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Walking Club Adventure: Exploring Elvaston Castle

Three individuals stand in front of a sign for Elvaston Castle, which is surrounded by greenery. The person on the left is wearing a blue jacket, the person in the middle is wearing a beige shirt and black shorts, and the person on the right is holding binoculars and wearing a grey t-shirt and hat.

Recently, our walking club ventured to the beautiful grounds of Elvaston Castle, a local gem nestled in the heart of Derbyshire. With its rich history, sprawling woodlands, and intricate carvings scattered throughout the forest, it proved to be the perfect spot for our latest adventure.

As always, we set off with eager anticipation, excited to explore the castle grounds and reconnect with nature. The day greeted us with mild weather, perfect for walking, and the sun occasionally peeked through the tree canopy as we made our way down the winding trails.

Three individuals give a thumbs-up in front of the Elvaston Castle sign. The person on the left is in a blue jacket, the person in the middle wears a beige shirt and black shorts, and the person on the right has binoculars around their neck and a red jacket tied around their waist.

Upon arrival, we gathered at the iconic Elvaston Castle welcome sign. Standing proudly in front of it, our group posed for a quick photo to commemorate the start of our day. The grounds were welcoming, and we could already sense the adventures ahead.

The paths wind through wooded areas filled with various wildlife—perfect for the avid bird watchers. One member even brought along binoculars!!

A person wearing a grey t-shirt and bucket hat stands under an archway made from intertwined branches, holding binoculars, in a wooded path.

One of the surprises of the day was discovering beautiful wooden carvings hidden within the woods. First, we stumbled upon a charming owl sculpture followed by a tower.

A man in a blue checkered jacket stands outdoors next to a detailed owl carving made from wood. The background features trees and undergrowth, creating a woodland atmosphere.
A tall, wooden sculpture resembling a tower or castle spire is set among lush greenery and ferns in a woodland area.

After exploring the castle grounds and woodlands, we finished our trip at the Elvaston Castle Local Nature Reserve sign. The reserve, with its carefully preserved landscapes, is a haven for wildlife. We couldn’t help but take another group photo to round off a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Two people stand by a sign welcoming visitors to Elvaston Castle Local Nature Reserve. One person on the left is giving a thumbs-up, while the person on the right points to the sign and holds binoculars.

This trip was a reminder of why we love our walking club so much. Not only does it keep us active and outdoors, but it also brings us together, offering moments of discovery, laughter, and shared appreciation for the beauty of our local surroundings. Elvaston Castle gave us everything we could have hoped for—a mix of history, nature, and art, all wrapped up in the serenity of a day spent in the woods.

We’ll be back to explore more of Elvaston’s secrets!!

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Cooking Sessions at the Community Hub – Update

Here’s some fab pictures of one of our recent cooking sessions at the Community Hub!

After discussing with staff and service users, we’ve decided on the costs for our Wednesday sessions. From October onwards, there will be a £2 contribution toward the ingredients for our 2-course meals, which includes the main dish and a pudding.

A smiling woman sitting on a grey sofa, holding a fork and plate with a partially eaten meal in her hand. She is wearing glasses, a grey cardigan, and floral sandals. On the white coffee table in front of her, there is a can of Sprite and some scattered papers. Another person is seated next to her, slightly out of view, wearing a blue shirt.

Refreshments will continue to be charged as they have been previously.

A man and woman sitting on a grey sofa, both holding plates with food. The woman, wearing glasses, an orange 'Active Ashfield' t-shirt, and camouflage trousers, has a plate of sweet potato fries. The man is wearing a checkered fleece jacket and grey sweatpants, holding a fork and plate with a meal covered in gravy. A floral pink bag rests on the floor next to the woman. In front of them is a white coffee table with a water bottle and various items.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in these sessions so far!

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Tuesday Walking Club Conquers Mam Tor!!

Signpost at Mam Tor, High Peak Estate, with a National Trust logo at the top. Below, there is an information board about Mam Tor, referred to as the 'Mother Hill,' including details about its geology and history. A warning sign beneath it advises visitors to be cautious of cliff edges and to keep children under close supervision. In the background, grassy hills and blue skies are visible, with a person seated in the grass.
Two people sitting at a wooden picnic table outdoors, surrounded by tall trees. One person, wearing headphones and a pink hoodie, is looking down, possibly at a phone or tablet. The other person, with blonde hair and wearing a grey t-shirt, is eating a snack and looking towards the camera. Backpacks and a pink water bottle are placed on the table. The area is fenced, and sunlight filters through the trees, casting light and shadow across the scene.
Picnic Time!

Our walking club recently embarked on an incredible adventure to the top of Mam Tor, also known as the “Mother Hill.” Nestled in the heart of the High Peak, this spot offers some of the most stunning panoramic views in the Peak District. The weather was on our side, with blue skies and a gentle breeze guiding us to the summit.

A woman smiling while standing outdoors near the Mam Tor signpost, with rolling green hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky. She is wearing a light pink jacket over a butterfly-patterned shirt and a pastel scarf, with wind blowing her hair. A wooden fence and grassy area are visible behind her.

With enthusiasm and excitement, we followed the well-trodden paths to the peak. Along the way, we admired the wild beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys, breathing in the fresh air that comes with being surrounded by nature. At the summit, we were greeted by 360-degree views stretching far and wide across the Peak District National Park. It was the perfect spot to rest, take in the scenery, and capture some photos!

A woman standing and smiling near the summit of Mam Tor with a scenic landscape of green hills and valleys in the background. She is wearing a light pink jacket, a butterfly-patterned shirt, and a pastel scarf, with her hair being gently blown by the wind. The ground is made of cobblestone, and other people can be seen sitting and admiring the view in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Our walking club is not just about fitness and exploring nature; it’s also about building community and creating friendships. The camaraderie shared as we reached the top, smiling with pride at our achievement, is what makes these walks so amazing!

A woman standing and smiling next to a stone pillar at the summit of Mam Tor, with the stunning landscape of rolling green hills and valleys in the background under a partly cloudy sky. She is wearing a light pink jacket, a butterfly-patterned shirt, and a pastel scarf, with her hair blowing slightly in the wind. Other visitors are sitting on the grass in the background, admiring the view.

If you’re one of our service users and looking to join a supportive group that enjoys exploring beautiful outdoor spaces, our walking club is perfect for you. We offer regular walks every Tuesday, and each week brings a new adventure, whether walking local countryside paths or taking iconic hikes like Mam Tor.

A wide, panoramic view of the landscape surrounding Mam Tor in the Peak District. The scene shows a dirt walking path winding through grassy hills, with expansive, rolling green hills and valleys in the background. The sky is bright blue with fluffy white clouds, creating a beautiful contrast with the natural terrain. The view captures the peaceful, open countryside, offering a sense of vastness and tranquility.

To find out more about how you can get involved in the next Tuesday walking club adventure, please speak to your community support worker or call our office on 01623 397750.

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Gardening Club Adventures: A Rainy Day Turned Into a Blooming Success!

A close-up of a freshly planted yellow pansy with deep maroon markings at its center, set in dark soil. In the background, another purple flower peeks into the frame, adding a touch of colour to the garden bed.
A service user holds up a plant to the camera, taken at Glapwell Garden Centre

Our Monday Gardening Club is always a highlight of the week, and this occasion was no different, even with a bit of rain. Although the weather kept us from visiting the allotment, we made the most of the day by heading to Glapwell Garden Centre instead. It turned out to be a wonderful trip!

Close up of red flowers in the soil that have recently been planted at Enablement Care

We spent time browsing the beautiful selection of plants and picked out some vibrant flowers to bring back to Enablement Care. After a bit of shopping, we treated ourselves to a warm, relaxing coffee break before heading back for a hearty lunch. On the menu? A classic ploughman’s lunch, paired with a delicious fruit cobbler for dessert. Everyone enjoyed the meal, and it gave us the energy we needed for the next part of the day.

The weather finally cleared up enough for us to plant the lovely flowers at the front of Enablement Care. It was a satisfying way to end the day, and our new blooms have brought a fresh burst of color to the garden. A big thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and enthusiasm!

Lots of flowers in position in the soil/garden bed at the front of Enablement Care

We’re looking forward to more gardening adventures soon, rain or shine!

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BIIAB E3 Certificate in Foundation Learning and Employability Skills

🚨 New Course Alert! 🚨

Join us every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for an amazing opportunity to boost your skills! We’re offering the BIIAB E3 Certificate in Foundation Learning and Employability Skills. This course, led by an expert tutor, Kirsty, and will run from September 19th, 2024, to June 5th, 2025.

📚 Course Details:

Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours

Dates: 19th Sept 2024 – 5th June 2025

Time: Thursdays, 9am – 12pm

Address: 8 Brook Street, Sutton in Ashfield (next door to Clement Taylors)

Please note: This course is exclusively available to our residential and community service members. To secure your spot, speak to the people who support you, and they’ll add you to the list. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait!

⏰ Reminder: Arrive 10 minutes before the course starts to settle in.

#EmployabilitySkills #LearningJourney #FoundationLearning #ATTFE #CET

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The Community Hub – Delicious food and a great opportunity to develop social skills!

The Community Hub – Cooking Session: Last week’s cooking session was led by Cayton, with Abbie and Catherine assisting. We had a full house as everyone got involved in making chicken korma and Eton mess for dessert. The session ran smoothly, with everyone contributing to the cooking, washing, and drying of the dishes. We also focused on improving our chopping skills and meal presentation.

It was a fantastic experience, with delicious food and a great opportunity to develop social skills. The group had such a good time that they’ve already decided on the menu for next time: pie and chips with banana cake for dessert. Excellent work, everyone! It’s wonderful to see the progress and achievements being made.

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Gardening Club – Weeding in the Summer Sun

AW and Anthony were at the allotment last week, while many were away on trips and holidays. After a two-week break to focus on the summer fair, AW wasted no time returning to work, giving the plants a much-needed drink in the warm summer sun.

Meanwhile, I took on the task of uncovering our cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, which had become hidden beneath a surprising amount of undergrowth. We weeded diligently to free our beloved plants.

We paused only a few times to hydrate with water, and by the end of the session, it was rewarding to step back and see how our patience and care were paying off—the plants were thriving!

Exhausted and hot, we returned to Enablement Care, where we were greeted with an ice-cold glass of tropicalade, a delicious tuna salad, and a refreshing strawberry mousse—a perfect way to unwind from the day’s efforts.

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Cheese and onion flans were on the menu at The Community Hub!

We had a delightful group session, with some participants dropping in to say hello and others staying to cook and eat together. We all prepared delicious cheese and onion flans to accompany our salad, using fresh produce from our community allotment—truly a “field to fork” experience. The flans were incredibly tasty, and we saved some for our service users to take home to their families.

To top off the day, we made pancakes generously topped with sugar and orange, which were an absolute hit. A big well done to everyone who participated for their hard work. Special thanks to Louise and Lee for keeping everything on track. We’re all looking forward to next week!