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Staveley Waterside Development gets underway

A transformation is about to begin at Staveley town’s canal basin as part of the Staveley Town Deal, a £25 million government-funded regeneration programme for the area.

A new, 2-storey building is to be constructed adjacent to Staveley Canal, creating an attractive mixed use facility that will support 11 business units for office, retail and workshop use alongside opportunities for food and drink. In short, creating a whole new destination in Staveley for both commerce and visitors.

The project is being managed and funded by a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the Staveley Town Deal, which is overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council. The Town Deal is providing £3.5 million of the £4.5 million cost of the project with the balance being met by the County Council.

The canal basin will be greatly enhanced by the new development and, hopefully, will encourage more visitors to make recreational use of the canal for walking, cycling and boating. Access to the site will be improved with a new road and footpath and there will be indoor and outdoor dining space. Contractors started work on phase 1 of the project at the end of July. This initial phase is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2025.

This Staveley Waterside project forms part of the wider Markham Vale programme of works, a flagship 85-hectare business park based on the site of the old Markham Colliery.

The programme is a joint venture being delivered jointly with HBD focused on attracting and assisting businesses to support net zero ambitions and helping make Derbyshire a greener and lower carbon place to live, work and visit.

staveley waterside

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “It’s great to see this highly anticipated new development get underway at Staveley.

“Not only will it bring more life and jobs to the area, it will also draw more visitors to this attractive canal-side environment and encourage greater use of the infrastructure that’s already there.

“We have drawn on our many years of experience from work at Markham Vale and brought it to the Staveley Waterside project to help regenerate the area. It will provide both high-quality business accommodation and a visitor destination that people from near and far can enjoy.”

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I am thrilled to see this prominent project right by the canal, start on site. This landmark development is a key part of the Town Deal programme as it will help create new jobs and encourage people to explore the historic canal, contributing to our overall goal of ensuring that Staveley is a place where everyone can start, stay, and grow.”

Staveley Waterside is one of 3 projects the county council is leading as part of the Staveley Town Deal which includes 10 projects in total.

Wheels to Work is a project we are leading to help people in Staveley access job and training opportunities by providing bicycles and e-scooters for those with limited transport options. And we are also working with partners on a project to reinstate a railway station in Barrow Hill and create better public transport connections between Staveley, Chesterfield and Sheffield for jobs and training opportunities.

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal Projects here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

group of representatives holding banner wearing hard hats

 

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Chesterfield gastropub added to prestigious Michelin guide

A Chesterfield gastropub has been added to the Michelin guide, putting it amongst the best restaurants in the country.

The Bulls Head, Holymoorside, was awarded with an Inspectors addition into The Great Britain and Ireland selection of the guide in July.

Being listed in the prestigious guide amongst the best restaurants in the country is an accolade Mark Aisthorpe Patron and Head Chef has dreamed of from the moment he took the reigns.

The Michelin Guide documents The Bulls Head as having gained a “Strong following for being Gastronomically adventurous and having a passionate team who make a real effort to welcome their guests. The kitchen shows great ambition within the pub surroundings, with a tasting menu available alongside a la carte.  The chefs show great skill in spotlighting their quality produce like the super fresh wild sea bass cooked to perfection. Well-appointed bedrooms complete their appealing overall package.”

The Bulls Head is set in a traditional village pub on the edge of the Peak District National Park and has a widespread reputation for fine dining. Their overall aim is to provide a high-quality dining experience using produce that is fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.

Mark Aisthorpe, Patron, said: “I am totally overwhelmed and in gratitude to Michelin Guide for this prestigious award which recognises our dedication to quality, innovation and excellence within the culinary world.

“The hard work staff and I have put into achieving this honour is a testament to our commitment in providing an exceptional dining experience. I am so proud of what the Bulls Head stands for and the magnificent efforts of each and every member of the team.  I can’t thank Michelin Guide enough for this amazing accolade.”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “It is fantastic to see a Chesterfield restaurant featured in the prestigious Michelin guide, showcasing the fantastic food and drink sector in our town. A huge congratulations to Mark and his team at The Bull’s Head on this wonderful achievement.”

