Can you help us to make our Rural Heritage ‘Walks’ more accessible?

CPRE Cheshire's Crewe and Nantwich branch wants to hear from walkers and non-walkers keen to join in our new programme of Rural Heritage Walks, visiting unusual churches and chapels in the Borough. But we would like to include more people who are interested in visiting the sites, but are not able to walk – and this means we need to plan ahead.

In the two successful visits this year, to St Michael’s Baddiley and Woodhey Chapel in the spring, and the Chapel at Cholmondeley Castle and Old Chad, Tushingham in October, participants learnt more about the history of the buildings and their rural settings, and rural traditions centred on the relationships between manor, church and farm.

Rev John Whitehead, Chairman of Crewe and Nantwich CPRE and the organiser of the walks, said: ‘We are building up a core of regular attenders, and would like to hear from more people who would be interested in joining us on our Rural Heritage Walks next year, to help us to plan in advance.

‘We have already been able to include some people who want to visit the churches and hear the talks on their history and architecture, but are unable to make the walk. We are very keen to make future events as accessible as possible, and we can arrange coach travel and an additional escorted visit for people who are not walking if we are able to plan far enough ahead.’

Next year’s events will be on a Saturday in Spring and in Autumn, or more often if there is greater demand, and will again take in two historic buildings, with a walk of around five miles (or coach travel), and lunch at an attractive venue along the way. The day usually ends with a short optional service at one of the churches, illustrating the religious aspect of rural seasonal tradition.

‘These events meet CPRE’s aim to encourage people to value their countryside,’ said Rev Whitehead. ‘At each location, we have a talk on the history of the building and its surroundings, and on present-day issues for the local countryside. The more we know about our environment, the more likely we are to appreciate and protect it.’

CPRE is also interested in hearing from people who have suggestions for sites to include in future events.

Please contact us if you would lke to be added to the mailing list, or if you would like to be involved in planning the events.

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