Showing posts with label Cheadle Hulme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cheadle Hulme. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Dodgeballing again!

Back in action with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club.


It was brilliant to be back in action with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club last night.

Richard Gottfried - Dodgeballer
Richard Gottfried - Dodgeballer

The session in Parrs Wood, Manchester was the first one for the club's adult members since March 2020.


I played 4, won 2, lost 2 in games. A fun mix of Prison Rules, Super Catch and Secret Spy.

I was also the third last player in the Last Person Standing game at the end of the night.

Check out the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club website for more info on the Tuesday night sessions.


See the British Dodgeball website for more info on the serious side of the game.


My 'all-time' Dodgeball Win-Loss Record (2005-2022) now stands at 991 games played, 453 wins, 494 losses and 44 tied games.

I've been playing the game since the eighties so this is my fifth decade!

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

My last pre-pandemic games of dodgeball

I played my last pre-coronavirus pandemic lockdown games of dodgeball a year ago today.


In my last Tuesday night session with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club I played 5, won 4 and lost 1.

I'm really looking forward to returning to dodgeball action when it's once again safe to do so.

My 2020 record stood at 18 games played with 9 wins and 9 losses.

My all-time Dodgeball Win-Loss Record (2005-2020) stands at 987 games played, 451 wins, 492 losses and 44 tied games.

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

Only Cars and Commercials

We spotted this amazing van on our daily walk in Cheadle on Saturday!


Cheadle Car Sales Only Fools and Horses van

I'd literally just said to Emily that I hadn't seen anything fun to photograph recently as we've been locked down in the borough.

Cheadle Car Sales Only Fools and Horses van

Only Fools and Horses is a pop culture icon that has been ripe for bootlegging and parodies over the years.

It's crazy how many Reliant Regal Supervans we've seen on our minigolf travels.

Elsewhere in Stockport you can see a hearse from a business called Shed's Household Independent Traders.

Shawfield Line Marking Specialists Ltd. is another business that operates in Stockport and some less exotic locations like London, Paris and New York.

If you're in Blackpool you can visit Lester's Independent Trading Co.

Saturday, January 09, 2021

London, Paris, New York but mostly Stockport

Shawfield Line Marking Specialists Ltd. is a business that operates in Stockport and some less exotic locations like London, Paris and New York.

Shawfield Line Marking spotted in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport

Friday, September 18, 2020

A-Team Cleaning Services in Manchester

Spotting an 'A-Team van' in Stockport.

I always keep an eye out for fun and interesting stuff and managed to get a snap of this 'A-Team van' out on a mission somewhere in the Greater Manchester underground earlier today!

An 'A-Team van' in Stockport.

Check out the A-Team Cleaning Services Facebook Page for more information.


It's not the first A-Team van I've seen on my travels. Check out the Multi Kitchens Ltd van, The Waste Team and The Natural Tile Company in Belfast.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

A funny old sign

NO TIPPING at the Stockport Pyramid.


While having a wander around the Stockport Pyramid I noticed a funny sign near the gates - it must've been up for years as it had the old Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council logo on it.

Typo on a very old Stockport Council sign at the Pyramid
NO TIPPNG

The other NO TIPPING sign on the opposite side of the driveway was spelt correctly.

NO TIPPING sign at the Stockport Pyramid
NO TIPPING

Both signs are likely to be almost 30 years old. That's a long time for a typo like that to be hidden in plain sight!

The Metropolitan Borough of Stockport was founded in 1974 and the Stockport Pyramid was completed in 1992 after five years work.

Sadly traces of the old Metropolitan Borough of Stockport logo are becoming few and far between. There was one on an old noticeboard on Adswood Road in Cheadle Hulme until it was destroyed in a road traffic accident last year!

Old Metropolitan Borough of Stockport sign on Adswood Road in Cheadle Hulme. July 2016
  
Old Metropolitan Borough of Stockport sign on Adswood Road in Cheadle Hulme. February 2019

Thanks to Natalie Ainscough for letting me know about this sign with the old logo on at Woodford Recreation Ground.

Old Metropolitan Borough of Stockport sign at Woodford Recreation Ground

Monday, July 27, 2020

Remnants of Blockbuster Video

Finding some more traces of the lost brand.


We've always enjoyed exploring our surroundings, looking for and hunting out interesting things. We've seen quite a few ghost signs on our travels and many of these are hangovers from another time, some even dating back over a hundred years.

Since we found the remains of Blockbuster Video just up the road from us in Fallowfield, Manchester we had a look to see if there were any other former branches still showing signs of the brand.

We were in luck as on our walks around Cheadle Hulme and Marple we spotted the ghostly outline of a sign, as well as an old QuikDrop box.

The outline of the old big ticket logo of Blockbuster is still visible behind the Majestic Wine sign. A modern day ghost sign
The outline of the old big ticket logo of Blockbuster is still visible behind the Majestic Wine sign. A modern day ghost sign

The QuikDrop slot is the only part of the former Blockbuster Video Express in Marple that hasn't been painted over. It's now a Post Office
The QuikDrop slot is the only part of the former Blockbuster Video Express in Marple that hasn't been painted over. It's now a Post Office

It'll be interesting to see if we spot any other traces of the brand once we're back out on the road on Crazy World of Minigolf Tour travels.


The Blockbuster shop hole at Ghetto Golf Birmingham
The Blockbuster shop hole at Ghetto Golf Birmingham

Friday, May 22, 2020

South Park Miniature Railway in Cheadle Hulme

Revisiting the Miniature Railway at South Park in Cheadle Hulme.


South Park Miniature Railway in Cheadle Hulme

We took part of our outdoor daily exercise at South Park in Cheadle Hulme and had a look at the excellent miniature railway there.

South Park is home to Stockport & District Society of Model Engineers
South Park is home to Stockport & District Society of Model Engineers

It's a real treat to ride the model railway and I highly recommend a visit in the future when it is once again safe to do so.

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme
To the trains

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme
Old arrows at the entrance - they look well spaced out in the times of social distancing

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme
The turntable

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme
A view of the loop

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme

South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme

South Park Miniature Railway in Cheadle Hulme
A pair of park benches with a fine view of the miniature railway

We first found out about it back in May 2017, a year after we moved up here! 

At South Park Model Railway in Cheadle Hulme
End of the line

The Metropolitan Borough of Stockport is home to three miniature railways - the one at South ParkBrookside Miniature Railway at the Garden Centre in Poynton and the Dragon Miniature Railway at the Garden Centre in Marple.

Related blog posts:



Link:

Friday, May 01, 2020

Pub quizzes during lockdown

Have you played a virtual pub quiz during lockdown?




Our local The Micker Brook in Cheadle Hulme has been running a weekly online quiz with the excellent Mike Prince since lockdown began.

The Micker Brook pub in Cheadle Hulme
The Micker Brook in Cheadle Hulme

It's brilliant fun.



I've been taking snaps of the pubs of Stockport I pass while out on my daily exercise. You can see more on my Instagram.

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Saw something on my daily walk. Made a meme about it

Saw something on my once a day outdoor exercise walk. Made a meme about it.

Saw something on my daily walk. Made a meme
What do you read it as?

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

The Battle of Stockport Borough

There can be only one winner!


Stockport infographic at The Old Rectory Pub in Stockport town centre

As there is a lack of sport going on anywhere at the moment The Stockport Show has organised The Battle of the Borough to find out which bit of Stockport is the best!



There are a number a mouthwatering clashes and the event has certainly got me and fellow Stopfordians excited.


Each day two areas of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport will go face-to-face in a live poll on Twitter and Facebook every day to decide the ultimate champions.

My area - Cheadle Hulme - is competing as The Cheadles alongside Cheadle Royal, Cheadle Village and Cheadle Heath. Our first round tie is with Reddish.

I've got a bit of a soft spot for reddish as it's home to Reddish South railway station. One of the UK's least used stations and one of the stops on the infamous once-a-week Parliamentary ghost train!

I'm really looking forward to following the action as it unfolds.

