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Ashgate Hospicecare prepare for first ever virtual Sparkle Night

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

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

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.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

Challenge Chesterfield FC legends in a Fantasy Football league in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare

In a new fundraising campaign set up by Ashgate Hospicecare, local residents can take on Chesterfield FC legends in a Fantasy Football league.

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides specialist palliative and end of life care and support to adults and their families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

For a suggested £5 minimum donation, the region’s budding Jurgen Klopp’s and Chris Wilder’s can go up against two former Chesterfield FC favourites, Jamie Hewitt and Former manager for Chesterfield, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, Danny Wilson.

Former LMA Manager of the Year, Danny Wilson, said: “I have to admit that I’m a bit of a beginner when it comes to Fantasy Football but I’m delighted to be giving it a go for the first time in aid of such a wonderful cause.”

“It will be fantastic to pit my wits against football fans across the region to raise money for hospice care in North Derbyshire. If nothing else, it’s just nice to be given the budget to choose between Harry Kane or Sergio Aguero.”

Chesterfield FC legend Jamie Hewitt, who made more than 500 appearances for Chesterfield, is best remembered for the dramatic 1997 FA Cup Semi Final equaliser at Old Trafford in a 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough. He said: “I am well known among my friends for being absolutely terrible at predictions so picking a fantasy team will certainly be interesting.”

“As a member of Ashgate Hospicecare’s Retail team, I know how important the work we do is to local families and it’s a pleasure to be involved – I just hope I don’t come last!”

Ashgate Hospicecare Fundraising Manager, Carl Jones, added: “It’s fantastic to have both Danny and Jamie – two local footballing legends – getting involved to raise funds in this way. This year has been an incredibly challenging one for Ashgate Hospicecare and we’ve never needed support from the good people of Derbyshire more.”

“If you, or someone you know, enjoys playing Premier League Fantasy Football then make sure you join our league for a chance to be crowned champion while raising vital funds to support families across North Derbyshire when they need us most.”

Prizes for the eventual winner include a trophy, football tickets and signed memorabilia.

To enter your team into the Ashgate Premier League, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ashgatefantasypremierleague.

Ashgate Hospicecare

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

BHP launches free support service for SMEs

Leading accountancy firm BHP is launching a free and innovative support service to help SMEs drive post lockdown growth, tackle challenges and pioneer new ways of working.

BHP’s experienced consulting team is offering SMEs the opportunity to meet virtually for a free of charge appointment, which will provide invaluable one to one business support.

BHP Consulting provide businesses with access to high quality solutions and expertise. The team are all successful leaders who have all run and grown businesses. Using their knowledge and experience, they work with business owners and senior managers to further develop skills and confidence as well as improve the effectiveness of management teams, create clear business strategies, and ultimately grow their business.

Mark Roberts, Head of Consulting at BHP, said: “We believe that every business challenge is unique and what was happened over the last few months is something that businesses will have never experienced before.”

“From mobilising dispersed teams, maximising productivity and employee engagement, generating leads remotely, to attracting new talent, the to do list for business owners has been, and is, relentless.”

“We are introducing the free ‘virtual coffee’ initiative to give business leaders the opportunity to speak to an experienced member of our consulting team and talk through short and longer term priorities. Our team is made up of business leaders who all have experience running successful businesses and organisations and have proven track records.

Rachel Hannan from the consulting team said “Even the most experienced business leaders benefit from accessing additional ideas, thinking and a sounding board to help them overcome hurdles and capitalise on opportunities. Especially at a time like this.”

“All of our team are passionate about helping others and sharing our knowledge and expertise to support SMEs, the backbone of the northern economy. This a great chance for business owners to take a breath, take stock and plan for the future.”

“Hamish Morrison & Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partners at BHP, said “We are delighted to be able to offer this free support, which underlines BHP’s commitment to businesses in the region.”

“When a company signs up for a virtual coffee appointment, the team will assess their requirements and they will be allocated to the member of the team who best suits their needs. It is very much a bespoke service that’s being offered.”

To book your virtual coffee, please either visit www.bhp-consulting.co.uk or contact jemma.houseman@bhp.co.uk.

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

Lisa Leighton & Hamish Morrison, Joint Managing Partners at BHP (image taken prior to the coronavirus pandemic)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Chesters to open second restaurant at Markham Vale

The owners of Chester’s Fish & Chips Restaurant, located on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, have now revealed their plans for a second location.

The new premises will be located on the Markham Vale services site at Junction 29A of the M1, opposite McDonalds and adjacent to Starbucks.

The new investment will cost over £1 million and will create over 30 local jobs.

Set to open in spring 2021, the new venue will offer a seaside-themed restaurant and a takeaway counter as well as a separate drive-through lane.

The announcement comes after a very busy period for the team thanks to the Government’s recent Eat Out to Help Out scheme. On their busiest day, the restaurant had to turn away over 196 bookings and in just one day served 756 people.

Thousands of customers visited throughout August, and the owners have decided to extend the scheme, offering 20% of bills, including alcohol, every Monday to Thursday throughout September.

Image courtesy of Chesters

Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters, said: “We are excited to announce the opening of a second restaurant for Chesters, which will serve all our best known dishes. We will continue to support the local community and charities like we always strive to and give back something to Chesterfield and the suurounding areas.”

He added “We’d like to thank all our loyal customers for their support and we look forward to meeting new customers at our new Markham Vale location!”

Competition

To celebrate the announcement, Destination Chesterfield has teamed up with Chesters to offer a £20 voucher to one lucky winner! Click here to enter the draw.

Markham Vale services

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Take up for industrial and logistics premises increases across East Midlands

Take up for industrial and logistics space across the East Midlands increased markedly in the first half of 2020, with 7% more activity recorded than the same period in 2019, according to the latest market statistics.

The region was ranked third nationally for the period, behind Yorkshire and the South East, with over 4.25 million sq. ft transacted in the East Midlands in just six months, according to data compiled by EGI Radius Data Exchange, which canvasses deal information from the regions key agents.

Commercial Property Partners (CPP) Director Stuart Waite commented: “The sector has proven to be resilient during the pandemic with growth in e-commerce the driving force behind strong levels of take up in the sector.”

“The outlook remains positive moving forward and on the back of this, we are continuing to see strong developer interest in well positioned sites across the region, which is ultimately still starved of good quality warehouse and industrial units across all size ranges.”

The strong performance of the East Midlands region was underpinned with numerous notable deals including Amazon, Games Workshops, Bleckmann and Aldi.

CPP Director Sean Bremner commented: “There continues to be great demand for high quality, modern space, and therefore the take-up has been strong.”

“Increasingly, occupier demand is driven by the growth in online retail. The majority of current leasing and demand activity is created by businesses who are either directly involved in online retail or linked to it such as parcel delivery operators or manufacturers who now sell their product online.”

Click here to find out more about available commercial space in Chesterfield, click here.

Please click here to search the latest list of current available properties from Chesterfield Borough Council.

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

Leader of the Council meets with new Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner

Derbyshire’s new Chief Constable paid a first visit to Chesterfield in her new role – taking the opportunity to walk around the Town Centre to see first-hand the issues facing the police and partner agencies.

Rachel Swann was joined by Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Hardyal Dhindsa, and welcomed by the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby during the visit to the town on Friday 4 September.

Together with the Safer Neighbourhood Team, a team of officers who are dedicated to policing Chesterfield, they toured the town centre and spoke with several shoppers and local business owners about how Chesterfield can be improved and what they thought the priorities for the town should be.

Councillor Tricia Gilby said: “It was great to meet Rachel and congratulate her on her new role. Hardyal is a regular visitor to the town as he Chairs the Town Centre Summit. Hardyal and I were pleased to be able to brief Rachel on the challenges the Summit faced and the actions that have been put in place to address them.”

“I look forward to working with them in continuing to tackle the issues that matter most to local residents, such as anti-social behaviour. The council has a great relationship with Derbyshire Constabulary through the Community Safety Partnership. I wish Rachel every success in her new role and I hope that her visit to Chesterfield will help her understand the important issues for people here.”

Rachel Swann, who took over as Chief Constable in August, is visiting different parts of the county, in order to further support partnership working through the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

The Council is committed to working with partner agencies to deliver a safer environment, through the Community Safety Partnership.

Find out more about the Community Safety Partnership here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/living-here/safer-communities

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home