January has a habit of lingering, but as the month draws to a close there are signs that change is coming. With magnolia buds forming and snowdrops and crocuses appearing in the park, there is a quiet sense that spring is on its way.
At Whaley Bridge Coworkers, January has been a month of steady continuity. New colleagues have joined us, regular events have gone ahead as planned, and the space has continued to be used as it was intended — for work, creativity, conversation, and mutual support.
One of the highlights of the month was a collaborative NHS App support session delivered with Goyt Valley Medical Practice, The Bureau in Glossop, and PC Refurb. The session was well attended and clearly met a real need. We’ll be following up with some attendees during our Digital Inclusion days, and we hope to run similar sessions again in the future.
Later in the month, during our regular Digital Inclusion Day on 29 January, I was unwell and away on a course. My friend Annie stepped in to keep things running, and in the afternoon I was firmly told that I wasn’t needed and should stay at home and rest. While slightly wounding, it was also a powerful reminder of the strength and kindness of the community that has grown around the space.
We also continued our monthly Business Advice Surgery with Dan and Steve from the East Midlands Chamber. These one-to-one sessions are open to anyone thinking about starting a business or already running a small one, and include advice on funding and local grants.
Our creative groups — Twisted Embroiderers, Create, and Sew What?! — have also continued throughout the month. These sessions are a core part of what makes the coworking space feel welcoming and inclusive, and they contribute hugely to its character.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to be hosting a local history talk on 11 February with Ian Kidd, Chair of Whaley 4 Wards, who will be talking about the Whaley history trail and the QR-code plaques now installed around the village.
The space itself is filling up, and we are delighted to welcome new regular members Matt, Pam, and Luke. It has been encouraging to see informal collaboration taking place, from shared problem solving to casual conversations that make working feel less isolated.
Alongside this, I am now halfway through the Trading for Good course with the School for Social Entrepreneurs. The course includes matched funding based on increased turnover compared to last year, which gives us a modest but meaningful opportunity to reinvest in the space.
While my original plan was to carpet the office, the cost is higher than expected, and I’m not convinced it’s the best use of the money right now. We are, however, working with the Men’s Shed to build a confidential booth, and I am keen to hear ideas about what else would genuinely improve the space. As a not-for-profit organisation, our aim has always been to reinvest any surplus in ways that benefit everyone and before spending, I always ask myself “will it make the boat go faster?”
Finally, I’m considering trialling a monthly Bring & Share lunch — an informal opportunity to sit down together and share whatever people have brought for themselves. No lists, no expectations, just a simple way to connect.
You will notice new pictures on our walls- our current exhibition is by our artist in residence, Val Vernon MA and is titled Ordinary made extra-ordinary. Do drop in for a browse if you’re passing!
As ever, thank you to everyone who uses, supports, and helps shape Whaley Bridge Coworkers. The fact that things continue to run smoothly even when I’m not there feels like a quiet success worth acknowledging.
