Visiting

Chesterfield FC sold to Community Trust

7th August 2020

The sale of Chesterfield FC to Chesterfield FC Community Trust has been officially completed.

The ground-breaking agreement, which brings an end to Dave Allen’s decade-long ownership of the Spireites, means the Community Trust is believed to be the first such organisation to own a professional football club in this country.

Community Trust chairman Mike Goodwin, who is set to take up a similar role on the football club board, is delighted to have concluded the deal following months of negotiations. He said: “It has been a long road to reach this position and we are now at the start of a new era for the football club. I would like to thank Dave Allen and Ashley Carson for their co-operation and wish them all the best for the future.”

“There was a very real possibility that the club could have been sold to someone who did not have the best interests of the club at heart. We would urge supporters to embrace the Community Trust as a safe pair of hands to safeguard the future of the club. We are all in this together so it is vital that supporters get behind us.”

“We set out from the start to build on solid foundations, putting together a robust business plan with the help of professional advisors including Rajesh Sharma from Tilston Ventures Ltd and Matt Dunham from Dunham Dean Advisory and we will continue to make decisions in the best interests of the club.”

“As a Trust, we have used the power of football and Chesterfield to make a positive difference to the lives of the people of North Derbyshire. The importance of the club to the community has been acknowledged by Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, who have each agreed to provide financial support for the acquisition and operation of the club.”

“Having spoken to John Pemberton, he shares our on-the-field vision for the club and he will receive the support he needs to shape a squad capable of competing effectively during the forthcoming season.”

“The hard work starts now and we are under no illusions about the size of the task in front of us. Now is the time for everyone to pull together and work to put the club on a firm footing.”

With Mike Warner and John Croot standing down as directors, a new board will be announced soon.

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

Chesterfield residents urged to back local businesses through eat out to help out scheme

3rd August 2020

The area’s official tourist board is encouraging local communities to show their support for food and drink businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire by making use of the Government’s new ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme which launches today.

The nationwide scheme aims to protect jobs in the hospitality industry and incentivise customers to dine out by offering a 50% discount up to a maximum of £10 per person on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating establishments throughout August.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire says the scheme is a great way not only for local people to rediscover the great food and drink on their doorstep, but also to show their support for local tourism and hospitality businesses which were closed during lockdown.

The Peak District and Derbyshire’s visitor economy supports over 30,000 jobs and it is hoped that ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ will provide a much-needed boost by increasing customer confidence and helping local businesses on the road to recovery.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Eat Out to Help Out scheme presents the perfect opportunity to welcome customers back after a very challenging few months and we urge everyone to show their support for local pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels by dining out and enjoying the Peak District and Derbyshire’s fantastic food and drink offer.

“Our businesses have worked exceptionally hard to reopen their sit-down services in line with government guidelines and not only is the scheme a great excuse for a weekday treat, it’s also going to be pivotal in building customer confidence and helping the hospitality industry to successfully get back on its feet.”

Dom Stevens added: “The Chancellor’s support for the sector is particularly welcome at this time however, we must all ensure we continue to support hospitality businesses beyond the eat out to help out scheme. With the hospitality sector now fully re-open, the town now has a real opportunity to capitalise on the staycation boom and drive forward its economic recovery.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy added: “The re-opening of these businesses is vital for our local economy and will help ensure the longevity of the many brilliant establishments in our borough.”

Destination Chesterfield has prepared a page of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses that are taking part in the eat out to help out scheme at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield/

The tourist board will be showcasing participating businesses across the region via its popular social media channels and at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/food-and-drink/eat-out-to-help-out.

The Government has also launched a restaurant finder to enable diners to search for participating eateries within a 5 mile radius.

Businesses can register for the scheme until 31 August and can find out more at: www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Savings on the cards for local magazine readers and an opportunity for businesses to attract new customers

28th July 2020

Tens of thousands of families are benefiting from a unique scheme designed to help them enjoy savings when they spend money in their local economy.

Heron Publications, the family-run company behind four long-established local community magazines, is delivering 52,000 loyalty cards to readers who can use them to enjoy a range of savings and incentives offered by local businesses, month after month.

