The future of Chadkirk

The future of Chadkirk was raised – in some depth – at a council meeting in Woodley Civic Hall on Monday 17 October. If we wind back the clock a couple of years or so, you may recall that the future of the chapel and the estate was in some doubt. At that time, Stockport Council had gone out to consultation, basically asking “which museums shall we close?” – of which Chadkirk was definitely one. Sadly, global events overtook local ones, and the pandemic forced the council to rethink lots of things. One of these was Chadkirk, which was stripped of its museum status, simply because of the loss of council resources.

The Friends of Chadkirk stepped in, to open the chapel once a month – far less than the council opened it, but at least it’s something. We’ve also spent time creating more events so the community can enjoy the chapel in a different context. And we’ve taken over promoting the chapel, by building a new website. 

And yet, things have been in the balance, with little forward movement from the council. Of course, we now have a new council and I’m pleased to report that although the future of the chapel and the estate are far from being assured, that the new council is now recognising the value of the location and is actively investigating what will be needed to secure its future. Hopefully, this isn’t just a PR exercise. We believe that that council really wants to see Chadkirk revitalised and the meeting this week saw us find a lot of common ground. In fact, pretty much all of the ground was common. There was a great deal of agreement on what needed to be done. The council wants to work with the Friends of Chadkirk to explore every avenue and create a plan for a sustainable future for the estate.

Realistically, things are at an early stage and there’s a great deal to be done. It won’t be cheap – and we all know the kinds of tough times we’re living in and the difficult decisions which have to be made. If things move, the results won’t be instant.

But at least it’s encouraging to be able to report that the conversations are positive, and that the council really does recognise the need to protect and enhance the rare gem that Chadkirk is. We can now start actively working together not only preserve it, but also make more of it for everyone.

A quieter Jubilee celebration

James Gansler performing at Chadkirk Chapel. Songs are: Run for Home, by Lindisfarne. Go Your Own Way, by Fleetwood Mac. May You Never, by John Martyn.

While Romiley’s (fantastic) street party drew a massive crowd, the Friends of Chadkirk hosted a far more low-key affair, for those who wanted to celebrate... a little more quietly.

The chapel was opened from noon until four. We invited people down to a ‘picnic and garden party’ where people could bring their own food and drink and relax rather than party hard.

Somewhat surprisingly, the weather – forecast to be cloudy – turned out to be baking hot. Over the outside PA, we played a selection of hits from the last seventy years.

Given that most of Romiley was on Compstall Road partying, we drew a modest but steady crowd.

The highlight of the day was Lancashire guitarist and singer James Gansler, who had (a day or so before) offered to play a couple of sets – and he was, frankly, brilliant. His songs ranged from soft rock to blues, from Lancashire folk music to pop. We got a huge amount of positive feedback from people who came because they planned to or simply heard James playing as they were passing and decided to stop in for a new and some cake.

As people came and went, the tables outside the chapel remained full and families were picnicking in the walled garden.

James performed two sets and, towards the end, the sun was so hot that we took turns holding an umbrella over him – when we set up first thing, it was overcast so we didn’t think to set up a gazebo for him!

In its own quiet way, it was a magical day. The weather, the music, the setting. Not everyone wants to party hard and the low-key jubilee garden party at Chadkirk was something very special in its own own.

Our thanks to everyone who came, we hope you enjoyed the day.

St. Chad’s Day…and More

Spring comes to Chadkirk

Our recent meeting in Chadkirk Chapel was an open meeting, open to all Friends.

At that meeting on Thursday 3rd March, it was agreed that these meetings would take place on alternate months. So the next one will be on Thursday 5th May. All welcome.

At the most recent meeting, the Friends Committee was elected and they will be meeting in the next few weeks. This Friends of Chadkirk Committee will continue to develop ideas, including ways to celebrate the forthcoming Platinum Jubilee in June. Events for the June bank holiday will be one discussed in the open meeting in May.

For those who prefer to be enjoying activities outside, there are gardening days: between 10 and 12 in the morning of Thursday 17th March and 31st March. The team have been restoring the garden after the restrictions of Covid times and it is a joy to see it emerging into spring.

Why not join us in The Walled Garden? Between 10 and 12 in the morning of Thursday 17th March and 31st March. Come along for minutes or hours, or the whole session. Every little helps. Fresh air, good company, gentle activity. And together, the results add to the delights at Chadkirk.

In March, there will be another Open Day in Chadkirk Chapel. On Sunday 29th March volunteers from Friends of Chadkirk will open the chapel to visitors. Light refreshments available. All proceeds to benefit Chadkirk, Chapel and Estate.

