Untold Stories of The Old Meeting House

New comers to our beautiful Chapel and Peaceful Gardens, tucked away in the very centre of town, often say "I've lived in Mansfield all my life and never knew this fascinating building with its beautiful William Morris windows and warm welcome was here."

Join our enthusiastic congregation and volunteers for a weekend of fun and friendship with talks, displays and activities for all generations and discover more about the everyday histories of people who became connected to this Meeting House. Find out how different community traditions like the annual Hot Cross Bun distribution dating back to 1894 has adapted its outreach to suit modern requirements and how the impressive chapel's shared legacy has enriched the lives of people in and beyond the town.

Let an accomplished author outline his book on Chapel's history and find out more about the future plans around this historic site.

Delve into newly digitalised Births, Marriages and Death records in the "Circle of Life" display with fascinating personal family stories like the Seven Generation Christening Gown, the names on the poignant War Memorial as well as taking a look around the Intriguing 2" listed Chapel and the handsome 1656 Parsonage.

Who was the Sunday Schoolteacher and Sidesman who dedicated his life to helping the smooth running of a busy congregation and was presented with a special clock?

With art and craft activities for every age and games in the grounds, HODs promises to be an exciting experience for all. In addition to the exhibitions and displays there are informative talks by outside speakers and congregation members together with self guided tours of the building and a heritage trail around the town. Art, craft and games will be available for all age groups.

Timings of the day on Saturday 19th:
- 1030-1045 Formal opening by David Burton
- 1045-1115: The Story of the OMH by Mark Smith: Talk.
- 1145-1230: Personal Stories from congregation members moderated by Viv Brown: Panel session.
- 1330-1400 J H & Mrs A Harrop White Grave Rededication: Reveal
- 1400-1430 Chapel Life & Traditions: Talk
- 1500: Self-guided/guided tours available.

Refreshment breaks on Saturday 19th:
1115-1145: Coffee, 12.30-13.30 Lunch and 14.30-15.00 Coffee,

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

NHCT Ride and Stride Chapel open 10.00-14.00

Saturday 19 September:

1030-1045 Formal opening, 1045-1115: The Story of the OMH, 1145-1230: Personal Stories, 1330-1400 Grave Rededication, 1400-1430 Chapel Life & Traditions, 1500: Self-guided/guided tours available

Sunday 20 September:

1000-1100 Guided Tours, 1100- Sunday Service followed by Coffee. Tea and Lunch Break. All Displays open until 1400

Location & directions

1 Old Meeting House Yard, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1QR

Directions:

Please be aware that following structural damage in August 2025, the Walkden St Car Park next to our site is closed and Mansfield District Council has erected fencing for the safety of the general public.This has altered access. However, we are advised this should have little effect on our planned weekend for Heritage Open Days.There is signage from the town centre, railway and bus stations to enable pedestrian access up Quaker Way past the Parsonage and around the back of the OMH Chapel as well as from Walkden Street along the dual pedestrian /vehicle road to our main entrance. For short term parking, vehicles can choose the car parking off Walkden St where Tim Hortons and Taco Bell are located or use the long term Four Seasons Car Park off the Quakerway Inner Ring Road. There will be no visitor parking in the Peaceful Grounds as these will be in use all day for games and activities. .

Contact on day:

Rev Maria Pap

Telephone number:

+447486062320

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The usual pedestrian access through the wooden gate by the Parsonage is closed but pedestrians may walk to the right ot the Parsonage up the slight hill and across the back of the Chapel and then through the side gate into our grounds. Pedestrian access is also available by going up the steep steps to the left as you leave the Four Seasons Shopping Precinct or along past the small play park in the valley and then up the slope to the back of Chapel. Pedestrian access is also available from Walkden St having turned off Rosemary Street but please exercise caution as there is no pavement.

Additional information

Max number of people:

10

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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