Welcome to the October 2026 edition of the Little Chester Newsletter! Autumn is officially here, and our community calendar is packed with fantastic events and activities to keep everyone entertained as the nights draw in.

This month, we’re thrilled to announce the return of the popular FREE Monthly Book Exchange and a brand new Spanish Club for Beginners starting at the Community Centre. We also have a spooky highlight to look forward to: the Family Halloween Disco on Saturday, October 24th!

We’ve got updates from the Chester Green Entertainments Team, an amazing milestone for our recent Macmillan Coffee Morning (thank you to everyone who baked and donated!), and news about the Little Chester Ale House making it into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2026.

For our community members using screen readers, or for those who prefer to read the content in a simplified format, we have provided a full, accessible text version of this month’s newsletter below.

Little Chester Newsletter – October 2026

Club de español con Ampa (Spanish Club)

Would you like to immerse yourself in Spanish culture in a relaxed and friendly environment for beginners? Learn practical Spanish, Spanish culture, and recipes!

• Start Date: Wednesday, 7th October
• Time: 4:30 pm (Classes are on Wednesdays)
• Cost: £7.50 per class
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre, Darley Playing Fields, Old Chester Road, Derby DE1 3SA
• Contact: ampa.martinezlopez@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +44 7717 169870

Monthly Book Exchange

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

• Date: 1st Saturday of the 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)
• Cost: Free
• Note: Due to a lack of storage space, we cannot take in large quantities of books.

Chester Green Entertainments Team Updates

• Family Halloween Disco: Saturday 24th October at the Community Centre. Doors open at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start, finishing around 9:30 pm. Bruce will provide games and spooky music. Prizes for best adult and kids’ costumes! Admission: £4 adults, £2 children, under 5s free. Tuck shop is cash only; admission and bar accept cards.
• Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday 21st November, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Community Centre.
• Christmas Wreath Making Workshop: Friday 27th November, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Community Centre. Led by local florist Nicki Mullan. Cost is £35 (includes all foliage, accessories, tea/coffee/wine, and mince pies). Spaces limited; book via cgetmarkets@gmail.com.
• Christmas Window Trail: Decorate your windows for the community! Contact Rachel Wiggins at chestergreenents@gmail.com by 8th November to take part.
• Quiz Night: A big ‘thank you’ to Phil for another excellent and challenging Quiz Night!

Chester Green Community Group: Important Info for All Residents

Your Community Centre on Darley Fields, City Road, has been designated an Emergency Rest Centre by Derbyshire County Council/Derby City Council. In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, the Emergency Planning Service will use the centre to provide temporary accommodation, welfare support, and assistance.

• Contact for Centre Hire & Timetable: chestergreencommunitygroup@hotmail.com or 07527 603057
• Website: https://chestergreencommunitygroup.yolasite.com

MacMillan Coffee Morning – Chester Green Eats Cake

The Entertainments Team’s ‘Chester Green Eats Cake’ event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support was a huge success. The community filled three tables with baked goods and raised over £925.00!

• Late Donations: You can still contribute at https://donate.justgiving.com/fundraising/cm26016971

St. Paul’s Church – Start Course

Are you interested in finding out more about Jesus and the Christian Faith? Come and join us in St Paul’s church hall as we explore these questions together.

• Start Date: Thursday, 8th October
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Venue: St Paul’s Church Hall

Pub Review: ‘Our visit to The Coach and Horses…’

A glowing local review for The Coach and Horses! The reviewer praised the beautiful presentation and culinary care taken with a vegan chicken sandwich and a fish finger sandwich. The newly refurbished pub is described as a lovely space with helpful service.

Little Chester Ale House – Good Beer Guide 2026

Congratulations to the Little Chester Ale House, which has been included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2026!

Theatre: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

A play adapted by Neil Gore from the book by Robert Tressell. Directed by Louise Townsend. Supported by Derby Area Trade Union Council & Friends of the Green.

• Date: Friday, 2nd October 2026
• Time: 7:00 pm
• Venue: Chester Green Community Centre, Derby, DE1 3RR
• Details: Age suitability 11+. Act 1 is 40 mins, Act 2 is 30 mins.
• Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/cgragged

St. Paul’s Rainbow Tots

0-5s Parent & Toddler Group offering friendly, relaxed, and fun play sessions with toys, crafts, songs, and a baby area. Includes kids’ snacks and drinks for adults.

• Date/Time: Every Monday during term time (except bank holidays), 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon
• Venue: St. Paul’s Church Hall, Seale Street, Chester Green, DE1 3RT (Free onsite parking)
• Cost: £3 donation per family (Cards accepted)