St Mary, Stockport - Vital work is needed

The Government News Network announced:
More than a dozen of the North West's most historic places of worship are to share in £2.1 million of funding for vital repairs, it was announced today (3 March 2006).

English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) are pumping £17.5 million into work on 147 Grade I and II* listed churches and chapels across England, with 15 sites benefiting in the North West.

Since 2002 £62 million of repair grants has been awarded to more than 700 historic places of worship through the joint scheme, which is the largest single source of funds for work of this kind.
...

St Mary, Stockport - Vital work is needed to repair damage to stonework and masonry features high above the congregation's heads. A £129,000 grant has been offered to this church, which has a Grade A rating - an old classification equivalent to being listed at Grade I or Grade II*."
I had never heard of Grade A before.

The challenges facing England's places of worship will be addressed in May this year when English Heritage launches its Inspired! Campaign, which will quantify the scale of the problem and propose solutions - as well as promoting a greater recognition of the work done by devoted volunteers to keep these invaluable parts of the national heritage alive.

For the full article, click here. For English Heritage's page on Inspired, click the image below.

Stockport Time excerpts - 30/3/06

Landlord fined for illegally felling trees
A Stockport man has been find £2000 after illegally cutting down two trees in one of the borough's conservation areas.
The magistrates heard Mr Smith had received planning consent to create extra flats at a Victorian house he owned on Mauldeth Rd conservation area. He decided to create further access by cutting down the trees.
The councils' head of development control, Steve Lamb, said: 'Conservation areas exist to preserve historic parts of the borough.
'The presence of trees enhances the character and appearance of these areas and the borough as a whole.
'The local authority will not hesitate to take action against people who wilfully cut down trees in conservation areas.
'Anybody wishing to carry out work on trees, which have a stem diameter of 75 mm when measured 1.5m above natural ground level, must give the council 6-weeks written notice of the work.'
For more information contact the Council's Parks and Recreation team on 474 4432.

Stockport Council's Parks and Recreation team has joined up with the Stockport branch of the RSPB to offer people the chance to stroll round Bruntwood Park in Cheadle, Saturday, April 1 from 7am to 9am. Details on 428 5391.

I must admit I am very intrigued by the records which you get of people's wildlife sightings in the Stockport and wider Cheshire area. Could I ask whether your readers would share their future sightings which we could use and/or follow-up from the last few years that would be superb.
Steve J McWilliam (rECOrd Manager, Chester Zoological Gardens
http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/

Stockport Town Hall
St George's Day Cinema Night
Vintage film show celebrating life in Stockport since 1900.
Sunday 23rd April at 7.30pm
Tickets £2.50 in advance and £3 on the door
Bar open and refreshments available
Tickets: 0845 8330973 or from Town Hall Reception

Town Hall and tea
Visitors to Stockport Town Hall have the chance to tour the building and then have tea with the mayor, councillor Shan Alexander.
The next tour is on April 5 at 3.15pm. It costs £7.50 and proceeds go to the mayor's charities.
Call 474443301 to book a place.

The video phone mast proposal is to site a mast close to Pownall Green Primary School. I have undertaken extensive research into data on phone masts and their possible effects. At present the evidence is inconclusive. The long term effects are not yet known, as they simply haven't been around long enough.
Helen Foster-Grime

Museum awards
The Hat Works and the Air Raid Shelters have received a Sandford Award for the level of education services they provide the borough's school children.
The award is from the Heritage Education Trust, a body which recognises excellence in education provided at tourist attractions from castles to gardens and museums.
A Sandford judge said: 'Teachers who do not explore the Hat Works as a potential out of classroom activity for historical design and technology or social education are as mad as hatters.'

Bill's the star garden athlete in green gym
Bill Booth has won North West Volunteer of the Year as part of the Green Heroes Awards run by the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers.
Mr Booth took early retirement four years ago and since then has worked on many conservation projects in Reddish Vale Country Park. The Gym takes on a different project each week and last week they planted willow trees on the blackberry slopes at the Park.
If you live in Reddish, Brinnington or Heaton Norris and would like more information about volunteering for conservation projects, please contact Liz Edwards or Jill Cunningham on 0161 474 8424.

