The Beech Tree
The Beech Tree stood on the corner of the bank on the edge of what is now the car park. It was a great tree and all the boys used to climb it and then drop down onto the bank and roll down the slope. Still today the children continue to climb onto the bank and slide or roll down the grassy slope. Apparently, it is the only way to finish a visit to Chapel!
It was decided the tree had to go. Wearne Pearse, of Middle Taphouse, was asked to bring his steam engine out to pull it over. The steam engine pulled with a wire rope but after serveral attempts the rope snapped in 2 and the tree was still standing. Then Clifford Crago pulled with his crawler but finally, as steam and diesel power failed to move it, the tree was cut down with 2 men working the cross cut saw in the traditional way.
Interestingly, the steam engine is still in working order, still owned by the Pearse family who regularly steam up and attend local rallies with it.