Love Chesterfield

Twist magazine goes from strength-to-strength with more than 15,000 copies delivered each month

Local magazine Twist, which focuses on all things Chesterfield has the largest distribution of any magazine in the town, with 15,500 copies of the Heron Publications title carefully delivered to local homes and businesses each month.

Professional, experienced journalists keep readers entertained with lively features and positive Chesterfield news stories, backed up by striking images and eye-catching presentation. The launch of the title in September 2010 coincided with the setting up of the Chesterfield Champions network and Twist was delighted to become one of the scheme’s first member companies.

Editor Mike Firth began his career as a journalist in Chesterfield more than 40 years ago, working as sports editor at the Derbyshire Times before going on to edit the Chesterfield Gazette and Chesterfield Express newspapers when they were independently run.

Says Mike: “Chesterfield has always been an enjoyable place to work but now it has really blossomed into a vibrant town with so much going for it. If you want proof, you need only look at completed developments like the Casa Hotel, the Technique Stadium and the Vicar Lane shopping area – and then cast your mind back to how those same sites looked a few years ago.

“Now we have a new wave of other exciting developments throughout the town which will take Chesterfield into an exciting new era.”

Mike, who has lived in north Derbyshire almost all his life, was delighted to return to Chesterfield to set up Twist and he says the magazine is eagerly looked forward to each and every month.

“Readers appreciate the fact that we concentrate on all the positive things that are going on in town and they like the way we present our features in such a bright and breezy manner,” he says.

“They are happy to see Twist land on their doorstep each month and, because people pick it up and read it, advertisers are also delighted with the response they get; that is why many of them feature in our pages every month.”

Twist is delivered free of charge by the company’s own distribution team to homes and businesses in Sheepbridge, Dunston, Whittington Moor, Newbold, Ashgate, Brockwell, Brampton, Ashgate Heights, Old Brampton, Brookside, Waterside, the town centre and beyond. Because Twist is a community publication, all homes in the chosen distribution area receive the magazine – the publishers don’t pick and choose according to council tax bands or how many cars people may have parked in their driveways.

Twist’s professional advertising sales team and design studio staff are delighted to work with Chesterfield companies, both large and small, to help them promote their goods and services in the magazine’s colourful pages.

Twist may well be special, but it is not alone; it is one of a series of magazines published by family-run Heron Publications whose office is just up the road in Dronfield. The company also produces ‘Dronfield Eye’ which is the only publication distributed throughout the S18 area, ‘Wings’ in Wingerworth, Ashover and Tupton, ‘So Bolsover’ across the M1 and ‘Active8’ in the south of Sheffield. Together, they add up to a total circulation of 57,000 quality free local magazines.

An added bonus with Twist is the fact that it is printed right here in Derbyshire by award-winning Buxton Press, a business which has won several prestigious environmental awards.

Twist Magazine 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 former Royal Ballet dancer helping to look after staff and volunteer wellbeing at Ashgate Hospice

A former Royal Ballet dancer has joined Ashgate Hospice to help champion a more supportive and inclusive culture for its 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers.

Ruth Bailey, aged 32, travelled the world with the Royal Ballet Company and danced alongside some of the most acclaimed dancers, including Darcey Bussell. The professional dancer retired at the age of 24 to focus on her wellbeing and is now 10 years into recovery from anorexia nervosa.

Now, as Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing Advisor, Ruth hopes to use her own experiences of poor mental and physical health to implement a robust support scheme to help make wellbeing a priority for everyone at the charity.

“My own struggles with wellbeing and the barriers I faced when accessing support has been the driving force behind my studies at university, which focused on nutrition, health and lifestyles,” said Ruth.

“I knew that I wanted to support other people to improve their health and let people know that healthy wellbeing takes work every single day.

“I believe that I am now a role model for this, which I absolutely love!”

Since her appointment in August 2021, Ruth has developed a wellbeing offer to help support staff and volunteers through the difficult winter months. This includes 1:1 wellbeing calls, group meetings on nutrition and exercise and 30-minute mindfulness sessions.

