Chapel Arts is organising a weekend of events from the 7th to 8th July 2018, coinciding with Chapel’s Well Dressing. The aim is to offer an opportunity to learn more about the history of this ancient market town.

Events include:

• Exhibition at the Playhouse from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July 2018:

Admission is £1 for adults and free to children.

Exhibitors from a number of local organisations will display memorabilia and be available to discuss the history of their organisation and its current involvement in the local community.

The exhibitors are experts in their own fields by virtue of either their longstanding involvement in their organisations or their qualifications. Each has devoted considerable time to researching and sourcing artefacts related to his/her area of expertise. Experts on the history of Chapel have willingly offered photographs and books to be used in the exhibition.

Two local residents Derek Eley and Graham Harper will officially open the event at 11am. They both have a wealth of knowledge about this ancient town. Derek is a centenarian and is a British Legion veteran with knowledge of both world wars. Graham has been involved with Chapel Boys Brigade and has worked for many years at Ferodo.

The Gallopers: will be exhibited on the Playhouse stage.

This is a unique opportunity to ‘step back in time’ and view the model fairground roundabout, which is an exact miniature replica of an old-time steam roundabout. It was made by a Chapel resident, Mr Slack, and was first exhibited in 1952.

The Morris Men will discuss their history and give demonstrations over the two days.

Chapel Players will display a range of costumes dating back in time.

• Tours of St Thomas Becket Church

People will be able to learn about the history of the ancient building; there has been a church on this site since 1225. Over the centuries the church has had multiple uses in addition to its main function as a place of worship.

Tours of the church and ancient monuments in the churchyard will be conducted from 12-4pm throughout the two days and the exhibition will continue over the following week.

A video of the bell tower will be shown in the church and there will be a special trail for children

• Film Show of Chapel Past and Present: Saturday 7th July from 1.30pm – 5pm at the Town Hall

• Sunday 8th July from 11am – 4pm Upstairs at Rems Café Bar, Market Street

A film depicting the changes throughout Chapel over the centuries will be shown over the weekend at the above venues.

• Trail of local shops and hostelries:

Many shops and pubs will be showing photographs and memorabilia illustrating the history and usage of the buildings over time.

The trail will start at the New Inn and will come through the town, ending at the Pack Horse Inn.

The shops and the pubs on the Market Place will also be involved. The Cell on the Market Place has kindly agreed to show where prisoners used to be held before going on trial.

• Quiz:

There will be a quiz testing people’s knowledge about this ancient town. It will cost £1, and is available to buy from a number of local shops and pubs. If you have difficulty buying one, please call in Rems Café Bar. The completed quizzes should be handed into Rems, Café Bar Market Street. There will be a prize of £25 for the winning entry.

Thank you to our sponsors for their support in putting on the events:

HD Sharmans

CJK Packaging

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