Forever Mancunians

Simon Wood joins Sophie Sveinsson for a powerful conversation about passion, pressure and starting over. From growing up cooking with his grandad to feeling trapped in an IT career, Simon always knew food was where he belonged — but winning MasterChef changed everything overnight. Thrust into the spotlight, he built his dream restaurant and a team that became family… until it all came crashing down. In this episode, Simon opens up about the highs of sudden success, the heartbreak that followed, and the fight to rebuild when everything you’ve worked for is suddenly gone.

In this episode of Forever Mancunians, Sophie Sveinsson chats to Katie Lloyd, bassist of The Lottery Winners. Raised by musician parents, music was always her norm—but her experience of being bullied growing up as a “mosher” helped shape her resilience. She shares how she found her place through performing, built a band that feels like family, and helped create a loyal fan community—from home to online—through the band’s playful, innovative content

From Essex to Manchester, Olympic BMX and World Champion Beth Shriever joins Sophie Sveinsson to share her journey: leaving home to live in Manchester and train with British Cycling, navigating life as the only woman on the team, and discovering the female riders who make her feel at home.

In this punchy episode, DJ Paulette (Paulette Constable) speaks with Sophie Sveinsson about facing racism in the church, finding freedom and acceptance on the dancefloor, and how queer club culture led her back to music — while opening up about being made to stop clubbing during her marriage, and why she’s still judged today as a woman behind the decks.

In this episode, Sophie speaks with musician and composer Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses and Simply Red)  about growing up in Longsight, discovering the rich, multicultural life of South Manchester, and the sounds that brought people together across faiths and backgrounds. Aziz reflects on choosing music in the face of community expectation, and the judgement that can come with stepping beyond prescribed paths. A conversation about community, identity, and the rhythms that bind us.

In this episode, artist and DJ Stan Chow sits down with host Sophie Sveinsson to talk about how he found his tribe in the hallways of art school and carried that creative spark into Manchester’s underground. Stan shares how a need to make something—to carve out a space where art, music, and identity could collide—led to the creation of a genuine community in the club. From late-night experiments to shaping a scene, he reflects with Sophie on the people, places, and impulses that helped him find belonging.

In this episode we meet Rachel McFarlane, the founder of Ampliied Voices CIC. Beyond her own record of remarkable personal achievements, Rachel's dedication to community outreach is evident in her work with this pioneering initiative allowing her to showcase her commitment to leveraging the power of music to empower and foster a sense of belonging through singing programmes specifically designed to uplift, inspire, and support individuals from all walks of life! Amplified Voices works on the basis that music is more than simply entertainment, but also a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and social change!

The Forever Mancunians Podcast shares the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode we chat with Esther Whittaker, CEO of Down's Syndrome Manchester. DS Manchester is an inclusive, member-led charity for individuals with Down’s syndrome, their parents, caregivers and professionals that provides support from childhood through to adulthood. Esther shares her passion for charity life and the development experiences that led her to fronting one of Manchester's most passionate little charities. Boasting a membership of over 300 and counting, DS M/cr provides access to life-long friendships, connection to other families, professional advice, support and lot's of fun! 

Forever Mancunians shares the stories of featured guests whosevision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring.  In this episode we chat with the founder of the award winning WAVE Adventure, Grahm Wood and Trustee Fay Wiblin. Passionate about outdoor adventure and the environment, WAVE love introducing people to healthy new activities and organise activity programmes for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities. You can also hear about how Fay and her family have benefitted from opportunities that have opened doors and broadened their horizons!

In this Forever Mancunians episode we chat to the founder of Manchester based Colibri Mexican Folk Dance company, Magali Flores. Hailing from Mexico, a country steeped in rich music and dance heritage, Magaly studied ballet, folklore and traditional contemporary dance to become a graduate teacher of Arts Education before moving to England in 1989. As a widely traveled researcher, choreographer and educationalist, with a clear understanding of the responsibilities in sharing her culture and traditions through dance, Magali regularly attends symposiums to share her vast knowledge and learn more of the traditions of indigenous dance cultures and the many local communities in Mexico that look after them. Today, Magaly continues to choreograph beautiful dances for Colibri here in Manchester whilst maintaining and showcasing respect for traditional genres of a homeland country boasting a rich diversity of dances and traditions where culture continues to be deeply rooted within its society.