Council To Open Archive As Part Of Centenary Celebrations

Thursday 23 March
The Council’s has already begun planning the celebrations for the Town Hall’s centenary in 2008.


Council staff have been looking through the Council’s archives for material to use in the celebrations and discovered around a 100 posters designed by school children in Stockport as part of the ‘Keep Stockport/Britain Tidy’ poster competition in the 1950/60s.

Much of the artwork is exceptional and reflects the era they were created in, with emphasis on soldiers, being British and the future.

The Council’s Venues Manager, Jason Carroll, said: “We are keen to reopen the archive to allow the public to view these pictures as part of the celebrations. We would very much like to hear from the people that created these posters, who were of course children at the time.

“We have produced a list of names of all the children, along with dates of birth and schools which the pupils attended. We are interested in what they have done since they left school, and if they can remember what inspired them to take part in the competition. We would also like to get a picture of them, then and now, to display. The aim is to then display all the posters and information, and have the public judge them as part of a competition.”

So, if you were born between 1946 and 1958, i.e. now aged between 48 and 60 years old, attended a Stockport school, and took part in this competition, one of these posters may well have been yours!

To find out if the Council has one of your posters, please phone 0161 474 3251.

"Councillors pull plug on residents' bath takeover"

"LIB-DEM councillors have pulled the plug on an attempt by residents to take over the running of Reddish Baths.
"Campaigners had hoped that the baths, which was shut last year by Stockport Sport Trust, would reopen under the control of the Friends of Reddish Baths."
For the rest of the Stockport Express article: click here.

Save Reddish Baths website

 

Planning application - Marple Petrol Station

Stockport Heritage Blue Plaque (Marple)
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

The petrol station where the Trust's blue plaque commemorating Lord President John Bradshaw is being developed.

DC022451 "Redevelopment including demolition of existing structures and provision of new petrol filling station, sales building/forecourt shop, storage compound, jet wash, car parking and associated works."
Consultation Expiry Date: 13-04-2006
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr M Jordan 0161 474 3657
Information office: Marple Library.
Documents now added: click here

St Mary's Church Inspection 24.03.06

St Marys Church Inspection 24.03.06
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

Bought to you by Allen, our photo-journalist on the spot, we can see the tower of St Mary's Church (Churchgate) being inspected.
For the full set of photos: click here.

For information on this work, see the previous post.

Stockport Times excerpts - 23/3/06

St Marys Church Clock
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

"£129 blessing for St Mary's Church
"one of the most historic churches is to recieve a grant for £129,000 to help restore it to its former glory.
"English Heritage (North West) is to make the grant to St Mary's Church, in Stockport Market Place, to carry work needed to repair damage to stonework and masonry features.
"Architect Graham Cunningham said the £129,000 would be used for a survey of the external fabric of the church and the essential repairs this would reveal. The survey is likely to be carried out soon, but it is not yet known when work will take place."

"Ring out for keeper of bells
"A volunteer who has worked tirelessly to maintain the bells and tower of St Mary's Church has been presented with a picture of the church.
"Steeplekeeper Clive Calton, the busband of the late Mp Patsy Calton, was presented with the token of appreciation by Stockport's Mayor and consort.
"Rev Roger Scoones rector of St Mary's said Clives voluntary and exemplary work over the last nine years has not gone unrecognised.
"He said: 'He is an unsung hero of some considerable dignity. It's thanks to him that whatever the stateof the building, the bells are still ringing. We are very fortunate to have him at St Mary's'"

"Spot a chance to walk with the wildlife
"Stockport Council's Parks and Recreation team has joined up with the RSPB to offer people the chance to stroll around Bruntwood Park, Cheadle.
"The free walk will take place on Saturday April 1, from 7am to 9am.
"For more information and to book a place in advance contact Bruntwood Park on 428 5391."

