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Free or low cost things to do this Christmas in Chesterfield

Looking to keep the family entertained this Christmas in Chesterfield? We’ve put together a list of free or low-cost activities that all the family can participate in.

Whilst there are some costs which are hard to avoid at Christmas – gifts and all the food for example – there are plenty of ways to feel jolly without splashing the cash.

1. Find the Chesterfield Elves

Christmas in Chesterfield Elf Trail

The Chesterfield Elves are hiding in shop windows around Chesterfield town centre, waiting for you to find them.

Santa has hidden a letter with each of the elves which spells out a magic word. Collect all the letters, unscramble them and spell out the special Christmas word for a chance of winning an Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.

You can either participate in the Elf Trail interactively by scanning a QR code on the elves and find the secret letter hidden on a webpage, or collect a paper entry form from the Visitor Information Centre in Chesterfield.

Are you ready to find the Chesterfield Elves? Click here to find clues as to where the elves are hiding…

2. See the twinkly Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights at Crooked Spire

Wait until dusk and take a walk through Chesterfield town centre to enjoy the twinkly and colourful Christmas lights. To help keep you warm, purchase a take-away hot chocolate from one of Chesterfield’s food and drink venues, or to keep the activity low-cost, you could take your own hot chocolate in a flask.

Chesterfield Snowflakes

The Children’s Hospital Charity’s snowflake appeal is back in various locations across North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. Look out for the snowflakes on display, sponsored by local businesses, at the Homes-by-Holmes building on Saltergate (pictured above).

3. Visit Santa’s Workshop at Vicar Lane

Santa's Workshop Vicar Lane

Take the little ones to enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop until Christmas Eve. Meet the elves,  before writing a letter to Santa and posting it in a magical post box to the North Pole.

Find out where you can meet Santa in Chesterfield…

4. Enjoy our outdoor spaces

Linacre Waters Chesterfield

Heading out for a wander is an ideal low-cost activity, not only to stay active whilst we’re enjoying all the festive feasts, but also for some time out from the Christmas madness.

Need ideas for where to go? Check out our guide to the great outdoors to explore in Chesterfield…

5. Discover Chesterfield’s unique artwork

The Puppy angle

You may never of noticed before, but Chesterfield is full of hidden gems when it comes to artwork and culture.

Stretch your legs, and take a walk to discover all the unique artwork in our town, you might even spot the puppy pictured above! The artwork can be a great photo opportunity for children – don’t forget to share your images on social media by tagging in @DesChes and use #LoveChesterfield

Discover the unique artwork by following our Chesterfield Art Trail Walking Routes…

6. Participate in Tag Tap AR

Tag Tap AR comp

Download the ‘TagTap AR’ app for free and take part in the interactive game experience, which combines the real world with computer-generated content.

Between 1st December – 20th December 2022, TapTag and Chesterfield FC are running a Christmas competition – earn points and you will be entered into a competition to win signed merchandise.

Visit the TagTap AR website to learn more…

7. Get crafty this Christmas

Christmas Arts and Crafts

Christmas is a great time to make gifts for friends or family, create decorations for your home or use your baking skills to make some yummy treats.

Chesterfield Borough Council have put together a few ideas to do either by yourself, or to entertain the kids, and the best part is all of the tutorials are free!

Check out the crafts guide here…

8. Enjoy a brass band or carol concert

Holymoorside Band Chesterfield

Get into the festive spirit as venues across Chesterfield host a number of brass band and Christmas carol concerts.

See which Christmas concerts are taking place over the festive period… 

9. Find Christmas gifts to suit your budget

Shop Indie

Finding gifts for family and friends doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank! Lucky for you, Chesterfield’s independent retailers have you covered. Here are 5 gift ideas under £10.00:

  • Tea Drinkers Enamel Pin from West Studios – £7.00
  • Luxury hot chocolate cones from Cibo Bistro – from £2.50
  • Jellycat soft toys from Huckleberry Willow – from £9.00
  • Love Coco 700ml Coconut Bowl with Bamboo Straw & Oil from Mrs Green’s Eco Store – £6.00
  • Be Reyt Mug from Shop Indie – £10.00

To find out more about these products and for more inspiration, visit our Christmas gift guide…

10. Spread the Christmas cheer by supporting local

Support Local this Christmas Banner

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by supporting local people and businesses.

