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Vicar Lane launches ‘Summer Zone’ showing Wimbledon and other sporting events

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, in Chesterfield, is celebrating ‘all things summer’ at its Summer Zone in St James Square from 28th June.

The fun will start by serving up all the Wimbledon action on the big screen from 28th June to 11th July, meaning that customers can indulge in a spot of shopping and not miss out on any of the sporting action throughout the summer.

Plus, from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th July, customers can enjoy food and drink from pop-ups such as Salute (Pimm’s and prosecco) and Fairy Floss (strawberries and cream).

Customers will find an area especially laid to lawn, adorned with deck chairs and bistro sets, as well as a table tennis table and a giant ‘Up 4 It’ game.

Customers of Vicar Lane will find a wide range of stores, including H&M, Holland & Barrett, New Look, JD and Superdrug, as well as the popular indie stores, Nana B Baby Boutique, Gorilla Garms, Clarissa’s Interiors, Shop Indie and Precious Memories.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also enjoy a quick coffee (and cake!) break at Vintage Tearooms, or a relaxing lunch at Qoozies.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane says, ‘’We’re really excited about summer at Vicar Lane. No matter what you’re up to in the heart of Chesterfield, there’s no need to miss a moment of the sporting fun this summer as we’ll be screening all the televised action on our big screen.’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre 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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Stanedge Golf Club owner to deliver coaching sessions at the 2021 Open Championship

The owner of a Chesterfield golf club has been selected as part of an elite group of coaches to deliver golf lessons to attendees at the eagerly anticipated 2021 Open Championship.

PGA Professional Fame Tate runs Stanedge Golf Club, which was recently shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Club of the Year’ at the 2021 England Golf Awards.

The team of elite coaches will deliver thousands of free 15-minute lessons to spectators attending this year’s event at Royal St. George’s from 11th-18th July, 2021.

This year’s lessons will be delivered under strict COVID-19 regulations, with social distancing in place for each lesson, while all PGA coaches will be wearing protective masks and sanitising equipment will also be provided.

In 2019 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the Swingzone team delivered more than 2,700 lessons throughout Open Championship week.

Commenting on being picked for the role, Fame said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected as one of 16 coaches representing the PGA.

“I have worked in previous Swingzones at The Ladies British Open and The Solheim Cup so I am very much looking forward to the experience at The Men’s British Open and working with a fantastic team of coaches.

“The Swingzone is a superb chance to display how we work as coaches, giving more people the opportunity and accessibility to have a go at golf or develop their game further.”

Jonathan Wright, PGA External Relations Executive, said: “We are thrilled to be able to provide thousands of free coaching lessons once again at this year’s Open Championship.

“The Open Championship Swingzone is a fantastic opportunity for The PGA to showcase the valuable role our Members play in developing golf and inspiring more people into the game.

“We will of course be working under strict COVID-19 protocols so all lessons will be conducted in a safe and professional environment.”

The full complement of PGA Professionals at Royal St. George’s is: Alan Bradshaw, Alison Perkins, David Bartlett, David Gleeson, David Playdon, Fame Tate, Ian Bailey, Jak Hamblett, James Harraway, Joanne Taylor, Kevin Caplehorn, Matt Stables, Paul Warner, Peter Ball, Sarah Bennett, Sophie Daws.

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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Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers celebrates UK Employee Ownership Day

Chesterfield Champion, Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers are delighted to be part of the UK Employee Ownership Day (EO Day), run by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) today (Friday 25th June 2021.)

Mitchells are taking part in this year’s campaign, to celebrate and raise awareness of how business is better together for individuals, businesses, and the community.

Since 2018, the company has supported several of our region’s businesses through the decision to become employee owned and have become a Trustee on their Boards to support their future journey.

One such business is specialist engineering company, P&D Specialist Services which was established over 30 years ago by brothers Pat and Dave Musgrave.

Pat Musgrave explained: “At P&D, legacy has always been important to us, and we wanted to keep it that way.

“An EOT was the only option that checked all our boxes because it not only gave our employees security, it also ensured that the legacy we had built could still be developed within the community.

“We were delighted to hand the company over to the people who are the most invested and critical to the success of the business – the employees.”

