About Chesterfield

Chesterfield company announces £8.9 million US expansion

Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based global leader in hot tubs and wellness products, is proud to announce the establishment of its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.

Currently working with over 100 U.S. partners, Superior Wellness has quickly become the fastest-growing hot tub and wellness manufacturer in the world. With its innovative product lineup—including premium hot tubs, swim spas, and chill tubs—Superior Wellness is trusted by thousands of customers globally to enhance health and well-being.

Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories. Known as Superior HQ, this state-of-the-art facility will enable Superior Wellness to improve stock availability, reduce lead times, and better support its growing U.S. market. Operations are set to begin in December 2024.

Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. With the opening of Superior HQ in Cameron, South Carolina, we’re investing in the future of wellness while creating 35 new jobs for the local community. Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionise our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.”

Sales Director Gareth Ward added: “Our expansion into South Carolina demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative products to our U.S. partners. Working with over 100 partners across the U.S., this facility allows us to better serve them with shorter lead times and improved availability of our award-winning products. We look forward to building stronger relationships and growing together with the Orangeburg community.”

Superior Wellness 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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Partnership working in Chesterfield leads to more young people taking up careers in STEM

More young people are taking up manufacturing and engineering courses in Chesterfield, according to new figures.

Chesterfield College has reported a phenomenal 80% increase in engineering study enrolments for 16–18-year-old students in the last 3 years.

The figure was released during the annual Made in Chesterfield Festival, in which local businesses invite school pupils to their factories and premises to showcase the range of rewarding careers in STEM sectors.

Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership coordinate the Made in Chesterfield campaign. It is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, EMCCA Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and Natwest.

More than 3,500 school pupils in Chesterfield have now engaged with the town’s manufacturing and engineering businesses since Made in Chesterfield was first launched 10 years ago. This year, students were invited to visit several businesses, including:

  • MSE Hiller
  • Superior Wellness
  • Weightron Bilanciai
  • United Cast Bar
  • The Devonshire Group
  • Penny Hydraulics
  • Aztec Oils
  • Heraeus Electro-Nite
  • Chesterfield Construction Skills Hub

Celebrating its success, Nick Catt, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai, commented: “To see more young people enrolling in engineering courses across our town is a testament to the fantastic collaboration between the College and local businesses in recent years.

“We know how vital it is to highlight careers in Manufacturing, not just to help our businesses grow in the future, but to allow our people to thrive in skilled and rewarding jobs. I look forward to seeing further partnerships across our town to keep narrowing the existing skills gaps in our sector.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of The Chesterfield College Group added: “We are delighted to see such a significant increase in young people choosing to pursue engineering and manufacturing courses at Chesterfield College.

“This 80% rise in enrolments reflects both the growing interest in STEM careers and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built with local businesses through initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. By working together, we’re ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in these dynamic industries, helping to secure a prosperous future for Chesterfield and beyond.”

Schools in the area have also expressed their gratitude to businesses for opening their doors to young people. Debbie Crossley, Careers Adviser at The Bolsover School commented: “The Made in Chesterfield tour to MSE Hiller was so informative and insightful, and I really appreciate the team taking the time to speak with our students and explain things in detail.

“The links to the curriculum were fabulous and covered several subjects including English, maths, physics and chemistry.  It was great to see the students relating some of their classroom learning to the skills and knowledge they will need in the workplace.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership said: “We are thrilled to continue supporting the Made in Chesterfield initiative, which plays a crucial role in connecting young people with local employers.

“By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences, we’re raising awareness of the fantastic career opportunities available right here in Chesterfield. These partnerships not only inspire the next generation, but also help businesses engage with potential future employees, ensuring the local workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

If your business is looking to engage with future talent, find out more about how you can get involved with local schools and other skills initiatives in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

New café opens its doors at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley

A new independent café has officially opened its doors in the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley – further boosting facilities for sports centre customers and residents.

The new outlet – called the ‘Coffee Stop’ – has been created on the ground floor of the Chesterfield Borough Council-owned leisure centre.

It is open seven days a week – serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals, and provides a new social place for sports centre customers, and members of the public, to meet-up.

