11/09/2026
We advertise the monthly Appleby Hub a lot... But what actually happens there? I'll tell ya!
✨ The Appleby Hub Experience (as told by a You in Mind staff member who enjoys a good outing!) ✨
10:00 - Arrive at the Hub and see the friendly face of Jane
10:05 - Firmly planted into my seat of choice with a cuppa
10:15 - Feel a bit nervous about the upcoming craft
10:20 - Realize the upcoming craft is ruddy mint
10:25 - Begin the process of: Hedgehog
10:35 - Get into the full swing of conversation with my fellow hedgehog makers and friendly folk who don't fancy crafts but enjoy a chinwag
11:05 - Finish said hedgehog, and begin process of button foraging for eyes and a nose (a real throwback to Nana's knitting tin!)
11:35 - Fresh brew; Thanks Jane!
12:00 - Chitter chatter about what everyone got up to over the Bank Holiday weekend, maybe a cheeky game of dominos or a jigsaw. Pull out a puzzle book if I fancy being embarrassed by my lack of geographical knowledge
12:15 - Peruse all the leaflets and resources laid out by Eden HAWC Amy, a friendly and familiar face to the monthly Hub
12:30 - Wellness walk time! Half the group descends into the beautiful Appleby landscape for a walk, and half remain at the Hub to continue nattering and crafting. Whatever people are comfortable doing
12:45 - The incredible scent of homemade soup wafts through the Hub from the kitchen
12:50 - Pretend I've not spent 5 minutes thinking about what flavour soup will be out this month
13:00 - Soup arrives and is dished out to everyone as we gather round one large table for a communal meal
13:05 - Jane offers a drink refresh, and bustles away at the coffee machine making sure everyone is happy
13:10 - Potentially spill soup down self???
13:15 - Take a second to appreciate how rare it is to find a group like this, and how more people should gather for communal meals with strangers. Consider if maybe the world would be a better place for it
13:30 - Plates and bowls cleared, and the group reflects on another lovely month at the Hub
13:55 - Say goodbye to everyone and say with sincerity we hope to see them next month
14:00 - Our team jump back into the car to tootle back to Carlisle with bellies and hearts full. Lots of happy sighs.
15:10 - Decide the hedgehog should live on my desk. His name is now Arnold.
