Summer

Residents encouraged to complete survey on high streets and town centres in the Chesterfield borough

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to complete a consumer survey to help us to learn more about how you use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick survey will ask you to tell us about markets you have visited, which high streets you visit regularly, eating out and your choice of entertainment.

Please spend a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 12 May 2022.

At the end of the questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see the ‘Crooked Spire Medieval, Murder-Mystery Musical’ on its opening night at the Pomegranate Theatre on Thursday 19 May 2022.

Complete the survey. 

You can find out more about what’s on offer across our local high streets in Chesterfield by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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

Newborns highlight Rare Breeds success at Chatsworth

While visitors have been enjoying the sights and sounds of its latest newborns this spring, Chatsworth Farmyard has been particularly celebrating the latest additions to its breeding programme for rare and sometimes critically endangered animals.

Two Albion calves, Bronte and Queenie, have been born in the past ten days. Originally called the ‘Bakewell Blues’ because of their origins in Derbyshire, Albions are listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) as the most rare ‘priority’ breed.

Meanwhile, Eugenie, Chatsworth’s Suffolk Punch mare is expecting another foal in the next couple of weeks, having successfully delivered visitor favourite ‘Huxley’ last year. The RBST considers the Suffolk Punch to be critically endangered with fewer than 500 purebred horses registered in the UK. Eugenie is one of only 72 female Suffolk Punches, making them more endangered than the Giant Panda.

Bagot goat kids and Gloucester Old Spot piglets are due soon and are listed as ‘at risk’ breeds while the farmyard is also hoping for some rare breed chicks from its Derbyshire Redcap chickens.

The Farmyard has been welcoming plenty of newborns this spring, though not all are rare breeds.  A Donkey foal, lambs, goat kids and piglets are all expected additions in the next few weeks.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar and Derbyshire Redcap chickens, as well as British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

“We are delighted to welcome our two beautiful Albion calves. They’re incredibly rare and I have always wanted to have some of these wonderful cows here. Given their local heritage it feels like the perfect fit at Chatsworth Farmyard,” said Farmyard Manager, Melissa Underwood.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) awarded RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard last year, recognising its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. Chatsworth Farmyard is now part of the 25-strong network of RBST accredited farm parks which take part in crucial conservation programmes, manage special breeding groups, and support education about rare breeds and why they matter.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground is open daily to visitors (www.chatsworth.org).

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Vegan Market launches

Chesterfield will host a regular Vegan Market in 2022 that adds to the line up of specialist Sunday markets held in the town.

The Vegan Market is run by Rainbow Monkey Events Ltd and the first one will be held on Sunday 8 May from 10am to 4pm in New Square. There will be a wide selection of vegan traders both from Derbyshire and from further afield.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The specialist Sunday markets are proving really popular amongst both visitors and residents. It’s great that we’re working with another partner to increase the variety of Sunday markets.”

Chesterfield Vegan Market will offer an amazing range of vegan products including cakes, chocolate, dog treats, fudge, jewellery, household goods, clothing, pies, pizza, plastic free and zero waste solutions and a selection of hot food.

There will also be animal charities and rescue centres promoting the services they offer and a selection of vegan artists and creatives selling their artwork. Everyone is welcome at the market whether they are vegan or not and visitors are also able to bring along their canine companions.

Sam Brundish, founder of Rainbow Monkey Events, said: “We have chosen to run some of our ethical vegan events in Chesterfield as I have a long connection with the town – I attended Chesterfield College for my Foundation Degree and I’ve been eating at Elliott’s since I first went vegan 20 years ago! And, having previously traded at the vegan markets which were run in 2019, we are keen to bring a regular vegan market to the folks of Chesterfield and beyond!

“We have already booked in a number of exciting stalls so whether you are new to veganism or interested in any aspect of it from the tasty food to the animal rescues which are local to you, we welcome you all to Chesterfield Vegan Markets starting in May 2022.”

Specialist Sunday markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

On 8 May the Chesterfield Vegan Market will take place in New Square whilst the Record Fair takes place in the main market.

Future dates for the Chesterfield Vegan Market are Sunday 10 July and Sunday 4 September. All taking place in New Square from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more about the market at www.rainbowmonkeyevents.co.uk and follow the company for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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

Adult Education Courses available in Derbyshire this summer

Bookings are now open for hundreds of daytime and evening courses and activities on offer providing opportunities for people to study for new qualifications or explore new hobbies and interests.

The summer term of activities hosted by Derbyshire County Council starts on Monday 25 April and residents can view the courses online or pick a brochure up from their local Adult Community Education Centre or Library.

Residents can book onto a course by calling, emailing, or visiting the centre where their chosen course is being held. Find an adult education centre

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “We have a range of online and face-to-face courses on offer this summer for residents wanting to learn at all levels.

“We are keen to offer adults the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications, so if adult education is something you’ve been considering, we’d encourage you to take the step and see what we have available.

“Our team is here to offer support and guidance to help you choose the right course or to help you onto a new career path so why not get in touch and see where a new course could take you?”

Courses include:

  • maths and English from entry level to GCSE
  • counselling skills
  • lip reading and signed communication
  • working with children
  • personal development such as dealing with stress and how to gain confidence
  • languages
  • digital skills such as using a computer for work.

There are also courses available for residents who are looking to explore new hobbies and interests.

Courses include:

  • pottery
  • sewing
  • tap dancing
  • recycling crafts
  • floristry and many more.

To find out more about upcoming local events and activities taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee grants available for Derbyshire Community celebrations

All 64 of Derbyshire’s county councillors have been given an extra pot of money to help local groups in their area mark the Platinum Jubilee and people are being encouraged to get their applications in now.

Every year each county councillor in the county receives £3,860, called the Members Community Leadership Scheme, which local groups can apply for to go towards community causes, and this year an additional £1,500 Platinum Fund has been added which is available now.

Groups seeking funding should contact their local county councillor explaining the nature of their project, activity or event, the amount needed, what other funding may be available and how it will benefit the community.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Last year we doubled the amount councillors could spend in their areas to help and support communities with their efforts during the pandemic and this year we’ve added to their amounts again with the extra Platinum Fund.

“We see this as a really positive way of supporting all our councillors to help their communities and I’m sure local groups will have lots of ideas as to how they can put extra funding towards Jubilee celebrations and events in their area.”

Find out more about the Community Leadership Scheme and check the name of the local county councillor in your area.

During the 2021/22 financial year, a total of 500 applications were received by the County Council and approved which were aimed at supporting local organisations and activities through the pandemic.

Find information about Jubilee plans, events and initiatives, other grants that are available nationally and who to contact to apply for a road closure for a street party or other Jubilee event.

To keep up to date with the great local events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Young Persons’ Market to return this month

Young entrepreneurs in Chesterfield are being invited to set up shop and become a market trader for the day as the popular Young Persons’ Market returns to Chesterfield market.

The Young Persons’ Market is a national initiative being run across England, giving people aged between five and 25 the opportunity to increase their business skills and Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging local young people to get involved.

Young people are invited to open a stall in Chesterfield town centre and become a market trader for the day, selling second-hand products that they have created or bought.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The next generation of businesspeople are key to the future of Chesterfield’s economy, and the Young Persons’ Market is a great way of giving them a platform to develop their skills and passion for business.

“If you prefer buying instead of selling, you’re also welcome to come along and browse the stalls for new toys, books or clothes or grab a homemade gift for a loved one. You’re sure to find a bargain and you’ll be helping to support our young entrepreneurs.”

Chesterfield has successfully run a Young Persons’ Market for over five years. This year’s market is taking place on Sunday 24 April, Sunday 26 June, Sunday 28 August, and Sunday 30 October.

Each market takes place between 11am and 3pm. Market traders should be set up by 11am, as no cars are allowed in the marketplace during trading times.

Any children that are under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.

Stalls can be booked online at: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/doing-business-in-chesterfield/sites-and-premises/trading-on-chesterfield-market.aspx

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Registration open for Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2022

People are once again being invited to register for one of the biggest events in the Chesterfield calendar, with the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk set to return on Saturday, 9th July 2022, with early bird prices available until 18th April.

The charity event sees the local community, family and friends come together to remember loved ones and help fund the hospice’s vital care.

Those wanting to join the 10km walk through the streets of Chesterfield can now sign up via Ashgate’s website to get early bird entry for just £10.

Rachel Melland will be joining her sisters Helen, Hannah and Becky as they take part in the Sparkle Night Walk for the first time, in loving memory of their father Keith, who received end of life care at the hospice in 2021.

Rachel said: “The staff were just so attentive, compassionate and professional during the time Dad was in Ashgate’s care, I remember just days before he died, one of the wonderful Healthcare Assistants explained everything to me, not in a patronising way, but in a manner which I could understand.

“Their honesty and support was so comforting at such a difficult time, and I just knew his care was in the best hands it could have been.”

It’s because of this care that Rachel has chosen to take part in the Sparkle Night Walk to say thank you to the incredible individuals who went above and beyond for her family.

She adds: “Ashgate’s care relies so much on fundraising, and we want to do as much as we can to support Ashgate as it made our family feel as though we were at home from the moment we arrived.”

The early bird ticket includes a fundraising pack, a medal, a pink Sparkle T-shirt and a pair of bunny ears for walkers to look the part whilst raising vital funds.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We can’t wait to bring our Sparkle Night Walk to the streets of Chesterfield in July this summer!

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time.

“Our Sparkle Night Walk promises to be a fun and special occasion for everyone – and currently you can sign up for just a tenner!

“Make sure you’re quick though, as our early bird entry prices end on 18th April, so our prices will go up after that date.

“We hope to welcome you all back for the much-anticipated return of our Sparkle Night Walk in July – see you there!”

The hospice, which relies on its supporters to fund £7 million of its income every year, is hoping that thousands of people in the local community will once again come together to join this year’s Sparkle Night Walk, raising funds to help the hospice continue to be there for families when it matters most.

This year’s event is once again kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota.

To find out more about the Sparkle Night Walk 2022 sponsored by Vertu Toyota, and Ashgate Hospice, visit their website: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk/.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane Celebrates Its First Wedding

The first-ever wedding reception took place at Vicar Lane last week, with guests enjoying a fabulous celebration in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Bride and groom Sam and Drew Hutchinson tied the knot last Friday (8th) at Chesterfield Town Hall. They later went on to celebrate at The Vintage Tea Rooms with opulent cakes and bubbles for an unforgettable celebration with friends and family. The wedding party later had a further top-up from the newly opened Pizza Pi in St James’s Square as the celebrations continued.

Vicar Lane’s Sarah Bowler said: “We are thrilled that the happy couple celebrated their wedding at Vicar Lane in such an individual way.”

“We have a few hidden secrets at Vicar Lane – Vintage Tearooms has its own function room which can be hired for everything from a birthday to a baby-shower. We also now have a beautiful wedding dress shop, Precious Memories, so for any future weddings we’re able to offer an even more complete service. We’re looking forward to playing host to more weddings in the future.”

A number of fabulous wedding venues have been highlighted across Chesterfield recently, with the Peak Edge Hotel being awarded the ‘best wedding venue in Derbyshire’ at the Hitched Wedding Awards. Meanwhile, Dronfield Hall Barn was recognised as one of the top wedding venues by Lux Life magazine in 2021.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is home to a wide range of both quirky, independent shops and cafes, sitting alongside well-known national high-street retailers. Find out more about the shopping centre here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Revolution House reopens for the summer

Revolution House, a public museum with an important role in history, is set to reopen its doors and welcome visitors over the summer.

The Museum opens on Friday 15 April and will then be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays until Sunday 18 September. It is free to visit but donations are welcome.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revolution House is a fantastic little attraction in our borough, it tells the story of a small piece of our history that not many people are aware of and is a chance to learn more about our heritage whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed. It is well worth a visit and is completely free. We’ll also be hosting some great events there over the summer so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more details.”

Chesterfield Museum is currently closed as a multimillion-pound refurbishment is set to get underway at Stephenson Memorial Hall where both the Museum and Pomegranate Theatre are based.

The work will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield which will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Whilst the Museum is closed, the team will be arranging a series of interactive activities around the borough called Museum on the Move and Revolution House will also be open to ensure everyone can learn about the borough’s history.

Revolution House, then the Cock and Pynot Inn, was the meeting place of the 4th Earl of Devonshire, John D’Arcy, and the Earl of Danby as they plotted to overthrow King James II in 1688.

At Revolution House, you can find out more about the Revolution of 1688 and there is also a collection of 17th Century furniture.

On Monday 2 May, professional Tudor minstrel Dante Ferrara will be performing at Revolution House. The instruments he will demonstrate are the lute, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, colascione and English bagpipes.

He will be performing five times throughout the day with the first performance at 11.15am and there will be the opportunity to ask him questions and take photographs with him.

More events will be hosted at Revolution House throughout the summer. Find out more details about upcoming events online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revolutionhouse

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Area Walking Festival returns for 2022

The Chesterfield Area Walking Festival is returning for another year, with residents and visitors being encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy what the area has to offer.

The annual festival – taking place from Saturday 14 May to Sunday 22 May – features a variety of gentle strolls, family walks and hikes for those who are more experienced. Tickets for the festival will be available to book from Tuesday 1 March.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The festival really offers something for everyone to enjoy. We have so many beautiful countryside locations around Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, so taking part in this event is a great way to explore some new places or visit your favourite locations with friends and family.

“The festival is really popular and regularly sells out. If any of the events interest you, then book your ticket as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

There will be a variety of walks to take part in – including Big Hikes such as The Chesterfield Round, Bolsover Boundary Walk and Ogston and Ashover Circular.

Evening walks such as Railway, Rother and Return or Hidden Treasures, which give walkers an opportunity to find out some interesting stories from inside Spital Cemetery, will also be taking place.

The popular Boots and Boat walks return allowing walkers to combine a canal side wander with a short boat ride.

There are a range of family friendly walks such as the Queen’s Park Buggy Walk, the Family Fun Wildlife Walk and the Family Adventure Journey.

Last year’s event was a huge success, with many more people embracing the outdoors due to the pandemic.

To ensure the festival can be delivered safely, there are a limited number of tickets available for each walk. Please note that booking is essential and anyone who has not booked an advance place may be turned away.

To book tickets for the festival visit: www.chesterfieldwalkingfestival.co.uk

There are also many other self-led walks available all year round in and around the borough. To find out more about these visit: www.visitchesterfield.info/walking

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

Girls Aloud star announced as headliner for Chesterfield Pride 2022

The organisers of the popular Chesterfield Pride event have announced the iconic Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud will be headlining the main stage at this year’s event.

The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes place annually at Stand Road Park, attracting thousands of attendees each year.

Girls Aloud are one of the biggest pop groups of the last 20 years and secured 21 top 10 singles in the UK charts.

The Main Stage will see the festival’s biggest ever line up of artists including Denise Pearson (lead singer from Five Star), S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara, 80’s heartthrob Nathan Moore, the Queen of Clubland Kelly Llorenna and back by popular demand Dene Michael of Black Lace. The festival has confirmed it will be announcing even more artists very soon.

The Kranlee Logistics Cabaret Stage will once again host some amazing local artists and drag performances. This stage has been an amazing success since it was launched a few years ago.

The event has once again teamed up with Van Dyk by Wildes to bring people an even better VIP experience. The VIP passes give people the chance to enjoy private toilets, private bar area, priority entry and also front stage access.

Lead organiser, Dan Walker said: “We are proud to be a community event that is open to everyone. The event has grown every year and is now one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the Country.”

Chesterfield will play host to a number of great events throughout 2022. Keep up with everything coming up across the town on our event listings page here.

Find out more about Chesterfield Pride 2022 at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-pride/

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