Leisure

Barrow Hill Roundhouse confirms details of 150th Anniversary Gala

Celebrating 152 years of railway history for the iconic Midland Railway roundhouse and the wider railway industry it supports to this day. The three-day event is taking place from Friday 26th August to Sunday 28th August 2022.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is delighted to release further details of its 150+2 Celebration Gala.  Tickets are now on sale for this great occasion, which will recreate the British Railways-era Open Days which took place at the Roundhouse in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Highlights include:

GWR 1500 class 0-6-0PT shunting engine 1501, the sole survivor of its class, in steam and working the Barrow Hill shuttle trains from Roundhouse Halt up the Springwell branch line.  Our thanks go to the 1501 Pannier Tank Association and Severn Valley Railway for providing the engine for the Gala.

Midland Railway 158A Class 156 2-4-0, from the National Collection, will be on display alongside Midland Railway Compound 1000, the first time for many years that the two Midland Railway locomotives will have been seen together.  Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, the charity responsible for the Roundhouse, has signed a three-year loan agreement with the National Railway Museum to enable the locomotive to go on static public display here. The locomotive was previously at Locomotion in Shildon, where it had been receiving conservation work and asbestos remediation. It has strong historic ties to the region; it was designed by William Kirtley and built at Derby in 1866 before being withdrawn in 1947.

GB Railfreight’s Class 69 69003 will be named “The Railway Observer” by the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society during the Gala weekend.

The following diesel locomotives will also be visiting the Roundhouse during the Gala:

  • Classes 08, 20 & 37 – courtesy of Harry Needle Railroad Company
  • Class 37 – courtesy of Colas Rail
  • Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 46 46010 – courtesy of Mr Mike Newton
  • Class 50 5008 – courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services
  • Class 56 – courtesy of DCRail.
  • Class 66 66726 “Sheffield Wednesday” – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 67 – courtesy of DB Cargo

They will be joined by the Roundhouse’s resident locomotives including:

  • Class 45 45060 and 45105 (newly painted) – courtesy of Pioneer Diesel Group
  • The Baby Deltic Project’s D5910 – on display on the turntable
  • Classes 81, 82, 83, 85 & 89 – courtesy of The AC Locomotive Group

The Roundhouse’s Class 02 D2868 and Class 07 07012, owned by Mr James Williams and Mr Victor Korzienwicz, will operate brake van rides in the Roundhouse yard.  The Roundhouse’s Class 03 03066 will support GWR 1501 on the passenger train services.

The Deltic Preservation Society Depot will also be open throughout the Gala weekend.

A variety of railway society stands and trade stalls, food and drink outlets, a range of children’s activities and historical enactments of Roundhouse characters will complete the celebrations of 152 extraordinary years of this unique railway building.  There will also be a free shuttle bus service from Chesterfield railway station operating on all three days of the Gala.

Tickets are on sale now from www.seetickets.com.  The Gala will be open from 10am to 5pm on each day (last entry at 4pm).  Entry tickets will also be available on the day during the Gala. More information about the Roundhouse and forthcoming events including the 150+2 Celebration Gala can be found at www.barrowhill.org.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Barrow hill web main

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

Official running club partner confirmed for Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has confirmed North Derbyshire Running Club once again as its official running club partner for its 2022 event in Queen’s Park.

North Derbyshire Running Club will once again provide pace runners and support runners for the event, which is taking place on Sunday 16 October 2022, starting at 10:00am.

Those aiming for a particular time can join a pacer’s group at the start and follow them throughout the race. The pacer tries to run even splits, moving at the same speed from start to finish, checking their time regularly and making any necessary adjustments.

The role of the 10K support runners is to help anyone throughout the race who may need extra support or motivation but importantly have a great time.

Andrew Hall, Club Chairman at North Derbyshire Running Club, said: “We’re so glad to be the official running club partner of Chesterfield 10k this year. We’re looking forward to helping experienced runners smash their PBs, as well as supporting those completing what might be their first 10k.”

