Leisure

Apprentice turns life around with Chesterfield FC Community Trust

Alice Hodgson, a football coaching apprentice at Chesterfield FC Community Trust, has explained how the organisation’s traineeship programme has helped turn her life around.

Alice, aged 17, joined the programme in February after mental health issues resulted in her losing her place at college.

She said: “I was told to leave college because I’ve had issues with mental health and I had a few incidents there.”

“When I came here, I still had a few issues, but I got over them due to the people who were here as they helped me. They didn’t push me away or tell me to leave if I was struggling.”

“I really don’t think I’d be alive without them because they’ve given me the motivation to see life for what it is again, which is great.”

Alice joined the Trust’s traineeship programme, which is for NEET individuals – those aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment, education or training – and now hopes to work as a football coach.

“I’ve got such a strong love for football and I feel that would be a positive step for me,” she said. “I hope to become a fully-qualified coach and have a positive effect on people.”

“Kids bring a lot of joy to me because they are very hopeful and optimistic about things. One bit of reassurance from a coach or a teacher makes them feel a lot better about themselves because they’re always in need of reassurance.”

“Knowing that I could help someone in the future is what I want to do and I’m on an apprenticeship now, so it’s all going in the right direction.”

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s Head of Education & Wellbeing, said: “What Alice was really in need of was something that was more than an education programme and could provide emotional support.”

“She needed something that could nurture her and build her self-esteem, confidence and resilience and develop her communication skills, to really get her believing in herself.”

The traineeship programme takes place over a 12-week period with new cohorts starting every six weeks. The next cohort begins on January 13. To enquire about the opportunities to take part in the traineeship programme, please email scottatkinson@spireitestrust.org.uk.

Photo credit: Nick Johnson

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Magnolia Barbering to serve alcoholic drinks following recent expansion

Magnolia Barbering, based at Chesterfield Market Hall, are the first barbershop in Chesterfield to serve alcohol on the premises.

The barbershop is now able to offer their customers a selection of draught beers, bottles and cans as well as soft drinks and tea or coffee. The shop has also been extended, taking over the empty retail unit next door to expand their premises.

In 2014, owner Ollie Ward had a vision of bringing a different style of barbershop into Chesterfield town centre. Alongside Andy Lakin, Magnolia Barbering was created and the shop has since gone from strength to strength. Three years ago, PJ Farrand and trainee Dan “Massive” Newman joined the team. Dan is now a fully qualified barber and works full time. Earlier this year Alex Bennett joined the Magnolia Barbering team.

The expansion has also allowed the business to employ three more staff members, KJ Nash, Rossco McKay and Sam Hague, each bringing their unique talents to the team. Now the barbershop boasts an experienced team of 8, all with vast amounts of industry knowledge and a range of skills.

Andy Lakin said: “We would like to welcome clients old and new to Magnolia and are really looking forward to what the future holds.”

Magnolia Barbering can be found on the corner of Chesterfield’s Market Hall, next to the Market Square.

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

Chesterfield business using augmented reality to support homeless charity

Chesterfield-based technology company, Oasis Studio, are aiming to raise £1,000 for homeless charity Centrepoint, through their augmented ‘Mini Santa’ reality app.

Oasis created a festive, augmented reality animation to raise money and awareness for Centrepoint, a charity who give young homeless people a future. The animation plays from a smartphone or tablet, triggered from 3D pop-up card, which has been delivered to their clients and connections. However, a digital version is available for the general public to experience their Mini Santa animation.

According to Centrepoint, 103,000 young people asked for help with homelessness in 2018, and as digital media company Oasis Studio operate in both the education sector and property industry, they wanted to help change this.

Tom Swallow, Development Manager of The Bolsterstone Group and receiver of one of the Oasis Christmas cards, said: “The card produced by Oasis Studio demonstrates the innovative approach they take to all projects to produce a high quality product. The clever use of technology highlights how AR is becoming simpler to use and an increasingly important marketing tool with so many applications. The support for Centrepoint adds a great touch and is a very worthy charity!”

Augmented reality is a technology that places a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, usually accessed through a smartphone or tablet.

