The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20080109112101/http://stockporttrust.blogspot.com:80/#9217843759299986678
Stockport's Heritage
Heritage Issues on the St. Thomas' Site
There are four main Victorian buildings on this site, which formed part of the original 1841 Workhouse complex and these are to be restored and adapted for the College.
As part of the overall heritage strategy it is proposed to use a space within the former Workhouse as a Historical Exhibition Centre and this will be open to staff and students as well as members of the public. It will contain and exhibit old photographs and records of the Workhouse.
In the last year several Victorian items were found within the original workhouse buildings. They provide an historic insight into Victorian times and include some old shoes and aprons, belonging to inmates, a Victorian Christmas card, newspapers dated 1889 and several old clay pipes. These have been loaned to the Stockport Story Museum but will be returned, for display, when work is complete.
Work to replace the roof and restore the exterior of the 1841 buildings will start in February 2008 and should be complete by October the same year.
(This information was taken from 'Flagship' the college's own magazine).
Christmas Producer's Market
The Christmas Market had a Victorian feel to it, with hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and Santa on his sleigh, as well as samples of food and drink to warm shoppers who braved the cold.
It is the last for this year, but they will be back in 2008!!
Disaster for St. Mary's Graveyard
Disaster struck St. Mary's small graveyard last week when a large tree was brought down, in the high winds, right across where our volunteers have been working so hard to clear the foliage and make the gravestones accessible.
The weight of the tree was luckily taken by the wrought iron fence and the stones were not actually damaged, but the fence is looking the worst for it.
This is a sad blow, as the volunteers, who had just planted bulbs along side the stones, and are hoping the damaged tree will soon be removed.
Christmas Craft Fairs
Staircase House on Saturday was the delightful setting for a Christmas Craft Fair.
Not to be mistaken for former residents of the house, our three Puritan ladies were only there for the day, selling items from the Trust shop.
Next Saturday between 1pm and 4pm, the Trust will be in Marple Bridge manning another stall, at the very popular, Winter Wonderland.
The Mayor's Charity Blue Plaque Walk
On Sunday last the Mayor and Mayoress led a group of willing participants around the town's two and a half mile, Blue Plaque trail, in order to raise money for her charity.
At the same time a virtual Blue Plaque walk was being offered to those of a less energetic persuasion, in the community room of Staircase House.
All were later refreshed with mulled wine and mince pies.
New Heritage Magazine out Now
The winter 07/08 Heritage Magazine is now in the shops.
With a re-enactment of the shooting of Constable Birch on the front cover, and the Old Rectory behind, it is full of histories, stories and memories from Stockport people.
There are articles on-
- Cheadle's Vanishing Halls
- The Edgeley Riots
- Journalism in Stockport
- Holidays in Middlewood
- Stockport's firefighters
- Marple Council Sparks.
- The Winter of 1948 and much, much more.
Don't forget to buy your copy.
Heritage Magazine Index
At last the magazine has an index that includes all issues from 1 - 68
It is in CD Rom format and very easy to use.
If you are looking for information about an area of Stockport or interested in Stopfordian's memories of growing up with two wars and wish to find an article in the back copies, or maybe remember seeing a picture in one of the magazines and cannot find it, this Index is the answer.
It cost £4 from the Heritage Centre in St. Mary's Church in the Market Place or can be ordered from Coral Dranfield at coralandkevin@hotmail.com with 95p P & P added.
Labels: Heritage Magazine
Bill's Memorial
Today in Woodbank Park, a tree was planted to the memory of our dear friend and colleague Bill Hoad.
The Trust was represented by Jim Clare, Iain McIean and Kevin Dranfield.
Logging St. Mary's Graves
A group of Trust volunteers have been working for some time on the huge task of recording and logging all the graves at St. Mary's in the Market Place in Stockport.
Led by Phil Rowbotham and Nuala Kay the volunteers have reached the small, secluded graveyard, next to the car park, at one time entered by a grand arch, and have had to remove, soil and foliage from the top of the graves before they could uncover the inscriptions.
It is hope that a booklet will be produced by the team, containing details, photographs and locations of the most interesting graves.
If a grant becomes available to help this project it is hoped that the Queen Anne graveyard can be supplied with seats and spring flowers, allowing access to the public all the year around.