“I feel comfortable when I’m combining a touch of class with a touch of craziness, you should try wearing chicken slippers” The Forever Mancunians podcast series aims to share the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others within our local communities is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode (018) we meet Olga Gerke and Jennie Trueman from a group who refer to themselves as The Soire’. Olga is the founder of this multi creative community art group for people to share their creative interests, passions and ideas. Utilising a dedicated community space on Deansgate Mews at the Great Northern in Manchester City Centre, the Soire’ provides a point of connection for city based folk, both novices and professionals, who dont ordinarily have easy access to local groups catering for their respective interests.   The Soire’ therefore provides a point of connection that serves to bring many passions together to generate a melting pot of creativity. It has attracted Architect’s with a love of art and sketching, Dentist’s with a passion for poetry, musicians, script writers, illustrator’s and artists of all ages, all sharing their own interests while acknowledging and appreciating the passions and interests of others. 

“When life is tough, and you don’t want to get out of bed” The Forever Mancunians podcast series aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we meet the founders of Headspace Bolton, Stehpen Pilling and Ginny Allende. Upon recognising shared frustrations with both type, and levels of support available, they teamed up to explore opportunities that serve to generate better results for all concerned.      Stephen and Ginny are a living example of what can be achieved when a Mental Health service user teams up with a member of his support team to try alternative approaches by working together, learning from each other and developing each other. They elude to ‘one size not fitting all’ and how generic services s and structures can dampen the passions and interests that are important drivers in all our lives. Ginny explains ““When life is tough and you don’t want to get out of bed, it’s those passions that drive us forward, that make us tick, and make us smile” Headspace Bolton run high quality creative workshops that look towards breaking the stigma of mental health and what is portrayed and perceived via the creation of performances, competitions, productions and exhibitions." Activities extend to improvised and stand-up comedy, creative music sessions, film-making, animation and script writing activities that reflect the interests and passions for those wishing to explore creative options while generating an exciting forum for people with Mental Health issues.

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In Part 2 of this two part (Episode 016), we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being a hairdresser helped her acquire some of the patience and understanding assets needed to deal with dementia. Not being one to stay at home, always organising her family and being involved and helping in the organisation or various events and activities throughout her life have all proved to be useful assets in recent years. Lesley is well aware of the tremendous impact dementia can have on sufferers, their families, friends and loved ones and wanted to do something to help. After exploring opportunities and researching various options it became clear that singing, dancing and music stood out as helpful therapies and set about surrounding herself with like-minded support to develop the amazing Dancing with Dementia.

“Dementia comes in many forms, no dementia journey is the same” Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In Part 1 of this two part episode, we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being a hairdresser helped her acquire some of the patience and understanding assets needed to deal with dementia. Not being one to stay at home, always organising her family and being involved and helping in the organisation or various events and activities throughout her life have all proved to be useful assets in recent years. Lesley is well aware of the tremendous impact dementia can have on sufferers, their families, friends and loved ones and wanted to do something to help. After exploring opportunities and researching various options it became clear that singing, dancing and music stood out as helpful therapies and set about surrounding herself with like-minded support to develop the amazing Dancing with Dementia.

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Shaun O'Brien from Trafford based sensory theatre company, 'Theatre of the Senses' (ToTs). Our chat sheds light on both the inspiring work ToTs does and equally serves to highlight some of the struggles and challenges local groups and smaller community orgs are increasingly facing. ToTs aim is to create sensory theatre productions that engage sight, smell, hearing, and even taste while providing a platform for people of all abilities to access and experience theatre in inclusive ways and believe that "the smallest development opportunities can have a significant and positive impact". Shaun shares concern with funding difficulties and the fairness of the funding process in an increasingly competitive climate, with more demand for available funds, tightened criteria, and the impact this can have on those with limited resources. Despite current challenges and frustrations, ToTs remains committed to its mission of inclusivity and development. The belief is that "the smallest development opportunities can have a significant and positive impact on individuals"

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Jamie Dennis, founder of Mandem Meetup for a candid chat about Men's Mental Health. After a difficult upbringing left Jamie "a bit rough around the edges", on the wrong side of the law and experiencing dark times.  Self realisation of depression led to a positive lifestyle change and recognising the importance of positive mental wellbeing and healthy living. A lack of available local support groups led to the establishment of Mandem Meetup, providing a non judgmental, safe-space for men to meet without fear, obligation or expectation!     Encouraging men to engage in activities and chat about life, and other things! 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Jamie Dennis, founder of Mandem Meetup for a candid chat about Men's Mental Health. After a difficult upbringing left Jamie "a bit rough around the edges", on the wrong side of the law and experiencing dark times.  Self realisation of depression led to a positive lifestyle change and recognising the importance of positive mental wellbeing and healthy living. A lack of available local support groups led to the establishment of Mandem Meetup, providing a non judgmental, safe-space for men to meet without fear, obligation or expectation!    

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Katarzyna Pryzbylska, one of the directors at The Together Family Centre in Irlam which initially started out as a Junior Football Club before further developing when the need for language development, speech therapy and phycology support was identified. Especially for members of the Polish community in order to address both cultural development and communication issues, various disorders and worries. The Centre provides help, support and a range of therapies alongside a host of activities, events and opportunities aimed at connecting the community while maintaining cultural traditions and important sense of identity.  

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Sharon Davis, founder of Mums Mart Wythenshawe, a women’s group that came together after a local mum broke down in the school playground. Exhausted from the stress of living on a low income as a single parent and with no adult conversation for weeks at a time. Another parent took her for a brew and a chat and ideas began to flow that resulted in local families coming together for evening meals in the local church hall, organiing table top sales to raise funds for day trips and establishing a community savers network. “Some of the kids had never seen the sea” said Sharon

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 02), Rod Maxwell, co-founder of community radio station Radio Alty shares the story of overcoming a brain hemorrhage, community radio involvement and what it means to him, alongside eluding to a chance meeting with Neil Armstrong!

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 01), Rod Maxwell, co-founder of community radio station, Radio Alty, shares his story of overcoming trauma following a Brain Hemorrhage, finding comfort in volunteering and the positive impact of meeting, chatting and being in the company of others, through to his interest and involvement in local community radio and it's many benefits.  Based in Altrincham, RadioAlty is a local online community radio station run by volunteers from the local area. 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, Maureen Holcroft and Noreen Bond from Daffodils Dreams in Wigan, share their story, commitment and response to the concerning issue of child poverty inpacting on young people and thier families across Wigan. Established in 2019, Daffodils Dreams is guided by the belief that every child and failiy deserves the opportunity to thrive, to dream big, and to build a brighter future! 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 02), Elliot Sparks, founder and CEO of Pennine Mencap introduces The Rhodes Bank Inclusive Choir, shares his views on Public Perceptions and Attitudes and the need to learn and adapt as you go along! Established in 2012, Pennine Mencap provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs across Oldham, Tameside and throughout Greater Manchester to create, achieve and express themselves through a variety of activities to engage and develop learning disabled adults and those with complex needs. Pennine has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small, windowless storage room and through listening to feedback from service users it has developed the facilities and popular opportunities it now provides.

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 01), founder and CEO Elliot Sparks of Pennine Mencap shares his story of volunteering, overcoming ill health and settling in Oldham alongside sharing some of the many stories, up-sides and challenges, of supporting vulnerable adults. Established in 2012, Pennine Mencap provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs across Oldham, Tameside and throughout Greater Manchester to create, achieve and express themselves through a variety of activities to engage and develop learning disabled adults and those with complex needs. Pennine has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small, windowless storage room and through listening to feedback from service users it has developed the facilities and popular opportunities it now provides.

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. Trafford Veterans is a group of armed forces veterans, emergency service personnel and local volunteers. The group was formed in 2015 after the two founding members, Royal Navy Veteran Claire Wright and British Army Veteran Chris Squires left the armed forces and faced a struggle with physical and mental injuries alongside their transition from military service back into civillian life. Their experiences prompted them to provide peer support to other veterans and members of the community, so people would not feel alone. In this episode, Claire Squires (nee Wright) shares the story of setting up the group to provide engagement opportunities and peer support to other veterans in local communities across Trafford, Greater Manchester. 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In 2012, a group of residents came together and formed a group to save Denton West End Community Library from closure with the full backing of a rather unhappy local community. In this episode Library co-chairs, Karen McLauchlan and Rachel Massey share the story of saving a valued local service and development of the library into what is now a well organised, well supported community hub that continues to be successfully managed and delivered by a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers.      

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Forever Manchester's Helen, Lisa & Vikki, the UK's first real life Community Builders. They talk about their Asset Based approach and lived experiences of influencing and encouraging local people to recognise their own talent's, skill's and strengths, and inspiring local people to both believe and contribute to the potential of the local communities in which they live. The Community Builders live it, breath it and just love generating happiness through community match making approaches that have a real impact and make a big local difference.     Check out and enjoy the ABCD Approach to Community Building with Helen, Lisa & Vikki here..  