Councillor Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This independent café is a great new addition to our centre, and comes just weeks after the newly-refurbished gym was unveiled, boasting a range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

“Going to the gym, a fitness class or watching your child’s swimming lesson can be as much about socialising and making new connections, as it is about exercising – and the Coffee Stop provides the perfect place to meet up or enjoy a post-workout refreshment.

“We are delighted to welcome this local business into our centre, and we wish them great success.”

The council had offered the opportunity for a leaseholder to take space in the ground floor of the centre on Barlow Road as part of its plans to both improve local facilities, but to also make the best use of its buildings.

Neil and Maria Butkeraitis, co-owners of the Coffee Stop and who also operate the popular café at Poolsbrook Country Park, said: “We’re so excited to open our doors in the Healthy Living Centre and bring even more facilities for people to enjoy in this hub of the community.

“We’ve already got a great family of customers at our café in Poolsbrook Country Park, and we hope everyone will love the opportunity to enjoy our relaxing atmosphere and tasty menu in this additional new venue.

“We’ve been working hard to get everything ready, and to recruit some new team members – and we look forward to seeing customers old and new in our new home!”

The café is open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Visit http://www.coffeestopcafe.com/ for more information and to view the menu.

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New cycling route opens at Markham Vale

A new cycleway has been installed linking Markham Vale business park to Staveley, allowing people working at the site to choose a more sustainable commute.

The 1.37mile (2.2km) cycleway starts just off Markham Lane next to the Environment Centre and ends on the Seymour Link Road.

It was officially opened by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, who was joined by a group of enthusiastic cyclists who will be regularly using the trail.

Councillor King said: “Another feather in Markham Vale’s cap. This place is a real success story and a phenomenal transformation over just 2 decades.

“Attracting local, national and international business to Derbyshire it stays at the forefront of developing business and industry fit for the future.

“This cycleway is another indicator of our commitment to help deliver green initiatives. At Markham we will also have the Electric Forecourt that can charge 30 electric vehicles simultaneously and state of the art energy efficient new buildings in line with our Net Zero ambitions.”

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said: “Across the county we support many cycling opportunities for both business and leisure. This cycleway is a good example and helps our ambitions to provide more infrastructure for safe and sustainable ways to travel. I hope that it will encourage some of those working at Markham to travel by bike and provide new leisure cycling opportunities for our residents as well.”

The Markham cycleway has cost £750,000 from a funding package of £7 million that was provided by the government in 2023/2024 for local improvements in the East Midlands. The funding was via the East Midlands Combined County Authority Devolution Capital Fund.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture between the County Council and property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot. Situated off M1 junction 29a it centres around what was the mostly derelict Markham Colliery site. Over the last 20 years it has been transformed into a prime business location. This latest development adds to its attractions and boosts its ambitions to offer sustainable transport options to those working on the site and those cycling for leisure.

Find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield, a town set up to provide a great work/life balance for people living and working here.

 

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Chesterfield’s Pinewood Properties hits the ESTAS awards for six

A Chesterfield property agent has once again scooped accolades at the prestigious ESTAS awards, achieving national recognition for its services.

Pinewood Properties took home six awards on the evening, adding to its impressive collection of previous wins. The glittering ceremony took place on Friday 18th October in London, hosted by TV personality and property expert Phil Spencer.

The ESTAS Awards highlight the best agents, property lawyers, mortgage brokers and suppliers delivering outstanding customer service. Firms were recognised by county, regionally and nationally. Winners are determined purely on verified reviews from customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received through the whole moving process.

Announcing the winners in front of an audience of 1,000 of the UKs top property professionals, Spencer addressed the audience: “What we’ve created goes way beyond the awards. The ESTAS is now a community of likeminded property professionals all focused on one objective to deliver the best possible service they can time and again for their clients.

“You’ve all been incredibly brave with your businesses, by joining our community you’ve declared your intentions to provide the highest standards of service and you’re prepared to prove it.”

Pinewood’s Managing Director, Stacey Davies-Bowler commented: “An incredible feeling to have won awards at the ESTAS again this year, 7 years winning awards at the ESTAS is quite frankly overwhelming.

“We have come up against stiff competition, they are the best in the country, each time we have come out on top in the East Midlands. The credit for these awards is not solely to me, but the team around me and our high level of customer service.

“There is no greater achievement, reward or testimony than winning awards for your customer service. Hopefully 2025 will be another great year for Pinewood Properties at the ESTAS and the years following that!”

