Vote for Chedham’s Yard in live TV final
Just a few months after forming the ‘Friends of Chedham’s Yard’ support group it looks like the village’s hidden historic gem has struck gold. Chedham’s yard has reached the live final of the BBC’s popular programme, Restoration.
Griff Rhys-Jones will be fronting the final on BBC TWO at 9.00pm on Sunday 17 September when live voting will decide the winner. The Wellesbourne restoration project beat competition from two other Midlands’ contenders a few weeks ago to gain a place in Sunday’s final. The winner will receive a substantial grant and professional advice from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A coach of supporters, including Warwickshire County Council’s Community Museums Officer, will be travelling to the final to see the results for themselves.
The Chedham’s family wheelwright and blacksmith business started in the 19th century and only stopped when young Bill Chedham locked the door in the 1970’s. Untouched until a few years ago, it remains one of only a few complete examples of the wheelwright’s craft and a testament to our working lives from not so long ago.
David Close, the chair of the Parish Council working group, said,
“We are delighted to have reached the final. The support group and villagers have been the drivers of keeping this fabulous place from careless destruction and development. The Parish council are fully behind the efforts to keep this place alive.”
Glynis Powell, Warwickshire County Council’s Community Museums Officer, said
“Winning the money would will make a real difference to the project’s viability but taking part has given everyone the confidence to make it happen”