The UK government introduced the concept of EO in 2014 to encourage more businesses to transition to the corporate structure, that many colloquially refer to as the “John Lewis” model.

Mitchells Partner, Andrew McDaid explained: “For many years, the entire concept was overlooked and under utilised.”

“We have been talking to clients about EO since 2018 and have seen firsthand, the benefits that employee ownership can bring.”

“It’s great to see so many businesses raising awareness of EO and for any businesses who would like to know more, I would encourage them to speak to a firm who has many years’ experience of advising and supporting businesses through the considerations and challenges, such as Mitchells.”

Deb Oxley, CEO for the Employee Ownership Association, said: “Companies such as P&D Specialist Services are great examples of the economic and social benefits that can be achieved when employees have a stake and a say in the business in which they work.

“This year’s EO Day theme reflects what we have been hearing from our members – when it comes to resilience, mental health and well-being and good business we are better together.

“This rapidly growing sector of the economy offers many great reasons why more employee ownership has lots to offer the UK as it seeks to recover from the pandemic.”

With numerous events running across the UK and the involvement of thousands of employee owners and other partners, EO Day is an integral part of the EOA’s events calendar and was introduced to raise awareness of employee ownership as an economically strong and balanced business model.

The benefits of employee ownership have been proven in EOA-led research, and include improving employee health and wellbeing, increasing productivity and fostering creativity and innovation across an array of industry sectors. In addition:

• UK employee owned companies contribute over £30 billion to the UK economy annually
• Employee-owners have higher levels of job satisfaction, feel a greater sense of achievement and job security, and are more likely to recommend their workplace than employees in non-employee owned businesses
• Employee owned businesses operate in a range of sectors including healthcare, social care, education, transport, manufacturing, retail and professional services

Mitchells Chartered Accountants 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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Councils helping to Kickstart the careers of young adults in North Derbyshire

Two special events are being launched on social media to help 16-24 year olds across North Derbyshire gain valuable work experience through the Kickstart government scheme.

Launching on 28 June and 12 July at 10 am, the two events will be hosted by North East Derbyshire District Council in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Bolsover District Council. The event will take place across social media channels and Kickstart opportunities will be promoted on the hashtag #KickstartDerbyshire.

The scheme, launched in late 2020 by the government, gives 16-24 year olds claiming Universal Credit the opportunity to gain valuable experience in paid work with the companies offering the vacancies – of which there are almost 2000 across Derbyshire.

The six month Kickstart placements will be paid minimum wage and there are opportunities in sectors such as digital media, nursing, construction, trades, project management to name a few.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet member for Economic Development Councillor Carolyn Renwick said, “The council is proud to help promote these incredible opportunities that are available for the young adults in our district.

“At a time when unemployment rates amongst this age group is high due to the pandemic, these Kickstart opportunities are an incredible chance to get a foothold into paid work and could be the start of your future career.

“There are almost 2000 opportunities available in Derbyshire alone and the need to help our residents who are looking for work has never been greater.

“The online events will be a great platform to promote the vacancies to our communities and further help and advice is on offer from our Economic Development team and local job centres”.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Kickstart offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to increase their experience in the workplace which will help them develop new skills and build a career. Young people have been seriously affected by the ongoing pandemic and it is important that we offer them the help they need to build a successful future in our area.

“We’re proud to be working together with our colleagues in North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council to promote these opportunities because youth unemployment is a growing concern across all of Northern Derbyshire and we must work together to tackle this.

“By promoting these online we are hoping to reach a wide audience and show the range of opportunities available in our area, as well offering further advice as needed. I’d encourage any young person currently looking for work to look closely at these opportunities and apply for them because you never know where it may lead.”

Bolsover District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development Councillor Liz Smyth said: “Helping young people find work is an essential part of supporting our local economy. The pandemic has caused this age group disproportionate hardship in the job market and Bolsover District Council is pleased to support this scheme and give young people the support they need.”

Angela Stansfield, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are delighted to be working with the local authority on these events to help promote the fabulous range of jobs available through the Kickstart scheme. They give young people a golden opportunity to move into employment, some for the first time, while boosting their confidence and gaining new skills for the future”.

