Platform Thirty1

09/06/2026

Blackwell Brides on tour

We were able to revisit the fantastic Blackwell Brides exhibition during the Derbyshire makes event at Hardwick Hall.

Visitors were able to a small taste of the exhibition with four dresses on show ranging from 1952 to 1997.

With wedding cakes, albums and accessories on show and oral histories to listen to visitors had plenty to keep them busy.

Artist Lise Bennett Held an embroidery workshop and visitors were able to hand embroider their own handkerchief.

We were blessed with glorious weather making the picnics extra special in the beautiful grounds.

A wonderful day.

28/05/2026

Coming up in the summer holidays we have young leaders craft workshops

📅 Wednesdays during the summer hols
⏰ 10am – 12.30pm
📍 Blackwell Community Centre
💸 FREE (booking required)

👉 To book your free place, send the following details:
* Dates you wish to book
* Child’s name
* DOB
* Child’s address
* 1st Emergency contact
* 2nd Emergency contact
* any dietary or medical needs
* are they ok to have photos taken during the session

Send to:
📧 [email protected]
📱 Or WhatsApp/text 07405608560

🏡 Blackwell parish residents prioritised.

Kids come along and get crafty!

We are out and about doing Derbyshire Makes festival this weekend so please don’t worry if you don’t get a response till Monday

13/05/2026

Winter Warmers

A series of creative workshops commissioned by the community to bring creative cheer to residents across Blackwell Parish during the colder darker months.

15 community sessions
132 attendances
5 community spaces
4 villages
8 local freelance creatives.

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund with thanks to national lottery players

06/05/2026

What a Creative Women's Network this was!

In partnership with and hosted by Bolsover Castle, this morning we came together around The Business of Making.

In the Riding School in the heart of the castle we had a brew, explored alchemy, reflections and wormholes(!) with and learned about the layers of creative process and business from

We had a tremendous turnout and so much warmth and generosity of sharing and learning in what was otherwise a chilly space. Thanks to everyone who came and brought their magic with them ✨

.local

29/04/2026

Let's Make Monsters!
Let's Make Music!
Let's Make Magic!

Welcome to the Orchestra of Possibilities... Who knows where this adventure will take us...

We've been working with , children in local primary schools with and over recent weeks.

Now we have some musical monsters ready to explore.
And the places where they like to live and play.
It's time for YOU to come and join us to bring the monster orchestra to life!

At as part of this weekend you can expect:
- Free drop in arty making sessions
- Chances to play and listen to monster sounds
- All within the role play space of creativity and imagination

Come join us!

29/04/2026

What a tremendous creative gathering this was!

An afternoon with curious folks keen to make connections, have a nosey around, and understand more about the offers and opportunities available to local children and young people.

These seemingly simple acts of gathering are so powerful. Opening doors, walking new paths, having a try and being proud of our place.

Black Shale is a partnership that is constantly evolving and involving. Together we want more and better creativity and culture for children and young people in our corner of Derbyshire. These termly meet ups are a chance to find new collaborators, and inspiration.

Thank you to Alfreton Park School for hosting us in their new 6th form building and challenging us all to support their young people through experience and opportunity, for sharing so generously and bringing such energy around youth engagement, and for bringing the colour and chance to play!

funded.

29/04/2026

29/03/2026

This week was our first .rotterdam festival and we are still soaking in everything we've seen and heard. It'll take a good few weeks to decompress and pull the threads through of this experience (and the many moments therein), and we're looking forward to reflecting deeply and seeing what it means for our work back in Derbyshire.

One thing we do know right now - feeling part of an international community and forming new relationships across the world has been an absolute highlight.

People and connection - the root of it all!

18/03/2026

When a Money Story workshop ends like this, you know you're doing something right!

Incredible energy, honesty, sharing and ambition in the room today for our first Lean On My Money Story workshop.

We are hugely proud of every creative woman business involved in this prorgramme - showing up for themselves and their potential.

Vibrant facilitation from Jo Ward and

What's your money story?




funded

12/03/2026

COMING SOON

Chats on the Sofa with Platform Thirty1

You might have spotted - this month we’re celebrating 10 years of Platform Thirty1 🎉

To mark the moment we've spent some time on the sofa, with a brew, chatting about the journey so far - the people, the practice, how we’ve got here and where we're going.

Here’s a little teaser before we share the full film next week.

Stay tuned. 💛💜