Summer

‘Escape the everyday’ campaign launched in Derbyshire to boost holiday bookings

The county’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has launched a new ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, supported by funding from VisitEngland, to help local tourism and hospitality businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visitors are being encouraged to Escape the Everyday on a unique range of bookable experiences in the area as part of the £70,000 campaign, which aims to support the sector’s recovery by promoting short breaks and boosting visitor spend.

The campaign has kicked off with a short video and branded content across social media, digital display and radio advertising. The content also drives online ‘traffic’ to visitpeakdistrict.com/escape-the-everyday, where visitors can book a range of activities and experiences across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has worked with local tourism businesses to create engaging content for the campaign centred around the themes of ‘Discovery’, ‘Freedom to Explore’ and ‘Treat Yourself’.

Experiences include walking with alpacas, feeding lemurs at a local wildlife park, foraging for wild ingredients on a fine dining experience, short breaks at luxury spa hotels and enjoying a rock-climbing taster day in the Peak District National Park.

The campaign will target pre-school families and young couples and is funded by the VisitEngland Destination Management Organisations’ Recovery Marketing Fund, which supports recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch our Escape the Everyday campaign to encourage visitors to book their holidays and experiences here in the Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We have an outstanding year-round tourism offer and we hope this campaign will inspire people to explore and discover all that we have to offer, following official guidance, whilst helping our £2.3 billion tourism industry to recover.

“From foraging and fine dining to e-bike experiences, there is so much to enjoy right across the Peak District & Derbyshire and now is the perfect time to escape the everyday and support local businesses on a short break.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism right across the country and the industry needs all of us to make sure it gets back on its feet. It is great to see the activity that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will be delivering locally, with support from VisitEngland funding and aligning with our national ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, to encourage more people to get out and discover the outstanding destinations and quality attractions here on our doorstep and to drive bookings.

“It will also support local businesses who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great visitor experience.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New ‘Garden Oasis’ open for Children at Kids Planet Sheepbridge

A brand-new outdoor garden oasis and forest school area have opened at Kids Planet Sheepbridge, one of five centres operated by the childcare firm in the Chesterfield area.

The well thought out garden environment offers children at the nursery on Dunston Trading Estate, Foxwood Road, the opportunity to explore and discover the natural world.

Designed and created in partnership with Newby Leisure, the garden, which includes a herb planting area, natural water features, mud kitchen and sandpit offers children a space full of sensory richness and away from technology.

Nursery Manager, Sarah Jones who believes it is essential for children to have the opportunity to spend time outdoors to build an important connection with the natural world said: ‘We were honoured here at Kids Planet Sheepbridge to have the Mayor of Chesterfield attend our setting. She spoke about the amazing charities she supports, which as a setting, we hope to raise funds for in the future.  The team have put in an incredible amount of work to create our fabulous outdoor space and the children are loving the time spent in their new outdoor environment”.

Speaking at the opening, The Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Glenys Falconer said: “I was honoured to be invited to officially open the new outdoor area at Kids Planet Day Nursery Sheepbridge.  The staff were professional and informative, and I was amazed by the standard of the new high quality, stimulating environment provided by the nursery.  Kids Planet Sheepbridge is a lovely place for children to attend, and I look forward to hearing more about the Forest School classes they are running.”

The nursery, previously owned by Excellence in Childcare before being acquired by the award-winning, family-owned Kids Planet group in 2019, caters for babies to preschool and is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 am till 6:00 pm, 52 weeks of the year.  It also offers an Out of School and Holiday Club available for children from 4 to 11 years.

For details or to register a place, contact Sarah Jones at sheepbridge@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

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

 

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Chesterfield’s hospitality sector gears up for full reopening

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is gearing up for the full re-opening of indoor dining and drinking venues under step three of the easing of lockdown.

Thanks to takeaway, delivery and, more recently, outdoor seating, a limited number of pubs, cafés and restaurants have been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic. However, with the lifting of restrictions to allow indoor dining and drinking, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are set to completely re-open from Monday 17 May.

