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Derbyshire County Council pledge up to £15 million for coronavirus economic recovery

Derbyshire County Council are setting aside a fund of up to £15 millon to help support Derbyshire’s communities and businesses to recover from the effects of coronavirus.

Announcing the fund at the Derbyshire Economic Recovery Board on Monday 20 July 2020, Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said the fund would focus on creating jobs and growth, supporting the green economy and entrepreneurs and business diversification, as well as apprenticeships and training for young people.

The cash will help to pump-prime our recovery strategy which is currently being finalised alongside work to identify additional sources of funding from government to support further measures to get the county’s economy back on track.

Councillor Barry Lewis said: “I’m pleased to be able to announce this much-needed funding to help Derbyshire’s economy to recover from the effects of coronavirus in the coming months and years ahead.”

“We initially pledged £1 million in March for emergency support to help businesses and residents cope with the immediate consequences of the pandemic and now our focus has shifted to look at what we need to do to revive and reinvigorate our economy over the medium and longer term.”

“While the devastating effect of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, we’re keen to use this as an opportunity not just to rebuild our economy, but to build back better with emphasis on supporting our businesses and communities to be greener and creating a brighter future for our young people with better access to skills and job opportunities.”

At a meeting on 30 July 2020, the Cabinet will consider a report which identifies £15 million as the level of investment required for economic recovery and further plans for the fund will be considered by Cabinet in the coming months.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure

Joint venture formed to develop the Gateway at PEAK Resort

Specialist developer Milligan has formed a unique joint venture with landowner Birchall Properties. Working together with Chesterfield Borough Council, the Peak District National Park Authority and the University of Derby they plan to develop the UK’s first fully serviced national park gateway, consented on the eastern boundary of the Peak District.

The Gateway at PEAK will be part of the 300-acre PEAK Resort development, which has planning permission for up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges as well as a whole range of leisure, education and entertainment facilities, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

The Gateway at Peak

Chesterfield Borough Council CEO, Huw Bowen said; “PEAK Resort forms a key part of our growth plan for Chesterfield and we are delighted to support Milligan as they develop their plans to create the Gateway at PEAK. It will be a tourist attraction of national significance, supported by the wider catchment and improved connectivity provided by the advent of HS2. It will provide sustainable transport links to attractions and activities within Chesterfield and the National Park. We are also keen to ensure that local people benefit from the Gateway at PEAK through skills development and access to jobs, by working with Milligan and future operators helping them utilise local business supply chains wherever practicable.”

Chesterfield, already famous for its crooked spire, medieval architecture and Victorian Market Hall, is set to become the Peak’s gateway town, as currently 61% of visits are from the ‘east side’ of the park. The Gateway at PEAK itself, just four miles from Chesterfield, will shift visitors from their cars into more sustainable modes of transport and manage access into the national park landscape, reducing pressure on local communities and impacts on wildlife.

During the initial months of the Coronavirus outbreak and as lockdown restrictions have lifted across the UK, making the most of outdoor spaces has been a priority for most and the staycation market has exploded. This has not come without its drawbacks. The park already attracts 13 million tourism visits each year and demand for all national parks is predicted to rise exponentially, so many protected landscapes are naturally keen to explore opportunities to minimise the impacts of increased visitor numbers.

The Country Land and Business Association recently wrote to the Education Secretary asking that The Countryside Code be taught again in schools as an entire generation is being left without knowledge of how to treat and protect our natural environment. The Countryside Code, as we know it today, was published nearly 40 years ago. One of the purposes of the gateway will be to inform visitors on local wildlife, heritage and encourage responsible visiting through a series of experiences and digital technology inspired by the #PeakDistrictProud campaign launched earlier this spring. As 85% of visitors currently arrive by car, a gateway facility providing accommodation, parking and services for onward travel into the park by foot, bike or in public electric vehicles through park-and-ride, will help mitigate their environmental impact and help to reduce traffic congestion.

Melanie Taylor, head of retail relations at Milligan, said; “Our vision is to create a sustainable hub for like-minded businesses and a basecamp for the sustainable exploration of the UK’s first national park. As post-lockdown demand for outdoor pursuits grows, we must enable and facilitate the sustainable use of natural spaces and protect them for generations to come. A gateway could provide information for visitors to book single or multi-day itineraries, explore the area using more sustainable, less polluting modes of transport and buy or hire outdoor activity equipment to try out new activities.”

