Our Story

Chesham girls, Mandy and Nicki first met back in 1989 when big hair and shoulder pads ruled..

They became firm friends united by singing, wine, family, community and driven by their Christian faith. From1994 they used their talents to start running relaxed cabaret style shows at various location in Chesham and throughout the UK and Europe, only stopping 17 years later with the arrival of their husbands and small children (now teenagers)!

Mandy and Nicki, and the wider Chrysalis team,  have always been compelled to meet people ‘where they’re at’ and both felt a strong desire to create a community space to bring people together to share experiences, make new friends and leave feeling uplifted.

Their dream has been realised with the founding of The House of Tree.

It was originally a characterful agricultural barn overlooking Chesham Vale, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with wonderful views over the fields and valley, but has been transformed to offer a flexible, safe, space which can be used for a variety of community activities.

“We only moved here in 2021 but could sense that there was something spiritual about our land and we were being drawn here for a reason”, explains Mandy.

Drawing our families and close friends Fiona, Tim and Michelle together we all spent many months trying to discern what that reason might be.

“other chance meetings with old friends have already led to so many connections: meeting up with Paul and Sue who have set up our Community Garden as part of Root & Branch Change, a dream by our dear friend Keith who led us to the name the House of Tree {as a place of peace, wellbeing and community} and forging a partnership with Searchlight Theatre Company and David who is going to run our theatrical and creative shows for us.

“It’s these connections that are forming the strong roots of The House of Tree and helping our vision to be realised. So many people already tell us they feel connected here, it’s such a special place and we hope others will be inspired by what they find when they visit and enjoy a boost to their physical and mental health.

“Underneath it all Nicki and I are guided by our faith  in Jesus  which underpins how we try to live our lives and we hope The House of Tree will gather local people together, whether spiritual or not, and help improve their wellbeing.”