Leisure

New bookable on demand bus service for Chesterfield, Bolsover, and North East Derbyshire

Residents are now able to use a new bus service to take them anywhere within Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

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Study ranks Chesterfield as the best town in the UK for access to green spaces

A study has named Chesterfield as the best town in the UK for access to green spaces.

The Green Giants market research exercise, which was commissioned by home improvements company Eurocell has set out to discover which UK towns and cities have the best access to green space.

To do this, the study looked at several data points, including the number of homes in each town or city with a private garden, the average square footage of that garden, as well as the average distance to public green space and the percentage of homes on the market that are currently listed as having a private garden.

These figures were then given a score out of 10 and ranked, leading to a total score out of 40.

Eurocell placed Chesterfield in top spot with a score of 30.8 out of 40. It found that:

  • 95% of homes & flats in the town had private outdoor space.
  • The average size of private outdoor space was 249.7 sq. m.
  • The average distance to nearest park, public garden or playing field was 296.7 m.
  • 92.05% of homes currently on the market have a garden.

Speaking about our town’s listing at the top of the table, Eurocell said: “Chesterfield, in Derbyshire, comes out on top as being the best place to live in the UK when it comes to access to green space. Close to the Peak District, Chesterfield is surrounded by the woodland walks and diverse habitats of the national park.”

“And the town itself has numerous parks and gardens including Holmebrook Valley Country Park and Linacre Reservoir.”

See the full top 20 list here. 

People living and working in Chesterfield also commented on the availability of open spaces as one of the area’s key strengths.

Jade Chinn, Marketing Lead at Oasis Studio said: “I personally like taking advantage of all the beautiful country parks and estates we have to explore in and around Chesterfield, Linacre Reservoir and Holmebook being personal favourites. They are also great for team building days!”

Jason Evans, HSE Advisor and Principal Designer at Mascot Management Ltd. added: “I love to go walking along the Chesterfield Canal. It’s on our doorstep and I feel it is still a bit of a hidden gem for our area. It’s a lovely place where you can get some relaxation time and take in the wildlife and scenery.”

Peter Botham, Founder and Managing Director of Shed Grounds Maintenance said: “One of my cherished spots in Chesterfield is Queen’s Park. When I was a child, my godparents would take me on the charming little train track that winds its way around the park. Now, I’ve had the joy of passing on this tradition to my own children.”

Oasis Studio, Mascot Management and Shed Grounds Maintenance support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Family walking at Queen's Park, surrounded by wild flowers

Queen’s Park, Chesterfield town centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Smyths Toys set to open its doors in Chesterfield

Major national toy retailer, Smyths Toys Superstores is set to open its doors in Chesterfield next month.

The business will open a new store on the town’s Wheatbridge Retail Park on March 21st, bringing new investment and jobs to the town. The business will neighbour other national chains, Wickes and Carpetright at the development.

Smyths Toys is one of the world’s largest toy retailers and has well over 100 outlets spread across Europe and the UK as well as operating online.

It offers customers a wide range of toys, baby, outdoor and gaming products, and the business says it is dedicated to encouraging learning and developing creativity in children.

The company is set to host a special launch party on its opening weekend in the town from Thursday, 21st March until Sunday, 24th March.

Face painting will be available for children aged three and above, and free candy floss will be given to guests along with a number of free toy giveaways.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “It is great to see a well-known national retailer such as Smyths Toys making a major investment in Chesterfield.

“We know that our town has several strengths as a base for retailers, whether they be small independents starting on their business journey, or larger chains looking to expand their footprint.

“It is very encouraging that this national brand has seen the potential of Chesterfield, from its excellent location and transport links, and wide catchment area.

“As residents of Chesterfield, we must all continue to support our high streets wherever possible to ensure they remain vibrant.”

Experience shopping in Chesterfield, a town which boasts a mix of nationally recognised retailers and unique independent stores.

