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Tickled Trout provides hundreds of lunches for students at Chesterfield summer school

North-Derbyshire restaurant, The Tickled Trout has provided 140 lunches for summer school pupils at Outwood Academy in Newbold.

The initiative is the latest in a line of kind community efforts from the Barlow-based gastro-pub, after staff provided doctors, nurses and carers at Chesterfield Royal Hospital with meals during the height of the covid-19 pandemic.

Chris Mapp, who owns and manages the restaurant said: “We just want to do our bit to help people in this really troubling time. I hope that by providing these lunches, it can help the students get a bit more out of the summer School.

“Having been in the academy, I am aware of the culinary talent of the students already there. It really is exceptional. Some of the dishes were brilliant, especially Mia’s dessert which I would quite happily serve in the restaurant. I am excited to work with the students more and see them progress.”

Chris also runs an education programme with the school through his restaurant, to help students improve their skills, and to identify students who could become future apprentices and embark on a career in the sector.

Rob Southern, Head of School at Outwood Academy Newbold, said: “We are delighted and grateful that Chris has stepped up to do this for us. Everyone is aware of how difficult it has been the last 18 months, and it really is a time for people to come together and work together.

“At Outwood, we believe in working with our community to the benefit of our students and this partnership is the perfect example of this. Working closely with someone as talented as Chris will be the opportunity of a lifetime for some of our students.”

The Tickled Trout 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 FC launches new radio station ahead of the new season

An exciting new online sports radio station – 1866 Sport – is being launched by the Spireites in time for the start of the new National League season!

Available to listen to online, via a smart speaker or an app, 1866 Sport will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing music, sports news/features and match coverage.

There will be exclusive commentary on all Chesterfield matches, with commentator Phil Tooley joined by expert summarisers. The unrivalled matchday coverage will also include pre-match and post-match interviews.

Commenting on the new station, Spireites chief executive John Croot said: “We are always looking at ways we can engage with our supporters and the launch of 1866 Sport will provide Spireites with free access to audio content.

“The station will also create a vital source of revenue for the club and a number of companies have already been signed up to provide valuable sponsorship and advertising.

“A lot of work has been put in to develop this innovative concept and with two senior management figures at the club, Bridget Ball and Nick Johnson, who both have many years’ experience in radio and broadcasting, we believe 1866 Sport has great potential.”

1866 Sport will launch on Saturday, August 21 when the Spireites kick-off the new season at Aldershot Town.

The club is also currently running ‘Camp Inspire,’ which is designed to help children and young people, many of whom are disadvantaged or vulnerable.

With funding from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, every child is provided with a free, hot, nutritious lunch.

Camp Inspire is this year based at Parkside Community School, running from Monday to Thursday (10am to 2pm), until Thursday, August 26.

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s head of education and wellbeing, said: “We received so much positive feedback following the inaugural Camp Inspire and we are determined to make a similar impact this year.

“With over 200 attending daily, I understand that we are going to be the largest HAF provider in the East Midlands, catering for the most vulnerable children in our community, which is fantastic.”

All the details about Camp Inspire can be found via www.spireitestrust.org.uk.

Chesterfield Football 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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Step up for a selfie to help celebrate the people and places of Chesterfield

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to step up for a selfie – and become part of the town’s latest piece of public art – as part of an innovative project to celebrate the people and places of the borough.

More than a thousand local people are being offered the chance to have their face featured in a new ‘Love Chesterfield Mosaic’ which is being created by Chesterfield Borough Council to celebrate the growth and prosperity of the town.

The quirky project will create a striking piece of artwork to go on display in the town’s flagship Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – one of many significant developments currently underway as part of the borough’s £1 billion growth programme.

Working in partnership with Chesterfield-based digital marketing company, noonah, the council will run a virtual photo booth throughout August where people can submit their photographs or selfies online. They will be able to choose from a selection of local landmarks to feature as their background.

There will also be two in-person events where people can get their snaps taken in the noonah Virtual Photobooth, for inclusion in the artwork.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, the council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is a thriving borough with a lot to look forward to, and we want to celebrate our people and our places, as part of this creative project.

