Pinch Belly Park Stockport

As I delved deeper into the history of my hometown I set out to explore Stockport's oldest park Vernon Park which is tucked away on the hillside and a short walk from the town centre. 

I wrongly assumed that the imposing red brick building standing beyond the grand stone gates of Vernon Park was Vernon Hall.  I knew that the Vernon family were key players in the industrial development of the area. But I suppose by choice they would've lived away from the smog and grime of the mill town. After all, Friedrich Engels - in his lengthy read  "The Conditions of the Working Class of England" had rather harshly described Stockport as being:

“renowned as one of the duskiest, smokiest holes in the whole of the industrial area”

— Friedrich Engels

Surprisingly the park came before the building. In 1844 Lord Vernon gifted agricultural land to Stockport council with the intention of it being developed for "the purpose of public walks and as a place for outdoor activity". Various financial disputes delayed the building of the park and work didn't start until 1857. The building came a few years later and became Stockport Museum. I'm not certain what was displayed here but at that time the Victorians were keen to travel and usually returned with all sorts of 'treasures'.

Outside I met a number of people who'd come to visit the museum. Except it had closed. I never even knew it existed. I'm not too sure what the future holds for the building but I hope it isn't left to go to ruin. I took a peek inside - it was a little dark and gloomy but nevertheless had features. In the right hands and with investment this could be a fantastic arts centre.

Beside the doors stood a pair of ornate urns overflowing with neglected dying plants.

The signpost beyond the house suggested that there was plenty more to be discovered.

I came across a commemorative park bench which dates the park - 150 years takes us back to 1858. Stockport over the centuries has known extreme periods of economic boom and bust. I know I've mentioned the decline of recent years here in Stockport - it comes and goes in cycles. That gives us hope for the future. It has to get better doesn't it? 1858 was not the best of years - English cotton trading was suffering and unemployment amongst the mills workers was high. The council employed the poverty-stricken mill workers to construct the park. it's likely they would've laboured in return for a pittance - the minimum to survive... and so the nickname  Pinch Belly Park. Their endeavours would've greatly benefited the community - it's not difficult to imagine the positive impact this pleasant green space would've had on the wellbeing of the locals. We all deserve space to breathe and simply 'to be' don't we?

The view through the gaps in the trees of old and new stretches for miles and miles. Many old textiles mills still stand in Stockport. Beyond the mill is the visible line of the M60 motorway - the Manchester ring road. 

I was bemused by the sight of the cannon. The original Russian cannon came from the Crimean War but was the metal was melted down to aid the 'war effort' in the 1940s - yet another period of hard times in our history. The ornate railings and water fountains also suffered the same fate.

The original Victorian bandstand was demolished in the 1960s and later replaced with this replica.

The two bowling greens were neat and well kept. There's something very traditional about bowling greens. Calm and peaceful places.

Bowling and bowling only. Obviously. But horses?

The local community police officer was enjoying the peace and quiet of the park.

Or perhaps he was looking out for horses?

I hope you enjoyed my visit to Vernon Park in Stockport. I regret not making the time to visit the lovely tea room - I definitely will do next time though.

Reflections of Liverpool

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”

— John Lennon

A friendly rivalry exists been Liverpudlians (from Liverpool) and Mancunians (from Manchester). Think Liverpool FC v Manchester United. The Beatles v Oasis. Scouse v Hotpot. And so the list goes on... But the rivalry between theses two neighbouring cities has roots going back to Victorian times - to industrialisation and in particular the building of the Manchester Ship Canal from the River Mersey and feuding merchants. I've visited and photographed the Manchester end of the waterway at Salford Quays and Media City many times. Despite being a Mancunian, I love to 'cross the border' to visit the city of Liverpool. I'm always drawn to docklands area and historical industrial warehouses and so Albert Dock on the River Mersey is a perfect destination.

Albert Dock Liverpool

It hasn't always been picture-perfect though. WW2 bomb damage and, over the following decades, a dramatic decline in industry and trading to the late 1970s left this area a grim desolate and sewage-filled wasteland. It was a dismal no-go area. The area had such a bleak feel to it.

Albert Dock Liverpool

In the early 1980s a life-line was thrown in the form of an ambitious and impressive regeneration programme. I think the futuristic new now sits comfortably with richly historic old.

I remember visiting here in the early days of the restoration. My memory is of buying contemporary black and white patterned buttons from from a little independent shop. At the time I was knitting a mohair cardigan. I wasn’t the best of knitters and my item had a rustic look to it!

Old and new buildings sit alongside each other.

The waterfront is lined with modern structures. An abundance of glass and strong lines. Can you see that the figure in the window gives a sense of perspective?

Museum of Liverpool

I'm always drawn to detail in reflections. I feel this, if I were to be labelled, may be one of my 'trademarks'. The big wheel looms high although I’ve not yet plucked up the courage to venture on here. The red brick warehouses and sheds have been spruced up.

Reflections in windows of the Museum of Liverpool

We Mancunians chuckled quietly to ourselves when Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008. Oh how very wrong we were to mock! I'm looking forward to the Transmitting Andy Warhol exhibition coming soon to the Tate Liverpool. It’ll be the ideal excuse to return.

Reflections of Albert Dock in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

The River Mersey looks cold and murky but when the sun makes an appearance the crowds flock here to stroll along the promenade on the waterfront. The water is apparently the cleanest it’s been since the Industrial Revolution although I wouldn't dare take a dip in it!

Reflection of the waterfront in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

I like the reflections here of old architecture on modern. The area is showcases prime examples of how good architectural design can sit comfortably beside the old.

Museum of Liverpool

Can you spot the two famous mythical Liver birds perched on the towers of the Liver Building? The legend goes that if these two birds were ever to fly away then the city of Liverpool would cease to exist. They're firmly fastened down!

The Liver Building on the waterfront, Liverpool

The Royal Liver building dates back to 1911 and was one of the first buildings in the world to be constructed from reinforced concrete. The elaborate squared building in the middle is the Cunard Building - a reminder of the significance of Liverpool as major port when our ancestors - mine included- bravely sailed away on the liners to new lives across the globe.

Reflection of the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool waterfront.

The Port of Liverpool Building, a stray traffic cone and an ominous 'One-Way' sign! This building is known as one of the Three Graces - together with the Liver Building and Cunard Building.

Reflection of The Port of Liverpool Building

The Beatles seem to be on every street corner in one form or another. And of course it’s a perfect excuse to stop for a cuppa!

Cafe on the waterfront at Liverpool

No photos of cake this time. I've been on a sugar detox for the last two weeks. I know, hard to believe isn't it?

I hope you liked my stroll around the waterfront in Liverpool. There is so much more to see but that will have to wait for another time. I really recommend a visit if you're ever passing by. There’s so much to see. And of course don't forget your camera - it’s a a very photogenic area!.