To apply for any of the vacancies promoted at the upcoming events, interested parties should contact their Job Centre Work Coach.

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Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps small businesses to join the online revolution

The online revolution has been a key feature of the pandemic – and now small and microbusinesses in Chesterfield can embrace these digital trends in an innovative new support scheme.

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps those reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into an online world by creating highly visible e-commerce websites equipped with the latest forms of payment, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber, it aims to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have been hit hardest by lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Scott Knowles, chief executive at Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on small and microbusinesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have previously relied on their physical venues to trade successfully.

“While we’re all looking forward to a return to normality as we come out of lockdown, it’s crucial these SMEs are future-proofed by creating modern websites to embrace some of the consumer trends that were already noticeable pre-Covid.

“Not every company can afford to do this, however, so we’re delighted to be playing a key role in supporting businesses in Chesterfield to establish and maintain the latest e-commerce solutions on behalf of the project funder, Chesterfield Borough Council.

“We believe the Digital High Street project will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

How the Chesterfield Digital High Street project will support businesses

The support available to businesses via the programme includes access to a Digital High Street adviser with specific e-commerce and online skills, who will work intensively with at least 120 businesses to help them develop and maintain their new or existing digital presence.

They will also be able to attend dedicated webinars, delivered outside working hours, and use marketing resources for free.

Grants of £2,200 – covering 100% of costs – will also be awarded to 50 of these businesses to help them set up an e-commerce website that is search engine optimised, with the package also including web hosting provision for a year and access to ongoing digital training.

All participating businesses can also benefit from free East Midlands Chamber membership for a year.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “In Chesterfield, we have lots of fantastic local independent businesses and after the last 18 months, there has never been a more important time to support them. We hope this funding will help lots of these businesses sell more effectively online, which will help guarantee their future in our town and hopefully allow them to grow.

“It’s a really comprehensive support package and I would encourage as many local businesses as possible to sign up for the Digital High Street project because it will allow them to compete in a whole new way.”

Applications can now be made for the Chesterfield Digital High Street project at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street.

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Tyrone Alexander joins Bridge Help’s growing regional BDM team

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has made its fifth new staff appointment in 2021.

Tyrone Alexander is the latest recruit to join commercial short-term lender Bridge Help as part of its expansion plans.

Making the move from Redwood Bank, Tyrone joins Bridge Help as a Business Development Manager to manage relationships with brokers in the Midlands.

Tyrone hails from a broker background himself, having held a business development role at specialist finance company Enterprise Finance where he specialised in buy-to-let finance and commercial loans, before joining Redwood Bank.

He said: “Having worked at a brokerage myself I understand the importance of good communication to ensure the deal is done efficiently and gets over the line.

“I really enjoy finance, particularly being at the forefront of it and playing a role in the decision-making. Bridge Help’s hands-on approach gives me the opportunity to get fully involved with loan applications.”

Bridge Help’s can-do approach throughout the pandemic has impressed Tyrone and attracted him to the role. He explained: “A lot of lenders pulled right back at the start of the pandemic and that just didn’t sit right with me. Bridge Help found ways to continue to lend even during lockdown and that impressed me.”

He joins at an exciting time of growth for Bridge Help. Alongside Tyrone, the company has made number of regional business development appointments since the start of the year to help meet demand for its loan products. In total, Bridge Help has made five new appointments in the team since the beginning of 2021, including Martin Bray from Chesterfield who joined as Loan Manager last month.

Welcoming Tyrone to Bridge Help, Chief Executive Chris Sellars said: “We have ambitious growth plans for Bridge Help and are on track to achieve them in 2021 with the team we have built in recent months. It’s a tremendously exciting time for the business and the people in it.”

Bridge Help 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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Caring Ashgate Hospicecare colleagues swap scrubs for hiking boots to take on High Peak Trail challenge

Two Ashgate Hospicecare staff members who provide vital palliative care in the North Derbyshire community are getting their walking boots on for a charity hiking challenge – and they’re urging the public to join them.

