Totally Stockport Magazine Issue 18 Christmas 2022

Welcome to our Christmas 2023 issue of Totally Stockport’s magazine, packed with news of what’s happening in the town centre. From new developments to new openings and news of everything that you can look forward to this festive season.

Stockport is a town of winners! At the recent Manchester Food & Drink Festival, Sam Buckley’s green Michelinstar restaurant Where The Light Gets In was crowned Restaurant of the Year 2022 – huge congratulations to Sam and the team, what an accolade. Stockport’s popular Foodie Friday event, organised and managed by the Barratt family, picked up Pop-Up Project of the Year while dad John and mum Rosemary were awarded the Howard & Ruth Oustanding Achievement Award. And congratulations to the team here at Totally Stockport who, for the 2nd year running, won a Marketing award at the Stockport Business Awards!

This year the town centre’s theme is The Magic of Christmas. In our special edition 4-page pull-out guide you can plan ahead, save the date and discover all the spell-binding events that will make your Stockport Christmas magical. From ‘Elf Yourself Stations’ to the Elf train; from the Giant Post Box in Merseyway to the delights of the Giving Tree and even Breakfast with Santa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As the days get a little frosty, check out the great selection of winter warming ideas on our fashion pages. With so many new business openings, there’s something new to discover every time – grab a coffee at Coffee Block, pick up the perfect present at Squound on Underbanks or from SY2 designs on Prince’s Street. Feeling peckish – for the ‘most amazing fish & chips’ take a seat at Salty Towers and been blown away by delicious Eastern delights of the bakery on Petersgate. Bun & Bones closing in Hazel Grove was one of the biggest disappointments of the year. Not any longeryou can now enjoy your favourite Bun & Bones burgers at Dr Feelgood! For all you Gin lovers, our very own award-winning Stockport Gin has more than a stocking full of gift ideas, and a tipple or two to enjoy on the distillery tours. Did you know, Stockport Plaza has just celebrated its 90th anniversary! One of the finest film and variety theatres in the Northwest, The Plaza is delighted to bring this year’s panto - Cinderella – to the stage. Oh yes she is!!

We hope you enjoy reading Totally Stockport’s magazine and would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and happy 2023.

News Stockport's

Celebrating Creativity with the Made in Stockport Awards 2022

Following the success of its virtual, inaugural event in 2021, Stockport’s Made in Stockport awards saw the first physical awards ceremony taking place at The Pro duce Hall in the town’s historic marketplace.

Started online in 2021 by Stockport creative Aqua Design Group, the awards were a means of showcasing and sup porting businesses in the town given them a much-need ed boost during the Covid-19 pandemic and various lockdowns.

As with the launch event in 2021, winners of the 2022 Made in Stockport Awards were decided by the audience as public nominations are invited for businesses to enter the nine categories. Over 2,800 votes were cast online to choose the winner of each category; businesses with the most nominations within their category were shortlisted as one of the 45 finalists.

The 2022 awards also saw the introduction of two main event sponsors – Azets and Rise Homes as well as indi vidual category sponsors. Rise Homes were responsible for the construction and management of The Mailbox located at the site of the old sorting office on Exchange Street and Azets is an SME-focused accountancy and business advisory firm on Greek Street, Stockport.

Business of the Year sponsored by The Produce Hall

This year’s chosen charity for the awards was Walthew House. A hamper containing items donated by The War ren, Kate O’Brien Art and Stockport Gin, raised £165.00 for the charity.

Noel Hankinson, Office Managing Partner at Azets in Stockport said:

“Azets is delighted to support the Made in Stockport Awards. These awards are inspirational and we value the opportunity to showcase artisan and creative industries and businesses across the town. We are honoured to sponsor the awards and look forward to celebrating all those firms in the Stockport business community and their incredible achievements."

Dylan Moore, owner of Aqua Design Group said: “There are exciting plans moving forward with the awards and looking forward to more businesses from across the town getting involved, be they just starting out in business or looking for a business boost.”

To find out more about the awards and how your business can get involved in 2023, visit www.aquadesigngroup. co.uk

Small Business of the Year sponsored by Stockport Women’s Networking Group Daisy

Concept of the Year sponsored by Dorset Tech

Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Stephensons

Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Kate O’Brien Art

Best Crafter of the Year sponsored by Worker Bee Markets

Business to look out for sponsored by IN Accountancy

Capturing Stockport Award sponsored by Jobs 4 Teens

Independent

Bask

Imprints

Flecky Bennett’s Stockport Ghost Walk

I Knead Pizza

Stockport Gin

Wonky Tails Pet Accessories

Sticky Fingers

Darren Smith Photography

Shop Front sponsored by Kitsch Republic Caro Boutique

Photographs: Alice Alanor Photography

Winners!

The town’s finest at 2022 Stockport Business Awards

Over 400 guests joined in the celebrations at Edgeley Park for the 2022 Stockport Business Awards

Organised by Stockport accountants, Clarke Nicklin, the prestigious event was hosted by popular TV and radio presenter, Jenny Powell, who did a fabulous job of keeping the enthusiastic crowd engaged for those all-important moments highlighting the great

businesses that Stockport has to offer. Seashell Trust were this year’s Charity Partner and raised over £4000 on the evening.

Totally Stockport won a Highly Commended Market ing Campaign award for Comic Con and Kate O’Brien Art was also highly commended for the Stockport award for her contributions to Stockport.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Business of the Year (over £5m) Sponsored by Pioneer Group One+All Business of the Year (£1-5m) Sponsored by Gorvins Solicitors

Business of the Year (up to £1m) Sponsored by Mayfield Floors

Family Business of the Year Sponsored by Clarke Nicklin

Planning

Most Promising Young Business Sponsored by The Business Growth Hub

Employer of the Year Sponsored by Clarke Nicklin Chartered

Best Marketing Campaign Sponsored by Marketing Stockport Stockport County Best Not-for-Profit Organisation Sponsored by Creative Support

The Innovation Award Sponsored by Stockport Council & Economic Alliance GroundWOW Best Creative/Design Agency Sponsored by Dawn Creative Create 8

The Corporate Social Responsibility Award Sponsored by Music Magpie Local Gardens

The Taste of Stockport Award Sponsored by Sage UK Stockport Gin

The Stockport Award Sponsored by Edgeley Park Grassroots Recruitment

Venue@Cornerstone receives global recognition

Venue@Cornerstone took home Gold in the Globee Awards for “Star of the Year in Hospitality, Travel, Recreation, and Leisure”.

Now in its 12th year, the Globee Business Awards recognise accomplishments and contributions of companies and business executives and professionals worldwide.

Venue@Cornerstone is a not-for-profit meeting and events space with social value at the heart of everything it offers, located in Stockport Homes’ town centre Cornerstone headquarters. As a social value-ori ented operation, any profit made is regenerated within the local community served by the Stockport Homes Group.

Despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 restric tions, the site achieved its best ever year achieving a 71% increase in annual revenue than previously gener ated pre-pandemic. The achievement is testament to Venue@Cornerstone’s Sales and Marketing Team.

Jenny Osbourne, Chair of Stockport Homes Board said: “The award demonstrates the hard work the Venues@ Cornerstone Team put in to ensure the meeting and events space are a success. Their outstanding perfor mance and dedication to the Stockport community is a credit to the Team and Stockport Homes, who’s local communities will see the money being reinvested into providing essential services and improving their neighbourhoods.”

Hollingworth Design

Hatters

Financial

Almond Family Pubs

Faber Joinery

Accountants Vernon Building Society

SignPost Stockport for Carers

The Venue@Cornerstone sales and marketing team members, Hannah Shaw (L) and Kate Maddocks (R).

Plans progress for apartments on Sainsbury’s site

Plans for over 500 build-to-rent apartments on the former town centre Sainsbury’s supermarket site are set to move forward after Amstone Ventures submitted plans in December last year for 563 new homes on the 3.28-acre plot.

The scheme will feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bed room apartments as well as 34 three-bedroom townhous es. Plans will split apartments across three blocks and open up the riverside along the Goyt for pedestrian access into the town’s main shopping district.

Dubbed Knightsbridge, the £100 million plans have been altered from their original design for the planning applica tion following a public consultation exercise and feedback that has seen properties consolidated into three buildings, rather than six, and widened the public access routes through the scheme.

While the Sainsbury’s supermarket building will be demol ished to make way for the scheme, underground parking facilities at the store will be repurposed to provide parking for residents via a new access road to link the site with major routes and avoid increasing traffic through Stock port town centre itself. The scheme also aims to improve walking and cycling routes into the town centre from the Eastern side.

The new development will complement further housing being brought forward to the West of the town centre by Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation as part of the council’s £1 billion regeneration programme.

Stockport Interchange takes shape

The oval outline of Stockport town centre’s new transport interchange is beginning to take shape just over a year since work started on the former bus station site.

As well as a modern transport interchange, the project will also see the construction of a new two-acre park and 196 high-quality residential apartments. Construc tion also began this summer on a new bridge to link the new bus interchange with Stockport’s train station.

To date there has been over 5,000 cubic metres of concrete poured on site, creating the piled foundations and some of the stairs, lift cores and frames for both the interchange and residential buildings.

Building contractor, Wilmott Dixon, have re-used 74% of excavated material, significantly reducing demand for natural resources. The team will also be reusing 29,847 cubic metres of site materials, meaning no additional soils or aggregates will need to be imported to site.

The new transport interchange is set to open in 2024 with a fully accessible and covered passenger con course, seated waiting areas, and 18 bus stands that will provide capacity for future growth in bus services.

The Stockport interchange development forms a core part of the Town Centre West regeneration district, a 130-acre site that will see new housing, leisure, work space and amenities delivered.

Vernon shares £2,000 fund to local charities

Stockport’s Vernon Building Society has shared its £2,000 community fund with five Community Stars charities for the third quarter of 2022.

Over 2,600 members of the public voted for the following not-for-profit groups:

• The Cherry Tree Project (pictured below) £700

• Norbury Lacrosse Club – Girls Section £550

• Vale Jets Morris Dancing Troupe £350

• Together Trust £250

• Just 4 Dads St Chads £150

Rachel Bresnahan, founder of The Cherry Tree Project in Romiley, said:

“This money is massively important to us right now. With winter around the corner, we’re concerned about people choosing between heating and eating. We can provide a warm space and a healthy meal to those who fall through the support gaps. It’s fantastic that Vernon supports local organisations that are genuinely committed to the local community.”

Tanasè Rivers, Head of Marketing, Brand and Culture at the Society, said: “Stockport has plenty of amazing groups, charities and not-for-profits and Vernon is committed to supporting them, especially during this challenging time. We’re delighted to provide funding to these five fantastic local organisations through our Community Stars scheme.”

Vernon relaunched its new community funding scheme earlier this year to help local charities and not-for-profit groups across the Stockport borough. You can vote now for your favourite local charity or not-for-profit organisa tion to have a share of the final funding pot of £5,000. Ap plications are open until 30th November. To nominate your favourite local visit thevernon.co.uk/community-stars

Merseyway school uniform donations raise over £800

Apop-up school uniform shop at Merseyway Shopping Centre has raised over £800 for Chelwood Food Bank by selling second-hand school uniform donated by local people.

Opened to help families prepare for the new school year, the pop-up shop stocked good quality, preloved school items that were ready to be re-worn and could be pur chased for a small donation of 50p per item. £890 in pro ceeds were raised, with all money going to support a local food bank in the borough.

The entire project was run and managed by Merseyway staff and the local Neighbourhood team, who volunteered their time to help sort and merchandise the shop that pro vided local parents with massive savings during the cost-

of-living crisis, while also providing a sustainable option for families looking at ways to help the environment.

Merseyway Centre Manager, Victoria Nichol (pictured, centre) said: “It’s a difficult time for our shoppers at the moment. With energy bills on the rise amongst other living costs, we wanted to help our local community by providing them with an opportunity to purchase quality, secondhand school items for a small donation. As food prices are also on the rise and many families are struggling, we knew it was important to put all the donated funds back into the community, and by working with Chelwood Food Bank, we know these much-needed funds will help to support local people in crisis. This project has been a real labour of love for the centre and wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated team who gave up hours of their time to sort through uniforms and manage the shop each day.”

ART B ATTLESTOCKPORT

For one night in September, the old Debenhams build ing in Stockport came back to life for a remarkable, sold-out, event unlike anything the town has seen before.

Art Battles have taken place in Manchester before but this was the first time they have headed out into the sub urbs and as sponsors of the event Totally Stockport are proud to have helped making it happen.

It's fair to say that not many of the 1,000 people in at tendance knew what to expect and those familiar with the building from its time as a department store were no doubt even more curious. Entering the building on a balmy Friday evening, the first thing the visitor could see was the Art Battle 'arena' itself, a stage in the middle of the space with five easels on it.

Going further in, past the escalators, the rest of the evening falls into place. There are stalls selling clothes, art and a variety of highly gift-able items as well as bars providing liquid fuel for the night ahead, most of them businesses based in the town. The food offer was out side in the delivery bay where a van was being spray painted by local street artists Jay Sharples and Hammo.

The format of the battle itself was that five artists would have half an hour to produce their work which would then be voted on by the public. This was fol lowed by a fun interlude in which four celebrities battled each other over 15 minutes, a battle which saw 5Live's Nihal Arthanayake triumph over a couple of Blossoms and Actor/Stock port bar owner Adam Thomas.

The battle resumed in earnest with five new artists taking their positions, resulting in a vote-off against the best paintings from the first heat with Jenny Leonard coming out as an obviously popular winner.

Seeing the great and the good of Stockport flooding out the doors of Debenhams at the end of the evening was surreal but so was the entire night itself. Judging by so cial media appeals in the days leading up to the event, a lot more people wanted to attend than the 1,000 capacity would allow and there are certainly a lot of people hoping it returns.

Winner of the Golden Paintbrush: Jenny Leonard

Terry Christian

Let’s start at the beginning, you were born in Old Trafford?

I lived on the border of Old Trafford, Whalley Range, Hulme and Moss Side, almost equidistant from all of them. Nearly everyone on our street was of Irish descent but there were a lot of of Jamaicans too. We backed onto some houses with big backyards and the Jamaicans would have parties every Saturday night instead of going out. So when I was sent to bed at half seven, the music was coming through the walls.

What did your parents do?

They were both Dubliners. My mum was a seamstress until she married my dad who was a labourer. He’s got a different job on each of our birth certificates.

Let’s have your first song, what’s it going to be? The Beatles, She Loves You because one of my first memories is of climbing onto the kitchen chair with my sister’s tennis racket and singing “She Loves You, Yeah Yeah yeah!” but taking it really seriously. Our Mary, who was four years older used to do the screaming like the crowd and that made me cry be cause she was interrupting the song.

When you were at school, what did you want to be? I didn’t really want to be anything. At Primary School you’re just trying to please your mum and I was expected to pass my 11-plus. There were 88 kids in our year when I was 11 and I came first! But mostly I just wanted to get into the school football team. St Al phonsus always used to win the Stretford East league so to get into that team was really important.

I quite liked primary school but secondary school was horrific. I went to St Bedes, it was like borstal with incense. I don’t know anyone who actually liked it and loads of people went there. Funnily enough the first record I bought was there and it was off Chris Nagle who went on to engineer all the Joy Division and New Order stuff at Strawberry. He sold me his copy of Goodbye To Jane by Slade for 30p. Funnily enough, there were only four of us who went from St Alphon sus to St Bedes and one of them was my mate John Maher who went on to be in Buzzcocks. And in the year below me was Andy Connell from A Certain Ratio and Swing Out Sister.

What’s your second song going to be?

This is a guy who’s really saying something and being of Irish descent I’d hear very similar themes. Songs were traditionally important - they were almost a way of spreading the news and keeping the revolution alive for a generation yet to come. It’s Bob Marley, No Woman No Cry

So, back to school...

For A-Level I did Physics with Maths, Chemistry, Biology and General Studies. I chose all the wrong subjects, I hated them. I wanted to do English Lit, History and German but my mum said they were girl’s subjects and our Tony had done Chemistry, Maths and Physics, so I had to be like him. I failed miserably. I just wanted to leave home and the respectable way to do that was going to University or Polytechnic, so I went off to Thames Polytechnic. It was the days of the full grant, which was great. I was in London aged 18 getting about £48 a week, which I wouldn’t have got if I was working.

Do we have a song from this point in your life?

Yes, I was staying at a teacher training college and there were all these international baccalaureate peo ple of my age and they liked my record collection. And with me coming from Manchester, they thought I was cool and people were getting me to DJ because I had a lot records so the big one that I used to put on when I was hanging out with all these baccalaureate chicks (ten women to every bloke at the teacher training college!) was Lou Reed, Coney Island Baby. It was the height of sophistication.

So what came after Poly? Well I got thrown off the degree course and ended up taking three years to get an HND: a distinction in Applied Microbiol ogy, what about that, eh? That shuts them up on Twitter, the anti-vaxxers.

When I got back to Manchester

I was on the dole and I used to stay in bed until 2 o’clock every day. One day my mum was

moaning about me to this woman, Mrs Flanagan, and her son had just been asked to supply loads of kids on the dole for a new TV show called Devil’s Advocate, because the Scarman Reports on the 1981 riots said one of the causes of the riots was the high level of youth unemployment. So he asked if I wanted to go to Granada Studios and be interviewed about it so I went down, they gave me a fiver and when they filmed it on a Sunday they gave you 15 quid.

I got spotted on the show, because I was quite out spoken and quite well read. Everyone thought I was a plant but I got loads of fan mail, more than I’ve ever had since. And the great thing about being recognised as a 20 year-old who’s famous for being on the dole is that when you go out, women chat you up and don’t expect you to buy them a drink!

So I got offered a job at BBC Radio Derby presenting a youth show. They thought I had a great ability to think on my feet. It was in every national newspaper.

“Terry Lands His Dream Job!” What dream job? I’d never dreamt of any job.

I just dreamt about being allowed to stay in bed.

I started December 7th 1981 and the first show wasn’t going to be until January, so they were giving me three weeks of training. I remember going to interview UB40 and they recognised me. “You’re that lad off the telly!”

Hated, adored but never ignored. We caught up with Strawberry Radio’s Terry Christian and aske him to come up with eight songs that define his life to date.

Time for a song...

This was the very first song I ever played on Radio Derby, I’d been there three weeks and I thought, this is a clever link. Bit corny when I look back on it but it’s The Jam, Strange Town

So it’s all going well for young Terry?

Well I thought I was rubbish. The only person I knew on the radio who had an accent like mine was Sweeney which gave me a bit of belief because he was doing well, but he was doing well in Manchester, not Derby. But I was trained brilliantly. John Barton, who trained me, went on to be the editor of the Today programme on Radio 4 and the 9 o’clock news on BBC1. The other guy, Simon Shaw, was producing You and Yours on Radio 4 at 23.

The show was called Barbed Wireless and we were allowed to do a lot of politics. I interviewed Neil Kinnock, Keith Joseph and Robin Day as well as John Peel, UB40 and Culture Club. One Bank Holiday I put together a compilation of the best bits we’d done and it won a Sony Award. ‘Best Specialist Music Show 1985’ And the next year I won it again with a different show. I’d been the youngest person to win a Sony Award and now I was the first person to win two!

Through that show I started managing a reggae band called Junior C. Reaction, Better Must Come is my next song. It’s the £80 demo that got us a deal. All 12 of them playing live in a studio in Derby.

How did TV come about for you?

Well first, Key 103 started in Manchester and Picca dilly Radio [owners of Key103] gave me 6pm-9pm to whatever I wanted. 100% free choice. So suddenly I can get access to everyone because they’re a big commercial station. Record companies were shower ing me with stuff. When I was at Derby I had to beg to get an Echo and the Bunnymen album.

I was the only one on Key103 who was allowed to interview people and give prizes away, so I was having the best time ever. We had James do a live session for us, The Pixies did an acoustic session and this caused a bit of resentment with some people. They didn’t like that I came in at 10am to prepare for my show at 6pm but I’d been trained by good people and I wanted to make a great show. Then, with about a month of my contract to go I got the bullet. There had been an ownership change and I was cut to two shows a week and when I got back from a week away I was sacked. Apparently the music I was playing was too obscure but two weeks after that, The Stone Roses, The Happy Mondays and even 808 State were all on the same edition of Top of the Pops.

So then I went to KFM in Stockport with Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne and John Ronson, who became my sidekick. Then out of the blue I get a call to ask if I want to audition for this show in London, which turned out to be The Word. I’d already auditioned for The Tube and got to the final six and they didn’t end up employing any of us. Once they agreed to pay my train fare I went to the interview. I got invited back for a final audition and I realised they wanted me to do it because they kept me there all day and just kept trying different women with me. The woman I kept recommending, who they wouldn’t audition, was Caroline Aherne. They didn’t want two people from Manchester.

So my next song is The Stone Roses, Made of Stone because in many ways the first Stone Roses album

started the Madchester scene and that’s why the people at The Word wanted someone from Manches ter. They had asked journalists up here who they’d recommend and they all mentioned me.

So we’ve reached The Word now. People eating worms...

You know, the awful for thing for me is the eating worms, this idea of the hopefuls, we only did that for half of series four and half of series five. I’d come out of music magazine radio shows, I’d interviewed politicians, run nightclubs, I’d managed a band and suddenly, after eight and a half, years of that sort of experience, I’m working with people who have very little experience at all, except having been to a posh school. They had no imagination. In meetings about what we should put in the show I was having to argue for very basic stuff - filming the Happy Mondays, do ing an interview with James Brown. I felt like the gar dener on Downton Abbey. So I get associated with all the bad stuff that happened on The Word which was all the stuff I hated.Even the title of the show came from the column I had in the Evening News because they couldn’t think of one themselves.

How did you end up with Amanda de Cadenet?

They just thought “he’s got an accent, he’s working class, let’s put him with someone posh.” She was good fun though but it was weird. I remember sending her to a Soul Weekender at Pontins in Prestatyn and she was worried about where she’d be staying. I told her she’d be staying in a chalet but of course Amanda’s thinking a chalet is on three levels in some exclusive Swiss resort. We used to go to Pontins on holiday so I knew it looked like something Charles Bronson tunnelled out of in The Great Escape.

Who were you favourite guests on the show? Whitney Houston was a thrill. That was show 12 which was the first one which went out at 11pm. They teamed her up with Boy George because he’d had a spat with her in the press. Another time we had Sinéad O’Connor, who’d just had a spat with Boy George, so he was there again. So was Jah Wobble. Not a drop of English blood between us. Four lapsed Catholics on a sofa.

Any backstage scuffles?

I just gave up arguing after a while. I felt quite demor alised by it and it wasn’t great for my mental health. I’d only done about three shows and someone phoned up Andy Spinoza who worked on the gossip page of the Evening News and I was sitting right opposite him. He put the phone down and said “That was Piers Morgan, he says have I got any dirt on you because he wants to get you.” But the abuse was constant, being called cerebrally challenged, a moron,.. and it’s strange that that gets picked up on unquestioningly because The Word was a very tricky show to do. It was live, the running order was fluid, there was no script, no Autocue, anything could happen... and I coped with it so well. Because I had the experience. But you’re never going to look really smooth doing it.

It ran for five years..

It would have run longer than that. It had a 49%

audience share, we were getting around 3m viewers a week. TFI Friday was down to around 1.2m by the end of series one. The Girly Show came into our slot and it didn’t come near the figures we’d been doing. There was a new commissioning editor who wanted it to fail but he couldn’t just take it off because Michael Grade would be straight on the phone to him, so after each show he put something up saying “If you would like to complain about anything on this show, call this number” So all the complaints went to the board of governors and they made the decision to take The Word off.

So the song I’m going to pick from this era is Oasis, Supersonic because I had to argue for eight week to get them on.

You went on to do Celebrity Big Brother in 2009? Yes, I wasn’t going to do it at first and then I thought, well I’m always a bit miserable in January and my mum had died a few months earlier so, let’s do some thing I wouldn’t normally do. And I quite enjoyed it in a weird way. I was on there with Coolio, La Toya Jack son, Verne Troyer, Mutya Buena, Ulrika Jonssonpeople I’d actually heard of!

We kept getting penalised so we were on rations most of the time and we had no hot water for a lot of it. At the beginning they made me King for the week, so I got my own room. I wasn’t getting nominated because I was brutally honest which, in real life, makes you enemies but in Big Brother it makes you look like a straight person, with integrity. I had a bit of a falling out with Ulrika but I got on really well with the others.

And coming up to date, you’ve got a lot of projects on at the moment...

I’ve got a book - finally - the ultimate book on Man chester music, called True Faith. I’ve got my standup show : The Word is.. Terry Christian - The Naughty Nineties And More... that’s been going fantastically. We have some of your favourite clips from The Word and some of my observations on life - It’s not what people expect. And that’s touring all over, including Stockport Plaza and then London in January. There’s other things going on but as you get older everything seems to take longer because your heads so scram bled by bad experiences from the past.

I assume you enjoy the stand up?

Once I get up there, yes. I did a show years ago called Naked Confessions of a Recovering Catholic which boiled down to “I’m a bit of a git, but it’s God’s fault”

We need one last song...

I’ve worked with Noddy Holder since 1989 I when I was doing The Word I used to bump into him on the train down to London - he’d get on at Wilmslow - and we’d spend the time talking about music we loved, Northern Soul and things like that and this is a record we both loved, it’s Anne Peebles, I Can’t Stand the Rain.

Catch Terry across the UK on his ‘The Word is....Terry Christian Tour and on Strawberry Radio at 6pm Sundays with his ‘Northerner’s With Attitude’ show

Bun & Bones Club

Juice Time Bar

One of the latest additions to the town centre, Juice Time Bar is serving up a se lection of mouth-watering fruit cocktails, de licious crepes & waffles, dreamy milk shakes, fresh coffee and much more! Pop over to Prince’s Street and visit their Facebook page for opening times.

73-75 Prince’s Street

Salty Towers

Abig welcome to Salty Towers, the home of ‘amazing fish & chips’ now open at 21 Underbank, in Stockport town centre.

Voted The Best Take away in the North West at last year’s Brit ish Takeaway Awards, Bun & Bones Club have moved from their premises in Hazel Grove and taken up residency at Doctor Feelgood in the Marketplace.

Needless to say, they specialise in burgers and wings but to give an idea of their offer, at the time of going to press their burger of the week consisted of: two beef patties, smoked Monterey Jack cheese, grilled bratwurst, house made currywurst sauce, pickled red cabbage, mayo, crispy onions, curry powder, all on a sesame seed brioche. See you there.

Inside Doctor Feelgood, Marketplace

Alan’s Super Store

Salty Towers Fish Bar’s owner Julian and his team are serving up traditional freshly cooked dishes from the newly refurbished shop on the site of the former Fish Inn. The extensive menu offers a selection of fish, pies, chicken, sides, a kid’s menu and soft drinks.

Opening times are Monday to Thursday 11am to 5pm; Friday & Saturday 11am to 5pm and, judging by the reviews, you won’t be disap pointed!

“What a find A bright and friendly Chippy right in the centre of Little Underbank. The food is always hot, fresh and tasty. Nowhere else to touch the quality” Facebook

21 Underbank

For anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern food, Alan’s Super Store on St Petersgate is an Aladdin’s cave of won ders. The front of the shop is stocked with fresh food - big bunches of herbs, a variety of chillies and spectacular pomegranates. Heading further into the shop there are chilled food and drinks in banks of refrig erators. You could grab a can of Fanta but why not try a bottle of Istak, a brand of soft drink extremely popular in Iran? In the middle of the shop are the groceries,

including a dizzying variety of dried spices and condiments as well jars of pickles and sauces. We came away with pomegranate molasses, a bag of dried barberries, some lime powder and a big jar of bandari - a spicy mix of pickled vegetables, delicious with some freshly made bread.

Which brings us onto the back of the shop where the real surprise of package can be found: a huge barbari oven which, our host Ebi tells us, was imported from Iran in order

that they could make the most authentic bread available for miles. On our first visit the impressively skilled baker was making barbari - two foot long slabs of breadwhile on the second it was lavash, a thin, circular bread perfect for wraps. Watching them being made is great entertainment. Once kneaded, it is slapped onto a large metal disc which then revolves through the oven, quickly emerging perfectly baked.

38 St Petersgate

SY2

Prince’s Street is fast becoming the place to be in as the latest shop to open its doors is bring ing a touch of the orient to Stockport town cen tre. SY2idesign is a beautiful lifestyle store and coffee bar that really does offer something for everyone – an authentic Japanese Café offering tempting, home-cooked crepes blended into a gorgeous gift shop and brimming with ideas to create your perfect interior-design led home. While you’re there check out their amazing range of Nuditeas – will you be tempted by Fifty Shades of Earl or perhaps Breakfast in the Buff?

Or perhaps an Iced Caramel, Iced Vanilla Latte or Iced Matcha Latte is your preferred choice. 3 Prince’s Street

Squound

In the last issue of Totally Stockport we featured Tim from Squound, paintbrush in hand as he prepared the shop for its opening. We can now report that he’s done a great job and that this is one of the most remarkable shop interiors in Stockport.

Tim and his partner in Squound Chris are not new to the town, their business previously traded from 20th Century Stores in the Marketplace but now they have their own home on Little Underbank where they are showcasing some amazing piec es that represent the very best of design from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The range is so extensive and they have creatively crammed so much into the space that you could walk out with a modest stocking filler or blow the budget on a Danish classic.

22 Little Underbank

Glitch COMING

Anew gaming concept bar is taking shape on Prince’s Street bringing a new dimension in entertainment to Stockport town centre. Set over two floors Glitch is an immersive, interac tive bar where you can expect retro arcade machines, game consoles, quality cocktails & more.

Glitch is bringing a new style in entertainment and the arts to a town already brimming with a rich talent pool of makers and creators - another step closer to Stockport becoming a city-like-town with more to offer, for everyone.

A joint venture between Joseph Patten and his partner Amy Fletcher, Joe already believes Stockport to be the ideal place to locate a business having already made a significant investment in Stockport’s burgeoning hospitality offering as owner of The Cracked Actor, The Glass Spider and Dr Feelgood.

Amy is looking forward to welcoming

SOON!

new customers to Glitch: “We are bringing a retro & modern, immersive games bar to Stockport in a level that has not been done before. We have thrown as many ideas as we could into one unit to create a gamers utopia!”

Glitch aims to open before Christmas

Goodness Organic Foods

Goodness Organic Foods, a new concept in grocery shopping, has opened in Stockport town centre – a perfect place to stock up on fresh, healthy foods and relax with friends for coffee.

Located next door to Poundland and Shoe Zone on War ren Street, the store has bright new fascia – the perfect welcome for what’s about to be uncovered in store.

You’ll be drawn into the bakery area by the wonderful smells of the freshly baked bread, pies, pasties and cakes before being tempted by the delicious desserts. As well as shelves stacked full of the freshest fruit and vegetables, you can still pick up food to go – a selection of sandwiches, fruit cups and chilled drinks are on offer too.

Don’t just take our word for it - the new store has been causing quite a stir on Facebook - these are just a few of the comments as it opened its doors…… “They’ve got a coffee shop too – that’s the weekend sorted”

“What an amazing place” “OMG, this looks awesome and vegan! Wow” “.. the pistachio baklava is amazing …” “Well needed” 2 Warren Street

Coffee Block

Auniquely independent Coffee House, serving hand crafted Coffee, amazing cakes and delicious toasted sandwiches has proved a winning formula.

Located next door to the Body Shop in Merseyway shop ping centre, Coffee Block is owned by Stockport local, David Howarth. With 25 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, David aims to provide incredible coffee and service ‘for the block we live on’, catering to the Stockport commu nity in a contemporary environment.

David Howarth, Coffee Block owner said: “I am a local lad who has grown up in Stockport, and after achieving 25 years in the industry, I thought it was time to take the leap and own my own place- and where better than my hometown! I am so excited to have opened our doors to the Stockport community. This has always been a dream of mine and I aim to put Stockport on the coffee map. Independent retailers have a place on the high street and

4-6, Merseyway

Coffee Block will be in the heart of Stockport’s.”

And Coffee Block is already attracting 5* reviews and a 5* Food Hygiene Rating. One fan who took to Trip Advisor said: “Best independent Coffee Shop ever … since discovering Coffee Block, I have visited on most of my days off. The coffee is amazing as is the selection of bespoke cakes. Without doubt the best coffee shop I have been in and the customer service is 100%.”

The Magic of Christmas @Merseyway

Free festive fun including A Giant Post Box, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Merseyway’s Post Office, Giving Tree, Festive Huts, and a Nice List with Father Christmas. Write a letter to Santa at the Merseyway Post Office

Post your letter to Father Christmas at the Giant Postbox and watch it on its way to the North Pole.

Storytime with Mrs Claus

Located in the undercover mall every weekend in December from 11am — 3pm. Tickets available to purchase online from the Merseyway website.

The Magic of Christmas @StaircaseHouse

Visit Father Christmas at Staircase House on Saturday 10th, from 10am to 4pm & Sunday 11th December, from 10am to 3:15pm.

£12.50 per child includes a reindeer trail, craft activities & a gift.

Book your place by visiting Staircase House in the Market Place or call 0161 474 4444.

The Magic of Christmas @Underbanks

If you’re looking to kick off the festive season in style, visit the quirky and bustling Underbanks, packed with great tastes and a fantastic array of Stockport’s finest independent traders.

Find out more on their website and Facebook page: underbankstockport.co.uk

Merseyway’s Giving Tree

Follow @merseyway or visit www.merseyway.com

Do something special this Christmas and give a gift at Merseyway’s annual Giving Tree — donate a gift until 14th December.

Festive Huts & Late-Night Shopping

A fantastic range of festive gifts and treats from Christmas decorations to delicious delights. Merseyway will be open until 7pm every Thursday in December and on Friday 23rd December 2022

The Magic of Christmas @ThePlaza

Christmas begins at the Plaza with Neil Sands’ Christmas Memories, a heart-warming, afternoon of festive nostalgia. Sleeping Beauty and a festive Green Room tea tee us up nicely for this year’s panto, all time classic Cinderella.

Find out about all the great Plaza performances on their website.

The Magic of Christmas @TheLight

‘Breakfast with Santa’ which includes: Breakfast Photo with Santa Then go watch the Grinch

The Magic of Christmas @MarketPlace

12 Market Days of Christmas

Head over to Stockport Market and you could be in with a chance of WINNING a share of £1,600 worth of vouchers to take care of those last-minute gifts or treat yourself to something nice.

Market Place are giving away 11 sets of vouchers worth £100 each, along with a star prize of £500 to spend in the market hall. Entry is completely FREE!

To find out more, head over to Stockport Market’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram feed.

Stockport Makers Market

On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December from 10am to 4pm, join an abundance of the North West’s finest makers, bakers and creators, perfect for all your Christmas treats and gorgeous gifts. A great weekend of festive fun and shopping for all the family

Foodie Friday Christmas Special

16th December from 6pm – 9pm Meet new and old friends. Discover tasty food favourites and delectable drinks, all topped off with great music – the perfect start to Christmas

Totally Stockport reveals Stockport’s Totally Ghastly Secrets

Did you know Stockport has some ghastly secrets from its gory past? Do you dare to discover Stockport Town Centre’s dark past?

From mystery skeletons to torturous punish ments, you won’t believe your eyes!

Who knew why hard workers in Stockport were called Mad Hatters?

Discover how John Dean met his very public end – AAHHGG!

Stockport’s brand new Totally Ghastly Secrets Augmented Reality Trail will take you on an adventure to discover seven spooky charac ters, each with a shocking tale, each coming to a ghastly, grisly end in the cold, dark corners of a distant past.

What was Alice Holt’s poisonous plan? Can you guess where the ghost with a wooden leg hangs out? Discover the mystery of the

bricked-up bones and can you imagine target practice with real rats!!

Join us on our terror-ific AR trail across Stock port town centre, seek out all seven ghastly characters and discover their hair-raising, darkest secrets.

To get you started on your spooky search, download the Virtually Stockport App for iPhones from the App store or for Android from the Google Store.

There are lots of ways to join in the trail:

Follow the simple instructions on the app and use the GPS-enabled map in the app to follow the trail. You can download a copy of the map from Totally Stockport’s website.

Visitors to the town centre can collect a map from the Heritage Centre in St Mary’s Church, from Staircase House in Market Place or from

Totally Stockport’s office on Great Underbank.

Stockport’s Totally Ghastly Secrets Trail is not just for every Halloween. The Augmented Reality Trail is designed to be a permanent fun activity in the town centre and will be available for anyone to enjoy at any time, an ideal activ ity for groups of school children and organisa tions to enjoy throughout the year.

The Virtually Stockport App

The free App uses a WiFi/data connection to download map data, and GPS to help you find your location on the trail route. The app will attempt to use as little data as possible. (No personal data will be stored or shared, so any use of the App is completely private; it is up to you if you want to share any photos you capture via social media –use the tag #stock portghastlysecrets

Find out more at www.totallystockport.co.uk

It’s be-GIN-ing to look a lot like Christmas

Stockport Gin are getting in the festive spirit – choose from a gor geous range of Christmas gifts (or perhaps a cheeky gift from you to you). Treat your loved ones to a distillery tour or pop along to our special Christmas Shopping Night.

Christmas Range

We are bringing back all of our popular Christmas gifts! Our Spiced Orange and Cranberry Christmas Edition Gin is back! It is a won derful gin distilled with Orange, Cranberries and all the traditional Christmas spices! Our miniature gin filled baubles will also be avail able as will our Stockport Gin crackers. We also have a wide range of gift boxes and hampers that we can customise to any budget too so there really is something for everyone!

Distillery Tours – Various Dates

Our distillery tours are running on various dates throughout Novem ber and December for anyone looking for a perfect Christmas night out. We also offer vouchers for our tours that make perfect Christ mas presents! All the info can be found on Stockport Gin’s website.

Christmas Shopping Night

We are hosting a Christmas Shopping Night in our distillery where people can come in and browse our full range of Christmas gifts. We will also have a number of local traders with stalls here too, so it is sure to be a great night! Tickets are £15 each and include a G&T and a Mince Pie, plus the bar will be open for further drinks on the night.

Shop Opening Hours and Location

Our shop is located at 19B St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1EB. We are open 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Satur day right up to Christmas.

Stockport Winners at Manchester Food & Drink Festival Awards

Stockport’s Where The Light Gets In took the star prize at the Manchester Food & Drink Festival Awards 2022 picking up the coveted Restaurant of the Year award.

Housed in a former coffee warehouse, Chef de Patron, Sam Buckley’s award-winning restaurant Where The Light Gets In has won many accolades, attracting regular diners from across the UK eager to taste his unique menu of the day.

Stockport’s Foodie Friday Pop-Up event, or ganised and managed by the Barratt family, which takes place on the last Friday of the month, picked up the Pop-Up Project of the Year award.

Stockport welcomes Tapas to the menu

Get ready to tempt your tastebuds, Abeja is the latest kitchen to join Stockport town centre’s ever-expanding menu of worldwide cuisine. Now serving delicious tapas dishes at the Glass Spider just off the Market Place, Abeja (‘Ah-bay-ha’) means bee in Spanish and represents the connection the team want to create with Spain. Their direct relationships with many independent artisans in Granada have ena bled Abeja to bring us only the tastiest and truly authentic produce of southern Spain you won’t find anywhere else.

The colourful Medi terranean dishes are based on natural ingredients with a strong Moorish influence and cooked intuitively in a simple way. Abeja’s food is lov ingly prepared from scratch; dishes are inspired by recipes cooked in owner Ana’s family for generations.

John & Rosemary Barratt were also awarded the Howard & Ruth Outstanding Achieve ment Award.

Stockport Gin was shortlisted as Inde pendent Drinks Producer of the Year and Stockport was shortlisted in the Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year category, won by Ancoats.

The winners were announced at an award ceremony that took place at Manchester’s Escape to Freight Island. From the shortlist, final judging took place via the Manchester Food and Drink Festival awards website where the public could vote for their favour ite food and drink venues.

The Stockport Plaza celebrates 90 Years of serving her community

On October 7th 1932 a vision was born when the glorious Stockport Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre was born and for 90 years, she has served her community in her various guises through to the modern day where with the support of our community she has been saved and has since be come an iconic jewel in the artistic crown of the North West for future gener ations to enjoy.

In a week of celebrations that took place this October, The Plaza hosted a variety of events that showcased the various aspects of what makes her the venue of choice for so many within our community and beyond.

From the glamour of ‘The Ladyboys of Bangkok’ a show which was suitable for audiences aged 16 years of age and over to a ‘Compton Organ Day’ which showcased the majesty of The Mighty Compton Organ along with a special screening on the same day of the Film: Save The Cinema (Cert 12A) which de tailed the story of another magnificent venue saved by her community. There really was something for everybody.

As a special celebration at the end of the week of 90th Birthday celebrations, The Plaza hosted an evening with Robert Powell and Liza Goddard who pre sented their show ‘Silver Screen’ a fascinating insight into the first hundred or so years of cinema, a fitting finale to a week of celebrations.

As the 90th Birthday year draws to a close The Plaza will throw open her doors to welcome us all to the greatest Family Pantomime in The North West when Cinderella starring the much loved Eastenders Star Cheryl Fergison with Stockport’s very own star of ‘Early Doors’ and ‘The Royle Family’ Phil Mealey plus Full Supporting Cast take to the stage from Thursday 8th De cember 2022 until Sunday 8th January 2023 in an affordable family treat for us all to enjoy….Oh yes we will!

Full details of all events at The Plaza can be found in the latest sea son brochure which is out now and can be collected from The Plaza on Mersey Square in the very heart of Stockport or by visiting The Plaza website on www.stockportplaza.co.uk , whilst tickets can be purchased in person at The Stockport Plaza, on line or by calling the Booking Line on 0161 477 7779.

Emergency Services Day

Friday 19th August was Emergency Services Day in the UK, with a day of activities in St Peter’s Square to support ambulance, fire and rescue, and police ser vices in Greater Manchester.

Emergency Services Day (also known as 999 Day) is a national day across the UK. It is supported by HM The King, the Prime Minister and First Ministers of North ern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It provides the public with a chance to support the heroic men and women of the NHS and the emergency services and promotes the work of the emergency services, promotes using the emergency services responsibly, educates the public about basic lifesaving skills, and promotes the many career and volunteering opportunities available.

Volunteers are an essential part of the emergency services family and they play a core part in keeping Britain safe. 999 volunteer roles include; Special Constables, Retained Firefight ers, NHS Community Responders, St John Ambulance, RNLI, Search and Rescue and Coastguard volunteers.

Tom Scholes-Fogg, the founder of Emergency Services Day decided to set the day up after discovering that there was no annual day across Britain to honour our 999 heroes. Tom secured the support of the then Prime Minister, Theresa May while The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cam bridge and many others have since promoted it and visit ed first responders.

The event was well attended and kids had the chance to get hands-on with a variety of vehicles and bits of equip ment. The demonstration of what can happen when you leave your cooking unattended (pic: bottom row, centre) was obviously very popular.

Greater Manchester Police in Stockport used the occas sion to raise funds for local charitable organisations in cluding Signpost Stockport for Carers, Stockport Togeth er, Stockport Sea Cadets, Cradle and Handy Ladies.

Stockport Pride

The last day of July saw Stockport Pride return to the town with the numbers attentending clearly growing year by year. The traditional parade from Redrock to the marketplace appeared to be longer than ever and the numbers in the Market Place throughout the day similarly impressive.

As ever there was lively entertainment on the Martyn Hett stage - sponsored by musicMagpie - which was compered by the Vegan Queens with star name Rowetta rounding off the day. A raffle raised £1,142.58 which will be shared between three organisations working with the LGBTQ+ community in Stockport.

20th Century Stores

Launched in 2015 in Stockport’s historic Market Place, 20th Century stores has become a firm favourite for new and returning visitors. Incorporating the Vintage Village Boutique, the vintage centre housed in characterful Victori an premises, hosts an eclectic mix of independent vintage specialist traders, offering amazing, carefully collected items from yesteryears including homeware, furniture, jew ellery, clothing, artwork, books and a superb collection of vinyl.

Anyone with even a passing interest in life and trends in the bygone days of the 60’s, 70s and 80s will be in their el ement. Remember the popular BOAC flight bags? Or ladies, the non-iron crimplene mini dresses? Completely spoilt for choice, be prepared to spend a few hours browsing and drown in memorabilia in everything from Kitsch to Gothic, transporting you back to the heady days when the Beatles catapulted out of the Cavern to worldwide adoration, mods and rockers cruised the streets and tangerine and avoca

do were the colours of choice for bathrooms and kitchens everywhere! Don’t be surprised to step over a genuine Ves pa as you seek out your vintage favourites.

Open 6 days a week, 20th Century Stores are supporting sustainability in Stockport as well as providing some fabu lous pre-loved retro and vintage goods that will stay in the hearts and minds of generations to come. Find out more on Facebook and Instagram.

What’s On

Until 18th November Manchester Academy of Fine Arts Autumn Exhibition Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery

The autumn exhibition will feature painters, printmakers and sculptors from across the region who represent the best contemporary art scene in the North West. Since its foundation in 1859, the Academy has promoted fine art and education. Carrying on the tradition, this years’ exhibition is no exception as over 100 art works will go on display with many also available for sale.

Ongoing

‘The Stockport Collection’ Photographic Exhibition Stockport Museum

Evocative images of Stockport Market from 1976 to 1977. View the photographs and reminisce about times gone by with objects from the collection. Free

Tue 8th November 11am - 1:30pm Introduction to Silversmithing EPOK

Learn the fundamental skills of traditional silversmithing in this in-depth, 6 week course. Each week you will learn the skills needed to design and fabricate your own jewellery. Techniques will include: sawing, forming, drilling, soldering and finishing All equipment and materials required will be provided. A similar course is also being run on Thursday evenings. EPOK, 75 Wellington Road South visit Totally Stockport’s website for adi tional dates £185

Every Wednesday 10am - 12pm Stockport County Community Trust social wellbeing drop in Edgeley Park

A weekly drop in on Wednesday morn ings. Socialise with friendly staff and vol unteers, make new friends, swap stories and reminisce! Enjoy the refreshments, play bingo and take part in quizzes, as well as take a ground tour.

If you’re living with long term health and mental health conditions, experienc ing loneliness, living with physical and learning disabilities, complex needs or dementia, you can come along and take part in stress relieving activities like gen tle yoga, relaxation and body movement, and art therapy delivered by professional

therapists.

Phone the Trust on 0161 266 2700. Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road SK3 9DD

Every Thursday 10:30am - 11am

One Stockport Hub Storytime

One Stockport Hub

A wonderful opportunity for children and their parents or carers to meet together on a weekly basis to share stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmos phere.

Suitable for pre-school children. 16-22 Merseyway, SK1 1RA Free

Every Thursday 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Mindful colouring

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery

If you have a busy life or just want to disconnect for an hour or so, pop along to this free drop in session and sit amid some calming artwork and colour for mindfulness.

Materials provided. Suitable for ages 16 and over.

Every Friday 10am - 4pm

Gardening session at The Landing

The Landing is a community growing space, based on the roof car park at the Merseyway Shopping Centre. It was designed and built by Where The Light Gets In and Manchester Urban Diggers, and provides produce for the restaurant as well as the local community.

Volunteer sessions take place every Friday, where you can learn the basics of organic growing principles and get involved in tending the garden. It is an oa sis for re-connecting with nature, learning, growing and socialising in an unexpected space! Friday sessions are free, and all volunteers also get a free lunch cooked by the chef at Where The Light Gets In. To join as a volunteer, text Manchester Urban Diggers’ Mike on 07538 860 488

The Landing, Merseyway Shopping Cen tre, Great Underbank SK1 1PD

Every Friday 2pm-3:30pm

Stockport Mind Choir

St Peter’s Parish Church

Joining the Stockport Mind Choir can increase your confidence, be a lot of fun and help you to meet other Stockport lo cals. The choir takes place on the ground floor and there are no stairs. Hot drinks and biscuits are provided as well.The

choir is free of charge, but a small dona tion is suggested, to help cover costs. Call 0161 475 6229 to sign up to the group.

St Peter’s Parish Church, St Petersgate, SK1 1NZ

Wed 9th November 7pm - 9pm

Stockport LGBT+ PLUS: Big Monthly Social CafeSQ

The group’s monthly socials (the second Wednesday of every month) have moved to CafeSQ. Pop along for food, drinks, lots of laughing and chatting and the occas sional quiz!

St Petersgate

Fri 11th November 7.30pm

Queenz – The Show with Balls! Stockport Plaza

A life-affirming drag extravaganza! Join these death-dropping divas as they slay the biggest hits of all time and serve up the sequin-clad pop party we’ve all been gagging for!

Starring X Factor & Union J pop sensation Jaymi Hensley, get ready to singalong to reimagined classics from The Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Britney, Whitney, and everything in between.

Sat 12th November 10am - 4pm Saturday Pottery Hat Works

Join guest ceramicist Jeni to create your own ceramic Christmas tree. Jeni will introduce you to the simple pottery technique of coiling. You will build a large tree ornament and have plenty of time to apply surface decoration and glaze to personalise your creation.

Suitable for beginners.

Arc at Hat Works, Wellington Road South, £30

Sat 12th November 10am - 4pm

Stockport Makers Market

Stockport Market Place

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

Featuring specially 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.

Sat12th November 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Stockport Symphony Orchestra

Stockport Town Hall

Stockport Symphony Orchestra plays another exciting programme.

• Bax A Picaresque Comedy

• Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3

• Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition With piano soloist Yuxuan Zhao and con ductor Robin Wallington.

£5 to £15. Free for accompanied children under 16 years old.

Sun 13th November 10am - 4pm

Vintage Village

Stockport Market Hall

Quality authentic vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, vintage jewellery, homewares, decorative items, textiles, luggage, furniture, curios and collectables, and unexpected delights you never knew you wanted.

Plus classic vehicles and music from DJ Mike the Mod & Graeme. £2

Mon 14th November 10am - 1pm

Build a Business Part 1

Stockport Central Library

“Know your market, get competitive” This workshop will reveal how you can ac cess market research and other informa tion worth thousands to your business. The workshpos continue at the same time through the week Free

Tue 15th - Sat 19th November 7:30pm

The Height of the Storm

The Garrick Theatre

André and Madeleine have been in love for over fifty years, their life together filled with the everyday pleasures and myster ies of an enduring marriage. Suddenly this life begins to unravel, and a loving relationship is faced with the inevitability of change.

Thu 17th November 10:30am - 12:30pm

Photography for wellbeing

Arc Centre @ Hat Works

Whether you’re a budding photographer or have never made a photo before, why not join Arc for a photo walk and experi ence the wellbeing benefits of photogra phy.

Each month they walk, talk and capture their surroundings in the heart of Stock port.

Fri 18th November 2pm - 4pm

Paint Roses with Rhodonite

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery

A set of simple ‘brushmarks’ can easily transform into loose, free flowers. Rhodonite is a reddish brown gem which is found in Brazil. In this workshop, artist and teacher, Bee Morrison will show you how to create petals and flowers using her unique ‘brushmarks’ technique with Chinese brushes.

Materials included.

£13

Fri 25th November 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday Market Place

An evening of street food, craft ales and live music at Stockport Market from 6-9pm on the last Friday of every month.

Sat 26th November 10am - 3pm

Rare Finds flea market

Middle Hillgate

A monthly flea market, held on the last Saturday of every month featuring sec ond-hand furniture, vintage décor, home ware, fashion and more.

Sat 26th November 11am - 3pm

Arc Saturday art club

ARC @ The Hat Works

Amonthly Saturday Art Club, with three guided creative activities for you to enjoy. No need to book, just drop in.

Suggested donation £3 per participant

Sun 27th November 10am - 4pm

Stockport Book and Record Fair

Stockport Masonic Guildhall

The Book and Record Fair moved to its new home at The Guildhall in March and by all accounts it was a huge success. Parking is just £1and the bar is open.

169 Wellington Road South, SK1 3UA

£5 from 9am.

Free after 10am

Thu 1st December 6:15pm - 8:15pm

Christmas wreath making

ARC @ The Hat Works

A relaxing and sociable session making your own re-usable Christmas wreath. A perfect activity to enjoy with friends or on your own. Included in the session is a fes tive drink of your choice and some Christ mas music to get you into the festive spirit! Foliage, materials and equipment are pro vided. You are encouraged to bring some evergreen foliage, mature flowers or berries from your own garden if you wish. £38

Fri 2nd December 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Christmas wreath making As above

Sat 3rd - Sat 10th December 7:30pm

Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero

The Garrick Theatre

When a house party gathers at the seaside home of Lady Tressilian, the atmosphere is tense, but little do the guests know that the

CINDERELLA

party is about to come to a chilling end. (no show Sun 4th)

Thu 8th December 2pm-8pm

Christmas Fayre

Stockport Town Hall

A festive marketplace with a range of stalls showcasing the area’s fine foods, crafts and gifts.

Sat 10th December AND Sun 11th December

Father Christmas at Staircase House Staircase House

Included a Father Christmas visit, reindeer trail, craft activities and gift.

Book a slot by visiting Staircase House or calling 0161 474 4444 £12.50 per child Free entry for two adults.

Sat 10th December 10am - 4pm and Sunday 11th December Stockport Makers Market As 12th November

Stockport County Edgeley Park

Ticket prices for the 2022/3 season are Adults (18+) £20 Students/ 65+ £14 Age 6-17 £7 Under 5 Free

Sky Bet League Two fixtures unless otherwise stated

Sat, 19th November 3pm

Stockport Co. v Leyton Orient

Sat 17th December 3pm

Stockport Co. v Gillingham

Mon, 26th December 3pm

Stockport Co. v Crewe Alexandra

Sat 7th January 3pm Stockport Co. v Bradford City

Sat 14th January 3pm Stockport Co. v Northampton Town

Sat 4th February 3pm Stockport Co. v Tranmere Rovers

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

What’s On

Sun 11th December 10am - 4pm Vintage Village As 13th November

Sun 11th December 3pm - 5:30pm

Stockport Symphony Orchestra family matinee concert

Stockport Town Hall

Witches, wizards and fairies family concert. An afternoon of magical beings and mar vellous music! Including The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker ballet and the return of Craig Charles’ scary fairy in the sequel Scary Fairy Saves Christmas. Also music from Harry Potter, Dukas Sor cerer’s Apprentice and Mussorgsky Night on a Bare Mountain.

£5 to £15

Wed 14th December7pm - 9pm

Stockport LGBT+ PLUS: Big Monthly Social As 9th November

Fri 16th December 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday Market Place

An evening of street food, craft ales and live music at Stockport Market from 6-9pm

Sun 15th January 10am - 4pm

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 Book and Record Fair As 27th November

Fri 20th January 10am -12pm

Menopause in mind: peer support group

Windmill Coffee Shop

Are you menopausal, perimenopausal, or just don’t know yet?

Come along to connect with other women, talk openly and confidentially and get infor mation and support.

Behind the cafe counter.

For more info call 0161 804 4416 or email communityhub@pureinnovations.co.uk.

Windmill Coffee Shop, Stockport Homes, Cornerstone Building, SK1 3NQ

Free

From 21st January

New Ways to Look at Bikes!

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery

Reddish Men in Sheds is a group of older men who like to fettle bikes so that they are roadworthy again. New Ways to Look at Bikes! is their third foray into bike sculpture to be held in Stockport.

Free

comes to be there is only the first of many puzzles.

TOURS RETURN TO THE HAT WORKS

Pop along to the reopened Hat Works and see the revamped Factory Floor; discover the grizzly history of the fur trade, why Stockport was the perfect place to make hats and see our Victori an hatting machines in motion. More images, archive footage and objects are now on display than ever

before. Please note that the museum is just open for booked tours at the moment whilst the building work on the Gallery of Hats is completed.

For dates and booking scan the QR to book your tour or go to bit.ly/Museums Booking

The following is a sample of some of the film showing at The Light over the next few month. Check their website for full listings and information on Autism-friendly screenings

The Menu Comedy, Horror from 18 November

A young couple travel to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Thriller

Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc returns to peel back the layers in a new Rian Johnson whodunit. This fresh adventure finds the intrepid detective at a lavish private estate on a Greek island, but how and why he

Strange World Animation, Family from 25 November Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differ ences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Family , Musical from 25 November Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Drama, Fantasy, Theatre Thursday 1 December

Mark Gatiss stars as Jacob Marley in his own ‘Irresistibly theatrical’ retelling of Dick ens’ classic winter ghost story, alongside Nicholas Farrell as Scrooge. Filmed live for cinemas during the 2021 stage run at London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre

Avatar:

The Way of

Water Action, Adventure, Fantasy from 16 December

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar 2 begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody Drama, Musical, True story

from 23 December

A no-holds-barred portrait of the com plex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time.

Empire of Light Drama, Romance from 13 January 2023

Empire of Light is a love story set in and around a beautiful old cinema on the South Coast of England in the 1980s. Starring Colin Firth and Olivia Colman.

TASTE STOCKPORT a of

Food & Drink Directory

PRODUCE HALL Marketplace

Dome & Base

Stone-baked pizza perfection

Kambuja

Authentic Cambodian street food with great vegan & veggie options

Mama G’s Caribbean soul food with tons of flava!

Uncommon Ground Shakes, cakes & everything in-between.

La Capilla Mexican food served street style

Poco Mas Tasty Tapas, prefect for sharing

Fat Louis Home to the famous Slopy Joe, Mac & Memphis burgers

Project 53 Marketplace Craft Gin, Craft Beer and Pizzas

Plaza Cafe Mersey Square

The home of afternoon teas and fine lunches since 1932. Licensed.

Insomnia @ Primark Merseyway

Chain outlet selling fair-trade coffee & hot chocolate, tea, sandwiches & pastries.

Grandads Prince’s Street Eat in or takeaway chip shop

Doctor Feelgood Marketplace Home to Bun & Bones burgers

Glass Spider Vernon Street

Craft Beers, Flavoursome cocktails and now home to the Abeja tapas kitchen

The Mekong Cat Underbanks

Authentic Southeast Asian Noodle House

Laco Underbanks

Coffee Shop serving delicious healthy food

Bistro Marc Underbanks

French Bistro

Zizzi Redrock

Italian restaurant for pizza & calzone on wooden boards, plus traditional pastas

Salty Towers Underbanks

Newly refurbished Fish & Chip Shop

Rhode Island Underbanks Lovingly crafted coffee Shop

This Godless Place Underbanks Bar & Canteen offering tacos, grilled cheese. American burgers and more

Tiamos Underbanks Continental sandwich deli

Spinn Off Underbanks

Craft beers, organic wines, locally sourced spirits and handmade pies

Where The Light Gets In Churchgate The fine dining restaurant that put Stock port food on the culinary map

The Arden Arms Millgate Hand pulled beers and hearty food

Cafe San Juan St Petersgate Columbian food and fresh roast coffee

Rozafa St Petersgate Family run greek restaurant

Caffè Nero Warren Street Coffee shop with a menu of light dishes & specially blended hot & cold drinks.

Kaspas Peel Centre Dessert House serving sundaes, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, smoothies and more.

Costa Merseyway & Peel Centre The largest coffee shop chain in the UK.

Hillgate Cakery Underbanks Vegan licensed cafe and bakery

Aquila Nera Petersgate Family run Italian restaurant

The Good Rebel Underbank Cozy independent bar with hidden bar garden

Baekdu Wellington Street Korean Barbeque

Holiday Inn Stockport Exchange Hotel offering quality breakfasts, lite bites and meals

Berretto Lounge Redrock Our lounge is a home from home, offering delicious food and drink

Afiyet Redrock

Contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a large, stand-alone bar.

Tim Hortons Peel Centre Coffee, pastries & panini.

GDK Peel Centre International German Kebab chain.

The Cafe Place Prince’s Street Cafe with inside and outside seating.

The Chestergate Chestergate Community pub serving great beer

Petersgate Tap Petersgate Real Ale, Imperial Stouts, Real Cider, Local Gins and Bottle Shop

Rosie’s Coffee House Coffee, Cakes & Kitchen

The Calverts Court St Petersgate Stockport’s Wetherspoons

Angel Inn Marketplace local communty pub with a heart

The Edgerton St Petersgate Local pub offering affordable hearty food and drinks

Inner Vision Great Underbank Coffee, Ink, Hair & Piercing in one place

The Cocked Hat Churchgate A wide range of beers, cider and cask ales

The Light Redrock Cinema and leisure space with pizza, burgers & more

Stockport Gin St Petersgate Home of Stockport’s favourite tipple

Cherry Jam Underbanks Themed bar with delicious cocktails, good times and afternoon teas!

Jungle Grill Princess Street Stockport grill house offering steaks, burgers, grilled chicken and more!

Pizza Express Redrock Pizza and Pasta restaurant chain

The Rectory Churchgate A multi-roomed pub-restaurant attached to the Premier Inn

McDonalds Merseyway Burgers, snacks and drinks

Yellowhammer Underbanks Light bites and organic wines

Cafe SQ St Peter’s Square Relaxed atmosphere and quality coffee

Enigma Petersgate Family run social bar

SY2 Prince’s St Japanese cafe with a huge range of teas

The Swan With Two Necks

Prince’s Street

Traditonal Robbie’s pub with beer garden.

Pausa Cafe @ Dunelm St Mary’s Way Hot and cold food, cakes, brunch and kids’ meals.

Nelson’s Tavern A6 Welcoming and friendly pub

Bask Stockport Exchange

Speakeasy HQ with live music, DJs, local and worldwide beers and outfoor seating

Bakers Vault Marketplace

A real ale pub with regular live music and outdoor seating in the marketplace.

Queens Head Underbank Small local traditional pub

Dal Barista Underbank

Italian Bistro and brunch Café

Notion Vernon Street

Self-styled dive bar serving a huge range of rum, whiskey/bourbon and cocktails

Coffee Island Mersey Square

A wide range of hot and cold food as well as hot drinks, frappes and milkshakes.

Pizza Express Redrock

Offering Indoor and outdoor seating

Porky’s Merseyway Merseyway Quality sandwiches for over 27 years

Windmill Cafe Edward St

Pure Innovations run cafe in Stockport Homes. Closed Wed, Sat and Sun.

Asda Cafe Warren Street

Classic dishes for breakfast & lunch

Creams Café Prince’s Street

Chain outlet offering a huge range of desserts include vegan options

Othello’s Cafe Redrock

Cafe serving breakfast as well as hot and cold sandwiches and lunch specials.

Juice Time Bar Prince’s St

Fruit cocktails, crepes & waffles, milk shakes, fresh coffee and much more

Goodness Organic Foods Warren St Bakery grocers, and cafe, all in one

Coffee Block Merseyway

A new, independent Coffee House serving cakes and toasted sandwiches