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park added; “As we approach our 70th year as the UK’s first national park, supporting sustainable gateways and opportunities for visitors to experience what we have to offer in a responsible way is vital to our future. It also resonates with our aim for everyone to be ‘PeakDistrictProud’ in their approach to spending time with us. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the role that national parks and our outdoor spaces can play in our recovery and long-term wellbeing. It feels both timely and exciting to be working collaboratively with Milligan and Birchall Properties to create the first Peak District National Park gateway as part of the PEAK Resort. The Peak District’s unique position in the heart of the country already makes us accessible to millions and our involvement in the Gateway at PEAK will help unlock our wildlife, cultural heritage and natural beauty to others, befitting a pioneering approach to sustainable tourism.”

Over the next two months, the partnership led by Milligan will be undertaking a major marketing and research phase discussing the opportunity with companies both large and small, local and national that might be interested in participating. They will be looking to create partnerships with brands that align with the Gateway at PEAK’s values and vision, to integrate products, experiences and expertise into the delivery of a world-class visitor experience.

Once this phase is completed in September, a detailed building specification will be finalised, and it is intended that construction will start in 2021.

Find out and enquire about the opportunitites about the Gateway at Peak

Find out more about Peak Resort

Peak Resort David Loyd Leisure Site Cleared

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Visiting

Children’s health & wellbeing summer camp launched by Spireites Trust

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has launched Camp Inspire to help youngsters prepare for a return to school in September.

Based in the HUB at the Technique Stadium, the health & wellbeing camp has been designed to improve the physical health and social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

Running until Friday 28th August, Camp Inspire is centred around the five ways to wellbeing.

There are Camp Inspire Connect sessions for 4-10-year-olds and a Camp Inspire Activate programme for those aged 10-17.

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s head of education and wellbeing, explained the thinking behind Camp Inspire: “Our community partners have told us there’s a clear need for this type of summer holiday provision.”

“It’s open to all but we are looking to identify funding to pay for places for disadvantaged children.”

“We’re working with local schools and local authorities to identify those children who are most in need.”

“We would welcome support from local businesses who are interested in sponsoring places for vulnerable children.”

The Camp Inspire sessions run from 8:30am to 5:30pm with early drop-off and late pick-up available ant a cost of £2 per half hour.

Bookings can be made by emailing wellbeing@spireitestrust.org.uk or phoning 01246 925115.

Anyone interested in applying for a funded place should contact their child’s school or key worker in the first instance.

Find out more about the Chesterfield FC Community Trust summer events below:

Chesterfield FC Community Trust use the power of Chesterfield FC and sport to inspire the community of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

proact

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield Borough Council leisure centres set to reopen

Chesterfield Borough Council is looking forward to welcoming customers back to its leisure centres when they reopen on Saturday 25 July.

Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre have been prepared ahead of Saturday’s reopening in line with the guidelines issued by Government and the leisure industry to ensure customer and staff safety.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic news that the council’s leisure centres will be back open for business from this weekend.”

“I know lots of customers will be very keen to get back to their fitness regimes. Exercise in its many different forms is great for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.”

“We have had to make a lot of changes to how we provide the services on offer, and so I would encourage customers to read the guidance on our website before visiting the centres.”

Customers will need to book sessions in advance in order to visit the leisure centres and sessions will be time limited. This will allow for cleaning to take place between customers’ visits. Customers’ contact details will also be retained as part of NHS test and trace requirements.

Customers who are not already a member of the leisure centres will need to become registered users in order to visit. This can be done free of charge by contacting either of the leisure centres by email or phone.

Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre have both been deep cleaned, equipment in both gyms has been moved to make it easier for customers to practise social distancing and signage has been installed throughout the centres to remind customers of expected behaviours.

There will be limited access to changing rooms and lockers for customers wishing to swim; customers should arrive ‘beach-ready’ by wearing their swimming costumes under their clothes. After swimming customers are asked to towel themselves dry, put on their clothes and shower at home.

New cleaning stations have been installed in our gyms and customers will be asked to clean equipment before and after use. Changing rooms, lockers and water fountains will not be in use. Customers should bring pre-filled water bottles for their personal use when visiting the centres.

The council has taken advice from leisure governing bodies including Swim England and UK Active in order to ensure its reopening plans are safe and in line with industry best practice.

Customers will notice that screens have been installed in reception areas and one-way systems introduced to support customers to maintain social distancing when visiting the centres.

