visiting chesterfield

Stanedge Golf Club features in popular YouTube TV series

A golf club set in the North Derbyshire countryside, just outside of Chesterfield has been featured in a popular YouTube TV series.

The docuseries Changing the Business of Golf is produced by Syngenta, and follows Stanedge owner and former professional golfer, Fame Tate.

In February 2022, golf in the UK was booming and Fame had brought Stanedge Golf Club back from the brink of extinction, transforming it into a thriving business at the heart of the community.

The first-time business owner has continued to ring the changes inside and out since then, but the unforeseen challenge of a sudden serious illness left the future of Stanedge hanging in the balance.

“Reflection is a wonderful thing and I’ve drawn a lot of positives from being forced to step away from the business,” says Fame in the new episode.

“It made me look at how I operate, the functionality of the business and my own time-management. Being here seven days a week, 365 days a year is just not possible.”

The episode also features key team members who stepped up in testing times, explaining how they coped with the overnight loss of their leader.

In the two years since Changing the Business of Golf was last at Stanedge, golf has continued to thrive in the UK, but clubs and courses have had to adapt to new customers, different expectations and fresh financial pressures.

Fame explains how Stanedge has continued to grow and push forward towards its targets, employing tactics to future-proof its long-term sustainability.

“Our core values have remained the same but obviously the business has changed and developed. I’ve had to change, everyone’s had to change and be on that journey,” she says.

The latest episode can be viewed below, and you can catch all previous episodes following Fame’s remarkable journey to transform the customer experience and make her club a friendly and inclusive community venue.

Stanedge Golf Club 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Steam train tour to arrive in Chesterfield and showcase local landmarks

Two steam train tours are set to arrive in Chesterfield, bringing passengers from the south of England to discover our historic landmarks.

The Steam Dreams Rail. Co, provider of unique and magical steam train journeys, will be hosting two incredible day trips to Chesterfield, one from East Anglia to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill on 8th May and another from London to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill Rail Ale Festival on 16th May.

The journeys will be pulled by the historic 46100 Royal Scot, providing visitors to immerse themselves in the glamour of yesteryear with an elegant steam-hauled journey. Once passengers arrive in Chesterfield, they will then be able to take part in several excursions around North Derbyshire’s landmarks.

Passengers are able to travel in one of three classes, including Pullman Dining, First Cass or Premium Standard.

A spokesperson for The Steam Dreams Rail. Co explained that there is plenty of exciting activities to get involved in whilst on the tour: “You can sink into your seats and relax as the train sets out for a wonderful journey through Amber Valley to the Peak District.

“Here, you have the option to continue your journey back in time to the Crich Tramway Museum, an immersive museum experience set within a recreated period village, where you can enjoy a ride on board the vintage trams. For glamour-seekers, your indulgent journey can be extended to the elegance of Chatsworth House. Alternatively, visit the town of Chesterfield or continue to Barrow Hill before we embark on our return journey aboard the same beautifully restored vintage carriages in which we started our journey.”

Chatsworth

Chatsworth House

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re excited to welcome passengers from the Steam Dreams Rail Co. tours to our historic town and surrounding areas.

“Being the place where George Stephenson spent the final years of his life, Chesterfield has always had a strong connection with steam.

“It will be wonderful to see the iconic 46100 Royal Scot arriving here, and I hope that passengers enjoy seeing our unique Crooked Spire, the beauty of Chatsworth and the Peak District, and of course the wonderful locomotives at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.”

Barrow hill

Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield

For further information and to book call 01483 209888 or visit www.steamdreams.co.uk

Planning your visit to Chesterfield? Find out more about the latest events, activities and things to do in our historic town.

Royal Scot stream train

46100 Royal Scot: Image credited to Gordan Edgar

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

Chesterfield festival of cycling to take place this summer

The annual Chesterfield Festival of Cycling is set to take place in the town this June.