“We’re asking people to submit a photo online or join us at one of our events happening in the town centre to have a photo taken, for an opportunity to be part of our Love Chesterfield Mosaic.

“In total, 1,200 individual images will be combined to make a striking collage which will be displayed in the entrance of our new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.”

People are invited to take part in the in-person events on the days below, when they can have their photograph taken and printed out for them to place on the mosaic.

  • Tuesday 10 August – from 9am to 5pm in Market Square next to McDonalds
  • Saturday 14 August – from 9am to 5pm in New Square

Alternatively, people can visit the Love Chesterfield Mosaic Virtual Photo Booth to upload their own photo or scan a QR code which will be displayed in shop windows around the town centre.

Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The new Enterprise Centre is central to the council’s commitment to supporting local businesses to prosper and flourish and will help to bring more skills and jobs to the borough.

“It’s at the heart of our Northern Gateway project which also includes improvements to this route into the town centre, with work currently underway on Elder Way.

“Our Love Chesterfield Mosaic will really capture and celebrate the spirit of our borough, and we’re looking forward to seeing the end result!”

People must be over 18 or have the permission of a parent or guardian, to submit a photo for inclusion. Images will be moderated before they are used as part of the project, to ensure all content is appropriate. Images must be submitted by 31 August 2021.

See the Love Chesterfield Mosaic take shape at https://mosaic.virtual-tech.io/lovechesterfield/

The project is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign which is being run by the council and Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to celebrate all that is great about the borough. Find out more.

The new Enterprise Centre will include 32 high quality office suites in a range of sizes to accommodate new and growing businesses. For more information about the project visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/

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Twitter – People

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Junction Arts links up with Hardwick Hall to deliver ‘This Girl Codes Curiosity Academy’

Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts has linked up with the historic North Derbyshire landmark, Hardwick Hall to deliver a project aimed at inspiring and empowering local people.

‘This Girl Codes’ is a Junction Arts project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and The People’s Postcode Lottery. The project uniquely uses arts, science, technology and maths to give new interpretation and relevance to the rich heritage in and around Chesterfield.

This Girl Codes aims to empower and inspire people of all ages and genders through the stories of strong women in history such as Bess of Hardwick and Florence Nightingale. Taking inspiration from their work, lives and homes to inspire creative outcomes that build science, maths and technology skills in playful ways.

It is an aim of This Girl Codes to work with different heritage partners each year; in 2020 the project worked with English Heritage at Bolsover Castle. Junction Arts have built a good relationship with Hardwick Hall through working together on previous projects.

The partnership this year has drawn on the themes of light, data science and conservation. Hardwick Hall has a significant textiles collection to conserve including The Noble Women embroideries which are around 450 years old. Both organisations wanted to convey the importance of this work to the public and how The National Trust monitor and control light within a property locally known as ‘Hardwick Hall more glass than wall’.

During 2021 Junction Arts have worked with home educators, Tibshelf School, Rhubarb Farm, Forest schools, families and individuals collecting light data, creating ‘Data Selfies’ and more.

In July they held the first ‘Curiosity Academy’ at Hardwick Hall for participants to delve deeper into the history on site and explore steganography – the practice of concealing messages. Over three days they welcomed over 40 people to the Academy, from ages 6-83! Lead artist Cora Glasser and technologist Claire Garside guided participants through creative activities inspired by hidden messages in Tudor times right up to NASA’s Mars Rover landing.

The Curiosity Academy encouraged all ages to be inquisitive, think creatively and decode messages in historic and contemporary images. All participants experienced Hardwick Hall in new and exciting ways, learned about binary code and how to create images using UV light.

Participants said “The history is really playful, relevant and inspiring. The same code can be translated so many ways. The behind the scenes tour and insider information has made us want to plan another visit.”

The project has been working towards a co-created, collaborative art piece which will be designed and made by artist Cora Glasser using participant’s artwork. The piece will be exhibited at Hardwick Hall later this year.

Jemma Burton, Project Co-ordinator said: “We’re so pleased to be engaging a diverse range of ages and backgrounds with this fantastic heritage and bringing the stories to new audiences in exciting ways.”

This Girl Codes will continue into 2022 working with a new heritage partner and there will be another Curiosity Academy next summer. Anyone can get involved with the project including schools and community groups. If you are interested in hearing about the upcoming activities email info@junctionarts.org to be added to the mailing list or call 01246 209219.

Junction Arts’ work across Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield supports communities, improves well-being and provides access and opportunity in the arts for everyone.

The group also 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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All Systems Go for The Peak District Highland Games 2021

Matlock Farm Park has confirmed the return of the popular Strongman event, The Peak District Highland Games on Sunday, 29th August.

Now in its fifth year, this key Peak District event will see a team of some of the country’s strongest men take part in a schedule of six events throughout the day, including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, the Giant Stone Throw, Log Press and the Tossing of the Caber.

This year sees the introduction of women competing in their own Strongwoman event on the day.

Man Beast Strongman Events co-founder Andy Picken said: “It’s great for the guys to be back doing what they do best, bringing the strongman sport to audiences to witness some awesome feats of strength. With women competing this year too, they can demonstrate the same dedication to training and some amazing strength skills, as well as highlighting the diversity in rapidly growing strength sport.”

Abi Bradbury, General Manager of Matlock Farm Park, added: “We’re thrilled to once again be hosting this fantastic outdoor event, which has always been so popular with visitors of all ages. Along with watching the strongman and strongwoman events, and even having the chance to take part in a Tug of War, there’s so much else to do around the farm park, including small animal handling, wallaby encounters and children’s pony rides. We have great play areas and Kimmo the children’s entertainer is with us throughout the day too.”

The day will begin with a Scottish Piper band playing to lead the competitors into the arena, with representatives from the region’s official tourism board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire officially opening the event. On site there will also be food and craft stalls, Thornbridge beer tent and a gin garden.

The athletes themselves come from all over the country holding local, regional and even some world records, with a variety of work backgrounds from tradesmen to a train driver!

Andy Picken, who is also Master of Ceremonies on the big day, explained how the athletes feel about a return to competing: “It’s been such a hard time for the Nation and Lockdown has provided extra challenges to the athletes who have had limited home equipment to maintain strength. But with restrictions easing, they’ve been hitting the gym again with a renewed fire in the belly and they’re feeling very excited at the prospect of The Peak District Highland Games. Some have even got their own Caber to train with!

“With some new faces in the line-up, we have shaken up the competitors which gives some hungry fringe contenders a chance to shine and take on the established athletes. It’s certainly going to be a day to remember to those spectating!”

Tickets on sale now – Find out more about the event here.

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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People encouraged to have their say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Market traders, town centre retailers, residents and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on ambitious plans to revitalise Chesterfield Market by taking part in a public consultation which launches today (Monday 2 August).

Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking people’s views on plans to create a vibrant open-air shopping experience with new event space, seating, and landscaping – to help shape the council’s final proposals for Chesterfield Market.

The draft Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Vision Master Plan aims to ensure the market area remains a modern shopping destination, despite the challenges posed by a rise in online shopping and, more recently, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “We recognise the need to invest now to make sure Chesterfield town centre remains modern, vibrant, and relevant – and our market is a key part of that.

“As the heart and soul of our town centre, we must do all we can to make sure that Chesterfield Market continues to prosper in today’s world, as a destination of choice for traders, residents, and visitors.

“These ambitious plans lay down a new vision for Chesterfield Market and are based on what market traders, town centre retailers and residents told us they wanted to see when we asked for initial feedback on the project.

“We are now encouraging even more people to have their say on the plans in a public consultation, which runs for six weeks.”

The draft Master Plan proposals were approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 20 July and will be out for public consultation from today through 12 September 2021, with initial work set to begin on site early 2022.

Key proposals include:

  • The re-siting of market stalls currently located in New Square and on Low Pavement into a single market ground of 100 stalls in Market Square – creating a more defined and vibrant market area. The area will also include a flexible events space.
  • The re-modelling of New Square as a flexible events space – able to hold large-scale events, and accommodate temporary installations and active edges linked to local bars and restaurants
  • Upgrades to the paving to improve the quality while also making it more accessible for people dependent on wheelchairs, pushchairs, or mobility aids
  • The introduction of new seating areas and attractive landscaping to create spaces where people want to sit and chat whilst taking in what the town has to offer
  • The planting of more trees to increase biodiversity and improve the street scene
  • Brighter and more vibrant stall coverings and flexible stalls supplied with water, better lighting, and digital connectivity

The council’s plans have also been developed with due regard for the Conservation Area including giving greater prominence to the Market Hall and the town pump, which is currently obscured, by opening-up the public space in these areas.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We all treasure Chesterfield’s historic market and I know many people will have views on how they want to it to look and feel in the future, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take a look at the plans and tell us what they think. Their views will be used to shape the final proposals.”

Due to the ongoing uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, this second phase of consultation will be carried out via a virtual exhibition – available to view at https://market-consultation.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Exhibition documents will be available to view at Chesterfield Market Hall and interested parties can also obtain paper copies of the questionnaire from the council’s Customer Services Centre, just off New Square.

Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

The council has already secured £1.15m funding through the Derbyshire Business Rates Pilot and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Further funding for later phases is being sought as part of a bid that the council has recently submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Terms and conditions for the prize draw can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/terms-and-conditions

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

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Ashgate Hospicecare teams up with BRM Solicitors for ‘Make a Will Month’

People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will this August as part of Ashgate Hospicecare’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during August and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to Ashgate Hospicecare.

The choice and amount to give is up to the client, but for a simple single will a suggested donation is just £75, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “The past 18 months have been a challenging time for us all, with the pandemic making us painfully aware of our own mortality.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for. It enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Ashgate’s Make a Will Month allows you to do that for free.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Currently, one in five people are cared for thanks to money left in wills, but as the number of people with life-limiting illnesses increases, demand for the services continues to grow.

Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding, with the hospice reporting losses of more than £3 million in planned fundraising income because of the pandemic.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Jack added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.”

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, go to: https://www.brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate-hospicecare-free-wills-month/ or call 01246 555 111

BRM Solicitors and Ashgate Hospicecare 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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Superior Wellness installs new photography studio to showcase its products

Huge progress has been made this month with the development of a brand new in-house photography studio at Chesterfield-based hot tub manufacturer, Superior Wellness.

A turntable platform has been installed, giving the company the opportunity to photograph its products at different angles, along with providing the team with the ability to take overhead images and videos.

The studio ensures Superior Wellness will be able to improve its marketing content across all platforms, including in print and online.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing at Superior Wellness said: “Following our move into the new location, we now have the space to have our own in-house studio.  It is so important that we have good quality imagery and videos of all products.  This will ensure our brochures, websites and spec sheets are of a premium quality to match our products.

“A hot tub or swim spa is a big purchase and therefore our retail and trade customers want to see a full 360 video of the product or images of the product highlighting the key features.  With so many variations of colours and models with now have almost 200 products to capture.  As the hot tubs come into the warehouse we can schedule them in for a photoshoot before they get delivered to a retail customer or for one of our trade partners.

“This is an exciting step forward and will really transform our marketing here at Superior Wellness. Thank you to Tamworth based firm Spin-It, who fitted the new turntable.”

Further developments also include a complete renovation of the firm’s 10,000sq ft showroom based in Chesterfield, which will display a range of hot tubs, swim spas, accessories and a brand-new testing area once complete late summer 2021.

The company has also announced a number of new recruits in recent months, which has provided a further boost to Chesterfield’s economy and employment landscape as the town looks to continue its recovery from the covid-19 pandemic.

Superior Wellness 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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Tapton Lock Festival set to bring the Chesterfield community together

The charity behind Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival says it is set to return this year, offering free family fun for residents and visitors.

Taking place along the banks of the Chesterfield canal on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September, the event celebrates the great outdoors and the incredible wildlife on our doorstep in North Derbyshire.

This year’s festival, organised by Junction Arts will feature activities and entertainment, including a climbing wall and canoeing, art workshops and live performances.

Attendees will also be able to take a trip aboard the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s trip boat, John Varley II.

This year, organisers are welcoming back the captivating bubbleologist, while on Sunday, the event will host children’s puppet shows and performances by Bee Guides Bombus and Borage and their amazing Bee Cart.

Hosted in partnership with the Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service, this festival is the first large event that Junction Arts has been able to run since March 2020. Having worked hard to continue their support to care homes, schools and families at a distance, the team is back running events and workshops face-to-face again, offering people the opportunity to be creative and empowering lives.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser for Junction Arts said: “This year, Junction Arts is on a mission to bring our communities back together safely, through its calendar of exciting events. They see how involvement in creative and social activities and interaction within our communities alleviates loneliness, anxiety and stress, and you are invited to benefit from this too!”

Festival organisers are asking local people to become a sponsor of the Tapton Lock Festival, by donating what they can to help bring our communities back together safely. For more information, visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/TaptonLockFestival2021

Junction Arts 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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Council achieves Silver Award for Armed Forces support

Chesterfield Borough Council has received a Silver Award for its support of the Armed Forces.

The council was given the award through the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which encourages employers to implement human resources policies that support members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community while inspiring others to do the same.

Dr Huw Bowen, the council’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have received this award. As a council we recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the Armed Forces.

“We also benefit greatly as an employer from the unique skills, experiences and attributes that members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community bring to our workplace, our teams and in improving service delivery for our communities.

“The employer recognition scheme has helped focus our efforts to improve opportunities and support for council staff that wish to follow this path.”

Chesterfield Borough Council employs veterans, serving reservists and family members of Armed Forces personnel.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s fantastic that we have received recognition for the work we do to support the Armed Forces community, and crucial that we recognise and support the work of the Armed Forces personnel that the council employs, as well as those who live in our community.

“We will continue to support this community whenever possible and ensure the many sacrifices that they and their families have made for us are recognised.”

We have a number of policies, procedures and practices that aim to support members of the Armed Forces community employed by the council and also the wider Armed Forces community living in Chesterfield, these include:

  • Changed leave policies to support staff to carry out their duties including up to ten days per year for reservist duties
  • Access to employee assistance and occupational health schemes to support employees’ physical and mental health.
  • A generous career break policy which can be used to support mobilisation.
  • A clear support plan for members of the Armed Forces returning from mobilisation and a clear cross-council understanding of their rights.
  • Chesterfield’s Armed Forces cadet units are given pride of place at our key annual ceremonies including Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Mayor’s annual parade.
  • We are partners in the Veterans Hub (Chesterfield) led by the Department for Work and Pensions, which includes regular events at the Town Hall.
  • The council is a registered employer with both the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.

“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”

Chesterfield Borough Council received a Bronze Award for its participation in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme in 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Chesterfield theatre company to perform a musical about the famous Crooked Spire

A brand-new murder mystery play is in the works, focusing on Chesterfield’s most famous landmark, the Crooked Spire.

Songs from the medieval-based musical will be performed by community interest company, Ashgate Heritage Arts (AHA) in the historic church on the afternoon of Saturday, 16th October 2021.

This is set to be followed by a full production of the musical at the Pomegranate Theatre in May 2022.

Peter Gray, one of AHA’s directors said: “Last year we gained an Arts Council Grant to make a 40 minute video of part of the story. We streamed this in December and is now showing at Buxton Festival Fringe. Now we are going to assemble a company of 15 professional actors and musicians and recruit local choristers to put the show on at the Pomegranate.

“This story is perfect for Chesterfield. Our Crooked Spire is an icon for the town. What better way to mark our recovery from the Covid pandemic than to stage this family-friendly, life-affirming show?”

The musical has been written by Mary Hennessy, Martin Coslett and Peter Gray. It is based on the novel, ‘The Crooked Spire’ by Chris Nickson. The Director is Jake Smith, who has worked with the National Theatre, the Almeida Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre and on Sting’s musical The Last Ship. The Musical Director is Harry Style of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

A second application to the Arts Council has been made, and AHA is also looking to raise funds in the local community, via sponsorship from individuals, organisations and companies.

One of the quirky sponsorship packages on offer is to get your name as an Angel in the musical. All sponsors will be acknowledged on the production’s website and in the show’s programme.

For more details about the play, contact AHA at productionoffice@ashgateheritagearts.co.uk or visit the website, www.ashgateheritagearts.co.uk

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