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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.
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🌟 Exciting News for 2025! 🌟

2025

We’ve got a fantastic line-up of activities planned for the new year, including:

🌿 Gardening Club – Get your hands dirty and grow something amazing!
🚶‍♂️ Walking Club – Explore the outdoors and stay active with friends.
🏠 Life Skills at the Community Hub – Learn something new and build confidence!

…and so much more to look forward to! 🎉

Keep an eye on our website for updates and details coming soon. Let’s make 2025 a year full of growth, fun, and connection! 🌟

Please get in touch if you’d like to join us!!

#CommunityActivities #GetInvolved #Exciting2025 #Gardening #Walking #LifeSkills

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Walking Club’s Year in Review: 2024 Adventures 🎉🚶‍♂️🌿

Walking Club Montage of the past year

As we reflect on 2024, our Walking Club has enjoyed numerous memorable adventures. Here’s a look back at some of our highlights:

🌧️ April: Embracing Nature’s Beauty

Out and About with Walking Club: We embarked on a five-mile circular journey, combining parts of the Trans Pennine Trail and the Cuckoo Way. Despite intermittent showers, our spirits remained high, and we concluded our trek with coffee and cake at the Hollinwood Hub Cafe. ☕🍰

🌺 June: A Day at Newstead Abbey

The Latest from Walking Club – Thanks to Cayton and Louise! We enjoyed a leisurely day at Newstead Abbey, soaking in vibrant colours and rich history. The day ended with delightful treats at the teashop, making it a 10/10 experience. 🌳✨

🌳 August: Exploring Pleasley Vale

Walking Club – Pleasley Vale: Our walk took us around Pleasley Vale and its historic mills. We enjoyed the shade of overhanging trees and shared stories of the area’s rich history, concluding with a visit to the Mansfield Wildlife Centre. 🏞️🐾

🏔️ September: Conquering Peaks

Tuesday Walking Club Conquers Mam Tor!! We reached the summit of Mam Tor, enjoying panoramic views of the Peak District. The clear skies and gentle breeze made this challenging hike a favourite among members. 🌤️

Walking Club Adventure: Exploring Elvaston Castle: We ventured to the grounds of Elvaston Castle, exploring its rich history and sprawling woodlands, making it a perfect spot for our adventure. 🏰🌿

🍂 October: Historical Walks and Nature’s Splendour

Tuesday Walking Club – Stanton Moor: Our group enjoyed a 2.5-mile walk through farmland to Stanton Moor, spotting local wildlife and taking in stunning panoramas, including the Nine Ladies stone circle. 🌄🐦

Walking Club Visits Vicar Water Country Park: A pleasant 2.5-mile walk around Vicar Water Country Park, exploring various trails and concluding with refreshments at Rumbles Café. 🌳☕

🍁 November: Scenic Trails and Friendly Encounters

A Day Out with Walking Club: Exploring Tansley Knoll, Matlock: We explored Tansley Knoll in Matlock, enjoying historic mills, scenic waterfalls, and friendly animals, ending the day at a local garden centre. 🐾🏞️

🎄 December: Festive Spirit

Belper Walk with Walking Club: We explored the town of Belper, known for its rich industrial heritage and picturesque surroundings, including a fun stop at a larger-than-life statue of Mr Potato Head. 🎅🛤️

As we look forward to 2025, we invite more members to join our Walking Club. Whether you’re seeking physical well-being, mental health benefits, or social interaction, our club offers a supportive and enriching experience tailored to all abilities. Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures! 🚶‍♂️💚✨

Call us on 01623 397750

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Wednesday Cooking at the Hub 🍴

This week’s Wednesday cooking session at the hub was a hit! On the menu: delicious meatballs and a mouthwatering sticky toffee pudding for dessert. 😋

Cayton and Louise brought their energy and expertise, making the session both fun and informative. Everyone had a great time preparing (and eating!) the tasty dishes.

It’s always a joy to see the community coming together to cook, learn, and share a meal. We can’t wait to see what’s on the menu next week! 🧑‍🍳✨

Stay tuned for more foodie fun!

Two individuals cooking together at a table. One person stirs a pan of sautéed vegetables, while the other prepares a pan of tomato sauce. A serene forest-themed wall decoration is visible in the background.
A woman carefully pouring milk into a mixing bowl while preparing a dish. She wears gloves for hygiene, and a festive room with winter decorations is visible in the background.
Two women shaping meatballs on cutting boards at a table. Ingredients such as ground beef and pasta are visible nearby, and the background features a green leafy wallpaper.
Two individuals working together to cook. One is flipping meatballs in a pan while the other stirs tomato sauce. The cooking takes place on a round table, and a peaceful forest scene decorates the wall.
A casserole dish filled with a hearty mix of vegetables, meatballs, and tomato sauce, topped generously with grated cheese, ready for baking.
A plate of food featuring penne pasta served with meatballs in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce, topped with melted cheese.
A group of people enjoying their meals in a cosy room with frosted winter-themed decorations on the windows and a small decorated Christmas tree in the background.
Two individuals sitting on a couch enjoying their plates of food in a warmly decorated room. A small Christmas tree and winter-themed window decorations add to the festive atmosphere.
A wider view of a group of individuals seated in a relaxed, festive setting, eating together. The room features a Christmas tree and frosted window decorations.
A similar scene to the previous image, showing a group of people gathered in a festive room with Christmas decorations and enjoying their meals together.
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Gardening Club Update: Fresh Carrots and Progress!

Three Gardening Club members working on the allotment, using garden forks to dig and turn over the soil, under a clear blue sky.

Last week, members of the Gardening Club worked together to dig over most of the allotment. There’s a real sense of achievement in seeing all the progress we’ve made, and it’s wonderful to share that feeling as a group.

Even better, we harvested some fresh carrots – perfect to add to our winter meals. These moments spent tending to the soil, sharing stories, and enjoying the harvest make Gardening Club so special.

A view of the allotment with two Gardening Club members working in the background, surrounded by dug-over soil and wooden pallets.

It’s all about preparing for next year while enjoying the fruits (or veggies!) of our labour!

If you’d like to join us, please call 01623 397750 or speak to your Community Support Worker.

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A Short Walk Around Matlock

Members of Walking Club enjoyed a leisurely day out in Matlock, which turned out to be the perfect mix of relaxation and festivity!

An informational sign for the Lover’s Walk trail, detailing the history and layout of the scenic route explored by the CET Walking Club

The crisp November air was invigorating as the group set off on a short walk around Matlock. Scenic surroundings always have a way of lifting spirits! With the last autumn leaves clinging to the trees and a hint of winter in the air, it was a gentle reminder that Christmas is just around the corner.

Two CET Walking Club members pause during the Lover’s Walk, framed by the tranquil riverside path and charming buildings in the background.

Exploring Matlock Garden Centre’s Christmas Display

After the walk, we headed to Matlock Garden Centre – a must-visit at this time of year. Their Christmas display was nothing short of magical. From twinkling lights and glittering ornaments to beautifully themed decorations, it was a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own decorations or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, this place never disappoints.

A wider view of Jubilee Bridge in Matlock, showcasing the picturesque architecture and a Walking Club member in the distance enjoying the scenery.
A CET Walking Club member standing at the centre of Jubilee Bridge in Matlock, surrounded by scenic winter trees and historic streetlamps, waving joyfully.

Coffee and Cake in the Café

To round off the outing, the group went to the garden centre’s café for a well-deserved coffee and cake. The café was cosy and welcoming, with the hum of happy chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

A cheerful CET Walking Club member seated inside the cosy café at Matlock Garden Centre, wearing a warm winter coat and smiling warmly at the camera.

