Author: Ann Fomukong Boden

Christmas in Chesterfield: Finding the magic right here at home

Every year, I almost fall into the same pattern of booking somewhere miles away to spend Christmas It sounds exciting at first. But then I remember the crowded car parks, long queues, and the cost.

This year, I decided against it. One afternoon, I wandered through our town centre and paused. Our refurbished market buzzed with chatter and music, and it made me smile. I realised the magic I had been searching for was already here.

For me, Christmas means cosy markets, carols and hot chocolates with friends. Over the past few years, I’ve been reliving these nostalgic moments with my young daughter, who sees it all as brand new.

Last year, we attended the Christmas Tree Festival at our town’s Crooked Spire as my daughter’s nursery held a tree there, decorated with baubles designed by the children. I am expecting them to have a tree again this year, and it’s special to see so many local businesses, schools and community groups come together in one of our town’s landmarks.

A new event taking place at our Crooked Spire is a light show. It’s a wonderful addition to our town centre, and something that excites me professionally too – as a Creative Technologist and Electronic Engineer.

Have you heard about the Tipi Bar, also new for this year?

These are perfect examples of how Chesterfield is evolving, open to fresh ideas that bring the community together.

Imagine the sound of live music and families chatting, the smell of steaming cups of hot chocolate and fresh gingerbread, and the warmth of a mulled wine in your hand. I can’t wait!

Afterwards, you could join a game at the new Geeks Headquarters. Or let your little ones explore our town’s new role play centre, Tiny Town. These spaces offer moments of calm in the middle of the festive rush and plenty of reasons there’s no need to travel far to feel the magic of Christmas.

You may have already realised the annual Christmas lights switch-on will need to be relocated while our market is refurbished. But this year’s unique setting and format at Chesterfield Town Hall will bring another exciting twist to your family fun. I’m looking forward to our community gathering in anticipation, counting down to that magical moment. It is not just lights switching on; it is the beginning of Christmas right here at home.

Chesterfield has changed over the years, but its heart has not. So, this year, instead of travelling far, I am choosing to stay local. The most magical memories often happen right on your doorstep.

Find more unique events, activities and places to visit this Christmas in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Posted in Blog, Christmas, Home

Behind the scenes: how Chesterfield makes everyday life possible

By Ann Fomukong-Boden, board member of Destination Chesterfield and local business owner

When you think of engineering, you might picture hard hats and heavy machinery. But Chesterfield offers much more. As a local business owner and engineer, I see our makers, designers and technology experts quietly improving our everyday lives.

Our architects and engineers work with digital specialists to power regeneration projects, both locally and nationally. Our manufacturers produce everything from food and packaging to custom CCTV.

At Kakou, we proudly contribute to this story. We specialise in technology that helps people with disabilities access mainstream culture, heritage, and wellbeing activities.

Recently, we collaborated with local charity Junction Arts to create an interactive tool that collects audience data at events and transforms it into bespoke artworks for participants to take home. It’s a fusion of engineering, design, and creativity that makes the arts more inclusive. All designed and built right here in Chesterfield.

Nine more makers with purpose

Chesterfield’s manufacturers and engineers make many things – from iron bars to flood defences.

AECOM’s 300-strong team works on UK-wide infrastructure. After last year’s floods, they helped design local resilience schemes to protect homes, schools, and businesses.

MTM Products makes industrial labels and signage used worldwide – from emergency exits to home appliances.

System Q creates bespoke CCTV solutions and support. The team helps major retailers as well as schools, police and government bodies.

Eyesiteview specialises in interactive digital tools, which bring properties to life, supporting local and national housing developers.

Mould Ability in Staveley turns ideas into products, crafting custom moulds for housing and theme park rides. MSE Hiller’s centrifuge technology helps food producers clean and process ingredients – including your frozen peas.

Brampton Brewery revived its historic name in 2007 with the rebuilding of a precision mill next to the original site that had been closed for 50 years. They now brew up to 10,000 pints a week.

Northern Tea Merchants has blended fine teas and coffees for over 90 years, supplying retailers and hospitality venues across the UK.

United Cast Bar’s high-quality continuous cast iron bars are easier to machine than steel. It saves time for car manufacturers compared to steel.

Engineering a better future for Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s spirit of innovation and inclusion means these companies shape more than products. They shape lives by offering stable jobs and apprenticeships for local families, giving our young people a real future.

So, next time you enjoy a treat baked by Jackson’s, pass the Growth Sculpture on Horns Bridge Roundabout, or spot a safety label in our shops, remember that local talent made it happen.

I aim to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and doers, and I hope you’ll help.

To learn more about Chesterfield makers, including tours for schools, visit: https://www.chesterfeld.co.uk/made

Find more Chesterfield manufacturers and engineers: Our Chesterfield Champions | Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

Why I’m thinking about the future now 

This month, young people across the country have been waiting anxiously for their exam results. It’s a big moment, often with pressure to do well. It got me thinking about what the future might hold for the next generation, including my little one, who has just begun exploring the world around her. 

She already loves ‘helping’ me with work, usually by grabbing my computer mouse and enthusiastically rearranging my circuit diagrams! I’m an electronics engineer and run a social enterprise that designs technology to break down barriers. Our work opens up music, creative arts and wellbeing activities for people with disabilities.  

I wouldn’t be where I am without my college physics teacher. He had previously worked at Rolls Royce and encouraged anyone interested in engineering to try it.  

That spark led me to university, where I chose to specialise in electronic engineering. Mum said it would open more doors, and it did. 

At the time, only nine other women joined my engineering cohort of 300. But I didn’t let that stop me.  

Later, whilst studying in Toulouse, I saw so many women in engineering. It reminded me about the importance of representation. If young people don’t see someone like them in a role, it’s easy to assume it’s not for them. 

Thankfully, Chesterfield offers local industry visits and exciting projects. So, our young people can enjoy exploring careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and beyond. 

Did you know that over 4,500 people work in manufacturing here? With more to come. 

A new rail innovation and training centre is being built near Barrow Hill Roundhouse. It’s set to welcome learners next year, and rail companies are already showing interest in using its specialist research and development facilities. A brilliant example of the many possibilities right on our doorstep. 

So, how do we help our kids discover these kinds of opportunities?  

Fortunately, we can access brilliant local resources: 

  • Interactive careers sessions – fun events to help young people and parents (hosted by Chesterfield Borough Council)
  • School careers activities – including employer visits and work-prep sessions
  • Workplace tours – a behind-the-scenes look at industries in action (Visit Made in Chesterfield for more information)
  • Visits from employers – like the engineers from AECOM who recently visited Abercrombie Primary School

One day, I’ll tell my daughter what I think every child should hear: You don’t need everything figured out. You just need someone to say, “go for it.”

And in Chesterfield, I know she’ll grow up surrounded by people who will do just that. 

To find out about learning and careers in Chesterfield visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/   

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Home, Skills