Delighted to be finally fully re-opening Douglas Daniels, owner of The Market Pub commented: “We’re greatly looking forward to getting back, as are the whole team. We’ve really missed all of our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back into The Market Pub.

“Independent businesses give towns and cities their unique character and help to offer an alternative to the national chains. They’re also usually the first to reflect new trends and attitudes. We’ve got many new things on the way and we look forward to showcasing them soon.”

Tracey Wallis, Owner of The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We are really looking forward to being back, it’s been such a long time and we’ve missed our wonderful customers. We’re already taking plenty of bookings, so it shows that people have missed us too!

“The last 14 months have been a struggle to say the least, but I am positive that Chesterfield’s independent businesses and the hospitality sector will bounce back with a vengeance.

“Roll on 17 May when we can begin serving our much-loved range of Northern Tea Merchants’ teas and coffees again, alongside freshly prepared breakfast favourites, light lunches and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and scones.”

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands and Owner of Casa Hotel added: “Every time we have been closed, we’ve been determined to come back bigger and better and now is no different. Although we have been closed, we have been very busy! We have built the new Oak Room extension to our wedding venue, extended the terrace and built a brand-new kitchen at Peak Edge Hotel.

“At Casa, we are refurbishing the Cocina Restaurant with luxurious new booths and décor. The bar will be extensively refurbished with an amazing new design and concept – it will be the place to be in the town.

“The love everyone has shown us throughout the last year has been keeping us going. We have in fact remained open throughout the entire pandemic by supporting the NHS with free accommodation and food and, more recently, the vaccine centre here at Casa. Let us hope this is us opening for good and for an amazing summer ahead.”

During lockdown, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield supported the hospitality sector by dedicated a full page on its website, pointing customers to where they could access both takeaway and delivery services.

The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/ has details of restaurants, with sub-pages for cafés, pubs, bars and tea rooms in and around Chesterfield that have continued to operate by adapting to meet the needs of the community.

The page will continue to be updated and live until all businesses in the sector are fully operational.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Eating and drinking out, especially in Chesterfield, is all about great customer service and a fantastic product. Takeaway and delivery services have been wonderful throughout the pandemic and we’re all grateful for the hard work it took the businesses to adapt overnight and deliver this.

“But I think the town is now ready to get back into our favourite pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants to enjoy the warm atmosphere and see those familiar, friendly faces once more. We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local businesses in what’s such a crucial time for the hospitality sector.”

To find out more about eating and drinking out in Chesterfield, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Love Chesterfield

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

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

Brand new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 launched to celebrate business community’s unsung heroes

Recognising the heroes of the business community over the last year, Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards have been combined to create the brand-new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021.

After what has been a challenging time during the pandemic, the new awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

And because the high street and hospitality businesses recognised in the Love Chesterfield Awards are all at the heart of the community, Destination Chesterfield is asking people to nominate who they think should win one of these prestigious awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, nominations for the brand new awards are now open. Nominations can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

Nominated businesses will be evaluated by a mystery panel of judges before the winners are announced on Wednesday 20 October. Subject to COVID restrictions being lifted, the award organisers plan to host a black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre in October, bringing together the business community and recognising its heroes.

Commenting on the launch of the brand-new Love Chesterfield awards, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but I think we can all agree that the resilience demonstrated by our local business community has been nothing short of inspiring.

“The new Love Chesterfield Awards recognises all sectors of the business community and the role everyone has played in the town’s economic survival and recovery from the pandemic.

“I urge everyone to get involved and put forward their favourite businesses for the new Love Chesterfield Awards – it’s never been more important to recognise the work of our community’s heroes.”

There are 16 categories in total in the new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021, however people can nominate across 12 categories:

• Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor EntireFM
• Pub/Bar of the Year
• Café of the Year
• Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd
• Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
• Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Market Trader of the Year
• Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group
• Independent High Street Business of the Year

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 include the Sustainability Award, Community Contribution, Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Spirecross Ltd.

Peter Currey, Managing Director at EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards. Our team is looking forward to the build-up and, indeed, the event itself in October. EntireFM works closely with a number of clients within the retail and hospitality industry and at all levels of the supply chain. It’s been a difficult past year for both of these industries for sure and we’ve seen a lot of businesses have to dig deep to pull through.

“Being part of the Love Chesterfield Awards is, of course, a great opportunity for EntireFM as a local business. It’s an opportunity for us, and other local businesses, to give recognition to the great businesses we have here in Chesterfield and the faces behind them.”
Nominate online at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/ until midnight on 31st May 2021.

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards or ceremony, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Businesses back Love Chesterfield campaign by telling us their favourite things about the town

With Covid-19 restrictions lifting and our high-streets, markets and visitor attractions beginning to re-open, now is the time to shout about all the things that are great about Chesterfield!

Businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are backing the newly-launched Love Chesterfield campaign, launched in partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield,  by telling us the reasons they enjoy living and working in the town.

To find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign and how you can get involved in supporting the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

You can also support your favourite local businesses in the town by nominating them at the newly-launched Love Chesterfield Awards 2021. Find out more about the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/

“I would describe Chesterfield as a friendly, welcoming and historic town. It has some great independent restaurant offerings and has an expanding accommodation offer. It truly is the gateway to the peak district.”

Lee Barnes, Managing Director of Inspire Design and Development Ltd.

“There is so much change and development for Chesterfield at the moment, which is sure to make a lot of impact. Due to the nature of our business, I’m looking forward to seeing what will become of the Town Centre Redevelopment.”

Natalia Marchetta: Co-owner, Salute Prosecco

“My vision of the future of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire is a happy one but it does depend on people continuing to use the town and our fabulous collection of shops, bars, restaurants and salons. Together we can ensure that Chesterfield continues to thrive and takes its rightful place as an excellent tourist destination and a wonderful place to live, work and play”

Laura Jo Owen, Adorn Jewellers

ryan essential site skills

“The area has a powerful sense of community, always rallying together in times of crisis. Because of this, I have no doubt that Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a whole will bounce back from Covid-19 and be stronger than ever.”

Ryan Cancellara, Business Development Manager, Essential Site Skills.

“I was born and raised in Chesterfield and am proud to work and live in the area. I love living so close to the Peak District and enjoying all the town has to offer. I always love going to the Chesterfield Artisan Market. It is a great way to support small, local businesses and find unique gifts for people (or myself!)”

Phoebe Sellars, Business Development and Loan Manager at Bridge Help.

Champion of the Week

“There’s a fantastic community spirit amongst Chesterfield businesses and a wide range of business support available. This has led to some fantastic collaborations between local businesses and a great range of local events.”

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator for West Studios

steve perez honorary degree

The people in Chesterfield make the area a great place in which to run a business. Chesterfield has its roots as an industrial town, which you can see in people’s hard working ethic. People are the most important part of running a successful business, and without them our businesses would not be where they are today.

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands, Owner of Casa Hotel and The Peak Edge Hotel.

“Chesterfield has a great business community, and I have found everyone is so welcoming. The location is perfect being so close to so many things. I am pleased I chose Chesterfield for our training school the easy access, by bus, train, and car was a real selling point for us.”

Jane Manfredi, ProMUA & Beauty Training

“The growth of the food and drink scene over the last decade has been amazing, seeing an eclectic mix of new restaurants open over the last decade has been great.”

Tom Currey, Sales Director at Dales & Peaks.

 

“Everyone I speak with, whether it’s an individual or business, has a genuine affinity to help and support local people and businesses. It doesn’t matter how much the town grows, we all still retain the community spirit and prefer to support the local independent businesses.”

David Armé, Cheetham Jackson Ltd

It’s a town that continues to evolve and grow as at any one time there are always a number of exciting developments taking place.

