Author: Dom Stevens

Funding available to help Chesterfield residents to service gas appliances

21st November 2022

Residents in Chesterfield could benefit from funding to help service their gas appliances – helping to keep their homes warm and safe.

After successfully helping around 130 households service their gas appliances in the last year, Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded a further £7,000 from Foundations Independent Living Trust, which works in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity, to provide small grants for servicing and repairs of gas appliances within properties.

The funding is available to homeowners who are on low income and / or have a disability, who may not otherwise be able to afford to have their gas appliances serviced.

Eligible residents can get financial help towards the cost of servicing gas appliances, like fires, cookers and heating systems in their homes. Funding can also pay for minor repair work which is needed to enable them to continue using gas appliances in their home safely.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Gas appliances should be safety checked every year and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. However, we appreciate this may not be simple for some residents. That’s why we are really pleased to have secured this additional funding, which will help more households ensure they can get their appliances serviced.

“We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise, in particular energy charges, so it’s important we do all we can to support our residents to keep their homes warm and safe. It’s great news that we have this additional funding to help our residents.”

Eligible residents can apply for funding by contacting the council’s private housing team on 01246 345748 or hia@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Find out more about the Gas safe charity funding scheme at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/private-property/financial-assistance/gas-safe-charity-funding-scheme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust makes ‘ground-breaking’ history for new health and wellbeing hub for colleagues

11th August 2022

Today (Thursday, 11 August) Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust made history by ‘breaking ground’ to mark the huge health and wellbeing hub development for its 4,500 colleagues.

The £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub – designed as a retreat, relaxation area and rejuvenating space for all colleagues at the hospital – is being funded by the Chesterfield Royal Charity and has now raised enough of funds – £1.3m – to begin building work. The work will be supported by construction firm, Stepnall.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “We have some exciting new developments which are great news for our Trust and it’s fantastic that we can mark the start of the building work for the Health and Wellbeing Hub, whilst the £24m Urgent and Emergency Care Development continues to rapidly progress. This all shows that we are very much moving Chesterfield forward with drive and ambition and are continuing to put our patients, colleagues and communities at the heart of all we do.”

Atul Patel MBE, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity, added: “I’m so pleased to announce that we’ve reached the £1.3m funding we needed to begin the building work. We still have a long way to go – we need to raise a further £700,000 to provide the required facilities colleagues have told us will make a difference – allowing us to care for our carers!

“I’d urge everybody who can to make a donation, however big or small. If anybody has any ideas or wants to support us, please do get in touch. We need hospital colleagues to help too – because the more we raise, the more we’ll be able to provide.”

Scott Fullaway, Senior Site Manager and Project Lead for Stepnall said: “To be able to work on this special project for my local NHS Trust is really rewarding; especially because I was born here 32 years ago! This is an amazing project that will support NHS teams and individuals, and I am delighted to be able to work on the building and development of Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s Health and Wellbeing Hub which will support staff now, and generations to come.”

The ground-breaking was supported by Ken Godber, Charity Director; Jeremy Wight, Non-executive Director and Wellbeing Guardian; Atul Patel MBE, Non-executive Director and Chair of the Charity; Hannah Peate, Wellbeing Lead; Les Hayes, Programme Manager; #TeamCRH Wellbeing Champions; and Scott Fullaway and Gavin Coleton from Stepnall.

To support Chesterfield Royal Charity, and raise or donate funds for the health and wellbeing hub, please visit: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/our-charity

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

New paddlesports hire business has launched on the Chesterfield Canal

11th August 2022

A new paddlesports hire business has launched on the Chesterfield Canal.

Equipment will be available for hire from Hollingwood Hub and will initially be open on Saturdays from the 13th August 2022.

The centre will cater for people experienced in watersports or those who would just like to give something a go.

A range of equipment is available from stand up paddleboards, single and double kayaks and a Canadian canoe.

Explore the Chesterfield Canal for 1, 3 or 6 hours.

