Leisure

Spire Radio partners with Middlecroft Community Group to bring an on-air Christmas Carol Singalong

With many Christmas Carol Concerts cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Middlecroft Community Group have teamed up with Spire Radio to hold a one-off special on Spire Radio on Friday 18th December from 6pm.

This new show, hosted by Jordan Hartshorne and the leaders of the group, will bring together our communities virtually in a year of separation.

They are inviting the whole of North Derbyshire to tune in on the night and singalong to some traditional Christmas Carols along with some pop-style favourites and post on Facebook and Twitter using #SpireXmasCarols for a shoutout on the night. This special is part of Spire Radio’s Christmas programme of special shows.

Listeners are also encouraged to suggest their favourites to play on the night. They can do this by messaging the Spire Radio Facebook page or emailing jordan@spire-radio.com.

Jordan Hartshorne, Director of Public Relations at Spire Radio said, “we’re delighted to form this partnership with the Middlecroft Community Group to bring this special to the airwaves this Christmas.”

Listeners can tune in on spire-radio.com, the TuneIn Apps and their smart speaker.

The Middlecroft Community Group has been set up to provide a voice for the community to have a say on local issues, to improve the local area for all residents. You can find out more about what they are doing on their Facebook group.

Chair, Sam Young added “The Group would like to express their sincere thanks to Spire Radio for working with us and providing yet another wonderful opportunity to unite the community in these difficult times.”
Remember to tune in on Friday 18th December at 6pm, followed by a special Ladies Night In at 7pm with the one and only Mrs Claus (and a little help from Carolann).

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

Team spire

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

Redbrik Half Marathon donates four-figure sum to charity following Virtual Events

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has donated a four-figure sum to two regional charities after hundreds of runners donated their entry fee difference between the cancelled 2020 Redbrik Half and all-new 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.

The donation comes after runners took to the streets from as far afield as Edinburgh to take on the Redbrik Half’s Virtual Events weekend, which took place following the in-person event’s cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Entrants into the cancelled 2020 Redbrik Half who had deferred their entry to the 2021 Chesterfield 10k were offered the opportunity to donate the difference in entry fee between the two events to the Half Marathon’s charity partners, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The majority of entrants took up the option, and as a result, in addition to funds raised by individuals, more than £1,000 was raised by the event itself, which has since been donated to Ashgate and Bluebell Wood.

The Redbrik Half’s Virtual Events saw more than 100 people from across the country run five miles, 10km or a half marathon over the course of the original Half Marathon event weekend, with vital funds raised for charities across the region as a result.

Redbrik Half virtual event runner, Chris Breen, completed not just one, but two virtual half marathons during the original event weekend. He said: “When I heard the Chesterfield Half Marathon was going ahead as a virtual event, I jumped at the chance.

“On the Saturday, I chose my favourite countryside run. I loved it, pushed myself and came in at 1 hour 50 minutes exactly. Imagine my surprise when a friend of mine said he was entering too and wasn’t sure of a local route that would come out at the half marathon distance.

“I got my arm twisted and ran it again the following day with my friend! To say I was tired on the Sunday evening is an understatement, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing these virtual half marathons.

“It’s just what we needed in lockdown – something to aim for – and the icing on the cake is receiving a medal and certificate as a memento. Thanks to the Redbrik Half Marathon team for organising a fantastic event.”

John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Half Marathon and Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, said: “It’s fantastic to see how much the Redbrik Half Marathon has been able to raise for regional charities despite the ‘real’ event’s cancellation this year.

“Donation of the entry fee difference between the two events may seem a small sum in isolation, but the figure we’ve managed to donate as a result of people’s generosity is testament to what can be achieved as a collective.

“Our attention now turns to the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, an exciting new event for the beautiful town of Chesterfield in aid of some brilliant causes.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director at Chesterfield Half Marathon title sponsor, Redbrik estate agents, said: “We’ve loved playing a key role in the Redbrik Half Marathon’s journey – which is ending on a high with this fantastic donation.

“I’d like to congratulate all those runners who took to their streets individually during the original Redbrik Half event weekend and raised thousands of pounds for some great causes – your efforts are all the more important in an extremely challenging year for charities.

“With less than 12 months to go, we can’t wait for the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, which has already been extremely well received by the local community.”

Redbrik Chesterfield Half – 20.10.19 – Images provided by Charles Whitton

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Funding given to restore stretch of Chesterfield Canal at Renishaw

£50,000 has been awarded to a project aimed at restoring and extending a derelict canal channel in Renishaw. The ‘Rewatering Renishaw’ scheme will transform the stretch into a permanent water space that local people can enjoy.

