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Chesterfield drinks business ‘in good spirits’ after move to new Vicar Lane store

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has announced the opening of independent Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit following its impressive growth in the town.

Previously Ginspired, which was based in Chesterfield’s Market Hall, Street Spirit has now expanded to a unit at Vicar Lane.

The store celebrated its opening with a complimentary rum, gin and tequila tasting event which saw over 300 visitors visiting the store.

The store stocks over a thousand different bottles including Gin, Whisky, Rum, Craft beer, local real ale, cider, and more. There are also local products from Derbyshire producers.

Street Spirit will be running a range of free tasting events on the dates below;

• Thursday 7th December 4pm-8pm – festive Tomatin Distillery whisky tasting and mince pies
• Thursday 14th December 1pm-4pm – gin & Whisky tasting with Forest Distillery
• Friday 15th December 1pm-4pm – spirits tasting with Mavericks Drinks.

The store is located on 10 Steeplegate next to Vintage Tea Rooms and will be open every day. For opening times and more information, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/stores/street-spirit/.

Matt Darken, Owner of Street Spirit says: “The impact of moving my business to Vicar Lane has been hugely positive, with a large increase in visitors to the shop and great interest in the products we offer, we’re on course for a record Christmas. I hope Street Spirit compliments the other high quality independent business we have here, it’s clearly an attractive area for shoppers from Chesterfield and further afield. The move here has been smooth and I’ve had great backing from the staff, management and support team at Vicar Lane.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to be able to support yet another local business in the heart of Chesterfield. This is the perfect place for shoppers to get Christmas gifts for loved ones and we hope everyone enjoys browsing the fantastic range of products in store.”

Chesterfield is home to a wide range of independent shops and national retailers, providing a unique shopping experience alongside plenty of food, drink and fun. Find out more about visiting our town. 

To find out more about the benefits of setting up your new business in Chesterfield, head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

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

Street Spirit Vicar Lane

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Chair’s Blog: “It’s crucial we take full advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead in 2024 and beyond.”

2023 is ending, but there is no doubt that we go into the new year with optimism in Chesterfield. You will be aware that town centres across the UK need to adapt, and I am sure you will have heard about the projects to revitalise Chesterfield and Staveley’s high streets that are either happening behind the scenes or just beginning. Soon we will see this work taking place with our own eyes!

In Chesterfield town centre the £17 million project to refurbish the Council’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall is underway. It will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre and modern Chesterfield Museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, and education and community facilities. By installing the latest technology and improving accessibility, we will ensure we can continue to attract the highest quality entertainment and culture to our town, adding to Chesterfield’s vibrancy as a visitor destination.

Stephenson Memorial Hall - Day

Starting in summer, the modernisation of our marketplace will begin. Plans involve creating a more defined, vibrant shopping zone with flexible space, better lighting, and digital connectivity. This will enable our town centre to host more events and activities, supporting both the market and the surrounding independent businesses. There will be new seating areas to encourage shoppers to stay longer and more trees will be planted for a greener town centre.

The connections between several key points in the town centre will also continue. You may have already seen some upgrades along Elder Way and Packers Row to make it more accessible. You will see more of this taking place in 2024, ensuring Chesterfield keeps its historic feel, but is fit for purpose going forward.

In Staveley, £6m will be spent on improved connectivity, lighting, more planting, space for an outdoor cinema and a landmark pavilion building, creating a more attractive place to visit and spend time.

Staveley town centre

These developments across our town centres are vital to ensuring their future. We all want to see our towns busy, full of people shopping, eating, drinking, and spending time with loved ones. We want to create quality jobs for local people and give businesses confidence that Chesterfield is an excellent destination to invest in.

We can all continue to play our part in this by shopping locally, using our local restaurants, cafes, leisure destinations and market stalls. There is so much happening this Christmas! It’s crucial we continue to back our town and ensure we take full advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead in 2024 and beyond.

Make the most of local shopping, events and activities taking place across Chesterfield throughout the festive period by visiting: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

On behalf of the Destination Chesterfield board and team, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

town centre chesterfield market hall

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

New community forest in North Derbyshire set to flourish

Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest has officially set down roots with the first tree being planted as part of the Government-funded initiative to improve access to nature by providing more green space in areas of the county with fewer woodlands.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, planted an oak tree on a countryside site on former colliery land in Glapwell, to mark the start of the forest’s creation along the eastern and southern fringes of the county.

It follows the council’s successful bid to develop one of two new Community Forests – the other being created in Tees Valley – to join the existing network of 13 England’s Community Forests.

England’s Community Forests are located in and around large towns and cities, providing urban, economic and social regeneration, championing green infrastructure and creating high-quality environments for millions of people.

So-called because of its location at the heart of England, Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will occupy a central position between the National Forest to the south and the Greenwood Community Forest in Nottinghamshire, providing the missing link to join up these two woodland areas.

Trees will be planted on pockets of available land stretching over a geographic area of approximately 289 square miles within communities along the eastern border of the county and areas in the south of the county including:

  • Amber Valley – Alfreton, Somercotes, Heanor, Ripley, Codnor.
  • North East Derbyshire – Aston, Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh, Sutton, Wingerworth, Shirland.
  • Bolsover – Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover, Shirebrook, Pleasley, South Normanton, Pinxton, Tibshelf, Glapwell.
  • Chesterfield – Birdholme, Boythorpe, Brampton, Brimington, Chesterfield, Loundsley Green and Newbold, Staveley, Whittington.
  • Erewash – Breadsall, West Hallam, Breaston, Horsley, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre.
  • South Derbyshire – Etwall and Repton, Hilton, Melbourne, Sawley.
  • Derby.

The project aims to plant 300,000 trees on publicly accessible land by March 2025, supporting Derbyshire County Council’s ambition to help facilitate the planting of a million trees by 2030.

Councillor Renwick said: “Derbyshire is well-known for being home to the rural villages and rolling hills of the Peak District, but our county is also characterised by communities in former coalfields and industrial heartlands.

“Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will bring together these urban areas, where more than three-quarters of the county’s population of 797,000 people live, helping to provide more green space for residents on their doorstep, boosting biodiversity, improving air quality and access to nature – which we know boosts people’s health and wellbeing.

“We’re very pleased that Derbyshire has been chosen to create a Community Forest, which will also add value to Derbyshire’s tourism and visitor economy and bring the potential for the growth of new businesses and jobs in the area through nature-led regeneration of industrial landscapes.

“The next stage is to link up with local landowners to look at where we can start planting and encourage groups and individuals to take ownership and get involved in creating woodland havens in their communities to create a positive legacy for generations to come.”

 

Tree planting in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will be supported by the England’s Community Forests Trees for Climate fund, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate programme. £50,000 has been awarded to fund initial development work for the new Community Forest.

The forest will be established in three phases with the third phase centred around establishing a new Community Forest Charitable Trust from April 2025 onwards to manage and maintain the Community Forest in the future.

Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest promises to be a tremendous community asset for the county. Woodlands and trees are the beating heart of so many communities – absolutely essential to supporting our health and wellbeing, alongside being home to some our most unique wildlife.

“The nation’s network of Community Forests play a really important role in contributing to our ambitions to increase tree planting across the country to meeting net zero ambitions, as well as increasing biodiversity. I look forward to seeing the progress as Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest starts to take shape and become a woodland for generations to enjoy long into the future.”

 

Paul Nolan, Chair, England’s Community Forests, says:  “It’s fantastic that we have two new Community Forests joining our growing partnership, bringing the total number of Community Forests up to 15. Both Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest and Trees on Tees will receive key support from the Government’s Nature for Climate fund through the Trees for Climate programme, helping to introduce more trees to areas most in need.

“Communities in both areas will be both part of the transformation and benefit from the creation of the forests, improving the local environment and connecting more people to nature.”

 

If you are a local landowner with land available to plant trees in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest area then the county council would like to hear from you, email heartwood@derbyshire.gov.uk for more information.

Heartwood community forest

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Junction Arts celebrates 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

Junction Arts has celebrated hosting the 30th Bolsover Lantern Parade, an event that continues to bring light, people, and a strong community spirit to the town.

Hundreds of people joined the parade last weekend with their lanterns and thousands more lined the streets to see one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions.

Following a month of lantern-making workshops in the community and local schools, just under 400 lanterns were made for the parade.

Among the hundreds of creations, there was a giant gingerbread man, Buddy the Elf, an astronaut, Father Christmas, a dragon, an aeroplane, and a huge Buzz Lightyear.

Several smaller lanterns reflected the history of the parade, with traditional miner’s lamps and stars, that were used in the very first parade.

The parade marked the finale of the Bolsover Winter Festival, a weekend of festive fun, which included a new light show at Bolsover Castle and a traditional Christmas market, that contained 130 stalls.

The event is organised by Chesterfield-based charity, Junction Arts, in partnership with Old Bolsover Town Council, English Heritage and other community partners.  It has become a much-loved, cultural tradition for generations of people.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Lantern Parades are a symbol of creativity, celebration, and community. Reaching 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade is a wonderful achievement for the town.

“This year’s parade did feel extra special as we reflected on the last three decades and the positive impact that it has had on the town. Thank you to everyone who made a lantern, or came along on the night to watch, in freezing temperatures, you are what makes this event so special, see you next year!”

Find out more about the festive fun taking place across Chesterfield this Christmas.

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

Junction Arts Bolsover Lantern Parade

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Learning Curve Group extends offer with new courses in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield training provider which helps learners gain skills to build careers in the beauty industry has extended its offer with several new courses.

Learning Curve Group, formerly known as White Rose Beauty Colleges, has already provided courses for thousands of learners in Chesterfield since 1996. Now, the organisation has expanded, adding hairdressing and barbering courses at its Chesterfield academy.

Helen Bradshaw, Learner Recruitment Officer at Learning Curve Group commented: “With accredited courses available from January and delivered by industry-trained staff, learners can expect an excellent, professional experience in our fabulous town centre college.

“With smaller class sizes and a warm, friendly environment, we strive for excellence in both preparing and enabling our learners the opportunity to work in the industry. Our salons are designed to replicate a high street salon and we regularly invite members of the public to enjoy a treatment at a discounted price.”

  • Level 1 Diploma course in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy is aimed at learners who are under 19 years of age and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the basic skills required to become a stylist or therapist.
  • The Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing offers a nature progression or and is also offered to learners over 19. This course builds and develops skills such as cutting and colouring and we encourage learners to gain work experience in a salon to give them a true insight into the business.
  • Level 3 and Level 4 is most suited to those who already work in a salon who would like to build on their existing knowledge with units such as creative colouring, colour correction, and advanced cutting skills to name but a few.

Helen added: “Barbering is an exciting new addition; we feel confident that a new generation of learners will be eager to bring their new skills to our town and offer an excellent service to the local community.

“We aim to support local salons with our wonderful Apprenticeship programme, which offers a great opportunity for learners to work in a salon with the support and encouragement from our experienced staff. Trends in hairdressing are as changeable as the fashion industry and we aim to offer our learners the most current up-to-date skills in our state of the art, modern college, consistently providing a stream of skilled stylists into the workforce.”

To find out more about our courses and to arrange a college tour, please contact the academy on 01246 588773 or email Helen.bradshaw@learningcurvegroup.co.uk

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

learning curve group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions to support those in need this Christmas

Several organisations in Chesterfield are playing their part in supporting our community this Christmas.

Businesses in the town will be helping those in need, with a number of different initiatives being offered which people can support.

If you’re looking to help and support those less fortunate in our area over the festive period, check out how you can get involved by viewing some of the initiatives below from our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions.

Rosewood Wealth Management supports Lifehouse Church Appeal

Rosewood Wealth Management One Waterside Place

Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is supporting an appeal hosted by Lifehouse Church, and is inviting people across the area to donate food items to help those less fortunate.

The church is building food hampers for vulnerable people in the community, and is asking for people to donate specific food and drink items, as displayed below.

Those wishing to donate can drop off products at Rosewood Wealth Management’s new office on the 4th floor at One Waterside Place, Basin Square, Brimington Road, Chesterfield, S41 7FH.

Chester’s Toy Appeal returns at Chesterfield FC

cfc toy appeal 23

 

 

Chester’s Toy Appeal, sponsored by Brett Martin Ltd, is now underway. New, unwrapped toys, donated as part of the appeal, will be handed out to families in need so that children who would otherwise go without receive a present on Christmas Day.

Donations can be taken to the main reception at John Pye Ltd on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, every Wednesday and Thursday, until December 13 (between 11am and 3pm).

Donations can also be taken to the main reception at the SMH Group Stadium, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except on matchdays).

Paperclip supports Christmas lunch for vulnerable people in Chesterfield

Anne - paperclip Brochure - Landscape

Chesterfield-based Paperclip Ltd. is supporting an appeal to provide a Christmas Lunch for disadvantaged people across Chesterfield.

The lunch will be held at Whittington Moor Methodist Church, Scarsdale Road, S41 8NA on Christmas Day from 1pm-5:30pm.

Those wishing to volunteer or donate to the event can ring the Paperclip Christmas Dinner Hotline on 01246 948 401. A full list of donations being accepted can be found on the Paperclip Linkedin page

Leverton UK to support Chesterfield FC Community Trust Food Box Appeal

Molly Jowitt, Leverton UK

Chesterfield property and construction company, Leverton UK has set up a Just Giving page to support a food box appeal being supported by Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The fundraiser will also give the chance for a deserving family to win the Harrods bear, Ethan. They will also invite the winners to the Leverton UK Hospitality box at Chesterfield Football Club for a match.

Every £1 raised will enter a child into the draw, with the winner being announced 20th December by official Chesterfield FC mascot, Chester The Field Mouse.

Snowflakes appear on Chesterfield building to support The Children’s Hospital Charity

sheff childrens snowflakes

Several snowflakes have been lit up on the prominent Homes by Holmes building on Saltergate in Chesterfield, to support the charity’s annual appeal.

Each snowflake has been sponsored by a local resident or business, helping the hospital to continue its vital work in funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world.

Find out more about the 2023 Snowflakes appeal. 

Greatest Hits Radio supports Mission Christmas Appeal

Greatest Hits Radio is supporting the Mission Christmas fundraiser by the Cash For Kids Charity. Presenter, Ken Bruce explained how people can get involved:

Rosewood Wealth Management, Chesterfield FC, Leverton UK, Paperclip, The Children’s Hospital Charity, and Greatest Hits Radio support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Qoozies collaborate with Italian Chef to launch Sunday brunch offer

Qoozies have announced they will be opening on Sundays with a brand-new Sunday brunch experience at Vicar Lane.

Between 10 am-3 pm every Sunday, they will be serving a new Sunday Brunch Menu by Vito Scaravilli (the Italian chef behind Scaravilli Pasta Lab at the Batchhouse).

All dishes have been specially curated using the finest ingredients, including the Benedict (8 hour slow cooked beef shin, poached egg, hollandaise sauce and crispy shallots on a toasted English muffin), Pancake di Mama (American pancakes topped with eggs, crispy bacon, blueberries and maple syrup) and the Veganist (chickpea and beetroot hummus, avocado and black sesame seeds on toasted sourdough), to name but a few.

Over the festive period, they will be offering 10% off their Elfy-ccino hot chocolate for families that visit Santa’s grotto at Vicar Lane.

They have also launched seven new hot chocolates to be enjoyed over the festive period.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’Qoozies have long been popular amongst visitors to Vicar Lane, and we are so excited that they will now be opening every Sunday with an amazing new menu”.

There is a great range of independent food businesses across the borough of Chesterfield check out our guide of 50 you should try.

Don’t miss all the great things happening in Chesterfield on the run-up to Christmas and our gift and food guides from Chesterfield retailers.  Discover more at Christmas in Chesterfield

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

Qoozies Brunch Menu

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Top class cricket to return to Chesterfield in 2024

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, will return to Queen’s Park in June and July next year.

Derbyshire is set to do battle with local rivals Yorkshire.

The festival consists of two matches against Yorkshire, beginning on Sunday, 30 June 2024, with the 4-day County Championship match, and concluding with the fast-paced Vitality Blast T20 match on Sunday 7 July.

You can now enjoy the full week of cricket, at the picturesque Queen’s Park with a new Festival Pass.  This gives access to all five days of cricket for just £49.  You can book your tickets at https://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/chesterfield-festival-of-cricket/

There is a great summer of events in Chesterfield after it has been confirmed that both Eat in the Park and Chesterfield Pride will also return in 2024.

Jimmy Drew, Commerical Manager of Derbyshire County Cricket Club commented: “Chesterfield has a really good opportunity to capitalise on the great things that are taking place in the town and the surrounding area as well”.

Looking for details of events, and festivals happening in Chesterfield check out www.chestrfield.co.uk/events or sign up for our weekly email update here.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club and BRM Solicitors support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Taste Restaurant at Chesterfield College undergoes dramatic refurbishment

Chesterfield College’s Taste Restaurant has undergone a dramatic transformation after its extensive refurbishment this Autumn. The renovation includes new flooring throughout, an updated bar, cocktail station and Art Deco design features.

Taste Restaurant is operated by college students under the watchful eye of their tutors, all of which hold a wealth of industry experience. It’s a fully licensed restaurant offering themed, as well as à la Carte menus.

Running these facilities gives learners experience of working in a commercial environment, delivering high quality food and service to paying customers, to gain the knowledge required for a successful career in the catering and hospitality industry.

A hidden gem in Chesterfield, Taste is open, during term time, not just to college students and staff but also to the public. Businesses are also encouraged to hold meetings and lunches in the restaurant and a pop-up workspace offer also includes unlimited hot drinks and Wi-Fi for those looking for a comfortable and relaxing space to work from or take meetings.

Bookings are recommended. For all bookings and enquires please email taste@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 01246 500500 ext. 1964. Alternatively, message their Facebook page.

Caleb Wilkes, Vocational Lead of Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College, explains: “We are a learner-led restaurant offering our students valuable hands-on experience to help them succeed. Our learners prepare and cook all the food, prepare and serve all the drinks and plan our events.

We have just finished refurbishment and we are back better than ever! Due to our brand-new bar, our learners gain experience using the latest industry-standard equipment, giving themselves the skills and knowledge they need to be successful out in industry. This also means our drinks offering has been further extended to give customers a fantastic array to choose from.

“We already welcome in the local community on a regular basis, but we would love to see more of you! We will be holding an open day for the community to come down and experience what we have on offer on Wednesday 24th January, 12pm – 2pm. We hope to see you there!”

Find out more about eating out in Chesterfield.

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

Taste restaurant refurbishment

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield welcomes more than 17,000 visitors to annual Christmas lights switch-on

More than 17,000 visitors got into the festive spirit in Chesterfield last weekend, according to data from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

The town officially switched on its Christmas Lights on Sunday, 19th November to mark the beginning of the Christmas period. In total, 17,313 came along to see the town lit up.

The weekend saw numerous attractions in the town centre, including a festive market, street entertainers, Santa’s grottos, fairground rides, and the annual Festival of Christmas Trees at the Crooked Spire.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors to Vicar Lane for the lights switch on. It was fantastic to see everyone getting into the Christmas spirit. We hope families will enjoy the upcoming festive activities we have planned including visiting Santa and our Festive Fun Day this weekend”.

After a successful opening weekend, the Christmas fun certainly isn’t stopping in Chesterfield. Santa is being kept busy, offering children the chance to meet him before the big day at a number of locations across the town.

This Saturday (25th November), between 10am to 4pm, there will be a day of festive fun at Vicar Lane. Visitors are sure to have a ‘bear-y’ merry time as Snowy the polar bear will be roaming around the centre ready to spread festive cheer throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to take part in the personalised bauble workshop. The workshop will be located next to Waterstones and no advance booking is required. Subject to availability.

On specified dates in December, between 11am-4pm, Vicar Lane is inviting families to come along to Santa’s workshop to get writing their letters to Santa. Plus, there will be lots of Christmas crafts for all to get involved in.  Santa’s elf workshop will be located next to Waterstones.

Vicar Lane’s very own Elf Training Academy will also be open on Saturday 16th December and Friday 22nd December between 11am to 4pm. This will be located next to Waterstones.

For a full guide to your perfect Christmas in Chesterfield, including events and acivities, local guides to the best gifts, food and drink, where to meet Santa, an much more, head over to our Christmas in Chesterfield page.

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

christmas lights new square

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Junction Arts unveils new art installation in Chesterfield town centre

A new art installation has been unveiled at Elder Way in Chesterfield town centre this week, created by artist Lucie Maycock to shine a light on community arts in Chesterfield and raise awareness of local charity, Junction Arts.

Jomast, the company which has developed the former Co-op department store building on Elder Way, commissioned the piece to bring colour and light to the building this winter, creating a point of interest while telling the story of Junction Arts and the work they do in the community.

The artwork can be seen in the window of one of the new units in the Elder Way building.

Entitled ‘We are all artists and creators’, the artwork includes original illustrations, which frame a stunning collection of lanterns that have been made by the local community over the last three decades, for the annual Bolsover Lantern Parade. People can see the display in the window located opposite the Co-op Bank, which is best viewed in the evening when the lanterns are lit up – over 7000 lights have been used to bring the artwork to life.

The window was designed by Chesterfield artist and Junction Arts board member Lucie Maycock, who has a personal connection to the building. Lucie’s Mother, Karen Maycock was the Display Supervisor for the Co-op, dressing the windows at the old department store for over 30 years before it closed. Karen has been on hand to help Lucie with the design, revisiting her old place of work to ensure that the window display is perfect.

Lucie said: “When Junction Arts asked me to create the window display on Elder Way in the old Co-op building, I was excited by the idea. Not just about the project itself but the link to my Mum and her career as a window dresser in the same building. I grew up seeing my Mum in the windows of this beautiful department store, I remember walking home from school via town to see if I could see her and knock on the window to say hi and show all my friends that this is what she did as a job.

“I asked my Mum if she wanted to help create the arrangements for the window display. She was really excited about going back there and helping me to make the fabulous creation come to life. I am so lucky to have her skills and expertise to help execute this project, it’s a real privilege.

“Drawing onto the window was a wonderful experience. I kept imagining that this was how my Mum would have felt for all those years she spent at the Co-op. As people walked by, they were so friendly, saying hi, asking what I was doing and generally being wonderful. I felt emotionally connected to the artwork, space and purpose of this project.

“Doing this window for Junction Arts was a pleasure and I feel privileged to be promoting my passion for community arts whilst working with my Mum, and being able to put myself in the same place she did so many times.”

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that was established in 1976 to develop and deliver engaging arts experiences within disadvantaged areas, to improve wellbeing, build confidence and skills, address inequality and inspire change. The local charity runs several projects throughout the year as well as organising events including The Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Thank you to Jomast for giving us this opportunity to showcase community art in the town centre, it’s great to see the lanterns as the centrepiece to the design, as we are celebrating 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade this year. We hope that Lucie and Karen’s amazing work will bring light and hope to people, inspiring them to get creative in their communities. The window perfectly reflects the work we do in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and I hope it encourages more people to engage with us in the future.”

Jomast’s Commercial Property Director Mark Hill said: “We’re all really excited by the artwork that Lucie is creating. Her link to the building’s former use as a Co-op department store is remarkable and we couldn’t think of anyone better placed to bring one of the new units to life with this stunning artwork. The lanterns really will shine a light on this beautiful building and its redevelopment.”

The artwork will be on display until spring 2024. For more information visit www.junctionarts.org or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK.

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

junction arts elder way window

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