Jon Stones, managing Director of Mortgage 1st

“The camaraderie of the local businesses is what makes Chesterfield so different. We all want to help develop the town, provide quality workspaces for growing teams and support one another. The town is so close to the peak district and provides quality hotels and B&Bs for people who are visiting.”

Jessica Risorto, Chesterfield Area Manager at Redbrik Estate Agents

 

“The best thing about working in Chesterfield is the lovely characters who are our loyal customers and they keep small businesses like the one I work for going. Their show of support for the community in difficult and challenging times has been fantastic.”

Georgina Page, R.P Davidson The Cheese Factor

“Chesterfield is really going places and I think with projects like the Northern Gateway it will help transform the town into an innovative, sustainable and above all enjoyable place to live and work.”

Matt Bust, Business Support Manager at Woodhead Construction

“I think the next ten years look very promising and there is huge potential for Chesterfield and the developments we are seeing. I hope that these developments prove successful and that businesses are encouraged and incentivised to take up these fantastic new premises and turn them into thriving hubs of activity and entertainment.”

Nick Evans, Director of Milestone Financial Planning

“I moved to Chesterfield 28 years ago and from the very beginning people were always so friendly to me but I’ve felt the most benefit since working in the voluntary sector. On the whole people are so kind and supportive of each other but where there are problems or people in need there is such a fantastic network of people and organisations out there and always someone willing to help.”

Debbie Fennell, Derbyshire Voluntary Action

 

“I see Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire in a good place at the moment. There seems to be lots happening and there are some really passionate and driven individuals”

Paul Ryan, Partnership Development Manager for Shape Learning Partnership


“There’s so much talent out there locally and lots of small businesses with great ideas and products.”

Lesley Winnard, Workpays

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

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

Love Chesterfield aims to boost the local economy

As lockdown eases, now’s the time to rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield – that’s the message behind a new campaign being launched to encourage people to love the town and borough and support local businesses.

The new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign has been launched today (Monday 10 May) by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions continue to ease.

Centred around Chesterfield town centre, and the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, the campaign is encouraging people to seek out Chesterfield’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “Our local businesses have had a year like no other and it’s never been more important that we each do our bit and help support them as best we can as national restrictions continue to ease.

“There’s a lot to love about our town and borough – things we have all missed during lockdown – and that’s exactly what our new Love Chesterfield campaign aims to shine a spotlight on.

“We’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and through the Love Chesterfield campaign we will be encouraging everyone to carry on shopping locally and safely.”

The marketing campaign will feature in local magazines and newspapers, and across social media. People will be able to sign up to receive Love Chesterfield news by email, which will include details of local events and ways to get involved. Market Traders will also be giving away special edition Love Chesterfield shopping bags.

Each month there will be the chance to win a gift from a local independent shop by taking part in a Love Chesterfield survey. The prize, worth up to £50, will showcase the great products that can only be bought in Chesterfield town centre.

Love Chesterfield Banner

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, added: “In the town centre alone there are around 200 independent retailers here you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products. Add to these retailers the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available and of course the numerous Markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone here.

“As restrictions ease, we are all getting back out, shopping and safely socialising with friends and family once again. There is no better place to do that than on Chesterfield’s high streets, which of course include Hasland, Staveley, Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield is partnering with the council to develop and deliver the Love Chesterfield campaign.

“Supporting the high streets and the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are part of it should be – and is – a team effort. We are all committed to Chesterfield’s high streets thriving long term and the Love Chesterfield campaign is an excellent vehicle for us all to get behind and raise awareness of everything that is great about the town and borough.”

Chesterfield Borough Council was awarded £96,000 from the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund. Some of this has already funded marketing campaigns such as the successful Christmas campaign and the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House and is also funding the Love Chesterfield campaign.

Cllr Gilby added: “We’ve used the government funding wisely here in Chesterfield to support businesses and the local economy. We have employed a Covid-19 information officer who has been advising businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and how to operate safely and our dedicated town centre engagement officer has been a lifeline for many retailers and hospitality businesses. Using the funding to promote the town centre and the borough’s high streets has been essential. And it’s paying off – the town centre is busy and it’s great to see new businesses opening too.

