Love Chesterfield

Peak District Highland Games to return this August

Some of the nation’s strongest men and women are coming to our region next month, to battle it out in the bid to be The Peak District Highland Games Champion 2022.

The flagship show, now in its seventh year, takes place at Matlock Farm Park on Sunday 28 August. It features athletes participating in six demanding strength events including the Tossing of the Caber, Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge. Beginning with a parade of the athletes accompanied by a Scottish Piper Band, the day sees an expert MC provide exciting commentary to enthuse the crowd, with the opportunity for spectators to even take part in a Tug of War.

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant manager of Matlock Farm Park said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this fantastic event once again. It’s such a favourite for so many people, whatever the age. It’s a real spectacle and with so much else going on in the park, there’s something for everyone.”

The day also features a range of food, market and craft stalls with a Bradfield Brewery beer tent and Franklin & Sons gin garden for Summer refreshments. There is an interactive exotic animal encounter, along with much of the usual fun of the farm park, including sheep racing, small animal handling and playtime fun with their new Enchanted Hamlet and Jumping Pillow.

The 2021 Games saw the introduction of Strongwomen at the event, who were warmly received by the crowd. Multiple Guinness World Record Holder Nicky Walters and teenage sensation Millie Thornton took on a mighty Tractor Pull and Caber Toss, but it was arguably Chloe Brennan who stole the show lifting the legendary Peak District Dinnie Stones. This year will see the addition of Emma Wilson, Kay Gallacher and Michaela Moore.

Manbeast Events director Andy Picken said: “There is growing diversity in strength sports and women are demonstrating great dedication to training and some awesome displays of strength.”

He continued: “The female and male athletes are really excited about this year’s Peak District Highland Games, with some amazing competitors lined up. In 2021, Dave Thornton beat twice PDHG Champion Scott Mark Litchfield and it will be interesting to see if one of these can take the title again.

With the introduction of some new athletes, notably 6 feet 7 inches tall young strongman Terry Harrison from Lincoln, it will be fascinating to see how the new ones fair against the experienced and established field of athletes.”

To find out more and to purchase tickets for The Peak District Highland Games, see matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets.

Find out more about some of the great events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer on our Summer In Chesterfield page.

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.

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Spireites agree partnership with ‘Her Game Too’ campaign

A partnership has been agreed between the Chesterfield FC Community Trust and HerGameToo.

HerGameToo was founded by 12 passionate female football fans who are committed to growing the campaign with the aim of fostering an ethos in football in which women are welcomed and respected equally.

The non-profit organisation strives to be a catalyst for positive change and works with dozens of professional football clubs across the country to improve the experience of football for everyone.

Alyss Jackson, who is the Trust’s women and girls’ inclusion officer, has welcomed the link-up with HerGameToo.

Alyss said: “The organisation’s aims include creating awareness, providing education, developing a strong sense of community and building a more welcoming environment for women and girls within football.

“This reflects what we are trying to achieve as a Trust. A strong women’s programme is being developed, which includes girls’ academy sides and a women’s first team.

“We are also launching women’s walking football sessions and Weetabix Wildcats sessions for girls aged 5 to 11.

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with HerGameToo.”

To find out more about HerGameToo, go to www.hergametoo.co.uk.

The Spireites have been busy developing womens’ sport in the community this Summer, with former Burnley academy manager Jonathan Pepper being appointed by the club to mastermind the women’s programme for the club’s academy.

He will oversee the Chesterfield FC women’s first team, academy, U16s and ETC ahead of the 2022/23 season launch.

Academy manager Neil Cluxton commented: “It is an amazing opportunity for talented players in the region to play for the newly launched Chesterfield FC women’s team as they embark on the new challenge ahead.”

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust 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 , , , , , , ,

Shortlist announced for 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

First-time finalists have dominated the shortlist in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

Twenty businesses have made the shortlist in the 2022 awards for the first time with 11 of them being brand new businesses.

Following almost 1500 public nominations, the shortlist for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards features a total of 34 businesses across 11 categories.

Amongst the shortlisted businesses, Chesters and Adorn Jewellers are hoping to retain their 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards titles.

Last year, Chesters was named as Restaurant of the Year while Adorn took the title of Retailer of the Year in the annual awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “While the town and the retail sector are facing their challenges, the number of nominations we received for such a huge variety of businesses in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards paints a very positive picture for the town.”

