Almost 2,000 puzzles have been donated to a children’s hospital by an Alfreton business.
The team at Just Jigsaws, which is situated in Alfreton, is currently on a quest to create the world’s biggest ever hand-cut puzzle – recreating an achievement of the company’s founder more than 50 years on.
Back in 1971, John Trowsdale handcrafted the world’s largest puzzle ever made. It featured an incredible 32,000 pieces.
He went on to found Just Jigsaws, formerly known as WJ & J Trowsdale, in Luton in 1973 with his wife Jacqueline. Now the company, which is located on Alfreton’s Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, is the only UK manufacturer still producing handmade wooden jigsaw puzzles.
To mark its 50th year this year, Just Jigsaws is currently working hard to recreate John’s world record breaking efforts.
Leading the campaign is his grandson, also called John Trowsdale, who joined the family company in 2014.
As part of the world record challenge, Just Jigsaws is also raising funds for charity and just last Friday (December 8) delivered almost 2,000 puzzles to Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
John said of the donation, which was worth more than £15,000 in puzzles: “Never did I think we’d be able to donate as much as we did (on Friday). I’m truly proud of what we have done for the children’s hospital charity.
“Truly it’s been a hard year for us and everyone else but hopefully this can make the world of difference to those who need it most.
“It’s been our privilege and pleasure to be able to help Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS and Charity and hopefully make a very special Christmas for all the children.”

A spokesman for Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS and Charity said: “We want to say thank you to some record breaking supporters.
“Just Jigsaws, the Derbyshire based handmade jigsaw company, have spent the last few months making the world’s largest jigsaw in support of Sheffield Children’s.
“The team have worked with local businesses to create a handmade jigsaw that is over 120,000 pieces to celebrate their 50 years in business.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause, can do so by going to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/world-largest-puzzle
Meanwhile, Just Jigsaws are hosting a ‘Thank You’ Christmas Sale on Saturday (December 16) with 25 per cent off everything.
John said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support on our world record attempt so far. This mammoth task is now over half way with the 1,000 section being cut today.
“As a thank you for all the continued support on our journey, we are opening our factory for a sale and extending it to online as well with a massive 25 per cent off everything.”
The sale is running at the Factory, which is situated at Unit 1, Salcombe Road, Meadow Lane Industrial Estate in Alfreton, between 10am and 2.30pm on Saturday.
They are also hosting an Online Sale, again with 25 per cent off, until December 19.
For further information go to here

Pictured in the main feature photo are Garry and John at Just Jigsaws

Read more about Just Jigsaw’s World Record attempt here

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