The deadline for people to nominate their Chesterfield heroes for an award is fast approaching.

The ‘Our Heroes’ awards are being run by social housing provider Acis, which owns and manages about 7,000 properties across the Midlands and North. The deadline for nominations is 31 July 2018.

There are three categories up for grabs to recognise people making a difference in their local area, and nominations can be from anyone, for anyone, not just Acis customers.

The categories that people can vote for are Garden Guru Award, Wonderful Neighbour/Neighbourhood of the Year Awards and Young Person/People of the Year Award.

Claire Woodward, Head of Marketing at Acis, said:-

“We’re a community-focused organisation, working across a huge geographical area and we know that there’s so many good people and good projects out there. We want to recognise the people who are doing extraordinary things in the communities in which we work.

“Has someone got a beautiful garden, allotment or open space? Do you know someone who goes the extra mile for their community? Are you aware of a young person doing amazing things? This is your chance to nominate them and give them the recognition they deserve.”

For more information about the awards, and to nominate, click here.

The University of Derby has been ranked in the top 100 institutions in Europe for teaching excellence in the Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings 2018.

The new rankings, which focus entirely on teaching and learning, strive to uncover richer and deeper insights into global higher education, with indicators focused around four core performance pillars: resources, engagement, outcomes and environment.

Data has been taken from a variety of sources including the UK Higher Education statistics Agency (HESA) and the European Student Survey, which examines a range of key issues including students’ engagement with their studies, interaction with teachers, quality of services at the institution and their opportunities to develop skills which help prepare them for a career after university.

The University of Derby is ranked above the median for all UK higher education institutions for all of the 12 questions asked in the survey.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:-

“At the University of Derby we have innovative teaching and learning at the heart of the student experience, so to be recognised among the top institutions in Europe for teaching excellence is outstanding news.

“What we teach and the way we teach it is designed to ensure all our students benefit from academic challenge, outstanding facilities and relevant work experience opportunities, which ensure upon graduating they are best placed to realise their goals and aspirations.

“We take the quality of teaching at Derby extremely seriously and this was recognised recently by winning the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year Award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards, as well as being awarded a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.”

The Times Higher Education rankings only includes universities in countries that are a full member of both the European Higher Education Area and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and that are classified as a “developed economy” by the United Nations.

At least 50 valid survey responses were required for a university to be included in the rankings.

The University of Derby’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, this week attended a historic celebration for the Royal Air Force as the service’s 100^th anniversary events come to a head in central London.

To mark the centenary, tens of thousands of spectators filled London’s Royal Parks and the Mall as 100 RAF aircraft from the past century came together in a flypast over Buckingham Palace.

As a forces-friendly organisation, the University is a patron of the RAF 100 Appeal’s commemorative album, 100 Years of the RAF, and Professor Mitchell was invited to attend a special book presentation hosted by publisher St James’s House in association with the RAF100 Appeal.

Professor Mitchell said:-

“The University of Derby is working to support veterans across a range of areas, in recognition of the valuable contribution members of the services make. We are proud to play a part in commemorating the achievements of the RAF and those who have served, as well as celebrating the vital work the RAF continues to undertake.”

In November 2017, the University signed The Armed Forces Covenant – a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Organisations sign the Covenant to confirm publicly that they recognise the value that members of the Armed Forces community contribute to society. The Covenant encourages them to develop a relationship with those who work in their business or access their products or services.

More recently, the University used a grant of around £19,000 awarded by the Local Grant Covenant Grant Fund to run events for veterans wanting a new career in the health and social care sector. Workshops were delivered at two Armed Forces family days held by the University this summer, along with stalls advising on support and opportunities for service personnel and their families.

100 Years of the RAF is a hardback book featuring a wide selection of imagery from the RAF Museum’s extensive archives.

Find out more about the University of Derby signing of the Armed Forces Covenant here

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has unveiled the latest part of its efforts to create a calm and relaxing environment for patients receiving cancer treatment at the NGS Macmillan Unit and their families.

The unit has been open to patients for a little over a year, bringing together many of the Royal’s cancer outpatient services in one, state of the art building. The project was supported by a £2.5million fundraising campaign in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support that helped to turn what would have been an ordinary building into an extraordinary one that was created with the input of architects, staff at the Royal and patients who used the facility.

