Stockport residents have been left gutted by the news that a beloved and long-standing pub, The Golden Hind, will soon be closing — so much so that locals are now rallying to keep it open.
The Golden Hind, located in Offerton, has been open since the late 1960s and has been part of the Greene King family since 1996, having previously held the brewery and pub chain’s in-house Hungry Horse moniker above its doors for many years.
Although the pub itself was closed for a period in 2017 following a major refurbishment, it has been a go-to boozer for punters all over SK for decades, so naturally people quickly became concerned once rumours began circulating on social media last week that it might be closing its doors this month.
Unfortunately for fans of the pub, those fears were confirmed when a makeshift sign made out of a dust sheet and black paint by a passionate resident appeared on the main road just outside the building’s frontage asking people to help “Save The Golden Hind from closure”.
Stockport locals urge the town to help ‘Save the Golden Hind’Credit: The Manc Group
As you can see, the sign goes on to read, “It’s not just a pub, it’s our community hub”, adding, “Contact Greene King web page ‘Contact Us‘. Thank you, Offerton.”
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The reaction to the news online has been one of shock and upset, with many on social media urging others to take heed of the sign and help keep it open. Some residents are said to have already reached out to local councillors to petition against it and register the pub as a ‘Community Asset‘.
Writing on a community Facebook page called ‘What’s On Offerton‘, local Helen Judge said: “Just wondering which idiot at Stockport Council would let a great pub in Offerton like The Golden Hind to be bulldozed and sell the land. [It is the] worst idea ever and we don’t need any more houses in Offerton”.
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While the closure is strictly an owner issue and many believe the pub is “losing money” or simply not performing in line with other Greene King locations in the Greater Manchester area, others are claiming that the valuable piece of land situation on busy Lisburne Lane has already been sold.
The pub is situated right in the middle of the Offerton areaThe ‘Save the Golden Hind’ was hung outside last week.
Addressing their plans to shut the pub, Greene King did confirm the closure notice on 26 November to the MEN, adding that “formal consultation” with current landlord Danny and his staff has already begun, but did not offer any details as to the status of the land nor any potential plans for it in the near future.
Posting on social media, one person said: “I go regularly and the new manager was doing really well, great chef too and they were always full on the tribute meal events. Virtually the only affordable pub that does proper meals around here.”
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Many have also expressed their worry for the elderly and vulnerable people who regularly visit the Hind not only for food and drink but also to socialise and enjoy a sense of community. The place is also regularly packed on matchday and hosts live entertainment throughout the week.
Another wrote, “Feel really sad about this… It’s like the end of an era… all the traditional pubs going and just wine bars, bistro pubs and takeaways everywhere”, while a third added: “That’s so sad, many beautiful memories.” The pub famously had to take down an Elvis sign above the entrance merely placed as a bit of fun to promote their ever-busy karaoke nights.
Credit: Norman BroomCredit: The Golden Hind (via Facebook)The Golden Hind and its iconic Elvis signage in the early 2000s and the local Stopfordians who still consider it a pillar in the area.
Speaking to The Manc, regular patron Sue Harrop said: “The Golden Hind is an asset to the community. It is the only pub in the area since the social club on the nearby estate closed.
“It has a great atmosphere where people of all ages come together, offers good affordable food, fantastic live entertainment which always sells out and live sports. All the other regulars are devastated and friendship groups that have been formed in the Hind will be no more if it closes on 26 November.
“To say everyone is gutted is an understatement and it feels as though Greene King is only interested in making quick money with no thought for the community they are destroying”.
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It is thought that over 400 people have already signed a petition filed to the council and many more are expected to rally behind the cause as they look to save the Golden Hind before the end of the month.
Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
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Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree
Daisy Jackson
A man has been charged for a series of burglaries in Wigan – one of which saw him nick the ingredients for a Christmas dinner.
Gary Marsh of Heath Street in Golborne had reportedly taken a number of festive food items from a freezer at an address.
In the burglary on 7 December, the 38-year-old took items including a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
Mr Walsh also made off with a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.
Police have said he has been charged for stealing ‘a Christmas dinner worth of goods’.
He’s been charged with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference and will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court today.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
GMP said in a statement today: “One frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
“Gary Marsh 16/05/1986 of Heath Street, Golborne, in Wigan, was charged on Wednesday 18 December with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference.
“On 7 December 2024, the following items were reportedly taken from the freezer in the basement of an address: a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets, a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.”
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
