Bears
Stockport Volleyball Club affectionally known as “the S’PORT”. But there is another nickname that has stuck on our brief journey of six years since formation. One, two, three……. “Bears”. We’ve adopted this as our sub-branding.
Where did it come from? Some of our previous NVL Men desired a new identity. Apparently, Stockport was too much of a mouthful to pronounce in ‘war cries’. Really? I wonder if it had more to do with the hairy demeanour of big personalities of the exs aka Dinger and Davidz? Anyway never one to look for a tie to our wonderful Town, here goes.
Those who know the area well or are of that age to recollect will know that the zone opposite the entrance to the Precinct and Merseyway was called the Bear Pit. Bear baiting was abolished in the 1830s, but prior to that bears were kept in large caves cut into the sandstone at the foot of High Bank Side. The Bear Pit in its present form was created in 1935 as part of the Mersey Square improvements. The River Mersey is culverted beneath it.
We also have local hostelries sharing the name including the Three Bears, in Hazel Grove. Not that our athletes attend such establishments!
Bears also gave Stockport national acclaim after a resident themed their house recently during lockdown, and gardens, with giant teddies. The idea to display bears in front windows was a way to entertain children on daily walks around the neighbourhood and was inspired by the children’s book ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt ‘ by UK author Michael Rosen.
So whether a grizzly or a cuddly cub, we have some resonance.
Our very own bear themed warm ups are proving popular and a nice edition to festive presents for players, supporters, loved ones, family or friends.
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S'PORT |blogging on football, finance and fans 