Love Chesterfield

New fitness facility set to move into The Glass Yard

A brand-new fitness studio is set to open at Chesterfield’s newly-opened Glass Yard development, just off Sheffield Road.

Studio One is being opened by SRW Fitness owner Seb Walker, who started the business in 2007 and has been personal training in Chesterfield for more than 15 years. In that time SRWFitness has been based in 3 local gyms, a local park and clients homes.

Having previously being forced to go into online personal training as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Seb admitted he was delighted to be welcoming customers to the new centre.

He said: “The Glass Yard is a fantastic location for the studio, just out of the town centre and easy to get to. There is 2 hours free parking so my clients can arrive knowing they can park and walk straight into their session not worrying about any additional parking costs or trying to find a space. The main positive for me is being part of something new and exciting, having a brand-new space surrounded by other likeminded businesses that complement each other is just perfect.

“It’s a brilliant place to launch my first studio and everyone I meet is impressed with the whole development.  I think it’s different to anything else around here and it really adds something to Chesterfield and surrounding areas.”

Studio One is described as ‘not your regular fitness facility;’ visitors will not find banks of treadmills or fixed resistance machines. The studio has been specifically designed with movement in mind, where all over body exercises are facilitated by a multifunctional rig, bands, bars, weights and balls just to name a few.

There is a large AstroTurf space for group sessions and classes and a collection of top of the range cardio equipment with treadmill, concept 2 rower and skierg, as well as Technogym spinning bikes for indoor cycling classes. This space enables a plethora of exercise to be delivered and any exercise you would perform on traditional gym equipment can be replicated with ease, and some.

There are other pieces of equipment, such as the fantastic interactive blazepods that help with balance, reaction speed and all other manner of things. The studio has been meticulously designed to maximise the useable space and deliver a unique fun experience for clients. With clients’ age ranging from 16 to 90 years old it caters for all and has classes and programs to suit most needs.

Seb continued: “The aim of developing the studio is to create a facility where people can feel comfortable and at ease to exercise in a supportive, safe, clean, and friendly environment. With all my experiences over the past 25+ years in the fitness industry and previously basing the business in commercial gyms I have taken all the great aspects I’ve seen and wrapped them into a state-of-the-art fitness studio.

“The community and support network that I want to create for my clients is built on my passion to help people achieve what they might think is impossible. That’s not just a body transformation but things like moving pain free, reducing or coming off medication. Increasing self-esteem, improving mental health and so much more.

“The vision for Studio One is to be the go-to fitness studio in Chesterfield for health, weight loss, and lifestyle transformations. To provide the support, guidance, and knowhow to enable all my clients to achieve their goals but more importantly maintain them effortlessly for life. This is not just another gym this is something completely different.

“The philosophy to Studio One is Mind – Body – Move. A three-pronged process that focuses on three key areas to success. The ‘Mind’, addressing the habits and choices that are hampering your progression. Secondly, ‘Body’, what you are putting in your body and how to adjust your diet that doesn’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of happiness! Then finally ‘Move’, this is the exercise that will feel more like you’re having fun and less like you’ve just enlisted in the army. If you enjoy it, you will stick to it effortlessly!”

The exercise offerings available at the studio include:

  • SRW45 classes; These are 45 minute sessions similar to traditional bootcamp with up to 16 people,
  • SRW1-6; Group personal training I hour sessions with a maximum of 6 people tailor fitted to your needs and also offer a one-to-one personal training option too.

The studio is also working with local businesses, running bespoke classes and team building sessions for them. These are arranged at times to suit so staff can finish work and attend the session or go before work too.

Studio One is also linking up with other local health and fitness businesses and offering a space to deliver specialised exercise classes from some of the best instructors in the area.

Seb explained why he was so passionate about promoting health and fitness in the local community: “For me this isn’t work, it’s something I love doing. You know that when you are heading home from your summer holiday and you’re excited to get back to ‘work’ that you have found something that is more than just an income.

“I love working with clients, understanding their needs, and helping them achieve what they desire but also have some fun along the way. Exercise doesn’t need to be scary, and a good session isn’t measured on how much pain you are in the next day. There is no set standard, no one size fits all training method, the training starts with what you can do and then ends up morphing into being able to do what you never imagined possible.

“You just need to find something you enjoy, something that doesn’t feel like you’re ‘exercising’. This however doesn’t have to involve a gym or a personal trainer and can be anything that gets your heart pumping and a bit breathless. However, before embarking on a new fitness regime asking a health and fitness professional for guidance is a no brainer to ensure you’re safe to start. The benefits of being active are undeniably positive both physically and mentally you just need to get the right guidance, find something that works for you and be consistent!”

“Creating my own studio is something I’ve strived for over a number of years but with all the challenges over the past 2 years it’s created a perfect storm of opportunity. The opportunity to be part of something like the Glass Yard was too much of a draw to miss out on and I can’t wait to push on and see how far I can grow the business in the future.

To view the session schedule customers can download the app ‘gymcatch’ and search for SRWFitness – Studio One.

You can also find out more on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SRWFitnessPersonalTraining or at https://www.srwfitness.co.uk/

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Little Dessert Shop announces move to new Chesterfield town centre location

A new eatery serving up sweet treats for Chesterfield residents and visitors is set to open early next month.

Little Dessert Shop is an established brand, providing customers with a range of tasty dishes such as waffles, pancakes, milkshakes and indulgent cookie dough.

The store is launching with a special promotional offer, with the first 1,000 cutomers able to order one of Little Dessert Shop’s waffles for 99p.

Little Dessert Shop will not just be available as an eat-in store, but will also be available to order on delivery apps Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

The store will be located at 35, Holywell Street and is set to open on 4th June 2022.

A spokesperson for Little Dessert Shop commented: “We are taking our iconic menu featuring our legendary sweet treats to Holywell Street and we couldn’t be more excited!

“Prepare yourself for an authentic dining experience like no other, where you have the options of takeaway and collection. Alternatively, you can order one of our innovative desserts directly to your doorstep using our website or the official Little Dessert Shop app.

“Little Dessert Shop on Holywell Street will be the new home of all our stunning waffles and pancakes, likewise our indulgent cookie dough combinations and delicious milkshakes. There is no shortage of options as you prepare to embark upon a journey of insatiable pleasure.

“If you’re eating alone or socialising with friends, what better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than ordering a delicately handcrafted Little Dessert Shop treat?

“Whether it’s from our local bakery or made fresh in-store, each and every one of our products are baked to perfection as we endeavour to provide our customers with the most sumptuous desserts. Our artisanal bakers use only the finest ingredients, ensuring every mouthful is truly memorable.

“Eager dessert fans have waited patiently for this moment, we’re delighted to announce the wait is finally over and we have an awesome offer to greet you with!

“We’re not waffling… Our 99p offer starts at 2 pm SHARP- See you there Chesterfield! #OriginalOrNothing”

To find out more about eating out in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/

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New café added to bustling Chatsworth Road food & drink scene

A new café has opened on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, becoming the latest addition to the popular food and drink offer in the area.

Café Nellie promises a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and will offer popular favourites such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, pâté and hummus plates, and of course a delightful range of cakes and sweet treats.

Owner Tracey Wallis has opened the new venture following five years trading as the Pekoe Café, also based on Chatsworth Road. She said she was delighted to be welcoming customers old and new to the café.

“Café Nellie has been a huge project but the results are definitely worth all the planning and hard work. The team from The Pekoe Café have all transferred to Café Nellie and it has been a real pleasure to welcome many of our loyal customers. We have seen lots of  new faces too  – great to meet you all, we genuinely appreciate your support. We hope you will all give a real Cestrafeldrian welcome to Zhanna, our new friend and colleague, recently arrived from Ukraine and now a valued member of our team.

“We are very happy to still be part of The Chatsworth Road Community and our new neighbours have quickly become friends. This next year or so small, local businesses are going to face some real challenges – we hope we can all work together to make positive things happen for our great town of Chesterfield.

“The question we get asked most is ‘Who is Nellie?’  Well,  Nellie was the most wonderful rescue Staffy dog you could wish to meet. She loved food and enjoyed human company and so do we, so it seemed like a good name for our new venture!  Dogs are very welcome at Café Nellie – but please bring your owners with you, we can’t rescue you all!”

