All well…

It feels as if all’s well when there’s a little gathering at Chadkirk. Some gentle activity. A convivial get together. Open air, the ancient solid stones of the Chapel.

We gathered around St Chad’s Well. A beautiful piece of craft depicting the oak, it’s strength and resilience and the diversity it supports.

Afterwards a wander through the gardens, a cuppa by the Chapel, a delicious piece of cake. And, of course, chatter. Catching up with folk in a peaceful place. Restorative. The waters of life are precious and so are the people who come together in this way at this time.

July blessing: August meet up

Dates for your diary:

Saturday 31st July 2021 – Blessing of the Well Dressing.

The event will be open to the general public from 12 o’clock with the blessing taking place at 1pm.

There will be refreshments and some stalls and the chapel will be open.

Friends will be on site from around 10am to help set up.

Thursday 5th August 2021 – Friends of Chadkirk Meeting at Chadkirk Chapel @ 11am.

Also: a gentle reminder that the gardening team continues to work on task days.

Our TaiChi group is meeting regularly in the Red Barn.

It’s today…

Down at Chadkirk today there will be a small celebration.

Just before 1pm:

Join us on the lane by St Chad’s Well for a small ceremony to Bless the Well. Be one of the first to view this year’s Well Dressing. Our theme: The Oak. Resilience and strength.

Wander to the Chapel anytime between 12 and 3 to see the stalls and enjoy refreshments.

There’ll be refreshments: tea and cakes, soft drinks. There’ll be a few stalls to wander round, see some local crafts and buy plants at the plant stall. Cards and paintings by Agnes Barlow for sale. A tombola for those who like to play.

Weather forecast: 16-18 Celsius and only 10-20% chance of showers. See you there?

What’s happening now…

As things get moving, here’s what’s happening down at Chadkirk.

In the last week of July we’ll be preparing for the Well Dressing Blessing.

Monday 26th July TaiChi in the Red Barn

Tuesday 27th July Preparations for our annual Well Dressing

Wednesday 28th July Preparations for our annual Well Dressing

Thursday 29th July Preparations for our annual Well Dressing

Preparation for the Well Dressing : Friends of Chadkirk will be getting crafty and creative.

The Chapel will be open 11-3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Visitors welcome. A one way system will be in place with visitors entering through the main door and using the other door to exit.

Saturday 31st July Well Dressing Blessing at 1pm

Chadkirk Chapel will be open to visitors from 12 midday until 3pm

There will be refreshments in Chadkirk Chapel. For refreshments provided by the Friends of Chadkirk donations are welcome. Friends will offer drinks (tea and coffee) and cakes. Suggestion for donation is £1 for a drink £2 for a slice of cake. Children’s drinks free.

Food and drinks will be served in disposable cups and bags. Again there will be a one-way system in operation to allow safe movement.

There is a toilet in the Chapel. Please ask at the kiosk for access.

Stalls available will include the plant stall, tombola, craft stall and cards and paintings stall.

Thursday August 5th: Friends of Chadkirk meet in Chadkirk Chapel at 11-00 am.

Saturday 7th August: Gardening in and around the Walled Garden 10-00 to midday. Gardeners welcome. Old hands and newcomers invited.

Well Dressing 2021

The Chadkirk team of Well Dressers will be preparing the Well Dressing inside the chapel from Tuesday 27th July to Friday 30th July 2021.

The blessing of the Well Dressing will take place on Saturday 31st July 2021 by St.Chad’s Well just up the lane beyond the chapel.

A time has not yet been agreed for the blessing and it is not known yet whether there will be any other activities. We will keep you informed when more information is available.

Saturday 31st July 2021

A date for your diary.

A small celebration of what is.

The small joy of coming together.

An appreciation of the water of life and all that springs from it.

Some collective creative endeavour in dressing the well.

A local event, for the community, by the community.

A blessing.

Just honouring life.

Whatever it might mean for you.

On Saturday 31st July there will be an event at Chadkirk. Yeh!

The team will work in the week before, in the Chapel at Chadkirk.

The dressing will be blessed in a small ceremony at St Chad’s Well.

More details will follow.

See you there.

May 2021: Gardening and Tai Chi re-start

Good news! This month the gardening team is back in action.

On Thursday 20th May the team will be in the Walled Garden from 10 to midday.

Join us for fresh air, gentle activity and some satisfying social interaction. After the months we’ve had, how wonderful to be able to get together. It’s that time in the gardening year when big improvements can be seen, with all hands on deck.

There are some changes to how we work to stay safe. Refresh your memory here.

In June, the team will be in action on the first Saturday of the month and the third Thursday. Please note that this year Saturday’s gardening time is in the morning from 10 – midday. This change has been made to take account of the increased number of visitors to Chadkirk particularly during the afternoon.

Tai Chi is also back on : Monday mornings 10-11 in the Red Barn. It’s an open air venue, so please dress accordingly. Again a reminder: there are no toilets or other facilities

Footpath closures in March and April

MESSAGE FORWARDED BY THE FRIENDS OF CHADKIRK CHAPEL AND ESTATE

From: Rights of Way <rightsofway@stockport.gov.uk>Sent: Friday, 12 March 2021, 15:06:24 GMT
Subject: FW: Planned works and Footpath closure on Alan Newton Way slope to Chadkirk Bridge – Footpath 62/64M
To Whom It May Concern,

Stockport Council are planning to undertake maintenance/improvement works on Footpath 62/64M which will including the relevelling of the existing path and the laying of Flexipave (a flexible rubber/stone porous material). This is to protect the area from surface water runoff that has caused damage to the path in the past and replace the timber steps that have deteriorated. Works are programmed to start on the 29th March 2021 lasting for approximately 3 weeks when the footpath will be reopened.  The second phase of the works will depend on availability of the specialist contractor for Flexipave and will involve a closure for one week at a later date. 

During the works the footpath will be closed with a proposed diversion for pedestrians to the footpath adjacent. Due to the location a viable route for Equestrians and cyclists is not available. The attached diversion plan which will be put up on site at the time of works. The Legal closure has been put in and is currently being advertised on site and in the local newspaper.   Your support and co-operation during these works will be greatly appreciated and should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards, 

Hassan Javed MEng (Hons), GMICE

Senior Engineer

Highway Design & Construction

Stockport MBC

Hassan.Javed@Stockport.gov.uk

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Temporary footpath closures in Chadkirk Country Park March 29th until early May

Today I have received news of an additional footpath closure. The plan for footpath improvements includes not only the path through KirkWood but also the circuit near the river. The footpaths affected are indicated on the maps and plans attached to the two messages received from representatives of Stockport Council: these are included in the two previous blog posts. These paths will be closed from 29th March for a number of weeks. Please plan your visits with this in mind between March 29th and the beginning of May.

What’s happening… and what’s not

Spring has arrived and there are signs of new life at Chadkirk.

There’s much for visitors to look out for. And Stockport Council is working to improve and maintain footpaths so that we can continue to enjoy walks through Chadkirk Country Park. This means that for some weeks there will be restricted access to Kirk Wood.

Looking ahead, today I received notification that some footpath restoration will begin soon in Kirk Wood. Here’s what Stockport Council Sustainable Travel Officer:

Dear Public Rights of Way forum Member, 

The improvements works at BR20 Kirk Wood path, Romiley have been delayed and will now start on Monday 29th March 2021. The work are anticipated to take 3.5 weeks. The legal adverting post for the path closure will be posted on site this week.

The diversion route will stay the same and is as follows:

• Vale Road, from its junction with Vale Road (section between Otterspool Road and BR20) in a northerly direction to its junction with BR85(a)

• Footpath BR85(a) Peak Forest Canal, from its junction with Vale Road in an easterly direction to its junction with BR20

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Appropriate signage will be on display to notify users once the works start.

Enjoy the start of spring in Kirkwood until March 29th when the footpath restoration begins.

The path will re-open after 3 to 5 weeks. With any project like this it is not easy to say exactly how long it might take to complete. Hopefully the usual pathways through Kirkwood will be open by the start of May. Fingers crossed…

2021

It will be no surprise to discover that, for the start of this year, the usual activities organised by the Friends of Chadkirk are not happening. Once we see a change that allows us to get going again, we’ll let you know.

Until then…I was delighted to discover that Chadkirk Chapel is enjoying a surge in popularity. It has always been an attractive wedding venue. For those who are looking to marry in a unique setting which resonates with history it has an undoubted appeal. The beauty of the stone work, interesting local art work, the particular sense of place and the surrounding woods and meadows – their appeal is unchanged. However, limitations in the size of gatherings have attracted couples who might have been tempted by a larger venue, like Bramhall Hall. If you’ve enjoyed a ‘small is beautiful’ wedding at Chadkirk, we’d love to hear from you. Adding a few photos would provide some welcome good cheer.