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Claire Courtney, Managing Director and Co-founder of Manchester based Heart and Parcel. Alongside providing English language development and learning support, Claire shares her passion and love of food to generate a shared and unique learning process to better engage English Learners.   Claire's stories include embracing many cultures through food related activities, fostering social networks, generating friendships, active learning, developing by doing, and Dumplings! 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Jenni Smith, CEO of Salford Loaves & Fishes and Chair of Buile Hill Mansion Association. Alongside providing support for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, Jenni shares her passion for heritage and the repurposing and redevelopment of buildings through restoration projects that bring benefits to local communities. Jenni's stories include Buile Hill Mansion Association, Withington Baths, All Souls Church Bolton, the Salford Mutual Aid Coalition and her association with a number of local charities and community groups, along with discussing comparisons to Jenni's previous management experience in the hotel industry.  

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Greg Davis, maverick founder of the United Estates of Wythenshawe. Greg shares his story of taking over a vandalised local church and positively engaging troublesome young people, through to establishing an inner city culture centre, organising a national conference of street leaders and encouraging the development of a number of social enterprises. Listen to Greg questioning labels, challenging perceptions and asking “If kids are joining street gangs purely to feel safe, then where do we go?” 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both exemplary and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with June Kelly MBE, founder of the multi-award winning Abraham Moss Warriors. Pride of Britain award winner June shares the story of engaging young people in grass root sports through to actively engaging and benefitting the local community including the transformation of a local park, engaging with #NASA and successfully challenging the Football Association #FA. Listen to June chat about “how the power of sport can bring out the best in people”     

This interview was conducted on 27th May 2009 as part of the Forever Manchester Radio Show which was broadcast on Manchester Radio Online at the time. Although Frank Sidebottom didn't undertake actual interviws as such, he was more than happy to chat about his mad creative world, tell us a few home truths about 'Bobbins' & 'Plagarism' and share some of his many experiences including having a sleepover with The Smiths, being the cause of the rift in Oasis between Noel & Liam Gallagher and buying cheap cassettes from lesser artists and wiping them clean!  

Aniff Akinola is a renowned vocalist, writer, producer and ex record label owner who was also a founding member of the cult Manchester hip-hop outfit 'Chapter and the Verse' and co-writer of A Guy Called Gerald's classic house anthem "Voodoo Ray". Aniff was also a co-writer of Kirsty MacColl's hit "Walking Down Maddison" and general co-conspiritor of such 90's electronic luminaries as The Orb, Steve Hillage and The Beloved. He was also a co-writer of Ian Brown's "Set My Baby Free" and was one half of Backyard Dog, who wrote the UK Top 20 Hit "Baddest Roughest" which went on to become the Coca Cola World Cup Theme alongside being featured in Ali G's "In the House" and "Bend it Like Beckham"   He was involved in The Ironweed Project and their song "Get on the Floor" was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster How to Loose Friends and Alienate People. Aniff continues to write and produce today for up and coming artists both nationally and internationally and he also enjoys doing occasional lectrues and conferences.   In this interviews Aniff talks quite openly about his life and times - Enjoy!

Aniff Akinola is a renowned vocalist, writer, producer and ex record label owner who was also a founding member of the cult Manchester hip-hop outfit 'Chapter and the Verse' and co-writer of A Guy Called Gerald's classic house anthem "Voodoo Ray". Aniff was also a co-writer of Kirsty MacColl's hit "Walking Down Maddison" and general co-conspiritor of such 90's electronic luminaries as The Orb, Steve Hillage and The Beloved. He was also a co-writer of Ian Brown's "Set My Baby Free" and was one half of Backyard Dog, who wrote the UK Top 20 Hit "Baddest Roughest" which went on to become the Coca Cola World Cup Theme alongside being featured in Ali G's "In the House" and "Bend it Like Beckham" He was involved in The Ironweed Project and their song "Get on the Floor" featured in the Hollywood blockbuster 'How to Loose Friends and Alienate People'. Aniff continues to write and produce today for up and coming artists both nationally and internationally and he also enjoys doing occasional lectrues and conferences. In this interviews Aniff talks quite openly about his life and experiences - Enjoy!