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

Smyths Toys opening soon banner outside store

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Veezu go full speed ahead as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

Local taxi firm Veezu, formerly known as City Taxis, return as title sponsors of the Fun Run incorporated as part of the 2024 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

The Veezu Fun Run forms part of the race day activity, and anyone can take part on the 1km course around Queens Park which will start shortly after the 10k race at 10am on Sunday the 24th March.

As well as sponsoring the Fun Run, Veezu are once again providing the lead vehicle for the 10k race. The Veezu branded electric vehicle will not only contribute to the event being more environmentally friendly but will also benefit the crowd of runners behind the vehicle.

Paul Gosney, Business Development Director at Veezu, said: “It’s fantastic to be back sponsoring the Veezu Fun Run and showcasing our recent exciting rebrand at this year’s Chesterfield 10K.

“We are immensely proud to support the event. We want to do all we can to raise its profile and in turn benefit the affiliated charities. You see so many inspirational people taking to the course with the aim of helping worthy charities and the incredible work they do.

“It’s important to us that we give back to the communities we serve, and this is such a great opportunity to do just that.”

John Timms, Event Director, added: “We are thrilled to welcome back Veezu to the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K for 2024. In previous years their involvement has been integral to the success of the event, from providing the lead vehicle to their sponsorship of the Veezu Fun Run.

“It’s a part of the race day that really is much-loved, and we welcome everyone to join in regardless of age or ability. Once you cross the finish line you can commemorate the day with your very own Veezu Fun Run medal.”

Runners in this year’s 10K are fundraising in support of local charities including Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Cavendish Cancer Care and The Redbrik Foundation.

Entry is just £5 for the Veezu Fun Run and you can register on the day at the race information point, or in advance at www.chesterfield10K.com

Veezu and Redbrik support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Veezu 10k

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Spireites honoured for work promoting inclusion

The work done by Chesterfield FC and Chesterfield FC Community Trust to promote inclusion has been recognised on a national level with the presentation of the Non-league Club award at the Football v Homophobia Awards 2024.

Darren Yates and Ellie Yates from Rainbow Spireites, the official Chesterfield FC LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, represented the club at the event, which was held at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

Summing up the reasons for honouring the Spireites, Football v Homophobia said: “From education around equality to the establishment of the Rainbow Spireites group, National League front-runners Chesterfield are among the clubs between Steps 5 and 8 who are setting the standard in inclusion too. 

“Initiatives include a launch at the town’s local Pride festival and pre-match socials for fans. A first-of-its-kind partnership with Derbyshire FA saw all staff trained on how to create welcoming environments, while a project was also created to encourage children and young people to talk about allyship.”

John Croot, chief executive of the club and the Community Trust, said: “We are proud of the work being done by the club and the Trust to promote inclusion, both in football and in the community.

“It is very pleasing to see the efforts put in by everyone involved recognised on a national level.

“Our thanks go to Football v Homophobia for the award and to Rainbow Spireites for representing the club at the event.”

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

Spireites football v homophobia

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Chatsworth opens new accessible Changing Places facilities

Chatsworth House Trust has officially unveiled its new fully accessible bathroom facility, with local partner Accessible UK attending to help celebrate the occasion and provide ongoing guidance.

Changing Places facilities feature specialist healthcare equipment including greater space to allow for a wheelchair and carer, a privacy curtain, height-adjustable bench and a ceiling-track hoist system.

Situated near the entrances to the house and garden, the new facilities help ensure that Chatsworth continues to be a place for everyone, improving access for visitors with additional needs.

Members of local charities joined for a day of celebration to launch the new facility including Accessible UK, a consultancy formed in 2014 to help improve the lives of those living with disabilities, and Fairplay, a charity formed by a group of local parents to provide accessible activity groups for children and young people. Attendees enjoyed a visit to the farmyard and lunch provided by Chatsworth.

Gillian Scotford, Director of Accessible UK, said: “Changing Places Toilets make a day at Chatsworth possible for the 250,000 people in the UK who need this vital facility. My son Thomas sadly passed away in 2017 aged 21 and he needed this facility.

