The most recent gardening day

Photos from the gardening team’s last (most recent) morning’s activity. Thanks, Linda for these beautiful photos of flowering plants and blossoming beauties.

You are invited…

MEETING MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2021

You are invited… to a meeting in Chadkirk Chapel at 11-15am on Monday 13th September 2021.

Over 100 visitors came into Chadkirk Chapel during the afternoon of August Bank Holiday Monday . Enjoying the space, relaxing with a cuppa and some cake*. Convivial conversation, in the heart of our community.

So, what are our next steps? How would you like to take part in future openings?

• Demand outstripped supply of cake on August Bank Holiday Monday.

• Apologies to those who missed out. We are learning as we go.

• Cake for future openings might well be on the agenda of our meeting on 13th September.

• Any ideas for our next opening ?

Looking ahead: The next two dates that the chapel will be open to the public are SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER and SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER, both dates 12 to 4pm.

Latest

News (from our Secretary):

MEETING MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2021

All Friends of Chadkirk are invited to a meeting in the chapel at 1115am on Monday 13th September 2021. Following the very successful opening of the chapel on the afternoon of August Bank Holiday we need to discuss future arrangements for opening the chapel to the public. We had over 100 visitors to the chapel during the afternoon demonstrating clearly that local people want to see the chapel open for the community. The next two dates that the chapel will be open to the public are SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER and SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER, both dates 12 to 4pm.

GARDENING GROUP

The garden was looking very sad and neglected after the lockdown and therefore it needs a lot of work to bring it back to its previous condition.  The gardening group has agreed to increase the frequency of the task days to help make progress. As before there will be a task day on the first Saturday of each month between 10am and 12. The Thursday task days will be on alternate Thursdays between 10 and 12. The Thursday dates to the end of the year are:-
16th September , 30th September , 14th October , 28th October , 11th November , 25th November , 9th December.
The gardening group would also welcome new volunteers who can give some time to help in the gardens. No experience is required, free tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Harvest Supper and Quiz will be held in the chapel on the evening of Friday 8th October.
The Harvest Festival service will take place in the chapel on Sunday 10th October.

Gardening in September

There’s a slight change to the pattern of our gardening days. As you will see, we are now meeting up on the first Saturday of every month and also on every alternate Thursday. Same time, same place, just an extra Thursday a month (or – in the case of September – an extra 2). We are doing what we can to catch up after disruption of recent months. Join us if you like the idea of time in fresh air, in beautiful space, with folk who live locally and enjoy gardening, Chadkirk and good company.

Thursday 2nd September between 10 and midday is gardening time at Chadkirk. We’ll meet in The Walled Garden.

Saturday 4th September between 10 and midday is gardening time at Chadkirk. We’ll meet in The Walled Garden.

Thursday 16th September between 10 and midday is gardening time at Chadkirk. We’ll meet in The Walled Garden.

Thursday 30th September between 10 and midday is gardening time at Chadkirk. We’ll meet in The Walled Garden.

For Covid safe practices : Guidance on gardening

August Bank Holiday Monday 2021

Perhaps you’ve been wanting to have a look around Chadkirk Chapel? If so, here’s a chance to call in and soak up the atmosphere, see evidence of its long history and enjoy a cuppa.

Monday 30th August: Bank Holiday Monday. 12 Noon – 4pm

Friends of Chadkirk will be opening Chadkirk Chapel. Volunteers will be there. Some of the volunteers will be in the kiosk and offering drinks for visitors. All proceeds go to the Friends of Chadkirk fund which is used for the upkeep of Chadkirk Chapel, the Walled garden and the Chadkirk Country Park and Estate.

Gardening time in August

Thursday 19th August between 10 and midday is gardening time at Chadkirk. We’ll meet in The Walled Garden.

For Covid safe practices : Guidance on gardening

The Kiosk Question

Entering Chadkirk Chapel through the main door, to your left is a hatch. In times past, this has been open at weekends, with people from our Museum Service serving refreshments. This is referred to as The Kiosk.

In these changing times, there is a question about future openings. Given that the much depleted Museum Service will be unable to open the Chapel and Kiosk, opening Chadkirk Chapel at weekends means a new way of doing things. 

One possible way forward is for volunteers to begin to take on this aspect of the work previously done by the local authority. At the most recent Friends of Chadkirk meeting, our Chairperson, set out the possibilities.

In principle, volunteers from the Friends of Chadkirk could take on this work. In practice, success will depend on a number of factors. Some of those factors are not in our control, so success depends to an extent on others.

At our meeting, there was agreement to give it a try and see what’s possible.

We are looking to open the Chapel on Bank Holiday Monday, with volunteers from the Friends of Chadkirk. Visitors to the Estate and Gardens would be able to visit inside the Chapel. There would be light refreshments in the Chapel.

It’s a first step too managing a change.

For local people, it is also an opportunity to get involved. Come along on Bank Holiday Monday and see how you can make a difference and take part in community development of this wonderful community resource.

* As I write this (Sunday 8th August), I don’t have information about the opening times for August Bank Holiday Monday, or the list of other future dates. They will be published here as soon as I have them. Watch this space…

Something to smile about

After the Well Dressing Blessing, time to mingle.

Smiling faces in the photos below, including those of volunteers in our Friends group.

There were many volunteers involved before the event, organisating and creating the inspiring Well Dressing. Then, on the day, more than 25 volunteers helping, pitching gazebos, serving refreshments, selling plants at our (smaller than usual) plant stall. Agnes with her beautiful cards and paintings. Carol’s craft stall.

More low key than usual due to the late thumbs up and the absence of the kind of support the council would usually be able to offer. Nevertheless, we have aspirations. Next year? Let’s make it so there’s more of the village fete vibe that we enjoyed in the past. Join in between now and then, so we can all play our part in enjoying this community asset.

More friendly faces: visitors, supporters, passers by. Some surprised and delighted to see the Well as they walked through Chadkirk Estate, others enjoying the pleasures of time with friends in a lovely place with cuppa and a cake. Others, key people in the ritual of the blessing , also enjoying cuppa and cake, conversation and convivial air on a pleasant summer’s day by Chadkirk Chapel. The gardens: even though though there’s work to be done there, there’s real beauty in the planting.

After the short ceremony, our current Mayor of Stockport, Adrian Nottingham, mingled. A welcome guest.

A special thank you to David Lomax. His skill and expertise helped to bring Barbara’s idea to life. The Oak Tree. Strength. Resilience. Diversity.

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.