Leisure

Innovative swimming programme picks up national award

An innovative swimming programme which supports local people who have had cancer has been recognised with a national award.

Chesterfield Borough Council was announced as the winner of the Swim England Health Impact Award at the Teaching and Education Awards 2021 for its delivery of ‘OutSwimming Cancer’ sessions at its leisure centre.

Since early 2020, residents in Chesterfield who have had cancer have been invited to take part in free, relaxed swimming session at Queen’s Park Sports Centre thanks to funding from Weston Park Cancer Charity.

The council was first approached about the session by one of its swimming instructors, Lesley Rechert, who realised the benefits that swimming could bring to people after their cancer treatment. Working with Lesley, the council was able to create a programme that provided swimming sessions for adults that would assist with their long term recovery.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are very proud of the team at Queen’s Park Sports Centre for achieving this award as they have put a huge amount of effort in to making the session a success.

“It’s important that everyone feels like they can pursue a healthy lifestyle and use our facilities to achieve this. Our staff at the centre are really supportive and it’s brilliant that we can offer this provision to people who are going through such a difficult time in their lives.

“Recovery from cancer can take a long time but swimming is really beneficial for the journey back to better health – it’s a great way for rebuilding your strength and confidence. Quiet sessions like OutSwimming Cancer aim to create an inclusive environment that is supportive as well as enjoyable.”

Swimming instructor, Lesley, added: “It is wonderful to see people enjoying the water again, increasing their swimming skills and regaining fitness and confidence.  Our participants are very supportive to each other and you will be made to feel welcome whatever your level of swimming.  We are very grateful for the support of Weston Park Cancer Charity.”

OutSwimming Cancer sessions continue to take place every Monday. Further information, including details on how to book a place can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/queens-park-sports-centre/out-swimming-cancer

Funding for the OutSwimming Cancer sessions is provided by Weston Park Cancer Charity with support from Chesterfield Borough Council. Swimmers must be fit and healthy enough to be in the swimming pool and are encouraged to speak to the GP before attending a session if they are unsure.

Ruby Osborn, Grants Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “We’re thrilled that OutSwimming Cancer has been recognised by Swim England.

“Lesley and the team have created a wonderfully supportive environment to encourage people living with and beyond cancer to get into the pool and enjoy the benefits of swimming.

“The feedback we’ve had from participants shows how much of difference this programme is making and we look forward to the partnership continuing.”

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Christmas Treecycle campaign raises record £10,000 for Ashgate Hospice

Residents in North Derbyshire who recycled their tree with Ashgate Hospice this Christmas have helped raise a record of more than £10,000 towards care for families this year.

The annual charity Treecyle scheme, sponsored by Jake Eville Tree Care, saw staff and volunteers travel across the county to collect and recycle people’s trees at the end of the festive season.

Between 7th and 10th January, volunteers worked tirelessly to collect 450 Christmas trees from houses across Chesterfield, Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford.

Ashgate offered the service in exchange for a suggested donation of £15 per tree – and raised a total of £10,259.16 towards the charity, which provides vital palliative and end of life care to families across North Derbyshire.

Not only did supporters of the campaign help raise crucial funds towards care for patients in 2022, but each participant helped do their bit for the environment with every tree chipped and then recycled.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer our Treecycle service to people in North Derbyshire at the end of the festive season.

“Our aim is to provide an easy and green way of disposing of people’s Christmas trees and it’s been great to hear lots of positive feedback about the service.

“I’d like to personally thank everyone who supported the campaign this year – whether you made a donation of £15 or £100, your support will help make a significant difference to people’s lives.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have raised more than £10,000 to help us continue our care for the families who need us most this year. Everyone at Ashgate is so grateful for your generosity – thank you!”

Among those to support the campaign was Lifehouse Church in Chesterfield, which donated £200 to the campaign after the hospice team recycled its huge tree.

Businesses across North Derbyshire came together by donating their time and resources so Ashgate could offer the service to local people.

Those who helped with the initiative included MVIS, Wickes, The Van Yard Ltd, Vertu Toyota, Perrys, Rykneld Homes, PSR Recruitment, Wards Recycling, Yorkshire Vehicle Finance, Hasland Magazine and more.

The support will mean Ashgate can continue to provide its specialist palliative and end of life care, including a wide range of community-based care and support services for people with a life-limiting illness and their families.

Jake Eville, who sponsored the initiative : “It was great to be able to support Ashgate Hospice’s Treecyle scheme this year and we were proud to be able to offer our support as campaign sponsors.

“From everyone who donated to recycle their tree to the volunteers who gave up their time to collect the trees – it’s great to see the community coming together to do their bit for a great cause and the environment.

“Not only will your donations help the hospice fund its vital care for families across the county, but it’s great way to do your bit to be green and sustainable!”

Go online to find out how you can support Ashgate Hospice, at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/fundraising.

Alternatively, call the fundraising team on 01246 567250 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday or email communityfr@ashgatehospice.org.uk.

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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Dates announced for annual Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has released its fixtures for the upcoming season, with the team set to return to Chesterfield’s iconic Queen’s Park this Summer.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, returns with Derbyshire Falcons facing Yorkshire Vikings at Queen’s Park on Saturday 18 June, while the LV= County Championship fixture against Middlesex will also be hosted under the spire, from Sunday 12 June.

Derbyshire are set to begin their season at the ‘Home of Cricket’ on Thursday, 7th April when they travel to Lord’s to take on Middlesex in the LV County Championship.

New Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, will take charge of his first fixture against Middlesex, with games against Sussex (H), Leicestershire (A), Glamorgan (H), Worcestershire (H) and Nottinghamshire (A) all lined up for the opening two months of the season.

The club’s return to Chesterfield in 2022 was confirmed last Summer, when it was announced the annual Festival of Cricket was secured for at least the next five years following a deal between Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Speaking at the time of the announcement last August, Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chairman, Ian Morgan, said: “As a Club, we are committed to continuing our longstanding relationship with Queen’s Park and Chesterfield Borough Council.

“The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket always brings together a huge number of people from across the region and Queen’s Park is a much-loved and popular venue, making the fixtures a highlight of the season for supporters from across the county.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council commented: “I’m delighted that we have been able to agree a new deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club. It is great news for the town and borough that our residents will be able to see the stars of first-class county cricket perform at Queen’s Park cricket ground for another five years.”

Read more about the announcement here. To view the full list of Derbyshrie fixtures for the 2022 season, go to: www.derbyshireccc.com.

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

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

 

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Chatsworth is growing children’s confidence with new gardening club

Chatsworth is launching its first children’s gardening club to allow young budding growers to nurture their very own growing patch throughout the seasons.

The Little Pips Gardening Club for children aged 3-5 will be filled with hands-on sessions growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as lots of creative activities to give nature a helping hand from making butterfly feeding stations and a wormery to planting bee-friendly plants.

The fortnightly club launches 7 March with a sunflower planting session with other seasonal activities lined up for the months ahead to include making a pea propagator in April; going on a bumblebee safari in May and harvesting pumpkins planted earlier in the year in October.

The sessions will take place in the outdoor learning centre, Chatsworth’s Stickyard, where the children will be growing their own produce in specially created raised beds for vegetables, fruit and flowers, and having a go at watering, weeding and making sure all the plants are happy.

Tina Carter, Landscape Engagement Facilitator for Chatsworth, said: “As well as the benefits of being outdoors for children’s wellbeing, teaching children to grow their own produce is a fantastic way to build confidence, have fun and introduce them to new fruits and vegetables.

“We are hoping children will come regularly enough to see all their work develop as the seasons change; there is nothing more rewarding than planting a tiny seed and then watching it transform into a huge pumpkin in the autumn.  The club will give our budding gardeners the chance to enjoy being outdoors, make friends and learn new skills while having fun.”

Chatsworth will also be encouraging families to get outdoors this half term with the opening of the farmyard from 19-27  February. Little ones can get face to face with the farmyard animals, enjoy animal handling sessions, take part in creative crafts and explore the winter woods in tractor and trailer rides at no additional cost.

