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West Studios marks landmark anniversary for tenant Junction Arts with Christmas giving tree

This year, to celebrate West Studios tenant and charity, Junction Arts 45th Anniversary, West Studios are hosting their first Christmas Giving Tree celebrating the work they have done across North East Derbyshire, Bolsover district and Chesterfield.

Junction Arts is a community arts charity embedded within communities facing social barriers such as poverty, poor mental health and isolation. They work across the community in care homes, schools, youth clubs and directly with families offering opportunities to be creative, learn new skills and create lasting and supportive friendships. Best known for their events Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade, the charity is also hosting Chesterfield’s first lantern parade on the 19th December.

West Studios is supporting Junction Arts campaign to raise £3000 this Christmas to go towards new projects and events to celebrate what matters most to communities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator, West Studios said: “Junction Arts are a fantastic organisation that uses the arts to bring communities together and help our most isolated and vulnerable. Their values align closely with those of West Studios which is why our community believes it’s so important to give them support, especially at Christmas when those isolated and vulnerable individuals are at more risk.”

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Through the generous support of individuals, local businesses and our incredible volunteers, Junction Arts has been able to carry our aim of bringing our communities back together safely and confidently in 2021! The support of the West Studios Giving Tree signifies our plans to continue vital creative activities which empower lives and create strong and supportive friendships within our communities.”

To support Junction Arts, West Studios is welcoming people to visit the Gallery Shop reception to see the tree, donate and find out more about the charity.  You can also donate directly through Junction Arts online giving page:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/18702#!/DonationDetails

Donations will support local creative workshops giving isolated and vulnerable older people the chance to reconnect with their community; help the charity to create events that give young families the space and time to make magical memories together; and offer opportunities for young people to learn new skills, building their confidence to reach new heights.

West Studios 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.

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

Sheffield Children’s Hospital to bring Christmas Snowflakes appeal to Chesterfield for the first time this year

Sheffield Children’s Hospital is launching it’s annual Christmas Snowflakes appeal, and for the first time in the hospital’s history, the award-winning display will be coming to Chesterfield.

The charity cares for thousands of young people across North Derbyshire, and thanks to the support of Homes by Holmes owner, James Holmes, the snowflake display will be shown on the former North East Derbyshire Council offices on Saltergate.

Homes By Holmes is currently transforming the property into a new residential development. You can read more about the plans here.

James also raised more than £14,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital earlier this year with a succession of running events, which included the London Marathon, carrying a huge bear on his back! More information on his motivation can be found here: James Holmes is fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity (justgiving.com)

Over the past seven years, the award-winning snowflake display has raised over £1m for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. In return for pledging to raise funds, each sponsor sees their snowflake sparkle on one of the designated sites, with an attached name tag recognising the contribution for all to see.

The campaign began with just eight decorations on the main site at Sheffield Children’s back in 2004, but this year will see over 450 snowflakes sparkle. The appeal was crucial in fully funding the new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at the hospital, raising over £475,000 of the £2.75M cost.

Fundraising was completed for the new ward last month, which sees patients from across the UK for chemotherapy, operations and bone marrow transplants. This year’s appeal will support Sheffield Children’s where it is needed most, including by building a dedicated on-site Helipad on the roof of the Emergency Department.

A dedicated regional Major Trauma Centre, the department sees around 60,000 children every year from across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

To find out more please visit www.tchc.org.uk/how-you-can-help/snowflakes.html or e-mail snowflakes@tchc.org.uk to book yours.

Sophie Coburn, Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to James for continuing his amazing support for Sheffield Children’s Hospital with our snowflake appeal this year.

“To be able to display our award-winning decorations in Chesterfield for the first time this year fills me with joy and I can’t wait to see them sparkle this year. If you would like to sponsor a snowflake, please get in touch and help our hospital where it is needed most this Christmas.”

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“It’s great for the town of Chesterfield” – Spireites CEO reacts to bumper FA Cup draw

Chesterfield FC staff and supporters are celebrating after being drawn to play away at Chelsea in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

The Spireites will travel to play against the current Champions’ League holders between January 7-10 2022.

Chief executive John Croot has outlined just how important the tie will be for the future of the club.

Giving his reaction to the club’s online radio station, 1866 Sport, John said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s fantastic for the club, for the fans, for the players and sponsors.

“We’ve waited a long time for a draw like this and it’s absolutely incredible. Importantly, it secures the financial future for the club for some time to come.

“It really shows you how the club has moved forward in just over 12 months since the Trust took over. It’s another milestone for us. Equally important, it’s great for the town of Chesterfield.”

The Spireites are certain to be well backed in South West London, as John acknowledged. He said: “We know our fans will travel in numbers and we know that they’ll travel to Stamford Bridge and have a great day out.”

It is expected that several thousand Chesterfield fans will make the trip to Stamford Bridge next month, with the club set to announce ticket details in due course. The draw comes just a day after the Spireites knocked out League 2 side Salford City, beating them 2-0 in the second round in a game broadcast live on ITV 4.

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

Chesterfield FC Proact

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Residents and visitors can discover the Victorians at Chesterfield Museum

A new exhibition at Chesterfield Museum aims to explore what life was like during the Victorian period.

The Victorians covers different aspects of life including work, education, health and hygiene, clothing, and leisure time. The exhibition is available to view until Saturday 26 February.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a fantastic exhibition with lots of activities for the whole family to get involved with. It’s a great way of learning about how different life was during the Victorian era. If you’re looking for something to do over the Christmas holidays then this is an incredible free experience that everyone can enjoy.”

There are lots of unusual items that visitors may not have seen before, including a praxinoscope – which is an old animation device. The exhibition covers all aspects of Victorian life and includes some of the nasty truths behind Victorian cuisine.

It also contains a selection of Victorian toys that children can get hands on with. There are also activities including a Victorian style handwriting challenge and a design your own cross-stich activity sheet.

Chesterfield Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free but donations are welcome.

It was also announced that Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are set to undergo major transformation in the near future, as a result of the town’s winning bid to the government’s levelling-up fund.

Find out more about the funding for Stephenson Memorial Hall and Chesterfield Town Centre at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/stepheson-memorial-hall-refurbishment/

There is plenty to enjoy her in Chesterfield throughout the festive season too. From fun festive events, to the magical Christmas In Chesterfield Elf Trail and more. Get all the information on those, on top of fabulous local shopping guides, head over to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

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Brand new virtual reality games centre opens in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s visitor offer has received another boost just in time for Christmas, with the opening of a new virtual reality gaming centre.

The fully immersive attraction, Chesterfield VR is the latest addition to the Chesterfield Games Quarter, which is building on the success of the recently-opened Chesterfield Escape Rooms and long-standing favourite, Geeks HQ.

The new Chesterfield VR attraction will be situated alongside the existing Games Quarter businesses in Soresby Street, and will include:

  • 4 state-of-the-art VR gaming stations, utilising HTC Vive Pro headsets and controllers
  • Wide selection of titles available to play each month (approximately 20) , such as Job Simulator, Pistol Whip, Richie’s Plank Experience, Superhot VR, Blade & Sorcery, and many more.
  • Multiplayer gaming available on selected titles: Rhythmatic, Loco Dojo, Synth Riders, Cloudlands VR Minigolf, and many more…
  • Two VR escape rooms, playable with upto 4 players: Racket: NX and FailSpace
  • Shootout and Race nights hosted on Wednesday and Friday nights respectively
  • Private hire available for birthday and Christmas parties, corporate events, socials, etc.

Players will not be restricted to playing one title per visit, they are able to play as many as they wish, in 30 or 60 minute timeslots. Games will also be changed around each month, refreshing the lesser-used titles. The centre will keep followers updated on the regular changes on its social media and email updates.

Manager of Chesterfield VR and Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Nick Hogan commented: “With having over 5000 players through our doors in the first 6 months of business, it gave the management team and I the confidence to invest further in the local economy.

“The vision was always to create a gaming quarter for all different types of gaming needs young and old. We are so excited to open the doors and welcome in the public and who knows, if the public continue to invest their time in the Games Quarter, there might me one or two further things in the pipeline!

“We focused on two things when creating the escape rooms, the playability of the game and customer service. Feedback has been so positive that we have gone into the top 10 UK Escape Rooms as ranked by Trip Advisor and are the only newly established Escape Room in the top 10.”

Bookings are available via the website (www.chesterfieldvr.co.uk), in-store or over the phone: 01246 60 70 02

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

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

Brampton Manor to support local traders and craftspeople at German Christmas Market

Brampton Manor is set to fully open its Christmas Igloo Village this Sunday, 5th December alongside a German Christmas Market being hosted at the venue.

Local traders and craftspeople have been given free stalls at Brampton Manor to sell their wares to the public, and the heated igloos are being provided free-of-charge on a pre-booked or first-come first-served basis. Bookings for the igloos can be made on the Brampton Manor website.

German specialities such as Bratwurst, Stollen, Weissbier, Mulled Wine and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate are being served along with other hot food and drinks.

Live music is provided by local Bluebird Ami Evans, and she will be joined by Santa at 4pm to officially open the Village for this season.

Markets are being held every Thursday evening from 6pm and Sunday from 2pm up until Christmas, and there are still a few places for stallholders available. Anyone interested in taking up a stall at the market can email info@bramptonmanor.co.uk for information.

