NEWS STORY: OCTOBER 2007

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Northwards in the news

Feast of fun!

Picture of a woman eating
Feast of fun: Victoria Square residents had a cracking afternoon

Residents at Ancoats' Victoria Square had a cracking afternoon on Monday 15 October 2007. Staff from Northwards Housing and Manchester's Lime Arts Agency put on a fun filled afternoon which even the rain couldn't spoil!

The afternoon got off to a great start with the resident's BBQ. A specially erected gazebo was set up in the gardens and there were burgers and sausages galore, not to mention the odd beer or two!

After that it was off to the community room for the photographic exhibition of Victoria Square through the ages, followed by a set from the singing postman. The lively bunch were up for joining in the sing-a-long, even making requests for old favourites.

Since it was built, Victoria Square has become an iconic building in the area and has been the setting for many famous TV shows including Prime Suspect, Cracker and Life on Mars.

Victoria Square was built back in 1894 in a bid to clear the slum dwellings in the area. It was the first purpose built social housing in Manchester and is now home to over 166 Northwards residents in their retirement.

Marie Marshall, who was born at Victoria Square in 1922 can't believe how much the square has changed. She said, "When I was a girl here we didn't have things such as hot water and central heating, but now the flats all have nice kitchens and bathrooms and are warm and cosy. Its lovely living here and there are plenty of activities to keep us busy!"

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