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 Upper Heath Farm, Heath, Craven Arms, SY7 9DS     01584 823 845 / 07968 801 118     [email protected]

Heath 12th Century Chapel Celebrates 900th Year

The hamlet of Heath is special in many ways and has a feel of times long past. Perhaps because of this the ancient chapel feels totally natural as it resides quietly right in the centre of the village.

Throughout all those years there have been cosmetic changes and you can see decorative artwork on the plasterwork that probably dates from medieval times. This had long since been whitewashed over in more austere and puritan years but, with the passage of centuries, they have resurfaced.

The chapel is tiny yet with its 2 foot thick walls and high arching beans carrying the roof and tiny slit windows it has managed to rebuff all that the winters could throw at it year by year.

Many of the locals gather at the chapel still on one Sunday in four and, after a very short service, which often involves a poetry reading or some-such, the children lark about in the field whilst coffees and teas are offered often with cakes that have been baked by someone or other.

All the people sit in little oaken cubicles, and the occasional wild-life will make its presence known by sauntering behind whoever may be speaking, sometimes a mouse (church-mouse), sometimes a frog and the occasional toad or bat.

The bell does work yet the roof is in a little bit of a precarious state therefore it was felt best not to tempt fate by ringing it too vigorously.

All those who live in the area decided that the roof needed some attention and so funds are needed to make the repairs.

Many fund-raising activities were suggested, one of which was a "Photograph the Chapel" competition, each entrant was charged £1.  All the entries were entered into a competition and 12 winning entries were selected (by a visiting friend).  Six of these entries were turned into Post Cards and these are on sale at the church.  These 6 and the remaining six were turned into a Calendar, and these are on sale in the church too.

Visitors (walkers wandering past), friends and family of the locals and people who actually go to the services have all bought some and so the fund for the restoration of the roof continues to swell.

The field and chapel offer a central point for parties and other celebrations to go on; we have had Beacon Lighting Parties, Jubilee Parties as well as Christenings and Weddings all at this place, where soon hopefully celebrations will  all proceed under a brand-spanking new roof.

There are many photos from many different angles, and there are many of the door, the font and montages too.

Come along and buy one and your £1 will go towards renovating the roof so that this architectural gem can last for the next 900 years too.

The chapel has featured on many BBC programmes as well as TimeWatch and is listed in the 100 Best Churches in Briatin.

Local Gems: Pub was good fun, great community. The rides were fab, the hacking was so quiet, even on the roads we only met three cars all day. The cottages and buildings in the area were outstandingly beautiful and so interesting to ride or walk around. Sarah F from Shepshed, Leicestershire - 21st June 2014 "We enjoyed living this 'rural idyll' in this delightful cottage.A memorable Boxing Day treat-many thanks for everything!"

The Bailey Family

Will not be disappointed, straight out of Country Living magazine” We took our two horses with us for this mini break with the dream of off-road riding and beautiful countryside, and we were not disappointed. The stables were fantastic, mega deep bedding, also on rubber, automatic waterers, and big, airy, stone stables with the most lush grass paddock for 24-7 use. The cottage was just as impressive, beautiful, superbly clean, quality finishing, luxury carpets, towels and bed linen, with lots of personal appropriate touches. It was so enjoyable to go to a place with such class in an area untouched by time. Looking forward to a return trip..

We have really enjoyed our stay at Stable Cottage. Jane and Rob were excellent hosts and made us feel very welcome. The riding was varied,sometimes challenging but always scenic! Kitty thought she had died and gone to heaven when we turned her out.

Ian and Lana (plus Kitten the horse)

Thanks for a lovely stay here, albiet only for a 2 days. A most generous and welcoming experience. We appreciated the hamper very much. We will probably appear here again as we have never really experienced and explored Shropshire. We will also be recommending it to our friends.

Gwen and Mike (Morris Dancers)

Specifically Recommend: If you are taking horses it’s perfect, if you are after a very tasteful country stay in a cottage from Country Living magazine then you will not be disappointed.

After riding for nearly 3 hours, Upper Heath Farm is a beautiful place to stay, stunning views and a tranquil setting, a lovely cottage with everything we could wish for, plus plenty of grazing and rest before heading off again!

The Parry family plus 4 horses

We've really enjoyed our first stay in Shropshire. We enjoyed visiting Stokesay Castle, walking on the Long Mynd and exploring Nordy Bank ( the local hill fort ). The cottage has been lovely- quiet, comfortable and relaxing.

Pete and Sue Churton

Lovely welcome, very friendly, comfortable cottage. We were lucky with the weather and did some nice walks from the house (fort is worth a visit) and in Church Stretton area. OS maps are very handy - thanks!

Alice, Kevin and Robyn

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