“As a family we absolutely love Chatsworth and enjoy a Chatsworth Friends membership This beautiful venue has excellent accessibility, and the Changing Places was the missing link. Visitors can now relax and enjoy a full day out to explore this wonderful ‘Role Model’ attraction of excellence.”

Additional facilities to improve access at Chatsworth include free manual wheelchairs and electric scooters for visitors with limited mobility to the garden, a lift installed within the house to ensure easy access for tours, and induction loops for those with hearing disabilities.

Guided touch tours, designed for blind and partially sighted visitors, are also available at Chatsworth. A specially curated selection of items including scale-models of the House, genuine articles from collections and a range of textiles are used to give visitors the chance to interact with the history of Chatsworth through object handling and sensory engagement.

The Chatsworth shops, Carriage House and Cavendish Restaurant are also accessible, including the nearby recently refurbished Chatsworth Farm Shop which has four parking bays for Blue Badge holders.

Emma Flack, Head of Visitor Experience at Chatsworth, said: “Accessibility is a real priority for us in ensuring Chatsworth continues to be a place for everyone to enjoy independently, a home for culture and community that has people at its heart. From exploring the garden and farmyard to discovering the art collection and events taking place throughout the year, there is truly something for everyone.

“These new facilities are just one of the ways we are working to make Chatsworth even more welcoming for our visitors, and we look forward to reopening our doors for a new season next month!”

Chatsworth House Trust is a registered charity dedicated to looking after the house, collections, garden, and parkland, for everyone. Visitor income funds essential conservation and an ambitious programme of exhibitions, events, learning and community outreach. Every penny generated by ticket sales and membership is reinvested into the charity to make this possible.

For more information on Chatsworth’s accessibility facilities and to plan your trip, visit the website.

Are you planning a visit to Chatsworth or the Peak District? Find out more about Chesterfield and plan your visit to our historic town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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

Changing Places Chatsworth

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Local organisations encouraged to join the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge

Businesses in Chesterfield are being encouraged to get involved in a wellbeing challenge to raise funds for local charities, ahead of the upcoming Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

Pronto Paints, the Chesterfield-based family run manufacturer of high technology surface coatings, is returning as the title partner for this year’s Wellbeing Challenge at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K taking place on Sunday 24 March.

Organisations across the region have signed up to take part in the challenge which is a great way for local businesses, schools or groups to join together, get active and raise money for local charities. To register, each team must have a minimum of 6 participants, that are taking part in any of the three events over the weekend: the Nuzest Chesterfield 5K Challenge, Veezu Fun Run or Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

Businesses and organisations which have signed up for the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, include Redbrik Estate Agents, Pronto Paints, Chesterfield Borough Council, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood, Chapter II, Veezu, North Derbyshire Running Club, Mortgage 1st, Banner Jones and St Peter & St Paul School.

David Beckford, managing director of Pronto Paints, said: “It’s fantastic to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again at this year’s Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

“We have sponsored the challenge for many years, and it is an event we look forward to being involved in each year.

“The challenge enables local businesses and organisations to team up and put their health and wellbeing at the forefront of their mind, as well as allowing for a bit of friendly competition which is always great fun to see.”

John Timms, event director, said: “We’re so pleased that Pronto Paints have returned as sponsors of the Wellbeing Challenge for 2024.

“They have been long-standing supporters of the event, and their involvement is always integral to its success. The challenge always adds a fun but importantly recognises the good work that organisation and groups are doing to recognise the importance of encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for all”

The Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge takes place in tandem with the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K and Veezu Fun Run on Sunday 24th March and the Nuzest Chesterfield 5K on Saturday 23rd March. To register your interest and receive your discount code, please email: info@chesterfieldI0K.com

Pronto Paints, Nuzest and Redbrik support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Pronto Paints- Ches10K

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

Spireites to honour community heroes in annual awards ceremony

Local community heroes across Chesterfield will be celebrated once again in 2024 by Chesterfield Football Club.

The Spireites are hosting the annual Community Awards this April, and the club is encouraging people to come forward with nominations to celebrate the unsung heroes in our town.

The club is on the lookout for individuals who have made exceptional contributions, demonstrated selflessness, and had a profound impact on the lives of those around them.

Whether it’s through community service, acts of kindness, sportsmanship, or innovative endeavours, Chesterfield FC wants to hear about the remarkable stories that make Chesterfield a better place.

Nominations are now open, and local people are now encouraged to share stories of those outstanding individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive difference.

People have until the deadline of midnight on Monday, 4th March 2024 to submit nominations.

Once nominees have been confirmed, they will be invited to a lavish ceremony on 27th April 2024 at the SMH Group Stadium, highlighting the incredible spirit of our community.

Find out more about the winners last year’s Chesterfield FC Community Awards

Nominations are open in the following categories:

  • Young Person of Courage – Sponsored by Prince Family Law
  • Adult Bravery – Sponsored by Fabworx
  • Carer of the Year – Sponsored by Graysons Solicitors
  • Sporting Achievement – Sponsored by Leengate Valves
  • Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by The Barrel Inn Blues Travel
  • Local Hero – Sponsored by Ecotech Engineers
  • Green Champion of the Year – Sponsored by Penny Hydraulics
  • Act of Kindness – Sponsored by Elite Contract Clean
  • Above and Beyond – Sponsored by Ideal Flooring
  • Community Hero Award – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
  • Fundraiser of the Year – Sponsored by Kranlee Logistics
  • Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Auto Windscreens

Nominate your community heroes at: https://chesterfield-fc.co.uk/2024-community-awards

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

Chesterfield FC Community-Awards

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Chesterfield artist opens new Hasland studio featuring spectacular local designs

An artist and illustrator, known for his vibrant designs showcasing many of Chesterfield’s prominent landmarks has opened a new studio.

Matt Cockayne’s new store is now open, based at The Green in Hasland. The new studio provides a workspace for Matt, alongside an art and gift shop stocking prints, mugs, framed art, cards, cushions and more.

All of Matt’s art is hand drawn, and going forward will all be created in Hasland either at his home studio or at his premises at The Green.

The artist and designer explained how pleased he was to get the shop up and running: “The last six weeks have been a bit of a slog for me, doing a bit of a renovation work on the building, but I’ve cracked on with it and I’m really pleased.”

Matt explained the reasons behind his decision to invest in a new studio in Hasland: “I’ve lived in Chesterfield for nearly thirteen years now, and moved to Hasland during lockdown.

Matt Cockayne art prints of spire and market hall

I just love it here. I live two minutes away from work so I don’t have to drive, I can walk to work for my commute. Where it’s situated on the crossroads in Hasland is ideal in terms of footfall. Another reason why I wanted the property is that I just like the Victorian look and layout of it. I’ve got my studio in the back of my shop, so I can produce work and sell it from the same place. I want to add something alternative and exciting to the town and Hasland.

“Geographically Chesterfield is a great place to live as it’s in the centre of the county and on the doorstep to the Peak District which I love, I’m an outdoor person and take a lot of inspiration from my surroundings.

Matt also explained why he’s excited to be growing his business and reputation as an artist: “The thing I love about being an artist is having my own freedom to create art, being an independent artist is important as I can draw what I want to draw, rather than being told what I should draw.

“Being local is always nice, as when people say they have my art in their homes it’s humbling to know my creativity has bought some pleasure into someone else’s life.

“I’m big on supporting local business. I use all the shops in Hasland, so hopefully people will follow my ethos and visit me in my shop too. Having a vibrant High Street such as Hasland’s, is just great for the community.”

Find out more about Matt’s latest projects and designs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattCockayneArt/

Matt Cockayne art spire designs cushions

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

Pioneering habitat bank to support biodiversity opens in Chesterfield

A wildlife project near Chesterfield has become the first in Derbyshire to be secured by new legislation to support biodiversity.

Wild Whittington has just become the first habitat bank in the county with a Section 106 agreement with the local planning authority, Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located 5km north of Chesterfield town centre, the Wild Whittington habitat bank allows developers and planning authorities to source off-site Biodiversity Net Gain units to support development schemes and local nature. The site is owned by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and managed by Wild Solutions, the trust’s in-house ecological consultancy and ecosystem services provider. Wild Solutions will be bringing forward further sites across the county in the weeks ahead.

Following a delay to the original deadline in November 2023, Biodiversity Net Gain has now become mandatory. In order to gain planning permission, developers will be required by law to deliver a minimum of 10% net gain in biodiversity with newly created or enhanced habitats secured for at least 30 years, on all new developments.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been protecting and restoring local nature, and helping people access nature-rich spaces on their doorstep, for over 60 years. The organisation believes developers and Local Authorities can use BNG to benefit nature and local communities, but the right approach is essential to achieving this.

Through a process called habitat banking, the Trust is taking a nature led approach to BNG by creating high quality and resilient habitats, delivered in the best place for nature, before the loss occurs.

These new spaces for nature are accessible for the public to enjoy and will provide additional ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, flood risk management and water quality improvements. Wild Solutions can call on 100 expert staff in Derbyshire, making us the most effective and experienced partner for BNG in the county.

The sites will be managed in perpetuity for nature, under the stewardship of Derbyshire’s leading conservation charity and all the profits generated through the Wild Solutions consultancy will be reinvested to secure the best outcomes for nature and have a greater impact for wildlife.

Matt Buckler is Director of Natural Solutions at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and oversees the Trust’s commercial consultancy, Wild Solutions. He says:

“This legislation has brought much needed focus to nature-based solutions and how they can help meet environmental and climate emergencies. BNG becoming mandatory is great news for nature and offers a significant opportunity for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to leverage its expertise to support this new approach, while remaining true to its charitable status and strategic goals.

“Like all nature based solutions, it has to be done right to have the true impact and that is where the passion, experience, skills and dedication of the Trust are essential. We understand the challenges BNG will raise for developers, landowners, LPAs and other stakeholders, and we are well placed to support them with the bespoke, well-rounded solutions they need now, whilst making more space for nature and helping its recovery.”

For more information visit https://www.wildsolutionsdwt.co.uk/ecosystem-service-provision

To discuss your current or future biodiversity objectives, contact Phil Fermor (pfermor@derbyshirewt.co.uk) on 07894 747144

Wild Whittington

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

Craft and makers market coming to Chesterfield

A new pop-up market will bring a selection of crafters and makers to Chesterfield each month this year.

Little Hummingbird Events are partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council to bring their unique offering to Chesterfield on one Saturday each month from 10am to 4pm starting on 9 March.

The Independent Makers and Crafters Market will include seasonal food offerings, handmade gifts and much more – hosting it alongside the town’s regular Saturday market will encourage more people to visit and support both market traders and local retailers.

Nicola Hudson, owner of Little Hummingbird Events, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Chesterfield Borough Council on this exciting new monthly project.

“As a small company ourselves our passion is helping to support small independent businesses. It is this ethos which drives us to help them reach new and regular audiences so that their own business models grow.

“What most people don’t realise is, the bulk of business in the UK is in fact small business. If ever there was a time to support small independents, it is now.”

Little Hummingbird Events have previously worked in Chesterfield, hosting a Maker’s Market in summer 2023.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re excited to welcome Little Hummingbird Events and their fantastic traders back to the town centre.

“The aim is to enhance the market offering bringing new people into the town centre and encouraging them to support existing businesses as well as the new traders. I hope a lot of people will come along and support the new traders coming to Chesterfield.”

Markets are planned on the main market for each month throughout 2024, for a full list of dates head over to our events page.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield, home to a range of unique independent shops and well-known national retailers.

town centre chesterfield market hall

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

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

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