The November 2026 edition of the Little Chester Newsletter is now available, featuring upcoming festive community events, local planning application updates, and news from local pubs and neighbourhood groups.

The poppies are up round Chester Green and look great. If you’d like to ‘sponsor a poppy’ and donate to the Royal British Legion, you can do so here: tinyurl.com/CGPoppies2026

Screenreader-Friendly Newsletter Content

Derby A Cappella Christmas Concert Derby A Cappella will perform at the Chester Green Community Centre on Tuesday, 8th December at 6:30 pm. The evening includes festive tunes, a complimentary glass of mulled wine, a mince pie, and a sing-along to Christmas classics, alongside a special guest appearance for children. Admission is £5 for adults, while under 16s enter for free. Tickets are available online via the QR code on event posters, and all proceeds support a local charity. Visit https://www.derbyacappella.co.uk/ for more information.

Upcoming Services at St. Paul’s Church, Chester Green

• Remembrance Sunday Service: Sunday, 8th November at 10:00 am. This includes a Holy Communion service followed by an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial.
• Christingle Service: Sunday, 6th December at 4:00 pm. This family-friendly service allows attendees to create a traditional Christingle candle orange and finishes in time for the Chester Green Christmas lights switch-on at 5:15 pm. Additional details are available at www.stpaulschestergreen.org/christmas or by following @stpaulschestergreen on social media.

Planning Update: The Duke of Clarence, Mansfield Road Amended plans for application 22/01085/FUL remain under consideration. The proposal seeks to demolish the 19th-century Duke of Clarence pub in the Little Chester Conservation Area to build a micropub and eight apartments, three of which would be on the ground floor.

• Urban Design: The Council’s officer cannot recommend the plans without convincing justification and evidence as to why the existing building cannot be retained, adapted, or extended.
• Flood Risk: The Environment Agency formally objected because the assessment fails to demonstrate whether the development will increase flood risk elsewhere or adequately protect ground-floor occupants during a local flood defence breach.
• Noise & Disruption: Environmental Protection raised concerns about demolition impact and ongoing noise for residents, requesting a Noise Management Plan and a Construction Management Plan. Contact the Residents’ Association via www.littlechester.org.uk.

Chester Green Entertainments Team

• Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday, 21st November from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Chester Green Community Centre (DE1 3SA). Entry is free to browse approximately 30 stalls selling handmade products, bakes, preserves, jewellery, decorations, and fragrances. The kitchen will sell refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, soup, pasties, sausage rolls, and mince pies.
• Quiz Night: Friday, 4th December at the Community Centre. Doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start. Admission is £3 per person for teams of up to 5 members. The bar will be open, and the event features prizes and festive nibbles.
• Christmas Window Trail: The trail runs throughout December. Residents who want their decorated windows included on the trail map must email Rachel at chestergreenents@gmail.com by 8th November. Windows can be decorated in any style but should ideally include lights.
• Christmas Lights Switch On: Sunday, 6th December at the corner of Marcus Street and Chester Green Road. The gathering begins at 5:00 pm with the switch-on at 5:15 pm. Residents are welcome to bring non-breakable decorations for the Christmas tree. For more information, contact the team at chestergreenents@gmail.com or cgetmarkets@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook (www.facebook.com/chestergreenents) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/chestergreenents/).

Coach & Horses Pub Weekly Schedule

• Monday: Quiz and 50% off food.
• Tuesday: Open mic night every two weeks.
• Wednesday: Free pool.
• Thursday: Pool team match and/or Skittles team match.
• Friday: Free Jukebox Fridays.
• Saturday: 1st Saturday is live music, 2nd Saturday is disco night, 3rd Saturday is karaoke, and 4th Saturday is top of the pubs (music video marathon).
• Sunday: Sunday roasts.

The Royal British Legion Lamp Post Poppies Lamp Post Poppies will be placed around Chester Green ahead of Remembrance Sunday. To sponsor a poppy or donate to the Royal British Legion, visit tinyurl.com/CGPoppies2026 or drop donations at 24 St Paul’s Rd.

Townsend Theatre Productions Following a packed performance on Friday, 2nd October, the theatre company will return to perform “Farewell Leicester Square” on Sunday, 28th February. Further information will be provided soon.

Darley Abbey Mills: Walter’s Walkway Reinstated The temporary Walter’s Walkway footbridge was lifted back into position across the River Derwent on 22nd October. It is expected to reopen to pedestrians and cyclists in mid-November once new concrete abutments and access ramps are completed.