Shopping local is the best way to support our independent businesses, and we have put together some shopping guides to help you source your festive food and gifts locally.

Looking to support your local people? For inspiration and ways you can get involved, check out how Chesterfield’s business community is supporting local people this Christmas.

See what other great activities are taking place across Chesterfield this festive period…

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

New retailer open at North Derbyshire shopping destination

Derbyshire-based Coghlans’s Food and Wine Experience has become the latest retailer to open new stores at the revitalised Peak Village in Derbyshire.

Alongside its high quality selection of wines, champagne, and specialist foods, Coghlans will host an ongoing programme of events in its wine and food workshop. ‘Meet the Producers’ events, wine courses and team building events will bring individuals and groups up close to guest chefs as well as artisan food producers of premium quality cheese, honey, coffee and much more; while its wine workshops will include tastings, wine and food pairing, and insights into wine production.

The store opened in early November all ready for the Christmas season at Peak Village, which officially started on the weekend of 26/27 November.

The new store opening follows on from other openings over the past few months and more expected early in the new year. Since spring, the site has added Wild Olive, Lambs Cakes and Bakes, Garden World, Grape Tree and the new modern dining concept Chatsworth Kitchen, which have all proved popular with visitors and driven increased footfall.

Significant investment over the past 18 months has enabled Peak Village to continue growing following its purchase last year by the Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Devonshire family at nearby Chatsworth.

Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village hosts nearly 20 shops and employs between 80 and 100 people. Aiming to offer something different from traditional high streets and shopping malls, Peak Village actively welcomes independent retail brands and businesses with a strong local connection.

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

 

Coghlans Peak Shopping Village

All images credited to The Devonshire Group

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Chesterfield hot tub manufacturer launches new ‘AquaSolus’ range

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness has announced the launch of AquaSolus, the brand-new range of luxury hot tubs hitting the market.

The new AquaSolus product range offers six new hot tubs. The range encompasses various well sculptured models, from all seater models to models with one lounger.

Following the soft launch at Spatex earlier this year, the company officially launched this new range at The PSP Expo in Vegas and The Piscina and Wellness Show in Lyon in November. Superior Wellness is confident that this new product range will offer customers across the globe an improved choice and an exceptional hydrotherapy experience.

The new AquaSolus range from Superior Wellness has been designed to improve wellness. AquaSolus meaning ‘health through water’ in Latin is the essence of what customers will experience with this range. The hot tubs have been carefully designed with wellness and hydrotherapy at the forefront.

Superior Wellness is proud to partner with industry leading suppliers to bring customers the highest quality hot tubs with the best hydrotherapy experience. All AquaSolus hot tubs are built around an impressive tubular stainless-steel framework, due to its robustness we are proud to give a lifetime warranty on its integrity.

In a world of increasing energy costs, it’s vitally important to put energy efficient insulation at the forefront when designing a new hot tub and the AquaSolus range is no exception.

Utilising a tried and tested Heatlock Insulation Process, where the exterior of the spas is insulated in the same way we insulate our homes, creating an inner heat shield. Using this method, the heat is reflected back inwards, and is then used to help maintain the temperature of the spa through heat transfer via the vast amount of plumbing; this assists with the overall running costs.

Graham Message, Superior Wellness Business Development Manager said “Our new AquaSolus range sees Superior Wellness venture into the high end, high specification hot tub marketplace for the first time.

“Aimed for the more discerning customer who requires more than just fun from their hot tub, AquaSolus was designed to capitalise on hydrotherapy, water management and energy efficiency. No short cuts were taken when we designed this range as we wanted the latest technology and only the best industry components to match the vision. We had to make the AquaSolus range the best we could and I’m pleased to say we have achieved the brief we set ourselves.”

To find out more about partnering with Superior Wellness on the brand new AquaSolus range please email sales@superiorwellness.co.uk

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

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New book to showcase scenic walking routes around Chesterfield Canal

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has just published a book of walks along and around the canal, showcasing some of the town’s beautiful scenery.

Entitled ‘Walking along the Chesterfield Canal’, it has 76 pages with lots of maps, photographs and illustrations. It costs £10 and is available from the Trust’s shop at Hollingwood Hub and online from its website – search for Chesterfield Canal Trust.

The book was written by David Blackburn who is a leading light in the Ramblers and who has been the Walks Officer for the Trust for about 25 years.

David said: “I have been walking along the Chesterfield Canal for many years and it has given me a great deal of pleasure. It’s a privilege to be able to share some of the walks I enjoy, and I hope they will give lots of pleasure to other walkers too.

“They vary in length, cover the whole canal towpath and also use footpaths in the surrounding countryside; most are easy, with just a few offering a little more of a challenge in areas where footpaths are less well used.

“I hope users will find the walks in the book both interesting and enjoyable and tempt them to explore parts of the canal they have not visited before.”

The 25 walks are circular and cover the full 46-mile length from Chesterfield to the River Trent. There are two particular features to the book. If you complete all the walks, you will have covered every inch of the towpath. Also, each walk can be combined with the next one in the book, giving longer walk options if you wish.

The walks are very varied. They give the opportunity to enjoy a variety of canal scenery and features and also to explore the paths and tracks, some used relatively infrequently, in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the villages and towns close by.

Some walks, especially on the Derbyshire section, are in a more urban setting and pass through areas once devoted to the industries that made considerable use of the canal. That’s all been swept away, and the canal follows a peaceful green corridor, with only a few scars from past industry remaining.

In South Yorkshire there’s a big flight of locks – more in a mile than any other canal in the country. It’s surrounded by woodland and green fields and is amongst the most attractive lengths of canal in Britain. Some areas, especially beyond Worksop and Retford, have a quite remote feel as the canal passes through miles of agricultural land with several attractive villages close by.

There’s a great deal for lovers of wildlife too, with lots of flowers and trees and many birds – on and out of the water. Kingfishers can be seen regularly, even in the more urban parts beyond Chesterfield. The graceful heron can often be seen looking out for fish for its next meal, whilst in some of the clear water sections, mainly in Nottinghamshire, an abundance of fish can be spotted.

The canal is also home to the water vole, an increasingly threatened species. Do allow yourself time to stand and stare – the walks are best enjoyed if you are not rushed.

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

canal walking festival

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Chesterfield Champions sponsor local community awards ceremony

Several Chesterfield Businesses and organisations have pledged to sponsor the upcoming BrightLife ‘Champions Against Loneliness’ Awards.

The ceremony is set to held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, on February 17th, 2023.

The awards evening is a fundraising event at which the local charity BrightLife will acknowledge and celebrate those members of society who have gone above and beyond in their actions to ensure that loneliness and isolation doesn’t occur amongst older people living within Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

The 2023 award categories will include:

  • Champion
  • Champion Young Person
  • Champion Volunteer
  • Champion Medical Professional
  • Champion Carer
  • Champion Business
  • Champion Neighbour
  • Champion Family
  • Champion Charity

Sponsors for the event include Banner Jones Solicitors, Heron Publications – the producer of Twist Magazine, and 1866 Sport – the official radio station of Chesterfield Football Club.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager of Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “Banner Jones has worked alongside BrightLife (formerly Age Concern Chesterfield and District) for several years as we have always recognised the importance of supporting the elderly and vulnerable in our society.

Unfortunately we see the effects of loneliness in our everyday work with clients and it was this that gave us a reason to get behind this event and help to raise money for this outstanding local charity.”

Mike Firth, Director of Heron Publications commented “We are proud how closely our magazines are tied to the fabric of the communities they serve. When we heard that BrightLife was planning to recognise some of the most deserving individuals and groups in these communities, we were interested to find out more.

“We are excited to be a sponsor of the event and urge anyone who knows someone who strives to combat older people’s loneliness and isolation to get involved.”

Bridget Ball, 1866 Sport’s marketing manager, added: “We are delighted to be working with BrightLife and helping them recognise those have helped combat loneliness.”

If you or anyone you know has helped to prevent loneliness and isolation amongst older people living within your community, please submit a nomination at www.brightlife.charity/champions or phone BrightLife on 01246 273333.

Casa Hotel

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Shortlist revealed for 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the 2023 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a fantastic celebration of the passionate, hardworking and distinctive businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism offer to visitors and investors from across the country, but they also highlight the rewarding careers available in the industry and serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy.

“Reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and we look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2023.”

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Casa Hotels Group, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards at Casa Hotel for the second year in a row. The tourism awards are a great way to celebrate success across the area’s unique hospitality and tourism sector, and we’re thrilled to have been nominated for three awards this year alongside many other top-class businesses.

“Global Brands is also pleased to be sponsoring the reception drinks for this prestigious occasion and we look forward to celebrating with finalists on Thursday 2nd March 2023!”


Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2023 Shortlist


Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
  • Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor

Experience of the Year

  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne

New Tourism Business Award

  • Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne
  • The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

Team of the Year

  • Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Hattersley Wines
  • The Maynard Team

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat
  • Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDTourismAwards.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Casa Hotel 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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Chesterfield’s brand-new M&S store opens at Ravenside Retail Park

Local people have been supported to secure jobs at the new Marks and Spencer store in Chesterfield, as part of a partnership project with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located in Ravenside Retail Park, the store is designed with customers and local families at heart with a fresh, market-style Foodhall and a spacious Clothing, Home and Beauty Department, and over 400 car parking spaces.

At 46,000 sqft. the new store marks a big investment for M&S in Chesterfield, with over 100 new recruits joining the current team to welcome customers through the doors.

On the store’s official opening day, (Wednesday, 30th November) the M&S Chesterfield team gathered at the store entrance at 10am with Store Manager, Matt Corker, who was joined by guest of honor, Percy Pig, to cut the ribbon and declare the store officially open.

The opening day was also marked with a live broadcast from North Derbyshire Radio, who hosted the Breakfast and Daytime shows from the shop floor – interviewing colleagues and customers and getting a first-look at all the exciting new features.

Soaking up the opening day celebrations, Store Manager Matt Corker, who has worked at M&S for over 25 years, is exceptionally proud of the new store and his amazing team of of over 200 colleagues.

Matt said: “We’re thrilled to open our brand-new store in Chesterfield today. The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches to our new store and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in the team who has worked so hard to make sure everything is ready for our big opening day.”

“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Chesterfield and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer. As well as bringing our existing M&S Chesterfield team across to the new store, we’re proud to introduce over 100 new recruits to M&S Chesterfield, who can’t wait to meet everyone. With an amazing new, fresh-market feel Foodhall and a Clothing, Home & Beauty department which is the perfect place to shop your M&S favourites, we really do have the best of M&S here in Chesterfield for everyone to enjoy!”

While acknowledging that it’s disappointing to lose the household name from its central location on the high street – Chesterfield Borough Council has welcomed the firm’s commitment to its future in the borough.

Local people were supported to apply for roles at the new store at a recent recruitment event led by the council.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The opening of this new Marks and Spencer store at Ravenside Retail Park represents a significant investment in our borough.

“Whilst we understand that the move is disappointing for our high street, the company’s decision to remain within our town demonstrates the confidence that this national retailer has in Chesterfield’s future.

“It has also created more than 100 new jobs, and we’ve been working closely with the company to support local people to benefit from these new employment opportunities.”