The scheme is completely free for residents and businesses alike with no hidden charges or membership fees.

Each month, listings of where cards can be shown to make savings will appear in the free distribution ‘Dronfield Eye’, ‘Twist’, ‘Active8’ and ‘Wings’ publications.

Director Mike Firth (below) said: “We are an independent business ourselves, so know only too well the pressures almost all local companies are under at this time. We wanted to do something that would make a difference in our communities and this scheme is already paying dividends for our readers and for shops and services.”

“Hundreds of businesses feature in the pages of our publications each and every month, but this scheme is open to absolutely every local tradesman, shopkeeper, restaurant owner and more.

“It’s the closest thing to our communities issuing their own currency.”

The scheme is been supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Dronfield Town Council, Wingerworth Parish Council and South Yorkshire Police.

For further information, call Heron Publications on 01246 416027.

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

Chesterfield’s virtual Medieval Fun Day announced

24th July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council will be hosting a virtual Medieval Fun Day on Tuesday 28th July, with talks and videos available throughout the day on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page.

The virtual Medieval Fun Day will take place on Tuesday 28 July, the day when this ever-popular annual event had been due to be held in Chesterfield town centre. Unfortunately, this year’s event has been cancelled due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I know many people were disappointed to hear that the Medieval Fun Day had been cancelled but the museum team have worked hard to enable everyone to access a range of Fun Day activities online where people can learn more about Chesterfield’s history.”

The event will start with a video that looks back at previous Medieval Fun Days and all the exciting acts over the years including the roaring dragon and the unforgettable court jester.

Charlotte, who is part of the front of house team at the museum will talk about what life was like for people living in medieval Chesterfield and an actor playing the part of a medieval executioner has recorded a special video that will help people learn more about crime and punishment in medieval Chesterfield; how law breakers were burned, maimed and disembowelled, what the Scolds Bridle was used for and the dreaded ‘jig of death’.

Maria Barnes, who is one of the museum’s collections officers will also give a short talk on some of our medieval objects, including the fascinating history of the builder’s wheel that was used to construct the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire).

During previous Medieval Fun Days local re-enactors have set up camp in the churchyard. The team will therefore be sharing some great pictures of the Thomas Stanley Retinue re-enactors, which will bring to life the various weapons and armour used in the medieval period.

As well as all these great talks there is also got a selection of brilliant craft activities put together by STEAMWORKS. These include guides to making a salt dough castle, model catapults, some fabulous golden goblets fit for any medieval monarch and a jesters’ hat.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained as activities are scheduled throughout the day so make sure you visit www.Facebook.com/ChesterfieldMuseum from 9.30am and join in the fun. All videos released as part of the Medieval Fun Day will stay on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page for you to watch at your convenience.

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

Joint venture formed to develop the Gateway at PEAK Resort

23rd July 2020

Specialist developer Milligan has formed a unique joint venture with landowner Birchall Properties. Working together with Chesterfield Borough Council, the Peak District National Park Authority and the University of Derby they plan to develop the UK’s first fully serviced national park gateway, consented on the eastern boundary of the Peak District.

The Gateway at PEAK will be part of the 300-acre PEAK Resort development, which has planning permission for up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges as well as a whole range of leisure, education and entertainment facilities, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

Chesterfield Borough Council CEO, Huw Bowen said; “PEAK Resort forms a key part of our growth plan for Chesterfield and we are delighted to support Milligan as they develop their plans to create the Gateway at PEAK. It will be a tourist attraction of national significance, supported by the wider catchment and improved connectivity provided by the advent of HS2. It will provide sustainable transport links to attractions and activities within Chesterfield and the National Park. We are also keen to ensure that local people benefit from the Gateway at PEAK through skills development and access to jobs, by working with Milligan and future operators helping them utilise local business supply chains wherever practicable.”

Chesterfield, already famous for its crooked spire, medieval architecture and Victorian Market Hall, is set to become the Peak’s gateway town, as currently 61% of visits are from the ‘east side’ of the park. The Gateway at PEAK itself, just four miles from Chesterfield, will shift visitors from their cars into more sustainable modes of transport and manage access into the national park landscape, reducing pressure on local communities and impacts on wildlife.

