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)