We aim to keep this page up to date with progress at the chapel. Newest articles at the top – so scroll down for earlier updates.
24th December 2025
Two parts to this update – firstly the ongoing work to move the pedestrian gateway to the larger retained cemetery area, adjacent to the Post Office. The hedge is now cleared, with some further (back breaking!) work ahead including grubbing out the roots and the original metal post foundations for the old notice board. The new green oak gateposts have arrived, and are beginning to season before installation.
New gateposts seasoning
Hedge removed ready for move of gateway
The bigger challenge has been a large tree coming down in the wind, falling across Ditchend Brook; luckily we had only recently had it pruned back from the building, and the good news is no damage was done to the building or any memorials.
The tree was rooted on the opposite bank of the brook, owned by Hampshire County Council, who have arranged for it to be chopped up – I’m just following up with them now regarding the large piles of waste. Sadly the fall of the tree and the subsequent clear up by the contractors has destroyed a significant length of the hedgerow. We are going to have to look at what we do there until we have a long term design and plan.
11th December 2025
Following the conclusion of the review and consultation period for the proposed changes to the chapelground, we are now working on creating the two, large, designated areas of accessible cemetery, conserving access to memorials. This will ultimately allow us to bring the building back into use, and transitioning it to a new long term sustainable future.
From the historic photos, we believe the iron front gate is over 100 years old – and highly likely to have come from the local Stuckton Ironworks. To restore and preserve this gate, we have just collected it today after it was professionally sandblasted, primed and powder coated. For now, it is back on the hinges at the front pedestrian entrance.
We are working on removing the hedge and clearing the gap for the new gateway to the large retained cemetery area to the east of the building. This gateway will be directly adjacent to the to old post office. We have two new oak gate posts on order, although they will need to be allowed to season/dry out for a while before installing. We will then attach the old gate to this, keeping it as the entrance to the cemetery area.
Original iron gate before renovation
Gate after sand blasting, primer and powder coating.