Stockport Independent Issue 196

FREE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS-PAPER FREE STOCKPORT www.independentnewspapers.co.uk ISSUE 196 OFFERTON • THE HEATONS • EDGELEY • DENTON BREDBURY • CHEADLE HEATH • HAZEL GROVE • CHEADLE HULME • HEAVILEY • MARPLE • REDDISH • ROMILEY • WOODLEY • HIGH LANE Looking for Flooring Inspiration? Let us help you find the perfect flooring for your home. With great advice, home styling, measure and planning service, plus quality fitting of top brands and designs, youwill be glad you did . Visit our showroom: Tuesday to Saturday or call 01260 224445 for a private appointment Thornycroft Farm, Pexhill Road, Siddington, Cheshire SK11 9JN � Modern, Traditional & Luxury Carpets � Natural Wood Flooring � Laminate Flooring � Stair Runners & Rods � Luxury Vinyl Tiles � Bespoke Rugs & Runners NATIONAL Lottery fund- ing is set to breathe new life into Stockport’s old- est church. St Mary’s in the Market- place, a landmark of national significance, has secured a £343,234 development grant. And that could eventually lead to an investment of up to £2.5million to give the church a new lease of life. Those behind the success- ful funding application say the project will safeguard St Mary’s for generations to come, transforming it into a vibrant community and cul- tural destination. The Grade I listed building has stood at the heart of the town for centuries. The fund- ing will help carry out urgent repairs to the church, which is currently on Historic Eng- land’s ‘At Risk’ Register. The overall project aims to make St Mary’s more wel- coming, accessible and sus- tainable, while preserving its unique history and heritage. People can look forward to a programme of heritage activities, community events, and volunteering opportu- nities. Plans include tower tours, heritage escape rooms, self-guided tours, live gigs, food festivals, and a refreshed social café, opening St Mary’s doors wider than ever before. Reverend Chris Blunt, Rector of Stockport and Brinnington and minister at St Mary’s, said: “For almost a thousand years, St Mary’s has been a place of Christian worship and service at the heart of Stockport. “This generous grant secures the future of the building and helps us open it even more widely to our town today. “We pray it will remain a place where people encounter God’s presence, discover the richness of our shared history, and find a warm welcome in the heart of the town. “We look forward to inviting local people to be part of this journey and to help shape St Mary’s future together.” Peter Breeden, project lead for St Mary’s development plans, added: “This grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund enables us to safeguard one of Stock- port’s most significant his- toric buildings and to invite more people to connect with its story. PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED A lottery boost for oldest church Nationally significant: St Mary’s in the Marketplace (Photo credit: Stockport Council) “Through careful conser- vation, new interpretation, and creative heritage experi- ences, we want St Mary’s to remain accessible, relevant and inspiring for generations to come.” Stockport Council has also welcomed the announcement, recognising the important role St Mary’s plays at the heart of the town and in its wider regeneration story. Micheala Meikle, its cabi- net member for economy and regeneration, said: “St Mary’s is one of Stockport’s most important historic landmarks and a much-loved part of our town centre. “The council is pleased they have received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and it will help ensure the church remains a welcoming place for the community.” The funding will also help St Mary’s tackle environ- mental challenges – reduc- ing energy use and cutting the church’s carbon footprint.