Why You Should Join Us Next Time

Matlock and its surrounding gems have so much to offer, especially during the festive season. Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll, a little shopping, or just some quality time over coffee and cake, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day. If you haven’t joined Walking Club, why not make the next trip your first? It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, explore local areas, and enjoy new experiences.

Please call 01623 397750 for more information or speak to your Community Support Worker.

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Making Christmas Stockings at the Community Hub

We had a fantastic crafting session where everyone got into the festive spirit! Two of our service users proudly displayed their handmade Christmas stockings, which they lovingly created during our crafting workshop. Each stocking was unique, filled with creativity and cheer, perfect for adding a personal touch!

Two service users and their Christmas Stocking Crafts
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Cooking Club at The Hub: A Delicious Wednesday

Two members of The Hub Cooking Club preparing ingredients at a table. One is sifting flour into a mixing bowl while the other looks on, both focused on their task. A small vase of sunflowers sits on the table, along with some chopped onions ready for cooking.

Wednesday at The Hub, we had a fantastic cooking session where everyone pitched in to create a classic comfort meal – Bangers and Mash followed by a tray bake berry crumble with custard. The session was led by Cayton and Louise, who made sure everyone got involved, and the results were outstanding! There’s something about cooking together that makes food taste even better, and this week was no exception.

If you’d like to join us, please call 01623 397750 or speak to your Community Support Worker

A member of The Hub Cooking Club preparing a berry crumble. She is holding a mixing bowl filled with crumble topping, sprinkling it over the tray bake. In the background, another member is stirring a pot on a portable stove, with a small vase of sunflowers adding a cheerful touch to the kitchen workspace.
A plate of bangers and mash served with mixed vegetables and rich onion gravy, garnished with freshly chopped chives. The sausages are golden brown, and the mashed potatoes are creamy, making for a classic, comforting meal.
A close-up of a serving of bangers and mash, featuring two sausages topped with rich onion gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and a garnish of fresh chives. Mixed vegetables are placed alongside, adding a pop of color to this comforting meal.
A member of The Hub Cooking Club sitting at a table, smiling and enjoying a plate of bangers and mash with mixed vegetables. She is holding a fork, ready to dig in. The room has a bright leaf-patterned wallpaper, adding a cheerful backdrop to the scene.
A bowl of warm berry crumble topped with a generous layer of creamy custard. The dessert looks comforting and inviting, perfect for a sweet treat after a hearty meal.
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Gardening Club Update: Transforming the Landscape with Team Effort!

Two individuals, bundled up in warm clothing, are seen working together to fill a large garden bag with fallen autumn leaves. They stand on a grassy area, with leaves scattered around, in front of a light-colored building.
A man in a dark jacket pulls a green garden trolley, while a woman in a grey hoodie holds a shovel, standing in a paved area. There are some mugs and a bottle on a nearby table, with autumn-colored bushes in the background.

We recently had an incredibly productive day for our Gardening Club! Armed with rakes and determination, our team came together to clear the autumn leaves from the driveway at Enablement Care. The transformation was spectacular—what a difference it made! The once leaf-covered driveway now looks neat and welcoming, and everyone at Enablement has expressed how much they appreciate the fresh new look.

A clean and clear driveway with an even surface, framed by stone walls and greenery. The autumn sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene, showing a neat space free of leaves.

After the hard work, we were rewarded with a delicious, hearty meal. We gathered around for some well-earned rest, enjoying a homemade meatloaf followed by a chocolate orange trifle for dessert! It was lovely to sit down together, sharing stories and laughs.

A section of the driveway near the Enablement Care building, with the building's sign visible on the wall. The driveway is clear of debris, showcasing a well-maintained outdoor space.

With the day’s work behind us and our energy restored, we packed up our tools and headed home, feeling a wonderful sense of accomplishment. We left tired but happy, knowing we’d made a positive difference at Enablement Care Thank you to everyone who helped out —your hard work truly shines!

Three people posing for a photo outdoors, holding a large, partially filled garden bag. They are standing on a cleared driveway with a stone wall and greenery behind them, dressed in casual outdoor clothing for cooler weather.
A close-up of a garden bed along the edge of the driveway, with visible tree roots, small plants, and a few colorful flowers. The surrounding area appears clean and well-tended, with a stone wall and some tall plants in the background.
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A Day Out with Walking Club: Exploring Tansley Knoll, Matlock

Three walkers sitting on a stone wall with a countryside backdrop – Three smiling walkers sit together on a stone wall, with rolling hills and green fields stretching into the background under a cloudy sky.
Group of walkers on a stone bridge over a reflective stream – A group of walkers standing on a stone bridge, looking down at the calm water that reflects the trees and landscape around them.
Walkers on a bridge with autumn leaves in the foreground – A view of a stone bridge over a stream with a group of walkers, framed by a bed of fallen autumn leaves in the foreground.
Walkers on a stone bridge with lush countryside around – A group of walkers gathered on a stone bridge over a stream, surrounded by tall trees and grassy hills.
Group of walkers in front of a waterfall in a rocky forest area – A group of walkers pose in front of a cascading waterfall, surrounded by rocky terrain and autumn foliage in a forest setting.
Close-up of a waterfall flowing over moss-covered rocks – A natural waterfall flows over rugged, moss-covered rocks, surrounded by autumn leaves and rich textures.
Smiling woman in front of a waterfall – A woman smiles at the camera, standing in front of a cascading waterfall with a background of autumn leaves and forest trees.
Group of walkers gathered by a waterfall in a wooded area – A group of walkers pose together in front of a rocky cliff with a waterfall, surrounded by trees and autumn colors.

Our walking club recently set out for another enjoyable adventure, this time exploring the picturesque Tansley Knoll in Matlock. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, making it an ideal day for a walk and good company.

The walk spanned about three miles, with a few challenging hills that added to the excitement. Along the way, we enjoyed taking in the sights of historic mills, now derelict but still rich with stories of the past. It was fascinating to imagine the bustling activity that once filled these spaces and to see how nature has slowly reclaimed them over time.

One of the day’s highlights was the scenic waterfalls – truly a sight to behold! The soothing sound of the water and the fresh air brought a sense of calm to everyone. To top it off, we were delighted to encounter some friendly animals along the route, including a curious pig and even a few alpacas!

After soaking up the scenery and the history, we ended the day at a charming local garden centre. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy refreshments and our packed lunches. Everyone went home feeling happy, contented, and looking forward to our next club outing.

Until next time!

Waterfall among autumn leaves and rocks – A beautiful waterfall cascading down surrounded by rocky terrain and autumn leaves, capturing the natural beauty of the walking trail.
Bridge over a peaceful stream with autumn leaves – A group of walkers standing on a stone bridge over a calm stream, framed by autumn leaves and trees in a serene countryside setting.
Walkers standing on a bridge by the river – Close-up of a group of walkers standing together on a stone bridge over a gentle river, enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Walker standing by an information board about local ponds – A walker stands next to an informational sign about the Middle and Lower Ponds, surrounded by tall ferns and trees.
Group of walkers posing by a waterfall in the woods – A group of walkers standing together in front of a cascading waterfall in a forest area covered in autumn leaves.
Two walkers in front of a stone wall with countryside views – Two walkers leaning against a stone wall, smiling with a green landscape and hills in the background.
Three walkers by a stone wall with a rolling countryside view – Three walkers standing in front of a stone wall, with a scenic countryside and cloudy sky in the background.
Woman petting a friendly pig through a fence – A woman reaching over a wooden fence to pet a friendly pig in a woodland area, with autumn leaves scattered around.
Three walkers posing by a stone wall with green fields behind – A group of three walkers standing together by a stone wall with expansive green fields and hills in the distance.