During the initial months of the Coronavirus outbreak and as lockdown restrictions have lifted across the UK, making the most of outdoor spaces has been a priority for most and the staycation market has exploded. This has not come without its drawbacks. The park already attracts 13 million tourism visits each year and demand for all national parks is predicted to rise exponentially, so many protected landscapes are naturally keen to explore opportunities to minimise the impacts of increased visitor numbers.

The Country Land and Business Association recently wrote to the Education Secretary asking that The Countryside Code be taught again in schools as an entire generation is being left without knowledge of how to treat and protect our natural environment. The Countryside Code, as we know it today, was published nearly 40 years ago. One of the purposes of the gateway will be to inform visitors on local wildlife, heritage and encourage responsible visiting through a series of experiences and digital technology inspired by the #PeakDistrictProud campaign launched earlier this spring. As 85% of visitors currently arrive by car, a gateway facility providing accommodation, parking and services for onward travel into the park by foot, bike or in public electric vehicles through park-and-ride, will help mitigate their environmental impact and help to reduce traffic congestion.

Melanie Taylor, head of retail relations at Milligan, said; “Our vision is to create a sustainable hub for like-minded businesses and a basecamp for the sustainable exploration of the UK’s first national park. As post-lockdown demand for outdoor pursuits grows, we must enable and facilitate the sustainable use of natural spaces and protect them for generations to come. A gateway could provide information for visitors to book single or multi-day itineraries, explore the area using more sustainable, less polluting modes of transport and buy or hire outdoor activity equipment to try out new activities.”

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park added; “As we approach our 70th year as the UK’s first national park, supporting sustainable gateways and opportunities for visitors to experience what we have to offer in a responsible way is vital to our future. It also resonates with our aim for everyone to be ‘PeakDistrictProud’ in their approach to spending time with us. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the role that national parks and our outdoor spaces can play in our recovery and long-term wellbeing. It feels both timely and exciting to be working collaboratively with Milligan and Birchall Properties to create the first Peak District National Park gateway as part of the PEAK Resort. The Peak District’s unique position in the heart of the country already makes us accessible to millions and our involvement in the Gateway at PEAK will help unlock our wildlife, cultural heritage and natural beauty to others, befitting a pioneering approach to sustainable tourism.”

Over the next two months, the partnership led by Milligan will be undertaking a major marketing and research phase discussing the opportunity with companies both large and small, local and national that might be interested in participating. They will be looking to create partnerships with brands that align with the Gateway at PEAK’s values and vision, to integrate products, experiences and expertise into the delivery of a world-class visitor experience.

Once this phase is completed in September, a detailed building specification will be finalised, and it is intended that construction will start in 2021.

Find out and enquire about the opportunitites about the Gateway at Peak

Find out more about Peak Resort

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Visiting

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector optimistic for future

22nd July 2020

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez has praised the ‘team spirit’ of local businesses in the hospitality sector who, he says, “have shared ideas and good practice to ensure the local economy re-opens safely and successfully.”

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are feeling positive following their re-opening on Saturday 4 July. The optimism has been further boosted by Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s help for the hospitality industry which was unveiled in his summer statement.

Mr Perez commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have an impact on the industry for the foreseeable future and whilst businesses have worked extremely hard to adapt their business models. It is a tough market and we are extremely grateful for the government initiatives including business rate reductions, eating out voucher scheme and VAT reduction.”

Destination Chesterfield sprang into action following the Chancellor’s announcement and has produced a webpage with details of businesses in and around Chesterfield that are taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The website can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield

One of the businesses to sign up to the scheme, includes H & F Vintage Tearooms based on New Beetwell Street. Sharon Hilton, owner and Director of H&F Vintage Tearooms which re-opened on Monday 6 July said: “I am feeling optimistic about the future. Each day since opening there has been a steady increase in business. Customers and staff have adapted well to the small changes we’ve put in place.”

H & F Vintage Tearooms is based on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield town centre

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout shared Sharon’s optimism saying: “We’ve been busier than expected since re-opening. The safety measures we have put in place have ensured that customers feel safe and comfortable and they are confident in dining with us.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, added: “Despite the hospitality sector’s nervousness ahead of re-opening, it is great to see that people are returning to their favourite pubs, restaurants and cafes.”

Many businesses have had to reduce the seating capacity to account for social distancing, however they have made use of outdoor space which has proved popular given the recent good weather. The Tickled Trout has added a pop-up pub in the car park of the restaurant where customers can enjoy a drink.

Mr Perez added: “We are extremely grateful to have no shortage of space at both properties, indoor and outdoor. The beautiful weather has also allowed us to take advantage of our gardens, terraces and at Peak Edge Hotel the Airstream bar and live music in the bandstand, allowing a great atmosphere whilst practising social distancing.”

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout, however, has urged the general public to ensure they cancel bookings if they are unable to attend. “The hospitality industry is already operating at reduced capacity, so when a booking is a no-show this is devastating to the business. There is less opportunity for walk-ins right now, so every no-show leaves us with an empty table. Please, please ensure you show up when you have made a booking or cancel it if you are unable to attend.”

Already Chesterfield is seeing signs of the predicated staycation boom. “We have had a massive increase in bookings for our holiday cottages. They are now almost fully booked until September,” added Chris.”

Steve Perez added: “All the signs are positive for a staycation boom in the Peak District this summer. Tourism is the backbone of our local economy and it is extremely important we support each other and share best practice.”

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez

“With the hospitality sector now fully re-open, the town now has a real opportunity to capitalise on the staycation boom and drive forward its economic recovery.”

Although the hospitality sector has re-opened its doors a number of businesses are continuing to operate takeaway and delivery services that were put in place during lockdown.

Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery explained: “A lot of our older clientele are still very nervous about going back into pubs so for that reason we’re maintaining our free home delivery service of bottled beers.”

Details of businesses offering takeaway and delivery can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

If you are a local food businesses that is participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and would like to be featured on the Chesterfield.co.uk website, please email info@chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Borough Council leisure centres set to reopen

21st July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council is looking forward to welcoming customers back to its leisure centres when they reopen on Saturday 25 July.

Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre have been prepared ahead of Saturday’s reopening in line with the guidelines issued by Government and the leisure industry to ensure customer and staff safety.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic news that the council’s leisure centres will be back open for business from this weekend.”

“I know lots of customers will be very keen to get back to their fitness regimes. Exercise in its many different forms is great for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.”

“We have had to make a lot of changes to how we provide the services on offer, and so I would encourage customers to read the guidance on our website before visiting the centres.”

Customers will need to book sessions in advance in order to visit the leisure centres and sessions will be time limited. This will allow for cleaning to take place between customers’ visits. Customers’ contact details will also be retained as part of NHS test and trace requirements.

Customers who are not already a member of the leisure centres will need to become registered users in order to visit. This can be done free of charge by contacting either of the leisure centres by email or phone.

Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre have both been deep cleaned, equipment in both gyms has been moved to make it easier for customers to practise social distancing and signage has been installed throughout the centres to remind customers of expected behaviours.

There will be limited access to changing rooms and lockers for customers wishing to swim; customers should arrive ‘beach-ready’ by wearing their swimming costumes under their clothes. After swimming customers are asked to towel themselves dry, put on their clothes and shower at home.

New cleaning stations have been installed in our gyms and customers will be asked to clean equipment before and after use. Changing rooms, lockers and water fountains will not be in use. Customers should bring pre-filled water bottles for their personal use when visiting the centres.

The council has taken advice from leisure governing bodies including Swim England and UK Active in order to ensure its reopening plans are safe and in line with industry best practice.

Customers will notice that screens have been installed in reception areas and one-way systems introduced to support customers to maintain social distancing when visiting the centres.

Fitness classes will be running on a changed timetable and with reduced class sizes. For further details on classes and how to book your place please visit our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure

Membership payments will recommence from the start of September. Should customers wish to continue to suspend their memberships they should contact the leisure centre where they are registered. For customers who pay their leisure centre memberships on an annual basis, the weeks during which the leisure centres were closed will be added on to their memberships at the end of the 12-month period.

Plans to restart swimming, gymnastics and trampolining lessons for children are currently being made and the council expects to announce more details in the next few weeks.

Leisure centre staff will be on site from Monday 20 July to answer queries customers may have and to enable non-members to become registered users. Please feel free to contact the Queen’s Park Sports Centre team on 01246 345555 between 8am and 5pm or email qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk and the Staveley Healthy Living Centre team on 01246 345666 between 9am and 5pm or email hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk.

A comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions about the council’s leisure centre reopening plans has been added to our website. You can access these here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/leisurecentrereopening

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

The Pomegranate Theatre’s big screen cinema experience is back

21st July 2020

Customers can once again book tickets to enjoy their favourite films in the ornate surroundings of the country’s oldest Civic Theatre – Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre.

The Grade II Listed venue will be screening a wide range of films to suit all ages and Chesterfield Borough Council is looking forward to offering a warm welcome back to all its customers from Friday 24 July.

The theatres team has put in place comprehensive measures to ensure a safe environment for audiences and staff.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers back to the council’s historic Pomegranate Theatre.

“The team have been working really hard to ensure everything is safe for customers to return so do please come along to one of our screenings and have a great time.”

The entire building will be deep cleaned before the reopening date and the auditorium will be carefully cleaned after each film is shown. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the venue for anyone to use.

One of the biggest changes is a new socially distanced seating plan. There will be a reduced number of seats on sale for each film, with unoccupied seats being used to separate groups. In line with the Government’s current guidelines, customers will be able to attend screenings with people from one other household.

Tickets for the screenings must be pre-booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk. As well as avoiding disappointment by guaranteeing your seat, pre-booking tickets will also help to reduce contact and queues at the box office. It will also help the theatre easily gather contact details, which is required as part of NHS Test and Trace.

The cinema programme will include a wide range of films to suit all ages including families with young children who will be able to see films including Trolls World Tour and Disney Pixar’s Onward. Military Wives and Emma, which were released just before lockdown will get an extended run. Also, expect some multi-award-winning favourites such as Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman and Dunkirk. The recently released Love Sarah, which is set to be popular with ‘Bake Off’ fans, will also be screened and there are plenty more fantastic films still to come which we look forward to sharing with our audiences.

When booking your tickets online, you can also pre-order tasty treats including ice creams, sweets and drinks at a reduced price. Snacks and drinks can also be purchased when attending a screening, but we will only be accepting card payments.

Please note that Corporation Street has been temporarily closed to traffic at the junction with St Mary’s Gate. For customers with mobility difficulties, the closest drop off and pick up point is located immediately outside the theatre door on Corporation Street, which is only accessible via Spa Lane and Station Road.

The Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre are owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council. The cinema was installed at the Pomegranate Theatre in 2014 and was made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

To find out more about the films and to book tickets, which start from only £5.20, visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

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

Local tourism businesses invited to take part in new ‘staycation’ marketing video

20th July 2020

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is producing a new marketing video to showcase the area, and are asking for submissions from local businesses.

Local tourism and hospitality businesses are invited to film and submit clips, telling visitors all the reasons why the Peak District & Derbyshire is the perfect place for a UK ‘staycation’.

The marketing video will be part of the new ‘Time to…’ campaign by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, which shines a spotlight on the warm welcome that awaits guests to the Peak District and Derbyshire, whilst showcasing the extra safety measures that businesses have put in place in order to reopen responsibly.

The ‘Time to…’ campaign will be supported across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s digital channels and on social media. Local businesses will be encouraged to create their own images using the campaign taglines which include ‘Time to Plan’, ‘Time to Discover’ and ‘Time to Recharge’.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but our passionate, caring and resilient tourism businesses have worked exceptionally hard to put all the right measures in place to ensure we can warmly welcome visitors back.”

Here are some examples of what companies might say in a clip:

If you’re an activity provider you might say things like…”Our gritstone edges”, “The heights”, “Our natural landscapes”, “The bridleways”.
If you’re an accommodation provider you might say things like…”The comfort”, “Our rooms with a view”, “Our warm welcome”, “The cosy nights in”.
If you’re an attraction you might say something like… “Our friendly guides”, “The memorable experience”, “Our unique days out”.

