Blog Posts

Lanterns Ready! Makers Ready! Scarecrows Ready!

27/11/2019

Last Friday saw a number of small independent businesses in Bolsover getting involved in a random fiver Friday. Building on the success of the recent #fiverfest it allowed shoppers within Bolsover to join in and support the #totallylocally campaign to encourage us all to shop locally. Many thanks to Bolsover FiverFest for organising this event. The plan is for another event in February next year when we will see a fiver fest fortnight taking place which will run from 15th - 29th February 2020. Old Bolsover Yard will be supporting this and looking forward to joining in and supporting our local town.

If I Only Had A Brain

This weekend sees the Annual Scarecrow Festival taking place at Bolsover Parish Church. Starting Saturday 30th November and running until Sunday 1st December why not visit the cartoon themed scarecrows in the Church before heading into town to spot them around the shops in Bolsover. In keeping with our theme of reduce, reuse, recycle at Old Bolsover Yard we will have Humpty Dumpty coming back to visit us. Last year Sarah from Molly Felicity Designs had great fun creating our adorable Humpty Dumpty Scarecrow.

Bolsover Parish Church will be serving lunches between 11:30am and 2:30pm with teas, coffees and homemade cakes being served all day between 10am and 4pm.

Come and join the fun.....all welcome

Christmas Bonanza line up revealed

If you've been keeping an eye on Old Bolsover Yard's Facebook page this week you'll have seen each day we've been revealing the wonderful small businesses joining us on Saturday.

In the Courtyard we'll be joined by Handmade by Helen, Chunky Oak Designs, BB's Handmade Crafts, Creative Cards and Crafts, Jades Delights, Oak Art and Craft, The Hut, and Limekiln Films.

Old Bolsover Yard Makers Cup & Saucer, Ethos Upcycling, and Molly Felicity Designs will also be joining in the fun.

The Christmas Bonanza is part of Bolsover Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade starting at 10am.

Until next time........

Sarah

Christmas Has Popped Up

20/11/2019

Christmas has officially kicked off at Old Bolsover Yard. Thank you to everyone who braved the rain on Sunday to come to our official Christmas Pop-Up Shop Launch. It was great to see so much support for our small local business. This time last year we had only just opened the Gallery after spending the Summer renovating the site so it's nice to look back and see how far we've come.

A big thank you also to Rebecca from Baby in a Box who got a little soggy in our Courtyard showcasing her business. Hopefully we can tempt her back on a warmer day next year for those who didn't get chance to see her practical gift boxes. This Sunday you'll find Baby in a Box at The Fretwell Centre Christmas Fayre.

Our Christmas Pop-Up Shop at Old Bolsover Yard will continue to be open Monday - Saturday 10 - 3 until Christmas Eve.

Magnificent Market Towns

Visit Peak District have recently produced a Food & Drink Guide giving you ideas of where to eat, drink, and explore in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Damion from Ethos Upcycling offers his top picks of where to eat and drink in the magnificent market town of Bolsover.

Why not visit Old Bolsover Yard and then take up one of Damion's recommendations of where to eat and drink?

Upcoming Events

The next big event in our diary at Old Bolsover Yard is the Christmas Bonanza that we are holding on Saturday 30th November. Starting at 10am we will have guest stalls, courtyard shops & cafe along with Whitwell Brass Band who will be playing throughout the day.

This event has been organised as part of Bolsover Christmas Festival & Lantern Parade to support the good work done by Old Bolsover Town Council.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page as we will be introducing all the fabulous businesses that will be joining us at the Christmas Bonanza.

Until next time.........

Sarah

Make It Christmas - Shop Local

12/11/2019

It's been a busy couple of days at Old Bolsover Yard getting everything ready for our Christmas Pop-Up Shop which we are pleased to be launching on Sunday 17th November.
We are being joined in the courtyard for the day by Rebecca from Baby in a Box who specialises in providing practical gift sets for new parents.
We really do hope that you'll support these great concepts when gift buying. Not only will you make the owners of these small independent businesses do a happy dance when you make a purchase but you're also supporting the local economy as your money stays in the local area.

