About Chesterfield

Things are brewing up nicely for new North Derbyshire craft fair event

A new local craft fair will be going all out to ‘roll out the barrel’ when it launches this September.

The Craft and Gift Fair at Drone Valley Brewery in Unstone, Derbyshire, takes place on 11th September and is not just offering crafters a new stage for their wares, but a fun day out for all with live music also on the menu as well as the chance for visitors to sample the brewery’s own selection of award-winning real ales.

The new event will be featuring everything from unusual crystal gifts and felted woodland animals to beautiful wood-burnt carvings; quirky plant pots; sparkling arrays of handcrafted jewellery; scented candles; knitwear and gift sets of every description.

For Fair organiser Caroline Thompson from Dronfield, who also initiated the idea, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work designed to give local businesses, creative talent, the local economy and lovers of arts and crafts, a big post-Pandemic boost.

“As a craft person myself, I love visiting these sort of events but there aren’t many in our corner of Derbyshire,” she said.

“So I thought, why not start one? Since then, I’ve been amazed at the response from local creative businesses. For visitors, we’ll be adding some extra fun to the event with live music. It’s also a great opportunity to raise the profile of Drone Valley Brewery as an amazing community enterprise and venue in its own right.”

Now into its seventh year, the brewery was conceived, built and continues to be run, entirely by volunteers. All profits are ploughed back into local causes with additional support given by playing host to charities for their fund-raising events.

“Supporting our local community is very much at the core of the brewery’s philosophy.” said Caroline, who is a volunteer there herself. “But we also believe in having fun while we’re doing it, so a craft fair with live music, certainly fitted the bill.”

There are still a few stalls left to book at the amazing introductory offer of just £10. “Obviously, we’re hoping it will be such a big success, it will become part of our regular calendar of events, which has got to be a win-win situation for everyone.”

The event takes place on Sunday 11th September and runs from 10am-3pm.

To book a stall contact Caroline on: dvdcraft22@gmail.com.  For visitor information, visit: www.dronevalleybrewery.com

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Chesterfield Estate Agent completes move to The Glassyard

A Chesterfield estate agent has announced a move to The Glassyard, building on a successful 12 years of trading in the town.

Lime Living has moved into the new development on Sheffield Road, which provides the company with a modern and accessible environment for staff and customers.

Jamie Wajs, Managing Director at Lime Living explained how the move came about: “Following the pandemic and the changes in the day to day working & social habits, we started to look around the town for new premises that combined a modern & vibrant, accessible work / social environment.

“From initially viewing the units during the build phase and working out the viability of such a move, every time we popped down to the Glass Yard we got a great feeling about the development and that this was ticking the boxes, not just for us as a business but also for our staff and clients.

“We are surrounded by an array of independent businesses, professional services and a fantastic food & drink hall, all of which receive a good level of footfall and along with the ample parking, provides further exposure for our business.

Jamie went on to explain how being located in Chesterfield has enabled the company to go from strength-to-strength: “Recent growth is very much helped by Chesterfield currently going through the biggest new home building scheme for many years and this is not just good for our business and our industry, but for the town as a whole.

“We are seeing an upward curve in demand to live in and around the town, with many buyers either moving back to the area, or drawn in by the connectivity to other towns & cities, property prices although increasing remain lower than desirable areas of the cities; easy access to the Peak District also is a big draw.”

Find out more about the many benefits of investing in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Lime Living supports 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Corrugated Case Company acquired by global packaging specialist

The Corrugated Case Company based in Chesterfield has been acquired by the UK arm of global packaging specialists, Tri-Wall.

Tri-Wall UK Ltd, with its HQ in Monmouth, has signed a deal to take over CCC, with a clear intention to expand operations, invest in equipment and grow jobs.

Founded in 1996, The Corrugated Case Company has become one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging products. With a firm reputation of quality, innovation and delivering value for its customers, CCC is a great addition to the Tri-Wall Portfolio.

Find out how The Corrugated Case Company recently marked its 25th anniversary.

Gavin Peters, the UK CEO of Tri-Wall, says: “This is a great opportunity for both CCC and Tri-Wall to expand and grow into a stronger position. With CCC on board, we enlarge our footprint, both geographically and in product range, positioning us as the go-to supplier for all things packaging.”

He adds: “The business and people at CCC are fantastic and we are privileged to have them on board. The energy and enthusiasm I have felt from them throughout this process has been infectious and I cannot wait to start the integration process. We will all be learning from each other to develop better group practices and to provide our customers with even more product range..”

Mark Wilcockson the CEO of CCC, says: “It’s with great delight that we are joining the Tri-Wall UK family. Throughout the acquisition process it’s been evident that the ethics, ethos and values of our businesses are completely aligned.

“We’re very excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for our staff, our suppliers and importantly our customers both existing and new. The future shines brightly and we’re delighted to be on the next part of our journey alongside the Tri-Wall UK team.”

Tony Hession, the chairman of CCC, adds: “At The Corrugated Case Company, we are delighted to pass on our business activities and the future of the business to Tri-Wall UK. This acquisition will be the start of the next phase of development for our company, with all the advantages that being part of a worldwide group will bring.”

Tri-Wall UK now has a turnover of over £60 Million and has plans to grow over the coming months.

Corrugated Case Company supports 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Weightron Bilanciai continues partnership with world’s first football club

Chesterfield manufacturer, Weightron Bilanciai has continued it’s partnership with the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC.

The agreement which began in 2020 has enabled the football club to continue its engagement in the local community, enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy playing football.

Established back in 1857, Sheffield FC’s vision is to become a worldwide iconic grass-roots football club based on the club’s founding values of Integrity, Respect and Community.

Using the power of sport to encourage social interaction, the club hopes to spread its message locally, nationally and internationally, through diversity programmes in disadvantaged communities under the banner of The Sheffield FC Community.

Weightron Bilanciai have already helped ‘The Worlds First’ make a positive impact in making football accessible for all. Since then, the firm’s work in the local community has grown positively impacting a wide demographic delivering aged friendly sessions, alongside delivering healthy activity and food camps in partnership with Sheffield Council and North East Derbyshire District Council for under-privileged families.

For the upcoming season, The partnership will provide new home & away kit for 190 players across more than a dozen teams, which will feature Weightron Bilanciai front of shirt branding on all home and away shirts.

Graham Abercrombie, Head of Community at Sheffield FC said: “I am delighted that Weightron are continuing to support Sheffield FC.  The wonderful partnership will enable the community and disability departments in particular, to continue to grow and have a bigger positive impact than ever before, whilst creating lifelong memorable experiences for all involved.”

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd. commented: “The level of involvement Weightron is providing to support our local community forms part of our business strategy and is an integral part in our long term plans.”

In addition to this Weightron are also involved with:

  • Aged Friendly sessions: Bringing together 20 vulnerable elderly local community members before home games for a social meet, food, drinks, transport, and free entry to the home games.
  • FA Wildcats: A non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age from 5 to 11.
  • HAF camps: Holiday activities and food programme has provided support to children in receipt of free school meals through holiday period with over 450 local children supported.
  • Disability sessions.
  • CPD Workshops.
  • Weight Management Programs.

Richard Sheldon, General Manager of Sheffield FC added: “I am delighted to announce that Weightron Bilanciai will continue as principal community partner to Sheffield Football Club for the 2022-2023 season. The positive impact for our community teams, players and volunteers has truly been overwhelming since Weightron Bilanciai partnered with The World’s First in 2020. Their continued support the new season will provide invaluable opportunities for our grassroot clubs and community department to grow and flourish.”

Weightron Bilanciai supports 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, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

£47 million confirmed to improve bus services in Derbyshire

£47 million has been awarded to Derbyshire County Council to improve bus services over the next two and a half years.

Last year the Government published a new National Bus Strategy which set out a vision for future improvements across England and how bus services can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy placed a requirement on the County Council and bus companies in the area to work together to create a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Working with bus operators, district and borough councils, bus passenger groups, disability groups, and other special interest organisations a consultation was held last year, which asked the public what they wanted to see to improve bus services. The results helped to inform the BSIP which was submitted to the Government last year and asked for money to improve services across the county.

Derbyshire’s success in gaining £47 million provides the money which will help pay for:

  • More frequent buses and extended hours for vital services
  • Improved bus punctuality and reliability
  • Better value bus fares, especially for young people and those looking for work
  • Expansion of the ‘tap on and tap off’ system for paying for tickets
  • New transport hubs with Real Time Information to help connect bus services to other bus and train services
  • More demand-responsive services for rural and semi-rural areas
  • A new website and app which will cover all services to make planning a journey much easier

It is expected that work will start on delivering these improvements from October 2022.

Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said: “To have the money finally confirmed is great news for everyone in the county.

“Bus services will become so much more attractive to more people and will mean less traffic on our roads. This will make a positive contribution to our approach to tackling climate change.

“We will build on the positive work to date and continue to work in partnership with all the bus companies on a wide range of projects to improve bus travel.”

A partnership board, the BSIP Enhanced Partnership Board, has been set up to deliver the actions in the BSIP. It is chaired by Professor Margaret Bell, with Jeff Counsell, Managing Director of Trentbarton the vice chair.

Professor Margaret Bell CBE said: “This funding is the outcome of a lot of hard work and commitment of council officers and public transport operators who will continue to work together to make public transport a realistic alternative to the use of private cars in the future delivering substantial benefits to health.”

Jeff Counsell added: “The allocation of this funding just goes to show what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for a common cause. I know that we, and all bus operators, are looking forward to delivering the BSIP outcomes in continued partnership with the county.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent transport networks and connectivity at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/getting-here/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

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

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

Ground breaking for the new staff Health & Wellbeing Hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 11.8.22

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

New paddlesports hire business has launched on the Chesterfield Canal

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.

New paddlesports hire business has launched on the Chesterfield Canal.

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

Last Photo exhibition developed for World Suicide Prevention Day

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 10th September from 10am to 3pm at Derbyshire Voluntary Actions Hub @ Low Pavement.

On Saturday the 10th 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

The Last Photo Exhibition Flyer

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Barrow Hill Roundhouse confirms details of 150th Anniversary Gala

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.

Barrow hill web main

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

Gin tasting event raises funds for CSALS

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.

Drone Valley Brewery presentation

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Training partnership announced by local Hospice

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.

White Rose Beauty College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

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