Chesterfield community news

Local charity receives national recognition from the BBC’s The One Show

North East Derbyshire based local charity – crafting2gether which has supported over 1000 businesses during the pandemic, has received a surprise visit from the BBC’s The One Show to thank their founder, Shelagh Cheetham.

The charity, formerly Shelagh’s Sewing Circle, has supplied over 77,000 face masks to frontline workers and businesses and has now received recognition for their dedication to helping those in need.

The charity has expanded and is not just about crafting, people are welcome to join the group for a cup of tea and a chat, helping people to combat loneliness and isolation as well as developing a new skill if they wish.

BBC’s The One Show surprised founder Shelagh at Dronfield Sports Centre and was broadcast to millions of viewers on national TV where she was thanked for her incredible efforts to help key workers, businesses and local communities.

TV star and fashion business owner Patrick Grant was in attendance to surprise Shelagh and thank her.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Alan Powell said, “I am delighted Shelagh has received the recognition she and the other volunteers deserve. I cannot express enough how grateful we all are to have such inspirational members of our community helping others selflessly through the pandemic and beyond.

“I am proud to say we stepped when it was needed most to offer space in our leisure centre at Dronfield so the BBC could attend and put crafting2gether on the National stage.

“Our authority is here to support our local community groups – like crafting 2gether and it’s a great privilege to support the work they do which has helped thousands of key workers and charities worldwide. Thank you.”

Pauline Memmott, a volunteer with crafting2gether, said “We are very grateful to Dronfield Sports Centre for letting us use their venue for the BBC’s One Big Thank You surprise for our founder, Shelagh Cheetham.

“The success and growth of the Charity is all down to Shelagh, although she would say it’s the volunteers!

“With Shelagh’s commitment, we’ve provided thousands of masks to key workers, helped a charity in Armenia by knitting scarves and at a local level, we help combat isolation by providing social contact for members of our community.

“Everyone is welcome to join us to create or just have a cuppa and a chat.”

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

Chesterfield FC launches new cancer support group

A cancer support group is being launched by Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The group will bring people together who have been affected by the disease, with the first coffee morning taking place in the HUB at the Technique Stadium today (26th November).

Hosted by former Spireites striker Tony Lormor, who has faced his own battles with cancer, the event is free for anyone to attend.

Tony says there are plans to offer further help and support as the group grows. He said: “We’re going to start by just having a chat so that everybody can get to know each other and eventually we want to develop a cancer recovery programme, offering exercise and wellbeing sessions.

“You can’t describe what it feels like when you have been diagnosed with cancer, so to speak to someone who has gone through that and can share experiences is invaluable.

“It’s not clinical so it’ll be a more relaxed atmosphere than being in a hospital. The football club is the hub of the community, so it is a great place to be based.”

For more information, please email tonylormor@spireitestrust.org.uk.

The Spireites have launched a number of initiatives in the community recently, including a weight management programme, known as ‘Winning Goals.’

Donations of toys have also been flooding in at the Technique Stadium recently for the club’s annual Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps to ensure less fortunate children still have gifts to open on the big day.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Derbyshire Voluntary Action celebrates opening of new community hub

Friends of Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) gathered at a new community hub recently to celebrate ‘Feeling Connected Week’.

The Hub @ Low Pavement is DVA’s new pop-up community venue in Chesterfield’s town centre and will serve to promote better social connectedness and improved mental health and wellbeing for people in the local area.

The Hub will host activities, exhibitions and social get-togethers, as well as providing information about the local voluntary and community sector.

Chief Executive of DVA, Jacqui Willis, explains: “We’ve wanted to create an inclusive, welcoming and friendly place for members of the public and for volunteer-led community groups to come together and forge new connections for some time.  To have the opportunity to do this at accessible premises in the heart of Chesterfield is fantastic.”

The Hub will also be an important asset for DVA’s Feeling Connected project, which supports local people and groups to combat loneliness. During ‘Feeling Connected Week’ the project shone a spotlight on some of the great volunteer-led initiatives that bring people together week-in week-out in North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield.

The aim of Feeling Connected Week was to inspire people to talk about what they have done to make themselves or others feel more connected, as well as encouraging people to come together and reconnect as group, whether it be with colleagues, friends or a social or special interest group.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is an innovative independent charity, which strategically represents and champions the work of the health and wellbeing related voluntary and community sector in Derbyshire. It provides vital support to a diverse range of local charities and community groups, and connects people and resources to projects and ideas.

For more information about The Hub @ Low Pavement and the Feeling Connected project, contact Derbyshire Voluntary Action: info@dva.org.uk / 01246 555908.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Weightron Bilanciai partners with the world’s first football club, Sheffield FC

Sheffield FC (The World’s First Football Club) has welcomed Chesterfield Champion, Weightron Bilanciai Ltd as the club’s community and brand partner.

The club, founded back in 1857 and based at The Coach and Horses Ground in Dronfield has partnered with the manufacturer, which will provide direct support to women’s and junior squads. They include:

  • Junior Disability Teams – Under 12’s & Under 16’s
  • Women’s Development Team
  • Under 18s Team
  • Girls Under 18’s – 2 teams

Richard Sheldon (General Manager/Club Secretary) said “This is an amazing and integral partnership for not only the club as a whole, but in particular our community teams. This will provide new kit and equipment for every community team we have and will support our amazing SFC Women Development, SFC Junior Disability and Under 18’s boys.

“This will allow the club to continue its development and strengthen it’s presence in the local community and increase participation in football for a wide range of variations of the game.”

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Nick Catt in putting together this partnership and it’s clear that Weightron Bilanciai Ltd are committed and pride themselves in supporting integral community projects in the local area.”

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd. said: “We are delighted and excited to be partnering with Sheffield FC for the 2020/21 seasons, we at Weightron Bilanciai recognise and support the work that Sheffield FC are doing and their role in the local community, we feel it is even more important in times that we are all facing together today to keep that community outreach and support going.”

The company is the UK’s leading manufacturer of weighbridges, industrial weighing equipment, process weighing systems and software. Find out more. 

Weightron Bilanciai supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Volunteers required for the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

Charity partners of the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k are on the lookout for volunteers to get involved with this year’s event, which takes place on 17th October, beginning at 10am from Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

Volunteer marshals will help to play a key role in the success of the event and will be stationed at various points around the 10k course, assisting and supporting participants, local residents and spectators.

John Timms, Event Director, said: “Due to the pandemic cancelling the 2020 event, we are eager to make this year’s 10k memorable whilst fundraising in support of the local charities; Ashgate Hospicecare, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Redbrik Foundation.

“We are calling on volunteers to support Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood and all the runners, cheer them on and get them around the course safely.

“The 10k is also a great way to gather the local communities back together again after a difficult past year during the pandemic and what better way to come together than supporting these charities that provide extremely valuable services.”

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “I would like to personally encourage individuals to take the opportunity to get involved.

“If you can spare a few hours, it’s such a rewarding experience to witness the determination of the runners, as well as the amazing community spirit of the supporting locals.

“Access to marshal points is very straightforward and all volunteers are well looked after before and during the race.”

If you are aged 18 or older and are interested in volunteering at the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, contact the events team at Ashgate Hospicecare on 01246 233404 or email events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k will take in some of Chesterfield’s most prominent landmarks, starting and finishing in the famous Queen’s Park.

You can find out more about the event in a conversation with Event Director, John Timms and The Redbrik Foundation’s David Cooper on the latest episode of The Chesterfield Show Podcast, now available on Spotify.

Redbrik  supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

competition

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

Community Chesterfield launches next round of training and shared learning sessions

Community Chesterfield has launched its next phase of training and shared learning workshops to support the learning needs of staff and students at the University of Derby, as well as community and voluntary third sector groups across Derbyshire which help people in Chesterfield.

The project, which is a Lottery funded partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby, has announced the topics to be covered up to February next year across its different learning programmes.