Antique Vintage n Vogue

Last week I was able to make a visit to Bolsover's newest vintage clothing and antiques shop which has recently opened on the Market Place. It was lovely to meet John and Sue and here at Old Bolsover Yard we wish them well with their new venture.

A recent article in the Derbyshire Times explained the unique mix of clothing from 'market leader' suppliers as well as antiques being available meaning that everyone is catered for through the different sides of the business.

Upcoming Events

Sunday 17th November - Old Bolsover Yard Christmas Pop-Up Shop Launch

Saturday 30th November - Christmas Bonanza (Part of Bolsover Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade)

Wednesday 4th December - Christmas Stocking Workshop @ The Fabric Den (run by Molly Felicity Designs)

Until next time.....

Who's Who at Old Bolsover Yard

6/11/2019

Last week we were away with family in Northumberland for a well deserved break, but now we're back and raring to go.

Planning is well and truly underway for the Christmas Bonanza happening at Old Bolsover Yard on 30th November as part of Bolsover Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade but more about that another time.

Makers at Old Bolsover Yard

I wanted to take the opportunity in this weeks blog to remind you about all the great businesses that we are lucky to support as part of Old Bolsover Yard. Within the complex along with The Beehive Cafe and The Gallery we are lucky to have a number of makers who call Old Bolsover Yard home.

Ethos Upcycling take old, discarded or simply unloved items and bring them back to life. Damion's unique selling point is that he tries to breath new life into things that otherwise may end up on the scrapheap and turns them into fabulous items just waiting to be re-homed. Whether you are looking for traditional or a modern twist Damion and his ethos for sustainable products are sure to be a hit.

Cup & Saucer provide tea enthusiasts with ethically sourced, quality loose leaves - laced with personality. Gail puts tea at the heart of everything that she does and is passionate about providing her customers with good quality tea in a variety of unique flavours. From Tideswell Tea to Roaring Rhubarb there is a tea flavour waiting just for you.

The Fabric Den by Molly Felicity Designs has original designs made with you in mind. The Fabric Den is Molly Felicity Designs independent fabric shop based at Old Bolsover Yard. Stocking yarn supplied by King Cole, as well as metres of fabulous fabric, The Fabric Den is the place to go to stock up for your next project.

Sarah is on hand to offer sewing lessons and workshops to help you develop your own creative skills.

The Gallery

The Gallery is Old Bolsover Yard's showcase of a number of small businesses based in and around the Bolsover area.

Shaun from M&E Wood Craft specialises in quote plaques and other wooden gifts, when not working on stock for the Gallery you will find Shaun busy with his other commission pieces.

David from Chunky Oak Designs uses character grade oak in his designs whether that be clocks or candle holders. The latest addition to his range has been some beautiful wooden picture frames.

Kirsty and Tracey from Harriet and Lola's Candles are two best friends who have embarked on a journey to help look after the world and the animals that live within it. They pride themselves on the cruelty free and vegan wax melts and candles that are part of their range of scented products. Whether you are looking for Fresh Linen or Sweet Pea their range has something for everyone.

Ohh Bee Hive is bee farmers Jess and Paul. Artisan producers of raw honey and natural fully safety assessed skincare products meeting both UK & EU regulations. As well as stocking Raw Honey you will also find a range of natural beauty products to choose from too.

Cards by Alison is the latest business to join us at Old Bolsover Yard providing unique gift cards for any occasion. The craft of hand-making greeting cards is not to be underestimated with some stunning designs available as part of the offering.

As you can see there really is a lot to be found at Old Bolsover Yard. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Open Monday - Saturday 10 - 3

Until next time.........

Sarah

All about Frills and Fivers!!