Oasis Studio always aim to do something spectacular for Christmas, and this year set the ambitious target of creating something that is digital, whilst also containing a tangible element, as well as telling a story.

Founder of Oasis Studio, Paul Deakin, explained: “We are a forward-thinking studio with large ambitions, and this translates into everything we do. We set our target high because of this, and I encourage everyone to try our app for themselves, and help us to raise our £1,000 target for a very worthy cause.”

The Mini Santa Christmas card was completely made in-house by Oasis, from the printing of the 3D pop-up card, to the laser cutting, to the augmented reality, to the animation.

Download the Mini Santa App here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Global Brands announces warehouse expansion

Global Brands are expanding their current warehouse at their national distribution centre situated in Clay Cross.

The current expansion work sees the first phase of a £7m scheme. The increase in capacity will see the warehouse grow from 120,000 sq. to 158,000 sq. feet, holding over 10,000 pallets. The continued success of VK, Hooch and Franklin & Sons has required the company to increase the size of the distribution centre.

The second phase plans see the company building a state-of-the-art canning line, and Global Brands project manufacturing over 50m cans within the first year, increasing to over 100m units by year two.

Chairman Steve Perez (below) explains, “This is the first phase of our expansion plans, we have had to increase our logistic capability due to the fantastic success of our core brands. Shake Baby Shake and All Shook Up grab and go canned cocktails are now available in most supermarkets and we are exporting to over 30 countries internationally.”

Steve added: “This is really exciting for the area, we will be employing an additional 40 staff on the line and within our distribution centre. Our brands are British made with 99% of the components made in the UK and exported worldwide.”

Over the past year the company has employed an additional 21 people, bringing new jobs to the Clay Cross community.

Click here to find out more about Global Brands.

Click here to find out more about basing your business in Chesterfield.

steve perez honorary degree

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

Grants awarded to kick-start new schemes in Derbyshire communities

Enterprising groups across Derbyshire are showing that a little can go a long way following their successful applications for an Action Grant from Derbyshire County Council.

In the latest round, 112 groups have been awarded grants totalling £53,195, at a maximum of £500. In many instances it has given the impetus to get things off the ground but for other groups, the money is helping to support existing activities. There is still money left in the pot for the remaining two rounds.Derbyshire County Council have now awarded Action Grants totalling £632,000 to 712 projects across Derbyshire in six rounds of the scheme since it launched in May 2018.Community groups, clubs, charities and parish councils are being encouraged to apply for the seventh round which is open now up to a deadline of 31 January 2020. Successful applicants so far have been able to show they promoted one or more of the Action Grant themes:

  • Youth activity: Including setting up youth clubs, organising activities for young people, projects to help young people gain new skills or schemes to help them deal with mental health issues
  • Community activity: Such as setting up new community groups, organising a local event or starting a community project
  • Physical activity and sport: Money for schemes to encourage residents of all ages to take part in physical activities, keep fit and stay healthy – or which encourage people to get active if they’re not already
  • Community safety: Grants for projects to reduce crime and the fear of crime including raising awareness about scams and rogue trading, schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and initiatives to help residents keep themselves safe.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Barry Lewis said: “There are lots of inspiring projects going on in Derbyshire communities and I am pleased that we are able to support many of these with our Action Grants.”

“A growing number of the applications have been for environmental schemes as residents become more conscious of helping to reduce the carbon footprint in their communities. These are very welcome as are applications across all four categories.”

“People of all ages are benefiting and I’d like to thank the staff and volunteers who put in so much time and effort to run these schemes.”

“If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire an Action Grant could be just the helping hand you need. Think what your group could do with £500 and send us your applications.”

“The process is quick and simple and if you apply now for the January deadline we’ll aim to give you a decision within four weeks.”

The deadline for the current seventh round of Action Grant applications is 31 January 2020.

There will be one more round until the scheme ends on 31 May 2020. The May round will include a number of £5,000 and £10,000 grants in addition to the £500 ones. The larger grants are available for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote two or more of the Action Grants themes.

Meanwhile, Derbyshire County Council cabinet members have asked officers to look at introducing a new grant scheme to support local communities to take action on climate change.

