Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council agrees new partnership with University of Derby

Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to establish a closer working relationship and recognise shared ambitions between the two organisations.

The agreement was officially signed by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, at a ceremony in Chesterfield Town Hall on Monday 11 December.

The strategic partnership agreement sets out three joint ambitions:

  • To establish Chesterfield as a University town – delivering higher level skills and education for our people and employers.
  • To work jointly with business partners, education providers and the public sector to deliver world leading research that drives innovation, provide world class facilities to meet the needs of our community and establish a platform to help our entrepreneurs reach their potential.
  • To use our combined assets, within community partnership across Chesterfield, to raise people’s aspirations through delivering effective core skills, careers information, support and advice.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the University of Derby, on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council. This agreement sets out our joint ambition to establish Chesterfield as a University town. Strengthening higher level skills and education across the borough will bring with it further opportunities for residents, businesses, and support for wider economic growth.

“Working with our partners across the borough we are also ambitious to establish opportunities for world leading research and world class facilities to drive innovation and bring inspirational opportunities for our communities and entrepreneurs, helping everyone to reach their potential.

“I look forward to working closely with the University of Derby over the coming years to help achieve our ambitions of being a thriving borough and improving the quality of life of local people.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “As Derbyshire’s only university we take our role working with communities and organisations very seriously, and this Strategic Partnership Agreement underlines our commitment to driving ambition and positive change.

“I am looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of this partnership as we work together to support skills development and improve outcomes for the people and businesses of Chesterfield and the surrounding area.”

The strategic partnership agreement also sets out a series of high level outcomes to which both organisations are committed over the next three years, focusing on the themes of:

  • Health and wellbeing, community, skills and resilience
  • Innovation and research
  • Experiential learning and curriculum design
  • Brand profile and awareness
  • Assets and investment

To achieve these ambitions and outcomes a delivery plan is being developed which focusses on the assets of the University and within Chesterfield borough. It will also identify the resources both organisations can contribute to achieving the ambitions laid out in the partnership agreement.

University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Representatives from the University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Businesses urged to find out more about Chesterfield Accelerator support scheme

A range of new business support programmes that aim to provide advice and funding for both established and start-up businesses has been launched in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Chamber launched the support projects at an event at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group Stadium on Thursday 7 December.

The Chesterfield Accelerator initiative, which will be run by East Midlands Chamber but funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), includes a dedicated local business advisor, access to a range of courses and workshops on a variety of topics which are free for local businesses to attend.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also launched a new business grant scheme funded through the UKSPF. The grants are open to any business based in Chesterfield and can be used to support initiatives designed to help the business grow.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We are an ambitious borough with our sights firmly set on growing the local economy to create new jobs and improve the quality of life for our residents.

“We recognise the importance of working closely with local businesses to deliver growth. Our business support packages aim to help businesses in any sector and of any size to realise their potential. From providing tailored business advice to business grants and hosting workshops, there is a wide range of support available.

“I encourage any business owner in Chesterfield to look closely at the support we can provide and to get in touch with us as soon as possible to access these business support programmes.”

The Chesterfield Accelerator is one of 16 Accelerator programmes being run by the Chamber across the East Midlands. The programme includes access to a dedicated business advisor who can provide advice on a wide range of issues relevant to businesses.

It also includes access to training workshops designed to support development in areas like digital skills; a subsidy for a 12-week executive leadership programme; support to apply for grant funding; networking sessions; vouchers for specialist consultancy programmes; and energy saving audits.

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber said: “It was standing room only at today’s launch event, such is the interest of local businesses in the new Chesterfield Accelerator project, decarbonisation grants and the business grants on offer from the Council.

“The Chamber and Council have a great track record of partnering on such initiatives, including on the Chesterfield Digital High Street Project which brought much-needed footfall to the town’s high street businesses. We’re now looking forward to reaching a much wider range of sectors to give businesses the skills and resources they need to build in the most robust way for the future.”

As well as the Chesterfield Accelerator, businesses in Chesterfield can access the new grant scheme that could provide 80% of the cost of investments designed to help a business grow or expand. This could include the cost of new equipment – for instance a local café could apply for new machinery that would help expand their menu. These grants are only available for a limited time, and businesses are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Green business grants are also available to help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

The new initiatives complement the existing business support offer in Chesterfield which includes a local business advisor who can provide advice and support on a range of relevant issues. These include:

  • An Innovation Support Programme which includes regular workshops designed to give business leaders information around new topics and industry standards.
  • A skills brokerage service which aims to provide local businesses with advice around skills development, including apprenticeships and will signpost them towards relevant training courses.
  • As part of Vision Derbyshire anyone in Chesterfield looking to start their own business can access specialist start-up advice and grant funding to help with the initial costs.
  • Chesterfield Borough Council also runs a dedicated commercial property service.  Through this service landlords can advertise properties for free and business owners looking for premises can receive advice on the types of property currently available.

Find out more about the wide range of business support programmes available in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Accelerator launch

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions support the community with sponsorship, fundraising and events

Chesterfield Champions continue to support Chesterfield’s community, with various initiatives.

Our latest roundup features charitable donations, voluntary efforts, sponsorship of local events and even some festive cheer.

Find out more in our latest roundup below:

Champions sponsor upcoming Champions Against Loneliness Awards

SMH Group Stadium Conferencing facilities

Two Chesterfield Champions, Magnavale and Hopkinson Waste Management have confirmed to sponsor two categories at the upcoming Brightlife Champions Against Loneliness Awards.

Scheduled to take place at the SMH Group Stadium on Saturday March 16th, 2024, the event will bring together local businesses, charities, volunteers and members of the public, at an awards evening designed to celebrate those members of society who have gone above and beyond in their actions to ensure that loneliness and isolation doesn’t occur amongst older people living within our communities.

Jules Gaylor, Managing Director of Hopkinson Waste Management Ltd commented, “The elderly in our community can be vulnerable and easily forgotten. They are also often the last to complain. BrightLife’s work is outstanding, we’re delighted to help out and spread their message too, which is a brilliant one.”

Amanda Cogan, COO, Magnavale commented: “We are excited to announce our latest partnership with BrightLife, as part of our ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, we are honoured to continue our sponsorship with BrightLife and the exceptional fight against loneliness within the community, in which they continue to deliver.”

Healthy Living project supports Staveley pupils

Students from Springwell Community College were taught how to make Butternut Squash soup by L3 catering students

A new project aims to provide Staveley school students with the skills to cook healthy meals at home.

Delivered in partnership by Community Growth, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School, the Staveley To Eat Well (STEW) project had its first session on Wednesday 8 November.

Students from Springwell Community College travelled to Chesterfield College where level 3 students in the Hospitality and Catering School taught them how to cook Butternut squash soup with sage and croutons.

Natalie Pearce, Co-Director at Community Growth, said: “It’s such a wonderful opportunity for students to have exposure to fully trained chefs and a professional kitchen. Inspiring and eye opening. The College staff are exceptionally welcoming. I’m honoured to be part of this innovative project.”

The concept initially arose through the Staveley Town Deal Board where members discussed how to tackle health inequalities in the town. The project has since been incorporated into Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board said: “This is a fantastic project for young people in Staveley, it will help them develop important skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. This is also a great example of how partnerships formed through the Town Deal can help create more opportunities and help improve the quality of life for local people.”

Catering students at Chesterfield College will be working with their tutors to develop a meal to cook for each session and will lead these sessions for 15 students each time.

Julie Richards Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Chesterfield College said: “It’s so exciting to see the project finally come to fruition after initial ideas at the Town Deal Board meeting. I’m delighted to welcome students to Chesterfield College and hope it’s the start of a much bigger initiative for the town and local residents.”

Ian Wingfield, Headteacher of Springwell Community College and Town Deal Board member, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to get this project going, it will give our students a fantastic experience and help ensure they can develop some really useful skills that will benefit them for a long time to come.”

Further sessions are planned in 2024, in total around 72 students from both Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School will take part in the project.

Funding for the project was secured through the Staveley Health and Wellbeing Group.

Chesterfield solicitor lights up Bolsover Castle with ‘Fame, Fashion, and Fortune’ exhibition

Lacey Graysons Bolsover Castle

Legal eagle-by-day, Lacey Bates-Blinkho, has been helping bring a taste of Christmas past to Bolsover Castle.

She has become a key figure in the Fame, Fashion and Fortune project which is now on display until the end of January 2024.

The touring exhibition – which is set to visit various stately homes and museums in the region in the coming months – is sponsored by Lacey’s firm, Graysons Solicitors.

Various members of staff have been part of a team of volunteers working tirelessly to re-create the costumes worn by the influential women connected with Bolsover, stretching right back to Bess of Hardwick.

