Posted on

A Tasty Wednesday: Cooking Up Cottage Pie & Lemon Sponge

Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Two individuals cooking together.
Two individuals cooking together.

We recently had a fantastic cooking session at the hub as everyone came together to cook up a hearty meal of cottage pie, followed by a delicious lemon sponge with custard. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.

A person wearing glasses chopping red onions on a white chopping board, focused on their task.
A person wearing glasses chopping red onions on a white chopping board, focused on their task.

Everyone was thrilled with how their dishes turned out, and there was a great sense of achievement as they sat down to enjoy the meal together. Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and creating something to be proud of.

Smiling individual peeling a carrot into a bowl while standing at a table with a chopping board.
Smiling individual peeling a carrot into a bowl while standing at a table with a chopping board.

To make it even better, everyone now has their own recipe folders, allowing them to recreate these dishes at home. Cooking is a great way to develop independence and bring people together, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the menu next!

A man wearing a beanie carefully chopping a red onion on a decorative wooden chopping board.
A man wearing a beanie carefully chopping a red onion on a decorative wooden chopping board.

If you’d like to join our Wednesday cooking sessions, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

Close-up of minced meat and vegetables being stirred in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.
Close-up of minced meat and vegetables being stirred in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.
A glass dish filled with cottage pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese.
A glass dish filled with cottage pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese.
Close-up of a dessert plate featuring a slice of lemon sponge cake generously topped with custard.
Close-up of a dessert plate featuring a slice of lemon sponge cake generously topped with custard.
Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Posted on

Tuesday Walking Club – Attenborough Nature Reserve

This week, our Walking Club ventured to the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve, where members enjoyed a stroll among the stunning scenery. The reserve, renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque views, provided the perfect backdrop for much-needed outdoor time and connection with nature.

A reflective image of a church steeple, houses, and trees in a calm body of water, framed by winter trees.
A reflective image of a church steeple, houses, and trees in a calm body of water framed by winter trees.
A woman standing in a car park on a cloudy day, smiling warmly at the camera. Rows of parked cars and bare trees are visible in the background.
A woman standing in a car park on a cloudy day, smiling warmly at the camera. Rows of parked cars and bare trees are visible in the background.
A man wearing wellies and a winter coat standing in a puddle on a muddy path, smiling at the camera with binoculars around his neck.
A man wearing wellies and a winter coat standing in a puddle on a muddy path, smiling at the camera with binoculars around his neck.

The walk was a mix of leisure and exploration, with members stopping to admire the serene lakes, wooded trails, and local birdlife. It was a chance to unwind, catch up, and enjoy being outdoors with the group.

A group of walkers, dressed warmly, strolling along a wooded path on a cloudy winter day.
A group of walkers, dressed warmly, strolling along a wooded path on a cloudy winter day.
A group of four walkers posing on a green bridge, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
A group of four walkers posing on a green bridge, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
A serene view of a river with trees and a distant industrial building under a cloudy sky.
A serene view of a river with trees and a distant industrial building under a cloudy sky.

One of the day’s highlights was the creative photography by our very own Cayton, whose eye for detail added a unique touch to the outing. A particularly striking image showcasing a phone capturing a moment on the trail! These photos remind us to pause and appreciate the little details of our surroundings. Well done, Cayton!

A close-up shot of a phone screen displaying a portrait photo of a man in wellies and a winter coat, with a blurry background of trees.
A close-up shot of a phone screen displaying a portrait photo of a man in wellies and a winter coat, with a blurry background of trees.
A man and a woman standing on a bridge, smiling at the camera, with a view of the water and trees in the background.
A man and a woman are standing on a bridge, smiling at the camera, with a view of the water and trees in the background.

As the walk concluded, members reflected on the importance of staying active and connected, even during the colder months. Attenborough Nature Reserve, with its peaceful paths and breathtaking views, proved once again why it’s a favourite destination for the Walking Club.

A man pointing something out to a woman on a wooded walking path during the walk.
A man pointing something out to a woman on a wooded walking path during the walk.
A woman standing on a bridge overlooking a calm river, smiling at the camera with trees and an industrial building visible in the distance.
A woman standing on a bridge overlooking a calm river, smiling at the camera with trees and an industrial building visible in the distance.
A close-up of a plate with a toasted sandwich, accompanied by fresh salad and coleslaw, served on a tray in a café setting.
A close-up of a plate with a toasted sandwich, accompanied by fresh salad and coleslaw, served on a tray in a café setting.
A woman in a black jacket with a camera around her neck, standing near a tree.
A woman in a black jacket with a camera around her neck, standing near a tree.
A man and woman sitting on a bench in a natural setting, both smiling at the camera. The man is holding binoculars, and the woman has a camera around her neck.
A man and woman sitting on a bench in a natural setting, both smiling at the camera. The man is holding binoculars, and the woman has a camera around her neck.

Thank you to everyone who joined, and a big thanks to Cayton for the brilliant photography.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next walk!

Posted on

Tuesday Walking Club – Carsington Water

Several sailboats moored along the edge of Carsington Water, surrounded by rocky terrain and grassy fields, with the horizon framed by hills and clouds.

Our Tuesday Walking Club kicked off the year with a steady and enjoyable walk along Carsington Water Dam. The crisp air and stunning views made it a wonderful day to reconnect with nature and each other.

This year, we’re excited to introduce something new to our walks – a dedicated camera to capture our adventures! Each week, a different member will take a turn behind the lens, experimenting with their own unique style and perspective. Once everyone gets the hang of the camera, we’re looking forward to seeing the variety of creative photos that will document our journeys.

For our first outing, Raymond was our photographer. He captured some fantastic shots (see below). It’s a great way to add a little extra creativity to our walks and to preserve the memories we make together.

After the walk, we ended the day on a cosy note in the café, enjoying coffee and our packed lunches. It was the perfect way to wrap up a successful first outing.

Here’s to many more wonderful walks this year with the Tuesday Walking Club!

Raymonds photographs…

A person standing behind a wooden post, holding a camera, with Carsington Water and sailboats visible in the distance.
A person standing behind a wooden post, holding a camera, with Carsington Water and sailboats visible in the distance.
A moss-covered wooden post with a green sign marking "11 km," situated on a grassy path.
A moss-covered wooden post with a green sign marking “11 km,” situated on a grassy path.
Several sailboats moored along the edge of Carsington Water, surrounded by rocky terrain and grassy fields, with the horizon framed by hills and clouds.
Several sailboats moored along the edge of Carsington Water, surrounded by rocky terrain and grassy fields, with the horizon framed by hills and clouds.
A wooden signpost showing directions to the Millfields car park, Visitor Centre, Dam Trail, and Sailing Club, with trees and a pathway in the background.
A wooden signpost showing directions to the Millfields car park, Visitor Centre, Dam Trail, and Sailing Club, with trees and a pathway in the background.
A person wearing a cream-coloured jacket standing on a grassy field with a pathway, wooden bench, and trees in the background, under a bright sky.
A person wearing a cream-coloured jacket standing on a grassy field with a pathway, wooden bench, and trees in the background, under a bright sky.
The draw-off tower situated in the reservoir with cloudy skies and surrounding hills, captured from the grassy edge
The draw-off tower situated in the reservoir with cloudy skies and surrounding hills, captured from the grassy edge
Two dark-coloured birds (likely coots) swimming peacefully on the calm surface of Carsington Water, with soft ripples around them.
Two dark-coloured birds (likely coots) swimming peacefully on the calm surface of Carsington Water, with soft ripples around them.
Three people standing on a pathway near the water with a clear blue sky. One is wearing a cream coat, another in a green fleece with a hat, and the third in a dark jacket and beanie, all smiling on a sunny day.
Three people standing on a pathway near the water with a clear blue sky. One is wearing a cream coat, another in a green fleece with a hat, and the third in a dark jacket and beanie, all smiling on a sunny day.

Other pictures taken by Cayton…

A view of leafless trees with the bright winter sun peeking through the branches and a clear blue sky in the background.
A view of leafless trees with the bright winter sun peeking through the branches and a clear blue sky in the background.
A woman wearing a cream coat and glasses, smiling warmly, standing on a paved path with trees and a grassy field behind her.
A woman wearing a cream coat and glasses, smiling warmly, standing on a paved path with trees and a grassy field behind her.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat with his arm around a smiling woman in a black coat, standing on a pathway with trees in the background.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat with his arm around a smiling woman in a black coat, standing on a pathway with trees in the background.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat walking along a muddy forest path with bare trees on either side.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat walking along a muddy forest path with bare trees on either side.
Two men, one in a green fleece and one in a brown coat, walking on a gravel pathway with a grassy field and boats visible in the distance.
Two men, one in a green fleece and one in a brown coat, walking on a gravel pathway with a grassy field and boats visible in the distance.
A man in a brown coat and blue hat giving a double thumbs up, standing in front of a pay station and trees with the reservoir in the background.
A man in a brown coat and blue hat giving a double thumbs up, standing in front of a pay station and trees with the reservoir in the background.
A group of four people in winter coats, smiling and standing close together on a hilltop with a countryside view behind them.
A group of four people in winter coats, smiling and standing close together on a hilltop with a countryside view behind them.
A man in a black coat and hat standing on a grassy field near the edge of the reservoir with hills and a blue sky in the distance.
A man in a black coat and hat standing on a grassy field near the edge of the reservoir with hills and a blue sky in the distance.
Two women, one in a cream coat and glasses, the other in a black coat, standing close together with the reservoir and hills in the background.
Two women, one in a cream coat and glasses, the other in a black coat, standing close together with the reservoir and hills in the background.
A tranquil view of Carsington Water with still water, grassy hills, and a partly cloudy sky.
A tranquil view of Carsington Water with still water, grassy hills, and a partly cloudy sky.

Posted on

Christmas Jumper Day Success! 🎄

A group of residents and staff from the Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care posing together in festive Christmas jumpers. The group is gathered in a warmly decorated room with a Christmas tree and holiday decor in the background, radiating holiday cheer.

Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care staff and residents entered into the festive spirit in December by participating in Christmas Jumper Day. Everyone looked fantastic in their cosy jumpers!

We’re thrilled to share that we raised £32, which has been donated to Save the Children. This contribution will help support the incredible work they do for children in need worldwide. Thank you to everyone who joined in and made this day so special!

Posted on

2025 Gardening Club: A Green Adventure Awaits!

Are you a gardening enthusiast or curious to give it a try? Our Gardening Club is back and better than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, we invite you to join us and cultivate community, wellness, and growth through the joys of gardening.

Promotional banner for CCT Community Enablement Team's Monday Gardening Club. The text reads 'Monday Gardening Club - Now Open to All!' in bold orange letters on a gradient blue-to-green background. Logos for CCT Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care are displayed at the bottom.
Promotional banner for CCT Community Enablement Team’s Monday Gardening Club. The text reads ‘Monday Gardening Club – Now Open to All!’ in bold orange letters on a gradient blue-to-green background. Logos for CCT Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care are displayed at the bottom.

When and Where

  • Every Monday
    • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Location (January): Either Enablement Care or the Community Hub.
    • Location (February onwards): Our beautiful allotment off Milldale Walk, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 2DJ.

What to Expect

The Gardening Club is more than just planting seeds; it’s about:

  • Learning gardening skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
  • Connecting with others in your local community who share your interests.
  • Spending time outdoors, which is great for both your mental and physical health.

Cost

  • Attendance: Completely free!
  • Optional Lunch at Enablement Care: Just £1.50 per meal.

Open to All

This year, we’re excited to announce that the Gardening Club is now open to the wider public! Everyone is welcome to join us in making the most of this rewarding and therapeutic activity.

Get in Touch

For more information or to join the group:

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! Whether you’re joining us for January sessions at Enablement Care or gearing up to dig into the allotment come February, we can’t wait to see you there.

Let’s grow together – literally! 🌱

Posted on

Monday Gardening Club: Winter Work and Future Plans

Three individuals working outdoors in a garden area during winter. The ground is covered with patches of snow, gravel, and dirt. One person is holding a pickaxe, another is holding a spade, and the third is holding a garden fork. A brick wall and wooden fence form the background.

As we step into the winter months, the pace of gardening shifts. This week, our Monday Gardening Club focused on tackling tasks we couldn’t get around to during the bustling summer season. From tidying up to cleaning the tools and space, it’s the perfect time to give everything a fresh start before spring rolls around.

A similar scene showing three individuals in a garden area on a snowy winter day. The ground features patches of snow, gravel, and dirt. The group is equipped with gardening tools, including a pickaxe, spade, and fork, while standing near a brick wall and wooden fence.
A similar scene showing three individuals in a garden area on a snowy winter day. The ground features patches of snow, gravel, and dirt. The group is equipped with gardening tools, including a pickaxe, spade, and fork, while standing near a brick wall and wooden fence.

Winter is also ideal for planning. Together, we began mapping out what crops to grow and deciding where they’ll go in our plots. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities for the upcoming growing season, and we’re already envisioning the flourishing gardens of the future!

For the next few weeks, our club will most likely be working from Enablement Care and The Community Hub. These sessions will continue through January and help us prepare for the more active outdoor season starting in February. Whether organising seeds, thinking of new ideas, or simply enjoying the camaraderie, there’s plenty to look forward to in our winter sessions.

Here’s to a productive winter and a blooming year ahead! 🌱

Posted on

Kicking Off 2025 with Lamb Stew and Dumplings!

A steaming pot of lamb stew with large, golden dumplings floating on top, surrounded by chunks of carrots and vegetables in a rich broth.

We started the year off right at the Community Hub’s cooking group, where we whipped up a delicious lamb stew with dumplings, followed by a sweet treat of ice cream for dessert. It was a fantastic session filled with warmth, laughter, and great food! 🥘🍨

If you missed it, don’t worry—our cooking group meets regularly, and we’d love for you to join us. Come along to learn new recipes, enjoy a meal together, and make great memories.

📍 Community Hub, 8 Brook Street, Sutton in Ashfield
📞 For more information, call 01623 397750
📧 Or email info@challengect.co.uk

Stay tuned for details on our next session—we can’t wait to see you there! ✨

A steaming pot of lamb stew with large, golden dumplings floating on top, surrounded by chunks of carrots and vegetables in a rich broth.
A steaming pot of lamb stew with large, golden dumplings floating on top, surrounded by chunks of carrots and vegetables in a rich broth.
A man in a black Brooklyn Nets cap and fleece stirring a yellow batter mixture in a grey bowl during a cooking session.
A man in a black Brooklyn Nets cap and fleece stirring a yellow batter mixture in a grey bowl during a cooking session.
A man in a dark jumper standing at a table, cooking lamb pieces in a frying pan, with a pot of simmering vegetables in the foreground.
A man in a dark jumper standing at a table, cooking lamb pieces in a frying pan, with a pot of simmering vegetables in the foreground.
A man in a black cap and fleece peeling an onion on a bright green chopping board, with other vegetables like swede and potatoes nearby.
A man in a black cap and fleece peeling an onion on a bright green chopping board, with other vegetables like swede and potatoes nearby.
A woman in a pink jumper with glasses chopping swede on a white cutting board, concentrating on preparing the vegetables.
A woman in a pink jumper with glasses chopping swede on a white cutting board, concentrating on preparing the vegetables.
A woman in a grey Puma sweatshirt peeling carrots at a table, with peeled carrot strips and a slow cooker visible on the table.
A woman in a grey Puma sweatshirt peeling carrots at a table, with peeled carrot strips and a slow cooker visible on the table.
A group scene of a man cutting lamb on a red chopping board, while others, including a woman in a pink jumper, observe and assist in the cooking session.
A group scene of a man cutting lamb on a red chopping board, while others, including a woman in a pink jumper, observe and assist in the cooking session.