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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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A Walk Around Chatsworth House Grounds

Recently our walking club enjoyed a three-mile walk around the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth House. The route included a steep climb to the Tower via uneven steps, which proved challenging for some. While the fitter among us reached the top with ease, others took it at a more relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery. The views from the top made the effort worthwhile.

An older woman with glasses and short grey hair sits at an outdoor café table, holding a pastry in one hand. In front of her is a festive takeaway cup with a reindeer design. Behind her, stone arches are decorated with twinkling lights, and people can be seen walking through the area.
A wide-angle shot of an older woman with glasses and a green padded coat standing in front of a rock formation with small waterfalls. The area is surrounded by woodland with moss-covered rocks, trees, and a forest path leading further into the scene.
A group of four people pose near a sign reading "House & Garden Entrances" at Chatsworth House. The group consists of an older woman in a green coat, a woman in a grey coat and yellow t-shirt, a man in a red beanie and blue jacket, and another man in a brown coat holding a small device. The background features parked cars and the rolling hills of Chatsworth.
A man in a red beanie and blue checkered jacket sits at an outdoor café table, smiling with his eyes closed. Behind him, a festive wire Christmas tree lit with golden lights stands in front of a stone building. Other people are seen walking around the market area.
Three people stand near the "House & Garden Entrances" sign at Chatsworth House. From left to right: an older woman in a green coat and glasses, a man in a red beanie and blue checkered jacket, and a man in a brown coat holding a small device. Behind them are parked cars, a stone building, and rolling hills.

At the Tower, we discovered a painted hidden rock on top of a brick shed, marked #NorthumberlandRock. We’ll rehide it during another walk to continue the fun for others.

The walk took us along peaceful footpaths and past waterfalls before looping back to our starting point. We ended the morning with coffee and cake at the café—a satisfying finish to a lovely outing.

Great company and good weather made for a memorable day. Until next time!

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

An older woman with glasses and a green padded coat stands in front of a rock formation with small waterfalls. Above her, a person with an orange backpack and jeans stands triumphantly on the rock, smiling. The surrounding area is filled with trees and moss.
Two men stand on a grassy verge beside a road near Chatsworth House. One man wears a red beanie and a blue checkered jacket, while the other wears a brown coat and navy beanie, holding a small device. A sign reading "House & Garden Entrances" stands nearby, with cars and buildings in the background.
Four people pose in front of the Chatsworth House grounds. The group includes an older woman in a green coat, a woman in a grey coat and yellow t-shirt, a man in a red beanie and blue checkered jacket, and another man in a brown coat holding a small device. The sign behind them points toward the House & Garden entrances.
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A Festive Success at This Year’s Christmas Fair!

Santa Claus interacting with attendees at a lively Christmas celebration, with festive decorations, including a bulletin board and holiday posters, in the background.

What a fantastic turnout we had at this year’s Christmas Fayre! A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event – you made it truly special.

We’d also like to give a big shoutout to Santa and his naughty elves for bringing some festive cheer (and a few giggles!). Of course, none of it would have been possible without the wonderful people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it all happen – thank you for your dedication and effort.

A special highlight this year was seeing some of our service users getting involved with their own stalls. They sold some incredible handmade items, including cakes, book Christmas trees, and adorable hedgehogs. It was wonderful to see their creativity and hard work shining through.

The day was a team effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who contributed. Thank you all for making this year’s fair such a success – here’s to even more fun next year!

A bustling room with Christmas stalls and visitors browsing items. A woman in a Santa hat stands in the foreground, while others are engaged in conversation and shopping.
A table featuring handmade crafts, including folded book Christmas trees and hedgehogs with Santa hats, alongside a variety of festive cupcakes and treats.
A smiling woman wearing a Santa hat and a shimmering silver top, posing for the camera in a festive setting.
A display table with festive mugs, tumblers, and gift items, surrounded by Christmas decorations, including red tinsel hanging on the wall.
Santa Claus and elves entertaining a group of people in a festive room filled with holiday decorations and a television in the background.
An elf in a green costume dancing with a smiling older woman in a cosy room decorated with holiday-themed crafts and posters.
A cheerful elderly woman sitting in a chair, smiling at the camera while others in the room enjoy a festive gathering.
A room filled with people engaged in a holiday party, with some seated and others dancing. Festive hats, drinks, and snacks are visible on the tables.
Santa Claus interacting with attendees at a lively Christmas celebration, with festive decorations, including a bulletin board and holiday posters, in the background.
A group of people sitting in a cosy room near a large window decorated with festive ornaments. One person in a colourful Christmas jumper and Santa hat is sipping from a can, while others, wrapped in blankets, enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Tables in front of them hold cups, sweets, and small snacks.
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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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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.