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Peak Edge Hotel crowned in prestigious National Pub & Bar Awards

Peak Edge Hotel has been awarded Derbyshire’s Pub of the Year in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023.

The National Pub & Bar Awards aims to put exceptional on-trade businesses across the UK in the national spotlight, showcasing the hospitality industry’s diversity, creativity, and vital importance to the UK economy.

Peak Edge Hotel, which has been selected on overall best practice across several operational categories, will be officially crowned with the accolade at a glittering celebration on the 28th June.

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Peak Edge Hotel is an independently owned hotel and restaurant, which provides guests with a luxurious place to unwind and indulge.

Steve Perez, Chairman and Founder of Global Brands & Casa Hotels Group said: “Myself and the team at Red Lion at Peak Edge are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Pub in the East Midlands.

“We’ve been working tirelessly at the venue, through difficult times for hospitality renovating and expanding the premises over the past five years, honouring the heritage of the building while providing a fantastic space to serve locally sourced food.

“Being shortlisted for this award really recognises how hard the staff have been working – from our brilliant Executive Chef Ben who’s always working on new seasonal menus, to Craig, the Farm Manger at our Walton Lodge Farm Estate, who supplies the high quality Dorset lamb, Belted Galloway Beef, Black Berkshires pigs, egg from our hens, honey from our bees and herbs from the garden just 1.3 miles away from the restaurant, for a true taste of the Peak District.”

Tristan O’Hana, Editor of Pub and Bar Magazine, which runs the awards, commented: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”

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

The Garden Room at Peak Edge

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

Hundreds of butterflies to go on display at Chatsworth to support Ashgate Hospice

Hundreds of butterflies will go on display as part of a stunning installation at picturesque Chatsworth between 23rd May and 12th June.

Ashgate Hospice’s poignant Butterfly Appeal, which is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, offers people the opportunity to remember a loved one with a handcrafted, stainless steel butterfly.

Then from 23rd May to 12th June, the butterflies, which have been created by local sculptor James Sutton will be installed at Chatsworth as part of a touching display for people to view. Every butterfly on display will represent a loved one being remembered.

Supporters can get their butterfly in return for a suggested donation of £25, which will help fund the hospice’s care for families across North Derbyshire.

Tracie Holocuk will be dedicating a beautiful handcrafted stainless-steel butterfly in memory of her “fun, intelligent and caring” daughter, Kimberley Trickett.

Tracie, 57, from Chesterfield, said: “The camaraderie of the staff and volunteers brightened up our days and nights. The Ashgate angels helped us so much by being there whenever we needed anything.

“Our dog Bracken was also allowed to come and see Kim and the food was restaurant standard; they will bend over backwards to give their patients everything and anything they could possibly want.

“It’s just a home from home and my special memories of our time there are still so vivid.”

Tracie added: “I once said to Kim in the hospice ‘what are you going to come back as then?’ She replied: ‘Don’t ask daft questions, a butterfly of course!’

“All our family and friends truly believe that whenever we see a butterfly it’s Kim popping by to say hello and it’s a reminder to be positive and grateful to be alive.

“She was always my beautiful butterfly, so when the hospice told me they were holding a Butterfly Appeal it was just meant to be.

“I hope other families will join me in dedicating a beautiful butterfly keepsake in memory of their loved ones, so the hospice can be there to help people like my Kim in years to come.”

To find out more about the appeal, go to: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/butterfly-appeal/

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

ashgate butterfly appeal

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Award-winning Chesterfield FC Community Trust programme recognised by experts

A pioneering, award-winning programme delivered by the Chesterfield FC Community Trust, in partnership with three other organisations has the potential to be rolled out across the UK, according to healthcare industry experts.

Thr1ve Young People’s Social Prescribing Service recently won the award for Most Effective Contribution to Integrated Health and Care at the recent HSJ Partnership Awards 2023.

Judges described the work done by the Thr1ve team as “outstanding” and commented: “The passion and energy from the panel shone through. It’s a simple solution to a very complex issue.

“The service is genuinely embedded into the community and the data sharing solution is ground-breaking. There is huge potential for spread and scale across the UK.”

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved across the partnership.

“I hope this recognition will inspire others to prioritise integrated care and work towards creating healthier, more connected communities for young people.”

The programme is delivered by the Trust in partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Derbyshire Community Health Services FT and North Hardwick & Bolsover Primary Care Network.

Their mission is to reach out to young people struggling with their confidence and connections. Thr1ve recognises young people’s potential and offers support to help boost confidence, independence and participation.

THR1VE aims to fill a gap in NHS mental health services between early intervention and CAMHS support for more serious conditions.

Winners in a total of 21 categories were announced during a ceremony at Evolution London, hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, which was attended by over 900 guests and marked the achievements of a total of 141 finalists.

National healthcare leaders and professionals from both the NHS and private sector, as well as figures from non-clinical backgrounds, celebrated the crucial contributions of the private and third sector within the NHS.

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust and Derbyshire Voluntary Action support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

CFC Trust Thr1ve programme award

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Chesterfield to benefit from extra bus services

Two bus services that operate in and around Chesterfield now have more services and extended routes from 27 March 2023 thanks to government funding.

Service 55 (which currently goes from Alfreton to Chesterfield via Tibshelf) has been extended to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and the train station every day. It has also been extended to Wimsey Way industrial estate in Somercotes morning and evenings, Monday to Saturdays, so that workers can use the bus to get to and from their jobs.

Later evening services have also been added, with the last bus leaving Chesterfield at 11:15pm (previously 6.15pm) and Alfreton at 10:15pm (previously 6:30pm). On Sundays there are three later services with the last bus being 11:15pm.

Service 170 (which previously went from Chesterfield to Bakewell) has been extended from New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, to the train station and there are extra evening journeys at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm from Chesterfield (previous last bus 6:15pm) and 8pm, 10pm and midnight in the other direction (previously last bus 6:15pm).

These three late buses have also been extended from Bakewell to Matlock to fill a gap between these two towns Monday to Saturday.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said: “I’m delighted that the extra money we have had from the government has enabled us to make these improvements.

“I’m sure that they will be welcomed by those who currently use these 2 services, and that more people will be encouraged to try the bus instead of using their cars.

“We were awarded £47 million by the government to improve bus services in Derbyshire over the next few years, and these are the first 2 services to gain extra money.”

Both services are operated by Hulleys of Baslow. The total cost of the extra services to the council is £558,445 over the 3 years of the Bus Service Improvement Plan programme.

bus coach station chesterfield

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“Together we can all help bring about lasting change and prosperity to the town”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow is calling on everyone associated with Chesterfield to ‘talk up the town’ and collaborate further to ensure the local economy continues to thrive in the future.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, we ALL need to talk up the town.

There is more than £2 billion of investment in progress and on the way across our borough to help ensure that we all have a bright future ahead of us. The lasting and far reaching change we are striving for in Chesterfield cannot be done by one organisation alone; it must be a collaborative effort.

We all have a role and responsibility to tell people about the many great reasons they should live, work, invest and stay here.

Chesterfield’s geographical position within the UK is hard to beat. We are centrally located with excellent road and rail links and a number of major airports within a 90 minute drive.

Furthermore, the benefits of our proximity to the Peak District National Park should not  be underestimated. Chesterfield is the gateway to this wonderful landscape, and it attracts millions of visitors each year – with around half of them staying overnight and many of them passing through the town to get to the Peak District.

Herein lies our challenge. By talking up the town to friends, relatives, colleagues and suppliers from outside the area, we can attract more people to visit and stay overnight in Chesterfield rather than just passing through, the result being more revenue for the town as a whole.

Increasing the visitor economy of the town by 20% is one of the key targets in the Chesterfield Growth Strategy which has been launched by Chesterfield Borough Council.

By increasing the visitor economy, we will also help create jobs for local people and opportunities for existing and new businesses.

We must all shout about what the town has to offer to holiday makers visiting the Peak District.

Living and working in the town on a daily basis, we can often become complacent about what it has to offer visitors to the area.

We have a variety of places to stay, including the award-winning Casa Hotel, as well as great road, rail and bus links into the Peak District. You can even cycle from the town into the Peak District.

Beyond our world famous Crooked Spire Church and the Brampton Mile, we have two theatres, Chesterfield FC, historic market, restaurants, bars, cafes, boutique shops, live music venues, Queen’s Park – which is host to many wonderful events like the cricket and concerts in summer… I could go on, the list of reasons to visit and stay in Chesterfield are endless.

Having a thriving local economy is key to developing conversations with national investors and ensuring Chesterfield continues to grow and develop. If we want to see the town thrive in an increasingly competitive market, we need to do more collectively. We must champion Chesterfield outside the area in order to help us bring investment into the borough and create highly skilled jobs.

Together we can all help bring about lasting change and prosperity to the town which will benefit local people now and future generations.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Derbyshire County Cricket Club achieves debt free target with 2022 surplus

Derbyshire County Cricket Club recorded its ninth surplus in ten years for the year ending 31 December 2022, as the Club announced it is debt free two years ahead of schedule.

The Club has announced a pre-tax surplus of £174,000 in 2022, which follows three years of positive financial results and have now achieved a key objective of becoming debt free significantly ahead of the 2024 target.

Chairman, Ian Morgan OBE, said: “The Club exceeded its financial targets once again in 2022. We had budgeted for a small surplus of around £50,000, but were able to achieve three times this in a challenging year, during which the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were still being felt, coupled with the rising costs all business are facing across the board.

“This positive result has ensured the Club is in a strong position and now debt free, following four years of large surpluses. It is great credit to the tireless work of our executive team, off-field staff and the continued support of a number of key stakeholders, including our commercial partners and Members, to whom we owe our gratitude.”

The Club started to see a return of revenues to more pre-pandemic levels and particularly in ticketing, had a large revenue surplus versus budget.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “In 2020 and 2021 we very much had to lockdown the business to reduce costs; ticket income, commercial sponsorship and conference and events revenues were severely affected, but thankfully we have been able to rebuild the business over the last 12 months, back to pre-pandemic levels and in certain areas beyond.

“Having achieved our objective of becoming debt free we now have strong foundations to build on the positive progress made by Mickey Arthur and the squad last year on the field and further invest in our facilities.”

Chief Financial Officer, Tim Baker, added: “The Club has budgeted for another small surplus in 2023, with a focus on trying to manage rising costs in an increasingly challenging economic climate. We are mindful that 2023 will be a tough year financially and will continue to look for ways to grow our revenues and manage our costs to maintain this healthy financial position and ultimately continue investment in facilities and the cricket budget.”

The Club has delivered on the objective, set by the Board of Directors, to be debt free apart from a long-term mortgage by the end of 2024, two years ahead of the planned schedule. This was achieved by paying in excess of £2,000,000 of loan repayments over the last few years linked to the building of the WDS Business and Media Centre.

The Club’s Annual Report and Accounts were approved by Members at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 29 March at The Incora County Ground.

Derbyshire will be returning to Chesterfield this Summer for the annual Chesterfield Festival of Cricket. Find out more about the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/the-chesterfield-festival-of-cricket/

The club 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Project announced to restore Chesterfield Canal’s missing link at Renishaw

A disused section of the Chesterfield Canal is set to be restored for the benefit of local residents, visitors and wildlife.

The mile-long section in Renishaw, which lies close to the original canal alignment, is land-locked and virtually empty of water.

Chesterfield Canal Trust is set to work alongside Derbyshire County Council on the project, which will improve the area visually, increase biodiversity and bring more opportunities for recreation.

Work is needed, subject to planning permission, to make the structure watertight and rebuild the overflow-weir so it is ready to connect to further sections of the canal when they are restored. A temporary pumping system would need to be installed to supply water from the River Rother to the canal and the towpath resurfaced to make it suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.

Further work is also proposed to resurface a further 915 metres of towpath to provide a circular 2.5km surfaced route incorporating the Trans-Pennine Trail. And new picnic benches, signage and cycle stands would also be installed.

The original canal was completed in 1777 and stretched 46 miles in total, providing navigation between the River Rother at Chesterfield and the River Trent at West Stockwith in Nottinghamshire. The section in Renishaw was rerouted in the 19th century with the building of railways.

This latest project – which is being carried out by the council and the trust as part of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership – is part of a wider ambition to make the whole route from Chesterfield to Kiveton navigable with nine miles yet to be restored.

Peter Hardy, Chair of Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “We know that local residents are keen to see the re-watering of the canal around Renishaw and this project has been made possible thanks to the close cooperation between the trust and Derbyshire County Council. It’s also thanks to the enthusiasm of local people who will join with us to create an area they will be proud of for walking, cycling, fishing and watersports.

“The improvement in biodiversity and an increased sense of wellbeing will undoubtedly follow the completion of the works, which we anticipate will start this summer.”

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

Chesterfield Canal

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Chesterfield patients to benefit from new ultrasound department open in North Derbyshire

North Derbyshire’s Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has welcomed its first ultrasound patient, after opening the new service earlier this month.

The centres allow patients to receive care closer to home, in a one-stop style approach, which includes having direct same-day access to tests such as ultrasound, x-ray and phlebotomy (blood tests).

The ultrasound department at Whitworth Hospital is located in Darley Dale, Matlock and is staffed by Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust colleagues.

Jason Rotherham, 50, from Eckington was the first patient to use the service, after starting his patient journey when he visited his GP with shoulder pain.

He was given exercises and pain relief, however after a few weeks he found the pain was not improving. Following a physiotherapy appointment in Eckington, and an x-ray at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Jason was offered an ultrasound at the North Derbyshire Community Diagnostic Centre in Matlock. The aim was to investigate the pain and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Jason said: “Although Chesterfield Royal Hospital is technically nearer to me, I chose to attend Whitworth Hospital because they offered me an appointment much quicker – in fact, it was the next day!

“It is fantastic to be able to now get a quicker diagnosis for my shoulder, meaning I can now get on with my day. The quick turnaround also means that my physiotherapist can take a look at my ultrasound instantly and get me booked in for another appointment quickly.

“The staff I spoke to, including Nic the sonographer, were very helpful and caring. Although further from home, I really didn’t mind the extra few minutes drive as it meant I got an appointment much quicker.  I was also in and out in about 15 minutes, so I certainly saved more time there too. It is a fantastic new service, with new lovely rooms and equipment so I felt very comfortable. An added bonus is having free parking.”

Nic Sowden, Ultrasonographer, performed the first ultrasound at the new Community Diagnostic Centre on Friday, 17 March.

Nic said: “The new ultrasound CDC service at Whitworth Hospital means more patients can be seen faster, supporting a quicker diagnosis and treatment. We’re looking forward to further expanding the service including longer opening hours and establishing a link with other clinics to create more streamlined pathways – like podiatry.

“We’ve seen an increase of around 20% for the number of ultrasounds taking place across our region, so this extra service will support the demand across our North Derbyshire community. It was fantastic being able to open this new service, and to also welcome our first patients having ultrasounds here, including Jason. I really look forward to seeing what is next for the Community Diagnostic Centre and look forward to expanding our services further.”

Melissa Dalton, Clinical Lead for Urgent Care and Specialist Services at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Whitworth Hospital, said: “This is very good news for patients who can now come here for ultrasound and other diagnostic tests, including seven day a week x-ray facilities.

“The development of Community Diagnostic Centres, like the one being developed here, means that patients get easier and often quicker access to diagnostic services to help clinicians plan the best course of treatment for them. We are delighted to be able to offer these facilities to patients across North Derbyshire.”

Patients still have the option to attend appointments at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, however you may receive an appointment quicker if you are able to attend North Derbyshire’s Community Diagnostic Centre, located at Whitworth Hospital.

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

Ultrasound - CDC

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Chesterfield residents and businesses continue strong support for the local community

People and businesses in Chesterfield are continuing to support various initiatives and events, aimed at bringing our community together and supporting local charities.

The town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are helping to support the town through fundraising, sponsorship, and even helping to put smiles on faces to their customers.

Find out below about some of the latest activity from across our community.

Rosewood Wealth Management supports local artists by sponsoring the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Landscape - rosewood junction arts

Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is joining forces with Junction Arts this spring to help it stage an exhibition of mini masterpieces that will raise money for the local arts charity.