But Macmillan’s generosity didn’t end there. A legacy garden, called ‘The Garden of Reflection that was designed by Lara Behr, won a gold medal at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park and was gifted to the hospital by Macmillan in 2017. Lara worked very closely with Derbyshire Community Health Service Groundsman David Sanderson to recreate the garden as closely as possible outside the NGS Macmillan Unit for patients and visitors to escape the hospital setting and enjoy the hospital’s natural surroundings.

Roger Start is the Trust’s Lead Cancer Clinician and oversaw the building of the unit, he said:-

“It’s a wonderful gesture from Macmillan and highlights that our partnership didn’t end with the fundraising campaign. The fabulous NGS Macmillan Unit allows us to care for local cancer patients and their loved-ones, both physically and emotionally, in a purpose-built environment that is ready for the future. It was always an ambition of mine to develop outside resources so to be given this incredible garden was amazing. Gardens can be really beneficial to health and well-being, particularly for those with cancer, and this gives our patients, visitors and staff a place to enjoy the fresh air, peace and reflection away from the clinical environment. We are working hard to improve our open spaces and make them more accessible to both patients and staff.

“This garden is such a fitting tribute to everyone who raised money and helped us to make this building what it is which is an incredible facility within which our team can deliver the best possible care to our cancer patients in an environment that complements that care superbly. To see people sitting at the benches, reading, taking a break and contemplating, to me that’s success and I’d like to thank everyone involved with making that happen.”

Lara Behr designed the garden, she said:-

“It was a genuine honour to create this garden for Macmillan and I hope it brings some comfort and peace to people who need it whilst they’re at this hospital. I took my inspiration from a wishing well and that feeling of hope and excitement I felt as a child whenever I had the chance to throw a penny in and make a wish. I wanted to capture that, to celebrate the good things that come from having hope for the future.”

Sue Sanderson, Macmillan Partnership Manager, added:-

“Patient experience has always been at the forefront in the design of this building and this beautiful garden only enhances that further, providing another tranquil space for patients, family and carers to relax. What struck me upon seeing it first hand is how tranquil it is, you can still see the hospital but the wide open space it overlooks in the other direction is just stunning and, for me, it really enhances the unit.”

Vernon Sanderson is the Assistant County Organiser for NGS Derbyshire, he said:-

“We all know about the therapeutic effects of being outdoors so to see this beautiful having such a prominent position outside the NGS Macmillan Unit underlines precisely why we wanted to donate to the Macmillan fundraising campaign.”

The Garden of Reflection was designed by Lara Behr and highlights the work of the charity and the importance of legacy gifts. Timber poles of varying sizes represent the work of Macmillan that has been made possible by donations, both and large and small, particularly significant for the NGS Macmillan Unit and the contribution made by so many fundraisers across the local community and the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Thousands of walkers geared up over the weekend to take part in the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospicecare. The event, which is Chesterfield’s largest fundraising event, saw over 2,500 people walk 10km around Chesterfield on Saturday night, raising a phenomenal £200,000 for the local charity.

Jake Quickenden, winner of Dancing on Ice 2018 and this year’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk star, who performed live on the main stage and led the countdown to the 10km challenge, said:-

“It was an absolute privilege to perform at this year’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk. The atmosphere was incredible and it was amazing to see the sea of pink flashing bunny ears.

“I know from personal experience how local hospices can make a huge difference to those with a life-limiting illness and their families, and to raise over £200,000 for Ashgate is justs fantastic. Well done to every one of you involved, you all looked amazing and did so well.”

Janette Gilbert, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said:-

“What an amazing night! It’s the first time I’ve participated in this Sparkle Walk, and what a well organised event it was too.

The night was electric, and we enjoyed it every step of the way. We’re really looking forward to next year’s Sparkle Walk, and I’m sure it will be as phenomenal as it was on Saturday. Congratulations and well done to all who participated, you all deserved your medals.”

Colin Boynton, who lives in Buxton, said:-

“This was my first Sparkle Night Walk and I absolutely loved it. I’ve already signed up to next year’s! I decided to do the walk this year because my husband, Frank, received a cancer diagnosis last year and unfortunately he died very soon after that so we didn’t have time to benefit from Ashgate’s services. However, I was offered bereavement counselling by the Hospice which I found to be really helpful. The Hospice do a fantastic job of looking after the community and I think it’s amazing to see us all come together to support each other. The event was a lovely way to remember my husband, plus it’s great to know I’m helping more people to access the Hospice’s services.”

