Totally Stockport Magazine Issue 14

Issue 14 FREE

THE FROGS ARE BACK!

INTERVIEW: STEVE OLIVER, FOUNDER OF MUSICMAGPIE PREVIEW: STOCKPORT FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL SHOPPING

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DINING

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BUSINESS

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WHAT’S ON

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NEWS

Welcome Welcome to the summer edition of Totally Stockport magazine and news of some of the many exciting events taking part in Stockport town centre over the next couple of months.

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There’s lots going on!

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Despite the challenges that coronavirus has thrown at us, we are delighted that so many new businesses are choosing to come to Stockport including Top of the Town Vintage, Ginko, Enigma, Notion Bar, Gelato, Street Wear Designs, Stockport Gin and Yellow Hammer – a new bakery and deli from award winning restaurant, Where The Light Gets In. There’s news of these and many more inside Remember Stockport’s Giant Leap Frog Art Trail in 2019? The frogs were such a big hit, attracting huge numbers of visitors into the town centre, they’ve hopped back, only this time they’ve brought their froglets along too! Come and discover all 21 brand new colourful frogs, designed and painted by local artists, and have a chance to win your very own ‘Frog on a Rock’! They’ll be staying around until the end of September. And while you’re searching for the frogs, you may notice another huge sculpture at Stockport Exchange, Mount Recyclemore. Commissioned by tech-reseller musicMagpie, this imposing, striking version of America’s famous Mount Rushmore is made entirely of e-waste products, read the full story on page four.

Stockport’s annual 3-day Food & Drink Festival takes place from 3rd – 5th September. With 2 outdoor kitchens featuring live cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs Jean Christoph Novelli and Aldo Zilli, worldwide cuisine at 30 food and drink stalls, Mr Bloom with his veggies at the Plaza and a Children’s Fruit Trail, there’s something for everyone.

And before we say au revoir to the frogs, Stockport is revving up to host its first ever Urban Enduro and 2-day cycling festival on 18th & 19th September, the first urban cycle race to take place in Greater Manchester.

With the main race taking place on Sunday, action over the 2 days will be centred around the Event Village in St Peter’s Square where a wide range of activities will be on offer for people of all ages and abilities.

Find out more about the packed schedule of activities for both the Food & Drink Festival and Enduro on page 22.

There’s so much more happening in Stockport so put the kettle on, put your feet up and enjoy discovering more about your town centre.

The Totally Stockport team.

News Interview The man behind Music Magpie

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Fashion The best hoodies in town!

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New Openings Vintage shops, cafe’s, bars - it’s all happening

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Frogs They’re back!

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Frog Map For all those hard-to-find frogs

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More Frogs!

Check out the merche!

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News Meet the Mayor

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Merseyway What’s happening in the middle of Stockport

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Business Stockport Business Awards 2021

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What’s On Now we can go out and do things

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Get In Touch If you have a story, news or an event in Stockport Town Centre why not drop us a line? www.totallystockport.co.uk paul.taylor@totallystockport.co.uk Tel: 0161 537 9382

@totallysk

Totally-Stockport

News Mount Recyclemore Comes Home to Stockport A

giant Mount Rushmore-style sculpture of the G7 leaders’ heads, made entirely of discarded electronics, that appeared on a beach in Cornwall during the G7 climate summit, is spending the summer in Stockport thanks to musicMagpie, Stockport Council and Stockport’s Business Improvement District, Totally Stockport.

Created by Stockport-based leading UK re-commerce expert, musicMagpie, alongside artist and founder of the Mutoid Waste Company, Joe Rush, Mount Recyclemore has been designed to highlight the growing threat of e-waste and depicts world leaders including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, American President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Standing just under six metres tall in Stockport Exchange, the sculpture is made entirely from approximately 20,000 individual items of e-waste and forms part of this summer’s town centre activities, including Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Frog Art trail of 21 gigantic frogs, a three-day food & drink festival and Stockport's first Enduro cycling festival.

Mount Recyclemore was created to raise awareness of the growing problem of e-waste, reported to be the fastest growing waste stream in the world. Despite this growing environmental issue, musicMagpie found that an alarming

four in five (79%) Brits do not know what e-waste is while 45% weren’t aware it impacted climate change.

Steve Oliver, founder and CEO, at musicMagpie, said: “I’m delighted to be able to bring Mount Recyclemore back to our hometown of Stockport. The sculpture is simply incredible to look at and caused a worldwide stir when we unveiled it during the G7 summit in Cornwall. E-waste is a growing problem worldwide and its impact on the environment is significant. Our research has found that almost half of Brits currently do not recycle, resell, or donate their old tech to charity, with most opting to hold onto it instead where it ends up at the back of drawers collecting dust.

Staggeringly, almost five million adults openly admit to throwing old tech in the bin at home.

“I’m hoping that not only will coming to see Mount Recyclemore provide an amazing day out for adults and children alike across this summer, but also help to better educate and empower people to make changes today. People can support a more sustainable, circular economy, by doing something as simple as trading in or recycling their tech, which will extend the life of those devices and their parts.

Thanks to our customers, we are already able to give nearly half a million consumer technology products a second life each year.”

Cllr Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport, said: “The council is delighted to see that musicMagpie has brought this amazing art installation to the heart of Stockport town centre highlighting, in a unique way, the cost to the environment of discarded electronic equipment.

“Climate change, and its impact on our planet is something none of us can ignore. Stockport Council has published its Climate Change Strategy, Stockport CAN, together with an extensive work plan aimed at encouraging everyone to play their part in helping Stockport reach Carbon Neutrality by 2038. Everyone CAN make a difference.

“The council also has a scheme to recycle electronics equipment as well as other electricals musicMagpie doesn’t buy from residents. Stopfordians can visit Community Computers, which is a local recycling initiative that refurbishes old, unused devices to help people get online, as well as tackling e-waste and providing training in IT recycling for the long-term unemployed.

“You can drop off your old computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones at any library in Stockport or visit: www. communitycomputers.co.uk”

Mike Lamont, Chair of Totally Stockport added: "We are delighted to support Steve and the team at musicMagpie in bringing Mount Recyclemore to Stockport, highlighting the importance of reducing waste. Such a fantastic, innovative work of art will bring vast numbers of visitors into the town centre, complimenting the work of Totally Stockport and showcasing the investment within the town centre."

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News

Stockport Gin Open New Shop and Event Space S

tockport Gin, run by husband-and-wife Paul and Cheryl Sharrocks, have opened the doors to their new premises in Stockport Town Centre. The gin shop and event space was officially opened by the Mayor of Stockport, Cllr Adrian Nottingham, in July.

At the event, the Mayor of Stockport congratulated the couple for opening the new distillery and thanked them for their bravery in opening during a pandemic. He also thanked them, on behalf of the people of Stockport, for being part of the growth of the town centre and wished them the best of success for the future.

Launched in March 2019, the couple have been distilling from the garage at their home in Compstall, but in February 2021 announced that they were relocating to the town centre.

The new premises, at 19B St Petersgate, is home to their distillery, but also has a gin shop and a large event space, where people can visit and buy the range of gins, as well as other local products, and guest gins from further afield.

Cheryl said: “We are delighted to finally open our doors to the public after a few months of hard work to get the distillery and gin shop exactly how we want it. We are really looking forward to welcoming people in and being able to show people exactly what we do and how we do it.

“The new premises, we hope, will give people another reason to visit Stockport, not just to see us but also all the other wonderful places in and around the town centre. The choice of independent shops, bars and restaurants on offer now is incredible and we hope we can be a small part of that.”

Paul added: “Initially we are opening the shop for people to come in and view the space, and to buy our gins and other products. We will soon be releasing tickets for sale so that people can come and take part in taster nights, distillery tours and other events that we have planned - we can’t wait to be able to welcome people in and show people around! We hope what we have to offer will bring something new to the town centre and be somewhere that draws people in from further afield to see not only what we do but also what Stockport is all about.”

The gin shop is located at 19B St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1EB and will be open Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm with details of tours and events to be announced soon.

19B St Petersgate Stockport SK1 1EB

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Save £s with the Shop Stockport App

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here has never been a better time to support your local town centre businesses.

Throughout lockdown the team behind Stockport’s Business Improvement District, Totally Stockport, have been working behind the scenes to create a town centre app where local retailers can advertise and promote money saving offers for their customers.

The App is incredibly user friendly, functional and is a great way to Shop,

Spend, Save and Support your local businesses.

Search Shop Stockport on the App store to find out the latest offers available in your town centre.

If you have a business in the town centre and would like to be featured on the new town centre app please contact ​shaun.freeman@totallystockport.co.uk​ - Shaun will be visiting and talking to businesses across the district to help spread the word and collect the information we need.

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Consultation on new park at Stockport Interchange S

tockport Council has begun a public consultation before work begins on Interchange Park, a new town centre green space that will sit on top of the new bus interchange.

A dedicated website has launched to allow the public to engage with and inform the design for the park and share how they would like to use the space, such as for children’s play, events and pop-ups, festivals or community garden projects. While some aspects of the town centre park will be fixed for structural reasons, features and facilities will be informed by the consultation process.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents to make sure

their voice is heard and play a role in shaping Interchange Park. The project is such an exciting one, and I’m sure the park will be a fantastic asset to the town centre of Stockport. We want to make sure that the park is tailored to the needs of its visitors, and we’ve had some great engagement so far, but we want to make sure everyone has their say.

“Whether it’s more plants and flowers or safe and well-lit places to sit and relax – make sure you log your views using our engagement portal. Your views will directly influence the final design of the park!”

The new park is set to be a part of Stockport’s wider regeneration strategy, and it is hoped it will be enjoyed by everyone living in, working or visiting the borough. It will be accessible from the A6, by lifts to the bus interchange

below and via a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to Stockport Railway Stations. Plans for Stockport Interchange also include an apartment scheme and a number of retail and café units. Work on construction of the new bus interchange is set to begin this summer, and TfGM is currently preparing a business case to explore the extension of the Metrolink tram network into the town centre which would terminate at Stockport Interchange.

As well as the website, Stockport Council’s engagement teams will be touring Stockport in a VW Campervan, visiting high streets and parks across the borough to spark conversations about the plans for Interchange Park. To find out more about Interchange Park and log your views, visit the Stockport Interchange Park consultation website.

Cherry Jam Expansion

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herry Jam, a new business to Stockport, opened its doors during the tightest of Covid Lockdown restrictions. We featured this new bar in our last edition but since then despite the difficult circumstances of strict covid guidelines they managed to acquire the premises next door and have created a truly unique hospitality space for Stockport visitors. The expansion is still part of Cherry Jam but they have managed to create a new bar within a bar. The new space plays on everyone's love of feel good retro vibes. With boozy brunches, fantastic and playful interiors it is no wonder that Cherry Jam is proving very popular indeed

2 - 4 Mealhouse Brow Stockport SK1 1JP

Hillgate Cakery Expand Their Offer

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uring lockdown Hillgate Cakery started to trial adding varying items to their Underbank cake shop. As local people and the nearby community were on the lookout for more localised convenience shopping, Hillgate Cakery developed to add a range of Vegan groceries - including alternative milks, vegan burgers/sausages, condiments and more. With this proving to be a success they have now added a deli counter into their shop offering vegan bites for on the go or sitting in; the offering is diverse, from onion bhajis to calzones.

22 Lower Hillgate Stockport SK1 1JE 0161 477 5583

News

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Stockport County News County score season double with a hat trick of key sponsors

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he Club are delighted to announce that Pioneer, the official technology partner of Stockport County, will be the official kit sleeve sponsor for the 2021/22 and 22/23 season.

County’s new strip Stockport County has revealed its three new Puma kits ahead of the 2021/22 football season. This season VITA are the shirt sponsor to bring sponsor consistency across all three shirts. The new kits are now available to buy both in-store and online at the County Store; £3 from each purchase of Stockport County’s new kits will be donated to charity.

Also signing up to a new 2-season sponsorship are Odin Recruitment, the club’s official recruitment partner along with long-standing County supporters, NK Property Solutions, who have renewed their Man of the Match sponsorship as well as the infamous NK ball plinth.

The Club have a long history with Pioneer which has seen them sponsor both the home and away kit, as well as the infamous Cheadle End stand, where their logo was featured on the front and on the roof. More recently Pioneer have installed the new scoreboard at Edgeley Park, as well all the TV’s around the stadium, including the concourse and kiosk menu screens and the big screens in the hospitality suites.

Pioneer Group Director Chris Appleyard said: “We are delighted to be Stockport County’s official technology partner as well as the kit sleeve sponsor for the next two seasons. We knew great things were happening with the club and we’ve loved being part of the journey so far. The three new kits look brilliant and it’s a great feeling seeing Pioneer’s logo on the sleeve of all three.”

Noel Wharton, the owner of NK Property Solutions, and his family are all huge County fans who have supported the Club for years and will be a part of the County Business Club meetings, will feature in County’s award-winning matchday programme and be sponsoring a home game against Kings Lynn in November.

Odin have supported the Club for many years and have been involved in many projects, including County's community-based Food for Christmas campaign, where they donated £1000 to the cause.

This year, Odin have renewed their corporate season tickets and upgraded to the new Pareto Lounge. They will also feature on the brand-new LED scoreboard, supplied and installed by Pioneer, as well as on Instadia TV. Odin’s Managing Director, Paul Ballentyne commented: “I’m delighted to officially become Stockport County’s recruitment partner. I’m looking forward to working with the Club and their partners as well as attending the County Business Clubs to network with local businesses and hopefully increase our profile in the area.”

Odin have also just been shortlisted for Stockport Business of the year (£1-5m) category as part of this year’s Stockport Business Awards. So, congratulations for being shortlisted and good luck on the night!

Olivia Hanvey, County’s Head of Commercial says: “We’re really excited to continue working with our sponsors and to have secured a new contract for the next two seasons. Our partners play an integral role in our ambitions to become a first-class club with league status and our mission to create a club with premier facilities, improving and modernising Edgeley Park. The scoreboard especially has made a great impact to the matchday experience.”

Strawberry Radio to stream live commentary for all games Stockport County have announced that Stockport’s Strawberry Radio will be streaming full match commentary for all home and away games this season. The Hatters who were so close to promotion last season, kick off the new campaign on 21st August at Edgeley Park verses Dagenham and Redbridge.

Join the official Junior Supporters Club Age 6 to17? Sign up to Stockport County’s Junior Supporters Club for £10 and enjoy match day tickets for just £5 plus an exclusive membership pack with County-branded goodies.

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Stockport County Community Trust

he Club has always been a huge part of the community and acts as a hub for fans as well as the wider community in Stockport. County Community Trust is the Club’s dedicated charity and their aim is to use the local community passion for sport and football and offer a range of programmes and activities to encourage learning and promote healthy lifestyles that will make a real difference to the lives of people in the local community. County Community Trust focus on supporting children, adults, senior citizens and families across Stockport, Greater Manchester, Tameside, High Peak and East Cheshire. They provide community support by offering sports participation projects, social inclusion, health and wellbeing and disability provision.

Through these activities the Trust aim to extend opportunity, choice and control benefitting attendees physically, socially, and emotionally.

Steve Oliver

Steve Oliver, together with Walt Gleeson, founded musicMagpie in a Hazel Grove Garage in 2007 and he recently guided it to a £200m Stock Market flotation.

Steve talks about Mount Recyclemore to some visiting school children.

Read more about the project on page 4

Given the importance of music in Steve’s sucess, Paul Taylor asked him to come up with eight songs that defined his life to date.

Where did it all begin for you?

I grew up in the Heatons, my mum and dad bought Heaton Mersey Post Office on Didsbury Road when I was ten so I grew up living above a shop. So I grew up in Stockport, watching County on Friday and City on Saturday.

When you were at school what ambitions did you have?

Bizarrely, I always wanted to be a weather man. Dad took me to the Met Office on Exchange Street and when we were in the waiting room I heard a guy saying “Why do these people always come at such an inopportune time?” and it put me right off and I didn’t want to be a weather man any more. Having a love of numbers I then decided I wanted to be an accountant but I was advised not to do an Accountancy degree but to do something else and then convert over, so I did a psychology degree because I’d always been fascinated by people and the social element of psychology.

Have you used your psychology degree much?

You should see the folder I’ve got of you under my desk, Paul. I guess you kind of use it everyday but while I have very few regrets in life, I probably should have done something business-related. But I had a great time at University and I suppose that’s where the first of my music choices comes in.

You went to Sheffield Uni but there aren’t any of the famous Sheffield bands on your list, can you tell us your first choice?

I was doing my O-Levels in ‘87 and I used to revise to

the Smiths constantly - especially The Queen Is Dead album so my first track is There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. Something must have seeped into my brain because I’m terrible at remembering the words of songs but if I needed to I could sing this word for word.

I know Morrissey’s gone a bit odd in recent years but he was a very iconic figure in my youth.

What did you do once you’d got your degree?

I loved student life. My best mate, who I first met at nursery school, was there. I met Cath, my wife there.

I couldn’t face not being a student anymore so I got a job in an accountancy practice in Broomhill, which is Studentville. I had another fantastic 18 months of fun. It was only when Cath and I were starting to think about the first grown-up decisions of our life - buying a house, where Cath was going to get her first teaching job - we felt that Stockport was where home is, so we came back here.

Your second song - from your student days I suppose - is Sometimes by James. What’s the story behind that?

It’s an interesting one I suppose because when I was at Uni, James weren’t one of the Manchester bands that were among my favourites, but there’s something wonderfully fun about this song. The great thing about music is how it stirs the emotions and this song always makes me think of Sheffield and going out Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Friday night - we had a night off on Thursdays. It’s one of my top three all time songs to this day.

You mentioned that you met your wife Cath there, was she in student digs at the time?

Yes. Completely coincidentally we ended up living about eight houses away from each other. She’d caught my eye in the local pubs What did you do when you moved back to Stockport?

I stayed in accountancy. I moved to a smaller practice on Greek Street, Downham Morris, Mayer which is still there. And I loved working with the small businesses, getting to know them. In Sheffield I was doing bigger clients and it was more audits but this was accounts prep, going in and talking to the owner of the business. It was fascinating and I learned what makes business tick and - perhaps going back to my psychology - what makes people in business tick. I had a very happy time there but I realised I didn’t want to work in practice. Qualifying as an accountant wasn’t for me. I wanted to stay in accountancy but I wanted to get into business so I decided to move into industry and got a job up in New Mills for a manufacturing business.

Did that spark your desire to work for yourself?

Yes it did. Within three months of moving to this manufacturing business I was buying all the plywood for it because it was something that fascinated me. Not plywood itself but the idea of buying, the commerciality of trade and negotiation and what that meant to the cost base of the business. I’ve worked for some amazing people and learnt a lot about business and managing people and from an early age I knew I wanted to be an employer, not an employee.

Interview

How did it all start for Nik Kershaw?

9 I started getting into music and playing music when I was about 13 or 14 and then it was just a case of being in school bands, after which I was in a functions band for about three years which was great training, playing everything from Irving Berlin to the Birdie Song but we eventually ran out of work so I spent about a year on the dole making demos. I hawked them around all the record companies and just got nowhere. I’ve still got all my rejection slips. As almost a last resort I advertised for managein Melody Maker and I got a call from a the fellapick, calling himself Mickey Modern whoday took me from there getting athat’s recordwhat dealwe anddo! offBut I went.

So when didment you and Cath get married? pack and ship.

On one famous I drove clingtobusiness, it never really It was 29th July 1995. We’d been back in Stockport a a 7.5 ton lorry to Stoke - two trips in one day. An old resonated with consumers or investors but in the last longput until the first single camewith out? year or two and we were living in a two up, two down school How pal had in some money, along my three years it’s gone way up the agenda and rightly that long, don’t I think it was the beginning ofbrother-in-law 83 I signed the deal, we were making album the summer that and I think ‘I Won’t Let The Sun inNot Reddish andIwe gotthink. married at Norbury Church in Nick Wilson, so we couldthe buy it andinthe so. Butof yes, theyear flotation is a great achievement forGo Down Me” came outcould in September.

Hazel Grove. It was the hottest day in about a decade scaler and the On velocity that we sell this stock... the business and probably for myself on a personal and a wonderful, wonderful day. That and the girls We refurbished it, made it as good as new and use level too. wasn’t an immediate it? It came and went and untilthen the beginning of 84 when the eyeball’s rollercoaster really started with ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’ being born are Itthe biggest days of myhit lifewas by some Amazon, eBay to bring the world’s Yes. They reissued it in the Summer of 84. In those daysto there a different deal really because record companies in artists and they Roses built careers. distance. thatwas stock.

Butinvested now we go from the Stone to Neil So Dia-when we first released it and it only got to number 47 or whatever that wasn’t deemed to be a failure.mond...

It was a step in the right direction.

And that leads us on to your next song.. The Wonder There’s always a difficult period in business moving Neil Diamond takes me back to my dad, he’s the hero And you didayour first Top ofindustry the Pops, how next did you deal with that? of You by Elvis. Was that your wedding song? from small cottage to that level how in my life and I’ve tried to model myself on him. He That ending on Ialisten programme religiously every Thursday night since I was 14 or remember much How didwas you pretty guess?surreal, Yes. It’s not a up song to of- that didI had you watched manage that? and about my mum are15. theI don’t big Diamond fans and about we’re it except for getting stopped by the police jumping some traffic was in atolittle hire car because I didn’t have was quite interesting trying to ten but when I do hear it, it obviously stirs for emotions.

There waslights. a day Iwe refer as Black Wednesday seenany himmoney four orand fiveittimes together as a family and explain to the police where I was going.

But what everyone says about doing Top of the Pops is that when you watch it on telly you see all these masses of people in It’s a song that sums up how I feel about Cath and my when Martin Lewis covered us for the first time on the Sweet Caroline was always put on at the end of anythe studio but youaget it’s about theasize frontSaving room and there aboutemail ten people milling about.

With thenight. cameras nearlyI chopping off. relationship withwhen her. It’s verythere special song for veryof my Money Expert weekly and suddenly we family But when was doingtheir thisheads list I thought special day with my special wife. went from buying 600 units a day on musicMagpie to I won’t put that because it’s become a sports anthem So after the reissue of ‘I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On17,000.

Me’ got number two, yourmoment second album was have released, - a amulti-platinum album -remind these must It to was this enormous that could soThe I’m Riddle going for song that will always me of have been amazing times for a young man.

So we’re up to about 1995 now. You’re married and quite easily killed us but it made us. Three or four my dad which is Songs of Life from the Jazz Singer Yes although wasn’t that young, I was 26. But yes, my feet literally touch the ground two years. soundtrack.

It was incredibly exciting and rewarding - all the good living in Hazel IGrove... daysalmost later the stockdidn’t started arriving and myfor dad came things but it Iwas because no-one of anything.

I wasn’t in control my own This is when firstalso startterrifying to think about working forwas really outinofcontrol retirement to help us, my mum was inofthere, my image I wasn’t in control of the press it just snowballed, it had a Imomentum of itmanufacturing own. We released two albums nine anyone monthswe which was pretty thing to do.

I didn’tWe object to that,up I went along with but itto seemed like a myself. joined a small business with inpals, could geta hold of.nuts I was literally sat are totally to date now, so itI have ask, what crazy thing to do. a friend of mine. It didn’t work for us but it was my up all night writing cheques to post to the customers. does the future hold? first taste of doing something new and different. Cath Professionally, and I genuinely mean this - I’ve never Was there sense it was never going to end or did you sit down and consider that the time-line might be finite? was pregnant with Emily around thatatime so that I ended You next song is Elbow... been more excited about Magpie. We’ve just launched You are kind of surrounded by people who make you believe that it’s going to go on forever. up in 2000 - if I can leap forward two or three years Yes, it’s probably their most famous song and I a monthly subscription offer for iPhones which is joining Music Zone which was a cheap man’s HMV, no always feel that the best days should end with this going fantastically well. And making it even easier to I know allfounded the words The Riddle and I’ve song. spent “One the last years figure outright” what And The Riddle you put meby outlaunching of my misery? disrespect to Russ who thetobusiness.

It was day30 like this trying a yearto will see me sellis,tocan musicMagpie a Smart Drop Kiosk as long as retailer you don’t swear me...inBecause the second came sowere hot on the heels ofquite the first hadwe’re two rolling weeks out to write which I did, other an Yes, entertainment that was at based the North aroundalbum this time City starting to do wellone, I only which with itAsda and we’ll havethan 300 Wide and Boy had which wassix an or oldseven song.stores I basically The Riddle in about ten minutes - I usually takeput ages so I just wanted to get something West about whenwrote I joined and when we won the FA Cup in 2011we thiswriting song lyrics of them across the UK, where you can started sell yourand oldinto we could recording the followingonweek.

I just wrote a load rhyming nonsense.

Whenmobile I got into the studio I put the guide - still -a it position ended upwhere with about 100start by the time weitfinished in theSo mini bus on the way of home and sang it at the in three minutes and get cashvocal for todown pay for all this nonsense and I had several goes during the course of recording to come back and redo the lyrics but nobody really liked them we ‘d got so used to the nonand it was a wonderful, brilliant journey. I joined as top of our voices. your shopping. Apart from making money, business is sense that anything else sounded wrong. finance director and quite quickly became managing about making a difference and caring. Caring for your director which was the first time I’d led a business You must have had plenty of other memorable footcolleagues, caring for your customers, caring for your No, can’t saywas that Nik Kershaw. the river there... and I led it to management buyout in you 2005 which ball days... I’ve got it here, look.. “Near a tree by a river” that’s community and caring for the environment. That’s actually the in sea.

I’mwas on athe beach near Weymouth the first real corporate finance process that I went That’s The semi final 2011 day after our first I think. what my dad taught me all those years ago when he through. And this is where I met the co-founder of mu- private equity transaction when, for the first time ran a local post office, he made a difference. And I Right, don’t say anything a hole in of the ground” I’m assuming you’re in thatfor hole.. andand “theother old man of Aran” “around and with around” is businesses the dust on and the sicMagpie, Walter Gleeson.else...”there’s It was a massive part I’d actually made some money myself want to going go back and work small needle. my journey. But it was a time when the music industry shareholders. It was a wonderful four days. We comhelp them go and share some of my learning experiAh, I see. the money arrived was changing, the physical world was going digital pleted the deal on the Thursday, ences. and VAT-free websites like Amazon and Play.com on the Friday, we went to Wembley and watched City many of these didonyou were selling out of the Channel Islands and the subeat UnitedHow on the Saturday and thesell?

Sunday I Do you think luck plays a part in business at all?

I dunno, about 500,000 in this country... permarkets were coming into the industry and selling bought my dad the Mercedes I’d always wanted to get I’m going to say it does because there is an element chart CDs cheaper than we could buy them. But while him. of right place, right time. You could say the World has So there on arenew at least 500,000 people who’ve been trying to work this out for 36 years. I’mmoved shattered, The trust is gone. and that’s lucky in that the margins were being squeezed product, towards musicMagpie But is itThen nonsense though?

I might have been something. there was a learning about used product. People were you took musicMagpie to the US,channelling how did that people are more worried about the planet and sustainwilling to trade in and sell their used product which go? ability but I think we earned that luck. I believe that re-watching and you do look a little scared... could be refurbished and resold for a better margin. I been Well one of theLive mostAid famous stories about thatbit was good things happen to good people... but sometimes Not asknow scared as a I felt That was the embryo of musicMagpie. that Americans didn’t what magpie was, you have to wait a while. which was a problem. So we re-branded it Declutter I’ve been mynext impressions eyes and listen.

Then I’d like to know how this makes feel: “Here’s youngsat British artist who’s nevLet’s haveworking listen toon your choice... so I’d like you to close andyour we haven’t looked back since.

Whatyou would the SteveaOliver in Sheffield, listening er had anything but hits. Live Aid, from London, will you welcome Nik Kershaw?!”

Yes it’s American Pie by Don McClean. I remember to The Smiths make of all this?

Hahaha.

I probably hearright that at at the the end time.ofAll I remember is about someone mefavourite pushingsong... me onto the stage.

I wasI first just met trying notshe to throw was aI aspired fabulous driving down Princessdidn’t Parkway Let’s talk yourbehind all-time When Cath askedup. meItwhat day. IZone remember flying from Battersea and landing in a field nearby wherewe’ve people wereabout, playing football, tookbothered everyoneabout to themoney conferMusic when the headline was that Heliport it had gone So throughout everything talked from an bizarrely. to be andThen I saidthe I‘mlimos not that ence centre, then we walked over to the stadium to meet Charles and Di and we sat in the Royal Box when Status Quo came on.

Then I remember thinking ‘I’m wrong. And the line in there about the day the music early age, the Stone Roses were my favourite band, I’d just like to live in a nice house and be happygoing and to be on a bit, what’s the protocol about leaving the Royal Box when Charles and Di are here, but fortunately they left quite so II’m managed to get away.with And family, then died - I remember the exact spot on the road when If you add up every other band in the world, it still that’s whatearly we are. absolutely blessed backstage there were three Portakabins that you could use for 20 minutes before going on stage and 20 minutes afterwards.

They were the dressing rooms at Live Aid. that line came on and I got very emotional. But in a wouldn’t come up to how much I love the Roses. The friends and colleagues here and while I think my time Isense, remember standing in this quadrangle outside my Portakabin talking to Sting about his first solo album.

And I was stood at the side of the stage I hadn’t seen my crew, it was the day the next chapter - musicMagpie last song on the album is Resurrection and it’s one of at Uni was the most fun, this is when I’ve been the I didn’t know if my gear was on stage or if any of it was going work that . You’re aware of theon, fact that underneath the stage are people pushing it around was born. thosetosongs when it comes whether you’re most content.

And Iliterally think that’s a nice way to because look at the motors had broken and the whole event was kind of at stuck gaffer And then tookto a deep the together bar in thewith toilet, you tape. say, “hang on, I Ihave go breath life. and walked on stage. It was literally like walking offthis a cliff.

And once it was over and done with What I could relax. was satI in theitRoyal Box watching Queen and everybody who was there knew that that was a special moSo is the crossover point to musicMagpie. andIdance”. love to bits. ment. was the process that bought it about?

We have one song to end on and it doesn’t seem to fit Walter had been playing with some software conSo we’re nearing the present day and the recent flota- with the rest, so what’s the story behind this one?

It’sthe been eight years since your last album what’s the new Oxymoron? cerned with valuing product that came into shops tion of musicMagpie must so have beeninspired some work for one,It’s to end on a bit of fun. You have to, don’t you? This No one thing, I was just aware of the fact that I better get myself in gear and do some work because I’d been faffing gigging.

I’d and go into the studio every day at Music Zone now move onto 2007, 2008 and this is you.. wasabout my ‘dad’s song’ I actually do quite like it. and I mess about and not really get much done, but then the germ of two or three tracks came together and I thought okay, I’ve started an album.

But it was a long old prothe worst recession people can remember and people That’s an understatement. And to do it during a panknow you’re a man who likes a bit of disco yourself, cess.

Plenty songsarticles got written and dumped ordemic broken for salvage the a16 tracks onprocess the album are theand ones that that assault course. like Martin Lewis wereof writing about how in up a virtual World.and It was six month Paul this is survived a song the girls caught me dancing to people could raise cash and save money and a couple for my very close colleague Ian Storey and I. It ruined a few years ago in the kitchen, on my own. It’s Push been playing the single ‘From Bayfor to Malibu’ a lot for andgood, whileall it seems to have a screen. storytelling vibe, I daren’t ask you it’s about because the trustthey has of We’ve websites were offering cash for goldCloudy and cash my eyes that staring at a But we The Button by what The Sugababes.

And whenever gone... mobile phones - which we came to slightly later - but got there, we got over the line. I would say this but want to tease me they’ll put it on and secretly, I do I shouldwas saydoing that I’ve never drunkDVDs my way in one night,story whichbehind is what this fella is doing.

Most of the on the album havethem something do with me no-one cash for CDs, andaround games.the So World there’s a great musicMagpie.

The inveslovesongs it. I suppose it reminds of theirtodaft dad and because that’s the easiest thing to writer about. we launched the website, literally trading it out of my tors loved the sustainability side of the business and it reminds me of them. garage with Walt programming away and me doing leading the green agenda. We’ve always been a recyWhere do you stand with touring in the current environment?

Good Hoods!

Above l to r: Matalan Dance Hoodie (4-13yrs) £12-£13 • Next Zip Through Hoodie (3mths-7yrs) £10-£12 • Primark Beverly Hills Hoodie £7.00 • Esprits Dsquared2 Zip-Up £480.00 • USC Gant retro shield hoodie £100.00 • H&M Mint green hoodie £24.99 • ASDA Zip Through Hoodie £15 • ASDA Grey Marl Hoodie £18. Below l to r: Tessuti Kenzo K-Tiger hoodie £310.00 • River Island Green RI One hoodie £38.00 Tessuti Tommy Hilfiger Sport global stripe hoody £100.00 • JD Sports Adidas Originals Trefoil Tape Crop Hoodie £50.00 • New Look Dark Grey Hooded Teddy Jacket £25.99 • Next Adidas Floral Hoodie £50 • H&M Waffled zip-through hoodie £14.99

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Fashion The temperature won’t be going up any time soon and as more and more people are taking their holidays in the UK at the moment, you should probably think about keeping warm in style this Autumn , with our selection of stlyish hoodies from around town.

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New Openings

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op of the Town Vintage was founded online in 2019 by Northern content creator and vintage lover, Sophia Rosemary. As an avid fan of retro style and a seasoned vintage treasure hunter, Sophia wanted to find a way to make shopping preloved easy and accessible by sharing some of the incredible pieces she’d found The shop offers an array of vintage clothing, each item of which is carefully hand picked, repaired, laundered and curated in perfectly pleasing collections by Sophia, making vintage shopping a breeze for fellow nostalgia lovers. The shop is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 11am until 4pm 17 Lower Hillgate Stockport SK1 1JQ

Top of the Town Ginkgo N

ext door to Top of the Town is Ginkgo, a business that champions clean, ethical and sustainable brands, sourcing only the best quality products. The shop has a herbal dispensary and clinic combined with an extensive range of nutritional supplements and unpackaged dry grocery and beauty refill stations. It also offers a wide range of eco-friendly natural health & beauty products.

17a Lower Hillgate Stockport SK1 1JQ

Rack

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ack, based just off St Peter’s Square, is Stockport’s newest grab and go coffee and sandwich shop. The team behind Rack have been attending a wide variety of local events including Levy Market as

24 Lawrence St Stockport SK1 1DL

Café San Juan

street vendors for a while but have now decided to move into bricks and mortar premises too! Rack offers artisan stacked sandwiches and expertly put together sourdough toasties.

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tockport has gained a new an exciting family run cafe focused on high quality Colombian food. Cafe San Juan, have created an upbeat establishment with a key focus on creating authentic hearty Colom-

27 St Petersgate Stockport SK1 1EB

bian food which includes classics such as Burritos to Churros as well as a Colombian full breakfast: chipotle habanero sausages, mixed beans, perico scrambled eggs, arepas, fried plantain and guacamole!

New Openings

Enigma E

nigma is the latest bar to open up on the ever transforming St. Petersgate. The team at Enigma are keen on expressing the importance of creating a space that is at foremost a sociable place. This is easily seen through the introduction of their fortnightly board game nights taking place on Wednesdays. The interior has to have one of the most interesting ceilings in the town centre with swathes of neon lights immersed in a cloud like format (definitely worth visiting just to see this). Enigma offers a diverse range of cocktails and draft beer and we recommend you visit to try a few!

8, St Petersgate Stockport SK1 1HD 07507 374222

Notion N

otion is another new addition to the ever expanding evening economy hospitality scene. This self-proclaimed Dive Bar with inspiration from the Deep South is all about having a good time in an energetic and playful space.

The decor has been chosen to create a grungy atmosphere that connects its patrons to the American Deep South watering holes.

Notion not only offers a huge range of spirits and cocktails but also has a fantastic food menu including a variety of hot wings and more. Underneath Notion was Ate Days A Week which has now been transformed into Smash & Dash.

Complementing Notion, this new burger bar is offering really high quality but affordable quarter pounder burgers. Owner Andy, of Ate Days a Week, Notion and now Smash & Dash is always keen to explore, transform and evolve his establishments and the latest progression is not one to be missed.

8 Vernon St Stockport SK1 1TY

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New Openings

Dr Feelgood Dr Feelgood is the latest establishment brought to the Stockport food and drink scene by Joseph Patton – the man behind The Cracked Actor, The Glass Spider and Breaking Glass Bottle.

Situated in the marketplace in the premises formerly occupied by Remedy, Dr Feelgood describes itself as a “live music glam rock diner” and the large stage certainly atests to the live element.

The venue has already established a regular Wednesday night comedy event and launched its live music programme with a gig by local favourites The Panamas. The fact that Bad Manners will be playing the venue soon shows that Joseph intends to make this the serious live venue that Stockport has long needed.

28 Mealhouse Brow Stockport SK1 1XY

Mustard CoWorking L

ocated on the third floor of the recently renovated and restored building at 13 Little Underbank. Kelsall Architects have created a contemporary coworking space for creatives to set up shop. Mustard has been created to produce a hub for like minded professionals to come together and bring about a real community.

Age UK

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ge UK on Underbanks closed its doors last year while the entire building was being renovated and it was worth the wait. Now the shop is as beautiful on the inside as it is stunning on the outside so next time you’re in Stockport, check out the gorgeous stock on offer, you won’t be disappointed

Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Frog Art Trail has arrived H

ave you visited Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Frog art trail yet? If not, you’re in for a huge treat. 21 gigantic frogs and their froglets have hopped into the town centre for the summer trail before they hop off again at the end of September.

the One Stockport Hub or download the map from the website – www.stockportfrogs.co.uk and you can discover all 21 frogs at 21 locations across the town centre. Collect all the letters along the trail, solve the anagram and you could win your very own frog on a rock.

You may have seen the 19 frogs in the 2019 summer trail but this year the frogs are bigger and better than ever.

Joining the town centre trail are 17 One Stockport frogs who have hopped out across the borough.

There are lots of free giveaways for you to collect including badges, flags and a certificate to show you have completed the trail and found all 21 frogs along the way. No need to worry about missing the weather forecast, Frogwain has dressed in his best suit whatever the weather. Did you ever see such a smart engineer as Isafrog Kingdom Brunel?

Or such a hero as Stockport Spider-

Just pick up a map and guide to Stockport’s Gigantic Leap town centre trail from Merseyway, town centre shops,

frog? Catch up with Frocket and Pocket Rocket before they take off for another galaxy; chill out with Sir Sprinkles, you’ll need it after trying to keep up with GulpOil racing frog taking a pitstop in Stockport.

Take selfies along the way and send them to frogs21@totallystockport. co.uk and we’ll add them to the Frog Gallery on the website. Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Frog Art Trail is a fun trail for everyone – friends, families, community groups and children of all ages from 3 to 103!

Find out more at www.stockportfrogs.co.uk

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Meet Stockport’s Mayor, Cllr Adrian Nottingham C

ouncillor Adrian Nottingham, the new mayor of Stockport, Greater Manchester, was officially sworn in during a ceremony earlier this year after he was appointed to the post following the recent council elections. He replaces previous mayor Dean Fitzpatrick.

During his first full day on the job last May, Mayor Cllr Nottingham visited Heald Green Village Hall vaccination centre, to raise awareness of the importance of getting both doses of the vaccine where the new borough mayor received his second dose of the Covid vaccine.

In July, along with over 100 invited guests, Stockport’s Mayor and Mayoress attended the launch of Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Frog Art Trail at the Light cinema. Following a welcome from Totally Stockport’s BID manager, Paul Taylor, the Mayor said he was delighted to see all 21 brightly painted frogs hop into the town centre for the summer: “In 2019, Stockport’s Giant Leap Frog Art Trail celebrated the great strides that Stockport has made in attracting investment as the first phases of its £1billion regeneration plan came to fruition. This summer’s Gigantic Leap Frog trail represents the continued progress that, despite the challenges that the pandemic has thrown at us all, Stockport is making in attracting investment. Stockport is leaping on with its ambitious plans to create a thriving, sustainable town centre more akin to the way we are all choosing to live and work.

“Today I have met many of Stockport’s business community along with the very talented artists who have brought

the trail to life and I look forward to getting to meet many more members of our community in my role as Mayor, of which I am very proud.”

Stockport’s new Mayor has lived in Heald Green for 22 years and has been an active and serving member of that community ever since he moved there with Diane (his Mayoress) and their three children.

Adrian was first elected to Stockport Council in May 2010 and has served as Group Leader for the Independent Ratepayers’ Group since May 2016.

Adrian is looking forward to a year of recovery, reconnecting and celebrating the huge impact made by Stockport’s resilient and innovative citizens who continue to make Stockport the place that we are proud to live in, work in, and call our home.

If you would like to invite the mayor to an event, you can do so via: www.stockport.gov.uk/mayor-of-stockport/invite-the-mayor. A minimum of ten days notice is required.

He has had a career in management and leadership across several sectors: the NHS, Local Authority, the faith sector, the charity sector, and even running his own physiotherapy practice for a short period. As well as working within different sectors he has significant experience of working across sectors. He is a bridge-builder who loves embracing diversity in pursuit of a common shared vision. Adrian describes himself as someone who “loves community, faith, hill walking and conversations that do the soul good!”

Adrian has chosen Sector3 as his Mayoral link charity for the year. Sector3 exists to boost the work and impact of the whole voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) in Stockport. They provide expertise, amplify the voice of the sector, administer funding, and add momentum to the endeavours of the several hundred Stockport based VCFSE groups; they shine the light on the life changing work of this vital Stockport sector. As Mayor,

Above: The Mayor in full ceremonial garb Left: The Mayor and Mayoress with Totally Stockport’s Paul Taylor at the launch of Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Forward Below: On his first day inthe job, receiving his second dose of the vaccine

News

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Building an even better future

Stockport’s Borough Plan launches 10-year vision

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tockport is a brilliant place to live, work and spend time – but, like other areas, it is not without its challenges. 2020 highlighted some of these challenges in the borough, but it also spotlighted the community spirit and togetherness that makes Stockport so great.

Developed in collaboration with people across Stockport, including those from local businesses, voluntary organisations, community groups and public services, the Borough Plan is designed to set out a vision for 2030. It focuses on creating a borough that is even more ambitious, inclusive and caring, for all residents and people who work or spend time here.

The Borough Plan focuses on nine priorities across three key areas – One Heart, One Home and One Future – to achieve the aim of creating a One Stockport that works for everybody. Each section sets out a clear set of actions, and it is hoped that the people of Stockport will roll up their sleeves and get involved in helping to deliver the plan and, in turn, a better Stockport.

One Heart focuses on the people of Stockport and their communities, helping them live the best lives they can. The plan looks to work with our schools, families and public services to make Stockport the best place to grow up happy, safe and healthy in. It also looks to use new innovative technology to help people live happy, independent lives and empower everyone to be an active part of their community.

One Home focuses on the borough, making it sustainable and a fantastic place to live that celebrates diversity and equality. This part of the plan looks to celebrate the diverse neighbourhoods and local hubs within all the districts of Stockport – we’re all different and that’s what makes us great! One Home also looks to tackle the impacts of climate change head on within the borough, to make Stockport a climate-friendly place to live now and for future generations.

One Future outlines our ambitions for the future. We want to grow a competitive and thriving economy that is one of

the leaders in not just the region, but the whole country.

One Future also looks to develop the skills of our residents to meet the challenges of new and emerging industries, including by championing digital inclusivity and accessibility so that Stockport is at the heart of technological innovation.

with a stake in Stockport will work together, by championing values of inclusivity, ambition and collaboration.

Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “I am so proud of the role Stockport Council had to play in the creation of this ambitious plan. Our focus is on making Stockport a place that works for everyone, to celebrate the fantastic things that make us different, to help us lead the way in the fight against climate change, and to help build and strengthen a strong and innovative economy that is a leader in our region. All of these things are reflected in the Borough Plan, and I look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our shared ambition.”

Steve Hughes, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Stockport Sector 3 and COO at Citizens Advice Stockport, added:

The plan also includes a commitment on how organisations, businesses, public services, residents and everyone

Let’s paint the town!

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n 2019, the Rediscovering the Underbanks project was launched encourage more people, from a range of backgrounds, to engage with the area and learn about its unique history. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, events have been postponed due to restrictions, but lockdown has also seen a resurgence in localism, sense of identity and civic pride.

To take advantage of these emerging trends, a street art project has been developed; four prominent sites have been identified within the Underbanks and a total budget of £17,000 was secured for the installations, comprising a grant of £10,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £7,000 matched funding from Totally Stockport.

We’ll be including images of the murals in the next edition of Totally Stockport.

Andrea Green, Accountable Officer for NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Everyone deserves an equal shot at health and happiness and that’s what is at the heart of the One Stockport Borough Plan. Building on the work we are already doing to improve health and wellbeing of local people, the Borough Plan brings this together into one single, joint plan. Not only does this allow us to strengthen our focus on health, but to also look at new opportunities for improving services and the health of our local communities.

“The Borough Plan is an example of how different organisations, groups, and the wider community have come together to create a blueprint for making a better life for the people of Stockport. Together, we can work to ensure children have the best start in life in Stockport, and people and communities are empowered to live happy, healthy and independent lives for as long as possible. The Borough Plan emphasises these goals with tangible actions, and we at the CCG are very proud to have played a role in its creation.”

“The Borough Plan sets out an ambitious and exciting vision for the future of Stockport. The pandemic has highlighted what amazing voluntary and community groups we have in the borough, and this plan looks to build that spirit into our future to create an environment in which everyone can thrive.”

The Borough Plan can be read in full on One Stockport’s website – onestockport.co.uk

Totally Stockport Funds Disabled Parking Bays F

ollowing the closure of Sainsburys earlier this year, Totally Stockport secured and funded 100 parking spaces from developers, Amstone to offer town centre businesses free parking for their staff. In addition, Totally Stockport has also funded 10 disability bays for blue badge users to use when they are visiting Stockport.

Stockport serves another feast with a three-day Food & Drink Festival S

tockport is preparing to serve up a feast of a three-day Food & Drink Festival across Stockport town centre from 3rd to 5th September 2021

On Friday, over 30 food and drink stalls will be popping up across the town centre to tempt the most discerning of taste buds with food and drink from all around the world.

There’ll be fun and entertainment for all the family in Merseyway where, as well as the fantastic stalls, you can Spin to Win and have fun at the beach!

On Saturday and Sunday, the festival comes alive featuring 2 outdoor kitchens in Mersey Square and in the Market Place where celebrity chefs Aldo Zilli and Jean Christoph Novelli will perform cooking demos as they rustle up some favourite recipes that will have your mouth watering. You can learn how great food happens - follow the adventures of food and science with BBC’s Stefan Gates.

Stockport’s hospitality offering is growing as more and more independents choose to open their businesses here. Throughout the festival, you’ll have a chance to pop in and check out some of the great new venues and meet some of Stockport’s own highly skilled chefs.

For the children, the ever-popular Mr Bloom will be performing at Stockport’s iconic Plaza on Sunday morning with tickets heavily subsidised. Book at The Plaza website.

There will be pop-up entertainment at the Peel Centre and Stockport Market Place will see those gentle giants, the Robinsons Shire Horses popping into their local, The Baker’s Vaults. Come along and say hello to these beautiful horses and enjoy the kids play area, entertainment, music and the Market Place’s inaugural Twilight Market, which is open until 9pm on Saturday.

Three days packed full of free entertainment. For the full schedule and to find out go to www.totallystockport.co.uk

Stockport revving up to host two-day Enduro & Cycling Festival

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tockport town centre is revving up to host its first Enduro & Cycling Festival – two awesome days of racing, spectating and festival fun on 18th and 19th September.

Stockport Enduro will be the first suburban cycle race in Greater Manchester. Stockport is known for its diverse landscape of cobbled climbs, steep steps and narrow passageways, all adding to the excitement and creating the perfect location for an urban cycling race.

With action centred around the inspiring and animated Event Village in St Peter’s Square on both Saturday and Sunday, a wide range of fun, cycling related activities will

be on offer for people of all ages and abilities to take part in. British Cycling will be on-hand to offer women’s ledrides around Stockport as well as a dedicated children’s bike circuit with a supply of different sized bikes. Life Leisure will be offering spin taster sessions and there will be pedal powered challenges, smoothie making and bike MOTs by CeraCycloan. Some roads will be closed to vehicles, providing the opportunity to try out different bikes including balance bikes, electric bikes and adapted bikes for those with limited mobility. Families can also enjoy cycling together with a supply of rear toddler carriages being provided.

Come along and see all the imaginatively dressed bikes by local school children in the theme of ‘Heroes of the Pandemic’ and watch the winners being presented with medals by Stockport’s very own former Olympian cyclist Alan Newton and our Paralympian Megan Giglia.

Watch Fusion Extremes professional athletes perform a series of exhilarating, nail-biting stunt displays including BMX, Mountain Bike and Parkour.

On Saturday at 10am, a timed 5K run will be open to anyone aged 14 and over – walk or run – there’s a medal for all finishers. Enter in advance but note, it’s hilly in parts!

For more information and to register visit www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk/events-calendar/stockport-urban-5k

Sunday is race day!

Taking place on Sunday and the climax to the weekend, Stockport Enduro is a 1.1-mile circuit of hard technical components including steep climbs, staircase jumps and tight turns. Taking in Stockport’s famous landmarks, the route will see competitors speed by the remarkable Market Place and the magnificent Plaza before facing the challenges around the historic Underbanks.

Over three laps, each cyclist will experience the technical challenge of cyclo cross, the excitement and speed of paved town centre racing and a blend of bike parkour - an Enduro is an urban cycle race like no other.

With official races beginning at 10.30 and multiple races for a range of abilities working up to the final elite races at 3pm, a section of the circuit will be open to the public at 11.30 so why not come along and test your skills and stamina!

For the full schedule of events visit: www.totallystockport.co.uk/enduro

Watch the video on YouTube to get a taste of Enduro!

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Stockport’s Digital Radio Revolution S

tockport has been chosen as one of several towns to host their own Digital Radio transmission site. The platform known as Small Scale DAB (SSDAB) will be launched later this year and offer greater access for large and small stations alike to be heard across the area.

One of the companies hoping to run the new platform is Digital Radio Stockport which is a collaboration made up of Stockport’s Strawberry Radio and the Community Radio Alliance of All FM, Wythenshawe FM, Pie Radio and Canalside Radio.

Up until now there has just been a single commercial and community radio licence available for broadcast across the area on FM. The new SSDAB platform will open access to not just established radio stations but online radio stations looking to broaden their reach and join the Digital Revolution.

Colin Owen board member of Wythenshawe FM commented: “We have been broadcasting on FM for 21 years this month and things have really changed since we started. Digital Radio is clearly the future, especially as most of the cars on the road have now made the switch.

We are really excited to be working with our community radio colleagues on this project.”

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council agrees this is a good step forward for Stockport: “This is great news for Stockport and provides an opportunity for smaller, community

stations to showcase their output on a wider scale. It sits perfectly alongside the council’s vision for the future and complements the huge investment we are making across the district.”

Stockport Beer Week

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t last Stockport is open for business again. Everyone has been hit hard in some way by the pandemic and this is certainly the case for our local pubs, hospitality venues and breweries. So Stockport Beer Week is back for 2021 to encourage you to give them some support.

23rd September to 3rd October

ning process, after which several other sponsors and partners have joined us to provide facilities and prizes.

The Beer Week runs from 23rd September to 3rd October in conjunction with National Cask Ale Week and is being organised by volunteers from the Stockport Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. Some events are face to face, including a beer and food matching event with renowned beer sommelier Annabel Smith, a meet the brewer event with Thirst Class Brewery from Reddish and the popular pub cellar tours return. If you would rather do things independently, there are cask beer Ale Trails and a Mystery Pub competition with beery prizes. Themed and local beers are featured in some pubs.

ugust saw the retrun of Stockport’s Classic Car Show in the Market Place which was coupled with the first Vintage Village since restrictions were relaxed.

The weather was horrible but it would take more than a bit (a lot) of rain to keep people indoors after what everyone’s been through!

Details of events can be found in programmes and flyers around the Town Centre, at www.ssmcamra. co.uk/beerweek.htm or on SSM CAMRA social media. And you can listen out for regular reports and updates on Strawberry Radio.

Above: Beer cask at the Robinsons Brewery bottling plant at Bredbury Left: Beer tasting at Petersgate Tap with Beer Sommelier Annabel Smith

Heritage Open Days

tockport will be celebrating the return of the nationwide Heritage Open Days on Saturday 11th September, with heritage-realted activities on the Underbanks as well as at St Peter’s Church and Stockport Plaza.

The Underbank event was still being planned as we went to press but the photo from a previous Heritage event on Underbanks should give you an idea of what might be in store.

Discover the meaning behind the stunningly embroidered banners once used in processions at St. Peters Church in St. Peters Square between 2pm and 4pm. Each banner has its own story to tell and you can read about them in a specially produced booklet, free on the day. Look around this Grade II listed Georgian church, opened in 1768. You can also view the original Whitehurst clock mechanism which is still working.

The Classic Cars Return

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The Beer Week is designed to help people get safely back to the pub. There are plenty of events to choose from, so please support them if you can. If we don’t use our pubs, we will lose them.”

Beer Week organiser Chris Walkden said “We are grateful for initial assistance from Totally Stockport to start the plan-

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If you have a radio station or are thinking about setting one up, register your interest at www.digitalstockport. co.uk to join Stockport’s Digital Radio Revolution.

Stockport Plaza will throw open her doors at 11.00am for a full day of free to attend events and an opportunity for you to investigate behind the scenes of our much loved Art Deco gem. Special Plaza Heritage Day presentations are scheduled for 11am, 1pm and 3pm, no need to book, simply turn up on the day and experience the very best of yesterday today.

Merseyway

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Families have fun by the seaside as Merseybay returns to Merseyway L ife has been a beach for families this summer as Merseybay returned to Merseyway- a free outdoor beach which will be open until 5th September 2021.

Open to children of all ages, the giant beach is located outside Primark and features buckets and spades for children to build sandcastles while parents can relax in provided deckchairs in the sun.

Children can also enjoy a selection of fun rides, including a Helter Skelter, trampolines, juvenile chairs, jet rides and teacups, while families can grab a bite to eat from the food huts, which sell the best seaside dishes including fish and chips and candyfloss. *

Merseyway is also hosting a Friday Club on the beach every week from 11am, where children can enjoy free entertainment and activities. Last month, Captain Dan Tastic anchored his ship and hosted pirate-themed activities. Popular clown, Louby Lou, will be visiting on Friday 27th August guaranteeing a day of laughter.. There will also be a chance for families to win beach-themed prizes every Wednesday, as Merseyway hosts Spin to Win on the beach from 12pm – 1pm.

Visit www.facebook.com/MerseywayShoppingCentre for more information. *All fun rides and food stalls at extra charge.

Shoppers overwhelmed as Merseyway grants wishes from The Wishing Tree M erseyway has been surprising Stockport shoppers over the last month by granting wishes from its very own Wishing Tree.

Taking inspiration from traditional wishing trees across the world, the Merseyway Wishing Tree is a place for the local community to share their hopes and dreams for 2021.

Located in the undercover mall, wishes are being hung on colourful tags and Merseyway is encouraging shoppers, local community groups, charities, and schools to take part.

Stepping Hill Hospital worker, Julieann, was the first shopper to have her wish granted as she wished to receive a special treat for herself and her colleagues for working hard during the pandemic.

Julieann’s wish was granted as she received three large hampers filled with selfcare products from Merseyway stores.

Merseyway shopper, Katie, was surprised to have her wish granted as she was treated to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Still Life Story

for her to brighten her mum’s day, whilst 10-year-old Lottie was overwhelmed to find out she had won a shopping trip at Merseyway with her mum with a £200 spend, where they also enjoyed a meal at Zizzi and a viewing of Cruella at The Light Cinema, Redrock.

Six-year-old Iris was next to have her wish granted as she wished for a mermaid! Unfortunately, Merseyway couldn’t find Iris a mermaid in such short notice, but instead she was treated to a mermaid bundle with gifts from WH Smith, Waterstones, Clinton’s and Primark.

Chelwood Foodbank were next to have their wish granted as they wished for shopping trolleys to help their clients take food to and from the foodbank and finally, Merseyway shopper, Helen, was thrilled to receive an NHS Charm from PANDORA to mark her new job as a nurse in the NHS.

Visit Merseyway at Stockport’s Food & Drink Festival!

On Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th September 2021, Merseyway will be participating in Stockport’s Food and Drink festival with free family fun around the centre!

From 11am - 3pm, families can enjoy free craft workshops where children can create their own fruit sun catchers and fruit bead jewellery.

Don’t miss Carmen Meander on the beach as she will be hosting Spin to Win, where shoppers will be in with a chance of winning a great range of prizes.

Visit www.facebook.com/MerseywayShoppingCentre for more information.

The Wishing Tree at Merseyway will close on 31st August 2021.

TeamMerseyway Scale Extraordinary Heights for Macmillan Cancer Support M erseyway and CBRE staff took on a gruelling hike this summer to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 10-person team faced the scorching weather conditions and made their way up England’s most prominent mountain at Scafell Pike, reaching an impressive 978 metres above sea level.

The team raised over £1,300, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support to help provide financial and emotional support for those who are affected by cancer.

Mo Shirazi, Merseyway Operations Manager and #TeamMerseyway Leader said, “I’d like to take this opportunity to firstly extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported us with donations and messages of encouragement. Your support really motivated the team and helped us accom-

plish this challenge on what was one of the hottest days of the year. I am immensely proud of everyone who participated. Many of the team had never undertaken a hike like this before, but they prepared well both physically and mentally and showed great determination and resilience to complete the challenge. Bring on the next one!”.

Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager said, “I’m so proud of the team for embarking on this gruelling challenge.

They displayed great determination and teamwork throughout the whole journey and to complete the hike in such extreme weather conditions is inspiring. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sponsored the team so far.”

Donations can still be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mo-shirazi.

#TeamMerseyway participants included Mo Shirazi, Graeme Woodard, Dave Sanders, Sarah Boswell, Josh Snailham, Matthew Nichol, David Cassini, Jake Tonge, Hannah Massey and Hannah Molineux.

d

Business

27

Totally Stockport shortlisted in Stockport Business Awards 2021

S

tockport’s Business Improvement District, Totally Stockport has been shortlisted for ‘The Stockport Award’ in the 2021 Stockport Business Awards.

Stockport is without doubt one of the best places to do business in the whole of Greater Manchester and home to a successful, vibrant yet diverse business community.

The awards, now in its 10th year, recognise the achievements of businesses, organisations and individuals and celebrates business excellence across the borough. Many Stockport businesses entered the 13 categories this year, and the judging took place in July this year. The judging consisted of representatives from headline sponsors Clarke Nicklin, Gorvins Solicitors and Music Magpie. Representatives from Stockport Borough Council, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Stockport Homes also took part in the judging. After many hours of discussion and debate the shortlist was decided.

As well as Totally Stockport, town centre businesses who have been shortlisted include: Westpoint Cyber Talent, Beacon Counselling, Kate O’Brien Art, Stockport Gin and The Good Rebel BID Manager Paul Taylor is delighted Totally Stockport has been shortlisted: “It’s been an incredibly hard year for so many businesses, especially for non-essential retailers and those in the hospitality industries. The Totally Stockport team have worked continuously throughout the pandemic to support the businesses in the town centre. It’s great that the hard work and efforts of the team have been recognised, not just over the past 12 months but for the past 4 years where efforts have been concentrated on increasing footfall and dwell time in the town centre, attracting people from a wider geographical area and delivering business growth.”

As the 2020 Stockport Business Awards were unable to take place due to Covid, this year awards will be supporting two local charities: Smart Works Greater Manchester and Stockport NHS Charity. Since opening their doors in June 2015, SWGM have successfully supported over 1800 women in and around the Stockport borough and Greater Manchester, to help with the clothes and confidence they need for job opportunity and success. Stockport NHS Charity work to help patients get better quicker and experience the best possible care through welltrained staff and advanced equipment.

The winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Thursday 30th September.

And the nominees are...

Best Digital/Creative Agency Sponsored by Ashcroft Creative • Create 8 • Dawn Creative • E2E

Business of the Year (Turnover Up to £1m) Sponsored by Mayfield Floors • Right at Home • Silver Apples Bakery • Westpoint Cyber Talent

The Innovation Award Sponsored by SMBC & SEA • Heard Network • Starkey Hearing Technologies • Westpoint Cyber Talent

Business of the Year (Turnover £1m – 5m) Sponsored by Gorvins Solicitors • Jobwise • Odin Recruitment • Paper Salad

The Corporate Social Responsibility Award Sponsored by Music Magpie • Allied Bakeries • Digital ID • One + All

Business of the Year (Turnover £5m+) Sponsored by Clarke Nicklin • Allied Bakeries • Digital ID • Pioneer Digital Solutions

Employer of the Year Sponsored by The Business Growth Hub • Allied Bakeries • Creative Support • Westpoint Cyber Talent

Family Business of the Year Sponsored by Clarke Nicklin Financial Planning • Almond Family Pubs • John Delany Motors • Snobby Dogs Grooming Parlour

Most Promising Young Business Sponsored by Sage UK • Good Rebel • Kate O’Brien Art • Stockport Gin

Best Not-for-Profit Organisation Sponsored by Three Sixty • Beacon Counselling • Pure Innovations • Sign Post Stockport for Carers

The Taste of Stockport Award Sponsored by Clarke Nicklin • Silver Apples Bakery • Stockport Gin • The Italian

The Marketing Award Sponsored by Marketing Stockport • Home • Westpoint Cyber Talent

The Stockport Award Sponsored by Edgeley Park • Sector 3 • Stockport Gin • Totally Stockport

What’s On Until 17th September

Stone by Steve Williams

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery Stone is a unique exhibition combining stone sculpture with photography by local artist Steve Williams. The exhibit explores 2 main themes, faces and forms, carved into materials including alabaster, limestone and marble. Complimenting photography shows textures, colours and themes of the stone sculpture.

Until 17th September

Landscape by Jonathan Hargreaves

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery An exhibition bringing together many of Jonathan Hargreaves’ major recent paintings. His work has a feel of places fleetingly, yet vividly remembered. Jonathan is a figurative artist that embraces the power and visual inventiveness of abstract painting whilst being firmly rooted in a tradition of hard-won observation Sat 28th August 7.30pm

Siobhan Phillips

Stockport Plaza Siobhan Phillips, described as “the love child of Peter Kay and Victoria Wood”, wowed audiences in Britain’s Got Talent Final 2019.

Sun 29th August 7.00pm

OHANA Fundraiser

Stockport Plaza From it’s early days OHANA, Stockports premier youth theatre academy have supported The Plaza and in this very special show the amazing local young cast put on a theatrical showcase of the finest talent with proceeds kindly being donated to The Plaza as she reopens her doors to welcome you back.

Fri 3rd September 10am - 4pm Sat 4th September 10am - 4pm Sun 5th September 10am - 4pm

Stockport Food and Drink Festival See page 22 for full details

Sat 4th September 12pm - 11.00pm Sun 5th September 12pm - 11.00pm

Stockport Blues Festival

Garrick Theatre + The Spinning Top Stockport Blues Society and The Spinning Top present the town’s first blues festival.

Held at both The Garrick Theatre and The Spinning Top live music bar. One venue below the other. The provisional line up includes DC Blues Band, Mike Sweeney

(acoustic blues), Stockport Blues Society Band, Backwater Blues, Bridgewater Blues and The Mighty Revelators.

Doors open midday each day. Music starts at 1pm Sun 5th September 10.00am

Mr Bloom

Stockport Plaza Everyone’s favourite Gardener Mr Bloom returns to Stockport Plaza to celebrate Stockport’s annual Food and Drink Festival on Sunday 5th September bringing his usual fun with the veggies.

Tue 7th September 2.00pm

Bringing Back the Good Times

Stockport Plaza This delightful trip down Memory Lane celebrates happier days, with over 60 of your all-time favourite songs from the 40’s 50’s & 60’s along with best loved sing a longs, ever popular show tunes, and a grateful thanks to our wonderful NHS, and a heartwarming tribute to Dame Vera Lynn.

Sat 11th September 10.00am - 4.00pm

Stockport Makers Market

Stockport Market Place The Stockport Makers Market is back. Pop down on the second Saturday of every month for a selection of the North West’s finest food, drink, art, design and vintage.

Featuring selected specialists, who source, grow, rear, bake, make, and create the products they sell. This makes sure their goods are unique, original and designed to inspire.

Sat 11th September from 11.00am

National Heritage Open Day

tribute to the Mary Poppins films and stage show is being hosted by CBeebies presenter Ben Cajee and he has a special treat for the second half - a family concert of songs from some of your favourite family films including Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Aladdin.

Something for everyone.

Thu 16th September 7.30pm

Strawberry Studios Forever

Stockport Plaza A celebration of the music recorded in Stockport, at the iconic Strawberry Recording Studios between 1967 and 1993.

An entertaining evening of live music with special guests featuring classic tracks by 10cc, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Buzzcocks, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets and The Stone Roses, performed by a host of up and coming young Stockport bands and established artists.

Fri 17th September 7.30pm

Mary Poppins

Stockport Plaza This fantastic musical

ELO Again

Stockport Plaza Now in their 8th year ELO Again really give you a dramatic taste of what a legendary ELO concert would have been like back in their heyday, the whole experience is professionally re-enacted with great sound reproduction, light show and visual effects.

Sat 18th - 25th September 7.30pm

Plaza Suite

The Garrick Theatre Neil Simon’s comic masterpiece. www.stockportgarrick.co.uk Sun 19th September 7.30pm

The WOW Show

Stockport Plaza BBC Radio Manchester’s Eamonn O’Neil & Jimmy Wagg are back with the 2021 WOW Show - an evening of variety and comedy hosted by the dynamic duo.

The Houghton Weavers

Tue 21st September 7.30pm

Sat 18th September 9.00am - 5.00pm Sun 19th September 9.00am - 5.00pm

Stockport Plaza A Magical History Tour through the works of the greatest pop music phenomenon.

Replicating, in both sight and sound, the excitement and energy of Beatlemania, the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper, and the creative masterpieces of The White Album and Abbey Road.

Stockport Plaza A fun-packed show suitable for all the family. There will be plenty of laughter and the old favourites such as the Blackpool Belle, Matchstalk Men and Wild Rover together with new songs and funny stories galore.

Stockport Enduro and Cycling Festival Stockport Town Centre See page 22 for full details

18th September 9.00am - 5.00pm

Stockport Urban 5k Race

Stockport Plaza Stockport Town Centre Stockport’s 1932 Super Cinema and Variety Stockport Council introduces the first Theatre throws open her doors as part of ever Stockport Urban 5k running race. The the National Heritage Open Days for an opclosed road circuit takes in the iconic landportunity to investigate behind the scenes marks of Stockport centre and surrounding of our much loved Art Deco gem as they areas celebrate almost 90 years of serving the community.

Northern Soul Sunday Social Special Plaza Heritage Open Day presentations are Sun 26th September 11.00am - 5.00pm Sun 24th October 11.00am - 5.00pm scheduled for 11am, 1pm Sun 28th November 11.00am - 5.00pm and 3pm, no need to book, Stockport Market Place simply turn up on the day.

Sun 12th September 2.00pm

Sat 18th September 7.30pm

Meet up with friends and family to enjoy guest DJs & dancing, street food, bar & cafe, ice cream, scooters in the Market Square, art stalls & tables for swapping and selling records

The Cavern Beatles

23rd September - 3rd October

Stockport Beer Week

See p23 for more information Fri 24th September 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday

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

Fri 24th September 7.30pm

Banff Mountain Film Festival

What’s On

29

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

Stockport Plaza Embark on a night of adventure and escapism with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival!

Twilight at SK Market will run from 4.30pm to 9pm on the first Saturday each month.

A platform to showcase the regions finest produce, live music, beer & wine, street food and talented local makers.

Stockport Plaza Comedy superstar John Bishop is coming to the Stockport Plaza to warm up his brand-new show!

Mon 27th September 7.45pm

Mon 4th October 7.30pm

Dirty Dusting

Stockport Plaza Featuring tributes to Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan. All the Traveling Wilbury hits and classics are in the show, ‘Handle With Care’, ‘End of the Line’ and many more.

Tue 28th September 7.30pm

Stockport Plaza Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-SheWrote comes to town, with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Broadway Malady”. Jessica Fletcher heads to New York City but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve!

18+

Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Experience

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

Sat 9th October 10.00am - 4.00pm

Stockport Makers Market Stockport Market Place As 11th September

Sat 9th October 7.30pm

The Story of Guitar Heroes

Stockport Plaza Using state-of-the-art video projection the show journeys through five decades, from 1950s Rock & Roll through to the most creative and inspirational guitar heroes of the modern era.

Jonathan Pie - Fake News

Stockport Plaza Jonathan Pie’s critically acclaimed sell out show FAKE NEWS finally returns, updated and remixed for a post-Corona world.

Fri 1st October 11am & 7.30pm

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Stockport Plaza Bette Davis plays former child star ‘Baby’ Jane Hudson who is taking care of her wheelchair bound sister Blanche (Joan Crawford) in this claustrophobic thriller from director Robert Aldrich.

Sat 2nd October 4.30pm - 9.00pm

Sun 10th October From 11am

Talking Pictures TV: The 8th Festival of Film

Stockport Plaza A whole day celebrating British Film & TV History from the 1930s to the 1970s, with celebrity hosts and guests on stage, news reels, films, stalls and, of course, the organist!

Tickets for this whole day dedicated to Film and TV History can be booked by calling the Talking Pictures TV Booking line on 0808 178 8212 Tuesday 12th October 8.00pm & Wednesday 13th October 8.00pm

Twighlight at Stockport Market

John Bishop - Warm Up

Stockport Market Place

Thu 14th October 7.30pm Stockport Plaza Gladys, Olive and Elsie are three ‘vintage style’ cleaning ladies who, threatened with redundancy, chance on an unconventional way of earning some extra cash.

18+ Sat 16th - 23 October 7.30pm

Educating Rita

The Garrick Theatre Willy Russell’s uplifting comedy about the student and teacher relationship between a working-class hairdresser and a middle-aged English Literature university lecturer, who both find unlikely inspiration in one another. www.stockportgarrick.co.uk Sun 17th October 3.00pm

Bedknobs And Broomsticks

Stockport County Edgeley Park

Tickets for the new season are Adults (18+) £18 Students £18 Age 65+ £18 Disabled £18 6 -17 year olds £18 5 and under Free Tue 31st August 7.45pm Stockport Co. v Grimsby Town Sat 11th September 3pm Stockport Co. v Yeovil Town

Stockport Plaza During WWII in England, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul Rawlins are sent to live with Eglantine Price. who it turns out is an apprentice witch.

Sat 25th September 3pm Stockport Co. v Wrexham

Mon 18th October 7.00pm

Tue 26th October 7.45pm Stockport Co. v Barnet

Sing-A-Long-A-Greatest Showman

Stockport Plaza Experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want.The live host will teach you a unique set of dance moves that will truly make you come alive. As they show you how to use our interactive prop bags.

Sat 9th October 3pm Stockport Co. v Aldershot Town

Sat, 13th November 3pm Stockport Co. v Bromley

Wed 20th October 7.30pm

The Lady Boys of Bangkok Flight of Fantasy

Stockport Plaza Climb aboard for the trip of a lifetime as the

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

Google

What’s On

29

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

Stockport Plaza Embark on a night of adventure and escapism with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival!

Twilight at SK Market will run from 4.30pm to 9pm on the first Saturday each month.

A platform to showcase the regions finest produce, live music, beer & wine, street food and talented local makers.

Stockport Plaza Comedy superstar John Bishop is coming to the Stockport Plaza to warm up his brand-new show!

Mon 27th September 7.45pm

Mon 4th October 7.30pm

Dirty Dusting

Stockport Plaza Featuring tributes to Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan. All the Traveling Wilbury hits and classics are in the show, ‘Handle With Care’, ‘End of the Line’ and many more.

Tue 28th September 7.30pm

Stockport Plaza Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-SheWrote comes to town, with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Broadway Malady”. Jessica Fletcher heads to New York City but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve!

18+

Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Experience

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

Sat 9th October 10.00am - 4.00pm

Stockport Makers Market Stockport Market Place As 11th September

Sat 9th October 7.30pm

The Story of Guitar Heroes

Stockport Plaza Using state-of-the-art video projection the show journeys through five decades, from 1950s Rock & Roll through to the most creative and inspirational guitar heroes of the modern era.

Jonathan Pie - Fake News

Stockport Plaza Jonathan Pie’s critically acclaimed sell out show FAKE NEWS finally returns, updated and remixed for a post-Corona world.

Fri 1st October 11am & 7.30pm

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Stockport Plaza Bette Davis plays former child star ‘Baby’ Jane Hudson who is taking care of her wheelchair bound sister Blanche (Joan Crawford) in this claustrophobic thriller from director Robert Aldrich.

Sat 2nd October 4.30pm - 9.00pm

Sun 10th October From 11am

Talking Pictures TV: The 8th Festival of Film

Stockport Plaza A whole day celebrating British Film & TV History from the 1930s to the 1970s, with celebrity hosts and guests on stage, news reels, films, stalls and, of course, the organist!

Tickets for this whole day dedicated to Film and TV History can be booked by calling the Talking Pictures TV Booking line on 0808 178 8212 Tuesday 12th October 8.00pm & Wednesday 13th October 8.00pm

Twighlight at Stockport Market

John Bishop - Warm Up

Stockport Market Place

Thu 14th October 7.30pm Stockport Plaza Gladys, Olive and Elsie are three ‘vintage style’ cleaning ladies who, threatened with redundancy, chance on an unconventional way of earning some extra cash.

18+ Sat 16th - 23 October 7.30pm

Educating Rita

The Garrick Theatre Willy Russell’s uplifting comedy about the student and teacher relationship between a working-class hairdresser and a middle-aged English Literature university lecturer, who both find unlikely inspiration in one another. www.stockportgarrick.co.uk Sun 17th October 3.00pm

Bedknobs And Broomsticks

Stockport County Edgeley Park

Tickets for the new season are Adults (18+) £18 Students £18 Age 65+ £18 Disabled £18 6 -17 year olds £18 5 and under Free Tue 31st August 7.45pm Stockport Co. v Grimsby Town Sat 11th September 3pm Stockport Co. v Yeovil Town

Stockport Plaza During WWII in England, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul Rawlins are sent to live with Eglantine Price. who it turns out is an apprentice witch.

Sat 25th September 3pm Stockport Co. v Wrexham

Mon 18th October 7.00pm

Tue 26th October 7.45pm Stockport Co. v Barnet

Sing-A-Long-A-Greatest Showman

Stockport Plaza Experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want.The live host will teach you a unique set of dance moves that will truly make you come alive. As they show you how to use our interactive prop bags.

Sat 9th October 3pm Stockport Co. v Aldershot Town

Sat, 13th November 3pm Stockport Co. v Bromley

Wed 20th October 7.30pm

The Lady Boys of Bangkok Flight of Fantasy

Stockport Plaza Climb aboard for the trip of a lifetime as the

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

Google

What’s On world’s most glamorous showgirls (who just happen to be men!) send you soaring to spectacular diamante-dipped song and dance destinations, with over 400 stunning costumes.

18+

Roll variety show on the road today with three hours of brilliant entertainment from start to finish, Featuring hits from the golden age of pop music mixed with a whole lot of fun and laughs along the way.

Thu 21st October 8.00pm

Stockport Town Hall wedding fayre

Katherine Ryan - Missus

Stockport Plaza Having previously denounced partnership, Katherine has since married her first love, accidentally. A lot has changed for everyone and we can look forward to hearing Katherine Ryan’s hilarious new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be Missus.

Fri 22nd October 7.30pm

Seven Drunken Nights The Story of the Dubliners

Stockport Plaza Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.

This hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group back to life and will have you singing and dancing in the aisles.

Sat 23rd October 7.30pm

That’ll Be The Day

Stockport Plaza Don’t miss the UK’s best touring Rock &

Sun 24th October 7.30pm

Stockport Town Hall Showcasing a wide range of wedding suppliers, from venues to photographers, florists to cakes, videographers to entertainment - anything that you would ever need for your special day or event There’ll be a catwalk show featuring bridal wear which will take place at 1pm.

Free Sun 24th October 7.30pm

Bye Bye Baby

Stockport Plaza Bye Bye Baby are a jaw-dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’.

Mon 25th October 7.30pm

An Evening With Geoffrey Boycott

Stockport Plaza Forthright honest views, hilarious anecdotes, personal film footage from an incredible career and a chance for the audience to ask Sir Geoffrey their own questions. It’s a brilliant new evening with our brand new knight.

As ever, this cricket event is being run in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Associa-

tion and we raise money from the evening for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

Tue 26th October 11.00am

Behind The Scenes Tour

Stockport Plaza A chance to have a guided tour behind the scenes of this magnificent building of international significance with tickets sale proceeds going towards our ongoing Maintenance and Restoration Appeal.

Wed 27th October 2.30pm & 6.30pm

Wizard of Oz

Stockport Plaza Starring from Channel 5’s Milkshake Derek Moran as the Scarecrow, Olivia Birchenough as Glinda the Good Witch and Mickey from Blood Brothers Sean Jones as the Wizard. This ‘wicked’ production features beautiful scenery, colourful costumes, a live band, dazzling dance routines, side-splitting comedy and sing-a-long songs.

Fri 29th October 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday

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

Fri 29th October 7.30pm

All Singin All Swinging - Ray Quinn-

Stockport Plaza This concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack, led by a bona fide star of swing music, Ray Quinn.

Mon 1st November 7.45pm

Pop Up Bowie Stockport Plaza

Thu 28th October 7.30pm

Laugh Me A Laugh - An Audience with Tommy Ball

Stockport Plaza Tommy will be joined on stage by his good pals, Johnnie Casson and Stu Francis, for a magical nostalgic evening of laughter, song and a chance to join in and listen to Tommy recount tales from his life and career with Bobby Ball with Q&A’s from the audience.

With a full band Paul Anthony will perform two hours of Bowie’s biggest hits

Although face coverings are no longer mandatory, staff at The Light will be continuing to wear either a mask or visor and the cinema is encouraging their guests to do the same.

A one seat gap will be maintained to create a safe space between parties Release date: 23 September

Release date: 21 October

In August 1996, 250,000 music fans converged on Knebworth to see Oasis play two era defining shows. The concerts sold out in under a day with over 2% of the UK population attempting to buy tickets. This fim shows extensive concert and never before seen footage of the most important concert events of the last 25 years.

Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As forces explode into conflict over the planet’s supply of a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential - only those who can conquer their fear will survive

Oasis Knebworth 1996

Dune