November 2020

Tai Chi classes and Gardening Task Days at Chadkirk will not happen after November 5th. In line with government regulations for England, we are unable to meet in this way, until December 2nd.

We will let you know about what’s happening in December, when we get there.

May you be healthy. May you live at ease.

For the next six months

Friends of Chadkirk will be continuing with outdoor activities for the next six months (weather permitting).

Given advice that we can be Covid safe in the open air, with minimal mitigation (social distancing for example), there is the chance to join our volunteers gardening. All the information on how you might do this is on the previous item.

Now we are adding open air TaiChi on Monday mornings. Starting back on Monday 14th September at 10 am. Sessions last about an hour. You do not need to wear a mask while exercising, as you will be able to maintain a safe socially distanced stance. However you will need to bring a mask (for emergencies) and hand sanitiser. Please be aware that Chadkirk Chapel remains closed. This means that there will be no toilet facilities or refreshments. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Any of the indoor activities that we had planned pre-Covid will not take place this year. We are adapting as we go. As more becomes possible, we will put the information out here.

Update: Gardening goes ahead

Friends of Chadkirk volunteers are back in action down at Chadkirk.

Weeding, pruning and planting has been resumed in the Walled Garden and the other flower borders around Chadkirk Chapel.

Having made adjustments to take account of safety advice around Covid, we are able to meet and enjoy the satisfaction and pleasure of time well spent in the open air in this lovely space . For anyone wanting to join in, you can see how you can take part and stay safe here.

The pattern of our gardening time is to be the same as pre-covid. We meet on Saturday afternoons on the first Saturday of the month and on the morning of the third Thursday of each month.

Our next Gardening Team Task day will be on

Saturday 5th September between 2 and 4pm

and there will be another opportunity to garden with the team on Thursday 17th September between 10 and midday.

While it is possible to continue to garden at Chadkirk, we are unable to hold the other events planned for September and October. For this year,  Batbox making and the Harvest Festival Supper will be suspended due to safety concerns.

Guidance on gardening

While the team are working in the Walled Garden (between 2 and 4pm on the afternoon of September 5th and between 10 and 12 midday on Thursday 17th September) the Walled Garden will be closed to non-gardening visitors.

Although the Chapel will be open to allow a hose to run for watering the garden, Chadkirk Chapel remains closed to visitors and the amenities will not be available for use by gardeners and non-gardeners alike. If you are planning to join us, please be aware that there will be no drinks provided and no toilet facilities available. Please plan accordingly.

Here are some tips for the gardening team about staying safe in current covid times.

Please bring and wear your own gardening gloves.

Where possible, please bring and use your own tools.

Current Covid-19 precautions will affect the way we work.

Each individual needs to bring their own hand sanitiser and a face mask. (The face mask is advised for emergencies. It is not required that you wear this when gardening in the open air.**)

Please bring and wear your own gardening gloves.

Where possible, please bring and use your own tools.

If you use any of the tools that belong to the team please sanitise and disinfect before and after use. For this, a sanitiser spray and disinfectant wipes will be provided.

It is advised that volunteers socially distance and keep 2m apart.

2 people from the same household may work together.

Gardening in the beauty of the Walled Garden at Chadkirk is always a delight. It can be immensely satisfying. Despite any changes, there is the prospect of time well spent at Chadkirk. Something for yourself and something for others to enjoy. Whatever the weather.

Thursday 20th August 2020

Our gardening team leader is preparing for a task day later this month.

Between 10 and 12 on the morning of Thursday 20th August Friends of Chadkirk volunteers will be in the gardens. They will be watering and weeding, tending the plants in the Walled Garden and the long borders in the gardens of Chadkirk.

Please bring and wear your own gardening gloves.

Where possible, please bring and use your own tools.

Current Covid-19 precautions will affect the way we work.

While the team are working in the Walled Garden (between 10 and 12 midday on Thursday 20th August) this will be closed to non-gardening visitors.

Although the Chapel will be open to allow a hose to run for watering the garden, Chadkirk Chapel remains closed to visitors and the amenities will not be available for use by gardeners and non-gardeners alike. If you are planning to join us, please be aware that there will be no drinks provided and no toilet facilities available and plan accordingly.

Here are some tips for the gardening team about staying safe in current covid times.

Each individual needs to bring their own hand sanitiser and a face mask. (The face mask is advised for emergencies. It is not required that you wear this when gardening in the open air.**)

Please bring and wear your own gardening gloves.

Where possible, please bring and use your own tools.

If you use any of the tools that belong to the team please sanitise and disinfect before and after use. For this, a sanitiser spray and disinfectant wipes will be provided.

It is advised that volunteers socially distance and keep 2m apart.

2 people from the same household may work together.

Gardening in the beauty of the Walled Garden at Chadkirk is always a delight. It can be immensely satisfying. Despite any changes, there is the prospect of time well spent at Chadkirk. Something for yourself and something others will enjoy. Whatever the weather.

Butterflies in the meadows

Following on from recent messages about the butterflies in Coronation Meadow, I see it’s time for the Big Butterfly Count.

An extract from an email from Butterfly Conservation (16th July 2020)

The Big Butterfly Count is back tomorrow – and this year’s count is more critical than ever.

Following the fine spring weather we’ve seen the earliest average emergence of butterflies for the last 20 years. It’s vital that we understand how these weather patterns affect butterflies to help protect them for the future.

By spending just 15 minutes taking part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, you will help us understand how different species are faring in your area, which in turn will help us target research and conservation work where it’s needed most.

So many of us have sought comfort, inspiration and hope through spending time in nature during the difficult last few months of lockdown, participating in the Big Butterfly Count is an easy way to give a gift back to nature this summer.

What’s new this year?

This year we’ve upgraded the website and app to make it even easier to use. This means you’ll need to have the latest version of the app for your count to be included. Available via your App Store and Google Play

Coronation Meadow

Chadkirk has been very popular in recent months. Visitors have enjoyed the woodland walks, the Walled Garden and the fields of meadow grass. In spring and summer 2020 many more of the visitors have walked around Chadkirk Country Park, often daily, with some new visitors perhaps returning regularly. From spring to summer a transformation, evident throughout Chadkirk Estate. Trees coming into leaf, the gardens coming into flower and the meadows changing from green to russet and ochre as the grasses flower and ripen.

During June and July the flowering plants in the meadows attract insects and butterflies. These in turn attract bats and birds. As the summer moves on, the flowers begin to turn to seed and the butterflies will continue their life cycle. The nectar of the flowers provides food for the butterflies. To lay their eggs, butterflies will seek out plants, such as nettles, that will provide food for the caterpillars. In the next stage of their life cycle, caterpillars turn into pupae before emerging once again as a butterfly.

On summer days you might see meadow browns and gate keepers, small tortoiseshells, peacocks, brimstone, small skippers and speckled woods.

As the summer progresses, the meadows at Chadkirk will be cut.
By then the caterpillars will have moved from the nettles to where they pupate. The timing of the cut is always a balance between what’s best for wildlife and the right conditions for cutting. In a typical British summer, it can be a case of looking for a dry spell to get the work done. Whenever that happens, Coronation Meadow is the last to be cut. Until that then, looking out over the meadows, which butterflies can you see?

A question answered…

Will there be anything happening at Chadkirk on St Chad’s Day, Monday 2 March? I am planning a walk for my Monday walking group past Chadkirk on that day. I remember that in 2015, the previous time St Chad’s Day fell on a Monday, we happened to walk past Chadkirk and were delighted to find coffee and cakes being served.

Good to hear from you Leslie.Thanks for your question.
We celebrate St Chad’s Day on the nearest Sunday to St Chad’s official day. So this year we will be in Chadkirk Chapel on Sunday March 1st 2020.

If your group are walking on Sunday 1st some of our Friends will be delighted to meet you and offer you a warm welcome and refreshments.

There’s plenty of short circuits around Chadkirk, so it’s also pleasant to just have a little wander towards Chadkirk Chapel and step inside for a cuppa, a cake and a chat. There’s plenty of interest in the history and art works too. And things are starting to wake up in the Walled Garden too. Join us when you can.

Sunday 1st March Celebrate St Chad’s Day at Chadkirk

Looking to get out and about now that spring is officially just around the corner?

A stroll around Chadkirk and a visit to the Chapel might be just the thing. Perhaps a short walk, followed by a hot drink and a slice of cake in the shelter of Chadkirk Chapel? Just the right balance of fresh air and convivial comforts.

We are hosting our annual St Chad’s Day event on Sunday 1st March 2020.

There’s a presentation DVD on the life of St Chad.

The presentation starts at 2pm. Tray bakes for sale. Drinks from the kiosk.

From the car park, it’s a short walk to the Walled Garden and Chadkirk Chapel. All welcome. Join us for a visit. Chadkirk and St Chad. It’s all part of what makes this a special place to treasure.