The deadline for submitting videos is 11am on Monday 27th July.

Click here for details on how to get involved and submit your own videos.

If you have any questions regarding the filming or submission of your video, please contact danielle.sorsby@marketingpdd.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

New beauty salon opens in Chesterfield

17th July 2020

A new beauty salon, Skin & Tonic, is now open on Chesterfield’s Sheffield Road, after unavoidable delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The beauty rooms were originally due to open on the 24th March, the date that lockdown began, meaning that the opening had to be postponed until the government advice allowed.

Owner Emma Watson has over 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry, after gaining her BTEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Sciences from Chesterfield College in 2010.

Emma has previously worked at Leicestershire’s luxury Ragdale Hall Spa, as well as working for L’Oreal on national campaigns, before relocating back to her hometown of Chesterfield.

Emma, who is also a member of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, said: “I believe it’s important to ‘be your own kind of beautiful’. I specialise in skincare and it’s my absolute passion, it’s your body’s biggest organ so you must look after it!”

“During my career, I have learned expert skincare techniques by training with top brands such as Elemis, Decléor, Carita, Crystal Clear and Clarins. I learned nail techniques with Leighton Denny, O.P.I., CND Shellac and The Gel Bottle, tanning with Fake Bake and trained inSpa Find and Base Formula body treatments allowing me to offer such a wide range of services.”

Emma added: “I look forward to bringing my skill, knowledge and experience to a new and exciting business venture. I am excited to welcome you with wide open arms to my little haven, not far from the centre of Chesterfield.”

Skin & Tonic offer waxing for both men and women, manicures, pedicures, gel nails, lash and brow treatments, skincare and facial services, massages, and more.

You can find out more on their website at www.skinandtonicchesterfield.co.uk or by visiting their Facebook or Instagram pages.

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

Chatsworth House reopens to the public 27 July

17th July 2020

Chatsworth House, one of Britain’s best loved visitor attractions, will reopen to the public on Monday 27 July for the first time this year.

While the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have continued to live at their Derbyshire home, the planned public opening of the house, garden and farmyard in March was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Having put in place stringent safety measures including significantly reducing the number of tickets available each day, requiring all visitors to book tickets in advance for a specific arrival time, a one way visitor route and a raft of new cleaning procedures, Chatsworth will soon welcome back visitors to the house, which will be open from 10.30am to 5.00pm daily.

Over the past month, Chatsworth has been undertaking a carefully considered phased reopening of the estate, including the garden, shops and restaurants. The farmyard and adventure playground remains closed, with plans currently being developed to enable its safe reopening at a later date.

Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the splendour of the Painted Hall with its spectacular ceiling by Louis Laguerre; the Great Dining Room for entertaining the great and the good; the Chapel that has witnessed the christenings and marriages of the Devonshire dynasty over the centuries; the magnificent Sculpture Gallery, once the grandest private sculpture gallery in Europe; the State Rooms and much more.

Sally Ambrose, Head of Visitor Experience: “We’re delighted to open the doors again, the house really comes alive when visitors are there to enjoy all of its treasures.

“Our number one priority remains the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff, so we’ve implemented a number of new safety measures, including limiting the number of visitors each day, with bookings only available in advance, to ensure our visitors and staff can practise safe social distancing.”

Chatsworth’s garden reopened in late June with a display of more than 50,000 new flowering perennials, shrubs and trees as well as a huge, new stone sculpture called Natural Course by the artist Laura Ellen Bacon. Open for pre-booked visits from 10.30am to 6pm every day, the garden is currently undergoing its biggest transformation for nearly 200 years with previously underdeveloped areas opening up across its 105 acres.

The house opening is the latest part of the phased reopening plan that Chatsworth has put in place. It follows the garden, car parks, restaurants, shops and the installation of temporary toilet facilities, to enable visitors to access the estate’s surrounding parkland. As an essential food outlet, the estate farm shop in nearby Pilsley has remained open to the public during the pandemic and has also been delivering food supplies to vulnerable households in the local area.

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

Images credit: Chatsworth House Trust

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