To find out more about Action Grants, including full details of deadlines and list of recipients so far and videos of some of the successful applicants, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure

Go behind the scenes of Chatsworth at Christmas with a Channel Four TV Special

Billed as must-see TV, watch the hour long ‘Christmas at Chatsworth House’ airing on Channel Four on Thursday 12 December at 9pm.

Chatsworth welcomed the national broadcaster to come and spend several weeks filming behind the scenes at the Derbyshire stately home as it pulls out all the stops to put on its annual festive season enjoyed by more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Taking a look behind the scenes of the historic Derbyshire house that provided the iconic backdrop for Pride and Prejudice, Christmas At Chatsworth House follows this unique British institution as it prepares for its most important weeks of the year and gets ready to open its doors to its Christmas visitors.

In just five days housekeepers, designers, gardeners and foresters transform Chatsworth with traditional and nostalgic Christmas displays. The house alone is decorated with over 30 Christmas trees, 60,000 baubles and a million fairy lights.

This year’s theme, A Land Far, Far Away, is a global experience with the grand rooms of the house dressed in homage to countries that have influenced generations of the Cavendish family. The Chatsworth team has delved into the collection to find a treasure trove of memorabilia from around the world. Morocco, India, Netherlands, Italy, China, Japan, and America all feature in what is described as ‘one of the most ambitious Christmas seasons staged by Chatsworth’.

ITN Production’s Executive Producer, Will Smith, said: “Viewers will be amazed at the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to transform Chatsworth House at Christmas and make it such a magical and enchanting time for visitors. This one-off documentary will provide a compelling insight into the sheer scale of getting the house ready so that guests can participate in the festive fun and have a Christmas to remember.”

Chatsworth’s Head of Visitor Experience, Sally Ambrose, said: “Christmas at Chatsworth has become one of the biggest events of the year for the estate, so we were delighted to welcome a national broadcaster to come and have a peek behind the scenes and feature some of our wonderful staff who make this such a special experience for thousands of visitors each year.”

Chatsworth Christmas runs up until 5 January 2020. Tickets for House and Garden are priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child (aged between 3-16). Family tickets are also available.

Click here to find out more about Christmas at Chatsworth House.

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

Celebrating 2019 as a year of progress for Chesterfield

My last blog of this year and of the decade! As the end of 2019 moves ever nearer, I think it’s important that we look back at the progress we’ve made as a town this year, as well as looking ahead to the future we’re creating.

Chesterfield has truly had a transformational year and decade. Developments in the area have made huge progress, with some passing major milestones and others being completed, like the successful opening of both the Premier Inn in the former Co-Op building and the new Saltergate Car Park which together have spearheaded the Northern Gateway development.

Enterprise Centre

The plans for Northern Gateway include an enterprise centre for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

The former site of the old Queens Park Sports Centre has also been revitalised with the addition of some much needed 3G pitches which are hugely popular with the many grassroots football teams in the area.

As well as construction, it’s been a big year for retail both nationally and in Chesterfield. Although the high street economy as a whole is under threat from the internet it doesn’t have to be the case. I believe that the high street and online can work together and be equally successful in their own space. ALTERIS, the new owners of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, have proven this.

They are using Facebook to engage with shoppers and drive the redevelopment of the Vicar Lane area. They have asked shoppers what ‘offer’ they want and are responding accordingly and reaping the rewards via the resulting increased footfall. Pop-up shops, free classes, movie screenings and more at Vicar Lane have helped to bring people into the town centre helping Chesterfield’s high street performance remain above the national average.

We can all play a part in Chesterfield’s future retail success– Vote with your feet by shopping local; it really does make a difference.

The launch of the big screen at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre took place on Friday 6th December.

The public / private sector partnerships in Chesterfield are as strong as ever. Its effect is felt in every area of the borough from major developments like Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside through to spectacular events like the Christmas lights switch on and regular themed markets.

This collaboration is key to Chesterfield, and its people and businesses continuing to thrive. It also gives us an excellent excuse to celebrate our success with the annual Retail Awards and Food & Drink Awards. More importantly for me, these events recognise young talent – and having met the young chefs, Chesterfield College students and apprentices at this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, I can confirm that the town has a wealth of it.