Ruth said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen how people have been impacted by the changes to our work and home lives. At Ashgate, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing these issues to ensure we have a well-supported and resilient workforce.

“My ambition is to help make wellbeing a priority for everyone. It can be difficult to give yourself permission to allow time for yourself, however, I believe it’s the key to long term sustainability.

“I hope to build and promote a really strong message that wellbeing should be paramount to healthy staff and volunteers. Human beings have basic needs and I hope to give time, energy, and a safe space for people to acknowledge these in the workplace.”

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, aims to normalise conversations around mental health and ensure staff and volunteers have the capability, knowledge and skills to access the support they need.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance at Ashgate Hospice said: “Supporting our staff and volunteers to stay healthy and well is a key priority for Ashgate. A healthy workplace helps our teams to deliver the very best end of life and palliative care to families across North Derbyshire.

“Supporting all our people to have a well-rounded and happier lifestyle is arguably more important now than ever before. It benefits the work we do, and the healthier habits picked up by our staff and volunteers can be passed on to those who use our services.

“We look forward to growing and developing our ambitious offering even further to ensure that everyone who works or volunteers for us is well supported in everything they do.”

If you want to join an organisation that priorities wellbeing, find out more about Ashgate Hospice and their current vacancies at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/work-for-us

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.

 

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms among the best in the UK according to Tripadvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms is celebrating success as the attraction has been listed among the top 10 best escape room attractions in the UK, according to reviews website TripAdvisor.

The business has shot up the rankings since its opening in Summer 2021, following hundreds of positive reviews on the site. At the time of writing, the escape room sits at number 5 in the UK rankings. You can see the list here.

Expressing his delight at the news, owner Nick Hogan said: “Living and working in a small town that encourages visitors, customer’s feedback and word of mouth referrals are so important. Trip advisor is also a huge area of interest for visitors to assess what to do when visiting the area so this was a key focus from Day 1.

“The team have been brilliant in ensuring that customers are made aware of our objective to be a top ranked Escape Room and its only with their help and support in providing on line feedback we have managed to achieve our goal. The team have to ensure they deliver a quality product every time and they have achieved that!

Nick also added that the ranking on TripAdvisor is positive news for the town as a whole, adding to Chesterfield’s visitor economy offer: “We can tell from our booking system that approximately 35-40% of our players are from outside of Chesterfield, with a growing number travelling in from Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and even further afield! These players are using the Escape Rooms as one of the things to do in Chesterfield but then go onto to increase spend elsewhere in the local vicinity.

“There are 790 different locations offering over 2500 Escape Rooms in the UK so we are overwhelmed with the success to date. It was a real pinch yourself moment when we got into the top 5 as our target was to be a top 50 venue.

“Our next target is to consolidate our top 5 position and then try and build on it. We have a new game going into construction in February / March ready for Easter so with further support from our customers, we maybe be able to go a little higher. The visitor economy is so important to the town so the more attractions we get the better and we are delighted to be able to help out.”

Two other business have also opened in and around the Escape Rooms. Chesterfield Virtual Reality offers an arcade approach to Virtual Reality (for up to 4 players) and also offers VR Escape Rooms. Game Zone has also opened on the town, providing a mix of retro and modern day gaming in a social environment.

Those businesses, combined with the existing Geeks Headquarters on Soresby Street are coming together to offer varying solutions to the entertainment portfolio of the town in one place, all under the banner of Chesterfield Games quarter.

To find out more about the range of attractions in the Chesterfield Games Quarter, visit: www.chesterfieldgamesquarter.co.uk

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

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

Redbrik Foundation donates £10k to local charities

Chesterfield-based estate agents, Redbrik has donated nearly £10,000 to six local charities.

Fairplay, St. Luke’s Hospice Sheffield, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Ashgate Hospice and Paces will benefit from the funds raised through the Redbrik Foundation.

After hosting and supporting many charity events over the years, the Redbrik Foundation was set up in 2020 to help children, young people, the elderly and those with disabilities in the Sheffield and Chesterfield areas.

