Last week I was unable to bring myself to write a blog post. I think it was one of the hardest weeks of my life. It's was with great sadness that I had to announce the passing of Adrian Richard Wilkinson, age 68, who died peacefully on July 23rd 2019.

Many of you will have met Adrian and be aware of his passion for Old Bolsover Yard and giving something back to the town. I have taken some comfort during the last week in the kind words that have come my way, in particular those who spoke of Adrian and the true Gentleman that he was. Despite his cancer diagnosis Adrian has spent the last few years working hard to bring Old Bolsover Yard back to life and this will become his legacy.

As his family, Damion and I will continue the work at Old Bolsover Yard, supporting other small businesses like ourselves to thrive. I do hope that you will all continue to be supportive over the coming weeks and months.

This Saturday sees the return of Ian's Birds of Prey to continue with the final weeks of our Courtyard Programme. Ian was last with us in June and will be back telling us all about the work he does releasing injured wild birds back into the countryside. Do come and join us in supporting Ian and his valuable work.

Until next time

​Sarah

This week has been a busy one at Old Bolsover Yard with final preparations underway for our Cake Bonanza which is happening as part of Bolsover Food and Drink Festival on 27th and 28th July. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for regular updates in the run up to the event here.

Steelpantastic joined us in the Courtyard at Old Bolsover Yard and the sound from the steel drums was amazing. I would personally like to thank the band as I was able to record a little and show to Adrian who unfortunately wasn't well enough to join us. For those of you who were there I do hope that you enjoyed the show too.

I received an email this morning from Charlotte at Chesterfield Signing Choir saying that at rehearsal last night several members confirmed they were unavailable for the event on Saturday leaving only 3 remaining. Charlotte and her colleague have taken the difficult decision to halt any events over summer or school holidays in the future meaning that they are cancelling Saturday's performance as they can't perform with three and it wouldn't give a true representation  of what the Signing Choir is all about.

Saturday 20th July is Crafternoon Day! It's the day when people up and down the country will be coming together to craft, have fun and raise money for Mind.

Molly Felicity Designs thought that the Courtyard at Old Bolsover Yard would be just perfect for a 'Crafternoon' to raise awareness of the important work that Mind does and also an opportunity to raise some money for a good cause.

If you pop down to The Fabric Den on Saturday between 10am - 3pm why not bring along your latest project and join Sarah in the Courtyard for a bit of crafting. 10% of all sales made by The Fabric Den on Saturday will be donated to Mind.

Until next time

​Sarah

After a beautiful few days it was disappointing to wake up Saturday morning to see that the rain had arrived. After a quick rethink a revised Teddy Bears Picnic event still went ahead at Old Bolsover Yard.

A huge thank you to those of you who brought your bears to share the day with us - it was lovely to meet all your furry friends. 

The afternoon brightened up enough to allow a lovely story telling session to take place. Thank you to Jennie and Miranda for their reading.

If you follow us on Social Media you may already be aware of a fantastic opportunity coming to Old Bolsover Yard in August. We are going to be launching a pop-up shop opportunity.

Have you ever dreamed of your own bricks and mortar store to showcase your craft business? 

Starting in August one of our Units will be available to rent on a weekly basis to enable you to set up your own pop-up shop. We will promote your business across all our online platforms to help you get your message out there. All this for £40.00 per week. You can book for a week slot or longer - the choice is yours.

If you would like to get involved please email [email protected] for an information sheet and booking form. 

Steelpantastic are the Worksop and District University of the 3rd Age Steel Band. On Saturday 13th July they will be joining us at Old Bolsover Yard between 11am and 2pm performing their music. Whilst there they are going to be raising funds for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. I do hope that you can join us. 

​Until next time.....

I'm back again for another update from Old Bolsover Yard. Some of you may know that Adrian has been feeling unwell recently so I thought it was time for a little confession that it is Sarah who has been writing the blog posts recently. To give Adrian chance to concentrate on his health I have been helping out with the running of Old Bolsover Yard. I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing Adrian all the best.

So now you know who's talking to you time for the usual updates.
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Last Saturday saw another event as part of the Courtyard Saturday and the ladies of Bolsover Inner Wheel put on a great showcase of what they do.

Inner Wheel was formed in Manchester, England in 1924 by Mrs Margarette Golding. Originally it was the wives of Rotarians and whilst still maintaining those links Inner Wheel is now one of the largest voluntary women's organisations in the world.

​We were treated to plant stalls, jam and cakes along with some fabulous displays about the work that the Inner Wheel are involved in.

If you go down to the yard today you're sure of a big surprise. 10th July is International Teddy Bears Picnic Day so in order to celebrate we are holding a Teddy Bear's Picnic event at Old Bolsover Yard this Saturday 6th July from 10am.

We will be joined by Jennica Books - Usbourne Independent Organiser.Jennie will be with us with a selection of books to browse and buy or order for delivery. We're also planning a Teddy Tombola and Story Telling along with colouring activities for the Chidren in our marquee.

Don't forget to bring your bear.

Until next time.

​Sarah