Chapel, dull, grey and dreary ? – your thoughts
Some years ago we used to holiday let a property in Chapel, it was fairly basic in terms of facilities, and we had a tenant who after staying for a wet and windy October week, left a review in which they complained, (not about the property specifically) that Chapel was ” a grey, dreary, dull place”. We had some sympathy as we could see the thinking that whilst on a summers day grey stone walls can look dramatic, but on a wet and windy autumn day you have much less ability to enjoy our rugged High Peak beauty.
I was reminded of this by the simultaneous re-painting of two of the dominant buildings around the Market Place from white or cream rendered walls to Grey/Black exteriors, really leaving the Stocks Building as the sole “bright spot” of the Market Place vista.
The final appearance of particularly the Kings Arms, was improved by the addition of dramatic Gold Leaf signage, but I do feel this will rapidly tarnish and that perhaps by the bleak months later this year we may be reflecting on the view of our holidaymakers of the past.
It seems that we are currently undergoing a fashion change where Hotels and Pubs , especially the chains are “greywashing” the exteriors of their premises, the Rams Head at Disley has parts of its exterior picked out in Grey and Greene King have done most of the frontage of the George and Dragon at Hazel Grove the same colour. A particularly invidious example is the Miller and Carter pub at Sheffield where a “Tudor style” Black and white has been replaced with a black and dirty grey effect (I don’t think they did grey paint in Tudor times – I guess it was pitch and lime that gave the colour scheme)
Personally, I don’t generally find this an attractive trend, and in Chapel where the majority of buildings have little choice being built of local stone, I think those that have the opportunity to bring some lightness and cheer into the area might regard it as an opportunity to stand out and attract interest.
I’d be interested to hear your views
