Summer

Another independent retailer chooses Chesterfield to be their home

RD Models opened its new store on Whittington Moor in Chesterfield this May.

They are the latest of a number of independent retailers and hospitality businesses that have chosen to open or expand their business in Chesterfield.

RD Models specialises in high quality radio control cars, parts, spares and offer repairs on site.

The owner, Dave Hanson, has had a love of cars since he was a young boy and had good memories of working alongside his dad building kit cars, and this year he decided to open his first store on Sheffield Road.

Dave Hanson, Owner of RD Models said: ” We are proud to call Chesterfield home – our lovely town is growing and expanding and we are excited to be part of this regeneration.  The community of businesses and families on Sheffield Road has really welcomed RD Models and we are so grateful for all the support we have received.”

Since opening in May 2022, the store has received a wonderful response from people who are shopping local and is proud to be part of the independent scene in Chesterfield.

Dave added “There is such a diversity of wonderful shops on our doorstep and the Chesterfield community does an amazing job of supporting independent businesses like ours to keep the vibrant variety of shops available to us!   With the Chesterfield Football Stadium, Northern Gateway and the newly opened Glass Yard on our doorstep, RD Models is excited to be part of the revitalisation of Chesterfield.”

RD Models also partners with the British Radio Car Association and Bakewell RC Car Club by offering a trackside shop at local and regional races and also sponsors the Notts and Derby Off Road RC racetrack.

More information on the Chesterfield shop, local events, and the groups they partner with, can be found at www.rdmodels.co.uk

Find out more about other businesses that have recently opened or expanded in Chesterfield

Discover more about the regeneration of Chesterfield and the developments that are currently underway.

RD Models Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, Summer, Visiting

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.

 

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

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

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

Discover why Chesterfield is the perfect cycling destination

Chesterfield is the perfect location for cycling.  Nestled on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the historic market town with the Crooked Spire has a range of cycling routes for all abilities.

We caught up with Paul Chapman, Owner of the local lifestyle magazine and website, S40 Local, who loves cycling, to tell us more and share one of his favourite routes.

Paul Chapman from S40 local

Why do you love cycling?

Where do I start and how many words do you want was my initial reaction! Why? Simple.  I just love to cycle, always have, and always will.

Cycling when I was young was how you got to your friends after school.  There were a few years when I abandoned the bike as motorbikes and cars took over.  But it wasn’t long before my commute each day across Nottingham to Boots Head Office involved cycling.

7 am, slicing through winter traffic and dropping onto quiet cycle paths and towpaths through the suburbs is fab.  There isn’t anything like it.  It’s a real wake-up before work. The introduction of the mountain bike had me driving up to the Peak District every weekend.  And this was before any form of suspension on a pushbike! This was painful stuff, but still addictive.

Years later, I now live on the edge of the Peak District. 25 minutes of pedaling from my front door and I can be at the top of Beeley Moor; the hills and valleys looking like all my favourite toys spread out on the lounge floor!

I’ve competed a few times, but only for a bit of fun; I’ve never been that quick.  But now I’m regularly competing with my son to get the odd King of The Mountain (see Strava). But mostly I just try to hang onto his back wheel downhill as I watch a vision of my past youth.  He’s blind to the dangers involved and loving it as much as I do.

 

Why is Chesterfield a great place to Cycle?

Chesterfield is a great place to ride.  We have some very useful bits of infrastructure and a network of bridleways that take you away from the tarmac. I’ve drawn up an 11-mile route around the west side of town, which is at the end of this article.   Strava says it’s 14% road, 55% dirt, and 31% unclassified.   It should take you around an hour and you can explore the town and surrounding areas.

 

How do you plan your cycle routes around Chesterfield?

Why not download the map of Chesterfields’ cycle routes? Take a browse and see if you could use a bike for your commute or escape to the quiet lanes.

Check out some ideas for bike rides and cycle routes around Chesterfield

Paul’s 11-mile cycle route around Chesterfield

11 mile cycle route around Chesterfield

11-mile cycle route around Chesterfield

Download the cycle route map

  • Start at the entrance to Walton Dam (1) and ride through to Somersall Park (Hipper Valley Route) and the car park on Somersall Lane. This track is good in summer, but after rain or in the winter can be muddy.
  • As you leave Somersall Park turn right up Somersall Lane; this is one of the few road sections.
  • In the end, turn left and proceed East up Chatsworth Road, again on the road.
  • At the junction with Brookside Barr (2) the pavement becomes much wider and it’s usually possible to ride safely using this until you reach the junction with Holymoor Road. Please keep a look out for any cars leaving or entering driveways and pass any pedestrians courteously.
  • Reaching Holymoor Road, cross to the pavement on the opposite side of the road and continue up to Westwick Lane. There is a wide tarmac access road section that keeps you off Baslow Road until you reach the garage.
  • Turn right, back on yourself and you’re now on Westwick Lane, away from the busy roads you can continue along here until you reach Ashgate Road (4), take a left for 100 metres, and then cross to join the well surfaced bridleway, Woodnuck Lane, that will take you into Linacre reservoirs.
  • Take care on the descent; it can be a bit slippy when wet but is safe enough if you take your time.
  • Dropping into Linacre, you will approach an old bridge with a wide uphill path on the left, (5) take this and climb to reach the lower reservoir where you need to take the middle path through the gap in the fence to join the concessionary path around the lower, and onto the middle reservoirs.
  • As you see the top reservoir turn right across the front (6), please do not ride around the top reservoir as it is a wildlife area and cycling is not permitted on this path.
  • As you reach the far side of the reservoir, turn right downhill and follow this path until you reach a gate (7).
  • Through and turn left, follow this steep tarmac climb to its end with the B5060 Main Road, Cutthorpe, and turn right. Again, although there are suitable paths and tracks from the reservoir, there are no bridleways so the cyclist is forced to take a short road section.
  • Pass The Peacock at Cutthorpe, or perhaps call in for a refreshment! As you pass the Peacock you round a left-hand bend, shortly after this, you need to turn right into Greenlane. (8)
  • Drop to Holmebrook Valley Park. Take care through Hall Farm as it can be muddy, or if you time it badly, the cows may have crossed!
  • As you enter the woodland at the bottom of this track, stay right and follow the bridleway until you see the fishing pond at Holmebrook Valley Park.
  • Take a right turn over a bridge (9) then immediately left to follow the trail, take care as you cross the car park entrance and pass under Loundsley Green Road.
  • Round the edge of the playing field to reach Pennine Way, where care must be taken to cross the road and pick up the marked cycle route signposted into the town centre.
  • Cross Purbeck Avenue and be sure not to miss the left turn to pop out on Ashgate Valley Road (10).
  • Turn right onto Holmebank East, cross Ashgate Road, and proceed down Chester Street for a few hundred metres. Shortly after the park, you need to look out for a left-hand turn that will take you on a cycle trail towards town, passing behind the old gas cylinders (only one left).
  • Take the right at the end of the path and around the edge of the car park for the bingo hall.
  • You will arrive through an arch onto Chatsworth Road at Wheatbridge (11).
  • Follow the cycle route across the path around the island and then over the traffic lights at Wickes.
  • Stay slightly left and take the short path to reach Dock Walk and turn right following Dock Walk.
  • Continue onto Goyt Side Road (12) and carry straight on along the cycle track through the old Walton Works site.
  • At the end turn left along Walton Fields Road (13) then immediately right to join Bobbin Mill Lane.
  • Stay on Bobbin Mill Lane by turning left to meet Walton Road and back to your starting point at the dam.

Chesterfield Cycling

Find out more about getting on your bike in Chesterfield.  Our guide includes details of how you can get your bike serviced and get involved with the local cycling scene

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

New café added to bustling Chatsworth Road food & drink scene

A new café has opened on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, becoming the latest addition to the popular food and drink offer in the area.

Café Nellie promises a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and will offer popular favourites such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, pâté and hummus plates, and of course a delightful range of cakes and sweet treats.

Owner Tracey Wallis has opened the new venture following five years trading as the Pekoe Café, also based on Chatsworth Road. She said she was delighted to be welcoming customers old and new to the café.

