CHAPS website is http://www.chaseartsforpublicspaces.co.uk

 CHAPS MISSION STATEMENT-:

"CHAPS is a group of people who work together voluntarily to promote and support works of public art for the benefit of the Cannock Chase community.

CHAPS was first formed in early 2001, adopting a formal constitution in 2003.  Its mission was to support and encourage public arts projects, with a particular focus on representing the area’s coal mining heritage."

 

This updated reflects current situation:

Last year the group Chase Arts for Public Spaces launched the project to build a National Miners’ Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas Staffordshire home to over 380 memorials. Its purpose is to remember all those men, women and children who have worked in the coal industry in the UK, to recognise their bravery and the sacrifices they made. It also remembers all those miners who fought in both World Wars  45 of whom received the Victoria Cross for their actions. We have to raise £100,000 to fund this project. Locally, in the Cannock Chase area, almost £40,000.00 has now been raised, which is fantastic! 

Some is through personal donation, some from a wide variety of fund-raising events, all held before lockdown! a lot is from pledges for sponsorship of the plaques.

This memorial is for miners from all parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland – we are doing quite well at getting the information out but need some help and hopefully you may be able to give that help.

Could you please copy spread the word around your friend, relatives and any other sources you feel may want to donate to the project. In fact  to any people you know, local to where you live and in other parts of the UK to ensure they learn of this project?

If everyone who knew someone connected with the Coal Industry were to donate just one pound, we would reach our total within a very short time!                                                                                            

Some individuals and groups wish to donate more and also to have a stronger connection with the memorial, which is why the 22 plaques within the memorial are offered for sponsorship at £2,500.00 per plaque

All of the information is attached – please can you spread the word?  And maybe you even feel you could donate?  Individual donations can be made at   https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chapsnationalminersmemorial?utm_term

 We want to keep to the original date for the unveiling and dedication of the memorial to June/July 2021 which is why we need to move on with fund raising.

 A few weeks ago, the artist Andy de Comyn and 2 members of CHAPS [Mike Mellor & Len Prince] were interviewed to attend the National Memorial Arboretum by the BBC. The short program went out on Midlands News – here is the link:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10223324439038791&id=1220000405&sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=WL9YQx744Es9XAIZ&d=n&vh=e=2GBN3dRrX

 More information is available on the website: www.chaseartsforpublicspaces.co.uk  and on the Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ChaseArtsForPublicSpace  or by phoning Mike on 07583 655199

 

Thank you – for reading this and for whatever help you can give.

 

Best wishes

 

Mike & Trish Mellor for CHAPS