Lovers of the Chesterfield Canal were delighted by the news that the waterway has been officially recognised as one of the UK’s best green spaces, not just once, but three times over.

Hollingwood Hub, which lies on the canal in Staveley, has received its first Green Flag Award. The site is run by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. The derelict lock house was restored and extended in 2011, paid for by a grant from Community Assets. Volunteers from the Trust landscaped the gardens and now tend them in conjunction with a local school.

The bid was led by Jim Bower, Vice Chair of the Trust. Jim said:-

“I am delighted that the efforts of our volunteers have been recognised. The judges were amazed by the contribution the Hub has made to the area. We hope that this award will help our campaign to complete the restoration of the canal. It demonstrates how industrial wasteland can be turned into green spaces to benefit the whole community.”

Jim believes in leading from the front and is often to be seen mowing and strimming the grass at the Hub with fellow Trust member Chris Hadfield.

Hollingwood Hub is a very popular stopping off place for the many walkers and cyclists who frequent the towpath. Many visit Katey’s Coffee Shop, whilst others come to cruise on the tripboat Madeline. The Trust runs these trips every Saturday from April to October, with Monday and Wednesday added in the school summer holidays.

The whole of the eastern end of the canal, from Kiveton Park to West Stockwith, where it meets the River Trent, has also been awarded Green Flag status. This 32 mile long section is managed by the Canal & River Trust. Previously only the final 14 miles had achieved recognition.

Tapton Lock in Chesterfield is the longest standing Green Flag site on the canal. This is the sixth year running that it has received the award. It is run by the Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service.

Paul Todd, Scheme Manager  for the International Green Flag Award,  said:-

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

With schools out for summer, an action-packed programme of entertainment launches at Chatsworth with trails, virtual reality tours and hands-on activities for families to explore the stories behind the £32m 10-year restoration.

‘Chatsworth Renewed’ is the biggest restoration and conservation of the house since the 1820s. With family-inspired activities spread throughout the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the school summer holidays (21 July to 30 August 2018).

Alongside the popular animal handling and heritage craft activities in the farmyard and outdoor games and live band performances in the 105-acre garden, visitors are invited to explore the ‘Chatsworth Renewed’ exhibition dedicated to the restoration project, with hands-on activities to engage children and young people.

Families can explore ‘Chatsworth Renewed’, solve puzzles and uncover fascinating facts about the people involved in building, conserving and looking after Chatsworth. Get hands on in the Inner Court to create their own monumental urn and explore old drawings and artefacts tucked away in sets of drawers around the grand rooms of the house. Baalington Lamb is also hidden throughout the house and will offer a task or fun fact every time he is spotted.

In the garden, the famous head gardener Sir Joseph Paxton from the 1800s who introduced many of the famous landmarks still visible today, such as the Emperor Fountain and Rockery, will be wandering around with his wife Sarah, talking about the historic landscape at Chatsworth and the Cavendish banana, along with plant hunter extraordinaire John Gibson who brought back orchids from India. These costumed character actors will be in the garden every day.

Through the use of virtual reality, there’s even the chance to explore Paxton’s Great Conservatory which took four years to build and was a precursor to Crystal Palace, but had to be demolished in the 1920s due to the huge running costs. VR tours will be available from the Maze.

The nostalgic sound of Patrick Cook’s barrel organ, traditional games such as croquet, giant Jenga and skittles, and free face painting will also be available for visitors near the Maze.

The hugely popular animal handling activities take place in the farmyard this summer, with families invited to pet rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals in the animal handling barn. With two newborn donkey foals arriving in the farmyard in the last few weeks, the first named Summer and the newest arrival named Bramble after a vote by Chatsworth House Facebook followers, there will be even more for children to enjoy. Daily milking demonstrations will also be available to discover how cows and goats are milked. On selected dates, there will be a focus on river creatures that can be found in the river Derwent; making willow creatures using willow weaving and discovering how to turn fleece to wool. A trailer discovery tour to the Golden Gates to see the Chatsworth Estate will run every day from the top yard (small charge applies).