“Café Nellie has been a huge project but the results are definitely worth all the planning and hard work. The team from The Pekoe Café have all transferred to Café Nellie and it has been a real pleasure to welcome many of our loyal customers. We have seen lots of  new faces too  – great to meet you all, we genuinely appreciate your support. We hope you will all give a real Cestrafeldrian welcome to Zhanna, our new friend and colleague, recently arrived from Ukraine and now a valued member of our team.

“We are very happy to still be part of The Chatsworth Road Community and our new neighbours have quickly become friends. This next year or so small, local businesses are going to face some real challenges – we hope we can all work together to make positive things happen for our great town of Chesterfield.

“The question we get asked most is ‘Who is Nellie?’  Well,  Nellie was the most wonderful rescue Staffy dog you could wish to meet. She loved food and enjoyed human company and so do we, so it seemed like a good name for our new venture!  Dogs are very welcome at Café Nellie – but please bring your owners with you, we can’t rescue you all!”

The café will also offer afternoon teas available to pre-book with 24 hours notice, along with stocking four different types of coffee. The special Café Nellie branded coffee is available to buy from the business, so customers can enjoy a delicious ‘cuppa’ in the comfort of their own homes. Customers can buy the coffee as beans or freshly ground depending on their preference.

To find out more about Café Nellie, go to: https://www.facebook.com/CafeNellie/

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

Vicar Lane announces a weekend of entertainment and celebration at Jubilee FestiVL

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is hosting its very own free Jubilee FestiVL which will kick off on Thursday 2nd June.

The Centre has a 3-day schedule planned over the long weekend, packed with entertainment, activities, games and live music to celebrate, including Chesterfield’s biggest street party plus all live events streamed on the big screen.

On Thursday 2nd June Vicar Lane will be live streaming the ‘Trooping of the Colour Parade’ on our big screen. Visitors will be able to pull up one of the centre’s new Union Jack deckchairs, and get the best seat in the house as the nation watches the parade start from Buckingham Palace at 10am. From 1pm join Vicar Lane for live music and entertainment, as the centre kicks off its Jubilee FestiVL.

‘A right royal knees up’ takes place on Saturday 4th June as the centre gears up to party the day away from 11am with the Platinum Party at the Palace. The party will be broadcast live on the Vicar Lane big screen located under the ‘AstroTurf area’ in St James Square. This will be the meeting point to host lots of free fun and games for the whole family.

There will be Giant Chess, Connect Four, Giant Jenga and Ping Pong as well as, lawn games hosted by a Beefeater for the children such as egg and spoon races and bean bag throwing to celebrate in true British style with prizes to be won!

On Sunday 5th June visitors are invited to take part in Chesterfield’s biggest street party, where tables will be laid out from 11am to enjoy lunch alfresco & have photos taken with guardsmen statues or the iconic red floral phone box. It will be on this day too that Vicar Lane will acknowledge art entries they’ve had from local primary schools who will submit their own drawings of the queen and have them displayed up on the screen for all to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to hosting our Jubilee FestiVL programme. It’s the first event we’ve held post pandemic so we can’t wait to welcome our shoppers and wider audience and their families to get involved and enjoy the long weekend with us”.

To find out about more events taking place across Chesterfield on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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.

 

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

Residents and visitors invited to ‘meet George Stephenson’ in Chesterfield

People are invited to meet ‘George Stephenson’ and learn about his life, his famous inventions, his mining connections and his link with Chesterfield at an event in the town.

Chesterfield Museum and Holy Trinity Church have partnered together to deliver this free event with a George Stephenson reenactor on Saturday 11 June from 10am to 4pm. As Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for refurbishment the event will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Newbold Road.

Holy Trinity Church is George Stephenson’s final resting place and people will be able to see the stunning stained-glass window commissioned by his son, Robert. There will be fun for all the family with talks, children’s activities and the chance to handle objects such as a model of the famous `Stephenson’s rocket` and a replica cucumber straightener!

Refreshments will be available, and there will be outdoor stalls offering crafts, cakes and a tombola.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed it is fantastic that we can partner with organisations like Holy Trinity Church to ensure everyone can still learn about our heritage. We’re planning more events like this over the next few years whilst Stephenson Memorial Hall undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.”

Reverend Jill Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said: “It’s great to be working with Chesterfield Museum to help local people connect with our town’s heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about George Stephenson and show both his final resting place and the incredible stained-glass window that was commissioned in his honour. I hope lots of people come along because there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy.”

Stephenson Memorial Hall is being transformed with a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town centre.

The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall is projected to cost around £17 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and a further £695,00 from the Arts Council. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Under the proposals the refurbished 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 event is free to enter with donations being given to Hope House Homeless Centre.

George Stephenson Statue

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

Exciting events programme revealed across Chesterfield for 2022

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to ‘save the date’ as details of some of the key events happening in and around Chesterfield town centre this year are announced.

Designed to provide fun and unique experiences for our Chesterfield community, this year’s events programme will continue to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time in and around the town centre.

More details of each event will be published over the coming months, but key dates to note include:

  • 2-5 June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: A whole host of activities will be taking place across the borough to mark the Queen’s Jubilee – including during the celebratory bank holiday weekend which runs from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The town centre will be decked with Jubilee-themed decorations, with events and activities running at the council’s venues – people can check www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jubilee for the latest information.

 

  • 26 July – Medieval-themed Fun Day: The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with families invited to kick start the summer holidays with a day on Tuesday 26 July. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life.

 

  • 27 October – 1940s Market: Fans of all things vintage will welcome news that the flagship 1940s Market is also confirmed for 2022 – with crowds expected to don period dress and flock to the town on Thursday 27 October. The event is a highlight in the national calendar for fans of this era and is held on a Thursday to tie in with Chesterfield’s much-loved Flea Market.

 

  • 20 November – Christmas Lights Switch On: Looking toward the festive season, the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on event will be held on Sunday 20 November in the town centre – and if people want to get their festive celebrations organised already, early-bird tickets for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now on sale at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk (the show runs from Tuesday 6 December to Tuesday 3 January 2023).

Chesterfield Borough Council’s events programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As we all enjoy the return to a more normal way of living, it’s fantastic to see this line up of popular events which always bring Chesterfield to life – and create an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our amazing local businesses.

“We are funding a range of flagship events which always prove immensely popular and create a chance for residents and visitors alike to create lasting memories in and around our historic town centre.”

Motor Fest, which last took place in August 2019, will not be supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event had become very popular, meaning the scale has become too large for the town centre and as a result poses a risk to public safety. In particular the significant number of vehicles, attendees and other activities within the pedestrianised town centre, could make it difficult for emergency services to gain suitable access. The council is committed to supporting the organisers to search for a more suitable venue.

More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.

Chesterfield 1940s Market

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

The countdown is on to the Plastic Free Festival 2022

The Plastic Free Festival, which debuted in Chesterfield last year, is to return for a second year on Sunday 12th June, 10am-4pm in New Square marketplace, Chesterfield.

The festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music performances.

Special guests, Pride of Britain and Queen’s Honours award winners, Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic will be speaking at the event. Since founding their youth-led organisation back in 2016, the girls have worked hard to inspire kids and adults alike to take action to reduce their use of single-use plastics – or become ‘Plastic Clever’ as they call it.

Their Plastic Clever scheme has since been adopted by over 1300 schools, as well as by cafes, businesses, councils and festivals around the UK. The girls have also spoken internationally, including giving their own TEDx talk.

Attendees of the festival can visit the marketplace stalls to carry out plastic free and ethical shopping from businesses such as Chesterfield’s Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Mrs Greens Eco Store and SallycinnamonCo who sells reusable eye make-up scrubbies.

Those who enjoy getting hands-on can join in craft recycling workshops, where participants can create festival masks, willow tension trays, and items from natural found materials.

Businesses on the marketplace will be joined by Transition Chesterfield, who run the Chesterfield Repair Cafe, and Angela Blair, a local TerraCycle collector who aims to help people re-purpose hard-to-recycle items.

Local food and drink businesses will be on hand to inject some flavour into the festival, with the Asian Association of Chesterfield selling Indian food, B’reydt Dough selling pizza and Sammys Mexican Mare selling burritos.

Live performances from entertainers are also on the agenda, with local favourites Mark Morgan-Hill, Jig for a Kiss, Chesterfield Garland Dancers and The Suffrajetz headlining the end of the festival.

No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with residents and visitors encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, cups and containers.

The festival is kindly sponsored by local sustainable businesses, Superior Wellness, CCS Media, Small Stuff UK and The Corrugated Case Company.

Chair of The Plastic Free Festival Committee, Greg Hewitt, said “We’re delighted to bring back The Plastic Free Festival for a second year, with a much bigger marketplace and special guests Kids Against Plastic. It’s going to be a fantastic family fun day out with something for everyone.”

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

Bring Jubilee celebrations to your garden with this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition

Local people are invited to take part in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition and mark the Platinum Jubilee in style by showcasing flowers that are purple, red, white or blue.

Chesterfield in Bloom takes place annually and includes three different competitions for residents to take part in: the council’s tenants gardening competition, the allotment competition, and the general Chesterfield in Bloom category.

Although it is not essential for those entering to grow or showcase their gardens and allotments with a link to the Jubilee celebrations, Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to help us to mark this once in a generation event.

If your garden is brimming with plants and colour, you grow your own vegetables, or you have a hanging basket that you are really proud of, we would love to see it.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “You don’t have to be green fingered to enter the competition. We would encourage anyone to get involved as showcasing what you do in your garden to other people can be really rewarding.

“There are a range of events happening in the town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee so we thought it would be a great idea for people, if they are looking for ideas, to include a few themed flowers, pot plants or any other ideas they may have in colours linked to the national event.

“There is a thriving allotment community in Chesterfield, and we would like to encourage our growers to share their hard work with us as part of the competition.”

If you fancy entering the general Chesterfield in Bloom category, you could choose to complete your application about your front garden, back garden, your container garden/hanging basket or your pub/restaurant garden. You can also nominate a neighbour or company into the competition.

To find out more about each of the categories and how to enter visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/parks-and-green-spaces/chesterfield-in-bloom.

The competition is free to enter, and everyone is welcome to take part. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday 17 June 2022.

For more information please contact John Ramsey, bloom@chesterfield.gov.uk

The council is also repeating its popular competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

There are three entry categories:

  1. Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower (please make sure your picture is taken next to a tape measure).
  2. Largest Sunflower – the largest flower head based on diameter or width (please make sure your picture is taken next to a ruler or tape measure).
  3. Most Sunflowers – plant with the most sunflower heads (please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).

To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you wish to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run from until Sunday 11 September 2022.

Find out more about the competition here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/in-bloom.

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New menswear retailer set to open in prominent Chesterfield town centre store

A retailer selling a range of clothes for men is moving into a prominent Chesterfield Town Centre location, adding to the plethora of new retailers in the town.

WiseGuys menswear will be opening in the former Greenwoods store on Packers Row, offering a broad choice of clothing, including casual shirts, knitwear, suits and shoes.

Mike Willis, who used to work for Greenwoods before launching his own clothing business, says he is pleased to be bringing a new store to the town: “I’ve always had Chesterfield in mind as the place where I wanted to open my next store, as it fits with the ‘market town’ profile of my business.

“I opened my first store in Sleaford in 2013, followed by Newark, Melton Mowbray and Boston, so I am delighted that the opportunity has arisen to continue growing the business and offering our products to a wider audience.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming customers from Chesterfield and beyond, and cannot wait to be part of the evolution of the local high street. We’d love to see as many new faces in our store as possible, so please pop in and say hello.”

The store plans to cater for a broad range of sizes, with no skinny fits on offer. Casual shirts range from sizes small to 4XL, while shoe brands are sold in sizes 6-12. Shoes up to size 15 can be sold to order.

Suits are on sale ranging from sizes 34-60 chest. A number of recognised brands will be stocked at WiseGuys, including Dude Shoes, Lambretta Brogues, Ben Sherman Casuals, Lizard King Shirts, Swole Panda socks and underwear, Redpoint Chinos and casual coats, Sunwill jeans and much more.

The store is also recruiting for new staff, with Mike commenting: “I’m looking for a manager and part-time staff to work at the store, ensuring our customers enjoy the best possible visit to WiseGuys. Anyone wishing to apply or find out more, please email wiseguys2014@gmail.com FAO: Mr Mike Willis, Director.”

To find out more about WiseGuys menswear, head over to the website: www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk

Chesterfield’s high street is home to an array of independent and chain retailers. To find out more about shopping in the town, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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