Stockport
Stockport is a town located 7 miles south of Manchester with a population of around 140,000. It is the largest town in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, an area that also includes Cheadle Hulme, Marple, Bredbury, Reddish and Romiley.
Although once described by 19th century philosopher Engels as ‘one of the darkest and smokiest holes in the whole industrial area’, the Stockport of today boasts over 30 parks, one million trees and is 45% green belt.
Latest News
Dec 13, Congestion charge on the rocks
Plans to introduce a congestion charge in Greater Manchester are under threat after another local authority voted against the scheme. Last night Bury joined Stockport and Trafford councils after councillors passed a motion objecting to the proposal. If one more of Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities join the rebels, the scheme’s only chance of progression would be in a public referendum.
Nov 21, Stockport Producers’ Markets
Following the success of the first four Stockport Producers’ Markets, Stockport Council has given the event a regular slot on the third Friday of every month.
The original idea for the Producers’ Market came from Emma Boronat, owner of a childrenswear boutique called Bubsquash on Stockport Marketplace. The dramatic decline in the number of visitors and traders to the marketplace in recent years spurred Emma to action. She was faced with the decision of either relocating her own business or somehow generating new interest in the once-busy historic market place. Inspired by news of the market's million pound National Lottery grant for regeneration, she approached the Market Office with a proposal to establish a regular producers' market that would feature fresh, local produce from around the region.
Emma found enthusiastic support from many of the region's top producers. Traders quickly signed up for the initial allocation of stalls and a waiting list was soon established. With support from Stockport Council's Regeneration Team and the Market Office, the original idea of a small producers' market evolved to become a showcase for the North West's finest fresh food and produce.
The market features free samples and tastings, hot food takeaway stalls, beer tents and special limited edition souvenirs and goodies. Shoppers can look forward to a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, gourmet pies, local cheeses, breads, cakes, beers, fresh meat, chutneys, pickles, jams, preserves, fruit juices, sausages, cooked meat, fresh herbs, all produced in the North West.
Amongst the regular Producers’ Market traders are Clippys Apples, Leagram Organic Dairy, Holly Cottage Preserves, Katjas Kupcakes, HS Bourne Cheshire Cheese, Eddisbury Fruit Farm, 3 Rivers Brewery, Northern Tarts, RS Ireland, Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, Katie Cooks Pates, Jo's Cheshire Kitchen and many more. For the December Festive Market there will also be cookery demonstrations from Phillipa James, Mulled Wine, and Robinsons Brewery.
Gregg Wallace, BBC's Masterchef judge and ingredients expert, and author of Veg: The Greengrocers Cookbook said: ‘I am firm believer that every town deserves a local market where you can buy top quality, locally sourced, fresh produce at decent prices. I am delighted to hear that the historic market in Stockport has been given a new lease of life and is launching it's very first small producers market. From my experience to get the very best from your cooking you need seasonally grown veg and high quality ingredients - it's fantastic that Stockport Market is offering just this and more. Please give your support to your regional producers and visit this great new venture!’
The next market will take place between 10am and 3pm on Friday 21st December 2007 at Stockport Market and then on the 3rd Friday of every month. For further information, pick up a leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre at 30 Marketplace, or call 0161 480 7659.
