The Hatters

Artwork on the wall next to the western entrance to Stockport Station.

"The Hatters, Stockport County Football Club, started in 1883 as the Heaton Norris Rangers at the Wycliffe Congressional Church, they became Stockport County in 1890 and moved to Edgeley Park in 1902. Their grounds are close to the former site of Sykes Bleaching Company, located on the edges of Alexandra Park, whose reservoirs were formed to service the mill. The Sykes family originally owned most of the land in Edgeley, and employed many people. Much of their wealth was invested back into the local community."

"The Hatters" is one of a number of Town Centre Artworks produced as part of an initiative by the Stockport Youth Offending Service

The others are:
Glass Umbrella;
And The River Runs Through;
Having Your Cake;
11 Million Bricks - this one was apparently stolen before I could take a photograph of it.

A contribution to
Blue Monday;
Monday Murals.

Having Your Cake

I've shown you the Glass Umbrella and And The River Runs Through", two of the artworks around the town created by a group of young people, working with the Youth Offending Service.

"Have your Cake" focuses on the architectural design of Stockport Town Hall and celebrates some of Stockport's sporting successes. The Town Hall, nicknamed the wedding cake, was designed by architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas,1908. Stockport is the birthplace of tennis player, Fred Perry winner of the Men's Singles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open 1936. Stockport Metro has enjoyed a long history of podium success and is one of the most successful swimming clubs in British history.

You'll find it on the wall of Life Leisure Grand Central Pools which provides fitness and swimming facilities. The gym has the latest fitness equipment and a dedicated performance zone and aerobics studio with weekly programmes of classes. Grand Central is also home to Stockport's only 50m swimming pool and is home to Stockport Metro, the UK's most successful swimming club and learn to swim programme. For details see their website

A contribution to
Blue Monday;
Monday Murals;
Ruby Tuesday;
Our World Tuesday.

The Cheadle End Stand at Stockport County

This stand was opened at the beginning of the 1995-96 season, is two tiered, covered and all seated. It is generally reserved for home fans who enter via turnstiles 17-19 on Hardcastle Road.

Stockport County moved to Edgeley Park, then home of Stockport Rugby League Club, in 1902, having previously played at Green Lane in Heaton Norris. The team currently play in the Conference North League - for details see the club website.

A contribution to Blue Monday.

Sykes Reservoir, Edgeley

Syke's #2 Reservoir is the middle of three reservoirs originally providing water for the Sykes Bleaching Works. It is now part of Alexandra Park, Edgeley and used for fishing.

I posted a 2009 view of it in September 2013.

A contribution to
Good Fences;
Weekend Reflections;
Scenic Weekends.

The end of Heaven & Hell

The Heaven & Hell nightclub in the Grand Central complex was closed in 2006 but not demolished until 2012.

The site is now a car park.

A contribution to
the Rust and Ruin theme at City Daily Bloggers;
Blue Monday;
Rubbish Tuesday.

Heaton Norris Park

The land for Heaton Norris park was acquired by public subscription and as a gift from Lord Egerton. Work on laying out the site as a public park began in May 1873, and it was formally opened on June 5th 1875. The total area of the park at the time was 16 acres, 2 rods & 38 poles. During the Munich crisis of 1938 large trenches were dug in the park in preparation for possible air raids. More recently the park has become the venue for the annual Stockport Civic Bonfire.

Behind the fence is a multi-use games area and beyond are bowling greens.

A contribution to Friday Fences.

Sykes' #2 Reservoir

Syke's #2 Reservoir is the middle of three reservoirs originally providing water for the Sykes Bleaching Works. It is now part of Alexandra Park, Edgeley and used for fishing.

A contribution to Weekend Reflections
as well as Scenic Weekends.
and Shadow Shot Sunday.

Fun on Mersey Square

There were lots going on in Mersey Square in Saturday with plenty for the children with a big bouncy castle (on the right) and something called a "Big Top Play Zone".

In the middle there was a roundabout and an ice-cream van.

On the far side of the square was a bar for the adults advertising a Beer Festival in September. In between were a number of stalls under the guise of "The Teenage Market".

A contribution to Monday Mellow Yellows.