Leisure

Brand new virtual reality games centre opens in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s visitor offer has received another boost just in time for Christmas, with the opening of a new virtual reality gaming centre.

The fully immersive attraction, Chesterfield VR is the latest addition to the Chesterfield Games Quarter, which is building on the success of the recently-opened Chesterfield Escape Rooms and long-standing favourite, Geeks HQ.

The new Chesterfield VR attraction will be situated alongside the existing Games Quarter businesses in Soresby Street, and will include:

  • 4 state-of-the-art VR gaming stations, utilising HTC Vive Pro headsets and controllers
  • Wide selection of titles available to play each month (approximately 20) , such as Job Simulator, Pistol Whip, Richie’s Plank Experience, Superhot VR, Blade & Sorcery, and many more.
  • Multiplayer gaming available on selected titles: Rhythmatic, Loco Dojo, Synth Riders, Cloudlands VR Minigolf, and many more…
  • Two VR escape rooms, playable with upto 4 players: Racket: NX and FailSpace
  • Shootout and Race nights hosted on Wednesday and Friday nights respectively
  • Private hire available for birthday and Christmas parties, corporate events, socials, etc.

Players will not be restricted to playing one title per visit, they are able to play as many as they wish, in 30 or 60 minute timeslots. Games will also be changed around each month, refreshing the lesser-used titles. The centre will keep followers updated on the regular changes on its social media and email updates.

Manager of Chesterfield VR and Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Nick Hogan commented: “With having over 5000 players through our doors in the first 6 months of business, it gave the management team and I the confidence to invest further in the local economy.

“The vision was always to create a gaming quarter for all different types of gaming needs young and old. We are so excited to open the doors and welcome in the public and who knows, if the public continue to invest their time in the Games Quarter, there might me one or two further things in the pipeline!

“We focused on two things when creating the escape rooms, the playability of the game and customer service. Feedback has been so positive that we have gone into the top 10 UK Escape Rooms as ranked by Trip Advisor and are the only newly established Escape Room in the top 10.”

Bookings are available via the website (www.chesterfieldvr.co.uk), in-store or over the phone: 01246 60 70 02

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports 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, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Brampton Manor to support local traders and craftspeople at German Christmas Market

Brampton Manor is set to fully open its Christmas Igloo Village this Sunday, 5th December alongside a German Christmas Market being hosted at the venue.

Local traders and craftspeople have been given free stalls at Brampton Manor to sell their wares to the public, and the heated igloos are being provided free-of-charge on a pre-booked or first-come first-served basis. Bookings for the igloos can be made on the Brampton Manor website.

German specialities such as Bratwurst, Stollen, Weissbier, Mulled Wine and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate are being served along with other hot food and drinks.

Live music is provided by local Bluebird Ami Evans, and she will be joined by Santa at 4pm to officially open the Village for this season.

Markets are being held every Thursday evening from 6pm and Sunday from 2pm up until Christmas, and there are still a few places for stallholders available. Anyone interested in taking up a stall at the market can email info@bramptonmanor.co.uk for information.

There are live local music artists at every Christmas Market taking place at the Manor between now and Christmas, with Santa set to visit the venue every Sunday. He returns to Brampton Manor for his much-loved Supper & Storytime on 15th & 22nd December, and annual Christmas Eve singalong with Andy Booth’s Choir.

Craig Lynch of Brampton Manor said: “After last year’s cancellation and the recent news surrounding covid, we are delighted we are able to provide a covid-secure experience and support local traders who, like us have had a thin couple of years.

“The support we have received from the local council during Covid means we are able to offer the heated igloos free of charge to our visitors.”

There are plenty of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this festive season. To find out more about what’s on in the town, along with local festive shopping guides and more, go to: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

Brampton Manor supports 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, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield named the happiest place to live in the East Midlands

Chesterfield is the happiest place to live in the East Midlands, according to a recent survey.

Property firm Rightmove has published its annual Happy at Home Index, now in its 10th year. The company asked more than 21,000 residents to tell them how they feel about where they live, as well as ranking 10 happiness factors.

Chesterfield was placed 68th in the UK overall, out of more than 200 towns and cities. The latest study also shows that moving is making people happier. Community is also really key, with feeling a sense of belonging, the friendliness of local residents, and being able to be yourself in an area among the most important measures of happiness.

