2026 International Women's Day Stockport Awards Nomination
by Nadia Ali, Make a Difference GM
Make a Difference GM are inviting your organisation to nominate an inspiring woman for our Community Awards in celebration of International Women's Day 2026.
We're looking for women who've made significant community contributions, showing leadership, resilience, and passion. We're particularly keen to recognise women who've made a difference but haven't received recognition before yet have done incredible community work at a grassroots level.
There are no categories this year as all awards will be 'outstanding contribution awards.'
The award ceremony will be held at the Loft Social in Stockport on 13 March, 10am to 2pm.
All nominees must be available to attend our event to receive their award.
Nomination deadline: 15 February 2026.
Find the form and details on our website: https://www.makeadifferencegm.org/iwd2026, or scan the QR code.
Our annual event is supported by Stockport Council.
Cheadle to celebrate connection with Agatha Christie throughout 2026
by Cheadle Civic Society
Residents of Cheadle in Stockport are set to celebrate the connection their village has with Agatha Christie throughout 2026.
Cheadle Civic Society is putting the finishing touches to a programme of events that will include a visit by the famous crime writer’s grandson, Mathew Prichard.
Christie’s older sister ‘Madge’ lived in Cheadle with her husband James Watts from 1902 until her death in 1950 and one of their homes in the village, Abney Hall, is said to be one of the main inspirations for the iconic country house setting that features so prominently in Agatha’s work.
Several of Christie’s books are dedicated to Abney Hall or members of her extended family in Cheadle and it was to Abney Hall that she retreated, escorted by her sister, to recover following her famous 11-day disappearance in December 1926.
Christie passed away 50 years ago this month (January 1976) and Cheadle Civic Society want to make more people aware of the influence Cheadle had on the novelist’s life and work.
Their programme of events will include:
The unveiling of an Information Board outside Abney Hall by Agatha’s grandson, Mathew Prichard, which will outline the story of her connection to Cheadle and her Watts relations.
An ‘Agatha Christie Book Club’, hosted by local crime-writer and million-selling award-winning author Kate Ellis, which will meet in the Drawing Room at Abney Hall and cover five books with specific connections to Cheadle.
A walking tour around the village, led by the local historian Andrew Frazer and supported by Hydes Brewery, that will highlight the buildings and locations with ties to Christie and her novels.
An ‘In Conversation’ with Martin Edwards, the president of The Detection Club – a crime writers association and a position held by Agatha herself for almost 20 years – and Kate Ellis, who will discuss Agatha’s influence on their work and the genre at large.
Local brewery Hydes has announced that its two village pubs, The James Watts (named after Madge’s husband and his ancestors) and The Crown, will showcase a special guest ale named Who Dunnit on selected dates throughout the year.
Cheadle Library will be hosting two events - a ‘Creative Christie for Kids’ for local children to practice their mystery solving skills and create their own detective stories; and they will also host a ‘Crime Night’ for adult readers.
All events are FREE of charge. Some will have limited availability. For more information about the work of Cheadle Civic Society, visit: cheadlecivicsociety.uk.
Among the Agatha Christie books with special connections to Cheadle are:
4:50 from Paddington - said to be inspired by the layout of the grounds at Abney Hall).
After the Funeral - a novel that Agatha dedicates to ‘good times at Abney’.
The Body in the Library - which Agatha dedicates to ‘Nan’ Watts who was a lifelong friend.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas - the plot of which Agatha says was influenced by her brother-in-law, James Watts.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding - in which Agatha gives a detailed dedication to ‘the Christmases of her youth’ at Abney Hall.
The Information Board about Agatha Christie that will be unveiled outside Abney Hall will form part of the new Cheadle Community Heritage Trail, launching in the spring, which has been supported by a grant from the Northern Trains Community Project Fund. More information about the Trail will be released in due course.
Agatha Christie Book Club in the Drawing Room at Abney Hall
Thursday 5 March (6pm-7pm) - 4:50 from Paddington
Thursday 7 May (6pm-7pm) - After the Funeral
Thursday 2 July (6pm-7pm) - The Body in the Library
Thursday 3 September (6pm-7pm) - Hercule Poirot's Christmas
Thursday 5 November (6pm-7pm) - The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Literary Events at Cheadle Library
Thursday 5 March at 4pm - Creative Christie for Kids at Cheadle Library
Thursday 12 November at 5:30pm - Crime Night at Cheadle Library
Agatha Christie Walking Tour of Cheadle - Kindly sponsored by Hydes Brewery
Meeting point: Cheadle Green. Finish point: The James Watts Pub.
Sunday 19 April (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 17 May (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 14 June (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 12 July (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 6 September (11am-12.30pm)
In Conversation: Martin Edwards & Kate Ellis
Saturday 25 April (1pm-2pm). Venue: St Mary’s Church, Cheadle.
Photograph: Agatha Christie at Abney Hall c1902. Copyright: The Christie Archive Trust
New Health and Social Care Career Academy Launched in Stockport to Strengthen the Care Workforce
Trafford and Stockport College Group in partnership with Stockport Council and local sector employment organisations, has announced the launch of the new One Stockport Health and Social Care Career Academy.
by Trafford and Stockport College Group
Trafford and Stockport College Group in partnership with Stockport Council and local sector employment organisations, has announced the launch of the new One Stockport Health and Social Care Career Academy.
Officially launching at the beginning of December, marking a significant milestone in the shared commitment of TSCG and Stockport Council to create a sustainable, skilled, and community-focused care workforce. The Academy’s first cohort of learners will begin January 2026.
Developed collaboratively to address both local and national recruitment challenges in the sector, the Academy offers an accessible route for people who want to start or progress their career further in health and social care.
By bringing together the expertise, networks, and resources of both the college group and Stockport Council and partners across health and social care, the initiative ensures learners receive high-quality training which closely aligns with employer needs across the area.
Gareth Burrow is Director of Curriculum for Industry Partner & Skills at Trafford and Stockport College Group says, “The launch of the One Stockport Health and Social Care Career Academy marks a huge step forward in how we prepare, support and inspire the workforce of the future.
“High-quality training, practical experience and strong employer partnerships create pathways into the sector that are vital for our community.
“Importantly, the Academy will help meet not only the national demand for skilled care professionals but also support workforce sustainability for the sector in Stockport and the wider region.
“We’re proud to play a part in shaping a stronger, more resilient care workforce for our area.”
The academy will bring together current One Stockport workforce programmes supporting the sector, alongside new developments including a pre-employment course, this provides a flexible and comprehensive portfolio of training opportunities on offer by partners across Stockport’s health and social care system.
Supported by a shared Skills Advisory Board and powered by strong partnership working, the Academy will offer accredited learning, hands-on experience, employability skills, guaranteed interviews, and tailored job-matching.
It will serve both new entrants and the existing workforce, opening routes into leadership jobs, specialist roles in the sector, and ongoing professional development.
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, “I am delighted to see the launch of the One Stockport Health and Social Care Academy. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable, future-ready workforce for our borough.
“By bringing together local employers, education providers, and support agencies, the Academy will open new doors for people of all backgrounds - whether they are starting their careers, seeking a change, or looking to progress further in health and social care. We are proud to offer accredited training, hands-on experience, and real opportunities for advancement, helping to ensure that Stockport remains at the forefront of compassionate, high-quality care. I encourage everyone interested to find out more and join us in shaping the future of care in our community.”
Applications are now open for the Academy’s inaugural cohort, with places available for individuals considering a career change.
Referral partners and community organisations are encouraged to work with TSCG and Stockport Council to identify candidates who would benefit from the opportunity.