The award win is even more special this year for Pinewood Properties, as the business celebrates its 20th anniversary. Pinewood Properties started life as a lettings and property management company. The firm now boasts a wide range of services, covering just about every sector within the the property market. This includes land sales, property sales and new homes.

Stacey recently held his first free seminar at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium in conjunction with Elliot Mather Solicitors, aimed at supporting landlords or prospective landlords with navigating the renters reform bill 2024. The event was a huge success with over 100 people in attendance.

Looking for the perfect place to live and work? Find out more about what Chesterfield can offer for you and your family: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

Pinewood Properties 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, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised

Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K date confirmed for 2025

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K have confirmed the event is set to come back to the town next year and will take place on its new Spring date of Sunday 11th May 2025.

The route will start and finish in Queens Park and will be centred on the heart of Chesterfield, taking in major landmarks such as the town’s famous crooked spire. It will also feature service and cheer stations on the course and start at 10 am.

As its name suggests, the Redbrik Foundation is once again the title partner of the 10k event, alongside other charity partners Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Cavendish Cancer Care. To date, the event has raised over £230,000 for several charities and good causes.

The Redbrik Foundation is a charitable trust which supports a number of local organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.

John Timms, Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K Event Director, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the event back to Chesterfield for a fourth time in Spring next year.

“When we launched the 10k event back in 2021 it was with a view to deliver a fantastic race for both participants and the local community to engage with and enjoy. To have raised so much money for local charities is a wonderful legacy for the event and one that we are really proud of.

“As event organisers, we once again want to thank event sponsors and partners, and the wider community for their support.

“We also wish to thank our key partners, including Redbrik, as well as Chesterfield Borough Council.”

David Cooper, Trustee of the Redbrik Foundation, said: “We are very proud to support this event, which has so much goodwill from all involved. It has been great to give something back to the town that has continually supported our estate agency business, Redbrik.

“We love this town and we want to see it thrive. Events such as this help to do that, with huge numbers of people coming to Chesterfield from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. I am very much looking forward to seeing the streets filled with runners and supporters on 11 May 2025.”

To enter the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K visit www.chesterfield10k.com

Find out more about some of the fantastic events and activities coming to Chesterfield in 2025: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Chesterfield’s new board game café is now open

After months of anticipation, Chesterfield’s first dedicated board game café is now open to customers.

Board & Bean will bring people together over games of all types and genres, alongside a helping of food & drink.

Co-owner of the new venue, John McAssey commented: “We are overwhelmed at the positivity received when we first announced this a couple of months ago. The people of Chesterfield and surrounding areas have put their trust in us with many becoming members early to help support our project. We have made an inclusive space for all to come and enjoy, relax and socialise.”

John explains the amount of work that he and his team have put into making the space inclusive and accessible: “The floor has been levelled, ramps added and we raised the floor to ensure easy access to our self contained toilets. The tables and games library have been lovingly crafted by Andy who originally had the idea of opening a board game cafe. The building work has been completed by Clinton to a really high standard and he will be in the cafe day to day to ensure everyone has a great experience. Our private Annex room is also available if you need a space away from the main room.”

Whilst in the process of developing the venue into a warm and friendly space for gaming, the Board & Bean team has also established links within the local business community to help support the local economy.

John added: “Growing up in Chesterfield and seeing what great things our town has to offer really cemented that we need to collaborate with other like minded businesses and entrepreneurs. We have been working hard to create a great community within our entertainment and hobby spaces.

“Geeks Headquarters, which offers a one stop shop to get all your gaming needs, have worked with us to provide Board & Bean members with 10% discount on board games. We will be providing Chesterfield Escape Rooms visitors discounts on food and drink. Not forgetting the amazing local groups to provide sessions for people to paint, make comics, play role playing games and a lot more coming soon.

“Our passion project is also focusing on the community working with the Derbyshire Connectors programme bringing people with learning difficulties together. Local groups and charities will be a focus and we are currently working with WORTH, Wee See Hope and Mindsight to provide a space to raise some much needed funds for great causes.

“We love Chesterfield, it is where we have grown up and live. There are some amazing spaces and we want to help shine a light on these while working in partnership. We hope Board & Bean will be an attraction for people to come and visit the town too. Please show your support, we also still do great coffee and cake!”