Naturally, since the Foundation was set up in 2020, restrictions have limited the number of in-person fundraising events. However, Redbrik’s team came up with new ways to generate support for the Foundation and its charities at a time when they need it most.

The Redbrik Foundation has organised virtual events, and challenges and donations of Christmas presents to Sheffield Children’s Hospital two years running so that every patient receives a gift during the festive season.

The team tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge earlier this year, raising over £4,000, and held the very first – and very successful – Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in October 2021. In addition, donations were raised through a match funding initiative whereby clients of Redbrik are given the option to donate £25 to the Foundation, which the company then matches.

Redbrik Foundation Trustee, David Cooper, commented: “This is a proud moment for every one and thank you to anyone who has promoted, donated to or fundraised for the Foundation. One hundred per cent of all money raised is donated back out into the community to support the incredible work these organisations carry out every day.

“Rather than have a changing list of annual charity partners, we’ve decided instead that we’d rather have an ever-growing list of amazing charities to support, so watch this space!”

For more information on the Redbrik Foundation, visit https://www.redbrik.co.uk/foundation/

Redbrik 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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Bridge Help smashes fundraising target for Chesterfield Foodbank

More than £4,000 of much-needed food and toiletries was donated to Chesterfield Foodbank just before Christmas thanks to a fundraising appeal by Bridge Help.

Launched in November 2021, the team at Bridge Help hoped to raise £2,021 of food and toiletries but, thanks to the generosity of its brokers, suppliers and Chesterfield’s business community, Bridge Help smashed its original fundraising target in just six weeks.

A total of £2,130 of food and toiletries was collected which was matched pound for pound by Bridge Help. The match funding pledge meant a total of £4,360 – more than double the original fundraising target – was donated to Chesterfield Foodbank.

With the help of eight volunteers, hundreds of packets, tins, boxes, cartons, sacks and bottles were transported from Bridge Help’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas.

As well as Christmas treats of biscuits and crisps, Bridge Help also collected essentials, such as nappies, toiletries, tins and dried foods, which were all donated to Chesterfield Foodbank to ensure the charity had stock to distribute well into 2022.

The haul filled the Chesterfield Foodbank van as well as two additional vehicles, with Bridge Help CEO Chris Sellars also pitching in to help with a delivery when it became evident there was too much for two vehicles.

The annual charity fundraising campaign was organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe said: “Wow, just wow. I can’t thank everyone enough who donated. It was a pleasure and an honour to be able to hand over everything we collected and know that, together, we have made a small difference in the lives of people who are facing hardship not just at Christmas but throughout the year.”

Bridge Help 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 financial facility confirmed for Custom Solar

Custom Solar has announced that the company has secured £4.8m in new lending from Virgin Money to accelerate its growth ambitions.

Based in Chesterfield, the business is behind the largest rooftop commercial installation in the country, fitting 21,000 solar panels at the Port of Hull, which will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,400 tonnes every year.

The company has grown a pipeline of future projects and as such has looked towards further growth opportunities and with financial support from Virgin Money, it has given the business flexibility to target bigger designs and installations across its corporate and public sector customers.

Custom Solar was founded in 2011 and over the last 10 years the team has grown to 30 people, who travel to customers all over the UK. With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s seeing an increase in customers moving towards sustainable business improvements and taking advantage of the incentives available when investing in renewable energy.

Gary Sucharewycz, Chief Executive Officer, Custom Solar, said “We are extremely pleased with the facility that will now be in place with Virgin Money. This will support and accelerate our ever-growing 200MW pipeline of solar projects that the company is securing. We wanted to match our growth and ambition for the future with a tangible financial facility that will accelerate our ability to complete projects at an expedient rate. This will not only be a benefit to our clientele but to our planet.”

Custom Solar scored highly on Virgin Money’s Sustainable Business Coach, a recently launched free app designed to help businesses be more sustainable by measuring, tracking, and offering guidance on improving their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

Gary added: “We were really pleased that the results of the Sustainable Business Coach demonstrated the high standards of our internal sustainability credentials. The Coach was really easy to use and enabled us to look at our own business, providing the encouragement that we are not only doing good by the work we do, but by the way we operate. We are committed to staying on top of our own carbon footprint.”

David Burgess, Director, Business Network, at Virgin Money, said: “Renewable energy is a vital part of our energy sources and we want to support sustainable organisations to help them grow and thrive. Custom Solar has been on quite a journey since its inception, with notable commercial projects that have demonstrated what the team is capable of. We are looking forward to working with the business as it accelerates its growth strategy, offering the financial backing it needs to deliver and exceed its customers’ expectations.”

Custom Solar was advised on corporate finance by fellow Chesterfield Champion BHP, with a team led by Partner, Kevin Davies, and Tim Brind, Director.

Kevin said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Custom Solar on this next step in its exciting development. It is a fantastic business that sits right at the heart of the current environmental narrative, supporting UK business in its drive for sustainable energy sources.”

Custom Solar 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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College Santa Dash raises vital funds for Derbyshire Stroke Centre

Students and staff from Chesterfield College took part in a 3km Santa Dash earlier this week to raise money for Derbyshire Stroke Centre.

There was a sea of Santas, a team of elves, a Christmas tree, a Grinch and plenty of other fantastic festive fancy dress costumes at the event in Queens Park in Chesterfield.

The participants all braved the rain to support the Principal’s Charity of the Year. Their efforts raised over £600, which the charity say is vital to help them carry out their work and develop services to support people who have suffered a stroke.

Debbie Newton from Derbyshire Stroke Centre came to the event to cheer on the runners. Before she started the race she commented: “I am amazed at the turnout today, it is fantastic. Fundraising has taken a back seat during the pandemic so whatever we are able to raise is amazing.

“Events like this are superb and very important to raise awareness about the centre and the support that is available as well. We are currently fundraising for specialist transport for people with mobility issues to access our day centre. We offer a door to door service.”

The centre offers a community for stroke survivors. It has a café and a gym on site. It also provide a day centre which offers lots of activities from exercise to dance groups as well as singers and entertainers. At the moment around 50 to 100 people use the service over the week.

The Santa Dashers were keen to raise funds for the centre and enjoyed a bit of healthy competition too. There were prizes for the fastest student and staff runners as well as for the best fancy dress outfits.

Students from across the college took part in the dash. Media students took photographs and videos to document the event and public services students marshalled the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of The Chesterfield College group said; “It was wonderful to see so many staff and students supporting Derbyshire Stroke Centre this morning. I’d like to thank them for their generosity and community spirit.

“Not only was it a fantastic festive start to the last week of term before the Christmas holidays, I know the money raised by will be put to good use. The service the charity provides offers such a lifeline to so many people and I am proud that the college is able to support them.”

Chesterfield College 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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Chesterfield Champions reflect on 2021 and look ahead to the new year

As we enter the festive season and the new year, Chesterfield Champions have been sharing their successes and reflecting on the challenges and progress made throughout 2021.

If you love Chesterfield and would like to chat about becoming a Champion, find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Find out what local businesses and organisations had to say below, as we head into 2022.

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust

“It’s weird to think nothing happened for the first four or five months of the year, but we adapted wonderfully.  This resulted in our trip boats and our Information Centre & Shop both being really busy; and more than 1,000 seats booked on our Chesterfield Santa Special cruises.

“The restrictions have made people explore their own town more and discover how great it is, including the canal where towpath use has gone up hugely. We are now looking forward to the final Government approval of the Staveley Town Deal next spring, receiving the money and starting detailed planning of the restoration of our beautiful canal. We are also working out our carbon footprint as a first step towards becoming a carbon net-zero organisation.”

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

“I have been super impressed with how resilient and positive the Chesterfield business community is. Everyone is supporting one another and are super ambitious for the future. Chesterfield has performed strongly against all the national statistics in relation to unemployment and job creation, especially for under 25s, which is fantastic news.

“I am hoping the risk and consequences of COVID reduces as we move into 2022. It’s been a tough few years for many, but I know we will continue to be resilient, push innovation and draw new investment into our fantastic town of Chesterfield!”

Howard Freeman, Shorts Chartered Accountants

“2021 was yet another challenging year for the region’s businesses, with many continuing to show resilience and diversification. I’m proud of the way our region has pulled together and facilitated new opportunities, with many businesses going from strength to strength. We’re looking forward to 2022 when we hope to see even more of a return to the normality, that we all recognise.”

Nick Hogan, Chesterfield Escape Rooms

“After opening on 17th May 2021, we have had over 5000 players through our doors, and this has given me the confidence to expand the business and create a fourth room.  I am really excited about the new Chesterfield Games Quarter which will service all of the gaming needs of the town.”

Fiaz Sadiq, ActionCoach

“We’ve celebrated a number of successes in 2021, not least doubling our team members and clients. I have been really impressed with the resilience of the Chesterfield community and it wanting to help each other. I hope in 2022 that there is more financial support for local business and supporting wellbeing in the community.”

Joe Cattee, Director, Peak Pharmacy

“The challenges we’ve faced this last year have been extraordinary. We’ve had to adapt our pharmacies, depots and offices to ensure that they are as Covid compliant as possible, whilst juggling staff shortages due to positive tests results. Despite this we have managed to administer nearly 50,000 Covid jabs to date, as well as provide 48,000 flu vaccinations.

“Our staff have been fantastic during this whole process. Looking to 2022, we are looking to really invest in the area next year, relocating our sites into one depot. This will support our ambition to be as sustainable as possible and being as carbon neutral as possible over the next decade.”

Richard Fowler, Technical Sales and Account Manager, Ra Information Systems

“Having worked alongside our customers for over two decades we have seen technology play a pivotal role in enabling business success and continuity. We have worked closely with our customers throughout 2021, supporting them to adjust to changing demands. We were delighted that our proactive approach to product development was recognised when we won the Flexible Space Association award in Technology Innovation 2021.”

Chris Sellars, Managing Director, Bridge Help

“2021 saw Bridge Help undergo a rebrand, a recruitment drive and a move to larger premises which we have already outgrown. It’s been a year of sustained growth which is showing no signs of slowing down and which means we’ll shortly be moving to larger offices. It’s not just at Bridge Help where I see growth.

“Chesterfield has always had a resilient business community and I continue to be impressed at how businesses have adapted and evolved to both survive and thrive throughout Covid and Brexit. Bridge Help is very proud to be part of the community. The team and I are looking forward to working closely with more local businesses, sports clubs and charities in 2022. Exciting times are ahead.”

Tom Swallow, Development Manager, Bolsterstone Group PLC

“2021 has been a formative year for Chesterfield Waterside. Works continues apace on the Waterside Quarter with Avant Homes with excellent sales progress. Construction of the office block also continues to progress and we are now close to completion. Despite the challenges of Covid, I have been particularly impressed by the resilience of the contractors at Waterside and the continued progress of other exciting schemes across the borough.

“The amount of progress we are now seeing is testament to the investment confidence in the town, Chesterfield Borough Council and their forward-thinking vision. Our office at Waterside, One Waterside Place, will welcome its first tenants next year – that is an office party I am very much looking forward to!

Anna Melton, Director, In the Works PR

Anna Melton - In The Works PR

“The end of year COVID restrictions, while a disappointment, must not overshadow the successes of the town and its businesses. I am very fortunate to work with a number of businesses and projects in the town and I have been so impressed how, uncomplainingly, they have adapted quickly to the ever-changing COVID landscape throughout 2021.

“Their resilience, can-do attitude and forward-thinking makes me very proud to be part of the business community in Chesterfield and I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for 2022.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for everyone in our community, but I am deeply proud of the spirit and resilience that has shone through from Chesterfield people and businesses – pulling together to help one another.

“While the pandemic is not over yet, 2022 brings hope and our borough has a bright future. Our ambitious investment and regeneration projects mean we’re in a strong place to recover from the impact of the pandemic at a faster rate than many other towns. We will continue to work closely with the community to make sure Chesterfield remains a thriving borough.”

Peter Swallow, Chair, Destination Chesterfield

“2021 has been a year of change and adaptation which has seen the town’s drive, commitment and community spirit come to the fore. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient and forward thinking.

“New developments have come out of the ground and plans are in place for a further £1billion of developments across the borough. This will bring employment and opportunity to local people, not just in 2022 but far beyond that. Exciting times are ahead for Chesterfield – it is a town, and community, which I am proud to be part of.”

Hannah Bowdler, Junction Arts

“Junction Arts’ main aim for 2021 has been to bring our communities back together again. It has been a year of returning to face-to-face workshops and support within our communities helping people to feel confident and give them something to look forward to. A highlight has been bringing back one of our largest annual events back to the Chesterfield Canal: The Tapton Lock Festival.  And this year was our busiest yet! We were so proud this festival enabled people to reclaim the canal as a space to use and enjoy together at a local event.”

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services

 

“What a year it has been. Like all training providers we have juggled the ever-changing COVID regulations to ensure people can access the training they need to do their jobs properly and safely. It has also opened our eyes to a gap in training provision; older people in particular who find themselves out of work. Looking to 2022, NLT is drawing on its charitable roots and will be working with a number of grass roots charities and groups in the area to ensure that free training is available to help people get work-ready. The team and I are very excited by the prospect.”

Charlotte Watson, Interior Designer, SDE Group

“As always, SDE Group have continued to look at ways in which we can expand. Our latest highlight is the launch of SDE Electrical where we have responded to the continued growth in the electric vehicles market and introduced our EV Charging service. Our 3D Design team have grown due to the increase in demand for 3D design and visualisations, welcoming university graduates to develop their career within interior and industrial design. We are looking forward to another successful year in 2022!”

Rebecca Priest, JP Fire Safety

“As we come to the end of what was meant to be a more positive year, we count ourselves thankful that we have continued to see consistent growth. With an increased workforce and the lease signed on new offices on Beresford Way, 2022 looks set to be another successful year for JP Fire Safety Solutions. By continuing to adapt and develop different ways of working we look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2022.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group

“The sheer determination and willingness of so many local people and organisations to support our students and apprentices to achieve has impressed me this year. I am forever grateful to teaching and support staff of the college for the work they do every day. I must also thank employers for creating so many work experience opportunities this year.

“We have excellent partnerships with employers who are as committed as we are to ensure they have a workforce for the future. I am looking forward to developing even stronger partnerships with employers and exploring more innovative ways to help businesses and individuals bounce back from the effects of the pandemic or take advantage of new opportunities it might have created.”

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants

Northern Tea Merchants

“I think we all thought 2021 was going to be a breeze compared to 2020 but in many ways it’s been harder, with even greater uncertainties… Having said that 2021 has still seen huge strides being made by Northern Tea Merchants in our sustainability journey and is something we are really proud of.

“I am delighted to share that ALL our teabags are now made with fully biodegradable teabag paper, and we are working hard on our journey to become carbon neutral and as part of this, we are now planting a tree for every web order placed. We have exciting plans for 2022 which we know many of our tea and coffee devotees are going to really love.”

Theresa Goldsmith, Owner, The Goldsmith Clinic

 

“Another year amidst a global pandemic has been a whirlwind for sure! As a close contact business and a registered nurse practitioner, my main aim is to keep our patients safe and well and we have certainly been kept on our toes with the ever-changing COVID regulations. However, we have managed to grow exponentially in 2021 introducing ground-breaking treatments to The Goldsmith Clinic.

“We are finishing the year on a high by adding another two treatment rooms and taking on a full-time beauty therapist that will appeal to a new customer base for us. The entire team are very much looking forward to 2022 and sharing our passion for skin health with the good people of Chesterfield.”

Neil Johnson, Managing Director, DBCP

“It has been so encouraging to see development projects progressing in 2021 despite COVID restrictions, not only in Chesterfield but throughout Derbyshire bringing real benefits to the local economy. The team at DBCP has been phenomenally busy all year prompting the creation of a number of new jobs.

“And there are no signs of slowing down in 2022, which is a direct reflection of the town’s resilience and can-do approach. Planning for the future demands of DBCP, building control and the town, next year will see us recruit two degree apprentices. The prospect of developing the career of school leavers here in the town is something the team and I are very much looking forward to. Chesterfield really is a town of opportunity.”

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director, Edwards Employment Solutions

“2021 has been another colossal year for many industries and people and, it seems, is not going to end quietly. Despite the pandemic, we have experienced two busy and successful years, helping many key worker industries to find the staff they need. We are also ending the year on a high, having just recruited three new team members – an apprentice and two people via the Kickstart scheme.

“We are committed to giving them the help and support they need to really enjoy and succeed in the industry during the programmes, but more than that, helping them to progress here at Edwards. We are really looking forward to 2022 and helping many more local businesses and people find the staff and jobs they need.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Grassmoor Memorial Parkland to honour those lost to COVID-19

The first steps towards creating a lasting memorial parkland to remember and honour local people who died from COVID-19 and pay tribute to the work of the NHS have been taken with the planting of the first trees.

A ceremony held earlier this month (Wednesday, 8th December) saw Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis and Civic Chairman Councillor Jean Wharmby help to plant a Japanese flowering cherry tree at Grassmoor Country Park near Chesterfield. An avenue of oak trees has already been planted at the site.

The ceremonial planting was attended by multi-faith representatives, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment Councillor Carolyn Renwick, an NHS representative, members of the Friends of Grassmoor Country Park and our countryside service staff. Attendees made short speeches about the effects of COVID-19 on their communities and welcomed the start of work on the memorial parkland.

Councillor Barry Lewis said: “The idea for the memorial parkland came from a lady who contacted me during the pandemic and had lost loved ones to COVID-19 and wanted somewhere to remember them and celebrate their lives.

“From that conversation the idea grew, and what we will have as the trees grow is a beautiful, green, peaceful space where people will be able to sit, walk, reflect and remember.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been part of the ceremony to mark the first trees being planted and very pleased we have been able to make this happen.”

Council Civic Chairman Councillor Jean Wharmby said: “This has been an incredibly poignant and moving event to officially mark the start of our memorial parkland, which will grow and grow.

“So many of us have been affected by COVID-19 and sadly many have experienced the loss of someone close to them.“While we know the pandemic is far from over, we are beginning the process of recovery and healing, and the start of the memorial parkland is part of that process. In years to come people will be able to visit this area of Grassmoor Country Park and remember and celebrate the lives of those who were lost. It already feels like a truly special place.”

The county council agreed the creation of the memorial parkland in September and it has been supported by the Friends of Grassmoor Country Park.

The memorial parkland will be designed in keeping with the character of the local landscape and will feature a native wildflower meadow with an avenue of trees including wild cherry, rowan, hazel, birch, hawthorn, dogwood, oak, wych elm, willow and aspen. These trees have been selected for their spiritual meaning and to give displays of blossom in the spring and fruit for birds and other wildlife in the summer and autumn. They will be complemented by smaller, native shrub species.

A walkway to a memorial feature is also proposed, which will be made accessible to all.

The ceremonial tree planting marks the first phase of work to develop the memorial parkland area, and in time the newly created area will become a location for people to visit, spend time and remember loved ones lost during the pandemic. Further work to install seating to provide an area for quiet contemplation overlooking the parkland as it matures would follow in the second phase of the project.

Friends of Grassmoor Country Park have agreed to help the council with the planting and maintenance of the memorial parkland which will contribute to the authority’s target of planting a million trees by 2030.

Grassmoor Country Park is a popular country park that was developed on a reclaimed colliery site. It is easily accessible from Junction 29 of the M1 and the A617 and can be visited by bus.

The attendees included: The Bishop of Repton, Reverend Malcolm Macnaughton, Chief Executive of Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Chris Clayton, Jewish Faith Trustee at the Multi-Faith Centre Ruth Dolby, Chairman of the Muslim Welfare Association Farooq Saddique, Buddhist community representative Keith Munnings, Zen Buddhist community representative Julian Bowers-Brown, and Friends of Grassmoor Country Park Councillor Lee Hartshorne and Peter Myers.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Local Hospice encourages residents to take part in ‘Ashgate to the North Pole’ challenge

People from across North Derbyshire are being invited to collectively run, walk, cycle or swim  the distance between Ashgate Hospice and the North Pole, to help the charity be there for the families who need its support most this Christmas time.

The mammoth fundraising challenge, called ‘Ashgate to the North Pole’, will see participants race more than 2,167 miles before Christmas Day.

Whether you’re setting yourself a target of running a couple of miles a day or heading out on a weekly cycle across the Peaks, taking part in the challenge will help fund the charity care for patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

Those who sign up to the free virtual event can compete against friends, family and colleagues in the online league table.

Savannah Redhead, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch our brand-new virtual Ashgate to the North Pole event!

“We’re inviting you to join us on our collective trip to the North Pole so we can bring some festive cheer to our patients both at the hospice and in the community.

“Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer to take the bike out for a Sunday cycle, your efforts will mean so much to us and the families who need us.

“We rely on the generosity of our community to raise millions of pounds each year to help fund our specialist care. And at Christmas time that means helping our patients and their families to create precious memories together.

“So, what are you waiting for? Come and help us achieve our collective challenge of reaching 2,167 miles over the festive period – we know we can reach the goal with your support!”

Everyone who raises £50 in sponsorship or more will receive a festive treat that will be available to collect from the hospice.

Ashgate is hoping that fundraisers who take part will help fund a special gift on its Christmas list to Santa this year:

  • £6 could pay for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for a patient.
  • £15 could pay for a counselling or creative therapy session, to help guide a bereaved person through the darkest of times
  • £18 could pay for a one-hour visit from a Community Nurse in a patient’s home over the festive period.

Participants can choose to use the mobile phone app Strava to track their activity or manually input their miles themselves – it’s entirely up to each individual.

Taking part in Ashgate to the North Pole will help families like Elaine Clarke’s, whose mum, Sheila Clarke, received Day Services support before spending her final days on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Sheila died in October 2015, aged 78, after being diagnosed with vulval cancer the year before.

Elaine said: “I had a really hard time accepting my mum’s diagnosis but was able to receive support from Ashgate Hospice, who helped me through the whole experience tremendously.

“The care my mum had really was second-to-none; she was so well looked after, and I don’t know what we would have done without the support of the team at Ashgate.

“I’ll never forget my mum made a special friend with a lady in the next room to her.

“Over the weeks the friendship became so special between them both that the staff moved them out of the rooms and into a ward area where their beds could be placed side-by-side.

“That’s just one example of how everyone at Ashgate goes above and beyond for each and every family it cares for.”

To find out more about the Ashgate to the North Pole fundraising challenge and how you can take part go to www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/events.

Alternatively, you can contact Ashgate’s Fundraising Team by calling 01246 567250 or by emailing events@ashgatehospice.org.uk.

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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chatsworth Strikes Gold in National Tourism Awards

Chatsworth has struck gold in the national tourism awards designed to showcase organisations that go the extra mile to provide a high quality day out as the hard-hit sector continues the journey back to recovery.

The Visit England accolades champion the very best of the country’s tourism industry, celebrating quality, innovation and best practice within the visitor attraction sector. The Gold award for Chatsworth was the only one handed out for Derbyshire and the Peak District for 2020-2021, and one of just three in the whole region.

Pamela Pearson, visitor experience team, Chatsworth, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Gold for 2020-2021. The enormous challenges faced by the tourism industry as a result of the pandemic make this year’s award feel extra special, so we would like to dedicate the award to all our colleagues and volunteers who pulled together in difficult times to welcome our much-appreciated visitors.”

With much of 2020 marred by closures and restrictions, 2021 is coming to a close with a successful Christmas celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the first ever festive season held in the house. Open until 9 January 2022, visitors can enjoy the decorated rooms and illuminations in the garden.

Chatsworth was awarded the Gold award based on the scores they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland.

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

Chatsworth House

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

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