Bringing Brampton Together: Amanda’s Cafe Revitalises Monkey Park

As British Summer Time begins, we are delighted to see the days getting longer and warmer. This is great news for Amanda’s Café at Monkey Park, as we start to see more visitors popping in for a refreshing drink or bite to eat while enjoying the sunshine.

Amanda’s Café first opened its doors in December, and just over three months later, the community is celebrating this welcome addition to Monkey Park. The café has transformed the space, which has been dormant since 2020, breathing new life into this cherished local hub. We want to celebrate this welcome addition to Monkey Park and what a difference Amanda and the team are making for the community in Brampton.

Amanda, a Brampton-resident with many years’ experience in cafes, saw the perfect opportunity to revitalise the space and create a welcoming environment.

Amanda said, “It was important to me the space was family-friendly. The location, right in the heart of Brampton – just across from Monkey Park playground and a short walk from Brampton Primary School – makes it an ideal spot for families. It’s been great to get to know more people in the area and see regulars returning to the café. After the café sat unused for so long, I’m thrilled to reopen the doors and build on the great work Monkey Park does for the community”.

Since opening, Amanda’s Café has flourished, offering a selection of delicious and affordable food and drink options, with children’s meals starting at just £1.95. The menu features both hot and cold food, with the breakfast options and freshly baked cakes being particular favourites among visitors.

In alignment with Monkey Park’s values, the café was designed to be a family-friendly, affordable space. Parents and caregivers can enjoy their visit with the added convenience of a selection of children’s toys available in the café. Additionally, the café is a breastfeeding-friendly space.

Monkey Park is committed to being a warm space - a community living room where visitors can relax, socialise, and enjoy a comfortable environment without the pressure of purchasing overpriced drinks just to have a warm place to be. There is a jigsaw library and selection of books and magazines for visitors to browse and borrow, as well as a Maker’s Market showcasing local craft and artisan products for sale.

Furthering its community engagement, the café provides valuable work experience and volunteer opportunities. Partnering with Macintyre’s, it offers volunteering placements for adults and young people with additional needs. As the café continues to grow and welcome more visitors, it is seeking additional volunteers to help with daily operations. This is a great opportunity for retired or semi-retired individuals, as well as job seekers, to stay active and work alongside a friendly and supportive team.

Amanda’s Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee - it’s a vital part of the Brampton community, bringing people together and providing a welcoming space for all.

For more information or to enquire about volunteering opportunities, please visit Monkey Park or contact the manager:
Phone: 07752 001760
Email: manager@monkeypark.org.uk

Cycle into Spring

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, there’s no better time to get outdoors and active. Monkey Park is here to help with all your cycling needs—whether you’re looking for a new bike, repairs, or a sustainable way to commute.

Bike Workshop

Looking for a quality second-hand bike? Our workshop offers a wide selection of fully serviced adult and children’s bikes at great prices. Visit us on Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am - 4.30pm, to find your perfect bike. Other times by arrangement, call Monkey Park on 07752 001760 to arrange your visit.

You can also check out our temporary market stall in Chesterfield Market Place every Saturday throughout March - come by and see what’s on offer!

Already have a bike? Keep it in top shape with our full servicing and repair options at the workshop.

Wheels to Work – Helping You Get Moving

If you live in Derbyshire and struggle with transport to work, training, or college, the Wheels to Work program might be the solution!

Eligible applicants can receive a free or discounted refurbished bike, making their journey to work or education quicker, easier, and more sustainable.

Find out if you qualify here: Wheels to Work

Get ready to ride this spring—see you at Monkey Park! 🚴‍♂️✨

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Charlotte Bishop
Monkey Park
Phone: 07752 001760
Email: manager@monkeypark.org.uk

Stay and Play at Monkey Park

Looking for somewhere to take your little one to have a play & for you to have a chat? Pop into Monkey Park on Wednesday morning for Stay and Play. The session starts at 9am runs until 12noon and new faces are always welcome. There is no charge for the group although donations are welcome.

Our Cafe will be open from 9am so you can enjoy a coffee with cake if you want a mid morning boost.

Craft Clubs at Monkey Park

We host two craft clubs at Monkey Park and new members are always welcome. The Cafe is open for coffee and cake to keep your crafting energy going or just to give you the chance to chat to fellow crafters. Crochet Club runs on Thursdays between 2pm & 4pm. All ages, abilities and yarn crafts are welcome so bring along your own projects, needles, hooks and yarn. There is no charge for this group.

Sewing Club meets on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It’s a friendly, supportive group who welcome anyone from beginners to experienced sewers. You can bring your own project or join in with the current group project. There are sewing machines for you to use but you are welcome to bring your own. This craft club meets upstairs at Monkey Park.