The Brimington Road financial advice firm is sponsoring The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023, an annual event that gives local people, communities and up and coming artists the opportunity to showcase their work at an exhibition in West Studios.

Last year 70 artists took part, and 131 postcard-size pieces were exhibited.  The exhibition celebrates the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being.  The event is organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom and the theme for 2023 is Wish You Were Here.  They are inviting people locally, from across the UK, and Internationally to create their own postcard piece of art and submit it by the 20th of April 2023.

Rosewood Wealth Management was founded in 2019 by Directors Shannan Pool-Gorman and Donna Robertson, it has since grown to become one of North Derbyshire’s most respected financial advice firms.  They offer services including mortgages, equity release, pensions, investments, and insurance.

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Director at the firm said: “At Rosewood we believe that it is important to give back to the Chesterfield community in which we operate.  Junction Arts has a fantastic track record of bringing communities together and empowering them through the arts.  This event is brilliant because its easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities, all you need is a piece of A6 card! We’re delighted to be supporting The Chesterfield Postcard Show and I hope that it’s the first of many Junction Arts initiatives that we’re involved in.”

Hannah Bowdler, Fundraising Coordinator at Junction Arts said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Shannan and the team at Rosewood Wealth Management for supporting this year’s show.  Their sponsorship will allow us to raise more money at this year’s event and help us to engage more local people in the arts. I’m delighted to be working with this fantastic local business that puts community at the heart of what they do.”

The deadline for entries is the 20th April 2023.  The exhibition will run from the 9th to the 19th May 2023 at West Studios. Further information about the exhibition and how to get involved can be found here: https://junctionarts.org/be-part-of-the-chesterfieldpostcard-show-2023/

Incredible donation for Ashgate Hospice from football fundraisers

Ashgate Referees donation

Two stalwart Sunday football league referees who have been donating their match fees to Ashgate Hospice were invited to Chesterfield FC where they handed over their donation pitch side.

Chris Roberts and Bruce Baskerville, from Chesterfield, have refereed thousands of semi-pro and non-league matches between them and decided to start donating a percentage of the fees they receive for officiating games.

The duo, both aged 64, have now raised more than £4,100 for the North Derbyshire hospice in just over 12 months.

Word of their kind-heartedness soon caught the attention of the local football fraternity and teams started voluntarily adding a donation of £5 or £10 as a gesture from their club.

They were invited to the Spireites’ match at home to Notts County on 11 February where they presented the money raised to Ashgate’s Community Fundraiser, Lynn Jones.

“We have made a commitment to ourselves that we won’t ask for any donations – that’s our mantra,” said Chris.

“We have been overwhelmed by the way our little story has caught the attention of the local football community, our friends and family.

“To begin, we just made a comment on our Facebook pages to highlight that we had raised another few pounds for the hospice and in just a matter of weeks people were offering us donations.

“We also noticed that when we arrived to do our matches some teams would voluntarily add a further £5 or £10 to our fee as a gesture from their club.”

Chris and Bruce wanted to help the hospice as they believe everyone in Chesterfield has an “affinity” with the hospice after being touched by its “amazing” care.

Bruce says they also want to improve the reputation of referees as well as the relationship they have with clubs, coaches, players and supporters.

“Last season I refereed a first division game in the Chesterfield Sunday League and sent the home team’s best player off,” he said.

“After the game they asked me to come into the home dressing room. I was expecting an earful and thought they’d end up throwing the match fee on the floor.

“They ended up paying me the £30 for reffing the game and then matching my fee for a donation to Ashgate.”

The money will help Ashgate Hospice care for families at its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, as well as in their own homes across North Derbyshire.

Ashgate’s Lynn Jones, said: “We’re so grateful for the support of Chris and Bruce and everyone else in the local football community that’s supported their fundraiser.

“It’s so inspiring to hear how they’ve managed to turn a hobby of theirs into something that’s going to help families who need our vital support across North Derbyshire.

“I’m looking forward to following their fundraising venture over the coming season!”

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care puts a smile on the faces of ‘Pup Parents’ for Mothers Day

rose cottage dogy day care

Chesterfield’s Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care helped to put smiles on the faces of customers recently, by giving Mothers Day cards and cupcakes to the centre’s ‘Pup Parents.’