It was also recently revealed that there has been a recent surge of interest from commuters eyeing up homes in Chesterfield.

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “It is great to hear that Chesterfield has been recognised as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands.

“Our town with the famous crooked spire and historic market located on the edge of the peak district national park, is the perfect place to live and also to locate a business. Chesterfield is a friendly place with a real sense of community and our central location with excellent transport links makes it the perfect place to set up home.

“With many more homes currently being built across North Derbyshire and over £1billion of regeneration taking place we look forward to welcoming people who choose to make Chesterfield their home.”

Looking at the overall results and rankings of happiest areas across Britain, Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: “Last year’s lockdown periods continue to have an impact on our priorities and what makes us happy, which is one of the reasons why community and a sense of belonging continue to be so important to people this year.

“Last year redefined the importance and role of our home and local community in our lives, and this has carried on into this year, even as wider society has started to open up again.”

Find out more about visiting, living and working in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

 

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

Chesterfield’s Pantomime returns with Beauty and The Beast this Christmas

Residents and visitors can look forward to watching Beauty and the Beast at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre from later this week.

Tickets are now on sale for the pantomime, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

West End actress, pop star and TV personality Suzanne Shaw will star 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.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the pantomime again as we understand this is a highlight for many families over the festive season.

“Our theatres have had a difficult time recently due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, so we are very pleased to announce that the pantomime is back for our audiences to enjoy.”

Chesterfield Theatres will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s much-anticipated production.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman from PHA Ltd said: “Pantomime holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts and I am delighted that we’re able to return this year to the wonderful Pomegranate Theatre with Beauty and the Beast. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this our most spectacular production yet and I hope audiences will enjoy returning to the much-loved tradition of panto as they make cherished memories which will last a lifetime.”

There are lots of other festive activities to get involved in across Chesterfield too. You can visit The Amazing Magical Santa House in the Assembly Rooms at the Market Hall and you can follow the Elf Trail in the town centre.

There is also a Lantern Parade taking place in Chesterfield on 19 December that will walk from the bandstand in Queen’s Park into the Market Place to sing festive carols at the Christmas Tree.

You can book your tickets for the Santa House at chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk and find out about the other Christmas activities at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas.

There are a number of other festive and New Year productions taking place in our theatres including a satellite broadcast of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet, a New Year Viennese Gala Concert from Sheffield Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre UK’s re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen and a New Year’s Eve Party at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

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, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Festive lantern parade to take place in Chesterfield this December

Visitors and residents are invited to join a festive lantern parade taking place in Chesterfield on Sunday 19 December.

The lantern parade, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Junction Arts, is beginning at the bandstand in Queen’s Park at 3.30pm and will make its way into the town centre to end at the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

The Handmade Samba Band will accompany the parade walking into the town centre and the Ireland Colliery Brass Band will be performing at the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This event is being organised as part of the Year of Outdoors campaign, that encourages residents and visitors to explore Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces.

“This is the first time that the lantern parade has taken place in Chesterfield and we are looking forward to seeing all of the handmade lanterns created at the various community-based workshops taking place, or others that have been made at home.”

Jemma Burton, project co-ordinator for Junction Arts, said: “We are excited to be delivering a magical lantern parade in Chesterfield this year and to be working with school children and communities across the town. During dark winter nights lantern parades are a wonderful way for people to come together and celebrate through creativity.”

If you would like to take part in the lantern parade and would like to make a lantern in advance, you can attend a number of free workshops taking place across the borough.

Workshop – dates, times and locations:

4 December – from 10am to 4pm in Staveley Hall. This workshop is recommended for children aged five and over and must be accompanied by an adult.

11 December – from 10am to 4pm at Loundsley Green Church. This workshop is recommended for children aged five and over and must be accompanied by an adult.

11 December – taking place at the unit directly under the big screen on Vicar Lane in the town centre from 10am to 3pm.  This workshop is open to everyone to attend.

The workshops in Staveley and Loundsley Green will be working with willow and tissue and guided by an artist. You do not need to be pre-book but there will be limited spaces. Please contact Info@junctionarts.org / junctionarts.org for more details.

You can drop into the workshop in the town centre, however, there are limited kits available to make a free lantern so please contact Wendy Blunt on 01246 959657 or email  wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk to book in advance and avoid disappointment. The lanterns made at this workshop will be made out of paper and decorated with tissue paper.

There is also an option to download or collect a template and instructions to make a lantern at home: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/year-of-outdoors/year-of-outdoors-events#lantern_parade. For this version you can use a recycled plastic bottle.

Keep up to date with the latest event news on the council’s social media channels:

Find out more about the range of events and activities taking place in Chesterfield this Christmas at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Chesterfield Borough Council 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, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Get outdoors and active with the Christmas in Chesterfield Elf Trail

The Elf Trail is launching in Chesterfield this week and everyone is welcome to take part.

This is part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s and Destination Chesterfield’s Christmas in Chesterfield campaign and will begin on 22 November.

The cheeky elves have left some clues on how to find them at www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/elf-trail and want you to spot them around the town centre in this special game.

When you find one of the elves you can scan the ‘Elf QR Code’ which gives you access to some very special and secret Elf webpages, which we’ve hidden on the Destination Chesterfield Christmas website.

On the webpages you will find out more about each elf and you’ll see their special letter. Collect all the letters – spell out the secret elf word – and you will be entered into a competition to win an Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.

You’ll also find discounts and gift guides for shopping locally to support your local high street this Christmas.

Another part of the Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign is The Amazing Magical Santa House, which you can book your tickets for now.

The popular attraction was introduced last year and will reopen in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021.

You can book your tickets here: chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Both the Elf Trail and The Amazing Magical Santa House are free to attend or take part in, so we encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“We have lots of entertainment planned across the town centre in the run up to Christmas to keep you busy when you are doing your Christmas shopping or popping into town to support one of our local market traders and businesses by buying your festive food supplies.”

Families are reminded if they can no longer make their slot for the Santa House, to please cancel the booking by going to their confirmation email and clicking on cancel. This will ensure other families get the chance to see Santa this Christmas.

If you’d like to learn more about the festive Elf Trail, it is the perfect Christmas bedtime story and it is now available to download from www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/elf-trail

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “With the return of in-person events to the town centre there will be plenty of Christmas atmosphere in and around the shops, market stalls, cafés and restaurants for families to enjoy. The Elf Trail offers the perfect opportunity to introduce young people to the town centre in a fun and friendly way at a magical time of the year.”

The Elf Trail is a contactless experience using mobile phones. When scanning the QR code you don’t need to touch the window, just scan it from a distance. Once scanned move away from the window to read about the Elf and find the competition clue. Please maintain social distancing if someone else is scanning the QR code of the Elf and wait until they have moved two metres away before scanning.

Full details on everything happening in Chesterfield, please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/whats-on-this-christmas-in-chesterfield. More information on Christmas gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can also be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas.

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

Funding boost for Chesterfield venues

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between Chesterfield Borough Council’s museum and theatres. In total the venues have received £720,000 through this fund over the last 18 months.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s been a challenging time for our venues through the pandemic, and it’s been fantastic to welcome our audiences back as national restrictions eased over the summer.

“Our theatres and museum are such a wonderful facility for our residents to enjoy, and to welcome visitors into the borough and we’re committed to doing all we can to keep them thriving for all to enjoy.

“We’re really pleased that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which provides a welcome contribution to the running costs of our venues and will support us to continue to deliver our excellent cultural programmes and attractions.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.”

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England.

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“A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has provided his thoughts ahead of a busy and exciting festive period ahead in Chesterfield 

Christmas this year will look and feel a bit different for us all now that Covid restrictions have been fully lifted.

Once again, we can enjoy and experience the Christmas atmosphere in Chesterfield’s plethora of shops, market stalls, pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants.

While times are testing for the hospitality sector nationally, with many businesses reporting staff shortages it is extremely pleasing to see the fresh shoots of new restaurants in and around the town centre.

Three new restaurants have already opened in time for Christmas – Blaze in Stephenson’s Place, Gingerz on Chatsworth Road and Vegged on Sheffield Road, and more eateries are in the pipeline for 2022.

As well as new places to eat and drink, we’ve also seen new names join Chesterfield’s high street this year, including The Bee Orchid, The Lucky Magpie Salvage and Chesterfield Escape Rooms. I expect more new names to join Chesterfield’s plethora of independents soon following Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s plans for a brand-new initiative to support start-up and small independent retailers with the ‘Vicar Lane Pop Up Shop’.

We really will be spoilt for choice in the nomination stage at next year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

The lifting of restrictions has also meant the return of in-person events to the town centre, like the Christmas Light Switch On, the Crooked Spire’s Festival of Christmas Trees, the Santa cruise on the canal and the pantomime, to name but a few. They have all been missed.

While 2020 was challenging it also provided us with a valuable opportunity to do things differently and sometimes better. Like the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House which offers children the unique opportunity to talk to the Big Man himself via the ‘Santa Zoomer’.

The concept was conceived during the pandemic and was such a hit that it is returning this year. To ensure as many young people as possible can enjoy the experience it is particularly pleasing to see that ‘relaxed sessions’ have been added to the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House for children with learning disabilities and other sensory disorders.

A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.

2021, like 2020, has been a year of change and adaptation. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient, forward thinking and the place to be. It’s my kind of town… and not just for Christmas!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

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

Everything you need to know about the Christmas lights switch-on in Chesterfield this weekend

Chesterfield’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On is taking place on Sunday 21 November and everyone is invited to come along.

Residents and visitors will be able to see a variety of entertainment throughout the day, as well as having the opportunity to enjoy a market to do some Christmas shopping.

The event begins at 12 noon and will run on into the early evening, with the switch on happening at 4.45pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights event is one of the most popular events that we organise locally for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“This year there is lots going on throughout the day, as well as stage entertainment to get everyone in the festive spirt.

“There is something for the whole family to enjoy at the event so everyone is welcome to join us for what will be a great afternoon of entertainment.”

What can you see at the event?

  • Visit the Market Hall to see The Rose Choir from 2pm to 2.25pm
  • Watch performances on Central Pavement from the Sheffield Brass Band at 12.50pm to 1.10pm and 2.10pm to 2.30pm and see the Gospel Choir from 3pm to 3.20pm
  • Visit Burlington Street to see the Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra from 12pm to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 2pm and 3.30pm to 4pm

There will also be a range of walkabout entertainment around Chesterfield’s market from 12pm including Band Baja, the Glow Jugglers, a Christmas Tree Stilt Walker, Dancing Robots, a Winged Angel and LED Drummers.

Visitors can also go along to the Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) to see the festival of Christmas trees from 12pm to 5.30pm. The church will be filled with Christmas trees decorated by local people, groups and shops.

Families will also be able to meet the Minions, Bob and Kevin at Rykneld Square at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.  No booking is needed, but please be mindful that there may be a short wait to see the characters if it is busy.

Stage entertainment

The stage entertainment will begin from 3pm hosted by Becky and Laura from Peak Radio.

The Rose Choir, Band Baja, the Glow Jugglers and The Gospel Choir will all be performing on the stage, as well as visitors being able to see some of this year’s pantomime cast from Beauty and the Beast that is on at the Pomegranate Theatre.

There will also be a chance to see Santa Claus.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.45pm.

Markets

A festive market will take place on the day of the Christmas lights switch on. All available stalls have been snapped up for this event, providing visitors with the perfect chance to start their Christmas shopping and get their hands on some unique gifts. Vinyl lovers are in for a treat with the Chesterfield Record Fair taking place on the same day.

Makers, craftsmen, and independent retailers have been invited to book a stall on Chesterfield Market on other days in the build up to Christmas. Casual traders and local creatives are now invited to trade on these days. More information on dates and how to secure a space can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

Please help us to keep everyone as safe as possible during the event by not attending if you are feeling unwell, have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for the virus.

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

Revolution House reopens for a traditional Christmas celebration

Chesterfield’s seventeenth century landmark, Revolution House, will reopen for a traditional Christmas celebration.

Revolution House will be decorated for a traditional seventeenth century Christmas with displays of greenery, a kissing bough and colourful flower arrangements which have been created by local volunteers.

It will be open from Thursday 9 December to Friday 24 December between 11am and 3pm.

On Thursday 9 December, Holymoorside Brass Band will be performing for a carol concert in the garden from 6.30pm, where guests are invited to sing-along. The house will not be open during this event and bad weather will lead to its cancellation.

It is advised that visitors bring a torch with them to the carol service as it will be dark when the performance takes place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revolution House is a great piece of our town’s history and it’s fantastic that we can reopen this year to allow visitors to experience a traditional Christmas celebration. Thank you to all the volunteers who have made this possible. I hope lots of people will come along to see how we used to celebrate Christmas.”

Revolution House is a seventeenth century cottage that used to be the Cock and Pynot alehouse, here three local noblemen met to begin their planning to overthrow King James II.

It is now a museum featuring seventeenth century furniture and information on the revolution of 1688. It is open seasonally and has traditionally held events over the Christmas period.

Entry to the house and garden is free, however donations are welcome, this is used to fund more events and help maintain the property.

Find out more about the Brass Band event and Revolution House on the Chesterfield Museum website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/revolution-house/whats-on

The Christmas in Chesterfield campaign includes a number of great festive events, activities and local shopping guides for you to get the most out of our town this Christmas. Find out more here. 

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

Families invited to remember their loved ones this Christmas with Ashgate Hospice

A North Derbyshire man whose wife of 50 years died earlier this year is supporting an event to remember loved ones this Christmas.

Bernard Haigh’s wife Jeanette died from ovarian cancer in June this year, aged 72, after being cared for on our Inpatient Unit and at home by Ashgate hospice’s Palliative Care Specialist Nurses.

He is among hundreds of people taking part in the hospice’s annual Light Up a Life campaign in December.

Families are invited to dedicate a star in memory of their loved ones and make a donation to the hospice.

Supporters, along with their family and friends, will also be invited to join the hospice in a service of celebration and remembrance in December, in the grounds of its Old Brampton site.

The Light Up a Life service will include readings and songs, the switching on of Ashgate’s Christmas lights and a chance to reflect and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Bernard said: “With Jeanette I experienced the incredible care that Ashgate provides.

“It was difficult to watch Jeanette become increasingly unwell, but Ashgate Hospice could not have done more to support us.

“From the excellent community team who supplied us with a hospital bed, stairlift, a bathing facility and more whilst Jeanette was at home, to the incredible Inpatient Unit staff, who treated her with so much kindness and compassion.

“As a result of the care Jeanette was receiving, we were able to spend the time we had left making precious memories as a family.

“Jeanette dedicated her life to helping others. She was a special needs teacher and volunteered with many community groups and cancer charities to help people in need.

“I can’t think of a better way to remember her than by dedicating a star in her memory and donating to help other people who need Ashgate’s exceptional care.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, those wishing to attend the ceremony will receive an invite after dedicating a star. They will also receive a special pin badge, a card with a personalised dedication on it to keep with them wherever they go, and two Light up a Life stars, which they can choose to hang on their tree at home or on the hospice’s tree at its Hasland Furniture Store in Chesterfield.

Those who dedicate a star via the Light up a Life website are also able to share a treasured photo of their loved one to feature on the star along with a special message that will appear in the virtual night sky.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Although Christmas is a time to celebrate, we understand how difficult it can be for those who are missing someone special.

“Light up a Life gives families like Bernard’s the chance to come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved ones.

“At the same time, it is an opportunity to support the hospice through another difficult winter to help us continue to provide our specialist, compassionate care to patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

“After last year’s virtual-only ceremony, we are pleased to be able to invite supporters back to the hospice to take part in our special Light Up a Life service at our Old Brampton site. Of course, this has been carefully planned to adhere to the hospice’s strict COVID guidelines and will be held outside with those attending encouraged to wear masks.” Following Jeanette’s death, thousands of pounds have been raised for Ashgate in her memory, thanks to the generosity of her family, friends and the people of Bolsover.

Her grandchildren, Florence and Samuel, aged 11 and seven respectively, cycled 16-miles across Birmingham, raising more than £1,600. And the collection at Jeanette’s funeral helped raise more than £1,700 for the North Derbyshire charity too.

Florence and Samuel will feature as special guests at the Light up a Life ceremony as they will turn on Ashgate’s Christmas lights this year in honour of their grandmother.

Now, Bernard is asking people across North Derbyshire to join him in dedicating a star in their loved one’s memory to support Ashgate through what the charity anticipates to be another difficult winter.

For more information about Light Up a Life or to make a dedication in memory of someone, go to: lightupalife.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or call the Ashgate Fundraising Team on 01246 567250.

Alternatively, if you would like to make your dedication in person, you can do so from Monday to Friday at Ashgate Hospice on Ashgate Road in Old Brampton or in your local Ashgate Hospice shop.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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