Leisure

Chesterfield residents urged to back local businesses through eat out to help out scheme

3rd August 2020

The area’s official tourist board is encouraging local communities to show their support for food and drink businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire by making use of the Government’s new ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme which launches today.

The nationwide scheme aims to protect jobs in the hospitality industry and incentivise customers to dine out by offering a 50% discount up to a maximum of £10 per person on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating establishments throughout August.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire says the scheme is a great way not only for local people to rediscover the great food and drink on their doorstep, but also to show their support for local tourism and hospitality businesses which were closed during lockdown.

The Peak District and Derbyshire’s visitor economy supports over 30,000 jobs and it is hoped that ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ will provide a much-needed boost by increasing customer confidence and helping local businesses on the road to recovery.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Eat Out to Help Out scheme presents the perfect opportunity to welcome customers back after a very challenging few months and we urge everyone to show their support for local pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels by dining out and enjoying the Peak District and Derbyshire’s fantastic food and drink offer.

“Our businesses have worked exceptionally hard to reopen their sit-down services in line with government guidelines and not only is the scheme a great excuse for a weekday treat, it’s also going to be pivotal in building customer confidence and helping the hospitality industry to successfully get back on its feet.”

Dom Stevens added: “The Chancellor’s support for the sector is particularly welcome at this time however, we must all ensure we continue to support hospitality businesses beyond the eat out to help out scheme. With the hospitality sector now fully re-open, the town now has a real opportunity to capitalise on the staycation boom and drive forward its economic recovery.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy added: “The re-opening of these businesses is vital for our local economy and will help ensure the longevity of the many brilliant establishments in our borough.”

Destination Chesterfield has prepared a page of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses that are taking part in the eat out to help out scheme at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield/

The tourist board will be showcasing participating businesses across the region via its popular social media channels and at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/food-and-drink/eat-out-to-help-out.

The Government has also launched a restaurant finder to enable diners to search for participating eateries within a 5 mile radius.

Businesses can register for the scheme until 31 August and can find out more at: www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Funding approved to keep Derbyshire active

3rd August 2020

Derbyshire County Council agreed on July 30 to award the grant of £312,000 to the Active Partners Trust (APT) over a 3 year period, until March 2023.

APT oversees the delivery of physical activity programmes across Derbyshire under the Active Derbyshire partnership, who Derbyshire County Council work closely with, to increase the levels of physical activity among young people and adults.

Derbyshire County Council, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said:

“We’re pleased to award this funding and continue our investment in Active Derbyshire to encourage local residents to get more involved in physical activity across the county.

“The benefits of an active lifestyle shouldn’t be underestimated. Physical activity can help treat and prevent diseases and improve the health of those with chronic conditions.”

A report by Sport England has found that during the coronavirus crisis there has been a change in attitudes towards physical activity.

The report highlighted how the government’s guidance around daily exercise had a positive effect with 53% of adults agreeing that they had been encouraged to exercise during the pandemic. In addition 44% of adults took part in online fitness classes or did their own workouts at home.

Councillor Hart added:

“The coronavirus pandemic has created a window of opportunity to engage with our communities and promote the benefits of physical activity.

“Despite rules on social distancing and self-isolation, there appears to be a new appetite for exercise across the country whether that’s walking, cycling or jogging.

“This new funding can help build on that participation right here in Derbyshire by making use of the fantastic outdoor spaces we have on our doorstep.”

Since February 2018 Active Derbyshire, through Derbyshire County Council’s funding, has delivered a number of physical activity initiatives including:

Providing strategic leadership across the county and working with key partners to establish physical activity sub groups of locality health and wellbeing partnerships
Supporting our Physical Activity and Sports Action Grants programme
Making physical activity and exercise daily practice in Derbyshire schools including encouraging a-mile-a-day type activities, and promoting active travel to schools.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

New Chesterfield running event launched

29th July 2020

A brand-new running event will be coming to Chesterfield town centre after organisers confirmed that the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon would not take place due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The all-new Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k will take place at 10 am on 17 October 2021, starting from Queen’s Park.