Cycle Chesterfield, a local community group dedicated to promoting cycling in Chesterfield is gearing up for the event. It aims to showcase the cycle infrastructure in and around town, promote cycling as an alternative means of transport and build links across our communities.

This year’s festival runs from the 7th – 16th of June and offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to people of all abilities and ages. From guided rides at a steady, inclusive pace exploring the town’s hidden gems to interesting talks by cycle adventurers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Holmebrook Valley Park Cycle Funday, where families can enjoy a day of outdoor activities and games. This event not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages residents to embrace cycling as a fun and accessible recreational activity.

There will be a variety of themed, free, guided recreational rides which will demonstrate some of the cycling infrastructure in Chesterfield and the wider area, including the brand-new section of the East/West route. Rides will generally start in the town centre and will head out in a range of directions, including rides taking in Grassmoor, Holymoorside and Hollingwood. The rides will proceed at a steady, inclusive pace.

In addition to rides, the festival will be hosting a talk by author, adventurer and cyclist Emily Chappell. Emily was the first woman to finish the Transcontinental Race in 2016, has cycled across Asia from Turkey to China and has authored two books about her exploits.

Moreover, the festival serves as a platform to showcase Chesterfield’s cycling culture. From taster sessions for adapted bikes for disabled adults to BMXers showcasing their skills at Ringwood Park to an exploration of some of the town’s public art on the Art Trail ride, the festival celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the local cycling community.

Cycle Chesterfield has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and awareness in the area. Through lobbying efforts and community outreach programs, the group continues to push for safer streets and better cycling amenities, not only improving the quality of life for residents but also contributing to a greener, more resilient future for our community.

You can find out more about the festival and cycle chesterfield online: Facebook – CycleFestChesterfield & CycleChesterfield or via the website – https://cyclechesterfield.org/

Find out more about cycling in Chesterfield here, and to discover great events taking place in our area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Two boys on bmx bikes going round a sloped corner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Children’s Festival set to welcome families for more fun in Queen’s Park this July

Organisers have confirmed that the Chesterfield Children’s Festival will return to Queen’s Park on the 27th and 28th of July.

This year’s event is being organised with the help of local young people and will include live movie sets, catwalks, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!

The free event organised by Junction Arts and funded by Arts Council England, is a two-day festival for families that celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play.

Last year over 8,000 families attended the event, with over 4,000 children participating in the activities, which ranged from yoga classes to tie-dye workshops! Other highlights of the weekend included live music, comedy for kids, silent disco walking tours, theatre, Chinese storytelling and actual reality arcade games. The event attracted thousands of tourists from outside of the town, bringing over 3,500 people into Chesterfield.

New for 2024 is the Project Producers; a group of volunteers aged between 15-20 years of age that are advising and helping to plan the festival alongside Junction Arts. The group was formed earlier this year, and the idea is to give young people in Chesterfield an opportunity to have their say and develop some event planning skills.

This year’s event will take place on the first weekend of the summer holidays, 10 am – 4 pm each day. The festival is completely free, no booking is required, and visitors can turn up on the day to enjoy the activities.

The full festival line-up will be announced in June but acts confirmed so far include; Block Buster Factory, an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set! There will also be an interactive family catwalk, family life drawing workshops and Take Flight – an aerial workshop for babies and their grown-ups!

To make the festival more accessible, Junction Arts has enlisted the help of RevoLOOtion, which provides mobile vehicles that enable disabled children and adults to use the toilet or be changed with dignity and respect, the RevoLOOtion service helps to break down barriers that often exclude them from participating in activities and events.

Jemma Burton, Project Coordinator from Junction Arts said: “We had an amazing response to the festival last year and I’m delighted that we are bringing it back to Chesterfield this summer. We’re also excited to have our Project Producers working with us this year, the group of young people are helping us to shape the festival by sharing their thoughts and experiences, as well as volunteering to plan and manage parts of the event. It’s great to have some youthful energy and creativity in the team!

“The full line-up is still being worked on, but I can say that we’ll have lots of creative activities for children of all ages to get involved in, plus some amazing live entertainment – we can’t wait to see you there.”

For further information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartuk on social media.

Find out more about fabulous family events coming soon to Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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.

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (44 of 100)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Hotpod Yoga studio set to open at Chesterfield’s Elder Way

Hotpod Yoga will be the first tenant to locate to the new units created in the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

Chris Wilkinson, owner of the new Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield franchise, has signed a 10-year lease on unit 7, a 1,420 sq ft unit located at the top of Elder Way near Saltergate.

He said: “I love the location. It is prominently located in the town centre and offers convenient parking for customers. It is a beautiful building, full of history and fresh energy. I am very much looking forward to opening the studio.”

Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield will open to the public on Thursday 18 April, with the first class taking place at 12.30pm.

Part of the national Hotpod Yoga chain, the new studio on Elder Way will offer an immersive yoga experience, using a pod as a safe environment for people to practice yoga in 37-degree heat while maximising the senses through relaxing sounds and calming scents.

The new Hotpod Yoga unit is one of seven street level units and large basement that have been created by regeneration specialist Jomast Developments. Additionally, there is a 92-bed Premier Inn hotel which has been successfully trading on the upper two floors of the building since 2019.

Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director welcomed Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield to Elder Way saying: “The addition of Hotpod Yoga to Elder Way brings forward the health and wellbeing element we envisaged for the building when we redeveloped it. Elder Way offers an ideal location for businesses. Not only is it an iconic building, but it is centrally located and benefits from excellent amenities and footfall from surrounding businesses, all of which have been further boosted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s investment in the town centre.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to be able to welcome a new business to the town centre and I am delighted that they have chosen to be based on Elder Way. Following on from the redevelopment of the old Co-op department store we invested in improving the paving and area from Elder Way along Packers Row as part of our Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project.

“This investment has helped create a more attractive area and we will begin work on the wider project in the marketplace later this year. Using external funding to help improve our town centre is about creating an environment where businesses and visitors want to be, which will help grow our local economy.

“I wish Chris all the best with his new business venture, and I look forward to welcoming more businesses to Elder Way in the future.”

Work is now underway to install the heated pod, showers, toilets, changing and reception areas ahead of the opening next month.

Chris commented: “The unit is a real blank canvas which is making for a straightforward fit out.”

As a former NHS mental health nurse, Chris, who is also a qualified yoga teacher, aims to offer both health and wellbeing benefits through the yoga classes which will be delivered by fully qualified instructors. Classes, which are suitable for all levels, will run seven days a week from 6.30am.

The opening of the new yoga studio at Elder Way brings the Hotpod Yoga brand back to Chesterfield. Previously owned by another franchisee, and located at Chesterfield FC, the studio was forced to close amid the Covid crisis.

Chris commented: “I am delighted to bring the Hotpod Yoga brand back to Chesterfield. There was demand for it then and I believe demand has increased further as people recognise the mental health benefits of hot yoga as the heat enables the mind to become more focussed.”

Launched in 2013, Hotpod Yoga is now Europe’s largest yoga business with around 70 locations, including Sheffield and Derby.

Six units now remain available at Elder Way with joint agents, WSB Property and FHP, reporting strong interest from a number of operators.

For enquiries or further information about the units, visit www.elderway.co.uk

To book a class at Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield, visit hotpodyoga.com/studios/chesterfield/

Chris Wilkinson Hotpod Yoga Elder Way

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Show your love for Mum this Mother’s Day in Chesterfield

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to show some appreciation and spread some love for the amazing mums in Chesterfield, whilst enjoying all the unique offerings and charm of our town.

Here are three great ways you can show your love for Mum, whilst also supporting our town and enjoying everything Chesterfield has to offer.

1. Surprise Mum with some fantastic gifts from Chesterfield’s independent shops

Dotique 873x466

Take a stroll down the picturesque streets of Chesterfield, and you’ll find a treasure trove of quirky shops with handmade items, made by people with a passion for great products and services.

