Map Skills and Navigation

Dave from Fell Running Guide led a really interesting and informative session on map skills for us. We left feeling more confident and empowered to explore our beautiful countryside. Perfect for our next group walk.

Walk With Women's Group

Our members got out in the fresh air today and enjoyed a bracing walk.

We did a four mile circular route through New Mills to Mousley Bottom, up to Hague Bar, across the golf course and back to Chalkers.

Group members have expressed an interest in doing more outdoor activities so are we are looking forward to our next walk already.

Co-op Local Cause

We would like to say a huge thank you to Co-op staff and customers who have supported us through the Co-op membership scheme. We were selected to be one of the local causes this year. We have received a cheque for an incredible £5975. 87. It will make such a difference to the group and we are very grateful.

Pay It Forward

During the dam incident in Whaley Bridge, several roads and bridges above the River Goyt in New Mills were closed as a safety precaution in case the dam collapsed.  The road blocks were manned 24 hours a day by Police and road workers who had been drafted in from all over Derbyshire, some on their days off.  They worked 12 hours shifts outside in the hot weather and were not able to leave their posts to get food or drinks. Bele Bakery organised a suspended food and drink scheme that members of the public paid into for the people working at the road blocks. Women’s group collected sandwiches and drinks twice a day from Bele Bakery and delivered them in teams to 6 locations around New Mills where police and road workers were posted.

Some of the public also helped us deliver when we were short of group members to cover all the road blocks. We took them on foot with our little ones (who were delighted to meet officers and see Police vans), as there was no way to get around town in a car with the road closures. In the morning hot breakfast sandwiches and brews were delivered. During the afternoon sandwiches, cold drinks, cakes or ice lollies were offered. We also delivered food donated by local takeaways to New Mills fire Station in the evenings as they had a lot of extra personnel at their station who were helping in Whaley Bridge. New Mills WI delivered hot drinks to the workers at road blocks during the evenings. 

 The whole community pulled together and raised so much money that there was enough to deliver food and drink for the five days the roads were closed and send some toiletries to Whaley Bridge when they were running low. Thankfully following the incredible work of the RAF, Royal Engineers and emergency services, the dam was saved, residents were allowed home and the roads were re-opened.

Balsam Bash

We spent a great morning enjoying our beautiful countryside whilst balsam bashing recently. Jill from Transition New Mills led us on our first Balsam Bash. Himalayan Balsam is a non-native plant that has an invasive habit. It crowds out native flora and spreads rapidly on wet ground.  It has become a big problem in the Torrs and along the riverbanks of New Mills. Each plant can produce hundreds of seeds, pulling the plants up before they set seed prevents it spreading. Thanks to Jill for guiding us today.  Transition New Mills lead regular Balsam Bashes, if you'd like to join them please check their Facebook page for future dates.

One World Festival 2019

We had a stand at One World Festival recently with our legendary tombola. As part of our commitment to being more environmentally friendly we had a display of reusable products from our members, including cloth nappies, reusable wipes and sanitary pads. We had a great day raised £186.92 with our tombola and raffle. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and supported us on the day.