Manchester city centre culture venue HOME has become the recipient of a six-figure grant to support its activity in 2021.
The cinema, theatre, museum and arts space has been awarded £349,110 by the Garfield Weston Culture Fund – which has distributed over £30 million to more than 100 cultural organisations struggling during the pandemic.
Representatives at the First Street venue expressed their delight at the news, claiming that the money would play a “vital role in ensuring that HOME’s future is secure and we can come back stronger than ever.”
The grant will allow HOME to commission work and provide opportunities for artists while venues are closed – as well as covering the costs of making the building COVID-secure.
Extra funding also means HOME can continue supporting local artists and other cultural organisations in the region – with staff already working alongside Manchester council on the Cultural Sector Hardship Fund for Freelancers.
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From today (February 1), residents working in the freelance creative industry may be eligible for grants of up to £1,500 – and HOME staff are on hand to offer guidance for applicants.
We’re delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant of £349,110 by the Garfield Weston Culture Fund @WestonFdn, to support our activity throughout 2021. This #WestonCultureFund support provides HOME with the confidence to move forward with some important projects. pic.twitter.com/S3FK3wKtmw
Dave Moutrey, Director and CEO of HOME, said that he and his team were “incredibly grateful” to the Garfield Weston Foundation.
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He added: “We’re particularly proud that HOME and the other successful applicants were praised by the Foundation for our entrepreneurial approach and creativity throughout the pandemic and the ways we have adapted and engaged with our audiences and communities.
“Artists and audiences are at the heart of what we do at HOME, and we remain committed to providing a home for art that provokes, enriches and brings joy.”
HOME first opened in Manchester city centre back in 2015 and has been a cornerstone of local culture ever since – screening independent films, housing art productions, and providing a space for a wide variety of artistic projects.
The venue is currently running an online programme of events during the national lockdown – all of which are available to access via the organisation’s official website.
News
A Manchester City fan has died after a medical incident at Manchester derby
Daisy Jackson
A Manchester City fan has tragically passed away after a medical incident at the Manchester derby yesterday.
The club has confirmed that one of the club’s supporters died after collapsing during the match against Manchester United.
They wrote: “Manchester City are aware of the tragic news that one of our supporters passed away following a medical incident at yesterday’s match.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Man City and Manchester United faced off the Etihad Stadium yesterday, with Man United eventually taking the win thanks to a 90th minute goal by Amad Diallo.
An eye witness told the Manchester Evening News they saw the fan being administered CPR at around 4.10pm.
People have been leaving tributes to the Manchester City fan, who has not yet been named, online.
One person wrote: “RIP that city fan. No one should go to a football match and not come home again. RIP”
Another said: “An important reminder amongst all the squabbling over yesterdays result that the football isn’t everything. Thoughts are with his family, RIP blue.”
Someone else posted: “Rip blue. Thoughts are with your family and friends at this sad time.”
New ‘B Plates’ introduced so drivers can identify themselves as being bad at parking
Emily Sergeant
New ‘B Plates’ have been introduced so drivers who are bad at parking can identify themselves for all to see.
Consider yourself good at parking? Well, that’s bold of you to claim… because for a lot of us, we wouldn’t be so confident to say that, and it turns out we’re not alone either, as some new research has revealed that 48% of drivers think they could benefit from more training or assistance with their parking manoeuvres.
The new B plates – with the ‘B’ standing for ‘bad parking’ – are designed to be attached to a vehicle so you can apologise to other motorists for your lack of parking prowess.
On top of the 48% of bad parkers, the research by Scrap Car Comparison found that a further one in six (17%) say they have experienced stress or worry about having to park their car, while a third of drivers (30%) say they spend extra time searching for a parking bay with free spaces either side.
New ‘B Plates’ have been introduced so drivers can identify themselves as being bad at parking / Credit: Supplied
74% of new drivers aged between 17 and 24 say they could benefit from more guidance in lessons.
Overall, one in four motorists (23%) claim that they weren’t taught well enough when it came to parking maneuverers, according to the research.
It’s hoped that the new B Plate stickers will encourage drivers to ‘own’ their parking pitfalls, the company says, as well as seek the additional guidance required to gain more confidence behind the wheel.
48% of drivers think they could benefit from more training with their parking manoeuvres / Credit: Supplied
“Just like a P plate enables new drivers to ask for patience from other road users, our B plates will give people the chance to hold their hands up, say sorry and ask for forgiveness, if they know their parking leaves a lot to be desired,” explained David Kottaun, who is the Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison.
“We hope the plates also serve as encouragement for drivers to seek additional parking guidance to build up their confidence.”
Scrap Car Comparison are offering a limited number of B plate stickers to interested drivers for free if you fill out the ‘register interest’ on its website here, and then based on interest levels, they will be made more widely available in 2025.
The Manc -
1st February 2021 
