Residents and visitors invited to ‘meet George Stephenson’ in Chesterfield
People are invited to meet ‘George Stephenson’ and learn about his life, his famous inventions, his mining connections and his link with Chesterfield at an event in the town.
Chesterfield Museum and Holy Trinity Church have partnered together to deliver this free event with a George Stephenson reenactor on Saturday 11 June from 10am to 4pm. As Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for refurbishment the event will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Newbold Road.
Holy Trinity Church is George Stephenson’s final resting place and people will be able to see the stunning stained-glass window commissioned by his son, Robert. There will be fun for all the family with talks, children’s activities and the chance to handle objects such as a model of the famous `Stephenson’s rocket` and a replica cucumber straightener!
Refreshments will be available, and there will be outdoor stalls offering crafts, cakes and a tombola.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed it is fantastic that we can partner with organisations like Holy Trinity Church to ensure everyone can still learn about our heritage. We’re planning more events like this over the next few years whilst Stephenson Memorial Hall undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.”
Reverend Jill Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said: “It’s great to be working with Chesterfield Museum to help local people connect with our town’s heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about George Stephenson and show both his final resting place and the incredible stained-glass window that was commissioned in his honour. I hope lots of people come along because there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy.”
Stephenson Memorial Hall is being transformed with a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town centre.
The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall is projected to cost around £17 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and a further £695,00 from the Arts Council. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.
Under the proposals the refurbished hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.
The event is free to enter with donations being given to Hope House Homeless Centre.
