Chedham’s Yard wins live TV final
The ‘Friends of Chedham’s Yard’ support group are celebrating after winning the live final of the BBC’s popular programme, Restoration.
The Wellesbourne restoration project beat competition from two other Midlands’ contenders a few weeks ago to gain a place in Sunday’s final. The former wheelwright and blacksmith’s workshop will receive a substantial grant and professional advice from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Wellesbourne Parish Council approached Warwickshire County Council in 2003 with a view to securing the future of the site. Warwickshire Museums and Heritage Network was able to advise on funding and to establish a Friends group.
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. Plans for the project to renovate the yard will see the workshop turned into a working museum complete with a blacksmith to provide training and education.
David Close, chair of the Parish Council working group which oversees the site, said:
“We are delighted to have won. The support group and villagers have kept this fabulous place alive and future plans, made possible by this win, will mean that many other people can also enjoy the yard.”
Councillor Colin Hayfield, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for Adult and Community Services, said: “This is fantastic news, both for the local community and for other community groups. Whilst this has been a tremendous experience for all involved in Chedham’s Yard, other community ventures throughout Warwickshire can benefit from the county’s heritage network.”