Visiting

Vicar Lane installs stunning backdrop of the Derbyshire Dales

9th August 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has transformed St. James Square with a breathtaking backdrop image, which depicts an iconic vista in the Derbyshire Dales.

Vicar Lane is inviting shoppers to identify the beauty spot pictured for the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher in their social media competition. Customers wishing to participate should head to the Vicar Lane Facebook page to find out more.

Visitors to Chesterfield are encouraged to visit the Centre this summer to enjoy a variety of floral installations and the grass cows that have moo-ved in for the summer period. All of which offer perfect Instagram-worthy photo opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate our close proximity to the Peak District with this stunning installation and the chance for our customers to win a little treat on us!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair cancelled due to forecasted severe weather conditions

8th August 2019

Ashgate Hospicecare is sad to announce that their Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair events, due to take place this weekend, have been cancelled due to forecasted severe weather conditions, specifically high winds.

The following events were due to take place on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow over the weekend as follows:

Friday 9th August 2019: Mary Poppins Returns, Open Air Cinema (7pm onwards)

Saturday 10th August 2019: Summer Fair (11am – 4pm). Please note, the Rainbow Ribbons ceremony which was scheduled to be held as part of the Summer Fair will no longer be taking place.

Saturday 10th August 2019: Bohemian Rhapsody, Open Air Cinema (7pm onwards)

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re extremely disappointed to have to cancel our Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair events this weekend. Both fundraising events raise vital funds for the hospice so having to cancel them is devastating.”

“The safety of our supporters, staff, volunteers and suppliers is our first priority. With the severe weather warnings in place, the potential risk is too severe for us to continue with these events at this time.”

“Following conversations with the main events sponsor, Vertu Toyota, we are now planning a ‘Movie Night-In’ over the weekend which we hope the people of North Derbyshire will embrace. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.”

If you have booked for the event this weekend and would like your donation refunding, please contact the Ashgate Hospicecare Fundraising Team on 01246 567250. If you have any further questions, please contact fundraising@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Supporting Chesterfield’s growth

8th August 2019

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

August is upon us and we’re well into the summer holidays. If you’re looking to explore what our town has to offer you and your family, then this is the time to do it!

We have more festivals and events in and around the town centre than ever before. The shortlist for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards has also been released, offering a great starting point for the very best places to eat and drink.

It’s a great way to kickstart the summer holidays with the kids. What better way to entice them off their screens than with the promise of a tasty treat followed by a day of learning, disguised as fun and intrigue?

There’s a multitude of events going on in the area – from canal cruises, treasure hunts and miniature train rides to hands on history at Bolsover Castle, science roadshows and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival. There is something to suit every taste (pun intended!).

As the events calendar has grown year on year, so has Chesterfield’s fortunes. I am delighted that we can, once again, turn the spotlight on the town in the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit. This year the theme is supporting communities through regeneration.

The increased footfall in the town centre and attendance at the many events is evidence that Chesterfield’s regeneration is successful.

More than £1bn of developments are on site and more are on the way. 2019 is the year that we are seeing spades in the ground on a number of much anticipated sites, like Northern Gateway, Elder Way and Chesterfield Waterside. All these sites are, in turn, creating employment opportunities.

There are now more jobs at Markham Vale that when it was a colliery. A record number of 2,236 people are currently employed at Markham Vale; that’s 200 more people than were employed at the former colliery site in its 1980s heyday. Proof that Chesterfield’s regeneration strategy is working.

And we have more success stories to look forward to. Avant Homes is to begin building 173 homes at Waterside later this year after receiving detailed planning permission. Pronto Industrial Paints Ltd have also acquired a new site that will treble their existing space.

Whether you’re a resident or business, it’s important that we come together as a community to support the town’s growth in order to safeguard our future success. Together we really do make a difference.

If you’re interested in the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield and finding out about how you can support it and get involved, then register here to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit which takes place on 11 September at Casa Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Summer, Visiting

Al Fresco Afternoon Tea launched for summer at Chatsworth

6th August 2019

Indulge at Chatsworth this summer with an alfresco afternoon tea, on offer for the first time in the garden, as well as the classic luxurious afternoon tea experience in The Flying Childers served on beautiful Wedgwood teaware.

Afternoon tea at Chatsworth showcases the best of local produce, as well as the talents of its bakers who have created an array of delicious cakes and pastries, for the ultimate English experience.

‘Afternoon tea at the Maze’ is available from 26 July to 29 August and includes free parking and admission to the garden. Located under cover by the Maze, this outdoor afternoon tea is the perfect way to sit back and enjoy an indulgent treat and take in summer views of the historic 105 acre garden.

The menu includes hand cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream & Chatsworth jam and an array of sweet treats: individual Bakewell tart, summer fruit sherry trifle, elderflower delice topped with a gin jelly, raspberry and chocolate opera cake and a piña colada pavlova.

Alternatively, the luxurious afternoon tea experience in the The Flying Childers, located in the Stables, is served on Wedgwood teaware and is available to book every day between 11.30am and 4.30pm.

There’s even a special afternoon tea menu so little ones can join in the fun too. The afternoon tea platter designed especially for children starts with a stack of scrumptious jam, ham and cheese sandwiches followed by freshly baked scones piled high with clotted cream and jam and more.

To find out more, and book online, visit www.chatsworth.org/shopping-dining/afternoon-tea

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

3rd August 2019

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Summer, Visiting

Come along and enjoy a family fuelled day at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair this summer!

30th July 2019

On Saturday 10th August, Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair returns for a day which promises fun and laughter for the whole family.

The event, which will take place between 11am and 4pm, will take place on Ashgate Hospicecare’s meadow, will host a number of different stalls and entertainment throughout the day as well as food, a bar, live music and much more!

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare said: “The summer is finally here, and our amazing Summer Fair is returning this August.

We have several great entertainment acts at the event including a circus display as well as a host of stalls and games for the whole family to enjoy. Please come on down and enjoy yourselves all whilst raising vital funds for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.”

Last year was a massive success for the hospice and there were a number of great reviews about the event.

Anna Drake, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said: At the weekend at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair, my little boy brought two strawberry rocks painted by someone who uses the Day Hospice facilities at the Hospice. Ashgate cared for my Gran before she passed last year.

It’s a home from home and a place where people have the dignity they deserve. The staff work tremendously hard and nothing is too much trouble for both the patient and their family. We will always support Ashgate Hospicecare as a family as my Gran did for most of her life, never knowing she would need their help and support in her last few months.”

Entry price for the event is £2 with under 16’s free, all you have to do is turn up!

If you would like a pitch at this event please contact our Events Team by emailing events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or calling 01246 567250.

Posted in Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema is back with a bang showing Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns this summer!

30th July 2019

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that their Open Air Cinema is returning this summer with box office hits Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns.

The events, which will take place from 7:30pm over two nights (Mary Poppins on Friday 9th August and Bohemian Rhapsody on Saturday 10th August), are one of the most successful events in the calendar year and will take place under the night sky on the hospice meadow.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has already bought tickets for this year’s Open Air Cinema showings. Because of your amazing support, we’re able to care for people across North Derbyshire who really need us the most.

“There are still tickets left for both showings, promising two great films for all the family to enjoy. There will also be a bar on the night with food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase, so come down and enjoy an amazing night knowing that you will be helping to support those in need of hospice care.”

The event is kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota Chesterfield and the audio visuals will be provided by Urban Entertainment. Because of their amazing support, all donations received from tickets sales will go directly to the hospice.

Claire Fallaway, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said: “I can’t wait for this year’s Open Air Cinema. We came to Ashgate Hospicecare to watch The Greatest Showman here last year and it really was one of the best events we’ve ever been to.”

“The hospice is such an amazing place that supports the local community, so to be able to support them whilst having fun with friends and family really is a win-win. I promise it’s an event not to be missed!”

Parking is available across the road from Ashgate Hospicecare in Ash Green (S42 7JE). Disabled parking will be in Ashgate Hospicecare’s main car park. There is also a free park and ride service from DXC Technology, Manor Road, Brampton.

Check out ideas of more things to do in Chesterfield this year at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Celebrating the best local produce

29th July 2019

There is an abundance of food producers in and around Chesterfield and nine businesses nominated by the public last week took part in the final of the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Check out our latest blog from Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager.

There is a diverse range of food and drink available from suppliers and producers located within ten miles of Chesterfield. The produce available at this year’s final ranged from tea to gin, from pickles to sausages and from cakes to chocolate.

The Food Producer of the Year final allows producers to showcase their products to local businesses, as well as raising the profile of their businesses through being part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

It is important to Destination Chesterfield to build links and be able to tell the story of these unique businesses as part of the work we do to promote Chesterfield.

It’s also a great opportunity to remind both businesses and local residents to shop local and trade local. There are plenty of opportunities to try and buy from these excellent businesses – from restaurants and bars, local markets, independent shops and directly from the producer’s premises or online.

There are lots of reasons why to support our local producers:-

It is good for the local economy! By spending money with local producers, who employ people who live in North Derbyshire, more will go back into the local economy than spending elsewhere;
The local produce we grow and make is part of the town’s distinctiveness and an important part of what visitors want to experience when they are on a short break or holiday;
These businesses help to raise the profile of the area as they grow and supply goods further afield;
Reducing the amount of food miles in your purchases will have a positive impact on the environment;
Most importantly it tastes amazing!

We will be announcing the three finalists of the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year soon, but you can find out all about the businesses that took part in the judging below; please do go and try them out.

All Things Brownie Beautiful

From exceptionally rich dark chocolate, to farm sourced free range eggs and pan-simmered, salted caramel, All Things Brownie Beautiful is a prime example of ‘the proof is in the pudding!’ Its secret recipe brownie batter provides the base to over 30 flavours with many ingredients currently in season.

The popularity of its flavour combinations and the loyalty of its customers has allowed an increase in weekly production and sales now average at 1000 brownies per week. All Things Brownie Beautiful travels the country spreading a chocolate-y smile at food festivals, farmers markets and county shows, where the team speaks proudly about Chesterfield and their delight in living here.

Find out more and order brownies

Original Recipes Ltd

Original Recipes was founded in 2012 by Will and Alistair Sutherland – a father and son team with a real desire to introduce quality and unadulterated pâtés, terrines and potted meats into a market flooded with low-quality products.

After five successful years, Will and Alistair decided to enter the food service market – and Pro Chef was born. Since 2017, the main focus has been on producing terrine, pâté and parfait products for chefs. Pro Chef incorporates the company’s small batch, clean label, chef led ethos whilst providing chefs with peace of mind through consistent quality in each slice.

Find out more.

Liza Bakes

Liza Bakes creates delicious cakes, puddings, tarts and scones. The team makes premium, award-winning, authentic, artisan products using natural and where possible, locally sourced ingredients. Liza Bakes is proud to cater for customers with Gluten, Dairy, Nut or Egg intolerances as well as Vegetarian or Vegan preferences…so everyone can enjoy Liza Bakes Cakes!

Customers range from local farm shops to high street stores and coffee shops to pubs and restaurants.

Liza Bakes has won numerous ‘Great Taste’ awards over the last few years, including a prestigious 2 star award for its delicious Orange Polenta cake in 2017. It was also a finalist in the ‘British Baker’ awards ‘free from’ category last year for its Coffee and Walnut cake.

Find out more.

Moss Valley Fine Meats

Moss Valley Fine Meats produces pork, bacon, ham and sausages in its own butchery from pigs bred and reared on its farm in the beautiful Moss Valley. The family has farmed locally for a hundred years in farm buildings dating from the 9th, 14th and 16th centuries. It also grows around 200 acres of cereals and oilseeds, all of which go back trough the pigs.

The business is run by Karen and Stephen and their eldest son, Oliver, who works both on and off the farm.

Moss Valley Fine Meats supplies over 60% of the restaurants in the Sheffield / NE Derbyshire area.

Find out more.

Little Morton Farm

Little Morton Farm is a small family farm based in North Wingfield, Chesterfield, specialising in keeping pigs, pig arks and supplying chickens. Run by Tom Beckingham and his family, the main objective of Little Morton Farm is food production of the highest quality.

Find out more.

Cacoa Elora

A local producer working to raise the quality of the standard of chocolate, which is available to the consumer in north Derbyshire, using lower levels of sugar, sourcing cacao responsibly and raising awareness of the fine cacao which is grown and available.

The company is one of only 25 or so such producers in the UK, has received a Great Taste Award and is currently awaiting the result of the Academy of Chocolate Awards 2019.

Find out more!

The Crooked Pickle Co. was established in 2018 after realising that there was a distinct gap in the UK market for inventive and tasty pickled vegetables. Sure, you can find “pickles” such as chutney on every local market, but freshly-picked vegetables preserved in a pickling vinegar are hard to find. Supermarkets usually only offer the same old fare of pickled onions, gherkins and beetroot. Nothing wrong with that, but it’s been the same since 19-whenever.

Crooked Pickle is based in the shadow of Chesterfield’s famous Crooked Spire church and because all of its veg is hand-cut and not always straight, it thought there was really no better name!

Find out more.

Derbyshire Distillery was set up early in 2018. Its aim was simple: to produce fantastic gins, vodkas and liqueurs using the best local and international ingredients and fresh, cool Derbyshire water.

It uses a combination of traditional copper alembic stills alongside its state-of-the-art Genio Still to deliver beautifully crafted, small batch spirits.

Find out more.

Cup & Saucer is a small independent business, based in the heart of Derbyshire, just a stones throw away from the beautiful Peak District, which influences many of its products.

The business is passionate about good-quality tea, and provides customers with a variety of unique flavours.

Find out more.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Life’s a Beach at Vicar Lane

26th July 2019

Summer may mean sun, sea and sand for some, but for the many that are not going to make it to the coast to feel the sand between their toes this summer, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has got the perfect solution.

Once again, the centre will be making their very own beach, so that customers can come and enjoy some seaside fun – with 20% of all proceeds going to charity.

From 7th – 17th August 2019, customers are invited to kit the kids out with a bucket and spade and sink their toes into the centre’s giant sandpit, while the little ones create the monster of all sandcastles. There will be the chance to treat them to a ride on the teacups, challenge them to a game of hook-a-duck and spoil them with mouth-watering sweet treats – because we all do like to be beside the seaside!

Ashgate Hospicecare is Vicar Lane’s chosen charity this summer and 20% of all proceeds of your summer fun at the Vicar Lane beach, will go towards helping those affected by life-limiting illness, to live a more comfortable life through hospice care and a range of therapy and support services.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “It can be quite a challenge for parents and carers of young children, to keep them entertained for the entire 6 week break, so we wanted to provide something to give them a little helping hand with the added bonus of giving a little something to such a worthwhile cause.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Reserved Matters planning approval granted for office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

25th July 2019

Only weeks after the green light was given for the construction of 173 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside, permission has been granted to deliver 32,000 sq ft of high quality, grade ‘A’ office accommodation together with ground floor retail space of 5,286 sq ft at the £340million development.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building which represents the first step in delivering Phase 1 of the Basin Square neighbourhood at Chesterfield Waterside.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the new office building is the first grade A office building to be delivered in Chesterfield for some time and will provide much needed ‘grade A’ office accommodation for the towns businesses. The sites location adjacent to Chesterfield town centre will enable occupiers to benefit from the full range of services that the Town can offer. The site is also situated adjacent to Chesterfield train station and benefits from excellent access to the A61, providing an attractive location to businesses throughout the region.

Developer of the Waterside site, Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc, is already engaged in commercial negotiations with occupiers for the majority of the space within the new building.

When complete, the first phase of the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of residential apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the newly constructed canal basin. Bolsterstone reports significant interest from both investors and occupiers in all aspects of Phase 1 of Basin Square and hopes to be in a position to make further exciting announcements shortly.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Waterside continues to move forward apace. The granting of reserved matters planning approval for the office building at Basin Square is another major milestone for the development and also Chesterfield’s business community, as the local property market is currently lacking in the supply of high quality, large floorplate office space. It is an exciting stage in the development’s timeline.”

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside is a substantial development for the borough with business, retail and resident elements.”

“I’m really pleased to see the development move a step forward with the reserved matters approved for the high-quality office accommodation at Basin Square and look forward to work beginning on site.”

“With its central location and excellent transport links, Chesterfield is a great location for business and we have a proven track record of growing local businesses and for existing businesses locating here and this will complement the current business accommodation in the borough.”

The scheme is making significant progress in 2019 with Avant Homes beginning the construction of 173 two, three and four-bedroom homes at the site. Named Waterside Quarter, Avant Homes’ £36 million development will form part of The Park character area of Chesterfield Waterside and will be the company’s largest site in the Chesterfield area to date.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

For further information about office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside visit www.chesterfieldwaterside.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Vicar Lane’s Doggy Day Was a Bone-a-fide Hit!

25th July 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is like a dog with two tails following the success of their event, which was dedicated to the furry four-legged friends in our lives, from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 20^th July.

Vicar Lane invited customers to come along with their canine friends to enjoy a variety of activities plus free treats (for the good girls and boys).

During ‘Yappy Hour’ our furry friends enjoyed free dog treats and bottomless water from the drinking stations, while their humans enjoyed a free mocktail* (*while stocks lasted).

There was also the opportunity for customers to ‘strut their mutt’ around the centre’s mini agility course, which included a series of play jumps, seesaws, tunnels and slaloms. With rosettes for star performers and dog treats in abundance for all!

The centre’s pawfect event assistants were on hand to ensure that all four and two-legged guests had a wag-tastic time – and that, they did!

The event saw a steady stream of visitors with their four legged friends pop in to enjoy the day with customer feedback including:

“We heard about this event through Facebook and stayed all day, it was excellent!”

‘’We spent a good few hours at the event, watching all the dogs and taking part, there was nothing they could have done better.”

“We saw this as we were waking past and only stayed for ten minutes, it was great and there were some really funny dogs.”

“Loved the day, we saw our dog Princess included and liked seeing all the other dogs.’’

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re absolutely thrilled at the success and popularity of this event. We’ve become increasingly aware of the number of dog-lovers throughout the town, so it was great to host an event, especially for them!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting