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Plans to revitalise Staveley’s high street to be considered by Chesterfield Borough Council

Draft plans to revitalise Staveley town centre as part of the wider regeneration of the area are being considered by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Staveley Town Centre Draft Vision Master Plan is to go before the council’s Cabinet on 2 November and, if approved, will be subject to a six-week public consultation starting on 8 November.

The proposals set out a vision for the future development of Staveley’s town centre, including improvements to the look, feel and flow of Market Square and High Street, and are designed to harness the opportunities presented by wider investment in the town.

The draft plan has been brought forward as part of an ambitious regeneration package being delivered under the Staveley Town Deal programme, which has created a ‘golden opportunity’ to breathe new life into the former mining town for generations to come.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Staveley town centre is a place with rich heritage and character – and a lot of untapped potential to make it the best it can be for the benefit of Staveley’s growing community.

“Taken together with the significant investment and regeneration which is planned for across this area, we have a golden opportunity to transform Staveley for generations to come.

“Currently, like town centres up and down the country – particularly those which are relatively small – Staveley is being hit by the rise of online shopping and changing customer habits, as well as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is also much more that could be done to better connect some of the area’s key sites and buildings, to make the town centre a real retail, leisure and community hub.

“Our draft vision master plan sets out a framework in which some key improvements can be brought forward and, if approved by Cabinet, we will continue to work closely with the community.

“Staveley’s businesses are key to the future success of the town centre, and we are committed to working with them to adapt and shape these draft plans.”

The draft vision master plan has been put together following initial consultation with Staveley Town Council, local business representatives and key partners – with a view to gathering more detailed feedback as part of the six-week consultation period.

The purpose of the consultation is to get public and business feedback on the draft proposals, so they can then be adjusted and finalised.

Just over £4.85m has been earmarked for town centre improvements as part of the Staveley Town Deal programme – with funding subject to final approval by Government early next year.

Key proposals include:

  • Regenerating Market Square, including proposals for a new building called ‘The Market House’ which would create a commercial and community hub, with potential to host large indoor and outdoor and outdoor events
  • Revitalising High Street, including plans to upgrade and improve landscaping, street furniture and cycle parking
  • Unlocking the development potential of underused or derelict sites which could be used to support a more vibrant evening economy, family facilities and leisure opportunities
  • Installing town centre Wi-Fi, to create a more digitally connected town centre for the benefit of businesses and shoppers
  • Improving signage, and adding new walkways which will link the canal with Staveley Hall and local shops / services – helping people to explore further and stay longer

The updated draft master plan is designed to replace a previous version of the document which was drawn up in 2009 and now – due to changes in within the borough, as well as the national economic context – must be reviewed to ensure it provides a relevant and robust framework for the development of the town centre.

Councillor Sarvent added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Staveley. Together with our partners, our aim is to deliver significant investment and improvements across key aspects of the town in support of our vision to create a legacy for the future – a place where people can start, stay and grow.”

If approved, the draft vision master plan proposals will be subject to a consultation period running from 8 November to 12 December.

This will be via a virtual exhibition, supported by a staffed exhibition at The Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.

 

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Chesterfield pet store continues growth with move to new premises

A Chesterfield retailer known for supplying a range of products for our pets has announced further growth by moving to a new premises at Littlemoor in Newbold.

Quinney’s Pet Supplies was established in October 2016 inside Chesterfield Market Hall with the aim of supplying a range of products for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, fish, cagebirds, wild birds and wildlife. These include food, treats, toys and accessories as well as a range of greeting cards produced by Michelle Quinney featuring her stunning photography.

During the last 5 years the business has grown substantially, being nominated four successive years for a variety of awards including Market Hall Business of the Year (finalist), Retailer of the Year (finalist) and Leisure Retailer of the Year (winner).

Owner Brian Quinney said: “We were extremely proud and honoured to be recognised in these awards and immensely grateful to our customers for their support during our time in the Market Hall. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new shop at Littlemoor.”

Brian also explained how he’ll remember trading in the town’s market hall fondly: “Our time in Chesterfield town centre has been most enjoyable and we’ve met some wonderful people. The Market Hall has been especially good to us and we will miss our friends there. Chesterfield is an amazing town and a great place to shop so please continue to support your high street”.

The dog-friendly store in Newbold will now give Quinney’s the opportunity to sell a greater range of products and cater to more pet lovers across the town. Brian said: “It is now time to take our business to the next level and we are very excited about the move to Littlemoor shops at Newbold.

“The extra space will enable us to expand our product ranges and introduce new and larger products whilst retaining our award winning service. We will continue to operate our free and reliable same day local deliveries and customers will be able to pull up directly outside with plenty of free parking. We are also looking forward to welcoming new customers including four-legged ones into our dog friendly shop!”

Find out more about the new shop on the company’s website: www.quinneyspetsupplies.co.uk

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Chesterfield’s CBE+ recognised for outstanding international contribution

Chesterfield-based manufacturer CBE+ have been awarded the ‘Outstanding International Contribution Award’ by the Surface Engineering Association (SEA) at the Surface Engineering Awards and Gala Dinner which took place at the Regis Hotel, Birmingham recently.

CBE+ electroless nickel plating (NiTEC) is one of few businesses in the UK, who deliver the specialised service. CBE+ stands out from its competitors due to housing the largest nickel-plating tanks in Europe, paired with the businesses reputation for working in partnership with its customers to develop tailored solutions.

The business showcased a variety of the outstanding examples of the electroless nickel plated components which are used in number of market sectors worldwide, achieving the top spot in this category.

A few of these examples included the surface treatment of:

  • End fittings destined for new flexible piping connecting offshore oil rigs worldwide, and over 25% of all flexibles deployed to South America.
  • Topside and subsea drilling equipment that is flown to our facilities from across the globe, from destinations such as the Middle East and USA
  • High precision rollers up to 13 metres in length to cut huge coils of product into standard size, for example domestic rolls of cling film for our customer based in Germany.
  • 6 metre copper crucibles used in vacuum arc re-melting furnaces
  • Mission-critical subsea equipment used world, such as a hook 12ft in height, capable of lifting 3000 tons.
  • Electroless nickel plating (ENP) uses reactions in aquatic solutions to create a perfectly uniform, anti-rust protective nickel coating on the surface of a metal.

Once applied, ferrous substrates including steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminium, can withstand extreme temperatures and environments, including attacks by chemicals, salt water and abrasive substances, meaning it is widely used in subsea applications.

“CBE+ are extremely pleased to have won the Outstanding International Contribution category in the Surface Engineering Awards 2021. It is a great recognition of the hard work contributed by the team and we look forward to working together with internal and external partners to achieve more. Together we do more.”

CBE+ 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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1940s Market returns to Chesterfield this week

Chesterfield’s 1940s Market returns during half term with lots of entertainers for the whole family to enjoy.

Taking place on Thursday 28 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve worked really hard to put together a packed schedule of entertainment and to ensure there is something for the whole family to enjoy. It is one of our most popular town centre events and I hope lots of people will come along and support our local businesses and traders.”

Kalamazoo Dance Band will be performing in New Square at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Etienne Curtains and Blinds have entered into the 1940s spirit and booked the Daisy Belles to sing outside their shop at 10.15am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm.

Find all the timings for the event below:

In the Market Place, there will be a display of classic cars, a vintage fire engine and displays about the Land Army and 1940s mining. An escape artist will also be performing at 10.35am, 1pm and 3pm.

Next to the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square a replica Spitfire will be on display all day. Singer Jayne Darling will be performing at 10am, 11.30am and 1.45pm. Johnny Victory another singer will also be appearing at 10.45am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

The Market Place will host the flea market with singers Natasha Harper and Kyle Evans taking it in turns to perform outside Santander. The Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Glenys Falconer will be judging Market Trader costumes at 1pm and then presenting the prizes at 3pm.

Chesterfield Museum will also be open as usual from 10am to 4pm where visitors can learn more about the town’s history, including a final chance to visit the Put That Light Out exhibition, which finishes on 30 October.

The exhibition looks at life in Chesterfield during World War Two, featuring displays and objects that will help visitors learn more about rationing, holidays at home, the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Home Guard. Entry to the museum is free but donations are welcome.
The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

There is lots of parking available in Chesterfield during the event, full details of both council owned and private car parks can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/car-parks

Visitors are also being encouraged to use public transport to attend the event, options available include trains and busses.

Find out more about the event by visiting: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/1940s-chesterfield-flea-market/

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

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Surprise marriage proposal takes centre stage at 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

Love really was in the air at last night’s 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards. Taking centre stage at the sell-out award ceremony was a marriage proposal by Giuseppe Barone, co-owner of Sicily Restaurant which won Best New Hospitality Business.

Walking up on stage to collect the award, Giuseppe dropped to one knee and proposed to his business partner Monica Sardisco in front of a shocked and delighted crowd.

Giuseppe explained: “The proposal was all planned for if we won but if we didn’t win it wasn’t going to happen. I am very happy – for the award and for Monica saying ‘yes’.”

Sicily Restaurant was just one of 16 businesses and individuals celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards – the first in-person event held in 19 months by Destination Chesterfield.

Almost 50 businesses, individuals and projects were shortlisted across 16 categories, but it was Adorn Jewellers, Chesters Restaurant & Takeaway and CarMats.co.uk that clinched the three headline awards – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.

Recent Strictly star and breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell announced the winners of the awards at a sell-out black tie event held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 20 October.

More than 250 people attended the celebration. Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “This year the awards were a celebration on so many levels – recognising entrepreneurial and community spirit, achievement, survival and a marriage proposal – the first in our awards history. I am delighted that the business community was once again able to come together in person, connect with each other and share in each other’s success. It was a brilliant event.”

New business CarMats.co.uk, owned by Ash Young, is the first ever recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Chesterfield-based ecommerce business, which sells car mats, was founded during the first lockdown in 2020 and achieved £1 million in revenue in just nine months. Capitalising on his success, he has since established a second digital business selling car seat covers this year.

Delighted to win the award, Ash said: “During lockdown I wanted to set up a business to support local jobs. Car mats is a bit of a strange business, but everyone uses car mats and they wear out. We are now looking to expand across Europe going into Ireland first and then onto France and all from Chesterfield.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done with Carmats.co.uk and it’s really nice to get the recognition locally.”

CarMats.co.uk was just one of 761 new businesses registered in Chesterfield during 2020 – an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.

Long established businesses, town centre-based Adorn Jewellers, and Chesters based on Sheffield Road are previous multiple award winners in the Chesterfield High Street and Food and Drink awards.

Chesters is investing £1 million opening a second restaurant at Markham Vale. Chris Ioanides, Owner of Chesters, which next year celebrates its 10th anniversary, said: “It means so much to us to be recognised locally. Even though we’ve been in the top 10 in the UK this award means more to us because it’s Chesterfield people that have got us where we are today. It fills our hearts to know that we are up there with the top restaurants in the town.”

Capitalising on the success of Adorn, which opened in The Shambles in 2010, owners Laura-Jo and Adam Owen opened a second shop, Acorn Jewellers, in Bakewell in 2017. An emotional Laura Jo said: “We’re thrilled to win this award. Our success is our customers – 100%. We have a wonderful community of customers and this award is for them.”

The Love Chesterfield Awards replace and combine the town’s popular Food and Drink and High Street Awards. Three new categories have also been added to the Love Chesterfield awards line-up – Sustainability, Community Contribution and Entrepreneur of the Year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM, categories in the new Love Chesterfield Awards reflect the challenges which local businesses, people and projects have faced over the last 18 months as well as the business landscape post pandemic.

Speaking at the awards, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The last 19 months have been a turbulent time for all of us. But our local businesses have shown such resilience; adapting and supporting each other to keep moving forward. They have all achieved so much and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. It is an honour to be able to recognise so many at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”

Love Chesterfield Awards

Winners of the 16 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:

Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM

Chesters

“It means so much to us to be recognised locally. Even though we’ve been in the top 10 in the UK this award means more to us because it’s Chesterfield people that have got us where we are today. It fills our hearts to know that we are up there with the top restaurants in the town.” Chris Ioanides, owner, Chesters

Café of the Year – sponsored by CMP Legal

The Café at Libby’s

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bits to win. We make what people want to eat and our customers keep coming back. It’s a pleasure to come to work and keep serving them.” Ann Truscott and Julie Legdon, The Café at Libbys

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Addooco IT

The Tickled Trout

“It’s been a really difficult 18 months at The Tickled Trout and the team have been brilliant. Pulling together throughout the pandemic and adapting the business and supporting the community.” Rachel Cutting, The Tickled Trout

Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Sicily Restaurant

“Sicily Restaurant is a family business and when people visit us, we want them to feel welcome and like they are in our home. We are not standing still; there is still room for improvement. We now plan to do fresh pasta to add to all our home made, authentic Sicilian menu.” Giuseppe Barone, Sicily Restaurant

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

Monkey Park Café

“It feels amazing to win the award. It’s important to us to ensure people are connected and that involved delivering new services during the pandemic, like providing take away services from the café and supplying tablets and mobile phones to members of the community to help them get online and develop new skills. It means such a lot to us that Monkey Park and our services are accessible to everybody and this award is recognition of that.” Sarah Clarke, Monkey Park Community Hub

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

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

“We’re thrilled to win this award. Our success is our customers – 100%. We have a wonderful community of customers and this award is for them.” – Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group

Lottie’s Sandwich Bar

“We weren’t expecting to win the award. We came to the Love Chesterfield Awards thinking that it would be an amazing experience so to win is absolutely amazing. Without our customers and community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We work so hard for them so to get something back is just amazing. We’ll keep listening to our customers and do our best for them.”

Independent High Street Business – sponsored by Evoluted

Fred’s Haberdashery

“It feels fantastic to win the award. Fred’s is an institution in Chesterfield and we feel proud to have developed the business further using technology.  We have really enjoyed being on Twitter during The Great British Sewing Bee. It’s really made a difference to the business as more people are getting into dressmaking and coming into the shop for fabric and patterns.” Emily Lord, Fred’s Haberdashery

Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Superior Wellness

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this inaugural award. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Superior Wellness and it became even more important when we moved into our new 130,000 square foot warehouse and office in March.

“Within the last few months, we have reviewed our waste strategy, purchased electric forklift trucks, installed solar panels and have electric charging points.

“This is just the start as we seek to become more sustainable as a business.  Our ten-year vision is to become carbon neutral.” Mark Needham, Head of Operations, Superior Wellness

Community Contribution – sponsored by Van Dyk by Wildes

Peak Pharmacy

“It’s really exciting to win the award. It’s been great to help Chesterfield get back to normal by delivering 30,000 vaccinations. It’s been a real team and family effort and we’re all so proud.” Tara Brown, Peak Pharmacy

Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

CarMats.co.uk

“During lockdown I wanted to set up a business to support local jobs. Car mats is a bit of a strange business, but everyone uses car mats and they wear out. We are now looking to expand across Europe going into Ireland first and then onto France, and all from Chesterfield.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done with Carmats.co.uk and it’s really nice to get the recognition locally.” Ash Young, CarMats.co.uk

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by DBC Training

Ellie Gibson – Heathcotes Group

“I am so shocked to win the award. I love working at Heathcotes and loved doing my apprenticeship. I would say to anyone who wants to do an apprenticeship just do it. I’ve really enjoyed it.” Ellie Gibson

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

Crooked Pickle Co

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Peak Pharmacy

The Therapy Lounge

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants

The Glass Yard

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, CMP Legal, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Evoluted, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

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Ashgate Hospice’s Inpatient Unit wins prestigious Royal College of Nursing award

The Inpatient Unit team from Ashgate Hospice have won an award from the Royal College of Nursing Institute.

The Outstanding Contribution to Infection Prevention and Control Award was won by the Inpatient Unit team, who were recognised for their scrupulous approach to infection prevention which had avoided any outbreaks of COVID and had allowed patients to continue to receive visitors throughout the pandemic.

“It is a privilege to be part of this incredible team who have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our patients and their families receive the very best care,” Ashgate’s Ward Manager, Karen Walker said, in accepting the award.

She continued: “When COVID-19 first hit we were quick to respond to the changing demands and procedures that must be put in place, this was despite our own anxieties and fears around the virus.

“I feel honoured that my team have been acknowledged and it’s amazing that we have been given this award. I look forward to continuing to make a difference alongside my colleagues and ensuring those who need our care can access it.”

Ashgate is one of the few hospices in the UK which cared for end-of-life patients with COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. Earlier this year, demand for Ashgate’s support and services was so great that the hospice opened a second COVID wing. During this time, 1 in 3 beds were used by patients with COVID-19.

In addition, when many healthcare providers stopped patients receiving visitors, Ashgate committed to allowing visitors, including to end-of-life patients with COVID-19.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said ensuring patient visits went ahead was a crucial part of the hospice’s culture which always puts patients and their families at the heart of their decision making.

“When someone is nearing the end of their life, they understandably want to spend the time they have left with the people who matter the most to them.

“Denying visits at this time could have catastrophic consequences to the wellbeing of the patient but also to the family, particularly after their loved one has died.

“Our team made it possible for our patients and their families to have dignity, respect and love during their final days.

“It feels very special to be recognised for the vital work our Inpatient Unit team do and the extraordinary efforts they have gone to in order to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.”

The rigorous infection control measures at Ashgate continue with weekly COVID testing for all patient facing staff and volunteers, strict PPE requirements for workers and visitors and ensuring access to COVID positive patients’ rooms for visitors is through a separate entrance and exit to the main ward.

Other infection control measures include:

All visitors and those who work at the hospice are temperature checked on arrival.

  • Visitors and staff are asked to wear a clinical mask at all times.
  • Visiting restrictions allow two named visitors per patient.
  • Visitors to a patient with COVID must wear full PPE and access the ward through a separate entrance and exit.
  • The housekeeping team are adhering to the recommended strict cleaning procedures.
  • Visitors are unable to use the communal family spaces to ensure safe social distancing and are asked whenever possible to stay with their loved one in their room or outside space – with staff and our frontline volunteers ensuring that visitors have drinks and refreshments.
  • Footfall has been reduced, with the overall number of people allowed on the ward reduced, and our other staff working remotely from home, wherever possible.

The 2021 RCNi Nurse Awards took place virtually, presented by Kate Garraway, who announced Ashgate as winners in their category.

Currently, Ashgate are recruiting for Registered General Nurses to join their award-winning Inpatient Unit Team. Anyone interested, should visit: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/work-for-us/

Ashgate Hospicecare 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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Local ladies party to raise money for chemotherapy unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

A group of local ladies paid a visit to Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to hand over a cheque of £1,600 to the Chemotherapy Unit within the NGS Macmillan Cancer Centre raised through hosting a local garden party.

Angie Burns from Woodthorpe hosted the annual event earlier in September, which this year raised funds for specialist equipment. Angie, said: “I started organising and hosting the ‘Ladies Day’, five years ago at my home and over the years the numbers have grown. I have my friends and family members come along– we usually have around seventy ladies. I wanted to create a glamorous and fun filled day raising money and vital funds for deserving charities. These services are close to my heart as I have family members and friends who have used the facilities at Chesterfield’s Macmillan Unit and the Chemotherapy Unit, so I wanted to show my appreciation and give them something back.”

The event boasted a marquee, sweet cart and fully stocked bar. There was entertainment by a live singer, and a photo booth, running on donations per picture as well as a raffle with plenty of prizes. Angie, added: “Last year, ‘Ladies Day’ had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions – so I made sure the party was back on as soon as they were lifted! I would like thank all of the lovely generous ladies who attended, making it a day to remember whilst donating and raising money.”

Keri Comins, Macmillan Lead Chemotherapy Nurse, said: “The Chemotherapy and Oncology Clinic team in the NGS Macmillan Building work extremely hard and are very passionate in delivering patient care and improving patient experience”.

“It is extremely humbling when patients and charities go above and beyond to show their appreciation for our service by raising such funds – £1,600 in this instance”.

“We are so grateful that we can utilise these funds to improve our scalp cooling service and purchase much needed new up-to-date caps of varying sizes, (scalp cooling is a process used to manage potential hair loss from receiving some cancer treatments) as well as two radios for our chemotherapy treatment area and our main visitors entrance on the lower floor, it just creates a better environment and more welcoming atmosphere for our patients when they arrive.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital 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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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.

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Kids Planet raises money for Prader Willie Syndrome in sponsored walk

Staff at Kids Planet North Wingfield took part in a 10-mile sponsored walk on Thursday 14th October to raise money for Prader Willi Syndrome.

The group of 11 members of staff were representing Jaxson, to help raise money for his expensive Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) treatment.

Sophie Hoyland, Nursery Manager, said: “Jaxon is a close family friend of one of our parents at the nursery, and the cause is very close to their family. They reached out to us to help, and we were pleased to not only get involved but generate positive support. Lots of families sponsored and cheered the group on at the roadside and over £200 has been raised so far. It was a fantastic event to be a part of and great to give back.”

Jaxson was born early and was diagnosed with PWS when he was just three days old. The rare disorder can affect muscle tone, motor skills, sleep, and speech. Due to this condition, Jaxson has to live a very healthy and active lifestyle to stay in shape. He is currently receiving support from Physiotherapy and is doing extremely well and has recently started crawling and standing.

The walk started from the Nursery in North Wingfield on the corner of Chesterfield Road and The Green, through the surrounding villages in Chesterfield. One of Jaxon’s parents is also doing a sponsored 103-mile bike ride for the cause, from Manchester to Wales.

Kids Planet North Wingfield is a purpose-built nursery and opened in 2017. Split over two levels, the nursery has three large spacious rooms and two secure outdoor play areas. The company runs five centres across North Derbyshire – including Sheepbridge, Newbold, Brampton and Chesterfield.

Kids Planet 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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NLT strengthens team with new appointment

Increased course demand has promoted the latest appointment at NLT Training Services.

Emily Marriot joins the training provider to support with course booking and delivery across NLT’s Chesterfield and Scunthorpe sites.

She brings training and development experience to NLT, having completed a Business Administration apprenticeship with NLT’s training delivery partner Impulse Training Ltd. Emily is also currently undertaking a Level 4 Assessor Coach Apprenticeship which, once complete, will enable Emily to deliver a number of NLT’s courses.

Emily will also help deliver NLT’s Step into Employment programme which is funded by the charitable arm of the training provider. The free six-week Step into Employment programme delivers practical support and advice to people facing unemployment, helping them create their own personal roadmap back to the workplace.

Emily commented: “I love the variety of the role and the people I get to meet at NLT. I am working with experienced industry professionals, young people, later life career changers and refugee families. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both career and personal development.”

Outside work Emily is kept occupied with her two dogs and four horses which she rides five.

NLT Training Services, based in Chesterfield, has been delivering workplace training to individuals and companies since 1968. NLT is also registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.

NLT’s courses, whether bespoke or an industry requirement, are designed to ensure compliance with regulatory authorities and the due diligence requirements of business.

To find out more about the range of Health and Safety, Mechanical Engineering and Leadership and Management courses available at NLT, call 0333 880 3540 or browse the course catalogue on the NLT website at www.nlt-training.co.uk

Find out more about the vast range of training opportunities in Chesterfield here.

NLT Training 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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Chesterfield celebrates as parks and green spaces win Green Flag Award

In a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award, as the scheme marks its Silver Jubilee, Chesterfield is celebrating retaining five awards.

Chesterfield Borough Council is raising a Green Flag Award for the 15th time at Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium.

The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

After 18 months that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that Chesterfield has achieved these Green Flag Awards is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make the green space a great space that everyone can enjoy.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic that we have maintained our Green Flag Awards in these parks and is a real testament to the hard work our teams do to maintain these spaces. Green spaces are incredibly important for our communities, they not only serve as place to spend time with friends and family they can also support both physical and mental health. I hope that we can continue to provide high quality green spaces for all our residents to enjoy.”

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these sites worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that Chesterfield has high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available here

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