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Chesterfield Art Trail Walking Routes

18th May 2023

Chesterfield is full of hidden gems when it comes to artwork and culture, some of which you may never have noticed before. Explore the culture of Chesterfield by foot and discover the unique artworks around the town with our Chesterfield Art Trail walking routes.

To find out more about the artwork featured in these routes, visit the Chesterfield Art Trail map by clicking here.

Queen’s Park to Chatsworth Road

Starting off in the picturesque Queen’s Park you will find the first piece of artwork, a stunning metal sculpture commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which was unveiled in 2013 by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker. Did you know? Queen’s Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

Whilst in the park you can enjoy a visit to the café, have a ride on the miniature railway around the lake and let the children have a play on the park.

Next stop is the Boundary Railings outside Rowland Hill House.

This area was once home to potteries, mills, an iron and chemical works, and a colliery, all of which were served by the Brampton railway branch line. Designed by artists, Denis O’Connor, and Adam Walkden, six panels depict scenes of industry or industrial manufacturing. Can you spot the colliery headgear, chimneys, a miner, a smith at his anvil, a steam train, and items of pottery? The other panels include horse racing, fishing, and pigs routing under a tree, referring to the local communal open space in the town centre known as New Square.

A short walk away, you will find more Boundary Fence and Gates which were also designed by artist Denis O’Connor.

The artist designed nine pictorial panels representing the story of international, paper, and plastic packaging manufacturer, Robinson and Sons.

Moving onto Chatsworth Road, home to a range of independent shops and food and drink outlets, you will spot some unique artwork on the buildings.

Why not have a gander in the shops or take a break in one of the pubs or cafes?

As you make your way down Chatsworth Road browsing the shops, you will spot a number of other artworks. The next sculpture being The Orienteer, situated directly next to Nonnas.

The sculpture is by Stuart Marsh, a Derbyshire-based artist living near Matlock, who specialises in sculptures inspired by the landscape of the Peak District. The four main pieces of rock are worked to represent natural standing stones common in Derbyshire hills.

At Wheatbridge Retail Park you will find a clock sitting high on the red brick tower designed by David Davidson and Darren Richardson.

The circular clock face has curving hands, one of which is ‘hand-sculpted’ in aluminium, in a shape that echoes the famous twisted spire of St Mary’s Church.

Near the junction of Chatsworth Road and Foljambe Road, the Entrance Arch marks the route of the cycle path through the site, which links the town centre with Holmebrook Valley Park to the north-west.

Heading back towards the town centre, you will spot Barbara Hepworth’s Curved Reclining Form (Rosewall).

This sculpture has an interesting story and has become an important part of the town’s heritage. Within the next few years, Rosewall will be moved to the Waterside development, where it will once again be observed across water as Hepworth had always intended.

One of the largest and most impressive works of public art in Chesterfield is Angela Conner’s sculpture Poise (Wind Sculpture).

If you look closely, you will notice the disc is divided into six segments so that when it’s outside and the wind blows, the segments are free to move gently backwards and forwards.

Chesterfield Town Centre

Starting at the top of town on Saltergate, you will find Saltergate Miners Statues which were built in 1915.

As you head back to the town centre, you will pass Chesterfield Town Hall situated on Rose Hill. Did you know? The building was opened by the Duchess of Devonshire (the present Duke’s grandmother) on 6th April 1938.

Located in the heart of the town centre is The Yards, full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Yards is the home to a falcon and a puppy which were installed as part of the Chesterfield Cultural Renaissance project. A great photo opportunity for children!

Head towards Vicar Lane where you will find lots of shopping opportunities with high-street and independent shops. When it’s time to refuel, you can head to Qoozies, Vintage Tea Rooms or Pizza Pi for a drink or a bite to eat.

See if you can spot the Good Guys and the Bad Guys wall sculptures hidden on buildings.

Chesterfield’s best-known landmark, Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints also known as ‘The Crooked Spire’, is well worth a visit. The spire stands 228 feet high and twists 9 feet 6 inches from its original centre. Visitors are welcome inside to tour the tower and appreciate the stained glass, carved alter pieces and elegant archways.

Another building which is worth seeing, is the Winding Wheel Theatre which has gained Grade II listed building status. The building hosts a diverse programme of events including West End musicals, stand-up comedy, music concerts and lectures.

Chesterfield Railway Station to Derby Road

Beginning at Chesterfield Railway Station, you will find the statue of George Stephenson also known as ‘Father of Railways’. Did you know? George lived the last ten years of his life at Tapton House and is buried inside Chesterfield’s Holy Trinity Church.

Behind the Railway Station, is an interesting looking piece of artwork – the Mollusc, known locally as ‘The Snail’.

Enjoy a walk down Spital Lane, to find the Solidarity figurative sculpture. Showing four figures – three female and one male – standing closely together with their arms around one another’s shoulders, expressing friendship and mutual support.

Whilst near Derby Road, pop into Birdcage for a slice of cake or a drink.

Heading back towards town, you will pass the Cineworld multiplex where there are two contemporary artworks to discover: a large stained-glass window in the foyer and fourteen small bronze tiles set into the entrance paving outside. The tiles depict ‘historic moments in the cinema’ including memorable scenes from Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.

On Horns Bridge Roundabout, is the Growth Sculpture which signified the confidence and continuous growth of the town. The wheel design in the ground represents the town’s many industries and the twists upwards at the centre to form an emerging flower.

Near, Ravenside Retail Park is Hipper or Riverstone described as an abstract stone sculpture set on the theme of the River Hipper to mark the course of the old river.

Finally, the Infinity sculpture outside Chesterfield Coach Station was designed by apprentices at Franke Sissons’ who worked with pupils from Parkside School to develop the design for the sculpture. It comprises three cube frames within each other, features icons that the students felt were representative of Chesterfield today: Nature, Manufacturing, and Community.

This is only a small selection of more than 70 new art schemes that have been created since 1994, you can find out more about other artworks in the town on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/chesterfield-art-trail

Looking to explore more of Chesterfield on foot? Visit our guide to the great outdoor in Chesterfield or check out the Staveley walking trail.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

‘Broker of the year’ award for Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st

18th May 2023

A Chesterfield-based mortgage broker is celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award.

The team at Mortgage 1^st were delighted when they found out earlier in the year that they had reached the final 5 in the Broker Firm of the Year (11-50 employees) category in the 2023 Financial Reporter Awards.

Directors Jon & Lisa Stones, along with Head of Growth Paul Lewis were invited to attend the awards ceremony on the 11^th of May at Alexandra Palace in London where Mortgage 1^st were announced as the winner.

Mortgage 1^st were described by the judges as “ones to watch in the future, brilliant growth and market engagement”.

The Financial Reporter Awards aims to recognise and support a changing industry by promoting good practice and excellent service.

Operations Director Lisa Stones said: “we are absolutely over the moon to have won and for our team to be recognised with this industry award. To reach the finals or shortlist in a national award is amazing enough but to then go on and win is an incredible feeling and testament to team.”

And the good news doesn’t end there for the Mortgage 1^st team, who are also shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Mortgage Broker (8-50 advisers) category in this year’s Mortgage Strategy Awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony is taking place on the 25^th of May in London where the winners will be announced.

And they say things come in 3’s… Managing Director Jon Stones has also just been announced as a finalist and down to the final 3 in the British Mortgage Awards in the Business Leader: Broker (11-50 advisers) category.

Find out more about the company at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/our-champions/mortgage-1st/

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in Business awards, chesterfield business news, chesterfield champions, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, mortgage 1st, Mortgage 1st award

Chesterfield Borough Council announces new cabinet and mayor

17th May 2023

Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, Councillor Tricia Gilby has named her Cabinet following the local elections on 4 May.

Cabinet is responsible for making decisions on all matters except for the council’s regulatory functions and policy and budget setting, which is carried out by Full Council.

