Latest CGN News

Dear Good Neighbour

Just a nudge about Positive Living Group next Monday 2nd February 10-12 , with trainer Debra McCallion . The topic is the ‘ value of being creative ‘ – come and share your experiences and hear strategies to maintain a positive outlook…everyone is very welcome.

Gardening Group resumes next Friday 6th February 10-1pm , with Geraldine . Please come to the black door , up near the dustbins, ring the bell, and Geraldine will let you in. If it’s too cold outside Geraldine usually organises a little craft activity inside. Tea / coffee and good company assured.

I expect you have heard of Wood St Mission in Manchester ?

Well come and hear more about its 150 year history of providing support for families and children in need , with speaker Bernard Leach, at our next history talk on Tuesday 10th February here at 1.30pm.  Tea/ coffee on arrival £3 per person.

Here are some Messages from Colleagues :

Ring & Ride service review – have your say

Have you used the Ring & Ride minibus service? Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) want your feedback to help shape the future of the service.

Ring & Ride is an accessible, low-cost minibus service for people over 70 with walking difficulties and disabled people to get to hospital, the nearest town centre, or accessible transport hub.

The review will look at how Ring and Ride can fit into the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s joined-up transport system, to make travel easier and how to use resources in the best way possible.

Complete the short survey by 9 February 2026:

  1. How frequently do you travel by Ride & Ride? When did you last use the Ring and Ride service?
  2. How did you find out about the Ring & Ride service?
  3. If you have used the service in the last 2 years, how satisfied are you with the service?
  4. What types of journeys have you made by Ring & Ride?
  5. Does the Ring & Ride service cover where you need to go?
  6. In the past 6 months, how often have you been able to book the service you needed?
  7. Do you have any other comments about Ring & Ride?
  • Current service users will be sent a paper copy of the survey with a Freepost return envelope. If you haven’t received your paper copy by the middle of January, please call the TfGM contact centre 0161 244 1000 Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm, Weekends and Bank Holidays: 8am to 8pm.
  • Individuals and groups can fill in the online survey  Local Link/Ring & Ride Surveys – Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Citizen Space
  • Groups or organisations can join an online feedback session by emailing flexibletransport@tfgm.com
  • Anyone who finds it difficult to complete the online survey can send feedback to flexibletransport@tfgm.com; support for non-English speakers is available by calling 0161 244 1000.
  1. Fancy going to The Edge in Chorlton to see ‘  Next week’s matinee (Wednesday 4th at 2pm) will be the lovely film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ with Audrey Hepburn
    Tickets on the door or via the website: edgetheatre.co.uk
Permanent Removal of 9.30am Restriction on Concessionary Bus Passes from March 2026

Older and disabled people in Greater Manchester to benefit from permanent removal of 9.30am restriction on concessionary bus passes from March 2026. Older and disabled people in Greater Manchester will benefit from free round-the-clock travel on Bee Network buses, with the permanent lifting of the 9.30am restrictions on concessionary passes from March 2026.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and council leaders from across the city-region have been working with older and disabled groups locally to bring about the major change which will give “real freedom” to passengers. It follows two successful pilots in August and November, during which around 400,000 older and disabled people in Greater Manchester were able to use their concessionary passes 24/7, rather than having to wait until 9.30am to get on board. Subject to finalisation of budgets in February and consultation on changes to the concessionary scheme, the change would be implemented from 1 March 2026.

In a further move to make the Bee Network more inclusive and accessible, the Mayor and council leaders have also confirmed that all bus and tram fares – including the £2 fare cap for an adult single journey – will be frozen for the whole of 2026. Since all buses came under local control in January, more than 34 million single/hopper bus journeys have been made. Subject to budget approval in the new year, it’s planned for the £2 fare set to remain for a fourth year. All other bus fares will remain the same price for the whole of 2026, with Metrolink fares also frozen for a sixth consecutive year.

It’s all part of the Greater Manchester Strategy, launched in July 2025, and the collective vision to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. To deliver it, Greater Manchester has pledged to keep the cost of travel on the Bee Network as low as possible, reinvesting fares to continually improve the network.

The Mayor recently set out a plan to deliver a new decade of good growth – through a UK-first Integrated Pipeline of high-impact housing, employment, and regeneration projects and a £1 billion GM Good Growth Fund. Continued improvements to make the Bee Network more affordable and accessible will help to ensure this growth is felt in every part of our city region, guaranteeing that everyone has the foundations of a good life so they can thrive.

More information can be found via the TfGM website.

Remember we are here to help out with small odd jobs, any issues with your technology, or give us a call if you need any general advice . It’s great to see so many people now coming along to all of the activities, –  but there is always room for more if you fancy trying something different and feel like meeting new folk !

Take care everyone and thanks for your support

All best wishes