Totally Stockport Magazine Issue 8

Issue 8 FREE

THE FROG TRAIL COMES TO TOWN! STOCKPORT MARKETPLACE PRODUCE HALL MARTIN KEMP: FROM SPANDAU BALLET TO STOCKPORT TRAMP: A NEW DAWN IN STOCKPORT SOHO SHOPPING

|

DINING

|

BUSINESS

|

WHAT’S ON

|

NEWS

T O TA L LY S T O C K P O R T

Food & Drink Festival 6

tasty

8 SEP

We’re celebrating all things delicious in Stockport Town Centre this September.

. . . m m m m

A three-day festival of food and drink is coming to Stockport town centre this September, three days of tasty treats and tempting delights from over 70 traders.

Taking centre stage at the Cookery Theatre on Saturday 7th will be Simon Rimmer.

Sunday is family day with Mr Bloom and his vegetables back in Stockport to thrill the youngsters.

Turn to page 13 to find out more or visit

www.totallystockport.co.uk

yum Featuring...

Simon Rimmer from C4 Sunday Brunch

Welcome H

ello and a big summer welcome from the team at Totally Stockport.

4-5

News

We are about to launch Stockport’s Giant Leap where giant, colourful frogs will be hopping onto giant lily pads all across the town centre and staying throughout the summer. A big family day out and the chance to explore all the great changes that are taking place to make our town the very best in the North West! There’s a map of the trail in the centre of this magazine so join in the fun and you could be in with a chance to win your very own miniature gold frog. Find out more on the frog’s own website – www.stockportsgiantleap. co.uk

6-7

Fashion

8-9

The Produce Hall

10-11

Martin Kemp

12-13

Forthcoming Events

14-17

The Frog Art Trail

18-19

Tramp

8-9 18-19

As you browse through the pages of our latest magazine you will discover that Stockport has welcomed more new businesses who are choosing Stockport to locate a business and we’re not a bit surprised.

An exciting, new concept from ProFolk will soon be opening its doors providing a unique experience in both temporary and permanent shared workspace with superfast broadband, perfect for those in the creative and digital industries. Get a preview on page 5 Take a wander over to the Market Place where the newly refurbished and renovated Produce Hall has proved to be just what Stockport was waiting for; a new social dining experience, a great way to try out lots of new and exciting dishes from around the world and to meet new friends. Read more about this new venture in dining on pages 8 & 9.

Free WiFi comes to Stockport!

A Summer selection The Marketplace’s big new thing From Spandau to Stockport Beer, Bikes, Cars and Food!

The Giant leap forward A statement of intent

22-23

Check out the latest addition to the Robinson family, Hillgate Henrietta-Anne, who will soon be trotting down to the brewery to meet her fans.

20-21

Merseyway

22-23

Debenhams

24-25

Business Profile

Free events for the year A look at the Summer collection

Jewell Time and Esprit

26

New Business

27

BID

28-31

What’s On

Upward Frog Yoga

An update on how we’re moving forward A listing for the next three months

Check out the trends for summer, find out all the great events that are planned at Merseyway Shopping centre and lots more listed in our What’s On section.

Get In Touch If you have a story, news or an event in Stockport Town Centre why not drop us a line?

And you can keep up to date with the latest news on our website – www.totallystockport.co.uk

www.totallystockport.co.uk paul.taylor@totallystockport.co.uk Tel: 0161 537 9382

Have a great summer everyone and don’t forget to share your frog selfies on our Facebook page, tag us on Twitter and on our Instagram page.

25

@totallysk

Totally-Stockport

News

T

The Kitchen: Pure Genius on Chestergate

he Kitchen, a Bakery and Coffee Shop located on Chestergate and just a a stone’s throw from the Plaza, is a fantastic place to meet friends, chat over coffee and enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes.

A social enterprise managed by Pure Innovations, the Kitchen is run by people with a disability who have received specialist training to produce the most delicious artisan bread and cake.

The Kitchen has a fully functional commercial bakery, glass fronted and open planned, where you will see and

Hats Off to Live Music!

A

new audience of music lovers have been flocking to Stockport’s Hat Works Museum since it opened as a venue for intimate lunchtime and evening gigs. The unusual space has proved a big hit with artists looking to perform somewhere different. The Victorian brick built building is the UK’s only museum dedicated to hats and headwear. Housed over three floors in the former Wellington Mill, visitors can experience a floor of authentic hatting machinery and a collection of over 400 exquisite hats.

Singer-songwriters Frank Turner, Felix Hagan and MC Lars have already performed there to sell out crowds.

Felix Hagan and Manchester based Kirsty McGee will perform on a double bill on Wednesday October 16. Tickets are not yet on sale, but you can contact 0161 474 2399 nearer the time for box office and booking details.

smell freshly made bread being made, making the café coffee experience all the more pleasurable. It is evident the pride that is taken by people with disabilities; their sense of accomplishment and purpose is unashamedly displayed when each item is purchased knowing it was made by them earlier that day!

The Kitchen has already become a hub for community groups to meet and connect together to tackle the growing concern of isolation and loneliness. Every Monday a group of people with dementia and their carers come together to support, share, laugh and eat. The

space is also ideal for a group of young people leaving care to use, learning key life skills such as how to shop and cook on a budget, while building friendships and learning together in a space they can call theirs.

The Pure vision is for the Kitchen to become a training and supply Bakery, producing the highest quality bread and cake that is sold to local businesses as well as supplying Pure’s chain of cafes.

A visit to the Kitchen guarantees an experience like no other – whilst supporting a worthwhile charity.

There Must Be An Angel M

aking an appearance in the Market Place is the Angel Inn – a traditional town centre public house in the heart of Stockport’s historical Market Place. Serving a great range of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines, spirits and more, the Angel inn comes highly recommended: “Great selection of European Beers, cracking food and really great staff! I will definitely be back!”

“First time went to visit this fine pub and it is indeed a fine pub, a superb range of drinks, gorgeous seating area in the beer garden, very friendly staff, highly recommend people give it a visit ♥ will come back again for sure. Just what the market needed.”

News

05

Co-working space to open at

Bank Chambers Managing Director, Matt Ollier, said: “A lot of the original features are still intact within the grand old banking hall. The approach we’ve taken is a light touch; restoring and revealing the existing marble walls, feature columns and old bank vaults, whilst introducing the minimal amount of modern interventions.

The works will restore the interior to its former glory and preserve it for the enjoyment of future generations.”

S

tockport’s iconic Grade II listed Bank Chambers will soon become home to the town’s first dedicated co-working space, ProFolk.

Currently being respectfully brought to its best by developers Hall & Co, Bank Chambers will create a modern working environment that accentuates its many beautiful design features.

ProFolk will provide seven private offices and 20 co-working desks, along with a large space for meetings and events, plus breakout and relaxation space, a bike store, showers and lockers.

The space has been designed by award-winning architecture practice, Ollier Smurthwaite.

Jamie Hall, Projects Director at Hall & Co, said: “Stockport has seen significant growth in recent months; it has enormous untapped potential which is now being realised. The majority of office space in Stockport town centre is fully occupied, yet much of that space is tired and dated – ProFolk will raise the bar, offering a modern, attractive, tech-enabled workspace that benefits from superfast WIFI, an unrivalled location and an emphasis on collaboration.”

With an investment pipeline of £1bn into the town centre, Stockport is currently undergoing a major transformation and there has hardly been a better time to base a business in Stockport town centre. A surge in private residential development, an influx of independent retailers, new food and drink operators and new businesses choosing to locate in Stockport is creating a town well and truly suited to 21st century working and living.

Profolk is set to open its doors this summer and if you’d like more information, or to register your interest in taking space at ProFolk, visit www.profolk.space

Robinsons Brewery Welcome First Foal F

ollowing the launch of their very own Shire Breeding Programme, Stockport based Robinsons Brewery have welcomed their first foal, Hillgate Henrietta-Anne.

Born to the brewing family’s brood mare, Horsemans Princess Giselle, Hillgate Henrietta-Anne was born on Saturday 27th April and both mother and foal are happy, healthy and thriving.

The beautiful filly was born in a family owned field in Nether Alderley and was a real family affair with three generations of the Robinsons family present at the birth, including Mr David and his wife Anne Robinson; John Robinson (Mr David’s son) with wife Georgina Robinson; Cordelia Robinson (Mr David’s daughter) and Frederic and Arthur Robinson (John Robinson’s sons).

Assisting Horsemans Princess Giselle’s delivery were Head Horsepersons Helen and Lisa, who, together with the family and local farm owner Jonathan Worthington, were on 24-hour foal watch on the day.

Helen Preece, Head Horseperson at Robinsons Brewery, explained: “Hillgate Henrietta-Anne is our first foal to be born following the launch of our own Shire horse breeding programme. She is a bay filly foal with four white legs and a blaze and she is absolutely perfect!

“We now have our own registered prefix, ‘Hillgate’, with the Shire Horse Society which all future foals will inherit. We are all so proud to be preserving and promoting the Shire horse breed – something Robinsons have always been passionate about. The team and I are excited to welcome the special new addition to the family and are honoured to be involved with the beginning of a new era for Robinsons.”

Hillgate Henrietta-Anne will be visiting the brewery – based in the heart of Stockport for over 180 years – for special meet and greets over the coming months, so stay updated by following Robinsons Shire Horses on www.facebook.com/RobinsonsBrewery

The Beach is Back!

Now the Summer seems to be here (touch wood!) the shops are full of everything you need for your holidays.

What we’ve got here is just a microsample of the great clothes, footwear and accessories that you can find around Stockport.

Office

Birkenstock Gizeh Eva Kids Sandals Neon Pink £19.99

Topshop

Pattern Oversized Straw Hat £26.00

Specsavers Debenhams Red Ribbed Tummy Control Bandeau Swimsuit £28.00

Kids Sun RX 34 Comes with free single vision lenses including UV filter for under-16s. £64

Tessuti

Fred Perry Check swim shorts £65.00

Clarks

Botanic Ivy £55.00

Superdrug

The Fox Tan The Jet-Setter Bundle £21.31

Fashion Boots

Gillette Mens’ Travel Set Razor, shave gel, aftershave balm, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste. £10

Jake

Crocs kids Crocband sandal £22.49

New Look River Island Neon orange beach bag £22.00

Bright Orange Stripe Woven Straw Effect Tote Bag £22.99

Meeks

Espresso by Ecco £89.99

Esprits

Gucci Web Slide Sandals £210.00

JD Sports

Tommy Hilfiger Tape Waist Bag £60.00

Next Shuropody Andula £50

Ted Baker Splendour Large Suitcase £295

7

Dining

S

09

Produce Hall Brings Social Dining to Stockport

tockport’s historic Market Place is changing almost on a daily basis. This beautiful yet often under-valued area of the town centre is attracting new businesses like bees to a honeypot and there a few more welcome attractions than the reinvigorated Produce Hall.

We popped in to catch up with the man behind the latest venture in community living and social dining, respected local businessman and restaurateur Steve Pilling: “Well it has been a lively few weeks after opening the New Produce Hall and we would like to thank all the thousands of people who have visited us.

“We are very proud of the fifty or so new jobs created for local people from all walks of life and different sectors, many of whom were previously unemployed, and there are more jobs to come. CV’s keep piling in and many of the stories are really heart-warmingly terrific.

“Now that we have good business traction over the six days from Tuesday to Sunday, we will shortly be announcing some great new independents. Now proven, we have independent traders who are confident in joining us and will trade well! Six days a week and 12 hours a day is a big ask for anybody! We will also be extending our Vegan and Vegetarian offering – look out for a big announcement expected soon.

“Weekend brunches, live music, flash mobbing and much more are planned as we approach summer. Now many of the local businesses are free of all the building work, the Market Place is attracting more people across the week; Market day business is definitely on the up and traders can hopefully expect an uplift in more consistent foot fall.

“Leon, the famous Spanish guitarist, played in the square all day on the last exceedingly warm bank holiday making it more like Orange Square in Madrid; the plan is to have a wide range of entertainment with a Gospel Choir coming to the place soon. We are working with Access to Music who train 16-18 year olds in Music & Arts and are looking forward to collaborating with and supporting their youngsters. The live music is going down a bomb too and DJ Trevor WhatEvor was a stunning success.

“We had our first ‘nod of approval’ from Nelson Mandela himself in 2002 in respect of the work we carried out within the communities of Salford and Manchester from 1995 where we estimate we fed 0000s of homeless / disadvantaged people.

“The nod of approval we have had from the people of Stockport is fantastic and long may it continue. Thank you Stockport for such a warm welcome.”

Martin Kemp

Interview

11

He is 80s music royalty and he has had an illustrious film and TV career. He has sold 25 million albums, he has had 10 top ten singles and he played at Live Aid. He died in Albert Square but he’s coming to Stockport in July.

Paul Taylor talks to Martin Kemp You’re an incredibly busy man at the moment.

You’re in huge demand on TV and you have the DJ sets that you’re rolling out across the country but we’ll get to that in moment because, as with all great stories, we have to start at the beginning and this is the 40th anniversary of the formation of Spandau Ballet...

That’s right. You could say that it’s a weird anniversary because we’re not together as the same band at the moment - Tony left a couple of years ago and we have a new singer, Ross and it’s exciting to have some new blood in there. It’s quite good to change things up every now and again.

Especially after 40 years.

But back in the beginning, it’s 1979 and you are a group of mates in Islington. What happened?

Gary had a school band called The Makers. I was their roadie and every night I’d go home, get into bed and dream of being in that band. I’d hope and pray that something terrible was going to happen to one of them so that I could step in.

And one day I was at Steve Norman’s 18th birthday party - he was the saxophone player - and I was standing next to Steve Dagger who was the band’s manager - he still is today - and he said to me, “Martin, I want you to join the band.” And it changed my life.

How did the record deal come about?

We were a trendy young band and we were good musicians and I think we looked really good.

So 1980 and you’re on Top of the Pops with your first big tune, To Cut A Long Story Short. It’s a hit and you’re wearing some great clothes. You must have all been quite giddy?

To be honest we didn’t really think about the clothes. The clothes we wore on Top of the Pops were just the clothes the kids were wearing in the trendy nightclubs at that time. All that tartan we were wearing came from a club Steve Strange ran called Le Kilt, where people dressed in this Scottish theme. It sounds weird now but that was what was happening.

The New Romantic scene in 81, 82 was the new sound of the UK. It was the era when women were women and men were women...

It was very ambiguous and I loved that. I look back and think how lucky I was to grow up in that atmosphere.

It’s something that kids don’t seem to have these days, the fashion to alongside the music.

Yes, we had a lot of choice. There was always fashion that went alongside pop culture. I think it’s sad that it’s not really there for kids anymore because pop culture has become what happens behind a computer screen.

You were early pioneers of the New Romantic sound, what were your influences that led you to come up with that sound?

Our influences back then were Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder that sort of stuff but I think that sound was only really on the Journeys to Glory album and as we grew in popularity the band’s sound changed and by the time of the Parade album our songs had changed because they had to fill arenas.

True was your first number one, how exciting was that for a group of 21 year olds?

It was amazing. We were doing a gig in Northampton when we found out. A record company guy told us that just on the Monday of that week we’d sold 100,000 copies so we sort of expected it but when I got the phone call, it was kind of the height of everything. That was why you were in a band, to get a number one record. I look back now and it still gives me chills.

The True album was a huge seller too, did you feel like everything you touched was turning to gold?

We knew we were on a roll, but it’s like standing on the edge of a cliff and it’s getting higher and higher and you’re looking down at failure. I always felt like that. Your fate is in other people’s hands and you can only exist as a pop band that young girls fancy for so long. I think by the time of the Parade album our feet had left the ground, our egos were inflated and we were living inside this Spandau Ballet bubble.

What are your memories of the Band Aid and Live Aid times?

Live Aid was kind of mad. We arrived in a helicopter to avoid the crowds and flying the helicopter was Noel Edmonds. My biggest memory was doing the sound check the day before and watching Status Quo doing “Rockin’ All Over The World” and we were jumping up and down, singing and that’s actually one of my favourite memories of being in the band. Before then, the only time we’d ever bump into other bands was by chance in the Top of the Pops corridors so this was the first time everyone was together, it was wonderful day.

What was the rivalry like amongst all the big 80s bands at the time?

We got on with everyone but... there was a lot of competition there and obviously our biggest competitors were Duran Duran. And it wasn’t just about how many records you sold, it was about how much money you’d spent on your latest video, who could stay up the latest - ridiculous things like that.

The band split in 1990 and you went off acting, you starred in The Krays and then went off to Hollywood but you and Gary were child actors originally...

Yes. A woman called Ann Scher opened a drama club across the road from where we lived and mum put me there, not because she wanted me to be an actor but because I was so shy. I was shy to the point of it being an illness. And when the BBC or ITV wanted young actors with a cockney accent for one of their shows, they’d go to Anne Scher’s. I did Play For Today, Dixon of Dock Green, the Tomorrow People... I loved it.

It gave me the ability to act and improvise which I think is important when you’re growing up. I recommend all parents send their kids to drama school.

What’s your favourite acting experience?

The Krays, without a doubt. The band had come to an end and I knew that the film was the springboard into the rest of my life - if we got it right.

And what is the future for the band?

We’ll see where Spandau goes. We’re not a regular band who keeps knocking music out like we used to be. When the timing’s right, we’ll get together and play again.

You’re also selling out every where with your 80s DJ sets and you’re bringing it to Stockport in July.. have you been to Stockport before?

You know what, I most probably have, although not that I can remember. But this 80s DJ-ing job is the most fun I have ever had in my life. It’s the strangest thing, if there’s a room of 1,000 people, it becomes a celebration of their lives. The music is the soundtrack to their lives and they are singing every word to every song. It’s like walking into the best party I’ve ever been to.

What would the 21-year old Martin Kemp make of you now?

I’d think he’d be pleased. It’s hard to tell. I’ve had good times but it’s not all been up. If I could give him a bit of advice I’d tell him to breath in more and enjoy the moment more. I was in such a rush. When we were kids all we wanted to do was play to 100 people in the local pub but by the time you get there what you want to do is play to 3,000 people at the Hammersmith Odeon, but when you get to do that, what you really want is to play Wembley Arena and when you’re at Wembley Arena, you want to be playing Wembley Stadium, so you’re never happy. Every now and again you should stand back and take a breath.

Martin Kemp is coming to Stockport Rugby Club on 20th July www.smashhits.live

Forthcoming Events

P ri d e t r o p k

S to

c

12

T

Sunday 28th July

he first Stockport Pride event took place in 2017 and seems to be increasing in popularity as the years go by. Certainly last year’s rain didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.

Stockport Pride is a free one-day annual festival celebrating equality and inclusion.The event begins with a parade from Redrock to the Market Place which begins at noon and from then on this will be the centre of activity with live entertainment on the Martyn Hett Stage which will include musicians and drag queens. There’ll also be local community groups and charities, as well as a selection of food and drink.

y le

Rough

s

e hicle V c F si

a

ir

c k p ort C o t S la

At the time of going to press, the organisers were still asking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly and there were stalls still available too.

Check the Stockport Pride Facebook page for more information.

T

Sunday 11th August

his August will see the fifth annual Classic Vehicles Fair, which is held in the Market Place to coincide with that month’s Vintage Village in the indoor market hall. The event is always hugely popular and despite the cars and motorbikes on display coming from all sorts of eras, there is a very 50s feel to the event with Rock & Roll music providing the soundtrack.

Steve Divall, of the Hare & Hounds Classic Vehicle Club is very much involved in organising the event, “We anticipate a lot of cars and motorcycles coming along this year. Some of the cars date from the 30s and many are extremely rare. One vehicle on display will be a Ford Anglia like that in the Harry Potter films and amazingly only 20 or so remain on the roads with over a million built. There will be some commercial vehicles, a Lomas ambulance owned by the grandson of the company’s founder, a land rover based military vehicle which saw service in the Falklands and an Austin Allegro estate of which only seven remain.

Trophies for the best car and bike will be presented by the Mayor of Stockport who will have a tour of the vehicles on show.”

s

h S ow e k i B

R

Monday 26th August

oughleys Bike Show began in 1999, when Andy Roughley was working at the Bulls Head in the Market Place. On the August bank holiday he invited some of his mates to come down and meet up, they asked the market buskers to come down and play some tunes for them and the idea for an annual Charity event was born.

In the years following Roughleys Bike Show has extended to include Christmas Toy Runs and Easter Egg Runs. Both have proven rather popular with hundreds of eggs and gifts donated and hundred of bikers dressing up and joining in the fun.

The event has settled into a new home in Petersgate where 7,000 people turned up to last year’s show to see custom bikes from all over the country and watch live music on the main stage throughout the day and into the night.

The three charities supported by the event have remained the same over the years: The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (N.A.B.D), The Rainbow Trust Childrens Charity and The Together Trust.

Your very own miniature golden frog.

See inside for details.

Explore the trail and discover the giant frogs, which one is your favourite?

Can you solve the secret message?

Join in the frog-tastic fun and you could be in with a chance to win a miniature golden frog!

Lan cash ire H ill

Knig

hts

Great

brid

ge

on St Egert

ces

Prin

ood St

St

rtw Great Po

Warren St

Gr .U

nd

er ba nk

Heaton Ln

te

terga

Ches

l

tP ke

ar M

le

tt Li

Rd So Wellington

Ch

k an rb de Un

h urc te ga

uth St. Bank

M

illg

at

e

tch Fle

Daw

te

sga

ter Pe

t

er S

New Bridge Ln

n St

gto Wellin

d

on R

Lord St

Stati

Apsley St

High St

t

nce S Lawre

St Exchange

Sp

rin

gG

ar de ns

St.

Wellington Rd South

Hopes Carr

dle H illga te

Mid

Garnett St

Piccadilly

Norbury St

John St loo ter Wa

Rd

Edward St

Bamford St

l St

Cana

t

S ek

Gre

Win a Golden Frog! All our frogs have a secret letter on their lily pad.

Collect all 19 letters and unjumble them to make a phrase. Visit stockportsgiantleap.co.uk to submit your entry and be in the running for your chance to win your very own miniature golden frog!

A

M

Nexphibian – the frog that will keep you connected. The smart circuit board design represents a world-class company in semiconductor development and in-house production.

S: Nexperia A: Nick Lowndes

One of Stockport’s more mature residents, Golding – named after the British Hop used in flagship beer Unicorn - has hopped across the town from Robinsons Brewery, one of the oldest and most respected names in British brewing history and based in Stockport since 1838.

S: Robinsons D: Robinsons

Now here is one dapper digital dude! Black, white and read all over, KermIT holds a special binary message from Stockport based IT solutions specialists Amshire. Can you crack the code?

S: Amshire IT Solutions A: Louise Barson ry’s

Ma

Don’t let his medieval lines fool you, Ferdinand is no jester!

This sprightly frog has a lot of spring in his leap and has sprung onto his new home in Mersey square.

S: Spring & Co A: Helen Watts

Robert is a kaleidoscope of colour, vibrant and filled with energy, much like the 700-strong squad at CDL where the UK’s biggest insurance retailers rely on CDL’s trend setting solutions to drive success and growth.

S: CDL A: Caroline Dowsett

BUSter took the 192 bus and hopped off in Stockport.

The 192 bus had a whole musical album compiled in honour of the famous bus route which has run from Manchester to Stockport and Hazel Grove for almost four decades.

S: Stagecoach A: Annette Cobley

Designed by the children of St Thomas’s Primary School, Sir Lovealot will certainly remember the love he was shown by all the children - from reception to year 6 – who were hands-on in the design!

S: The Light Cinema A: St Thomas’s Primary School

2019 has been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT), a vital tool used by all who learn and work in science.

Chemit won’t forget as he periodically wears his waistcoat with pride.

S: BASF – we create chemistry A: Emma Yates & Beth Sciambarella

Stockport’s Giant Leap Frog Art Trail represents the great changes that are taking place across the town centre.

For those with the Midas touch, this is the perfect time to work, rest, invest, live and play in Stockport.

y Wa

Centurion frog Cornelius has had a long day doing battle with the Romans. He’s unpacked his pyjamas and is looking forward to a great night’s sleep at the Holiday Inn Express Stockport, Europe’s best.

S: Holiday Inn Express A: Ian Dawber

A very regal frog, Prince Regent is perfectly poised outside his palace, Regent House, where he very generously shares his offices with fellow Stockport based businesses.

S: Orbit Developments A: Douglas Hutton

Featuring in many musical lyrics of the 1960’s, the River Mersey flows freely below Merseyway Shopping Centre but did you know it is home to Mrs Mersey who loves nothing more than hopping and shopping in Merseyway.

Often mistaken for the internationally revered architect Sir Norman Foster, Sir Norman Frogster has hopped onto his lily pad from his home in Reddish, keeping a watchful eye over Stockport’s iconic architecture.

S: Merseyway Shopping Centre A: Lindsay Anderson & Debbie Hancock

S: Totally Stockport A: Prospect Vale Primary School

Representing Girlguiding Stockport, This Little Guiding Frog of Mine is perfectly perched here in Suffragette Square, watching over the visitors, thinking of others before herself and doing a good turn every day.

While his froggy friends were hopping onto their lily pads around Stockport, this little froggy was determined to stay here in the Market Place where he can choose from a great variety of new bars and eateries as well as hopping over to the market hall for a snack!

S: Girlguiding Stockport A: Kirsty Brown

S: Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council A: Kate O’Brien

Strawberry Fields has hopped over to spend the summer in Stockport, home of the world famous Strawberry Studios. Now, all we need is a scoop of Crème to pop into our Sad Café to enjoy Strawberry Fields, forever!

S: Marketing Stockport A: Plunge Creations

Fanatical Frog is fanatical about most things! Fanatical about his friends, family, colleagues and his home town of Stockport, so fanatical that he is even wearing some of Stockport’s fabulous and iconic landmarks.

S: Concentrix A: Caroline Daly

Fresh from his starring role in the sequel to Wind in the Willows, Sir Hopsalot has been hopping all over Stockport discovering all the fun things to do. Now it’s time to rest on his lily pad outside No1 St Peter’s Square.

S: Orbit Developments A: Toubie Jack

Standing out from the County crowd, Edgeleap was hopping madly about when his team won the 2019 League Cup. Bathing in glory, he is ready to welcome fans for a selfie – meet him on his lily pad in St Peter’s Square.

S: C&C Insurance Brokers A: Douglas Hutton

Don’t miss your chance to see them all and be in the running to win your very own miniature golden frog!

Find out how you could join in and have a chance to win!

Visit: stockportsgiantleap.co.uk

Thank you to all our fantastic sponsors. Without you, none of this would be possible!

F

a n d Drin d k oo

Fe sti v al

n C e ntr w e To

Forthcoming Events

A

6th, 7th, 8th September

three-day festival of food and drink is coming to Stockport town centre this September, three days of tasty treats and tempting delights from over 70 traders.

Taking centre stage at the Cookery Theatre on Saturday 7th will be one of our favourite and most entertaining chefs, Simon Rimmer - best known as co-host on the Channel 4 show Sunday Brunch.

Simon will be accompanied at the Cookery Theatre by an ‘a la carte’ menu of celebrity and local chefs and restaurant owners including chefs from Blackshaws, Hillgate Bakery and the Produce Hall demonstrating their skills, sharing their top tips and inspiring tomorrow’s chefs.

With lots of hands-on entertainment all weekend, Sunday is family day with Mr Bloom and his vegetables back in Stockport to thrill the youngsters. The Greatest Showman and Frozen will be singing favourites from their shows and a full line up of entertainment from local dance schools and community groups will keep everyone entertained throughout the day.

S to

k

B eer W t r ee po

k

c

The Town Centre Food & Drink Festival is organised by Totally Stockport in partnership with SMBC, Merseyway and the Market Place.

S

19th - 29th September

tockport Beer Week is back again for 2019 and will run from 19th-29th September as part of National Cask Ale Week. It’s a celebration of good pubs and beer in and around the centre of Stockport - and there are plenty of both to choose from.

Expect lots of varied events to enjoy and most are free to enter. The opener sees stand-up comedian James Dowdeswell present his show “A Comedian Stands Up For Pubs - a Pub Manifesto”. To be held at the Angel in the Market Place, James will also be signing his book based on the show.

On 25th there will be a tasting of “Beers Styles through The Ages” by Annabel Smith, at the Petersgate Tap. She’s a Beer Sommelier and freelance beer trainer and was Cask Marque’s first female beer quality inspector.

There are more tutored tastings of beers and ciders, meet the brewers evenings, an ale trail and lots of other events including a Beer and Blues Festival at the Spinning Top. Check out the website www.ssmcamra.co.uk/campaign.htm#beerweek or look out for the programmes available in pubs and libraries from early September

17

Tramp Shakes Up £250,000 S

tockport may be a town built on its heritage but the Stockport of the future is most definitely defined by enthusiastic and innovative celebrity hairdressers Kristian and Naomi Evans.

Following a stellar career working with pop icons, Vogue models, the Brit Awards and London Fashion Week, Tramp opened on Little Underbank in 2017, described as a ‘boutique salon which transmits a shot of Rock n Roll alongside exceptional knowledge and service, creating Cool Cats, Sex Kittens & Dirty Rotten Scundrels.’ Their latest plans have become a reality for these two very cool cats, propelling them to new heights on their four-floor £250,000 Tramp HQ. But, it will come as no surprise to anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Kristian and Naomi their vision for their new venture is like no other venture in hair!

They ooze passion for their industry creating a boutique salon like no other in the North West - the last word in experience for their customers, friends, family, students, lovers of great music, fashionistas and lovers of everything cool, beer included.

Tramp II is the ultimate in style, brimming with excitement and with an abundance of attitude: a vibrant salon, a vintage fashion store, a live music venue and state-of-the-art hairdressing academy. These dudes are firmly and emphatically leading a style-led regeneration designed to transform the fortunes of Stockport’s historic Underbanks area, fittingly dubbed #StockportSoho

Lifestyle

Stockport with new Multi-use HQ As well as investing in Stockport, Tramp are creating jobs and are on the look-out for others to #BePartOfTheMovement and join them on their new adventure as Kristian explains: “We are ecstatic to be working with some of the most exciting names in the industry, collaborating with awesome names in fashion, music and hair, including Electric London. We have a unique culture at Tramp; we are ridiculously passionate and have turned our dream into reality, right here in Stockport!

“We want to inspire the next generation; we’re expanding the team and looking for motivated, enthusiastic & creative cats who would like an exciting career as part of our growing Brand.

“We have the most amazing opportunities for both Experienced and Junior Stylists, Hair Educators and Apprentices.”

Kristian and Naomi are using social media to urge supporters to #BePartOfTheMovement to transform a recently neglected part of Stockport into a creative hub of fashion, style, hair, music and art.

Tramp’s growing reputation was recognised when they picked the Most Promising Young Business gong at the Stockport Business Awards, this is one award that is being played out to the extreme!

Tramphairboutique@Gmail.com / www.facebook.com/tramphairboutique

19

Events

21

Merseyway launches new free events programme ‘Something Different, Every Week’ M erseyway Shopping Centre has launched a new events programme offering families and visitors a fantastic array of FREE experiences and activities EVERY WEEK for the rest of 2019!

So far, ‘Every Week, Something Different’ has seen the centre host beekeeping workshops, VR demos with new virtual reality tenant, X-Gen VR, Sign & Rhyme sessions and photography workshops with popular community group, SAZ Media.

The centre has a whole host of events in the pipeline over the next few months including these key highlights…

Kicking off the month of June, dancers from Cheshire Theatre School will be performing to raise funds for their forthcoming championships in Portugal, where they will represent England in the Dance World Cup, while Stockport Plaza will be heading to the centre on Saturday 8th June offering a sumptuous Afternoon Tea.

Families can create gigantic bubbles in the Ebublio Bubble Workshop on 15th June and children can also enjoy frog painting workshops to celebrate the Giant Leap Frog Trail at the end of the month.

In July, Merseyway will be celebrating One Great Day with One Great Tombola – with prizes galore courtesy of the centre’s retailers - to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the centre’s Charity of the Year, Independent Options Children & Family Centre, which provides inclusive play opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment for local children with learning disabilities and additional needs aged between 0-13 years.

Over the summer holidays, Merseybay – Merseyway’s very own beach - will return bigger and better than ever before in a new outdoor location!

And for superhero fanatics, Comic Con will also be paying a visit to Merseyway Shopping Centre on Saturday 28th September 2019.

For more details on events taking place at Merseyway, visit www.merseyway.com or follow the centre’s social channels @Merseyway (Twitter and Instagram) and /MerseywayShoppingCentre (Facebook).

A New Season for

Debenhams

S

see art influences with hand drawn dots, inked stripes and sketched animals incorporating Preen’s definitive style.

While it is sad to see such a highly respected retailer having to leave some High Streets, we are delighted that our store’s doors are staying open for business with some fabulous fashions to get us ready for summer.

Jasper Conran’s premium modern classics culminate premium fabrics and finishes alongside dramatic prints reinventing the stripe with bold brushstrokes and encapsulating the perfect geo print. Two-pieces are key with clean crisp statement items, sophisticated prints and oversized denim creating a wardrobe of staples to adorn the ‘every day’.

tockport breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was announced that Debenhams in the town centre was not one of the stores named to close in the new year.

Debenhams SS19 collections culminate this season; Richard Quinn’s collection comprises of sliced and diced patchwork prints, juxtaposing floral prints with retro polka dot and geometric stripes to create an eclectic mismatch of must have pieces. Key items include intricate vintage inspired scarf print dresses and skirts, with patching and mixing of prints, all created in house.

Studio by Preen flashes back to the 80’s with pops of colour, lurex stripes and glitter jacquards, taking inspiration from rave sportswear; brought to life through hooded parkas and high vibrancy florals, cut up and mashed in wraps, tiers and layers. Softer neutrals and nudes with sugared pastels and toxic brights, translate into looser, longer and more relaxed silhouettes. Prints

Modern maximalism meets glamour in animal print dresses and power suiting for the ultimate summer showstoppers. Julien MacDonald’s unique handwriting shines through creating seasonal must haves from tweed monochrome co-ords adorned with gold hardware and leather finishes to colour popping bright power suits perfect to channel your inner boss.

H! By Henry Holland’s sassy slogans tees and tongue and cheek co-ordinates showcase Henry’s signature style. Colour pops and love heart prints inject all the energy you’ll need for the season.

Transport yourself back to the prairie with Nine by Savannah Miller’s bohemian silhouettes. From broidery

blouses to flowing western inspired dresses capture the essence of southern living.

Stand to attention with Red Herring’s utilitarian collection creating capsule pieces for the ultimate SS fantasy. Invest in the season’s must have boiler suit and feminised resort shirt with classic cuts and pocket detailing.

Principles sets the pace for the season with rustic earthy tones, inspired by natural fabrications building on the utility trend, where functionality is key. Offering a range of versatile yet stylish separates from detachable and reversible outerwear pieces using quilting and clean denim.

Maximise your holiday glow with the ultimate summer wardrobe from MW by Matthew Williamson. Adjust to exotic climates with silk maxi gowns, embellished kimonos adorned with sequin detailing and paisley printed bell-legged jumpsuits to transport you to your destination dressing.

Jenny Packham’s elegant collection consists of beautiful occasionwear fit for any ball. Pastel hues, the season’s staple shade, are off set with sharp pleating juxtaposed with intricate beading on neon brights.

* Not all the collections shown on the opposite page are available in the Stockport store, however you can shop for them online at www.debenhams.com. Brands you can find in Stockport include: Red Herring, Principles, Faith, Ted Baker lingerie/sleepwear, Ted Baker Kids, Hammond & Co and beauty brands such as YSL, Clinique, Dior, Clarins and Estée Lauder.

Fashion

23

Debut Dress £79, Faith Shoes £39, Mood by Jon Richards £10

J by Jasper Conran Dress £65

Matthew Williamson £99, Faith Sunglasses £16, Mood by Jon Richards £14

MW by Matthew Wiliamson £89, Hair Accessorie £10, Faith Shoes £39

Nine by Savannah Miller £24, Shirt £28

Nine by Savannah Miller Top £45 ,Trousers £40, J by Jasper Conran Hat £20, Faith Shoes £59

No.1 Jenny Packham £160, Faith Shoes £39

No.1 Jenny Packham Bra £28, Hipster £15

Principles Dress £49, Nine by Savannah Miller Bag £39, Faith Shoes £35

Red Herring top £35, Trousers £29, Faith Sunglasses £8, Shoes £52

Red Herring £39, Faith Shoes £45, Mood by Jon Richards £8

Star by Julien Macdonald Dress £79

24

Businesses

Jewel Time Celebrate 20 Years in Stockport J

ewel Time is an unassuming shop on Great Underbank that almost everyone reading this will have walked past. What almost everyone reading this will not know is the scale of the business and the skills at its disposal.

Owned by Ciaran Power (pictured right) the business is celebrating its 20th birthday this year and it is clearly going from strength to strength. The Underbank unit isn’t half the story, although even here there are two watch technicians working at the back of the shop and two jewellers working downstairs.

The true nature of the company only becomes apparent when you visit the unit they occupy at another location in Stockport. A unit bearing the name ‘Perpetual Watch Services’.

It is here that Ciaran, along with four other members of staff exercise their skills as watchmakers, repairing watches that might range from £500 to £40,000 in value. These members of staff all have experience working for companies such as Tag Heuer, Tissot and Longines and he’ll be keen to hang onto them because there aren’t many around.

“It’s a dying trade and we need to get young guys and young girls into it.” Ciaran explains, “we’re currently looking for an apprentice who would train here for six months and if suitable would then go to the watchmaking school in Sale. We have to make sure they’re suitable because the course costs about £17,000.

We need to do that because it’s extremely hard to find anyone qualified. It’s an industry-wide problem but once you’re in it, it’s a job for life.”

It is a big deal for businesses such as this to be accredited with the big brands and PWS are the only company to have independent accreditation with the Swatch Group (whose brands include Omega, Longines, Rado and Tissot), Cartier and Brietling. To get such accreditation, you have to jump through a number of hoops.

“First of all you have to have the skill base and then we need to follow their set criteria which will involve investing in their equipment. We have a lot of the equipment already of course but there are things specific to individual brands such as case back openers and case back closers. So for Omega we needed to invest about £15,000 on tools and for Cartier it was about £12,000. We had an Omega rep on a site visit last week. He arrived unannounced and had a look around and took a few photographs.”

Ciaran is seldom fazed by the task of a repair, you bring it in, he’ll fix it, “If it’s a branded watch, nothing is impossible as long as the customer has got the budget, it’s as simple as that. We outsource some work such as dial-restoration. There are two guys in the UK and that’s all they do, restore dials back to their original state and they do it for the whole trade. And there are glass manufacturers and glass cutters and they will create the glass to fit the watch.”

For very old watches, for which replacement parts are not commercially available, PWS can manufacture parts from scratch, but as Ciaran points out,

you could end up spending £400 on repairing a pocket watch that isn’t worth much more than that.

So much for watches, what about clocks?

“No. We used to in the old days. We had a clockmaker who sadly died and we’ve not been able to replace him. We will do some mantle clocks and carriage clocks but we don’t really have the time or the space to do them, they are extremely time-consuming. Oh, and that is an art that is really dying out. In 20 or 30 years time there will be nobody doing it.”

Back in the centre of Stockport is where the jewellery business lives. Not only in the shop but downstairs where repair and bespoke work takes place.

“We make stuff from people’s ideas, so we do bespoke

wedding bands, engagement rings, we can source diamonds for people. The repair side is the bread and butter stuff but we can make anything from scratch and by hand.”

Ciaran doesn’t need to have a shop on the High Street but he thinks it is important.

“My trade could be done in an office but we like to be on the high street, we like to be accessible for customers to come and chat to us. But we need more people on the High Street. Not just in Stockport, in every town. We need people on the street supporting independent businesses. Use us or lose us.“ www.jeweltime.co.uk www.perpetualwatchservices.co.uk

Fashion

Esprits - Stockport’s Designer Destination

E

sprits has been quietly but efficiently selling mens’ highend designer labels from their Princes Street shop for eight years. Prior to opening in Stockport, owner Farooq had run a similar shop in Hyde, adding up to a total of 23 years in the business. The obvious observation is that, with the best will in the World, Princes Street isn’t the sort of place you’d expect to pay £645 for a hoodie but Farooq isn’t selling to passing trade, Esprits is a destination shop and people are willing to travel to it. He still sees customers from his Hyde shop and on the day of our visit a customer had come from Stretford to get his designer fix. Of the brands on display, Farooq cites Stone Island as the strongest brand in terms of sales but also offers Fendi (the aforemention hoodie was one of theirs), Dsquared2, C.P. Company, Balenciaga, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Boss, Moncler.... and so on.

Farooq breaks off our chat to convince the Stretford visitor to make a purchase. I complement him on the sale but he explains “That was not salesman talk. That guy had a good build but he thinks skinny bottoms would make him look skinny but he’d not tried it, he was just used to loose stuff.”

Until recently you had to physically visit the shop to buy from them but a couple of months ago Esprits launched a new website under the business name Fazio Fashion. Here you can shop through a wide range of labels, not only for men but kids too there’s a great Moncler kids tracksuit for £220. Check it out.

65 Princes Street, SK1 1RW

0161 480 8155 www.faziofashion.com

25

26

New Business

Upward Frog Yoga H

aving been brought up in a home where her mother practised yoga, Emma Gartside (pictured right) has had varying degrees of connection to the practice throughout her life but it was only when her son had grown up that she focused on it seriously.

“Until then I really just did it as a means of stretching but it has become more of a lifestyle. For me, now, it’s about a connection with my breathing and feeling more peaceful and accepting of things around me.”

These explanations can come occasionally across as meditation which wouldn’t be an entirely wrong conclusion to jump to, “It can be that for some people but for me it’s about a connection with my breathing and feeling more peaceful and accepting of things around me.”

If you visit the company’s website you’ll see a dizzying variety of yoga practices described but it’s nothing to be intimidated by.

Emma believes that the most important thing isn’t the type of yoga you are practising but the person who is teaching it.

We spoke to Emma at her new studio called “Upward Frog “Much of the difference is in the teachers. There are two of us Yoga” on Chestergate, right by the Taxi Rank. Naturally we here at the moment but as the studio grows we will get more wanted to know what she was up to.. teachers in.”

“I lived in Stockport before moving to London and when I came back here 18 months ago I looked around for a yoga So, you’ve read this far. £24 for up to eight beginners lessons? studio and was amazed that there wasn’t one. In London Go on... Go on... It could be life changing. they are everywhere. I looked for places where I could teach - church halls and so on, but there wasn’t much available so I thought it might be time to go for it and open my own studio.”

The place she found was perfect for what she had in mind.

Other than investing in a new floor “VERY important” not much else has needed to be done to the building and she was able to open after just a couple of weeks. But the people of Stockport will probably be asking, what exactly is yoga?

“A lot of people think that it’s elitist, that it’s something other people do. My aim with these classes is to make people feel comfortable about coming to yoga.”

Another misconception is that it’s not a physically demanding activity and while, as Emma says, “It’s not lying down and chilling out for an hour,” it is something anyone can tackle. “You only need to be able to get down on the floor and get back up again. My oldest student is 80, he only started 18 months ago and he can stand on his head.

“Some people say ‘I’m too fat’ or ‘’I’m too inflexible’ but those are exactly the reasons you should come! ‘I can’t touch my toes’, well come to yoga, you probably will in a few weeks.”

As such Upward Frog is very focussed on the beginner. Experienced yoga practitioners have gravitated to the studio since it opened but there is a greater challenge out there and to tackle that Upward Frog have an ongoing Beginners offer of a month’s access to all the Beginners’ classes for just £24.

“That would be a maximum of eight classes at three quid a go, which is unheard of” Emma explains.

A beginners class would cover all the things that would be covered in a regular class but Emma (or Emma’s colleague Claire Morgan) would take more time to talk about how to set up a pose and more time is made available for people to ask questions.

A notable aspect of the Upward Frog operation is its flexibility.

From 6.45am ‘before work’ classes that they have introduced on Wednesday mornings, through bespoke one-on-one sessions to the corporate events that have just started in which employers pay for or subsidise yoga sessions for their staff.

Some people might still be asking, ‘yes but what exactly is yoga?’ but it seems the answer is different things to different people. Emma referred to it becoming a lifestyle for her and when asked how that manifests itself, she explains, “Some of my students say it happens instantly, for some it takes longer but it’s about your connection to yourself. It helps you deal with difficult situations outside your practice.”

39 Chestergate, SK1 1LZ 0161 537 2731 www.upwardfrog.yoga

BID

S

ince 2017, the team behind Stockport’s Business Improvement District at Totally Stockport have been working hard to encourage more people to visit Stockport and to showcase the positive chang-

es that are happening now and those planned for the future.

Greater choice, improved security, events and improving the town centre experience for everyone remain priorities. Totally Stockport will continue to

27

work to address these concerns and issues over the coming months.

Totally Stockport’s website will keep you informed of news, events and projects in Stockport town centre:

3rd Party Funding Support

Totally Stockport are happy to support third party events including Foodie Friday and Stockport Beer Week. If you are organising an event in Stockport town centre and would like to apply for third party funding, email: info@totallystockport.co.uk

Stockport’s Giant Leap Totally Food & Drink Festival

#stockportfrogs

A unique Art Trail featuring giant, brightly coloured frogs is being billed as a Giant Leap for Stockport and will be hopping into the town centre creating an engaging and vibrant, outdoor art trail throughout the summer!

The project is designed to increase town centre footfall, to promote Stockport and to support the local youth community – tomorrow’s giant leapers.

Find out more and download the art trail map in the centre of this magazine

6th, 7th & 8th September Totally Stockport, Stockport Council, Market Place and Merseyway are working together to present Stockport’s Totally Food & Drink Festival.

Totally Free WiFi Totally Free Wi-Fi is now available in the town centre and is already being enjoyed by over 8,000 visitors who have signed up to the free service.

Alongside the Wi-Fi sits another unit that accurately measures footfall and helps provide data on how people are moving around the town, where they are going to and for how long. One of Totally Stockport’s objectives is to increase the amount of time people spend here and increase exposure to Stockport town centre shops and services. This valuable data helps us to shape plans for Totally Stockport’s future projects, addressing areas of concern and hosting events and activities aligned to visitor preferences.

Totally Keeping Stockport Safe and Secure Totally Stockport is on a mission to make everyone feel safe in Stockport, is committed to tackling crime and in reducing antisocial behavior: Welcome to DISC - the Stockport Town Centre Crime Reduction Partnership What is DISC? DISC is a Security Intelligence Network, a secure information-sharing system connecting businesses, retail, security, operational staff and police in the town centre, enabling them to share intelligence and compile evidence about known offenders.

The aim of DISC is to: • Reduce low-level business crime and ASB within local areas.

• Manage banning schemes efficiently and compliantly.

• Enhance security current-awareness.

• Increase engagement levels

• Communicate effectively with Members • Link to police and other DISC users.

Storenet Radio Storenet radios are used in the town centre, keeping businesses in touch and connected across the town centre to help in the reduction of crime.

Business Watch and License Watch In partnership with the local police and Stockport Council, Totally Stockport are managing Business Watch and License Watch, a group of BID levy payers and volunteers working together to make Stockport town centre safer.

To find out more about any of the initiatives and events taking place across the town centre, email Lisa Noel: lisa.noel@totallystockport.co.uk at Totally Stockport BID

What’s On Tue 4th June 6pm - 8pm

Fostering open evening

Stockport Town Hall If you’re interested in fostering, learn about what it takes to become a foster carer, the different types of fostering and the specialist scheme. You will also hear about the fostering process, how to become a foster carer and you will be given the opportunity to speak to an existing Stockport foster carer about their experiences of fostering.

More info: 0161 474 3400.

Tuesday 4th June 7.30pm

That’ll Be The Day

Stockport Plaza Featuring incredible live music performances, this hugely entertaining Rock & Roll spectacular blends classic gold hits from the 50s, 60s & 70s, with bags of hilarious comedy Wed 5th June 10.30am - 4pm

Big volunteers open day

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road Would be volunteers can meet and learn more about opportunities with Stockport Libraries but also can find out more about volunteering with The Olive Café, Friendly Fridays, Toddler Time, Pure Innovations, Home Start, Shop Mobility, Walthew House, Age UK and St Ann’s Charity Shop, so a wealth of options will be available for prospective volunteers to explore.

Free Wed 5th to Sun 28th July 11am - 5pm

Museum Mouse’s Shape Trail

Stockport Museum Museum Mouse is thinking about his favourite shapes. Help him to find them.

Suitable for ages 2 to 7 Wed 5th June 1.30pm - 4pm

Tea Dance

(And every Wednesday) Stockport Town Hall Pop along to the weekly tea dance with a tea/coffee interval and try your chances in the raffle. £2.70 on the door

Thu 6th June 2pm - 2.30pm

Central Library Storytime

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road Suitable for pre-school children.

Thu 6th June 6.45pm - 8.15pm

Children’s explorer tours

Air Raid Shelters Exciting children’s tours exploring the shelters.

Brave the darkened tunnels to go back in time and experience life as a child during the Second World War. Suitable for ages 7 and over.

Booking essential. Children £4, adults £3 0161 474 1940 Thu 6th June 7.30pm - 10pm

Sing with Crystal Chords

(And every Thursday) Stockport Masonic Guildhall, 169-171 Wellington Road South If you think you’ll enjoy singing and performing a cappella style, why not come along and see what Crystal Chords is about.

They are a dynamic award-winning chorus which enjoys performing, and competing at home and abroad. They sing a cappella and belong to the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers.

Get in touch if you plan to visit, just in case there’s a change to the schedule.

Email chair@crystalchords.org.uk.

Fri 6th June 10.30am

Reading Friends

(And first Friday of every month) Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road Bringing people together to read, share stories, meet new friends and have fun. “We use reading – whether books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else – to start everyone chatting.”

Everyone is welcome.

Sat 8th June 10am - 12pm

Crafty Saturday

Staircase House Make a cardboard loom, thread it and weave a coaster.

Resources and instructions provided on

how to finish it at home.

Suitable for ages 5+.

Booking essential: call 0161 474 4444. £5 Sat 8th June 10am - 4pm

Makers Market

Stockport Market Place Browse Stockport Market and ‘The Makers Market’ where you will be spoilt for choice – a selection of unique creatives, creators, makers, designers, producers, bakers, musicians & artists.

Sun 9th June 10am - 4pm

Vintage Village

Stockport Covered Market Hall Vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, vintage jewellery, homewares, decorative items, textiles, luggage, furniture, curios and collectables. £2. Concessions £1.50. Under 12’s free Sun 9th June 2.30pm - 5.15pm

Wurlitzer showcase

Stockport Town Hall An afternoon of popular music played on the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. £9. Members of the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust £7 Tue 11th June 1:30pm-3:30pm

Mindfulness colouring for adults

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery Life is stressful so why not take some time to relax and put your focus elsewhere for a while. Come and colour in some beautiful designs that you can take away with you.

All materials provided or you may bring your own books to colour in.

Free Wed 12th June 7pm - 8.30pm

Explorer tunnel tours

Air Raid Shelters Take an evening tour around the shelters and see the extent of Stockport’s air raid preparations. Visit areas not usually open to the public, including unlit and reinforced tunnelling.

Suitable for adults and children aged 11 and over.

Booking essential Adults £6.50, concessions/under 16’s

£5.50 0161 474 1940 Thu 13th June 6pm - 10pm

Museum late - drink and draw with Andrea Joseph

Hat Works Life-drawing with a twist. Think of this as a murder mystery for sketchers.

Come and be creative, enjoy the experience and music.

Andrea Joseph is a freelance illustrator, arts practitioner, creative writer and events facilitator.

Booking essential £15 0161 474 2399 Fri 14th June 1pm - 1.30pm

Object of the Month: SSS Centenary window Stockport Museum Meet in the browse area of the museum at 1pm to enjoy this examination of an item from the museum’s collection.

Free Fri 14th June 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Live Music at Cafelito

Cafelito, 20 Railway Road SK1 3TB Featuring the Luvvies with covers of Caro Emerald, jazz and easy listening.

Fri 14th June 9pm - 1am

Night Owl Soul Club

Stockport Guildhall, 169 - 171 Wellington Road South The Ballroom plays the best Tamla Motown, Soul Disco and Jazz Funk.

The En-Suite Room playing great Northern Soul tunes with Dj’s recreating the magical age of Wigan Casino and the Twisted Wheel. £5 Members £7 non members Sat 15th - 22nd June 7.30pm

The Last Five Years

Garrick Theatre A powerful and intimate musical about Jamie and Cathy, two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. While aspiring author Jamie gets the book deal of his dreams, actress Cathy struggles to find work. Can a couple, once united

What’s On

29

All the big events in and around the centre of Stockport up until the end of August. Keep up-to-date with what’s going on at www.totallystockport.co.uk

by their dreams, stay connected as their paths begin to divide? Jamie’s story begins at their first date, but Cathy tells hers in reverse, starting at the end.

Booking Line: 0161 480 5866 Sat 15th June 7.30pm - 9.45pm

Stockport Symphony Orchestra Enigma Variations

Stockport Town Hall Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol Shostakovich Piano Concerto no 2: Soloist Slava Sidorenko Elgar Enigma Variations Conductor Diego Costa Adults £15, concessions £13, students £5, under 16’s free www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Sun 16th June 7.30pm - 10pm

St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir Summer Concert

Stockport Town Hall An evening of light summer music including The Rose, Anything Goes, Fields of Gold and A Cole Porter Medley.

Featuring: the choir; John Pomphrey conductor; Christopher Ellis - piano There will be a special guest - Nigel Ogden, host of Radio 2’s ‘The Organist Entertains’ from 1980 to 2018.

Tickets will be available from the Stockport Town Hall box office on 0161 474 3256 and on the night (subject to availability). £15, children under 16 £8 Tue 18th June 7.30pm - 10pm

Business Growth Hub drop-in session

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road If you live in the Stockport area and have recently started a business or maybe you are making money from a hobby or working self-employed alongside your day job..

If so, pop along to the fortnightly dropin session at the Library and find out more about the fully funded support available to you from GC Business Growth Hub. Thu 20th June 7.00pm

Grimmfest Horror Double Bill

Stockport Plaza As voted for by Grimmfest fans on social media The Devil Rides Out (1968) The Duc de Richleau and his friend try to save their friend from the influence of a group of Satanists with magic powers.

The Plague of the Zombies (1966) Young workers are dying because of a mysterious epidemic. Doctor Thompson is helpless and asks for help.

Terrible things soon happen, beyond imagination or reality.

Cert 15

production Booking Line: 0161 480 5866 Sat 29th June - Sat 28th September

Stockport’s Giant Leap: The Frog Art Trail

See centre pages for details Sat 29th Jun 2pm - 4pm

Millinery talks to inspire

Stockport Plaza Join Vicki Michelle and the Hormonal Housewives as they blast their witty way through a catalogue of women’s bits: weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, moody teenagers, men, zumba, therapy, housework, homework, electrolysis, men, sex, working out, staying in, going out, bikini waxes, celebrity gossip, eating, not eating, chocolate, wine, more chocolate, social media, more wine, and all the other joys of being a 21st century woman!

Ages 14+

Hat Works Museum Feathers How feathers in millinery caused such a stir. Speaker: Sharon Bainbridge From law to head hunting to millinery isn’t the most obvious route to a career in headwear, Sharon has worked in design for over twenty years and trained with renowned couture milliner Peter Kingston Youel in Leeds.

Heads Up! Hidden Hats Uncovered Speakers: Emma Hadley and Bronwen Simpson Journey into Hat Works’ current collections project where surprises and stories can be found in every box. Bronwen and Emma will be sharing some of these stories and talking about the work happening behind the scenes to uncover all of Hat Works collection. £10

Fri 28th June 6pm - 9pm

Sat 29th June 7.30pm

Stockport Market Street food, craft ales, live music and hundreds of people.

Stockport Plaza The Wellspring (Stockport) Ltd presents “The Shining Stars of Stockport”, a variety concert of musicians, dancers and singers, hosted by Gordon Burns.

Sat 22nd June 7.30pm

Hormonal Housewives

Foodie Friday!

Fri 28th Jun 7pm - 9pm

Peterloo: From Stockport to Manchester Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road An illustrated talk by the expert on Peterloo, Dr Robert Poole on Peterloo and Stockport’s connection to it with new material on both Stockport and Manchester.

There will be books available.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Free Fri 28th - Sat 29th June 7.30pm

Tom’s Midnight Garden

Garrick Theatre The Garrick Youth Theatre’s Summer

The Shining Stars of Stockport

Fri 5th July - 22nd July 7.30pm

The Haunting of Blaine Manor

Garrick Theatre American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in Blaine Manor. But his arrival at the manor has awoken something horrific within the walls. As a raging storm closes off Blaine Manor from the outside world, Earle and the others find that what is waiting there is not nearly as horrific as what has entered with him…

Booking Line: 0161 480 5866

Sun 7th July 10am - 4pm

Stockport Book and Record Fair

Stockport Market Hall A popular bi-monthly event held on the first Sunday of the month at the town’s historic Market Hall.

There will be stalls full of books, records, cassettes, CD’s and other collectable items.

Live music will be provided by local band, Pigs Can Fly and the Oak Tree Café will be open in the Market Hall.

Free parking is available nearby. £5 at 9am - Free after 10am Wed 10th July 2pm - 4pm

Stockport Disability Transport and Access Forum

Stockport Homes, Cornerstone, 2 Edward Street, , SK1 3NQ The forum’s main objectives are to consult and assist with planning, raising awareness of individual issues, removing barriers to access and contributing towards solutions where necessary.

The forum meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Free Fri 12th July 11am - 11.45am

Messy Milliners

Hat Works An exciting and innovative messy play session with a hatting theme.

For babies and early walkers. £4 per baby (two accompanying adults free) Fri 12th July 1pm - 1.30pm

Object of the Month: Foam making branch

Stockport Museum Meet in the browse area of the museum at 1pm to enjoy this examination of an item from the museum’s collection Free Sat 13th July 10am - 4pm

Makers Market

Stockport Market Place Browse Stockport Market and ‘The Makers Market’ where you will be spoilt for choice – a selection of unique creatives, creators, makers, designers, producers, bakers, musicians & artists.

What’s On Sun 14th July 10am - 4pm

Vintage Village

Stockport Covered Market Hall Vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, vintage jewellery, homewares, decorative items, textiles, luggage, furniture, curios and collectables. £2. Concessions £1.50. Under 12’s free 15th - 20th July

Disability Stockport 40th Anniversary Festival Stockport Plaza See panel on opposite page.

Wed 17th July 7pm - 9pm

Illustrated talk - Death to Lloyd the Traitor

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road An illustrated talk by the authors of Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre, a ‘verbatim’ graphic novel drawn enirely from the words of those who were there.

Find out about the little-known role both the Manchester clergy and the ‘Stockport fray’ played in the Peterloo massacre of 1819, the significance of the Cap of Liberty symbol, why Lloyd was so hated, and get a behind-thescenes glimpse into how the graphic novel was created.

Copies of the graphic novel will be available to buy.

Light refreshments provided.

Free Fri 19th July 7pm - 9pm

Our Sam: the Middleton man.

Film screening and meet the actors

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road Our Sam follows the story of a teenager, Samantha (a secret poet), who travels around her home town of Middleton observing and writing of the exclusion and voicelessness of the other young people she sees. On her journey she discovers the works of Sam Bamford, Middleton’s most influential son, a weaver, wordsmith and parliamentary reformer. With Sam’s encouragement that “there’s strength in unity, lass” Samantha brings together the town’s

teenagers and finds a way they can represent themselves positively to the adult world. The Our Sam Heritage Project has engaged over 200 local people to uncover the story of Samuel Bamford to create this important film which celebrates his life.

See the film and meet the actors.

Sun 21st July 11am - 5pm and throughout the Summer

Museum Mouse’s Sun Trail

Stockport Museum Museum Mouse loves the sun. Can you find him his favourite objects which remind him of the sun?

Suitable for ages 2 to 7 Tue 23rd July 11am - 5pm and throughout the Summer

Household helpers trail

Staircase House Looking after Stockport’s oldest town house was hard work. Find the figures hiding in the House and discover what life was like for the servants who once lived here.

Suitable for all ages. £1 per trail Tue 23rd July 1pm - 3pm

Peterloo revealed

Stockport Museum Be the first to see the new display of Peterloo items in the museum collection. See Constable Birch’s breastbone in its new setting and hear about John Benjamin Smith’s report of the day.

Suitable for all ages.

Free

Wed 24th July 10am - 5pm

The Great Hat Works Hunt

Hat Works Museum A self guided activity trail. Collect your discovery pack full of ideas and activities to help you enjoy your visit to the museum.

Suitable for ages 6 and over.

Booking is essential.

0161 474 2399 Sat 27th July 11am - 6pm

Stockport Pride

Meet the archaeologist

Stockport Museum Talk to an archaeologist, handle and interpret real archaeological items and ask questions.

Suitable for all ages.

Free

Stockport Market Place An annual celebration of Stockport’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community, with loads of fun and excitement.

The event will include local community information stalls, food and drink and entertainment on stage from a variety of performers.

You can also walk on our parade through the town centre.

This year Pride commemorates 50 years of activism since the Stonewall Riots in New York in 1969.

Fri 26th July 6pm - 9pm

Tue 30th July 10.30am - 4pm

£3 Thu 25th July 11am - 12pm

Foodie Friday!

Stockport Market Street food, craft ales, live music and hundreds of people.

Sat 27th July 10am - 4pm

Print workshop

Hat Works Learn the art of screen and lino print in this full day adult workshop using our millinery collection as your inspiration to produce some lovely pieces of work.

You’ll have the opportunity to print cards and a cloth bag as we take you through the basic techniques you need to use.

Suitable for absolute beginners and those with a little experience. All materials and tea and coffee will be provided.

Three day Millinery Summer School

Hat Works This is a perfect opportunity to really hone your skills, try a new technique, tackle a more challenging project or take your work in a new direction.

Students aim to make one wool felt hat and one straw hat and will be guided through the process of block selection, blocking, finishing and trimming.

Tutors Sue Carter and Marie Thornton teamed up to teach at Hat Works four years ago. They have used their combined knowledge to support over 200 people through their millinery journey at the museum.

Marie studied HNC millinery at Leeds College of Art and Sue studied City & Guilds Millinery in Huddersfield. They both taught millinery short courses at Leeds College of Art. Sessions are social and informal with all the technical now-how you need. £160 - £180 Fri 2nd August 7pm - 9pm

The ballads and songs of Peterloo Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road A talk by Alison Morgan on the ballads and songs of Peterloo with live music of the period performed by Pete Coe, Laura Smyth and Brian Peters.

Alison has written a book the subject which includes over seventy poems

What’s On

31

All the big events in and around the centre of Stockport up until the end of August. Keep up-to-date with what’s going on at www.totallystockport.co.uk

published either as broadsides or in radical periodicals and newspapers of 1819. Pete, Laura and Brian are singers and musicians from North West England who will perform some of the songs which describe the terrible events of the day itself, when mounted soldiers charge a peaceful crowd demanding votes for all and killed or injured many men, women and their children by their indiscriminate use of sabres and tell of later political developments inspired by the carnage.

Sat 3rd August 7.00pm & 10.00pm

Jimmy Carr - Terribly Funny

Stockport Plaza Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things.

Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love.

But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things.

Sun 4th August 10am - 4pm

Stockport Book and Record Fair Stockport Market Hall A popular bi-monthly event held on the first Sunday of the month at the town’s historic Market Hall. There will be stalls full of books, records, cassettes, CD’s and other collectable items. £5 at 9am - Free after 10am Wed 7th August 11am - 4pm

Rise! Join the Swarm: Build a Peterloo Cap of Liberty

Thu 8th August 6pm - 10pm

Museum late - Warhammer

Hat Works Learn the basics of this fantasy battle game and have a go with help from experienced players.

Suitable for ages 18+. £7.50 Fri 9th August 1pm - 1.30pm

Object of the Month: Constable Birch’s breastbone

Stockport Museum Meet in the browse area of the museum at 1pm to enjoy this examination of an item from the museum’s collection.

Free Sun 11th August 10am - 4pm

Vintage Village

Stockport Covered Market Hall Vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, vintage jewellery, homewares, decorative items, textiles, luggage, furniture, curios and collectables. £2. Concessions £1.50. Under 12’s free Sun 11th August 10am - 4pm

Stockport Classic Car Fair

Stockport Market See pages 12-13 for more information Thu 15th August 11am - 12pm

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road Help revive this ancient symbol of freedom and equality. Make your own Cap of Liberty with AGITPROP artists Paul and Eva and help to create a giant Cap of Liberty for the 16 August Peterloo bicentenary in Manchester.

Meet a lady from the WVS

Stockport Museum Meet a lady from the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS).

Look at WWII rations, make do and mend, handle some authentic items and ask questions.

Free

Thu 22nd August 11am - 12pm & 2pm - 3pm

15th - 20th July

Stockport Museum Hear first-hand accounts of what really happened at Peterloo.

Free

Stockport Plaza

Meet the Peterloo witness

Sat 24th August 10am - 11.30am

Autism Early Bird at the Hat Works

Hat Works Museum An opportunity for families with autism and other sensory processing conditions to come and have a go at different crafts in a quiet space.

Experienced staff will be on hand to help with the activities which indlude felt making, print and batik. There is also the chance to explore the museum whilst it’s not too busy.

Suitable for all ages.

Booking essential.

Call 0161 474 2399 £3 per craft activity Mon 26th August 10am - 11.30am

Roughleys Bike Show

St Petersgate See pages 12-13 for more information £3 Fri 30th August 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday!

Stockport Market Street food, craft ales, live music and hundreds of people.

Disability Stockport 40th Anniversary Festival There will be a series of films with key characters who are living with a disability: Mon 15th 7pm X-Men Tue 16th 11am The Imitation Game Thu 18th 11am The Shape of Water Fri 19th 11am Being There Mon 15th July 2pm Tour for All: A behind-the-scenes look at the Plaza with a bespoke tour aimed at individuals with a disability.

Tue 16 July 6pm - 9pm Everyone Can. Retro gaming, hightech games and Omnimusic.

Wed 17 July 2pm - 5pm Disability Stockport - Conference Thu 18 July 6pm – 9pm Women and Disability Evening Fri 19 July 5pm – 7pm High Tea with Women in Business speaker

Further ahead: Fri 6th September Sat 7th September Sun 8th September

Saturday 20 July 7pm – 10:00pm Stockport Summer of Music Charity Concert A festival of local and International music and entertainment.

See pages 12-13 for more information

For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2WijZzm

Totally Stockport Food & Drink Festival

Key contact details The Hat Works

Wellington Mill Wellington Road South Stockport SK3 0EU 0161 474 2399

The Plaza

Mersey Square Stockport SK1 1SP 0161 477 7779

Stockport Central Library

Wellington Road South Stockport SK1 3RS

Air Raid Shelters 61 Chestergate Stockport SK1 1NE 0161 474 1940

Stockport Museum Staircase House 30 Market Place Stockport SK1 1ES 0161 474 4444