Ready Steady Go!! ......

So, after months of planning the Courtyard Programme 2019 gets underway this Saturday with a 'Meet the Tenants' Day.

It is almost a year since we came to Old Bolsover Yard, and much has happened between then & now. We inherited a derelict site with outbuildings that had't been used for years, roofs collapsed on some of the buildings, no electricity, and it all looked very sorry for itself. Now look at it today - new roofs, electricity, new doors & windows, gallons of paint! - all our workshop units let, providing opportunities for small businesses to grow, a new tourist attraction for Bolsover, a new business contributing to the economic life of the town, and a new business that has sought to get involved with the town.

So, this Saturday we hope you will come and 'pop-in' to help us celebrate what we have achieved, of which we are rightly proud, and meet our tenants, see what they do, have a look around our Gallery which also features local crafts people.

And to get you in the  mood, I asked each of the tenants to provide me with a few words about their business and this is what they said ......

 In Unit 1 is The Fabric Den & this is what Sarah said - 
The Fabric Den is Molly Felicity Designs independent fabric shop based at Old Bolsover Yard. Building on the current revival of ‘make do and mend culture’ Sarah is influenced by all things vintage which is reflected in the fabrics in stock. The Fabric Den also offers sewing lessons and workshops. 

Then in Unit 3 is Creative Handmade Craft Studio with Maria & Antonino -
Maria said - Creative Handmade Craft Studio are passionate about making & inspiring handmade creations specialising in individual genuine gemstones & stocking a range of high quality materials rarely available either locally or on the high street. In-house designer Maria Carrara-Russo will help you create the perfect bespoke pieces. Maria also loves to share her knowledge and expertise & offers 1-2-1 sessions, group workshops & parties covering a range of jewellery & accessory making tutorials

And Antonino said - Handmade, unique, historically inspired. These are just a few ways to describe what I create. 
At Old Bolsover Yard, you will find Antonino Creations located within the Creative Handmade Craft Studio, where, along with an array of hand tools and a blowtorch I turn metals and leather into unique and special items, come along and see the pieces made before your very eyes.

Right next door in Unit 4 is Gail whose  business is - Cup & Saucer - and she said -
Cup & Saucer was launched in December 2017 by Gail Hannan, she was influenced by two of her greatest passions, tea - and the Peak District. By combining the two, Gail has created a unique range of teas and tisanes- offering flavours such as Pennine Picnic, Bakewell Heart and Kinder Green.
 Winning Chesterfields 'Local Producer of The Year' award in October 2018 was a major achievement which Gail is extremely proud of.

Next door to Cup & Saucer in Unit 5 is The Gallery @ Old Bolsover Yard -
which features the work of some of our tenants and also of local crafts people who just want to display & exhibit their goods for sale. A veritable pot pourri of all sorts for that special present or something new to adorn the home

Which brings us to Unit 6 - Ethos Upcycling the home of Damion, who said - 
Ethos Upcycling specialises in taking old, discarded or simply unloved items and bringing them back to life. By repurposing a variety of items Damion ensures a sustainable process helping to reduce what would otherwise be considered waste. One of the unique selling points of Ethos Upcycling is that items can be transformed with either a traditional or modern twist.  

And finally - I asked Michelle in the Beehive Cafe to contribute, but I haven't heard anything from her, so here goes - 'In My Words'
The Beehive Cafe stands proudly at the entrance to Old Bolsover Yard, and is part of the Old Bolsover Yard complex 
Serving a wide range of food & drinks, it is a place not to be missed.
And in the summer, if you want to, you can choose to sit outside & enjoy the sunshine & watch the world go by

Then in the Gallery we have two traders - 
Scentuals by Charlene - who wrote - 
My name is Charlene, a Mother of three. I started making candles ​in December 2018 after receiving a kit as a gift. I started creating food and drink inspired candles and wax melts and I had so much interest in them that I started making full time. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for Scentuals by Charlene.

And Shaun - M&E Woodcraft - who rounds off the introductions by saying -
I started out a couple of years ago making gifts out of wood after a kind gentleman gave me his tools, so I had to put them to good use, so a few youtube videos later and a bit of trial and error, I started getting requests. I generally use reclaimed timber, basically what ever I can get my hands on, whether it be pallets or old windowsills and door frames. I don't class myself as a joiner or a carpenter, I’d rather be called a maker​

So there you are - this is who they are in their own words - now it is up to you to come and see for yourselves

The yarn has arrived!! ......

Sarah in The Fabric Den, has started to stock yarn following some market research of the local community, and getting a big & useful response.

It is initially only DK (double knitting for the uninitiated!!), in a wide range of colours, and in the first day of the stock being on the shelves, she sold over 10 balls of yarn & some knitting patterns.

So, ladies you asked for yarn, now you have it, and Sarah has an extensive catalogue of other yarns that she can order if you want something particular.

The yarn is also suitable for & available to men knitters/crocheters too!!

Pop-in and have a look - open 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday.

And Sarah will be in The Fabric Den on Saturday as part of our Courtyard Programme, with news of her workshops etc. that she has got planned

Easter Extravaganza! ......

Not long now until Easter and chocolate eggs etc., and much merriment - the first chance to let you hair down since Christmas!

On Saturday 20th April we will are having an Easter Extravaganza as part of the Courtyard Programme, with an Easter Egg Hunt, and lots of things for children to get involved in.

More news to follow in future blog posts. But, to get you in the mood here is a little problem solver for you!

Mr Bunny has been busy painting an egg in time for Easter & he is very proud of what he has done. But, he has missed a bit of painting & he has not seen it - can you spot what it is? Answer in next weeks blog post.

Bolsover TV comes to Old Bolsover Yard ....

Next Wednesday, Bolsover TV which is the internet TV channel of Bolsover District Council, will be coming to pay us a visit & do some filming & interviewing everybody to put together a piece for their May News programme. So we are hoping for good weather & a calm windless day to help us along. The Courtyard will be open as usual from 10am to 3pm, so do come along as usual to see what we are up to, and you never know - you might be on telly!!

Bolsover Food & Drinks Festival 2019 - The Cake Bonanza

We have had a number of bookings in recent days for out Cakes Bonanza that we are organising as part of the Bolsover Food & Drinks Festival in July.

And this week we thought we would introduce you to our 'mascot' for the weekend - Please welcome Victoria.....!

Many of you will be familiar with Victoria who is part of the world renowned Sponge family and she will be featuring strongly from now until the 27th/28th July, when she will be making personal appearances throughout the weekend.

Remember that the Cake Bonanza is not just about cakes, but is devoted to everything cake related.

There will be more about this event in coming blog posts as we get nearer to July.
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So there you are ......

that is more than enough for you this week. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday, and just whenever you feel like dropping in to see our latest developments. Until next time .......