23/10/2019

Last week we introduced you to Crafted by Us who have joined us at Old Bolsover Yard as part of our pop-up shop opportunity.If you've not had chance to visit them yet don't panic. They will be with us until 9th November. I took the opportunity this week to have a chat with Ian and find out more about how the business started.

Coming Soon............

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details of a random #fiverfriday coming soon.....................

Dates for your Diary

Saturday 26th October - The Gallery, Ethos Upcycling and The Fabric Den will be shut from Saturday 26th October opening again on Monday 4th November. The Beehive Cafe, Cup & Saucer, and Crafted by Us will be trading as usual.

Wednesday 6th November - Reusable Fabric Gift Bag Workshop - Avoid plastic waste with long-lasting reusable gift bags. In this workshop you will learn how to make a fabric gift bag alternative to wrapping paper - £20.00 (booking required)

Sunday 17th November - Christmas Pop-Up Shop Launch - Christmas kicks off at Old Bolsover Yard

We'll be back again with our next blog on the 6th November.

Until next time..........

Crafty Pop-Up

16/10/2019

Thank you to everyone who got involved in #totallylocallybolsover #fiverfest whether you came and shopped or are another small business who got involved I think it's fair to say we put Bolsover on the map.

Introducing Crafted by Us

Ian and Steve are local makers who have previously sold their decorations, gifts, and jewellery at craft markets and events in North East Derbyshire and South Yorkshire area.

"We are pleased to be able to join in at Old Bolsover Yard for the next few weeks and look forward to meeting both locals and visitors to the town."
- Steve and Ian

Crafted by Us Pop-Up Shop will be at Old Bolsover Yard until Saturday 9th November 2019.

Sunday Opening

Back by popular demand Old Bolsover Yard will be open on Sunday 17th November. Following our last opening on Sunday 6th October Sarah & Damion will be opening up again on Sunday 17th November when Christmas will kick off at the yard.

Until next time..............

Sarah

Fiver Fest Fever

9/10/2019

What a week it's been and we're only on Wednesday! In the blog last week I talked about how a number of the businesses based in Old Bolsover Yard were getting involved in Totally Locally's campaign to get people to shop locally, and spend just five pound in their town and the difference that would make to the local economy. In Bolsover this would equate to 2.3 million pounds and the list of businesses now involved has sky-rocketed.

The businesses who have had #fiverfest offers are: Baby Book Swap, Bolsover Fisheries, Bolsover Flowers, Chunky Oak Designs, Courtyard Kitchen, Crafty Fox Keepsakes, Croft Vets & Groomers, Cup and Saucer, Dave Wharmby Photography, The Doorway Boutique, Elliott Meats, Ethos Upcycling, The Fabric Den by Molly Felicity Designs, Gifted with Love, Half Acre Farm, Julie's Sandwich Shop, The Kazbra, Kosmic Creations, Masons Little Cafe, M&E Wood Craft, Obviously Oxcroft, Odds and Sods Reclamation, The Oven Door, Pretty Sins, Purr-fect Pets, Riley's Electricals, Serenity Beauty & Co, Shaun's Fresh Fish, Sprints Sports and Leisure Ltd, and Violet & Rose.

As well as being featured in an article in The Derbyshire Times #totallylocallybolsover has also made an appearance on BBC Radio Sheffield yesterday with Gail telling Howard Pressman all about what the town was up to.

#fiverfest is on until Saturday 12th October so still plenty of time to show your support and grab a bargain.

Crafted by Us comes to Old Bolsover Yard

We have another pop-up shop starting next week as Crafted by Us join us in our pop-up shop unit. I'll be introducing you to Steve and Ian next week and telling you all about their business. Keep an eye on social media for more updates of their work.

Time for a Break

Sarah, Damion and Family will be having a few days off at the end of the week meaning The Gallery, The Fabric Den, and Ethos Upcycling will be shut Friday 11th through to Monday 14th. We'll be back open again at 10am Tuesday morning.

The Beehive Cafe and Cup & Saucer will be trading as usual.

Until next week......

Sarah

Totally Locally Bolsover

2/10/2019

Isn't that amazing - spending just £5 per week in your local independent shops and businesses makes a huge difference to your town or High Street!

Here at Old Bolsover Yard we are really pleased to be getting involved in Fiver Fest which is happening from 5th - 12th October. We're asking that you come in to Bolsover and spend £5 with a local independent business, and there's lots of great businesses for you to choose from.

Within Old Bolsover Yard The Fabric Den by Molly Felicity Designs, Cup and Saucer, Ethos Upcycling and M&E Woodcraft are all taking part with lots of #fiverfest deals to be had.

The Pop-Up shop will be open everyday during the campaign from 10am - 3pm featuring items that can be purchased for just £5. Seems to me to be the perfect opportunity to make a start on your shopping for the festive season which is creeping up on us.

By joining in with this campaign we are hoping to make Bolsover a stronger, more vibrant & resilient place. We'd love you all to re-engage with your independent High Street

Until next time.....

Sarah

A Royal Buzz About The Yard

25/9/2019

I do hope that you are all having a good week? As always there's been lots going on at Old Bolsover Yard and we are also busy in the background planning for our future too.

If you follow us on Facebook you may have seen the recent post asking for feedback on our opening hours. With Christmas creeping over the horizon we would like to help with all your Christmas Shopping. Wouldn't it be great to shop locally for all your Christmas presents and support small local businesses too?
We're looking to review our hours and are considering opening either late night or some Sundays or maybe both if the demand is there. Please do get in touch and let us know your thoughts.

Ohh Bee Hive

Ohh Bee Hive are the latest makers to join us in The Gallery. Jess and Paul are natural bee keepers bringing you Raw Honey and Natural Skincare with a number of their products available to purchase from Old Bolsover Yard. To find out more about how Ohh Bee Hive work in harmony with skin, body and nature you can visit their website here.

As well as fantastic beeswax products Ohh Bee Hive also offer Bee Keeper Experiences where you will be taken inside a working beehive to discover the world of Honeybees.

Baroness Bolsover

The Baroness of Bolsover has been spotted recently at Old Bolsover Yard and this weekend she will hopefully be having her first 'sewing lesson' with Molly Felicity Designs. Over the last few months the Baroness has been seen appearing more in public and we are pleased to be welcoming her to Old Bolsover Yard over the coming weeks.

Dates for you Diary

Sunday 6th October 2019 - Old Bolsover Yard will be open to welcome Baroness Bolsover, with filiming taking place thanks to Limekiln Films - do come and join us as an 'extra'!

Until next week.......

Sarah

Everything's Up In The Air

18/9/2019

I'd like to start this week's blog with a personal thank you to Carol and all the members of The Salvation Army Band who joined us on Saturday for an extra date in our Courtyard Programme. The Courtyard was filled with the wonderful sound of Brass Band Music, something that I know Adrian would have loved. Dad was always a fan of Brass Band music and I was grateful to the band for playing The Old Rugged Cross, a family favourite, even if I did get a little teary. Fingers crossed that The Salvation Army Band will be able to join us again for another event next year.

As fell as the fabulous music The Salvation Army also provided lots of fun activities for everyone to get involved with.

Fly on the Wall Photography

Adele from Fly on the Wall Photography has recently been to Old Bolsover Yard to look at the location as a possible venue for photo shoots. Her work is fantastic and the on location shoots that she does just capture that moment. To find out more you can visit Adele's website here. Here's a small selection of the photos she took whilst with us.

I'll be back next week with more news from Old Bolsover Yard and also offering you a proper introduction to the latest maker to join us in The Gallery - Ohh Bee Hive.

There's also more news on The Baroness of Bolsover and an exciting project that we are going to be working on in October - if you'd like to be an extra in a 'film' then watch this space.........

Until next time

Sarah x