"Heritage areas to increase
"Nine new areas of Stockport have been given the conservation area green light by the borough council.
"The new areas are Cheadle Royal, Cheadle Village, Compstall, Heaton Mersey and Marple Bridge, plus Church Lane in Romiley, and Heaton Moor Road and Mauldeth Road, both in Heaton Moor.
"The conservation status, will, according to the local authority, offer greater protection to the buildings and spaces around them. It also makes them subject to special planning controls in order to protect their status."

"Supermarket plan halted
"Tesco's bid to build another large supermarket store in Stockport has finally bitten the dust.
"The retail giant had wanted to construct a 77,000 sq ft on a vacant site at Tannock Rd, Hazel Grove.
"Tesco do not own the site but did have first option to buy it in the event of planning permission being granted.
"It is now hoped another developer, which has sens its plans for industrial units and offices in Tannock Rd previously refused, can modify proposals to an acceptable form."

"Cale Green Primary pupils worked with hammers and chisels when stonemason Michael Disley visited them. Some of the carvings will decorate an area at nearby Florist Street in a project being undertaken with the Groundwork Trust."

"Choral Society
"Members of Stockport Symphony Orchestra will perform Bach's Mass in B Minor with Marple Choral Society soloists at St Paul's Church, Compstall at 7.30pm. Tickets 6.50 (concessions £5) on the door." The Times doesn't say what day, but it's 25 March.

Staircase House Stitchers - 21.3.06

You should be able to see from these images that the stitchers have been working hard and have already produced some fabulous work.

We now have a good stock of vegetable dyed wools which are wonderful bright colours, as they would have been in the 17th century.

The stitchers are working on several projects in different techniques of embroidery - the pictures here are of some finished 'slips' in crewelwork.

The work which has been produced so far is to an extremely high standard, and it is lovely to be able to see everyone's different individual style. The colours really stand out and once displayed in Staircase House, the finished textile pieces will look vibrant.


Note the picture of Frank Galvin, an active member of the group showing much promise in the art of embroidery!

Next Stitching meeting is on Tuesday April 18, 11am-3pm or 6pm-8pm at Staircase House.

Planning application - Cooper Street, Hazel Grove

DC022447
Residential development to provide a total of 99 dwellings.
Land at Cooper Street, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire
Consultation Expiry Date: 13-04-2006
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr MR Robinson 0161 474 3543
Information office: Hazel Grove, Civic Hall, London Rd
Documents: no documents on the SMBC planning database.

Planning application - former Oriel Bank High School

DC022410
Change of use from vacant school to seven dwelling houses with garages following demolition of gymnasium building and other extensions
Oriel Bank High School, 2-12 Devonshire Park Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 6JP
Consultation Expiry Date: 21-04-2006
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr MR Robinson 0161 474 3543
Information office: Hygarth House
Documents: click here

Planning application - redevelopment for 99 dwellings

DC022418 Demolition of existing industrial works and ancillary areas and redevelopment for 99 dwellings, associated access improvements, landscaping and communal parking areas.
Park & Paterson (Manchester) Ltd, Cross Lane, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 7QA
Consultation Expiry Date: 09-04-2006
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr M Jordan 0161 474 3657
Information office: Marple Library

Rollyo search engine

You will see in the left hand margin which lets you search "Stockport" (or alternatively the whole Web) for items. This searchs 25 key Stockport websites for whatever keywords you enter. The logic is that it concentrates the search on these sites and is less likely to come up with irrelevant information.

I hope people find it useful.

I would welcome suggestions for other Stockport pages to add. (The existing pages can be seen once you have done a search). It has to be an entire domain, such as http://www.hawkgreen.org.uk/. (Addresses such as http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~wgh/mcs.htm doesn't work or it will search the entire globalnet domain.)

As there is a limit on the number of domains to search, I am thinking of creating several search engines, one for Stockport history sources, another for Stockport recreation. Any other suggestions?

By the way, not everyone knows how best to search this blog. You can use Rollyo or Google, the problem is it will probably link to this main page and then you still can't find what you want as this page is huge. So instead, put your key words into the box at the top left of this page (just to the right of "Blogger") then click the button "SEARCH THIS BLOG". It will then find the individual posting(s) of interest.

St Thomas's Church 18.03.06

St Thomas's Church 18.03.06
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

It appears that work has started on the Tower of St Thomas's Church. As I understand it, it was not possible to raise enough money for all the repairs required for the tower. Only the most urgent repairs repairs are being addressed for the moment.

St Thomas's Place 9/10/05
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

School's fury over phone mast move

See previous posting for more info on this planning application: click here.

Stockport Times excerpts - 16/3/06

"Market search for supermum To nominate your mum, collect a form from any of the market stalls and, in 30 words, describe why your mum should be chosen. The closing date is Saturday 25 March."
Rev Roger Scoones, from St Mary's Church, is one of the judges. Any proceeds from the event will be donated to the restoration fund for St Mary's Church.

"Celebs back charity's web book auction Over 70 top stars have joined a bid by Stockport's National Library for the Blind to increase collections of braille, audio and visually impaired readers."
News from NLB's site: click here
NLB's eBay site: click here. [No books were available when I looked.]

"Kid's contest to design Stockport's official mug Entry forms are available from schoolsand libraries throughout the borough and need to arrive at Stockport Town Hall by April 28. The winner will see their design featured on an official Stockport mug. And the mugs will be available from Stockport Town Hall and heritage sites across the borough."

"Recycling turns cash into trash" [I think this headline is muddled.] "Thanks to more residents recycling their paper; glass and cans, Stockport Eyeline has received £1,081.08 from the 'Trash into Cash' scheme. The scheme, fuinded by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs, is to encourage people to do more recycling. If the amount of recycling in the borough increases on last year, community groups receive a cash donation."

"Play of intrigue Romance and historical intrigue will be in the air at Stockport Garrick Theatre during its latest production which runs from this Saturday until Saturday, March 25. 'Katherine Howard' - the 5th of King Henry VIII's six wives - by William Nicholson, can be seen during this time."
Box office: 480 5866

"Historical Society meeting 'The Botanic Garden of Manchester' is the title of the lecture to be given to the Stockport Historical Society on Friday, a Tiviot Dale Methodist Church, at 7.45pm by Mrs Ann Brooks."

"In fine fiddle An outstanding first night of the classic Fiddler on the Roof was given by the Romiley Operatic Society at the Plaza Theatre. The show runs until March 18."
Box office: 477 7779

"Guitarist to perform Chadkirk Chapel in Romiley has secured top American guitarist John Jorgenson and his jazz quintet to play at the intimate 14th century chapel next month." It will be a one-off performance on April 14.
Box office: 474 4444.

Stockport Times excerpts 9/3/06

"New role for hall?
"The Disability Stockport Group hopes to breathe new life into Woodbank Hall, by transferring it into a one-stop centre for information and advice."
We have discussed in previous posts how the Trust is concerned that the Hall will be sold. At least this proposal would keep the Hall serving the people of Stockport, a condition of the bequest. SMBC have considered selling a long term lease rather than the freehold to get round these conditions. I can't see though that this will be good location for Disability Stockport. It will be a long walk from the closest bus stop.

"The Friends of Ladybrook Valley have regular task days which everyone is welcome to attend. The friends group meet at the pond behind Bramhall High School at 10am on Sundays. All you need are suitable clothing and footwear for the session expected to end at 1pm. Tools will be provided. If you are interested in taking par email info@happyvalley-bramhall.co.uk to indicate numbers or just turn up on the day.

"Amazing mechanical marvel The oldest working boiler in Britain has been discovered [in Cheadle Hulme. It] has run for three times longer than any boiler should. The boiler was discovered in a competition run by Powergen to find Britain's oldest boiler. The Vulcan No. 3, was fitted in 1967 after it [was taken out of a] home in Wilmslow where it had been for six years."

"Hard cell for new des res Stockport Council has received a planning application to turn the former police station on Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, into four two-bedroom apartments. As recently as 2003, the building was used as a custody office to lock up around 200 prisoners a month. The project designers say they intend to keep many of the now-empty building's original 1920s features.
'Jules Karczewski, from agents DAC Architects, said: "It is an old and interesting building with large rooms that lends itself well to this project. As much as possible, we are desperate to keep the layout and features of the building like they were when it was a police station. It will add value.'"
For a previous posting on this subject, with links to the application, click here.

"'Jewel' tarnished Since 2002, the park has gained a dedicated facility manager and a community park officer. Our staff are in regular contact with two local police community support officers whose visits have improved safety and security. However, despite the steps make by the council, local wildlife enthusiasts such as the Tame Valley Defence Group claim greater funding is needed to tackle anti-social behaviour in the park."

The Trust rescues Roman remains

The Council had plans to upgrade London Road, a rough track heading straight up the side of Werneth Low. Steve Cliffe alerted the Council's Conservation Officer pointing out that it is reckoned to be one of the best preserved vestiges of a Roman road in the area. It was also a trackway Medieval times.

The Conservation Officer has agreed with the Trust's position and blocked the Council's plans.

Click here for map

Thank you Steve for your prompt action.

What next?

Piccadilly from Wellington St 03.03.06 (8)
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

Does anyone know what's planned for this recently cleared site?

Planning application - mobile phone mast, Greave Fold Reservoir

DC022228
15m antenna
Greave Fold Reservoir, Greave Fold, Greave, Romiley, SK6 4QB
Documents: click here
Information office: Bredbury Library, George Lane, Bredbury

Planning application - mobile phone mast, Carousel Pub

DC022230
11.8m (overall height), 'lampost' style mast
Carousel Pub, 156 Reddish Road, Reddish, SK5 7HR
Information office: Reddish Centre, Houldsworth Square, 2 Gorton Road
Documents: click here
I gather that the pub has refused to have the mast on their site, so Orange have decided to put it on the pavement outside instead. SMBC refuses to have masts on their property, but unfortunately they do not seem to include pavements.

Planning application - mobile aerials, Vernon Mill

Vernon Mill
image uploaded by A G 1.

DC022223
Sic antennas and associated cabinets
Vernon Mill, Mersey Street, SK1 2HX
Information office: Hygarth House, 103 Wellington Rd Sth
Documents: click here

Planning application - phone mast in Offerton

DC022267
Car park of Stockport Golf Club, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5HL
20m (overall height) timber clad dynamic concept pole with three number anntennas, one number 600mm dish and six number equipment cabinets at ground level.
Case Officer/Telephone: Mr M Jordan 0161 474 3657
Consultation Expiry Date: 26-03-2006
Documents: click here
Information office: Hazel Grove Centre, Civic Hall, London Rd

Romiley draws gamers from around the country

Today was the annual higlight for gamers with an interest in military history. It was the Manchester Board Wargamer's auction at Romiley Scout Hut. About 400 games were auctioned, some raising money for the ex-servicemen's charity, Broughton House.

Chatham St house for demolition

Chatham St House for Demolition 01.03.06
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

Romiley Primary School is saved!