In this podcast we chat with Sebastian Heeley, co-founder of the Manchester Gin Company who along with his now partner Jen Wiggins, set up Manchester Gin in May 2016.  Sebastian shares the love story behind the formation, growth and development of Manchester Gin, shares a few distilling secrets and shares his delight at such a young company already recieving an array of plaudits, recognitions and awards at international industry competitions. When Manchester Gin was born, it was in the dining room of a house that Jen and Seb had just bought. Now, the Spirit of Manchester Distillery occupies a space in the centre of the city where every bottle is hand-crafted and distilled in small batches courtesy of three copper ladies. Wendy after Jen’s beloved late mother, Victoria after the fabulous Victoria Wood and Emmeline after the iconic suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst in tribute to some of Manchester’s most inspirational women.

Part Two of a two-part podcast where we chat to acclaimed Manchester based singer, Rowetta about her life in Happy Mondays, her associations with some of the music world's greats and other interesting stories from one of the most sampled and powerful female singers on the planet! This interview was conducted at the offices of Forever Manchester who today occupy the same building as Manchester's famous Boardwalk, the very building where Happy Monday's, amongst others, cut their teeth! Rowetta is secret voice on the Black Eyed Peas worldwide hit. “Boom Boom Pow” She is also the voice on the renowned 1989 track "Reach Out", which has been sampled by many, including Steve Angello, DJ Zinc and Todd Terry to name but a few. Steve Angello and Laidback Luke used her voice for the hit dance tune “Be” which David Guetta and Hardwell often use it to open their dj sets, it is also used on the Steve Angello/Robin S hit “Show Me Love” Rowetta wrote the original with Sweet Mercy and it continues to be sampled and played globally today. Cheryl Cole also sampled Rowetta on her Brits performance of 'Fight For This Love" Rowetta is also the original female singer with the recently reformed Madchester band, Happy Mondays, singing on all their hits, and touring the world. She played herself in the Michael Winterbottom film 24 Hour Party People and was Simon Cowell’s favourite and the last lady standing in the UK’s very first X Factor in 2004. Rowetta has collaborated with many house producers including Lights Out feat Rowetta with Tom Stephan and Pete Gleadell on New York label, Nervous Records and No More Comin' Down with J Nitti on Dos or Die (Unlimited Sounds) with remixes by Darude. She also sings with Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order) and his new band The Light and was the lead singer on the EP 1102/2011. Rowetta also performs and is a big hit at all the UK Gay Prides including London, Manchester and Brighton. She has also headlined the infamous, G-A-Y night twice. Rowetta has toured with the Hacienda party including Graeme Park, Todd Terry, Marshall Jefferson, Mike Pickering and many more with performances in Japan, Thailand and Dubai alongside many Hacienda parties in the UK. New Years Eve 2013 saw Rowetta at the Albert Hall, Manchester where she shared the stage to sing with the legendary Frankie Knuckles. Recent collaborations will see releases with Eddie Le Funk, Mirror People & Shimi Sonic, as well as her own live funk band. Recent releases include on Cr2 Records: Alex Gray & Rowetta “It’s All About House Music’; FSOE: Will Atkinson & Rowetta“Mesmerise”; Zulu Records: My Digital Enemy feat Rowetta “It Would Be” Greco feat Rowetta: ‘BE' was named as one of Billboard's Top 20 House and Techno tracks of 2017. Rowetta currently tourws with Happy Mondays and Hacienda Classical as well as performing solo. Days after the Manchester bomb, Rowetta was asked to perform on The Andrew Marr Show with Manchester Camerata strings as a tribute to the victims and along with Peter Hook, they led a minute’s silence at the opening of Glastonbury, before performing with Hacienda Classical and they also led a fitting tribute at The Royal Albert Hall. Rowetta is also involved with and an ambassador of many charities and is passionate about Manchester. She fronted the ‘End The Fear’ campaign with Greater Manchester Police and continues to work with domestic violence support groups. Forever Manchester is a charity that funds and supports grass-root communtity activity across Greater Manchester, for more information please visit www.forevermanchester.com 

Part One of a two-part podcast where we chat to legendary Manchester singer, Rowetta about her life, love of music and her memories and experiences from School Hall's to Concert Halls. Life in Happy Mondays, her X-Factor adventure and other interesting facts and stories from one of the most sampled and powerful female singers on the planet. Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester's Community Foundation, the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Pease visit www.forevermanchester.com for more information.   

Part Two of a two-part podcast where we chat to Manchester based writer, broadcaster and DJ Dave Haslam about his love of music and his memories and experiences of venues such as the Boardwalk and the world famous Haçienda nightclub. We also touch on Dave's love of English, his books and writings, and his series of live and 'Close Up' onstage interviews that have featured many guests including Jarvis Cocker, Nile Rodgers and John Lydon to name but a few. The interview was conducted at the offices of Forever Mancheter who today occupy the same building that used to be home to The Boardwalk! Forever Manchester is a charity that funds and supports grass-root communtity activity across Greater Manchester, for more information please visit www.forevermanchester.com   

This is Part One of a two-part podcast where we chat to Manchester based writer, broadcaster and DJ Dave Haslam about his love of music, his memories and experiences of venues such as the Boardwalk and the world famous Haçienda nightclub. We also touch on Dave's love of English, his books and writings, and his series of live and 'Close Up' onstage interviews that have featured many guests including Jarvis Cocker, Nile Rodgers and John Lydon to name but a few. The interview was conducted at the offices of Forever Mancheter who today occupy the same building that used to be home to The Boardwalk! Forever Manchester is a charity that funds and supports grass-root communtity activity across Greater Manchester, for more information please visit www.forevermanchester.com   

Seven Months in 79 is an exhibition of interesting music related photographs taken by David Hunter and unseen for almost 40 years! In this podcast we chat to David about his love of music and a passion for photography culminating in the Seven Months in 79 exhibition at Eccles Community Art Gallery and featuring unique photographs of many names including The Specials, The Only Ones, The Human League, Joy Division, The Buzzcocks, Ian Dury & Dexy's Midnight Runners to name but a few!      

YARN is a crowd-sourced interactive poem curated by local community artist Kirsty Gbasai. The concept is to bring together people across Manchester, to become united in writing a poem that will document the current creativity of local residents and generating a unique peice of written creative art. Yarn is being constructred one sentence at a time, with each contributor generating a sentence inspired by the previous sentence and involving lots of people, from all walks of life in the generation of something unique and special! Forever Manchester recently chatted with Kirsty Gbasai about life and "Yarn" - Enjoy and get involved here: http://www.apoembymanchester.co.uk           

This is the story of 'This is the Place' The iconic poem originally commissioned by Forever Manchester that became a symbol of resilience in the wake of the devastating atrocity at the Manchester Arena on May 22nd 2017. Mancunian Poet Tony Walsh, aka 'Longfella', was originally commissioned to write 'This is the Place in 2012' as a way of describing the very communities Forever Manchester is proud to fund and support and this is the story of the Poem. Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester's Community Foundation, the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Find out more www.forevermanchester.com     

On Thursday 27th July 2017, Forever Manchester presented Tony Walsh "the poet who defined a city, with a poem that inspired the world” in a very special evening of verse at Manchester’s legendary Frog and Bucket. Tony delved into his vast collection to deliver a variety of amusing and topical poems in what was an entertaining master class of performance poetry with all proceeds going to support the work of Forever Manchester.    We hope you enjoy 'An Evening with Tony Walsh' Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester's Community Foundation, the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Find out more www.forevermanchester.com     

After the Manchester Arena terror attack on May 22nd 2017, more than 60 Manchester creatives, including Peter Saville and Malcolm Garret, came together to turn Tony Walsh's iconic ‘This is The Place’ poem into a book. The poem, originally commissioned by, and written for Forever Manchester, gave language to our city in a moment when it wasn’t sure what to feel. This is the Place quickly became an iconic piece of literature, spreading across the globe as a symbol of defiance, unity and love. The resulting collaboration of creatives resulted in a brilliant & unique hardback coffee table book that not only marks a tragic moment in time but equally looks forward with hope.  In this interview, James Torry who initiated and headed up development of the book, talks to Terry Snowden about what became a truly unique and creative project.  Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester's Community Foundation, the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Find out more www.forevermanchester.com        

Artist Amy Coney, raised an amazing amount following the auction of her This is The Place “Bee Love” artwork which was signed a huge variety of stars & celebrities with the proceeds helping to support the work of Forever Manchester and the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. 'Bee Love' was created across a ten-hour painting session and features words taken from Tony Walsh’s “This is the Place”, poem which was originally commissioned by Forever Manchester to reflect the local communities we are delighted to support. - Here Terry Snowden chats to Amy about the "Bee Love" artwork. Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester's Community Foundation, the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Find out more www.forevermanchester.com