What’s On In Eccleshall and the Ecclian Society share many common goals and interests but overarching this is the goal to maintain Eccleshall’s uniqueness and ensuring it’s a great place to live, work and visit.
Getting involved with the Ecclian Society and supporting their work isn’t just about helping to keep Eccleshall a fantastic place to spend time—though that’s a big part of it! It’s a great way to stay connected and meet fellow community-minded people. Moreover, you also play a part in making Eccleshall the vibrant and welcoming place we all love. When you become a member, you’ll also get the inside scoop on everything happening around town. You’ll receive exclusive updates about their events and activities. Additionally, the regular newsletters are packed with interesting articles, local news, and behind-the-scenes stories.
The Ecclian Society is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Eccleshall in Staffordshire, a unique country town of historical interest.
Click here for membership application, or read on to find out more about the work of the Ecclian Society.
If you’ve ever walked through Eccleshall in December and found yourself smiling at the twinkling trees, humming along to carols, or clutching a mulled wine while your kids hunt for their decorated bauble — you’ve already experienced the magic of the Ecclian Society.
But who are these merry elves making it all happen?
Well, the Ecclian Society is a band of brilliant volunteers who quietly (and sometimes not so quietly!) get stuck in to make Eccleshall look and feel its very best — not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Let’s start with the most magical time of the year. While most of us are thinking about mince pies and gift lists, the Ecclian Society are knee-deep in fairy lights and pine needles, planning the town’s Christmas sparkle months in advance.
This year’s plans are already well underway:
The Ecclian Society are calling all elves, reindeer, and strong arms — they’ll be putting up the small Christmas trees from 10am on Sunday 30th November, meeting at Church Lodge (72 High Street). Bring a wheelbarrow if you’ve got one — and your best Christmas cheer!
Just when you think the festivities can’t get any better, Eccleshall Parish Council keeps the music going with Carols Around the Christmas Tree at Holy Trinity Church on Monday 22nd December. Expect a live band, and plenty of festive singing up the High Street before the celebrations continue inside the church with mulled wine provided and served by the Ecclian Society.
You read that right. Once the Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity wraps up, the Ecclian Society — with a little help from the Scouts (and their trusty cans of spray snow) — transform the phone box on The Washpits into a twinkling Christmas display. It’s the kind of charming little touch that makes Eccleshall… well, Eccleshall.
Because this sort of community magic doesn’t just happen — it’s made by people like you.
Whether you’ve got an hour to spare, a skill to share, or just a love for seeing Eccleshall shine, the Ecclian Society would love you on board. You don’t have to commit every weekend, but every helping hand (or barrow-pusher, or bauble-hanger) makes a difference.
So next time you stroll through town under those twinkling lights, take a moment to think of the friendly faces who make it happen — and maybe, just maybe, think about joining them.
After all, Eccleshall doesn’t just look magical at Christmas… it is magical — thanks to the Ecclian Society.
They plant up hanging baskets, mangers, and troughs all around. It creates a vibrant display that lasts through summer and into early autumn. This gorgeous splash of flowers and greenery makes a wonderful show. Furthermore, it’s made possible by the generosity of local businesses, community groups, and individuals who sponsor the baskets and mangers.
Thanks to their support, our town is filled with beautiful blooms for everyone to enjoy.
For King Charles III’s Coronation in 2023, they went the extra mile, decorating the mangers with ribbons and crowns as well as the flags, making it a truly special celebration.
The cost of the flags is covered by donations, membership fees, and fun fundraising events like the popular Open Gardens. Curious about Open Gardens? Keep reading to find out more!
There’s a fantastic variety on offer—from neat little courtyard gardens to sprawling cottage-style plots, each with its own unique charm. Most of the gardens are right in the heart of Eccleshall, many with entrances just off the High Street, making it easy to wander from one to the next.
If you’re driving, there’s a handy Pay and Display Car Park behind the Co-Op on Stone Road. In 2024, over 500 visitors joined us, and it’s always a brilliant day out, no matter the weather. Why not make a day of it? Enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon tea at Ashcroft (1, Stafford Road), or pop into one of the town’s 10 pubs or restaurants for a bite to eat—whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, there’s something for everyone.
With your £5.00 programme, which covers both days of the event, you can take your time and really soak in the experience—talk about great value! You can grab a programme outside the Library on the High Street, and it includes a handy map and descriptions of all the gardens to help you plan your visit.
Eccleshall can’t wait to welcome you. Come rain or shine, you’re in for a fantastic day out!
Keep an eye out for Open Gardens in the calendar of events
If you’re a business and would like to support the Ecclian Society as part of your Corporate Social Responsibility activities: