Chesterfield Champions round-up: celebrating heritage, creativity and community care
This month, Chesterfield Champions showcase the power of collaboration and local pride through their work across heritage, arts, and health. From honouring the legacy of a railway pioneer to leading eco-inspired creativity, these stories highlight our town’s big community spirit.
Eco arts project inspires families
Families can experience hands-on arts activities themed around nature and our climate at this year’s Tapton Lock Festival.
Visitors are also encouraged to bring unwanted recycling materials with them to use in the artworks. That could be plastic bottles, bottle lids, clean yoghurt pots, cans or boxes. Six stations will be available with stamps to collect in a specially designed Eco Passport, including:
- Climate habits and awareness
- Reuse and recycling
- Biodiversity and soil care
- Sustainable fashion and textile waste
- Nature through a child’s eyes and ecological storytelling
- Microplastics and pollution
The project has been co-designed by members of VERBA, the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, with leadership from artist, VERBA member, and Junction Arts volunteer, Nadia Ishchuk.
“Tapton Lock is all about community and appreciating nature and the outdoors, so this latest project with VERBA is a perfect fit,” said Rachel Pedley, Project Coordinator at Junction Arts. “The Ukrainian community in Chesterfield has come together to help bring these activities to life, using mostly upcycled and recycled materials to share important messages about sustainability in a fun, creative way. We can’t wait to see families enjoying the journey and collecting their passport stamps!”
Nadia Ishchuk, who has played a key role in developing the activities, added: “We are looking forward to turning yesterday’s rubbish into tomorrow’s masterpieces, with the help of Chesterfield’s families at this amazing free event where people can try their hand at lots of creative activities.”
Now in its 13th year, the Tapton Local Festival features live music, poetry, storytelling, boat trips, circus skills, and more. The Festival takes place on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th September.
Bringing George Stephenson’s legacy to life
Chesterfield Museum is teaming up with Holy Trinity Church to celebrate one of the town’s most influential figures – George Stephenson.
On Saturday, 27th September, visitors can meet a George Stephenson re-enactor. He will highlight Stephenson’s impact on engineering and our railway.
The free event marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. It aims to deepen public understanding of Stephenson’s role in shaping the modern world. Talks will take place at 11:00am and 3:00pm, with donations supporting local charities.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We hope this event helps people connect with the history of the railways and provides a deeper understanding of the important role George Stephenson played in shaping the modern world.”
Holy Trinity Church, which features a stunning stained-glass window commissioned by Stephenson’s son Robert, has recently received National Lottery Heritage Fund support to develop a new visitor facility and host public events celebrating Stephenson’s legacy.
Apprentices refurbish vital community space
Six Chesterfield Borough Council apprentices are leading the refurbishment of the Bonsall Court Community Room in Newbold. The space will soon be home to Community Development Chesterfield.
Working alongside trained operatives and contractors, the apprentices are gaining hands-on experience while delivering key upgrades. This includes new toilets, kitchen facilities, energy-efficient lighting and heating, and a fully insulated roof. Safety improvements include a new fire alarm system and fire doors.
Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are looking forward to handing over a fully refurbished and modern facility to Community Development Chesterfield so that it can provide activities and initiatives that will support the local community.
“This project is the perfect opportunity for us to show our trust in our apprentices and nurture our local talent.”
Community Development Chesterfield has taken on a three-year lease of the ground-floor community space at Bonsall Court. The organisation will transform the space into a hub for communities to enjoy. Members of the public can share their ideas and help shape the activities offered. Residents can email info@cdchesterfield.com to share their ideas or get further information.
Local nurse honoured for championing perinatal mental health
Michelle Trolley, Community Outreach Nursery Nurse with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been recognised for her outstanding work in promoting perinatal mental health across diverse communities.
Michelle partnered with the Chesterfield Asian Association to organise a vibrant community fun day, encouraging open conversations around mental health for new parents. Her efforts earned her the Delivering Excellence Every Day (DEED) of the Month award from the Trust.
Vikki Ashton Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “Michelle’s dedication to reaching out and connecting with diverse communities is truly inspiring.”
Michelle added: “It was truly heartwarming to see families from different backgrounds come together and speak so openly about perinatal mental health. It shows how powerful community connection can be.”
Join Chesterfield Champions to pledge your support for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire
If you are passionate about Chesterfield and are keen to help raise the profile of the town and your business, the team at Destination Chesterfield would love to work with you. Find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion.
