As 2022 draws to an end, we thought we’d take a look back at our most viewed posts of the year.

We’ve had a sneaky peak and the most popular posts really are an indication of what a wonderful community spirit we have here in Alfreton.

Here’s a look back at the five most read posts of 2022:

Christ the King Church opens warm space with free refreshments and lunch

In November, Christ the King Church opened Alfreton’s first warm space.

The Nottingham Road church will open as a warm space every Tuesday, between 9am and 4pm, until April.

You can read more here.

David Nieper Academy declared ‘good’ by Ofsted in all areas

In November, David Nieper Academy announced that it had received its first ever ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

Inspectors said: “Pupils are happy and proud to attend this school. The school’s ethos of ‘aspire, endeavour, succeed’ shines through in all corners of the school. It is a warm, welcoming and professional community. Pupils feel safe and well looked after. Everyone can be themselves.”

You can read the full Ofsted inspection report here.

New community pantry where you can do a food shop for just £5

In June, we shared the details of a new community pantry in Riddings where you can do a full weekly shop for just £5.

The pantry is run by Oscari and is based at the Church of Christ in Colledge Street.

The cost of membership has increased slightly and a shop now costs £7.50.

You can take a look back at this post here.

A nostalgic new opening – the 80s Video Shop opens in Alfreton

July saw the opening of the 80s Video Shop in Alfreton town centre.

The King Street shop takes visitors on a trip down memory lane and has a range of retro items on display.

Since opening, the shop has also hosted a range of popular events, including a Halloween Horror Day.

You can revisit this post here.

Teaching assistant’s epic quest to raise £5,000 to support outdoor activities in Alfreton

This story, posted in June, was the first of many written about James Simpson and his incredible fundraising effort.

At the time, James, who works at Woodbridge Junior School, was preparing to take part in The Deca – an ironman triathlon, every day for 10 days in July.

The challenge would see him swim 24 miles, cycle for 1,120 miles and run for 262 miles.

James had hoped to raise £5,000 for the Active8 Alfreton project but he actually ended up raising almost £14,000.

You can find out more about his fundraising here.