A variety of workshops which are one to two hour long one-off sessions covering a range of topics, will take place throughout the rest of the year. The subjects being focused on are a Makaton taster, Introduction to Domestic Abuse Training (accredited), Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills and Gambling-Related Harm Awareness.

Due to its popularity during previous series, the project’s Training and Tea sessions are returning, the first of which is a series of seven sessions focusing on fundraising to be delivered by Anna Clyne, director of MTH Consulting, who has 15 years’ experience working in frontline and management positions within the sector.

She specialises in supporting UK and international charities to understand impact, build a strategic approach to income generation and develop compelling funding approaches. Her first session will take place on 6 October.

Andrew Deighton will also return to facilitate more Training and Tea sessions early next year, delivering subjects including Solving Problems and Generating Ideas, Personal Development Planning and Managing Your Time More Effectively.

Connect and Reflect, which aims to connect the community, the health and social care sector and the University to allow them to discuss, learn from and reflect on the common experiences we each have, will also continue on the second Tuesday of every month.

The interactive online networking and shared learning sessions will cover the following topics between August and December: Conversations about Coaching and Building Teams, Accessible and Creative Communication and End of Life: Those Who Give Support Need Support, Identity and Intersectionality and Social Media: Professionally Sociable.

Connect and Reflect is for community and voluntary third sector organisations or groups helping people in Chesterfield, staff and students at the University of Derby and individuals working within Health or Social Care for people in Chesterfield.

Community Chesterfield also provides access to E-Learning courses which can be completed at your own pace. Available topics include Assessing Display Screen Equipment (DSE), First Aid Awareness, Negotiation and Time Management.

Places on all the above training and shared learning are free for University of Derby staff and students with a connection to Chesterfield, as well as those working at or volunteering for Derbyshire-based ‘not for profit’ community organisations helping people in Chesterfield. Some subsidised tickets are available for Training and Tea for anyone in Derbyshire. Terms and conditions apply.

For the full list of training and shared learning or to book a place on any of the sessions, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/community-chesterfield-30163085884.

Community Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Junction Arts links up with Hardwick Hall to deliver ‘This Girl Codes Curiosity Academy’

Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts has linked up with the historic North Derbyshire landmark, Hardwick Hall to deliver a project aimed at inspiring and empowering local people.

‘This Girl Codes’ is a Junction Arts project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and The People’s Postcode Lottery. The project uniquely uses arts, science, technology and maths to give new interpretation and relevance to the rich heritage in and around Chesterfield.

This Girl Codes aims to empower and inspire people of all ages and genders through the stories of strong women in history such as Bess of Hardwick and Florence Nightingale. Taking inspiration from their work, lives and homes to inspire creative outcomes that build science, maths and technology skills in playful ways.

It is an aim of This Girl Codes to work with different heritage partners each year; in 2020 the project worked with English Heritage at Bolsover Castle. Junction Arts have built a good relationship with Hardwick Hall through working together on previous projects.

The partnership this year has drawn on the themes of light, data science and conservation. Hardwick Hall has a significant textiles collection to conserve including The Noble Women embroideries which are around 450 years old. Both organisations wanted to convey the importance of this work to the public and how The National Trust monitor and control light within a property locally known as ‘Hardwick Hall more glass than wall’.

During 2021 Junction Arts have worked with home educators, Tibshelf School, Rhubarb Farm, Forest schools, families and individuals collecting light data, creating ‘Data Selfies’ and more.

In July they held the first ‘Curiosity Academy’ at Hardwick Hall for participants to delve deeper into the history on site and explore steganography – the practice of concealing messages. Over three days they welcomed over 40 people to the Academy, from ages 6-83! Lead artist Cora Glasser and technologist Claire Garside guided participants through creative activities inspired by hidden messages in Tudor times right up to NASA’s Mars Rover landing.

The Curiosity Academy encouraged all ages to be inquisitive, think creatively and decode messages in historic and contemporary images. All participants experienced Hardwick Hall in new and exciting ways, learned about binary code and how to create images using UV light.

Participants said “The history is really playful, relevant and inspiring. The same code can be translated so many ways. The behind the scenes tour and insider information has made us want to plan another visit.”