Most Cabinet Members have responsibility for a specific area of the council’s work, Cabinet Members with portfolios include:

Councillor Tricia Gilby: Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
Councillor Amanda Serjeant: Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management
Councillor Martin Stone: Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning, and Environment
Councillor Kate Sarvent: Cabinet Member Town Centres and Visitor Economy
Councillor Jonathan Davies: Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Councillor Jean Innes: Cabinet Member for Housing
Councillor Judy Staton: Cabinet Member for Governance
Councillor Gavin Baldouf-Good: Cabinet Member for Customers and Business Transformation

Cabinet will also be attended by Councillor Paul Holmes, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, which is the largest minority group on the council.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader said: “I am pleased to welcome some new faces to cabinet following the recent local elections – the new cabinet line-up recognises the skills and abilities of our members.

“Over the next four years, we will continue with our plan to make to make Chesterfield a thriving borough, to improve the quality of life for local people and to build a resilient council.”

Meanwhile, Chesterfield’s latest Mayor is set to be sworn in – with celebrations to take place at the Civic Parade on Saturday, 20 May.

Councillor Mick Brady is set to begin his term of office as Chesterfield’s 382^nd Mayor, taking over the position as the borough’s civic head for the coming year.

Cllr Brady is due to be sworn in at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 17 May.

Cllr Suzie Perkins is due to take up the role of Mayoress, and Councillor Jenny Flood will be Deputy Mayor supported by Heather Miles as the Deputy Mayoress for the coming civic year.

On the following Saturday (20 May) Chesterfield residents are invited to come and celebrate Chesterfield’s new Mayor at the annual Civic Parade which will take place in the town centre.

Councillor Brady said: “Representing the people of the borough in the role of Mayor is a special honour and I am extremely proud to take up office for the coming year. I hope to meet as many residents as possible over the coming year, while raising much-needed funds for two very deserving local charities.”

Councillor Brady replaces Councillor Tony Rogers and his wife Sharon who served as mayor and mayoress for the 2022 to 2023 civic year.

The Civic Parade is an opportunity to celebrate the new Mayor. The parade will leave from the Town Hall on Rose Hill at 10.40am and will head through the town centre to the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) where there will be a service at 11am. At noon the parade will return to the Town Hall.

There will be several dignitaries from across Derbyshire in attendance at the parade, along with Freemen, Aldermen, and former Mayors of Chesterfield, and organisations such as the Royal British Legion.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the parade and church service, with seats being allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, Chesterfield council, Chesterfield council cabinet, Chesterfield Mayor, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, Mick Brady, Suzie Perkins

Chesterfield car dealership wins prestigious Mercedes Benz award

16th May 2023

A car dealership based in Chesterfield has been recognised by Mercedes Benz as one of the best performing across the UK.

JCT600 was the company’s ‘Retailer of the Year’ for 2022, based on its ‘outstanding performance in every area of the business, including new car sales, customer service, approved used car sales, workshop retail hours and customer retention’.

Gary Savage, chief executive and managing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, said: “JCT600 performed consistently strongly across all areas of the business and the team’s collaboration was nothing short of outstanding, with remarkable engagement and positivity.”

Michelle Caveney, Mercedes-Benz brand director for JCT600 said, “It is a fantastic achievement to be recognised in these prestigious awards which celebrate the very best of Mercedes-Benz’s partners throughout the UK.

“This accolade is testament to the hard work and passion of the 200-plus strong team across our five Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, demonstrating their customer-centric approach and continued ability to deliver exceptional service. Ensuring that customers have the very best experience when they visit us is at the heart of what we do – our thanks go to all of our colleagues who make this possible.”

Mercedes-Benz of Chesterfield is located on Lockoford Lane and is part of the JCT600 group who have represented Mercedes-Benz for over 20 years. The dealership showcases a wide choice of brand new and Mercedes-Benz Approved Used vehicles. In addition, customers can also access a range of aftersales care including servicing, MOTs, warranty work, parts and accessories.

Centrally located in the UK, Chesterfield is superbly connected, has an abundance of new business premises and room to grow. Well served by the M1 and the Midland Mainline Chesterfield is within one hour’s drive of four major airports and London is under two hours by rail.

The town and local area has a great pool of talent for all types of business from world leading specialist manufacturers and multi-national communications companies to retailers and distributors. Find out more here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champions continue support for local communities and charities

12th May 2023

Chesterfield businesses and organisations are continuing their work to bring the community together with a number of initiatives to support local people and charities.

Find out about the latest community efforts from our Chesterfield Champions in the roundup below:

Vicar Lane to host Eurovision party under the big screen

On Saturday 13^th May, Vicar Lane will be bringing the party from day to night as they welcome visitors for a glittering get together to celebrate Eurovision.

Throughout the day, families can enjoy the table tennis and giant games in St James’ Square. There will be fun to be had at Vicar Lane’s shimmer wall where visitors can pose for selfies with Eurovision themed props for the chance to win dinner for two at Pizza Pi and two drinks at Chandlers Bar.

From 5pm, the pre party will begin with a live DJ to change the tempo, whilst local bar Chandlers serve up signature cocktails from their pop-up bar which will be located in front of the big screen in St James’ Square. Visitors will then be invited to pull up a deckchair for a free viewing of the Eurovision final at 8pm.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “This will be a really fun memorable event with flamboyant entertainers and lots of quintessential glitter – perfect for celebrating the Eurovision final. We’re really pleased to be partnering with Pizza Pi and Chandlers Bar to offer great food and drink deals to partygoers too.”

Hospice aims to break end of life taboos over coffee and cake

Frank discussions about death over a cup of coffee and cake will be had when Ashgate Hospice hosts a unique Death Café this Sunday.

The North Derbyshire charity is inviting people to attend the free event at The Batch House food hall in Chesterfield on Sunday 14^th May.

The Death Café, which takes place between 3pm and 5pm, aims to increase awareness of death and dying with a view to help people make the most of life.

From discussing what music people want played at their funeral to fearing the death of a loved one – the hospice’s no-judgement session is open to anyone.

The conversation, although led by a facilitator, will become a natural exploration of the group’s thoughts and feeling towards the end of life.

Shelagh Freeman, End of Life Facilitator at Ashgate Hospice, who has helped organise the event, said: “It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but perhaps a coffee and a slice of cake is just the ticket to get people to talk about a subject that is often avoided!

“Despite the events of the past three years people still find death and talking about it uncomfortable, but talking about death can only be a good thing.

“Not only does coming to terms with your mortality mean you’re more likely to live life to the full, but being open about it means we can support each other, our families and ourselves when the time may come.

“Our Death Cafe doesn’t have to be a morbid concept – it’s an opportunity to share a safe space, have open and honest conversations and make the most of our finite lives. We’re all going to die so we might as well eat cake and talk about it!”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports local community to spot the early signs of bowel cancer

Derbyshire Voluntary Action is continuing to raise awareness of bowel cancer signs, symptoms and the importance of screening with a focus on areas in Derbyshire where screening uptake is traditionally low.

These include areas within Chesterfield, Erewash and Bolsover.

The organisation is engaging with local businesses, organisations and individuals sharing the message that early detection saves lives

The ‘Be Cancer SAFE’ message is simple:

• Screening – Participate in screening when invited
• Awareness – Be aware of any changes in your body
• Fast – If you notice changes, act fast. Contact your GP
• Early – Early detection saves lives. Recognise the symptoms and act promptly

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK and affects 1 in 15 men and 1 in 18 women. The disease is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. 9 in 10 people survive if diagnosed in the early stages.

The project employs a community approach to improving cancer survival, creating a network of Be Cancer SAFE champions who help to remove barriers and normalise conversations about cancer.

People can help to raise awareness by:

• Encouraging friends, family and colleagues to visit the GP if they notice unusual changes to their bodies
• Raising awareness of cancer symptoms and screening within your community
• Spread the #BeCancerSafe message

Kat Johnson, who is a project worker for the campaign says: “4 in 10 people cannot name a symptom of bowel cancer, we want to change that. We want as many people as possible to recognise signs and symptoms at the earliest opportunity and take the chance to be screened or contact their GP if they have any concerns”

Accountancy Recruitment Group to take on ’30K in a day’ challenge

Chesterfield’s Accountancy Recruitment Group is taking on a huge charity challenge to support local charity, Fairplay. The ’30k in a day’ walk will take place in some stunning places, including hiking up and reaching the summit of 7 fells.