Fame, Fashion, and Fortune has attracted nearly £50,000 in National Lottery Funding and is being coordinated by Bolsover Parish Church.

Caroline Murray, partner at Graysons, added: “We’re a firm that has a long and proud history of championing the careers of women. To be involved in ‘Fame, Fashion, and Fortune’ is a great privilege, and we’re proud to have the opportunity to help tell the inspiring stories of these great women who helped shape our region. Special thanks have to go to Lacey Bates-Blinkho – she has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty once again!”

Graysons Solicitors specialise in property, family law, lifetime planning, private wealth, wills, estates and trusts, elderly client services, personal injury, occupational illness and clinical negligence.

The law firm first formed in 1925 and currently employs around 65 staff.

CSLAS recieves donation from DCJ Group Insurance & Risk Management

csals donation

A four-figure donation to Chesterfield charity, CSALS has been made by DCJ Group Insurance & Risk Management to help boost fundraising efforts.

CSALS provide free online first aid training with over 11,000 people having completed the Prepared to Save a Life course, which is offered in partnership with Virtual College. Practical sessions are also delivered in schools and at companies that support the organisation’s 999 Appeal.

DCJ Group specialises in commercial and personal lines insurance with four offices across the Chesterfield, Lincoln and Nottinghamshire area, putting them in a great position to support clients across the UK.

With a turnover in excess of £30 million, DCJ Group also comes under the umbrella of global insurance giant Brown & Brown – one of the world’s largest insurance broking businesses, supporting DCJ Group and others by providing access to strong insurance partnerships, enhanced insurance products, risk management resources, and the expertise of over 14,000 insurance professionals worldwide.

Debra Johnson, CSALS’ community facilitator, added: “We rely heavily on assistance from the local business community and I would like to thank Chris and DCJ Group Insurance & Risk Management for their generous donation, which is very much appreciated.”

Business invited to College Santa Dash event

Chesterfield College’s Santa Dash is set to return this Christmas, in support of Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice 

The event takes place on 15th December, and all students, staff and local businesses are welcome.

The Santa Dash will be taking place at Queens Park at 9:30 am to start the warm-up at 9:45 am.

The event itself is three laps of the park which can be run, jogged or walked dressed in festive attire (Christmas jumpers, Santa costumes, etc. or wearing purple to show support for Bluebell Wood) to raise as much money as possible for the charity whilst being together and having a fun-filled morning at the same time.

Sports students will lead the warm-up from the college while the college’s Public Services students will marshal the route. There will be prizes for:

  • 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers
  • Most money raised
  • Best dressed individual
  • Best dressed team

The College is asking local businesses to help in any way they can, be it by entering a team for the event and raising sponsorship money or donating prizes. Details following the event will be published on the Chesterfield College website and social media platforms including any details/social media tags of all businesses involved.

Business which would like to donate a prize or enter a team for the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Jake Wilshaw by email: wilshawj@chesterfield.ac.uk.

BHP Supports the Elm Foundation with charity advent calendars

BHP;business;WatersidePlace

The BHP Chartered Accountants team in Chesterfield have been collecting advent calendars for children currently living in a domestic abuse refuge house based in the town.

The refuge is run by The Elm Foundation, which runs four such safe houses for men, women and children.

A total of 38 advent calendars have now been donated to the children in the refuge.

Vicar Lane Opens Food Bank this Festive Season

Vicar Lane Christmas 873x466

To support Chesterfield Foodbank, Vicar Lane is taking part in the ‘Let’s Can Hunger’ campaign once again, to support those most in need within the community this Christmas.

From Monday 4th December until Thursday 21st December, visitors can contribute by donating to either of the food banks in Iceland or the Vicar Lane Centre Management Suite.

Items that can be donated are tinned goods and other non-perishable goods such as pasta, cereals and toiletries. To see the full list please visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/lets-can-hunger-2023/.

For more information speak to a member of management at Vicar Lane, email enquiries@vicarlane.com or call 01246 234630.

Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator, Vicar Lane said, “We are always blown away by the generosity of our local community, so we anticipate this to be a successful collection to support the work that Chesterfield Foodbank do. We know that times are tough for everyone this season and so we are happy to do our part in helping out and welcome any donation however small”.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital launches charity appeal

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is appealing to businesses, organisations and communities to help give the ‘gift of extraordinary’ this Christmas through the Chesterfield Royal Charity.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, explained: “Our Christmas wish this year is to show our patients and colleagues that they truly matter through a small act of kindness. Our goal is to always provide exceptional care and look after the health and wellbeing of our people. One of the ways we’d like to do this is by offering small gifts, paid for by the Chesterfield Royal Charity.

“We already have plenty of kind donations and from community organisations bringing gifts in – such as motorcycle clubs bringing appropriate gifts children but this year, we’re wanting to make it even more exceptional and we’re launching a last-minute appeal for kind gestures from local businesses and organisations.

“We know it’s a difficult time for many people and it’s important to not go above your means, so please do only donate if you’re able. As they say; every little helps!”

The appeal ‘Webster is Quackers for Crackers’ is running from now until 4 January. Find out more here.

Hopkinson Waste Management, Magnavale, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, BHP Chartered Accountants, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, CSALS, DCJ Group Insurance & Risk Management and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Work begins on 22 new council homes in Chesterfield

More than 20 new homes are to be built in Chesterfield – helping increase the number of affordable council homes available in the borough.

The latest project will see the addition of 22 new council properties, located at various sites across Staveley and Middlecroft, as Chesterfield Borough Council continues with its commitment to increasing the number of properties available to families.

Construction of the new-build properties is now well underway after local councillors joined representatives from Fortem Solutions Limited, the council’s main contractor, to break ground on one of the sites and kick-start the project.

The project will see the addition of two three-bed bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and two two-bed bungalows at Court Place, four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, nine three-bedroom houses on Westwood and three three-bedroom houses at Aston Court.

In line with its climate change strategy, the council is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient and these new homes are set to benefit from renewable energy sources.

Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump for the heating and hot water, whilst solar panels will be installed on the roof with battery storage to generate electricity.

Electric vehicle charging points will be installed on all of the properties to support lower carbon transport options.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and once built, these new properties will provide a welcome addition to our housing stock and let to people on our housing register.

“The number of people on the housing register has risen in the last year as more people look for affordable housing options as a result of the rising cost of living, and we’re working hard to meet this demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for families in our borough, so we’re really pleased that works are now underway.

“We are fully committed to helping achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and are working hard to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible and these new homes will help us to achieve this. The measures in place will not only help us towards our target but will also help reduce fuel bills for our tenants.”

Tom Nicholson, commercial manager at Fortem Solutions Limited, said: “We are delighted to commence these works, partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, delivering efficient new homes in the borough. In our pre-construction interactions, the council has showcased a commitment to clear communication, decisive decision-making, and a shared vision for project success, which shows the true partnership we have developed together over the years.

“Our collaborative, pro-active approach to project planning and engagement has set a positive tone for our partnership. I am confident that the synergy between our teams will contribute to a streamlined construction process, fostering an environment for further effective collaboration and successful handover of these new properties.

“We look forward to the commencement of works, and we are excited about the prospect of working hand-in-hand with the council once again to bring our shared vision to life.”

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about living in the town here.

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

New council houses CBC Fortem

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

New community forest in North Derbyshire set to flourish

Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest has officially set down roots with the first tree being planted as part of the Government-funded initiative to improve access to nature by providing more green space in areas of the county with fewer woodlands.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, planted an oak tree on a countryside site on former colliery land in Glapwell, to mark the start of the forest’s creation along the eastern and southern fringes of the county.

It follows the council’s successful bid to develop one of two new Community Forests – the other being created in Tees Valley – to join the existing network of 13 England’s Community Forests.

England’s Community Forests are located in and around large towns and cities, providing urban, economic and social regeneration, championing green infrastructure and creating high-quality environments for millions of people.

So-called because of its location at the heart of England, Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will occupy a central position between the National Forest to the south and the Greenwood Community Forest in Nottinghamshire, providing the missing link to join up these two woodland areas.

Trees will be planted on pockets of available land stretching over a geographic area of approximately 289 square miles within communities along the eastern border of the county and areas in the south of the county including:

  • Amber Valley – Alfreton, Somercotes, Heanor, Ripley, Codnor.
  • North East Derbyshire – Aston, Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh, Sutton, Wingerworth, Shirland.
  • Bolsover – Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover, Shirebrook, Pleasley, South Normanton, Pinxton, Tibshelf, Glapwell.
  • Chesterfield – Birdholme, Boythorpe, Brampton, Brimington, Chesterfield, Loundsley Green and Newbold, Staveley, Whittington.
  • Erewash – Breadsall, West Hallam, Breaston, Horsley, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre.
  • South Derbyshire – Etwall and Repton, Hilton, Melbourne, Sawley.
  • Derby.

The project aims to plant 300,000 trees on publicly accessible land by March 2025, supporting Derbyshire County Council’s ambition to help facilitate the planting of a million trees by 2030.

Councillor Renwick said: “Derbyshire is well-known for being home to the rural villages and rolling hills of the Peak District, but our county is also characterised by communities in former coalfields and industrial heartlands.

“Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will bring together these urban areas, where more than three-quarters of the county’s population of 797,000 people live, helping to provide more green space for residents on their doorstep, boosting biodiversity, improving air quality and access to nature – which we know boosts people’s health and wellbeing.

“We’re very pleased that Derbyshire has been chosen to create a Community Forest, which will also add value to Derbyshire’s tourism and visitor economy and bring the potential for the growth of new businesses and jobs in the area through nature-led regeneration of industrial landscapes.

“The next stage is to link up with local landowners to look at where we can start planting and encourage groups and individuals to take ownership and get involved in creating woodland havens in their communities to create a positive legacy for generations to come.”

 

Tree planting in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will be supported by the England’s Community Forests Trees for Climate fund, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate programme. £50,000 has been awarded to fund initial development work for the new Community Forest.

The forest will be established in three phases with the third phase centred around establishing a new Community Forest Charitable Trust from April 2025 onwards to manage and maintain the Community Forest in the future.

Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest promises to be a tremendous community asset for the county. Woodlands and trees are the beating heart of so many communities – absolutely essential to supporting our health and wellbeing, alongside being home to some our most unique wildlife.

“The nation’s network of Community Forests play a really important role in contributing to our ambitions to increase tree planting across the country to meeting net zero ambitions, as well as increasing biodiversity. I look forward to seeing the progress as Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest starts to take shape and become a woodland for generations to enjoy long into the future.”

 

Paul Nolan, Chair, England’s Community Forests, says:  “It’s fantastic that we have two new Community Forests joining our growing partnership, bringing the total number of Community Forests up to 15. Both Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest and Trees on Tees will receive key support from the Government’s Nature for Climate fund through the Trees for Climate programme, helping to introduce more trees to areas most in need.

“Communities in both areas will be both part of the transformation and benefit from the creation of the forests, improving the local environment and connecting more people to nature.”

 

If you are a local landowner with land available to plant trees in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest area then the county council would like to hear from you, email heartwood@derbyshire.gov.uk for more information.

Heartwood community forest

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Junction Arts celebrates 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

Junction Arts has celebrated hosting the 30th Bolsover Lantern Parade, an event that continues to bring light, people, and a strong community spirit to the town.

Hundreds of people joined the parade last weekend with their lanterns and thousands more lined the streets to see one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions.

Following a month of lantern-making workshops in the community and local schools, just under 400 lanterns were made for the parade.

Among the hundreds of creations, there was a giant gingerbread man, Buddy the Elf, an astronaut, Father Christmas, a dragon, an aeroplane, and a huge Buzz Lightyear.

Several smaller lanterns reflected the history of the parade, with traditional miner’s lamps and stars, that were used in the very first parade.

The parade marked the finale of the Bolsover Winter Festival, a weekend of festive fun, which included a new light show at Bolsover Castle and a traditional Christmas market, that contained 130 stalls.

The event is organised by Chesterfield-based charity, Junction Arts, in partnership with Old Bolsover Town Council, English Heritage and other community partners.  It has become a much-loved, cultural tradition for generations of people.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Lantern Parades are a symbol of creativity, celebration, and community. Reaching 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade is a wonderful achievement for the town.

“This year’s parade did feel extra special as we reflected on the last three decades and the positive impact that it has had on the town. Thank you to everyone who made a lantern, or came along on the night to watch, in freezing temperatures, you are what makes this event so special, see you next year!”

Find out more about the festive fun taking place across Chesterfield this Christmas.

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

Junction Arts Bolsover Lantern Parade

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield welcomes more than 17,000 visitors to annual Christmas lights switch-on

More than 17,000 visitors got into the festive spirit in Chesterfield last weekend, according to data from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

The town officially switched on its Christmas Lights on Sunday, 19th November to mark the beginning of the Christmas period. In total, 17,313 came along to see the town lit up.

The weekend saw numerous attractions in the town centre, including a festive market, street entertainers, Santa’s grottos, fairground rides, and the annual Festival of Christmas Trees at the Crooked Spire.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors to Vicar Lane for the lights switch on. It was fantastic to see everyone getting into the Christmas spirit. We hope families will enjoy the upcoming festive activities we have planned including visiting Santa and our Festive Fun Day this weekend”.

After a successful opening weekend, the Christmas fun certainly isn’t stopping in Chesterfield. Santa is being kept busy, offering children the chance to meet him before the big day at a number of locations across the town.

This Saturday (25th November), between 10am to 4pm, there will be a day of festive fun at Vicar Lane. Visitors are sure to have a ‘bear-y’ merry time as Snowy the polar bear will be roaming around the centre ready to spread festive cheer throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to take part in the personalised bauble workshop. The workshop will be located next to Waterstones and no advance booking is required. Subject to availability.

On specified dates in December, between 11am-4pm, Vicar Lane is inviting families to come along to Santa’s workshop to get writing their letters to Santa. Plus, there will be lots of Christmas crafts for all to get involved in.  Santa’s elf workshop will be located next to Waterstones.

Vicar Lane’s very own Elf Training Academy will also be open on Saturday 16th December and Friday 22nd December between 11am to 4pm. This will be located next to Waterstones.

For a full guide to your perfect Christmas in Chesterfield, including events and acivities, local guides to the best gifts, food and drink, where to meet Santa, an much more, head over to our Christmas in Chesterfield page.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

christmas lights new square

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Double award win for Chesterfield creative technology firm

Chesterfield-based Noonah, a company which provides experiential engagement technology has secured two prestigious accolades at this year’s Event Tech Awards.

The company emerged victorious in the categories of ‘Best New Technology Product’ and ‘Best Use of Technology for Engagement & Interaction (B2C)’.

Noonah is a trailblazer in delivering cutting-edge experiential engagement tech for brand activations, experiential retail, and events.

The first award, ‘Best New Technology’, was presented to the company for its groundbreaking innovation, Glamdroid®. This robotic camera arm has redefined event experiences by integrating high-speed robotics, super slow-motion video, and unparalleled social media shareability.

The technology has quickly become a game-changer in the event industry, offering agencies, brands, and private events the opportunity to provide guests with an unparalleled A-list experience.

Glamdroid® has been seen at major events, such as Disney’s Mandalorian Premiere, TikTok EOY Wrap Party, H&M x Mugler Launch, as well as working with brands like No7 Beauty, Adobe and White Claw.

The second award, ‘Best Use of Technology for Engagement & Interaction (B2C)’, was granted for the company’s collaborative project with eBay.

Central to eBay’s appearance at MCM Comic Con, Noonah’s cutting-edge technology facilitated captivating interactions between the brand and comic-book fans.

The eBay “TCG ME” experience, developed in collaboration with agencies DEPT® and Experience12, featured branded onsite photo booths and live event printing technology, enabling attendees to create unique trading cards in real-time.

The engaging experience allowed comic book fans to appear on personalised collectible cards. Attendees could choose from various characters and themes, infusing their personalities into their unique trading cards.

Noonah’s technology captured selfies and integrated them into the card designs, with skilled technicians printing the cards within minutes. Attendees left the event with a physical card and an animated digital version to share on social media using #ebaycomiccon22.

“We are thrilled to receive these prestigious awards, recognising the innovation and impact of our technologies,” said Vanessa Holmes, Senior Account Manager at Noonah.

“These awards exemplify our commitment to revolutionising the event industry, creating unforgettable experiences for guests, and helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.”

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

noonah event tech awards win

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Planning permission sought for rail training and innovation centre

Planning permission is being sought for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

If approved the new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support speciality rail industry training, research and development facilities and commercial space for rail related businesses.

In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million. Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector.

“I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.”

Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.”

DRIIVe will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.

The centre will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.

DRIIVe will create about 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry.

Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.

Driive artists impression

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

United Cast Bar inspires Brookfield School pupils by hosting the 2023 student challenge

Chesterfield’s United Cast Bar is continuing to play its part in inspiring the next generation of engineers in the town, by hosting a local school to help them discover the exciting pathways available into the sector.