Visitors can also cosy up by a fire with Chatsworth’s first-ever fire pit bake-offs taking place 22-23 February. Bakers can have a go at making tasty campfire bread and orange chocolate brownies over a fire-pit, before finishing with toasting marshmallows and a warming cup of hot chocolate.

With plenty of suitable trails for all ages and abilities, family members of all ages can take advantage of the free parking throughout the winter season and explore Chatsworth’s variety of parkland and woodland walks.

To complete the perfect winter family day out, a selection of Chatsworth’s cafes, restaurants and retail shops, including the estate farm shop, remain open all year round.

For more information please visit the Chatsworth website. Chatsworth House and Garden will reopen to visitors on 26 March 2022.

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Local charity receives national recognition from the BBC’s The One Show

North East Derbyshire based local charity – crafting2gether which has supported over 1000 businesses during the pandemic, has received a surprise visit from the BBC’s The One Show to thank their founder, Shelagh Cheetham.

The charity, formerly Shelagh’s Sewing Circle, has supplied over 77,000 face masks to frontline workers and businesses and has now received recognition for their dedication to helping those in need.

The charity has expanded and is not just about crafting, people are welcome to join the group for a cup of tea and a chat, helping people to combat loneliness and isolation as well as developing a new skill if they wish.

BBC’s The One Show surprised founder Shelagh at Dronfield Sports Centre and was broadcast to millions of viewers on national TV where she was thanked for her incredible efforts to help key workers, businesses and local communities.

TV star and fashion business owner Patrick Grant was in attendance to surprise Shelagh and thank her.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Alan Powell said, “I am delighted Shelagh has received the recognition she and the other volunteers deserve. I cannot express enough how grateful we all are to have such inspirational members of our community helping others selflessly through the pandemic and beyond.

“I am proud to say we stepped when it was needed most to offer space in our leisure centre at Dronfield so the BBC could attend and put crafting2gether on the National stage.

“Our authority is here to support our local community groups – like crafting 2gether and it’s a great privilege to support the work they do which has helped thousands of key workers and charities worldwide. Thank you.”

Pauline Memmott, a volunteer with crafting2gether, said “We are very grateful to Dronfield Sports Centre for letting us use their venue for the BBC’s One Big Thank You surprise for our founder, Shelagh Cheetham.

“The success and growth of the Charity is all down to Shelagh, although she would say it’s the volunteers!

“With Shelagh’s commitment, we’ve provided thousands of masks to key workers, helped a charity in Armenia by knitting scarves and at a local level, we help combat isolation by providing social contact for members of our community.

“Everyone is welcome to join us to create or just have a cuppa and a chat.”

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust links up with Alfreton Town to promote healthy lifestyles

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Alfreton Town FC are teaming up to deliver a male specific adult weight management programme.

Staff from the Community Trust will be delivering the programme, using facilities at Alfreton Town and Alfreton Leisure Centre.

The link adds to the increasing amount of work being carried out locally by the Community Trust, which has established links with a number of local schools in the area, and recently ran another successful toy appeal to help families in need over Christmas.

Andrea Parkinson, the Community Trust’s wellbeing manager, is delighted to be working in partnership with Alfreton Town to deliver the programme.

She said: “Working within Amber Valley will allow us to support more participants. I would like to thank Alfreton Town and Alfreton Leisure Centre for being so accommodating.

“Having already successfully delivered a similar programme in the HUB at the Technique Stadium, I am sure the programme will be a great success in Alfreton.”

Michael Bradley, Alfreton Town’s CEO, said: “I am delighted to announce that the club is working in partnership with Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Places Leisure, specifically Alfreton Leisure Centre, to help promote healthier lifestyles and weight management across Amber Valley.

“There is no cost to sign up to the programme and there are some fantastic benefits, such as free gym membership for three months, thanks to our friends at Alfreton Leisure Centre and free match tickets for Alfreton Town home fixtures.”

Delivered over a 12-week period, the programme will feature sessions each Monday (12pm to 2pm), starting on January 17.

For more information and details regarding the referral criteria, please email tomcooke@spireitestrust.org.uk. or phone Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s wellbeing team on 07751 926714.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust 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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Twist magazine goes from strength-to-strength with more than 15,000 copies delivered each month

Local magazine Twist, which focuses on all things Chesterfield has the largest distribution of any magazine in the town, with 15,500 copies of the Heron Publications title carefully delivered to local homes and businesses each month.

Professional, experienced journalists keep readers entertained with lively features and positive Chesterfield news stories, backed up by striking images and eye-catching presentation. The launch of the title in September 2010 coincided with the setting up of the Chesterfield Champions network and Twist was delighted to become one of the scheme’s first member companies.

Editor Mike Firth began his career as a journalist in Chesterfield more than 40 years ago, working as sports editor at the Derbyshire Times before going on to edit the Chesterfield Gazette and Chesterfield Express newspapers when they were independently run.

Says Mike: “Chesterfield has always been an enjoyable place to work but now it has really blossomed into a vibrant town with so much going for it. If you want proof, you need only look at completed developments like the Casa Hotel, the Technique Stadium and the Vicar Lane shopping area – and then cast your mind back to how those same sites looked a few years ago.

“Now we have a new wave of other exciting developments throughout the town which will take Chesterfield into an exciting new era.”

Mike, who has lived in north Derbyshire almost all his life, was delighted to return to Chesterfield to set up Twist and he says the magazine is eagerly looked forward to each and every month.

“Readers appreciate the fact that we concentrate on all the positive things that are going on in town and they like the way we present our features in such a bright and breezy manner,” he says.

“They are happy to see Twist land on their doorstep each month and, because people pick it up and read it, advertisers are also delighted with the response they get; that is why many of them feature in our pages every month.”

Twist is delivered free of charge by the company’s own distribution team to homes and businesses in Sheepbridge, Dunston, Whittington Moor, Newbold, Ashgate, Brockwell, Brampton, Ashgate Heights, Old Brampton, Brookside, Waterside, the town centre and beyond. Because Twist is a community publication, all homes in the chosen distribution area receive the magazine – the publishers don’t pick and choose according to council tax bands or how many cars people may have parked in their driveways.

Twist’s professional advertising sales team and design studio staff are delighted to work with Chesterfield companies, both large and small, to help them promote their goods and services in the magazine’s colourful pages.

Twist may well be special, but it is not alone; it is one of a series of magazines published by family-run Heron Publications whose office is just up the road in Dronfield. The company also produces ‘Dronfield Eye’ which is the only publication distributed throughout the S18 area, ‘Wings’ in Wingerworth, Ashover and Tupton, ‘So Bolsover’ across the M1 and ‘Active8’ in the south of Sheffield. Together, they add up to a total circulation of 57,000 quality free local magazines.

An added bonus with Twist is the fact that it is printed right here in Derbyshire by award-winning Buxton Press, a business which has won several prestigious environmental awards.

Twist Magazine 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 among the best in the UK according to Tripadvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms is celebrating success as the attraction has been listed among the top 10 best escape room attractions in the UK, according to reviews website TripAdvisor.

The business has shot up the rankings since its opening in Summer 2021, following hundreds of positive reviews on the site. At the time of writing, the escape room sits at number 5 in the UK rankings. You can see the list here.

Expressing his delight at the news, owner Nick Hogan said: “Living and working in a small town that encourages visitors, customer’s feedback and word of mouth referrals are so important. Trip advisor is also a huge area of interest for visitors to assess what to do when visiting the area so this was a key focus from Day 1.

“The team have been brilliant in ensuring that customers are made aware of our objective to be a top ranked Escape Room and its only with their help and support in providing on line feedback we have managed to achieve our goal. The team have to ensure they deliver a quality product every time and they have achieved that!

