Leisure

Chesterfield Community provides diamond anniversary to remember for local couple

A Chesterfield Care Home and the wider community came together recently, in order to provide a diamond anniversary to remember for  local couple.

Valerie and Harry Holloway celebrated their 60th anniversary on 11 August 2022, with help from Crown Care Group’s Belvedere House Care Home, local councillors and residents.

The idea to treat the coupe to a big celebration came about a few days before the anniversary, when County Councillor Lisa Blakemore introduced Valerie to Belvedere House and County Councillor Jenny Flood took the initiative to accompany her to a pamper day.

This was a significant change as Valerie had not left the house to socialise or participate in activities for quite some time.

With so much collective support and care, the team at Belvedere House worked meticulously over several days to make sure that the Holloway family would have a wonderful time. A special meal accompanied by champagne, flowers, and a beautiful anniversary card marked the celebration and warmly complimented the day.

Claire Adsetts, Customer Relations Manager at Crown Care Group said: “We are so humbled and overjoyed to be able to play a part in such a significant event, to share responsibility within our community. We would like to thank our county councillors for their great work and trust in us.”

Shiva Sheikholeslami, Belvedere House Home Manager, said: “our ethos is to raise awareness about good practice in Care and set an example by providing the best service to the elderly in our care home. In turn, we are rewarded by the satisfaction and pride expressed by our residents. We achieve this by continuously collaborating with the fantastic Chesterfield community on projects that can make a difference.”

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

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Discover more about Chesterfield’s Heritage at upcoming events

Residents and visitors can learn more about local history as Chesterfield Borough Council is set to host two events as part of the national Heritage Open Days.

On Saturday 10 September there is the opportunity to explore the Chesterfield Museum collection, and then the following weekend on Sunday 18 September meet a Sir Joseph Paxton reenactor at Revolution House.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “With the closure of Chesterfield Museum, for the multi-million-pound renovation of Stephenson Memorial Hall, it is important that we offer excellent opportunities for everyone to learn more about our local history. It’s great to be taking part in the national Heritage Open Days and I hope lots of people will take on this unique opportunity to learn more about local history.”

On Saturday 10 September from 11am, people can explore one of Chesterfield Museum’s off-site stores which houses some of the larger items from the Museum’s collection that are not normally on display.

The Museum’s Collections Officer will act as a guide and explain how the museum looks after the items within its care and the challenges involved.

Booking is not required and people can simply arrive at Unit 1 Calow Brook Drive, Off Calow Lane for 11am to take part.

The following weekend on Sunday 18 September between 11am and 4pm, a Sir Joseph Paxton reenactor will be appearing at Revolution House in Old Whittington. Booking for this event is not required.

Visitors will be able to learn more about his life as a gardener, architect and engineer as well as his connection to Chatsworth. There will also be a hands-on activity for children to plant their own seeds.

To find out more about the wide range of events taking place across Chesterfield, go to our events page, or if you want to find something to do this weekend, head over to our ‘Five ideas for the Weekend’ page.

 

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Things are brewing up nicely for new North Derbyshire craft fair event

A new local craft fair will be going all out to ‘roll out the barrel’ when it launches this September.

The Craft and Gift Fair at Drone Valley Brewery in Unstone, Derbyshire, takes place on 11th September and is not just offering crafters a new stage for their wares, but a fun day out for all with live music also on the menu as well as the chance for visitors to sample the brewery’s own selection of award-winning real ales.

The new event will be featuring everything from unusual crystal gifts and felted woodland animals to beautiful wood-burnt carvings; quirky plant pots; sparkling arrays of handcrafted jewellery; scented candles; knitwear and gift sets of every description.

For Fair organiser Caroline Thompson from Dronfield, who also initiated the idea, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work designed to give local businesses, creative talent, the local economy and lovers of arts and crafts, a big post-Pandemic boost.

“As a craft person myself, I love visiting these sort of events but there aren’t many in our corner of Derbyshire,” she said.

“So I thought, why not start one? Since then, I’ve been amazed at the response from local creative businesses. For visitors, we’ll be adding some extra fun to the event with live music. It’s also a great opportunity to raise the profile of Drone Valley Brewery as an amazing community enterprise and venue in its own right.”

Now into its seventh year, the brewery was conceived, built and continues to be run, entirely by volunteers. All profits are ploughed back into local causes with additional support given by playing host to charities for their fund-raising events.

“Supporting our local community is very much at the core of the brewery’s philosophy.” said Caroline, who is a volunteer there herself. “But we also believe in having fun while we’re doing it, so a craft fair with live music, certainly fitted the bill.”

There are still a few stalls left to book at the amazing introductory offer of just £10. “Obviously, we’re hoping it will be such a big success, it will become part of our regular calendar of events, which has got to be a win-win situation for everyone.”

The event takes place on Sunday 11th September and runs from 10am-3pm.

To book a stall contact Caroline on: dvdcraft22@gmail.com.  For visitor information, visit: www.dronevalleybrewery.com

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Weightron Bilanciai continues partnership with world’s first football club

Chesterfield manufacturer, Weightron Bilanciai has continued it’s partnership with the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC.

The agreement which began in 2020 has enabled the football club to continue its engagement in the local community, enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy playing football.

Established back in 1857, Sheffield FC’s vision is to become a worldwide iconic grass-roots football club based on the club’s founding values of Integrity, Respect and Community.

Using the power of sport to encourage social interaction, the club hopes to spread its message locally, nationally and internationally, through diversity programmes in disadvantaged communities under the banner of The Sheffield FC Community.

Weightron Bilanciai have already helped ‘The Worlds First’ make a positive impact in making football accessible for all. Since then, the firm’s work in the local community has grown positively impacting a wide demographic delivering aged friendly sessions, alongside delivering healthy activity and food camps in partnership with Sheffield Council and North East Derbyshire District Council for under-privileged families.

For the upcoming season, The partnership will provide new home & away kit for 190 players across more than a dozen teams, which will feature Weightron Bilanciai front of shirt branding on all home and away shirts.

Graham Abercrombie, Head of Community at Sheffield FC said: “I am delighted that Weightron are continuing to support Sheffield FC.  The wonderful partnership will enable the community and disability departments in particular, to continue to grow and have a bigger positive impact than ever before, whilst creating lifelong memorable experiences for all involved.”

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd. commented: “The level of involvement Weightron is providing to support our local community forms part of our business strategy and is an integral part in our long term plans.”

In addition to this Weightron are also involved with:

  • Aged Friendly sessions: Bringing together 20 vulnerable elderly local community members before home games for a social meet, food, drinks, transport, and free entry to the home games.
  • FA Wildcats: A non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age from 5 to 11.
  • HAF camps: Holiday activities and food programme has provided support to children in receipt of free school meals through holiday period with over 450 local children supported.
  • Disability sessions.
  • CPD Workshops.
  • Weight Management Programs.

Richard Sheldon, General Manager of Sheffield FC added: “I am delighted to announce that Weightron Bilanciai will continue as principal community partner to Sheffield Football Club for the 2022-2023 season. The positive impact for our community teams, players and volunteers has truly been overwhelming since Weightron Bilanciai partnered with The World’s First in 2020. Their continued support the new season will provide invaluable opportunities for our grassroot clubs and community department to grow and flourish.”

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

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Barlow Carnival to take place this weekend

The popular Barlow Carnival returns this weekend, and hundreds of people are expected to visit the picturesque North Derbyshire village for the event.

The celebrations get underway on Wednesday as the village’s three Well Dressings are opened to the public with a blessing taking place at St Lawrence Church from 6.30pm, followed by a procession through the village.

