Chesterfield Theatres have announced that Lee Latchford-Evans from pop super group Steps will headline in the title role of this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre.
Lee joined pop phenomenon Steps in 1997 and achieved huge success with the band selling in excess of 21 million records worldwide and winning numerous awards including the prestigious BRIT award for Best Live Act in 2000.
After a decade apart pursuing individual projects, Steps re-formed in 2011 with top-rated fly-on-the wall documentary Steps Reunion. The overwhelming popularity with which Steps’ return was received sparked a second TV series, Steps on the Road, a sell-out arena tour and a No. 1 album.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2017, Steps released their fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor which, again, topped the charts and had a sell-out arena tour, Party on the Dancefloor, leading to their epic outdoor Summer of Steps Tour in 2018. Following this, the band announced that they will be starting work on their hotly anticipated sixth studio album in 2019.
Away from the band, experienced actor Lee has also starred in musicals in London’s West End including playing Teen Angel in Grease, Niko Nikovsky in Eurobeat and touring with the stage version of All Creatures Great and Small. Lee’s feature films include Cash & Curry, The Rizen, DeadRinger and, most recently, horror comedy Paintball Massacre which completed filming in 2019. He has also starred in numerous pantomimes throughout the UK.
Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect Jack for Chesterfield’s panto. Lee has charm, good looks and, of course, an outstanding singing voice making him a ‘Step’ above the rest.”
With floor-filling songs, rip-roaring comedy, awe-inspiring special effects and a magical story that all the family can enjoy, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be Chesterfield’s most STEP-tacular panto yet!
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.
Chesterfield College Art and Design student, Hetty Stewart has been announced as the winner of the Christmas card design competition organised by Toby Perkins, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield.
Over 3,000 cards showing her winning design have been printed and sent out to Chesterfield residents, businesses, organisations, MPs and dignitaries such as the Queen and Prime Minister.
Hetty and four of her fellow students attended a presentation event in the Mayor’s office. All of the designs included stunning festive designs capturing certain elements of the local area.
Students, parents, college staff, councillors and local businesses who had sponsored this year’s card were at the presentation.
Toby set the students the challenge earlier in the year and he had high expectations for the winning design: “The quality of entries this year has been excellent and made it difficult to pick an overall winner. The use of colour, the thematic content and the exceptional artwork from all the entrants should make Chesterfield College very proud. My winner for this year was Hetty Stewart’s fantastic depiction of Chesterfield town centre at Christmas, which is bright, festive, and has a great attention to detail. Hetty has clearly put a lot of work into her design and I would like to say well done to her and all the runners-ups.”
Hetty said: “It feels amazing that my design will be sent to so many people including the Queen! It was a great project to work on. I wanted to capture all of the unique things about Chesterfield in my design. I chose to use watercolours because they are my favourite medium. It took me about 8 hours to finish the design but I am really pleased with the end result.”
Other Chesterfield College finalists in the competition were:
Chesterfield FC Community Trust recently arranged for Spireites players and management staff to visit Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, spreading some festive cheer.
Manager Martin Allen confessed afterwards to having experienced mixed emotions, praising the positivity of those at the hospice facing terminal illness.
He said: “Some of them may not make Christmas, but they’re happy and enjoying themselves and they made us so welcome. I think we can all learn from people who are so happy, with their bright outlook on life.”
The players and management chatted to patients and staff at Ashgate and a buffet lunch was laid on, which was paid for by the players.
To add to the festive mood, a few Christmas carols were sung. “We had a sing-off against the staff and patients,” said Martin. “I was the judge and we beat them so it was great to get another win under our belts.”
Sue Whitfield, who attends the Day Hospice, thanked the club for the visit. She said: “It was such a wonderful surprise to meet everyone. They were all so friendly and it was really fantastic to have them over.
“It was really lovely to know that we’re thought about – especially at this time of year – and supported as well.”
The next stop was Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where the Spireites party handed out presents to children on the wards and posed for photos with patients and their families.”
Martin said: “It was good to walk along the corridors, meet people of all ages and see the happiness it brings to the children and families.”
“It is such an honour and a privilege to do it and bring some happiness into people’s lives. This again reinforces the responsibilities we’ve all got with our community to try and build our club and bring happiness to the town.”
With its official opening day on Wednesday 19th December, Chesterfield Craft aims to become the biggest source of craft beer and ales in Chesterfield town centre.
Stocking beers from local brewers such as Thornbridge, Buxton and Abbeydale, national craft brewers such as Magic Rock, Cloudwater and Loka Polly and from overseas brewers such as To-Ol, Lervig and Basqueland Brewing Project, Chesterfield Craft looks to provide a real alternative for the people of Chesterfield.
Open until 6pm Monday to Saturday, customers can call in after work to pick up a craft beer or two to enjoy in the evening. Located at 12a Saltergate, in between Lime Living and the Spire Frier, it is within a few steps of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, and the Cavendish Street bus stops.