The Chesterfield 10k is a local event that’s really important to us, as support and pace runners but also as a club. We hope to support the runners and charity partners, while showing people what a great club North Derbyshire is to be part of.”

John Timms, Event Director, said: “Pacers and support runners are a vital part of the Chesterfield 10k, helping people stay motivated, no matter their ability. The feedback we had last year, particularly regarding the support runners was overwhelmingly positive, so it’s really important that we’re able to offer that experience to entrants once again.”

For more information or to sign up for the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, please visit http://www.chesterfield10k.com/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield parks awarded five coveted Green Flag Awards

In a record-breaking year five Chesterfield parks are raising the prestigious Green Flag Award

Chesterfield Borough Council is celebrating after receiving Green Flag Awards for Eastwood Park, Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country, Poolsbrook Country Park and the gardens of Chesterfield and District Crematorium. There were 2208 UK winners.

The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

After two years that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that these five sites have achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make the green space a great space that everyone can enjoy.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is great news that we have retained our five Green Flag Awards and is a testament to the hard work our teams do to maintain these green spaces. We know how important green spaces are for our community as a place not only to socialise in but also as a space to improve both physical and mental health.”

Eastwood Park Chesterfield

Commenting on the news that these five sites have met the Green Flag Award standard, Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these sites worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“These sites are a vital green space for the community in Chesterfield. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available the Keep Britain Tidy website.

Looking for ideas for outdoor spaces to visit?  Check out our guide.

Thinking of taking a picnic with you to the park, why not source it from a local producer?

Queens Park, Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Vicar Lane to broadcast The Hundred on their big screen

From the 3rd August, Vicar Lane is thrilled to debut The Hundred cricket tournament on their Big Screen and delighted even more so, to champion local player Bess Heath.

Born in Chesterfield, 20-year-old Bess currently plays for Yorkshire, Northern Diamonds and will feature for the Northern Superchargers in the upcoming tournament, with their home games being staged at Headingley.

To get behind Bess and the whole Northern Superchargers team, Vicar Lane is thrilled to be giving away a handful of tickets to some of the Northern Superchargers fixtures [at Headingley] and is encouraging shoppers to keep an eye out for how to get involved to win!

More information can be found across the Vicar Lane social media channels.

Vicar Lane is proud to shine a light on Bess’ achievements so far and hope that they can encourage their younger visitors with an interest in sport to stay determined, keep practicing and follow their dreams!

Bess Heath ahead of the upcoming tournament said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in The Hundred this summer and playing for the Northern Supercharges again. It’s an exciting, fast-paced cricket competition with music and family entertainment, which will only be bigger and better this year. I can’t wait to be part of it and it’s a great feeling to have Vicar Lane get behind us as a team and show support by streaming all The Hundred games live on their big screen!’’

Check out what is happening this Summer in Chesterfield

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Wimbledon Vicar Lane Big Screen

Posted in Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield announced as second best in England for access to sporting facilities

Chesterfield is the second best place in the country for access to sporting facilities according to new research.

The England Sports Accessibility Index has been created by Runners Need.

It analyses how much town and city councils across England have invested in local sports and activity schemes over the past five years and which places have the best access to sports facilities.

Chesterfield has 137 local facilities per 100,000 residents and an average spend of £57.59 per person per year.

The research highlights on average, a town or city has 73 listed sports facilities per 100,000 people and spends £35.70 per head per year on sports funding.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We welcome the positive news that Chesterfield has been ranked as England’s second most accessible town for sports.”

“We want to be able to help our communities to improve their health and wellbeing and we understand how important it is to have access to facilities and opportunities for people to be active.”

“We have some fantastic local facilities and lots of groups that help encourage everyone in our community participate in sport and physical activity.”

“This ranking is a testament to the fantastic work that everyone involved in sport and physical activity does to help our residents and visitors across the Borough.”

This survey follows announcements that Chesterfield is the happiest place to live in the east midlands and the second best place in the UK to raise a family.

