This year the development team has supported a number of Members to apply for funding from the Better Derbyshire Dales Fund, as well as other funding streams. We arranged visits to see the groups in action and are pleased to share these images with you which really capture the variety of activities run by our Members.

Heartwood Social Farming Centre CIC – based at High Leas Farm, Matlock

“We invite many groups to the farm to learn about and engage in heritage crafts, farm activities and wildlife restoration actions.
We have a community vegetable garden, heritage grain beds and fruit trees as well as heritage breed cattle, sheep and hens. We farm in a way that sequesters carbon and aids natural flood management as well as supporting wildlife.”

Rowsley Village Hall Hub

Rowsley started a ‘warm space’ in November 2022, which has gone from strength to strength, becoming a year round ‘community hub’ on Tuesday mornings. The Community Hub is a welcoming space for all, proving hot drinks and cake on a ‘pay as you feel’ donation basis, craft activities, and a parent/carer and toddler group bringing all generations together.

Winster and Elton Lunch Club

Established in 1989, the aim of the club is to provider elderly members with a nourishing meal once a week, and at the same time, provide an opportunity for social interaction and entertainment. Community Transport is provided so that residents in the outlying hamlets and on farms are able to get to the Club.

Monyash Road Allotments – Bakewell

Bakewell Gardening Association runs a community allotment site on Monyash Road, Bakewell. The site is deliberately divided into mini plots to maximise the number of local people able to enjoy fresh air, exercise, and grow vegetables.

The group has regular social get togethers, including talks from speakers and demonstrations on associated topics.