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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

🎄 Advent Calendar Go Live at CCT Community Enablement Team LTD! 🎄

A festive Christmas-themed illustration featuring a colorful spinning wheel without any text, surrounded by sparkling holiday decorations such as tinsel, baubles, and fairy lights. The background is plain and neutral, allowing the vibrant wheel and decorations to take centre stage and evoke a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

The festive season is upon us, and here at CCT Community Enablement Team LTD, we’re embracing the Christmas spirit like never before! This year, we’re introducing a brand-new festive initiative that will bring fun to all our staff – our Advent Calendar Go Live!

What Is the Advent Calendar Go Live?

Starting on the 1st day of Advent, we’ll be going live on Facebook every day at 11:30 am for a special Christmas surprise. Using a spin-the-wheel format, we’ll randomly select two staff members daily to receive a gift. It’s our way of showing appreciation for our team’s amazing work all year round.

How Does It Work?

Daily Live Stream: Tune in to our social media at 11:30 am every day to watch the wheel spin live.

Spin the Wheel: The wheel will feature the names of all staff members. Each day, two names will be randomly selected to win a gift.

Reduced Names Each Day: As the days progress, the wheel will have fewer names, building anticipation for who will win next!

Exciting Prizes: Gifts range from hampers to car breakdown kits, ensuring something for everyone.

How to Join the Fun

We encourage all staff to follow our Facebook page to stay updated and participate in the fun. A Planday announcement will be sent out soon with all the details, so make sure to check it out and mark your calendars!

Whether you win a prize or cheer on your colleagues, we hope this Advent Calendar Go Live brings a little extra magic to your December. 🎁✨

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.

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.

A Day Out with Walking Club: Exploring Tansley Knoll, Matlock

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!

New Members and Tasty Dishes at the Hub!

A woman in a grey Puma sweatshirt grates cheese on a white cutting board in preparation for cooking. A box of lasagne sheets and a baking tray sit on the table beside her.

Two new members have joined our culinary group recently! Each week, we learn new recipes, hone our cooking skills, and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Our menu featured a classic comfort food duo: a beef lasagne followed by a creamy cheesecake for dessert.

Everyone jumped right in, using the skills they’ve developed over the weeks. It’s incredible to see how far the group has come, with each member taking pride in each step of the cooking process. From layering the perfect lasagne to mastering the art of a smooth cheesecake, the team worked together with focus, creativity, and plenty of laughs.

As we gathered around to taste the results, there was a clear consensus: these dishes were a hit! Conversation flowed as everyone enjoyed the lasagne, and dessert was met with eager smiles. Seconds were in high demand, and it wasn’t long before both dishes were polished off!

The group agreed this menu was a winner, and we’re all looking forward to doing it again soon!

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, there’s a place for everyone here at cooking at the Community Hub. We’d love to welcome even more new faces, so join us next week for another delicious adventure in the kitchen!