Dawn Brown, Founder of Rose Cottage explained: “Being a mum is a special privilege – we don’t all have human babies, some have fur babies!

“No matter what type of mum you are we appreciate you and we made Mother’s Day cards to make our mums smile and show our appreciation.”

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60 acres of land to be used for nature conservation in Chesterfield

60 acres of land has been secured by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for a major project to improve nature conservation in Chesterfield.

The charity says the ‘Wild Whittington’ project has been enabled for local people to enjoy nature, thanks to overwhelming support from the public, generous grants and philanthropic loans.

The piece of land at Old Whittington, to the north of Chesterfield, is set to be rewilded, becoming a place of major importance to nature, and to the people of Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

Wild Whittington has been acquired through a mixture of investment in nature, including donations from Derbyshire wildlife Trust supporters and The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust in response to the Defend Nature appeal.

The site connects St Bartholomew’s woods to the south and Grasscroft ancient woodlands to the north. These woods join to Unstone and then down into the valley of the River Drone. Using rewilding, the plan is to create varied habitats to bolster a vital corridor between the woodlands and support nature’s recovery in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Matt Buckler, Director of Natural Solutions at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “We are so grateful for the incredible response we had to our appeal to secure this land from our members, the public, and our generous major donors.

“Here in Derbyshire, we want to take action to restore nature now. Quite simply, turning land over to rewilding projects is one of the most effective ways to get resilient nature back in people’s lives, and it would not be possible without the support we receive.

“The purchase is not only good news for wildlife, its great news for local residents and visitors to the area too. We can’t wait to turn this piece of land into an oasis for wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”

Wild Whittington

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Matlock Farm Park announces exciting 20th anniversary celebrations

Matlock Farm Park, located between Matlock and Chesterfield, is looking forward to celebrating its 20th birthday in April with its visitors.

The attraction has come a long way since humble beginnings, recently winning for the second year running Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Visitor Attraction of the Year, as well as their Accessible & Inclusive Tourism award and Best Event for their annual Peak District Highland Games from the National Farm Attractions Network.

Managing Director and founder Allan Finlay said: “We’ve really surpassed everything we set out to do. My background was hospitality and my wife Virginia has always been in farming – we started the park off just as a little something to do together. I look now at what we offer and feel immensely proud, especially of our team who work hard to deliver a great experience. Seeing children and adults happy when they’re with us is just wonderful.”

The farm park started off as a few outdoor pens, a small animal barn and a 15-seater tea room, but has more than doubled in size to be home to a wide range of animals such as goats, meerkats, donkeys, Highland cattle and wallabies. There are activities such as sheep racing, small animal handling and alpaca walking, as well as indoor and outdoor multi-zone play centres, a horse-riding school, function rooms, café and a Changing Places facility.

“There’ve certainly been some trying times over the years,” recalled Allan. “Obviously things were difficult during the pandemic, but back in 2013 we seriously thought about giving the farm park up altogether when things were quiet and we were juggling our young family with other full-time jobs. It was thanks to a small grant we managed to get to build a café and us starting social media posts when things started to change. Before we knew it, visitor numbers began rising and we were able to start re-investing in the park.”

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant Manager, said: “The positive feedback from visitors brings the most pride for the management and staff. Visitors really notice how much we’ve improved over the years and how much there is to do and see during a visit. Many people tell us how contact with our lovely animals helps their wellbeing too – animals can be so calming when there’s a special connection. Visitors with Autism and Dementia can also have such rewarding experiences with us.”

The farm park is now one of only a few attractions in the region to hold ‘Accessibility Champion’ status. “Our Changing Places facility has made such a difference to children and adults with additional needs,” added Lotty.

The team look forward to 20th anniversary celebrations with their visitors in April, including the park’s biggest ever social media prize giveaway and party event weekends.

Lotty said: “We really want to give thanks to all our visitors and to all those who’ve supported us over the years. With Easter and lots of Summer events coming up too, it’s an exciting time for Matlock Farm Park!”

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

matlock farm park sheep racing

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

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