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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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🌟 Supporting Mental Health Over Christmas 💚🎅

A warm and inviting Christmas-themed illustration featuring a cozy living room. A lit Christmas tree with glowing fairy lights stands in the corner, adding festive cheer. A comfortable armchair draped with a blanket sits nearby, with a steaming cup of tea and a book titled "Self-Care" resting on a small wooden table. In the background, a window reveals a peaceful snowy night. The scene radiates warmth, comfort, and holiday spirit, emphasizing calm and relaxation.

Here are a few tips on supporting our own mental health and looking out for friends and neighbours:

Self-Care Tips:

💆‍♀️ Take time to relax and do what you enjoy – even small moments matter.
🧘‍♂️ Keep routines where possible and get outside for fresh air.
🍽️ Eat well and stay hydrated – it’s easy to forget during festive celebrations.
💬 Talk about your feelings – reach out to someone you trust.

How to Check In on Others:

👋 Pop by to say hello or give them a quick call.
☕ Invite them for a cuppa and a chat.
🎁 A thoughtful gesture, like a card or small gift, can make a big impact.
🌟 Encourage them to seek support if they’re struggling – help is available.

UK Mental Health Charities:

If you or someone you know needs professional support, here are some organisations that can help:

Mind: 💙 https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans: 📞 116 123 | 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org

Rethink Mental Illness: 🌟 https://www.rethink.org

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 🚶‍♂️ https://www.thecalmzone.net

Shout (24/7 crisis text line): 📱 Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 | 🌐 https://giveusashout.org

The Silver Line (support for older people): ☎️ 0800 470 8090 | 🌐 https://www.thesilverline.org.uk

This Christmas, let’s show kindness, compassion, and care – because nobody should feel alone. 💚✨

#MentalHealthMatters #KindnessAtChristmas #CommunitySupport

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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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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.