Little Chester History Group The next meeting is Thursday, 19th November at 7:30 pm in the Community Centre. Robert Mee will speak on “The history of almshouses”. A general meeting will be held prior to his arrival to discuss the group’s future.

Newsletter Administration The newsletter editor is bruce.wiggins@gmail.com. The newsletter is printed by the University of Derby Print Dept (print@derby.ac.uk).

Apologies for the lateness of this on-line version. The paper versions will have been with you for a while now! Download everything ‘Chester Green’ below:

A screen-reader friendly version of the newsletter can be found below:

Little Chester Newsletter: September 2026

Editor: bruce.wiggins@gmail.com Printed by: University of Derby Print Dept. (print@derby.ac.uk) Residents’ Association Website: www.littlechester.org.uk

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Enjoy a one-person magic show adapted by Neil Gore from the classic novel by Robert Tressell, featuring projection, political conjuring tricks, live music, and song. The story follows a group of Edwardian painters and decorators tracing their hardships and struggles.

• Date: Friday 2nd October 2026
• Time: 7:00 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre, Derby, DE1 3RR
• Running Time: Act 1 is 40 minutes, Act 2 is 30 minutes
• Age Suitability: 11 plus
• Tickets: Available online at https://tinyurl.com/cgragged
  

Monthly Book Exchange

After a break in August and September, the free book exchange and library is returning! Pop in, bring books you’ve read, take new supplies, and have a friendly chat over a cuppa.

• Date: 1st Saturday of every month, starting in October
• Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
• Venue: Community room on Old Chester Road (opposite the end of Marcus Street)
• Note: We cannot take large quantities of books due to a lack of storage space

Macmillan Coffee Morning – Chester Green Eats Cake!

Join us for good coffee, good cake, and good company, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Hosted and organised by the Chester Green Entertainments Team.

• Date: Sunday 20th September 2026
• Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre, DE1 3SA
• Cost: Suggested donation of £4
• Includes: Tea or coffee and a slice of cake

Calling All Bakers!

We are looking for wonderful community bakers to donate homemade cakes, traybakes, cupcakes, or other tasty treats for the Macmillan Coffee Morning on Sunday 20th September. Every slice sold helps raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

• Deadline to Volunteer: Please let us know by the 14th September
• Contact: Mark Davis via text/phone on 07802733975, email at markjdavis01@outlook.com, or message on Facebook

Chester Green Entertainments Team Updates

Keep up to date with all our events via our social media pages (Facebook: www.facebook.com/chestergreenents, Instagram: www.instagram.com/chestergreenents/) or contact us at chestergreenents@gmail.com.

Autumn Quiz Night

• Date: Friday 18th September 2026
• Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre
• Cost: £3 per team member (maximum of 5 members per team)
• Details: Hosted by Phil. Grab a table and drinks from the bar. Prizes are available for each winning team member!

Halloween Family Disco

• Date: Saturday 24th October 2026
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre
• Details: Save the date, more info to follow next month.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops

• Date: Friday 27th November 2026
• Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre
• Cost: £35 per person (includes tea, coffee, or a glass of wine and a mince pie)
• Details: Create a beautiful handmade wreath under the expert guidance of local florist Nicki Mullan, who will provide all foliage and accessories.
• Booking: Contact cgetmarkets@gmail.com to book your place before it sells out.

Christmas Craft Fair

• Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
• Details: This fabulous event returns, with more info to follow next month.

Pub Updates!

The Little Chester Ale House

• Cheese Night: Every Tuesday from 7:00 pm. Quality cheese and biscuits for free!
• Quiz Night: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 pm. £3 per player, with £1 games of ‘sticky fingers’ afterwards. Arrive early for a seat.

The Coach and Horses

• Details: Showing the new football season via TNT Sports and Sky Sports. Enjoy decent beer, excellent food, and Sunday lunches.

Little Chester History Group: We Need You!

Our autumn season begins soon, and we need fresh energy to keep the group thriving! We have open spots for a new Chairperson, committee helpers, and general members.

• Date: Thursday, 17th September 2026
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre
• Cost: Annual subscription is £15

Chester Green Community Group

Check out the weekly timetable and upcoming events on our website: chestergreencommunitygroup.yolasite.com.

• Venue Hire: The Centre is available to hire for birthday parties, celebrations, meetings, or workshops at reasonable rates. A bar is available subject to numbers and staff.
• Contact: Email chestergreencommunitygroup@hotmail.com or call 07527 603057 for prices and availability.