If you’re looking for great places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, discover some of the fantastic venues across our town here.

Chef wearing apron smiling for camera

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Board launched to strengthen regional business connections

Representatives from across the East Midlands are being sought to help strengthen the connection between East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and local businesses.

EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the main EMCCA Board, chaired by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and EMCCA’s committees. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses is harnessed when making decisions around the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net-zero.

David Williams, Chairman of Geldards, one of the UK’s leading law firms and business representative on the EMCCA Board will chair the new Business Advisory Board.

David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “I’m committed to raising the economic prosperity of our region and through this board we will build a strong partnership between the public and private sector and ensure that the benefits of devolution can be realised across the region. We need experienced individuals to join the board who are willing to share their insights to help guide the work of the new combined county authority.”

Mayor Claire Ward said: “It is vital that we bring together representatives from across the business community to help shape the future direction of the East Midlands. Our region is home to a huge range of businesses from global manufacturers through to small high street retailers and through this board we can shape policies and support programmes that will drive growth across our region.”

EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board will include 16 members, including representatives from the private and public sector and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Private sector representatives will include experts from large businesses, small and medium enterprises and sectors with a significant chance of attracting further investment.

Members of the Board will be expected to have a good understanding of the East Midlands region and the business sectors that operate within it, experience of leadership roles in business and understand the challenges faced by businesses.

The Business Advisory Board will meet four times during each financial year.

More information about the Business Advisory Board including details about the role of the board and the person specification for members can be found in the East Midlands Combined County Authority Board papers from Monday 17 June: (Public Pack)Agenda Document for East Midlands Combined County Authority – Board, 17/06/2024 11:00 (derbyshire.gov.uk)

Two briefing sessions for businesses are set to take place on the following dates:

  • Weds 14th at 1400
  • Thurs 15th at 0930

Anyone wishing to express an interest in joining EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board should contact Acting Executive Director for Strategy and Inclusive Growth, Will Morlidge at will.morlidge@eastmidsdevo.org.uk

claire ward speaking into a microphone at Celebrate Chesterfield

 

 

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Successful Markham Vale Scheme turns 20 years old

From a former colliery site to a contemporary business hub housing 70 businesses supporting more than 2,700 jobs, Markham Vale is celebrating turning 20.

A joint venture in partnership with property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, the 200-acre scheme – situated off M1 junction 29a – is centred around what was the mostly derelict Markham Colliery site and has been transformed into a prime business location over the last 2 decades.

The successful partnership has resulted in the creation of bespoke spaces for businesses of all sizes. From local start-ups such as a car body repair shop to large occupiers such as Great Bear logistics, and medium-sized marketing agencies such as Noonah, the site has become a hub of diverse economic activity bringing employment opportunities for the local community.

Plans for further expansion and green initiatives include the installation of 30 electric vehicle charging points in collaboration with Gridserve and the improvement of cycle areas to promote sustainable transport.

Markham Vale has also fostered a sense of community and remembrance through the ‘Walking Together’ memorial as a lasting tribute to men who lost their lives in mining disasters at the site in 1937, 1938 and 1973.

Weaving through the site from the former pithead to the village of Duckmanton, the memorial features 106 individual steel statues – one for each of the men who died down the pit and acts as a permanent reminder of the site’s significant mining heritage.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “Markham Vale is a real success story and travelling around the site today you really get the chance to reflect on its phenomenal transformation over 2 decades.

“From a deserted, overgrown landscape, home to an industry of the past, to a state-of-the-art, dynamic hub attracting business and industry for the future, Markham Vale has gone from strength to strength through uncharted waters including global economic crises and not to mention a pandemic.

