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Burwardsley is a delightful village tucked up on the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge. Rich in history, its Church (St John the Divine) is an architectural gem and dates back to 1730.
In 2016, two 'Nostalgic Burwardsley' Photographic Exhibitions were held featuring rare photographic archives from this tiny hamlet. Residents dug deep to provide images of 'times past' and the proceeds from those Exhibitions, funded the Roll of Honour which is now housed in the Church.
On 11 September 2021 from 2pm onwards, the village will come together again in raising funds for the renovations of the Burwardsley Village Institute.
The Village Institute is just short of 100 years old. It was officially opened on 10 October 1923 by Mrs Robert Barbour and a programme of evening entertainment followed the opening ceremony. It is hard to believe that oil lamps were used to light the original building and that subsequently three paraffin gas lamps were purchased for this purpose.
The building became the centre of village social life with two billiard tables, a piano, the opportunity to play a variety of board games and it was a popular location for the annual fete, concert parties, film and lantern slide shows. The new venue was also used by a variety of groups, not least the WI and the Farmers' Discussion Group.
We include a selection of photographs of the Institute from the 2016 Exhibitions.
- The top photograph, taken from Mrs Tom Hopley's garden, has quite the most splendid Monkey Puzzle Tree in the foreground, long since gone. The Institute can be seen on the left and to the right is a section of the Post Office and Shop (now the Poffee, Post Office and village store run by Sheryl Baguley).
- The children shown outside the Institute in the lower photograph are believed to be (left to right) ?; Annie Chesters; Vera Dodd, Laura Dodd, Jane Tydd; Phyliss Dodd.
So, please support the residents and businesses of this beautiful location on the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge (11 September from 2pm) as they seek to renovate their precious Village Institute.
The party which is being held with lots of tables and activities, will also feature a cake competition for both juniors and adults! Please bring your cake to the venue by 2pm on 11 September (cakes will be judged prior to sale). There will be live music, a BBQ, a Bar, delicious Pizzas, a Book Stall and lots of amazing raffle prizes including an Iceland trolley dash, LEAF Spa Voucher, Dinner for 2 at the Pheasant Inn, Afternoon Tea at the Poffee .... to name but a few.
Make the vision become a reality ...