Crookes: A thriving community
When you mention Crookes, the first things that tend to spring to mind are the hills, charity shops and the 52 bus.
But there are also around 100 businesses trading up and down the Crookes high street. Many of these have been in the area for several decades, with an increasing number of new, independent outlets alongside more familiar brands. Amongst these are a fantastic selection of cafes, restaurants and pubs.
In the last few years, the Crookes Forum community group has undergone a very welcome revival, with meetings held once a month on the second Wednesday from 7:30pm at Crookes Social Club. The Forum is open to all Crookes residents and traders and aims to promote a thriving community, with the opportunity to discuss local issues and concerns. It has already worked to improve leisure facilities and green spaces, and currently supports several initiatives, including a weekly coffee morning and a local history project.
Help is always welcome
Based on an original idea by local councillor Anne Murphy, the Forum also puts on three street markets a year, with each one hosting around 50 craft and food stalls, many of them run by those from the local area. It's a great opportunity for local people and those from further afield to get a flavour of what's on offer in Crookes. Having started in October 2015, the 12th market will be held on Sunday 6 October, with a Christmas market to follow on Sunday 1 December. To add to the atmosphere, many of the shops, cafes and pubs in Crookes open on market days.
The markets are organised by a core team of three residents with help from other volunteers, and more help is always welcome. They take place from 11am to 3pm on part of Stannington View Road and along Colchester Road.
Anyone who might be able to help with organising the street markets or who would like to get involved with the Crookes Forum is encouraged to email the forum on crookesforum@gmail.com.
Find out more about The Crookes Forum here.
Michele Vincent