A family house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground ticket is available and offers a half price return visit. For more information on activities, times and prices click here.

Supporters of the Peak District and Derbyshire can now back its quest to be recognised as the best UK holiday destination in the prestigious annual British Travel Awards.

Voting is now open in all categories of the 2018 competition – billed as the largest and most influential poll of consumer opinion on the performance of leisure, travel and tourism providers.

The Peak District and Derbyshire has been nominated in the Best Holiday Region or County category, facing competition from other key destinations such as Cornwall, Cumbria & The Lake District, North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said:-

“Being part of the British Travel Awards is very exciting for us as a further step in our mission to make the area’s mark as a world-class destination.

“We have so much to offer, from stunning, specially-protected landscapes, exhilarating outdoor activities and brilliant attractions to rich history and heritage, quality accommodation and fine, locally-produced food and drink.

“I hope as many people as possible will support our efforts to see it recognised as the best place to take a holiday in the UK by taking a few moments to cast their vote online.”

Lorraine Barnes Burton, CHeif Executive of the BTA, said:-

“The British Travel Awards give consumers the opportunity to reward travel and tourism enterprises for outstanding performance in service delivery and product offering.

“Voting is now open and nominated companies have until the end of September to lobby their happy customers for votes – good luck to Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.”

Voting in the competition is quick and easy at http://www.britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=324.

Launched in 2008, the British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who is the best in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is an independent organisation, verified by leading global business practitioners Deloitte.

Businesses and organisations under the spotlight include holiday companies; travel agencies and holiday planning; cruise lines, airlines and transport; accommodation and hotel brands; holiday add-ons and UK domestic holidays and attractions.

Votes will be accepted until midnight on Sunday September 30. Results will be announced at a special Gala Awards Night at Battersea Evolution, London on Wednesday November 28.

A record crowd witnessed a Lancaster bomber flying over Staveley Town Basin, followed by a Dakota the next day. These were just two of many highlights at the Chesterfield Canal Festival held over the weekend of June 30th and July 1st.

The festival was put on by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. All four of its tripboats were in action, carrying over 800 passengers into Hartington Harbour, the newly built section of canal that was being used for the first time. The Trust’s volunteers have spent several years building this section and their superb work drew admiring comments from everyone.

Davis Kiddy, Festival Director, said:-

“We could not be more pleased with the Festival. It brought pleasure to thousands of people, showed off the fabulous construction work done by our volunteers and demonstrated yet again what an asset the canal is to the area. This strengthens the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s resolve to get the remaining nine miles of canal restored.”

Dozens of would-be navvies, young and old, had a go at driving a digger, whilst others chose to cool off in canoes provided by Pleasley Canoe Club, which also organised canoe polo matches.

The Newfoundland Training and Demonstration Team proved a real hit with several shows involving these huge dogs who clearly love being in the water and rescuing people.

Other attractions included Birds of Prey, archery, lots of children’s rides, a bouncy castle, radio-controlled boats, a glitter painter and vintage vehicles. Encounter Exotics brought all manner of exciting animals, whilst the steamroller, Old Faithful, was a magnet for photographers.

There was entertainment all day including music, dance and street theatre, both in the big marquee and outside by the lock.

As you would expect there were dozens of stalls of every type including holistic massage, home-made cakes, bonsai trees, old tools, canal art, the RSPB – the list was long. All the catering and coffee stalls did a roaring trade, with the longest queues for Frederick’s ice cream. Brampton Brewery had to send for extra supplies of Real Ale several times and its cooling equipment was running at full power.

There were two evening concerts. The Swing Commanders went down a storm on the Friday, whilst Some Antics plus Judy Dunlop & Jon Scaife, proved very popular on the Saturday. The view through the marquee’s wall of windows across the basin to the setting sun could not have been more spectacular.

Nadiya Hussain, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry are the star TV chefs lined up to share their culinary expertise at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair (31 August-2 September).

Along with an exciting mix of young and established chefs from Derbyshire, Sheffield and Yorkshire showcasing their expertise across the three days, the trio will be a huge draw for the thousands of visitors who flock each year to what is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events.