St Lawrence Church will also be open from Wednesday with their popular flower festival this year on theme of ‘Name That Tune’ with cream teas available. A funfair will be open from the Wednesday evening through until Sunday opposite the Village Hall.

The fun continues throughout the week including the Open Air Cinema on Friday 19 August, with Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again being screened.

The main Carnival Day take place on Saturday, 20th August with the Carnival Parade setting off from Springfield Road at 2pm, with road closures around the village. The parade includes a display of decorated floats and fancy dress followed by celebrations on the Carnival Field.

Entertainment on the Carnival Field includes Mighty Smith (Strong Man), Barlow Red Barrows, Birds of Prey, Derby Ambassadors Show Band, live music, vintage cars and much much more.

There will be plenty of stalls including food outlets, local independent crafters and a tombola on offer too.

On Saturday evening the Carnival Field hosts Rock the Carnival with live music from local bands Lunarca, Pearl Heart and Escape Plan.

The fun continues on the Sunday with Chesterfield Guide Dogs presenting their popular dog show from 11am (registration from 10am) accompanied by children’s entertainment and competitions, Heeley City Farm followed by Tug of War competition and inflatable challenge from 1pm.

Terry Allison, Barlow Carnival Committee Chairman said: “We’re so excited to be hosting Barlow Carnival this weekend. Unfortunately we couldn’t hold the event in 2020, we returned in 2021 and the event is going from strength to strength.

“It’s the highlight of the year for many local people, with hundreds of people flocking to the village to join the celebrations we’re getting set for a fantastic weekend. There is something for all the family to enjoy.”

For more information about all the fun planned for Barlow Carnival 2022 see www.barlowcarnival.co.uk

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£47 million confirmed to improve bus services in Derbyshire

£47 million has been awarded to Derbyshire County Council to improve bus services over the next two and a half years.

Last year the Government published a new National Bus Strategy which set out a vision for future improvements across England and how bus services can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy placed a requirement on the County Council and bus companies in the area to work together to create a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Working with bus operators, district and borough councils, bus passenger groups, disability groups, and other special interest organisations a consultation was held last year, which asked the public what they wanted to see to improve bus services. The results helped to inform the BSIP which was submitted to the Government last year and asked for money to improve services across the county.

Derbyshire’s success in gaining £47 million provides the money which will help pay for:

  • More frequent buses and extended hours for vital services
  • Improved bus punctuality and reliability
  • Better value bus fares, especially for young people and those looking for work
  • Expansion of the ‘tap on and tap off’ system for paying for tickets
  • New transport hubs with Real Time Information to help connect bus services to other bus and train services
  • More demand-responsive services for rural and semi-rural areas
  • A new website and app which will cover all services to make planning a journey much easier

It is expected that work will start on delivering these improvements from October 2022.

Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said: “To have the money finally confirmed is great news for everyone in the county.

“Bus services will become so much more attractive to more people and will mean less traffic on our roads. This will make a positive contribution to our approach to tackling climate change.

“We will build on the positive work to date and continue to work in partnership with all the bus companies on a wide range of projects to improve bus travel.”

A partnership board, the BSIP Enhanced Partnership Board, has been set up to deliver the actions in the BSIP. It is chaired by Professor Margaret Bell, with Jeff Counsell, Managing Director of Trentbarton the vice chair.

Professor Margaret Bell CBE said: “This funding is the outcome of a lot of hard work and commitment of council officers and public transport operators who will continue to work together to make public transport a realistic alternative to the use of private cars in the future delivering substantial benefits to health.”

Jeff Counsell added: “The allocation of this funding just goes to show what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for a common cause. I know that we, and all bus operators, are looking forward to delivering the BSIP outcomes in continued partnership with the county.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent transport networks and connectivity at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/getting-here/

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Barrow Hill Roundhouse confirms details of 150th Anniversary Gala

Celebrating 152 years of railway history for the iconic Midland Railway roundhouse and the wider railway industry it supports to this day. The three-day event is taking place from Friday 26th August to Sunday 28th August 2022.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is delighted to release further details of its 150+2 Celebration Gala.  Tickets are now on sale for this great occasion, which will recreate the British Railways-era Open Days which took place at the Roundhouse in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Highlights include:

GWR 1500 class 0-6-0PT shunting engine 1501, the sole survivor of its class, in steam and working the Barrow Hill shuttle trains from Roundhouse Halt up the Springwell branch line.  Our thanks go to the 1501 Pannier Tank Association and Severn Valley Railway for providing the engine for the Gala.

Midland Railway 158A Class 156 2-4-0, from the National Collection, will be on display alongside Midland Railway Compound 1000, the first time for many years that the two Midland Railway locomotives will have been seen together.  Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, the charity responsible for the Roundhouse, has signed a three-year loan agreement with the National Railway Museum to enable the locomotive to go on static public display here. The locomotive was previously at Locomotion in Shildon, where it had been receiving conservation work and asbestos remediation. It has strong historic ties to the region; it was designed by William Kirtley and built at Derby in 1866 before being withdrawn in 1947.

GB Railfreight’s Class 69 69003 will be named “The Railway Observer” by the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society during the Gala weekend.

The following diesel locomotives will also be visiting the Roundhouse during the Gala:

  • Classes 08, 20 & 37 – courtesy of Harry Needle Railroad Company
  • Class 37 – courtesy of Colas Rail
  • Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 46 46010 – courtesy of Mr Mike Newton
  • Class 50 5008 – courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services
  • Class 56 – courtesy of DCRail.
  • Class 66 66726 “Sheffield Wednesday” – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 67 – courtesy of DB Cargo

They will be joined by the Roundhouse’s resident locomotives including:

  • Class 45 45060 and 45105 (newly painted) – courtesy of Pioneer Diesel Group
  • The Baby Deltic Project’s D5910 – on display on the turntable
  • Classes 81, 82, 83, 85 & 89 – courtesy of The AC Locomotive Group

The Roundhouse’s Class 02 D2868 and Class 07 07012, owned by Mr James Williams and Mr Victor Korzienwicz, will operate brake van rides in the Roundhouse yard.  The Roundhouse’s Class 03 03066 will support GWR 1501 on the passenger train services.

The Deltic Preservation Society Depot will also be open throughout the Gala weekend.

A variety of railway society stands and trade stalls, food and drink outlets, a range of children’s activities and historical enactments of Roundhouse characters will complete the celebrations of 152 extraordinary years of this unique railway building.  There will also be a free shuttle bus service from Chesterfield railway station operating on all three days of the Gala.

Tickets are on sale now from www.seetickets.com.  The Gala will be open from 10am to 5pm on each day (last entry at 4pm).  Entry tickets will also be available on the day during the Gala. More information about the Roundhouse and forthcoming events including the 150+2 Celebration Gala can be found at www.barrowhill.org.

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

Barrow hill web main

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Official running club partner confirmed for Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has confirmed North Derbyshire Running Club once again as its official running club partner for its 2022 event in Queen’s Park.

North Derbyshire Running Club will once again provide pace runners and support runners for the event, which is taking place on Sunday 16 October 2022, starting at 10:00am.

Those aiming for a particular time can join a pacer’s group at the start and follow them throughout the race. The pacer tries to run even splits, moving at the same speed from start to finish, checking their time regularly and making any necessary adjustments.

The role of the 10K support runners is to help anyone throughout the race who may need extra support or motivation but importantly have a great time.

Andrew Hall, Club Chairman at North Derbyshire Running Club, said: “We’re so glad to be the official running club partner of Chesterfield 10k this year. We’re looking forward to helping experienced runners smash their PBs, as well as supporting those completing what might be their first 10k.”

The Chesterfield 10k is a local event that’s really important to us, as support and pace runners but also as a club. We hope to support the runners and charity partners, while showing people what a great club North Derbyshire is to be part of.”

John Timms, Event Director, said: “Pacers and support runners are a vital part of the Chesterfield 10k, helping people stay motivated, no matter their ability. The feedback we had last year, particularly regarding the support runners was overwhelmingly positive, so it’s really important that we’re able to offer that experience to entrants once again.”

For more information or to sign up for the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, please visit http://www.chesterfield10k.com/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield parks awarded five coveted Green Flag Awards

In a record-breaking year five Chesterfield parks are raising the prestigious Green Flag Award

Chesterfield Borough Council is celebrating after receiving Green Flag Awards for Eastwood Park, Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country, Poolsbrook Country Park and the gardens of Chesterfield and District Crematorium. There were 2208 UK winners.

The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

After two years that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that these five sites have achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make the green space a great space that everyone can enjoy.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is great news that we have retained our five Green Flag Awards and is a testament to the hard work our teams do to maintain these green spaces. We know how important green spaces are for our community as a place not only to socialise in but also as a space to improve both physical and mental health.”

Eastwood Park Chesterfield

Commenting on the news that these five sites have met the Green Flag Award standard, Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these sites worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“These sites are a vital green space for the community in Chesterfield. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available the Keep Britain Tidy website.

Looking for ideas for outdoor spaces to visit?  Check out our guide.

Thinking of taking a picnic with you to the park, why not source it from a local producer?

Queens Park, Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Vicar Lane to broadcast The Hundred on their big screen

From the 3rd August, Vicar Lane is thrilled to debut The Hundred cricket tournament on their Big Screen and delighted even more so, to champion local player Bess Heath.

Born in Chesterfield, 20-year-old Bess currently plays for Yorkshire, Northern Diamonds and will feature for the Northern Superchargers in the upcoming tournament, with their home games being staged at Headingley.

To get behind Bess and the whole Northern Superchargers team, Vicar Lane is thrilled to be giving away a handful of tickets to some of the Northern Superchargers fixtures [at Headingley] and is encouraging shoppers to keep an eye out for how to get involved to win!

More information can be found across the Vicar Lane social media channels.

Vicar Lane is proud to shine a light on Bess’ achievements so far and hope that they can encourage their younger visitors with an interest in sport to stay determined, keep practicing and follow their dreams!

Bess Heath ahead of the upcoming tournament said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in The Hundred this summer and playing for the Northern Supercharges again. It’s an exciting, fast-paced cricket competition with music and family entertainment, which will only be bigger and better this year. I can’t wait to be part of it and it’s a great feeling to have Vicar Lane get behind us as a team and show support by streaming all The Hundred games live on their big screen!’’

Check out what is happening this Summer in Chesterfield

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Wimbledon Vicar Lane Big Screen

Posted in Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield announced as second best in England for access to sporting facilities

Chesterfield is the second best place in the country for access to sporting facilities according to new research.

The England Sports Accessibility Index has been created by Runners Need.

It analyses how much town and city councils across England have invested in local sports and activity schemes over the past five years and which places have the best access to sports facilities.

Chesterfield has 137 local facilities per 100,000 residents and an average spend of £57.59 per person per year.

The research highlights on average, a town or city has 73 listed sports facilities per 100,000 people and spends £35.70 per head per year on sports funding.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We welcome the positive news that Chesterfield has been ranked as England’s second most accessible town for sports.”

“We want to be able to help our communities to improve their health and wellbeing and we understand how important it is to have access to facilities and opportunities for people to be active.”

“We have some fantastic local facilities and lots of groups that help encourage everyone in our community participate in sport and physical activity.”

“This ranking is a testament to the fantastic work that everyone involved in sport and physical activity does to help our residents and visitors across the Borough.”

This survey follows announcements that Chesterfield is the happiest place to live in the east midlands and the second best place in the UK to raise a family.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting