Together Trust Archive

As a charity archive we have many things to be grateful for. Firstly the fact that our ancestors have so lovingly preserved our records of old and passed them through the generations. There is a wealth of social history at our hands which contribute substantially both to the history of Manchester and to the history of childcare. We are also lucky that we have the means to continue to care for this collection today. Like many charities however, the Together Trust does not have the facilities to do this onsite. Archives need special conditions to ensure they are preserved for as long as possible. These include factors like stable temperatures and humidity, dust and pest free environments and protective packaging. Without these, archive materials can deteriorate at a faster rate, making access difficult. Records storage

This year’s Explore Your Archive campaign from T he Nat ional Archives runs from the 14th - 22nd November and aims to get more people aware of archives and what can be discovered within their collections. It’s also a reminder that archives are everywhere. Not just within the large libraries and universities of the country but also within small businesses, charities and even within the family home. It ranges from the thousand of records stored at the National Archives in Kew through to the family letters hidden in the drawer of a writing desk, or the hundreds of email correspondence of a long standing publisher. Part of the Together Trust Archive collection

“She hath done what she could.” So reads the gravestone for Mrs Leonard Shaw who served the Manchester and Salford Boys’ and Girls’ Refuges and Homes for 53 years of her life. Looking back at the blogs of late, it is noticeable the influences male individuals had on the charity. The early committee was made up entirely of men who ran the services and made visits to the slum area’s offering shelter to those living on the streets. 

The Together Trust Cheadle Festival on Saturday was a huge success and to our great delight it (largely) stayed dry. As always much food was eaten, fun had on giant soapy inflatables and music filled the air (see some photos here from the day). Of course most of the success of the day was down to the hard working staff and volunteers that gave up their time to ensure the day went ahead as planned. As a charity the Together Trust relies on its volunteers. Whether this is through fundraising or participating in activities with the young people in our care, they are vital part of the organisation. Volunteers at our Cheadle Festival, 2012

We have fingers crossed for sun on Saturday as the Together Trust celebrates its 91st Cheadle Festival here on our site at Schools Hill, Cheadle. The family fun day is the social highlight of the year for the charity, as it lets service users, staff and the local community all come together, as well as raising much needed funds. It also allows us to promote the work we do within the area and a fun time can be had by all. Partakers in ‘It’s a Knockout’ at the Cheadle Festival 2011

"£10 a year or 17 shillings per month will support or educate an orphan or homeless boy." - The Manchester Times, 1876 Adverts were often placed in the local papers asking for money to set up a new service to help Manchester’s waifs and strays. It was an imperative means of communication. Up until the introduction of the new welfare state in the 1940s the Manchester and Salford Boys’ and Girls’ Refuges and Homes had to rely purely on charitable donations from the public. In its early days the charity was opening a new service or home almost every year. This could only be done thanks to the many wonderful contributions from a city who wanted to help its younger inhabitants. Advert appealing for funds, c.1906 (PH/4/16)

There are of course many unknown facts about the charity but some are more obscure than others. Some of the lesser known facts are also some of our more noteworthy. The Manchester and Salford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children badge

One of the lovely things about compiling this blog every week is that it gives me a chance to show you some of the absolute gems the Together Trust holds in its archive. In terms of a charity collection we have a staggering wealth of archival material (even if I do say so myself!), documenting the charity's actions and the people who have been in our care. Our earlier material gives researchers an insight into later Victorian Manchester in terms of charity, philanthropy and attitude towards children. There are few gaps and all of the children who entered any one of our homes or services are documented. Not only were our founders and early committee inspirational in the work they did, they also had the foresight to ensure these records were preserved for future generations… Pamphlets written by committee members advertising the charity