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Written by Ann Sandell
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Wednesday, 29 August 2007 |
On a beautiful sunny morning I walked the back lanes of Ravenstonedale,
it was a long time since I had walked here, and I delighted in the
peace as the sun dried the overnight rain. A pretty cat curled round
my legs and an Appaloosa pony snorted as I headed for my first stop,
High Chapel …
This old Congregational Chapel was built in 1727 and saw its last
service on 29 April, 2006. It is now finding a new lease of life as a
local history and community centre.
It’s the Wednesday morning Open House and Frank Chalmers greets me at
the door. He explains what is going on here - it’s a drop-in session
for anyone who fancies a chat and cuppa, and many locals as well as
walkers passing by pop in. The atmosphere is very friendly and
welcoming.
 Make sure you pay a visit to High Chapel
Many people in the Kirkby Stephen area will of course have past
connections in Ravenstonedale, and you will find the information very
interesting.
The village’s parish council is planning to lease the building from the
United Reform Church and make it a community resource centre. Uses such
as a council office, youth club, meeting room and tourist information
centre are being considered.
You must visit High Chapel to appreciate its beautiful calm simplicity.
It is a grade II listed building, with many of its original features
intact.
It is an excellent endeavour, this. Volunteers are helping with the
teas and clearing some of the grounds. Frank says they are only in the
very early stages and they will be needing lots of help over the time
to come.
The list of needs right now includes computers, internal scaffolding,
paint and someone to look at the roof. They can find plenty of jobs
for volunteers!
Open House, Wednesday morning 10am to 12 noon, with free Fair-trade
beverages and home baking; donations to support the development of High
Chapel are very welcome.This old Congregational Chapel was built in 1727 and saw its last
service on 29 April, 2006. It is now finding a new lease of life as a
local history and community centre.
It’s the Wednesday morning Open House and Frank Chalmers greets me at
the door. He explains what is going on here - it’s a drop-in session
for anyone who fancies a chat and cuppa, and many locals as well as
walkers passing by pop in. The atmosphere is very friendly and
welcoming.
On hand is a good deal of archive material and records. Many of the
documents are now being photo-scanned , and the resulting pictures will
make the beginnings of a local history centre.
Many people in the Kirkby Stephen area will of course have past
connections in Ravenstonedale, and you will find the information very
interesting.
The village’s parish council is planning to lease the building from the
United Reform Church and make it a community resource centre. Uses such
as a council office, youth club, meeting room and tourist information
centre are being considered.
You must visit High Chapel to appreciate its beautiful calm simplicity.
It is a grade II listed building, with many of its original features
intact.
It is an excellent endeavour, this. Volunteers are helping with the
teas and clearing some of the grounds. Frank says they are only in the
very early stages and they will be needing lots of help over the time
to come.
The list of needs right now includes computers, internal scaffolding,
paint and someone to look at the roof. They can find plenty of jobs
for volunteers!
Open House, Wednesday morning 10am to 12 noon, with free Fair-trade
beverages and home baking; donations to support the development of High
Chapel are very welcome.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 30 August 2007 )
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