth Grove.
Bring food to share with your neighbours, drink tea, create art with Trae, learn more about re-cycling, and celebrate your community’s achievements.
Please note: Children must be accompanied.