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Festive lantern parade to take place in Chesterfield this December

Visitors and residents are invited to join a festive lantern parade taking place in Chesterfield on Sunday 19 December.

The lantern parade, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Junction Arts, is beginning at the bandstand in Queen’s Park at 3.30pm and will make its way into the town centre to end at the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

The Handmade Samba Band will accompany the parade walking into the town centre and the Ireland Colliery Brass Band will be performing at the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This event is being organised as part of the Year of Outdoors campaign, that encourages residents and visitors to explore Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces.

“This is the first time that the lantern parade has taken place in Chesterfield and we are looking forward to seeing all of the handmade lanterns created at the various community-based workshops taking place, or others that have been made at home.”

Jemma Burton, project co-ordinator for Junction Arts, said: “We are excited to be delivering a magical lantern parade in Chesterfield this year and to be working with school children and communities across the town. During dark winter nights lantern parades are a wonderful way for people to come together and celebrate through creativity.”

If you would like to take part in the lantern parade and would like to make a lantern in advance, you can attend a number of free workshops taking place across the borough.

Workshop – dates, times and locations:

4 December – from 10am to 4pm in Staveley Hall. This workshop is recommended for children aged five and over and must be accompanied by an adult.

11 December – from 10am to 4pm at Loundsley Green Church. This workshop is recommended for children aged five and over and must be accompanied by an adult.

11 December – taking place at the unit directly under the big screen on Vicar Lane in the town centre from 10am to 3pm.  This workshop is open to everyone to attend.

The workshops in Staveley and Loundsley Green will be working with willow and tissue and guided by an artist. You do not need to be pre-book but there will be limited spaces. Please contact Info@junctionarts.org / junctionarts.org for more details.

You can drop into the workshop in the town centre, however, there are limited kits available to make a free lantern so please contact Wendy Blunt on 01246 959657 or email  wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk to book in advance and avoid disappointment. The lanterns made at this workshop will be made out of paper and decorated with tissue paper.

There is also an option to download or collect a template and instructions to make a lantern at home: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/year-of-outdoors/year-of-outdoors-events#lantern_parade. For this version you can use a recycled plastic bottle.

Keep up to date with the latest event news on the council’s social media channels:

Find out more about the range of events and activities taking place in Chesterfield this Christmas at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Chesterfield Borough Council and Junction Arts support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Get outdoors and active with the Christmas in Chesterfield Elf Trail

The Elf Trail is launching in Chesterfield this week and everyone is welcome to take part.

This is part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s and Destination Chesterfield’s Christmas in Chesterfield campaign and will begin on 22 November.

The cheeky elves have left some clues on how to find them at www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/elf-trail and want you to spot them around the town centre in this special game.

When you find one of the elves you can scan the ‘Elf QR Code’ which gives you access to some very special and secret Elf webpages, which we’ve hidden on the Destination Chesterfield Christmas website.

On the webpages you will find out more about each elf and you’ll see their special letter. Collect all the letters – spell out the secret elf word – and you will be entered into a competition to win an Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.

You’ll also find discounts and gift guides for shopping locally to support your local high street this Christmas.

Another part of the Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign is The Amazing Magical Santa House, which you can book your tickets for now.

The popular attraction was introduced last year and will reopen in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021.

You can book your tickets here: chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Both the Elf Trail and The Amazing Magical Santa House are free to attend or take part in, so we encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“We have lots of entertainment planned across the town centre in the run up to Christmas to keep you busy when you are doing your Christmas shopping or popping into town to support one of our local market traders and businesses by buying your festive food supplies.”

Families are reminded if they can no longer make their slot for the Santa House, to please cancel the booking by going to their confirmation email and clicking on cancel. This will ensure other families get the chance to see Santa this Christmas.

If you’d like to learn more about the festive Elf Trail, it is the perfect Christmas bedtime story and it is now available to download from www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/elf-trail

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “With the return of in-person events to the town centre there will be plenty of Christmas atmosphere in and around the shops, market stalls, cafés and restaurants for families to enjoy. The Elf Trail offers the perfect opportunity to introduce young people to the town centre in a fun and friendly way at a magical time of the year.”

The Elf Trail is a contactless experience using mobile phones. When scanning the QR code you don’t need to touch the window, just scan it from a distance. Once scanned move away from the window to read about the Elf and find the competition clue. Please maintain social distancing if someone else is scanning the QR code of the Elf and wait until they have moved two metres away before scanning.

Full details on everything happening in Chesterfield, please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/whats-on-this-christmas-in-chesterfield. More information on Christmas gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can also be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Funding boost for Chesterfield venues

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between Chesterfield Borough Council’s museum and theatres. In total the venues have received £720,000 through this fund over the last 18 months.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s been a challenging time for our venues through the pandemic, and it’s been fantastic to welcome our audiences back as national restrictions eased over the summer.

“Our theatres and museum are such a wonderful facility for our residents to enjoy, and to welcome visitors into the borough and we’re committed to doing all we can to keep them thriving for all to enjoy.

“We’re really pleased that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which provides a welcome contribution to the running costs of our venues and will support us to continue to deliver our excellent cultural programmes and attractions.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.”

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England.

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“A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has provided his thoughts ahead of a busy and exciting festive period ahead in Chesterfield 

Christmas this year will look and feel a bit different for us all now that Covid restrictions have been fully lifted.

Once again, we can enjoy and experience the Christmas atmosphere in Chesterfield’s plethora of shops, market stalls, pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants.

While times are testing for the hospitality sector nationally, with many businesses reporting staff shortages it is extremely pleasing to see the fresh shoots of new restaurants in and around the town centre.

Three new restaurants have already opened in time for Christmas – Blaze in Stephenson’s Place, Gingerz on Chatsworth Road and Vegged on Sheffield Road, and more eateries are in the pipeline for 2022.

As well as new places to eat and drink, we’ve also seen new names join Chesterfield’s high street this year, including The Bee Orchid, The Lucky Magpie Salvage and Chesterfield Escape Rooms. I expect more new names to join Chesterfield’s plethora of independents soon following Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s plans for a brand-new initiative to support start-up and small independent retailers with the ‘Vicar Lane Pop Up Shop’.

We really will be spoilt for choice in the nomination stage at next year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

The lifting of restrictions has also meant the return of in-person events to the town centre, like the Christmas Light Switch On, the Crooked Spire’s Festival of Christmas Trees, the Santa cruise on the canal and the pantomime, to name but a few. They have all been missed.

While 2020 was challenging it also provided us with a valuable opportunity to do things differently and sometimes better. Like the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House which offers children the unique opportunity to talk to the Big Man himself via the ‘Santa Zoomer’.

The concept was conceived during the pandemic and was such a hit that it is returning this year. To ensure as many young people as possible can enjoy the experience it is particularly pleasing to see that ‘relaxed sessions’ have been added to the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House for children with learning disabilities and other sensory disorders.

A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.

2021, like 2020, has been a year of change and adaptation. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient, forward thinking and the place to be. It’s my kind of town… and not just for Christmas!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

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

Everything you need to know about the Christmas lights switch-on in Chesterfield this weekend

Chesterfield’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On is taking place on Sunday 21 November and everyone is invited to come along.

Residents and visitors will be able to see a variety of entertainment throughout the day, as well as having the opportunity to enjoy a market to do some Christmas shopping.

The event begins at 12 noon and will run on into the early evening, with the switch on happening at 4.45pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights event is one of the most popular events that we organise locally for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“This year there is lots going on throughout the day, as well as stage entertainment to get everyone in the festive spirt.

“There is something for the whole family to enjoy at the event so everyone is welcome to join us for what will be a great afternoon of entertainment.”

What can you see at the event?

  • Visit the Market Hall to see The Rose Choir from 2pm to 2.25pm
  • Watch performances on Central Pavement from the Sheffield Brass Band at 12.50pm to 1.10pm and 2.10pm to 2.30pm and see the Gospel Choir from 3pm to 3.20pm
  • Visit Burlington Street to see the Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra from 12pm to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 2pm and 3.30pm to 4pm

There will also be a range of walkabout entertainment around Chesterfield’s market from 12pm including Band Baja, the Glow Jugglers, a Christmas Tree Stilt Walker, Dancing Robots, a Winged Angel and LED Drummers.

Visitors can also go along to the Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) to see the festival of Christmas trees from 12pm to 5.30pm. The church will be filled with Christmas trees decorated by local people, groups and shops.

Families will also be able to meet the Minions, Bob and Kevin at Rykneld Square at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.  No booking is needed, but please be mindful that there may be a short wait to see the characters if it is busy.

Stage entertainment

The stage entertainment will begin from 3pm hosted by Becky and Laura from Peak Radio.

The Rose Choir, Band Baja, the Glow Jugglers and The Gospel Choir will all be performing on the stage, as well as visitors being able to see some of this year’s pantomime cast from Beauty and the Beast that is on at the Pomegranate Theatre.

There will also be a chance to see Santa Claus.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.45pm.

Markets

A festive market will take place on the day of the Christmas lights switch on. All available stalls have been snapped up for this event, providing visitors with the perfect chance to start their Christmas shopping and get their hands on some unique gifts. Vinyl lovers are in for a treat with the Chesterfield Record Fair taking place on the same day.

Makers, craftsmen, and independent retailers have been invited to book a stall on Chesterfield Market on other days in the build up to Christmas. Casual traders and local creatives are now invited to trade on these days. More information on dates and how to secure a space can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

Please help us to keep everyone as safe as possible during the event by not attending if you are feeling unwell, have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for the virus.

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

Revolution House reopens for a traditional Christmas celebration

Chesterfield’s seventeenth century landmark, Revolution House, will reopen for a traditional Christmas celebration.

Revolution House will be decorated for a traditional seventeenth century Christmas with displays of greenery, a kissing bough and colourful flower arrangements which have been created by local volunteers.

It will be open from Thursday 9 December to Friday 24 December between 11am and 3pm.

On Thursday 9 December, Holymoorside Brass Band will be performing for a carol concert in the garden from 6.30pm, where guests are invited to sing-along. The house will not be open during this event and bad weather will lead to its cancellation.

It is advised that visitors bring a torch with them to the carol service as it will be dark when the performance takes place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revolution House is a great piece of our town’s history and it’s fantastic that we can reopen this year to allow visitors to experience a traditional Christmas celebration. Thank you to all the volunteers who have made this possible. I hope lots of people will come along to see how we used to celebrate Christmas.”

Revolution House is a seventeenth century cottage that used to be the Cock and Pynot alehouse, here three local noblemen met to begin their planning to overthrow King James II.

It is now a museum featuring seventeenth century furniture and information on the revolution of 1688. It is open seasonally and has traditionally held events over the Christmas period.

Entry to the house and garden is free, however donations are welcome, this is used to fund more events and help maintain the property.

Find out more about the Brass Band event and Revolution House on the Chesterfield Museum website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/revolution-house/whats-on

The Christmas in Chesterfield campaign includes a number of great festive events, activities and local shopping guides for you to get the most out of our town this Christmas. Find out more here. 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Families invited to remember their loved ones this Christmas with Ashgate Hospice

A North Derbyshire man whose wife of 50 years died earlier this year is supporting an event to remember loved ones this Christmas.

Bernard Haigh’s wife Jeanette died from ovarian cancer in June this year, aged 72, after being cared for on our Inpatient Unit and at home by Ashgate hospice’s Palliative Care Specialist Nurses.

He is among hundreds of people taking part in the hospice’s annual Light Up a Life campaign in December.

Families are invited to dedicate a star in memory of their loved ones and make a donation to the hospice.

Supporters, along with their family and friends, will also be invited to join the hospice in a service of celebration and remembrance in December, in the grounds of its Old Brampton site.

The Light Up a Life service will include readings and songs, the switching on of Ashgate’s Christmas lights and a chance to reflect and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Bernard said: “With Jeanette I experienced the incredible care that Ashgate provides.

“It was difficult to watch Jeanette become increasingly unwell, but Ashgate Hospice could not have done more to support us.

“From the excellent community team who supplied us with a hospital bed, stairlift, a bathing facility and more whilst Jeanette was at home, to the incredible Inpatient Unit staff, who treated her with so much kindness and compassion.

“As a result of the care Jeanette was receiving, we were able to spend the time we had left making precious memories as a family.

“Jeanette dedicated her life to helping others. She was a special needs teacher and volunteered with many community groups and cancer charities to help people in need.

“I can’t think of a better way to remember her than by dedicating a star in her memory and donating to help other people who need Ashgate’s exceptional care.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, those wishing to attend the ceremony will receive an invite after dedicating a star. They will also receive a special pin badge, a card with a personalised dedication on it to keep with them wherever they go, and two Light up a Life stars, which they can choose to hang on their tree at home or on the hospice’s tree at its Hasland Furniture Store in Chesterfield.

Those who dedicate a star via the Light up a Life website are also able to share a treasured photo of their loved one to feature on the star along with a special message that will appear in the virtual night sky.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Although Christmas is a time to celebrate, we understand how difficult it can be for those who are missing someone special.

“Light up a Life gives families like Bernard’s the chance to come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved ones.

“At the same time, it is an opportunity to support the hospice through another difficult winter to help us continue to provide our specialist, compassionate care to patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

“After last year’s virtual-only ceremony, we are pleased to be able to invite supporters back to the hospice to take part in our special Light Up a Life service at our Old Brampton site. Of course, this has been carefully planned to adhere to the hospice’s strict COVID guidelines and will be held outside with those attending encouraged to wear masks.” Following Jeanette’s death, thousands of pounds have been raised for Ashgate in her memory, thanks to the generosity of her family, friends and the people of Bolsover.

Her grandchildren, Florence and Samuel, aged 11 and seven respectively, cycled 16-miles across Birmingham, raising more than £1,600. And the collection at Jeanette’s funeral helped raise more than £1,700 for the North Derbyshire charity too.

Florence and Samuel will feature as special guests at the Light up a Life ceremony as they will turn on Ashgate’s Christmas lights this year in honour of their grandmother.

Now, Bernard is asking people across North Derbyshire to join him in dedicating a star in their loved one’s memory to support Ashgate through what the charity anticipates to be another difficult winter.

For more information about Light Up a Life or to make a dedication in memory of someone, go to: lightupalife.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or call the Ashgate Fundraising Team on 01246 567250.

Alternatively, if you would like to make your dedication in person, you can do so from Monday to Friday at Ashgate Hospice on Ashgate Road in Old Brampton or in your local Ashgate Hospice shop.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield’s The Gateway @PEAK development showcased at COP26 regional roadshow

Milligan’s forthcoming development on the Peak District National Park boundary, the Gateway @PEAK has been showcasing its sustainability credentials at the East Midlands COP26 Regional Roadshow, as part of its strategic partnership with the University of Derby.

Milligan and landowner Birchall Properties have formed a working group with the University of Derby to bring the latest applied thinking in sustainable tourism, circular economies, data collection and monitoring, geosciences and biodiversity planning to the project.

The Gateway @PEAK is a great example of the Net Zero Carbon developments being discussed at COP26 in Glasgow.

At the heart of the development is a Zero Carbon transport hub. Hydrogen powered vehicles will connect to a travel network that has the potential to remove over 500,000 car journeys from the park each year, drastically reducing carbon emissions and improving the visitor experience for everyone.

The travel network will also open access to thousands of park attractions, spreading the economic visitor benefit and relieving destinations that become overwhelmed during peak seasons. Planning permission for 2,800 car parking spaces and 5,000 overnight beds has already been granted to the Gateway at PEAK which is situated on 300 acres of fully reclaimed land.

The COP26 East Midlands Roadshow took place on the 11th November 2021, during the international summit in Glasgow. In the virtual conference, delegates were able to browse other projects from the region and learn more about the Gateway’s ambition to create a blueprint for the sustainable delivery of mixed-use ‘smart’ campuses.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Prof Chris Bussell, said “The University will help the Gateway @PEAK project team define sustainable tourism, bringing innovation to this landmark project for the region, and for the UK’s National Parks.

“Our research and experience in building digital twins and data sciences will give the project a credible data strategy, which is critical to it delivering its sustainability goals. The collaboration offers university students an exciting, local project which is breaking new ground, and the project itself access to the latest thinking and research.”

Find out more about The Gateway @Peak and the Wider Peak Gateway, Resort, Campus development at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/peak-resort/

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Vicar Lane to bring the Magic of Christmas with Santa’s Grotto and Post Office

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield Town Centre is once again doing its bit to ensure local people can get into the festive spirit this Christmas.

Customers are being invited to experience the magic of Christmas, with a visit to Santa’s Grotto and Post Office.

Families can enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Post Office, where little ones can meet the elves, before writing their letter to Santa, posting it in the magical post box and watching as it is sent to the North Pole.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager at Vicar Lane said: ‘’We really wanted to help our shoppers experience the magic of Christmas this year (especially after last year!), and what better way to do it than to bring back Santa’s Grotto and Post Office.”

Autism friendly sessions are available to book via Centre Management on enquiries@vicarlane.com or 01246 234630.

Santa’s Post Office is open 11am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays from 20th Nov to 19th Dec, then every day from 20th to 23rd Dec.

Families wishing to visit the Grotto can then make their way through the magical winter wonderland, where they’ll find Santa surrounded by all the toys for the good girls and boys. Every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

The Grotto is £8.50 per child (this includes a gift, official ‘Nice List’ certificate and reindeer food). Photographs are £3.50, or £10 for three.

Santa’s Grotto and Post Office are located on Steeplegate, opposite F. Hinds.

Santa will be in his Grotto on the following dates and times:

November

  • Sat 20th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 21st, 11am – 4pm
  • Sat 27th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 28th, 11am – 4pm

December

  • Fri 3rd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 4th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 5th, 11am – 4pm
  • Thurs 9th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 10th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 11th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sun 12th, 11am – 4pm
  • Thurs 16th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 17th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 18th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sun 19th, 11am – 4pm
  • Mon 20th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Tues 21st, 12pm – 5pm
  • Wed 22nd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Thurs 23rd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 24th, 10am – 2pm

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Christmas shopping in Chesterfield

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Bridge Help launches Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank

With an ambitious new target, Bridge Help has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank, and is calling on Chesterfield Champions to help.

Last year, the bridging loan company donated £1500 worth of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank.  This year the company wants to do even better and is hoping to donate at least £2021 of goods to the local food bank.

Bridge Help is now appealing to the local business community to donate money or drop off donations of tinned goods, toiletries, nappies and luxuries, including biscuits, chocolates, crisps, and Christmas cakes and puddings at its offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.

Bridge Help will match all donations before delivering to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the company’s office until Wednesday 15 December. All monetary donations will be used to purchase goods before the drop off at the Foodbank.

The annual charity fundraising campaign is organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe explained: “Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am aware of the financial hardship many people experience. Working for Bridge Help I am in a position to do something practical that will help people in need over the Christmas period.

“Last year Chesterfield’s business community was incredibly generous, enabling us to donate a total of £1500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank. We want to do even better this year and ensure that more people can enjoy Christmas.”

Roisin O’Gorman, Deputy Project Coordinator at Chesterfield Foodbank, explained the importance of supporting the Foodbank, saying: “Since the start of the pandemic the Foodbank has provided food to over 9000 people, with a third of those sadly being children. With the end of the universal credit uplift, increased heating costs and the government furlough scheme ending, we anticipate that even more people will have to turn to foodbanks. We need donations now more than ever, so please consider donating to the foodbank. Your kind donations will enable us to keep supporting local people in crisis who cannot afford the basic essentials. No one should have to go hungry.”

Phoebe added: “The team and I will be working around tins, cartons of long-life milk, toothpaste and boxes of biscuits in the office for a few weeks, but it’s something we are all happy to do knowing what a difference the donation will make to so many people in the area this Christmas. I love this project, and we are incredibly proud as a team to do this for our local community.”

Chesterfield Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks. Last December Chesterfield Foodbank fed 488 people in crisis.

To make a donation to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Christmas appeal, contact Phoebe Sellars on 033 3303 4681 or email phoebe@bridgehelp.co.uk.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shortlist announced for Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022

The shortlist for the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022 has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism sector.

Chesterfield Champions Casa Hotel, The Chatsworth-owned Devonshire Arms pub and Matlock Farm Park have made the shortlist, amongst some of the best businesses across the county.

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

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

Shortlisted businesses will go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on Thursday 3 March 2022.

Organised for the second year by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, the 2022 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst also highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

In regognition of the challenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for 2022: the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ and the ‘Resilience and Innovation Award’.

Two new local awards – ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Tourism Young Achiever’ – have also been added to recognise the thousands of jobs supported by tourism across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

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 2022, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After such a challenging year for everyone in the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards present a great opportunity to celebrate the hardworking businesses and individuals who continually raise the bar of the area’s tourism offer.

“These awards are a celebration of quality and excellence within the visitor economy and never has our sector been more deserving of recognition. We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most inspirational tourism businesses in the area and look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

“The tourism sector has been one of the last areas to return to normal operation from Covid-19 and it’s great to see so many local businesses, individuals and attractions return with a bang and working hard to attract visitors into our beautiful county.

“These awards are a great way to recognise their fantastic efforts and congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted.”

Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2022 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover

B&B and Guest House of the Year

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

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Sandybrook, Ashbourne
  • Boutique Camping at Scaldersitch Farm, Sheen
  • Beech Croft Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Taddington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Experience of the Year

  • Drive Dad’s Car, Great British Car Journey
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Hotel of the Year

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rafters at Riverside House, Ashford-in-the-Water
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

New Tourism Business Award

  • Country Luxe Derbyshire
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon

Pub of the Year

  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow
  • The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley
  • The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Stainsborough Hall, near Wirksworth
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
  • Oaker Farm Holidays, Hope

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Awards

  • The George, Alstonefield
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Bluebell Dairy Ltd, Spondon
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • White Peak Distillery, Ambergate
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Jack Boam, Tagg Lane Dairy
  • Luke Henshaw, Great British Car Journey
  • George Finlay, Matlock Farm Park

Team of the Year Award

  • Pinelodge Holidays Ltd
  • Rafters at Riverside House
  • The Welcome Team Ltd

Unsung Hero Award

  • Rob Hattersley, Longbow Bars & Restaurants
  • John Whelan, Rafters at Riverside House

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

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