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Cooking at the Hub and Birthday Celebrations!

A man and a woman sat at a table preparing scones with cream and jam

This week at The Hub, we stepped away from our usual dinner and dessert routine to celebrate a special occasion: AW’s birthday, with a classic afternoon tea. Led by Cayton and Louise, the group prepared a delicious spread that included homemade fruit scones (topped generously with jam and clotted cream), air-fryer scotch eggs, and a selection of sandwiches.

Scones ready for the oven
A man and a woman sat at a table preparing scones with cream and jam

The kitchen was full of energy and teamwork. DaE took charge of the scones, AB handled egg prep, and AW, DE, and J assembled sandwiches for everyone. Despite a slight hiccup with the eggs (and a postponed Victoria sponge), a shop-bought chocolate cake saved the day – because every good party needs cake!

A woman peeling boiled eggs
A chocolate birthday cake with white chocolate curls on top and six lit candles

The Hub was decorated, candles were lit, and the group sang Happy Birthday as AW opened his card. It was a lovely celebration and a great example of how shared activities can build confidence and social skills.

Man leaning over a birthday cake ready to blow out the candles

If you’re a professional working with individuals who have additional needs, and you’re looking for meaningful, engaging activities like this for your clients, get in touch. Our team at Community Enablement Team offers supportive sessions that are as fun as they are empowering.

Contact us to find out more about what we offer.

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Walking Club and the Ashover, Littlemoor & Milltown Circular Walk

Four walkers stand smiling on a grassy hilltop surrounded by heather under a cloudy sky. The group appears cheerful and relaxed, with expansive countryside views stretching out behind them.
A farmyard scene with Friesian cows
A few looking down into Woodland Brecken and walking club members in the distance
A few of a field
Walking club member stood in front of green hills wearing a blue jumper
Walking club members following a path
two people sat in some bracken
daffodils
walking club group on a small lane
close up of green leaves and a small yellow flower
a woman sat on a stone wall
A man standing in a field looking at the camera
Purple flowers
Scenery and hills
A smiling woman in a pink jumper stands on a stone staircase surrounded by greenery and bare branches. The sky is blue with light clouds, and a silver metal post is visible on the left.
Four walkers stand smiling on a grassy hilltop surrounded by heather under a cloudy sky. The group appears cheerful and relaxed, with expansive countryside views stretching out behind them.
A man in outdoor clothing and wellies stands beside a green road sign reading "Jetting Street." He is holding binoculars and smiling, with leafless trees and ivy-covered trunks in the background.
A man in wellies stands in a large puddle on a muddy farm track, surrounded by tyre marks. Rolling green hills and patchy clouds stretch into the distance under a dramatic sky.
A man and woman stand smiling at a rural road junction beneath road signs for “Stoney Lane,” “Littlemoor,” and a 30 mph speed limit. Behind them is a grassy verge, leafless trees, and cloudy skies.
A woodland path winds uphill through bare trees on a late winter or early spring day. In the foreground, a blue Derbyshire County Council sign reads "Ashover Rock - The Fabrick" and "Local Nature Reserve."
A man in wellies and a rain jacket stands smiling by a metal farm gate, holding binoculars. Behind him, a group of black and white cows stands near a rustic barn with a corrugated metal roof, under a cloudy sky.
Two people walking uphill through a patch of bracken and heather in a woodland area. One is supporting the other as they climb, surrounded by bare trees and early spring vegetation.

Today’s walking group enjoyed another fantastic outing, with smiles all round and plenty of stunning photos capturing the day. If you’d like to know more about what the CCT Community Enablement Team offers, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

After a night of rain, we weren’t sure what the weather would bring, but Mother Nature was kind. The sun made an appearance, temperatures rose, and it felt more like late spring than mid-March. DE even had to take her coat off, and staying hydrated became essential, every last drop of water was gone by the end!

With Cayton and Anthony leading, today’s team – AW, DaE, RR, MS, and DE – took on the Ashover, Littlemoor & Milltown Circular Walk. This scenic route winds through some of Derbyshire’s most beautiful countryside. From ancient woodlands and rolling fields to quiet country lanes and panoramic views, it offered the perfect mix of challenge and reward.

We passed by Ashover, a historic village with roots going back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It even features in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Peveril of the Peak. Once a centre for lead mining, the area still carries traces of its industrial past hidden among the hills.

The group highlights:

  • AW and DaE walked side by side, keeping a steady pace and motivating each other throughout.
  • RR embraced the role of official explorer, stopping often to soak in the surroundings – occasionally needing a gentle nudge to catch up!
  • MS tackled the route with determination, taking well-deserved rests when needed.
  • DE adjusted quickly to the warm weather and was the first to ditch her coat and enjoy the sunshine.

We snapped plenty of photos along the way – with scenery like this, it would’ve been a shame not to! Towards the end of the walk, we found a peaceful picnic spot, perfect for enjoying packed lunches and chatting about the morning’s adventure.

By the time we returned to the minibus, everyone was tired but uplifted, refreshed by fresh air, great company, and the satisfaction of a walk well done. The route offered not just exercise and views, but a real sense of connection – to nature, to history, and to each other.

A big thank you goes to Cayton for organising such a thoughtful and enjoyable route. We’re already looking forward to the next walk!

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A busy March day at the allotment

It was a glorious day for gardening, with blue skies and warm spring sunshine, the perfect weather for getting stuck into some hard work at the allotment. The team included AW, AB, DaE, P, TG, and DK, with support from Anthony, Lisa, and Louise.

veg growing in a bed

We began by gathering tools, with AW and P taking the lead on loading them into the minibus. Once at the allotment, everyone quickly got to work. P focused on weeding to make space for more potatoes, while AB and DaE prepared the soil and planted two rows of carrots and one row of swedes. AB also kept the plot neat and tidy throughout the day with additional weeding.

soil with plant labels

Later on, AB and AW teamed up to collect plastic waste and tidy up the site, while DaE continued planting. Over in the polytunnel, DK and Lisa were busy sowing seeds for cucumbers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, marigolds, and a few flowers with names tricky enough to need pronunciation guides! The warm tunnel is ideal for germination, so we’re hopeful for a healthy crop.

Seed tray with seedlings starting.

In the afternoon, the group came together to discuss the plot’s plans, what to plant next and how to maximise the space. With tools packed and everything cleared up, we headed back to Enablement Care.

soil in a seed tray with seedlings starting to show

Back on site, the last task was unloading and returning tools before everyone sat down for a well-earned lunch. AB helped set the table, and the group enjoyed pizza, pies, and Coca-Cola, with sponge and custard to finish.

It was a brilliant day of productivity, socialising, and teamwork. A highlight was seeing AB receive a well-deserved shoutout on Facebook and a certificate from our manager, April Parker, in recognition of her volunteering. It was a proud moment and a great confidence boost for her!

Two gardening club members

A big thank you to Lisa and Louise for their continued support, and to everyone who contributed to such a positive and productive day. The allotment is looking better than ever, and we’re excited to see what we can grow next.

The allotment club group of participants

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Service User Post: Bucket List Blog by Maf

A few more things off my bucket list, I went to Willow Farm today, with Catherine, my support worker.

Maf and her community support worker Catherine at Willow farm.

We had booked a meerkat enclosure experience and whilst waiting we looked around this small lovely farm.

Maf with a meerkat in the background at Willow farm
Maf with a meerkat on her lap taking food from a plastic cup
Maf with a meerkat sitting on her lap

I came across the reptiles.

I have never held a snake and got the opportunity to do this today. 

This is a female corn snake aged 15 years old.

Maf holding a corn snake with a tank in the background

This was also my first time holding a gecko

Maf's first experience holding a gecko

The main event was sitting in the enclosure with the meerkats and having a talk on them by a lady called Jo, we got to feed them and they sat on our knees and on Catherine’s shoulder. This experience was even more than I expected as not just reptiles and meerkat I got to meet a skunk! Called stinky!

Maf holding a skunk called stinky
Another picture of Maf holding a skunk called stinky

I had such a lovely day, getting to meet the animals, and the staff were really friendly, if you haven’t been to Willow Farm I would recommend it. 

Maf with an alpaca there is an fence between them
Maf reaching her arm over a gate to touch the top of a cow's head
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Walking Club Visits Brierley Park : A Refreshing Local Stroll

A large, partially frozen lake reflecting the winter sky, surrounded by bare trees, with ducks floating on the unfrozen water in the distance.
A green sign reading "Welcome to Brierley Forest Park" stands against a backdrop of tall, leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

Recently Walking Club took us on a scenic stroll around the beautiful Brierley Park. With fresh air, good company, and a chance to stretch our legs, it was the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying active.

A smiling woman in a grey coat stands in a grassy area surrounded by wooden and stone sculptures, including a large carved seed and a tree trunk with an embedded relief carving.

As we walked through the park, we took in the peaceful surroundings, spotting wildlife and appreciating the changing seasons. The gentle pace made it accessible for everyone, and the opportunity to chat along the way made it a lovely social experience too.

Three people, dressed warmly in jackets and hoodies, pose together for a selfie during their walk along a scenic countryside path, with hedgerows and trees in the background.

Walking is a fantastic way to boost both physical and mental well-being, and our regular meet-ups offer a great chance to connect with others while exploring the local area. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, meet new people, or simply enjoy nature, we’d love to have you join us on our next walk!

A close-up selfie of two people smiling outdoors, with a well-trodden walking path and trees in the background.

📍 Come along next time! See you there! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

#BrierleyPark #WalkingClub #StayActive #CommunityWalks #HealthyLiving

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Walking Club Visit to Woolaton Hall

A friendly conversation between two people in warm outdoor gear on a paved path in Wollaton Park, with one gesturing while the other listens. A third person stands nearby observing.

On the 11th of Feb, we braved the chill and went for a wander around Woolaton Hall. A great time was had by all and we took LOTS of pictures!! Take a look through them here…

Two people walking along a tree-lined path in Wollaton Park, both wearing warm clothing. One is carrying a camera around their neck, and the other has a bright orange backpack.
A friendly conversation between two people in warm outdoor gear on a paved path in Wollaton Park, with one gesturing while the other listens. A third person stands nearby observing.
A person wearing a brown coat and wellies walking away down a tree-lined path in Wollaton Park, surrounded by bare branches and fallen leaves.
A person in a brown coat and wellies carefully stepping through a muddy puddle in a grassy field, holding binoculars while navigating the wet terrain.
An informational sign at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park featuring an image of a leopard and details about the hall being home to Nottingham's Natural History Museum.
Three fallow deer standing near a wooden fence at the edge of a field, partially hidden by the bare branches of the trees behind them.
A black crow perched on a wooden picnic table outside a stone building, looking to the side with its feathers glistening in the daylight.
A red deer stag resting on a bed of fallen leaves in a woodland area of Wollaton Park, its large antlers standing tall against the backdrop of bare trees.
A small group of people engaged in conversation in the park, one person smiling while another listens attentively, with Wollaton Hall visible in the background.
An informational sign about the deer of Wollaton Park, explaining the differences between Red Deer and Fallow Deer.
Two men posing for a photo, one holding binoculars and wearing wellies, while the other is dressed in a thick coat and beanie.
Two people standing near a tree, one pointing into the distance, both dressed warmly with backpacks.
A close-up of snowdrop flowers emerging from the damp grass, signaling early signs of spring.
A group of five people in warm clothing standing on a path in Wollaton Park, with Wollaton Hall partially visible in the background.
A red deer stag standing on a bed of leaves, lifting its head and roaring, with twisted tree branches in the background.
A red deer stag resting among fallen leaves in the woodland of Wollaton Park, its large antlers standing prominently.
Wollaton Hall, a grand Elizabethan mansion with intricate architectural details, stands against an overcast sky with a large green lawn in the foreground.


How about joining us on our next adventure?!
📅 Tuesday Mornings

📍 Location: Varies

💰 Free
🫶 All are welcome!

ℹ️ For more information, contact:
📞 01623 397750
📧 info@challangect.co.uk

📝 Note: Timings are approximate, and the location varies. Please call to confirm for each session.

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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.
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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!