Crowds Celebrate Vernon Park's Big Birthday
| Published: 26th September 2008 16:47 |
The sun was shining as thousands turned out to celebrate Vernon Park's 150th birthday on Saturday.
Pictured (left to right) are the Mayor of Stockport Councillor Pam King, Councillor Shan Alexander,
Vernon Park Facilities Manager Malcolm Topping and Stockport Town Cryer Jim Clare
Stockport's oldest park celebrated its birthday in style with loads of fun activities including miniature steam train rides, Victorian fun fair, Punch and Judy, jigsaw exhibition, arts and craft stalls and much more.
Visitors also enjoyed allotment and plant stalls, history tours of the park, target bowls, live dance and music, refreshments and even a spot of ferret racing!
Councillor Shan Alexander, Executive Member for Leisure, said: "Thanks to everyone who joined us at this fantastic event and helped celebrate Stockport's oldest park's big birthday. The opening of Stockport's first public park in 1858 was cause for great celebration and 150 years on, we did it proud. It was great to see everyone soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying themselves. Here's to the next 150 years of Vernon Park!"
Jessica Collier, aged 5, from Heaton
Moor, with 'Winston' the ferret.
Once known as 'Pinch Belly Park' or the 'People's Park', Vernon was built by Stockport Corporation on land donated by George John Warren (Lord Vernon) and opened on Monday 20th September 1858 amidst much celebration. It immediately became a popular destination for the growing population of Victorian Stockport. The attractiveness of the park has been enhanced over the decades, and it now boasts one of the borough's 11 Green Flag awards.
For more information on Stockport's many parks visit www.stockport.gov.uk/parks or call 0845 833 4444.
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