The new shop will offer take-out sales only, allowing customers to buy beers and ales to be enjoyed at home. There will also be a home delivery service for customers who cannot make it to the shop, with same day delivery available for orders completed before 4pm.
Richard Young, Owner and Director of Chesterfield Craft, said: “If there’s a brewery whose beers you’d like to see us stock, just let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you are a local brewery, please get in touch if you’d like to see your products in our shop – we’d love to have you!”
Peak FM has launched its Give a Child a Smile campaign, during which it is collecting new and unwrapped toys and gifts for underprivileged children across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Sam Fielding, Station Director at Peak FM said: “We are grateful that once again Peak FM can help to make a difference in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. Give a Child a Smile is the name of our Toy Appeal this year and we are relying on the generosity of local people and businesses to help us collect toys for children who may otherwise go without this Christmas. We are asking people to pick up just one extra new and unwrapped toy or gift when doing their Christmas shopping and donate it at one of our official drop off points. We’d love as many people as possible to get involved and donate.”
Toys and gifts are being sought for boys and girls in the following age categories;
0 – 12 months
12 months – 3yrs
3 – 5yrs
6 – 8yrs
9 – 12yrs
12 – 18yrs
Drop off points in Chesterfield are at Tesco Extra, Queens Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley. The final date to drop off donations is the 18th December.
Toys and gifts will be collected from Peak FM by the local charities and organisations and distributed at Christmas. Charities and organisations can also apply here to be considered for toy and gift donations.
Families who use Gussie’s Kitchen in Chesterfield met a real life Cinderella and Prince Charming this week as stars from the forthcoming Cinderella pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre visited the project.
Children’s TV favourite Naomi Wilkinson, who stars as Cinderella in the production, visited along with X Factor singer Rhydian Roberts who plays Prince Charming.
Both were impressed with the social eating project at Saints Augustine Church on Derby Road, which provides hot, healthy meals to local people weekly and gives the chance for people who may be isolated to meet and chat together.
They spent time speaking to people who use the project and the volunteers who prepare the food each week.
Naomi Wilkinson said: “It’s been really great to visit Gussie’s Kitchen and meet the lovely people who work here and volunteer here offering this delicious food to some people who really need it.”
“There’s a lovely atmosphere in this social space for people who need some companionship and a little bit of extra help.”
Rhydian Roberts added: “There are a lot of children here who are looking forward to the panto. One girl kept jumping up and down, she couldn’t believe Cinderella was in front of her.”
The project has received funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council and is supported by local Tesco branches and Saints Augustine Church.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “All the children were excited to meet Cinderella and Prince Charming.”
“They have been so good, having their photos taken with the children and serving the food. We’re really grateful to the pantomime stars.”
Cinderella runs at the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, from Saturday 1 December to Sunday 6 January. Click here for more information.
Residents and visitors can experience the magic of Chesterfield Borough Council’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Sunday 18 November.
The event begins from noon with fairground rides and an indoor and outdoor market with stalls offering the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for loved ones. Chesterfield Market Café will also be open within Chesterfield Market Hall.
Youngsters can meet Paddington Bear will in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre at noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.
Santa will also be in residence in Chesterfield Market Hall, on the mezzanine level overlooking the Market Café. Children can meet Santa from 11am to 3.30pm. A visit to Santa will cost £4.50 and each child will receive a present.
The Christmas lights stage show will get underway at 3.30pm with Peak FM providing entertainment.
As well as local acts, stars from Cinderella, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre will perform on stage with the switch-on taking place by Chesterfield’s mayor, pantomime stars and Paddington at 4.45pm.
For more information about Sunday’s event click here.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Our annual Christmas lights switch-on is a great event for all the family to enjoy with the opportunity to meet Paddington Bear and Santa.”
“We provide the event as part of our commitment to supporting the local economy and as well as the market and Market Hall, many of our town centre shops, cafés and restaurants will also be open on the day.”
Chesterfield borough residents can use their free parking pass to park for free at the following council-run car parks:
As we enter the Christmas holiday season, Chesterfield Champion Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice is asking local businesses and residents to ‘spare a toy and share some joy’ and support them in their Christmas Toy Appeal. All gifts received will be donated to the Nightingale Ward of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
The Nightingale Ward is a dedicated paediatric ward which offers acute medical care to all children and young people aged from 1 day old, up to their 17th birthday.
Every year, many children spend their Christmas on the Nightingale Ward. At such a special time of year, Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice would like to bring some additional Christmas cheer to these children and their families.
Adviser Donna Robertson said: “Helping our local children is a cause very close to our hearts and we thought this is the perfect opportunity to give back!”
Donations can be dropped off at the Jones & Co office, 27 Glumangate, Chesterfield S40 1TX. Gifts can be donated up to the 14th of December, allowing plenty of time for Santa to deliver the gifts to the children on the ward. Please note, all gifts must be new and unwrapped.
All who enter Chatsworth this Christmas will find themselves transported into a world of make-believe as it presents ‘Once Upon a Time’; a selection of favourite stories to enchant young and old alike.
Scenes from classic tales are woven throughout the Chatsworth House to create a storybook world guaranteed to set imaginations running wild this Christmas season, running from November 10 to January 6.
Arthur the dragon guards the overgrown North Entrance and those who creep past him to the grand rooms beyond will find themselves surrounded by scenes from family favourites.
From Snow White in the Sculpture Gallery and Cinderella in the Chapel to more recent classics like James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte’s Web, the house has never before been host to such an array of popular characters.
Storytellers with the air of the Pied Piper will roam the rooms and corridors to enchant visitors with mystical tales as they explore the magical land of make-believe. For younger visitors, a free family trail will be available at the entrance with a friendly baby dragon to spot en route.
It wouldn’t be Christmas at Chatsworth without a huge helping of dressed Christmas trees along the route, and don’t miss the mirrors on the wall for the perfect photo opportunity. There will costumes to try on for those who want to get into character too. As an enchanting end to the route, snowball decorations swirl around The Snowman in the Vestibule and snowflake lights glitter in the pale glow of the Sculpture Gallery.
Once again, the creative team at Chatsworth has produced a Christmas experience that draws on the talents of the staff from across the estate to make costumes, props and sets as well as painting, decorating, printing and staging with lighting, sounds and scents.
The Christmas route winds its way through the ground, lower floors and guest apartments on the upper floor. A timed ticketing system will be in operation, with visitors encouraged to book online in advance to secure their preferred time slot and take advantage of free parking.
The popular Chatsworth Christmas market will be running from 16 November to 4 December. With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it’s a great way to start the festive season.
Entrance to ‘Once Upon a Time’ is included with Christmas admission. Christmas tickets include the house, garden and farmyard are priced at £25 per adult; £15 per child and £69 per family (2 adults, 3 children).
Also at Chatsworth this Christmas, take part in the Traditional Christmas Decorations Workshop on the 9th or 13th December, where using natural materials from the Chatsworth Estate, you will make some special decorations to take home for Christmas or give as a gift.
You can also join the Christmas Willow Workshop on the 12th December where you weave your own willow angels, stars and wreaths to decorate your home or garden this Christmas, led by basket maker Maggie Cooper on the 12th December.
Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.
Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.
Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.
“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”
Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.
Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”
This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.
Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.
Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.
More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.
Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.
“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.
“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”
Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”
Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.
Ashoka Sen, from Holymoorside, who is a Day Hospice patient at Ashgate Hospicecare in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, has decided to donate her lifetime of artwork to raise funds for the Hospice. These intricate and vibrant paintings, prints and merchandise will initially be sold in the Hospice shop and at the Hospice’s Christmas Market on Saturday 17th November 2018.
Ashoka has a life-limiting illness which means that her health is declining day to day. Her right arm does not work as well as it used to, and so she cannot paint large paintings as she once did. However, she still enjoys doing smaller drawings when she comes into the Day Hospice each week.
Ashoka said, “It means a lot to me that the legacy of my artwork will live on. I’m not very well now and I was very concerned that my paintings would just sit in my house and not go anywhere as my son doesn’t have the space for all of them. It’s wonderful to know that other people will be able to enjoy my work for years to come and that the Hospice will be able to raise lots of money and help more patients.”
Ashoka is a self-taught artist who was born in India, but she has lived on the edge of the Peak District for over 40 years. Many of her paintings are inspired by nature and the beauty of her surroundings in Derbyshire.
Sanjoy Sen, Ashoka’s son, said, “We’re very pleased to be able to donate the artwork to raise funds for the Hospice. We’re going to be staying in touch with the staff at the Hospice to ensure that more merchandise such as prints, cards, gift wrap, mugs and bags can be made from my mother’s works. I’m looking forward seeing how much we can help to raise and to keep it going year on year.”
Ami Brunyee, Activities Coordinator at the Day Hospice, said, “It’s clear that Ashoka is a very skilled, passionate and creative artist who produces absolutely spectacular things and it’s great that we’ll be able to sell her paintings at the Hospice on her behalf. I’ve already bought an original – a beautiful painting of a tiger leaning over a tree branch that reminds me of my daughter when she was a baby. It’s so nice having a painting with a story; one that was created by a patient. I also think people will appreciate the text that accompanies each picture about Ashoka’s inspiration for it. It’s definitely going to fly off the shelves!”
To buy Ashoka’s artwork and merchandise, you can come to Ashgate Hospicecare, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can come along to Ashgate Hospicecare’s Christmas Market on Saturday 17th November – click here for more information. To see more about Ashoka and her artwork, you can visit her website at www.ashokasen.co.uk.
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