A community poem ‘A Good Day in Altrincham’ inspired by stories and memories of Altrincham from over 70 workshop attendees in May 2024 as part of Stamford Quarters Summer Of Play Programme.
Listen to a voice recording of the full poem here
Poem produced and narrated by Kirsty Gbasai.
Image credit: Rick Eades.
Transcript
A good day in Altrincham, whether it’s warm or cool,
Changed for the better, like a treasured jewel.
Love being with friends eating pizza, feels like home,
Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, which is why I chose you as my own.
Making memories, experiencing the famous market’s charm,
Milkshakes with Nanna and Grandad, being loved and feeling warm.
Shops, football, bakery treats, happy family time,
Vibrant, buzzing, chains and indie shops, trading side by side
In Alty, it’s weird if you don’t have a dog,
We’ve known you since childhood, now parents, we jog
Elsie to you at eight days old,
New parents in the sun, drinking coffee, memories unfold.
First memory of Alty is the bus ride with mum,
All these years later, weekly visits, never glum.
Best days are when the sun is out,
At a bar or coffee shop, watching people about.
Love how you’ve changed, grown over the years,
But you still keep it cool, bring back C & A, cheers!
Do you remember, shopping with mum, a mannequin I became?
Memories of old days, earned a toy for being good, fun and games.
Alty has a village vibe, friendly, and will always be my home.
No plans needed, just mooch around, it’s a great place to roam.
Relaxing in the sunshine, smiling, coffee or aperol spritz in hand,
Feel lucky to live here, in this peaceful, welcoming land.
Cycling into town, you’ve improved, adaptable, welcoming,
Family friendly, fun, knowledgeable, with rich history brimming.
Maddie loves the buttercups growing in the garden light,
Emilia imagines Alty as a big happy person, a wonderful friendly sight.
We love cycling in, visiting the library, eating fish and chips,
Bars and restaurants, with kids or not, plenty of trips.
Riding the merry-go-round, always a delight,
Scottish Gran still talks of the best fish and chips ever, a taste so right!
We head to Altrincham, the three of us, our stories unfold,
Once met Jill Scott, outside Holland & Barrett, super friendly and bold.
We love mooching about, eating burgers, amazing and cool,
If you miss out on those burgers, you’re missing the jewel.
Arriving in Altrincham, our hearts take heed.
You’re not too big, but have everything we need,
Coffee shops, fine foods, bubble tea delight,
A balloon for Mia, Waterstones, Chinese supermarket in sight.
Walking to Altrincham, bananas bought, always a chance hello,
Canal-side dreams, the delicious food, the pubs aglow.
Market days are the best and the cinema’s a dream,
On a good day in Altrincham, if the sun doesn’t shine, it still gleams.
Our day includes cake for Lucy after football and ballet play,
Library visits, park fun, playing, chasing pigeons away.
First date at the Brasserie, there were flames of love in the air,
Present days spent working at the theatre, our kids love it here.
Weekends of martial arts, tasty brunch, lanterns in parade,
Kids buy clothes, sweets, skin care treats, joy and excitement displayed.
Gracie’s purple nails, in the sun, sparkling and bright,
Mum’s delight on her face, watching her live her best life.
The merry-go-round rides of the past, memory’s embrace,
Now my child enjoys this same ride in this friendly warm place.
Working here, folks are so calm and caring,
Welcoming and giving, kind, considerate, always sharing.
After Aila’s ballet class, we’re finding flowers to press,
From shops to the park, beauty in nature we caress.
It feels like home, comfortable, familiar, and safe,
Our days are happy and good, in Alty’s warm embrace.
Enjoying calm days here, shopping close to nature’s breeze,
at John Leigh Park, those magnificent, majestic trees.
Feel part of a community, helping each other when needed,
Everyone is always happy to assist, kindness seeded.
Gym, coffee, brownies, juice, our regular weekly mark,
Sid with Granny, eating pizza after playing at the park.
Talking to the flower man, everyone known,
In this cherished place, our love and our family has grown.
Thank you to; Gemma M, Catherine G, Gemma, Adam & Elsie, James, Maddie & Emilia, Brogan & Freddie, Louise & Leisel, Hayhurst/Kumar Family, Alen & Mia, Rick, Becky & Aila, Mala & Aradhya, Emma, Sid & Clover, Joe, Naomi, Liz, Steve, Joanne, Rose, Rachel, Paul, Wilbur & Joy, Jacob, Isaac & Maxwell, Saima, Ishaal & Rayan, Amy & Gracie, Ana, Simon, Sarah, James, Francesca & Tristan, Lisa & Lucy, Steph & Alex for sharing your time, creativity, stories and memories of a good day in Altrincham!