No need to book, just turn up on the day. There is not a charge to join this group but there is a recommended donation of £2.50 is gratefully received.

21st February: Social Meal At Monkey Park

We would love to see you at our social eating meal on Friday 21st February. It’s a chance to chat and make friends as well as enjoy a meal cooked by our volunteers. There is no fixed price but we ask that you pay what you can/feel.

Want to know more or volunteer to help? Get in touch with Valerie, our centre manager

Children’s Activities At Monkey Park

Saturday is the day for free children’s activities at Monkey Park.

Our clubs run on alternate weeks -Art and Craft morning club (10.30am -12noon) and the following week it’s a drop-in Lego club upstairs (1pm -3pm).

Numbers are limited for the Art & Craft club so parents/carers need to book in my emailing manager@monkeypark.org.uk

Parents & carers must stay in the building during the sessions. Amanda’s Cafe at Monkey Park will be open from 9am to 4pm.

Dates for the clubs can be found by clicking the button below

Welcome to Amanda’s Cafe at Monkey Park

We are thrilled to have the cafe open again at Monkey Park and it’s all thanks to the wonderful Amanda. She will be bringing the smell of coffee back to Monkey Park from 9am to 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday each week. There will be cake (of course) as well as other sweet treats along with sandwiches and other tasty savouries. You can follow Amanda on Facebook (Amanda’s Cafe at Monkey Park) to find out all the latest news from the cafe.

Amanda is looking for volunteers to help serve customers and keep the food flowing so, if you have the urge to get involved then please get in touch. You can message Amanda on Facebook or email manager@monkeypark.org.uk

Retired but ready to pitch in?

We love volunteers of all ages at Monkey Park but there is something special about volunteers who have retired. They bring all the expertise and wisdom gain during their working lives. Its so special and we love to see the effects of our older volunteers who are sharing with their community something that money can’t buy.

Currently we are looking for a FINANCE DIRECTOR but there are lots of other roles available…

• running a baking club

• running art sessions for families

• running a Lego club

• helping out with bike sales

  or anything else that you fancy doing!

Would you like to run a Pop-Up Restaurant at Monkey Park?

Everyone had a great time at our last pop-up restaurant - a delicious three course Moroccan meal. Do you fancy the chance to be a chef? Is this the challenge that you have been waiting for? If you think that it is then, read on…

The cost of a meal is £18 per diner: £6 goes to the chef, £6 goes on cost of ingredients and £6 goes to Monkey Park for use of the cafe. The cafe can seat about 28 diners.

Your pop-up needs to have a clear theme -maybe you love to cook Chinese or Thai, Vegetarian or Derbyshire’s Finest meaty meals - the choice is yours.

If this sounds like your dish then, get in touch with Valerie to find out more.

Co-working Space at Monkey Park

It’s tough finding a quiet space to work at home and sometimes you just need other people around to help you focus. We have just the place at Monkey Park in our co-working space. If the idea of joining the others working from Monkey Park then get in touch with our manager, Valerie.

What’s on at Monkey Park?

The Monkey Park Cafe is closed at the moment (you know that we have plans to open it again) but groups are still meeting in the Cafe area. On Saturday 29th June, there is a 3 course Moroccan meal being served at the latest Pop-Up Restaurant. Our Bike Workshop is open regularly 9am-4.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays (other times by arrangement). The lovely weather that we are all enjoying is calling you to get that bike out for a ride or to pop down to see what is for sale at Monkey Park.

What to know what else is happening? Find out here

Raffle Winners - Bridging the Gap Fundraiser

Did you get a winning ticket? Here they all are…

241 - Chesterfield Bowl Voucher

244 - Adams Happy Hens Voucher

72 - Matlock Farm Voucher

225 - Chatsworth House & Gardens tickets

59 - Yoga Day voucher

129 - White Peak Distillery Tour

325 - 13 Bends Design Voucher

98 - Kula Yoga Voucher

310 - Cafe Hire at Monkey Park

48 - Co-worker Day Pass at Monkey Park

893 - Bottle of Pink Gin

114 - Felt Shoulder Bag

41 - Strawberry Thief Gift Set

290 - Local Honey

252 - Pamper Tin

383 - Chilli Skullls Sauces

169 - Cath Kidson Set

132 - Elephant Picture

396 - Joules Set

341 - Body Shop Set

323 - Soap & Glory Tin Set

403 - Lavender Set

330 - Champneys Set

181 - Book Light

109 - Avon Beautiful You

277 - 1881 Fragrance

95 - Sarah Jessica Parker Fragrance

308 - Loncome Fragrance

216 - Body Shop White Musk

368 - Wonder Whys T-shirt

292 - Pride Mitts

164 - Elephant Toy

155 - Blue Bear Toy

210 - Pink Bear Toy

89 - Next Socks

133 - S40 Time T-shirt

239 - S40 Time T-shirt

124 - Musical Legacy T-shirt

202 - Musical Legacy T-shirt

311 - Musical Legacy T-shirt

243 - Beatles jigsaw

To collect your prize, phone Valerie on 07410 987734 (Mondays or Wednesdays) or email manager@monkeypark.org.uk