Lauren Stubbs, Business Consultant at the company commented: “We will be tackling The Old Man of Coniston, Grey Friar, Crinkle Crags, Great Knott, Pike of Blisco, Little Carrs and Wetherlam – we’ll reach 859m elevation at our highest point. There are around 25 of us altogether and we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity.

Fairplay supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. They offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of families- providing support to children and young people, aged 0-30, and to parents and siblings.

Speaking on how important it is to support local community groups and charities in Chesterfield, Lauren said: “There are some amazing causes and local charities which are bringing so much into the community. Often you won’t hear about these charities vs some of the larger ones but they are equally as important- and fundraising events like this are essential to give as much back to the charity as they do for the community.”

To support the charity effort, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/team/fairplay

Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Ashgate Hospice, Vicar Lane, Accountancy Recruitment Group and Fairplay supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Accountancy Rectuitment Group, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield community, Chesterfield community news, chesterfield news, fairplay, Fairplay charity, Love Chesterfield

Noodle Bar to serve up a treat at Markham Vale

12th May 2023

A brand-new drive-thru noodle bar is set to open at North Derbyshire’s Markham Vale development, next to J29A of the M1 motorway.

Planning permission has been granted for a Chopstix Noodle Bar which will occupy the final remaining plot in the services area at Markham Vale – one of the region’s flagship industrial schemes, attracting new businesses into the area and creating thousands of jobs.

The new drive-thru joins the likes of fish and chip restaurant Chesters and Gridserve, another new occupier set to open a state-of-the-art electrical vehicle charging station later this year.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “It’s great that we’ve secured another employer bringing a further 20 full time equivalent service industry jobs to Markham Vale.

“We’re pleased that this phase of the scheme to establish a high-quality service stop at junction 29a is almost complete with Gridserve due to start work on building an electric charging forecourt later this year.

“Next we’ll be concentrating our efforts on securing new occupiers for the remaining development plots having just gained planning approval for the construction of four new industrial units on Enterprise Way.”

Richard Hinds, Senior Development Surveyor at Markam Vale property developer, HBD, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Chopstix to Markham Vale; it joins several drive-thru restaurants and facilities and will no doubt prove a popular addition to the scheme.”

Chopstix is part of the QFM Group – one of the UK’s leading franchise businesses. Founded almost 40 years ago, it has built success in recent years with growth across several brands including Costa Coffee, KFC and Taco Bell.

Markham Vale is one of the region’s most successful industrial and logistics schemes. Just 11 acres now remain for development, accommodating a further 190,000 square foot.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield regeneration, derbyshire county council, HBD, markham vale

Chesterfield ranked 2nd in list of UK’s best places to raise a family

11th May 2023

Chesterfield has been recognised by travel guide website, enjoytravel.com as the best town in England, and the 2nd best in the UK to raise a family.

The town sits above major cities such as Leeds, Leicester and Newcastle to take 2nd spot on the list, thanks to its ‘affordable and appealing houses and excellent schooling options.’

Enjoytravel.com ranked the towns and cities based on three criteria:

Property prices and average salaries (house price-to-income ratio) – 30 points
Education – 20 points
Safety – 20 points

Other factors such as access to green spaces, transport links and family-friendly attractions were also considered.

Explaining why Chesterfield positioned so highly, the website stated: “The Derbyshire town of Chesterfield is the second-best place to raise a family in the whole of the UK, thanks to its affordable and appealing houses and excellent schooling options. It might be the county’s largest town, but it has managed to retain its friendly, welcoming character despite new developments cropping around the outskirts of the town. It’s a top choice for families who love the ‘Great Outdoors’ too, as it’s just a stone’s throw from the rugged Peak District and a plethora of wildlife reserves and reservoirs.

“House prices currently average £220,825 for properties in the town centre and picturesque suburbs like Holymoorside and Wingerworth. And, when it comes to good schools, the town is brimming with them. Schools like Westfield Infant School, St Mary’s Catholic High School and Parkside Community School have all been rated as ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted.”

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions agreed that the area has all the key assets required as a great place to raise a family.

Nigel Mallender, Head of Sales & Marketing at Addooco IT commented: “I’m very proud to call Chesterfield my home. I cannot imagine living anywhere else and that’s down to the friendly people and the community spirit.

“Chesterfield is great for families with its huge range of parks, play centres, sporting appeal and family friendly pubs and restaurants. For history lovers there’s the likes of Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle, the Peak District and many other places close by.

“Chesterfield is so well connected and great for business too with Sheffield and Nottingham on the doorstep, East Midlands Airport within 45 minutes’ drive and London only two hours away by train.”

Nigel Mallender, Addooco IT

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic added: “Chesterfield has something for everyone – the perfect balance of convenience and serenity. I personally love the countryside, and living in chesterfield has the luxury of easy access to town, city and the countryside.”

Theresa Goldsmith, Owner of The Goldsmith Clinic

“Nick Gorman, Owner of CCM Change Consultancy said: Chesterfield is now definitely where I call home. Moving to Chesterfield 14 years ago I quickly found the town had all the things I find vital – community, good links, football, cricket, a great food and drink scene and proximity to our beautiful Peak District.”

Nick Gorman, CCM Change Consultancy

Speaking on achieving 2nd place on the list, Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager said: “We are absolutely delighted by the news that enjoytravel.com has named Chesterfield as the best place in England, and the 2^nd best place in the UK to raise a family.”

“Our town is blessed with affordable properties and great outdoor spaces on the doorstep of the Peak District.

“We’re also placed ideally in the centre of the country, with fantastic road and rail connectivity, superb local amenities, and strong and supportive communities.

“Chesterfield really does have all the ingredients required to help families build rewarding and happy lives.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Chesterfield best place to raise a family, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, family friendly places to live, Family friendly towns, Living in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Raising a family in Chesterfield

New game arrives at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

10th May 2023

One of the town’s independent attractions, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has announced another new game – providing yet more fun for visitors.

‘The Big Hangover’ is the latest addition to the venue’s impressive selection of challneges, which tests the brain power of all who take part. It comes off the back of other recent editions, such as ‘An hour to kill’ and ‘Eerie Motel California.’

Nick Hogan, Manager of Chesterfield Escape Rooms explained what people can expect from playing ‘The Big Hangover:

“You may have seen the film, the hangover…well it’s loosely based on that story. You awake, a little worse for wear in a police cell and you have lost the groom (Arthur), the wedding is in 60 minutes and you have to solve all of the clues to free him.”

The centre has continued to grow, now offering more experiences than ever before since its opening in 2021.

Nick explained: “We are blown away by how successful the games have been so far. We want people to keep coming back so we have to deliver a great product and a great service.

“We have constantly been refreshing over the last 7 months and at roughly £20k per game, we are delighted to be able to say our refreshes are over for a little while. We have a lot of variety now so we hopefully have something for everyone.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms is open 7 days a week in the centre of Chesterfield.

Participants are tasked to work together, discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in one or more rooms, in order to progress and successfully accomplish an exit in a 60-minute period. Every game is managed by a games master, designated solely to your entertainment and safety.

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

Nick Hogan, Manager of Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Chesterfield attractions, chesterfield business news, chesterfield escape rooms, chesterfield news, chesterfield town centre, Love Chesterfield, things to do in Chesterfield

Complete our Love Chesterfield survey to have an opportunity to win a prize

9th May 2023

Chesterfield residents and local business owners are being encouraged to complete our quarterly consumer and business surveys to help us to learn more about how you / your customers use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick surveys will ask you questions about your business performance and any changes you have noticed in the last three months (January 2023-April 2023) if you are a business owner.

The consumer survey will ask you to update us on what events or venues you have attended and services you have used recently in our communities.

Please spend a few minutes to complete the relevant questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 20 June 2023.

At the end of the consumer questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win either a free 3-month gym membership or a free 3-month place on a children’s activity class at Chesterfield Borough Council’s leisure centres.

Businesses who complete the survey, will have the chance to enter a prize draw to win advertising for your business in the Destination Chesterfield business or leisure e-shot (worth £100). To qualify, you will need to fill out this and the next 3 quarterly Love Chesterfield Surveys for your chance of having a banner advertisement. A winner will be drawn in Spring 2024.

Complete the surveys here:

Business survey: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/r96myd

Consumer survey: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/m94tet

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, chesterfield town centre, Destination Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield

Chesterfield toy shop grows into new store on Vicar Lane

9th May 2023

A toy shop, which started as a market stall in Dronfield has now opened a brand-new independent store at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield.

The Little Ark was founded in 2021 by Liz Telford-Sides, who whilst was on maternity leave with her second child, was shocked by the amount of plastic used to manufacture and package toys.

So, Liz began investigating eco-friendly alternatives and started sourcing toys from beautiful brands that were sustainable with no plastic packaging. Since launching, The Little Ark has continued to expand its ranges, trading from Chesterfield Market Hall before the move to Vicar Lane.

Liz commented: “We are incredibly excited to move to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. The mix of independent shops alongside big high street brands such as H&M and New Look is great and we are so proud to be part of this.

“There are two main reasons we love being in Chesterfield; one is our customers and the other is the local independent businesses. We have received wonderful support from both our customers and the other indie businesses.

“People are now wanting to see the products they are purchasing, and I would definitely say I’m one of those people. When people see our products in-person, they often comment on the quality of the items and the longevity they can get out of them. This is transferable across independent businesses; they are providing quality items and provide an exceptional level of service that you just can’t get online.

“Businesses such as ours are willing to take a risk on providing Chesterfield with something it doesn’t have, but it will only be successful if people shop with us. Independent businesses can often be hidden away from the main thoroughfares but if people look that little bit harder they will find some absolute hidden gems.”

Liz also added that the success of the business wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her father, Gary Telford, who helps to run the shop on a daily basis.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support yet another local business in the heart of Chesterfield, especially one with such sustainable values. We’re very excited to see the range of toys and baby products on offer at The Little Ark.’’

Chesterfield Borough Council offers a free, efficient service to help you find the perfect premises for your business. If you’re looking for retail space in the town, find out more about the range of available commercial property here.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield shops, chesterfield town centre, The little Ark, Vicar Lane

Local producers encouraged to exhibit at Chatsworth Country Fair

5th May 2023

The popular Chatsworth Country Fair is set to return this summer, and producers, artisans and craftspeople based in Chesterfield and Derbyshire are being encouraged to showcase their products at the event.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, is inviting local producers to apply for a place in the ‘Derbyshire Makers’ Marketplace’ at one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor celebrations.

Held at Chatsworth from 1^st to 3^rd September 2023, Chatsworth Country Fair showcases the best in traditional, British country pursuits, with thrilling showground entertainment, quality trade stands and fun for all the family.

Derbyshire producers can register an interest in exhibiting in the Derbyshire Makers’ Marketplace at the event, which will celebrate the fantastic variety of quality products made in the county, ranging from arts, crafts and homeware to fine food and drink.

The opportunity is open to small and medium-sized businesses based in Derbyshire and is part financially supported by Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire-based businesses can apply for a place in the Derbyshire Makers’ Marketplace using the following link: https://VPDDCCF23.eventbrite.co.uk

Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 14^th May 2023. Stalls provided to successful applicants will be subject to a charge of £150 plus VAT per business.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Derbyshire has a wealth of quality local produce, artisan makers and skilled craftspeople and it’s great to be able to shine the spotlight on all they have to offer at Chatsworth Country Fair this year.

“The fair attracts thousands of visitors from near and far and is a great platform for local businesses to expand their customers base as well as flying the flag for Derbyshire makers.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re delighted to offer Derbyshire producers the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services to thousands of potential customers from across the UK at Chatsworth Country Fair this summer.

“The marketplace is a celebration of local talent, showcasing the wealth of quality products made in Derbyshire, and offers a great opportunity for independent makers to exhibit at a large national event thanks to support from Derbyshire County Council. Good luck to everyone who applies!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Chatsworth Country Fair, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield food producers, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire