Styal Unitarians
styal
norcliffe chapel
- reopening
Many chapels will still require you to socially distance. Face coverings are now no longer mandatory but please check with your individual congregation for updates.
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.
about us
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.
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blessings
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weddings
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baptisms
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funerals
we proudly provide same-sex marriages!
We proudly provide same-sex marriages at Norcliffe Chapel! Get in touch with us today for more information.
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”.
our minister
Styal Unitarians minister, Reverend Alex Bradley MA, has now retired, having been at Norcliffe since 2005. There is currently no minister in place, however we will have the following people hosting our 3pm Sunday Services:
- 1st August – Peter Sampson
- 8th August – Chrissie Wilkie
- 15th August – Keith Anderson
- 22nd August – Chris Carr
- 29th August – Danny Crosby
Please reach out to us for more information.
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Read Moreevents
may, 2022
22may3:00 pm3:30 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 3pm each Sunday afternoon. Service usually last around 30 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, has now retired. We will have the following, standing in for the next few months:
1ST AUGUST | PETER SAMPSON |
8TH AUGUST | CHRISSIE WILKIE |
15TH AUGUST | KEITH ANDERSON |
22ND AUGUST | CHRIS CARR |
29TH AUGUST | DANNY CROSBY |
- 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) 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Styal
Norcliffe Chapel, (Off) Altrincham Road
29may3:00 pm3:30 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 3pm each Sunday afternoon. Service usually last around 30 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, has now retired. We will have the following, standing in for the next few months:
1ST AUGUST | PETER SAMPSON |
8TH AUGUST | CHRISSIE WILKIE |
15TH AUGUST | KEITH ANDERSON |
22ND AUGUST | CHRIS CARR |
29TH AUGUST | DANNY CROSBY |
- 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) 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Styal
Norcliffe Chapel, (Off) Altrincham Road
get in touch



geoff levermore
chair

natasha stanley
rites of passage secretary
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07401 872137
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christenings/funerals: norcliffechapel@gmail.com
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weddings/blessings: norcliffeweddings@gmail.com
Norcliffe Chapel,
(Off) Altrincham Road,
Styal,
Cheshire,
SK9 4JQ

mike richardson
treasurer

janet walters
secretary
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norcliffesecretary@gmail.com

manchester district association
everyone is welcome in our community!
reach out today for more information
enquiries@unitariansmda.org.uk
07401 872137
Cross Street Chapel,
Cross Street,
Manchester,
M2 1NL
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The Manchester District Association of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches Charity No. 503753