Revd Chris Blunt, Rector of St Mary's, Stockport (pictured above)
BBC Radio Manchester presenter, Mike Sweeney spoke with Revd Chris Blunt when he visited Stockport to take in the sights and sounds of the town's market and adjacent church, St Mary's.
During Mike Sweeney's visit to the church, he spoke to Revd Chris Blunt and Jill Trumble from Stockport Heritage Trust who explained some of the church's history.
St Mary's is the oldest church in Stockport. It was first established around 1320 when the chancel is believed to have been built. The wooden beams of the roof of the chancel, still original, have been dated to 1019. Like many churches, more has been added over the years, decades and centuries, and the church has grown in size and stature considerably.
The church is a focal point for Stockport and a place for community, "This is one of the few church buildings that is right in the centre of town centre of town." says Chris, who goes on to explain how; "If we're doing something, lots of other churches will come to help us."
The excerpt from the show can be heard below.
Speaking of Mike's visit, Revd Chris says; "It was great to be able to talk to Mike Sweeney from BBC Manchester who was guinuinly interested in the church and the role we play in the community. As well as talking about our history, we were able to explore the things we do in the here and now, about our cafe, support for the homeless, and being a focal point for Christian witness... some of which made it into the final broadcast."
You can find out more about St Mary's on the St Mary's Stockport Website