Fitness classes will be running on a changed timetable and with reduced class sizes. For further details on classes and how to book your place please visit our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure

Membership payments will recommence from the start of September. Should customers wish to continue to suspend their memberships they should contact the leisure centre where they are registered. For customers who pay their leisure centre memberships on an annual basis, the weeks during which the leisure centres were closed will be added on to their memberships at the end of the 12-month period.

Plans to restart swimming, gymnastics and trampolining lessons for children are currently being made and the council expects to announce more details in the next few weeks.

Leisure centre staff will be on site from Monday 20 July to answer queries customers may have and to enable non-members to become registered users. Please feel free to contact the Queen’s Park Sports Centre team on 01246 345555 between 8am and 5pm or email qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk and the Staveley Healthy Living Centre team on 01246 345666 between 9am and 5pm or email hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk.

A comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions about the council’s leisure centre reopening plans has been added to our website. You can access these here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/leisurecentrereopening

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield-based solicitor secures place with expert association

Leading dispute resolution expert Lee Foster has successfully become a member of ACTAPS – a specialist association for lawyers who are leading professionals in contentious trust and probate work.

Lee, a Solicitor and Director at Banner Jones, is the only practising Solicitor in Chesterfield to have been awarded the ACTAPS accreditation, and one of only a handful in this region. This accolade recognises his significant experience and aptitude in dealing with complex probate disputes, Inheritance Act claims and other trust disputes.

After qualifying as a solicitor in 2002, Lee has spent the last few years specialising in contentious probate law after realising what a difference it can make to people’s lives.

The association will now enable Lee to develop this specialism further by becoming involved with their seminars, conferences, and group meetings.

Commenting on the accreditation Lee said it was ‘fantastic’ to be recognised by this quality benchmark and to have the opportunity to ‘become better connected with other specialists across the country’.

He said, “Acceptance to the association further endorses our reputation as dispute resolution experts in the region, and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to interact and engage with other skilled experts within this field.”

Rob Stubbs, Head of Dispute Resolution at Banner Jones said: “Lee has worked extremely hard on his application to ACTAPS and I am delighted that he has been accepted.

“The organisation only accepts the very best in this field and so I feel honoured to have Lee as part of my team.

“This is a practice area that we are looking to develop, and Lee is now in a great position to help us achieve our goals.”

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the Chesterfield through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Local tourism businesses invited to take part in new ‘staycation’ marketing video

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is producing a new marketing video to showcase the area, and are asking for submissions from local businesses.

Local tourism and hospitality businesses are invited to film and submit clips, telling visitors all the reasons why the Peak District & Derbyshire is the perfect place for a UK ‘staycation’.

The marketing video will be part of the new ‘Time to…’ campaign by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, which shines a spotlight on the warm welcome that awaits guests to the Peak District and Derbyshire, whilst showcasing the extra safety measures that businesses have put in place in order to reopen responsibly.

The ‘Time to…’ campaign will be supported across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s digital channels and on social media. Local businesses will be encouraged to create their own images using the campaign taglines which include ‘Time to Plan’, ‘Time to Discover’ and ‘Time to Recharge’.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but our passionate, caring and resilient tourism businesses have worked exceptionally hard to put all the right measures in place to ensure we can warmly welcome visitors back.”

Here are some examples of what companies might say in a clip:

  • If you’re an activity provider you might say things like…”Our gritstone edges”, “The heights”, “Our natural landscapes”, “The bridleways”.
  • If you’re an accommodation provider you might say things like…”The comfort”, “Our rooms with a view”, “Our warm welcome”, “The cosy nights in”.
  • If you’re an attraction you might say something like… “Our friendly guides”, “The memorable experience”, “Our unique days out”.

The deadline for submitting videos is 11am on Monday 27th July.

Click here for details on how to get involved and submit your own videos.

If you have any questions regarding the filming or submission of your video, please contact danielle.sorsby@marketingpdd.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Surge in demand as Avant Homes Central is back building and selling on all its development sites

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes Central has announced the successful restart of construction work and sales activity on all 10 of its residential development sites.

The housebuilder is operating each development in strict accordance with UK government public health guidelines regarding Covd-19 to ensure the safety of its people, residents, contractors, suppliers and site visitors.

Since restarting its build programme and opening its marketing suites, the company has experienced a surge in prospective buyer enquiries.

Commenting on the successful restart, Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands said: “As soon as we closed down our build and sales operations, we began planning a safe way to return to work once it was encouraged by the UK government.”

“This enabled us to restart our build programme at pace, closely followed by our sales operation. We experienced an immediate and significant surge in demand from prospective buyers wanting to view our homes, which is still ongoing. This is testimony to both our product and the great work done by our people to respond to the situation created by Covid-19.”

