Exciting news and initiatives to support Chesterfield communities, businesses and regeneration
Chesterfield Champions have once again been busy supporting our communities with charity initiatives, events, mental health support and more.
Find out the latest community news across our town in the roundup below:
Archeological Dig to take place in Staveley
Before the next stage of canal restoration at Staveley, Chesterfield Canal Trust has engaged York Archaeology to organise an archaeological dig at Bellhouse Basin.
They will be on site from Monday 21st October to Friday 1st November.
As part of their work, they are asking for volunteers to help on Wednesday 23rd, Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October. It is possible they may also need help on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th.
On each day they will need six volunteers.
To volunteer, you must be of at least secondary school age and reasonably physically fit – certainly able to kneel for an hour or more at a time. If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Previous experience is not essential because you will get a full briefing, but it would be helpful.
You will need to wear old, robust clothes and have a decent pair of boots. Gloves, such as gardening gloves, would be a good idea. Tools and any other necessary equipment will be provided.
You will need to report to the site at 08.30 and you will finish by 16.00 at the latest. You should bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be available.
If you would like to volunteer, email publicity@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk stating on which day(s) you will be available.
Several other digs have taken place on the canal recently; to see them click here and here and here.
Boy, six, to conquer hospice’s Superhero walk for charity in memory of ‘amazing’ dad
A six-year-old whose “Superman” dad died from a rare form of cancer will be taking on Ashgate Hospice’s Superhero Night Walk in tribute to the end of life care he received.
Fletcher Parkes was just 10 months old when his dad Gavin Parkes was diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer in August 2018.
Months later – after undergoing intense hospital treatment for the illness – doctors told him the devastating news that his cancer was incurable.
The kitchen fitter, from Sheffield, was admitted to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Chesterfield in March 2019, where he received round-the-clock specialist care.
Gavin and his partner Lori’s wedding had been planned for June, and they soon realised he was not going to make it to the date.
But staff and volunteers rallied together to ensure they could tie the knot at the hospice, with Fletcher by their side, just days before Gavin’s death on 4 April, aged 39.
Fletcher and Lori will join hundreds of others at the Superhero Night Walk fundraiser in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield on Saturday 19 October.
“It has been heartbreaking for us all,” said Lori, 30, from Chesterfield. “Gavin was the most amazing man and an incredible dad to Fletcher.
“I honestly can’t explain how much we appreciated everything that Ashgate did for us in those last few weeks.
“Once Gavin arrived at the hospice, I stayed there with him every night. They went above and beyond for our family.
“Ashgate set up our entire wedding for us – including a car, cake, drinks, hair and makeup. It was just fantastic and all our family and friends were there to see it.”
The family, who were living in Sheffield but moved to Chesterfield to get family support, also received care at home from Ashgate before he was admitted to the ward.
Fletcher is continuing to receive child bereavement support from the hospice’s counselling team.
He is getting set to don his favourite Superman costume, which is particularly fitting given Gavin had the theme song played at his funeral.
Lori, a teaching assistant at Tupton Hall School, added: “Fletcher is just starting to feel the impact of losing his dad at such a young age.
“He’s receiving child bereavement counselling from Emily at Ashgate which he loves so much!
“Fletcher wants to take part in the Superhero Night Walk so we can give something back to the hospice for everything they’ve done for us.
“He first did the event last year and loved it! He loves dressing up as Superman because that’s what he called his dad, and we even had the theme tune playing at the funeral.”
Since Gavin died, Lori’s family and friends have raised more than £10,000 to help fund end of life and palliative care for future families.
Tickets cost just £6 per child and adults go FREE – registrations must be made before 1pm on 17th October. The walk will start at 5:30pm, and doors will open at 4.30pm.
Every participating child will receive a fundraising pack, superhero cape, and a glow-in-the-dark mask to wear whilst taking part in the event.
Sign up or find out more about the Superhero Night Walk event on the the hospice’s website or call 01246 567 250.
Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s mental health initiative featured on TV
Chesterfield FC Community Trust has picked up national media attention, for providing a room in the HUB at the SMH Group Stadium for the weekly Andy’s Man Club meetings.
Andy’s Man Club is a network set up to support men’s mental health The meetings take place from 7pm to 9pm every Monday. They are free to attend.
Take a look at the feature on Sky Sports, with organiser Pete Wilson and Trust chairman Mike Goodwin both interviewed.
Businesses encouraged to share their positive news with local media
Businesses are encouraged to share their news with local media organisations to help promote their organisations.
The Derbyshire Times is urging local companies to help spread positivity around Chesterfield and beyond, by submitting their news via a new online portal.
The YourWorld portal is free to use, and provides businesses with an easy step-by-step process to share their stories.
Want to shout about your business achievements? Submit your story on the YourWorld portal here:
You can also share your news with Destination Chesterfield by emailing: info@chesterfield.co.uk
Phil Bramley, Editor of the Derbyshire Times commented: “The new portal on the DT site is a great way to let people across north Derbyshire know what’s going on with our fantastic local businesses.
“It’s simple to use and helps put our local businesses right at the heart of the community.”
The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