Rob Auton from Chesterfield Canal Trust said “We are delighted that this exciting new venture is finally able to start. Kayaking and especially paddleboarding on the canal have increased greatly in popularity in the last two years. Experienced watersports enthusiasts or complete novices are welcome.”

You can book your paddle boarding experience here.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust was recently awarded £5.3 million from the Staveley Town Deal Fund. These works will extend the canal and improve facilities for users.

The canal extension will run for two miles from Hartington Harbour onto the Staveley Puddlebank which runs across the Doe Lea valley. Completing the works will take 3 years.

There will be two miles of multi-use towpath to Renishall. There will be a new lock and two new bridges, and a siphon pipe to take the water from Staveley Waterside (the new name for Staveley Town Basin) to the new canal section and full designs will be prepared for further work.

Staveley Waterside is the first phase of a mixed-use development centred around the Staveley Canal Basin. This will include the creation of an access road, pontoons to create moorings, a café and flexible office and workshop space for small businesses.

Chesterfield Canal Trust support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Last Photo exhibition developed for World Suicide Prevention Day

10th August 2022

A new community exhibition called The Last Photo will be in place in Chesterfield for World Suicide Prevention Day.

This impactful exhibition will share real life stories around mental health and suicide in a safe and supportive space. The event will also highlight the power of art and creativity in supporting people’s mental health and will be showcasing the wonderful work of our mental health community sector.

The Last Photo is organised by Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Mental Health Liaison Service and The Georgia Bird Foundation working in collaboration with SoBS Chesterfield, The Tomorrow Project, Mentell, Kakou and a number of volunteers

Inspired by CALM’s last photo exhibition in London, which saw the displaying of peoples last photos before taking their lives. CALM’s event has raised so many important questions around how suicide doesn’t always look suicidal, and how we can spot signs of when people may be struggling.

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of DVA said “I’m so proud of the initiative Rachel and Ellie have shown to approach this incredibly triggering but important subject, in such an innovative way. They are fantastic advocates for reducing the stigma around mental health and showing us the power of working in collaboration across all sectors of our communities. Please take the opportunity to see the exhibition. Working with others makes anything possible!”

The community exhibition will take place from 5 September until World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10^th September from 10am to 3pm at Derbyshire Voluntary Actions Hub @ Low Pavement.

On Saturday the 10^th September DVA will be holding a public living room in front of the outdoor cinema screen at Vicar Lane, where members of the public can chat to mental health workers about mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

To get involved or to find out more, please email rachel@dva.org.uk or georgiabirdfoundation@gmail.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Barrow Hill Roundhouse confirms details of 150th Anniversary Gala

10th August 2022

Celebrating 152 years of railway history for the iconic Midland Railway roundhouse and the wider railway industry it supports to this day. The three-day event is taking place from Friday 26th August to Sunday 28th August 2022.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is delighted to release further details of its 150+2 Celebration Gala. Tickets are now on sale for this great occasion, which will recreate the British Railways-era Open Days which took place at the Roundhouse in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Highlights include:

GWR 1500 class 0-6-0PT shunting engine 1501, the sole survivor of its class, in steam and working the Barrow Hill shuttle trains from Roundhouse Halt up the Springwell branch line. Our thanks go to the 1501 Pannier Tank Association and Severn Valley Railway for providing the engine for the Gala.

Midland Railway 158A Class 156 2-4-0, from the National Collection, will be on display alongside Midland Railway Compound 1000, the first time for many years that the two Midland Railway locomotives will have been seen together. Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, the charity responsible for the Roundhouse, has signed a three-year loan agreement with the National Railway Museum to enable the locomotive to go on static public display here. The locomotive was previously at Locomotion in Shildon, where it had been receiving conservation work and asbestos remediation. It has strong historic ties to the region; it was designed by William Kirtley and built at Derby in 1866 before being withdrawn in 1947.

GB Railfreight’s Class 69 69003 will be named “The Railway Observer” by the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society during the Gala weekend.

The following diesel locomotives will also be visiting the Roundhouse during the Gala:

Classes 08, 20 & 37 – courtesy of Harry Needle Railroad Company
Class 37 – courtesy of Colas Rail
Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
Class 46 46010 – courtesy of Mr Mike Newton
Class 50 5008 – courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services
Class 56 – courtesy of DCRail.
Class 66 66726 “Sheffield Wednesday” – courtesy of GB Railfreight
Class 67 – courtesy of DB Cargo

They will be joined by the Roundhouse’s resident locomotives including:

Class 45 45060 and 45105 (newly painted) – courtesy of Pioneer Diesel Group
The Baby Deltic Project’s D5910 – on display on the turntable
Classes 81, 82, 83, 85 & 89 – courtesy of The AC Locomotive Group

The Roundhouse’s Class 02 D2868 and Class 07 07012, owned by Mr James Williams and Mr Victor Korzienwicz, will operate brake van rides in the Roundhouse yard. The Roundhouse’s Class 03 03066 will support GWR 1501 on the passenger train services.

The Deltic Preservation Society Depot will also be open throughout the Gala weekend.

A variety of railway society stands and trade stalls, food and drink outlets, a range of children’s activities and historical enactments of Roundhouse characters will complete the celebrations of 152 extraordinary years of this unique railway building. There will also be a free shuttle bus service from Chesterfield railway station operating on all three days of the Gala.

Tickets are on sale now from www.seetickets.com. The Gala will be open from 10am to 5pm on each day (last entry at 4pm). Entry tickets will also be available on the day during the Gala. More information about the Roundhouse and forthcoming events including the 150+2 Celebration Gala can be found at www.barrowhill.org.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Gin tasting event raises funds for CSALS

10th August 2022

A gin tasting event at Drone Valley Brewery raised £447 for CSALS, a charity dedicated to promoting and facilitating first aid training.

The money was raised from ticket sales and a raffle held at the event, which featured six Scavelli gins. Those attending took part in a keypad quiz and there was also a ‘Gin or Beer?’ card game.

Elaine Dennison, chair of Drone Valley Brewery, was delighted with the success of the event. She said: “The feedback from all the customers was absolutely brilliant. Everybody enjoyed it and went home really, really happy.”

Pete Bishop, a supporter of Drone Valley Brewery who attended the event, added: “It was well organised, professionally run and for a really good cause. It was absolutely fantastic.”

CSALS’ community facilitator, Debra Johnson, said: “I’d like to thank Drone Valley Brewery for allowing us to host the event, which allowed us to raise awareness of our organisation and generate valuable funds.”

A free online first aid course, provided in association with Virtual College, can be accessed via www.virtual-college.co.uk/prepared.

Drone Valley Brewery, based at Unstone, is a community benefit society which supports local good causes by donating their profits to them.

CSALS support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Training partnership announced by local Hospice

9th August 2022

Chesterfield Champions Ashgate Hospicecare and White Rose Beauty College have announced a new training partnership.

The Hospice provides a range of services to provide care and support patients and their loved ones.

Complementary therapies are treatments patients can have on top of their regular medical care or on their own.

They may be helpful in treating symptoms like pain and some of the undesirable effects of treatments.

As part of the collaboration, White Rose Beauty College have offered an introductory course to complementary therapy to all Ashgate staff and volunteers.

The course provides an introductory to basic body massage, Aromatherapy, Zone Therapy (Reflexology) & Nutrition. A better understanding of the benefits and the use of complementary therapy.

Ali Foster-Ward, Partnership Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare said ” Ashgate is passionate about supporting our staff and volunteers well-being and learning and development and White Rose Beauty College are helping us to do this.”

“Our team of complementary therapists are made up of staff and volunteers. The hospice relies heavily on volunteers, and we have over 600 people performing vital roles across the organisation.”

A range of specialist courses and qualifications to Ashgate Hospicecare’s Complementary Team by White Rose Beauty College.

Ali added “This is a fantastic gesture which offers the opportunity to continue professional development for our team but also saves the hospice money. The money saved in training is then able to be redirected to patient care and the hospice care.”