Seeds, Scrapes and Beetle Banks

It’s February. It is still winter. But things are moving. Signs of life reviving can be seen. In the woods, and the snowdrops and daffodils are in bloom. Some of the birds are pairing up for spring. Life looking forward.

And the people who care for these fields and meadows at Chadkirk are looking forward too. 

At Chadkirk we have been very fortunate to have time, money, energy, skills, expertise that have been expended in the past to give us our glorious SBI meadows. In particular, the Coronation Meadow is a rare local gem. Since 2005 it’s biodiversity has been enhanced and managed. Now that work has moved into a new phase.

In the winter months, the diggers did their work, scooping out material from the ponds and scrapes to help them support more wild life, in particular Great Crested Newts (GCN). The excavated material has been spread around the ponds to create Beetle banks. Soon additional wildflower seeds will be scattered onto these small bankings. The carefully selected seed mixes which will germinate in spring have been chosen for the damp soil conditions around the pond margins and the dryer slopes of the bankings. 

Together this work on the ponds and meadows will enhance the rich biodiversity of Coronation Meadow and Chapel field. 

To enable this to happen, many groups have been working away, working together to improve Chadkirk for the benefit of wildlife and the people who visit this very important site. Groups working together include Stockport Council, Natural England (NE), and the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU). 

Stockport MBC together with GMEU applied for funding from Natural England who provided the grant for the pond clearance work and subsequent maintenance. SMBCs Countryside Officer provided local knowledge of the site which helped to enable this to happen. Another vital link in the chain was the Friends of Chadkirk who have paid for the designated seed mixes to be sown in the spring. The seed was purchased with a grant from Stockport Hydro.

It’s in the nature of ecology that everything is connected, so while this project is about protecting and enhancing habitat for our Great Crested Newts there will be so many benefits for other wildlife too, including  frogs, toad, dragon & damsel flies, water beetles with the wild flowers providing a nectar source for myriad invertebrates.

And the funding for the management of the ponds by NE is for 25 years ensuring these ponds continue to support wildlife well into the future. Looking forward this scheme will change Chadkirk Meadows for the better well into 2047, helping to sustain the Great Crested Newts breeding at Chadkirk, and enhancing both the Coronation Meadow and Chapel Field helping nature flourish. Lapwings nested at Chadkirk for the first time five years ago thanks to the inclusion of a large ‘scrape’ in Broadheys Field and despite the corvid population have raised a number of fledgelings.

It is hoped that Chadkirk will continue to support these species and so much more in the years to come.

 A GEM NOW AND A JEWEL FOR OUR FUTURE.

With Thanks to All those who have provided their time or funding to help create and preserve a wonderful wildlife habitat.

Seeds of change

It’s February. It is still winter. But things are moving. Signs of life reviving can be seen. In the woods, the snowdrops. Some of the birds are pairing up for spring. Life looking forward.

And the people who care for these fields and meadows at Chadkirk are looking forward too. 

At Chadkirk we have been very fortunate. Time, money, energy, skills, expertise have been expended in the past to give us our glorious meadows. In particular, the Coronation Meadow is a rare local gem. Since 2005 it’s biodiversity has been enhanced and managed. Now that work has moved into a new phase.

In the winter months, the diggers did their work, scooping out material from the ponds and scrapes. The earth excavated has been spread in the meadows nearby. Soon seeds will be scattered onto the soil. Rich mixes of seeds, carefully selected, will germinate in spring. 

Together this work on ponds and meadows will enhance the rich biodiversity of Coronation Meadow and Chapel field. 

To enable this to happen, many groups have been working away, working together. Our local Countryside Officer. Natural England. Greater Manchester Ecology Unit. Stockport Hydro. Friends of Chadkirk.

Stockport MBC applied for funding. Natural England provided the grant. Our local Countryside Officer provides the link to enable this to happen. Another small but vital link in the chain: Friends of Chadkirk have paid for the seeds to be sown in the spring (with the help of a grant from Stockport Hydro).

It’s in the nature of ecology that everything is connected, so while this project is about protecting and enhancing habitat for our Great Crested Newts there will be so many benefits.

And the management plan is for 25 years. Looking forward. Change for the better. In 2047 Great Crested Newts breeding at Chadkirk, the Coronation Meadow flourishing, lapwings nesting and so much more. A gem now and a jewel for our future.

Out in the fields

Something’s happening out in the fields. On Chadkirk Estate the earth has been moving…

Coronation Meadow in December

The Decibelles Christmas concert

On 12 December, the Decibelles Choir performed at Chadkirk Chapel; this was just a few days after they had performed at the Light Up A Life concert at Manchester Cathedral.

The first half of the Decibelles Christmas concert.

The second half of the Decibelles Christmas concert.

However, at the cathedral they performed just three songs – whereas we were treated to around an hour and forty minutes’ worth of music.

Despite the pandemic, and the need to wear make, the chapel saw decent attendance.

We filmed the whole performance, hopefully capturing some of the spirit and atmosphere of the evening.

All of the ticket money from the event went to support the Friends of Chadkirk and New Start. The Friends of Chadkirk help to maintain and improve the chapel and the surrounding estate. The New Start unit in Manchester is one of only five heart and lung transplant centres in the UK, covering the whole of the Northwest of England. It undertakes about 60 transplants per year. In addition, it also implants ventricular assist devices to bridge patients to heart transplants.

Thanks to everyone who attended. It was a great evening and we hope to host similar events soon.

Christmas with the Decibelles Choir

Away in a Manger, performed by the Decibelles Choir at Chadkirk Chapel.

On Sunday, Chadkirk Chapel hosted a charity Christmas concert, featuring the Decibelles Choir – a group of local ladies who recently sang at Manchester Cathedral.

The chapel was nicely full, with a wonderful audience who really seemed to appreciate the evening.

The choir were on fine form, delivering a packed programme of carols and Christmas songs - accompanied by Frances Mirtorabi on piano, and supported by soloists Clare Coffey and Russell Paterson – who was also the compare for the evening.

The concert was to raise money both for the Friends of Chadkirk and for New Start: only one of five heart and lung transplant centres in the UK.

The entire performance was filmed and we’ll be releasing this on our Facebook page and this website once we’ve edited down all of the footage.

The song above was the first after the interval – dedicated to Sarah, the daughter of one of the Decibelles, who is currently in Wythenshawe Hospital awaiting a lung transplant – and has been for three months.

Thanks very much to everyone who attended. You were a brilliant audience and we hope you had a great evening.

You can download the programme of the evening’s performance below.

Christmas concerts in a time of Covid

We’ve had a few questions about the upcoming concerts – some in light of the changes in travel regulations and the growth of the Omicron variant; others related to the parking and other ‘housekeeping’ matters.

We’ve reviewed the Government guidelines and performed a risk assessment. Currently, there are no plans or need to cancel any of the events. I know we’re all looking forward to them.

Covid

There will be a hand sanitising station near the entrance, which we would ask people to use. There will also be one near or in the toilet. In line with revised Government guidelines, we would also request that people wear masks, where they are able to do so. We will have some spare masks for those who forget theirs. Weather permitting, it would be helpful if those of the audience who can, would socialise outside during the interval. The choir will be wearing masks when they are not performing and the volunteers managing the event will aim to do so at all times. We have a Covid-19 check-in QR code inside the chapel entrance on the left-hand side.

Toilet

The chapel has a single shared/unisex toilet. Your patience and tidiness are appreciated to help us manage this space, especially during the interval.

Heating

The chapel is sometimes not the warmest of places (due to its age, it can be draughty) but we will heat it as much as possible – having the heating on well in advance of the concerts and we will be stewarding the doors to keep the heat in. The chapel’s lofty ceiling and naturally draughty nature provides adequate ventilation.

Parking

Parking at the chapel itself is limited to a few spaces, which we will be reserving for blue badge holders. The car park for the chapel is just as you enter Vale Road, on the left. The chapel is a short walk away – it will be dark, so torches or your phone’s torch/light will be helpful. Those parties with someone who isn’t able to make the walk and doesn’t have a blue badge, we would ask that you drop them at the chapel and return to park in the car park. We aim to be stewarding the traffic to help with this – as the lane to the chapel is one-way for part of its length.

Thanks!

All of the people managing the event are volunteers and all of the choir are singing for charity. They’re working hard to put this event on and keep it safe; it would help a great deal if you can, where you are able, to follow these guidelines. Thanks to everyone for organising, participating in and running these concerts. And THANK YOU for coming along and supporting the chapel, the events and the charities involved.

Have a great time

Finally – we hope you really enjoy these events. They promise to be memorable evenings; a little bit of celebration and joy after what has been a very tough time for many. Merry Christmas!

The first snows of winter

Chadkirk Chapel in the snow. (This video has no sound.)

Chadkirk is always a special place, but no more so than when the snows start to fall – as they did on Sunday, when the chapel was open. 

The chapel opens on the last Sunday of the month and is staffed entirely by volunteers, who serve hot and cold drinks, along with a selection of cakes.

This is becoming increasingly popular – as evidenced by the cakes looking dangerously close to running out as the day drew to a close. The chapel was busy most of the day and we’ve had some fantastic feedback via our Facebook group.

“We called in here today on our walk around Chadkirk. Have to say, lovely welcoming people, the volunteers, and the tea and cake were lovely. Much needed on a fresh day like today.”

“Such a beautiful place. Went in yesterday for tea and cake, it’s stunning inside and so nice to see it open again.”

“Had a lovely time there today, enjoyed the cake & coffee too.”

“My daughter, granddaughter and myself spent a wonderful, peaceful half an hour in this very special place yesterday.”

“It was lovely there yesterday.”

“There was something magical there yesterday. I loved it.”

“It really did have a magical feel yesterday. So lucky to live so close. A big thank you to all the volunteers who keep this place open, you’re amazing.”

Thanks to everyone for coming along and supporting the chapel – we hope to see you again in the coming months.

Two Christmas charity concerts at Chadkirk

Carols by candlelight

• Sunday, 12 December 2021

• 19:30 –21:30

We’re delighted to welcome The Decibelles Choir, an outstanding ladies’ choir with members from across Stockport.

A medley of Christmas music from last year’s Decibelles’ concert, performed online during lockdown.

The Decibelles Choir will be performing a programme of both traditional and contemporary songs – with lots of crowd-pleasing favourites. The Decibelles Choir frequently performs across Stockport, usually for charity, and performed several times at Manchester Cathedral – including this year. The ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. All the proceeds will go to the Friends of Chadkirk and to local charities. The chapel is a unique setting for this kind of event so don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable concert.

Update: this event is now fully booked. All proceeds to charity and to the supporting the chapel.

An evening of Christmas music

• Saturday, 18 December 2021

• 19:30 21:30

This evening promises to be something truly special, featuring talented local instrumentalists (brass and wind), soprano Julie Parker – with some festive poetry readings, along with a little bit of festive fun. There will be a programme of festive music, both traditional and modern, instrumental and vocal. The ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. All of the proceeds will go to the Friends of Chadkirk and Christian Relief, Uganda - Maria's Care School. The chapel is a unique setting for this kind of event so don’t miss out on what promises to be a really memorable concert.

Tickets are £10 each and are available from Gainsborough Interiors, on Compstall Road in the heart of Romiley. All proceeds to charity and to the supporting the chapel.

Christmas at Chadkirk is coming

We have a great festive programme of events in store for you! 

We’re pleased to announce that this year Chadkirk will be hosting a series of festive events to celebrate Christmas.

Carol concerts: 5 December

There will be two carol concerts at the chapel. Both are on Sunday 5 December, one at 2:30pm and the other at 4:00pm. The Mayor of Stockport will be joining us for one of the services. The chapel has limited capacity, so although the event is free, you will need to get tickets in advance. Both carol concerts are now fully booked. (We do ask that people only reserve tickets if they are sure they will attend. In the past, we’ve allocated all seats and yet many people didn’t turn up.)

The Decibelles Choir: 12 December

We’re delighted to welcome The Decibelles Choir, an outstanding ladies choir with members from all across Stockport. The Decibelles Choir will be performing a programme of both traditional and contemporary songs. The Decibelles Choir has performed several times at Manchester Cathedral. The ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. All of the proceeds will go to the Friends of Chadkirk and local charities. The chapel is a unique setting for this kind of event so don’t miss out on what promises to be a really memorable concert. Tickets are available from Gainsborough Interiors, 31 Compstall Road, Romiley.

An evening of Christmas music: 18 December

 This evening promises to be something really special, featuring talented local instrumentalists (brass and wind), soprano Julie Parker – with some festive poetry readings, along with a little bit of festive fun. There will be a programme of festive music, both traditional and modern, instrumental and vocal. The ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. All of the proceeds will go to the Friends of Chadkirk and Christian Relief, Uganda - Maria's Care School. The chapel is a unique setting for this kind of event so don’t miss out on what promises to be a really memorable concert. Tickets are available from Gainsborough Interiors, 31 Compstall Road, Romiley.

Chapel open on Boxing Day

For those out walking on Boxing day, the chapel will be open for people to visit and take the weight off their feet. Hot and cold drinks will be available.

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.