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Derbyshire Times launches interactive online map to support local businesses during lockdown

29th May 2020

The Derbyshire Times has launched a special new interactive on-line map as a way to support local businesses during lockdown and let residents know where they can find the goods and services they need in the town.

The map is an opportunity for businesses, many who have had to adapt and evolve to stay afloat, to let locals know they are still trading.

Phil Bramley from the Derbyshire Times said: “During these turbulent times we know that our communities need us more than ever – not only to keep them informed and entertained but to keep them connected.”

“As part of our #supportlocal campaign we bring you this interactive map to back those businesses who continue to provide services during the pandemic.”

“It’s a simple way of keeping our communities connected – but such an important one.”

Businesses that are open, or offering a delivery or takeaway service in the town and north Derbyshire area, can be included on the map at no charge.

Click here to see the interactive map

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

New Chesterfield FC Youth Academy offers opportunities for young footballers

29th May 2020

There are opportunities for local young footballers to join the new Chesterfield FC Youth Academy.

Following a re-structure, the academy will be operated by Chesterfield FC Community Trust and take part in a National League programme. Youngsters who join the academy will train and play in matches while receiving full-time education.

Academy Manager Neil Cluxton outlined the opportunities available for suitable players. He said: “We’re looking to build a squad of around 18 to 22 players for an Under-19 youth team. We are also looking to play in a regional Under-21 league with the scope also for some senior football on a Saturday.

He added: “We’re going to need quite a strong squad to fulfil these fixtures and to support the first team at the same time. We’re looking to recruit locally as much as we can, so I’d urge any local footballers who think they have got what it takes to get in touch.”

Cluxton explained that the youngsters will also be studying during their time with the academy to help them with their personal development: “Players will be in a full-time education programme so we’re working in partnership with a local training provider who are going to provide a flexible timetable that fits in and around the football training”.

Applications are invited from 18-year-old players who have been released from Football League clubs as well as local players of sufficient standard who would like the opportunity of a year’s full-time football training alongside a flexible education programme, giving them the chance of progression into a full-time football club.

To qualify, you will need to be under the age of 19 on September 1. For further information, please email neilcluxton@spireitestrust.org.uk or phone Neil on 07765 972348.

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

Cheese Factor launches click and collect service

29th May 2020

An online store has been opened by Cheese Factor to offer a more convenient and safer shopping experience for customers.

Over 40 British and continental cheeses have already been made available for click and collect, with further lines being added each week. The shop also boasts a growing range of pickles and chutneys, and many locally produced items: from beers, ales and gins, to freshly baked bread, cakes and oatcakes.

The opportunity to pay online before visiting Cheese Factor, which is based on the outside of Chesterfield Market Hall, has enabled busy and self-isolating shoppers to browse at any time of the day, from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Customers have been offered peace of mind by knowing their items are available. They have also been given the option to wait with their cars outside the shop while their shopping is loaded by the team.

Owner of Cheese Factor, Simon Davidson (right) said: “The coronavirus outbreak has been challenging for everyone and we are pleased to be able to do our bit to help. Our ring and collect service has already proven very popular as a more accessible way to shop. It’s great to extend this now to customers who prefer to shop online.”

“It’s easy to use the click and collect site. During the check out process, customers can add a note about their preferred day to collect. Once they have paid, they will receive an automated email receipt, followed by a personal email from the Cheese Factor team within 1 working day to confirm the order is ready to collect.”

“The shop is following Government guidelines with only 2 customers served at any one time and screens currently being installed for extra safety. Customers can also let us know if they would like us to load their order into their car.”

“As well as helping customers to navigate through the new normal that has been created by Covid-19, the click and collect service will also offer a streamlined shopping experience during the busy Christmas period. I like to plan ahead to make sure Cheese Factor delivers the best customer service and I’m already looking into pop up collection spots with plenty of parking to make it even easier for people to pick up their Christmas food and gifts.”

Chesterfield residents can visit Cheese Factor’s click and collect store here or call 01246 201203 to order over the phone.

Cheese Factor is one of 180 Chesterfield Champions supporting the marketing and economic growth of the town.

Click here to read more about the Cheese Factor

Click here to find out more about Chesterfield Champions

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

New Access to Higher Education courses provide adults the chance to boost their career or retrain

29th May 2020

Chesterfield College are helping adults who want to boost their career or develop new skills needed in the current economic climate by running a range of new Access to Higher Education courses.

The access courses, starting in September, have been developed to give people the qualifications and skills they need for university level-study which can open doors for a range of careers in a sector where skills are in demand. They are now available in a range of subjects from nursing and public services to computing and business.

The courses are often free, or affordable financial support is available to cover the cost. For anyone aged 19-23, studying their first Level 3 course, the access courses are free. For anyone aged 24 or over, an Advanced Learner Loan, which works in the same way as a student loan, will cover all of the course fees. Learners don’t start paying this loan back until they start earning at least £25K per year. If they progress to university and complete a degree course, Access to Higher Education course fees are written off meaning students won’t owe anything.

The college is providing a call back service to help anyone interested in finding out more. Click here to register for a call from a member of the specialist team and read more about how the access courses work.

Chesterfield College is also holding a series of virtual events to help people get the information they need to make the right choice about their future study options. The college is inviting school leavers, and adults who want to retrain or develop their skills, to join any of their virtual events taking place throughout May and June.

A virtual open day takes place on Wednesday 3 June between 4 and 6pm and a new series of ‘Live at Lunchtime’ chats on Instagram are taking place on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Click here to find out more about Chesterfield College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Chesterfield Borough Council issue Business Grants update

28th May 2020

Under the Government’s business grants scheme, Chesterfield Borough Council has now processed more than £22.9 million of payments to almost 2,000 local businesses.

This represents most of the businesses that the council believe are eligible for the scheme, but there are still some local businesses that haven’t yet applied.

Councillor Terry Gilby (right), Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “We want to help as many local businesses as possible to claim the grant support to which they are entitled to, but we need you to get in touch. Please let us have your application form, so that we can check out your eligibility and process your payment as soon as possible.”

Grants are available for:

any business that receives small business rate relief
retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

You can find the application form and more details about the grant and other support packages for business here.

Once completed, please return your application form to revenues.billing@chesterfield.gov.uk

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

New survey launched to better understand how Covid-19 has affected physical activity levels

28th May 2020

Active Derbyshire has launched a new survey to better understand how physical activity levels may have been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey, which is being launched across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, aims to get a further understanding of whether resident’s frequency of exercise has been affected positively or negatively, and to explore the possible reasons for this.

The survey will run until Friday 6 June and anyone who participates will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £50 in shopping vouchers.

Anyone can participate and is encouraged to share with as many friends and families as possible so more communities can be reached.

Stuart Batchelor, Active Derbyshire Director, said: “The Active Derbyshire team, our partners and our board are committed to our vision, and working hard to deliver our vision of making physical activity, including sport, the norm for people who live, study and work in our communities.”

He added: “Active Derbyshire are calling on all partners and stakeholders who share this purpose, to work together collaboratively to make physical activity the norm for people who live and work within our communities. By sharing this survey, you can help us to gather important information to better understand the physical activity landscape during this time – keep an eye on our social channels and newsletters where we’ll be sharing the survey also.”

To take part in the survey please visit: https://www.activederbyshire.org.uk/active-at-home#survey

Click here to find out more about Active Derbyshire

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

Local residents invited to help name new Wingerworth development

28th May 2020

Local residents in are being invited by housebuilder Rippon Homes to name a new development of homes in Wingerworth.

The development located on Deerlands Road will comprise 180 properties, split over four phases. Each phase requires a title as well as the overall development. This is the second development Rippon has built in the village having provided 51 high quality new homes at Kings Meadow also on Deerlands Road back in 2015.

The mix of two, three and four bedroom homes will help meet the demand for starter and affordable homes in the area, allowing younger and expanding families to return to Wingerworth and support local facilities such as the schools, village hall, health facilities and local retail businesses.

Carefully designed to blend with the existing homes in the village with a mixture of two-storey properties and bungalows, the new Rippon homes will still boast modern interiors and features alongside the thoughtfully designed exterior designs which benefit from off road parking and electric car charging points.

The village itself offers an excellent range of amenities including shops, pubs, communal facilities and well- reputed schools available for a range of age groups from nursery to secondary grades.

Ian Dyke, Managing Director at Rippon Homes said, “We are very pleased to be bringing our quality homes to Wingerworth once again and look forward to selecting the perfect name to reflect that.”

“We know Wingerworth has a very close knit community and the new development will become an integral part of the village life, hence it was a natural decision to invite local people to name it!”