From stunning jewellery to the perfect bunch of flowers, our local shopping hubs have so much choice when it comes to memorable gifts. It’s an opportunity to give our high streets a much-needed boost, whilst treating our mothers to a gift that is as unique as them. Our businesses will help you go beyond the ordinary, helping you to treat mum to locally sourced food and beverages, crafted with passion and care by our town’s talented producers.

Looking for a last-minute present? See our Mother’s Day gift guide here.

2. Show your appreciation by treating Mum to her favourite meal

Couple dining at Casa Hotel

Of course, no Mother’s Day celebration is complete without indulging in your mum’s favourite meal. Fortunately, there’s no need to get stressed about the cooking! Chesterfield’s independent culinary scene is once again pulling out all the stops to offer your family an unforgettable dining experience.

Local restaurants are gearing up to pay tribute to the extraordinary mothers in our lives, presenting a menu of unforgettable dishes that will make this Mother’s Day truly special. Get ready for some mouthwatering dishes and special menus to show our mums that they’re one of a kind.

Check out our guide to dining out this Mother’s Day. 

3. Give Mum the chance to let her hair down

Couple enjoying the spa at ringwood hall

If Mum likes to get her dancing shoes on, we have some fabulous acts performing in Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel theatre this year, with Shaun Ryder, Aled Jones and the legendary Showaddywaddy coming to town. On top of that, tributes to familiar favourites such as Queen, Tina Turner, Abba and Elton John will give her a night to remember.

See what’s on at the Winding Wheel Theatre here, or visit our events listings page for more great ideas.

Or, if she’d rather relax and wind down, why not buy her a voucher for one of Chesterfield’s local spas or hotels? Look out for some of the luxurious packages being promoted by the likes of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park, and Casa Hotel.

See our guide for places to visit in Chesterfield.

For more ways to help you find the perfect way to spoil mum, be sure to check out our  guides to 50 fantastic retailers and 50 brilliant bars and restaurants on social media. Whether it’s a cosy brunch, a heartfelt gift or some quality time in our beautiful local surroundings, let’s ensure our mums feel valued and cherished on this special day.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the remarkable mums in Chesterfield!

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

Chatsworth to celebrate childhood with a new season of activities

A new family festival, a reimagined adventure playground and a multi-sensory art exhibition are just a glimpse of the year-long cultural programme of events coming to Chatsworth under the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’, encouraging visitors to experience Chatsworth and its rich history from a new perspective.

From Saturday 16 March, Chatsworth House and Garden will re-open to visitors with the launch of this year’s exhibition, Picturing Childhood. The thought-provoking and multi-sensory exhibition is designed to be enjoyed by all ages through the lens of childhood. It will include rarely seen artistic masterpieces from the collection, some of which will be on display for the first time, alongside new commissions and loans.

Visitors are invited to see, touch, smell, feel, think, do, and play through new commissions and loans by artists that encourage hands-on and perspective-bending interactions, including a unique scent experience curated by food historian and scent artist, Tasha Marks, and ‘Anthronaut’ series by Abigail Reynolds, which invites visitors to shift their visual perspective of Chatsworth.

Chatsworth House Trust is also working with educational partners to ensure the exhibition creates opportunities for collaboration with those in the local community. Children from Athelstan School in Sheffield will be invited for a ‘Chatsworth takeover’ week in June, including taking charge of its social media channel.

Chatsworth is partnering with The Reading Agency, which will help share the charity’s extensive learning resources with over one million subscribers and connect with local families to guide the content of special mindfulness areas, complete with books selected by young users of Chesterfield Library.

In addition to annual favourite events including the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Country Fair and the spectacular Christmas display, Chatsworth is launching its inaugural family festival. Taking place from 25 – 27 May, families will be invited to unleash their creativity and let imaginations run wild. Developed for all ages, activities will include mastering gravity-defying circus skills, learning bushcraft, running for gold in sports day races, walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs and scavenger hunts.

Elsewhere on the estate, Chatsworth’s much-loved woodland adventure playground is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment, enhancing opportunities for imaginative free play and immersion within the beautiful surrounding nature of the estate. Set to reopen from April, families can enjoy an exciting day out packed full of adventure and play within the safe setting of the farmyard and playground.

The year-round learning and cultural programme will include a series of events including expert-led talks, tours and workshops for adults and children to explore new pastimes or develop an existing skill, many of which will be centred on the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’ at any age.

These include Historic Waterways Tours led by the landscape team through Stand Wood; Cutting Garden Floristry Workshops where participants will learn how to create seasonal arrangements using flowers from the garden; Macramé Plant Hanger workshops led by a local artist, Lamb feeding experiences; and guided tours of Picturing Childhood by exhibition curator Gill Hart.

This season will also see the launch of a new pricing initiative, aiming to take active steps to remove barriers to entry and demonstrate Chatsworth House Trust’s commitment to Chatsworth being a place for everyone. This includes a £10 year-round children’s ticket, giving access to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground.

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Through this season celebrating childhood, we hope that our visitors can experience Chatsworth from a new perspective – one that is playful and inquisitive, that celebrates learning and encourages a deeper connection and enjoyment of Chatsworth’s rich history.

“Childhood is something that unites us all. This year we will continue to commission new and exciting artists, introduce our first Chatsworth Family Festival, and develop our learning programme that is packed with opportunities to develop new skill. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to join us for a new perspective at Chatsworth.”
William Burlington, Chairman of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We are thrilled that 2024 will be a year of storytelling, discovery and play as we celebrate children and childhood at Chatsworth throughout the year.

This year’s exhibition presents exciting new work by exceptional artists alongside the very best works from the historic collection, some on show for the first time. The exhibition has been designed to provoke wonder and to encourage new and different ways to get involved with art and ideas in the house and landscape, and we hope it will bring joy to people of all ages.”

For more information on the events being held at Chatsworth throughout the next 12 months, please visit the website here: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/
And for more information on the Picturing Childhood exhibition, please visit: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/picturing-childhood/

To find out more about upcoming events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page.

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

Chatsworth - Season Opening 1 2024

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Partnership to encourage more car-free journeys into the Peak District

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has announced a new Strategic Partnership with bus operator Stagecoach as part of its ongoing mission to encourage visitors to go ‘car-free’ when visiting the destination.

The organisations will work together to highlight the benefits of travelling by bus and promote car-free days out – giving visitors a practical way to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and do their bit to protect local landscapes at the same time.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Strategic Partners are an influential network of key tourism-related businesses who share its core aims to grow the value of the area’s visitor economy and build a brighter, more sustainable future.

Through the new Strategic Partnership, Stagecoach is highlighting its commitment to working alongside the destination’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) to champion the long-term success of the area’s tourism industry and the communities it supports.

Stagecoach is Britain’s largest bus operator and its network incorporates some of the most popular visitor spots in the Peak District and Derbyshire. Local services include the recently-extended X17 which runs from Barnsley to Wirksworth via Sheffield, Chesterfield and Matlock, and the 65 which runs from Sheffield to Buxton via Tideswell – and is often called ‘one of the most scenic bus routes in Britain’.

Stagecoach also operates the Peak Sightseer hop-on, hop-off service which connects the historic market towns of Bakewell and Chesterfield with key tourist attractions including Chatsworth and Hassop Station for visiting the Monsal Trail.

The Strategic Partnership strengthens Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s long-term mission to encourage more visitors to choose sustainable transport methods, and the organisations will work together to produce ‘car-free’ content and itineraries that encourage both tourists and residents to enjoy all the area has to offer without increasing pollution and congestion in towns, villages and the countryside.

The news follows the launch of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Sustainable Tourism Action Plan, which has been produced in partnership with local stakeholders including the Peak District National Park Authority and the National Forest and sets out the destination’s vision to lead the way in green tourism, active travel and transport connectivity.

Tourism contributed £2.59bn to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy in 2022, supporting thousands of jobs and driving prosperity in local communities.

