February 2026 Newsletter

A busy and memorable February at Chopsticks

February has been another lively month in the workshop, with plenty of activity, creativity and moments shared together as a community.

Alongside the everyday work happening across the workshop, we also took time this month to reflect and remember two very special people connected to Chopsticks

Remembering Miles

It is with heavy hearts that we shared the news of the passing of our dear friend Miles earlier this month.

Miles had a real joy for life and especially loved spending summer days at country shows, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying being outdoors. He was a valued and much-loved presence in the workshop, where he worked stacking kindling, bagging sticks and showing real skill at de-nailing timber.

Miles also had a creative side and took great pleasure in painting, something he was always very proud of.

He will be remembered for his enthusiasm, his hard work and the warmth he brought to those around him. Miles leaves behind many fond memories and will be greatly missed by everyone at Chopsticks.

Great feedback from our customers! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We love seeing feedback like this from people who support Chopsticks.

Our large kindling bags have been receiving consistent five-star reviews for quality, value and friendly service. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review or share kind words about our products.

Locally made, sold direct and ready when you need it.

Stocked locally at Campbell’s of Leyburn

We’re always grateful to the local businesses who support Chopsticks by stocking our kindling.

A big thank you to Campbell’s of Leyburn, who recently shared that they are stocked up with Chopsticks sticks again and ready for customers. It’s fantastic to see local shops championing community projects like ours.

If you’re visiting Leyburn, keep an eye out for our kindling in store and help support a local charity while keeping your fire going.

Remembering Nancy Wheatley

Earlier this month we also said goodbye to Nancy Wheatley, one of the founders of Chopsticks and a long-standing supporter of our work.

Nancy played an important role in shaping the charity, serving as chair of the trustees and later as vice chair. Even in later years she continued to show great interest in the work happening at Chopsticks and was always proud of the opportunities the organisation provides.

Her passing is a great loss to the Chopsticks community and our thoughts remain with her friends and family.

Good job Christopher!

Christopher has been busy in the workshop working on painting projects with support from the team. It’s always fantastic to see members developing new skills and building confidence as they take on different tasks.

Well done Christopher, great work!

Christopher has been busy in the workshop working on painting projects with support from the team. It’s always fantastic to see members developing new skills and growing in confidence as they take on different tasks.

Well done Christopher, great work!

A little mischief in the tea room… 🎭

There was plenty of laughter in the workshop when two masked visitors appeared in the tea room one morning! Moments like these bring a lot of fun to the day and keep spirits high across the team.

Pancake Day fun!

🥞

Pancake Day fun! 🥞

February wouldn’t be complete without celebrating Pancake Day together.

The workshop was full of laughter as everyone took turns flipping pancakes and cheering each other on. There were some impressive flips, a few near misses and plenty of smiles all around.

Moments like these are a lovely reminder that Chopsticks is not only a place to work and learn new skills, but also a place where friendships grow and the community comes together.

Oreo’s Corner 🐾

Our main man Oreo has been spending plenty of time in the tea room with the members… he hates the idea of missing out on any fun! Whether it’s a chat, a cuddle, or just supervising snack time, he’s right there in the middle of it all.

Thank you for supporting Chopsticks

Every purchase, visit and message of support helps us continue providing meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism to develop skills, confidence and independence in a friendly and supportive workshop environment.

Thank you for being part of the Chopsticks community.