Entries should be submitted to ripponhomes@unsworthsugden.co.uk by Monday 22nd June 2020. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number alongside your name suggestion and reason behind it.

Rippon is hosting a public consultation for the development online for the first time via its website on Friday 29th May 2020, which can be accessed here.

Feedback can be given via the online form and the plans are available to view on the web page as they would be if we were having a physical event.

You can view the Site Plan & Street Scenes here.

Images credit: Rippon Homes

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

Derbyshire County Council issue appeal for care staff

27th May 2020

Could you be a care hero? Derbyshire County Council are looking to recruit care workers to support some of Derbyshire’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Recruits are needed to offer support to help older and disabled people lead dignified, fulfilled lives in their own homes or in a council-run care home. Tasks would include helping people get washed and dressed, preparing light meals or snacks and supporting people to take their medication or offer personal care.

Derbyshire County Council are hoping to attract people who have found themselves out of work as a result of the pandemic through offering full and part-time roles on flexible, long or short-term contracts.

There are also vacancies in residential homes to help get people out of hospital when they are well enough as well as supporting long-term residents or people needing help after surgery.

Councillor Jean Wharmby, Cabinet Member of Adult Social Care, issued an appeal for people to consider helping the county’s most vulnerable residents: “During the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve seen many, many examples of Derbyshire Spirit where people in our communities are helping each other through this most difficult time.”

“Now we need people’s help to make sure we continue to support our most vulnerable residents with the vital care and support they need.”

“Our carers are doing an amazing job in very trying circumstances, often going above and beyond the call of duty, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all.”

“But we need more people like them so if your working situation has changed in any way – either temporarily or permanently – why not consider working for us? Become a care hero and make a difference.”

The council have introduced fast-track applications and will meet the costs of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. New starters, along with all other care staff, would have access to all the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe while doing their job in line with government guidelines.

No previous experience is necessary as full training will be given and we also offer support to help staff manage their well-being, particularly during this challenging time.

Councillor Wharmby added: “Care workers also do a fantastic job supporting our colleagues in the NHS by getting people out of hospital when they are well enough to ensure there are enough beds for people who fall ill with coronavirus.”

“And by recruiting more care workers we are able to offer support to people so they can remain independent in their own homes, avoiding the need for them to go in to hospital.”

“Like other organisations, we’re being affected by the pandemic as some of our staff are self-isolating while others with underlying health conditions are being shielded and can no longer work.”

“We know coronavirus has changed a lot of people’s lives but I’d ask you to consider helping to change lives yourself by helping to care for people who need it most.”

Find out more information and apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield company create virtual community art gallery

27th May 2020

Seymour & Lerhn, a division of Chesterfield-based technology Oasis Studio, have created The Rainbow Gallery, an online community art project where both children and adults can submit pictures of their artwork to be showcased in the virtual gallery.

In order to adhere to the latest government advice, Seymour & Lerhn decided to think creatively and decided to host a virtual art exhibition. Delivered online in an immersive 360-degree environment, visitors can view and submit their images of colourful paintings, sculptures, and even poetry. The aim of the gallery is to be inclusive and available for everyone, whilst celebrating the fantastic efforts that NHS staff and key workers are going through.

Seymour & Lerhn Associate, Charlie Power (right), explains: “We created The Rainbow Gallery as a way to bring people together, even during social distancing. As you walk down the street or look on social media, lots of people are creating artwork to celebrate the key workers of the UK. We thought we’d create a virtual space to bring all the fantastic artwork together in a central place, in an immersive, interactive way.”

The exhibition is free to tour around, and visitors can observe the artwork created by people from across the UK, without even having to leave their own home.

Oasis Studio Founder & Director, Paul Deakin, said: “It’s easy to just focus on the physical effects to public health during COVID-19, however we also need to focus on the mental health of the nation. With people not being able to see family and friends, getting furloughed, or potentially spending a lot time on their own, the morale of the nation is low.”

“We’re not saying that all mental health problems will go away with a single painting, but art offers escapism to focus on a project, have a fun time, and enjoy the end result.”

Seymour & Lerhn are encouraging residents across the country to submit and create their own artwork, as they are promoting the benefits to mental health by doing so. To tour The Rainbow Gallery or to submit your artwork, click here.

Click here to find out more about Oasis Studio

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

Outwood Academy Newbold donates PPE to local key workers

27th May 2020

A secondary academy based in Chesterfield has donated PPE equipment to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Elm Lodge Care Home in Newbold.

Outwood Academy Newbold has donated plastic gowns and 300 pairs of goggles from its science labs to Chesterfield Royal Hospital to assist staff during the current coronavirus outbreak.

Students and staff have also been busy making PPE visors using laminator pouches, plastic sheeting and cut with the academy’s laser cutter. The visors have since been donated to Elm Lodge Care Home in Chesterfield.

Steve Roberts, Principal of Outwood Academy Newbold, said: “We are in the midst of a national crisis and it is time that we believe we all need to come together to support each other to help the country get through this situation. This is why we decided to take action to do what we can to help our NHS.”

“Obviously we aren’t equipped with the medical equipment that can be of use to the NHS, but as a school we do have science labs and as such we have plenty of goggles which are of use so we decided to donate them.”

“We will continue to make more visors like this and have offered it out to other care homes in the local area.”

Outwood Academy Newbold is part of the new North Derbyshire Careers Hub, a network of 21 schools and colleges working together to transform careers education for young people across the region.

Led by the D2N2 LEP, with financial support from the Careers & Enterprise Company, the Careers Hub works collaboratively with local schools, universities, training providers, employers, Enterprise Advisers, careers professionals and Shirebrook Academy to deliver the Gatsby Benchmarks and improve careers outcomes for young people.

In addition, the Careers Hub also offers a central fund for employer engagement activities and training for a ‘Careers Leader’ in each school.

Daniel Heffernan, D2N2 Careers Hub Lead, said: “We are delighted that the students are using this time to both increase their employability skills whilst supporting our fantastic NHS.”

Click here to find out more about the North Derbyshire Careers Hub

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Chesterfield town centre prepares for retail reopening

26th May 2020

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this month regarding plans to restart the economy and ease lockdown restrictions over a planned period, Chesterfield Borough Council is working with retailers and market traders to assist wherever possible with the phased re-opening of shops and stalls in the town centre.

The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre is the council’s number one priority. Over the next couple of weeks, people visiting the town centre will start to see a number of physical changes in advance of more market stalls opening, potentially from Monday 1 June and more shops from Monday 15 June.

Signage will be visible around the town centre to advise shoppers where to queue outside individual shops, and where restrictions may be enforced, as they are currently at the Market Hall, regarding limiting the number of people who can enter premises at the same time.

There will also be signs in other areas such as Chesterfield Borough Council car parks and green spaces reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines keeping two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, and not to congregate in groups.

Barriers will be available for shops to use to make it clear where people should queue and wait to enter shops and this process will be supported by a number of council appointed ambassadors who will be deployed around the town centre to assist shoppers and maintain safe social distancing.

The council has been working with a number of town centre retailers to establish what assistance they might need in controlling queuing outside their stores, particularly in terms of barriers, signage and floor markings; the intention being to create safe queuing zones and pedestrian flows in these areas.

The public toilets located in the Market Hall will re-open from Monday 1 June, with social distancing measures and extra cleaning processes in place; this may mean increased queues for the toilets.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Our priority is to ensure that Chesterfield town centre is as safe as possible for everyone. Whilst we are still awaiting further government guidance about the relaxation of lockdown measures, the council is committed to supporting local retailers and market traders to return to the high street.”

“We have conducted a specific review looking at how the council can help our town centre retailers and traders to start to return by introducing positive measures such as signage reminding people to follow social distancing guidance and controlling queuing outside shops, all of which will be in place soon.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging its shopworkers and residents to cycle or walk into the town centre, wherever possible.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, added: “Please do think about whether you need to drive into the town centre or take public transport. We would encourage you to cycle or walk. This would good for the environment and good for your health and wellbeing.”

The council will be lowering the car parking barriers and re-introducing car parking charges from Monday 1 June.

Residents are reminded to use their Resident’s Permit, which entitles them to park for free in most car parks before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Find out more about this here: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-car-parks-and-parking-fines/free-parking-for-chesterfield-residents.aspx

Funding generated from town centre car parking charges helps the council to cover the cost of several essential services, including CCTV, street cleaning and public toilets provision.

If you would like to find out more about the location of car parks in Chesterfield or car parking charges visit https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-car-parks-and-parking-fines/car-parks-in-chesterfield.aspx

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