The café will also offer afternoon teas available to pre-book with 24 hours notice, along with stocking four different types of coffee. The special Café Nellie branded coffee is available to buy from the business, so customers can enjoy a delicious ‘cuppa’ in the comfort of their own homes. Customers can buy the coffee as beans or freshly ground depending on their preference.

To find out more about Café Nellie, go to: https://www.facebook.com/CafeNellie/

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Vicar Lane announces a weekend of entertainment and celebration at Jubilee FestiVL

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is hosting its very own free Jubilee FestiVL which will kick off on Thursday 2nd June.

The Centre has a 3-day schedule planned over the long weekend, packed with entertainment, activities, games and live music to celebrate, including Chesterfield’s biggest street party plus all live events streamed on the big screen.

On Thursday 2nd June Vicar Lane will be live streaming the ‘Trooping of the Colour Parade’ on our big screen. Visitors will be able to pull up one of the centre’s new Union Jack deckchairs, and get the best seat in the house as the nation watches the parade start from Buckingham Palace at 10am. From 1pm join Vicar Lane for live music and entertainment, as the centre kicks off its Jubilee FestiVL.

‘A right royal knees up’ takes place on Saturday 4th June as the centre gears up to party the day away from 11am with the Platinum Party at the Palace. The party will be broadcast live on the Vicar Lane big screen located under the ‘AstroTurf area’ in St James Square. This will be the meeting point to host lots of free fun and games for the whole family.

There will be Giant Chess, Connect Four, Giant Jenga and Ping Pong as well as, lawn games hosted by a Beefeater for the children such as egg and spoon races and bean bag throwing to celebrate in true British style with prizes to be won!

On Sunday 5th June visitors are invited to take part in Chesterfield’s biggest street party, where tables will be laid out from 11am to enjoy lunch alfresco & have photos taken with guardsmen statues or the iconic red floral phone box. It will be on this day too that Vicar Lane will acknowledge art entries they’ve had from local primary schools who will submit their own drawings of the queen and have them displayed up on the screen for all to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to hosting our Jubilee FestiVL programme. It’s the first event we’ve held post pandemic so we can’t wait to welcome our shoppers and wider audience and their families to get involved and enjoy the long weekend with us”.

To find out about more events taking place across Chesterfield on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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

 

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People encouraged to have their say on Chesterfield town centre regeneration plans

People are being encouraged to have their say on a multi-million pound project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre – helping the borough thrive for generations to come – with the launch of a public consultation.

The £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme aims to transform the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment.

It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which received planning permission in March 2022 – the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the national levelling up fund at the end of last year.

The latest designs for the scheme were approved by the council’s Cabinet this month and are out for public consultation from 24 May to 8 July 2022 before a final Master Plan is developed.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to share our proposals for the town centre with the residents and businesses of Chesterfield, as well as those who work in and visit our borough.

“This is a chance for people to learn more about the plans and our vision for the future – and then tell us what they think, to help shape the final proposals.

“It builds on the consultation we held last summer, seeking views on plans to revitalise our historic market. Overall there was strong support for our ambition but some issues about the stall layout and size were raised – we have worked really closely with market traders, listened to their views and updated our plans based on their feedback, so having your say really does make a difference to the future of the town.”

People can take part in the consultation online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/town-centre-consultation or visit an exhibition which is on display in the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square (Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm) during the consultation period, where paper copies of the plans and survey will be available to view.

Cllr Sarvent added: “Chesterfield has been a flourishing market town for hundreds of years, but like places everywhere, we must address the challenges that the increase in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre.

“Our town has so much to offer, and we want to harness and build on this to create a town centre that remains vibrant, and relevant in today’s world.

“This project, together with the scheme to refurbish our historic Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum, will transform the experience for those visiting the town centre, and help sustain the economic future for the wider borough.”

Levelling up funding is being used to extend the council’s planned regeneration of the market grounds, with extra investment now centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Burlington Street, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square and New Square.

It is proposed that new paving, seating, lighting, and street furniture will combine with more greenery, to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will complement work to regenerate the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.

Key areas of focus are:

  • Corporation Street – a tree-lined boulevard with improved paving and lighting will transform this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.
  • Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy our iconic Crooked Spire.
  • Rykneld Square – the proposals seek to make better use of this open public space – providing a better connection with the Crooked Spire, improving the feel and flow of this area.
  • Burlington Street – proposed upgrades to paving, planting and lighting will create a more attractive main route – better connecting the Market Place and High Street through to Rykneld Square and Spire Walk.
  • New Square and Market Place – a multi-million pound investment will revitalise Chesterfield’s historic market. The plans will create a modern, vibrant town centre experience with additional space alongside our traditional markets to host outdoor events and speciality markets. The council has worked with local traders to develop a revised market stall and layout design for the main market, and to consider how New Square could be used to complement the town centre offer in future.
  • Packers Row – under existing plans, in place before the successful bid for levelling up funding, this area will also undergo improvement, following the completion of similar public realm works at the nearby Elder Way. Plans include improved lighting and paving, with an overhead light canopy to add character.

Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

The work will be carried out in phases and is due for completion in 2025.

 

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Residents and visitors invited to ‘meet George Stephenson’ in Chesterfield

People are invited to meet ‘George Stephenson’ and learn about his life, his famous inventions, his mining connections and his link with Chesterfield at an event in the town.

Chesterfield Museum and Holy Trinity Church have partnered together to deliver this free event with a George Stephenson reenactor on Saturday 11 June from 10am to 4pm. As Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for refurbishment the event will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Newbold Road.

Holy Trinity Church is George Stephenson’s final resting place and people will be able to see the stunning stained-glass window commissioned by his son, Robert. There will be fun for all the family with talks, children’s activities and the chance to handle objects such as a model of the famous `Stephenson’s rocket` and a replica cucumber straightener!

Refreshments will be available, and there will be outdoor stalls offering crafts, cakes and a tombola.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed it is fantastic that we can partner with organisations like Holy Trinity Church to ensure everyone can still learn about our heritage. We’re planning more events like this over the next few years whilst Stephenson Memorial Hall undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.”

Reverend Jill Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said: “It’s great to be working with Chesterfield Museum to help local people connect with our town’s heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about George Stephenson and show both his final resting place and the incredible stained-glass window that was commissioned in his honour. I hope lots of people come along because there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy.”

Stephenson Memorial Hall is being transformed with a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town centre.

The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall is projected to cost around £17 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and a further £695,00 from the Arts Council. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Under the proposals the refurbished hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The event is free to enter with donations being given to Hope House Homeless Centre.

George Stephenson Statue

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Exciting events programme revealed across Chesterfield for 2022

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to ‘save the date’ as details of some of the key events happening in and around Chesterfield town centre this year are announced.

Designed to provide fun and unique experiences for our Chesterfield community, this year’s events programme will continue to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time in and around the town centre.

More details of each event will be published over the coming months, but key dates to note include:

  • 2-5 June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: A whole host of activities will be taking place across the borough to mark the Queen’s Jubilee – including during the celebratory bank holiday weekend which runs from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The town centre will be decked with Jubilee-themed decorations, with events and activities running at the council’s venues – people can check www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jubilee for the latest information.

 

  • 26 July – Medieval-themed Fun Day: The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with families invited to kick start the summer holidays with a day on Tuesday 26 July. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life.

 

  • 27 October – 1940s Market: Fans of all things vintage will welcome news that the flagship 1940s Market is also confirmed for 2022 – with crowds expected to don period dress and flock to the town on Thursday 27 October. The event is a highlight in the national calendar for fans of this era and is held on a Thursday to tie in with Chesterfield’s much-loved Flea Market.

 

  • 20 November – Christmas Lights Switch On: Looking toward the festive season, the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on event will be held on Sunday 20 November in the town centre – and if people want to get their festive celebrations organised already, early-bird tickets for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now on sale at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk (the show runs from Tuesday 6 December to Tuesday 3 January 2023).

Chesterfield Borough Council’s events programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As we all enjoy the return to a more normal way of living, it’s fantastic to see this line up of popular events which always bring Chesterfield to life – and create an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our amazing local businesses.

“We are funding a range of flagship events which always prove immensely popular and create a chance for residents and visitors alike to create lasting memories in and around our historic town centre.”

Motor Fest, which last took place in August 2019, will not be supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event had become very popular, meaning the scale has become too large for the town centre and as a result poses a risk to public safety. In particular the significant number of vehicles, attendees and other activities within the pedestrianised town centre, could make it difficult for emergency services to gain suitable access. The council is committed to supporting the organisers to search for a more suitable venue.

