Hattersley and Mottram Community Media

In 2001, the Community News' first year of production, Muriel was the only member of staff. In 2002 Muriel was joined by another part-time member of the team, Hattersley resident, Gill Monks who was a committed volunteer throughout the first year of the project.

When Gill left the organisation in 2006, a further two part-time posts were created. Volunteers and Hattersley residents, Linda Whitehead and Dawn Mines, successfully applied for the positions and worked with Muriel and HMCM's Trustees to take the Community News from a project to a totally independent, community led, not for profit company, limited by guarantee.

In 2007 Dawn left HMCM to take up a full time post in education and so untill December 2008 the organisation was run with just two part time staff.

In 2008 a project was developed around the aims of Tameside MBC's Opening Doors for Older People Partnership's remint. This attracted addional funding to support a temporary post of Project Co-ordinator, which again a volunteer and Hattersley resident, Clare Panter successfully applied for.

Muriel Stretton

My name is Muriel Stretton and I’ve been a Hattersley resident since 1997. In 2000, as a marketing officer for Hattersley Development Trust, Hattersley’s then regeneration organisation, I was given the job of establishing a community newspaper.

Prior to working on the Community News, it was my job to produce the Development Trust’s glossy newsletter. As someone living in the area I was working in, I was very aware of local people’s views about the newsletter and they weren’t positive. So I was excited to be given the job of involving local people in producing a community led publication.

I have very much enjoyed my work, even though it hasn’t always been easy. The tensions created through local people having their own independent voice, which wasn’t within the direct control of the agencies, has been difficult to manage and remains so to this day. But the feedback from the community has always provided more than enough balance to what have been the difficulties of the job.

As you will see as you explore the site, it is due to a great many wonderful people that the Hattersley & Mottram Community News is still here, seven years later, and has come such a long way. It is because of these people, and many others like them, that throughout the years of under investment in the estates infrastructure (prior to the start of the regeneration process), and the undeserved negative stereotypes of the area and its people, Hattersley always had a thriving community spirit.

Linda Whitehead
My name is Linda Whitehead and I’ve lived in Hattersley since I was six. After more than ten years of working in the local chip shop, I wanted to change my job and although I had done a few computer courses, I lacked the confidence to do anything with them.

I was offered the chance to do some voluntary work with the Community News and although at the time I was very nervous, it was the best move I ever made.

I have since gained part-time employment with the Community News, doing a job I love. With the encouragement and help of Muriel, my line manager, I have also completed an ICT NVQ Level 2 and Level 1 book - keeping course, and in September I started the AAT Foundation Level 2 Accounting course.

Because of my increased confidence I’ve become much more involved in the community too. I volunteer for Hattersley’s Money Spinner Credit Union and I’m also the secretary of the very successful Hattersley Football Club.

Clare Panter

My name is Clare Panter and I’ve lived in Hattersley all my life. Most of my family live on the estate and I attended St James Primary School, which both my children attend today.

Before working for Hattersley & Mottram Community Media I was involved as a Community Reporter, reporting on the Time for Yourself Group, which I attended and was also treasurer for. When the position of Project Co-ordinator’, funded by POPPs, was advertised by HMCM I decided to apply.

I have always worked since leaving secondary school but after having my second child I decided I wanted a change and a more flexible job. So I attended a six-week course in order to become an Ofsted registered childminder. I have been registered since May 2006 and offer this much needed service to parents/carers in the Hattersley and Mottram area.

I was offered the Project Co-ordinators job and I love my new job. It is only part time, which means I am able to work my hours round my childminding and still offer a before and after school service.

Having only started at the beginning of December I am really pleased with the overwhelming response and support we have received for the POPPs project. The response to the over 50’s computer training has been amazing and I’m really enjoying going out and engaging with members of the community.

As this is a funded project my contract is only temporary but fingers crossed I might be around a lot longer if we can secure more funding. So watch this space!!!