It will replace the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, with the expectation that the ‘more accessible’ 10k distance will increase runner participation and in turn, increase charity partner revenue while supporting the health and wellbeing of local people.

All entries into the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and Peak FM Five Mile Run have automatically been deferred to the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.

Runners also have the opportunity to donate the difference in their entry fee to the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon charity partners, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, in response to their work in the local area during the Covid-19 crisis.

Event organisers will be contacting all runners who have entered the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon to date with further details. Entry fee refunds can be requested.

Full entry into the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k will cost £22.50, with Early Bird entry priced at £18 and available until 28 February 2021.

As its name suggests, the Redbrik Foundation will be a new charity partner of the 10k event, alongside Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The Redbrik Foundation is a newly formed charitable trust which will support a number of local organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.

Meanwhile, event organisers will confirm plans soon for ‘virtual’ events taking place in Chesterfield over the original weekend of the 2020 event, designed for runners who were hoping to take part in the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and its partner events the Peak FM Five Mile Run and Pronto Paints Well Being Challenge.

An all-new 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k route will be announced in the coming months and will be the first time a 10km event takes place in Chesterfield town centre.

The route will start and finish in Queens Park and will be centred on the heart of Chesterfield, taking in major landmarks such as the town’s famous crooked spire. It will also feature service and cheer stations on the course and will have a later 10am start.

John Timms, Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k Event Director, said: “Naturally, we are extremely disappointed at the cancellation of the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Under the current guidance available, we as organisers feel that it is in the best interest and safety of all involved to cancel this year’s event.

“However, this has given us a unique opportunity to analyse the success of the Redbrik Half, as well as areas which can be further improved and developed, together with our event partners.

“We have launched the 10k event with a view to further enhancing the experience of both participants and the local community, and ways of generating even more revenue for the event’s charity partners, with almost £150,000 raised by the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon to date.

“As event organisers, we once again want to thank event sponsors and partners, and the wider community for their support since the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon launched in 2017.

“We want to thank our key partners, including Redbrik, as well as Chesterfield Borough Council. They have been very supportive throughout this process and we look forward to building on the Redbrik Half’s success with the new 10K.”

Mark Ross, Trustee of the Redbrik Foundation, said: “We love Chesterfield, and we want to see the town, its people and its businesses thrive.

“With this in mind, we’re excited to launch the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k. We are all very disappointed that this year’s Redbrik Half could not take place due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, we’re delighted to be bringing this new event to the town.

“The local community has supported the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon since its inception, and with a new route and additional event partners, we can’t wait to see the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k develop.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re disappointed that the Redbrik Half Marathon cannot go ahead on this occasion, but we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Chesterfield next year to take part in the 10k.

“The route for the 10k will start and finish in the Queen’s Park. It will take in some of Chesterfield’s major landmarks and will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the town to runners and visitors.

“We hope that lots of our residents will join us in supporting this great event by either taking part or coming along to cheer on the runners in 2021.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Savings on the cards for local magazine readers and an opportunity for businesses to attract new customers

28th July 2020

Tens of thousands of families are benefiting from a unique scheme designed to help them enjoy savings when they spend money in their local economy.

Heron Publications, the family-run company behind four long-established local community magazines, is delivering 52,000 loyalty cards to readers who can use them to enjoy a range of savings and incentives offered by local businesses, month after month.

The scheme is completely free for residents and businesses alike with no hidden charges or membership fees.

Each month, listings of where cards can be shown to make savings will appear in the free distribution ‘Dronfield Eye’, ‘Twist’, ‘Active8’ and ‘Wings’ publications.

Director Mike Firth (below) said: “We are an independent business ourselves, so know only too well the pressures almost all local companies are under at this time. We wanted to do something that would make a difference in our communities and this scheme is already paying dividends for our readers and for shops and services.”

“Hundreds of businesses feature in the pages of our publications each and every month, but this scheme is open to absolutely every local tradesman, shopkeeper, restaurant owner and more.