“Today Markham Vale continues to attract local, national, and international businesses to Derbyshire and plays a key role in helping to deliver on our commitment to building a strong, diverse, and green economy by creating jobs for local people.”

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD added: “Our partnership with Derbyshire County Council has been fantastic. HBD is incredibly proud of our close collaboration with the local community and our support in helping occupiers grow and expand their businesses. We look forward to many more successful years ahead.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is a perfect location to base your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

HBD supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New hires and investment success for Chesterfield Champions

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to share success, with several businesses marking further achievements in recent weeks.

Our latest roundup includes new hires, promotions and investment success, alongside good news for the area’s women’s cricket scene.

Find out the latest in our roundup below…

Two new hires for Superior Wellness

superior wellness new hires

Superior Wellness has announced the appointment of Richard Walker as their Global Marketing Director. He joins them with over 15 years of international experience in on and offline marketing, above and below-the-line advertising, e-commerce, social media, influencer projects and celebrity endorsements.

Richard is a multi-award-winning International Marketing Director with a proven track record. Before joining Superior Wellness, he was the Marketing Director of Wren Kitchens and the Wren brand guardian since its inception in 2009.

He drove marketing effectiveness and business expansion, contributing to double-digit growth in turnover each year. In less than five years, Wren had grown to become the UK’s leading retailer and distributor of kitchens and bedrooms and now has over 120 showrooms in the UK and US and an annual turnover in excess of £1billion.

Richard said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at such a crucial point in Superior Wellness’ growth. There is a huge opportunity to play our part in the global wellness market – and great things are already happening.”

In addition, the company has expanded its International team with a new International Sales Manager. Victor Puig has over 15 years across a broad range of sectors including consultancy, communication and sales.

Víctor’s previous role was International Sales Manager at Aquavia Spa (one of Europe’s largest spa manufacturers). He spent five years at Aquavia Spa and seven years in international commerce focused on Europe and Latin-America.

Víctor previously served for 8 years (two terms) as the City Council party leader in his local constituency and as the International Officer for a mainstream party in Catalonia.  He also holds a Law Degree by the University of Barcelona, and an MBA by the Barcelona School of Management.

Víctor said: “I am thrilled to join a dynamic team with such proactive leadership and a clear vision to become a global player. The fast-paced environment at Superior Wellness, combined with our ambition to redefine the wellness industry, makes this an incredibly exciting opportunity. I am eager to contribute to our collective success and help drive innovative growth strategies forward.”

Success for Devonshire Group as Peak Shopping Village reaches full occupancy

Peak Village Summer

Visitors to Peak Village are to be treated to the arrival of two Derbyshire-based independent businesses this Summer as the centre continues to evolve its retail and leisure mix in line with a long-term investment strategy by owners, the Devonshire Group.

Now fully let, August will see the centre welcome Ashbourne-based luxury fashion boutique, Young Ideas and pottery studios, The Clayrooms. This latest milestone at Peak Village builds on a strong year at the retail destination, with footfall climbing to half a million in spite of difficult, post-pandemic trading conditions. Positive momentum is likewise being reflected in the centre’s financial performance, with turnover up by over £4m in the past three years, peaking at £8m for FY 2023-24.

Young Ideas has taken on a 1,500 sq ft unit at Peak Village following the runaway success of another of their group brands, Henmores, which itself opened at the centre in October 2023. The boutique will run as a pop-up shop for an initial six months.

The arrival of Young Ideas and The Clayrooms is the latest phase in the development of the retail and leisure outlet at Peak Village, providing greater choice for customers, increasing employment opportunities, and supporting the growth of local businesses.

Katayune Jacquin, centre manager at Peak Village, said: “Fully letting Peak Village marks an exciting milestone in our journey to transform the centre’s appeal to customers. It’s a real testament to, and show of confidence in, what our investment in the site has been able to achieve. In The Clayrooms and Young Ideas, we have two exciting businesses joining us that I know will become favourites for our visitors. With both new arrivals having Derbyshire roots, we’re also delivering on our promise to champion incredible regional brands, as well as giving visitors from farther afield a real insight into everything Derbyshire has to offer.

“The transformation of Peak Village isn’t done yet though. We have exciting updates and developments for the centre on the horizon that are set to further improve our customer proposition and support the efforts of our agents, FHP, who are working hard to ensure that Peak Village is the go-to destination for great new letting prospects.”

Work is currently nearing completion on a project to transform the site’s central courtyard and redesign the Massarella conservatory to provide a modernised and more welcoming areas for customers.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club successful in Women’s Tier 2 bid

Festival of Cricket 873x466 2

Derbyshire Women will play in Tier Two of the restructured domestic pyramid from 2025 onwards, after the Club’s bid to the England & Wales Cricket Board was successful.

Derbyshire’s senior Women’s team, as well as Girls’ Talent Pathway, will run alongside the current Men’s professional and junior development setup, as part of the new women’s domestic structure, which will see all first-class and national counties represented within the three-tier pyramid.

Derbyshire’s bid, which was presented as part of the process to determine which counties would be placed in each tier, was selected by the ECB, after showcasing the Club’s and Derbyshire Cricket Foundation’s commitment to growing the women’s game within the region.

As a host venue attracting record crowds for several England internationals, as well as the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, Derbyshire continues to be one of the biggest supporters of women’s cricket in the country and in June hosted the groundbreaking Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day.

The Derbyshire Cricket Foundation has delivered significant growth in the Women and Girls game across the county and in 2023, Derbyshire clubs featured in more than a quarter of all women’s cricket played across the Midlands, while the likes of Danni Wyatt, Sarah Glenn and Bess Heath, have all been involved in the Women and Girls Pathway and gone on to make multiple appearances for the national side.

Further details regarding players and coaching staff for the Derbyshire Women’s team will be announced in due course.

Derbyshire Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “The restructuring of women’s domestic cricket is a huge moment for the game, not just in Derbyshire, but across the country.

“With our successful tier two bid, we now have the opportunity to build on the fantastic work that the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation have done over many years to further grow the women and girls’ game in the county.

“We look forward to competing within tier two, where we want to be one of the standard bearers, and make a push to break into tier one, but also to inspire generations of women and girls across Derbyshire to truly believe that cricket is a game for them.

“Throughout this development of our tier two programme, we will also maintain our strong links with The Blaze, to support the growth of women’s cricket within the East Midlands with double header fixtures alongside our senior men’s team featuring both the Blaze and our Women’s team where possible across the season.”

Whittam Cox Architects shortlisted for three regional awards

Whittam Cox architects team

Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox been shortlisted for three prestigious awards at this year’s forthcoming Yorkshire Property Industry Awards.

Firstly, the practice has been nominated for the Architectural Practice of the Year award. With a dedicated team of over 120 individuals at its headquarters, the company has been a vital part of the region’s architectural landscape for over 50 years. Whittam Cox’s portfolio includes long-standing retail collaborations with nationwide retailers rooted in Yorkshire, as well as landmark urban regeneration projects like Sheffield’s Park Hill, the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park (SOLP) and London’s Brent Cross Town.

In addition, the Kangaroo Works project in Sheffield has been shortlisted for both Residential Development Over 100 Units and Design Excellence of the Year. Part of Sheffield City Council’s ‘Heart of the City II’ regeneration masterplan, Kangaroo Works has provided 365 new BtR homes in the City Centre. This project has revitalised an underused area into a vibrant urban hub, showcasing high-quality, sustainable design aimed at fostering community and enhancing city life.

Ian Lowson, Director, commented, “Being shortlisted for these awards means a lot to us. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team. We’re proud of our achievements and look forward to continuing our work in creating fantastic places for people to live, work, and enjoy. This recognition also reflects our continual pursuit of being progressive by design, always pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in everything we do.”