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT A TICKET

Moroccan Pop-Up Restaurant 29/06/24

What is the menu for this evening? A mouthwatering selection of Moroccan dishes….

Starters: Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip, Zaalouk (Aubergine Dip), Green Tabbouleh served with Homemade Moroccan bread.

Main Courses: Marrakesh Tanjia (Slow cooked meat cooked in a traditional Tanjia pot) or Tagine of Puy Lentils & Chopped Greens. Both dishes served with traditional Moroccan Bread and seasonal grilled vegetables.

Dessert: Baked Labneh Cheesecake or Blueberry & Lime Tart

Sweet Moroccan Mint Tea.

We invite you to bring your own drinks to have with your meal.

Booking is now open. Contact manager@monkeypark.org.uk or phone on Mondays/Wednesday 07410 987734 to book your place.

What’s popping up at Monkey Park?

Our popular pop-up restaurants are coming back to Monkey Park later this month. The theme of our first event is being kept underwraps at the moment but we will be dropping some hints on Facebook and Insta. Keep your eyes peeled to be the first to guess

What’s the date? Saturday 29th June, 2024

How do you book? Bookings will open shortly. Keep an eye on our social media

What’s the menu? Top secret at the moment, shh!

Crowdfunding Monkey Park

First of all, a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who came to our Bridging the Gap event on Sunday 2nd June. The sun shone for us and everyone had a lovely time raising urgent funds to keep Monkey Park going.

We have great plans for opening our cafe in the near future. We know that feeding our families and ourselves has become more and more difficult. When the Monkey Park cafe reopens it will be a ‘pay what you can’ cafe with a community pantry stocking low cost foods for you to buy.

To collect donations for this project, Monkey Park has set up a Crowdfunder account. You can make a donation by using this link Bridging the Gap

Too many seedlings?

We are looking for donations for our plant stall this Sunday. Are you surrounded by seedlings? Taken over by your baby plants? Bring them down and help Monkey Park turn them into money plants!

Who doesn't love Cheese and Wine?

Cheese and wine, a match made in heaven. Just like bacon and eggs, beans and toast or scones and clotted cream,  cheese and wine are some of our all-time favourite food pairings.

Whether it's a smooth and creamy Brie or a strong, stinky Stilton, the acidity of a well-paired wine will cut through the rich cheese to unlock the full cheese flavour. That's why they work so well and that's why we love them, both individually but especially together. 

There are generally around eight different cheese categories (based on texture, rind etc) and within each category, there are hundred's of varieties.  Each one with its own distinct flavour and texture. These flavours are subtly enhanced when paired with the right wine choice. 

French Cheese and Wine Evening - Monkey Park

Here at Monkey Park, we know how much the people of Chesterfield enjoy their cheese and wine and that's why we're hosting another one of our popular virtual cheese and wine tasting events. This time we're discovering French cheeses and wines. 

Alicia Wright from Fischers of Baslow will be hosting the online event on 15th May and she will be discussing four carefully selected kinds of cheese along with wines that have been paired to complement. 

Did you know that there are more than 400 French cheese varieties listed in France? On average the French consume over 26.7kg of cheese eaten per person per year, making them one the highest cheese consuming countries in the world (although I'm sure the British are catching up!) 

Alicia has selected the following cheese: 

Comte, Munster, Cherve Goats Cheese, Roquefort 

The wines paired with these are:

Guvertzraminer from Alsace - Munster & Cherve Goats Cheese 

Pinot Noir from Bourgoin  - Comte 

Muray  (French dessert wine) -   Roquefort

If you would like to take part in this popular foodie event. Head over to our Facebook page for details on how to book your tickets.

https://www.facebook.com/chesterfieldmonkeypark/

Or alternatively call Monkey Park on 07410987734, tickets are going fast.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Written by Helen from FEISTIC. https://www.feisticcopywriting.co.uk. Helen very kindly volunteers her services, writing a regular blog for Monkey Park. A huge thank you for doing this for Monkey Park!