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Volunteers needed to help support vulnerable residents

23rd September 2020

People who are able to offer their time to help vulnerable residents during the ongoing pandemic are being urged to volunteer their time to a Chesterfield project.

Leaders of the Chesterfield Volunteer Centre are appealing for more volunteers for the To Your Door service, which delivers shopping and prescriptions to those who are shielding or self-isolating during the Covid-19 crisis.

The service – which is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council – wants to ensure it is well-prepared to help as many people as possible, as the number of Covid-19 cases begin to rise again.

Dave Radford, the centre manager, said: “This project has been vital over the last few months and with the future unpredictable it is likely to remain that way.

“Since lockdown began in April, we have provided over 1600 shop deliveries for people – a phenomenal effort from staff and volunteers alike. We are always looking for volunteers, so if you think you could spare a couple of hours a week to help someone then just give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is a proud supporter of the Volunteer Centre and has partnered with the centre to help deliver a variety of community initiatives.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “The Volunteer Centre has been one of many organisations in Chesterfield that have gone out of their way to support our community through this crisis. Chesterfield Borough Council thanks everyone who has given their time to support this project, and others like it.

“Chesterfield has proved itself to have a strong community spirit in times of need and I would urge anyone who thinks that they can volunteer a few hours of their time to come forward and help this important service keep running.”

Once a referral is received The Volunteer centre sends out a request to all its volunteers with an outline of what is required; sometimes it is a shop, sometimes it is a prescription pick up, sometimes it might be an odd job like fitting a light bulb. Whatever the request, it will be something the individual is struggling to manage.

If a volunteer feels they can do it or has the time, then they simply email back to say so. The first person to reply gets the job.

Volunteers can do as much or as little as you like; some volunteers are active every day, some once a week, there is no pressure on people to do a set amount each week.

To find out more about volunteering with the Door to Door Service, please either email info@chesterfieldvc.org.uk or call 01246 276777.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Post-16 virtual careers fair launched to support Chesterfield and North Derbyshire recruitment during Covid crisis

23rd September 2020

An innovative online careers and employability platform, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched to help employers reach prospective apprentices in a virtual careers fair amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

The My Future platform aims to plug the careers information gap which has been left by Covid-19 by providing careers information to Year 11 and 13 young people.

It is completely free for young people to use. And showcases up to 100 businesses, education and training providers across 10 zones in a virtual careers fair setting. As well as providing information about the business, apprentice positions with the company are also advertised.

My Future has been developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

It is designed to provide support for young people facing uncertainty in their future as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The platform aims to give young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire access to the widest range of high-quality careers advice, employment support, skills and educational programmes.

Chesterfield-based Oasis Studio has designed the platform using innovative 360expo software.

The platform was launched to the business community by Destination Chesterfield at a virtual breakfast event on 23 September 2020.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The development of My Future has led to a truly innovative digital platform providing access to a wide range of careers advice, employment support, apprenticeships, skills and training programmes, all under one virtual roof. I hope that My Future will help young people to build the career and future that they want, so that we can continue to build a thriving borough together.”

Ahead of its launch to employers, careers leaders in the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, which works with 21 schools and colleges within Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, has already reached out to all Year 11 and Year 13 school leavers encouraging them to access the My Future platform.

On GCSE results day more than 150 young people logged on to the platform and spent on average 207 minutes exploring the virtual careers fair.

James Brand, D2N2 LEP board member and Managing Director of United Cast Bar, a Chesterfield-based business which is featured in the engineering and manufacturing zone on the platform, said: “My Future is a fantastic platform which we were delighted to get involved with. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to reach out to young people during these challenging times. The platform will offer real support and guidance to school leavers who have been unable to access the careers information they would normally have had to help them make informed decisions about their future.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, explained: “Everyone has worked tremendously hard to get the platform up and running. We have been overwhelmed by the support and involvement of businesses and training providers to make My Future happen and support local school leavers during this challenging time.”

D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub Lead Dan Heffernan said: “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given high quality and relevant transitions support. My Future will ensure that we continue to inspire our future workforce, give them advice on their future career prospects, and showcase the types of next steps that are available.

“On behalf of D2N2 LEP I want to thank all of the organisations that have contributed to this project so far, all of whom are helping to transform the skills and employability agenda across North Derbyshire.”

Young people can take control of their future by visiting My Future and learning about the many opportunities available to them at www.myfuture.org.uk.

Employers who wish to have their business featured on the My Future platform should contact Emily Williams Emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk .

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

Bridge Help makes the move to new offices

23rd September 2020

A Chesterfield business has taken an exciting step forward in its growth ambitions.

Short term financing company Bridge Help has secured new office premises in Chesterfield.

The company has taken over the office suite of Dales and Peaks Estate Agents on Old Brick Works Lane, making the move from Bridge House on Hady Hill, Chesterfield. Dales and Peaks has relocated to 131 Chatsworth Road.

Bridge Help has experienced rapid growth since establishing its headquarters in Chesterfield at the start of the year. It has made a number of new appointments in 2020. Most recently, the company welcomed David Fielding to the team as an underwriter.

The move to larger premises enables Bridge Help to accommodate its growing team while observing social distancing measures in the office.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help explained: “Like many businesses right now, our staff are splitting their time between home and office working. However, increasing business, staff numbers and the COVID-crisis has led us to acquire larger premises. It’s a very good move for the business, giving us the space to expand the team further and accommodate social distancing and ensure all team members are safe.”

Despite the pandemic, Bridge Help is seeing no slow down of deals and has used video conference technology during the crisis to complete a number of loan applications, including a £1.2million refinance deal for a development site in Sheffield’s up and coming Kelham Island area.

As well as plans to make further appointments, the company is also shortly to launch its new co-funding proposition.

Chris added: “I am very excited for the future of Bridge Help. The current financial climate has shown a very real need for alternative lenders other than high street banks.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Chesterfield businesses urged to get ready for NHS Covid-19 app

22nd September 2020

Business owners in Chesterfield borough are being reminded they must be ready for the launch of the new NHS COVID-19 app – due to go live on Thursday (24 September).

The app is part of the government’s large-scale coronavirus testing and contact tracing programme (NHS Test and Trace).

It will be used, alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus.

By law, selected businesses will be required to display a QR code poster linking to the app – this includes businesses within:

Hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
Tourism and leisure, including gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
Close contact services, including hairdressers, and facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events), libraries and children’s centres

There is more information for businesses here – including resources to create your own poster.

A large-scale national campaign to encourage members of the public to download and use the app is set to be rolled out from Thursday.

It will urge people to use the app to help protect their loved ones and their community. It can be used to:

Report symptoms
Order a coronavirus test
Check into venues by scanning a QR code

It is designed to help understand if the virus is spreading in a particular area and will allow local authorities respond more quickly to a local outbreak, alongside partners.

People are reassured that the app does this while protecting a user’s anonymity. Nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is.

You can find out more about the app and how it works here and you can search for answers to common questions here.

The app will be available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Construction to start on office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

21st September 2020

Construction of the seven-storey office building in the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme is due to start in October.

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured a forward funding agreement with the developer, Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, as a key strategic investment opportunity for the town.

Funding for the delivery of the high-quality office building, which already has planning consent in place, was approved as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious growth strategy. The investment is designed to kick-start the town’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and will spearhead major developments around the train station as part of the council’s HS2 Station Masterplan.

Tenants have already been secured for some of the Grade A office accommodation, enabling the developers to bring forward construction of the circa 35,000ft² building, which is being overseen by project delivery partner, Bolsterstone Group Plc.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, said: “Chesterfield Waterside continues apace. Since receiving planning approval for the office accommodation last year, I am delighted that we have been able to secure tenants and bring forward the delivery of high-quality office accommodation for Chesterfield in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council.

“It is an exciting time for Chesterfield Waterside with Avant Homes also building out new homes in the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood. Despite the pandemic, 2020 will be a formative year for the scheme with a significant amount of construction activity planned and more investment proposals in the pipeline, benefitting the local economy.”

The new office building, known as No.1 Waterside Place, will provide office accommodation of the highest specification. It represents the first step in delivering the commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside’s Basin Square neighbourhood.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward this state-of-the-art office building with Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, which will deliver supply chain opportunities for local companies during the construction phase and new jobs for local people with the companies that will be taking space at No.1 Waterside Place.

“These are uncertain times, but we must not stand still. We must continue to invest in this and other growth projects if we are to meet the council’s objectives of making Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of people’s lives. No.1 Waterside Place is just the start of what we believe will be a very special journey for the people of this great town and borough.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby and Peter Swallow

Construction of the offices is expected to be completed in August 2021. Britcon (UK) Ltd, a leading Civil Engineering, Building and Steel Frame Solutions company, has been appointed as the main contractor to construct the office building.

As part of the contract with Chesterfield Borough Council, Britcon will utilise local labour and local contractors across the whole build process and will also be working closely with Chesterfield College to provide opportunities for their students.

No.1 Waterside Place will boast two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers and cycle parking facilities onsite.

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm BHP Chartered Accountants, a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, will occupy an entire floor within the building. The firm will be relocating its Chesterfield office to No.1 Waterside Place to benefit from the high-quality specification and unparalleled location at Chesterfield Waterside.

Planning approval for the office building, which was designed by Bond Bryan Architects, was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council last year bringing forward commercial negotiations with BHP alongside other tenants who are also in advanced discussions.

As well as office accommodation, the building also offers ground floor retail space and Chesterfield Waterside Ltd. is already in discussions with a number of potential occupiers.

The new large-plate office accommodation is designed to complement the start-up and incubator units at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Enterprise Centre scheme, which is currently under construction at Saltergate.

It is also anticipated that the new offices will be highly sought after by organisations looking to move out of larger cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham and establish regional hubs around mainline train stations in an effort to COVID-19 proof their operations.

Basin Square is the first commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside. When complete, the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of 320 Built-to-Rent apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the already constructed canal basin.

This latest step forward for the project follows the announcement that Avant Homes has opened the showhomes at the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood where it is building 174 two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Avant reports strong interest in the development and has already taken a number of reservations.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

FHP Property Consultants and Knight Frank have been appointed as letting agents for the office space at Chesterfield Waterside.

For further information about Chesterfield Waterside, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare prepare for first ever virtual Sparkle Night

18th September 2020

Ashgate Hospicecare is preparing ahead of this Saturday night’s first ever virtual Sparkle Night, which replaces the popular Sparkle Night Walk for 2020.

Ashgate Hospicecare provides specialist palliative and end of life care to adults and their families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, is determined not to let COVID-19 restrictions dampen its spirit as it moves one of Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event online.

The Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night will take place on Saturday 19th September. Fundraisers will virtually come together on Ashgate’s Facebook page for some pre-event entertainment from 7pm, before donning their bunny ears and special edition Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night T-shirts to walk, run, cycle or dance (and even socially distance conga) at home or in local outdoor space.

This is all to raise vital funds for a charity which has been badly hit by the pandemic, having already lost out on around 2 million pounds in fundraising this year due to closed retail and coffee shops and cancelled events.

Ashgate Hospicecare also promises that there will be some special surprises in store for the big night that will help recreate that unforgettable Sparkle atmosphere at home. Plus, for the first time ever, younger children and pets can now get involved in the fun too.

While everyone who takes part will receive a medal, those who raise over £100 – and hand in their sponsorship money before November 16th 2020 – will also be entered into a draw for the chance to win an exciting prize.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Launching the Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night as a virtual event this year was a no-brainer for us.”

“We have such an incredible community here, full of support and kindness towards our hospice – we didn’t want to let them down with another cancelled event, and knew how important it was that everyone still came together in order to make a difference.”

“Let’s get active, enjoy ourselves safely, and ensure those with life-limiting illnesses and their families are provided with the care and support they deserve.”

David Hopkins, CEO of Markovitz, said: “We’re immensely proud to have been the main event sponsors for the past four years.”

“We have supported the hospice for many years in whatever way we can because we see the wonderful work they do supporting our friends, families, neighbours and colleagues in the most difficult of times.”

To find out more about Saturday’s event, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches campaign to inspire staycations

17th September 2020

From award-winning attractions to cosy places to stay, some of the best reasons to book a staycation in the Peak District and Derbyshire this autumn and winter are showcased in a new campaign video released by the area’s official tourist board.

Highlighting 2020 as the ‘year of the Great British staycation’, the video uses clips submitted by local tourism and hospitality providers – including Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council – to shine a spotlight on the area’s vibrant tourism offer in a bid to extend the season and drive domestic visits to the area.

Visitors are encouraged to ‘escape, explore and enjoy new experiences’ in the Peak District and Derbyshire by discovering beautiful countryside, fun days out, unique things to do, charming market towns and delicious local produce.

The video marks the second phase of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s “Time to…” marketing campaign, designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses weather the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

To support the recovery of the sector, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also distributing 50,000 Support Local Attractions Maps which will be available at local tourist information centres, accommodation providers, pubs and restaurants from September onwards.

The map, which is funded by the tourist board’s European Regional Development Fund project, encourages visitors and residents alike to enjoy the full range of things to see and do in the area, with a major focus on supporting local businesses and increasing visitor spend.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Local businesses have worked incredibly hard since lockdown to ensure the safest possible return for visitors by putting all the right measures in place, but the next few months are going to be critical for the industry’s longer-term survival.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire has so much to offer in autumn and winter and planning a staycation and discovering the sheer quality and diversity of what’s on the doorstep will help to extend the holiday season and support our valuable visitor economy.

“Our staycations campaign, together with our Support Local Attractions Map, aims to inspire both visitors and residents alike to enjoy the area’s vibrant tourism offer whilst supporting local businesses.

“Whilst we continue to welcome visitors, our main message is still one of safety and visitors can help by continuing to respect the area and local communities, by maintaining their social distancing and by following all of the latest government guidelines in place.”

Together with inspirational imagery, the campaign incorporates a ‘Time to Plan Ahead’ tagline which urges people to check for restrictions and to support local attractions and experience providers by booking tickets in advance.

The tourist board is also encouraging visitors to follow its ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy’ visitor charter which highlights how to explore the area responsibly.

The campaign is being promoted across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s social media channels and at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/inspiration/time-to, where an online ‘hub’ features content offering inspiration and information aimed at increasing day trips and overnight stays.

Tourism is usually worth £2.3 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and boosting growth.

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

Chesterfield Royal Hospital launch charity Christmas card competition

17th September 2020

Chesterfield Royal Hospital are launching a Christmas Card Competition for children in order to help raise money for their Chesterfield Royal Charity.

They are now seeking entries from creative young people under the age of 18 to come us with a special festive design with lots of colour, vivid imaginations and originality.

Entries will be judged with the ‘winning’ five printed and sold with all proceeds going to the hospital’s charity. Not only will the chosen designs feature on Christmas cards – the winner will also receive a special prize.

Entries must be submitted by Friday 13th November 2020. The winners will be chosen by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Angie Smithson, and Charity Director, Ken Godber.

How to enter

Please email your scanned entries to crhft.communications@nhs.net or alternatively you can post to:

Communications Office
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Calow
Chesterfield
S44 5BL

Please remember to include an entry slip with your design (either included in the email or pop it in the envelope with your design.)

The entry slip can be found on the hospital’s website here or you can find a PDF version here.

Find out more about the competition here.

If you have any more questions or queries please contact Zoe or Lois, on crhft.communications@nhs.net or call on 01246 513875.

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

DBCP’s Ashgate Hospicecare project wins at LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards

17th September 2020

Ashgate Hospicecare’s project to create nine new private bedrooms was named as the Best Small Commercial Project at the virtual LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards 2020.

Ashgate Hospicecare now goes through the national LABC Awards, joining winners from across 13 regions to claim the overall winner title.

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) nominated Ashgate Hospicecare for the award following its work with a number of other local businesses and suppliers to deliver the £1 million project to create the private rooms out of multiple bed bays.

The project was made possible and affordable for Ashgate Hospicecare by a number of suppliers, like DBCP, giving their services and materials either free of charge or choosing to forgo any profits.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Quality and Patient Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are delighted to have won this award for what has been such an important project for our patients and their loved ones.”

“Previously we were providing care to some patients in three-bedded bays which hadn’t really changed for 30 years. The bays were very old fashioned and didn’t give patients the privacy and dignity they deserve.”

“The new rooms mean our patients can now talk in privacy without the worry of being overheard. Families are able to create special, precious memories without fear of disturbing other patients. Our visitors can stay with their loved one for as long as they need after they die. The rooms also give them that most precious thing – the time they need to say goodbye and express their grief freely in a private space.”

David Pratt, DBCP Building Control Manager added: “To see the Ashgate Hospicecare project take home the award for Best Small Commercial Project was brilliant. That project meant such a lot to our team and all the partners we worked closely with during its construction.”

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Spire Radio to host all request radio show for Virtual Sparkle Night Walkers

16th September 2020

Spire Radio will be live from 6pm on Saturday 19th September with an all request show dedicated to everyone taking part in this year’s event Virtual Sparkle Night in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

The Sparkle Night Walk is Ashgate Hospicecare’s biggest fundraising event of the year and it is important for raising vital funds for the hospice.

Virtually sparkling this year, means that everybody can take part. Like every year, there will be some special surprises in store for the big night that will help recreate that unforgettable Sparkle atmosphere from home – and with younger children and pets able to get involved this year for the first time as well, it will be just as memorable.

All those who sign up will still be receiving a t-shirt, bunny ears, sponsor forms, a fundraising pack and medal.

Jordan Hartshorne, Director of Spire Radio, is passionate about raising funds for the hospice: “Having had personal experience of receiving care from the hospice, I know how important this incredible place is. It’s essential that we raise funds this Saturday for the hospice and I hope our show on Spire Radio will encourage people further to set themselves a challenge to be sponsored.”

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Spire Radio to provide the soundtrack to North Derbyshire’s Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night activities. Whether you’re bopping along at a kitchen disco, or just need that extra push for your 10k run, sparkly dog walk or cycling challenge, we’re so grateful to have Jordan and the team cheering you on.

“We’ve never needed your support more so get your requests into the Spire Radio team, get signed up at sparklenightwalk.org.uk and get raising funds for your local hospice.”

Listen live on Saturday from 6pm on Spire-Radio.com. Listeners can send your requests in to jordan@spire-radio.com.

Click here to find out more about the Ashgate Hospicecare Sparkle Night Walk.

Spire Radio and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Carl Jones and his family members are ready for Saturday

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

Children in Chesterfield can learn to swim for just £1

15th September 2020

Youngsters in Chesterfield will be able to benefit for swimming lessons priced at just £1 on Saturdays during October and November.

Children aged four and above will be able to take advantage of this great offer at Queen’s Park Sports Centre over the next two months, with classes designed to help build their confidence in the water.

Lessons will be delivered by level two teachers who are currently in training and the sessions are ideal for beginners or those who can currently swim up to 25 meters. Each session will last 25 minutes and will take place between 4:30pm and 6:45pm. Lesson delivery will comply with Swim England’s Covid-secure guidance.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a fantastic offer and it is ideal for anyone who has children who are wanting to start swimming lessons, or for those who just want to get in some extra practice between their usual lessons.

“We’re encouraging parents to take advantage of this offer and bring their children along to these sessions. You could get eight swimming lessons for just £8.

“Learning to swim is a vital skill that can last a lifetime and it is also a great way to keep fit too, so these sessions are the perfect opportunity to help build young people’s confidence as well as swimming technique.”

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff some changes have been made to services at Queen’s Park Spots Centre. More information can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/leisure-centres-re-opening-faqs

Those wishing to attend the sessions will need to book in advance by emailing qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk or Rebecca.truman@chesterfield.gov.uk. More information on the session can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/one-pound-swimming-lessons

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