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

Top tips for outdoor dining and drinking in Chesterfield

With the Great British Summer now in full swing, it would be rude for you not to enjoy a few evenings out with friends and family, soaking up some of that glorious sunshine.

Luckily here in Chesterfield, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying food & drink outdoors; from al fresco dining, to brilliant beer gardens and cocktails on the terrace!

So whether you’re looking for great food, beautiful scenery or just a nice coffee and cake whilst watching the world go by, our town has the perfect places for you.

To find out more about all the great activities you could be getting up to in the local area this summer, check out our Summer In Chesterfield page! And don’t forget to share the love on social media by telling us what you’ve been up to, using the hashtags #SummerInChesterfield and #LoveChesterfield!

Fox and Goose Inn

Steeped in history and set in the glorious North Derbyshire countryside, Fox & Goose Inn has everything you need for a memorable summer evening.

Enjoy great food and drink while the sun is setting over Chesterfield, with views all the way across town from the splendidly-named Pudding Pie Hill! For families, there’s also a fabulous play area to keep the youngsters entertained.

The venue even has an outdoor grill for guests to enjoy barbecues, hog roasts and more.

Find out more on the website: https://www.thefoxandgooseinn.com/

Casa Hotel

The newly renovated Barca Bar is a relaxing space built on the ethos of the Mediterranean Barcelona city. Booths adorned in teal and shaded by foliage provide guests with secluded seating to enjoy premium beers, lagers, and hand-crafted cocktails. Across the bar, marine tiles illuminated by warm lighting create a relaxed yet vibrant space. This atmosphere extends to the terrace outside, where guests can unwind surrounded by flower boxes and shelter.

Kick back and relax, by joining Casa on Fridays between 5-7pm for 2 for 1 across all of their hand-selected and expertly created cocktails.

Authentic tapas, light salads, and sandwiches are now served from 12pm every day, so you can sample a taste of Spain alongside artisan cocktails, fine wine, and fresh, whole bean coffee.

Find out more at: https://www.casahotels.co.uk/eat/

Peak Edge Hotel

The Red Lion at Peak Edge has the ultimate terrace for relaxing and taking in stunning views of the surrounding Peak District.

The outdoor area, equipped with rattan seating, heaters, and a bar with premium draught beverages and drinks, provides the perfect vantage point over Peak Edge’s lake, lakeside pagoda, and herd of highland cows. Just past the highland cattle are rolling fields and the serene expanse of the Peaks.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light bite in the Derbyshire sun, or refreshments after a day of exploring the countryside, the Red Lion’s terrace is an ideal space to sit-back and unwind.

Find out more at: https://www.peakedgehotel.co.uk/eat/red-lion/

Salute Prosecco and Pizza Pi at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Big Screen

Vicar Lane has returned this Summer with its fantastic movie nights, enabling visitors to enjoy the best films on the big screen in St. James Square!

Sit back and relax with a glass of fizz from Salute’s mobile prosecco van and a delicious pizza from the recently-opened Pizza Pi restaurant, providing the perfect evening out for everyone.

Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/outdoor-movie-night-at-vicar-lane/

Tickled Trout, Barlow

Another great restaurant set amongst the gorgeous North Derbyshire scenery The Tickled Trout, Barlow has a small but perfectly formed terrace, ideal for alfresco dining.

The terrace holds the sun all day, perfect for soaking up some rays with a nice cold beer or refreshing gin & tonic, all the outdoor terrace benches have parasols to keep you cool and shaded when the heat gets too much!

The full menu is served 12-2:30pm  & 5-9pm Tuesday-Saturday, then on Sundays The Tickled Trout serves its popular Sunday roast & pizza menu 12-4pm.

Booking is recommended –  Call 01142 891111 for reservations or book via the website: www.tickledtroutbarlow.com

Dronfield Hall Barn

This historical community hub in Dronfield is a perfect place to stop off and enjoy a bit of coffee and cake on your travels, providing a scenic and welcoming backdrop to meet with family and friends.

Whether it is for a coffee, a scone baked fresh on the premises each morning, a light lunch or even a decadent afternoon tea, the barn have a range of great products to enjoy while sitting in the fabulous outdoor gardens.

Don’t forget to check out Dronfield Hall Barn’s special events, such as their popular Artisan and Makers Market where you can pick up some treats to take home with you too!

Find out more at: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/coffee-shop/

Chesterfield Canal Trust

Hollingwood Hub

Those who have been for a walk or bike ride along Chesterfield Canal will know just what a gorgeous location it is! A great stop-off point is the Hollingwood Hub, where you’ll find Katey’s Coffee Shop.

Enjoy a range of fabulous homemade products and gorgeous scenery while out on your sunny stroll, including drinks, sandwiches, light meals, ice creams and a selection of cakes.

Perfect to replenish and refresh after all that exercise! Find out more at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/off-the-water/hollingwood-hub-2/

The Bulls Head Holymoorside

Enjoy a taste of luxury while soaking up the sun at this renowned pub, based in one of our area’s most picturesque villages.

You’re guarenteed to be served something special, with head chef Mark Aisthorpe recently appearing alongside some of the nation’s best cooks on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

The outdoor Summer Tapas Menu is available Wednesday 5pm – 6.30pm , Thursday to Saturday 12 noon – 6.30pm and Sunday 12 noon – 4pm.

This can be enjoyed with a range of summer cocktails, wine or champagne. The Bulls Head even have a Sommelier on hand if you would like to pair with the perfect wine.

Find out more: https://www.bullsheadholymoorside.co.uk/

Sicily Restaurant

If you’re looking for a taste of Italy, why not head to Sicily Restaurant on Sheffield Road? The restaurant features a small outdoor terrace so you can get that authentic Italian experience Al Fresco!

Enjoy your favourite pizza or pasta with a glass of wine in the sunshine and experience a warm welcome from owners Giuseppe and Monica, who provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for everyone who visits.

Find out more: https://sicilyrestaurantchesterfield.co.uk/

Empire Bar

Looking for somewhere in town to escape the hustle and bustle?

Empire bar Bar is a new addition to Chesterfield Town Centre, serving a range of beers, fresh cocktails, freshly ground barista coffee, iced coffee and more.

Vegan and vegetarian friendly Hot Chocolate is also available, with live entertainment also taking place from Wednesday through to Sunday evenings.

The bar has a comfortable upstairs area with an outdoor terrace, and is child and dog friendly until 6pm each day. The team also uses British Sigh Language to communicate with the deaf community.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/Empirebarchesterfield/

Cibo

Cibo is a relaxed bistro kitchen that provides a warm welcome and quality food. The bistro shares a private courtyard to the rear which is a fantastic sun trap, but also provides shaded areas with sun umbrellas and covered decking.

It is a peaceful area set in the town centre, perfect for chilling out with a coffee or even a cheeky glass of wine or a cold beer.

The menu offers yummy light bites to snack on such as queen olives, bruschetta, mango & chilli prawns, Parmesan & truffle oil fries to name a few. The main menu has options for vegans such as soups with bread and butter, vegan full English breakfast and gluten free options such as king prawn and chicken paella.

Look out for some of the offers available weekly too! Cibo’s Summer coolers are a popular favourite- the dragon fruit and mango syrup covered with ice is so summery with its bright pink appearance and fruity aroma.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/CiboChesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Local businesses commended for work in bringing Knife Angel to Chesterfield

Local businesses and organisations in Chesterfield were commended for their efforts in bringing the poigniant ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture to the town.

The sculpture, made out of discarded blades was created to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime. The monument went on display in Chesterfield, near the famous Crooked Spire church in October/ November 2021.

Now, the businesses and organisations which enabled the visit to happen have been awarded with commendations by Derbyshire Constabulary’s North Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett.

The organisations commended included Leverton UK, Pinewood Properties, Ava Print,  Chesterfield Borough Council, The Community Safety Partnership and The Crooked Spire.

Marcus Leverton, Director of Leverton UK explained their vital role in bringing the sculpture to the town. He commented: “Inspector Mathew Winterbottom is a close friend and he asked me prior to the event if we could help with the secure fencing that was to be erected and dismantled on a daily basis to prevent any potential problems with people mistreating the sculpture at night-time.

“We as a company provided this service free-of-charge for the duration of time that the sculpture was in chesterfield. It was important to us as a business to be involved with this scheme, as with most people I have spoken to the sculpture is quite a powerful statement and very moving when you understand that each knife used was from real life crime, some cases were even fatal.

“It was an important message for the Police to get out there, to raise local awareness and to call for a knife amnesty to prevent any further unnecessary deaths or injury through knife crime.

“We were very proud to be involved and it was great work from the full team who contributed to this project’s success.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Knife Angel brought a very powerful and moving message about the horrific reality of knife crime – one which thousands of people had chance to reflect on when they visited the sculpture in Chesterfield town centre.

“Chesterfield is a safe place to live, and we want to keep it that way, by working with our partners to lead hard-hitting and difficult conversations with our young people. Through a variety of engagement and awareness sessions, the Knife Angel’s visit has prompted these discussions, which is a really positive result.”

During the monument’s visit, Derbyshire Police and Chesterfield Borough Council gave people the opportunity to surrender any unwanted knives, and as a result more than 100 knives and bladed articles were taken into safe keeping and off the streets.

Leverton UK, Pinewood Properties and Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Knife Angel Chesterfield

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

New LGBT+ rainbow crossing unveiled at Ashgate Hospice

A zebra crossing at Ashgate Hospice has undergone a colourful transformation to celebrate diversity and show support for the LGBT+ community.

The North Derbyshire charity painted the vibrant new rainbow pedestrian crossing outside its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield.

It is just one of a handful of ways the hospice has been demonstrating its support and allyship for patients, staff, volunteers and supporters from the LGBT+ community.

Ashgate also had a stall at Chesterfield Pride on 24 July and are working with Derbyshire LGBT+ to deliver inclusion and awareness sessions to their workforce, as well as decorating its site and shops in rainbow colours.

It comes after the charity recently appointed an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Liz Allam, who works across the organisation to ensure the hospice and its care is inclusive and accessible for everyone.

She said: “The new crossing will remind everyone who visits us about our support for the LGBT+ inclusion, and our overall commitment towards equality, diversity and inclusion. It is a symbol of our dedication to be open to everyone who needs us.

“Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and have access to high-quality palliative and end of life care in a safe and inclusive environment.

“We know from research that people from the LGBT+ community are under-served by hospices and may well be under-represented in our staff and volunteers.

“It is important that everyone in our community knows that Ashgate Hospice is an open and inclusive organisation where they will be warmly welcomed.”

Ashgate Hospice invited John Yates-Harold from Derbyshire LGBT+, Councillor Ed Fordham and Councillor Martin Thacker MBE as well as staff and volunteers to officially unveil the new crossing on 21st July.

At the unveiling of the crossing John Yates-Harold, said:

“It means so much to arrive somewhere and see the rainbow, it means I can come here and know that I am welcome. From the flags adorned in the reception, to this vibrant and visual crossing, it shows that I can come here and be myself.”

Local businesses Trustseal Ltd and Geveko Markings supported the hospice through the installation and donation of materials to create the crossing.

The work was carried out free-of-charge saving the hospice more than £3,000, which can be redirected to fund patient care.

Liz added: “We are delighted to have been joining in with the Pride celebrations this year and we’re particularly looking forward to being back at Chesterfield Pride this weekend – please make sure you come and say hello!

“Ashgate has a hugely committed and compassionate workforce and by welcoming staff and volunteers with diverse backgrounds we will enhance and strengthen the organisation further.

“We all work incredibly hard to be welcoming and open at Ashgate, but we know that more can be done.

“We must understand the barriers that some groups may face in accessing us and then work to address those across the organisation.”

Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s equality, diversity and inclusion commitments here: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/equality-diveristy-inclusion

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Digital High Street project equips 127 businesses for the future

More than 120 businesses in the Chesterfield borough are now up to speed with the online revolution after receiving expert digital support via an innovative scheme.

Since being launched in June last year, the Chesterfield Digital High Street project has engaged 127 small and microbusinesses reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into the digital world by building their online offering for customers and improving their social media profile.

Of this cohort, 81 businesses worked with a digital high street adviser, 56 companies developed a digital action plan and 50 firms accessed grants worth £2,200.

Some 38 new websites are now either live or in development – many of these equipped with the latest payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber and its strategic partners Purpose Media and Destination Chesterfield, the year-long project aimed to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which were hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project among businesses, which are now well-placed to embrace current and future digital trends.

“This will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

Among the businesses that have benefited from support is Café Nellie, a recently-opened independent coffee shop in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Owner Tracey Wallis said she was aware the business needed a marketing strategy to quickly become visible to a wide and varied audience.

But as none of the six-strong team had much experience of using social media, the Chamber’s support came at “exactly the right time”, with digital high street advisers Steve Phillips and Alex Gardner helping to build a website and Facebook page.

“Since our Facebook page went ‘live’, we have seen a marked increase in in table bookings,” said Tracey. “Despite the recent heatwave, our sales have increased by about 30%, which our own research suggests is a direct result of our social media presence.

“Having a website is just as important in enabling non-social media users to access attractive, up-to-date information about Café Nellie. In the future, we hope to develop the site to enable our customers to purchase gift vouchers, our own brand of coffee and to make table bookings online.”

While Ibrahim Assaf was literate in using Facebook to promote his business Ibzy Salon, located in Chesterfield’s Jawbones Hill, he noticed it couldn’t be found very easily on Google – with the barbershop, tattoo studio and shisha bar’s location on Google Maps in the wrong place.

“I struggled with the process of updating Google but after experiencing frustration, I left it,” he said.

He signed up to the Chesterfield Digital High Street project and received one-to-one support from Steve, who talked him through the problems he had encountered and came up with a digital action plan.

Ibrahim, who also took up the offer of creating a website, added: “I didn’t have a Google Business Profile at the time, which meant we weren’t listed and new customers couldn’t find me. Steve helped me to set up my page and download the app, so I can easily make changes to opening times and prices.

“I have noticed an increase in new customers who have come to us by finding us on Google and through our new website. In one week last month, we had a 300% increase in visitors to the shop compared to the previous week.

“The website has given me credibility and with setting up the Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, which will help boost my visibility and attract new customers.

“With the bigger customer base, I have now recruited another two barbers so we can offer more services and shorter waiting times. We are very much looking forward to the future – with the help from my advisor Steve, we have the tools to grow the business.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The Digital High Street project has been very successful in helping many organisations that were affected by the pandemic to get online and increase their interaction with customers in a new way.

“We have been able to review current marketing and social media activities, and support businesses on any recommended actions, set up Google listings if needed and offer each organisation a one-year membership to East Midlands Chamber.

“We have received excellent feedback from those who have taken part in the project, with many increasing their online profile so they can expand their business presence.”

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project has now ended but the Chamber continues to offer support to businesses across the region via a digital high street adviser. To find out what support is available, email information@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.

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

Chairman’s Blog: New office spaces are helping Chesterfield attract investment

Summer in Chesterfield is proving eventful, and I’m not just talking about the weather.

Once again (the pandemic years excepting) we are seeing a packed events calendar – Chesterfield Pride, The Festival of Cricket, The Great British Food Festival and the Peak District Highland Games to name just a few.

