Jenny Mabbott is Head of Collections & Engagement at People’s History Museum, based in Manchester. She has worked on a number of the museum’s programmes highlighting key moments in UK democracy and social change, from LGBTQIA+ rights to migration, and commemorating moments in our radical history from the expansion of voting rights to the Peterloo Massacre.
Greater Manchester’s collective history: Linda Carver, Save Ancoats Dispensary
Linda Carver was a member of the Ancoats Dispensary Trust, a local organisation set up to save the dispensary building from demolition and redevelop it into a cultural hub. While the original plans did not proceed, the building was saved.
We met in March to discuss the importance of Greater Manchester’s architectural heritage and her work to save a significant Victorian-era building.
This story is part of our generative inquiry into Greater Manchester’s shared heritage.
Labour’s Plan for Change: what does it mean?
The prime minister launched a new government plan with six milestones in a speech at Pinewood Studios earlier this month. But what’s the detail on these ‘plans for mission-led government’? And will they all be forgotten by the time Keir Starmer announces a new set of pledges?
The Fête of Britain in Manchester’s hands
“Cancel your sodding Netflix account and start doing things together”, says Brian Eno
This is real Manchester
The Meteor asked photographer Gary Roberts to take some photos of ‘Real Manchester’ – the unique face of the city caught in glimpses by those who live it every day. Here’s what he came back with. If you attended our listening event on 16 and 17 November, you’ll have seen these pictures already. This is the story behind them.
Enough Is Enough: have we had enough of Prime Minister Liz Truss?
The new PM has only been in charge for one month, yet already there are rumours of a Westminster coup. Not only that, but the nation is in crisis. How long before her MPs and/or the public say ‘enough’?
Graphic novel illuminates Thomas Paine’s revolutionary life and legacy
The British born Thomas Paine played a fundamental part in the American Revolution, which led to the formation of the world’s most powerful democracy.
The radical free thinker’s life is depicted in Paul Fitzgerald’s new graphic novel PAINE. The author answers The Meteor’s questions on Paine’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, how he fell foul of the French Revolution, and what the arch anti-royalist would have made of the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Urban gardeners – seizing the means of food production and loving it
With the cost-of-living crisis driving up food prices and concerns rising about the negative affects of modern agriculture on the climate and environment, more people are considering growing their own food.
Gary Roberts talks to urban gardeners in Manchester about the benefits growing your own food can bring.
Can a GM Land Commission create a more equitable and sustainable development agenda?
Andy Burnham promised a Greater Manchester Land Commission in his manifesto. We talk to Neil McInroy, chair of the Liverpool Land Commission, to see what the process can offer GM, and report the latest developments on Burnham’s promise.
We must declare a biodiversity emergency here in Greater Manchester
As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and with the ambition to be a world-leading Green City Region, Greater Manchester must declare a Biodiversity Emergency just like it did for the Climate Emergency, says James Walsh.