What is Happening at Brabyns Park
The pathway through Brabyn's Park is closed while the old Iron Bridge is repaired. This is expected to be finished by February next year. In the meantime the Bailey Bridge has been taken off and the conservation work is under wraps.
Not far from the Iron Bridge, an even older one, 'Scroll Bridge' is also being put back together. With carved scrolls on each corner this bridge should be a sight to enhance the landscape of this beautiful park.
New Heritage Trust Website
Thanks to a successful grant application to the Stockport Fund, we have now got some new computer equipment, with the surprising advantage of a free website from microsoft office. This is now under construction, and awaiting hoards of visitors! www.stockportheritagetrust.co.ukPlease have a look, and check back for new pages when you can.Labels: New Trust Website
Trust Outings
The latest Trust outing was a trip to Ordsall Hall in Salford, where eight members enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Elizabethan manor.
The Hall, reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain, is an exceptional survivor considering its location.
Special arrangements were made to see parts of the house not yet restored, and the bows and arrows made on the premises were put at our disposal.
The results were 2- 0 to the women.
The next Trust outing will be to Eccles Old Church, Wed. 30th Jan 2008 for more information contact Kevin at 01614274006
Hallowe'en Ghost Walk
Fifty Ghostly spectres walked the streets of Stockport on Wed Nov 31st.
Led by Steve Cliffe and Jim Clare they circled the graveyard, saw a skeleton rise from a tomb, plunged the depths of the dungeon and witnessed the shooting of Constable Birch.
Thank you to all who took a part in making this a very enjoyable evening.
Have Your Say About the Bridgefield Development
An exhibition designed to encourage public feedback on plans for the £500 million Bridgefield scheme to transform the centre of Stockport will be open to the public from Wednesday, 17th October to Saturday, 10th November 2007.
The Future Bridgefield Exhibition Suite, at 8 Brown Street, showcases the concept scheme for the retail expansion project. Developer Lend Lease, working in partnership with Stockport Council, is inviting local residents and businesses to visit the suite and share their thoughts on the proposed Bridgefield development.
The suite is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm (7pm on Thursdays).
You can also view the proposals and leave your feedback on the project website. See 'Related Links' on the right of the page.
As well as creating 2,000 jobs, the proposed Bridgefield development is expected to include 650,000 sq ft of retail, 80,000 sq ft of leisure and dining outlets, a multi-screen cinema, 250 residential apartments, as well as 1,750 car parking spaces.
Background
In early August 2006, Lend Lease Europe signed a co-operation agreement with Stockport Council - a major step in progressing the retail led development of the Bridgefield Street area.
Lend Lease Europe was selected by Stockport Council in April 2006 as the preferred partner for the retail led regeneration of the area. This prime development site, adjacent to the M60, provides the developer with the opportunity to create a town centre extension of some 100,000m², with a comprehensive retail led mixed use multi storey development.
Its objective is to create a high quality town centre extension, with a comprehensive, retail led mixed use multi-storey development. The Bridgefield site lies adjacent to the primary retail area, which presently accommodates the Merseyway Shopping Precinct, a 31,680 m² shopping scheme that opened in 1965. Bounded by the M60 motorway, the Merseyway shopping centre and the river Goyt, Bridgefield is a substantial part of Stockport’s town centre.
The site extends to a potential area of some 8 hectares that could encompass the present Debenhams and J Sainsbury stores. The landownership is fragmented but a substantial part is held by the Council. In addition the Council is prepared to receive proposals relating to the surrounding area from interested developers.
The delivery strategy for the masterplan was built upon a retail capacity study concluding that Stockport would need to see a further 73,400 m² gross of comparison shopping over the next 5 years in order to secure its present status.
Stockport’s retail offer has proved resilient to increasing competitive pressure from Manchester City Centre, the Trafford Centre and other large out of town offers. Yet it now demonstrably needs a substantial transformation of its shopping offer, facilities and environment. To this end, Stockport Council has selected a partner to develop this major town centre retail led mixed-use development opportunity. Cushman and Wakefield, the Council’s retained property development consultants are advising on this project.
