Styal Unitarians
styal
norcliffe chapel
RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES
Dear all,
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service on the 13th of December. We will be implementing a social distancing policy and restricting numbers in order to help protect our chapel members; ensuring both their safety and the safety of their families. We aim to resume our other services and activities when appropriate. For further information please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Norcliffe Chapel
Welcome to Styal Unitarians
Certainly, Styal Unitarians welcome all who wish to worship with an open and enquiring mind. Our chapel’s tradition is rooted in liberal Christianity but we do not insist that everyone should have exactly the same beliefs. Today, our search for spiritual, ethical or religious “truth” may also draw on wisdom other religions, as well as philosophies and approaches to life. Our focus is on how we live our lives (deeds) rather than beliefs (creeds).
Member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Additionally, we are also a member of Churches Together In Wilmslow.


We proudly provide same-sex marriages!
We proudly provide same-sex marriages at Norcliffe Chapel! Get in touch with us today for more information.

About Us
Our Minister
October – Francis Elliot Wright
November – Rev. Andrew Parker
December – Rev. Ant Howe
January and February – Garry Hammond – Lay person
Please reach out to us for more information.
Services
Overall, Styal Unitarians services of worship can be seen as a celebration of our deepest values. For example, we see our beliefs as relevant to all aspects of life; this also includes the wider community.
We try to be welcoming and friendly, accordingly, anyone who wishes to join us at the chapel is encouraged to do so. All visitors and enquirers are made most welcome and are also invited to join us for coffee and a chat after the service.
Of course, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
- Sunday Service - 6.00pm
- Blessings
- Weddings
- Baptisms
- Funerals
Upcoming Events
january, 2021
24jan6:00 pm7:00 pmStyal Sunday Service

Event Details
If you've never been to a Unitarian service - or indeed any sort of church service - it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following
more
Event Details
If you’ve never been to a Unitarian service – or indeed any sort of church service – it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following may help as a useful guide if you don’t know what to expect on your first visit to Norcliffe.
- Day and time: Our services take place at 6pm each Sunday evening, except on the first Sunday of each month when it will be at 10:45am. Service usually last around 50 to 60 minutes. At Christmas and on Easter Sunday the times will vary, but these will be publicised well in advance.
- Parking: We are located in the heart of Styal village. If you use the postcode SK9 4JE in your satnav this will get you to the National Trust car park, where you can park for free during services. Don’t worry about the sign saying the car park closes at 6pm – it remains open until after the service on Sundays by special arrangement.
- Dress: Don’t feel you need to wear your Sunday best (unless you want to!). Dress to chapel is generally fairly casual. Jeans and a jumper is perfectly ok.
- Minister: Our regular minister is Rev Alex Bradley, who is also Principal of Unitarian College Manchester. Alex is part-time, so roughly a third of our services are led by visiting ministers from other chapels or by lay preachers.
- Format: Services will usually start with some opening words and the lighting of the chalice candle, a symbol of our Unitarian faith. There will be a number of readings from the bible and from other sources, prayers and time for silent reflection. The minister will deliver a sermon that is usually around 10 to 15 minutes long, and the offertory (collection) will be taken to help fund the running of the chapel. There will usually be four hymns during the service, and some closing words at the end. There is no need to worry about when to sit or stand, as the person leading the service will clearly indicate what is appropriate and when.
- Tea and coffee: We serve tea and coffee after the service during which time there is the chance to have a chat with other members of the congregation. It’s great if you can join us, but don’t feel you have to if you need to get home.
- Children: Children are welcome all services and there are toy bags for quiet play.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Styal
Norcliffe Chapel, (Off) Altrincham Road
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Get in touch

Ian Bradbury
secretary
- 07950 413444
- norcliffesecretary@gmail.com

Natasha Stanley
wedding secretary
- 07534 393617
- enquiries@unitariansmda.org.uk

Cath Walker
chair

Mike Richardson
treasurer

The Chapel
In 1784 Samuel Greg founded Quarry Bank Mill, a cotton mill, at Styal. The mill was a success, but in such a rural location Greg found it necessary to provide housing for his workers, and as a result, the village grew considerably. Subsequently, institutions were established to meet the educational, social and religious needs of the villagers.
Samuel Greg funded the entirety of the new Chapel, at a cost of £307 18s. On 22 August 1822, everyone was invited to lay a brick for the foundation of the new Chapel, before it officially opened in early 1823. Thus, Styal Unitarians was born!
The Chapel has existed since 1823, while the original Trust Deed states it is for: “The worship of God; and the furtherance of Christian life; while free from the fetters of any written and unwritten; declaration of doctrine”.
Norcliffe Chapel,
(Off) Altrincham Road,
Styal,
Cheshire,
SK9 4JQ
Reach out today for more information
Everyone is welcome in our community!
enquiries@unitariansmda.org.uk
+44 7534 393617
Natasha Stanley,
Cross Street Chapel,
Cross Street,
Manchester,
M2 1NL

The Manchester District Association of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches Charity No. 503753
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