What we've done so far...
This is a walk designed by local community members, in collaboration with academic staff from the University of Manchester, which shows how women in this area have struggled against the odds to improve lives and change history.
Beginning (and ending!) with the amazing life of local lass Ellen Wilkinson, this walk shows that when you look below the surface, this area is revealed as a place vibrant with stories of trailblazing courage and world-changing vision.
Download the Ardwick Women's Footprints map and guide below.
Our people
Dr Carl Emery
Dr Martin Greenwood
Dr Martin Greenwood
Senior lecturer at the University of Manchester specialising in social justice, poverty and place. Carl grew up in Manchester and started his working life as a youth worker in Longsight. When not at the university, he is often found making music, spending time with his family and watching Manchester United.
Dr Martin Greenwood
Dr Martin Greenwood
Dr Martin Greenwood
Martin is a longstanding resident of Ardwick who works as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant at the University of Manchester. He was awarded a PhD in Sociology from the university in 2024, for his research into everyday experience and the signals it sends about what's possible - good or bad - for society.
Choel Cartwright
Dr Martin Greenwood
Rev. Canon Simon Gatenby
Chole has lived in Ardwick since attending University some 20+ years ago. She is interested in how nearby University developments have an effect on local neighbourhoods, and their relationship. Choel also set up Ardwick Climate Action to explore climate justice and create more green spaces and improvements in a heavily polluted area.
Rev. Canon Simon Gatenby
Rev. Canon Simon Gatenby
Rev. Canon Simon Gatenby
Simon has lived and worked in Ardwick as community priest for over 30 years. His church serves as a community hub open to all. His wife Helen manages the M13 Youth Project working with local young people. He has supported Medlock Primary School as governor for many years, and been a trustee of Manchester YMCA. An avid Bolton fan, he also spends his free time seeking out live music.
Marie Conaghan
Rev. Canon Simon Gatenby
Marie Conaghan
Marie has worked at the University of Manchester for over 15 years in various roles, currently working in the Office for Social Responsibility as an Office Manager. Born and bred in Fallowfield, Manchester, Marie is passionate about the local area. She enjoys spending time with family, including her 2 children, and loves going to the gym and attending concerts.
Gareth Smith
Rev. Canon Simon Gatenby
Marie Conaghan
Gareth has been an Ardwick resident for 14 years and works, amongst other things, within arts participation and engagement in community settings. Has been involved in a number of Ardwick projects including the Brunswick Men’s Group and the Ardwick Creative Network.