“It is now time to talk up Chesterfield. Let’s show our fantastic high street businesses some love.”

Find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Banner

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

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New coffee shop opens inside Chesterfield’s H&F furniture store

A brand-new coffee shop has opened in Chesterfield, located within the H&F furniture store on New Beetwell Street in the heart of town.

Chesterfield Coffee Co. is being described as a relaxing place for customers to unwind, whether people are browsing the shop for furniture and home accessories, or just want to pop in for a speciality coffee.

The new cafe has been developed in a vibrant and atmospheric space, whilst still incorporating the original features of the old corn mill.

H&F has been providing Chesterfield with handcrafted furniture for over 10 years, and the latest addition to the store will provide an ideal space to meet with friends and sample quality produce from many local suppliers, all based around the stunning Peak District.

The team says it is now looking forward to welcoming customers with coffees produced by talented coffee roasters who pride themselves on individuality, alongside a helping of sourdough bread and handmade pastries from local bakeries.

One staff member, Victoria said: “I am very excited to be a part of the new team at Chesterfield Coffee Co. we will be producing quality artisan sandwiches, salads and pastries as well as working within a environment which has a fresh decor inspired by a chilled Nordic and Scandinavian style and design. I am especially looking forward to welcoming customers old and new back to the coffee shop.”

Manager of the shop, Finley commented: “I am thoroughly excited to bring a city vibe to Chesterfield. After living in Leeds for the past four years, I wanted to bring some of those qualities here for people to enjoy, where everyone can enjoy the surroundings and atmosphere of our individual space. Whether you just want relax friends or have a change from working from home, it would be great to to see you all.”

 

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Special edition Gin launched by Derbyshire Distillery to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare

Derbyshire Distillery have teamed up with the Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council to launch a special edition pink gin to help raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Derbyshire Distillery was established in early 2018, using only the finest local and international ingredients. Demand has continued to grow across Derbyshire and the Peak District and beyond.

This collaboration with the Chair of the Council will see a cherry flavoured gin and glitter, it is sure to be a big hit amongst gin lovers and will be available for sale via the Derbyshire Distillery website, by visiting their premises in Markham Vale or from Chesterfield Football Club.

All of the proceeds will go towards helping raise money to support Ashgate Hospicecare in the work they do to provide palliative care to patients and support they provide to many families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Richard Aspinall, sales manager at Derbyshire Distillery said: “We wanted to see how we could help raise money for a local charity and Martin approached us to ask if we could produce a gin in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

“We set to work by producing a nice, pink and glittery gin, thanks to the brilliant work of our head distiller, Oliver Meakin. I would also like to thank Paul Truscott, who designed the label for the bottles.

“We think it is a nice way to raise funds for Ashgate Hospicecare, whereby people can have a good time and enjoy a gin and tonic (responsibly of course!)”

Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Martin Thacker MBE, said, “It has been a fantastic experience working with Derbyshire Distillery to produce this incredible special edition gin. It is sure to be a big hit with gin lovers and as a special edition – make sure you get your hands on a bottle before they run out!”

“Of course, the main reason for producing this limited edition gin is to help support my charity this year in office – Ashgate Hospicecare. All profits from the sales of the gin will be donated to the charity. The work they do to help families in their tough and distressing times is incredible and I would like to do everything possible to help support them in continuing their fantastic work and care they provide”.

The gin comes in 50cl bottles at £25 and is available to purchase from: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/ and Chesterfield Football Club.

Derbyshire Distillery, Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield FC support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New online docuseries follows Stanedge Golf Club owner’s one-woman mission to transform golf

A unique new docuseries telling the remarkable story of one woman’s mission to turnaround a rundown golf club and make it a friendly, accessible and inclusive community venue is now streaming online.

In a first for the golf industry, the fly-on-the-wall documentary, Changing the Business of Golf, follows former Ladies European Tour professional Fame Tate as she breaks with tradition and aims to transform the course and customer experience at Stanedge Golf Club, Derbyshire.

