Musings

Caring for our common home When in Rome… We came together As people of all faiths and beliefs Moved by the need for Humanitarian and planetary relief And we pledged To work together, to care And repair Our Common Home When in Rome… We spoke Of Greater Manchester’s history Of revolution And industry And of … Continue reading When in Rome…

You have always been there for me Keeping me on track Since in a papoose On my parents' back Circling the playground Up and down our street You brought me joy and independence My own wheels and a comfy seat You got me to nursery And to school To the shops, the park The swimming … Continue reading My friend Bike

We think, feel and do… 1. These are a few of my favourite things 2. #MyDailyHaiku 3. Data Deeds Determination 4. Cooperation is Alive 5. We Rise, Roar and Represent 6. These Streets Are Ours 7. Thank You 8. GM Moving in Action 9. GM Moving in Action (full version) 10. Nothing About Us, Without … Continue reading My anthology: In a time of Covid 2020-21

This is my speech in support of Motion on Ending Misogyny and Violence Against Women and Girls at Council meeting on 31 March 2021, Manchester City Council. Thank you to every woman who's shared her story and spoken up today, and yesterday, and the day before and those who’ve been speaking every day for decades. … Continue reading These Streets are Ours

We Rise, We Roar, We Represent We are the 51 percent We march, we chant, our truths we speak We shine a light when all feels bleak We dance, we sing, swing our hips and pray We grow hope for the future, we grow pride in today In our sisterhood and solidarity We share pakoras, … Continue reading We Rise, Roar & Represent

It's in our DNA, in our bones The building of our schools, shops and homes The working of the lands, Our head, heart and hands It’s in our Wikies, and our stickies Its in the marching of our boots And deep within the ground in the fungi roots Relied upon for the pollination of our … Continue reading Cooperation is Alive

Data, deeds and determination We move together like a murmuration Look out for the flock And the boats we rock As we gather and group Soar and swoop For women and girls Bomber jacket, boots or twin set and pearls Hair long and straight or short tight curls Women of every age Together on one … Continue reading Data, Deeds and Determination

Thursday 8 October, Clean Air Day 2020. College Road, Whalley Range, Manchester.  Four road signs, half a dozen people in high viz vests, a tray of empty tea cups. Cycles, scooters, buggies.  Some kids skipping down the middle of the road and up to the school gates, others slowing down, almost to a pause, drinking … Continue reading So what’s all the hype about school streets?

“Do something outside yourself, something to repair tears in your community.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg Connecting and owning the threads I’m proud to be a member of the Cooperative Party and when I stand for re-election in May 2021 it will be as a Labour and Cooperative Councillor. I believe the cooperative movement is fundamental to … Continue reading A stitch in time…Coops & Cooperation in a time of Covid

“This may only be a dream of mine, but I think it can be made real” This is the age of the neighbourhood.  People and place matter.    “It takes a village to raise a child”. Whatever our age, all the different people and aspects that make up a place play their part in shaping our … Continue reading Building Back Better Together in Chorlton

To tackle inactivity and obesity and make cycling a real option for people we need to do more than ‘prescribe it’  I’m an advocate of cycling, and I’ve witnessed how getting on a bike can promote good health and address ill health, and more broadly be good for the health of communities, public services, our … Continue reading On yer bike!