Chesterfield FC Community Trust

Blue plaque unveiled to mark Chesterfield as the home of walking football

A blue plaque has been unveiled outside the HUB at the SMH Group Stadium, to mark Chesterfield as the birthplace of walking football.

The event was attended by Chesterfield FC Community Trust representatives, local walking football players and senior officials from walking football bodies.

John Croot, CEO of Chesterfield FC/Chesterfield FC Community Trust, was part of the Trust team who devised walking football, along with Andy Morris, Adam Norman and others.

John said: “It’s a real privilege and it’s great for the people who have been involved in it from the very early sessions. We heard from people who were coaching at the first sessions, along with those who were playing and watching.

“Part of having this plaque here recognises the role that the Trust, myself and others have all put in since they were playing two-a-side at Queen’s Park Sports Centre!

“It’s helping people get into a healthy lifestyle and it’s as much about what doesn’t happen on the pitch in that, they (walking football players) go and do other activities and get to know each other.

“It’s quite humbling, really, when you get phone calls from the US that they play walking basketball and other walking sports.

“To think that it all started here at Chesterfield all those years ago, it’s quite humbling.”

Image taken by Tina Jenner Photography

Alan Rose, president of the International Walking Football Federation who recently held their World Championships at the SMH Group Stadium, attended the unveiling.

He expressed delight at the growth of the sport and urged others to get involved in walking football, saying: “Don’t think about it – get down and do it and enjoy it.”

Walking football was devised in 2010 for an ‘Extra Time’ project delivered by Chesterfield FC Community Trust, aimed at encouraging people aged 55 and over to be more active and develop friendship groups.

To find out more about the Senior Spireites Walking Football Club, please visit https://www.chesterfieldwalkingfootball.co.uk/

For information on the Spirettes Women’s Walking Football Club, please contact Alyss Jackson: alyssjackson@spireitestrust.org.uk

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

Men in smart clothing stood in front of blue plaque

Image taken by Tina Jenner Photography

 

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Chesterfield Business community shows support for local initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield have once again showed their commitment and generosity by helping a number of local causes.

The last month has seen our organisations support schools, charities, ex-servicemen and women, and local foodbanks.

Read the latest from our network of Chesterfield Champions below:

Local support provides music to the ears of Brookfield students

Music to their ears

A team of local businesses have pooled their resources to put an end to crackles and feedback by replacing Brookfield’s old microphones and speakers with a state-of-the-art sound system.

The PFA, headed by Greg Campbell, explains more: “As a group of Brookfield parents, we come together a few times each term and raise money for the school. When the opportunity arose to match the school’s funding budget for a new sound system, we were quick to accept the challenge.”

He said, “Having the support of Palfreymans from Chatsworth Road, Specsavers Chesterfield, Validate consulting and Londis all pull together has been a brilliant team effort.”

Keith Hirst, Headteacher commented: “We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and hard-working parent association. The BPFA [Brookfield Parent and Friends Association] work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support students at Brookfield.”

“The new sound system is something that will benefit the whole school community and I am very grateful for the support of the BPFA, along with local businesses – Specsavers, Londis, Validate and Palfreyman’s – in helping to provide this system.”

Chesterfield Champion, Validate Consulting made a substantial financial contribution towards the equipment. “We have been enjoying performances at Brookfield for many years and it has been a pleasure to be able to support the school in this way,” Said Damien Eaves, Managing Director of Validate. “We hope that the equipment will be useful to the school for many years to come.”

Representatives from all the local business were treated to a VIP experience at the performance of the Little Mermaid at Brookfield Community School, which ran the week before the half-term break. Once again, the student performances were outstanding, and the new sound system ensured not a single line was missed.

BRM hosts a Free Wills Month in partnership with Ashgate Hospice

Leading Derbyshire and South Yorkshire law firm BRM is hosting its annual Free Wills Month in support of Ashgate Hospice this April.

Between 1 and 30 April, people of North Derbyshire can have a will professionally drafted for free. In return, clients are asked to consider making a voluntary donation to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice.