There are live local music artists at every Christmas Market taking place at the Manor between now and Christmas, with Santa set to visit the venue every Sunday. He returns to Brampton Manor for his much-loved Supper & Storytime on 15th & 22nd December, and annual Christmas Eve singalong with Andy Booth’s Choir.

Craig Lynch of Brampton Manor said: “After last year’s cancellation and the recent news surrounding covid, we are delighted we are able to provide a covid-secure experience and support local traders who, like us have had a thin couple of years.

“The support we have received from the local council during Covid means we are able to offer the heated igloos free of charge to our visitors.”

There are plenty of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this festive season. To find out more about what’s on in the town, along with local festive shopping guides and more, go to: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

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

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

Dronfield Heritage Trust awarded for work with young people

Dronfield Heritage Trust has won a major award in recognition of its work with students at Eckington School.

The Trust, which runs Dronfield Hall Barn on High Street, was presented with the prestigious East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Education and Business Partnership Award at a ceremony in Derby.

The Trust has had an association with Eckington School over a number of years starting with a project to build a scale replica of The Barn’s wooden frame from original Barn oak.

Since then, the partnership has developed, and this year, students from the school were involved in research and evaluation in connection with a corporate offer project, which had financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Working with Trust staff and outside consultants, the students were able to get “real world” experience of business needs and the student team made a major contribution to the success of the project overall.

Trust Commercial Manager Claire Wilks said: “We have had a close association with Eckington School, and we try to find an annual project which benefits both school students and the Trust. These have varied over the years involving different students and departments.

“As a Trust focussed on communities, our link with Eckington School has been of tremendous value to us, and at the same time gives students opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. It is a truly positive joint venture with all the advantages of being mutually beneficial.”

Employer Engagement Manager for Eckington School, Sally-Anne Warren-Armes said: “Developing a close relationship with Dronfield Hall Barn has enabled our students to take experiences of the workplace to a whole new level. We continue to develop new and exciting projects with our friends at The Barn and look forward to lots of exciting collaborations ahead.”

The award was presented to Claire and Sally-Anne by Andy Flinn, CEO of award sponsors RDS Global. He praised the outstanding achievement of the partnership between the Trust and school. He said they had jointly developed the sort of partnership which could be successfully replicated elsewhere. “They are trendsetters,” he said.

Chamber President Eileen Richards added: “It is fantastic to see the collaboration with educational institutions and businesses to make a positive impact to our future generation of business leaders. The skills that students are learning by participating in the project will equip them with them business acumen, communication and negotiating skills which will aid them as they enter the world of work.”

A further result of the collaboration has been the appointment of the Eckington School student team leader Ryan Holmes as a trustee of Dronfield Heritage Trust as part of a Young Trustee initiative.

Dronfield Heritage Trust 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 named the happiest place to live in the East Midlands

Chesterfield is the happiest place to live in the East Midlands, according to a recent survey.

Property firm Rightmove has published its annual Happy at Home Index, now in its 10th year. The company asked more than 21,000 residents to tell them how they feel about where they live, as well as ranking 10 happiness factors.

Chesterfield was placed 68th in the UK overall, out of more than 200 towns and cities. The latest study also shows that moving is making people happier. Community is also really key, with feeling a sense of belonging, the friendliness of local residents, and being able to be yourself in an area among the most important measures of happiness.

It was also recently revealed that there has been a recent surge of interest from commuters eyeing up homes in Chesterfield.

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “It is great to hear that Chesterfield has been recognised as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands.

“Our town with the famous crooked spire and historic market located on the edge of the peak district national park, is the perfect place to live and also to locate a business. Chesterfield is a friendly place with a real sense of community and our central location with excellent transport links makes it the perfect place to set up home.

“With many more homes currently being built across North Derbyshire and over £1billion of regeneration taking place we look forward to welcoming people who choose to make Chesterfield their home.”

Looking at the overall results and rankings of happiest areas across Britain, Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: “Last year’s lockdown periods continue to have an impact on our priorities and what makes us happy, which is one of the reasons why community and a sense of belonging continue to be so important to people this year.

“Last year redefined the importance and role of our home and local community in our lives, and this has carried on into this year, even as wider society has started to open up again.”

Find out more about visiting, living and working in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

 

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Chesterfield’s Pantomime returns with Beauty and The Beast this Christmas

Residents and visitors can look forward to watching Beauty and the Beast at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre from later this week.

Tickets are now on sale for the pantomime, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

West End actress, pop star and TV personality Suzanne Shaw will star as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the pantomime again as we understand this is a highlight for many families over the festive season.

“Our theatres have had a difficult time recently due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, so we are very pleased to announce that the pantomime is back for our audiences to enjoy.”

