You would be forgiven considering the weather we have seen over the last few weeks thinking that I'd gone a little crazy with this weeks post title however the end of last week saw the longest day meaning that Summer is officially here.

Did you notice a new arrival at Old Bolsover Yard? Thanks to the brilliant work of Aspire Gates our entrance way has had a bit of a makeover. We are over the moon with the new archway and wrought iron gates which really welcome visitors to the Craft Courtyard.

So last Saturday saw another Courtyard Programme event hosted by Bolsover WI.

The weather was kind to us with the sun making an appearance along with a flypast from the Red Arrows. I'm sure they were actually on their way to a display elsewhere but it was still fabulous to see them flying right over the Yard. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough with the camera to get a shot before they were just a trail of smoke.

I did however manage to take some pictures of the WI and the wonderful stalls that they had put together.

Looking forward a little further to the 6th July we are looking to hold an event that celebrates International Teddy Bears Picnic Day (yes! there really is one).

If you are a small business with a Teddy Bear theme​ and would like to get involved then please get in touch with Sarah on 07734820555. There are already lots of Teddy related activities planned but still space to squeeze in a little more!

So we come to the end of another blog post. We look forward to seeing you at our Courtyard Saturday events. Don't forget though that we are open Monday - Saturday 10am to 3pm. Come and meet Damion, Gail, Nino, Maria, and Sarah to find out more about the businesses in the Yard. Make sure you leave enough time to browse the Gallery where you might just find THAT present and also pop for a cuppa and some cake in The Beehive Cafe.

​Until next time...... 

It's that time of the week again - time for another update from Old Bolsover Yard. 

Last Saturday's Courtyard Programme event saw Bolsover Art Group taking over the yard. After a week of very wet weather thankfully the rain held off for most of the day meaning that the group were able to display some of their fabulous hard work, the paintings were beautiful.
I understand that the event paid off for them and paintings were sold - hopefully they're now hanging in pride of place in their new homes. It's wonderful to be able to support local community groups and even better when they go home happy at the end of the day.
There will be a few new members at the next meeting and plenty more art to be produced, maybe they'll be back again at Old Bolsover Yard in the future.

Proving that they are not just about 'jam & Jerusalem' the next date for your diary is Saturday 22nd June when our very own WI will take over the yard and showcase what they are really about. You may have noticed some of the posters that they have produced on social media over the last few days.

Try and make time in your schedule to come and support another local community group.

I've been mentioning over the last few weeks about the work that we have been doing at Old Bolsover Yard to improve the facilities. I can report that all the plastering is now done and a new floor laid so now it's time to get the plumbers back.

If you are visiting over the next few days hopefully you will also be able to see our new gates as they arrive on site and are installed. I'm not going to tell you too much as I don't want to spoil any surprises.

We have been working hard to improve Old Bolsover Yard and would like to just take time to thank all the other small businesses that we have been working with to make it happen.

​Until next time........

Looking out the window this morning and being greeted by rain again might not be the best feeling but I'm sure that when it finally arrives Summer will be lovely. It was certainly an interesting evening earlier this week when the fire had to be lit to keep us all warm. Despite the rain things are progressing again at Old Bolsover Yard with planning for upcoming events, changes to the Gallery and also further work to the toilet block being completed.

After a break last weekend we are back again for another event on Saturday for our Courtyard Programme.

Bolsover Art Group will be joining us for the day. With oils, pastels, gauche and watercolours all being demonstrated by the local painting group from 10am until 3pm.

We've also been told that there will be paintings for sale so don't forget to measure that wall space before you come to visit.

​Until next time.........

Apologies for those of you who have been sitting waiting for this blog post since breakfast. Usually our weekly blog post is published first thing on a Wednesday morning. Unfortunately things are a little topsy turvy at Old Bolsover Yard at the moment so please bear with us. We are open as usual Monday - Saturday 10am - 3pm but a few of the behind the scenes activities are being affected - normal services will be resumed in due course. In the meantime enjoy your Wednesday evening blog post for this week.........

Saturday morning saw the arrival of Ian Stacey and his Birds of Prey to Old Bolsover Yard. It was a lovely day and thank you to those who came and spent some time with us. There were plenty of decorated owls as part of the Children's Activity for the weekend, who I hope are now enjoying their new homes. If you missed this event Ian will be back with us for another Courtyard Saturday on 3rd August. 

Don't forget that Sunday 16th June is Father's Day. It can often be difficult to think of great gift ideas so let us help you at Old Bolsover Yard. The Gallery has lots of unique and quirky items just perfect to tell him what you think. From the memories you've made together to the life skills he's taught you don't forget to say Thank You for all the things that have been made possible because of Dad.

Being a Craft Courtyard we look to showcase all sorts of traditional crafts, but in addition we are also managing to squeeze in some musical interludes and support for a number of local community groups. There's lots still to come throughout June:

Saturday 15th June - Bolsover Art Group
Oils, pastels, gauche, watercolours, will all be demonstrated by our local painting group. With paintings for sale too, make sure you measure that space on the wall before you come!

Saturday 22nd June - Bolsover WI
Proving that they are not just about 'Jam & Jerusalem', our very own WI will take over the Yard and showcase what they are really about.

Saturday 29th June - Bolsover Inner Wheel
Another showcase weekend to find out what Bolsover Inner Wheel is about. Rumours are they are also hoping to sell jams, chutneys & cakes!

Throughout these events which all run from 10am - 3pm the other units at Old Bolsover Yard will be open with a warm welcome for all.

Work is still progressing on further improvements to the site so another big thank you to all the tradesmen who are helping out with this project. 

Until next week............