I feel confident as we go into 2020 and a new decade that Chesterfield’s future is bright and is in safe hands.

Best wishes for the New Year!

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Hasland to receive community contributions alongside new housing development

Work is currently under way at a new housing development in Hasland, which will bring more than £600,000 of educational and health community contributions to the area.

Persimmon Homes Nottingham is creating a new community in Hasland as it builds 160 new homes off Mansfield Road.

Both Hady Primary School and Hasland Hall Community School are set to benefit from Section 106 contributions agreed during the planning process for the site, which will help create a further 37 pupil places across the two schools.

The NHS North Derbyshire CCG will receive £60,000 to support Hasland Medical Centre and Avenue and Hasland Partnership.

Persimmon’s Alderman Park development will feature two, three, four and five-bedroom homes and the company is working to open its showhome in January 2020.

Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Nottingham, Neil Follows, said: “We see our Alderman Park development as an extension of the thriving Hasland community.”

“This is the first time we have built in the area, so we are looking forward to introducing visitors to our range of homes.”

“We are already seeing many customers getting ahead of the game and securing their new home off-plan,” added Neil.

“Buying this way is ideal because you can secure your preferred property and location within the development.”

Located to the south-east of Chesterfield town centre, Alderman Park is near to all amenities and attractions required for everyday life as well as being close to beautiful countryside. Along with these benefits, comes convenient transport links by road, bus and rail.

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

Vicar Lane wins national award for digital innovation

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, last night (4th December), won the gold award in the Re:wired category at the prestigious REVO Gold Awards.

The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has beat big names in the retail sector to the award including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of their approach to technology and customers.

The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.

The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.

The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.

David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”

Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.

Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.

The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.

The shopping centre continues to be re-imagined and a new big screen and public square officially open in Chesterfield on Friday 6th December.

Proposed Vicar Lane Improvements

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Details of Chesterfield Festival of Cricket 2020 announced

Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s fixtures for the 2020 season have been released, including details of the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

The club, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020, will play 17 days of home weekend and Bank Holiday cricket in 2020, with all but one home County Championship match spanning a weekend.

Twenty20 action returns to the picturesque Queen’s Park on Saturday 20 June as part of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, with the Falcons aiming for a seventh-straight win over Yorkshire in the format. The fixture was a complete sell out in both 2018 and 2019, with similar demand expected for 2020.

Prior to the visit of the Vikings, Derbyshire face Worcestershire in a County Championship match at the picturesque Queen’s Park to begin the week-long Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Derbyshire will face the Yorkshire Vikings in the newly-structured Royal London Cup at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Sunday 26th July. The List A visit by Yorkshire will be the sixth day of cricket in Chesterfield next summer.

For full fixture list, visit the Derbyshire County Cricket Club website.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “We are very pleased to be playing more weekend cricket in 2020, allowing more people to support Derbyshire across all formats.”

“Next year promises to be a special occasion for Members, supporters and everyone associated with Derbyshire as we celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.”

“As part of the celebrations, we are proud to offer a Membership which gives supporters better value for their money at Derbyshire. As well as just under 40 days of regular-season home cricket at The Pattonair County Ground and Chesterfield, we have included a host of exclusive added benefits.”

“As well as our core Membership, we also saw record numbers of supporters backing Derbyshire during the Vitality Blast last summer and with seven home games all handed prime evening and weekend slots, we expect to see demand for tickets surpass that of previous seasons.”

Chesterfield fixtures:

  • County Championship – Worcestershire – Sun 14 – Wed 17 June
  • Vitality Blast – Yorkshire Vikings – Sat 20 June
  • Royal London Cup – Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 26 July

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

Click here to find out more about the 150th anniversary of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

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

Award nominated work revitalising Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s prestigious REVO Gold Awards.

Vicar Lane has been acknowledged in the Re:wired category for their innovative use of digital technology which enables the shopping centre to better understand the preferences and behaviours of customers.

The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has been shortlisted along with big names in the retail sector including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of the approach.

The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.

The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.

The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.

David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”

Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.

Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.

The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Home, Leisure