During the first five months of 2021 we continued to meet on Zoom. We shared a session looking at images on the Stockport Archive website, discussed our researches into local businesses based outside the village centre, colours in the village, what happens along the boundary of Bramhall (supposing you can define it!) and garden observations. Then in June we had our annual walk, the last to be conducted by Tony who has now sadly left Bramhall. We resumed meeting at the coordinator’s house in July. We revised our recommended tradespeople list, exchanged personal memories and maps of Bramhall and fed back our research into local footpaths. Our 2022 programme includes a virtual tour of the recycling facility at Longley Lane - instead of an actual visit, continuing our footpath project, a study of moss, local woodland, terraces and natural regeneration. We have been in discussion with Stockport Local History Library about a destination for our archive.
Val Murray January 2022

At first during Lockdown we exchanged news and observations by email but most of the group has gradually got used to meeting via Zoom every month. We have talked about our favourite things in Bramhall. These ranged from cafes and shops to views, individual trees, buildings and gardens. We all did the same walk (separately) through the centre of the village and reported our observations. We shared a successful session looking at photos online on the Stockport Image Archive. Coming up we have a survey of non village centre businesses and a report by individuals about what happens at the edges of Bramhall (The boundary proves difficult to define!!). Every month we are recording something of note in our gardens. We have been contacted by a group planning an archeological dig in the field at Benja Fold to try to uncover an old barn. So, we keep in touch and look forward to gathering round the kitchen table before too long!
Val Murray

U3A Mapping Bramhall Group Report 2019

Membership of the Mapping Bramhall Group remains fairly steady. We continue to meet monthly round the leader's kitchen table. Everyone contributes to the programme in one way or another and our archive has topped 150 items which is the result of the work of members. We are beginning to discuss a way of using this and making it more widely available.

In 2019 we continued the pattern of individual research projects and group activities which included local history, gravestones in Bramhall, Local transport, local dentists and a presentation of a walk to the village. Group projects included a survey of hedges and a local walk.

In 2020 we will continue to examine our local environment and maps of all kinds. Our programme will have a slightly different emphasis with more group projects and outings.

Discussing local events and issues over tea and biscuits is as ever an important and enjoyable part of our activity.

Val Murray November 2019