Leisure

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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.

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

Local Hospice encourages residents to take part in ‘Ashgate to the North Pole’ challenge

People from across North Derbyshire are being invited to collectively run, walk, cycle or swim  the distance between Ashgate Hospice and the North Pole, to help the charity be there for the families who need its support most this Christmas time.

The mammoth fundraising challenge, called ‘Ashgate to the North Pole’, will see participants race more than 2,167 miles before Christmas Day.

Whether you’re setting yourself a target of running a couple of miles a day or heading out on a weekly cycle across the Peaks, taking part in the challenge will help fund the charity care for patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

Those who sign up to the free virtual event can compete against friends, family and colleagues in the online league table.

Savannah Redhead, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch our brand-new virtual Ashgate to the North Pole event!

“We’re inviting you to join us on our collective trip to the North Pole so we can bring some festive cheer to our patients both at the hospice and in the community.

“Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer to take the bike out for a Sunday cycle, your efforts will mean so much to us and the families who need us.

“We rely on the generosity of our community to raise millions of pounds each year to help fund our specialist care. And at Christmas time that means helping our patients and their families to create precious memories together.

“So, what are you waiting for? Come and help us achieve our collective challenge of reaching 2,167 miles over the festive period – we know we can reach the goal with your support!”

Everyone who raises £50 in sponsorship or more will receive a festive treat that will be available to collect from the hospice.

Ashgate is hoping that fundraisers who take part will help fund a special gift on its Christmas list to Santa this year:

  • £6 could pay for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for a patient.
  • £15 could pay for a counselling or creative therapy session, to help guide a bereaved person through the darkest of times
  • £18 could pay for a one-hour visit from a Community Nurse in a patient’s home over the festive period.

Participants can choose to use the mobile phone app Strava to track their activity or manually input their miles themselves – it’s entirely up to each individual.

Taking part in Ashgate to the North Pole will help families like Elaine Clarke’s, whose mum, Sheila Clarke, received Day Services support before spending her final days on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Sheila died in October 2015, aged 78, after being diagnosed with vulval cancer the year before.

Elaine said: “I had a really hard time accepting my mum’s diagnosis but was able to receive support from Ashgate Hospice, who helped me through the whole experience tremendously.

“The care my mum had really was second-to-none; she was so well looked after, and I don’t know what we would have done without the support of the team at Ashgate.

“I’ll never forget my mum made a special friend with a lady in the next room to her.

“Over the weeks the friendship became so special between them both that the staff moved them out of the rooms and into a ward area where their beds could be placed side-by-side.

“That’s just one example of how everyone at Ashgate goes above and beyond for each and every family it cares for.”

To find out more about the Ashgate to the North Pole fundraising challenge and how you can take part go to www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/events.

Alternatively, you can contact Ashgate’s Fundraising Team by calling 01246 567250 or by emailing events@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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chatsworth Strikes Gold in National Tourism Awards

Chatsworth has struck gold in the national tourism awards designed to showcase organisations that go the extra mile to provide a high quality day out as the hard-hit sector continues the journey back to recovery.

The Visit England accolades champion the very best of the country’s tourism industry, celebrating quality, innovation and best practice within the visitor attraction sector. The Gold award for Chatsworth was the only one handed out for Derbyshire and the Peak District for 2020-2021, and one of just three in the whole region.

Pamela Pearson, visitor experience team, Chatsworth, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Gold for 2020-2021. The enormous challenges faced by the tourism industry as a result of the pandemic make this year’s award feel extra special, so we would like to dedicate the award to all our colleagues and volunteers who pulled together in difficult times to welcome our much-appreciated visitors.”

With much of 2020 marred by closures and restrictions, 2021 is coming to a close with a successful Christmas celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the first ever festive season held in the house. Open until 9 January 2022, visitors can enjoy the decorated rooms and illuminations in the garden.

Chatsworth was awarded the Gold award based on the scores they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland.

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

Chatsworth House

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

Plastic Free Festival to return for 2022

Chesterfield’s Plastic Free Festival, which debuted this year, has announced that it will be returning for 2022.