“It’s the closest thing to our communities issuing their own currency.”

The scheme is been supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Dronfield Town Council, Wingerworth Parish Council and South Yorkshire Police.

For further information, call Heron Publications on 01246 416027.

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

Chesterfield Borough Council adopts ambitious plan to rebuild economy

24th July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild Chesterfield’s economy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan, which was approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 14 July, outlines what the council, with the backing of other partner agencies, will do to support the town’s businesses to bounce back and help restore business and consumer confidence.

The Plan sets outs a comprehensive set of fully funded measures that include delivering a new business start-up support programme, which will encourage entrepreneurs and workers who may have lost their jobs due to covid-19 to bring forward new business ideas. Funding and expert advice will be available as will a premises location service.

The council will also be launching a portfolio of skills delivery initiatives. The initiatives will focus on the skills and training needs of local people, particularly young people, to enhance their prospects of securing the jobs on offer. Chesterfield residents and businesses will be able to access a new virtual skills and careers information hub. Particular attention will also be paid to the establishment of initiatives to reskill and upskill the current workforce.

Innovative promotional campaigns are already being rolled out with Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to shop local and support town centre retailers and market traders. The Plan also includes a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of Chesterfield as a visitor destination and hub.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Rebuilding the local economy following the easing of lockdown restrictions is a top priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times.

“We understand this will be a worrying time for business owners of all sizes and it is important that the council and its partners continue to do all we can to ensure that local businesses receive all the help they need in these most challenging of times.

“Whilst there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, the Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.”

The council has to date paid out £25.7 million in small business grants to 2,202 Chesterfield businesses, administered business rates relief to a value of £18 million to 661 businesses and shared a further £1.05 million with 120 businesses via the Local Discretionary Grants Fund scheme.

The council has also provided expert advice and support to over 300 local businesses since mid-March and as a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants, amended rental terms including rent free periods for some and rent deferral arrangements for others.

The work done with retailers, market traders and licensees to safely and successfully re-open Chesterfield town centre has seen thousands of people return to the high street since 1 June.

The council has also not shirked from continuing to progress its ambitious £1 billion growth programme that when complete will deliver thousands of new jobs to the town and borough both during the construction phases and once works are complete. This includes the Northern Gateway Scheme where construction of the new Enterprise Centre on Holywell Cross (Donut) started on site during the lockdown period. Plans are also well advanced in progressing improvements to the public realm on Elder Way and taking forward the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project which will see a number of enhancements made to Chesterfield’s famous market grounds.

As part of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub, Chesterfield businesses can access an experienced business advisor and the council’s Economic Development team is always on hand to talk through and help develop solutions for businesses facing challenges large and small. You can contact the team by e-mail at economicdevelopment@chesterfield.gov.uk.

More information on the support that is available to businesses can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s virtual Medieval Fun Day announced

24th July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council will be hosting a virtual Medieval Fun Day on Tuesday 28th July, with talks and videos available throughout the day on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page.

The virtual Medieval Fun Day will take place on Tuesday 28 July, the day when this ever-popular annual event had been due to be held in Chesterfield town centre. Unfortunately, this year’s event has been cancelled due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I know many people were disappointed to hear that the Medieval Fun Day had been cancelled but the museum team have worked hard to enable everyone to access a range of Fun Day activities online where people can learn more about Chesterfield’s history.”

The event will start with a video that looks back at previous Medieval Fun Days and all the exciting acts over the years including the roaring dragon and the unforgettable court jester.

Charlotte, who is part of the front of house team at the museum will talk about what life was like for people living in medieval Chesterfield and an actor playing the part of a medieval executioner has recorded a special video that will help people learn more about crime and punishment in medieval Chesterfield; how law breakers were burned, maimed and disembowelled, what the Scolds Bridle was used for and the dreaded ‘jig of death’.

Maria Barnes, who is one of the museum’s collections officers will also give a short talk on some of our medieval objects, including the fascinating history of the builder’s wheel that was used to construct the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire).

During previous Medieval Fun Days local re-enactors have set up camp in the churchyard. The team will therefore be sharing some great pictures of the Thomas Stanley Retinue re-enactors, which will bring to life the various weapons and armour used in the medieval period.

As well as all these great talks there is also got a selection of brilliant craft activities put together by STEAMWORKS. These include guides to making a salt dough castle, model catapults, some fabulous golden goblets fit for any medieval monarch and a jesters’ hat.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained as activities are scheduled throughout the day so make sure you visit www.Facebook.com/ChesterfieldMuseum from 9.30am and join in the fun. All videos released as part of the Medieval Fun Day will stay on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page for you to watch at your convenience.

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

Derbyshire County Council pledge up to £15 million for coronavirus economic recovery

23rd July 2020

Derbyshire County Council are setting aside a fund of up to £15 millon to help support Derbyshire’s communities and businesses to recover from the effects of coronavirus.

Announcing the fund at the Derbyshire Economic Recovery Board on Monday 20 July 2020, Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said the fund would focus on creating jobs and growth, supporting the green economy and entrepreneurs and business diversification, as well as apprenticeships and training for young people.

The cash will help to pump-prime our recovery strategy which is currently being finalised alongside work to identify additional sources of funding from government to support further measures to get the county’s economy back on track.

Councillor Barry Lewis said: “I’m pleased to be able to announce this much-needed funding to help Derbyshire’s economy to recover from the effects of coronavirus in the coming months and years ahead.”

“We initially pledged £1 million in March for emergency support to help businesses and residents cope with the immediate consequences of the pandemic and now our focus has shifted to look at what we need to do to revive and reinvigorate our economy over the medium and longer term.”

“While the devastating effect of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, we’re keen to use this as an opportunity not just to rebuild our economy, but to build back better with emphasis on supporting our businesses and communities to be greener and creating a brighter future for our young people with better access to skills and job opportunities.”

At a meeting on 30 July 2020, the Cabinet will consider a report which identifies £15 million as the level of investment required for economic recovery and further plans for the fund will be considered by Cabinet in the coming months.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure

Children’s health & wellbeing summer camp launched by Spireites Trust

22nd July 2020

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has launched Camp Inspire to help youngsters prepare for a return to school in September.

Based in the HUB at the Technique Stadium, the health & wellbeing camp has been designed to improve the physical health and social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

Running until Friday 28th August, Camp Inspire is centred around the five ways to wellbeing.

There are Camp Inspire Connect sessions for 4-10-year-olds and a Camp Inspire Activate programme for those aged 10-17.

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s head of education and wellbeing, explained the thinking behind Camp Inspire: “Our community partners have told us there’s a clear need for this type of summer holiday provision.”

“It’s open to all but we are looking to identify funding to pay for places for disadvantaged children.”

“We’re working with local schools and local authorities to identify those children who are most in need.”

“We would welcome support from local businesses who are interested in sponsoring places for vulnerable children.”

The Camp Inspire sessions run from 8:30am to 5:30pm with early drop-off and late pick-up available ant a cost of £2 per half hour.

Bookings can be made by emailing wellbeing@spireitestrust.org.uk or phoning 01246 925115.

Anyone interested in applying for a funded place should contact their child’s school or key worker in the first instance.

Find out more about the Chesterfield FC Community Trust summer events below:

Spireites Saturday Morning Soccer School – Find out more and book here
Spireites Sports Club – Find out more and book here
Spireites Girls Club – Find out more and book here

Chesterfield FC Community Trust use the power of Chesterfield FC and sport to inspire the community of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector optimistic for future

22nd July 2020

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez has praised the ‘team spirit’ of local businesses in the hospitality sector who, he says, “have shared ideas and good practice to ensure the local economy re-opens safely and successfully.”

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are feeling positive following their re-opening on Saturday 4 July. The optimism has been further boosted by Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s help for the hospitality industry which was unveiled in his summer statement.

