‘Thrilled’ group opens village restoration site

And members of Chedham’s Yard Trust and volunteers were joined by special guest Bill Chedham - the last member of the family to have worked at the former blacksmiths and wheelrights yard - as they celebrated the culmination of six years of work.

Speaking at an opening ceremony on Tuesday, parish councillor David Close, the vice chairman and longest-serving member of the trust, said: “We took on a vision and that vision still holds true - to maintain an active heritage site that incorporates education for the people of Wellesbourne and people from around Wellesbourne.”

Recalling the time when the parish council, which owns the site, entered the BBC Restoration competition in 2006, Cllr Close said: “Within a few months, we were in the television series. For about 25 of us, our feet did not touch the ground.”

The project won and was presented with £1 million from the programme, which was followed by another £850,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund - enabling the restoration project to get going.

Cllr Close said: “We are breathless and exhausted but we are here and it is open. I am thrilled and glad.”

Heather Cox, chairman of the Friends of Chedham’s Yard, with the help of Mr Chedham and pupils from Wellesbourne Primary School, filled a time capsule for people in 50 years’ time to see what life was like on the day Chedham’s Yard restoration site was opened.

The site is open for visitors on Saturdays from June 16. Tickets must be booked in advance. Call 01789 842770 or go online.