Leisure

Ashgate Hospice announces return of popular Forget-Me-Not Appeal

People in North Derbyshire will be able to celebrate, mourn and remember their loved ones in a special and unique way when Ashgate Hospice’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal returns this month.

As part of the appeal, which is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, supporters can make a suggested donation of £25 for a custom made, beautifully crafted forget-me-not flower, to pay a lasting tribute to friends or family.

It’s the second year that the charity has held the fundraiser after last year’s appeal raised £117,300 towards care for patients and families.

This year the striking stainless-steel flowers are pink and each measure 45cm in length, having been made by the British Ironwork Centre.

The limited-edition flowers will form a display between 15th to 19th and 22nd to 26th June, within the picturesque grounds of Renishaw Hall and Gardens, near Eckington in Derbyshire.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Our Forget-Me-Not Appeal is a beautiful way for our communities to come together to remember those they love. Anyone can dedicate a flower, whether they have a direct connection to the hospice or not.

“The Forget-Me-Not Appeal is a chance for us all to come together, pause and take time to reflect. Visiting the display of pink flowers and reading the names of all those who have been remembered promises to be very moving.

“The generous donations we receive during an appeal like this one are crucial to the hospice and make such a difference to the families we care for. Every donation helps to ensure we can be there when we are needed most.”

Amanda Griffiths will be dedicating a forget-me-not in memory of her beloved dad, Victor Tye, who experienced ‘exceptional’ care at Ashgate Hospice’s Inpatient Unit after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Before his death on July 28th, 2019, aged 73, the hospice team ensured his final wish of dying at home with his family by his side was granted.

It’s because of this care that Amanda is urging people to support Ashgate’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal.

“My dad was so scared of going into Ashgate and said he felt like it was a one-way ticket,” said Amanda, 46, from Bolsover. “But once he was there and settled in, it was like his second home.

“It ended up being his place of security. He knew whenever he needed someone, whatever time of day or night it was, they were only ever a button press away.

“Dad was most worried about being in uncontrollable pain but felt safe knowing that someone at Ashgate was always there to try to take the pain away whenever he needed it.”

Thousands of forget-me-nots will form a display at Renishaw Hall and Gardens this summer several weeks after the campaign’s launch.

The suggested donation for a forget-me-not is £25 and money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end of life care.

Jack concludes: “Whether you supported the campaign last year or didn’t, please consider dedicating one of our beautifully crafted pink flowers in memory, or in celebration of that special person. You’ll not only have a lovely flower to add to your garden or to keep in the house, but you’ll be helping us fund vital care for the families who need us most.

“A forget-me-not flower can be dedicated to anyone; they don’t need to have accessed the support and services of Ashgate Hospice.”

To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Supporters will be able to collect their flower from Ashgate Hospice from 1st to 3rd July or have them posted to them once the public display is removed.

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.

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More than 30 businesses choose Chesterfield town centre for their new home

More than 30 new businesses have opened in Chesterfield town centre in the last 12 months with six more due to open in the coming weeks.

The new businesses, which include Barkworthy Dog Emporium, Kooca, Chesterfield Escape Rooms and Boba Shack, show how the town is not standing still – and is in a strong position to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Cibo Bistro, Fat Pig BBQ, Little Dessert Shop, WiseGuys, and Snowflakes Desert Shop are all set to open imminently. Additionally, the Market Hall has welcomed four pop-up stores – Hobson’s Choice, Sparky’s Treats, The Little Ark, and Adelante Antiques. While the outdoor market has welcomed new traders, including Chris’s Fresh Fish, The Flower Girl, Tina’s Make & Mend, Soul Nuah Soapery, Marples Gifts, Lillie’s Cake Shed, Chocolate Elements, Slacknbaggy, Cakehole Bakehouse and Magesh.

Louise Spence, Bistro Supervisor and Coordinator at Cibo which will open later this month on Low Pavement, said: “We hope with the support of the people of Chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!

“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people.  We hope the kind people of Chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”

Praising the town, Anthony Foster is the owner of one of the new businesses which has opened in the last 12 months, Barkworthy Dog Emporium in Theatre Yard. He said: “It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do – set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

In addition to new businesses, since 2021 nine businesses have also expanded into larger premises in the town centre, these include Rebel, Pizza Pi, Vintage Tea Rooms, Bee-Orchid and Twelfth Craft.

Raj Dhir, owner of Rebel Menswear which expanded into a new larger unit on the corner of High Street and Packer’s Row in March added: “We believe in Chesterfield, and that’s why we are spending roughly £500,000 on the store. Chesterfield as a community and town centre has always supported us so it’s only right we invest back in the town centre and community. We believe the future of Chesterfield Town is bright and will only get brighter as more investment is made into the town centre.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great to welcome new businesses to Chesterfield town centre and celebrate those who are expanding and investing in our town. We’re making a significant investment across our town centre which will further boost business confidence by attracting more visitors and shoppers. Our town centre will be the go-to place to live, work, socialise and shop.”

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is due to open for business shortly – further boosting activity in the town centre.

The council also secured almost £20m of Levelling Up Funding to improve and regenerate key public spaces and improve the look, feel and flow of the town centre – while also refurbishing the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. The work is set to start in spring 2022 and be completed by 2025.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity, and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment.”

New town centre businesses

  • Cawa Bakery – Lower Pavement
  • Cawa Bakery – ChesterfieldTrain Station
  • Alberts Jungerer Bruder – Stephenson Place
  • Boba Shack – Cavendish Street
  • Fireaway Pizza- Knifesmithgate
  • Barkworthy Dog Emporium – Theatre Yard
  • Kooca – Beetwell Street
  • Merkur Slots- Vicar Lane
  • Caprinos Pizza – West Bars
  • Brows – Lower Pavement
  • Bet Extra Casino – Lower Pavement
  • Coffee Co – Beetwell Street
  • The Lucky Magpie Salvage – Hollis Lane
  • The Hidden Knight – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Escape Rooms – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield VR – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Gamezone – Soresby Street
  • Imrans Diner – Cavendish Street
  • The Dirty Habit – Holywell Street

 

New Market Hall businesses

  • Adelante Antiques
  • Hobson’s Choice
  • Sparky’s Treats
  • The Little Ark

New market traders

  • Chris’s Fresh Fish
  • The Flower girl
  • Tina’s Make & Mend
  • Soul Nuah Soapery
  • Marples Gifts
  • Lillie’s Cake Shed
  • Chocolate Elements
  • SlacknBaggy
  • Cakehole Bakehouse
  • Magesh

 

Relocation / expansion

  • Shoe Zone – Packers Row
  • Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane
  • Vintage Tea Rooms – Vicar Lane
  • Twelfth Craft – The Shambles
  • Bee Orchid – Packers Row
  • Rebel – High Street
  • The Job Centre – Vicar Lane
  • Woodheads Café – Theatre Yard

 

Businesses due to open soon

  • CIBO Bistro- Lower Pavements
  • Fat Pig BBQ – Saltergate
  • Snowflakes Desert Shop – 12a Saltergate
  • Little Dessert Shop – Holywell Street
  • WiseGuys – Packers Row
  • A new bridal shop is also set to open its doors in The Shambles

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Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment receives further funding boost    

An ambitious project to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – which is home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – has been boosted by £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

The funding has been secured by Chesterfield Borough Council and will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet. This funding will complement the Government’s Levelling Up Funding and investment from the council which aims to create a modern cultural attraction in the heart of the town centre.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities. The £17.5 million project will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received more support for our multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial Hall. This funding will help ensure we realise our ambitions of creating an accessible cultural experience, allowing more of our residents and visitors to access this building to enjoy performances and learn about our heritage.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting and creative work to the public.

“We’re pleased to be investing in seven projects in the East Midlands – from replacing well-worn seats in auditoriums and purchasing the latest digital technology to installing ecologically friendlier lighting and making buildings more cost-effective.  Funded work includes updating access facilities designed to ensure a more welcoming experience for visitors.”

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country. The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.

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New menswear retailer set to open in prominent Chesterfield town centre store

A retailer selling a range of clothes for men is moving into a prominent Chesterfield Town Centre location, adding to the plethora of new retailers in the town.

WiseGuys menswear will be opening in the former Greenwoods store on Packers Row, offering a broad choice of clothing, including casual shirts, knitwear, suits and shoes.

Mike Willis, who used to work for Greenwoods before launching his own clothing business, says he is pleased to be bringing a new store to the town: “I’ve always had Chesterfield in mind as the place where I wanted to open my next store, as it fits with the ‘market town’ profile of my business.

“I opened my first store in Sleaford in 2013, followed by Newark, Melton Mowbray and Boston, so I am delighted that the opportunity has arisen to continue growing the business and offering our products to a wider audience.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming customers from Chesterfield and beyond, and cannot wait to be part of the evolution of the local high street. We’d love to see as many new faces in our store as possible, so please pop in and say hello.”

The store plans to cater for a broad range of sizes, with no skinny fits on offer. Casual shirts range from sizes small to 4XL, while shoe brands are sold in sizes 6-12. Shoes up to size 15 can be sold to order.

Suits are on sale ranging from sizes 34-60 chest. A number of recognised brands will be stocked at WiseGuys, including Dude Shoes, Lambretta Brogues, Ben Sherman Casuals, Lizard King Shirts, Swole Panda socks and underwear, Redpoint Chinos and casual coats, Sunwill jeans and much more.

The store is also recruiting for new staff, with Mike commenting: “I’m looking for a manager and part-time staff to work at the store, ensuring our customers enjoy the best possible visit to WiseGuys. Anyone wishing to apply or find out more, please email wiseguys2014@gmail.com FAO: Mr Mike Willis, Director.”

To find out more about WiseGuys menswear, head over to the website: www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk

Chesterfield’s high street is home to an array of independent and chain retailers. To find out more about shopping in the town, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield plans set to be considered

A multi-million pound project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre – helping the borough thrive for generations to come – is set to be considered by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme aims to transform the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment.

It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which received planning permission in March 2022 – the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the Government’s levelling up fund at the end of last year.

The latest designs for the scheme will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on 17 May and, if approved, the proposals will be subject to a consultation period running from 24 May to 8 July 2022 before a final Master Plan is developed.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield has been a flourishing market town for hundreds of years, but like places everywhere, we must address the challenges that the rise in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre.

“Our town has so much to offer, and we want to harness and build on this to create a town centre that remains vibrant, and relevant in today’s world.

“This project, together with the scheme to refurbish our historic Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum, will transform the experience for those visiting the town centre, and help sustain the economic future for the wider borough.”

Levelling up funding will be used to extend the council’s planned regeneration of the market grounds, with extra investment now centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Burlington Street, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square and New Square.

It is proposed that new paving, seating, lighting, and street furniture will combine with more greenery, to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will complement work to regenerate the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.

Key areas of focus are:

  • Corporation Street – a tree-lined boulevard with improved paving and lighting will transform this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.
  • Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy our iconic Crooked Spire.
  • Rykneld Square – the proposals seek to make better use of this open public space – providing a better connection with the Crooked Spire, improving the feel and flow of this area.
  • Burlington Street – proposed upgrades to paving, planting and lighting will create a more attractive main route – better connecting the Market Place and High Street through to Rykneld Square and Spire Walk.
  • New Square and Market Place – a multi-million pound investment will revitalise Chesterfield’s historic market. Our plans will create a modern, vibrant town centre experience with additional space alongside our traditional markets to host outdoor events and speciality markets. The council is working with local traders to develop a revised market stall and layout design for the main market, and to consider how New Square could be used to complement the town centre offer in future.
  • Packers Row – under existing plans, in place before the successful bid for levelling up funding, this area will also undergo improvement, following the completion of similar public realm works at the nearby Elder Way. Plans include improved lighting and paving, with an overhead light canopy to add character. Work here is set to start in spring 2022.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We have been successful in pulling in millions of pounds of extra funding into our borough over the last 18 months, which is fantastic news for local people. It will complement the significant investments that we and our partners are already making and puts Chesterfield town centre in a strong position for the future.

“We want Chesterfield to continue to be the go-to place and we’re confident that, taken together, the widespread improvements will achieve this by creating a contemporary market town that builds on our proud history and heritage.”

The work will be carried out in phases from spring 2022 and is due for completion in 2025.

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

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Chesterfield residents encouraged to support local retailers over the Jubilee bank holiday

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is only a few weeks away and residents and visitors are being encouraged to support our local retailers during the bank holiday weekend.

There are a number of events taking place across Chesterfield to help mark this historic milestone, as well as the market place and Market Hall being adorned in special Jubilee decorations, and the Market Hall Café offering a special Jubilee themed menu.

Local businesses are also being asked to consider taking part in the Best Dressed Window Competition over the bank holiday weekend, that will be judged by the new Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Tony Rogers.

If you are a business owner and would like to take part, you can use any materials you like to dress the window, but it has to have a Jubilee theme. Judging will take place on Friday 3 June 2022.

To take part or to register your interest in the competition as a business owner, please contact Rebecca.Bland@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Chesterfield Borough Council is continuing to work with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that is great about our borough, through the Love Chesterfield campaign.

The campaign is centred around our town centre, high streets and shopping areas and aims to encourage everyone to discover or rediscover the great shopping, hospitality and leisure experiences we have on our doorstep.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be a fantastic way to not only mark the Queen being the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service, but it is also a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come into the town centre to enjoy some of the events on offer, check out the Jubilee decorations, do some shopping and spend time in each other’s company.

“Following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important for us each to do our bit to help support local businesses. I think there is going to be a great atmosphere in the town centre on the bank holiday, and we are encouraging as many retailers as possible to take part in our best dressed window competition to help us to celebrate this fantastic occasion.”

The council is also calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition. Residents and visitors can keep up to date with all of the events and activities planned over the Jubilee weekend by visiting https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee

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Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness supports Mental Health Awareness Week

Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness has announced it is supporting the national Mental Health Awareness Week by helping to share the campaign and raise awareness.

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 22nd year and runs from 9-15 May.

This year, the theme for the week is ‘Loneliness’. Across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Carol Claydon, Head of HR at Superior Wellness said: “We not only focus on physical health but mental health too.  I am a trained mental health champion and team members can speak to me any time.  Our culture is like one big family and we all support each other as one team.  We are also all based in the office and not at home which will help with those who may have struggled during the pandemic with loneliness.

“We do a huge amount at Superior Wellness as a team including a weekly team building activity, fitness classes and celebrating birthdays.  We even have a games room with pool tables and table tennis which team members use at lunch time or after work. We are very supportive as a team and ensure our work environment is a positive and happy place to be.”

Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:

“We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic.

“Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.

“Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together – as individuals, as a society and through government policy – to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”

Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:

  • During Mental Health Awareness Week use the hashtag #IveBeenThere to share experiences of loneliness to support others and give the campaign momentum.
  • Sign up to walk, run or job as part of our 80 Miles in May challenge and share your photos using #80MilesinMay and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Superior Wellness 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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From Ashgate to Arizona – hospice’s grief podcast goes stateside

Ashgate Hospice’s popular grief podcast is going stateside – as the charity meets guests from as far as Arizona who have experienced death, dying and bereavement.

The North Derbyshire hospice’s ‘The Life and Death Podcast’ explores frank and honest conversations around death and what ‘dying well’ really means.

Each episode welcomes experts, writers, doctors and people who have experienced end-of-life care to discuss their unique relationships, hospice life, and how death affects the living.

Amongst the guests featuring in season three include Sunday Times best seller and journalist Clover Stroud, author of the recently released ‘The Death of My Blood’ and neuroscientist Mary-Frances O’Connor, an author and associate professor at the University of Arizona.

Episodes will be released on Mondays every fortnight, with the first episode released on Monday 2nd May to coincide with Dying Matters Awareness Week. In the first episode, host and Senior Physiotherapist at Ashgate Hospice, Stephen Rumford, meets 45-year-old Kimberley Greaves to discuss life as a young widow and mum to two children.

The pair discuss the awkward conversations Kimberley faces when she tells people her husband has died to how her children kept her going through the darkest of times.

Stephen said: “The aim of the podcast from its inception was to look as openly and sensitively at all aspects of death and dying and how they extend into all aspects of life as human beings.

“The third series continues that line of conversation and what we have now are six episodes that will provide a great resource to anyone who is bereaved and anyone who is curious about the subject.

“This series guests includes those who have survived the death of a partner and face parenting alone. To an academic who has made it her life’s work to study and try to understand how the human brain processes and understands grief.

“Later in the series, I  chat with a former doctor, writer and cultural commentator about how it is that we manage death in modern healthcare settings.

“The series is a great conversation starter, a support for those who have experienced bereavement and incredibly thought-provoking. I hope our listeners enjoy the considered opinions of our guests as they share their unique experiences with us.”

Other guests include:

  • Mary-Frances O’Connor – neuroscientist, author and associate professor at the University of Arizona. Here she leads the grief, loss and social stress lab, investigating the effects of grief on the brain and the body.
  • Clover Stroud – Sunday Times Bestseller and journalist writing for the Daily Mail, Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and author of her new book, The Red of My Blood. Her book shares her grief story following the death of her beloved sister, Nell.
  • Stacey Heale – writer, Ted Talk contributor and well-known grief commentator on social media. Her husband, Greg Gilbert, lead singer of noughties indie-rock band the Delays, died of bowel cancer in 2021.
  • Seamus O’Mahoney – recently retired consultant gastroenterologist who worked most recently at Cork University Hospital in Ireland as well as at NHS hospitals in England. Seamus has established himself as a well-regarded commentator on modern medicine and healthcare systems and written extensively about our expectations around life, death, disease and the daily experiences he often had with patients in hospital.

Series one, two and the special one off Christmas episode are available to stream on all platforms by searching for ‘The Life and Death Podcast Ashgate Hospice’ or by clicking here. Episodes from series three will be released fortnightly over the next couple of months.

Listeners can subscribe to the podcast to ensure they never miss out on a newly released episode.

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.

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Barrow Hill Roundhouse to be lit up with large-scale projections as part of Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign

Chesterfield’s iconic Barrow Hill Roundhouse will be lit up with spectacular light projections later this year, as it has been selected as one of the venues in the annual Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign.

Large-scale projections will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound when ‘Shine A Light’ returns this autumn/winter.

Visitors will be able to watch Derbyshire’s history unfold in magical night-time shows projected on to four heritage venues across the county as part of the new Shine A Light programme, which will run from September 2022 to February 2023.

Alongside Barrow Hill Roundhouse, The large-scale projections will take place for the first time at Elvaston Castle and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, whilst Cromford Mills will return to host the unique outdoor events for a second year.

In addition, the towns of New Mills and Bolsover will be working with the Shine A Light team to build exciting new additions for their annual community lantern processions and parades.

Providing fun for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring illuminations and projections in a visually stunning display that is unique to each venue and centred around the themes of climate change and water.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is inspired by Voices From The Peak – a celebration of the county in sound created by local poet and performer Mark Gwynne Jones to celebrate the Peak District National Park’s 70th birthday last year.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the next instalments of Shine A Light aim to build on last year’s success with more awe-inspiring events.

Confirmed dates and venues are:

  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November
  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February

Exciting new works will be displayed at New Mills Lantern Procession & Community Event on Saturday 24 September and Bolsover Lantern Parade on Saturday 26 November.

Tickets and more information will be available soon at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year but that was just the beginning.

“We’re coming back bigger and better this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Last year’s Shine A Light displays provided magical entertainment for visitors and residents alike, and we’re delighted that this year’s programme has expanded to include three great new heritage venues and two community-based celebrations.

“These events provide an excellent opportunity to see Derbyshire’s rich history brought to life whilst enjoying the area’s great visitor offer in the typically quieter months, supporting the recovery of local businesses in the process.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Barrow Hill Ltd. 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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Chesterfield Escape Rooms celebrates anniversary by linking with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Chesterfield Escape Rooms are teaming up the celebrate the Escape Room’s 1st Anniversary and achieving the status of #1 escape room in the UK according to Trip Advisor.

The hospice, which cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, is very much a happy, joyful place focused on helping families make wonderful memories whether they have weeks, months or years together. The charity supports children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions from across Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and beyond, helping hundreds of families at the North Anston hospice and in their homes each year.

Isobel Wells, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We believe every family should be able to spend their time together, however long that may be, with dignity, comfort and the opportunity to make precious memories that they will always treasure.

“No one should have to go through the devastation of losing a child alone, and we do everything we can to support families through this unimaginable heartbreak and continue to do so in the weeks, months and years after bereavement through our extensive family support service.

“This support also extends to children and young people with life-shortening conditions, some of whom we support for many years with regular respite care at the hospice and in the community, as well as through the various other services we offer. Many of these families simply wouldn’t have anywhere to turn were it not for Bluebell Wood.

“That’s why our amazing supporters, like Chesterfield Escape Rooms are so important to us. Without the generosity and kindness of our supporters, we simply couldn’t be a light in the darkness for local families going through the most difficult times imaginable.

Nick Hogan, owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms said “Bluebell Wood offer an amazing service to our local community. To be able to open our doors to the team, supporters and families of Bluebell Wood on 17th May will allow our team, who have volunteered to work free of charge, to say a big thank you. We have had an amazing first 12 months so all we want to offer is a small respite from the day to day challenges for the families.”

To find out more about Bluebell Wood, please visit www.bluebellwood.org or email Isobel at Isobel.wells@bluebellwood.org

To find out more about Chesterfield Escape Rooms call 01247 720088 or visit their website at www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Junction Arts to host first Postcard Show in Chesterfield

Chesterfield-based community organisation Junction Arts will be hosting the town’s first ever Postcard Show this month, with visitors encouraged to view the exhibition and support local artists and creatives.

Local artist and Junction Arts volunteer, Dave Elsom of Sombrero Printmaking has enjoyed a number of Postcard exhibitions across the country. Having supporting the charity on a number of projects, including the Chesterfield Lantern Parade, Tapton Lock Festival and workshops in Grassmoor he came up with the idea to host the upcoming exhibition in order to support Junction Arts to raise money for its projects.

Dave explained: “I approached Junction Arts because they are passionate about encouraging people to use art and creativity as a form of expression.”

The concept of the exhibition has been to invite local artists and creative people to design their own postcard with this year’s theme ‘Happy’. So far the exhibition has had over 100 postcard masterpieces donated, which will be on display throughout May and on sale for £10 each to raise money for community arts projects across our area.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 14th May – Wednesday 1st June,  with Saturday 14th May including an open morning with a drop in badge making workshop, 10am-12noon.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “We’ve had over 100 entries from lots of local artists, a children’s art group and Chesterfield College Foundation students. This is going to be an annual fundraising event, which we hope Chesterfield will support and celebrate the creativity of its communities.”

  • Exhibition running Saturday 14th May-Wednesday 1st June 2022
  • Open to the public Monday – Friday 10am-4pm.
  • For any changes in openings please check Junction Arts’ social media pages or call ahead on 01246 209219.

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

Junction Arts at the Tapton Lock Festival

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

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