Traders turn back the clock

VISITORS to Stockport town centre could step back in time at a Victorian Day.

The event, on Little Underbank, was part of the national programme of Heritage Open Days and saw shop owners dress up in period costume.

History was brought to life by re-enactments of true stories such as the tale of the farmer who rode his cow to market to save paying tax on his horse.

Members of Stockport Heritage Trust, who organised the event, gave talks about Winter’s Clock and the Victorian post box, as well as guided walks along the Old Road to London.

Shops had information of their Victorian past and were also decorated to resemble that era.

And crowds were kept entertained by a performance from Stockport Ukulele Players.

Kevin Dranfield, from Stockport Heritage Trust, said: “It was unusual for a Heritage Open Day event to include a whole street but the enthusiasm of the retailers helped to make the day a success in spite of the rain.”

Other Heritage Open Day events were held at St George’s Church, Heaviley, St Mary’s Church, on the Market Place, Stockport Plaza, Strawberry Studios, Cheadle Hulme School and Our Lady and the Apostles Church, in Shaw Heath.