2021 Community Award recipients 

 Framed letters of recognition were awarded to:

Christine Jones & Norman Hartle for significantly improving the Methodist Church graveyard. Methodist Minister, Keith Sandow, told those present that “Having a graveyard so well maintained and cared for was a great comfort and reassurance for all those whose family and friends are laid to rest there, particularly for those who could not visit regularly and travelled some distance to do so”. 

The Friends of Chapel Station who work tirelessly to keep the rail station tidy with planting, cleaning and general maintenance. John Brook, Chairman of the Friends of Chapel Station, accepted the award on behalf of the 10 volunteers who currently make up the group and thanked the Council for recent support in projects they are working on.

Kate Tansley, a teacher at Chapel primary school for 30 years. Kate puts in long hours to make a difference to the children she teaches. Her community art projects promote links to the wider community and she has been involved with Chapel Wells Dressing for over 25 years. Kate was available for her class and their parents throughout the pandemic. 

2021 Community Awards were given to:

Graham Harper, for long service to Chapel Boys Brigade that he joined in 1946 after seeing an advert at the local Empress Cinema. He was made Honorary President in 2008. Graham was also a lay preacher at both the Methodist and CofE churches. He also appeared on the Radio 4 programme ‘Down your Way’ in 1973 when presenter Brian Johnstone visited the town. Graham delighted in taking youngsters and their parents in walks around the perimeters of the town to enjoy and discover open countryside.

Mary Craner, who had the vision to create the Community Garden and who works hard to see it flourish from a once-neglected field. It is available to all the community who want to get involved under the banner of ‘growing together’. Mary can often be found working in the garden with her volunteers. All community groups and ages are encouraged to visit the garden and it is used to host outdoor community events in the open air, weather permitting. 

Sally DePee, who set-up the ‘Little Cherubs’ Covid-19 clothes bank charity during the pandemic and over 750 families and children in the High Peak have been helped by them. She now has a group of volunteers to help collect, sort and distribute clothes and equipment. She organised an appeal during the Afghanistan refugee crisis. Her efforts were shown on national television channels putting Chapel on the map. Moving forward she has a vision to expand the charity for the benefit of the local community.

Ian Barley, a friend of Chapel Station since its inception. Ian goes above and beyond just attending meetings and working groups. He visits the station daily to ensure everything is in order and bins are emptied. He communicates any problems to Network or Northern Rail. Ian also looks out for his elderly neighbours. Ensuring they have their recycling bins taken in and out, gets them to hospital appointments and collects prescriptions. He also looks out for wildlife around the station and beyond.

Simon Youd is a stalwart of the community in Dove Holes, albeit he originated from Chapel. Simon has been the Chairman of Dove Holes Community Association. During the pandemic he adapted the village hall to allow ongoing use within government guidelines at any given time. He sourced grants for children’s play equipment that is now in place for community use. Simon also empties bins and cuts the grass around the village hall and is known for planting in community spaces.