Mr Perez commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have an impact on the industry for the foreseeable future and whilst businesses have worked extremely hard to adapt their business models. It is a tough market and we are extremely grateful for the government initiatives including business rate reductions, eating out voucher scheme and VAT reduction.”

Destination Chesterfield sprang into action following the Chancellor’s announcement and has produced a webpage with details of businesses in and around Chesterfield that are taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The website can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield

One of the businesses to sign up to the scheme, includes H & F Vintage Tearooms based on New Beetwell Street. Sharon Hilton, owner and Director of H&F Vintage Tearooms which re-opened on Monday 6 July said: “I am feeling optimistic about the future. Each day since opening there has been a steady increase in business. Customers and staff have adapted well to the small changes we’ve put in place.”

H & F Vintage Tearooms is based on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield town centre

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout shared Sharon’s optimism saying: “We’ve been busier than expected since re-opening. The safety measures we have put in place have ensured that customers feel safe and comfortable and they are confident in dining with us.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, added: “Despite the hospitality sector’s nervousness ahead of re-opening, it is great to see that people are returning to their favourite pubs, restaurants and cafes.”

Many businesses have had to reduce the seating capacity to account for social distancing, however they have made use of outdoor space which has proved popular given the recent good weather. The Tickled Trout has added a pop-up pub in the car park of the restaurant where customers can enjoy a drink.

Mr Perez added: “We are extremely grateful to have no shortage of space at both properties, indoor and outdoor. The beautiful weather has also allowed us to take advantage of our gardens, terraces and at Peak Edge Hotel the Airstream bar and live music in the bandstand, allowing a great atmosphere whilst practising social distancing.”

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout, however, has urged the general public to ensure they cancel bookings if they are unable to attend. “The hospitality industry is already operating at reduced capacity, so when a booking is a no-show this is devastating to the business. There is less opportunity for walk-ins right now, so every no-show leaves us with an empty table. Please, please ensure you show up when you have made a booking or cancel it if you are unable to attend.”

Already Chesterfield is seeing signs of the predicated staycation boom. “We have had a massive increase in bookings for our holiday cottages. They are now almost fully booked until September,” added Chris.”

Steve Perez added: “All the signs are positive for a staycation boom in the Peak District this summer. Tourism is the backbone of our local economy and it is extremely important we support each other and share best practice.”

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez

“With the hospitality sector now fully re-open, the town now has a real opportunity to capitalise on the staycation boom and drive forward its economic recovery.”

Although the hospitality sector has re-opened its doors a number of businesses are continuing to operate takeaway and delivery services that were put in place during lockdown.

Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery explained: “A lot of our older clientele are still very nervous about going back into pubs so for that reason we’re maintaining our free home delivery service of bottled beers.”

Details of businesses offering takeaway and delivery can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

If you are a local food businesses that is participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and would like to be featured on the Chesterfield.co.uk website, please email info@chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Borough Council leisure centres set to reopen

21st July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council is looking forward to welcoming customers back to its leisure centres when they reopen on Saturday 25 July.

Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre have been prepared ahead of Saturday’s reopening in line with the guidelines issued by Government and the leisure industry to ensure customer and staff safety.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic news that the council’s leisure centres will be back open for business from this weekend.”

“I know lots of customers will be very keen to get back to their fitness regimes. Exercise in its many different forms is great for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.”

“We have had to make a lot of changes to how we provide the services on offer, and so I would encourage customers to read the guidance on our website before visiting the centres.”

Customers will need to book sessions in advance in order to visit the leisure centres and sessions will be time limited. This will allow for cleaning to take place between customers’ visits. Customers’ contact details will also be retained as part of NHS test and trace requirements.

Customers who are not already a member of the leisure centres will need to become registered users in order to visit. This can be done free of charge by contacting either of the leisure centres by email or phone.

Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre have both been deep cleaned, equipment in both gyms has been moved to make it easier for customers to practise social distancing and signage has been installed throughout the centres to remind customers of expected behaviours.