A group of year 10 students from Brookfield School Chesterfield, all whom have an interest in STEM subjects, were challenged to create a short boardroom presentation on the following;

  • The history of iron
  • Its impact and position in Chesterfield over the last 50 years
  • The uses of irons in modern life
  • The environmental future of iron-making

A total of 27 students wanted to be involved with the challenge and were split into 9 teams of 3. After some fantastic presentations, 4 groups were shortlisted for first, second and 2 x third-place positions.

United Cast Bar’s aim is to encourage local young people to understand the development and importance of the industry in the local Community, the careers that are available in the manufacturing and engineering industries locally and to show what interesting and rewarding careers these industries can offer.

The winners were invited to visit United Cast Bar to give their presentations to members of the management team, have a tour of the factory, join the team for lunch and receive their prizes.

United cast bar brookfield

“It was fantastic to see the work done and learn some interesting facts the children had researched about cast iron and its importance to the local area. A successful and enjoyable day was had by all” James Brand UCB Foundries Managing Director remarked, “the professionalism the students showed in both their research and in presenting their results – it was a great pleasure to welcome them to UCB.”

Since 2014, United Cast Bar has also been involved in the Made in Chesterfield initiative, which sees businesses offering tours of their premises to showcase the range of careers available in STEM sectors. Read more about the 2023 Made in Chesterfield festival here. 

United Cast Bar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Made in Chesterfield UCB

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Prestigious King’s Awards for Chesterfield Volunteer Centre and Wilmott Dixon

Two organisations which support Chesterfield’s growth and regeneration have been awarded highly prestigious King’s Awards.

Wilmott Dixon, which is a member of the town’s Property and Construction Group King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity. Willmott Dixon was one of only nine companies recognised this year in this category.

It’s the fourth such accolade for the company, and the first from HM King Charles III. It was awarded in recognition of the wide-ranging activities of Willmott Dixon’s people to make society a better place, especially for those who face significant barriers to achieving their full potential in life.

In the last year, four out of five of Wilmott Dixon’s 2000+ workforce have delivered a social value-based activity in their community to improve the life chances of others. This includes mentoring, supporting people with interview training, careers advice and enhancing a local community asset for people to use. In all, last year saw Willmott Dixon’s team create and deliver over 608 community programmes and engage with over 70,000 people in activities to boost their life chances. This led to 88% saying it had a beneficial impact on them.

In total, over 48,000 hours were volunteered by Willmott Dixon people, and this led to over 200 people facing major barriers to work gaining employment through the company’s intervention. Willmott Dixon also helped further drive social mobility among the most vulnerable and less fortunate by spending over £2.5m with social businesses last year.

Rick Willmott explained: “This sense of purpose to help the communities where we work is in the very DNA of our company. From offering opportunities and employability skills for those facing major barriers to employment, to improving buildings so they encourage better community cohesion – our social value projects are an important reason people want to work for us and their impact is something our customers and communities value hugely.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who’s work has made a difference. This award belongs to us all, and it reflects the passion and dedication we share for helping others.”

Meanwhile, The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & North East Derbyshire has been awarded The Kings Award for Voluntary Service.  This is the highest Award given to voluntary groups across the UK, and it is awarded for life. The award is for voluntary groups rather than individuals and is seen as the MBE for voluntary groups.

In a correspondence from the KAVS Team The Volunteer Centre were told;

“His Majesty The King has approved the KAVS National Assessment Committee’s recommendation that the volunteers of The Volunteer Centre – Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire should receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2023. This represents a tremendous achievement and we hope that the group’s volunteers will feel immensely proud of it.”

The announcement was made on November 14th and cited officially in the ‘London Gazette’ of the same date.  This will be followed by a local presentation of a cut glass award and an official certificate signed by The King.  In the summer of next year, representatives of The Volunteer Centre will be invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

CEO Dave Radford, on hearing the news said: “Obviously we are all tremendously proud of what we have achieved.  Our volunteers worked so hard and they did so much during the pandemic providing a much-needed shopping service to individuals.  The local communities would have struggled without their fantastic help.

“However, it is so much more than that, this isn’t something that is handed out on a plate, it is an Award that shines a light on the fantastic work carried out by volunteers and groups that make a big difference in their communities.  I think it will take sometime to wipe the smile off my face!”

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

community chesterfield award win

Dave Radford, Chesterfield Volunteer Centre with guests at the Chesterfield Volunteer Sector Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,