Monday 30 July 2018

Walking in the sun and sharing Chorlton’s history

Now given that the sun has been cracking the paving stones for weeks, I rather assumed that the Quirks Walk 3 would be a stroll under a cloudless and blue sky with suntan and shorts the order of the day.

But as we know Sunday dawned wet, grey and miserable, and the prospect of the history walk from Southern Cemetery down to Ken Foster’s Cycle shop must have appeared daunting to those who had signed up.

Nevertheless 16 braved the elements, and began the walk with more catching us up along the way.

And within minutes of starting, the rain had moved off towards Stockport, the sun had come out and by the time we finished, I wished I had opted for those shorts and flip flops.

For those that missed the trawl of our quirky past, we took in stories about Southern Cemetery, George Best, our lost open air theatre and large swimming pool in Chorlton Park and the case of Mr Mr Brundrett’s sparrows.

So, a typical Quirks Walk which everyone enjoyed.

Leaving me to thank Ken Foster, Sean, and all the  staff at the Cycle shop who provided that much needed refreshments at the end of the walk.

And of course a thank you also to the "Hardy 16 + 2" who took a gamble and walked the walk, and were rewarded with some fine anecdotes, a shed load of history and a bit of sunshine

The Quirks Walks will take their summer break, but will be back in the autumn, with more quirky historical rambles around Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

But for those who can't wait, there is always the book, which is a companion to the walks.

It is a celebration of all things quirky and interesting about Chorlton.

Inside its covers, there are 140 paintings, pictures and maps, with stories about the buildings and the people who live here, or have lived here and more than a few bizarre tales.

You can obtain your copy  from us at http://www.pubbooks.co.uk/ or Chorlton Book shop, 506 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AW 0161 881 6374

The walks are in association with Chorlton Voice/Chorlton Civic Society.

Location; Chorlton





Pictures; Quirks Walk 3, 2018, courtesy of Peter Topping

No comments:

Post a Comment