I would like to tell fellow bloggers the good news that Stockport Council have had a change of heart and are not now going to move 92 years old Romiley Primary School from the centre of Romiley. The School built in 1914, has provided generations of Romiley schoolchildren with a first class education and a strong empathy for the local community. For the last two years the Council have held what could be termed the “Sword of Damocles” over the school. Because of falling numbers Barrack Hill, and Springwood Primary have been closed making Romiley Primary the only school in the village. It is highly subscribed and very popular with parents and Children alike. Despite this popularity there have been plans to move the school to the site of the now closed Springwood site, out of the centre of the village and opposed by the majority of people in Romiley. The Council did try to get government money to build a new school on its present site on Sandy Lane, but warned if this was not forthcoming then the school would be moved to Springwood. The bid fell through in the Summer of 2005. Due though to the hard work of Romiley Parents Action Group and School governors, the council decided on January 30th to keep the School on its Sandy Lane Site, and give the school £2 Million so that an extension to the overcrowded school could be built. It is hoped this extension will retain something of the existing schools Heritage and ethos. Now Romiley Primary School can look forward to its 100th anniversary in 2014, safe in the knowledge that it remains at the centre of the community of Romiley. Further can be obtained by going to www.rpag.co.uk.

By John Bardsley, a volunteer with Stockport Heritage Trust.

Excerpts from Stockport Times & Express - 2 March 06

Nursery Inn sign
by Trevira.

Husband and wife celebrate pub's success The Nursery, Green Lane, Heaton Norris has been chosen as pub of the month by the local CAMRA branch. "Originally built in 1939, The Nursery has been a CAMRA favourite for many years."

"The Friends of Alexandra Park group is looking for new members. Volunteers are needed to organise events, take part in task days and meet with council staff. A project to improve the park, on Edgeley Rd, is underway. It is seeking to upgrade facilities for toddlers and young children. For details call 07800 617674."

"Go Bonkers in aid of Braille library Stockport folk are being asked to 'go book bonkers' to help out a local charity. For a full Book Swap information pack or to find out more about other ways you can support the National Library for the Blind, please contact Christine Redmond on 355 2087 or christine.redmond@nlbuk.org."
For more info on the NLBUK see previous posting by clicking here.

"High hopes for Cotton Quarter. Show apartments at Victoria Mill, on Houldsworth Street, were opened to the public last week and work on converting neighbouring Elizabeth Mill into flats is expected to start in the very near future. Two further developments have also been proposed for the ‘Cotton Quarter’ site, which will eventually bring around 1,000 residents into the Houldsworth Conservation Area. Developer and owner of Broadstone Mill, Richard Sym, believes this influx of people will help promote the spread of cafes, restaurants and bars in central Reddish. He also believes the new homes could support plans to set up a small business incubation zone in the area, which is increasingly being referred to as Houldsworth Village.
For the commercial website for this development, see www.cottonquarter.co.uk.

Tesco's revised application now available on the internet

Tesco Portwood 28.11.04
Originally uploaded by A G 1.

Follow the link above to see the long awaited retro-active application to correct Tesco's mistake in building their shop 20% too large.

Planning application - erection of 5 bed flats

Tenby Garage, Lavenders Brow, SK1 1YW
Information office: Hygarth House, 103 Wellington Rd Sth
Documents: click here

The changing face of Marple

Kath organised this month's get together. Kath explained to us why it is that the little known, Thomas Carver who has to be thanked for many of Marple's buildings. She then shared with us her collection of photos. The first set was taken by her grandson in 2000. She has followed this up with the same photos taken in 2005. It amused us to think of Kath telling her grandson to photo all the pubs.

Planning application - conversion of former police station into 4 apartments

DC022135 Conversion of former police station into 4 apartments, including demolition of later extension & erection of new 5 new apartments in single block.
80-82 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, Cheshire.
Consultation Expiry Date: 17-03-2006
Case Officer (Telephone): Ms C Hodgson (0161 474 3540)
Documents: click here.

Heritage Greetings Cards

"Is this my best side?" asks Steve Cliffe while posing with an old glass slide camera at the latest photo shoot for the Heritage Greetings Cards.















The period chosen this time was turn of the century 1900's and the venue, the Roman Bridge in Marple. As probably the most photographed bridge in the borough it was the obvious choice for this set of four picture cards that should be on sale at the Heritage Centre St. Mary's Church from next week. £1 each and £3 a set of four.

SMBC have been moving round their website again. But I have tracked down the key pages and will be restoring links. Please tell me if you find links from this blog to SMBC are not working. Thanks.