Friends of Chadkirk COMMITTEE meeting April 2023

Meeting: Thursday 06 April 2023
Time: 19:00

Minutes

Attendance: John Pengelly (Chairman), Brian Thompson (Treasurer), Roger Pearce (Secretary), Angie Clark, Peter Labrow. Apologies: Pat Baker (President).

Minutes of Previous Meeting: these were approved as a true record.

Chairman’s Report: JP said that he and PL had visited SMBC archive where they had located the Chadkirk cross and recorded its dimensions with a view to finding a carpenter to make a box for it because it was not permitted to have any religious symbols on display during civil ceremonies in the Chapel. Kitchen Refurbishment - a design had been agreed and a quote for materials obtained from Howdens.

Treasurer’s Report: BT tabled a report and said that as FoC’s most important income stream was from kiosk sales, the kitchen area was now in need of refurbishment and that the funds were available to carry out this project. As interest rates were rising BT had transferred some funds into the savings account.

Calendar of Events: The calendar for this year, 2024 and 2025 was discussed further to the committee’s deliberations at the meeting the previous week.

Well Dressing July 2023: Planning Meeting – had been scheduled by AC for 10 May. Drinks License – there is now a drinks license for the two days of the event. Tombola – items were required. Programme – RP said that on 10 March he had agreed with Howard Green that HG would invite and make the necessary arrangements with all invited dignitaries.

Next scheduled meeting is the deferred AGM to be held on 4 May at 19:00 in the Chapel.

Chadkirk wassailing 2023

The Chadkirk wassail 2023

On 7 January 2023, Chadkirk held its very first wassailing. Wassailing is an ancient tradition, where orchards are visited to thank the trees for last year’s crop and to both bless them for the coming year and ward off any demons which might spoil the crop. 

The wassail started in the car park on Vale Road. Once the crowd was gathered, the children took part in a draw to choose a wassail king or queen. This year, fortune favoured us having a king.

Then, led by the Green Man and the Stockport Morris Men, the procession walked to Chadkirk’s walled garden, for the wassailing ceremony. 

Bread, soaked in cider, was attached to the trees as a gift to the robins, which protect the trees from harm. Then the Green Man led the wassailing chant, after which the entire crowd made as much noise as possible to ward off evil spirits which might spoil the crop this year.

Everyone retired to the chapel to enjoy some mulled cider (or apple juice) and cake, while the Stockport Morris Men gave an outstanding performance.

We’d like to thank everyone who came, all of the Chadkirk volunteers for keeping the event safe, the Green Man (Mike Howell) and the Stockport Morris Men. Everyone gave their time for free, to keep the event free. Proceeds from the refreshments go to the Friends of Chadkirk to help with both running events like this and maintaining the chapel, garden and estate.

Little Wood path consultation

Little Wood path

The Friends of Chadkirk are exploring the idea of having the (currently closed) path through Little Wood reopened and designated as a ‘Covid memorial path’. Stockport Council are looking at the best way to commemorate those in the borough who lost their lives in the pandemic.

We feel that somewhere people can go recreationally, to reflect, is a better way to pay tribute than somelike like a statue – after all, during the pandemic Chadkirk was a place of recreation and reflection which many needed, discovered or valued.

The path itself will need work to reinstate it; it also crosses a small amount of private land (the reason it was closed) and may need redirecting. The work would in part be funded by the Friends of Chadkirk. We’d like your views on this – and these views are especially welcome if you are a long-time resident of the area and have previously used the path and now miss it.

If you can take a few minutes to fill in our questionnaire, we’d be grateful. And please pass it along to others who may be interested. (You only need to sign into Google if you need to save your answers in order to return to them later.)

Fill in the form here (takes a couple of mins):

https://forms.gle/oejpv7YF4jCLNmC86

Christmas at Chadkirk draws to a close

A selection of three pieces from the two Christmas events: Jingle Bells, Coventry Carol and Santa Baby.

As the year comes to an end, at Chadkirk we finished on a high, with our two Christmas concerts. Both were pretty much sold out.

We’d like to thank everyone who came, braving the cold, windy and wet weather to listen to a range of Christmas songs and readings. We’d also like to thank everyone who made this happen: the musicians, the conductors and the organisers. Special thanks to everyone who volunteered to help run this event.

Bring on 2023 – when we kick off 2023 with our wassailing evening, on 7 January. The event is free, and some tickets are still available.

Our Thanks to Dobbies

John Pengelly, chair of the Friends of Chadkirk, with the tree at Dobbies

The Friends of Chadkirk are enormously indebted to Dobbies for kindly donating a tree to the chapel. Those coming to the concerts this week will be able to see the tree, fully dressed, in the chapel. Thanks very much! (Pictured is John Pengelly, chair of the Friends of Chadkirk.)

Friends of Chadkirk COMMITTEE meeting, November 2022

Friends of Chadkirk Chapel and Estate

Meeting: Tuesday 29 November 2022

Time: 17:00

Minutes

• Attendance: Pat Baker (President), John Pengelly (Chairman), Brian Thompson (Treasurer), Roger Pearce (Secretary) Angie Clark, Peter Labrow

• Minutes of the Previous Meeting: The minutes of the meeting held on 06 October 2022 were accepted. Matters Arising – none other that what would be reported later in the meeting

• Chairman’s Report JP said that little progress had been made regarding the setting up of cashless payments because being able to have such an arrangement required that the Friends of Chadkirk would need to be a sole trader or a registered charity. Climate Action – JP said that this was an initiative by SMBC whereby a grant of up to £500 was available for efficiency projects. In the case of the chapel, if Wi-Fi were installed, the heating could be turned off/on remotely which would be far more cost-effective than the present haphazard situation. AC said that details of application could be obtained on the Council website.

• Treasurer’s Report: BT said that there were no significant events impacting on the financial position. He presented a report detailing income, expenditure and bank balances. Expenditure this year included: Web Site, the replacement of a display panel, safety equipment and walkie-talkies. BT suggested that the Friends might decide upon a project on which to spend funds and in the discussion which followed it was suggested that we might consider upgrading the information panels/system in the chapel or commissioning a sculpture for the garden.

• Notice Boards: JP said that this would need to be re-visited and that the most viable option might be to leave the supporting posts in situ and replace only the notice boards themselves. Otherwise it might be time-consuming to seek consent from SMBC to carry out groundworks.

• Creative and Video Projects: PL said that he would recommend that, even although time would be pressing to get through the present agenda, it might be helpful to start putting in place the means to capture and record some of the knowledge and experiences of those who have been involved for many years. He suggested that in the first instance several members of the Friends with a vast experience of the chapel and Estate might be invited to a session in the form of a ‘chat’ to be recorded and edited later.

• Christmas and New Year Events: JP said that he would produce a plan showing what the need was for volunteer duties at events in December and the New Year. 10/12/22 Carol Services – Howard would be meeting and accompanying the Mayor and Mayoress. 17/12.22 Concert – AC will meet and accompany Civic guests. JP to contact Mayoress to confirm the two readings she is to deliver. RP to finalise programme and liaise with PL regarding printing. 18/12/22 Irlam Mixed Voice Choir – RP to contact Julie Parker to get more programme details to improve publicity. RP to pass on information to choir regarding parking. 07 January 2023 Wassailing – AC said that Peter Rowcroft, in the role of the green man, would be the MC for the event and, along with the Stockport Morris Men, lead the procession. Those attending would assemble at 1700 hrs in the campsite at the car park in Vale Road and then take part in a torch-light procession through the woods and end at the Chapel where mulled cider would be served.

• Calendar of Events 2023: JP said that in addition to regular events, other activities were being put in place to enhance visitor experience and that we were trying to ensure that groups were booked up well in advance. RP said that he was in the process of putting together a programme of musicians who would perform background music during Sunday opening days throughout the year. Thus far, the following had been booked, each of whom had been asked to cover two Sundays: Stockport Bell Ringers; The ‘Luvies’ - a group from the Carver Theatre; Saxophone Quartet; Stockport Ukulele Band; Piano Duettists. PL also suggested that we could host a Halloween event. JP said that some dates in December 2023 could be put in the diary now so that there would not be a clash with an eventt that the Events Team at SMBC might wish to book.

• A.O.B. Covid Memorial. AC said that awards of £7000 were available from SMBC for each Council Ward for suggested memorials of the Covid pandemic. It was unanimously agreed that it would be completely appropriate if the footpath through Little Wood were to be restored as a Covid Memorial Walk. PL would seek and co-ordinate responses from local residents who have made use of the walk over many years prior to its being closed.

• The meeting closed at 1905. Next Meetings: 5 January 2023 Friends of Chadkirk at 12.30 in the Chapel and 2 February 2023 Committee.

Chadkirk in the Cheshire Gardens Trust newsletter

The wonderful work done in Chadkirk’s walled garden was featured recently in The Cheshire Gardens Trust newsletter.

It was lovely to see Chadkirk featured in the Cheshire Gardens Trust newsletter for October 2022. The write-up covered the history of the chapel and the estate and included photos of the chapel, the well, the farmhouse and the statue outside the chapel.

Chadkirk remains something of a hidden gem in the Stockport area, so any coverage which introduces the chapel and the estate to a wider audience is very much welcome.

From the newsletter: The area around Chadkirk was already settled during the Anglo-Saxon period, but quite possibly earlier. Today, much of the land around Chadkirk is owned by Stockport Council. The site has been designated as a country park and local nature reserve. It sits on the east side of Stockport, close to Marple, just off the A627. There is a car park and the area around the chapel and into the woods can be accessed at all times. The chapel is open on the last Sunday of the month, 12 noon to 4pm, supported by a strong Friends of Chadkirk group.

From the readership’s perspective, the gardens are a key draw – and it’s the work of the Friends of Chadkirk which keeps the walled garden in wonderful condition all year around. All of the work is done by Friends, and by some stalwart volunteers who donate their time and energy to the upkeep of the garden.

Our thanks to the Cheshire Gardens Trust.

Christmas 2022 at Chadkirk

With carol services and concerts – plus a wassailing evening in the New Year – Christmas at Chadkirk will be festive and fun.

We have a busy schedule of Christmas events at Chadkirk this year.

Christmas carol services

There will be two traditional Christmas carol services at Chadkirk, both on Sunday 11 December – at 2:30pm (with a sherry and mince pie reception at 2:00) and at 4:00pm (with sherry and mince pies after the service). The 2:30pm service will be taken by the Reverend Cathy Bird, Superintendent Minister for the Methodist Church’s United Stockport Circuit and Minister of the Hazel Grove and Dialstone Lane Churches. The 4:00pm service will be taken by the Reverend Andy Bull, Vicar of St. Mark’s, Bredbury. Lessons will be read by members of the Friends of Chadkirk and there will be a collection in support of a nominated charity. Both services are free, but tickets are required so that we can manage numbers. We really do ask people not to get tickets ‘just in case’ because numbers in the chapel are limited and if you don’t go you could be stopping someone else from attending. You can get tickets online, from Eventbrite: 2:30 service tickets | 4:00 service tickets

Christmas concerts

On Saturday 17 December, at 7:00pm, Chadkirk Chapel will be hosting a festive evening of words and music – the first of our two Christmas concerts. This will feature music, singing and readings, including small brass and woodwind group, piano duets, community singing and seasonal readings. The event will be attended by The Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport (Councillor David Wilson and Ms Jeannette Slavinski). The Mayoress will be performing several of the readings. The ticket price of £10 includes mulled wine and a mince pie – and takings, after costs, will go to the Friends of Chadkirk (to help with the upkeep of Chadkirk) and nominated charities. Raffle tickets will be available on the night for a prize draw, and we will be selling additional refreshments. Tickets for this event are available from Gainsborough Interiors in the centre of Romiley.

On the afternoon of Sunday 18 December, at 2:30pm, Chadkirk Chapel will be hosting the second of our two Christmas concerts. This will feature the Irlam Mixed Voice Choir. The ticket price of £10 includes mulled wine and a mince pie – and takings after costs will go to the Friends of Chadkirk (to help with the upkeep of Chadkirk) and nominated charities. Raffle tickets will be available on the day for a prize draw, and we will be selling additional refreshments. Tickets for this event are available from Gainsborough Interiors in the centre of Romiley.

Wassailing evening

We’re kicking off 2023 with an evening of wassailing down at Chadkirk – on Saturday 7 January. What is wassailing, I hear you ask? Orchard-visiting wassail is an ancient custom, where people gather in orchards to sing, dance and promote the good harvest for the coming year. We will meet at the car park on Vale Road, at around 5:00pm. From there, the Stockport Morris Men will lead a torch and lantern procession down to the chapel, where the wassailing ceremony will be held in the walled garden. Hot drinks (including mulled cider) will be on sale, along with snacks such as biscuits and cakes. Any children attending will need to be accompanied by adults. The event will be attended by The Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport (Councillor David Wilson and Ms Jeannette Slavinski). The Mayoress, Ms Jeannette Slavinski, will be reading from Twelfth Night. This is a ticketed event, to help us manage numbers, but tickets are free. We would please ask that people only order tickets if they are sure they can come, because numbers are limited, and this would stop others attending.

Tickets are available online, from Eventbrite.

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.