Chesterfield Pride

It’s wonderful to see most things returning to normal. The same, however can’t be said for the extremes of temperature and rising energy prices, which we have all been experiencing.

Amongst many other things, these issues have only highlighted the need for high quality, sustainable, energy efficient office space to be available in Chesterfield. Workers need to be at a comfortable temperature, businesses need to be able to afford the occupational costs, including energy bills.

The many businesses that have chosen to make the stunning new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre their home must be feeling particularly pleased with their decision. The Enterprise Centre, which opened in July, is the first of two recently constructed high quality office developments in Chesterfield town centre.

One Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside will open later this year giving the town much-needed modern large floor plate office space which will help us attract investment as well as provide space for growth for established businesses in the borough. Tenants have already been identified for significant elements of the space, who will take up occupation on completion.

The Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are a key part of Chesterfield Council’s ambitious growth strategy that will see large scale investment and regeneration across the borough.

A key part of that strategy is ensuring there are jobs and opportunities for local people, particularly school leavers. It is important that they know they can grow their careers here in Chesterfield, and that there are suitable premises available for potential employers.

Destination Chesterfield has long worked with education and training providers across Chesterfield to both raise awareness of the skills requirements from businesses and introduce young people to the careers available to them here.

We have also been actively involved in delivering a number of proactive initiatives targeting young people, including Apprentice Town, MyFuture and the forthcoming Made in Chesterfield campaign in November.

Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities alone have introduced more than 3500 pupils to STEM careers in the local economy since the campaign was launched in 2015 and Chesterfield College has also reported an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects.

The Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities are open to all year 6 – 13 pupils and are free. I would urge as many schools as possible to take advantage of these.

Whether business owner, educator, parent or relative, we all have a role to play in actively encouraging more young people to both live, work and grow their careers in this great town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Peak District Highland Games to return this August

Some of the nation’s strongest men and women are coming to our region next month, to battle it out in the bid to be The Peak District Highland Games Champion 2022.

The flagship show, now in its seventh year, takes place at Matlock Farm Park on Sunday 28 August. It features athletes participating in six demanding strength events including the Tossing of the Caber, Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge. Beginning with a parade of the athletes accompanied by a Scottish Piper Band, the day sees an expert MC provide exciting commentary to enthuse the crowd, with the opportunity for spectators to even take part in a Tug of War.

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant manager of Matlock Farm Park said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this fantastic event once again. It’s such a favourite for so many people, whatever the age. It’s a real spectacle and with so much else going on in the park, there’s something for everyone.”

The day also features a range of food, market and craft stalls with a Bradfield Brewery beer tent and Franklin & Sons gin garden for Summer refreshments. There is an interactive exotic animal encounter, along with much of the usual fun of the farm park, including sheep racing, small animal handling and playtime fun with their new Enchanted Hamlet and Jumping Pillow.

The 2021 Games saw the introduction of Strongwomen at the event, who were warmly received by the crowd. Multiple Guinness World Record Holder Nicky Walters and teenage sensation Millie Thornton took on a mighty Tractor Pull and Caber Toss, but it was arguably Chloe Brennan who stole the show lifting the legendary Peak District Dinnie Stones. This year will see the addition of Emma Wilson, Kay Gallacher and Michaela Moore.

Manbeast Events director Andy Picken said: “There is growing diversity in strength sports and women are demonstrating great dedication to training and some awesome displays of strength.”

He continued: “The female and male athletes are really excited about this year’s Peak District Highland Games, with some amazing competitors lined up. In 2021, Dave Thornton beat twice PDHG Champion Scott Mark Litchfield and it will be interesting to see if one of these can take the title again.

With the introduction of some new athletes, notably 6 feet 7 inches tall young strongman Terry Harrison from Lincoln, it will be fascinating to see how the new ones fair against the experienced and established field of athletes.”

To find out more and to purchase tickets for The Peak District Highland Games, see matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets.

Find out more about some of the great events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer on our Summer In Chesterfield page.

Matlock Farm Park supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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