Travellers on Chester Green

The Green sadly remains covered in asbestos and rubbish following the latest traveller encampment, and a large tree was damaged. The community group is exploring the reinstatement of the Green’s railings as a long-term deterrent.

Residents who share deep frustration over this situation are urged to contact local councillors to encourage the police and council to enforce available legal powers.

• Councillor Contacts: carmel.swan@derby.gov.uk, alison.martin@derby.gov.uk, and martin.repton@derby.gov.uk.

The july newsletter is out (apologies for the delay in putting this online!). It’s our 10th free Picnic on the Green event on Sunday! All details, and more, inside!

Here is the screenreader-friendly text summary of the Little Chester Newsletter (July 2026).

1. Annual Picnic on the Green (10th Anniversary)

• Event Type: Major annual family community picnic featuring live entertainment.
• Entertainment Line-up: Live bands Brass Pigeon and The Buzzberrys, Local Vocals choir, Tiptoes School of Performing Arts, and Mary Good (local fire eater and children’s entertainer).
• Activities: World Cup themed treasure hunt, face painting, children’s games, a marquee with activities hosted by St Paul’s Church, a raffle, and a tug of war.
• Date & Time: Sunday 12th July 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (approximate end time).
• Venue: On the Green at Chester Green.
• Wet Weather Contingency (Plan B): In case of rain, the event will move indoors to the Chester Green Community Centre on Darley Fields.
• Cost: Free admission. (Note: Attendees are advised to bring cash for raffle tickets and small optional donations for the free face painting; Bluebell’s Ice Cream accepts both cash and cards).
• What to Bring: Chairs, picnic blankets, gazebos, food, drinks, and sunscreen.
• Facilities: An accessible portable toilet and first aiders will be stationed near the play area.
• Volunteering & Donations: Help is needed for setup from 10:00 AM on the morning of the event. Raffle prize donations are also being accepted. Call 07722 486166 for collection.

2. People’s Emergency Briefing (Film Screening)

• Event Type: Public screening of a public information film about the climate and nature crisis, featuring footage and evidence from a Westminster expert briefing. The screening will be followed by a community discussion.
• Date & Time: Thursday 16th July 2026 at 6:30 PM.
• Venue: Centurion Walk Community Room, Old Chester Road.
• Cost: Free entry.
• More Information: Website available at https://www.nebriefing.org/.

3. “Chester Green Does Cake” Macmillan Fundraiser

• Event Type: A confirmed charity fundraiser featuring cake, biscuits, tea, coffee, and community chat to raise valuable funds for Macmillan.
• Date: Sunday 20th September 2026.
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre.
• Call for Action: Organizers are seeking volunteer cake-bakers and biscuit-makers to supply the event.
• Contact: To get involved, text or call Mark J. Davis on 07802733975, email markjdavis01@outlook.com, or message via Facebook.

4. Weekly Classes & Recurring Events

Pilates Class

• Day & Time: Every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Venue: St Paul’s Church Hall.
• Cost: £6 per class. All experience levels and beginners are welcome.
• Contact: Dee on 07951 743016 (places are limited).

5. Community Updates & Notices

• Well Dressing Project Review: Organizers sent out a huge thank you to everyone who assisted, dropped in, or brought flowers (including a special mention to Momo for donating pink peonies). Next year’s Well Dressing workshops are confirmed for June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2027, with the public displays running until June 13th, 2027.
• St Paul’s Church Faith Discussion Sessions: The church is organizing open discussion groups for September and October 2026 to explore big questions about life and faith. Anyone with some faith or none is welcome to attend. To register interest and help decide on meeting times, contact James via email at stpaulschestergreen@gmail.com or call 07713694483.
• Zebra Crossing Visibility Improvements: Following pressure from local residents and councillors, pruning has been carried out to clear overgrown vegetation obscuring the pedestrian zebra crossing on Mansfield Road (on the Green side). The council has committed to keeping this line of sight clear moving forward.
• Local Wildlife Initiatives: Swift bricks and wildlife accommodations are now officially required on all new area housing developments. Additionally, the Environment Agency and the Earl of Harrington’s Angling Club recently released a fresh batch of chub and barbel fry into the local Chester Green section of the River Derwent.
• Chester Green Community Centre Updates: The centre notes high engagement across its regular weekly timetable, which includes crafting, fitness, painting, ukulele, yoga, harmony singing, line dancing, Baby Sensory, and Tiddlekicks football. A full schedule is hosted on chestergreencommunitygroup.yolasite.com. The group also reported that their recent Pre-Loved Sale was highly successful, drawing over 250 customers across 22 stalls. For private party hire inquiries, contact 07527 603057 or email chestergreencommunitygroup@hotmail.com.

6. Contact Information & Links

• Residents’ Association Website: www.littlechester.org.uk
• Entertainments Team Emails: chestergreenents@gmail.com or cgetmarkets@gmail.com
• Entertainments Team Socials: Facebook | Instagram
• Newsletter Editor Email: bruce.wiggins@gmail.com
• Printing Services: Printed by the University of Derby Print Department (print@derby.ac.uk)

Below is a download link to the May 2026 Little Chester Newsletter. Lots of info about local events for May and beyond! A screen-reader friendly list is below it, summarising the key details, too.

Screen-reader version: Upcoming Events

Spring Craft & Food Fair

• Date: Saturday, May 9th
• Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Venue: Community Centre
• Cost: Free admission
• Details: Features over 30 stalls selling hand-crafted produce, a tombola (please bring cash), and refreshments including sausage rolls, pasties, and drinks.

Little Chester History Group

• Date: Thursday, May 15th
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Venue: Community Centre
• Cost: £3.00 for visitors
• Details: Speaker Mary de Ville will give an amusing and interactive talk on “TV and Radio in the 1950’s”.

The Grate Cheese Quest (Mikron Theatre)

• Date: May 31st
• Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre
• Cost: No tickets required; a “pay what you feel” collection will be taken after the show.
• Details: A hilarious, musical play about the quest to resurrect traditional Wensleydale cheese. This is a BSL interpreted performance. Bring a picnic; refreshments are also available.

Chester Green Well Dressing

• Date: June 2nd to June 15th
• Venue: Rear of 108 Chester Green Road
• Details: Pop into the workshop to help make a well-dressing on the theme of celebration! All materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring flowers to share. Text Caroline on 07762264308 to book a place.

Pre-loved Pop-up Event

• Date: June 14th
• Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Venue: Community Centre
• Cost: £10 to hire a table; free to attend.
• Details: A brand new event selling quality ‘pre-loved’ adult and children’s clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories. Email cgetmarkets@gmail.com to book a selling table.

Picnic on the Green

• Date: Sunday afternoon, July 12th
• Details: A fun family event featuring bands, a fire eater, dancers, games, and ice creams. More details will be shared next month.

Recurring Events & Community Notices

Chester Green Book Exchange

• Date: 1st Saturday of the month
• Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
• Venue: Community room on Old Chester Road (opposite the end of Marcus Street)
• Cost: Free
• Details: Bring your read books, pick up new ones, and enjoy a friendly chat over a cuppa.

Information Boards Update

• Details: Eight ideas have been shortlisted for the local information boards, including updating the Old Chester Road board with new findings on Darley Fields. If you have memories or information regarding local historic sites, please contact Mark at 07802733975 or markjdavis01@outlook.com.

Community Centre Hire

• Details: The community centre is available for private hire for events like birthday parties, family gatherings, or regular weekly meetings. Email chestergreencommunitygroup@hotmail.com or call 07527 603057 to check availability and prices.

Bird Nesting Boxes

• Cost: £6.50 each
• Details: The Friends of the Green are selling nesting boxes to raise money for local projects, and they can even help you put them up. Text 07757 923 873 to order.

New Childminder

• Details: Megan, an Ofsted Registered Childminder, will be opening a service this Autumn based on St Paul’s Road. She will offer places for under 2s on Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact Megan on 07425887895 for more information.

Quiz Night Thank You

• Details: The Chester Green Entertainments Team’s April quiz was a huge success, with all money raised going to fund the upcoming Picnic on the Green.

Here are the electronic versions of the March and April 2026 newsletters (apologies for not posting the March one sooner!)

Here’s a summary of the April version for screen readers etc. 🙂

Chester Green Well Dressing

• Community members of all ages are invited to help make the annual well dressings, working together or collecting materials to work from home. The exhibition will include a blessing by James the Vicar.
• Date: The event runs from June 2nd to June 15th. The Well Dressing Group is meeting from June 2nd to June 5th.
• Venue: Marcus Street well, with some smaller pieces transported to the Vicarage Garden on Saturday, June 6th.

