Commemoration of Hopes Carr air disaster

On Sunday 4 June 2017 the community of Stockport and beyond came together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stockport Air Disaster which happened on Sunday 4 June 1967.

Several hundred members of the public attended a commemorative event at the site of the crash to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives and celebrate the community that came together on the day to help.

The event was introduced by the Bishop of Stockport, Libby Lane, who paid tribute to the lives lost. Newly appointed Mayor, Cllr Linda Holt read out a moving poem entitled ‘Remember Me’ by Margaret Mead before laying a floral tribute at the newly refurbished memorial site. Many others followed by laying their own flowers and making time for quiet contemplation.

The air disaster took place when an aircraft returning from Palma de Mallorca to Manchester Airport crashed in a small open area at Hopes Carr, Stockport. 72 of the 84 passengers and crew aboard were killed in the accident. Of the 12 survivors, all were seriously injured. It currently stands as the fourth worst disaster in British aviation history, and the third worst disaster to date to happen on English soil.

Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Wendy Wild said; “The commemorative event was a wonderful tribute to the lives lost on that tragic day 50 years ago. It was truly touching to see how many people turned up to mark this important occasion in Stockport’s history by laying flowers and sharing their stories.”

To continue the commemoration, the Council has also organised an exhibition at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery entitled ‘Six Miles from Home’ which tells the story of this local tragedy with never before seen artefacts, documents, newspaper articles and photographs. The exhibition will run until Sunday 9 July.

A ‘Six Miles from home’ documentary is also being aired at The Plaza on Saturday 10th June from 7.30pm. The documentary made by director Roger Boden and producer Ian Barrie with help from author Steve Morrin, tells the story of events from the perspective of the few survivors still alive and those who helped with the rescue effort.

Entry to Stockport Art Gallery is free. Its opening hours are Tuesday – Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday/Bank Holidays 11am -5pm. For more information contact 0161 474 4453 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/ artgallery.

To book tickets to see the Six Miles from Home documentary visit www.stockportplaza.co.uk.