Dianne Whyman, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said:-

“We only lost our Mum on Thursday and so we are making the Sparkle Night Walk our anniversary night as it’s a great way for us to come together and celebrate her life. Well done to everyone involved.”

A number of local entertainment companies and local businesses all added to the event with an array of performances and giveaways. There was also a memory wall where many walkers shared their reasons for walking, as well as decorating their t-shirts with photos and memories of their loved ones who they were walking in memory of.

Stewart Oldham, from Chesterfield who volunteered at the event, said:-

“What an inspiring night! I loved volunteering at such an amazing event seeing so many people all walking to support Ashgate Hospicecare. I was touched by the many people sharing their stories of loved ones who were cared for by the Hospice and many others who know the value of the care provided at the Hospice and in the community. Well done to each and every one of you! Hope to see you all next year.”

The money raised from the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk will go towards providing vital care across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. The Hospice provides its services free of charge to patients with any life-limiting illness, and extended support to patients’ families.

Six months after Ashgate Hospicecare launched their #30for30 campaign, the Hospice is excited to announce that they have recruited over 50 new volunteers.

The Hospice relies heavily on volunteers, who make up nearly three quarters of their total workforce.

Matt Corbishley, Director of HR & Support Services, said:-

“Ashgate Hospicecare simply couldn’t run without volunteers. They are absolutely vital. We have volunteers across all areas of the Hospice, including in our shops, at events, serving patients in our Day Hospice and on the ward, supporting our admin teams, out in the community fundraising and speaking about the Hospice and in many more roles.

“We’re so pleased that more and more people are showing an interest in volunteering for the Hospice and we’re grateful for each and every person who kindly donates their time here. As well as our volunteers playing a vital role in the day to day running of the Hospice and in raising the funds needed to keep the Hospice going, we also like our volunteers to develop their skills throughout their time here. We welcome all applications, so if you are interested and have a few hours a week to spare, please get in touch!”

The campaign, which was launched in the 30th year of the Chesterfield based hospice delivering patient care to those with a life-limiting illness across North Derbyshire, aims to encourage people who may not have thought about volunteering with the Hospice before to donate 30 hours of their time in 2018.

Denise Walters, from Tapton in Chesterfield, started volunteering at Ashgate Hospicecare after hearing about the campaign on her local radio station. She said:-

“My mum was in the Hospice before she died and it’s just such a wonderful place. My whole family have done what they can to support the Hospice since then. My sister and I both asked for donations to the Hospice for our 50^th birthdays, my son shaved all his hair off for Ashgate and raised over £800, and my dad joined the Ashgate Lottery. We all wanted to do our bit. I also took part in the Sparkle Night Walk and that led me to want to do more for the Hospice. Volunteering seemed like the next natural step.

“I heard about 30for30, donating 30 hours of your time for Ashgate’s 30^th anniversary, from an advert on the radio. A lady was saying – “Often people say, I don’t know how you can volunteer at the Hospice, but you can do it” – It just made me think that I could do it. I’m just at home most nights, so why not do something really useful with my time?

“This is the first time I’ve volunteered for a charity. I come in and help on the ward once a week in the evening from five until half past six. I serve teas and coffees to the patients and help serve their evening meals. I’m there for an hour and a half but the time goes really quickly!

“I’ve only been volunteering here for about six weeks or so, so I’m still finding my feet, but it’s lovely. They let me loose on the tea trolley on my own for the first time last week, which was a little daunting because you don’t know how the patients will be feeling when you go and see them, but all the other volunteers and the staff are very helpful. Any problems that I have, I just ask the nearest person what to do and they sort me out. If you’re unsure about what to do, there’s always somebody to help.

“I enjoy the interaction with everyone. Just knowing that you’re doing something to keep the Hospice running is really nice. Once I’m more confident with what I’m doing, I’d like to dedicate more time to the Hospice. It’s a really nice atmosphere to be in.

“I’ve done nine hours of volunteering so far, so I’ll definitely finish my 30 hours by the end of the year and I’ll probably continue volunteering once I’ve completed those hours. Once you’re in, you’re in!”