Spring Craft and Food Fair

• This highlight of the year features over 30 stalls selling unique, handcrafted products like jewelry, bakes, fragrances, and pet products. Attendees can enjoy a tombola, grab refreshments from the kitchen (including pasties and Pimm’s), and relax while shopping.
• Date: Saturday, May 9th.
• Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre.
• Cost: Admission is FREE, but attendees are encouraged to bring cash as well as cards for payments.

General Knowledge Quiz Night

• Following a packed music quiz in February, this general knowledge quiz is set by Phil Teague. Attendees can grab a table, get drinks from the bar, and compete for a prize awarded to each person on the winning team.
• Date: Friday, April 24th.
• Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.
• Cost: £3 per team member (teams of no more than 5 people).

Picnic on the Green

• An annual community event where hundreds of people gather to enjoy live music, a dance display, a fire eater, face painting, games, and ice creams.
• Date: Sunday, July 12th.
• Time: Afternoon.
• Venue: The Green.

The Grate Cheese Quest (Mikron Theatre Show)

• A hilarious theater performance about Monks from an Abbey seeking to resurrect their traditional Wensleydale cheese, featuring ghosts, drama, and musical numbers. This is a BSL-interpreted performance where attendees can bring a picnic, and refreshments will be available.
• Date: May 31st.
• Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre.
• Cost: No tickets are required; a “pay what you feel” collection will be taken after the show.

Easter Services at St Paul’s Church

• The local church is hosting Easter services, including quiet reflection, building an Easter Garden to hear the Easter story, and celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection.
• Venue: St Paul’s Church.
• Good Friday Details: 1:00 pm “Hour at the Cross” service and a 3:00 pm Easter Garden service.
• Easter Sunday Details: 10:00 am Holy Communion service.

Little Chester History Group Meeting

• The group will be hosting a talk titled “The National Forest,” presented by Gerald Price.
• Date: Thursday, April 16th.
• Time: 7:30 pm.
• Venue: Community Centre.

Chester Green Community Group Annual General Meeting

• A brief, one-hour meeting for residents to hear about the Community Centre’s management and financial position, and to suggest improvements. Attendees will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of wine, beer, lager, or a soft drink.
• Date: Thursday, May 7th.
• Time: Starts at 7:00 pm.
• Venue: The Centre.

Apologies, but it seems I forgot to upload this month’s newsletter! You can download the newsletter below. I’ve included a summary to help with screen-readers etc. 🙂

Little Chester News: February 2026 Update

Happy New Year! Following a beautiful Christmas season featuring the “Find the Pud” competition and the lovely window trail, the Chester Green Entertainments Team is looking forward to a year packed with events.

Here is everything you need to know about what is happening in the community this month and beyond.

Upcoming Events & Dates for Your Diary

Music Quiz Night Test your knowledge with music maestro John Lock. There is a prize for each winning team member!

• Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
• Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre
• Cost: £3 per person (Teams of up to 5 people)

Little Chester History Group Meeting The group welcomes members back with a talk by either Keith Blood or David Parry titled “From a train window, Derby to Cromford”.

• Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre

Chester Green Book Exchange A free library service to swap books and enjoy a cuppa.

• Date: The 1st Saturday of the month
• Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Venue: Community Room on Old Chester Road (opposite Marcus St)

Important Community News

Derby Local Plan Consultation An eight-week consultation on the Draft Local Plan is currently running until Monday, March 9, 2026. Residents are encouraged to respond via the Local Plan Consultation Portal.

Two drop-in events are being held for those who wish to discuss the plan:

• Venue: The Market Hall, Ordish Room
• Dates:
  • Saturday, January 31, 2026 (9:30 am – 3:00 pm)
  • Saturday, February 21, 2026 (9:30 am – 3:00 pm)

Call for Bands: Picnic on the Green 2026 The Entertainments Team is already planning the “Picnic on the Green” for the afternoon of Sunday, July 6, 2026. They are looking for local bands and acts to perform. This is a paid gig, so if you are interested, please contact the team.

Regular Classes & Groups

Chester Green Community Centre The centre is hosting a variety of weekly and fortnightly activities, including the popular new “Stampede” line dancing class, Baby Sensory, and Tiddlekicks.

• Contact: chestergreencommunitygroup@hotmail.com or 07527 603057 for hire availability.

St Paul’s Rainbow Tots A group for 0-5s and their carers, featuring crafts, snacks, and songs.

• Time: Mondays (term time), 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Venue: St Paul’s Church Hall, Seale Street
• Cost: £2 per family