The project has been working towards a co-created, collaborative art piece which will be designed and made by artist Cora Glasser using participant’s artwork. The piece will be exhibited at Hardwick Hall later this year.

Jemma Burton, Project Co-ordinator said: “We’re so pleased to be engaging a diverse range of ages and backgrounds with this fantastic heritage and bringing the stories to new audiences in exciting ways.”

This Girl Codes will continue into 2022 working with a new heritage partner and there will be another Curiosity Academy next summer. Anyone can get involved with the project including schools and community groups. If you are interested in hearing about the upcoming activities email info@junctionarts.org to be added to the mailing list or call 01246 209219.

Junction Arts’ work across Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield supports communities, improves well-being and provides access and opportunity in the arts for everyone.

The group also supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Caring Ashgate Hospicecare colleagues swap scrubs for hiking boots to take on High Peak Trail challenge

Two Ashgate Hospicecare staff members who provide vital palliative care in the North Derbyshire community are getting their walking boots on for a charity hiking challenge – and they’re urging the public to join them.

Community Palliative Care Support Workers Dianah Whelpton and Fiona Hardy are taking on the charity’s brand-new High Peak Trail event this summer to help the charity fund care for the families they support.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, July 10th, will see the pair – along with Dianah’s husband Paul – hike 17 miles across the scenic Derbyshire countryside.

The trail, which also offers the option of a shorter eight-mile route, will see the group head along the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Dianah, who has been working for Ashgate for the past two years, wanted to do something to raise funds towards the care after the charity had been forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events during the pandemic.

“I decided to take part in the High Peak Trail walk for Ashgate to try and raise some much-needed funds after our hospice was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“Our wonderful communities haven’t stopped raising money for us in all kinds of innovative ways and continue to make such a huge effort to support our services. So when I learned of this event, I thought that it would be a very good opportunity to join in with the efforts while exploring the wonderful Derbyshire countryside!

“It’s also a great opportunity to highlight the huge amount of work that the Community Nursing Teams do in caring for thousands of people in their own homes every year.

“I am inspired daily by the wonderful people that I am privileged to care for and I am raising funds to make sure that we can continue caring for years to come.”

The off-road linear walk is traffic-free and promises to be a fun day out with friends and family. There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take participants to the start point of the walk so they can walk back to their vehicles at the finish line.

Fiona is urging people across North Derbyshire to join her, Dianah and Paul on the trail this July.

The 53-year-old, who started working at the hospice in 2002, added: “I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and walking is something I do on a regular basis, but I have to admit that 17 miles will be double the distance I usually go!

“It’s been a long time since I started at Ashgate and there’s been lots of changes to the hospice in its appearance and the number of staff working here.

“But the hospice values and compassionate care delivered by our community teams and Inpatient Unit staff has always been excellent.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the High Peak Trail in tribute to my amazing colleagues and the wonderful patients and families we care for. Come and join us – not only will you get to enjoy the stunning Derbyshire countryside, but you’ll be helping us fund care for the families who need our support most.”

There are a limited number of places for the event so people are being urged to sign up quickly. Entry costs £10 per person, which includes a t-shirt (if requested), medal, refreshments and more.

To sign up go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/high-peak-trail-walk/ or call Ashgate Hospicecare’s fundraising team on 01246 567 250.

To sponsor Dianah and Fiona’s team go to ashgatehospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/dianah-whelpton-2615a/post/586904

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Spireites supporters beat other clubs to the top of the table in sustainability initiative

Chesterfield FC fans have lifted the Planet Super League Spring Season Trophy, with a clean sweep of wins across all 11 matches this season.

The unique football tournament sees fans score goals for their club by completing planet-protecting activities like having a meat-free meal, using the car less and even taking cold showers.

Chesterfield FC fans put in an incredible effort over the 11-week tournament, racking up 33 points and beating 23 other clubs to the title. Fans have a perfect record for the season, winning all 11 matches including victories against West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and MK Dons.

Chesterfield fans completed 1,793 activities over the season, saving 1,761 kg CO2. The Planet Super League trophy will be placed in their trophy cabinet at the stadium.

Keith Jackson, Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s head of sports and activities, commented: “We have always known we have the best fans in Britain, and now we have seen it in action. The commitment from fans to make positive environmental efforts in the name of the club is incredible. We will proudly display the trophy at the Technique Stadium, but this really belongs to our fans.’

Emma Tooley-Browns, one of the Chesterfield FC supporting families who helped them win the title – commented: “We have had a brilliant time taking part in Planet Super League. It’s provided loads of fun for the family and helped make the planet greener.

“We now use environmentally-friendly washing capsules, take more notice of the nature around us and we will continue to enjoy our screen-free evenings. We can’t wait to participate next year.”

A total of 24 clubs and 8,000 people took part in Planet Super League’s spring season, completing over 17,900 activities, saving 56,057 kg CO2, the equivalent to planting 3,203 trees.

Planet Super League made taking climate action fun and rewarding through 60 covid-safe, planet-protecting activities, which were available for fans to complete. These ranged from practical measures like having a meat-free meal, a screen-free evening or switching to green energy to creative tasks like making a bug stadium or writing a short Jamie Johnson story.

Planet Super League co-founder Tom Gribbin commented: “We are proud to see how our spring season, with a host of new activities and a larger format, has resonated with fan families.

“We are continuing to grow, innovate and evolve our model to make it more and more impactful, with big things to come. Huge thanks to our participants who are literally making the world a better place through their efforts.”

Planet Super League’s summer season kicks off on June 14 with 60 summer activities for fans and 33 clubs taking part. Newcomers include Arsenal, Leeds, Ipswich and Chelsea FC. Recruitment is taking place already across the UK. You can represent your club and play for the planet by signing up and playing for free at planetsuperleague.com.

You’ll be able to hear more about the Spireites’ Planet Super League win on the next episode of The Chesterfield Show podcast, set to be launched on Spotify on Friday, 25th June.

Chesterfield FC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

New bee-friendly ‘pocket park’ created by Chesterfield residents

Community-spirited residents have pulled together to create a new ‘pocket park’, with support from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The new space at Edinburgh Road Park features a number of raised beds that have been planted with wildflowers and plants to support pollinators like bees, new paving, 15,000 spring flowering bulbs and local urban artist Peter Barber has created a wall mural that celebrates nature behind the raised beds.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt said: “I had a great time getting stuck in and helping out at one of the planting sessions. The pocket park is a fantastic space for the local community and offers something unique for them to enjoy. We also had a wonderful array of daffodils in the spring thanks to the efforts of the group and the children who enjoyed planting in the mud!”

“Working together with The Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road Park, to develop this park shows how projects like this can help bring the community closer together. I know local people of every generation have been involved in this project throughout and I hope they will all get to enjoy it for many years.”

The work is being led by The Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road Park after securing funding worth almost £20,000. Working in partnership with the Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road the council submitted a bid to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and were awarded £14,500, Chesterfield Borough Council through its Housing Tenant Participation programme provided £5,000 and Derbyshire County Council Public Health also contributed a further £1,000 towards the project.

More improvements are planned, and volunteers are still welcome to get involved.

James Green, Chairperson of The Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road Park, said: “I’ve lived near Edinburgh Park all my life. As a child I used the play area and used to play football on the field. Nowadays, I walk my Border Terrier, Missy down there for exercise and a bit of relaxation.

“It was clear that Edinburgh Road Park was in need of some tender loving care so after many months of working with local residents, the council and a number of funding bodies it’s been pleasure to get to this point in the project. There have been many positive comments from local people on the improvements we’ve made. I hope more people visit the park to take a look!”

The first phase of improvements, including the raised beds and paving, were completed during the first lockdown in late spring 2020, closely followed by a socially distanced bulb planting in the autumn of 2020. In the autumn the group will complete the project with the planting of 40 trees in the same area as the bulbs and local people are still welcome to volunteer and get involved.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,