Leisure

Clay Cross town centre regeneration becomes a reality as planning decision is approved

Clay Cross Town Board and North East Derbyshire District Council have reached a major milestone in their proposals for the Town Deal’s Town Centre Regeneration, as Planning consent was approved by the Planning Committee on 7 November 2023.

The approval covers several key elements which are:

  • The creation of a new Town Square which will become a public space to be used for markets, seasonal events and as a public forum.
  • Food and beverage and leisure units – the route from Broadleys to the public square to be lined with artisan food companies, leisure operators and cafes and restaurants.
  • The pedestrianisation of Market Street, creating more public space for visitors.
  • Repurposing an existing historic building with the aim of providing a quality food and drink offering and leisure opportunities, directly overlooking the public square.
  • Improving connections through the town by re-opening access between Bridge Street and Market Street.

Further work is also being undertaken by the Town Board to explore the possibility of direct access to a car park via the A61.

Clay Cross Town Board Chair, Lee Barnes said, “I’m overjoyed to see the town centre proposals approved.

“It’s a milestone very personal to me, as a Clay Cross business owner, and someone who has spent a career in regenerating urban areas, so to be able to see the go-ahead for great improvements coming to a town that is local to me, has been a great privilege as Chair.”

Clay Cross Town Board member and North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Cllr Nigel Barker said, “Following months of hard work and collaboration between officers, members and partners, we’re delighted to see our efforts pay off to earn the approval of a really solid set of proposals that will bring Clay Cross’ town centre into an exciting new era for residents and businesses.”

“Clay Cross has not seen significant investment for many years and to be able to now deliver the news that this project will go ahead and put Clay Cross on the map, bring employment opportunities for our communities and having fantastic facilities and a centre for the town is really exciting. I am honoured to be able to deliver this for all of us.”

Martin Kirkpatrick, Director of Buttress, who have been central to the design of the Masterplan, added “This is good news. The development holds great promise in supporting the Clay Cross Town Board’s vision to provide a vibrant hub for both visitors and business opportunities. The historic buildings within the Clay Cross conservation area, with this investment, are poised to become the heart of the town, offering a catalyst for new and exciting entrepreneurial prospects.”

This decision follows a string of recent Town Deal milestones in recent months, such as launching the Low Carbon grants for businesses and the significant progress of developing the Clay Cross Active leisure facility, in what is set to be one of the most pioneering community assets in the region.

Clay Cross

Birds’ eye view of Clay Cross Town Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Fundraising boost for restoration of Chesterfield Canal

Chesterfield Canal Trust has announced a funding drive to create new community spaces alongside the canal in Staveley, and has received support from AVIVA.

The firm is supporting the Canal Trust’s appeal via its ‘Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund.’ As part of this, the Canal Trust has launched a Crowdfunding appeal and is encouraging people to help boost the area’s regeneration.

AVIVA will kick start the appeal with £500 and will give the Trust £2 for every £1 it raises, up to a maximum of £15,000. This means that if the Trust can raise £7,500, AVIVA will turn it into £23,000, or up to £24,500 with Gift Aid.

The appeal only lasts for six weeks, finishing on 19th December. See full details on the appeal and make a donation.

Restoration works will take place at Hartington. At present there is rough ground and steep slopes, but over the next 18 months a new Trans-Pennine Trail bridge and a new lock will be built, and the canal will be restored.

TPT bridge plans Chesterfield Canal Trust

The Trust wants to create a great canalside environment for people and wildlife around the new bridge, giving nature a head start and creating a suitable setting for the new lock which will be built early in 2025.

It needs to raise funds for 60 Trees (some semi-mature), 200 metres of hedging, 12 benches (including four wheelchair-accessible ones), native wildflowers, signs and information boards, accessible paths and landscaping works.

The new information boards will encourage people to learn about and help tackle climate change and the planting will take this into account.

Rod Auton, Secretary of Chesterfield Canal Trust commented: “Everyone I meet, from local dog-walkers to long distance cyclists, wants us to create proper, well-managed, and safe places to go and enjoy nature and meet friends etc. In return for your donations, we volunteers are committed to help manage these new spaces in future years for the free enjoyment of all.”

Find out more about the restoration of Chesterfield Canal, and other regeneration projects taking place in Staveley.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Canal Paddlespots

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions: Firms announce new partnerships, recruitment, fundraising initiatives and events

Firms in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to announce further progress, and help to raise the profile of the town through various initiatives.

