We'll be soon be reflecting on another highly successful year here at Dronfield Hall Barn - but before we do, we'd like to invite you to become a member of our volunteering team - if you aren't one already!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Barn, and we're so reliant on them to help us coordinate events such as our Artisan and Producers' Markets, steward and welcome first time visitors, help out in our gardens, assist in research for for future exhibitions, and so much more.

On Friday the 3rd of January 2020

Nell never knew that she would fall utterly in love with Sleeping Beauty but she has been woo’d.

Nell has been seduced by all the tellings and re-tellings that span continents. She has unearthed the stories and re-vived them in the search for a true happily-ever-after and the reason why Sleeping Beauty got spiked.

A workshop, scratch night and post-show Q&A for our show in progress, OTHELLO'S SISTER, was a success in Sheffield with lots of positive feedback from participants and audience members.

The Derby Conference Centre held a free Community Christmas lunch on 9^th December - and it was such a great hit, it’s set to be a permanent feature on Derby’s festive calendar.

The invitation to the lunch was extended to a number of community groups and charities, including Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) and a popular care facility for the elderly based in Derby itself. From 12pm to 4pm the 70 or so guests enjoyed some wonderful festive fayre, socialised with friends old and new and were thoroughly entertained by the Rolls Royce Ladies Choir.

A half-day LoveLit writing workshop for adults with Joanna Courtney, part of the writing ambitions

Christmas at the Mill

Celebrate Christmas at the Mill on the 7th & 8th December, with our festive stalls, Snow Zone*, Christmas Tree Festival*, singing and family friendly activities. We also have Medley Christmas Arts & Crafts selling unique gifts, and we still have some places on our Christmas Workshops - see below!
On Friday 20th, why not join us for a winter warmer as we lead the wassail from the Mill to St Mary's Church to join their evening Carol Service.
*The Christmas Tree Festival and Snow Zone will be open till the 5th January.

We have amazing handmade gifts available this Christmas! There are hundreds of items for sale created by Derbyshire makers and artists. It’s a great opportunity to get a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone.

Our shop is open 11-5pm Monday - Saturday in the buildup to Christmas, so pop in and pick up something special. 

Our adult community education centres offer a range of courses and workshops to help you repurpose, reuse and recycle while learning a new creative skill.

Acclaimed artist David Manley has donated one of his land and seascape-inspired paintings for a silent auction to support the community engagement programme at Déda – the city-based organisation that aims to enrich people’s lives through dance and the arts.

The 15” by 12” painting entitled ‘Cape Poem’ was recently on display as part of the ‘A Riotous Assembly’ exhibition at Déda in Chapel Street and would usually sell for around £120.

Telecommunications specialists Invictus Communications will reinforce its ethos of ‘buy local, sell local and support local’ by treating customers to a special hamper brimming with fayre produced by fellow local businesses this Christmas.

Twelve lucky customers will receive bottles of Melbourne water and gin produced by the Highfield Drinks Group and a platter of doughnuts from Project D.

Both companies are based close to Invictus’ Castle Donington offices and managing director Jonny McPhee’s Melbourne home.