The festival will take place on Sunday 12th June, 10am-4pm on New Square marketplace and will feature special guests, Pride of Britain winners Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic, who have given numerous TED talks, picked up countless pieces of litter, and influenced businesses, schools and thousands of young people around the world.

Amy and Ella said: “Festivals are often associated with single use plastic but it’s great to see the Chesterfield’s Plastic Free festival leading the way. We are looking forward to speaking there and supporting the festival’s great work.”

The festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music and poetry performances. No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with attendees encouraged to bring their own bottles, cups and containers.

Applications are now open for businesses, community groups, performers and food and drink providers to have a presence at the festival, whilst businesses are being asked to consider sponsoring the event.

One business who has already stepped forward to sponsor, is Superior Wellness, winner of the Sustainability Award at the Love Chesterfield awards.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Plastic Free Festival in Chesterfield next year.  Sustainability is high on our agenda at Superior Wellness. Receiving the Sustainability Award demonstrates our commitment.”

Greg Hewitt, Chair of the Plastic Free Festival Organising Group, said: “We are really excited to bring back the Plastic Free Festival for 2022. This year’s event was a big success, despite the venue and date being moved, along with rain most of the day, many people turned out to discover local businesses reducing their single-use plastics, whilst enjoying superb musical performances.”

“We have more time to plan the event now to make it a really fantastic family fun day out, however in order for us to do this we require the funds to do so. Please consider supporting this superb event aimed at helping the Chesterfield community to reduce single-use plastics.”

Businesses wishing to sponsor or get involved with the festival should get in touch at theplasticfreefestival@gmail.com.

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

The Chesterfield venues seeing in 2022 in style

Chesterfield’s best restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues will be making sure people across North Derbyshire can see in the new year with their loved ones at the end of 2021.

There’s no better time than a New Year’s Eve party than to come together and celebrate the achievements of the last year, while looking ahead to what 2022 will bring.

We’ve compiled a list of just some of the venues hosting celebrations in our area, so you can be sure to finish off the festive season with a bang!

Don’t forget there’s still time to get your Christmas shopping done here in Chesterfield. For great gift ideas, delicious food and drink, and fun festive activities and events, head over to our Christmas In Chesterfield Page!

(All the listings below are subject to availability. Book early to avoid disappointment. Listings may change depending on Covid-19 protocols. Contact the venues for more information.)

Van Dyk

new year

Welcome In The New Year at Van Dyk by Wildes, with options to suit different tastes and budgets…

Garden Ballroom

Black Tie Dinner with Live Entertainment – £115 per person
It’s the biggest night of the year, so welcome 2022 in style. Enjoy a black tie dinner with live music!

The Chapel

7 Course Meal and Live Pianist – £85 per person
If sophisticated and intimate is more your preference, then New Years Eve in the Chapel restaurant is the perfect location to relax and enjoy a 7 course meal with a live pianist.

Sherwood Suite

Disco & Meal – £59 per person
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Dinner & Disco. A fantastic night out with a 3 course plated meal. A brilliant night to see in the new year with family and friends.

Call the reservations team on 01246 387 386 or email: guest.services@vandykbywildes.co.uk

More info: https://www.vandykbywildes.co.uk/festive-dining

Ringwood Hall

New Years Eve Masked Ball

Dress Code Strictly Black Tie – £105.00 per person

Hosted by a resident DJ and complemented with amazing table magic by Ringwood’s close hand magician, this event is not to be missed!

  • Kir Royale and canapes at 7.00pm. Dinner at 7.45pm prompt.
  • Bar available until 1.30am with bacon butties served at 1.30am, Disco concludes at 2.00am. Carriages at 2.15am
  • New Year Residential Package and Spa packages also available.

Contact on – 01246 280077 or Email: Sales@ringwoodhallhotel.com

More info: https://ringwoodhallhotel.com/christmas/

Chesterfield FC

Proact Stadium - DT Business Awards

New Year’s Eve Party 2021

Join the Spireites for a New Year’s Eve party with a great night of entertainment from The Soul Sensation. Saying “Goodbye 2020, hello 2021” in style!

Includes:

  • Prosecco reception, with luxury canapes at 7pm
  • Exquisite five-course banquet, served at 7:30pm
  • Live entertainment from The Soul Sensation
  • Resident DJ
  • Bar closes at 1:30am and the function ends at 2am
  • Dress Code: Black Tie, Cocktail Dresses and Dancing Shoes!
  • £75 per person

Email: events@chesterfield-fc.co.uk

More info: https://tickets.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/en-GB/categories/Events

Casa Hotel

Casa Hotel has a number of options available for dining and parties on New Year’s Eve, including the luxurious Barcelona Suite, and the stylish Barca Bar

New Year’s Eve Dining Experience
Friday 31st December / 6pm – 10pm – £70 per person
Indulge in a luxurious 3 course meal with a glass of chilled Champagne on arrival.

New Year’s Eve in the Barcelona Suite
Friday 31st December / 7pm – £100 per person

More info: https://www.casahotels.co.uk/

Peak Edge Hotel

Spice Girls Tribute Peak Edge Hotel

New year’s eve at The Red Lion

  • £70 per person

Join the team at The Red Lion to round off the old and welcome in the new. The indulgent New Year’s Eve menu is the perfect way to celebrate with your family and friends in a stylish yet cosy setting.

New year’s eve in The Ashover Suite

  • £100 per person

Enjoy a night of pure luxury with Champagne and canapés welcoming you on arrival at 7pm, followed by a delicious four-course meal and live entertainment. The resident DJ will continue the party to welcome you into 2022.
Dress code: Dress to impress (no jeans or trainers)

More info: https://www.peakedgehotel.co.uk/occasions/christmas/

Brampton Manor

R’n’B and Funk New Year’s Eve party 

Join Brampton Manor for its ‘fuNkYE’ R’n’B, Soul and Funk New Year’s Eve, priced at £15 per person.

Bring in 2022 with a bang! Brampton Manor’s very own DJ Shaggy will be playing the best in R’n’B, Soul and Funk!

  • Tickets priced at £15pp includes a delicious Soul Food Buffet.
  • Doors open 7pm.

More Info: https://bramptonmanor.co.uk/event/our-funkye-soul-and-funk-new-years-eve/

Fox and Goose Inn

Celebrating the best of Derbyshire cuisine on New Year’s Eve

To bring in 2022 in style, The Fox & Goose Inn is hosting a special New Year’s Eve dinner & disco Tasting menu.

A 6 Course Celebration of Derbyshire Fayre, including:

  • Champagne & Canapés on Arrival
  • Selection of Derbyshire Tapas
  • A Bakewell Gin Sorbet
  • A Choice of fresh locally Sourced Dishes
  • An Assiette of Desserts
  • A variety of Derbyshire Cheeses and Oatcakes for the table

Arrival 8pm, Disco in the Old Pub Snug from 10:30pm Shuttle Service for groups of 6 or more.

£65 per person

More info: 01246 566335 or www.thefoxandgooseinn.com/nye

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield residents encouraged to support local theatres across the festive season

The Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres in Chesterfield have a packed line up across the festive season and into the New Year to keep everyone entertained.

This year’s Pantomime Beauty and the Beast is currently on stage at the Pomegranate and will run until Sunday 2 January 2022.

Tickets are still available for the production that stars West End actress, pop star and TV personality Suzanne Shaw as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe.

If you enjoy seeing Ballet there is a satellite broadcast of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet in January and Ballet Theatre UK will be taking to the stage with their re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen both at the Pomegranate Theatre.

If you are looking to celebrate 2022 in style, there is a New Year’s Eve Party including a five-course meal and a DJ and then later in January a New Year Viennese Gala Concert from Sheffield Symphony Orchestra both taking place at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

You can also enjoy satellite broadcast of Christmas with André Rieu as part of the Pomegranate Theatre’s cinema programme on 5 and 6 January.

Theatre tickets can also be purchased as gifts for Christmas, and these can be sent directly to your inbox, so you don’t have to visit the box office in person if you are short on time this month.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There are lots of great performances to be seen at our local theatres from the annual Pantomime to Ballet, there is something on offer for everyone to enjoy.

“Theatres across the country have had a difficult 18 months due to the ongoing pandemic, so we encourage residents and visitors to keep supporting both the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and enjoy all of the entertainment there is to see there.”

Tickets for the pantomime and all of the other productions are on sale now via chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

West Studios marks landmark anniversary for tenant Junction Arts with Christmas giving tree

This year, to celebrate West Studios tenant and charity, Junction Arts 45th Anniversary, West Studios are hosting their first Christmas Giving Tree celebrating the work they have done across North East Derbyshire, Bolsover district and Chesterfield.

Junction Arts is a community arts charity embedded within communities facing social barriers such as poverty, poor mental health and isolation. They work across the community in care homes, schools, youth clubs and directly with families offering opportunities to be creative, learn new skills and create lasting and supportive friendships. Best known for their events Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade, the charity is also hosting Chesterfield’s first lantern parade on the 19th December.

West Studios is supporting Junction Arts campaign to raise £3000 this Christmas to go towards new projects and events to celebrate what matters most to communities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator, West Studios said: “Junction Arts are a fantastic organisation that uses the arts to bring communities together and help our most isolated and vulnerable. Their values align closely with those of West Studios which is why our community believes it’s so important to give them support, especially at Christmas when those isolated and vulnerable individuals are at more risk.”

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Through the generous support of individuals, local businesses and our incredible volunteers, Junction Arts has been able to carry our aim of bringing our communities back together safely and confidently in 2021! The support of the West Studios Giving Tree signifies our plans to continue vital creative activities which empower lives and create strong and supportive friendships within our communities.”

To support Junction Arts, West Studios is welcoming people to visit the Gallery Shop reception to see the tree, donate and find out more about the charity.  You can also donate directly through Junction Arts online giving page:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/18702#!/DonationDetails

Donations will support local creative workshops giving isolated and vulnerable older people the chance to reconnect with their community; help the charity to create events that give young families the space and time to make magical memories together; and offer opportunities for young people to learn new skills, building their confidence to reach new heights.

West Studios and Junction Arts support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Sheffield Children’s Hospital to bring Christmas Snowflakes appeal to Chesterfield for the first time this year

Sheffield Children’s Hospital is launching it’s annual Christmas Snowflakes appeal, and for the first time in the hospital’s history, the award-winning display will be coming to Chesterfield.

The charity cares for thousands of young people across North Derbyshire, and thanks to the support of Homes by Holmes owner, James Holmes, the snowflake display will be shown on the former North East Derbyshire Council offices on Saltergate.

Homes By Holmes is currently transforming the property into a new residential development. You can read more about the plans here.

James also raised more than £14,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital earlier this year with a succession of running events, which included the London Marathon, carrying a huge bear on his back! More information on his motivation can be found here: James Holmes is fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity (justgiving.com)

Over the past seven years, the award-winning snowflake display has raised over £1m for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. In return for pledging to raise funds, each sponsor sees their snowflake sparkle on one of the designated sites, with an attached name tag recognising the contribution for all to see.

The campaign began with just eight decorations on the main site at Sheffield Children’s back in 2004, but this year will see over 450 snowflakes sparkle. The appeal was crucial in fully funding the new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at the hospital, raising over £475,000 of the £2.75M cost.

Fundraising was completed for the new ward last month, which sees patients from across the UK for chemotherapy, operations and bone marrow transplants. This year’s appeal will support Sheffield Children’s where it is needed most, including by building a dedicated on-site Helipad on the roof of the Emergency Department.

A dedicated regional Major Trauma Centre, the department sees around 60,000 children every year from across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

To find out more please visit www.tchc.org.uk/how-you-can-help/snowflakes.html or e-mail snowflakes@tchc.org.uk to book yours.

Sophie Coburn, Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to James for continuing his amazing support for Sheffield Children’s Hospital with our snowflake appeal this year.

“To be able to display our award-winning decorations in Chesterfield for the first time this year fills me with joy and I can’t wait to see them sparkle this year. If you would like to sponsor a snowflake, please get in touch and help our hospital where it is needed most this Christmas.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

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