Our latest news roundup from businesses and other organisations across Chesterfield sees a new film festival being launched for young people, a collaboration between Chesterfield FC and a local taxi provider, a new apprentice being recruited by a property and construction firm in the town, and two major charitable donations.

Read the latest stories and updates below:

Veezu kicks off Chesterfield FC partnership

Chesterfield FC X Veezu

Leading Chesterfield private hire provider Veezu, formerly named City Taxis, has partnered with Chesterfield FC for their upcoming season.

Entering their seventh year as first-team travel kit sponsors, only this time under the Veezu brand, the partnership will see Veezu become the club’s official ride partner, ensuring fans can travel to and from home games easily and safely.

“Whilst the rebrand has been a prominent change for us at City Taxis, our ethos and passion for supporting our local community continues under the Veezu brand,” said Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu.

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Chesterfield FC again and to see Veezu on the training kits, in what has been a fantastic start to the 2023/24 season!”

Chief Executive, John Croot said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Veezu and I would like to thank them for their support.

“We are confident that our strong presence and wide reach will help establish the brand in the area.”

Sparky Ink Studio celebrates 7th anniversary with new film festival

sparky ink film festival

Chesterfield’s Sparky Ink Studio, which provides creative experiences and projects for young people is celebrating seven years of success.

The studio will host a film festival, which is a VIP event for the Students, their Families and acquaintances of the Studio over the last 7 years. The festival will be showcasing all the hard work from its talented students and team, dating right back to 2016 when Sparky Ink Studio first opened, as well as some recent documentary clips.

The festival opens at 11am on Saturday 18th November, when the Studio will be returning to its roots at West Studios.  The team will be using the purpose-built theatre and hope to fill all 140 seats there.

Jane-marie Wright , Founder and Creative Director commented: “Since 2018, we have been collecting unseen films, animations and clips from our students and we are so glad we can finally dust off some of our old classics to premiere.

“Our students and Team are very important to the Studio and the work we do and as we are now at the ripe age of 7 we wanted to celebrate this in the best possible way.

“Our little Studio is always trying to give something back to the Autism and SEN community and our students are amazing and deserve to have a special day where they can see how their film looks on the Big Screen. In addition, we think we might be the first ever Film Festival of this kind in Chesterfield and are looking to team up to offer regular Film Festivals of this kind in the future.

“We hope this in turn will motivate more people with Autism, ADHD and other Special Needs to pursue a creative career in this wonderful industry. It is also important that more people know we are here.  We often have people tell us they didn’t know we existed so we want to celebrate that the Studio is here and we want more people to come along to our events, workshops and sessions.”

Find out more about Sparky Ink Studio, along with its events and workshops at: www.sparkyink.co.uk  or on Facebook @sparkyinkstudio.

New apprentice joins DBCP following career change

Charlotte Gladwin DBCP

Charlotte Gladwin has said goodbye to retail management and has embarked on a brand-new career in building control thanks to an apprenticeship.

Previously working as a store manager at a pet shop for three years, Charlotte (21) now joins DBCP as a Level 4 Building Control Surveyor apprentice.

As an apprentice Charlotte will undertake practical on-the-job learning at construction sites throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, working alongside DBCP’s team of experienced and knowledgeable Building Control Inspectors.

During her five-year apprenticeship, she will also combine her practical training with completing industry-recognised exams, which will ultimately see her qualify as a Building Control Surveyor.

As a qualified Building Control Surveyor, Charlotte will have responsibility for completing site inspections independently and ensuring buildings are safe, energy efficient and adhere to building control standards.

A former pupil of Wales High School in Rotherham, Charlotte entered retail following her A’ Levels. Keen to move out of retail and, with an interest in construction and the outdoors, she identified Building Control as the ideal profession in which to build a career.

She explained: “I really enjoyed studying Geography, Psychology and Business at A-Level and, together with my love of the outdoors, I felt that a career in building control aligned with my future ambitions.  At DBCP I’ll be part of the process that creates positive change in the local landscapes for our communities.

“Being in the position to check that building work is correct and architectural drawings have been followed is a significant responsibility. I’m really excited by the fact that at the end of my training, assignments and intense exams, I’ll be carrying out these tasks and be trusted to do so.”

DBCP’s long-running apprenticeship programme is helping the business attract local young people who want to progress their careers within the field of building control. The company currently employs seven apprentices who are at different stages of their training, including degree level.

