Every day from Friday 11th to Thursday 24th February, a post (sometimes two) will appear on this site, to celebrate the Republic of Newtonia – a brief occupation of a site in Hulme in defence of Abbey Pond (near the Old Abbey Taphouse). In 1994, local people and environmental activists tried to stop the Council and the Science Park from filling in the much-loved pond. If you were there, and want to share your memories (and any photos or other material) please do get in touch via mcmonthly@manchesterclimatemonthly or on Twitter – @mcr_climate

Also, on Thurs 24th, the 28th anniversary of the Pond’s destruction, there is an online meeting, from 7.30pm, bringing together people who were at the Republic of Newtonia with campaigners defending green spaces now. You can book here (it’s free).



I hope if you’re reading this you’re thinking about what we can learn, beyond “the Council have been lying about their concern for the environment from day one.” Here’s what one of the participants in the campaign to save the pond said when asked what there was to learn…

“Get to know the people who are most affected. And that’s the people who live there,, doesn’t matter what class they are. Understand them. Let them do the talking,. As far as you can empower them as much as possible; not just for your own ends, but because it’s worth doing (doesn’t happen enough in this country). Use your brain. Use the science , stay rational, even when you want to scream and shout. And if you’re going to do a stunt, then do a good one.”