HUTHWAITE HUB - for creative crafts and supportive company.
2 Chairs...
Cllr. Paul Grafton (Chair of Ashfield District Council) and Hilary James (Chair of the Huthwaite Hub) having a good time at Paul's charity find raising event at Coxmoor Golf Club in October 2025. A great night of 70's music, an expansive buffet and many, many 'tall stories' all contributed towards a night that will live long in the memories of many people. As for the customs, including Paul as 'Huggy Bear' and Dora in her shimmering silver pants - they also left an indelible image of an unforgettable evening!
Many thanks to the organisers and all those that turned out for a special night.
Working space changes in 2025...
Over recent years we have been reasonably successful in attracting new members, raising donations and increasing external contributions to the Hub, all of which has lead to an increase of 'surplus funds'. It was agreed at this years AGM (and subsequent Trustee meetings) that a proportion of the funds could be spent on equipment, materials and the working environment - we are now starting to see changes within the Hub that will have a positive impact on all those that use our facilities as a result of those additional funds.
The well used workbenches have been retired as have various old dining chairs around the craft tables - in their place are 4 highly mobile workbenches with electrical outlets together with 12 identical conference chairs . The benches and chairs are easily wiped down and are therefore readily available for a variety of uses.
This completes the initial phase of improving the working environment but it is not the end! As we slowly accumulate surplus funds in 2026 the Trustees are committed to making further improvements.
Tombola Drum 2025 upgrade...
Many thanks to Maureen who very kindly donated an aged tombola drum earlier this year. After using the drum on a number of occasions it was evident that the original design had a few shortcomings! Design advice was sought from our tombola drum experts, discussed at length and finally approved - it fell to the woodworkers to make the new revolutionary drum that would always stop with the opening door in the right place to ensure all the tickets on the inside didn't fall out!
Following a 'new, eye catching paint job' the revitalised drum is now ready for its next spin.
A different lathe- August 2025...
Something a little different for our turners to try out... this machine is designed to handle longer items such as walking sticks or 'standard lamps' as opposed to the more traditional cups & bowls. This long based lathe will be carefully cleaned and returned to a fully working order, after that it's down to the skill and flair as to what our members can make using it!
Our thanks go out to Paul Grafton for his personal involvement in arranging this donation.
Ashfield Show 2025...
The Huthwaite Hub was invited to attend the Ashfield Show by Ashfield District Council leader Paul Grafton. Not only did we have a great day but we also raised a good amount of money to help support the Hub's activities going forward. We also made a lot friends and possibly some new members.
Many thanks to the organisers and the invitation from Paul.
Summer holidays - July 2025...
Generally members of the Hub are 'of a certain age' however during the long summer holidays we are a little more flexible in who can come and join us.
Here we have Shirley and her grand daughter Charlotte enjoying some quality time together.
Shirley and Charlotte...
Annual General Meeting...
The Huthwaite Hub trustees have confirmed this years AGM will be held at the Huthwaite Hub (Huthwaite Library basement) starting at 6PM on Wednesday 23rd July 2025. The meeting is anticipated to last for no more than an hour, all Hub members and local interested parties are encouraged to attend. Any specific agenda items should be handed to any of the trustees at least 7 days prior to the AGM.
Selston Films in the Park event - 21st June 2025...
The Hub dared to venture out and promote what we do to the good folks of Selston. It was a hot day and we had a steady stream of visitors to our stall. The tombola, raffle and items for sale all combined to raise a reasonable amount of cash to help support our activities. Of equal importance, we introduced the Hub to many people who were not aware that we existed so we may see some new faces in the coming weeks.
As you can see Cath, Hilary & Pam got into the party spirit and there was a healthy debate as whether the orange hats or the early feature film (Paddington in Peru) was the star of the show! A good day was had by all.
Our thanks to Cllr. Paul Grafton for the invitation and to the whole 'Out of the Box' team for their organisational skills.
Malibu hats at the Selston Films in the Park event.
The newly appointed Chair of Ashfield District Council, Paul Grafton, has chosen the Huthwaite Hub as one of his named charities. He described the Hub as “a small charity in my local community; it is inclusive to all people who want to become involved in woodworking, wood turning and carving, there are also sewing and needlecraft and related groups too. The inclusion of females in traditionally men's hobbies is well taken up and heartwarming to see. Additionally it also provides a cup of tea and a chat to those who needed the company of others.”
On behalf of all the Hub members, sponsors and supporters the charity’s Trustees would like to thank Paul for his ongoing support. They also wish him every success in his new and challenging role as Chair of Ashfield District Council as well as recognising the contribution all his councillor colleagues make in supporting local initiatives.
A different donation for 2025...
As the paper crafting group continues to grow and attract new faces into the Hub it is very fitting that one of those new members - Nicky - has chosen to donate a large and varied selection of knitting needles for the use of all our talented knitters. Many thanks Nicky.
Happy New Year to all our members and those that know about our activities; hopefully you've had a great time over the last couple of weeks.
As life returns to whatever passes as 'normal' the Hub is looking forward to another successful year - new people, new projects to showcase and further improvements to our environment & equipment. If you know anyone that would like to come along to see what we do please don't hesitate to invite them along - they will be warmly welcomed with a smile and a cup of tea (coffee is an option!).
The first request of 2025 is already in so, if you're interested in repairing rather than throwing away household items then the Teversal Repair Cafe is having a volunteer open session on Saturday 11th January (1000 to 1200) at the Treversal Visitor Centre. Full details can be found at www.teversalrepaircafe.org.uk If you are a repair wizard please check it out.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...
To all our members, family & friends, sponsors, supporters and everyone that knows about our interests and activities... we all hope you and your family have a great time over the Christmas and New Year festive period.
Enjoy the festivities and we look forward to seeing you sometime in 2025.
Promoting other activities has its challenges but there are always exceptions...
The Teversal Repair Cafe has a very similar ethos to that of the Huthwaite Hub in that its activities are designed to meet the needs of and support local people; so if you are a 'repair wizard' or someone who likes to share their skills of repair and mend please check out www.teversalrepaircafe.org.uk
Best of luck TRC. Bin it? No Way, Repair it!
Huthwaite Library's Mother & Toddler group...
It's almost that time of year again so why not try something a little different for the youngest members of our community?
On Friday 13th December the Huthwaite Library will be opening its doors to mum's and toddler's where they will find plenty of miniature Christmas trees to decorate and take home. The trees have been made and donated by the Huthwaite Hub to support the festive activities being put on by the library staff.
For full details please contact the library or simply turn up on the 13th and have a great time.
The Trustees have confirmed the 2024 AGM will take place at the Hub on Wednesday 30th October, starting at 6pm and finishing around 7:30pm.
All members are invited to come along and get involved with the running of the Hub and visitors are also welcome however they are not eligible to vote on any of the matters. If any members want a specific item discussed at the meeting please use the contact form on this website to get in touch.
3D Printing at the Hub...
It's not the most exciting photograph ever taken but it is another significant step for the Huthwaite Hub!
In addition to the new equipment, changes to the layout and accessibility improvements the Hub can now claim to be using the very latest 3D Printing techniques to ensure its equipment can easily be connected to its dust collection systems. These pipework connections were designed and printed to meet the ever changing needs of Hub and are a direct result of the kind donations made earlier this year by local supporters who are keen to ensure the Hub continues 'to survive and thrive'!
3D printed dust collection connection pieces. September 2024.
Workshop changes...
The Trustees are keen to improve accessibility and ease of use of our existing and new equipment - and here's the latest step in that direction.
A section of the original side workbench has been lowered and extended to accommodate our ancient pedestal drill and a new 'hobby bandsaw'. Both machines now have a working height suitable for the vast majority of our members (male & female). The dust collection system has also been modified to take into account these changes and help keep this essential working space clean and tidy.
