One minute with… Dame Joan Bakewell
In the first of a series of ‘a minute with’ interviews, we asked distinguished journalist, author, playwright and television presenter Joan Bakewell about her memories of Stockport.
Baroness Joan, a Labour party peer was born in Heaton Moor and educated at Stockport high School for Girls where her confidence led her to be appointed Head Girl. Joan lived with her family in Stockport until 1956 when took a place at Newham College at the University of Cambridge where she first studied Economics and then History.
What do you most associate with Stockport?
School – I left Stockport at the age of 18 to go to Cambridge University
Which is your favourite Stockport park?
I enjoyed walks in Cale Green Park.
If somebody was visiting Stockport for the weekend, what would you recommend they do?
I’d definitely recommend a visit to The Plaza to see its beautiful Art Deco architecture and rare Compton Organ
Where is your favourite place to eat out?
Fish & Chips in Merseyway Square – you can’t beat it!
What do you think makes Stockport special?
All trains passing through must, by law, stop at Stockport station and the Manchester train always stops at platform 6
What do you think is Stockport’s Hidden Gem?
Well it isn’t exactly hidden but Stockport Town Hall, nicknamed the ‘wedding cake’, with its very grand marble staircase
Who is your favourite ‘Stockport’ Artist
L.S. Lowry
How has Stockport shaped the person you are today?
By attending Stockport High School for girls, it gave me my education, then I left!