In the first episode, Fame recalls the life-changing decision to acquire the golf course and how she is turning the club into an open, friendly venue at the heart of her local community.

Meanwhile, as the team prepares for a new season, they are faced with the prospect of preparing the golf course for reopening without their head greenkeeper.

“If you’d said to me one day you’ll own a golf club, I’d have probably sat there are laughed,” says Fame, whose playing career was cut short by injury.

“My vision from day one was to break away from the traditional golf club model. It’s about making a place that’s welcoming, affordable, accessible, inclusive.”

Working closely with her greenkeeping team – and revealing how she rolled up her sleeves to get stuck in to groundwork – Fame is investing in a major course upgrade to improve playing conditions.

The series documents day-to-day happenings, including course management work led by head greenkeeper Christian ‘CJ’ Johnson.

“It was a tough task for Fame and everybody involved to get the course back to where it was,” says CJ. “But since then we have really tried to improve it as a team and get it moving forwards.”

Just one year after acquiring the club, Fame faced the potentially catastrophic challenge of the Covid pandemic and enforced lockdown, forcing her and the team to call on their inner reserves of strength and resilience to keep the business afloat.

Will she realise her vision and succeed? The series will follow Fame and her team as she reopens Stanedge Golf Club and takes on the business of golf.

Watch the first episode now on Syngenta Golf: https://www.syngentagolf.com/changing-business-golf

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

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UK’s largest jumping pillow installed at Matlock Farm Park

The largest bouncy pillow in the UK is now open to visitors at Matlock Farm Park, following the attraction’s recent reopening.

Visitors have been welcomed back to the park since covid-19 restrictions were relaxed earlier this month, giving families their first chance to see and feed the wide variety of animals being looked after

The huge jumping pillow is the latest addition to the Park, which offers indoor and outdoor play areas, both of which have been carefully designed with younger children in mind. The outdoor play area features a wooden pirate ship, slides and climbing areas, with a large sandpit, Wendy house and sit-on original tractor.

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant manager at Matlock Farm Park said: “We’ve been so keen to have a new outdoor play area for a while to provide an even better day out to our customers and whilst it’s been a very tough year financially with the closure, we decided to really go for it and buy the UK’s largest Jumping Pillow! It’s a been a huge hit with visitors.”

The attraction recently gave people a sneak preview on its social media channels, by releasing some drone footage of the new pillow:

Currently staff at the park aren’t allowing children under the age of two years to use the pillow at regular times for safety reasons, but there will be opportunity in the park’s parent and toddler mornings which run during term time, Monday-Friday between 10:00am-11:30am.

The park also has a variety of events taking place throughout the summer for all ages, including an interactive reptile weekend and birds of prey day. In addition, The Snow Sisters and The Big Bubbleman will also be paying visits to the park on selected dates in May and June.

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

 

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Chesterfield’s Still Blooming returns for 2021 

Chesterfield Borough Council is repeating its popular competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

Chris Turner, Chair of the Chesterfield in Bloom committee 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.

“I hope lots of residents will once again take this opportunity to grow sunflowers and learn more about the plants in their gardens. I know competitions like this can be that spark of inspiration that encourages everyone to get their hands dirty and put some work into their gardens.”

There are three entry categories:

  1. 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).
  2. 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).
  3. 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.

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run from Tuesday 20 April until Friday 10 September 2020.

Winners will be given a special certificate and will also have the satisfaction of knowing they grew one of the best sunflowers in the borough.

Whilst growing your flowers, a great way of keeping children engaged is to start a plant diary and allow them to track the growth of your sunflower. This is also a good way of teaching them about how plants grow and what they need to survive. The council will 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.

April and May are the best time to start to grow your sunflowers indoors before moving them outside ready to bloom by late summer.

The council will announce the winners in the October edition of Your Chesterfield and on social media.

Find out more about the competition here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/in-bloom

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