The council does not own the building which has now been vacated by Marks and Spencer, but is continuing to work with the landlord to explore alternative uses for this key town centre building,

Councillor Sarvent added: “While we have no direct control over the former Marks and Spencer building, we will do all we can to explore and support positive new uses for this central site in our town centre.

“We’re also making significant investments in this area to ensure we can create a modern, vibrant visitor destination which builds confidence in the town – including our ambitious ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’ town centre regeneration plans which are moving forward after we secured nearly £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund.”

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Derbyshire to return to Queen’s Park in 2023 for the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

The fixture list has been confirmed ahead of the 2023 County Cricket season, with Derbyshire set to return to Queen’s Park in Chesterfield to do battle with local rivals Yorkshire.

Derbyshire will be beginning their campaign at home to Worcestershire in the LV= County Championship, starting on Thursday 6 April.

Mickey Arthur’s side will be looking to make a strong start to the red ball season, with two games on the road in April, before Derbyshire host Leicestershire and Gloucestershire in an opening block of five-successive first-class fixtures.

The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket returns in June, and promises to be the biggest ever, with Derbyshire facing Yorkshire in the County Championship, starting on Sunday 11 June, before the Falcons take on the Vikings in Vitality Blast action on Sunday 18 June, meaning five huge days of action at Queen’s Park.

Last season’s action in Chesterfield saw Derbyshire beat Middlesex by six wickets in the County Championship, and the Falcons securing a six-wicket win over Yorkshire in the T20 match, which was played in front of a sellout crowd.

The blockbuster clashes are also back in Derby next summer, with five Vitality Blast fixtures set to take place at The Incora County Ground, headlined by the East Midlands Derby against Notts Outlaws on Friday 9 June.

The Vitality Blast will kick off with the historic Blast Off at Edgbaston on Saturday 20 May, where the Falcons will take on Lancashire Lightning in front of a bumper crowd on the biggest stage.

On Monday 29 May, a Bank Holiday, The Incora County Ground will play host to a special double-header, as The Blaze take on Southern Vipers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, before Derbyshire Falcons take on Northants Steelbacks in the Vitality Blast under the floodlights.

In total, Derbyshire’s 2023 schedule includes 39 days of home cricket, while Members can also enjoy free access to England fixtures hosted at Derby, meaning Membership remains the best-value way to follow Derbyshire in 2023.

The full list of Derbyshire fixtures can be found at https://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/

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

 

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Santa’s post office and grotto now open at Vicar Lane

Families can now enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop at Vicar Lane shopping centre, where little ones can meet the elves before writing their letter to Santa.

Children and adults can share the moment together as their wish list gets posted in the magical post box and travels right before their eyes, to the North Pole.

Families wishing to head further into the Grotto, can then take an enchanted trip through a winter wonderland. At the end of the winding pathway, they will be greeted by Santa in his cosy grotto, surrounded by all of the toys for the good girls and boys.

Tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto are £8.50 each and every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

Due to its previous success, Vicar Lane also offer an Autism Friendly Santa Experience (on selected dates and times) which support children with autism and sensory conditions to enjoy all of the Christmas magic in a more calming and relaxed environment. These sessions must be booked in advance. For more information on how to book, visit Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

Don’t miss out on a very special appearance from Snowy the Polar bear, on Saturday 3rd December. For one day only you can get up close with Snowy as he roams around the centre.

In addition, there is a whole host of fun in the run up to the big day.

For something creative, Vicar Lane is hosting a number of Workshops in conjunction with Thanks a Bunch, The Works & Junction Arts. Gather with friends and family for a something local and festive to do this season.

Find out more information, go to https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/

On Saturday 17th December, The Aurora Choir will be around the St James Square area between 11am and 1pm singing Christmas carols to help make last minute shopping more delightful. The Aurora Choir will be raising money for Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We’re delighted to bring back our Grotto and Workshop Experience for the local community and their families this year. There’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the events and with Chesterfield’s Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on the same weekend, it’s a great opportunity to get out with family and friends and begin the Christmas preparations, with plenty of time to enjoy the fun!’’