For further information, contact:
Cushman and Wakefield
- Julie Dunthorne on 020 7152 5270, or
- Alistair Parker on 020 7152 5203
This information was taken from the Council's website.
Old Town Inns
The Trust now has a new town walk that they can offer to groups interested in a look at Stockport's alcoholic past.
It takes about 90 minutes and is led by Coral Dranfield, who will tell you the history of the oldest inns and hostelries of Stockport's centre, some present, some past and others a distant memory. It isn't a pub crawl and regrettably there are no free samples.
For further details email us at stockportheritagetrust@googlemail.com
Stockport Heritage Centre
Have you visited Stockport's Heritage Centre?
It is to be found at the back of St Mary's Church in the Market Place. It houses a huge collection of black & white photographs of old Stockport and districts as well as books, information and an array of interesting items on display. There is a corner set aside dedicated to the Cheshire Regiment.
Jim Clare, the Trust's chairman, has amassed a collection of class photos dating back to the 1940's and willing volunteers are eager to answer question and help with information.
In a separate room there is a changing exhibition area which at present houses a display of children's vintage clothes and toys.
There is also a shop where we sell local history books, teatowels, heritage magazines (including back copies) and Stockport souvenirs of all kinds.
Oldknow's Turnpike
Samuel Oldknow's 1901 turnpike from Stockport to Marple (and Hayfield) continues to give concern down Dan Bank.
As long ago as 1978 monitoring started to measure the slippage of the roadway down the slope towards Marple Brook.
Remedial works 5-8 years ago with earth anchors have not proved the final solution and soil mechanics engineers have recently been carrying out test bore holes.
These will identify lines of underground strata to enable a comprehensive design to be undertaken.
Ray Preston, the Trust's Offerton expert spotted one of Oldknow's boundary posts exposed during the test bore work and has alerted Stockport Council on the historic importance of these stone posts. Two further stone are also visible and others may be hidden nearby.
It is not often that evidence of 1800 roads can be seen due to ongoing developments and we must make sure these stone posts are preserved for the future.
Possibly they could be repositioned to compete a section of boundary fence between Seventeen Windows and Dooley Lane-the site of the Old Toll Cottage.
Heritage Open Days
Saturday was another successful National Heritage Open Day and this meant four guided walks around town offered free of charge by the Trust.
Jim Clare took two around the Medieval parts of Stockport and Kevin Dranfield visited the Blue Plaque sites, and added extra stories to the information given in the Blue Plaque Guide.
Goodie bags were given out with balloons for the children.
Thank you to both guides for their hard work.
Marple's Iron Bridge
Work has started to restore Marple's Georgian cast iron bridge following years of campaigning and fundraising.
It began with the construction of a temporary access road and footpath diversion, followed by the removal of the Bailey Bridge and nearby trees this week.
The Marple website (see links) has featured a web cam so people can watch the work as it takes place.
The 194-year-old bridge should be fully restored by early next year.
(Excerpt from Stockport Times).
Stockport From Above
A new book will be appearing on the shelves before very long. It is a book of aerial photographs past & present. Capturing not only the present changes being made to Stockport's landscape, but also comparing them to changes made since 1926.
For More information or to order your copy at a discounted price
click here.
The Plaque unveiling at the Rat Pit was a great success, with a fun day had by adults and kids alike! We were very lucky with the dry weather and had a lot of visitors keen to know more about William Watson.
The display inside the Rat Pit was also very popular, even though there is still no picture of the elusive chap!
I was particularly keen on the Captain who joined in the day (my husband!)
Celebrations continued into the evening with an excellent band - The Deltones -providing the entertainment, and a particularly scary bit for me when I was given the microphone and asked to tell everyone about William!
Look out for details of his life in the Stockport Express this week.
Labels: William Watson
Walk Around Reddish
Paul Rand's Guided Walk around Reddish on Wednesday last was a great success.
Twenty four people turned out for a very interesting and informative walk around the history of the area.
We were told about the Saxon, Roman, as well as Georgian and Victorian times, the people and the places.
Thank you to Paula for a very enjoyable evening.
Labels: Trust event
Chadkirk Medieval Festival - another perspective
Stockport's Heritage: Chadkirk Medieval FestivalThe Chadkirk Festival this year was despite its limitations, because of the weather a great success. Stockport Heritage Volunteers worked very hard at the weekend event. I think particularly a good idea was the Bran Tub and hitting the knight with the arrow. This was a great success with the children, and a great addition for future years. Doreen did well selling Chairman Jim's Cloths, mind you she could sell coal to Newcastle. The bulletins on Trust Walks went very well, and seem a great money spinner.
Bradshawe's Plaque
Somerfield's new store is open in Marple and the Bradshawe Blue Plaque is back in place, looking very grand with a brand new coat of paint.
Lets hope it stays that way!
Labels: BluePlaques
Chadkirk Medieval Festival
It was glorious weather and the crowds turned out to enjoy it.
In spite of the fact that the adjoining field was too wet for the 'Knight's in Battle' to camp there this year, there were still plenty of things to entertain the visitors.
Dancers in costume, a chain-saw sculpture of an owl, Circus Skills for the more adventurous and many stalls including our own Heritage Trust stall.
This year adding to the fun was a Bran Tub and a 'Shoot the Knight' game, where boys and girls alike tried their hand at shooting arrows at our brave knight.
The Trust was out in force as usual and many costumes could be seen around the field.
All in all a very successful weekend.
Labels: Trust event
New Heritage Magazine
The Latest Heritage Magazine is out now!!
Stockport Heritage Magazine is 20 years old this year and sells around 4,000 copies across the borough and around the world.
This latest issues has stories of life in working class Stockport, children's favourite sweets, once made in the borough, memories of Reddish, camping at Lyme Park, the village of Hatherlow and Victorian treasures found at the workhouse, to mention but a few.
You can also find updates about what is happening to Marple's Blue Plaque, Oldknow's House and the Rostron Brow development.
It is packed with articles, pictures and letters and well worth £2.40, if you can't find where to get your copy ring the editor on 01663719129
Labels: Heritage Magazine
Summer BBQ
The summer BBQ, hosted by Angie and Ken Kenrick at St. Thomas rectory, was a splendid success.
The weather was fine for most of the afternoon and there was plenty of food and drink for all.
Croquet and Quoits on the lawn added to the fun.
A big thank you to the Kenricks for a super day.
Labels: Trust event
The Final Tally
The final tally for the "Round Stockport Walk" was £769.53
and a smiling welcome greeted Kevin as he handed it over.
He would like to thank everyone who took part, contributed and supported him in any way at all.
The walk was dedicated to the memory of Bill Hoad our late Treasurer.
Labels: Charity Event
A Vision for Stockport
On Wednesday 4th July, Trust members were invited and attended the first stage of the consultation process over the Bridgefield Development.
The developer, Lend Lease Ltd., with the Council seem to be very conscious of involving interested local groups in this new development project.
It certainly made a positive impact to the assembled representatives when the Power Point display included pictures and plans of old Stockport which the developer is using so that the new work complements the town, both old and new.
Needless to say the Trust will be taking a proactive role in further consultation meetings as this area between Prince's Street and the M60 is seen to be a crucial and sensitive part of the town.
Labels: Concervation
A Busy Weekend
What a busy weekend Trust members had on June 30th and July 1st.
With a stall at Staircase House, as part of their first Medieval Fair and the following day at the Marple Locks Festival, dodging the rain.
We were just glad that people turned out and all seemed to be enjoying it.
Kevin did two guided walks for the Trust, from the Lime Kilns down to the Aqueduct.
Anyone wishing to buy a copy of this Heritage Walk, they are on sale in the Heritage Centre St. Mary's Church for £2 each.
Labels: Trust event
¶ Saturday, December 15, 2007
Links to this post
Staircase House on Saturday was the delightful setting for a Christmas Craft Fair.
At last the magazine has an index that includes all issues from 1 - 68
¶ Friday, September 14, 2007
Links to this post
Saturday was another successful National Heritage Open Day and this meant four guided walks around town offered free of charge by the Trust.
¶ Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Links to this post
The Plaque unveiling at the Rat Pit was a great success, with a fun day had by adults and kids alike! We were very lucky with the dry weather and had a lot of visitors keen to know more about William Watson.
The final tally for the "Round Stockport Walk" was £769.53