There will be limited access to changing rooms and lockers for customers wishing to swim; customers should arrive ‘beach-ready’ by wearing their swimming costumes under their clothes. After swimming customers are asked to towel themselves dry, put on their clothes and shower at home.

New cleaning stations have been installed in our gyms and customers will be asked to clean equipment before and after use. Changing rooms, lockers and water fountains will not be in use. Customers should bring pre-filled water bottles for their personal use when visiting the centres.

The council has taken advice from leisure governing bodies including Swim England and UK Active in order to ensure its reopening plans are safe and in line with industry best practice.

Customers will notice that screens have been installed in reception areas and one-way systems introduced to support customers to maintain social distancing when visiting the centres.

Fitness classes will be running on a changed timetable and with reduced class sizes. For further details on classes and how to book your place please visit our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure

Membership payments will recommence from the start of September. Should customers wish to continue to suspend their memberships they should contact the leisure centre where they are registered. For customers who pay their leisure centre memberships on an annual basis, the weeks during which the leisure centres were closed will be added on to their memberships at the end of the 12-month period.

Plans to restart swimming, gymnastics and trampolining lessons for children are currently being made and the council expects to announce more details in the next few weeks.

Leisure centre staff will be on site from Monday 20 July to answer queries customers may have and to enable non-members to become registered users. Please feel free to contact the Queen’s Park Sports Centre team on 01246 345555 between 8am and 5pm or email qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk and the Staveley Healthy Living Centre team on 01246 345666 between 9am and 5pm or email hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk.

A comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions about the council’s leisure centre reopening plans has been added to our website. You can access these here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/leisurecentrereopening

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

The Pomegranate Theatre’s big screen cinema experience is back

21st July 2020

Customers can once again book tickets to enjoy their favourite films in the ornate surroundings of the country’s oldest Civic Theatre – Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre.

The Grade II Listed venue will be screening a wide range of films to suit all ages and Chesterfield Borough Council is looking forward to offering a warm welcome back to all its customers from Friday 24 July.

The theatres team has put in place comprehensive measures to ensure a safe environment for audiences and staff.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers back to the council’s historic Pomegranate Theatre.

“The team have been working really hard to ensure everything is safe for customers to return so do please come along to one of our screenings and have a great time.”

The entire building will be deep cleaned before the reopening date and the auditorium will be carefully cleaned after each film is shown. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the venue for anyone to use.

One of the biggest changes is a new socially distanced seating plan. There will be a reduced number of seats on sale for each film, with unoccupied seats being used to separate groups. In line with the Government’s current guidelines, customers will be able to attend screenings with people from one other household.

Tickets for the screenings must be pre-booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk. As well as avoiding disappointment by guaranteeing your seat, pre-booking tickets will also help to reduce contact and queues at the box office. It will also help the theatre easily gather contact details, which is required as part of NHS Test and Trace.

The cinema programme will include a wide range of films to suit all ages including families with young children who will be able to see films including Trolls World Tour and Disney Pixar’s Onward. Military Wives and Emma, which were released just before lockdown will get an extended run. Also, expect some multi-award-winning favourites such as Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman and Dunkirk. The recently released Love Sarah, which is set to be popular with ‘Bake Off’ fans, will also be screened and there are plenty more fantastic films still to come which we look forward to sharing with our audiences.

When booking your tickets online, you can also pre-order tasty treats including ice creams, sweets and drinks at a reduced price. Snacks and drinks can also be purchased when attending a screening, but we will only be accepting card payments.

Please note that Corporation Street has been temporarily closed to traffic at the junction with St Mary’s Gate. For customers with mobility difficulties, the closest drop off and pick up point is located immediately outside the theatre door on Corporation Street, which is only accessible via Spa Lane and Station Road.

The Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre are owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council. The cinema was installed at the Pomegranate Theatre in 2014 and was made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

To find out more about the films and to book tickets, which start from only £5.20, visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

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