Book captures Gorton’s stunning side

A book celebrating Gorton’s 100th anniversary will be launched on 27 March at Gorton market from 12pm - 2pm.

This marks the culmination of almost two years of planning and fundraising by the Gorton 100 committee who masterminded and delivered a whole series of successful community and arts events last year to mark Gorton's centenary of incorporation into the city of Manchester.

The book, which is titled 'Gorton 100: Best Viewed from Within', is an 80-page pictorial account of the area's historical features such as Belle Vue, Crossley Motors and the Beyer Peacock works as well as capturing the people of Gorton at play during the centenary celebrations.  The book, priced at £5 is available by calling Rose Cusack on 0161 231 3532.

Gorton 100 committee member, Rose Cusack, said: "The launch of this beautiful, new book records all the centenary events staged last year as well as giving what we think is a wonderful insight into the places and people in the past and present which make Gorton such a remarkable and distinctive community. We're confident it will make everyone in Gorton feel proud of themselves and where they live."

And Rose added: "It also unashamedly depicts the aspirations so many people in our community have for Gorton and portrays a side of Gorton that few people who simply whizz past on their way to the motorway will have any notion about."

Libby Graham, Head of Social Regeneration at urban regeneration company New East Manchester said: "The Gorton 100 committee worked tirelessly to make the centenary year such a huge success and they should be congratulated for their efforts. So many people helped make 2009 a special year, by organising events, sharing stories of Gorton in times past and in participating in all the celebrations. The book, reflects the people of Gorton at least as much it gives a snapshot of 100 years of history."

To mark the launch, there will be a host of free entertainment including Manchester's own exciting, colourful band of drummers and dancers, Bloco Novo, the multi-skilled street entertainers, Curious Eyebrow, and the foot-stomping sounds of Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band.