Nick also added that the ranking on TripAdvisor is positive news for the town as a whole, adding to Chesterfield’s visitor economy offer: “We can tell from our booking system that approximately 35-40% of our players are from outside of Chesterfield, with a growing number travelling in from Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and even further afield! These players are using the Escape Rooms as one of the things to do in Chesterfield but then go onto to increase spend elsewhere in the local vicinity.

“There are 790 different locations offering over 2500 Escape Rooms in the UK so we are overwhelmed with the success to date. It was a real pinch yourself moment when we got into the top 5 as our target was to be a top 50 venue.

“Our next target is to consolidate our top 5 position and then try and build on it. We have a new game going into construction in February / March ready for Easter so with further support from our customers, we maybe be able to go a little higher. The visitor economy is so important to the town so the more attractions we get the better and we are delighted to be able to help out.”

Two other business have also opened in and around the Escape Rooms. Chesterfield Virtual Reality offers an arcade approach to Virtual Reality (for up to 4 players) and also offers VR Escape Rooms. Game Zone has also opened on the town, providing a mix of retro and modern day gaming in a social environment.

Those businesses, combined with the existing Geeks Headquarters on Soresby Street are coming together to offer varying solutions to the entertainment portfolio of the town in one place, all under the banner of Chesterfield Games quarter.

To find out more about the range of attractions in the Chesterfield Games Quarter, visit: www.chesterfieldgamesquarter.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms 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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Redbrik Foundation donates £10k to local charities

Chesterfield-based estate agents, Redbrik has donated nearly £10,000 to six local charities.

Fairplay, St. Luke’s Hospice Sheffield, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Ashgate Hospice and Paces will benefit from the funds raised through the Redbrik Foundation.

After hosting and supporting many charity events over the years, the Redbrik Foundation was set up in 2020 to help children, young people, the elderly and those with disabilities in the Sheffield and Chesterfield areas.

Naturally, since the Foundation was set up in 2020, restrictions have limited the number of in-person fundraising events. However, Redbrik’s team came up with new ways to generate support for the Foundation and its charities at a time when they need it most.

The Redbrik Foundation has organised virtual events, and challenges and donations of Christmas presents to Sheffield Children’s Hospital two years running so that every patient receives a gift during the festive season.

The team tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge earlier this year, raising over £4,000, and held the very first – and very successful – Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in October 2021. In addition, donations were raised through a match funding initiative whereby clients of Redbrik are given the option to donate £25 to the Foundation, which the company then matches.

Redbrik Foundation Trustee, David Cooper, commented: “This is a proud moment for every one and thank you to anyone who has promoted, donated to or fundraised for the Foundation. One hundred per cent of all money raised is donated back out into the community to support the incredible work these organisations carry out every day.

“Rather than have a changing list of annual charity partners, we’ve decided instead that we’d rather have an ever-growing list of amazing charities to support, so watch this space!”

For more information on the Redbrik Foundation, visit https://www.redbrik.co.uk/foundation/

Redbrik 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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College Santa Dash raises vital funds for Derbyshire Stroke Centre

Students and staff from Chesterfield College took part in a 3km Santa Dash earlier this week to raise money for Derbyshire Stroke Centre.

There was a sea of Santas, a team of elves, a Christmas tree, a Grinch and plenty of other fantastic festive fancy dress costumes at the event in Queens Park in Chesterfield.

The participants all braved the rain to support the Principal’s Charity of the Year. Their efforts raised over £600, which the charity say is vital to help them carry out their work and develop services to support people who have suffered a stroke.

Debbie Newton from Derbyshire Stroke Centre came to the event to cheer on the runners. Before she started the race she commented: “I am amazed at the turnout today, it is fantastic. Fundraising has taken a back seat during the pandemic so whatever we are able to raise is amazing.

“Events like this are superb and very important to raise awareness about the centre and the support that is available as well. We are currently fundraising for specialist transport for people with mobility issues to access our day centre. We offer a door to door service.”

The centre offers a community for stroke survivors. It has a café and a gym on site. It also provide a day centre which offers lots of activities from exercise to dance groups as well as singers and entertainers. At the moment around 50 to 100 people use the service over the week.

The Santa Dashers were keen to raise funds for the centre and enjoyed a bit of healthy competition too. There were prizes for the fastest student and staff runners as well as for the best fancy dress outfits.

Students from across the college took part in the dash. Media students took photographs and videos to document the event and public services students marshalled the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of The Chesterfield College group said; “It was wonderful to see so many staff and students supporting Derbyshire Stroke Centre this morning. I’d like to thank them for their generosity and community spirit.

“Not only was it a fantastic festive start to the last week of term before the Christmas holidays, I know the money raised by will be put to good use. The service the charity provides offers such a lifeline to so many people and I am proud that the college is able to support them.”

Chesterfield College 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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Grassmoor Memorial Parkland to honour those lost to COVID-19

The first steps towards creating a lasting memorial parkland to remember and honour local people who died from COVID-19 and pay tribute to the work of the NHS have been taken with the planting of the first trees.

A ceremony held earlier this month (Wednesday, 8th December) saw Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis and Civic Chairman Councillor Jean Wharmby help to plant a Japanese flowering cherry tree at Grassmoor Country Park near Chesterfield. An avenue of oak trees has already been planted at the site.

The ceremonial planting was attended by multi-faith representatives, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment Councillor Carolyn Renwick, an NHS representative, members of the Friends of Grassmoor Country Park and our countryside service staff. Attendees made short speeches about the effects of COVID-19 on their communities and welcomed the start of work on the memorial parkland.

Councillor Barry Lewis said: “The idea for the memorial parkland came from a lady who contacted me during the pandemic and had lost loved ones to COVID-19 and wanted somewhere to remember them and celebrate their lives.

“From that conversation the idea grew, and what we will have as the trees grow is a beautiful, green, peaceful space where people will be able to sit, walk, reflect and remember.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been part of the ceremony to mark the first trees being planted and very pleased we have been able to make this happen.”

Council Civic Chairman Councillor Jean Wharmby said: “This has been an incredibly poignant and moving event to officially mark the start of our memorial parkland, which will grow and grow.

“So many of us have been affected by COVID-19 and sadly many have experienced the loss of someone close to them.“While we know the pandemic is far from over, we are beginning the process of recovery and healing, and the start of the memorial parkland is part of that process. In years to come people will be able to visit this area of Grassmoor Country Park and remember and celebrate the lives of those who were lost. It already feels like a truly special place.”

The county council agreed the creation of the memorial parkland in September and it has been supported by the Friends of Grassmoor Country Park.

The memorial parkland will be designed in keeping with the character of the local landscape and will feature a native wildflower meadow with an avenue of trees including wild cherry, rowan, hazel, birch, hawthorn, dogwood, oak, wych elm, willow and aspen. These trees have been selected for their spiritual meaning and to give displays of blossom in the spring and fruit for birds and other wildlife in the summer and autumn. They will be complemented by smaller, native shrub species.

A walkway to a memorial feature is also proposed, which will be made accessible to all.

The ceremonial tree planting marks the first phase of work to develop the memorial parkland area, and in time the newly created area will become a location for people to visit, spend time and remember loved ones lost during the pandemic. Further work to install seating to provide an area for quiet contemplation overlooking the parkland as it matures would follow in the second phase of the project.

Friends of Grassmoor Country Park have agreed to help the council with the planting and maintenance of the memorial parkland which will contribute to the authority’s target of planting a million trees by 2030.

Grassmoor Country Park is a popular country park that was developed on a reclaimed colliery site. It is easily accessible from Junction 29 of the M1 and the A617 and can be visited by bus.

The attendees included: The Bishop of Repton, Reverend Malcolm Macnaughton, Chief Executive of Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Chris Clayton, Jewish Faith Trustee at the Multi-Faith Centre Ruth Dolby, Chairman of the Muslim Welfare Association Farooq Saddique, Buddhist community representative Keith Munnings, Zen Buddhist community representative Julian Bowers-Brown, and Friends of Grassmoor Country Park Councillor Lee Hartshorne and Peter Myers.

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