Leisure

Chesterfield car boot sale set to return to Technique Stadium

A regular car boot sale will be returning to Chesterfield once again, located at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium.

After a long pause in operation at the Rose Hill car park site, a transfer back to the football club for the popular weekly car boot sale can now be announced.

Due to the lack of permanent toilet facilities at Rose Hill, a relocation was sought once again.  The football club previously successfully hosted the car boot prior to it being held at Rose Hill.

Both Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Football Club are delighted that the popular weekly car boot can recommence from Sunday, July 10, 2022.

The club will be operating the car boot under licence from the council and in conjunction with the area’s largest car boot operator, Treasure Trove Fairs.

Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, Bridget Ball, said: “We are delighted to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and Treasure Trove Fairs to bring the Car Boot back to the Technique Stadium.

“We have the facilities and space to accommodate many car booters and I’m sure this news will be well received by those who enjoy selling at car boot sales and attending them.”

Treasure Trove Fairs owner, Mike Snow, said, “It’s so exciting to see the rebirth of this incredibly popular car boot sale.

“There will be many introductory offers for car booters, including Tesco gift cards, free matchday vouchers, and many other goodies.

“We’re pleased to have teamed up with Tesco to offer free car parking and we can’t thank the store enough for their kind co-operation.

“We’re thrilled to work with Chesterfield Football Club, who have been kind enough to offer the use of toilets in Chester’s Den and give us this amazing opportunity.”

Full details of set up times, trading times, parking and pitch fees can be found on the Treasure Trove Fairs Facebook Group or by ringing Mike on 07966 445452 Opening times: 7am – 1pm. £10 per pitch. Public admission is free.

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.

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Plans submitted for a range of new leisure facilities in North Wingfield

Residents in North Wingfield could soon benefit from several new leisure facilities, with plans submitted to develop land off Williamthorpe Road.

Local developer, Inspire Design and Development is involved in the proposals, which include a pub, hotel, restaurant, wedding venue and nursery.

The proposal falls as part of one of the company’s existing projects in the area, a large development which already has outline approval for more than 500 houses between North Wingfield and Holmewood.

Inspire Design and Development’s role includes promoting the project, managing the design team and running the planning application. The plans will provide much needed leisure facilities in the area, particularly for local residents.

Calum Reford, Graduate Planner at Inspire Design and Development Ltd. commented: “The proposal seeks to create a bespoke character area to create a local landmark which will be in-keeping with the existing and future built environment.

“The development represents a significant social and economic benefit to the area and will deliver a hospitality offer, alongside supporting the new dwellings currently under construction.

“The proposals will also deliver employment opportunities for local people, providing access to a new career in a unique venue.

“This development can provide a statement building that frames the entrance to help establish a sense of place and provide a facility that the area can be genuinely proud of.”

The company has also stated that the design for the new leisure development is inspired by ‘traditional Derbyshire rural farm buildings’, with ‘a series of pitched roof pavilions and outdoor seating/eating areas with views towards Chesterfield and the Crooked Spire church.

Based in nearby Clay Cross, Inspire Design and Development has extensive experience in the planning, design and delivery of development projects.

Having successfully delivered high quality planning approvals, the firm ensures that each of the projects it undertakes is commercially robust, paving the way for excellent, efficient and exciting places for local people to live, work and play within their community.

The Senior Management team collectively has around 100 years of experience in the redevelopment of brownfield sites.

Inspire Design & Development Ltd. 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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Vicar Lane encourages Chesterfield shoppers to donate to Ukraine appeal

Vicar Lane is making a fresh request for public support as it launches its second push to donate essential items to Ukraine.

Shoppers exceeded expectations earlier this spring when they were first asked to make donations in response to the war in Ukraine. The centre was overwhelmed by the generosity of Chesterfield public to the call for help.

Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator at Vicar Lane said, “We were overwhelmed by the quick response and generosity of our local community. The centre management office became a drop-off point for the items, and was completely full by the end of week one!”

Vicar Lane tenants participated in the effort too, with shoe retailer Deichmann providing shoe boxes which were made up into packs containing essential items for the war-torn country. New Look, The Works and Clarissa’s Interiors also made generous donations.

With the help of local members of the community and the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church in Chesterfield all the items made their way to Ukraine via a lengthy lorry-journey though Poland.

“We know that shoppers were keen to play their part earlier this year so we are sure that our second  campaign will be just as successful. A big thanks to everyone who donated previously and to those that will donate this time around,” said Brandon Howard.

People are being asked to make particular types of donations so that the most useful items are donated. Tinned foods and non-perishables, cosmetics and hygiene products will make the biggest difference.

Items can be dropped off at the management suite (opposite Iceland) up until 29th June.

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is  home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. Find out more here.

Vicar Lane 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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Successful Dronfield Arts Festival to return in 2023

The popular Dronfield Arts Festival has once again been hailed a success, with people across the community enjoying a weekend of music, poetry, theatre, art, dance and much more.

Organised by Dronfield Heriatage Trust and Dronfield Hall Barn, the festival took place between 29th April and 1st May 2022, and included more than 60 events offering a fantastic mix of some of the best regional and national arts.

Now, the organisers of the festival have already confirmed the dates for it’s return next year, taking place from 6th-9th July 2023.

Sam Reavey, Creative Manager at Dronfield Heritage Trust commented: “What a wonderful Arts Festival we had this May. After a two year break, it was great to finally be back. It has been a tough couple of years for everybody and what a wonderful sight it was to see so many people attend our festival over the 3 days.

“There was something for everyone, music, dancing, art, comedy, vintage cars, fire and chainsaws. The Festival will be back next year, so please keep checking social media for confirmed dates and acts throughout the year. We’ll see you next year.

“The Festival is the highlight of the Barn’s year. It is our biggest event which not only happens at the Barn, but around Dronfield in local pubs like the Green Dragon and other venues such as the Peel and Civic Centres. All the entertainments are only made possible by our communities continued support of the event and the Arts Festival team cannot thank them enough.

This September the Dronfield Hall Barn will be hosting a Victorian themed weekend. There will be a mix of traditional fairground favourites, entertainers and stalls. Dress up is encouraged. It has been confirmed visitors will benefit from free entry to the event.

Find out more about the Dronfield Arts Festival and the wider activity at Dronfield Hall barn via the following links: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/ and https://dronfieldartsfestival.co.uk/

Dronfield Arts Festival and Dronfield Heritage Trust support 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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Pomegranate Theatre set to close for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to temporarily close its doors later this month in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

The theatre will close on Sunday 26 June before planned refurbishment works start on Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A series of community led events have been arranged ahead of the temporary closure.  These performances include, An Afternoon of Song and Dance organised by the Chesterfield Theatre Friends on 19 June and local ladies choir, the Honey Belles, on Saturday 25 June. The Heights Ballet & Theatre School will present Peter Pan on Sunday 26 June before the curtains close ahead of the renovation project.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is a landmark in our town and our ambitious plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town.

“Colleagues have been working to carefully move all of the treasured items from the Museum into secure storage. Now this is nearing completion, we are now in a position to close the Pomegranate Theatre and move many of our shows into the Winding Wheel while the transformation of the building is carried out.”

Residents and visitors to the borough will still be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre as lots of popular shows will be moving across to the Winding Wheel during the refurbishment, including the annual pantomime which you can purchase tickets for on the Chesterfield Theatres website: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will enable visitors, staff and artists with mobility difficulties to access all parts of the building including the circle seating area and upper museum floors.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

The project is projected to cost around £17.5 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through the Governments Levelling Up fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help maintain Chesterfield as a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Find out more about the proposals for the Stephenson Memorial Hall on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/revitalising-the-heart-of-chesterfield/stephenson-memorial-hall-development

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Improved customer experience technology being introduced at Chesterfield leisure centres

Visitors to Queen’s Park Sports Centre and The Healthy Living Centre will start to see several changes that will improve their experience when using the centres.

From late-June this year, self-service kiosks will be installed in the reception areas making it quick and simple to book and pay for various activities.

A new online booking system will also be introduced which has several functions, to include, booking and cancelling activities, paying for activities, accessing activity programmes, and managing personal details.

Staff will on hand to guide customers through how to use the new facilities during their visit, but it is anticipated that the new equipment will reduce waiting times in the reception area and allow customers to enjoy their leisure time quicker.

Ian Waller, Service Director – Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, said: “The new system will be easy to use, although staff will be available to assist those who need any help when they attend our centres.

“Customer service is very important to us, so the new kiosks and online functionality will improve our customers experience when arriving at the centres and / or booking exercise classes, swimming sessions or amending membership details.”

If customers have any questions or queries about the changes being put in place, Chesterfield Borough Council encourages them to speak to a member of the leisure centre team when they next visit, although there will be a series of information and communication updates as  the go live date for the new system approaches.

To find out more about the different places to visit and activities you could be getting up to in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/

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Display of thousands of remembrance flowers set to open at popular country house

Ashgate Hospice is inviting people to remember their loved ones by visiting a spectacular and poignant display featuring thousands of forget-me-not flowers at a North Derbyshire country house this month.

The hospice launched its new Forget-Me-Not Appeal, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, in May as a special way for supporters to celebrate, mourn and remember loved ones.

Hundreds have donated to receive a flower in memory of someone special, each flower measures 45cm in length and is lovingly crafted by the British Ironwork Centre.  Anyone who would like to dedicate a flower to their loved one can do so by making a suggested donation of £25.

The striking pink flowers will form a display within the picturesque grounds of Grade I-listed Renishaw Hall and Gardens, near Eckington.

Supporters can visit the display for free from Wednesday 15th June to Sunday 19th June and between Wednesday 22nd June and Sunday 26th June.

Amongst those remembering someone special is Karen Esposito who has dedicated a flower  in memory of her dad, Tony Jackson, who was cared for by the hospice at the end of his life.

“Dad was a true force of nature. A man who stood for his community and his family, who didn’t understand the words ‘it’s not possible’.

“He met my mum, Elaine, at a party in the 60s, as teenagers. Dad thought she looked just like Audrey Hepburn, and mum said that he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

“It was the beginning of a lifelong love; they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in September 2021, shortly before he died.”

Tony was diagnosed with a rare form of MND in November of 2020; Karen tells of the “special” care her family received on Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit.

She added: “The physiotherapists took him for walks around the grounds, which he loved. We received regular home visits from the specialist nurse and the consultant, and through this we felt respected, looked after, and listened to.

“I especially remember the much-needed humour in the face of a terrifying disease. Ashgate made Dad feel as comfortable as he possibly could be.

“He passed away at Ashgate in December 2021. We weren’t there with him when he passed away – I had gone home for a rest, expecting to see him again the next day – so it was such a comfort to speak to the two wonderful nurses who were holding his hands for us.

“The staff are special at Ashgate. They are skilled, compassionate, and open. I honestly do not know how we would have managed without them; we all have an increased respect for the work they do and the need for the specialised approach that is needed for people who are at very vulnerable stages of life.”

Once the display ends, supporters of the campaign can then collect their flower from Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield between Friday 1st July and Sunday 3rd July. Donors can also choose to have their flower posted to them.

Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, Jack Wood, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported our Forget-Me-Not Appeal so far, the donations will mean we can be there to provide vital care for families like Karen’s across North Derbyshire.

“We can’t wait to see all of the stunning flowers form the display at Renishaw Hall and Gardens later this month – last year’s display at Chatsworth was so beautiful and poignant and this one promises to be just as special.

“It’s not too late to dedicate a flower in memory of your loved one, just head over to our website to find out more about supporting the campaign.”

The suggested donation for a forget-me-not flower is £25 and the money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end –of life care.

To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Ashgate Hospice 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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Matlock Farm Park reveals new ‘Enchanted Hamlet’

One of our area’s best family attractions, Matlock Farm Park has unveiled it’s latest new addition; The Enchanted Hamlet.

The Enchanted Hamlet is an exciting, brand new indoor and outdoor adventure play area at Matlock Farm Park, adding even more fun to a day out at the park.

Built of beautiful, rustic oak and larch, featuring enchanting twisted stagwood around much of the equipment, the hamlet is designed to encourage imaginative, sensory, physical and problem solving play for tots through to tweens, also providing delight for parents as they get involved too.

There is a large sand-based zone with chutes, pulley systems and platforms to encourage team work between children; sand kitchens and a traditional pit for little ones to enjoy sandcastle making; a pea gravel zone with areas designed especially for transference of materials, including very popular mini diggers and hidey holes too for children to enjoy.

The Hamlet will also feature an adventure zone, featuring a high tower with internal climbing wall and cargo net, a stunning bridge to walk across and get views of the park, slides-a-plenty and a great timber tangle climbing frame for a real challenge.

Much of the area is covered by a dramatic, huge round house, providing shelter and shade allowing visitors to use the area in all weathers. There is also lots of seating to relax at whilst supervising children and a ‘Fodder Wagon’ catering unit, for people to buy drinks and snacks.

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant Manager at Matlock Farm Park, said: “We’ve wanted to create something special like this for years and to finally see it all come to fruition is just wonderful. It’s a big investment for us, but we want to give our visitors an amazing experience when they come here and we know that animal activity combined with playtime is what families really enjoy.

“Covid lockdowns were really hard, but we’ve bounced back and had fantastic support from our visitors. We’ve made lots of improvements over the last 18 months, including adding the UK’s largest Jumping Pillow last Spring, and now we are just thrilled to have created The Enchanted Hamlet – it’s nice to be able to give something back to our loyal supporters.

“With the farm park being such a wide open, rural setting, we really wanted to compliment this with a play area built of beautiful, rustic wood and as you enter the farm park, the tower and round house covering are visible, giving a hint to what follows ahead. We wanted to create a feeling of enchantment.

“Many of our visitors have been coming to the farm park for years and the feedback on The Enchanted Hamlet has just been brilliant. Will be doing more development in the coming years? You never know – watch this space.”

Matlock Farm Park 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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Business community called on to shout about its success

Businesses both new and well-established are being urged to celebrate their successes by entering one of five categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.  

The annual awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire Facilities Management, recognise the resilience and progress of the town’s businesses.

The five categories, now open for applications, are designed to raise the profile of organisations that have made a meaningful impact to the built environment of Chesterfield; new sole traders and limited companies; firms benefitting from forward-thinking apprentices; companies demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability; and accessible hospitality businesses. The deadline to enter is Thursday 30 June.

This year, the Regeneration Award is open to both individual businesses and collectives that have supported or delivered high quality spaces within six miles of Chesterfield town centre.

Once again, the winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award will get a further boost, receiving 10 hours of free mentoring from Banner Jones Solicitors’ and also a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We originally launched the Love Chesterfield Awards to recognise the hard work of the wider business community. The challenges of the last two years have made these awards all the more important and I hope members of the business community will put themselves or their apprentices forward for an award and get the recognition they so deserve.”

Businesses can enter the following categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards:

The deadline for applications is Thursday 30 June. Apply today here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/apply-for-the-love-chesterfield-awards/.

The five business categories are in addition to the 10 public nomination categories for Chesterfield’s high street food, drink and retail businesses. Public nominations closed on 31 May with nominated businesses now set to be evaluated by a panel of mystery judges.

The winners of all the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories will be announced at a glittering black tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

Peter Currey, CEO at Entire Facilities Management commented: “As well as the many great food and drink businesses and retailers in Chesterfield, it’s great to be able to recognise the wider business community in the Awards. Apprenticeships, sustainability, accessibility, regeneration and entrepreneurship are helping drive the town’s growth, and I am delighted that this is being recognised at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”

As well as the above sponsors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the turmoil and uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

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Council partners with Chesterfield Pride for 2022 LGBTQ+ celebration

Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to announce it will once again be the headline sponsor for Chesterfield Pride 2022.

After the successful partnership in 2021 the council has teamed up with the organisers of Chesterfield Pride again to back the annual family-friendly event which supports and celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Chesterfield Pride takes centre stage at Stand Road Park on Sunday 24 July from 12pm until 7pm. Nadine Coyle of Girls Aloud fame will be the headline act this year with support from acts including Jo O’Meara, Kelly Wilde and local musician Alfie Darlin.

Donna Reddish, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – corporate, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.

“Since 2015 the organisers have worked so hard to ensure this event can thrive in our town and it is truly open for everyone to have fun packed day filled with positivity.”

Dan Walker, Chesterfield Pride organiser, said: “We are so excited to have Chesterfield Borough Council as the events Main Sponsors. This partnership will help us deliver a fantastic event for everyone to enjoy and also highlights the council’s commitment in supporting the LGBTQ community.”

Family-friendly music and comedy acts will feature on the council-sponsored Main Stage, with entertainment running throughout the day.

There will also be a cabaret stage, fairground rides and a variety of stalls hosted by local organisations as part of the day’s line-up.

The strengthened partnership is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support Chesterfield’s LGBTQ+ community.

For more information about the event, or to buy tickets, please visit the Chesterfield Pride website or search ‘Chesterfield Pride’ on Facebook.

To find out more about all the events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this Summer, go to: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

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Residents encouraged to get involved in Derbyshire Community Orchard project

Just as the Queen’s Green Canopy is asking people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ and pin their tree to the UK map, Derbyshire Community Orchard Network are asking people to pin their fruit trees and orchards to the map of Derbyshire.

The group began mapping fruit trees and orchards last year and are on the lookout for more. Simon Redding, a group member said “We haven’t found it difficult to do the actual technical mapping but we are struggling to know where fruit trees are located.

“Many groups have come forward to tell us about their plantations, such as orchards in Tideswell, Buxton, Ashover, Hayfield, New Mills, Overseal and Belper but we know there are more out there and would love people to get in touch.”

Derbyshire Community Orchard Network was set up in July last year with the aim of connecting people interested in starting or sustaining a community orchard, so that skills can be shared and knowledge maintained. The group meets about once every two months and has members who own or manage orchards, others who volunteer to help occasionally or people just interested in wildlife, the environment and sustainable food production.

Group organiser Anne Thoday said “We discovered there was an appetite for people to get together and talk about all things fruit tree related. Our meetings are well attended and we have already had speakers from Transition, Abundance Chesterfield, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), and many people who manage orchards.

“Community orchards are a great space for old and young to mix and play a part in sustainable food production.

“We know how important trees can be in helping to prevent climate change, they remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their wood, roots and leaves. It’s a further bonus to plant fruit trees which can also provide food.”

Derbyshire County Councillor Barry Lewis initiated the convening of a group to bring interested parties together. He owns Amber Valley Vineyards in Wessington where he has planted many traditional apple varieties in a cider orchard such as Newton Wonder, Beeley Pippin and New Bess Pool. He manages the wildflower meadow around the orchards to maximise biodiversity, and has seen a considerable increase in species over the years. The group have had a talk from Kieron Huston from DWT on growing wildflower meadows and have also recently visited Amber Valley to see the meadow at Wessington.

Barry said: “When we first planted the vines and trees the surrounding field was fairly poor quality meadow grassland with low species diversity. Over the years we have managed to introduce, by green-haying from another wildlife site we look after, many new locally native species and we now have lots of red fescue, ox eye daisy, vetch, yellow rattle, cowslips, blue bells and each year we are seeing increasing diversity of plants.”

The group is putting this call out for more people to come forward and tell them where they are and what’s happening in their area with fruit trees. Anyone interested in planting an orchard or getting involved with orchards are also welcome to attend the meetings. The next evening will have a talk from Kevin Thomas at ‘One Planet Matters’ who has been working on encouraging community orchards across the country, and is already helping to plan plantings in Renishaw, Unstone and Eckington. Many community groups and schools have made use of free trees from the Queen’s Green Canopy partner the Woodland Trust, and it would be great for younger people interested in tree growing to get in touch, as planting is only the first step in creating a productive orchard.

The group can be contacted by mailing Anne on climateactionned@gmail.com and found on Facebook at Derbyshire Community Orchard Network.

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