Now Then in Gorton: Event Photography

We staged the first event of our summer series on Saturday 24 May in Gorton.

Below is the story of the day told in photos by Ged Camera.

The t-shirt design screen printing workshop set the wheels in motion, facilitated by Upper Space.

Artwork from past Now Then issues was projected onto the back wall as DJs James Owen, Biff Roxby and Joe Who selected songs throughout the day.

The audience listened intently to Ruth Daniel's talk on her work with grass roots music, from Un-Convention to Agencia, which has all aimed to encourage a 'Do It Together' attitude.

North West folk-pop trio Ivan Campo concluded the event. A unique suitcase kick drum is one one their many idiosyncrasies.

Words: Ian Pennington
Photos: Ged Camera

Gorton in Pictures by David Dunnico, Part Two

Following Part One of David Dunnico's photography feature on Gorton, here is the second half of his photos.

The magazine feature is available to view online here (page 9).

Donkey Sanctuary
A Donkey Sanctuary and assisted therapy centre in Abbey Hey.

Fallowfield loop
Eight miles of off road trail for bikes, horses and walkers, running from Chorlton, through Gorton and on to Fairfield. It was part of the route of the Manchester Central Railway, which was built in the 1890s and closed in 1988.

Gas lamp Parts of Gorton are like a village. It’s been the victim of bad developments in its past.

Statue of Liberty
There are apparently other Statues of Liberty in Paris and New York.

Gorton Cemetery statue
There is a notable Catholic community in the area.

Cat

CCTV dishes

Steelworks Tavern
Once, this pub served the workers at the big foundry (now a council depot) that produced steel for the locomotive works. Now it recycles its aluminium cans.

Open soon door
Ready wit and self depreciating humour.

Market
The indoor market was opened in 2008.

Train wheel
One of several sculptures recalling the town’s industrial heritage.

Gravestones
The churchyard of Brookfield Unitarian Church where Richard Peacock (of locomotive works Beyer-Peacock fame) is buried in a grand mausoleum. It declines into picturesque ruin.

Street sign
Gorton has changed over time, but some things remain the same.

Gorton housing
The redevelopment of the 1960s and 1970s is being wiped away. Will its replacement be more successful? Will the people who were moved be able to afford to live in the new Gorton?

Gorton roots
Despite all the changes, Gorton keeps a lot of its traditional character.

Words and photos: David Dunnico.
David is a documentary photographer from Manchester.

Gorton in Pictures by David Dunnico, Part One

To the East of Manchester, Gorton is "one of those places", full of those "sort of people". In other words say the name and it conjures up an image, but an image that is as negative as it's superficial. Gorton has a lot of social problems, but it's also got an incredible history that is still visible, as Now Then contributor, photographer David Dunnico found out.

Gorton Demolished Flats

Wenlock Court is the last of the 1960s tower blocks being demolished. The estate where the first four series of Shameless were filmed is being redeveloped. In the shadow of the tower blocks is the Manchester Climbing Centre.

Gorton Monastery

The Grade I listed building had been allowed to fall into disrepair but is being renovated. Myra Hindley once thought of becoming a nun and went there.

Gorton Payless shop
Never judge a book by its cover, or the best wallpaper shop in Manchester by the decoration. Start talking to Adrian and his brothers and you’re shown the sample books and an encyclopaedic knowledge.

Gorton tortoise
Maximus is a five-year-old Sulcata tortoise. He will live into the 22nd century and weighs 200 lbs. Rob takes him for a walk in the park.

The town’s pubs and clubs face an uncertain future as the ways we mix socially change.

Party Night

Conservative Club

Working Men’s Club

Pineapple pub

Gore Brook
‘Gore Town' gets its name from the Gore (meaning 'dirty') Brook which flows through it. Not how most people picture the area, is it?

Mural
On the side of sheltered housing for older people is an arts project to commemorate Beyer-Peacock, the big locomotive engine works which dominated Gorton’s industry.

Belle Vue
This was Disneyland Manchester with a zoo, fun fair and gardens. Now it's a cinema and the nearby Belle Vue stadium has gone to the dogs (greyhounds).

Community Orchard and Debdale Reservoir
Debdale Park is a green space in the heart of the town.

Words and photos: David Dunnico.
David is a documentary photographer from Manchester.