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Students create new logo for the Chesterfield Town Board

Students from Parkside School were challenged to create a new logo to be used by the Chesterfield Town Board, which is driving forward almost £20 million of investment over the next ten years.

More than 80 designs were submitted by students from the school, and from these Cindy Lin’s design was chosen as the winner by a panel of Town Board members. Cindy Lin, aged 15, said: “I can’t wait to see my design attached to some really exciting projects!”

The logo will be used to help promote initiatives being spearheaded by the Town Board over the next ten years.

Chesterfield Town Board is made up of local business and community representatives, together with public sector organisations, and is responsible for deciding how to spend almost £20 million of funding announced as part of the Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns.

Dominic Staniforth, a Partner at BHP LLP Chartered Accountants and Chair of the Chesterfield Town Board, said: “I want to thank all the students who submitted their designs for the Town Board logo, there were some fantastic entries, and it was a difficult job to select one winner. Cindy’s design reflects our town and will help identify the projects led by the Town Board.

“Chesterfield is already a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – and this funding will further bolster our ability to deliver on that collective ambition.”

The winning design includes the town’s most iconic landmark, the Crooked Spire, and will now be turned into a digital logo that can be used throughout the programme.

Andy Kelly, Headteacher at Parkside Community School, said: “We are delighted that Cindy’s design for the Chesterfield Town Board logo was chosen as the winner. She is an incredibly talented artist who has done a fantastic job in capturing an iconic image that shows our town moving from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing Cindy’s design across Chesterfield over the next 10 years!”

The Board is overseeing the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan, based around the priorities identified through a public consultation which took place earlier this summer.

More information about the Chesterfield Town Board can be found by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/chesterfield-town-board/

Group of school pupils with teacher holding up logo designs

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Leaders call for improved rail services across the East Midlands

Leaders across the East Midlands region have come together to call for a long-term plan for improving regional rail services.

It follows a report from Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) that shines a spotlight on the opportunity to improve rail travel across the area.

The report, titled “A Platform for Growth”, highlights the need to develop a more competitive rail offer in the East Midlands, improve performance standards, and for an East Midlands voice within the new Great British Railways.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield Railway Station is one of the busiest in the East Midlands and of vital importance to unlocking the economic potential of our borough and the wider economies of north Derbyshire and the Peak District.

“We need our train services to be catalysts for growth bringing more and better jobs to our economies, stimulating inward investment, enabling social mobility and introducing new audiences to the area’s visitor attractions.

“To achieve this, there needs to be investment in our stations, better quality trains, more frequent and reliable services, and fare structures that encourage people to leave their cars at home.”

Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of TfEM, said: “Our evidence suggests that regional rail services in the East Midlands are directly worth around £356 million per year to our regional economy. We have major population growth forecast and exciting local plans for many more new jobs and homes.

“Due to years of underinvestment, the East Midlands rail network is sparse and infrequent compared to other regions. This inevitably impacts on punctuality and the ability to run the level of services the region requires.

“Around 75% of stations in the East Midlands are served by just one train per hour or fewer, with even lower levels of service levels on Sundays and increasingly overcrowded trains on Saturdays.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way.

“We need to see a new clear plan for growth for this region in terms of both services and performance. The rail industry cannot ‘cut itself’ to financial sustainability – it must grow patronage to survive, and the East Midlands is a great place to start!”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Rail is proudly embedded in the culture of our region, yet there is so much more room for improvement when it comes to infrastructure and regional services in the East Midlands.

“Our regional rail network doesn’t yet match the ambition of our towns and cities. Commuters, local communities and business can see what rail investment has done elsewhere and rightly expect the same standards here.

“If we’re going to reduce the number of car journeys and meet our climate goals, we need to boost sustainable travel by investing in our rail network and making sure commuters are getting a fair deal. If we get this right, we could unlock tens of millions of pounds of direct economic benefits.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Although our regional fleet is undergoing a major £28.2 million refurbishment, the East Midlands transport spend per head has been significantly below the UK average level for all of the last 25 years.