“Our customer appointment system is working well to meet the high levels of demand and our sales teams are fully trained to provide safe showhome and site viewing experiences. We look forward to welcoming many more people to our developments as we continue to steadily increase activity across all our sites.”

The housebuilder’s current developments under construction stretch from Worksop to Nottingham, and when complete will have delivered a total of over 1200 new homes combined.

Its latest developments include Egstow Park in Clay Cross, Woodyard Park in Nottingham, Phase 2 of the highly successful Portlands Development in Creswell and Waterside Quarter, part of the £340 million regeneration project on the edge of Chesterfield town centre, adjacent to the River Rother and Chesterfield Canal.

Avant Homes’ Waterside Quarter offers buyers 11 house designs

Sales momentum is expected to increase even further over the coming months following the government announcement to raise the threshold for stamp duty in England and Wales to £500,000.

Commenting on the changes Stuart said: “The chancellor’s announcement is fantastic news for those looking for a new home. The impact of Covid-19 has created many challenges for both developers and homebuyers and not only does this mean buyers can make significant savings on purchasing a home, but it also acts as a catalyst to boost the housing market.

“We very much welcome the changes and anticipate that buyers will jump at the opportunity to take advantage of the rates holiday.”

Avant Homes Central is part of Avant Homes, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned housebuilders. Currently operating in Scotland, Yorkshire, north east England and the Midlands, Avant Homes has a turnover of £483 million and employs around 780 people. The company’s head office is at Junction 30 of the M1, near Sheffield.

For more information about Avant Homes visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

Avant Homes Central supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Stuart Rowlands, Managing Director Avant Homes Central

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

New beauty salon opens in Chesterfield

A new beauty salon, Skin & Tonic, is now open on Chesterfield’s Sheffield Road, after unavoidable delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The beauty rooms were originally due to open on the 24th March, the date that lockdown began, meaning that the opening had to be postponed until the government advice allowed.

Owner Emma Watson has over 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry, after gaining her BTEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Sciences from Chesterfield College in 2010.

Emma has previously worked at Leicestershire’s luxury Ragdale Hall Spa, as well as working for L’Oreal on national campaigns, before relocating back to her hometown of Chesterfield.

Emma, who is also a member of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, said: “I believe it’s important to ‘be your own kind of beautiful’. I specialise in skincare and it’s my absolute passion, it’s your body’s biggest organ so you must look after it!”

“During my career, I have learned expert skincare techniques by training with top brands such as Elemis, Decléor, Carita, Crystal Clear and Clarins. I learned nail techniques with Leighton Denny, O.P.I., CND Shellac and The Gel Bottle, tanning with Fake Bake and trained inSpa Find and Base Formula body treatments allowing me to offer such a wide range of services.”

Emma added: “I look forward to bringing my skill, knowledge and experience to a new and exciting business venture. I am excited to welcome you with wide open arms to my little haven, not far from the centre of Chesterfield.”

Skin & Tonic offer waxing for both men and women, manicures, pedicures, gel nails, lash and brow treatments, skincare and facial services, massages, and more.

You can find out more on their website at www.skinandtonicchesterfield.co.uk or by visiting their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chatsworth House reopens to the public 27 July

Chatsworth House, one of Britain’s best loved visitor attractions, will reopen to the public on Monday 27 July for the first time this year.

While the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have continued to live at their Derbyshire home, the planned public opening of the house, garden and farmyard in March was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Having put in place stringent safety measures including significantly reducing the number of tickets available each day, requiring all visitors to book tickets in advance for a specific arrival time, a one way visitor route and a raft of new cleaning procedures, Chatsworth will soon welcome back visitors to the house, which will be open from 10.30am to 5.00pm daily.

Over the past month, Chatsworth has been undertaking a carefully considered phased reopening of the estate, including the garden, shops and restaurants. The farmyard and adventure playground remains closed, with plans currently being developed to enable its safe reopening at a later date.

Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the splendour of the Painted Hall with its spectacular ceiling by Louis Laguerre; the Great Dining Room for entertaining the great and the good; the Chapel that has witnessed the christenings and marriages of the Devonshire dynasty over the centuries; the magnificent Sculpture Gallery, once the grandest private sculpture gallery in Europe; the State Rooms and much more.

Sally Ambrose, Head of Visitor Experience: “We’re delighted to open the doors again, the house really comes alive when visitors are there to enjoy all of its treasures.