Approximately 500m of the Chesterfield Canal channel was restored through Renishaw, Derbyshire in 2010, as part of a housing development. However, due to various issues, the stretch proved to be unuseable. It delivered little benefit to the newly created community on the housing estate and the wider Renishaw community.

This project is part of Phase 1 of the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s ambition to restore the canal to full navigation by 2027. This will be the 250th anniversary of the canal’s original opening. The complete Phase 1 works will extend the current limit of navigation from the town of Staveley to the village of Renishaw. They will also include the construction of three new accommodation bridges, four new bridleway bridges, a lock, a railway overbridge, an aqueduct and approximately 5km of new or restored channel.

The entire Phase 1 of the project will take several years to complete. It will require over £4m to be raised. The works at Renishaw (Phase 1a) can be completed much earlier and provide lasting benefits to the community. These will be felt long before either the Phase 1 works are completed, or it forms part of a fully restored waterway. This lasting and standalone benefit from an interim restoration stage is a prime example of the Waterways in Progress philosophy.

The grant, with additional funding from Chesterfield Canal Trust and Derbyshire County Council, will allow the trust to undertake the following Phase 1a work:

  • 550m of canal channel re-profiled to navigable standards.
  • 1,050m of canal channel relined using a geosynthetic clay liner.
  • 250m of stone gabions installed in the canal banks and waterproofed by casting a concrete face up to the water level.
  • Clinker Wood side weir restored and a temporary pumping system provided to supply water from the River Rother to the canal.
  • 550m of towpath resurfaced, making it suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. The current path is virtually impassable despite being the official public right of way.
  • A further 915m of towpath resurfaced to provide a circular 2.5km surfaced route incorporating the Trans-Pennine Trail.
  • Eight picnic benches, made from recycled plastic. These will be installed across two locations along with three standard benches in other areas of the scheme. Two of the picnic benches will be suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Installation of signage to encourage users of the Trans-Pennine Trail to explore the canal and the village. Plus the provision of 12 cycle stands to allow cyclists to secure their bikes.
    Additional Works
  • Alongside the above works, the project partners plan to deliver the following additional works to futureproof the canal for navigation:
  • 210m of concrete and masonry wash walling constructed around Black’s Pit corner, in order to protect the banks around this tight turn.
  • 285m of steel piling installed to the south of Barlborough Road Bridge, to provide future visitor moorings.

Trust Secretary Rod Auton said: “This is great news for the Trust and even better news for the residents of Renishaw. The canal looked great when first restored in 2009, but has since become an eyesore. We will now be able to restore and extend it on both sides of Barlborough Road and keep it looking wonderful with a regular water supply. It is even possible that it could be connected to Chesterfield within a couple of years, if the necessary funding can be secured.”

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Have your say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Chesterfield residents, business owners and market traders are being invited to share their views and help shape the future of Chesterfield Market.

Chesterfield Borough Council is launching an initial series of surveys to understand what people enjoy about Chesterfield Market, what might encourage them to visit more often, and understand how they think it can be improved. The surveys will be open until Monday 4 January.

It is the first step in the £3.25m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project to revamp the town’s historic outdoor Market Place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Market is the heart and soul of the town. It is absolutely vital to our history, with markets being held here since 1204.

“It’s crucial that we work together with residents, market traders and local businesses to make sure improvements meet their needs, and so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to give us their views.”

Three separate surveys are being carried out at the same time – one will seek the views, ideas and concerns of market traders, whilst another is aimed at local retailers. The third questionnaire will be open to the general public to share their opinions.

Councillor Sarvent added: “This is just the start of what is a very important conversation for our town. The things people tell us now will be used to shape detailed proposals for the improvement work, which will be the focus of a more formal consultation next year.”

Members of the public are being asked to tell the council what attracts them to the market, and their shopping habits when they visit. Businesses and market traders are being asked about customer shopping habits and the facilities that will support their businesses.

The trader and retailer survey focuses on the business impact of the market and customer trends, but also seeks opinions on how certain changes may affect their business.

The surveys only take a few minutes to complete and people can have their say until Monday 4 January by visiting the Chesterfield Outdoor Market Questionnaire page. 

The council is working with retail market development company, Quarterbridge, which is overseeing the survey process and will put forward recommendations for improvement based on the results.

As well as looking at the future of the market, the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will also include improvements to the public space between the town centre and the Northern Gateway site.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project has benefitted from £650,000 of funding through the D2N2 Local Growth Fund.

The survey closes on Monday 4 January and can be completed by visiting the Chesterfield Outdoor Market Questionnaire page.

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

The Chesterfield Elves have arrived in town

The Christmas magic continues in Chesterfield with the launch of the Elf Trail this week, as part of  Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Christmas in Chesterfield campaign.

The cheeky elves have left some clues on how to find them 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.

The Christmas in Chesterfield campaign is based on the magical story of the Chesterfield Elves and how they saved Christmas. The first part of the Christmas campaign – The Amazing Magical Santa House – opened last weekend and is now completely sold out. Families are reminded if they can no longer make their slot, they can easily cancel by going to their confirmation email and clicking on cancel. This will ensure other families get the chance to see Santa this Christmas.

The story is the perfect Christmas bedtime story and it is now available to download here

You can also download The Cheeky Elf Colouring Book which will keep everyone entertained this Christmas.Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Christmas season has got off to a great start with the fantastic Amazing Magical Santa House which has proved to be very popular, selling out completely and giving families a wonderful start to the Christmas season. The Elf Trail adds to the great Christmas feel across the town centre. It really feels like Christmas in Chesterfield now.

“It is great to see our town centre shops open again with shoppers following Covid safety guidance. It’s just what we need right now – a busy but safe town centre.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “This year’s Christmas campaign really does showcase what an innovative and resilient town Chesterfield is. The Elf Trail offers safe fun for all the family to explore Chesterfield town centre this year. It’s also an ideal excuse to shop local. Santa may not be here in person, but the elves most definitely are, and I hope families will enjoy discovering them as well as the myriad of shops, stores and market stalls that Chesterfield has to offer.”

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 this Christmas, including gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can be found here with further details on council services at Christmas on the Borough Council’s website.

Posted in Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Festive food and drink offers in Chesterfield

Despite Derbyshire being under tier 3 restrictions until further notice, restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels across Chesterfield are still busy preparing to serve up great gifts, fabulous food and delicious drinks for you and your family this Christmas!

We’ve put together a little guide to showcase just some of the tasty treats on offer from our Chesterfield Champions over the festive period…

So why not tuck in to a taste of Chesterfield this Christmas and support your local food, drink and hospitality businesses? Enjoy!

Find out more about local shopping, gift ideas and a wide range of Christmas activities in Chesterfield here

Brampton Brewery

Who doesn’t love a good tipple over the festive season? Brampton Brewery has been working with Chesterfield FC to launch the brand new Spireites Pale Ale. You can find out more about it on the football club’s website.

The brewery is also selling its ’12 beers of Christmas’ at the store on Chatsworth Road, Consisting of 12 different beers from award winning breweries from around the globe!

You can also visit Brampton’s online store here.

Brampton Manor

Fancy something a little different this Christmas?  We think your family and friends will love Brampton Manor’s Outdoor Igloo Village experience. Perfect for a Christmas gift or New Year treat, you can wine and dine outdoors in one of the Manor’s heated igloos. Vouchers are now available online.

You can also indulge in Brampton Manor’s delightful ‘Off Piste’ menu on Fridays and Saturdays, or ‘Slow Roast Sundays’ now available for takeaway and delivery.

Visit their website to find out more!

 

Hotel Van Dyk

Treat a loved one with a gift voucher to enjoy special Van Dyk by Wildes experiences including Afternoon Tea, Award-winning Dining, Overnight Breaks, enjoy a Show with the UK’s leading acts and tributes, or look forward to something special in 2021 with new Spa Treatments, plus so much more to choose from!

Vouchers are available to purchase online

The hotel is offering you the chance to relax on Christmas day by providing a dine at home menu, prepared by the award-winning restaurant for you to enjoy at home… Find out more on the Van Dyk website!

 

Qoozies

One of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s tastiest food and drink hotspots is providing modern twists on classic festive delights this Christmas… And the good news is you can order it from the comfort of your own home via the City Grab app!

You can treat yourself to a ‘Christmas dinner on sourdough’ sandwich, award-winning Christmas brownie balls or the delicious Christmas panini, filled with pigs in blankets, stuffing and chorizo!

Find out more about Qoozies’ Christmas offers on their Facebook page

Casa and Peak Edge Hotels

Are you fancying a quick getaway or a few nights of luxury? The good news is it is all available right on your doorstep! Gift vouchers now available to book for Casa Hotel in Chesterfield and the Peak Edge Hotel.

Special offers also available, including Casa’s ‘wine and dine’ package which includes dinner, bed & Breakfast for 2 people and includes a bottle of House wine.

Find out more about Casa’s special offers here, and Peak Edge Hotel’s unique Chatsworth package here.

The Tickled Trout

Gift vouchers start at just £10 for this top Derbyshire gastro-pub, but this distinguished local restaurant is also offering much more this Christmas…

The Tickled Trout’s innovative chefs have prepared a full takeaway menu, which even features a Chritsmas pizza!

The team are also offering to do all the hard work for you on the big day, with their Christmas at home offer.  All food will be freshly prepared, with very simple instructions for finishing off, using only the best local produce.

Find out more on the restaurant’s Facebook page. 

Derbyshire Distillery

This award-winning Chesterfield gin producer is certainly looking to raise your spirits this Christmas (pardon the pun) with it’s shimmering Cherry Gin!

They’re also working in collaboration with Chesterfield FC to produce themed bottles featuring the club’s logo as part of the design.. These can be purchased from the Club superstore!

Find out more about Derbyshire Distillery’s fantastic Christmas drink packages on social media and their website 

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

On the back of their sold-out Christmas eve grazing box, Stephenson’s have now gone one step further and introduced a New Year’s eve grazing box so you can see off 2020 in style!

Simply call to place your order and collect one of the boxes from the tea and coffee house in time for your celebrations!

Each box will contain a generous selection of award winning foods, including Quiches, Tarts, cold meats, sausage rolls, cheeses, chutney, cakes, scones, mince pies, and much more.

Find out more here

Stanedge Golf Club

Whether you prefer tee time or tea time, Stanedge Golf Club has got you covered! Call the friendly team today and you can purchase a gift voucher which can be redeemed on any of the services on offer at the club….green fees, coaching, membership, bar or catering.

E-gift vouchers can also be provided. Select from a range of designs, send directly to the recipients inbox or print at home to deliver the voucher in person.

Both types of vouchers are available in any amount. Find out more here

Sicily Restaurant

We’ve all been there at this time of year… Busy running round organising, shopping and planning for the big day. Sometimes cooking is the last thing on your mind once you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped!

Luckily, Sicily Restaurant is on hand to provide you with quality Italian food delivered straight to your door this festive season. At least that’s one less thing you have to worry about!

Order now on the City Grab app or find out more on their website

Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa

Give yourself a little pamper this Christmas or even treat someone you love to delicious food, relaxing spa treatments or even a few nights away from the kids!

Ringwood Hall are now offering a limited edition Spa Experience just £49pp, including 2 hours Full Spa Access, and a 25 minute treatment of your choice… But be quick- offer runs until 18th December! Find out more on Facebook.

You can also visit Ringwood Hall’s website where you will find a number of Christmas offers, such as festive afternoon teas available for collection or a range of vouchers to suit all budgets.

Dronfield Hall Barn

Get everything you need for Christmas from Dronfield Hall Barn! Order scrumptious bakery products, fruit & veg, meat and dairy on their website today!

You can also browse the Dronfield Hall Barn virtual Christmas market, hosting local craft makers and sellers into our virtual marquee where you can shop for original, high quality products and gifts from the comfort of your own home!

Find out more on Dronfield Hall Barn’s Facebook page and website 

Nonnas Chesterfield

Nonnas are still providing their classic Italian dishes and a few festive specials this Christmas, to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home!

Order via the City Grab app or collect from the restaurant on Chatsworth Road… Includes a special Pizza offer of buy one get one 1/2 price for home delivery & collection Monday -Thursday 12pm-8pm.

Sunday Roasts also available – find out more on Facebook or the Nonnas website

Devonshire Hotels

Are you hosting a Christmas party virtually this year? Devonshire Hotels can help add a little bit of luxury to it! Whether it’s colleagues, friends or family, these gourmet recipe boxes will be delivered to everyone at home and include all you need to create the perfect at-home Christmas get together. Find out more here.

Gourmet recipe boxes approved by the Duchess of Devonshire are also available online, as are gift vouchers for a stay in any of the Devonshire Hotel properties, based on the Chatsworth estate!

Posted in Blog, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Leisure, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Twist Magazine sets up loyalty card scheme for local shoppers and businesses

Twist magazine responded to the coronavirus crisis by setting up the largest loyalty card scheme in Chesterfield, enabling any local business to offer money-saving offers to its readers – entirely for free.

The publication distributed 15,500 Twist & Save Cards to its readers and each month it publishes a list of local businesses and services where Chesterfield folk can claim discounts or other benefits.

Dozens of businesses have been quick to join the scheme, offering all manner of incentives to attract new customers.

Said Heron Publications director Mike Firth: “We had been considering a scheme such as this for a long while and, with many businesses going through the toughest of times in 2020, this was the perfect time to launch it.

“It’s one way we have been able to put something back into the community which supports our publication so well.

“Businesses can promote their own individual deals and card-holders can take advantage of all manner of special offers. Everyone benefits – and no-one has to pay a penny to be involved.”

Additional Twist & Save Cards are available from the magazine for people wanting to pass them on to relations or friends.

Added Mike: “Everyone knows the importance of dealing with local shops and services. When people can also show their Twist & Save Card to make a saving or pick up a ‘freebie’ locally, it’s a no-brainer for them.”

Heron Publications have launched similar schemes through its other three magazines – Wings, Dronfield Eye and Active8 – with a total of almost 52,000 cards distributed to readers.

The Twist & Save Card scheme is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. To discover how your business or service can benefit, email twistcard@heronpublications.co.uk or call Mandy Goulding on 01246 416027.

You can find out more about local shopping in Chesterfield here.

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

Mike Firth, Heron Publications

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Greatest Hits Radio launches Christmas Eve Jingle to spread Christmas cheer

Greatest Hits Radio is encouraging locals across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to join the Christmas Eve Jingle and gather on their doorsteps to ring a bell at 6pm for two minutes on Christmas Eve.

Taking inspiration from the ‘Clap for Carers’ initiative that took the UK by storm during lockdown, families and communities are invited to take part and help create a spark of magic and cheer after what has been an incredibly tough year for all.

The idea was put together by a group of mums in Harrogate and the local campaign has been quickly gathering support across the UK and worldwide, with a Facebook group attracting close to 300,000 members.

Now backed by Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire and its network of sister stations across the UK, the campaign welcomes the reach of millions more people who can feel inspired and excited to help spread some much-needed cheer this Christmas.

What’s more, Greatest Hits Radio has made thousands of jingle bells available for purchase for anyone looking to take part. Priced at just £5 and available on the Greatest Hits Radio website, all profits from the bells will go towards their official charity Cash for Kids, whose mission is to respond to the needs of disadvantaged children and young people in our communities.

The sale of the bells will help raise a potential £30,000 for children living in poverty, and net proceeds from any bells purchased will go directly to the charity’s Mission Christmas campaign, which gifts young people Christmas presents who may otherwise go without.

Speaking about the event, Greatest Hits Radio presenter Steve Priestley said “Communities are at the core of Greatest Hits Radio and we’re privileged to have the ability and reach to take what started as local campaign and share it widely to get the attention it deserves. Spreading festive cheer across the country, we can’t wait for listeners in North Derbyshire to join us out on our doorsteps this Christmas Eve.”

Christmas Eve Jingle organiser Mary Beggs-Reid said “We are so thrilled to have the support of Greatest Hits Radio in helping reach as many people as possible for the Christmas Eve Jingle. We can’t wait to bring hope, magic and the spirit of Christmas to communities across the country.”

Greatest Hits Radio launched in North Derbyshire in September this year, providing a playlist of the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s, including music from iconic artists such as Blondie, Queen, George Michael, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Elton John and Whitney Houston.

Listen in on FM, DAB digital radio, online, on your mobile device or smart speaker to hear well-known presenters including Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Janice Long, Pat Sharp, Paul Gambaccini and many more, along with a selection of seasonal hits this Christmas.

To find out more about the Worldwide Christmas Jingle and download a poster to show that you’re taking part, head to the Greatest Hits Radio website.

You can find out more about the wide range of Christmas activities taking place in Chesterfield here

Greatest Hits Radio 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, Christmas, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

December blog- Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Destination Chesterfield chair Peter Swallow has provided an update to businesses and residents in Chesterfield, as we take a look back on the positive developments which have progressed in the town this year and look ahead to Christmas and 2021.

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Despite the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us all, we end the year on a positive note and a message of hope.

It would be very easy to write-off 2020 as an unmitigated disaster. We have all been bombarded with Covid-related bad news throughout the year. However, amongst the doom and gloom there has been some good news, and a common thread of hope throughout the year.

Development and investment, which will lay the foundation for future jobs in the town, has continued throughout 2020. Significant headway has been made on the new Enterprise Centre being constructed on the donut car park, and construction of the new ‘grade a’ offices at Chesterfield Waterside got underway.

Despite the imposed social distancing, I believe that Chesterfield’s communities have become closer and more supportive of each other during the pandemic. Although there are high hopes for the vaccine which has recently been announced, it is important that we maintain the Shop Local momentum over Christmas.

Chesterfield is a resilient and adaptable town and nowhere is this more evident that on our high street.

We have seen businesses adapt overnight – from doorstep deliveries of beer, tea and coffee, drive and buy fruit and veg on the market, to website launches and takeaway gourmet meals to cook at home. These small things have kept us all connected and smiling!

Non-food retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes have had it particularly tough. However, we have embraced the Shop Local message and gone out and supported local businesses enabling the survival of many.

In these challenging times it has never been more important to support each other. I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council have continued to work collaboratively this year on the Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign. Combining our efforts will reinforce the Support Local message.

We may not be able to physically get into the high street businesses, but many independent retailers, restaurants and cafes offer us access to their products and services from the comfort of our homes using our laptops, tablets, telephones and perhaps even carrier pigeons (OK, maybe not carrier pigeons——!)

Making the decision to choose an independent retailer for your gifts and food both now and beyond the pandemic will make a huge difference to our high street.

As we look to 2021, there can be no simpler message for the town other than ‘support each other.’

I wish you all a happy and HEALTHY Christmas and New Year.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

‘Shop local to help independent retailers overcome impact of lockdowns,’ says East Midlands Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has stressed the importance of shopping locally now the national lockdown has ended.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday on 5 December, the chamber of commerce says it has never been more important to support local businesses that have been badly affected by coronavirus lockdowns.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “As so-called ‘non-essential’ retailers are finally allowed to reopen after a month of national lockdown, it is vital that they receive the support of local people.

“Businesses have invested huge amounts of money into making themselves Covid-secure but have lost out through no fault of their own as they have been forced to close again. Customers who feel safe and comfortable to visit shops again once national restrictions are lifted should be mindful to support small independents in particular.

“At a time when our city and town centres are being decimated by the collapse of chains, these are the businesses that will hopefully remain once stores around them close. They are the beating heart of high streets and a huge part of the character in what makes towns and cities unique.

“Small Business Saturday is a great initiative that highlights the wide variety of businesses that people have on their doorstep, and in 2020 it’s perhaps never been more important to give them our support.”

On Friday 4 December, the Chamber will run a virtual roundtable event with Derby North MP Amanda Solloway to prepare for Small Business Saturday. You can find out more and book your place at the event here

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will speak to her local businesses about the impact of lockdown and their plans for the future.

Find out more about shopping locally in Chesterfield here. High street shops and Chesterfield’s market will also be extending their trading hours on the run-up to Christmas. Find out more and plan your shopping trip here.

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

Bridge Help invites local businesses to help it support Chesterfield Food Bank this Christmas

Bridge Help is reaching out to Chesterfield Champions and asking them to help it support Chesterfield Food Bank with a little bit of luxury this Christmas.

Until Wednesday 16 December, Bridge Help is inviting local businesses to drop off donations of new and unopened packs of biscuits, chocolates, crisps, mince pies and Christmas cakes and puddings at the firm’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.

Bridge Help will match all donations of luxuries with essential food, including cereal, long life milk and tinned goods, and then deliver everything to the Chesterfield Food Bank warehouse in Sheepbridge in time for Christmas.

December is the busiest time for Food Bank. The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks, expects a 61% increase in the number of food parcels needed this winter.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help, explained: “The team and I really wanted to support a charity this Christmas. Given the current economic climate and the predicament many people now find themselves in because of job loss, the Chesterfield Food Bank was the obvious choice for us all. As well as taking care of the necessities, we think it’s important to extend the spirit of Christmas by donating some small luxuries as well.

Chris explained the decision to offer up Bridge Help as a dropping off point for donations from the business community, saying: “With so many businesses working remotely, we hope we can help with their charitable efforts in the community this year by offering Bridge Help as a central dropping point for everyone who’d like to make a donation to Chesterfield Food Bank this year.”

To ensure a Covid-secure and socially-distanced donation, Bridge Help is inviting people to simply call ahead and arrange to drop their donation outside the door. A member of the Bridge Help team will collect the donation and store it safely until we make the drop off to the Chesterfield Food Bank

If you would like to make a donation, please call Phoebe on 0333 303 4681.

For further information about Bridge Help visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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