Chesterfield Theatres will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s much-anticipated production.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman from PHA Ltd said: “Pantomime holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts and I am delighted that we’re able to return this year to the wonderful Pomegranate Theatre with Beauty and the Beast. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this our most spectacular production yet and I hope audiences will enjoy returning to the much-loved tradition of panto as they make cherished memories which will last a lifetime.”

There are lots of other festive activities to get involved in across Chesterfield too. You can visit The Amazing Magical Santa House in the Assembly Rooms at the Market Hall and you can follow the Elf Trail in the town centre.

There is also a Lantern Parade taking place in Chesterfield on 19 December that will walk from the bandstand in Queen’s Park into the Market Place to sing festive carols at the Christmas Tree.

You can book your tickets for the Santa House at chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk and find out about the other Christmas activities at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas.

There are a number of other festive and New Year productions taking place in our theatres including a satellite broadcast of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet, a New Year Viennese Gala Concert from Sheffield Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre UK’s re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen and a New Year’s Eve Party at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Tickets for the pantomime and all of the other productions are on sale now via chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

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

D2N2 LEP launches new strategy on international trade and investment

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, in partnership with the Department for International Trade (DIT) has published a new report outlining how the region can build its competitiveness, drive productivity and create more jobs by increasing international trade.

D2N2 Global: International Trade Strategy sets out the region’s ambition to increase the percentage of D2N2 businesses that export goods and services.

It identifies key strategic priorities and actions to ensure that the business community can become more confident and active in overseas markets. It also identifies a range of emerging markets that D2N2 businesses can explore further. These market requirements match the strengths in the region.

By connecting these strengths with potential growth markets the region can grasp the opportunities available through the UK’s new trading relationships and being at the forefront of “Global Britain”. The report, which is funded by DIT has been developed to align with Government’s new Trade and Export strategy, Made in the UK, sold to the World.

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “In 2020, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership launched its Recovery and Growth Strategy to ensure we build a stronger economy and deliver more investment and jobs.

“With our strategy in place, our strong partnerships and investments in skills, business support and innovation, we think now is a perfect time to look to the future and create more outward trade for our region.

“Our International Trade strategy sets out a clear evidence base on the challenges and the actions required to support our businesses to grow and create new export-oriented jobs for our region.”

Ian Harrison, Head of Export, DIT Midlands said: “The D2N2 LEP’s International Trade strategy represents an innovative approach to aligning its priorities with this the strategic Global Britain vision to help achieve strategic international trade outcomes. We are particularly pleased to be support its launched during this inaugural International Trade Week.

“The support for the development of this strategy was enabled through DIT’s Levelling-Up funding for the Midlands and the regional team has worked in partnership with the LEP in developing their approach. DIT Midlands very much welcome the opportunity to continue to work closely with the LEP to assist with its implementation.”

The International Trade Strategy has been produced by Deyton Bell, independent economic development consultants working closely with key partners across the region.

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Numerous Chesterfield Champions recognised at prestigious Derbyshire Times Business Awards

The cream of the county’s business community has been celebrated at the 2021 Derbyshire Times business awards.

Honours were presented in 15 different categories at a glittering awards ceremony held on Thursday night.

The coveted 2021 Business of The Year award, sponsored by City Fibre, was won by Chesterfield Champion, CBE+.

Judges praised the impact the precision engineering and laboratory service business has had in response to the pandemic, as part of the national effort to combat the covid virus and how they are also adapting their systems to help the environment.

They said: “They have built a sustainable business and managed not only to maintain employees jobs, but to expand. Their leader has true entrepreneurial spirit and they have shown real innovation.”

Stan Mowatt was awarded the lifetime achievement award, after dedicating 50 years to business entrepreneurship and to the development of healthcare products used across the globe.

Other winners were:

Retail Hero – Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Apprentice of the Year – Aaron Corbet of O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd

Excellence in Manufacturing & Engineering – CBE+

Professional Services Award – Shorts Chartered Accountants

Customer Service Award – Morley Hayes Leisure Ltd

Innovation Award – Timeless Life Casting & Memorial Jewellery

Covid Response – Galaxy Travel & Cars Ltd

Community Initiative – Safe and Sound

Team of the Year – Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

New Business of the Year – Great2

Small Business of the Year – Moss Valley Fine Meats

Employee of the Year – Damion Davies of O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd

Business Leader – Nick Holland from SDL Minorfern

Derbyshire Times editor, Phil Bramley, said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community and it has been wonderful to celebrate the incredible dedication, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit they have shown over the last year.

“The pandemic has thrown up immense challenges for businesses, but the way they have adapted, evolved and fought their way through, is truly inspirational.”

For more from the awards visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/business

The Derbyshire Times, CBE+, Adorn Jewellers, Shorts, Galaxy Travel, Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care, Great2, and SDL Minorfern support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Times Business Excellence 2021 award winners pictured.

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