About Chesterfield

Business hopes Queen’s speech vote will bring period of stability

29th June 2017

Business is hoping for a period of stability after tonight when a vote by MPs on adoption of the Queen’s speech could determine whether Theresa May has a mandate to govern.

Confidence has been hit three times in the past two years with two General Elections and the outfall of the EU Referendum, but despite the uncertainties created by those events the regional economy has remained robust.

Business remains bullish about the future, according to the latest research by East Midlands Chamber covering the second quarter of the year.

But recruitment remains a perennial issue for employers and there are still concerns over future price rises and their impact on margins.

In the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2017, 43% of respondents reported growth in domestic performance in the second three months of the year and 40% expected improvements in the third quarter.

A further 37% said performance had remained constant and 45% expected consistency over the next three months.

A similar picture emerged for performance in overseas markets where the significant growth recorded in the post-referendum period of 2016 continued unabated in both the first and second quarters of 2017.

With continuing political uncertainty, almost two-thirds of respondents (63%) said they expected prices to remain about the same over the coming three months but a third (32%) said they expected prices to rise in the short term, suggesting continued upward pressure on inflation as the year progresses.

The volatility of exchange rates continues to inhibit the ability of exporters to plan ahead, the survey showed. Although advantageous for companies manufacturing in the UK and exporting, the relatively weak pound creates challenges for importers.

As a result of the weakened pound, inflation has risen to 2.9%, a rate not seen since Q2 2013. With inflation expected to continue through the latter stages of 2017, evidence suggests companies will eventually pass cost increases on to customers.

Business confidence in respect of both profitability and turnover remained relatively robust in Q2 2017. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they anticipated turnover would increase in the coming three months, with 57% expecting profitability to increase in the short-term.

Almost two-thirds of companies (64%) said they expected their labour force to remain constant. Respondents said they continued to have difficulty recruiting suitably-skilled staff, particularly to professional and managerial roles.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at the Chamber, said:-

“Businesses in the East Midlands continue to drive forward with growth plans, regardless of the obstacles being thrown up.

“With Brexit negotiations now underway, it is essential that Government works with businesses in this region to ensure the real life experiences of the wealth generators informs the discussions that take place.

“However, while the these negotiations will inevitably form the backdrop against which the economy performs over coming months, the day-to-day concerns of business relate more strongly to the domestic issues that remain in our gift to control.

“As we look to show the UK as a being a place for investment and where business gets done, it is essential that we inject momentum into major local and national infrastructure schemes that have already been agreed and announced.

“We need to cut back on the high upfront costs that businesses face – around things such as business rates and employment – and move forward with an industrial strategy that recognises the strengths of what East Midlands businesses bring to the national economy.

“Uncertainty is a killer of confidence. More than anything, businesses want to see a functioning and capable Government that can deliver on the day-to-day priorities of businesses and communities as well as handle the strategic discussions that must now take place.

“A strong partnership between Government and business has to be a cornerstone of making this happen.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Stone commemorating the Battle of Chesterfield to be unveiled

29th June 2017

Permission for the installation of a stone commemorating the Battle of Chesterfield in the churchyard of the Crooked Spire has now been obtained.

The Stone, paid for by a contribution from the Derbyshire County Council Leadership Fund and organised by ex Chesterfield Borough Council Councillor Keith Morgan, will be unveiled on Saturday 8^th July.

The official unveiling will include a performance from Baldwin’s Wake (a medieval style band), speeches from local Councillors and the Chair of Chesterfield 750, a local community group that have commissioned the stone.

Last year community group Chesterfield 750, together with Swords of Mercia and Chesterfield Borough Council, teamed together to create an event in New Square on the anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield. Alongside dancing, reenactments and trial by combat, the highlight of the event was a re-enactment of Robert de Ferrers being brought out of the ‘Crooked Spire’ and paraded through town on a medieval style cart that visitors built.

The unveiling of the commemorative stone will be the final official act of the Chesterfield 750 group, who have been involved in a number of celebratory events over the last year. However, members of the group are still available to provide educational talks on the Battle when required.

The commemorative stone and Battle of Chesterfield event would not have been possible without the support of local business including Chesterfield Borough Council, Yorkshire Bank, Brampton Brewery, Banner Jones, S40 local, The Cheese Factor, East Midlands Chamber, Progression Accountancy and Ibbotson’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Classical singer to launch debut album at Chesterfield store

28th June 2017

Classical singer Carly Paoli will be celebrating the release of her debut album ‘Singing My Dreams’ (released June 30^th) with a special in-store event at Tallbird Records. Carly will be signing copies of the record from 15:00 on July 1^st 2017.

The former Directions Theatre Arts student has been sharing stages with Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras and Elaine Paige, can count the Pope, Prince Charles and Dame Helen Mirren amongst her fans, and recently received an award in Italy previously presented to Luciano Pavarotti. Now the classical singer is coming back to Chesterfield to launch her album.

Carly explains:-

“I called the album ‘Singing My Dreams’ as it is the product of what I have been dreaming of my whole life. Chesterfield is a very special place for me; in my teens DTA was like a second home, it is where I made some of my happiest memories and developed so much as an artist, and my time there certainly played a major role in my journey.”

‘Singing My Dreams’, which features a rare duet with José Carreras (the iconic En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor), is a beautiful collection of classical and classic pieces, as well as original compositions – some of which feature co-writing credits with Ennio & Andrea Morricone and James Horner, having written English lyrics for Se Tu Fossi (Cinema Paradiso) and the theme from ‘Legends of the Fall’ which now bears the title ‘Memory of You’.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champion celebrate 15 years

28th June 2017

This year Chesterfield Champions, Helen’s Trust, celebrate 15 years of supporting people with a terminal illness to remain in their own homes at the end of their lives.

They recently held an afternoon tea celebration for all their supporters, to say thank you for their commitment and hard work over the years. The event was funded by The Big Lottery Celebrate England Fund and was held at County Hall in Matlock.

Zoe Woodward, Fundraising and Business Manager at Helen’s Trust, said:-

“It was fantastic to be able to thank all of our supporters in this way. Helen’s Trust is mainly funded by voluntary donations and we ensure these funds are used directly to provide much needed care. To receive funds from The Big Lottery specifically to throw a party for everyone who has helped the charity over the years was a real treat”

Helen’s Trust seeks to remove the barriers that prevent people with a terminal illness remaining at home if they wish to do so, they are able to provide help to anyone, with any terminal illness free of charge.

Dr Louise Jordan, Helen’s Trust Chair of Trustees and founding member, said:-

“We are passionate about ensuring that people with a terminal illness who wish to remain in their own home are able to do so. Helen’s Trust are incredibly creative in finding solutions which suit the individual and their needs. We offer respite care in the home, night sits to enable the main carer to get a good nights sleep, equipment and whatever it takes to honour the dignity and wishes of those with a terminal illness. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support or our fantastic volunteers, businesses, fundraisers and donors.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield looking forward to a successful Festival

28th June 2017

After a two successful ICC Women’s World Cup warm–up matches, the town is preparing to welcome the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The picturesque ground held two international fixtures, England versus Sri Lanka and India versus Sri Lanka, in the lead up to the global cricket tournament.

The games took place ahead of the week-long festival, which will feature a four-day Specsavers County Championship match versus Durham and a NatWest T20 Blast fixture against Yorkshire Vikings.

Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed that it has completed a comprehensive programme of work over the winter to improve drainage at Queen’s Park.

Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns the picturesque ground, carried out a full review of drainage using CCTV cameras and found some roots from nearby mature trees had caused a blockage and partial collapse of the drainage system.

A comprehensive programme of work has been carried out to minimise future drainage problems. This includes;

Installing new drainage at the boundary near South Lodge, down the field in the direction of the bandstand and near the cricket pavilion
Replacing old pipework in gullies with new plastic pipes
Using water jets to ensure all pipework is clear of blockages
Re-turfing areas of the ground impacted by the work
Putting in place a revised maintenance regime and phased replacement of drainage to prevent problems returning in the future

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“By using CCTV cameras we were able to identify there had been a partial collapse of the drainage so we decided to carry out a comprehensive improvement programme.

“While no cricket ground in the country can ever claim it won’t suffer from any drainage issues after high volumes of rain, we believe that the work carried out will prevent a repeat of the issues that were experienced last year where the drainage problems continued for some time after the rain had stopped.

“We look forward to welcoming both Durham and Yorkshire to the ground as they take on Derbyshire during the course of the popular cricket festival. We are proud to support the festival which promises to be a great week’s cricket and will bring lots of visitors to the town benefitting local businesses.”

Simon Storey, Chief Executive at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, added:-

“We have worked closely with Chesterfield Borough Council following last year’s event and a full programme of drainage improvements have taken place which will significantly reduce the risk of any future drainage issues.

“Chesterfield is a special venue for cricket and we’re delighted with the response we have received for this year’s festival. The popular NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings is set to be another sell out, while the traditional first-class fixture, this year versus Durham, is always well attended.

“Queen’s Park is one of the most picturesque venues in the game and we’re committed to returning for years to come.”

The festival, which runs from Monday 3 July to Saturday 8 July, features a four-day Specsavers County Championship match between Derbyshire and Durham.

It concludes with the traditional local NatWest T20 Blast derby versus Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday 8 July, which is on course to be a sell-out with only 500 tickets still available.

Tickets for the matches are available from Chesterfield’s Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square or online at derbyshireccc.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Knight Frank appointed to Chesterfield’s biggest vacant office space

26th June 2017

Commercial property agent Knight Frank has been appointed to find new tenants for the biggest vacant office space in Chesterfield.

Knight Frank, through its Sheffield office, has been hired by FI Real Estate Management to market the 44,000 sq ft former Royal Mail building on Boythorpe Road in Chesterfield.

The modern, four storey office building, now known as The HQ, sits in a central position in the market town and has recently become available following a reorganisation within Royal Mail which freed up this building.

Knight Frank is seeking tenants for the whole building or for individual floors of approximately 11,000 sq ft, at a rental asking price of £12.50 per sq ft per year.

Peter Whiteley, head of office at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said:-

“The HQ is the largest vacant office space available in Chesterfield. It became available following a reorganisation within Royal Mail which freed up the front building of this development. Royal Mail still operate from the original Rowland Hill House in the building at the rear of The HQ.

“The self contained building is finished to Grade A specification on a secure site and delivers a flexible working environment to meet the demands of modern business combined with generous on site car parking.

“While it is envisaged that the whole accommodation could be taken by a call centre or similar operation, it could also be taken on a floor by floor basis for other employment purposes such as smaller technology or creative industry companies.”

Features at The HQ include 147 car parking spaces, double glazing and air conditioning, raised access floors and full DDA compliancy.

Historic market town Chesterfield nestles on the edge of the Peak District National Park and has a population of approximately 103,800. It has excellent links to the motorway network, via Junctions 29 and 30 of the M1 and is well served with train connectivity, including fast links to the capital and a proposed HS2 station in the future. It also benefits from being well located within easy access of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

The HQ is located within walking distance of Chesterfield town centre and Chatsworth Road. Giving access to award winning restaurants and bars, independent and high street shopping, Chesterfield market and the famous crooked spire. The site is adjacent to the picturesque Queen’s Park and the new Queen’s Park Sports centre with its state of the art gym and pool.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager at Destination Chesterfield, said:-

“Chesterfield is the perfect location for your business. North Derbyshire is cost-effective, well-connected and full of potential. By locating to Chesterfield, you will join businesses from world-leading manufacturers to multinational communication companies. Enterprises of every kind already benefit from our positive approach and superb travel links.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield architect named one of the UK’s top architects for the third consecutive year

26th June 2017

National design practice Whittam Cox are celebrating their ranking as a UK Top Architect for the third consecutive year.

The company, based in Chesterfield, and involved in major residential and retail projects across the Sheffield region, was placed 81st in the elite list, according to the AJ100, an industry survey compiled by leading publication Architects Journal.

The latest ranking improves on last year’s performance, and sees Whittam Cox Architects positioned alongside other top practices such as Foster and Partners, BDP, Sheppard Robson, Allies and Morrison and others.

It reinforces the award-winning reputation of the company, which is one of largest architects practices based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire region.

Whittam Cox’s local portfolio includes the Boundary Corner development of apartments and a new club shop at the Cherry Street/Shoreham Street corner of Sheffield United’s stadium, St James Retail Park on the site of the former Norton College, student accommodation in Matilda Street in Sheffield city centre, a residential development in Kelham Island and updating the masterplan for Chesterfield town centre.

Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox, commented:-

“We are on an incredible journey of evolution at Whittam Cox Architects. We are diversifying and growing in many new sectors. Our long-standing retail led activity remains really important to us, but over the last few years we have been active in new markets such as residential, student living, education, offices and commercial development.

This year has been a particularly exciting time for Whittam Cox, formerly WCEC. The launch of their rebrand in February saw a refreshing of their image to better reflect the company today – conveying a stronger message about the values of the practice and internally reinforcing an exceptional team culture.

Current appointments/projects for Whittam Cox Architects further afield include multiple framework accounts for major retailers, a large mixed-use development Gloucester, residential schemes at Royal Wharf in London and Middlewood Locks in Greater Manchester and national student accommodation schemes.

architect

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local Hospice becomes main charity partner for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

26th June 2017

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that they have been named as this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon main charity partner.

The event, which will take place this year on Sunday 22nd October, will be supported by Ashgate Hospicecare who will refund runners their entry fee if over £100 sponsorship is raised for the Hospice.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:-

“I am delighted to be the first person to sign up for this amazing event. Ashgate Hospicecare is a very important and vital charity for the people of Chesterfield. The half marathon is another fantastic event to add to the Chesterfield calendar.”

Esther Preston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Ashgate Hospicecare, who will also be taking part in the event, said:-

“I am so pleased to be chosen for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield half marathon.”

“At this moment in time, there are 16 families a week in North Derbyshire who need hospice care but can’t access it. Ashgate Hospicecare needs to recruit more nurses and events like this will make it easier for us to reach everyone who needs us.”

“We know the tremendous difference hospice care makes to families like Benji’s and hope people across North Derbyshire will get involved with this event to ensure no one has to go without the support they need.”

John Bennett was diagnosed with skin and lung cancer in 2006 and was later referred to Ashgate Hospicecare. John, affectionately known by his family and friends as Benji, received care in his own home before being admitted to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit where he later died. He was 51. His son, Matt Bennett, shares his experience of the time he spent at Ashgate.

Matt says:-

“My dad stayed on the hospice’s ward for a week before he died. That week’s stay was, for us as a family, a relief. He died with dignity which we can’t thank Ashgate Hospicecare enough for. But it wasn’t just the way they treated him, it was the way they treated his friends and family too – especially my mum. Without them, we didn’t have the knowledge we needed to support him.”

There has already been interest from numerous runners across Chesterfield so make sure to sign up as soon as possible. Ashgate Hospicecare will support all runners with their fundraising as well as provide running vests.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“Being involved in Chesterfield is something which is extremely important to us. We started our business four years ago and the town has been receptive to us so we really wanted to put something back into the community. Especially supporting local charities like Ashgate Hospicecare, which is such a phenomenal charity that helps so many people.

“We encourage all local businesses in the area to get behind this event, run for Ashgate Hospicecare and raise as much money as they can for this wonderful charity.”

Race director John Timms from MLS Contracts added:-

“We are really pleased to be working with Ashgate Hospice as our main charity partner for the next five years. The Hospice provides such an important service for the families in the region and the team and staff at Ashgate have already proven to be very valuable partners to the half marathon. We look forward to helping the Ashgate raise more money for its much needed services.”

If you would like to sign up for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield half marathon, register here for just £18 and make a huge difference to patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Ashgate Hopsice also need over 200 marshals cheering on the runners as they take on the route. Is this something you could help with? If so, please contact their events team at events@ashgatehospicescare.org.uk or call us on 01246 233404.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Joanne Clifton and Ben Adams to star in Flashdance at Pomegranate Theatre

23rd June 2017

Flashdance – The Musical returns to the UK for the first time since 2011 starring Strictly favourite Joanne Clifton and singer-songwriter Ben Adams, and will arrive at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield on Wed 8 – Sat 11 November 2017.

Strictly Come Dancing Champion Joanne Clifton is no stranger to being at the top, as she is also a World & European Champion ballroom dancer, and is one of very few pro dancers to have won both the main Strictly glitter ball with Ore Oduba last year and the Christmas Special in 2015 with Harry Judd.

She is now excited to take on her latest starring role as Alex Owens in the UK Tour of Flashdance. Joanne says:-

“This is just another dream come true! I think everyone in the world whether dancer or non-dancer, as soon as they hear ‘What a Feeling’, remember that iconic scene at the end of the film and I’m so incredibly lucky that I get to do that every night in a UK TOUR along with fabulous numbers like “She’s a Maniac.” I’m over the moon!

“It’s another amazing opportunity in my musical theatre career and I can once again sing and act alongside dancing! I just hope the water’s not too cold when it falls on me!’

Ben Adams who will join Joanne on stage as Nick Hurley has been singing and performing since the age of 8. At 16, he became the lead singer of the band a1, who racked up 10 million record sales, 2 UK number ones, 5 studio albums and toured throughout the world, winning a Brit award among many others.

When the band split, Ben took to the studio and is now a successful song writer and producer, working with the likes of Robin Thicke, Craig David, JLS, Ward Thomas, Sam Bailey, Boyzone and Alexandra Burke to name but a few. He also reached the final of Celebrity Big Brother, the Norwegian version of Strictly Come Dancing, and Master Chef in Denmark. As well as writing for other artists, he went straight to number 1 in the itunes charts with his classical album titled One Beautiful Mourning. His first solo album 1981 will be launched early 2018.

In 2010, a1 reformed and having successfully completed stadium tours in Asia and 68 sold out arena concerts across Europe, they starred in The Big Reunion on ITV2 and played arenas across the country.  They continue to tour throughout the world.

Ben says of taking to the stage in Flashdance:-

“It’s amazing to be part of such an iconic story, and as an 80’s child I was brought up on this music so I couldn’t be happier playing Nick in the theatre production of Flashdance.

“Whilst I continue with my own music career and touring with a1, Musical Theatre has always been a real passion of mine, so to be asked to play this role, and to be working with such an amazing cast and crew is a real honour.

“I look forward to seeing you all out on the road in the coming months”

Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to this iconic score, including the smash hits Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock & Roll and the award-winning title track Flashdance – What a Feeling.

Book your tickets here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

University of Derby achieves gold for teaching excellence

22nd June 2017

The University of Derby has been awarded Gold by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in the country’s first ever Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), putting it in the top 20% of all providers in the UK.

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Derby delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students, and is of the highest quality found in the UK.

In its decision letter, HEFCE highlighted the University’s engagement with employers, personalised learning, engagement of students, outstanding resources, and its culture of excellent teaching, as particular areas of strength.

TEF links the funding of Higher Education to teaching quality. It has been introduced by the Government to encourage and raise the profile of teaching excellence in universities and colleges and is intended to help people choose where to study, by providing clear information about teaching provision and student outcomes.

The University is currently rated number one in the East Midlands for the employability of its students, is one of the top 20 UK universities for teaching quality, and has invested £150m in its facilities over the past 10 years.

In October 2016, the University of Derby opened the doors to its new campus at the St Helena building, formerly Chesterfield Girls High School. Built in 1845 from local stone, this striking Grade II listed building has been transformed to provide state of the art, world class university facilities that will inspire future generations of Nursing, Health, Business, Computing, Law and Engineering students.

The campus has strong links with IISE and will provide local engineering companies with resources for research and innovation. There are also Incubator Units available to the local business community.

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, said:-

“I am incredibly proud that the University has been awarded a Gold rating for teaching excellence.

“We have built a strong reputation in terms of our teaching quality, and the Gold rating is confirmation that we are delivering to the highest standard. We put our students at the heart of everything we do and are pleased to see that our excellent student experience, and the hard work of our staff, is recognised in the TEF.

“We have huge ambitions for the University and our students, and this Gold rating provides the perfect platform on which to further build our academic quality and our regional, national and international impact in the months and years to come.”

Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said:-

“Students invest significant amounts of time and money in their higher education. They rightly expect a high-quality learning experience and outcomes that reflect their potential. The UK already has a high bar for quality and standards, which all universities and colleges must meet. But the TEF judges excellence above and beyond this, clearly showing the highest levels across the sector.

“The TEF measures the things that students themselves say they care about: high-quality, engaged teaching and a supportive, stimulating learning environment which equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their potential, and then to progress to a good job or further study.”

There are limited places at the University of Derby Chesterfield Campus available across a range of courses for those looking to start University this September. For those interested in a 2018 start, the University’s next Open Day at the Chesterfield Campus will be will be held on the Saturday 23rd September and Saturday 11th November.

University of Derby

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Peaks Quirky Cows hit the Heights

22nd June 2017

Life-size model cows that wowed both the judges and the crowds at the first-ever RHS Chatsworth Flower Show have found the perfect home and will stay together as a herd in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Three beautiful beasts – all eye-catching features in official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Silver-Gilt Medal winning show garden – have been put out to pasture at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath.

The quirky cows – sprayed in metallic colours and ‘branded’ with a blue and white hand-painted circular motif – are destined to be a whimsical talking point for visitors at Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attraction high above the Derwent Valley.

Rupert Pugh, Director at The Heights of Abraham, said:-

“We are delighted that we are able to welcome all three of the quirky cows and keep them in the Peak District. We hope that visitors to The Heights will enjoy the opportunity to see these contemporary, captivating sculptures for many years to come.

“With the main access to The Heights via cable car, it’s certainly been a challenge to transport the cows safely to the top – a very unusual load and not something you would expect to see travelling across the A6!”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, added:-

“It’s great news that the cows, which were a real talking point throughout the RHS Chatsworth show, will stay together on home soil so that even more people who come to the area in future can enjoy them.

“We’re really grateful to The Heights of Abraham for giving them long-term grazing rights in one of the most scenic locations in the area.”

RHS Chelsea Flower Show award winning designer Lee Bestall, who designed the tourist board’s Experience Peak District & Derbyshire show garden at Chatsworth (June 7 to 11), was inspired to include the cows after reading a comment by Sir George Sitwell that white cows could be made more interesting if painted with a blue pattern.

One of the cows is sprayed copper, another chrome/silver and the third gold, based on an original concept by Hathersage-based artists Becky Pytches and Rob Hopper. University intern Marion Leclerc (21) from Nantes, France, currently working with Lee and his team at Bestall & Co, then hand-painted a Willow pattern inspired ‘brand’ on the rump of each animal.

Meanwhile the show garden – featuring wild flower strewn meadows leading via a mown path and stone ha-ha to clipped topiary and herbaceous planting favoured by the area’s great country houses – is also flourishing.

It has been recreated at Renishaw Hall & Gardens, north Derbyshire by Lee and his team – all of whom are based there – to attract and inspire even more garden and plant lovers in the future.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting