Leisure

Dronfield Open Art Exhibition goes virtual

1st June 2020

For the first time, Dronfield Arts Festival is now hosting its popular Open Art Exhibition as an online event.

Although the exhibition is no longer taking place at Dronfield Hall Barn, local digital design agency FWD Motion, managers of the Dronfield Arts Festival, are now sharing the artwork online, to allow everyone to enjoy a fantastic selection of unique pieces, created by some of our most talented local artists.

The diverse array of styles and mediums on display, reflects the varied backgrounds of the entrants. Award-winning artist Carole Slinn, whose modern, mixed-media artwork focuses on an individual’s personal history and how this influences their identity, is just one of the artists featured in the exhibition.

Heron Publications, the publishers of Twist Magazine, are this year’s festival patrons, will be awarding the two most outstanding pieces of art with the titles of ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Highly Commended.’

Art lovers, or those looking to treat someone special, can purchase any of the original artwork currently being exhibited in the online gallery, subject to availability.

Click here to view the online art gallery

Dronfield Arts Festival, FWD Motion and Heron Publications are all members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme.

To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

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

Talent contest by local care group lifts spirits amid coronavirus crisis

31st May 2020

Local care provider, Heathcotes Group, has been helping to keep its service users engaged during lockdown with a talent contest inviting their services to show off their creative abilities.

Fifteen services took up the invitation to enter Heathcotes’s Got Talent, which showed off a fantastic mix of artistic styles recorded on audio and video, including choreographed dancing, drawing, rapping, Elvis impersonations and a COVID-19-themed dance mix. Many of the entries promoted an uplifting message expressing positivity and solidarity in dealing with the coronavirus crisis whilst thanking the UK’s courageous key workers in the NHS and social care.

Gemma Hollingsworth, Director of Operations (North) said: “All the entries had plenty to admire and it was difficult to pick out winners. We ended up choosing four winners and all the other services received certificates of commendation. They certainly showed that they’ve got talent and they put a big smile on our face!”

“COVID-19 has impacted many people’s mental health and the pandemic has been an enormous challenge for a care provider that support adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs. The response from our staff has been amazing – our services nationwide have been coming up with all kinds of creative ways to lift spirits, keep our service users occupied and help them cope with the disruption. We’ve seen baking contests, photo shoots, rainbow-themed parties, art galleries, newsletters, garden makeovers and numerous other activities and events.”

Natalia Lysiuk, Director of Business Development, said: “Under immense pressure, our Support Workers, Team Leaders and Service Managers have shown unwavering commitment in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society, at a time when they need that support more than ever. We are incredibly proud of their work and the difference that they’re making. We’re also proud of our service users – their spirit and resilience have been incredible during such a difficult time for everyone.”

With expertise in providing living environments that closely resemble typical family homes, Heathcotes Group currently has 72 services nationwide. The company offers a wide range of specialist support for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, personality disorders, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy.

Click here to find out more about the Heathcotes Group

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

Chesterfield Borough Council announce plans to reopen markets

29th May 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council has now finalised its plans to restart its open-air markets, in line with both Government and industry guidance.

Regular market traders will be invited to return to the town centre to trade on the town’s general market from Monday 1 June, with further markets scheduled for Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June. No casual traders will be allowed to join the regular market traders at this stage.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Our priority is to ensure that Chesterfield town centre is as safe as possible for everyone, our staff, our market traders and the visiting public.

“We have conducted a specific review looking at how the council can help our outdoor market traders to start to return by introducing physical changes to the layout of the market to maintain safe social distancing and signage reminding people from different households to keep 2 metres apart and to regularly wash or gel their hands.”

“The council will not be restarting the Thursday’s popular flea market at this stage. We need to first learn the lessons from how next week’s general markets operate in terms of queuing systems, customer journeys and social distancing pinch points.”

“We are however committed to restarting the flea market as soon as possible and will continue to liaise with trader representatives about how this can be safely achieved.”

The council would expect returning regular market traders to be in place from 8am though many are likely to work reduced hours for a number of weeks.

Chesterfield Borough Council will also continue to support retailers selling essential goods to trade from the Market Hall. Access in and out of the Market Hall will however continue to be controlled to maintain safe social distancing within the premises.

The public toilets located in the Market Hall will re-open from Monday 1 June, with social distancing measures and extra cleaning processes in place; this may mean increased queues for the toilets.

Councillor Kate Sarvent continued: “As we move towards the phased re-opening of Chesterfield town centre, I would encourage residents to support our local traders on our general markets and at the Market Hall which will help us to restart our local economy.”

“Shopping local is important for a number of reasons including supporting our traders from a financial point of view and reducing the number of miles we are travelling to buy our essential products such as groceries, which has a positive impact on our environment.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging its shopworkers and residents to cycle or walk into the town centre, wherever possible.

The council had planned to lower car parking barriers and re-introduce car parking charges from Monday 1 June. These measures will now take effect from Wednesday 3 June and will include the reopening of the council’s two multi storey car parks at Saltergate and Beetwell Street, and two-barrier controlled surface car parks at Rose Hill and Soresby Street.

Parking permits including pre-paid scratch cards are also available and significant cost reductions can be achieved through purchasing these in advance. Please make sure you properly display your permit when parking your car.

Funding generated from town centre car parking charges helps the council to cover the cost of several essential services, including CCTV, street cleaning and public toilets provision.

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

New Chesterfield FC Youth Academy offers opportunities for young footballers

29th May 2020

There are opportunities for local young footballers to join the new Chesterfield FC Youth Academy.

Following a re-structure, the academy will be operated by Chesterfield FC Community Trust and take part in a National League programme. Youngsters who join the academy will train and play in matches while receiving full-time education.

Academy Manager Neil Cluxton outlined the opportunities available for suitable players. He said: “We’re looking to build a squad of around 18 to 22 players for an Under-19 youth team. We are also looking to play in a regional Under-21 league with the scope also for some senior football on a Saturday.

He added: “We’re going to need quite a strong squad to fulfil these fixtures and to support the first team at the same time. We’re looking to recruit locally as much as we can, so I’d urge any local footballers who think they have got what it takes to get in touch.”

Cluxton explained that the youngsters will also be studying during their time with the academy to help them with their personal development: “Players will be in a full-time education programme so we’re working in partnership with a local training provider who are going to provide a flexible timetable that fits in and around the football training”.

Applications are invited from 18-year-old players who have been released from Football League clubs as well as local players of sufficient standard who would like the opportunity of a year’s full-time football training alongside a flexible education programme, giving them the chance of progression into a full-time football club.

To qualify, you will need to be under the age of 19 on September 1. For further information, please email neilcluxton@spireitestrust.org.uk or phone Neil on 07765 972348.

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

New survey launched to better understand how Covid-19 has affected physical activity levels

28th May 2020

Active Derbyshire has launched a new survey to better understand how physical activity levels may have been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey, which is being launched across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, aims to get a further understanding of whether resident’s frequency of exercise has been affected positively or negatively, and to explore the possible reasons for this.

The survey will run until Friday 6 June and anyone who participates will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £50 in shopping vouchers.

Anyone can participate and is encouraged to share with as many friends and families as possible so more communities can be reached.

Stuart Batchelor, Active Derbyshire Director, said: “The Active Derbyshire team, our partners and our board are committed to our vision, and working hard to deliver our vision of making physical activity, including sport, the norm for people who live, study and work in our communities.”

He added: “Active Derbyshire are calling on all partners and stakeholders who share this purpose, to work together collaboratively to make physical activity the norm for people who live and work within our communities. By sharing this survey, you can help us to gather important information to better understand the physical activity landscape during this time – keep an eye on our social channels and newsletters where we’ll be sharing the survey also.”

To take part in the survey please visit: https://www.activederbyshire.org.uk/active-at-home#survey

Click here to find out more about Active Derbyshire

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

Local residents invited to help name new Wingerworth development

28th May 2020

Local residents in are being invited by housebuilder Rippon Homes to name a new development of homes in Wingerworth.

The development located on Deerlands Road will comprise 180 properties, split over four phases. Each phase requires a title as well as the overall development. This is the second development Rippon has built in the village having provided 51 high quality new homes at Kings Meadow also on Deerlands Road back in 2015.

The mix of two, three and four bedroom homes will help meet the demand for starter and affordable homes in the area, allowing younger and expanding families to return to Wingerworth and support local facilities such as the schools, village hall, health facilities and local retail businesses.

Carefully designed to blend with the existing homes in the village with a mixture of two-storey properties and bungalows, the new Rippon homes will still boast modern interiors and features alongside the thoughtfully designed exterior designs which benefit from off road parking and electric car charging points.

The village itself offers an excellent range of amenities including shops, pubs, communal facilities and well- reputed schools available for a range of age groups from nursery to secondary grades.

Ian Dyke, Managing Director at Rippon Homes said, “We are very pleased to be bringing our quality homes to Wingerworth once again and look forward to selecting the perfect name to reflect that.”

“We know Wingerworth has a very close knit community and the new development will become an integral part of the village life, hence it was a natural decision to invite local people to name it!”

Entries should be submitted to ripponhomes@unsworthsugden.co.uk by Monday 22nd June 2020. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number alongside your name suggestion and reason behind it.

Rippon is hosting a public consultation for the development online for the first time via its website on Friday 29th May 2020, which can be accessed here.

Feedback can be given via the online form and the plans are available to view on the web page as they would be if we were having a physical event.

You can view the Site Plan & Street Scenes here.

Images credit: Rippon Homes

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

Chesterfield company create virtual community art gallery

27th May 2020

Seymour & Lerhn, a division of Chesterfield-based technology Oasis Studio, have created The Rainbow Gallery, an online community art project where both children and adults can submit pictures of their artwork to be showcased in the virtual gallery.

In order to adhere to the latest government advice, Seymour & Lerhn decided to think creatively and decided to host a virtual art exhibition. Delivered online in an immersive 360-degree environment, visitors can view and submit their images of colourful paintings, sculptures, and even poetry. The aim of the gallery is to be inclusive and available for everyone, whilst celebrating the fantastic efforts that NHS staff and key workers are going through.

Seymour & Lerhn Associate, Charlie Power (right), explains: “We created The Rainbow Gallery as a way to bring people together, even during social distancing. As you walk down the street or look on social media, lots of people are creating artwork to celebrate the key workers of the UK. We thought we’d create a virtual space to bring all the fantastic artwork together in a central place, in an immersive, interactive way.”

The exhibition is free to tour around, and visitors can observe the artwork created by people from across the UK, without even having to leave their own home.

Oasis Studio Founder & Director, Paul Deakin, said: “It’s easy to just focus on the physical effects to public health during COVID-19, however we also need to focus on the mental health of the nation. With people not being able to see family and friends, getting furloughed, or potentially spending a lot time on their own, the morale of the nation is low.”

“We’re not saying that all mental health problems will go away with a single painting, but art offers escapism to focus on a project, have a fun time, and enjoy the end result.”

Seymour & Lerhn are encouraging residents across the country to submit and create their own artwork, as they are promoting the benefits to mental health by doing so. To tour The Rainbow Gallery or to submit your artwork, click here.

Click here to find out more about Oasis Studio

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

Chesterfield town centre prepares for retail reopening

26th May 2020

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this month regarding plans to restart the economy and ease lockdown restrictions over a planned period, Chesterfield Borough Council is working with retailers and market traders to assist wherever possible with the phased re-opening of shops and stalls in the town centre.

The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre is the council’s number one priority. Over the next couple of weeks, people visiting the town centre will start to see a number of physical changes in advance of more market stalls opening, potentially from Monday 1 June and more shops from Monday 15 June.

Signage will be visible around the town centre to advise shoppers where to queue outside individual shops, and where restrictions may be enforced, as they are currently at the Market Hall, regarding limiting the number of people who can enter premises at the same time.

There will also be signs in other areas such as Chesterfield Borough Council 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.

Barriers will be available for shops to use to make it clear where people should queue and wait to enter shops and this process will be supported by a number of council appointed ambassadors who will be deployed around the town centre to assist shoppers and maintain safe social distancing.

The council has been working with a number of town centre retailers to establish what assistance they might need in controlling queuing outside their stores, particularly in terms of barriers, signage and floor markings; the intention being to create safe queuing zones and pedestrian flows in these areas.

The public toilets located in the Market Hall will re-open from Monday 1 June, with social distancing measures and extra cleaning processes in place; this may mean increased queues for the toilets.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Our priority is to ensure that Chesterfield town centre is as safe as possible for everyone. Whilst we are still awaiting further government guidance about the relaxation of lockdown measures, the council is committed to supporting local retailers and market traders to return to the high street.”

“We have conducted a specific review looking at how the council can help our town centre retailers and traders to start to return by introducing positive measures such as signage reminding people to follow social distancing guidance and controlling queuing outside shops, all of which will be in place soon.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging its shopworkers and residents to cycle or walk into the town centre, wherever possible.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, added: “Please do think about whether you need to drive into the town centre or take public transport. We would encourage you to cycle or walk. This would good for the environment and good for your health and wellbeing.”

The council will be lowering the car parking barriers and re-introducing car parking charges from Monday 1 June.

Residents are reminded to use their Resident’s Permit, which entitles them to park for free in most car parks before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Find out more about this here: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-car-parks-and-parking-fines/free-parking-for-chesterfield-residents.aspx

Funding generated from town centre car parking charges helps the council to cover the cost of several essential services, including CCTV, street cleaning and public toilets provision.

If you would like to find out more about the location of car parks in Chesterfield or car parking charges visit https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-car-parks-and-parking-fines/car-parks-in-chesterfield.aspx

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

Peak District & Derbyshire marks English Tourism Week

26th May 2020

For English Tourism Week (25-31 May), Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is highlighting the need to protect the long-term future of tourism – by shining a spotlight on the sector’s value to the local economy.

English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, dedicated to showcasing the country’s diverse tourism offer. For this year’s event, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has joined with local leaders to pledge support for the sector’s recovery.

Tourism is a vital industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire, employing more than 30,000 people and generating more than £2.3 billion a year for the local economy. But the impact of government restrictions and the seasonality of the industry mean that many businesses now require crucial support.

Recent surveys* collated by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire show that by March, coronavirus had already had ‘a major negative impact’ on over 80% of tourism businesses, with many reporting cancellations as far ahead as October. If lockdown restrictions lasted until the end of September, businesses said they would lose 97% of their income.

Ahead of the potential reopening of the hospitality industry on 4 July, 30% of businesses said they wouldn’t be able to open if restrictions such as social distancing measures remained in place. Over 20% said they may be forced to cease trading entirely – highlighting the need for long-term support to protect the sector’s future.

Throughout English Tourism Week, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is encouraging people to pledge their support for local tourism businesses by using the hashtag #ProtectTourism and #EnglishTourismWeek20.

The tourist board is urging its followers on social media to share a ‘Peak District and Derbyshire Wish List’ of businesses they look forward to visiting when restrictions have eased, and to continue experiencing the Peak District and Derbyshire from home via www.visitpeakdistrict.com/inspiration/at-home.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “English Tourism Week is about celebrating the quality and value of our tourism offer, and during these testing times it has never been more important to support our local businesses and highlight the valuable contribution they make to the local economy.”

She added: “Tourism has been one of the earliest and hardest hit of all economic sectors and we must act now to protect the industry’s future. We’re working closely with our local and national partners to plan for recovery and help businesses bounce back. Part of these plans include the development of common industry standards that will provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for both businesses and visitors, so the sector can open safely when the time is right.”

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis said: “It’s vital that Derbyshire’s tourism industry has the tools at its disposal to bounce back once restrictions are lifted and people are able to start visiting our wonderful county once more.”

“Derbyshire County Council, together with Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, has a key role to play in helping the sector re-open for business and we’re committed to supporting the industry to safely welcome back visitors when the time comes.”

Robert Largan, Member of Parliament for High Peak, said: “Tourism is a vital part of our local economy. A huge number of High Peak jobs depend on tourism, both directly and indirectly. It’s really important that we do all we can to protect the industry through this crisis, as tourism will play a key role in our economic recovery. I look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Peak District, to enjoy our beautiful part of the world and to spend money here, when the crisis is over.”

*Results taken from Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Coronavirus Business Impact Survey (17-23 March 2020) and Tourism Recovery Planning Business Survey (27-30 April 2020).

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

Destination Chesterfield is going on a bear hunt

21st May 2020

Ten bears have been hidden across the websites of businesses and visitor attractions in Chesterfield, all ready for children to find over the May Half Term holiday. And they can win prizes.

Coordinated by Destination Chesterfield, the bear hunt has been created to remind families of some of the great places available to visit locally – once social distancing restrictions are lifted.

Each of the 10 bears hidden on the websites have a letter. Once all the bears have been found they will spell out a word which bear hunters can then enter in a free prize draw for the chance to win tickets for future use at local venues.

Prizes include a family ticket for Barrow Hill Roundhouse, a family ticket for Matlock Farm Park, two pairs of tickets for Chester’s Den and a £20 Chesterfield Canal Cruise Voucher.

Bear hunters have until 8pm on Sunday 7th June to complete their search and enter the prize draw.

The bears can be found on websites belonging to Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield Community Trust, Chesterfield Leisure Centres, Chesterfield Museum, Chesterfield Theatres, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Dronfield Hall Barn, Matlock Farm Park, Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa and Straightcurves.

A number of the businesses and venues involved in the bear hunt have adapted their services during lockdown. Straightcurves is providing virtual creative workshops and Chesterfield Museum has offered a selection of family activities and a virtual tour.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator explained: “It has been great to work with 10 local leisure businesses to offer a fun bear hunt competition for families during lockdown. While enjoying the bear hunt and visiting the websites, it’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy many of the venues virtually.”

The bear hunt is part of a special package of support Destination Chesterfield’s is delivering to Champions during the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this month it launched a mini website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal – giving details of more than 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, venues, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that are continuing to operate by adapting their services to meet the needs of the community.

Tara added: “As the town’s marketing campaign we work with over 180 local businesses, known as Chesterfield Champions, to raise the profile of the town. We have been keen to provide business and marketing support to help organisations navigate through these challenging times. Many of the businesses have continued to engage with their customers online and we are keen to encourage these interactions during their temporary closure period and throughout their plans for recovery.”

Destination Chesterfield is also asking bear hunters to share their photos along with #lovechesterfield to show their support for leisure businesses in Chesterfield.

To find out more about Chesterfield Champions, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/.

To take part in Destination Chesterfield’s bear hunt visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/competitions/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield’s Still Blooming with sunflower competition launched by council

20th May 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a new competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run until Wednesday 30 September 2020. Winners will be given a prize and special certificate and will also have the satisfaction of knowing they grew one of the best sunflowers in the borough.

There are three entry categories:

Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower (please make sure your picture is taken next to a tape measure).
Largest Sunflower – the largest flower head based on diameter or width (please make sure your picture is taken next to a ruler or tape measure).
Most Sunflowers – plant with the most sunflower heads (please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).

To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you wish to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

Whilst growing your flowers, a great way of keeping children engaged is to start a plant diary to track the growth of the sunflower. The council will also be awarding prizes and special certificates for the most creative growth diaries. Please send pictures or copies of your growth diaries along with your entry to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “In Bloom is always a great event for Chesterfield because lots of residents, businesses and schoolchildren get involved and help brighten the town and borough.”

“It is such a shame that the event cancelled this year because of the Coronavirus crisis as the Chesterfield in Bloom Committee had been working harder than ever, with Chesterfield selected to represent the East Midlands in ‘Britain in Bloom’.”

“I think this Chesterfield’s Still Blooming is a great way of keeping support for ‘Chesterfield in Bloom’ alive until next year. I hope lots of residents will take this opportunity to grow sunflowers and learn more about the plants in their gardens.”

The council will announce the winners on social media and share some of the best pictures from the competition.

Find out more about the competition on the council’s website here.

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