“We are keen to work in partnership with Transport for the East Midlands, our mayors and other stakeholders to improve this situation. Rail is a key enabler of economic and social value and for our region to compete, grow and meet the ambitions of its citizens, greater investment in rail infrastructure and services is vital.”

Transport for East Midlands leaders call for investment in rail services

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Chesterfield Italian restaurant fulfils dream to cook for their football heroes

An award-winning Italian restaurant in Chesterfield has achieved a dream by cooking some of its signature dishes for their hometown football club.

The team at Sicily Restaurant are originally from Palermo, and have been avid supporters of the city’s football team for many years.

Last week, the Palermo team came to Chesterfield to play a friendly match against Leicester City at the SMH Group Stadium, enabling the team at Sicily Restaurant to provide a post-match meal for the players.

Monica Sardisco, owner of Sicily Restaurant commented: “We couldn’t believe it when we got the call a couple of days before the match, asking us to make pizza for the whole squad!”

“Most of our staff are from Palermo, so it’s fair to say this order was pretty special to us. We always keep an eye on how Palermo are doing, and to cook for them was a huge honour.”

The restaurant was still open for customers on the day, meaning a busy evening service for chef Alex del Vecchio, but he explained how he was more than happy to step up to the plate.

Alex said: “It was the best experience I have ever had as a chef. Making pizza and pasta for such a big team from my country was truly special.

“We were able to meet the players when we delivered the food. It was such an amazing experience for us, and we hope they enjoyed those familiar flavours of home, right here in Chesterfield.”

The Sicily Restaurant team have also received plenty of publicity in their home town after the football club thanked them for providing the food for the players.

Monica added: “We’ve had plenty of messages from people back home saying they saw us on Palermo’s social media channels. It’s fantastic to be based in Chesterfield, a town we love, while still having a strong connection to our roots back home.”

Sicily Restaurant supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Man and woman stood outside Italian restaurant smiling for camera

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West Studios to celebrate 10 years of creativity in Chesterfield

West Studios, a facility set up as a hub to support creatives in Chesterfield is marking 10 years of success this August.

The centre on Sheffield Road is a vibrant community hub where people can connect, share, learn and collaborate. Whether you’re a creative business, an independent artist, or a community group, West Studios offers a welcoming space for everyone and is home to creative businesses, independent artists, and community groups.

From hosting exhibitions and networking events to participating in community groups, it’s a supportive environment where ideas flourish and creativity thrives.

To mark the 10 year anniversary, West Studios will host a celebration event with the local community, including partners, tenant businesses, and venue clients.

Speaking about the milestone, Joby Parsons, Events and Sales Coordinator at West Studios commented: “Reaching the 10-year milestone is an incredible achievement for West Studios, our tenant businesses, and the entire West Studios community. It’s a celebration of a decade of creativity, collaboration and growth.

“West Studios has made a significant impact on the Chesterfield area. We’ve created freelance opportunities by hiring artists to deliver workshops and have a dedicated team of five people ensuring the smooth operation of the centre and supporting the hire of the centre and its facilities.

“By collaborating closely with the Chesterfield College Creative Industries Department, we provide students with invaluable experiences in a professional environment, helping them develop their skills and industry knowledge. Our initiatives support local creatives with studio spaces, virtual tenancy options, creative networking events, exhibitions and more.”

West Studios partners with various organisations to enrich the community through the arts. It serves as a venue for events, workshops, training, and meetings and collaborate on exhibitions with partners like Chesterfield Museum.

The team also carries out fundraising efforts alongside Junction Arts, such as the postcard show, to further support its mission.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “West Studios is a fabulous facility for our community, allowing local artists and creatives to flourish in a brilliant setting. The centre has been involved with some fabulous collaborations through the years, including the Chesterfield Postcard Show, which shines a light on talented local artists across our town.

“Congratulations to everyone involved on reaching the 10th anniversary, and here’s to many more years of success in the future.”

Find out more on the West Studios website or social media:

West Studios supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

West Studios interior

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Families enjoy immersive experiences at Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Thousands of families attended the second Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend, with children of all ages participating in the weekend’s workshops and activities.

The free two-day event at Queen’s Park was organised by local arts charity, Junction Arts and was funded by Arts Council England.

The line-up included an immersive movie experience, virtual reality swings, Bollywood dancing, an interactive catwalk, family life drawing, circus skills and carnival queens!

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “Thank you to everyone who came to the Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend!  We had some fantastic activities and performers, but the visitors bring the energy and positivity that makes it so special.  It was great to see local families embracing arts and culture activities: mums and dads dancing along to the Jackson 5, kids improvising with the award-winning Blockbuster Factory and grandparents dressing up as carnival queens!”

“The event aimed to create a welcoming space, where young people and their families could explore art, culture and creativity in an accessible way. We hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and made lots of memories. We’ll see you all again next year!”

A parent in attendance commented: “It has been another fantastic children’s festival, the kids have enjoyed making their sock puppets, we’ve danced, made an imaginary movie, flown like a bird on the virtual reality swings and seen live theatre – right here in Queen’s Park.  It’s such a great event for Chesterfield and local families.”

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that organises a number of festivals and events, including the Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

For more information about Junction Arts and upcoming events, visit www.junctionarts.org.

Looking for more exciting events and activities across Chesterfield this Summer? Head over to our Summer in Chesterfield page! 

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Childrens Festival

 

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Chesterfield Hospital receives top award for cancer care

Chesterfield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has scooped a national award for its commitment to patients living with incurable blood cancer – known as myeloma.

The hospital’s haematology team was presented with the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) Award in recognition of its outstanding care and dedication to patients with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer which claims the lives of 3,000 people in the UK each year.

The accolade, awarded by charity Myeloma UK, recognises the hospital’s commitment to raising the bar for treatment and providing compassionate and personalised care to patients.

Myeloma is especially hard to spot as its symptoms are often vague and dismissed as ageing or other minor conditions. By the time many patients are diagnosed their cancer has often advanced and they require urgent treatment. This can significantly impact their chances of survival and quality of life.

Gillian Bingham has been a haematology patient for 12 years and is part of the Haematology Support Group that presented the award. She said: “It has been a good journey with Chesterfield Hospital. When I first started it was a small clinic room but since moving to the NGS Macmillan Unit – wow what a difference in the location. The staff are so good, they always do go the extra mile. You can call them if you have a problem, or you are unsure about something. Nothing is too much trouble!”
Staff at the Trust were praised by Myeloma UK for their efforts to improve patients’ quality of life and eagerness to adapt and truly listen to their needs.

Richard Went, Haematology Consultant at CRH said: “We were originally accredited in 2019 – we submitted this year and went through eight areas such as patient experience, patient information, the holistic care we offer and clinical trials, and we were found to be excellent in all eight areas. This is testament to the work that has been put into the service over the last five years to keep it improving. This accreditation is especially impressive because of the additional pressure generated by Covid – it is humbling to know that we have been able to provide an excellent service during challenging times.

He added: “In Myeloma, team work is essential, and it is really important that we have good relationships with others areas such as imaging, renal, pharmacy, palliative care. It is a disease that involves many teams and we are really lucky to have strong partnerships with other services at the Trust and across the region, to help us provide people with an excellent service.

Angela Gascoigne, Haematology Specialist Nurse said: “As a team we are very proud to have achieved Myeloma UK reaccreditation particularly as several domains focus on holistic care. We are one of only seven District General Hospitals that have this award in the UK and also been reaccredited. I do advocate Myeloma UK to our patients because I think it is excellent organisation for information and support.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Royal Hospital cancer award

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