Local people will benefit from a complete wills service from BRM’s expert team, including free registration with Certainty, The National Wills Register. The suggested minimum voluntary donation is just £75 for a single will and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

BRM has supported Ashgate Hospice for many years and has raised an impressive £71,000 for the charity through its Free Wills Months, helping fund Ashgate Hospice’s vital end-of-life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Rob Woodhead, Executive Director at BRM, said: “Ashgate Hospice is an organisation we hold close to our hearts here at BRM and we are delighted to be partnered with them again this year to host our annual Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.

“We know the care and support that Ashgate Hospice provides for our community is truly outstanding, so we are honoured to have raised more than £71,000 for them so far.

“Last year we managed to raise an amazing £20,000 for Ashgate during the month and this year we’re aiming to raise even more!

“We’re encouraging anyone who doesn’t have a Will to take advantage of this fantastic offer that not only benefits you and your family but also supports such a worthy organisation.

“It’s very important to have a Will in place, as it ensures that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are provided for.

“I would like to say thank you to our clients for their generous donations and also to our Wills team for their hard work during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.”

Laura Law, Legacy and In Memory Officer at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM for once again supporting the hospice during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month this year.

“Having a will in place is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Not only will supporting Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month give people a fantastic opportunity to write their will for free, but they’ll be helping us provide care for families across North Derbyshire when they need us most.”

People can make their Will at BRM’s Chesterfield office on Saltergate, with disabled access and free parking. The firm is also offering free home, hospital, and hospice visits for those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book an appointment to take place between 1 April and 30 April to take advantage of the offer.

Appointment spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

To find out more about the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month, and to register for an appointment, visit brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate or call 01246 555 111.

Spireites help provide food bank collection stations

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield FC have teamed up with Rural Action Derbyshire to provide food bank collection stations at the SMH Group Stadium and The Youth Hub in Chesterfield town centre.

Paula Dealtry, project co-ordinator at Feeding Derbyshire, who visited the HUB to deliver the boxes, said: “Through collaboration with Chesterfield FC Community Trust, we will increase the amount of food donations we can provide to projects across Derbyshire, which will in turn directly support residents in need.

“Establishing accessible food collection points for the general public to donate essential food items will greatly benefit communities across Derbyshire by aiding those in need.

“It also promotes awareness of the various ways individuals and organisations can offer support. We’re thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Trust in aiding the residents of Derbyshire.”

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, added: “We look forward to working together to collect essential food items for local families. During a cost of living crisis, the need has never been greater.

“I am so pleased that the Trust, the club and our community can help to contribute to this vital service.”

To find out more about Rural Action Derbyshire, please visit: www.ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.

Local Charity awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

AFCT have announced that they have awarded over £2.8 million of funding that will deliver significant changes and improvements in armed forces communities with hidden or compelling needs across the UK.

Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service is one of the 32 successful projects awarded funding for its STAND TO Derbyshire Veterans Community Services project.

John Ydlibi, Chair of Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service said: “It is fantastic that we are able to partner again with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and deliver support to Derbyshire ex- servicemen and women, some of whom have struggled immensely since leaving the Armed Forces.

“We are extremely proud of our STAND TO Programme, which has been successfully run by veterans for veterans, and this RECONNECT project will ensure that our Derbyshire veterans have the opportunity to connect with peers who have gone or are going through similar challenges”.

The RECONNECT project will reach out to veterans who are struggling to engage in services, who may be isolated, and whose needs are often hidden and complex. The Veteran-to-Veteran programme will facilitate early-stage engagement, offering regular contact and supported access to established Derbyshire Mutual Ex Service Support groups, peer support, buddying and volunteer opportunities.

The organisations featured in this article support 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 Football Club opens newly-refurbished training ground

Chesterfield Football Club has officially opened its newly developed training ground in Hasland.

The decision was taken by the board to develop the training ground in order to provide the squad with suitable facilities and attract talent to the club.

After securing the site on a long lease, around £300,000 was spent on a scheme of improvements, including the installation of suitable drainage and irrigation.

The facility has been named the Erwin Training Ground in memory of the late Erwin Miller. Erwin’s son, Karl, is the managing director local business, Motan Colortonic.

Commenting on the decision to sponsor the training ground, Karl said: “I think it’s a great honour and it’s something we wanted to do to remind us and everybody that people need help. My father helped many people. He was a great believer in developing and this is our way of helping the development of the Chesterfield team in the future.”

Chesterfield FC’s Marketing Manager, Bridget Ball said: “The support we receive from the local business community is vital and I would like to thank Karl for his generous support, which is very much appreciated.”

John Croot – Chief Executive at Chesterfield FC said: “Our state-of-the-art facilities are making a real difference to the team and community and would not be possible without some very special companies who continue to support Chesterfield FC in their quest for a better future together.”

Current club sponsors and commercial partners were invited to view the revamped facilities on Monday and the following companies have kindly signed-up to provide sponsorship:

  • Andrew Herring and Co
  • Chesterfield College
  • Dorlec
  • Drillwell
  • Ideal Flooring
  • Leengate Valves
  • LMD Vacuum
  • Penny Hydraulics
  • Print Digital Media
  • White Stores

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

Erwin training ground Chesterfield FC

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Volunteer in Chesterfield

Could you help others by giving up your time to volunteer in Chesterfield?

As well as a sense of accomplishment, volunteering also opens up your career options by widening your experiences and helping you develop new skills. You can also raise your profile, meet new people and best of all, see what a paid role in a particular career might be like.

From supporting community events to providing end-of-life care – you will have no trouble finding a charity or voluntary organisation to match your interests and career aims.

Are you ready to volunteer in Chesterfield? If so, keep reading to discover what volunteering opportunities are available in Chesterfield.

Why should I consider volunteering?

1. Gain experience for your CV

Lewis - Community Trust 873x466

Lewis Sutcliffe being presented the Street Games Holiday Camp Volunteer of the Year 2022 by Chesterfield FC striker Joe Quigley

Lewis Sutcliffe is a Match Day Volunteer at Chesterfield Football Club. He said:

“Volunteering with the club has had a real positive impact on my career. I have developed key values and skills which I now use in day-to-day life. Since my volunteering role, I have been inspired to make a positive impact on the local community.

My advice for anyone considering a volunteering role would be to go for it! Like myself, you will learn key skills to help you in your future, as well as making a real impact in your local community.”

Learn more about volunteering at Chesterfield FC Community Trust… 

2. Feel a sense of accomplishment

Joby - Junction Arts 873x466

Joby Parsons volunteering with Junction Arts

Joby Parsons, volunteer at Junction Arts, explained:

“It’s a great feeling to know that giving a small chunk of time to support the charity, actually benefits people’s lives and improves our local communities. It also provides opportunities for me to have a go at something creative, which I really enjoy.

Whether you have lots of time to give or a small amount, it’s all beneficial for the charity to be able to deliver the brilliant projects they do. You’ll learn new things and meet lots of different people. Who knows, there may be a new opportunity waiting for you out there! The team at Junction Arts are very friendly and supportive and will make sure that you’re fully prepared before you start your volunteering journey.”

Learn more about volunteering opportunities at Junction Arts… 

3. Give back to the community

Sarah - Sparkle Night Walk

Sarah Thomas, Fundraising Volunteer at Ashgate Hospice

Sarah Thomas is a Fundraising Volunteer at Ashgate Hospice. She said:

“I enjoy giving back to the community, Ashgate Hospice helped me when I needed them and volunteering gives me a sense of responsibility to make sure the hospice is still here for others or myself in the future.

“There is so much variety in helping in fundraising, so there will be something that suits you. You get to experience what goes into amazing events like the Sparkle Night Walk and you feel valued and know that you will have contributed.”

Register your interest in volunteering at Ashgate Hospice’s events…

Volunteering opportunities in Chesterfield

Whether you want to develop new skills, gain new experiences or give back to the community, Chesterfield has plenty of volunteering roles to keep you busy. Here are a few ways you can volunteer locally.

Support your community and local people

Chesterfield Borough Council litter picking

Bluebell Woods Children’s Hospice – fundraising, events, kitchen and housekeeping roles are amongst the current roles available. Find out more…

Chesterfield Borough Council – do you enjoy walking? “Walk With Us” are looking for Walk Leaders and other to help with local walking groups. Find out more… Or maybe you could help with a community litter pick? Find out more…

Chesterfield Canal Trust – if you’re passionate about seeing the Chesterfield Canal fully restored, you can volunteer your time to help with projects. Find out more…

Chesterfield Royal Hospital – want to give back to your local hospital? Many volunteering roles are available. Find out more…

Fairplay – volunteers welcome from the age of 14 to help with schemes for young people and fundraise for events. Find out more…

The Children’s Hospital Charity – get involved with charity events, become a marshal, or organise a collection. Find out more…

Gain experience in marketing, events and more

Volunteers at Junction Arts

Junction Arts at the Tapton Lock Festival

Ashgate Hospice – from events to marketing, and caring for others, Ashgate Hospice has a range of volunteering roles which could support your career. Find out more…

Barrow Hill Roundhouse – the perfect volunteering experience for any train enthusiast. Find out more…

Chesterfield Community Hub (Monkey Park) – give back to the community by helping to run clubs, events & activities. Find out more…

Citizens Advice – lots of roles to choose from including admin, customer service, media and fundraising. Find out more…

Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service – an opportunity for students who are undertaking a Level 4 Diploma or a Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy to gain experience. Find out more… 

Dronfield Hall Barn – gain experience working in archives, gardening, or front of house. Find out more…

Junction Arts – from helping to run art workshops to stewarding at an event, there is something for all ages. Find out more…

Looking to go from volunteer to career?

Find Your Apprenticeship button

If you are looking for a specific volunteering role to advance your career, Chesterfield Volunteer Centre might be able to help. Individuals can pop into the centre for support and guidance, or they can search for more volunteering opportunities here.

Maybe you have already completed your volunteering role or looking to research skills and experience needed for certain careers. Use our vacancy search widget to browse apprenticeship vacancies…

Volunteering not only supports your career development but also helps you to grow as a person. Taking a break from your day-to-day routine will allow you to adapt to new experiences and develop life-long skills.

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Local events and initiatives launched to benefit Chesterfield community

A host of local events and new initiatives have been announced by various organisations across Chesterfield, further strengthening the local community.

Recent initiatives launched include new networking events for businesses, a charity walk at Chatsworth, the return of the prestigious ‘In Bloom’ competition and a support group set up by Chesterfield FC for former footballers affected by dementia.

Find out more about the latest community news from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire below.

Chesterfield In Bloom competitions now open

Chesterfield in Bloom

Green-fingered residents are being encouraged to show off their talents in this year’s Chesterfield In Bloom competitions.

With more than six categories there is the opportunity for everyone to get involved no matter how big or small their outside space is.

Chris Turner, Chair of the Chesterfield in Bloom committee, said: “Last year not only did we win on a regional level, but we also received lots of fantastic entries for our Chesterfield In Bloom competitions from local gardeners. The standard was exceptional and I can’t wait to see the entries for this year.

“We’re excited to see all types of garden from the largest allotments through to container displays. Please do get your entries in as soon as possible and I wish everyone the best of luck in this years competition.

People have until Friday 16 June to submit their entries or to nominate their neighbours in the following categories:

• Best Front Garden
• Best Back Garden up to 80m2
• Best Back Garden larger than 80m2
• Best Container Garden
• Best Blooming Pub/Restaurant
• Best Allotment (with subcategories based on size)

There is also an exclusive competition for council tenants, and entries are invited for Best Garden (either front or back) and Best Containers.

Residents can only enter two categories but everyone who takes part is automatically entered for the best overall garden judging.

The ever-popular schools’ competition makes a return this year too.

After the town’s success last year, the council will also be entering East Midlands In Bloom again and winners of the above competitions may also be included in the judging later this year.

Entry forms are available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/bloom

CMP Legal brings ‘Network King’ event to Chesterfield 

Network King Image

CMP Legal, a leading niche commercial law firm that specialises in corporate, commercial, dispute resolution and employment law is bringing ‘Network King’ to Chesterfield to support local businesses in the professional community.

The Chesterfield based law firm that delivers expert services to clients in Derbyshire, Sheffield and across the UK has arranged for Network King to host a networking event at The Batch House in Chesterfield on Thursday 11th May 2023. This event is expected to attract over 100 local delegates from the professional community, including Banks, Finance Providers, Accountancy Firms, Law Firms, Asset Based Lenders and Insolvency Firms.

The event will be sponsored by Chesterfield based CMP Legal and Leonard Curtis. Network King aims to provide an alternative to traditional networking events, by putting the fun back into networking.

Anna Cattee, Co-Founder of CMP Legal says: “It’s been great to bring Network King across the county border into Chesterfield and be part of providing a new networking event for the local, professional community. When we set up CMP Legal, we wanted to shake up the local legal sector and assist businesses across the area, so to have been part of creating a new, popular event, which allows us to network with each other is hugely beneficial for the professional community.”

Richard Pinder, Director of Leonard Curtis and Co-Founder of Network King says: “Network King was set-up with a view to providing networking events specifically for the professional sector.  Karl Hodson (co-founder) and I had attended enough networking events to know what good looked like and we wanted to translate that in to fantastic events across the Yorkshire region and further afield.  Leonard Curtis has helped the organisation grow by supporting events in areas where they have a strong presence and will continue to do so as the Network King events attract the right calibre of people to strengthen our brand.”

Spireites in Mind launched

Spireites-in-Mind

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has launched Spireites in Mind – a support group for former players affected by dementia, together with their families.

Fronted by legendary former Spireite Sean O’Neill, the event saw ex-England internationals Tony Currie and Dave Watson join a host of ex-Chesterfield players at the event, including Jim Brown, Dave Pugh, Bill Dearden and Colin Prophett.

Jenny Moss, the wife of Spireites legend Ernie Moss, also attended the lunchtime meeting held in the SBK Spires Restaurant.

ITV Calendar were in attendance and conducted interviews for a feature which was broadcast.

Chatsworth to host Pink Ribbon Walk

Chatsworth House

On the 8th July, Breast Cancer Now’s Pink Ribbon Walk is returning to the beauty hotspot of Chatsworth House. The charity is calling on outdoor lovers to step forward for people affected by breast cancer at the 10 or 20-mile walks.

The Pink Ribbon Walk events are one of the Breast Cancer Now’s biggest and best-loved fundraising events – having raised more than £14.5 million for world class breast cancer research and support since its first walkers crossed the finish line in 2005.

Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s fabulous to once again be inviting everyone to put their best foot forward and get sponsored to join us for one of our Pink Ribbon Walks at Chatsworth.

“Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words “you have breast cancer”. Money raised from Pink Ribbon Walk events will help us to provide support for today and hope for the future for people affected by breast cancer.

Walkers will be supported all the way with a clearly marked route, expert guides and regular rest stops with snacks – allowing those taking part to soak up the spectacular scenery and focus on reaching that finish line.

Chesterfield Borough Council, CMP Legal, Chatsworth House and Chesterfield FC support 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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Award-winning Chesterfield FC Community Trust programme recognised by experts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CFC Trust Thr1ve programme award

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Chesterfield community heroes recognised at BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness Awards

Several people and organisations from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire were recently recognised for their work in combatting loneliness and isolation across our town, in a glamourous ceremony at Casa Hotel.

The BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness Awards 2023, held on Friday February 17th, was a huge success as over 130 guests from the local business and charity communities came together to recognise and celebrate seven BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness.

BrightLife is a local charity dedicated to preventing loneliness and isolation occurring amongst older people living in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

Hosted by Phil Tooley, commentator on Chesterfield FC’s 1866 Sport radio station, the awards ceremony opened with the BrightLife Champion Young Person – an award won by Luke Briddon for his work with the Senior Spireites at the Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

Luke’s nominator for the award, Oliver Barnes, a Wellbeing Officer at Chesterfield FC Community Trust, commented: “People might be isolated, lonely, they might have lost a significant other, but Luke’s always there to put a smile on their face. I don’t think he realises how much impact he has on their lives, and that’s why we’ve nominated him for this award”.

The final award to be presented on the evening was that of the BrightLife Champion Award, as sponsored by Hammond & Co. This award was presented to Farida McGann, who was nominated by Mel Dorna, a health and wellbeing coach for Derbyshire County Council.

Farida’s work to prevent loneliness and isolation began during Lockdown when Farida felt compelled to want to support a neighbour. Following her experience of offering companionship and support to her neighbour Mrs McGann was inspired to start a community group.

The one community group then grew into two and Mrs McGann now runs a number of community groups on a weekly basis.

Mel Dorna, who nominated Mrs McGann for the award commented: “Over the last year Farida has developed groups and now runs a weekly mental health support group, a health and well-being group, a group exclusively to support men….she welcomes everybody through the door.”

The seven category award winners were:

  • Champion Young Person (Sponsored by 1866 Sport) – Luke Briddon
  • Champion Charity (Sponsored by Aztec Oils Ltd) – Chesterfield FC Community Trust
  • Champion Business (Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors) – Magnavale Ltd
  • Champion Neighbour (Sponsored by Heron Publications Ltd) – Rachael Mullen
  • Champion Carer (Sponsored by Age Care Bathrooms) – Sandra Bower
  • Champion Volunteer (Sponsored by Hastings Freight Ltd) – Lynda Lewis
  • Champion – (Sponsored by Hammond & Co) – Farida McGann

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust, Casa Hotel, Banner Jones Solicitors and Heron Publications support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Champions against loneliness awards

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Spireites Community Trust and Chesterfield Cricket Club provide hampers for 500 local families

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield Cricket Club have joined together to bring some festive cheer to families in the town.

Together they have driven a project to provide Christmas hampers for 500 families in the Chesterfield Borough Council area.

The hampers contain essential food items such as potatoes, milk, fruit and vegetables, together with household items including soap, washing powder and toys.

Families receiving them have been nominated by schools and have children who receive free school meals.

The hampers were funded by the Department of Education’s Holiday Activity Food (HAF) programme, which was set up two years ago as a result of the Covid lockdowns to provide cover during holiday periods for the children of families receiving free school meals.

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, said: “The Trust offer Camp Inspire to children where we provide a hot meal, two hours of physical activity, nutrition and enrichment sessions and lots of fun with friends in the holidays.

“We are delighted to have also been able to bid for 500 Christmas hampers through StreetGames, who manage the scheme for Derbyshire County Council, and we were successful.”

The project, led by the Trust’s Becks White, needed a venue where the hampers could be put together, stored and collected.

The Trust approached Chesterfield Cricket Club who were happy for the Queen’s Park pavilion to be used.

Chairman Nigel Mallender said: “Chesterfield Cricket Club is a community club and this is the kind of initiative that is right at the heart of the community.

“It is a tough time for so many families at the moment and I am really glad we have been able to assist in some small way with such a worthwhile initiative. A big well done to Jayne, Becks and the Trust team.”

Jayne added: “Becks has been responsible for ordering the food, arranging the staff, volunteers and co-ordinating all the deliveries and collections to create a truly magical hamper.

“She has been helped by Trust staff, members of the football club’s academy and students on their holiday break.

“Appropriately, for two sports clubs, it has been a real team effort to boost their local community.”

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

CFC Trust Chesterfield Cricket Club Hampers

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Toys worth a five-figure sum donated to Chesterfield FC’s charity appeal

Toys worth a total of around £10,000 will be distributed to worthy causes this Christmas following a fantastic response to Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Organised by Chesterfield FC and the club’s Community Trust, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who have experienced hardship.

The appeal was supported by residents and businesses across the town, with local people getting involved in the community effort.

A number of locations opened their doors and storage space as drop-off units for toys, including:

  • Ideal Flooring – behind Morrisons on Chatsworth Road.
  • World Choice Holidays inside Tesco.
  • Chester’s Den.
  • Rosewood Wealth Management Ltd.
  • GSM Electrical Supplies, Holmewood
  • TSB, Bolsover.
  • Spencers Solicitors, Chesterfield.

Bridget Ball, marketing manager for the Spireites, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response, particularly at a time when finances are tight for everyone.

“It is amazing to think that we will be providing toys for so many children who would otherwise miss out.

“Our grateful thanks go to Brett Martin Ltd, who have sponsored the appeal, together with the many businesses and individuals who have donated toys.”

The Spireites have also been busy elsewhere in the community in the run-up to Christmas, with first team players making themselves available for photos and autographs with fans in the club shop earlier this week.

The club’s official radio station, 1866 Sport has also been named as the official radio partner of the upcoming Santa Fun Run in Queen’s Park, taking place on Christmas Eve. Find out more about the event below:

Find out more about some of the fabulous festive initiatives being carried out by Chesterfield Champions across the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/11/how-chesterfields-business-community-is-supporting-local-people-this-christmas/

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

Chesterfield FC Toy appeal

Image by Chesterfield FC Community Trust

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Chesterfield FC announces planning application for new 3G pitch on Stand Road

A planning application has been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for a 3G pitch on Stand Road by Chesterfield Football Club.

An application for funding has been submitted for the proposed 3G pitch, which is for the benefit of the local community. The remaining funding will come from grant aid and loans. It will be managed by Chesterfield FC Community Trust, mainly for use by them, the Trust’s football academy and local grassroots teams.

The application has been considered by the Planning Department and several changes have been made to the initial designs to make it more acceptable to the Planning Department.

There were a number of representations made to the Council from members of the public and interested parties on the initial proposals, so it is now appropriate to hold a public exhibition of the latest proposed designs so that members of the public can see what is now proposed and comment accordingly.

The exhibition is to be held in the reception of the HUB, in the Karen Child Community (East) Stand of the Technique Stadium on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week, with a public meeting to follow next Monday at 6pm in the Ernie Moss Room in the HUB.

Everyone is welcome to attend both the exhibition, and the public meeting, when they will be able to make comments on the proposals. Relevant comments will be taken into account by the Planning Department and Planning Committee when considering the application.

Terry Ward is the director leading on the project. He said: “This is a facility which would greatly benefit the local community. If the project receives the go-ahead, it would help the Community Trust to make sport more accessible for all in the area.”

Chesterfield Football Club 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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Plans for Sensory Hub outlined by Chesterfield FC

Chesterfield Football Club has announced that plans for a Sensory Hub at the Technique Stadium are well underway.

Jane Cooper, who is a director of the club and a trustee of the Community Trust, has played an instrumental role in the project. She was a guest on BBC Radio Sheffield earlier this week to talk about the plans.

The Chesterfield FC Community Trust Sensory Hub is a stand-alone building which will be located opposite the entrance to Chester’s Den. It will be a safe, quiet space with sensory equipment and sensory lighting. There will also be a Sensory Garden to the rear.

The Hub is intended for the use of autistic people who need a quiet space to retreat from the noisy, often chaotic environment of a football ground. It will also benefit autistic people and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in the wider community. It will support autistic youngsters to access the Community Trust’s activities and alternative education provision.

It will be a community resource, open for members of the wider community to hire on an hourly basis and will be a welcome alternative to Chester’s Den who find the play centre environment challenging.

Why is the Sensory Hub needed?

• Autistic people can often be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells of the world around them and they can become ‘overloaded’ with information.

• This can lead to a ‘meltdown’ or ‘shutdown’ often meaning that they find it difficult to access busy and noisy environments such as a football stadium.

• This impacts on their life and that of their family, friends and those who support them.

The design of the Sensory Hub has been agreed and will be supplied by Rise Adapt. The club has planning permission from the local authority who have commended this provision. Chesterfield FC Community Trust is now applying to funding bodies for the circa £60,000 it will cost to create the Sensory Hub and the sensory garden to the rear. Other fundraising initiatives are likely to follow.

A statement on the Chesterfield FC Community Trust website said: “Chesterfield FC’s vision is to be THE most accessible football club in the country and providing the Sensory Hub will be a step towards achieving this vision. The Football Association motto is ‘For All’ and we intend to make that a reality.

“In the longer term we want to create a quiet viewing area of the pitch on matchdays. A full access audit of the site is underway which will identify other ways in which we can improve.”

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

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