More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.

Chesterfield 1940s Market

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Chesterfield charity set to celebrate 30th anniversary

A Chesterfield charity which supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities and their families is set to celebrate 30 years of helping young people across the town.

Fairplay was set up in 1992 by a group of parents who wanted accessible activities for their disabled children. The group set up a club where their children could attend during school holidays.

The demand for the group was overwhelming and the group developed into an organisation with paid staff. The organisation has grown ever since, developing youth services as well as children’s and expanding into areas throughout North Derbyshire.

In 2009 Fairplay was successful in receiving funding to build its first centre in Chesterfield. The centre has been purpose built to ensure that all children and young people are able to access the facilities on offer. The centre was officially opened in July 2010 and features an activity hall, outdoor play area, sensory room, kitchen, and changing places toilet.

With the opening of the new centre Fairplay has been able to expand its services and now offers services to young people up to aged 30 as well as a new pre-school parent support group for parents with children under 5. Fairplay continues to grow and develop in response to the needs of local families and currently supports over 400 families across the area.

HR officer, Nikki Lowe commented: “We feel we have made an absolutely amazing achievement in reaching 30 years! The last couple of years have been tough due to the uncertainties faced because of the pandemic but we can say with pride that even through lockdown we have managed to remain open, meaning our much needed services have continued to run for those families in need.

“Fairplay would like to thank all of the individuals and business who, over the last 30 years, have fundraised for us. Every donation really does help make a difference, and allows us to continue with our much needed work and services for children & young people with additional needs or disabilities.

“We would also like to thank all our volunteers for their continued help and support, as we wouldn’t be able to run sessions without them.”

To mark the occasion, the charity will be taking on it’s biggest fundraising effort to date. CEO Heather Fawbert, and HR Officer Nikki Lowe will be taking on the challenge of walking ‘30k in a day’. The 18.5 mile sponsored walk will take place on Friday 19th August around the beautiful spot of Buttermere in the Lake District.

Although Heather and Nikki will be fortunate enough to take in some stunning scenery, this grueling walk will include hiking up and reaching the summit of 7 mountains! They will be tackling: Red Pike, White Pike, Pillar, Hay Stacks, Seat, High Crag and High Stile – they’ll reach a whopping 892metres (that’s 2,927 feet!) elevation at the highest point.

In addition, the team will be involving the young people who attend Fairplay by hosting a sponsored walk around Linacre at the end of June – with the aim of walking 30K in a day as a collective team. The charity is also campaigning to recruit 30 new volunteers and will be holding an information day on Wednesday 1st June. Anyone interested should contact Tom Boden.

Nikki added: “People can support us in many different ways, whether it is volunteering or by donating money. Any donation made for our 30th year fundraising events will be greatly appreciated and goes a long way in supporting our children & young people and continues our valued work in the community.

“If you are a business and would like to sponsor our walk we’d love to hear from you – or even better, we have limited availability to join us on our sponsored walk so why not get involved, put on your hiking boots and take in the views of Buttermere whilst raising money for our charity? All we ask for anyone wanting to join us is that you pledge to raise a minimum of £500 – accommodation is booked and travel to and from the venue can be sorted for you so it’s just a case of contacting us if you are interested.”

You can sponsor the Fairplay staff via the following links:
www.justgiving.com/Nikki-Lowe1
www.justgiving.com/Heather-Fawbert2

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

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The countdown is on to the Plastic Free Festival 2022

The Plastic Free Festival, which debuted in Chesterfield last year, is to return for a second year on Sunday 12th June, 10am-4pm in New Square marketplace, Chesterfield.

The festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music performances.

Special guests, Pride of Britain and Queen’s Honours award winners, Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic will be speaking at the event. Since founding their youth-led organisation back in 2016, the girls have worked hard to inspire kids and adults alike to take action to reduce their use of single-use plastics – or become ‘Plastic Clever’ as they call it.

Their Plastic Clever scheme has since been adopted by over 1300 schools, as well as by cafes, businesses, councils and festivals around the UK. The girls have also spoken internationally, including giving their own TEDx talk.