Community Palliative Care Support Workers Dianah Whelpton and Fiona Hardy are taking on the charity’s brand-new High Peak Trail event this summer to help the charity fund care for the families they support.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, July 10th, will see the pair – along with Dianah’s husband Paul – hike 17 miles across the scenic Derbyshire countryside.

The trail, which also offers the option of a shorter eight-mile route, will see the group head along the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Dianah, who has been working for Ashgate for the past two years, wanted to do something to raise funds towards the care after the charity had been forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events during the pandemic.

“I decided to take part in the High Peak Trail walk for Ashgate to try and raise some much-needed funds after our hospice was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“Our wonderful communities haven’t stopped raising money for us in all kinds of innovative ways and continue to make such a huge effort to support our services. So when I learned of this event, I thought that it would be a very good opportunity to join in with the efforts while exploring the wonderful Derbyshire countryside!

“It’s also a great opportunity to highlight the huge amount of work that the Community Nursing Teams do in caring for thousands of people in their own homes every year.

“I am inspired daily by the wonderful people that I am privileged to care for and I am raising funds to make sure that we can continue caring for years to come.”

The off-road linear walk is traffic-free and promises to be a fun day out with friends and family. There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take participants to the start point of the walk so they can walk back to their vehicles at the finish line.

Fiona is urging people across North Derbyshire to join her, Dianah and Paul on the trail this July.

The 53-year-old, who started working at the hospice in 2002, added: “I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and walking is something I do on a regular basis, but I have to admit that 17 miles will be double the distance I usually go!

“It’s been a long time since I started at Ashgate and there’s been lots of changes to the hospice in its appearance and the number of staff working here.

“But the hospice values and compassionate care delivered by our community teams and Inpatient Unit staff has always been excellent.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the High Peak Trail in tribute to my amazing colleagues and the wonderful patients and families we care for. Come and join us – not only will you get to enjoy the stunning Derbyshire countryside, but you’ll be helping us fund care for the families who need our support most.”

There are a limited number of places for the event so people are being urged to sign up quickly. Entry costs £10 per person, which includes a t-shirt (if requested), medal, refreshments and more.

To sign up go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/high-peak-trail-walk/ or call Ashgate Hospicecare’s fundraising team on 01246 567 250.

To sponsor Dianah and Fiona’s team go to ashgatehospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/dianah-whelpton-2615a/post/586904

Ashgate Hospicecare 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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Music students at Chesterfield College boost their skills thanks to partnership with local venue

Music students from Chesterfield College have been given a fantastic opportunity to develop a range of skills to boost their industry knowledge and experiences.

Thanks to funding from DANCOP (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Outreach Programme), the college has been able to partner with Real Time Live, Chesterfield’s successful dedicated live music venue. The funding has allowed students to access additional lessons to play specific instruments and develop vocals, as well as to learn more about stagecraft and stage production.

Real Time Live has provided a performance space and expert music tuition. This has helped students to develop the skills they need to move on to further study at college and university, and to develop a career in the industry. After months of learning online, and not having the opportunity to get on stage due to national lockdowns, the partnership is perfectly timed.

Abbie Greenwood, Level 3 Music student from Chesterfield College said her vocal lessons have helped her to learn about different music styles. She told us why working at Real Time Live has been so important. She said:
“Getting the experience of playing in a real venue rather than in a classroom progresses your musical ability. Having the opportunity to get into a venue to practice on stage when everywhere else is closed is just great.”

Niki and Mark Stevenson, owners of Real Time Live, have spent the last 27 years developing and supporting musical talent in the town. They see the project with the college as an extension to their reach into the community. Not only does the venue host a wide variety of live music gigs and events, covering all genres from rock and blues to metal, ska, pop and retro nights, the Real Time Live team also teaches a variety of music lessons for aspiring performers. They told us why it is important for anyone with a passion for a career in music to develop the right skills.

Niki said: “It is really important for up and coming musicians and anyone who wants to work in the music industry to get practice in a venue like this. The demands of the industry mean if you want a career in it you need to be all things to all people. Musicians need to look like the people they are representing. They need stagecraft to be able to connect with the audience and the technical skills to do some of the sound engineering they need. The stage we have is a perfect place to develop that for students.”

Mark added: “For years we have offered music lessons to many people every week. We have made sure everyone is included no matter what their ability or reason for wanting to play. It has gone hand in hand with the different aspects of the business over the years. We have had to diversify the live venue side of what we do over the last 16 months but with funding from the Arts Council and the Recovery Fund we feel like we have been recognised for what we bring to the area. We like the place to be in use and to hear music being played. Being involved with the college goes hand in hand with that, and long may it continue.”

Chesterfield College 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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DVA funding helps people feel connected

Funding from a project aiming to break down the barriers around ‘social connectedness’ to stop people from feeling lonely and isolated is helping a number of organisations across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) recently launched the Feeling Connected Fund, which funds work in the community across North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield to help people stop feeling disconnected from others.

The aims of the project are to raise the profile of the benefits of being socially connected, raise awareness of existing services that support social connectedness and identify interventions, initiatives, and activities to assist people to feel socially connected.

One organisation to receive Feeling Connected funding is the Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP), which specialises in supporting the aspirational decision making of young people to shape their future, helping them to fulfil their potential.

DEBP, which works with vulnerable young adults and young people up to the age of 19 – or 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), received more than £4,000 from the Feeling Connected Fund.

Thanks to the funding, the ‘Let’s Get Creative’ project was set up to support young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. It provides the opportunity to link up with businesses and organisations in the creative sector, giving them an insight into what it’s like to work in that environment and meet other young people with shared interests.

The group of learners have undertaken a range of activities to learn about a variety of aspects within the creative sector. They have been able to spend time at Chesterfield College which is hoped will help them transition into further education – a move that can be very challenging. The group are utilising their skills in developing an interactive app and this includes the creation of soundscapes.

Clare Talati, director of DEBP, said: “During the pandemic, we saw a huge increase in young people with additional needs feeling isolated because they are often not catered for by mainstream provision. Most of their peer network and social interaction is at school, so when the schools closed last year it had a huge impact.

“We recognised an opportunity to provide young people with the chance to utilise, develop and showcase their skills, allowing them to progress positively and enhance their experiences – people with SEND are often an unrecognised talent pool. Thanks to the funding from the Feeling Connected project, we have been able to collaborate with Kakou, a local organisation specialising in inclusive technologies and Chesterfield College’s Digital, Media and Graphics department, to deliver ‘Let’s Get Creative’, which is achieving just that.

“It’s been such a fantastic experience for the young people involved and what is clear is that participants are getting a huge level of satisfaction from this initiative. It is enabling each of the young people to create a bigger peer network and giving them the opportunity to interact with new people in different ways, which is proving extremely beneficial.

“Without the funding this project wouldn’t have been possible, so a huge thank you to DVA for all their support, as well as all the other partner organisations we’ve worked with who have supported us in delivering it.”

Delivery of the project also coincides with the Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week, which is taking place from 14 – 21 June. The week aims to get people talking about loneliness and reduce the stigma around it, accepting that is does exist but looking at ways to help.
A total of six organisations have benefitted from the support of the Feeling Connected Fund, including Ashgate Hospice, EMH Care and Support and St Thomas Church, Brampton.

The Feeling Connected project is a multi-agency Health and Wellbeing Partnership project, led by DVA.

DVA, which has created a network of more than 300 organisations with the aim of making the voluntary sector stronger and more joined up, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year after forming in 1991.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and DEBP 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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Spireites supporters beat other clubs to the top of the table in sustainability initiative

Chesterfield FC fans have lifted the Planet Super League Spring Season Trophy, with a clean sweep of wins across all 11 matches this season.

The unique football tournament sees fans score goals for their club by completing planet-protecting activities like having a meat-free meal, using the car less and even taking cold showers.

Chesterfield FC fans put in an incredible effort over the 11-week tournament, racking up 33 points and beating 23 other clubs to the title. Fans have a perfect record for the season, winning all 11 matches including victories against West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and MK Dons.

Chesterfield fans completed 1,793 activities over the season, saving 1,761 kg CO2. The Planet Super League trophy will be placed in their trophy cabinet at the stadium.

Keith Jackson, Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s head of sports and activities, commented: “We have always known we have the best fans in Britain, and now we have seen it in action. The commitment from fans to make positive environmental efforts in the name of the club is incredible. We will proudly display the trophy at the Technique Stadium, but this really belongs to our fans.’

Emma Tooley-Browns, one of the Chesterfield FC supporting families who helped them win the title – commented: “We have had a brilliant time taking part in Planet Super League. It’s provided loads of fun for the family and helped make the planet greener.

“We now use environmentally-friendly washing capsules, take more notice of the nature around us and we will continue to enjoy our screen-free evenings. We can’t wait to participate next year.”

A total of 24 clubs and 8,000 people took part in Planet Super League’s spring season, completing over 17,900 activities, saving 56,057 kg CO2, the equivalent to planting 3,203 trees.

Planet Super League made taking climate action fun and rewarding through 60 covid-safe, planet-protecting activities, which were available for fans to complete. These ranged from practical measures like having a meat-free meal, a screen-free evening or switching to green energy to creative tasks like making a bug stadium or writing a short Jamie Johnson story.

Planet Super League co-founder Tom Gribbin commented: “We are proud to see how our spring season, with a host of new activities and a larger format, has resonated with fan families.

“We are continuing to grow, innovate and evolve our model to make it more and more impactful, with big things to come. Huge thanks to our participants who are literally making the world a better place through their efforts.”

Planet Super League’s summer season kicks off on June 14 with 60 summer activities for fans and 33 clubs taking part. Newcomers include Arsenal, Leeds, Ipswich and Chelsea FC. Recruitment is taking place already across the UK. You can represent your club and play for the planet by signing up and playing for free at planetsuperleague.com.

You’ll be able to hear more about the Spireites’ Planet Super League win on the next episode of The Chesterfield Show podcast, set to be launched on Spotify on Friday, 25th June.

Chesterfield FC 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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Leverton UK launches charity drive urging fellow businesses to donate defibrillators

A Chesterfield business is urging other local companies to come together as part of efforts to increase the number of defibrillators available in the area.

Leverton UK has launched the #donateadefib campaign in order to ensure the devices are installed at community spaces and sporting venues across Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

It follows the incident which took place in the European Football Championship match, in which Danish player Christian Eriksen required urgent medical attention after collapsing on the pitch.

Marcus Leverton, Director of Leverton UK said: “The majority of the world’s football lovers stood in shock at the weekend as we watched an incredible footballer, an elite athlete in exceptional physical condition, stumble and fall to the ground as the result of a cardiac arrest. Aged just 29, Christian Eriksen loved by millions suddenly was fighting for his life.

“The quick actions of his teammates, the medical staff on hand and the right type of emergency equipment are undoubtedly the reason he is now recovering in hospital.

“I was sat in my kitchen working on my laptop with the TV on in the background and my wife beside me as we watched the situation unfold, his teammate administering cardio massage and the crowd, the commentators and the world watching in total shock.

“I am a father of two boys, Harry (13) and Samuel (9) who live for football. My boys came in to the room with lots of questions clearly as disturbed as we were at the situation unfolding and it sent my mind in to a spin.

“What would happen if we were at training or had a match at the Avenue, home ground to the Wingerworth Junior Sports Association (WJSA) and a player or a parent suffered a heart attack? Or even a passer by walking through the country park?

“I talked to my fellow Directors at Leverton UK; Tony, Allyson and Mandi, and we agreed that we would provide a defibrillator and secure box to be located near the pitches, to be there just in case.”

The call has been echoed by Darren Parkinson, Chesterfield Football Club’s Activity Officer and WJSA Chairman and Under 14’s Coach in a recent social media post:

Marcus continued: “While it is a truly rare occurrence for a young player to suffer with a heart attack, each player has parents, guardians, brothers, sisters and grandparents who love to watch them play, and unfortunately this increases the chances of this situation becoming a reality.

“While we hope that this defibrillator is never required, we understand and have seen first-hand with Christian that access to equipment such as this can be the difference between life and death, and perhaps other local companies will follow suit and help other local grass roots clubs.

“As a company, personally and as a family we support many local and national charitable causes. It is important that if you are in a position where you can help others, that you do!”

Leverton UK 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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