“Our number one priority remains the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff, so we’ve implemented a number of new safety measures, including limiting the number of visitors each day, with bookings only available in advance, to ensure our visitors and staff can practise safe social distancing.”

Chatsworth’s garden reopened in late June with a display of more than 50,000 new flowering perennials, shrubs and trees as well as a huge, new stone sculpture called Natural Course by the artist Laura Ellen Bacon. Open for pre-booked visits from 10.30am to 6pm every day, the garden is currently undergoing its biggest transformation for nearly 200 years with previously underdeveloped areas opening up across its 105 acres.

The house opening is the latest part of the phased reopening plan that Chatsworth has put in place. It follows the garden, car parks, restaurants, shops and the installation of temporary toilet facilities, to enable visitors to access the estate’s surrounding parkland. As an essential food outlet, the estate farm shop in nearby Pilsley has remained open to the public during the pandemic and has also been delivering food supplies to vulnerable households in the local area.

Chatsworth House supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Images credit: Chatsworth House Trust 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

University of Derby rises 38 places in National Student Satisfaction survey

The University of Derby has risen 38 places in the national rankings, achieving a rating of 85 percent overall student satisfaction in this year’s National Survey of Students (NSS).

It also achieved 100% overall satisfaction in 14 subject areas in the high-profile annual census of nearly half a million final year students across the UK, commissioned by the Office for Students.

Students gave a clean sweep of positive feedback for subjects including Business and Management, Sport Management, Civil Engineering, Commercial Photography, Child and Youth Studies, Health and Social Care and LLB with Criminology.

Derby’s 2020 satisfaction rate has seen it rise to 55th in the national rankings, out of 155 UK higher education institutions.

The University credited closer working with student representatives after increasing its scores in the key areas of teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support, learning resources, and student voice.

To ensure that students play a meaningful part in University decision-making, the Union of Students are represented on key internal committees, are part of the University’s Governing Council and are involved in the recruitment process for Executive appointments.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The quality of the experience our students have during their studies is of paramount importance to us, so to see that overall satisfaction has risen is very pleasing. The result is testament to listening closely to the needs of our students, the dedication of our staff and the high quality teaching at Derby that has earned national recognition as a TEF Gold institution.

“We are not complacent and are determined to continue improving the experience of our students. It has been a hugely unsettling time for everyone but our staff have worked tirelessly to implement the transition to off-campus teaching as the country went into lockdown, and we are now looking forward to a new academic year, and a new blended approach to learning, which we will make as full and rewarding for our students as possible.”

Professor Malcolm Todd, Provost (Academic and Student Experience), added: “One of the great strengths at Derby is the partnership we have with our students. We ensure that the student voice is at the heart of our decision-making, whether that be related to developing our curriculum or ensuring that we remain a university which opens its doors to all who have the ambition and desire to learn and progress.”

For more information about the University’s commitment to enhancing the student experience at Derby, click here.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the Chesterfield through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

To find out more about the University of Derby Chesterfield campus, click here.

The University of Derby’s St Helena Campus, located in Chesterfield town centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

New play equipment for Princess Street

Chesterfield Borough Council is delighted to be able to welcome local children back to Princess Street play area, bringing a world of imagination play zone to Brimington.

The play area, which cost more than £50,000 to install, was officially re-opened on Wednesday 15 July by local Councillors Tricia Gilby, Terry Gilby and Stuart Brittain, alongside children from Henry Bradley Infant School, Brimington, who were on hand to try out the new play equipment.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Investing in the borough’s play areas is so important. They provide a place for families to socialise and for children and young people to play together and get closer to nature.”

“We have worked closely with our funding partners to help deliver this fantastic new play area at Princess Street. I hope that local residents will create lots of great memories in this space for many years to come.”

Work on the site began in May 2020 and the play area has seen a complete transformation with new equipment and new surfaces installed. The new Princess Street Play Area has been purposely designed, with input from pupils at Henry Bradley Infant School, to provide a selection of equipment for all ages including a small play tower for young children, multiple swing sets, balance bars, roundabouts and much more, which will open a world of imagination to local children.

The funding for the new play equipment was provided by a Viridor Credits grant of £47,000 and a £7,500 grant from the Derbyshire County Council Community Programme Initiative. Installation was organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Following the Government’s direction that play areas and outdoor gyms could re-open, the council has been working hard to safely re-open all of its facilities. A number of measures have been introduced to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time when visiting, whilst still maintaining social distancing.

More information on the measures in place can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/coronavirus

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting