| Where: | Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire at St Stephens Church Forest Chapel on A537 |
| When: | 1st Sunday after 12th August |
| Time: | 3pm |
Before churches had paved floors, rushes were strewn to keep the earth floors sweet and it was common to make a special occasion from their annual renewal. Few such customs survive and the ones which do are mainly in North-West England.The isolated church at Macclesfield Forest is the setting for an annual service in August and the interior is well decorated with flowers and rushes ; part of the service takes place outside regardless of the weather! Written records of the ceremony go back to the eighteenth century, but it’s likely that it’s been taking place for longer. Some rush bearing ceremonies focus on the procession to the church, but here the rushes are spread ready for the service and add a pleasant aroma to the proceedings. Expect plenty of hearty hymn singing!
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be held on Sunday August 17th.
Parking is available near the church – follow the signs.
Visitors are welcome to attend (and dogs) and refreshments follow the service which lasts about an hour. The chapel is part of Rainow parish – contact 01625 572013.
Click here for the Rainbow Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RainowChurch/
Turn off the A537 at the sign for the Stanley Arms pub, just after the Cat and Fiddle heading towards Macclesfield. The event itself is not very clearly marked and a bit of guesswork is needed to find the forest chapel.The roads are very tight but there is parking in the field next to the church.
The chapel and churchyard are in an S.S.I. and they advise to visit at different times of the year to see all the wild flowers. The chapel is very small and narrow and is decorated with woven rushes and rushes strewn on the floor. The smell of the rushes is strong, fresh and sweet and reminded me of camping trips in Scotland.
Because of the size of the chapel the service is relayed over a public address to those outside, there are plenty of benches and many bought chairs and picnic blankets to sit on. I chose to sit outside as it was overcast yet warm and I didn’t want to leave my dog in my car,although the vicar said my dog would be welcome inside. I didn’t think this would be a good idea as she tends to howl if I sing!
There were lots of people,children and dogs.I was given an order of service but didn’t recognise any of the hymns. The service lasted about an hour and towards the end everyone came outside for the final sermon and hymn.
refreshments available across the road at the school house.
All in it was a very pleasant afternoon and I would think suitable for everyone.
I got completely lost in the forest roads on the way home, very few road signs or road names,which was confusing and at each junction I always seemed to be 4 miles from Wincle but never actually got there.
If it was nearer I would visit again for some of the forest walks and to see the wild flowers in the churchyard.
I have been told the service is this Sunday. It tells me it is on aug 14th
Which date is the right one please
I’ll be very surprised if the date has shifted from August as it’s been held regularly then for many years – but I’ll check with the church tomorrow (too late tonight!) and report back to make sure.
Hi!
I’ve been trying to get through to the vicar to double check (here at calendarcustoms we have no connection with the organisation of the featured events on the website, and we live many miles away), but though I’ve varied the time over the last couple of days there’s no reply. I’ve left a message on the answering machine so if I do hear back I’ll let you know. If you’d like to give it a go the phone number is Rev Rathbone on 01625 572 013 (the number is on the A Church Near You website so I don’t expect anyone will mind me sharing it). I’d still be very surprised if it’s been moved from August….
Best wishes,
Averil
I’ve just had a call from the Vicar and the Rushbearing is confirmed for Sunday August 14th in 2016 so you’ve got a little while to wait 🙂
I was here with an elderly relative. We arrived just after the service, and as we approached every body was leaving the church. It was lovely just to get the opportunity to see the church, with all the wonderful floral displays. We met a very pleasant lady who told us how they had been created – by one elderly woman in the parish! Incredible! She’d painstakingly weaved the rushes tightly to create a pattern in the display, and then placed sunflowers in the middle. These were placed all over the church, in the windows and on the altar. Walking on the rushes is a strange feeling – it left the impression of a very well sprung carpet beneath ones feet. Despite missing the service, we really enjoyed the atmosphere and ambience of everyone milling around the church. It was in a perfect spot – peaceful and beautiful. As we approached from the top road it looked like a scene from Constable. I’m sure the scene could have been replicated from many years before. Timeless… and a very special experience.