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Apprenticeships in Chesterfield now even easier to find online

Young people looking for an apprenticeship in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been given a helping hand.

A new online search tool has been launched by Apprentice Town making it quicker and easier than ever before to search for apprenticeship vacancies.

The new search function, which is hosted on the Destination Chesterfield website, enables people to browse the wide range of Level 2 – 7 apprenticeship roles within a 15-mile radius of Chesterfield.

People can search for apprenticeship vacancies based on both subject area and Level, with hundreds of opportunities currently available in the local area.

With thousands of young people set to pick up their GCSE and A Level exam results next month; the Apprentice Town website has been praised by business and education leaders in the town.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller, Destination Chesterfield board member and an apprentice employer, commented: “The practical benefits of the Apprentice Town initiative are invaluable both to young people and businesses based in Chesterfield. I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships; they are an intrinsic part of both Chesterfield’s and MSE Hiller’s growth ambitions.”

Chesterfield College Group Principal and CEO, Julie Richards explains: “We’re proud to have supported so many generations of workforce to Chesterfield employers through apprenticeship programmes. Post-pandemic, it’s pleasing to see that the appetite for recruiting young talent into a business via earning whilst learning is still as great as ever. There are so many fantastic opportunities out there from Level 2 right through to degree equivalent apprenticeships and I strongly encourage those considering their options when leaving school, or even mature learners, to consider an apprenticeship route to achieve the career they want.”

In 2017, Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

Chesterfield Borough Council leads the Apprentice Town initiative, which aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher level apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the area.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be the first Apprentice Town in the UK, an apprenticeship is much more than just a job. They allow people to develop their skills and set them along a career path which leads to higher paying jobs – improving their quality of life and helping our borough’s economy to grow.

“We’re committed to making it easier for our residents to find the right apprenticeship opportunity for them, so that everyone has the chance to build a great career in our borough.”

To access the search tool, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/

Or, for more information on the Apprentice Town initiative, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/what-is-apprentice-town/

 

Apprentice Town - Find Your Apprenticeship - Social Media Landscape2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

£1million investment completed at Chesterfield motorway truck stop

Work to resurface a forecourt and lorry park just off junction 29 of the M1 near Chesterfield has been completed.

Truckstop service operator Onroute has just completed the £1m project, providing quality facilities for HGV drivers when taking breaks and refueling.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, officially opened the new forecourt at a launch event attended by staff, customers, suppliers, local councillors, members of the Road Haulage Association and contractors involved in the design and completion of the works.

He stressed the importance of the role HGV drivers play in keeping the nation running and praised the work being done by Onroute Truckstops to improve facilities, drive up standards and safeguard their comfort and safety.

Duncan Buchanan, RHA Policy Director for England, also attended the launch. He said: “This is a welcome major investment – a 100 percent privately funded vote of confidence in the viability of high-quality lorry parking facilities. We look forward to more investment from Onroute and many others in the future. We need high-quality lorry parking facilities all over the UK; with a shortage of around 11,000 spaces there is a lot more to do.”

One of Onroute’s busiest sites, Junction 29, forms part of the company’s steadily growing chain of truckstops located across the UK. Their aim is to create a network of high-quality sites where HGV drivers can rest, refresh and refuel before continuing their journey. This aligns with the government’s current plans to boost driver welfare to help tackle the effects of driver shortages throughout the UK.

Onroute acquired Junction 29 knowing that resurfacing would be required to both improve the site and address health, safety and environmental concerns. Plans were drawn up specifying materials that would withstand the volume and weight of traffic to the site.

General Manager at Onroute Truckstops, David Hatherell, said; “The new surface looks fantastic and we are delighted with the outcome. The project is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to develop and improve facilities and services for HGV drivers. Plans are also in place to further expand our network and we are actively engaged in additional acquisitions which we hope to announce in the near future.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent transport links and connectivity at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/getting-here/

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Chesterfield Residents encouraged to have their say on A61 improvements

Residents and commuters are being asked for their views as part of a project to manage congestion and reduce emissions on the A61 Derby Road between Chesterfield and Clay Cross.

Derbyshire County Council is currently revising its Local Transport Plan, the document which sets priorities for investment in roads and transport across the county, and as a number of new housing and commercial developments are expected in the years ahead, this stretch of the A61 is likely to get much busier.

Highways engineers have been carefully examining a range of options to help manage traffic growth and now want to hear from people who live near the route or use it for commuting, business, school runs, shopping and leisure.

A 10-minute survey has been launched to find out how people use the road, their views on potential options to improve it in the short, medium and long-term, as well as options for alternative ways to travel.