Attendees of the festival can visit the marketplace stalls to carry out plastic free and ethical shopping from businesses such as Chesterfield’s Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Mrs Greens Eco Store and SallycinnamonCo who sells reusable eye make-up scrubbies.

Those who enjoy getting hands-on can join in craft recycling workshops, where participants can create festival masks, willow tension trays, and items from natural found materials.

Businesses on the marketplace will be joined by Transition Chesterfield, who run the Chesterfield Repair Cafe, and Angela Blair, a local TerraCycle collector who aims to help people re-purpose hard-to-recycle items.

Local food and drink businesses will be on hand to inject some flavour into the festival, with the Asian Association of Chesterfield selling Indian food, B’reydt Dough selling pizza and Sammys Mexican Mare selling burritos.

Live performances from entertainers are also on the agenda, with local favourites Mark Morgan-Hill, Jig for a Kiss, Chesterfield Garland Dancers and The Suffrajetz headlining the end of the festival.

No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with residents and visitors encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, cups and containers.

The festival is kindly sponsored by local sustainable businesses, Superior Wellness, CCS Media, Small Stuff UK and The Corrugated Case Company.

Chair of The Plastic Free Festival Committee, Greg Hewitt, said “We’re delighted to bring back The Plastic Free Festival for a second year, with a much bigger marketplace and special guests Kids Against Plastic. It’s going to be a fantastic family fun day out with something for everyone.”

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Bring Jubilee celebrations to your garden with this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition

Local people are invited to take part in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition and mark the Platinum Jubilee in style by showcasing flowers that are purple, red, white or blue.

Chesterfield in Bloom takes place annually and includes three different competitions for residents to take part in: the council’s tenants gardening competition, the allotment competition, and the general Chesterfield in Bloom category.

Although it is not essential for those entering to grow or showcase their gardens and allotments with a link to the Jubilee celebrations, Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to help us to mark this once in a generation event.

If your garden is brimming with plants and colour, you grow your own vegetables, or you have a hanging basket that you are really proud of, we would love to see it.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “You don’t have to be green fingered to enter the competition. We would encourage anyone to get involved as showcasing what you do in your garden to other people can be really rewarding.

“There are a range of events happening in the town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee so we thought it would be a great idea for people, if they are looking for ideas, to include a few themed flowers, pot plants or any other ideas they may have in colours linked to the national event.

“There is a thriving allotment community in Chesterfield, and we would like to encourage our growers to share their hard work with us as part of the competition.”

If you fancy entering the general Chesterfield in Bloom category, you could choose to complete your application about your front garden, back garden, your container garden/hanging basket or your pub/restaurant garden. You can also nominate a neighbour or company into the competition.

To find out more about each of the categories and how to enter visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/parks-and-green-spaces/chesterfield-in-bloom.

The competition is free to enter, and everyone is welcome to take part. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday 17 June 2022.

For more information please contact John Ramsey, bloom@chesterfield.gov.uk

The council is also repeating its popular competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

There are three entry categories:

  1. Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower (please make sure your picture is taken next to a tape measure).
  2. Largest Sunflower – the largest flower head based on diameter or width (please make sure your picture is taken next to a ruler or tape measure).
  3. Most Sunflowers – plant with the most sunflower heads (please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).

To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you wish to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run from until Sunday 11 September 2022.

Find out more about the competition here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/in-bloom.

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Businesses and organisations can now sign up for Chesterfield 10k’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10km have launched this year’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge and are calling for local businesses and community organisations to get involved.

Local businesses are being offered the opportunity to gain 10 percent discount on Chesterfield 10k entry fees, as well as recognition from the 10k stakeholders as an organisation that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle and mental health wellbeing.

This year the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is taking place on Sunday 16th October, starting from Queen’s Park, at 10am. Registrants for the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge must be over 15 years of age.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again, after many years of involvement. It’s a great incentive for staff of local businesses like ours to create a running goal and stick to a training plan, while encouraging team members to get stuck into some healthy competition.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re excited to see the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge opened up to local businesses and community groups once again, it’s a great way for people in the area to show their support for mental health and a healthy lifestyle, and of course raise money for important local charities. As a previous runner at the event, I can certainly recommend it.”

Charity Partners for the event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

To sign up for the challenge and receive your team discount code please email; info@chesterfield10k.com

Redbrik 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, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

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