Matt Kitchin, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, says: “We are really excited to be partnering with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to promote bus travel to the fantastic tourist attractions in the area, reducing the pressure caused by cars and congestion on the local environment.

“Buses in our network such as the Peak Sightseer open top bus, the X17 and the 65 make visiting the Peak District more accessible and affordable and have proven to boost the local economy through an increased number of tourists.

“We look forward to working with the team at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to encourage more people to opt for sustainable methods of travel and enjoy a car-free day out in the countryside.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We are delighted to announce our Strategic Partnership with Stagecoach, a company that shares our commitment to encouraging car-free travel for visitors and residents alike.

“Our Strategic Partners are a core network of organisations who want to support us in our role as one of England’s leading LVEPs, growing the value of the county’s tourism sector in a sustainable way.

“Stagecoach’s buses offer an easy and accessible way to reach and enjoy the historic landmarks of our destination and the glorious scenery of Britain’s original National Park. As well as supporting the strategic aims highlighted in our Sustainable Tourism Action Plan, partnerships such as this will help to lessen the impact of cars on fragile locations, reducing congestion and pollution and helping us develop more sustainable travel choices for those who live, work and visit here.”

Stagecoach joins existing Strategic Partners Northern, Breedon Group, the Institute of Quarrying and Severn Trent.

Businesses interested in becoming a Strategic Partner of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire should contact Lisa Woolhouse, Membership & Sales Manager, at lisa.woolhouse@visitpeakdistrict.com.

Details of Stagecoach services across the Peak District and Derbyshire can be found at: www.stagecoachbus.com.

Chesterfield is the perfect base to explore the Peak District and Derbyshire. Find out more about visiting our town here.

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

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Matt Kitchin, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire

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

New radio studio forms part of expansion for Chesterfield record store

A record store in Chesterfield has announced an exciting expansion, which includes a new independent radio station for local DJs to follow their passion for music.

Vanishing Point Records, based in Theatre Yard in the town centre, has become a popular spot for music lovers selling pre-loved vinyl records across many genres.

The businesses, which began in 2017 had previously expanded in 2019. However in 2023, the shop took up a neighbouring unit which enabled further growth.

Acquiring the extra space has given Vanishing Point Records the opportunity to showcase its huge 12″ single collection, which is thought to be one of the biggest in the East Midlands with a collection of around 5000. On top of this, the store has also been able to build a new radio studio.

The studio is now a home for Radio Free Matlock, which is a station that Vanishing Point Owner, Corey Lavender was already heavily involved in prior to the store’s expansion.

Corey takes up the story, commenting: “On our second ever day of trading I met a guy who ran an ultra local radio station in Matlock, named “Radio Free Smedley Street”. From that day onwards I got involved with the station, firstly as a listener and then when that guy left the station, I along with a few of the other DJs decided to take over the running of it.

“We renamed it Radio Free Matlock (RFM for short) and we started recruiting DJs wherever we could find them. I met loads of our DJs when they came into the store for a browse. They left with or without a vinyl record but also a radio show!

“So, when I took on the extra unit in Theatre Yard It was always my intention that part of it would be devoted to some ‘radio’ space. Building this was daunting anyway, I had zero experience in building radio studios, but we were doing it on zero budget, just with stuff we had in our various home studios.

Vanishing point radio studio

“Luckily I could call on my RFM colleagues Ash Bird and Lucie De Lacy to help! By September 2023 we had a set up in the studio that we liked. We had two vinyl decks for proper DJs to come and play a set, a mixing desk with 4 mics hooked up, a CD player and the ability to input from a laptop. All held together with a old (ish) Mac kindly donated by Lucie.”

“In October our debut ‘LIVE’ radio show was broadcast, it was called The Monthly Jam hosted by Ash and Lucie and we had a special guest Emzae, a pop artist from Derby  who came in for a chat and to sign copies of her latest album.

“Since then we have done weekly live radio shows on Saturday afternoons from 12 till 2pm with a rotation of shows and DJs, and they are brilliant. People come in to watch the shows, to listen to the shows and customers quite often get involved too, and every single one has been brilliant with the vibe on Saturdays being fantastic.”

Corey added that the success of the new radio station has also led to further success for Vanishing Point Records in terms of sales. All five of its best ever trading months have come since the expansion and the studio addition.

Speaking of his love for owning a business in Chesterfield, he added: “Having grown up in Chesterfield, and loving the town (and the football club) It is a dream to be able to do my favorite thing in my favorite place. It’s also a privilege to have so many fellow indie traders in town too, who are on hand to help out with advice and encouragement.

“We really do have a great opportunity to make ourselves successful in this new era of destination shopping. The internet has changed everything  but we have loads of unique shops, cafes and bars who might not be able to spend a ton on advertising to let you know they’re there like the old major chains can. But if anyone hasn’t been to town for a while, maybe go and you might just find your new favorite place.”

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield.

Vanishing Point

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

Chesterfield Escape Rooms remains in the UK’s top 10 according to TripAdvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has retained its place in the top 10 escape room attractions across the country, according to TripAdvisor.

The business, which boasts several exciting escape games for people of all ages, has now been in the top 10 list for two years running, making it stand out as one of the best attractions of its type in the country.

Belle Fox, Manager of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, commented: “We are so proud of our whole team that we have managed to remain in the 10 top escape rooms in the country for the second year running.

“We have a massive focus on customer service and customer satisfaction, we want people to really immerse themselves in the experience, most of our games offer some form of interaction with one off our game’s masters, this means we can really get people involved and give them an unforgettable experience.

Since the opening of the venue in 2021, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has grown from originally hosting 3 different games, to now having 7 games to choose from.

Belle continued: “Because we have such a young workforce it’s brilliant to have such an achievement like being in the top 10 in the UK, it shows the team what all their hard work goes towards and what they have achieved.

“We love being a part of the town and hopefully we are bringing something new and fun that everyone can play, we have children as young as 4 play all the way up to 92 years old. Our games really offer something for everyone.

“We head into our 3rd birthday this year so we are celebrating by opening our doors and giving 35 different Charites, schools, organisations and clubs and chance to come and play a game with us completely free on May 19th .”

Find out more about family-friendly activities in Chesterfield and plan your day out in the town here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/family/

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

Female in black t-shirt stood behind branded Chesterfield Escape Rooms counter

Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Chesterfield town centre

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

Refurbishment completed at Chesterfield town centre pub

A pub in the heart of Chesterfield, sitting next to the town’s historic market has undergone a refurbishment, with owners saying the venue looks ‘unrecognisable’ from its previous layout.

The Crown and Cushion has been revamped and transformed in the space of just six days, with visitors giving rave reviews to the pub for its new look.

After changing the exterior with a new coat of paint and signage last year, work has now taken place to brighten up the interior of the pub too.

The pub has been brightened up with much lighter pastel colours used throughout, complemented by feminine fabrics and patterns and lots of on-trend foliage with graffiti that incorporates features from the magnificent history of the market town.

Managers of the Crown and Cushion, Gill and Diane told us: “It’s such an amazing pub, with so much history and deserves the love that has been put into it with this makeover. We’ve seen lots of new faces at our launch party as well as the regulars returning, and everyone is absolutely loving the pub and what the company have done with it!

Crown and Cushion-bar area

The owners are also looking forward to the year ahead, with further plans to host entertainment and fun for guests.

They added: “We’ve got loads of exciting plans coming for 2024, with some great entertainment. Fun and friendly is our vibe – and that’s what this year is going to be all about.

“Head to the Crown and Cushion to see the transformation, and be sure to say hi!”

To find out more about the pub, head over to the Crown and Cushion Facebook page.

With plenty of unique ways to create a memorable night out, there is something for everyone in Chesterfield – no matter what you enjoy. Check out our visiting page for some great ideas and activities in the town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Crown and Cushion interior

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