Jules Slack, Corporate Ambassador of White Rose Beauty College said ” It has been a pleasure to provide training to new therapists and additional courses to experienced therapists. We have also been able to talk to the students about the hospice and help them recruit new volunteers.”.

Ashgate Hospice cares for over 2200 patients and their loved ones each year throughout north Derbyshire. They are an independent charity and need to raise over 72% of our running costs each year.

Ashgate Hospicecare and White Rose Beauty College support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Official running club partner confirmed for Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

9th August 2022

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has confirmed North Derbyshire Running Club once again as its official running club partner for its 2022 event in Queen’s Park.

North Derbyshire Running Club will once again provide pace runners and support runners for the event, which is taking place on Sunday 16 October 2022, starting at 10:00am.

Those aiming for a particular time can join a pacer’s group at the start and follow them throughout the race. The pacer tries to run even splits, moving at the same speed from start to finish, checking their time regularly and making any necessary adjustments.

The role of the 10K support runners is to help anyone throughout the race who may need extra support or motivation but importantly have a great time.

Andrew Hall, Club Chairman at North Derbyshire Running Club, said: “We’re so glad to be the official running club partner of Chesterfield 10k this year. We’re looking forward to helping experienced runners smash their PBs, as well as supporting those completing what might be their first 10k.”

The Chesterfield 10k is a local event that’s really important to us, as support and pace runners but also as a club. We hope to support the runners and charity partners, while showing people what a great club North Derbyshire is to be part of.”

John Timms, Event Director, said: “Pacers and support runners are a vital part of the Chesterfield 10k, helping people stay motivated, no matter their ability. The feedback we had last year, particularly regarding the support runners was overwhelmingly positive, so it’s really important that we’re able to offer that experience to entrants once again.”

For more information or to sign up for the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, please visit http://www.chesterfield10k.com/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Visiting

Recession warning should focus Government to support businesses, says East Midlands Chamber

8th August 2022

Commenting on the Bank of England’s announcement it will increase interest rates by 0.5% to 1.75% amid a forecast the UK economy will contract for five consecutive quarters, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The Bank of England’s bleak forecast signals a struggle ahead for businesses, their employees and customers given the precarious state of the economy, but there is hope of improvement in the medium to long term if they get the support urgently needed.

“Spiralling costs – from energy, fuel, people and raw materials – are cited by firms as by far and away the top concern right now, with 62% of East Midlands companies telling us they expect to be forced into raising their own prices in our latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2022.

“There are many causes of the current inflation crisis – global supply chain problems, trade barriers, soaring energy costs, increased taxes and labour market shortages – and this combination has caused very real crises in both the cost of living and cost of doing business.

“Interest rate rises alone will do little to address these and there is a risk it will continue to stifle investment among small businesses, which often require loans that are quickly becoming more expensive to service.

“With investment intentions among our region’s firms down – by 6% compared to the previous quarter for plant and machinery, and by 3% for training – the direction of travel by the Bank of England does not appear to offer much hope this will change.

“With the incredibly tight labour market putting upward pressure on inflation and long-term confidence beginning to wane, it’s crucial the Government now works with the private sector to come up with a solution that will enable business to drive the growth that can minimise the impact of the forecast recession.

“This should include reducing the costs for small businesses to invest in upskilling their workforce and providing training-related tax breaks, as well as reforming the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need.”

East Midlands Chamber support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

CMP Legal strengthens offering with two new key appointments

8th August 2022

Two new appointments have further strengthened the legal offering of Chesterfield’s newest firm of commercial solicitors.

CMP Legal, which was established in 2021, has appointed Chris Hutchinson and Ryan Fitzpatrick to its team of solicitors.

Chris and Ryan’s appointments now add expert construction dispute advice and healthcare transactions to CMP Legal’s specialisms.

Ryan, who is CMP’s first new director appointment just 18 months after launching, joins with a particular specialism of corporate transactions within the healthcare sector. He said: “CMP Legal has developed an excellent reputation for delivering high quality legal services in a very short period of time and I’m excited to now be part of this.”