An old Metropolitan Borough of Stockport community noticeboard on Adswood Road in Cheadle Hulme. This was still in place until last year when a car ploughed into it in a massive crash at the crossroads
Which bit will be declared the best bit of the borough

The Stockport Show is a live stream for Stockport Borough promoting local businesses and helping isolated and lonely people to connect.

Check out The Stockport Show on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Dodgeball with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club in Stockport

In my last Tuesday night session with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club I played 5, won 4 and lost 1 in games.


We also played a lot of fast-paced METEOR BALL games. That was superb FUN as you're constantly moving, dodging, ducking, dipping, diving and dodging. If you're hit or get caught out you run to the back wall and then re-enter the game.


I'm looking forward to returning to dodgeball action once the coronavirus pandemic is over.


Dodgeball with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club in Stockport
What retro wrestling t-shirt shall I wear for my next dodgeball outing?

My 2020 record stands at 18 games played, 9 wins, 9 losses.

------------------

My all-time Dodgeball Win-Loss Record stands at:

  • 2005-2020: Played 987, Won 451, Lost 492, Tied 44.


By year:

  • 2005-2013: Played 959, Won 437, Lost 478, Tied 44.
  • 2014-2018: Inactive.
  • 2019: Played 10, Won 5, Lost 5, Tied 0.
  • 2020: Played 18, Won 9, Lost 9, Tied 0.


Related blog posts:



Links:

Wednesday, January 01, 2020

Putting Green at the Park Square offices in Cheadle Heath

The first unplayable course visit of the year.


Putting Green at the Park Square offices in Cheadle Heath

On New Year's Day we walked past the Miniature Golf course at the Park Square offices in Cheadle Heath, Stockport.


Putting Green at the Park Square offices in Cheadle Heath

It's our nearest course. We've never been allowed to play it as it's for tenants of the offices only.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Dodgeball - getting back in the game

Playing dodgeball in Cheadle.


Last night I played dodgeball for the first time in over six years as I attended a session with the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club.


One of the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club balls
One of the Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club balls

My last matches were with the Harpenden Dodgeball Club back in April 2013 so it was superb to be back in action.


The Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club run sessions on Tuesday evenings and it was brilliant to see a mix of people, ages and abilities playing the fun game.

Dodgeball is a fantastic game to play. It's easy to get into and you can play for fun or take it more seriously if you like

I'm looking forward to playing more dodgeball over the coming months.

Back in dodgeball action. I also picked up a win in the Last Man Standing match!

Check out Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club website for more information.


My all-time Dodgeball Win-Loss Record:

  • 2005-2013 - Played 959, Won 437, Lost 478, Tied 44.
  • 2014-2018 - Inactive.
  • 2019-present - Won the Last Person Standing match (10/12/19).


Associations / Rules played under:

  • Dodgeball UK (2005-2007)
  • Get Back Into/UKDBA (2010-2011)
  • England Dodgeball (2011-2013)
  • British Dodgeball (2019-)


Teams played for:

  • New Lutonians (2005-2006)
  • The Dodgeball Assassins (2005-2006)
  • Abingdon Dodgeball Alliance (2005-2007)
  • Luton Dodgeball Club (2010-2011)
  • Harpenden Dodgeball Club (2011-2013)
  • Cheadle & Gatley Griffins Dodgeball Club (2019-)


Related blog posts:

Thursday, October 24, 2019

My lucky day

I popped out to buy some magic beans earlier and spotted this new place to buy lottery tickets.

National Lottery in the woods in Cheadle Hulme
Sketchy and Blair Witchy!

Luckily the Wallet Inspector stopped me before I ventured in.

Thursday, August 09, 2018

Funny signs in Stockport

Spotting a number of legitimate businesses around Stockport.

On our travels we're always on the lookout for funny signs, bootlegs and parodies. Living in Stockport we don't often have to look that far.

Here are a few of the gangster-related signs and business names we've seen.

Godfather takeaway in Hazel Grove, Stockport
The king of takeaways

Godfrey Wright in Edgeley, Stockport
I recognise that font

The Wash Father in Edgeley
The Wash Father in Edgeley. I wonder if they do laundry too

Al Capone's in Cheadle
Somewhere for a Valentine's Day meal in Cheadle perhaps

Al Pacino takeaway in Stockport town centre

One of my all-time favourite bootleg takeaways is Instascran in Heaviley, Stockport.

Related blog posts:
Funny sign
Bootleg
- Stockport

Friday, March 30, 2018

Findar in Stockport's Parks

Checking out the new Findar app at Adswood Park in Cheadle Hulme.


This morning we popped over the road to our local park for a wander and to try out the new Findar app.

Starting this Bank Holiday weekend 15 parks in the borough will feature in a trial of a new  Augmented Reality app, similar to Pokemon Go, which allows park visitors to spot four characters. The pilot will last until June.

Findar in Adswood Park, Cheadle Hulme
The first of the Findar characters we found on our visit to Adswood Park

On our 'thorough' walk around and through Adswood Park we found three of the four characters. We can't think where number four is!

Findar in Adswood Park, Cheadle Hulme
We spotted this sign from the other side of the park. Emily found a witch there

The app has been created by Stockport resident Chris Hunt and is a UK first. Chris has said “There’s a number of great, examples of Augmented Reality, such as Pokemon Go,the Gruffalo Trail and Snapchat but none have crossed over into the mainstream to help bring people in to public areas."

Emily and a unicorn in Adswood Park
Emily and a unicorn in Adswood Park

The 15 parks featuring the Findar app are:

  • Abney Hall Park, Cheadle
  • Adswood Park, Cheadle Hulme
  • Alexandra Park, Edgeley
  • Bramhall Park, Bramhall
  • Brinnington Park, Brinnington
  • Bruntwood Park, Cheadle,
  • Cale Green Park, Stockport
  • Great Moor Park, Stockport
  • Heaton Moor Park, Heaton Moor
  • Marple Memorial Park, Marple
  • Reddish Vale Country Park, Reddish
  • Romiley Park, Romiley
  • Torkington Park, Hazel Grove
  • Vernon Park, Stockport
  • Woodbank Park, Offerton


Check out the news item on Stockport Council's website for more information.

You can download the Findar app on the Google Play Store.

Adswood Park is a nice small park straddling the Cheadle Hulme / Cheadle border close to Cheadle Heath. Last year we found out the park used to be home to a Miniature Golf course!

Adswood Park in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport

We're also part-way through visiting all the parks and green spaces in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport after the Friends of Alexandra Park suggested it as a pleasant way to pass the time. We've been to eleven out of the 33 listed so far, plus eight that were not on the list.

Related blog posts:
- Adswood Park
- Cheadle Hulme
- Stockport
- App

Monday, October 16, 2017

It's an axe!

We did a bit of shopping in Asda this evening and I had a look at the Halloween section. There's some good stuff in stock, but I'm not sure about this item.

'Swashbuckling Pirate Sword' - or as it's more commonly known, an axe
'Swashbuckling Pirate Sword' - or as it's more commonly known, an axe

'Swashbuckling Pirate Sword' - or as it's more commonly known, an axe

Related blog posts:
- Funny
- Pirates
- Shopping
- Halloween

Friday, July 21, 2017

Mobike in Cheadle Hulme

The new Mobike cycle hire scheme recently launched in Manchester and this morning I spotted one of the fancy bikes parked up/abandoned/awaiting collection in Cheadle Hulme.

A Mobike parked up in Cheadle Hulme
I'm pretty sure this constitutes bad parking etiquette in the Mobike rulebook. Not that anyone really uses phone boxes anymore. But still

Check out the Mobike website for further details of the scheme and how you can hire one of the bikes.

A Mobike parked up in Cheadle Hulme
The Mobikes look pretty cool. I wouldn't mind having a go on one, even if I'm more of a BMX man myself

There have been reports in the news and by police that bikes have been abandoned. However, unlike the London 'Boris Bikes' the Mobikes don't have docking stations, they are simply left in the open ready for collection by the next user.

Handy to know that I can collect one in the outer reaches of Greater Manchester here in the leafy Cheshire/Stockport borderlands.