Nadiya Hussain kicks things off on Friday (31 August) with three demos followed by a book signing. Born in Luton to a Bangladeshi family, Nadiya has been baking for just over 10 years and now lives in Milton Keynes with her husband and their three children. With desserts not a common feature in Bangladeshi cuisine, it was up to a home economics teacher to encourage Nadiya to develop her skills as a baker. Now as an established TV presenter and author and with her latest book and series, Nadiya’s Family Favourites out now it will be a treat to welcome her to Chatsworth Country Fair for the very first time.

One of the country’s best loved cookery writers and television presenters, Mary Berry takes centre stage on Saturday (1 September) for her sixth return visit with two demos and book signings. It will be a full house in the theatre as she shares her cookery secrets during her morning and afternoon slots.  A Chatsworth Country Fair regular, Mary has also kindly agreed to be the President this year following in the footsteps of other notable names including Countryfile’s Adam Henson; Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill; Gardener Alan Titchmarsh and last year’s ex boyband star turned farmer JB Gill.

Mary Berry said:-

“I am delighted to return to the wonderful Chatsworth Country Fair. It is an amazing day out for all the family in a magnificent setting. There are a miscellany of spectacular events and demonstrations, brilliant trade stands and plenty of activities and experiences for the young. Get there early to enjoy a full day!”

Fair organiser Sarah Green said:-

“We’re so delighted Mary has agreed to be our President this year. She has been a fantastic supporter for many years now and has certainly been taken to the hearts of the visitors who pack out the theatre to see her deliver her pearls of culinary wisdom every time.”

Closing out proceedings on Sunday (2 September) will be Paul Hollywood.  With his cheeky line in patter, Paul will be sure to both inform and entertain on what will be his third return visit to the fair. The son of a baker, Paul Hollywood originally trained as a sculptor before his father persuaded him to join the family business. He has gone on to become​ one of the country’s finest and well-known artisan bakers.

Once again, the pick of the region’s talented chefs have been invited to take part in the line-up which runs from 9.30am to 5.30pm each day in the Stoves Cookery Theatre equipped with TV screens, PA and seating.

The tasty lineup includes local lad and Rowley’s head chef Adam Harper from Baslow; Tim Sidaway, a chef who has spent over a decade promoting, growing and rearing local food, with restaurants Terroir Bistro in Derby and The Fishermans Rest in Belper; Eva Humphries, aka the Wholefood Warrior, a nutritionist and supporter of fad-free food based in Nottingham; Yorkshire’s Bolton Abbey Estate Burlington Restaurant chef Paul Leonard; Lee Mangles from Sheffield ably compered by former Silversmiths restaurant owner Justin Rowntree.

Two of the chefs may well also be familiar to Sheffield residents. Yorkshire born Natasha Farrell has drawn on her Caribbean roots to run street food outfits around the world and is now setting up a new venue in Sheffield that will showcase her contemporary West Indian cuisine.

Chef Chris Hanson has always had a passion to help disadvantaged communities in Sheffield and has now opened Blend Kitchen, a social enterprise in the city centre with a vision to use cuisine and hospitality to enhance people’s lives. At Chatsworth, he will be showcasing vegan dishes reflective of Blend’s cultural diversity.

The Fine Food Village will be bigger and better than ever this year in its new location in front of the fully restored Chatsworth House. Packed with more than 100 stalls bursting with food to enjoy on the day as well as produce to take home, it is once again a foodie’s paradise.

Highlights announced for this year for the fair include JCB’s Dancing Diggers; The Household Cavalry Musical Ride plus aerobatic entertainment; hot air balloon lifts; have-a-go country sports and crafts plus lots more to see and do around the beautiful parkland located on the banks of the river Derwent.

There is plenty to appeal to children of all ages, from joining the Children’s March Past or the family fun dog show, to wearing them out with the zip wire, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, bumper cars, vintage fairground and the chance to get up close to exotic animals.

There are a number of accessible toilets around the showground as well as an attended Mobiloo, and a limited number of blue badge car parking spaces at the front of each car park.