To find out more about Board & Bean, go to https://boardandbean.co.uk/links

If you want to find out more about planning your day out in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Regional Green Growth triples in 9 years, says new study

Green Growth activity – environmentally sustainable economic growth – from businesses in the East Midlands is three times higher than it was in 2015.

That is according to joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby.

Green Growth Trends research published this week by the two organisations tracks and analyses awareness and engagement with green growth, decarbonisation, and the uptake of nature-based solutions (NBS), based on responses from businesses in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey.

Findings for 2024 reveal a 7% increase from 2023 in East Midlands businesses achieving turnover from the supply of green goods and services, while more than 45% businesses in the region invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, an increase of 6% since 2023.

The research highlights significant difference in Green Growth activity based on the size of a business. Three quarters of large businesses in the East Midlands pursue Green Growth activities but only half of small businesses do, while for micro businesses the figure drops to four out of ten.

Key findings from Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2024

  • 7% more businesses derive turnover from the supply of Green Growth goods and services than in 2023
  • 43% of businesses trade in environmentally friendly goods and services
  • Three quarters of large businesses pursue Green Growth, half of small and four out of ten (39%) micro businesses
  • More than 45% businesses invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, up 6% since 2023
  • Seven out of ten large companies invest in decarbonisation
  • Just over 30% of businesses have never engaged in nature-based solutions over the last 12 months
  • Three in ten businesses have no turnover for green goods and services, 10% lower than in 2023

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said:

“With COP29 just behind us, the publishing of this report is timely and gives assurance, on one hand that East Midlands businesses are prioritising playing their part in the journey toward Net Zero, while also highlighting how much further they still need to go.

“Smaller businesses tend to be behind larger businesses, according to the findings of this research, where fewer staff and more limited resources may create a greater challenge, but it’s important that firms keep going with that mission toward becoming more sustainable and reducing their carbon footprint.”

Derby Business School Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baranova said:

“Seeing a 7% lift in East Midlands businesses benefiting financially by actively pursuing Green Growth is really encouraging, especially as there’s limited support nationally for businesses on their Green Growth journey.

“Larger businesses are well on their way, but micro businesses are lagging behind with just four out of ten embracing Green Growth. It’s important that businesses resist ‘climate fatigue’ and don’t pull back from their effort to embrace and gain from Green Growth.

“With 10% fewer businesses engaged in Green Growth than in 2023, the need to keep Green Growth high up the list of priorities is clearly underlined.”

To view the full Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands report for 2024 click here.

Want support to make your business grow sustainably? Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

East Midlands Chamber and University of Derby 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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Ministry Clothing expands into new store at Vicar Lane

Ministry Clothing, a popular menswear shop in Chesterfield has opened a new, larger store at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

The spacious upgrade, next to F.Hinds, allows Ministry Clothing to expand their collection, now featuring an impressive range of suits alongside their existing offerings.

The store offers a wide range of popular menswear brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Calvin Klein and Fred Perry. Visitors can discover a range of style staples including denim, hoodies, tees, shirts and footwear in a variety of styles for every season.

The announcement adds to the positive news of new shops arriving on Chesterfield’s high street. Recently, Vicar Lane also announced the arrival of Edinburgh Woolen Mill to the town centre.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We are delighted that we have been able to assist Ministry Clothing in providing them with a larger store. We wish them all the best in their new home!”

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

Discover the Charm of Shopping in Chesterfield

Adorn Jewellers Shopping

Chesterfield town centre offers the perfect destination for a memorable day out.

Explore our vibrant town, where shopping meets history and community. With the town’s Railway Station and Coach Station just a short stroll away, getting here couldn’t be easier.

As you wander through Chesterfield, soak in the stunning architecture and the charm of our cobbled streets. Discover unique treasures from independent retailers nestled in The Shambles and The Yards, or head to Vicar Lane and The Pavements Shopping Centre for popular high-street brands, often accompanied by outdoor activities.

Take a break from shopping with a scenic walk to Queen’s Park. Don’t miss a picturesque ride on the miniature train! And don’t forget, a trip to Chesterfield wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints, known for its famous crooked spire!

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Champions continue work in the community

Chesterfield’s community continues to be strengthened through several initiatives to help charities, community groups and people in need.

Our latest news showcases support for our town’s veterans, young people, those who have lost loved ones, and new mothers.

Discover the latest on how Chesterfield Champions have been collaborating to support our community below.

Vicar Lane supports The Children’s Hospital Charity Snowflake Sponsorship

Vicar Lane snowflakes

Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, is delighted to be supporting The Children’s Hospital Charity this Christmas through their snowflake appeal.

Each year businesses are encouraged to sponsor a snowflake which is displayed around locations in Sheffield and South Yorkshire – this year Vicar Lane is thrilled to be one of those locations.

This year, the charity will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their iconic snowflakes, which has raised £2.5 million for the hospital to date.

The initiative brings people together with a shared goal to change the lives of children and their families and to deliver the best possible care. This year’s sponsorship will support the build of Sheffield Children’s brand-new research and technology centre, the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT).

The snowflakes have now been beautifully displayed at Vicar Lane above Qoozies and the Grotto, for families to admire when they visit Santa.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We’re delighted to be part of this initiative and it is lovely to see the businesses that have sponsored the snowflakes on display. They are a lovely touch above our Christmas grotto for everyone to admire”

Sophie Coburn, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity says: “We are so grateful to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre for this sparkling display of Snowflakes adding to our 20th Anniversary Celebrations, a fantastic location in the heart of Chesterfield.”

MP Visits New Veteran Community Hub

vicar lane military hub veterans

Stand To Derbyshire Veteran Community Services (STDVCS) was delighted to welcome Labour MP Toby Perkins to their new Veteran Community Hub at Vicar Lane, Chesterfield on Friday 1st November.

MP Toby Perkins’ visit gave the team an opportunity to discuss with him the success of the hub and the extensive support it has already provided the local community.

Stand To have seen a 300% increase in visits from female veterans and families of veterans, who are struggling to cope with some of the complex issues their partners are experiencing.

Jane Lawther, STDVCS Manager said “We were delighted to welcome MP Toby Perkins to the hub and discuss the benefit of being located in the heart of Chesterfield. We are so pleased about the feedback we are receiving from the veterans that visit and how comfortable they feel to come in for a chat and receive advice’.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “It was great to have the opportunity to talk to Toby Perkins about how this project came to fruition and about my role as a trustee of the charity’

The hub, which opened on 1st October is managed by Stand To Derbyshire Veteran Community Services (STDVCS), who are dedicated to supporting Derbyshire’s Ex-Forces community and their families. The project differs from generic support services by providing a tailored longer-term programme to the Derbyshire Ex- Armed Forces community.

The hub provides a space dedicated for veterans, where they can have a cuppa, chat and a friendly ear. One to one support and extensive resources will be offered, with the chance to talk to a dedicated ex armed forces worker or volunteer.

Support that can be provided ranges from pension enquiries, welfare support, housing, signposting or a referral into STDVCS’s specialised alcohol treatment service.  For further support, the charity can also put veterans in touch with veteran specific organisations.

Daughter backs hospice appeal in memory of ‘courageous’ mum

Ashgate light up a life appeal

 

The daughter of an “adventurous and courageous” mum who received end of life care at Ashgate Hospice has backed the charity’s Light Up a Life appeal in her memory.

Dorothy Greveson was admitted to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Chesterfield before her death last year, aged 63.

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, Dorothy, from Clowne, Derbyshire, spent the final two weeks of her life in “comfort and happiness” thanks to Ashgate’s care.

Her children Stacey, Liam, Louise and Dale, will be dedicating a star in tribute to their mum as part of the Light Up a Life appeal, sponsored by Harrold Lilleker & Sons Ltd.

Stacey Kelly, a teaching assistant, said the hospice treated Dorothy with “patience and empathy” until she died on 30th August.

The 27-year-old said: “Life became extremely tough watching mum get weaker and weaker, but she made it her mission to use the last of her energy chasing the sun!

“She wasn’t ready to go and that was the hardest part of it all – knowing that her age was just a number as she was so young at heart.

“When mum neared the end of her life and she was admitted to Ashgate, it was such a relief as she was finally getting the round-the-clock care she required.

“The setting was so welcoming and there was such a reassuring atmosphere, while the staff showed her so much patience and empathy.

“The care mum and us all received was like nothing else we had experienced.”

The fundraising campaign aims to raise funds so future patients can access the same support Dorothy did when they need it most.

As part of the Light Up a Life appeal, the hospice is inviting families to remember the life of someone special by dedicating a star in the hospice’s virtual night sky.

For a suggested donation of £25, supporters can dedicate a star in memory of someone special.

Once their dedication has been made they will receive an invitation to the hospice’s ceremony on Sunday 1st December 2024.

Like other hospices across the UK, only a fraction of Ashgate Hospice’s funding comes from the NHS, which is 31% in Ashgate’s case.

Support the Light Up a Life appeal and dedicate a star in memory of your loved ones, while helping fund palliative and end of life care across North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital achieves ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award’

Chesterfield royal hospital breast feeding award

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has achieved the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award’ from Derbyshire County Council.

The Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award aims to:

  • Help community venues show they actively welcome and support breastfeeding
  • Support new families to feel confident breastfeeding when out and about
  • Improve awareness about the lifelong benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child
  • Remove any barriers that may prevent people from breastfeeding in public

Having a breastfeeding friendly Trust, families can feel confident to breastfeed in public with the reassurance that staff members are aware of the Equality Act 2010, the law which protects breastfeeding and therefore will support families. The Trust will never ask anybody breastfeeding to move to an unsuitable place or cover up.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital is passionate about supporting patients and the community – an important part of this is making sure that families feel comfortable to feed while out and about, and within the Trust.

This can help reduce feelings of loneliness, improve mental health, reduce stigma, and ease their breastfeeding journey.

Siobhan Almond, Infant Feeding and Wellbeing Lead Midwife, said: “It is a privilege to lead the rollout of this scheme across Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Parents cannot always predict when they will next need to breastfeed their baby or child so it is important that they feel safe and welcome to breastfeed whenever and wherever they need to whilst visiting the Trust.

As a result of collaborative working there are a number of exciting projects and improvements currently happening throughout the Trust in relation to infant feeding. This shows our commitment in supporting and enabling the normalisation of breastfeeding within the hospital for patients, colleagues, and visitors.”

Dotty Watkins OBE, Interim Director of Midwifery, added: “I am delighted beyond measure that Chesterfield Royal Hospital has been awarded the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ award from Derbyshire County Council.  It was a pleasure to be joined by Councillor Carol Hart from Derbyshire County Council and Jenny Godfrey from Public Health Derbyshire County Council, who presented the award.  There have been so many people who have made this possible, though special thanks must go to the Perinatal Infant Feeding Team, Siobhan Almond, Amiee Leatherday, Rachel Payne and Denise Pemberton.  Thanks also to the executive support of Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, and Caroline Wade MBE, Trust Infant Feeding Guardian, for their support throughout the journey.  To have strong leadership support for getting the basis right in our service, certainly makes a difference.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chesterfield Royal Hospital on board.

“We know how important it is to ensure that breastfeeding parents feel safe and encouraged to feed their children in public.

“We hope that lots more Derbyshire businesses will sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award.”

If you would like to see all local venues who are part of the scheme, please visit the DCHS’s Breastfeeding Welcome Online Directory and Interactive Map Breastfeeding your baby.

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East Midlands given £40million to boost bus services 

Over £40million is being given to the East Midlands Combined County Authority to invest in bus services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The funding, which comes from the Government, will aim to keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) will get the funding as they are now the official Local Transport Authority. The plan is to work closely with partner councils and bus operators to develop the bus network further and discuss how to share the funding to get the best use of it.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Improving our bus services is about more than just getting people from A to B—it’s about transforming lives and communities. This funding is a fantastic opportunity to connect people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, making it easier to access jobs, skills training, health appointments, and our incredible tourist attractions. Reliable, affordable buses are the lifeblood of our region, bringing people closer to opportunity and helping businesses to thrive.

“By working closely with councils and operators, we’ll make sure every penny of this funding makes a difference, creating a bus network that our communities can depend on and be proud of. Together, we’re building a region where everyone has the chance to succeed.”

This money is part of the Governments wider £955 million to support bus services until 2026. With £712 million going to local authorities to improve bus services, and a further £243 million for bus operators.

EMCCA, as the lead on local transport, will work across the region with key partners to transform transport for people who live, work and do business or visit the region. This includes plans to deliver improvements to routes, ticketing, and passenger information, plus making transport connections better across the region.

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