A mystery panel of judges will now evaluate the shortlist and the winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October 2022.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the popular awards return for their second year. There are a total of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards with more shortlisted businesses, projects and individuals to be announced later in the year.

Peter Currey, Chief Executive Officer of Entire FM added: “It’s great to be a part of the prestigious Love Chesterfield Awards again and it’s even better to see the support for the range of great businesses we have in Chesterfield. There’s been some tough competition this year with so many great names. On behalf of all the team at EntireFM, we wish all the finalists good luck.”

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards include:

Best New Hospitality Business

The Batch House

Boba Shack

Host Coffee

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley

Barkworthy Dog Emporium

The Lucky Magpie Salvage

MD Hair

Restaurant of the Year – presented by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management

Chesters

Devonshire Arms, Middle Handley

Sicily Restaurant

Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers

Dotique

Hasland Pet Supplies

Master Debonair

Excellence in Customer Service

Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Il Mondo Travel

Nora Eve

Independent High Street Business

Aurora Beauty Studio

Blanc & Blanc Occasions

Dava Boutique

Less than Zero Barbers

Café of the Year

Figaro

Graze

Koo

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Junction Bar

The Rectory

The Three Horseshoes, Clay Cross

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Little Morton Farm Shop

Resting Devil

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Grandad’s Sweets

Flower Girl Plants at Chesterfield Market

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Batch House

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Northern Tea Merchants

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors.

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by several sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Elder Way, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd, and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “We’re expecting the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards ceremony to be our best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show their appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the four remaining sponsorship packages.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards or ceremony, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at:

https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/

Or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival announces exciting 10th anniversary plans

It has been revealed that Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival is set for a return this September, with exciting plans in place to mark its 10th anniversary.

Over the weekend on the 10th and 11th September, the banks of the Chesterfield Canal will come alive with outdoor theatre, music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls, a climbing wall, ‘’have a go’ canoes, boat rides and much more.

To mark this special birthday, organisers Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service have invited the Chesterfield BME Forum to showcase a number of special multi-cultural performances.

More information will follow, but the team has already confirmed that on Saturday 10th September a performance of Ukranian music and dance by the Hoverla Dance Ensemble will take place, meanwhile visitors can enjoy a spectacular Chinese Lion Dance on Sunday 11th September.

Jane Wells, Project Coordinator at Junction Arts commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled! This is a huge milestone for us, to have been able to make the festival happen for 10 years is such an achievement and we feel really proud. We have to work very hard all year round to fundraise for the event as it’s our number one priority that the festival is free, so that no one is  excluded from attending on financial grounds. We want this to be a festival for everyone to enjoy.”

Speaking on the range of multicultural performances taking place at this year’s event, Jane stressed how important it was for the festival to be inclusive of people from all backgrounds: “The festival is well attended but we noticed that our visitor demographic wasn’t representative of the cultural mix of Chesterfield and surrounding area.

“As a first step, we invited members of the Chesterfield BME Forum to have a stand at last year’s festival and it proved to be really successful. The 10th Anniversary  seemed to be the perfect moment to do more so we applied to the National Lottery for funding and were successful. The grant will support four local groups to attend and showcase their cultures, including some incredible music and dance performances, amazing food tasting from around the world plus displays and information. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the  National Lottery players for their support.

Jane also commented on why bringing the community together in celebration was of high importance to the charity: “The mainstay of our work is to build stronger communities through the arts and The Tapton Lock Festival does this in bucket loads! We deliver the event in partnership with DCC Countryside Service and the aim of the festival is to raise awareness of the area along the Chesterfield Canal and the network or footpaths and cycleways to encourage people to spend more time in nature with family and friends becoming healthier and happier.

“Another way the festival brings communities together is through the school outreach we do.  Each year we work with a local school, this year St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The year 5 pupils visited the canal last week to learn all about the flora and fauna of the canal with a countryside ranger, they also had a boat ride!

“In September, Junction Arts will go into school and work with the children to create artwork that will be displayed at the festival. So, I hope you can see how the festival brings people of all ages and from all backgrounds together, to celebrate this beautiful part of town in a safe, inspiring and creative environment.”

The event takes place around the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre from 11:00am until 4.00pm on both days and entry to the festival is free. Find out more here.

Junction Arts 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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Tickets now on sale for spectacular ‘Shine a Light’ events in Chesterfield

Summer may just be getting into full swing but people are urged to book ahead for a series of spectacular large-scale projections that will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound this autumn/winter.

Tickets are now on sale for a series of magical night-time displays that will be projected on to four heritage venues when Shine A Light returns for the second year from September 2022 to February 2023.

The large-scale projections taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include Barrow Hill Roundhouse and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall.

Events will also take place at Cromford Mills in Matlock and Derby’s Elvaston Castle.

Providing an after-dark experience for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in stunning audio-visual displays centred around the themes of climate change and water.

The cutting-edge projections are unique to each venue and visitors who watch all four displays – and successfully spot the ‘hidden animal’ at each – will have the fantastic opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a hamper of local produce.

In addition to the large-scale projections, visitors will also be able to enjoy entertainment and food and drink throughout each evening for a fun-filled experience to remember.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the pandemic.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Each event culminates in a large-scale projection every 20 minutes throughout each evening at:

  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December from 17:00
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February from 17:30
  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October from 18:30
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 November and Sunday 20 November from 17:30

Tickets for the large-scale projections are £9 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-16 inclusive, free for 3 and under).

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light

Follow #ShineALightDerbyshire on social media.

Shine A Light projections in February 2023

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year and looking forward to a bigger and better programme this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this spectacular ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after-effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Derbyshire is fortunate to have some of the world’s most significant heritage attractions and this year’s Shine A Light programme promises to be even bigger and better, providing magical after-dark entertainment for both visitors and residents alike.

“Each venue has its own story to tell and not only do these large-scale projections bring local history and their communities to life, they also offer the perfect opportunity to do something different with friends and family as the nights draw in.

“We urge people to book their tickets as soon as possible and to enjoy not just one, but multiple shows for an unforgettable experience to remember. Events like this are so important as they help to protect and preserve historical and cultural sites – and will continue to stimulate community initiatives in the future.”

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

barrowhill shine a light on derbyshire 2022

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Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is officially open

Chesterfield’s new flagship enterprise centre, which will support new and expanding businesses to respectively start and grow in the town, is now officially open.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was officially opened by Councillor Terry Gilby, formerly the council’s member for economic growth who started the project in 2017, at a small ceremony on Wednesday 13 July.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, said: “The opening of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre represents the completion of the first phase of the Northern Gateway master plan. It will support local people to bring to life their business ideas and strengthen the local economy as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“We’ve built on our experiences at Tapton and Dunston Innovation Centres to develop this new building and with nine local businesses already signed up take space it is already evident that we have been successful in creating a modern environment where Chesterfield’s budding entrepreneurs can collaborate and flourish. We look forward to welcoming more tenants to the centre over the coming months.”

Roaring Mouse Public Relations have officially moved into the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, with more companies already lined up to move in over the next few months. East Midlands Chamber has also confirmed it is adding to its existing presence in the town by taking up space at the centre.

The Enterprise Centre includes 32 office suites in a range of sizes, all of which are fitted with the latest hi-tech features that are now standard requirements for modern businesses. It has conferencing facilities allowing businesses to host hybrid meetings and secure cycle parking and shower facilities to allow tenants to bike to work – supporting low carbon transport options. There are also features like break out rooms where businesses can network and find out how they can work together.

Tom Woodhead, Business Services Director at Robert Woodhead Group, said: “After a difficult start in 2020, we’re very happy to be handing over the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre to Chesterfield Borough Council. This modern facility will be extremely valuable to Chesterfield’s thriving business community, helping it to grow and flourish, especially with the hi-tech and hybrid-working features which have been included.”

But the Enterprise Centre provides much more than just office space, as tenants will be able to access bespoke business support services that can help them grow and develop, supporting the creation of more jobs and boosting the local economy.

The building also boasts some great sustainability features which will help keep energy usage down and ensure the building is fit for the future.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “We’re delighted to see the Enterprise Centre complete on site. The Centre is an important part of the Northern Gateway regeneration scheme, providing a new and unique commercial offer which is designed to be a catalyst for further investment and development.

“The project is the third generation of office development for the Council which reflects their aspirations to promote and enhance small enterprising start-up businesses.