He added: “I am very much looking forward to working with the team to continue the progress and expand CMP Legal both regionally and nationally.”

Formerly with Bell and Buxton and Ironmonger Curtis, Ryan brings more than 10 years’ corporate commercial legal experience to his new position at CMP Legal, including corporate restructuring and management buy-ins/outs with businesses based throughout South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

“I get an enormous sense of achievement from helping ambitious business owners buy and sell businesses. It is great to be involved at the start of their journey. Transactions within the care home, GP surgeries and dental sector are particularly strong at the moment. The sector is very buoyant right now,” added Ryan.

Alongside Ryan’s healthcare sector specialism, Chris brings industry-leading experience in construction disputes to his new role as a Consultant Solicitor with CMP Legal.

Originally trained as a site engineer, Chris has worked in senior quantity surveyor roles for major construction companies, including Morrison Construction and Mowlem, during a 40-year career in the sector.

He said: “My hands-on experience in construction has given me an inbuilt understanding of the practicalities of a dispute which not many other lawyers have. This not only saves time but gives clients confidence that they have someone on their side who fully understands the issues and knows what they are talking about on every level – from regulations to construction methods. I get immense satisfaction from being able to take a client from a poor position to getting a positive result for them.”

Chris’ experience also means he can act as an expert witness.

Welcoming Chris and Ryan to the firm, Anna Cattee Co-Founder of CMP Legal, said: “We’re thrilled that Chris and Ryan have chosen to bring their respective specialist skills and experience to CMP Legal. Chris is a construction law expert which ties in perfectly with our existing construction law offering, while Ryan’s expertise will enable us to push forward with our healthcare offering as well as our corporate services to all sectors. These are extremely exciting times for the team and business and our next stage of growth.”

Chris and Ryan’s appointments now bring the number of team members to eight, doubling the size of CMP Legal since its launch.

CMP Legal support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield residents urged to get behind bid for Derby to become the new home of the Great British Railways

8th August 2022

Train drivers and business leaders – plus a real-life pirate – have all shown their support as Derby bids to be the home of the Great British Railway.

Derby is on a shortlist of six cities who are hoping to be chosen as the national headquarters. Great British Railways will be the new, single public body responsible for running and transforming Britain’s railways.

The city already has the backing of Local Authorities across the East Midlands and has received support from Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, alongside 21 MPs from across the region.

Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, believes that Derby is “the perfect place as the home of railways” and has written a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

He said: “Derby’s geographic location and transport links are perfectly situated at the heart of the country’s rail network and would provide the ideal setting for linking together the north and south of Britain.

“Locating the new HQ in Derby would be very beneficial for the Great British Railways and would bring in much-needed investment and skilled jobs to the city, which would benefit the whole of Derbyshire and the East Midlands region.”

Jan Manfredi of Clay Cross-based award-winning ice-cream company Smith’s Creamland Ices and voluntary engine driver Debbie Jackson, who drives popular steam train ‘Little David’ through Matlock’s Hall Leys Park, are giving the bid their backing.

Even Captain Jack Sparrow, who was visiting Matlock Bath recently, has voted for Derby to be the next home of the Great British Railways. He said: “Arrghh, Derby gets my vote every time.”

Leading public relations company Penguin PR, who have offices in Derby and Chesterfield, are also supporting the bid. Director Simon Burch said: “Anyone who lives in Derby knows someone who works or used to work on the railways and there are reminders of our railway heritage everywhere, so the city has got rail tracks running through its veins.

“But as a local business owner and dad to two children, I realise how the region’s future relies on attracting projects of this calibre. Derby has been living in the shadows for too long when it comes to national recognition and attracting Government investment. I can’t think of a project that the city is more suited for, nor deserves as much.

“That’s why we’re supporting the bid and have placed our votes for Derby.”

But more votes are needed before the August 15 deadline. You can vote for Derby to be the location for the Great British Railways by clicking on the link here: Great British Railways Headquarters vote – Page 1 of 3 – Great British Railways – Citizen Space (gbrtt.co.uk)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business