“The opportunities provided by the team at DBCP are so exciting. I really enjoying being out on site and I’ve already found the team so supportive,” she added.

Delighted to welcome Charlotte to the team, David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, said: “Building Control Surveyors are in high demand. We look forward to sharing our industry knowledge and best-practice with Charlotte as she embarks upon her five-year training. I know from personal experience that building control offers a long and varied career. I am certainly never bored!”

If you’re interested in a future apprenticeship with DBCP, get in touch by emailing david.pratt@dbcp.co.uk.

Sponsored Queen’s Park swim raises more than £7,000

Swimming instructors and pupils with representatives from the charities

A sponsored swim at Queen’s Parks Sports Centre has raised £7,543 which will be shared between two charities.

Around 120 children who take part in swimming lessons at Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre took part in the sponsored swim in October which was raising money for Parkinsons UK and Ashgate Hospice.

Every child in the swimming programme was invited and they all set their own target distances for the swim. In just 12 hours the swimming instructors swam around 42 miles which is the same distance as swimming across the English Channel to France and back to England

The money will be shared between Parkinsons UK and Ashgate Hospice, the hospice was selected in memory of beloved swimming teacher Rachel Pye who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I want to thank everyone who organised and participated in the sponsored swim, they raised an incredible amount of money that will be going to some very worthwhile causes.”

Redbrik Foundation helps Cavendish Cancer Care provide essential services with generous cash boost

Redbrik Foundation Cavendish Cancer Care

Cavendish Cancer Care will now be able to provide essential therapy for children and young people in need of support, thanks to a generous cash boost from the Redbrik Foundation.

Each month, the Foundation selects one charity from the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire area to receive a donation to help them continue their contribution to the community.

In light of receiving October’s grant, Cavendish Cancer Care can now offer art therapy, play therapy and counselling to young people whose lives have been affected by the illness.

Hannah Williams, Fundraiser at Cavendish Cancer Care, said: “A cancer diagnosis within the family can have a huge impact on children, which is why it is so important they can turn to Cavendish, as a safe space to relax and understand their emotions.

“Katie, whose eight-year-old son was supported by our Children and Young People’s Service when his dad had leukaemia, told us the support and care her son received made a difference to her entire family, with unconditional care, attention and kindness that have helped him work through his anxieties. It is families like Katie’s where this gift from the Redbrik Foundation will make such a difference.”

Every month a different member of the Redbrik team is set to nominate a cause close to their heart, helping them give something back to the local community.

This month, Property Consultant Jacob Bailey named Cavendish Cancer Care as his charity of choice. He said: “I am constantly inspired by the amazing work they do and the support they offer to local families and individuals who are facing some of the most challenging times of their lives. It is an honour to be able to help them continue their fantastic work.”

Since it was established in 2020, the Redbrik Foundation has donated tens of thousands to local charitable causes, including Ashgate Hospice, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Whirlow Hall Farm, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Paces, St Luke’s Hospice, Fairplay and Pathways of Chesterfield.

If your charity is interested in support from the Redbrik Foundation, contact Director David Cooper by email at david.cooper@redbrik.co.uk.

Veezu, Chesterfield FC, Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, Sparky Ink Studio, and Ashgate Hospice support 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, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions among the shortlist for Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

Chesterfield Champions, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel have been nominated as finalists for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

The full shortlist has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.

Matlock Farm Park has been shortlisted for a total of three awards, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Team of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Chesterfield’s Peak Edge Hotel has been nominated for the coveted Hotel of the Year award.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby on Thursday 7th March 2024.

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the 2024 awards celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism experiences to visitors from across the country, but they also serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in making the destination such a great place to live, work and visit.

“We’ve received a record number of applications this year and reaching this impressive lift of finalists is an achievement in itself. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2024.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2024 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • The Coach House, Derby
  • Sheldon House, Monyash
  • Underleigh House B&B, Hope

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock
  • Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, nr Buxton
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Bakewell
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Experience of the Year

  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne

New Tourism Business of the Year

  • The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn, nr Buxton
  • Muse Escapes Ltd, Buxton
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Great Longstone
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Stainsborough Hall Ltd, Carsington
  • Waterside Barn, Bradbourne

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Award

  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • The Patternmakers, Duffield

Team of the Year

  • The George, Hathersage
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Muse Escapes, Buxton

Tourism Young Achiever

  • Helena Smith Parucker, The Museum of Making
  • Steph Taylor, Atlantik Inns
  • Emma West, Longbow Bars and Restaurants

Unsung Hero

  • Adrian Gagea, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Alan Hobson, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Jane Redfern, Wildhive Callow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • The Museum of Making, Derby

For more details see: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDDTourismAwards.

Peak Edge Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Matlock Farm Park

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

Chair’s blog: “Make a difference to independent businesses this Christmas”

Christmas is approaching rapidly, which means we’ll soon see Chesterfield lit up once again. With twinkly lights, trees dressed in tinsel, and our favourite festive tunes on repeat, it’s a truly exciting time for everyone.

With so many activities to enjoy in the town, you can make many precious memories with your loved ones this Christmas period.

Regular events like the Christmas Lights Switch On, the Crooked Spire’s Festival of Christmas Trees, and the pantomime are returning. I’m very much looking forward to this year’s production of Aladdin, which will be headlined by The Chase star, Anne Hegerty… Oh yes, it will!

In our historic town centre, festive editions of the Chesterfield Artisan Market provide plenty of opportunity to source some of your favourite festive goodies. The regular market will also trade every day from Thursday 14th December, right up until Christmas Eve, making sure you can stock up on all your favourites before the big day.

And that’s not all… Santa Claus is coming to town once again! He’ll be back in his grotto at Chesterfield Market Hall, offering a chance for your youngsters to meet the man himself. You’ll also be able to catch Santa on Chesterfield Canal, so keep your eye out for their special cruises.

We’re getting into the festive spirit at Destination Chesterfield, by encouraging you to shop, eat, drink, and spend time in the local area this Christmas. We’re supporting local businesses by showcasing the best gifts, experiences and produce in the area.

Last year’s ‘Christmas in Chesterfield’ campaign was seen more than a million times online. This time around, we’re hoping to inspire more people to see what the town has to offer.

There are plenty of ways you can support Chesterfield over the festive period. Whether you’re buying gifts from local retailers or going for a meal in one of the town’s superb restaurants. We know that high streets across the country are facing challenges, so anything you can do to support your small businesses will make a big difference.

That said, businesses need your support all year round to sustain themselves and make our town thrive. We all have a daily choice whether to use the online giants or to take those extra few moments to see if we can source a product or service locally. It is simple – we use it, or we lose it.

I’ll leave you with a quote which I read recently from the team at Adorn Jewellers, based in The Shambles, one of many unique independent businesses in our town. – They said: “Christmas is a time for joy and hope. By choosing independent businesses this year, you will help to keep Chesterfield a vibrant town and bring happiness to our small business community.”

For more details on the great activities taking place across Chesterfield this festive season, go to www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On & Market

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Planning application submitted for the Gateway at PEAK Resort

Revised Phase 1 planning applications have now been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for the Gateway at PEAK, which has been consented on 300 acres of land regenerated from opencast mining located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, outskirts of Chesterfield.

The Gateway is intended to play an important role in cementing Chesterfield as a destination town and as part of the Peak District experience providing visitors to the region and the local community with low impact ways to explore the National Park thanks to a zero-carbon travel hub.

Like a ski resort, PEAK Resort will be built around a carless mobility service, not in this case to mountains and skiing, but into the Peaks for biking and hiking, for nature, heritage, sport and culture. The commercial village will comprise of experiential retail, locally sourced dining and unique spaces for events, artisan craft and learning experiences.

Phase 1 of the development will create around 1,000 jobs across these sectors with a commitment to education and green skills delivered via an onsite skills academy.

The planning consents for PEAK Gateway Resort were implemented and safeguarded in 2016. The founders of Birchall Properties, the landowner, have already invested over 35 years in nature recovery, passive rewilding and preparation for the development on the 300-acre Birchall Estate which had been the subject of extensive open-cast activities.

PEAK PHASE 1 PLAN

The development footprint for Phase One of PEAK Resort is just 10% of the 300-acre reclaimed estate. The rest of the estate continues to facilitate ongoing work and experimentation to improve biodiversity net gain and research into suitable building materials for the future development which can be gathered and replenished. It is also currently home to Forest Schools, helping bring children from urban environments into the great outdoors in safe, educational settings.

Stanton Williams were recently appointed to design the Gateway at PEAK and in recent months key, strategic agreements have been entered into, which will be announced soon. These include:

  • Heads of terms with national retail brands to become anchor tenants for the commercial village element of the Gateway.
  • An agreement with a hotel operator to bring a flagship concept to Gateway and operate the 165-room hotel.
  • Heads of terms with vehicle and transport partners to operate the zero-carbon travel hub.
  • Agreements with regional education providers to develop education and learning opportunities at the Gateway.
  • Heads of terms with a leading UK Waste Management partner to deliver waste management solutions and enable an innovative circular economy with a focus on waste reduction and recycling.

Further information:

  • PEAK Resort is a phased development of national significance. Phase 1 will represent a £200m capital investment supporting and showcasing clean growth in the visitor economy across multiple sectors.
  • Section 73 and Reserved Matters Applications relating to the already consented planning approvals have now been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council.
  • Outline and reserved matters approvals were granted for previous iterations of PEAK Resort. The revised Phase 1 has now been developed to incorporate latest best practice and operator requirements.
  • The Gateway will comprise zero carbon travel hub enabling carless access to and within the Peak District National Park, a 165-room resort hotel, a variety of F&B outlets and spaces for experiential retail facilitating all types of outdoor pursuits including a significant focus on horticulture and adventure sports.
  • The Gateway will deliver 1,000 new FTE jobs and key strategic partnerships and heads of terms are being reached with several parties which will secure the Gateway’s proposition as a travel hub, in education and skills, experiential retail, leisure, hospitality and accommodation.

Find out more about investment opportunities here in Chesterfield.

Birchall Properties supports supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The Gateway @PEAK Bird's Eye View

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

Hogg Norton wins prestigious Great British Food Award

Hogg Norton, a North Derbyshire producer of fruit liqueurs has won Silver at this year’s Great British Food Awards for its Passion Fruit Liqueur product.

The latest accolade is Hogg Norton’s 3rd Great British Food Award, which sits alongside 10 Great Taste Awards the business has won since it was founded.  Find out more about Hogg Norton’s latest Great Taste Award win.

Explaining his delight at being recognised once again, Mike Norton, co-founder of Hogg Norton commented: “The Great British Food Awards provides us with the opportunity to have our food and drink tasted by some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs, critics and influencers.

“This is why it is so important as we are judged by experts in their fields and we are proud that we have achieved 3 of these awards which shows we produce our liqueurs to a consistently high standard.

“Winning this award shows that our products are recognised throughout the country.  All produced in Chesterfield and made with no artificial colours or preservatives. Our liqueurs are great on their own, with Prosecco, added to tonic or a lemonade for a long drink or can flavour Gins, Vodkas, Whiskeys or Rums or even poured over desserts and ice cream.”

Speaking about how Chesterfield is the ideal location for the producer, Mike added: “Being based in the Chesterfield gives us inspiration, as we have the best of both worlds – being on the edge of the Peak District and close to all the amenities of the town.”

Hogg Norton also appeared on an episode of ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh earlier this year, with the company’s gooseberry liqueur featured on the show.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Hogg Norton supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Hogg Norton – Mike Norton displaying products at Chatsworth Country Fair

Mike Norton displaying Hogg Norton products at Chatsworth Country Fair 2023 – Image by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

Posted in Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

New early years play centre open at The Glass Yard

A new play space for youngsters has opened at The Glass Yard in Chesterfield, one of the town’s newest developments.

Sugar Snap Play is a unique space which offers access to high end toys for children, to encourage their learning and progression. The centre, which is suitable for babies and children under 5 years old offers three stay and play sessions per day.

In addition, the centre boasts several facilities to boost child development. They include:

  • Sensory Table – children can discover mini-beasts, nature building, small worlds, sensory play and so much more.
  • Craft Table – each sensory session, children will have the opportunity to feel inspired and get creative with play dough and other craft items.
  • A Montessori-inspired block play shelf, with access to high quality vibrant building blocks, wooden animals and plenty of resources to ignite your child’s imagination.
  • Sensory Space – A special dark room filled with different calming areas, bean bags, soft seating, bubble lamps and fibre optic lights
  • A home corner which includes a beautiful wooden Montessori-style shopping market, baby role play, kitchen and dining set and a dressing up rail
  • A modern luxury soft play, set up with ball pit, ride on cars and hoppers for extra fun
  • The Baby Space – Perfect for newborns right up to wobbly walkers. You can expect to find soft seating with frosted windows for extra privacy, soft luxury tumble mats with access to sensory toys, ball pit and soft play perfectly safe for babies.

Speaking on the company’s investment at The Glass Yard, business owner Alysha Rushton commented: “From the moment we viewed the space, we fell in love with it and knew it would be a perfect space to create our dream business.

“We particularly liked how central it was in Chesterfield, meaning it was easy for people to access. The two hours free parking that The Glass Yard offers for our customers is a great bonus. We love working with the businesses around us and we have already started to work with The Batch House for our Parties and Meet Your Miracle for our Mummy to be Events!”

“The Chesterfield community have already been nothing but supportive of our new business since we opened and every week we are so excited to welcome new and returning customers through our doors for more fun!

“Sugar Snap Play is not only a play space, but each area has been thought through thoroughly to provide excellent learning and communication opportunities to help children get a head start towards preschool and their progression later in life.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent location to invest for your business.

Sugar Snap Play, The Glassyard

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised

Support for Chesterfield residents and businesses affected by flooding

Chesterfield’s businesses, organisations and community groups are working hard to support residents affected by flooding in recent days caused by Storm Babet.

Some residents and businesses had to evacuate their homes and premises due to the rising water levels on Friday.

Read more about some of the support and community fundrainsing efforts taking place across the town in our roundup below:

East Midlands Chamber offers support for affected businesses

The chamber of commerce’s information team, which can be contacted by calling 0333 320 0333, can provide advice to businesses – whether or not they are Chamber members – on what they can do and where support is available in their local area.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Major floods like we’ve seen during Storm Babet can cause huge anguish for business owners, but it’s important they know they aren’t alone and support is available.

“Our information team has already provided key advice to some businesses in our region since the floods hit at the end of last week, and we would urge anyone who would benefit from speaking to a friendly voice to get in touch.”

Some local authorities, including Derby City Council, have also asked employers in the area to encourage employees to work from home where possible to minimise traffic while a clean-up operation is carried out.

Scott added: “During an emergency like this, we are all in it together and there are small steps businesses may be able to take to offer their support, such as through encouraging staff to work from home, where this is possible, for a temporary period.

“It’s also important that all parties – such as local authorities, emergency services, central Government and other local stakeholders – co-ordinate effectively during the clean-up to help everyone get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Fundraiser launched for residents affected by floods

Lifehouse church, based in the Brampton area has launched the appeal in partnership with Toby Perkins MP and local charities, agencies and businesses.

Hundreds of people in Chesterfield have been affected by the flooding over the weekend. Homes were flooded and businesses were forced to close due to the conditions.

Having already raised more than £25,000 over the weekend, the church is hoping to be able to provide food, clothing, supplies and the necessary essentials for those in need. A dedicated pot from the Church charity will seek to directly support families and homes that have been affected.

Church Pastor, Paul Hollingworth commented in a video posted by the church: “We are right in the heart of the community here in Brampton. The floods swept through the whole heart of the town and has had a huge impact on many people’s lives, not just today but for the months ahead.

“We’ve decided to do as much as we practically can today, by setting up a funding page which is going to help people with some of life’s necessities.”

Paul’s wife Sarah, also a Pastor with the church, said: “What we really want people to do is not only give, but to share, because the more people share it the wider the reach is. We have a £50,000 target and I’m really confident that we can smash that.”

Donate to the Appeal on the GoFundMe website.

Offers of Support from Chesterfield Champions

Wilkins Vardy offers temporary business premises

They have a double-width shop front on glumangate (our building was once two properties which we knocked through many years ago) and some offices on three floors, some of which are currently empty.
• They could possibly house part of a small business to sit along our normal office set up on their shop floor.
• They also have some empty space on the upper floors, with IT and telephone connectivity.
•Their shop front has digital displays, so we would be happy for business to use some of these to help with marketing!
You can contact Wilkins Vardy on 01246 270123

 

Paperclip offers 14 days free call answering support for businesses in Noth Derbyshire impacted by the flooding.

If you would be interested in this support please contact Lousie Bellwood at Paperclip on 01246 418181.

The Spire viewed from Old Whittington along Whittington Moor

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Spectacular new light show announced to mark 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

The Bolsover Lantern Parade is set to return for its 30th year, and a new light show is coming to Bolsover Castle to mark the milestone this December.

Bright Winter Nights is an immersive light experience that will take place within the castle’s walls on Friday 1st December, the day before the lantern parade. Light projections, images and sounds from the last three decades will bring the castle walls to life, featuring the stories of local people and their lantern parade experiences.

Visitors can also view a newly commissioned community film as part of the magical evening, which has been created using stories and memories from local people.

The event is being organised in partnership with local Bolsover-based charity, the Freedom Project and English Heritage.

There will be 750 tickets available, costing £2 per child and £3 for adults.

Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts said: “Bolsover is very close to our hearts and so we’re delighted to be bringing another exciting event to the town, to mark the 30th year of the lantern parade.

“Bright Winter Nights promises to shine a light on the amazing community spirit and creativity that exists in Bolsover, telling the story of the last three decades within the walls of the famous Bolsover Castle.”

Mark North, Freedom Founder and CEO said: “The Lantern Parade has been an important part of our community for the last 30 years. It has given us a sense of togetherness and excitement and we look forward to Bright Winter Nights and taking in the memories of other members of the Bolsover Community and beyond”.

A spokesperson for Bolsover Castle said: “We always love playing a part in the Lantern Parade so when Junction Arts asked us to work with them to celebrate its 30th anniversary, we jumped at the chance. We want the Castle to be at the centre of the community in Bolsover, for residents to really connect with their heritage and to use the space to celebrate the amazing talent we have in the town.

“It will be a night to remember as the Castle comes to life not only with our fantastic illuminations but the creativity and passion of the Bolsover community.”

The first Bolsover Lantern Parade took place on Saturday 26th November 1994 as part of the Bolsover Victorian Festival. Organised by Junction Arts in partnership with community partners, the event has become a cultural tradition for generations of people. Growing year-on-year, the Bolsover Lantern Parade is now one of the UK’s biggest and oldest light parades.

Bright Winter Nights, The Bolsover Christmas Market and the Bolsover Lantern Parade are all part of the NEW Bolsover Winter Festival – a weekend of festive fun that marks the start of the winter season. More information about all the events taking place can be found on the Visit Bolsover website: https://www.visitbolsover.co.uk/events/bwf/

You can view the light show event listing here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/bright-winter-nights-light-show/ and the lantern parade here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-lantern-parade-2021/

To book tickets for the event: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-bright-winter-nights-1-dec-23/

Find out more about the wide range of local events for all ages and interests taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

bolsover lantern parade junction arts

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s ‘off-grid’ households set for energy efficient boost

Homeowners in Chesterfield that have no mains gas supply to their property could benefit from financial support to help make energy efficient improvements to their homes and reduce their bills.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Marches Energy Agency (MEA), and E.ON Energy Solutions have joined forces to help residents to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient – after the council successfully secured over £440,000 through the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2).

Grant funding will be used to help to improve the energy efficiency of at least 22 homes in the borough. Improvement measures will be dependent on the outcome of a technical survey but could include the introduction of a range of improvements from insulation and solar panels to air source heat pumps and smart heating controls. These measures can save residents money on their energy bills whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The funding will be available to homeowners who do not have a mains gas heating system and where their property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D,E,F or G and will only be eligible if one of the following statements apply:

  • Homeowner lives in one of the eligible postcode areas set by the Government
  • A permanent member of the household receives a means tested benefit
  • The combined household income is below £31,000 before tax

Further details on eligibility criteria can be found on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/hug2

Residents living in private rented accommodation may also be eligible for support, however the landlord will be required to contribute a minimum of a third of the total cost.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise. With funding secured through this scheme we can support homeowners in making improvements to their home to help to increase the warmth and comfort of their homes, whilst also reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

“Despite facing significant financial pressures now and in future years, the council is committed to supporting those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis, and is doing all it can to maximise external funding opportunities like this, to help households across the borough.

“The funding will help to improve the energy performance and heating systems of off gas grid private sector homes and we will be carrying out technical surveys to make sure the most appropriate and efficient improvements can be made at each home.”

The council has already identified a number of households who are eligible for funding and MEA will be writing to them directly to advise them of the help available. Any other residents who think they may be eligible can contact MEA’s local team (Warmer Derby & Derbyshire) by emailing HUGD@mea.org.uk, calling 0800 677 1332 and selecting option 2 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or by completing the online application form.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “The energy we use to heat and power buildings is one of the largest factors in terms of carbon emissions, if we can make buildings more efficient and reduce energy loss, we will see carbon emissions reduce also. Supporting and promoting schemes like these grants which will help homeowners to improve thermal efficiency is vital to achieving our target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.”

Chesterfield Town Hall

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,