  • short-term: measures to keep the road moving in the short-term such as the new traffic management control centre, giving the council much better ability to respond to problems and inform users, as well as other measures such as real-time passenger information for bus passengers
  • medium-term: identifying preferred solutions to tackle some of the pinch points or challenges on or near the A61 such as electronic variable messaging signs, changes to the Storforth Lane junction and improving visibility
  • long-term: investigations into what major engineering projects could potentially be needed and might be feasible, subject to funding from government, to reduce the congestion problem in the long-term, for example, some of the potential options might be a relief road around Clay Cross, a new railway station or a Grassmoor link road

The findings will shape preliminary design and appraisal work which will be shared with local communities via public consultation later this year before any work takes place.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “If you live on or near the A61 between Chesterfield and Clay Cross, you’ll already know it carries a lot of traffic. With new housing developments and business growth, more people will mean even more journeys.

“So now is the right time for us to look at how we manage congestion and reduce emissions while enabling people to travel and our economy to grow. We want you to have your say in that process right at the start.”

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, said: “Lots of people have told me about the challenges they face traveling up and down the A61, and as it gets busier the risk is that it becomes a real burden on people’s daily lives. That’s why I’ve worked with the council to develop a plan for Derby Road, which involves a mix of short, medium and long-term ideas.

“If we’re going to make a real difference then we need people’s support. This is why we’re asking you for your views about what you’d like to see. If we build a strong enough case then I can go to Westminster and make the case for investment. So this really is your chance to shape the future.”

Find out more and take part in the survey here.

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Barrow Hill Memorial Hall recieves lottery funding for centenary project

The Barrow Hill Community Trust has announced it has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall Centenary Project.

The £90,400 award will support the work, which aims to renovate and repurpose the upper floor rooms and exterior of the Memorial Hall whilst preserving its heritage.

The initial development funding has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Barrow Hill Community Trust progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

The project aims to restore the imposing frontage and key heritage features of the Memorial Hall and will renovate the first floor of the building, creating a learning, skills and heritage space in the reading room and a restored venue for celebrations and events in the former ballroom.

It will create a sustainable future for the building, filling community needs and providing accessible training opportunities for volunteers and staff. The building will be run with and for local people, and be open to the world. It will become a heritage-led wellbeing and cultural destination with community at its heart.

This first stage of funding will be used to replace the slate roof over the heritage space and appoint a Project Co-ordinator to plan a programme of activities that bring local heritage to life, giving local people the chance to find out about the past, get involved and have a say in this important development. Building on the last few years of consultation with local people, the Community Trust and our design team will be finalising the designs for the building and agreeing how the hall will be re-opened to again provide much needed community services’

Built in 1863 as part of Richard Barrow’s industrial model village, the Memorial Hall has long been a focal point for the area and, over the years, has been used as a Dining Hall, Workmen’s Hall, War Memorial and social centre. Gifted in trust to the community by the Staveley Coal and Iron Company in 1924, the project aims to renovate and modernise the Memorial Hall for the future while continuing to honour its legacy and its past.

Commenting on the award, Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support and would like to thank Lottery players for helping to make our vision a reality as we approach the centenary of community ownership of the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. This grant will enable us to further our ambition to create a building which is truly inclusive and which embraces the whole community. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to conserving the Memorial Hall and preserving it for future generations.”

Chesterfield Community Hubs in Barrow Hill, Brampton, Town Centre & Loundsley Green 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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Chairman’s Blog: New office spaces are helping Chesterfield attract investment

Summer in Chesterfield is proving eventful, and I’m not just talking about the weather.

Once again (the pandemic years excepting) we are seeing a packed events calendar – Chesterfield Pride, The Festival of Cricket, The Great British Food Festival and the Peak District Highland Games to name just a few.

Chesterfield Pride

It’s wonderful to see most things returning to normal. The same, however can’t be said for the extremes of temperature and rising energy prices, which we have all been experiencing.

Amongst many other things, these issues have only highlighted the need for high quality, sustainable, energy efficient office space to be available in Chesterfield. Workers need to be at a comfortable temperature, businesses need to be able to afford the occupational costs, including energy bills.

The many businesses that have chosen to make the stunning new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre their home must be feeling particularly pleased with their decision. The Enterprise Centre, which opened in July, is the first of two recently constructed high quality office developments in Chesterfield town centre.

One Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside will open later this year giving the town much-needed modern large floor plate office space which will help us attract investment as well as provide space for growth for established businesses in the borough. Tenants have already been identified for significant elements of the space, who will take up occupation on completion.

The Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are a key part of Chesterfield Council’s ambitious growth strategy that will see large scale investment and regeneration across the borough.

A key part of that strategy is ensuring there are jobs and opportunities for local people, particularly school leavers. It is important that they know they can grow their careers here in Chesterfield, and that there are suitable premises available for potential employers.

Destination Chesterfield has long worked with education and training providers across Chesterfield to both raise awareness of the skills requirements from businesses and introduce young people to the careers available to them here.

We have also been actively involved in delivering a number of proactive initiatives targeting young people, including Apprentice Town, MyFuture and the forthcoming Made in Chesterfield campaign in November.

Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities alone have introduced more than 3500 pupils to STEM careers in the local economy since the campaign was launched in 2015 and Chesterfield College has also reported an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects.

The Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities are open to all year 6 – 13 pupils and are free. I would urge as many schools as possible to take advantage of these.

Whether business owner, educator, parent or relative, we all have a role to play in actively encouraging more young people to both live, work and grow their careers in this great town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Peak District Highland Games to return this August

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Spireites agree partnership with ‘Her Game Too’ campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Shortlist announced for 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best New Hospitality Business

The Batch House

Boba Shack

Host Coffee

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley

Barkworthy Dog Emporium

The Lucky Magpie Salvage

MD Hair

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

Chesters

Devonshire Arms, Middle Handley

Sicily Restaurant

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

Adorn Jewellers

Dotique

Hasland Pet Supplies

Master Debonair

Excellence in Customer Service

Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Il Mondo Travel

Nora Eve

Independent High Street Business

Aurora Beauty Studio

Blanc & Blanc Occasions

Dava Boutique

Less than Zero Barbers

Café of the Year

Figaro

Graze

Koo

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

Junction Bar

The Rectory

The Three Horseshoes, Clay Cross

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

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Little Morton Farm Shop

Resting Devil

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Grandad’s Sweets

Flower Girl Plants at Chesterfield Market

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Batch House

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Northern Tea Merchants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow #ShineALightDerbyshire on social media.

Shine A Light projections in February 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

barrowhill shine a light on derbyshire 2022

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CBE+ completes multi-million pound investment in Chesterfield manufacturing facility

Engineering supply chain solution provider CBE+ has completed the relocation of its five divisions together under one roof in a 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chesterfield.

The company, which employs 80 people, has been operating its services from two separate sites since 2017 when business owners Marie Cooper and Chris Brown acquired the 5 legacy businesses which make up CBE+ today.

CBE+ ENP – formerly Nitec UK – is the final company division to move its operations to the CBE+ headquarters, the former BG Engineering base in Chesterfield.

Five plating lines, blasting and heat treatment capabilities have now been installed on site, the £4m project is a major milestone for the business, solidifying its vision of “multiple capabilities under one roof“ and embarking on its journey to NET ZERO.

A major part of the investment included the installation of a combined heat and power system which captures the heat generated as a by-product of the electrical power generation and is used to provide heat energy for the surface treatment processes carried out in areas of the factory.  The CHP installation, along with a number of other energy saving initiatives, coupled with the benefits of operating from a single location, means CBE+ has managed to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50%.  In addition, a new effluent plant has been installed which filters and neutralises all waste chemistry generated on site used allowing environmentally safe disposal and recycling.

CEO Marie Cooper says: “Chesterfield has proved to be a fantastic home for our business, and our latest milestone is something we are proud of, along with our plans to continue this growth journey, supporting our customers and the local economy. It was fantastic to welcome over 40 people to look around our facility, and show how we support our customers.”

CBE+ technical director, Chris Brown, commented: “The goal has always been to have all our services under one roof, not only does this create one cohesive team, but it also makes it easier for our customers to access multiple services. Moving five engineering businesses onto a single site has been a five-year project, with a lot of people working together to make it happen, and I can’t thank the team enough for their hard work.

“Relocating our ENP division is the final piece in the jigsaw that will allow us to deliver capabilities beyond engineering from a single location, providing our customers with streamlined, stress-free supply chains. And the addition of the new combined heat and power and effluent systems is an exciting step on our journey to becoming a greener business, by significantly reducing the amount of waste and energy used on site.”

CBE+ was formed from the acquisition of BG Engineering in 2017 by Marie Cooper and Chris Brown. This acquisition was shortly followed by electroless nickel plating business Nitec UK Ltd and Spire Laboratories in 2017, then Pentag Gears and Oilfield Equipment in 2018. The Wire EDM facility was acquired in 2021.

Following a full business integration, the group rebranded as CBE+ in 2019, providing multidisciplinary engineering services to manufacturers in niche markets including aerospace, defence, automotive, oil and gas. The company provides electroless nickel plating (ENP), precision engineering, gear cutting and laboratory testing, wire EDM, assembly, surface treatment and pressure testing independently, but its real strength lies in the ability to combine multiple services, providing tailored solutions for customers and streamlining their supply chains.

Last week, the company opened its doors to customers, suppliers, and manufacturing businesses from the Made In network for breakfast, company presentations and a factory tour, followed by a walk-in session later in the day to showcase the CBE+ design and engineering capabilities.

CBE+ has opened its doors on numerous occasions to young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in support of Made In Chesterfield, a campaign inspiring the next generation to sectors such as manufacturing and construction.

Check out our recent blog on National Manufacturing Day 2o22, which celebrated some of the great activity taking place across the sector in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/07/chesterfield-celebrates-national-manufacturing-day-2022/

To find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield, including great connectivity to the M1 motorway, rail network and nearby cities, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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

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