Minutes of the Friends of Chadkirk meeting 8 Jan 2026
Minutes
JP began by welcoming everyone to the meeting and, because some members were relatively new, for individuals to introduce themselves.
Attendance: Committee 7, members 6. Apologies for absence 2
Chairman’s Report – JP said that:
Events. All events held over the Christmas period had been successful both in terms of providing well attended events and rasing funds; a donation of £293.00 had been sent to the Cherry Tree Project.
SMBC. He had been in touch with the Events Team at SMBC from whom he had received an updated Wedding list a copy of which he would put up in the kiosk. He also confirmed with them that the FoC Gardening Group meets every Thursday through the year.
Merchandise. The committee was proposing that, as part of every open day, there would be a stall selling FoC merchandise.
There was also a lengthy discussion regarding the possibility of using an AI tool to record and produce minutes of future meetings; although some concerns expressed, the general opinion was that it should be trialled.
Treasurer's Report – In BT’s absence, JP presented the Treasurer's Report. The financial position remained healthy with reserves held in readiness for expenditure on up-coming projects. A full report on annual financial performance would be made at the next AGM. Brian asked that it be noted that this would be his final year as Treasurer.
Garden Report – PB said that the this month the gardening group had been cutting back, generally tidying and removing Christmas decorations in the Chapel. Three members of the group had not been able to attend recently because of illness and injury. PB also said that she would be attending the upcoming Romiley in Bloom meeting to be held by the RiB Co-ordinator, Helena Fone
JP said there was the possibility of getting funding from the Stockport Hydro for new gardening tools and equipment and invited suggestions to be made to him after the meeting.
Kiosk Report – FH presented the kiosk report and started by saying that Ann Pearce had produced a rota for the next quarter and that a copy would be put up in the kiosk. It was hoped that in early February work might start on the gallery cupboards and storage space. Regarding the Environmental Health audit, FH said that it might be good practice to have in place a procedure and log for food handling to provide a record showing that standards had been routinely met.
Publicity and Communications
PL said that:
Posters had been sent out detailing the Jigsaw Open Day
Access had been re-gained to Google Drive
A new logo had been developed using the stained glass design of the east window
New merchandise was being developed
Historical records relating to the chapel were being collated/reviewed with a view to producing a new publication
Forthcoming Events
25 January 2026 Jigsaw Competition Open Day. The chapel will be set-up on the previous day starting at 3.00 o’clock. On the day, we will open at 10.00 in the hope of giving participants the best chance of completing the puzzles; FH said that AP had already allocated kiosk staff to offer a service from the start of the day. To give a final opportunity to complete puzzles, we would also open in the morning the next day, Monday. PB said that any donations of jigsaw puzzles would be welcomed.
Projects
Salt box relocation – in its present location, it is rather an eyesore.
Noticeboard needed renewal.
Memorial benches in the graveyard would be permitted.
AOB – AC said that she had made a photographic record of the damage caused to the pack-horse bridge when it seems highly probable that a recently felled tree had recently had crashed onto the parapet.
Meeting closed at 1230 hrs
Next Meeting
FoC Committee 1900 hrs Thursday 05 February at Beech Lane