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

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Chesterfield Royal installs State-of-the-Art £1.5m MRI Scanner

A state-of-the-art £1.5m brand new MRI scanner has been installed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – expecting to help diagnose more than 16,000 patients a year.

An MRI scanner– or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner – uses magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce three dimensional detailed images of most areas of the body without the use of radiation. It is used to diagnose and monitor treatments in both adults and children.

The Trust has two MRIs on site with this new Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5 T replacing an 11-year-old machine, which was removed in September.

The installation was carried out by a 50 tonne crane and took seven hours with the cryogenics and superconductor – needed to operate the machinery – being connected to the power supply and configured. The new machine will become operational from 23 December – just in time for Christmas.

The new MRI will have a life span of between 10-15 years and weighs just over 4 tonnes – the equivalent of a hippopotamus or about three cars. It will operate 12.5 hours a day, seven days a week – with scans lasting between 10-60 minutes. All scans are prioritised with urgent cases often receiving the results on the same day.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director at the Trust commented: “This is great news for the people of Chesterfield and shows that as a Trust we are investing in modern care and facilities – this being alongside the £27m Urgent and Emergency Care Development and the £2m Paediatric Assessment Unit.”

An MRI is typically used to diagnose a variety of pathologies including stroke, tumours, vascular anomalies and many musculo-skeletal problems.

Rebecca Ward, MRICT lead at the Trust, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing in such an advanced piece of equipment into the hospital. The new technology will offer far greater quality and speed over our previous scanner. We know that it will improve our performance and mean we diagnose more people as well as providing a better experience for patients.”

Kevin Sargen, added: “I’d take this opportunity to flag that people need to access the right care by contacting their GP, 111 or pharmacies before coming to our Emergency Department – allowing us to ensure we can prioritise more serious conditions and those requiring access to diagnostics such as this new MRI.”

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

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Anti-violence bee set to arrive in Chesterfield

A thought-provoking anti-violence monument has arrived in Derbyshire ready to begin a county-wide tour, arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday, 14th December.

Originally created for Manchester, the 11ft tall monument was created using various weapons, including knives and firearms, seized from the city’s streets.

The monument represents a firm stance against all forms of violence and the visit is set to highlight Derbyshire Police’s dedication to preventing, and talking about, acts of violence.

Whilst it is in Derbyshire, officers will be on hand to give advice, answer any questions and talk to visitors. The aim is to prevent violence, whatever it’s form, through a dedicated campaign which seeks to spread the anti-violence message across Derbyshire and beyond. It is hoped the bee will also get people thinking and talking about the issues affecting their communities and what they can do if they have concerns.

The visit follows the success of the knife angel’s visit to Derbyshire, which is made by the same company and started some really key conversations in communities.

The bee will also be spreading its wings and its messaging to youngsters in a number of schools and colleges during its month-long trek across Derbyshire.

Knitters and crafters have also been sending in hand-made bees, and whilst visitors are speaking to officers there will be the chance to grab one of these, which will contain anti-violence messaging, and sign up to our e-mail alert system, Derbyshire Alert.

Anyone who picks up one of these bees is encouraged to share their photos and engage with us on social media, tagging Derbyshire Constabulary and using the hashtag #BeeUnitedAgainstViolence.

Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett, from Derbyshire Constabulary, was there to welcome the bee and said: “This is very much about education, this is about getting the message out there that, as a society, we will not tolerate violence in any form.

“Whether that’s domestic abuse, whether that’s violence against women or girls, or knife and gun crime which is very much about what this monument depicts.

“All of the guns and knives were recovered from the streets of Manchester, so, every one of those represents, for me, one life saved potentially and also preventing that impact on the families as well.

“So I think it’s a really important piece to get that message out there that we want to both reduce violence and absolutely preventing it in the first place, but actually where violence does take place we want people to have the confidence to come forward in the absolute knowledge and understanding that we will do everything we can to help that person and bring perpetrators to justice.”

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