“As a local practice, we’re passionate about the region. It has been a privilege to work with the Council to deliver a sustainable building that will help the council move towards their net zero carbon target by 2030. The sustainability agenda is hugely important to us, a critical driver in all that we do is to reduce carbon to the greatest extent possible.”

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects and Chair of Chesterfield Property and Construction Group said: “The importance of this scheme should not be underestimated. Things do not just happen! The successful delivery of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre relied on Chesterfield Borough Council creating a vision, successfully securing funding, and then labouring for many years, including navigating some incredibly challenging market conditions, to realise the delivery of a fantastic new commercial offer for the town.

“We are proud to have worked alongside the Council through all stages of the development. The true quality of a team is revealed when things don’t quite go to plan – and the pandemic certainly was not part of it. Despite such challenges, we are proud as a local practice to have supported our Town in delivering such a high-quality facility for businesses wanting to locate in the town centre. This building is further evidence that Chesterfield is open for business and is a sound investment for the future.”

The Enterprise Centre was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Laurie Thomas, Assistant Director, Programme Management Office from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said: “We believe the Northern Gateway development will help breathe new life into the area and promote the growth of business activities in the ICT and professional service-based sectors”.

“South Yorkshire Investment Fund invested £5.83m in the construction of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, signalling a boost in confidence for investors. The investment will leverage in £12.5m investment by the private sector, support the creation of 150 jobs and indirectly create further jobs once the premises are fully let.”

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre contact the Enterprise Chesterfield team by calling 01246 903 900 or emailing enterprise@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Less Than Zero Barbers partners with local football club to champion community activities

Chesterfield’s Less Than Zero Barbers has announced a joint-venture with “The Home Of Football” Sheffield FC, to work collaboratively on a range of local community projects.

The multi-award winning barbers based on Soresby Street in Chesterfield Town Centre, has partnered with the Dronfield-Based club to encourage kids to get involved in the game and also their local community.

Sheffield Club was formed in 1857 and were responsible for the original rules of the game, most of which are still applicable. The club is recognised by FIFA as the oldest in the world.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner at Less Than Zero Barbers commented: “Less Than Zero are proud to be working together with this amazing club as we share core values of being community focused, conducting ourselves with integrity and being respectful and inclusive.”

Dylan Ralph, Partnership Manger, Sheffield FC commented: “Working together we have some exciting plans which will become apparent over the coming months.”

As part of the plan, Less Than Zero will offer local school leavers the opportunity to get an NVQ Level 1 in barbering during the 6-week summer holidays. To provide the service, the business will be working with Realise, the U.Ks Apprentice Provider of the Year.

The company was recently recognised amongst the Top 50 Small Business Apprentice Employers in England, taking 36th spot on the list developed by government’s Department for Education.

Furthermore, Sheffield FC is working towards providing an innovative ‘pop up barbershop,’ focusing on improving mental wellbeing and self esteem. Details on all collaboration activities will be posted on social media (Instagram: _sheffieldfc and lessthanzerobarbers).

For anyone interested in a Level 1 Traineeship, Realise Training have a dedicated phone number – Tel: 0333 444 3973.

Less Than Zero Barbers 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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New physiotherapy clinic opens at The Glassyard

A leading provider of physiotherapy treatment has moved to The Glass Yard development in Chesterfield, offering a better equipped and more spacious location to treat patients.

White House Clinic shares this new venture with longstanding partner One Health, a team of specialist surgeons and healthcare managers working together to provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment for patients.

This partnership provides an unrivalled offering to patients, allowing them to receive a comprehensive service of treatments funded by the NHS, with patients able to choose One Health as a service provider through the E-referral System (Choose & Book), as well as through private appointments.

The Glass Yard is a practical, as well as strategic choice of location for White House Clinic, close to its previous location at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium but with even more convenience for parking and space for additional facilities.

As part of a major development in Chesterfield, The Glass Yard gives patients an enjoyable, attractive experience during their treatment with plenty of disabled parking.

James Walker, Service Development Director and Senior Physiotherapist at White House Clinic commented: “We’re thrilled to be making a move to The Glass Yard, where we can keep offering our patients the exceptional treatments they deserve, in comfort and a relaxed setting. Working with our partners at One Health, we’re ready to give Chesterfield an even better service.”

Jessica Sellars, Director of Operations & Service Development at One Health said: “What a great time to work at One Health. We’ve always enjoyed working closely with our partners at White House Clinic, and our move to The Glass Yard will cement that relationship even further. The real winners are, of course, our patients — with an upgraded experience for their consultations and treatments, and better opportunities to get the services they need.”

The Covid-19 pandemic meant the White House Clinic had to offer physiotherapy appointments by video link and telephone, with just emergency appointments taking place in person. Despite the impact of lockdowns, the White House Clinic thrived and is now investing in new locations and upgrading to larger facilities such as The Glass Yard.

With ten successful and established White House Clinic locations across Derbyshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and the impressive Glass Yard facility will enable it to expand its services, provide jobs in the local area, and welcome more patients for treatment.

 

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Streets of Chesterfield lit up for Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk

Thousands of fundraisers lit up the streets of Chesterfield at Ashgate Hospice’s annual Sparkle Night Walk, sponsored by Vertu Toyota over the weekend.

Donning flashing bunny ears and pink outfits, more than 2,000 people stepped out for the return of the hospice’s biggest fundraiser on Saturday 9th July.

The 10k walk is expected to raise over £200,000 to help fund the end of life care and support the charity provides across North Derbyshire.

The event began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s Technique Stadium, with walkers setting off at 10pm and live entertainment starting the party at 7.30pm.

Amongst those taking part was Mick Winfield, 67, from Chesterfield who was walking in memory of his brother, John who died in the care of the hospice at just 39 years old.

Mick said: “This is my third time taking part in Sparkle Night Walk and I keep coming back to support the hospice because of the excellent care they gave my brother. Everything they did was perfect, and I just want to give something back for what they did for my brother and my family.”

Another person walking was 57-year-old Julie Lodge and her friend Jane Fox, both from Chesterfield. Julie was walking in memory of her mum, dad and friend Frank who had died just a few weeks earlier.

Julie said: “Ashgate Hospice has been there to support me and my family several times. They were there to care for my dad when he was living with lung cancer, and they were there again when my mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Most recently my friend Frank was cared for on their Inpatient Unit and again the care was phenomenal. I am lucky that I am fit and healthy and I just want to be able to give something back to those who are less fortunate than me.”

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “From everyone at Ashgate, thank you to every person who turned out to take part in our Sparkle Night Walk and made it such a success.

“It’s incredible to see so many people coming together and we were amazed to see over 2,000 people sparkling for their community!

“We know that many people taking part are doing so in memory of their loved ones, many of whom were supported by Ashgate. That shared experience adds to the sense of community and creates a wonderful atmosphere, where people support one another.

“I would also like to praise everyone behind the scenes, including an army of incredible volunteers across the entire route and our generous sponsors for covering so many of our costs.

“Without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to organise such a large and exciting event for the people of North Derbyshire.”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened, with the walk set to take place on Saturday 1st July 2023.

To find out more about next years Sparkle Night Walk and to register for the early bird price of £7 go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

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.

Image taken by Darren Worthy

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Popular Chesterfield Vegan Market to become a monthly event

It has been revealed that the new Chesterfield Vegan Market will feature as a regular monthly event, following its huge success since launching in the historic heart of the town centre.

At the first event in May, the Vegan Market attracted more than 30 stalls, providing a huge variety for customers; ranging from chocolate treats, vegan cheese, award winning gluten free pies, a local animal rescue centre, handmade items, zero waste goods and even TV star vegan caterers.

One of the stallholders, ‘Huns’ were recently on the BBC’s ‘Britain’s Top Takeaway’ with their chicken style burgers. Hot food caterers were plentiful with a great range including crepes, curries, bangers & mash, Ethiopian food, burgers and pizzas.

Following the launch event in May, the Vegan Market has continued to go from strength-to-strength with another successful outing in early July. The popularity of the market has ensured the event will return on the first Saturday of each month from September through to the end of 2022.

Chesterfield Vegan Market organiser Sam Brundish, of Rainbow Monkey Events commented: “It was great to bring this event back to Chesterfield in early July and, by popular demand, this will be a monthly event on the first Saturday from September through to the end of the year!

“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing something quite unique to Chesterfield town centre. We would urge customers to come and support their local market traders – we welcomed The Refill Fairy, Cup and Saucer Teas and Flower Girl Plants – all of whom are regulars at Chesterfield market. Customers will also get to see traders from elsewhere in the Midlands who only bring their varied foods and products to Chesterfield Vegan Market.

“One tip we would say is arrive early to avoid disappointment – stallholders quickly sell out of gluten free pies, cheesecakes, bliss balls, sausage rolls and cheese!”

Find out more about Chesterfield Vegan Market at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-vegan-market/

Specialist markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

Chesterfield Town Centre provides an enjoyable shopping experience for all customers, with a great range of national brands and quirky independents. You can always pick up something special and different, whether you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one or something special for your home. Find out more about shopping in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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“Chesterfield has the raw ingredients to become a great place to visit”

Chesterfield is set to undergo a major transformation in the next few years, with work taking place to improve the town’s public spaces; creating a welcoming and attractive place for visitors.

The town’s Property and Construction Group continues to help in shaping these developments, working with partners to ensure the quality of the built environment across the town meets those ambitions.

Tony Buck is a member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Steering Group and Associate Director at Oasis Studio. He has given his views on the importance of maximising the built environment, to increase Chesterfield’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming town with a strong and diverse visitor economy.

By many Chesterfield isn’t considered a typical tourist destination and we must ask ourselves why? Over the last 12 years, I’ve become very familiar with the town and it’s clear our town has bags of raw ingredients to offer the tourism sector.

It’s no secret that millions of pounds worth of investment are beginning to take shape across the town and I’m confident these exciting plans will evolve Chesterfield into a superb visitor destination. From working closely with Destination Chesterfield and the Property and Construction Group it’s clear that attracting more tourists to the town is high on the agenda.

Let’s take a dive into some of the key developments and unpack why the built environment is vital in terms of attracting more visitors.

A good place to start is the ‘Heart of Chesterfield’ project; a major transformation in the town centre with refurbishment plans for several key sites. When I think about Chesterfield, I think ‘handsome market town’ so I’m particularly excited to see the marketplace revamp take shape.

This is a great opportunity to re-imagine the current model and create a more defined and vibrant area for visitors to shop. As part of the revamp, we’ll also see the flexible space host other events such as festivals, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings.

This has been core to the strategy and acts as a key ingredient in attracting a wider, more diverse audience beyond the typical market visitor of today. Once complete I look forward to visiting and hope to discover amazing produce, street food, craft beers and gifts that are unique to Chesterfield and add to the cultural narrative of the town.

Bookending of the ‘Heart of Chesterfield’ project are plans to remodel and refurbish the Stephenson Memorial Hall. I’m particularly intrigued about the impact this will have on the visiting economy. Packed full of history and architectural merit the proposals aim to extend the Pomegranate Theatre and provide a modern museum offering.

Alongside this gallery and café spaces provide visitors with a place to enjoy. Once complete this landmark building will extend the town’s cultural offering and provide a go-to destination for visitors to enjoy live events.

Beyond this, the Chesterfield Station Masterplan aims to create a welcoming first impression of Chesterfield for visitors by rail. Currently, the existing station and public realm are a little uninviting.

Diving into the details it’s clear that a real sense of arrival, framing of the crooked spire and progressive urban design are considerations to address this. The people of Chesterfield are welcoming and open for business, I certainly look forward to a station that reflects this for visitors.

It’s clear to me that the developments highlighted above, combined with the wider regeneration proposals, will result in our town centre becoming a more attractive, safe and healthier place for visitors to spend time and immerse themselves in the Chesterfield economy.

In my opinion, Chesterfield’s best tourist attraction and visitor playground is the Peak District. It’s located on our doorstep and attracts millions of tourists to the area each year.

Those visitors planning a weekend trip or holiday need more incentives to stay the night in Chesterfield. Currently, the night-time attractions are relatively limited… Shout-out to Ches-Vegas. To maximise the visitor economy, more must be done to increase this offering. There are development plans that seek to address this (some mentioned above), but it’s worth highlighting the requirement for more available hotel space for visitors to stay.

Circling back, Chesterfield has the raw ingredients to become a great place to visit. The community is inviting and we’re home to a diverse selection of businesses that cater for the tourism sector.

We’re located in the heart of the UK with great transport connections. We also have handsome buildings with bags of history and so much beautiful scenery on its doorstep. Chesterfield is underrated as a tourist destination and with the planned future investment it will only get better. I call for all local businesses and fellow Chesterfield Champions in the town to celebrate this!

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