Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

This week we will be exploring the Classic - Nervous conditions. We are a small but growing community of people trying to read more African literature. Very welcome to new members. I'm excited to share Tsitsi Dangarembga's stellar contribution to the canon.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

“It is a well-known paradox that love of nature is the strongest in places from which nature has been most resolutely thrown out.” – Manchester Guardian, 1906.

These words, written over a century ago, remain relevant today. As Manchester continues to evolve, the need to preserve and provide green spaces for its residents becomes ever more crucial. Join us for an enlightening talk by Curator Helen Antrobus, as she delves into Manchester’s early 20th-century efforts to access and appreciate nature’s beauty.

About the Talk: Helen will explore the cultural and physical routes that Manchester’s working people took to enjoy green spaces, from parks and allotments to flower shows, cycling, socialism, and trespass. Discover the historical context and the ongoing importance of green spaces in urban environments.

About Helen Antrobus: Helen Antrobus is the Assistant National Curator for cultural heritage at the National Trust. Her research focuses on social activism, access to rural landscapes, and the lives of female conservationists between 1900 and 1945. She co-curated Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2022 and Represent: Voices 100 Years On at the People’s History Museum in 2018. Her first book, First in the Fight: Women Who Made Manchester, was published in 2019.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Manchester’s green spaces and their significance.

We look forward to seeing you there!


Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.


A yarn club guided by the cycles of the moon and seasons. Bring your knitting, crochet or sewing and a notebook to explore the gentle magic of crafting coupled with intention-setting. All levels welcome! Every other week at Altogether Otherwise.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

An African Literature book club meeting every third Wednesday of each month.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.