Leisure

Tourism businesses encouraged to apply for new industry standard mark

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has welcomed the announcement of a new UK-wide industry standard mark that will provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism businesses as the sector works towards reopening on 4 July.

The ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation, introduced by VisitEngland in partnership with national tourist organisations, means businesses can demonstrate that they are adhering to Government and public health guidance and have the required processes in place.

The scheme is free to join and Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is encouraging local businesses to apply as soon as possible to ensure they are COVID-secure and ready to welcome visitors.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire says: “We’re encouraging all local tourism businesses to apply for the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, which will play a vital role in ensuring visitors can enjoy a holiday in the Peak District and Derbyshire this summer and be confident they can do so with peace of mind.

Jo added: “We know that businesses are already working incredibly hard to prepare for reopening on 4 July, and this new industry standard provides a welcome boost of confidence for the sector and added reassurance for our visitors that we are putting all the right measures in place.”

To obtain the accreditation businesses must complete a self-assessment through an online platform, before receiving certification and the ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark for display in their premises and online.

Businesses must align with the Government’s official guidance for the sector including ‘Working Safely during COVID-19: Visitor Economy’, which outlines the processes and facilities that tourism businesses in England need to put in place before reopening.

The scheme has been developed in partnership with national tourist authorities with input from more than 40 industry bodies including Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. For more information on the industry standard mark, click here.

Details of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s ‘welcome back’ campaign will be released shortly.

Please note: images were taken prior to the Coronavirus pandemic

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

Summer adult education courses are moving online

Residents across Derbyshire can take part in a wide range of free online courses this summer organised by Derbyshire County Council.

Some courses can be done online at a pace that suits you while other courses will be delivered remotely using Zoom where learners will be part of a live class with a tutor and fellow learners.

Learners will be provided with a list of materials or equipment they need for each session. All you need is a laptop, tablet or smart phone with internet access.

Online courses include:

  • environmental awareness
  • interview skills
  • sign language
  • Spanish
  • dealing with uncertainty and stress
  • art and crafts

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People,  said: “Our adult community education service is committed to providing quality learning for Derbyshire residents for skills, leisure and fun.”

“Staff have been working hard to keep our service running during the current coronavirus crisis and provide opportunities for residents despite the barriers we all face.”

“Through online learning our learners have access to a range of courses and a high quality and safe learning experience during this period of uncertainty.”

“If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill while spending more time at home this summer, we have something for you. Spaces on our courses are limited so make sure you sign up soon to guarantee a place.”

Due to the current coronavirus crisis, adult education community centres are unable to open. Derbyshire County Council be issuing further guidance on when facilities will reopen once it is safe to do so in line with government guidance.

Find the course for you and register your place now  

Full details of online courses available can be found in this brochure.

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

Chesterfield College’s annual Arts Festival goes virtual to celebrate the work of creative students

Students from across Chesterfield College’s visual and performing arts courses are celebrating their work in a virtual Arts Festival.

The virtual festival includes an end-of-year exhibition of work from photography, fine art, graphic design, digital, media, fashion and performing arts students, which would normally take place in the college. Teachers at the college were keen to ensure students didn’t miss out on the chance to exhibit their work because of Covid-19 so they have created a virtual showcase.

Dave Smith, Curriculum Operations Manager for Visual and Performing Arts, said: “It has been a privilege to see the work created by such a talented group of students. They have worked extremely well over the last few months, under challenging circumstances. It is a credit to their dedication and passion for their subject which has resulted in well executed final pieces.”

Dave added: “The virtual Arts Festival gives us an opportunity to celebrate, congratulate and thank our students and teachers for their hard work and successes over the year. Exhibiting work is also an important part of preparing students for working in the creative industries. We might not be able to do that physically at the moment, but the virtual festival does allow us to share their achievements with a wider audience so it actually gives us a fantastic opportunity.”

Chesterfield College has a long history in supporting people across the region to develop skills for successful careers in the creative industries. Their excellent facilities, including a range of well-equipped studios for everything from ceramics and silversmithing to fashion and theatre, have been the launchpad for many designers, artists and performers for many years. The Arts Festival has been an integral part of the creative courses the college offers so it was important to continue the tradition this year in spite of the challenging circumstances.

You can access the festival at www.chesterfield.ac.uk/artsfestival20.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

New high-quality apartments set to add vibrancy to Chesterfield town centre

ALB Group have bought Burlington House, a four-storey 37,000 sq ft building located on Burlington Street in Chesterfield’s town centre for a seven-figure sum, and aim to convert the office block into apartments.

