The Friends of Chedham's Yard
Friends of Chedham's Yard
The Friends of Chedham’s Yard Group was started in early 2006. The Constitution states the purpose is “to assist and encourage the preservation and restoration of Chedham’s Yard as an active heritage centre.”
This will be achieved by: -
- Working in partnership with the owners.
- Promoting and publicizing the project.
- Raising funds and receiving contributions.
- Organisation of training, education and events in line with agreed policies for the site.
- Working with other like organisations by seeking advice and exchanging information and developing joint projects.
- Opening bank accounts and seeking financial advice as appropriate.
- Working with and involving the community.
- Taking responsible lawful actions that will help fulfill the objective.
We have an active membership and all of these objectives have been enthusiastically maintained with significant results, the most outstanding being our contribution in winning BBC 2 Restoration Village against formidable opposition in September 2006.
Since then we have been working in the background whilst also being involved in the negotiations of The Chedham’s Yard Steering Group with BBC Restoration Fund and The Heritage Lottery Fund in bringing to fruition the detailed application necessary to realise the funds required to restore Chedham’s Yard. This is now at the final stage and means we can anticipate the work on restoration starting soon and the yard opening to visitors in late 2010.
Simultaneously we have been busy at the warehouse where all the artefacts are stored; cleaning, documenting, numbering and photographing the objects prior to them being returned to the Yard in time for the opening. We have also attended local fetes and fairs to raise funds and awareness of the project.
Presentations on the story of Chedham’s Yard have been made to numerous organisations in the region and these have been well received, especially the quiz which involves identification of unusual objects that form part of the collection.
Now we are planning our contribution necessary to keep the yard operational once it is opened and we need more volunteers to do the various tasks such as tour guides, ticketing, demonstrators, general maintenance work, gardening and many others.
If you want to join with us then please contact one of the Officers listed in this news bulletin, or attend our regular monthly meetings which are held on the first Monday of the month at 7.30p.m, in the Parish Council Offices at 2 School Road Wellesbourne.
All members receive a copy of Chedhams Chatter twice a year to keep them up-to-date with progress on the yard.
Contacts for Friends of Chedham's Yard
Chairman: Heather Cox, 01789 840412
Secretary: Charlie Gilbert, 01789 841805
Membership Secretary: Peggy Gilbert, 01789 841805
Treasurer: John McKenzie, 01789 840582