The company is set to apply to Chesterfield Borough Council for planning permission to turn the two, largely vacant, upper floors into 40 high-quality apartments. The ground floor would be kept for commercial use, where tenants already include Rebel Menswear, H Samuel, BetFred, Bird’s Bakery and Max Speilman.

Property consultants FHP acted on behalf of the previous owners and sold the building to ALB Group. The company has looked after lettings in the building over the past five years.

Arran Bailey, Managing Director of ALB Group, explained the attraction of the investment. He said: “The offices will make fantastic flats in the centre of Chesterfield, which will increase footfall on the high street.”

“The development will breathe life into this part of the town, adding vitality and vibrancy.”

“Chesterfield is such a good area to invest in as it is in a great location, with the Peak District and M1 on its doorstep, and it is an ideal, affordable commuter base for those working in cities like Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham, with London less than two hours away by train.”

“There are multiple million-pound projects, such as the Chesterfield Waterside and Northern Gateway developments, underway. It’s not a typical market town.”

Oliver Marshall, Associate Director at FHP, said: “The upper floors comprise of two floors of office space sectioned into individual small office suites which have been predominantly vacant for the last five years.”

“The tenants in the ground-floor retail space will stay and I’m sure Arran will look at bringing in more to fill the empty units.”

“In terms of the upper floors, the natural light and windows and the structure of the building mean it would lend itself well to a conversion to apartments.”

If approved, the scheme is expected to take 50 weeks to complete.

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield Waterside development

Click here to find out more about the Northern Gateway development

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

Citizens Advice Chesterfield releases details of support given to local people during pandemic

Citizens Advice Chesterfield have released a report including details of the support they have provided to local residents during the Coronavirus pandemic.

From the start of lockdown in March to the end of April, Citizens Advice Chesterfield supported 942 people with 3078 problems.

Staff and volunteers adapted the delivery of their services once the pandemic began, adding extra advisers to their telephone lines and also introducing a webchat feature to their website in order to meet the increase in demand.

The report shows people needing help to access emergency food, cash or vital essentials was 5 times higher than in the same period last year. There were also 4 times the amount of employment issues then in the same period in 2019.

The top four areas where advice was issued, in order, were:

  • Universal Credit
  • Benefits and Tax Credits
  • Debt and Money Issues
  • Employment

The proportion of people seeking advice under 30 years of age was double that in the same period in 2019.

Linda Moore, Chair of Trustees, commented: “Trustees are constantly in awe of what our staff and volunteers do for local residents on a daily basis and we feel privileged to be a part of such a vital, life-saving service. Recently though, what has been done is nothing short of miraculous. We are proud of their work and achievements. We want to thank them publicly for their tireless dedication.”

As one of their clients said: “You were amazing and listened to what I said. I don’t know what I would have done without your help and support. Thank you.”

Advice Appointments are available throughout each weekday between 9am and 5pm. To access help, please contact the triage and advice line on 0300 4568437, open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

Click here to find out more about Citizens Advice Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield Borough Council receives support from Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund

Chesterfield Borough Council has received £92,500 in funding from the Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund.

The funding is primarily for use in Chesterfield town centre, but can also be used to support the re-opening of other district shopping areas such as Staveley town centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor.

The Government has allocated the funding from the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, to help support the process of reopening England’s high streets safely. The European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

The funding, which will be used in collaboration with Destination Chesterfield, will help implement new measures to encourage the safe re-opening of Chesterfield town centre considering the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the need to promote and maintain safe social distancing.

Some of the funding will also be used for communication and public information campaigns to market the town centre and the borough as a place to visit and to encourage more and more people to shop local. More information about how the funding will be spent will be announced over the coming weeks.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Businesses and organisations across Chesterfield have shown great resilience during the lockdown period. Experiences with our Chesterfield Champions and other local companies has shown that businesses are keen to pull together and come out the other side of the coronavirus pandemic stronger than ever.”

He added: “The Destination Chesterfield team will continue to promote the Shop Local message over the coming months and to support retailers in their recovery.”

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Chesterfield Borough Council has already used some of the funding on signage and road and pavement markings to support shoppers to maintain safe social distancing around the outdoor market, market hall and Chesterfield town centre.

Click here to find out more about Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield FC Women announce new Head of Coaching

Chesterfield FC Women have appointed former Doncaster Rovers Belles and Watford Ladies Manager, Katie Rowson, as their Head of Coaching.

The role will see Katie, who holds the UEFA A Licence coaching qualification, oversee all coaching throughout the women’s section of the club, with a particular focus on aligning the academy and the first team to create a fluid pathway for players.

Katie is also an FA affiliate tutor, delivering coaching courses for aspiring coaches and has previously been the technical director of the British Virgin Islands Football Association as well as Doncaster Belles Regional Talent Club. Katie has also been the manager of the Great Britain and England Universities women’s football teams and joins the Spireites with a vast amount of knowledge and experience within the women’s game.

Katie said: “I am excited to join such a progressive environment with great ambition. Like with any project that I involve myself in, my decision to join the club is because I believe that I can make an impact.”

“The club has a fantastic history within the girl’s and women’s game; and over the past 18 months the club have really taken steps to put Chesterfield FC Women ‘back on the map’, which I’ve been watching with interest.”

“I believe that, with my experience, I can aid in aligning the philosophy and ambition of the club with a technical programme to promote holistic development throughout the full player pathway. My role is to mentor the coaching workforce and to implement the club philosophy throughout the club from first team to U11s.

“Ultimately, success will be judged on the positive connections that I can make with the coaches, players and their families that are involved in the club. If I can help engage all parties with the identity and ambition of the club via an aligned technical programme, coaching approach and development pathway, I will be pleased with the impact.”

Commenting on the appointment, Spireites Women’s general manager Gabrielle Salomon said: “We’re all delighted that Katie will be joining us. When you look at her experience and the knowledge she will bring to the club, it’s so exciting to think what we could achieve.”

“The women’s team is going through a period of rapid growth, both on the pitch and off it. To add Katie to the team really does show the direction we are heading in as a club and I can’t wait to start working with her.”

The appointment comes following the launch of the Chesterfield FC girls’ academy. To register your interest for trials, or for more information, please email women@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Crow Lane closure improves cycling for Chesterfield Royal Hospital staff

Chesterfield Royal Hospital, DSFS (Derbyshire Support & Facilities Services), Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Cycle Campaign have helped to create a new sustainable commute route.

Crow Lane has been closed to general traffic to create a safe route that stretches almost from the town’s train station towards the hospital’s grounds. It means that cycling from the town centre has become easier and safer for commuters, encouraging the use of greener forms of transport. It also links the town centre to closer, existing cycle paths and further afield.

It’s the result of a joint request from the Royal and the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign to Derbyshire County Council to close Crow Lane to traffic at the town end with a view to making it a permanent solution.

A spokesperson for DSFS said: “It’s been part of our site access plan to try and encourage more sustainable forms of transport and the move to close Crow Lane to traffic is fantastic news. We know from consulting with colleagues that more people would be willing to cycle in if it was safe to do so, but cycling up Hady Hill is not ideal.”

“The reason why Crow Lane was the preferred option is because it links to the town centre and other, nearby cycle paths. There has been a large increase in cycling since lockdown and electric bikes are increasing in popularity. To be able to cycle without being impeded by traffic makes it more appealing from a health and safety perspective as well as a safety point of view.”

The route can only be accessed by car via the Calow end for residents and has been done initially as an emergency closure for three weeks. The closure will then become temporary for 18 months with a view to making it permanent at the end of that period.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer said: “We’re pleased to have been able to offer a route for people to cycle safely from the middle of Chesterfield to the Royal. We’re making changes to town centres across the county, to make it easier for people to walk or cycle to the shops or places like the Royal.”

It’s the latest in a string of initiatives introduced by Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services for the Royal with the intention of encouraging alternatives to driving and addressing issues surrounding site access.

DSFS added: “We’ve recently opened new and refurbished shower and changing facilities for those cycling, walking or running to work, allowing them to freshen up and change into their work clothes. We have  just launched a cycle to work scheme which does not have the usual £1000 limit, so will enable staff to get an electric bike helping staff to cycle up the hill. We’re also about to improve our bus shelter accommodation and introduced electronic bus timetables to make it easier and more comfortable to get the bus to and from work.”

“We’d like to thank the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign and Derbyshire County Council for working with us and making this happen. It underlines our joint commitment to improving the environment, encouraging greener forms of transport and working on behalf of our colleagues to provide safe and effective, sustainable commutes.”

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

A ‘celebrity’ shopping experience awaits Chesterfield shoppers

Non-essential retailers in Chesterfield town centre have returned to their shops and stores and re-opened with coronavirus-related safety measures in place after 13 weeks of closure.

The implementation of safety measures mean that some retailers are now promising shoppers a ‘celebrity’ shopping experience.

Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers based in The Shambles said: “We’ve been chatting to our customers via social media throughout lockdown so that has helped us understand how they want to shop with us. They don’t want to queue and wait around to get into the shop which is why we’ve introduced an appointment only system to Adorn.”

“Whether purchasing or not, we want people to not feel pressured and have the shop to themselves – a celebrity shopping experience! We’re more than happy for customers just to browse and have a catch up with us – we’ve missed them.”

Ashgate Hospicecare has installed Perspex screens on the tills in its shops and also removed and condensed displays to enable people to observe the two-metre distancing rule.

Eighty-five per cent of the shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre have re-opened with the remainder set to follow over the next few weeks.

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Co-Ordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, explained: “All of the retailers at Vicar Lane have been working very hard to implement measures that make it as safe as possible for everyone. As well as social distancing measures, some stores are providing hand-sanitising stations, or are offering appointment-only shopping. Additionally, some are operating reduced opening hours.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is undertaking a phased re-opening of its shops and donation centres over a three-week period. “The shops and donation centre will be re-opened over a three-week period, starting with our donation point and furniture store in Hasland,” added Laura Evans, Head of Retail Operations at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Sarah added: “We have provided details of every store’s safety measures and opening times on the Vicar Lane website to help visitors feel confident about visiting us. We’re reviewing government guidelines on a daily basis and ensuring that we are able to adapt quickly.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Supporting retailers and visitors, Chesterfield Borough Council has implemented social distancing measures throughout the town centre, market and Market Hall.

There is now visible signage around the town centre advising shoppers where to queue outside individual shops. There are also signs in areas such as car parks and green spaces reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines keeping two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, and not to congregate in groups.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre remains the council’s number one priority and we have been working closely with local retailers and market traders to make sure we can maintain safe social distancing within the town centre.”

“If you are worried about anything or have any questions, our town centre ambassadors will be on hand to help you.”

Retailers have praised the measures Chesterfield Borough Council has put in place around the town centre. “The council has also really considered the flow of people around The Shambles so we’re confident that social distancing is fully in place for every visitor,” said Laura-Jo.

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

The safety measures have also given entrepreneurs confidence to set up a town centre business.

Prior to lockdown, Natalia Marcheta, owner of mobile Prosecco bar, Salute, was due to set up a pop-up bar in Vicar Lane and plans remain in place for later in the year. She said: “Having seen the social distancing measures the council has put in place in the town centre, it has given us confidence to go-ahead with the venture in-line with the government guidelines of when hospitality businesses are allowed to re-open, as we know that our staff and customers will be safe.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), is urging the public to “play their part” in making shopping safer. It says customers should follow five steps:

  • Queue considerately
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Follow instructions inside and outside shops
  • Follow all necessary hygiene measures
  • Be respectful to shop staff

Lockdown has hit many businesses and charities on the high street hard. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retailers saw clothing and footwear purchases fall by two thirds.

Laura Evans explained: “The temporary closure of our shops has had a significant impact on the charity. Twenty-nine per cent of Ashgate Hospicecare’s income comes from its retail operations so we’re delighted to be able to re-open the shops.”

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Hasland Store

Vicar Lane praised the Government support for retailers during lockdown. Sarah Bowler “We’re delighted that all the existing retailers in Vicar Lane are re-opening after Lockdown, and we’ve also got a new bridal shop opening called Precious Memories by Anne-Marie. The Government help has been very welcome during this period and retailers are very thankful for the Rates Relief for this year – it is a huge weight off their shoulders.”

Despite the forced closure of non-essential retailers, many of Chesterfield’s retailers believe lockdown has been good for the health of the high street. Many town centre businesses are positive about their future following the success of the Shop Local message which has been championed by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Borough Council throughout lockdown.

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield explained: “The resilience that local businesses and service providers have shown during lockdown has been remarkable. Plans are in place by Destination Chesterfield to continue to promote the Shop Local message beyond lockdown and support retailers in their recovery and help them thrive as part of the town centre.”

Laura-Jo Owen said: “I think lockdown has helped people realise the shops and stores they have on their doorstep so I am expecting new customers who discovered us on social media over the last 12 weeks, to also visit the shop. We’re so happy to re-open and welcome back old and new customers to Adorn.”

Lisa Swift, owner of Shop Indie agreed, saying: “We believe that after the lockdown has ended and people are allowed to move freely that they will have a much better appreciation of local businesses they have been reliant on during lockdown.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Chesterfield’s retailers and the council are united in their enthusiasm to re-open and welcome back customers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “It’s great to see so many people back in the town centre as we look to restart our local economy. We know that many of you will have spent the last three months shopping online, but now is your chance to come back to the town centre, indulge in some retail therapy and support Chesterfield businesses by shopping local.

“The town centre has so much to offer. From national retailers to small independent stores and of course our outdoor market and Market Hall, there really is something for everyone.

“You’ll have the opportunity to browse and buy some of those nice to have items that you simply haven’t been able to get. Father’s Day is just around the corner too, so it’s the perfect chance for you to support our local retailers when you’re out looking for a gift.”

Click here for the Destination Chesterfield Father’s Day Gift Guide

Laura Evans, of Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “One thing that hasn’t changed in all our shops however, is the warm and friendly welcome. We can’t wait to welcome staff, volunteers and customers back.”

Sarah Bowler from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre agreed, saying: “We’re all very excited to be re-opening and welcoming everyone and getting back to the new ‘normal’.”

For shoppers who are still shielding,  the website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that have adapted to provide and supply their products and services remotely.

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

Pets at Home Chesterfield pledges support for RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in fundraising appeal

Until Sunday 5 July, customers at Pets at Home Chesterfield will be able to donate to the RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, helping them to feed and care for rescue pets.

Support Adoption For Pets, the UK’s largest grant giving animal charity, has launched the nationwide ‘Save our Rescue Centres’ summer fundraising initiative, which will see pet rescue centres across the UK benefit from vital funds. Donations can be made either in store or online via the Support Adoption For Pets website.

Customers at the Chesterfield store will be encouraged to include a donation of as little as 50p to RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire when paying at the till, with 100% of all donations going straight to the rescue centre.

Many rescue centres across the UK are not currently able to rehome pets or host fundraising events as they normally would due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, yet the pets in their care still need looking after.

Amy Wilson, Fundraising Manager for Support Adoption For Pets, said: “The ‘Save our Rescue Centres’ appeal is all about rescuing the rescues themselves; raising vital funds for them and the pets in their care, so that they are able to keep going until they can open, rehome pets, and fundraise as normal.”

“The message is simple – these pets cannot feed themselves. If you’re out shopping for pet essentials, just remember that even a 50p donation can help support a rescue pet with essentials like health checks,  food and shelter.”

“Every year, we are completely overwhelmed by the hard work and enthusiasm of Pets at Home stores as well as the generosity of its customers – and we thank them again for their support during these difficult times. We are urging people to give what they can in support of a rescue centre near them.”

Deb Wyld, Store Manager at Pets at Home Chesterfield, said: “We’re determined to raise as much money as we can for RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire during these challenging times, and hope that the people of Chesterfield will donate what they can, either while shopping with us in store or online.”

Support Adoption For Pets is a charity established by Pets at Home in 2006 and has helped more than 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK. In addition to its fundraising work, it also runs dedicated adoption centres in Pets at Home stores.

For more information, and to make a donation, please visit: www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer

New bridal and prom dress boutique to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to welcome another new local name to the centre with its very own pop-up shop.

Precious Memories is Chesterfield’s newest bridal and prom dress boutique – offering its customers a glamourous experience, whatever the occasion. The store is set to open on Monday 15th June.

The owner and creator of Precious Memories, Anne-Marie, has always dreamed of one day running her own business which utilises her talents and expertise. After many years of modelling in the wedding industry, she was finally brave enough to follow her own dreams of creating the vision she had always dreamed of; a pristine, glamorous boutique, specialising in making women feel beautiful, empowered and like the queens they are.

Anne-Marie has a talent for high end customer service, personal stylist experience and a flare for hospitality. She understands how to dress each body shape to flatter, reflect personality and to evoke that powerful confidence when a woman feels beautiful.

Anne-Marie creates a warm, friendly space for ladies seeking bridal gowns and prom dresses that gives the ultimate VIP service, second to none, to absolutely every customer who walks through her doors.

The beautifully designed interior of Precious Memories allows customers to peruse through the exclusive designer dresses at ease and their luxurious, private viewing area adds a VIP element to the experience.

Precious Memories is also set to host a series of networking events for Brides and professionals in the wedding industry to connect. Bringing together local make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers and more in one location, Brides-to-be will be able to trial and sample a selection of products and services in one venue, taking the stress out of the wedding planning process.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Anne-Marie and ‘Precious Memories’ to Vicar Lane. It is an incredibly exciting business model with lots of truly original elements that we are sure our customers will benefit from and most importantly – enjoy!”

Click here to find out more about Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

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

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