Summer

Return of Chatsworth International Horse Trials After Two Year Absence

Saddles are being polished and the new cross country course is taking shape, while horses and riders are running through their final preparations as world-class equestrian action returns to Chatsworth for the first time since 2019.

After a Covid-enforced hiatus of two years, the Chatsworth International Horse Trials in May will once again offer a thrilling spectacle as hundreds of competitors take on the three day event, including the specially designed cross country course winding its way through The Art of Burning Man in the parkland.

With entries flooding in from around the world, the anticipation is building for the elegant dressage, the fascinating show jumping and the gripping cross country, where amateur horse riders compete alongside world class competitors.

Among the star names to look out for are the FEI World No. 1 Event Rider and Tokyo team gold medallist Oliver Townend riding five horses, and home interest with the much decorated Olympian Ian Stark OBE on Chatsworth Diamond, a horse owned by the Duchess of Devonshire and bred at Chatsworth. The Duchess has owned event horses for many years, including the 1999 Badminton winner Jaybee and the 1999 Chatsworth winner Stanwick Ghost, both also ridden by Ian Stark, so hopes will be high for a good showing from the pair.

Patricia Clifton, Chatsworth International Horse Trials, said: “We’re delighted to be staging these wonderful three days of action once again. The event never disappoints, offering something for the enthusiast and the first time visitor looking for a great day out. If you’ve never been before, I would recommend the Ice Pond as a vantage point giving a spectacular view of the whole site, and you can always see the action on the big screen located in the food court. Families will have plenty to do in our children’s area and don’t miss the family fun dog show if you want to get involved!”

For something fast and furious, the British scurry and trials driving sees miniature ponies take on large cobs as their drivers tackle an obstacle course against the clock. The competitions are family friendly and the rules are easy to follow.

As well as plenty of compelling competitive action, there is entertainment for the whole family including a have-a-go dog agility, a family fun dog show, birds of prey demos and a dog and duck show.

Canine lifesavers, the UK Rescue Bears, will be putting on displays showing the skills of these Newfoundland dogs, as well as offering the chance to have hug and photo with the gentle giants, while Nobby the Norfolk Horn, stands centre stage for The Sheep Show as his woolly friends are introduced to their podiums, all to their own theme tunes.

Face painting, circus skills and pottery painting are also on offer, while the shopping village, with more than 100 high quality stands and a fine food walk, is perfect for those looking to treat themselves.

Early bird tickets are available up until 8 May 2022. Gate tickets for Friday Adult £15, Child £10; Saturday/Sunday Adult £30 per day, Child £10 per day. All tickets include free parking and child prices are for ages 5–15 inclusive.

The event organisers are delighted to announce Walker & Morland as new sponsor for 2022. Walker & Morland is a wellness brand that uses natural ingredients, including pure isolate CBD, to offer relief and recovery from sports and an active lifestyle.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New bistro set to serve up a treat in Chesterfield Town Centre

A brand-new bistro is now open in Chesterfield Town Centre, providing a relaxing, homely, family atmosphere for people in the town.

CIBO will be serving customers a range of treats, with the breakfast menu to feature luxury granola, traditional bacon sandwiches, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

For lunch, people can enjoy home cooked meals ranging from tender beef stew, beef burgers with blue cheese and homemade slaw, toasted ciabattas, light salads with a variety of fillings and much more.

It is hoped the bistro will be made open to the public from the mid-to-late May 2022, as the finishing touches and preparations are made to the new business.

Bistro Supervisor and coordinator, Louise Spence explained how excited the team was to open their doors: “Being from chesterfield and living in the area all my life I have an affiliation with the town, having a vast experience in the hospitality sector working in Artisan cafés and a passion for food, this new venture allows me to run with my own ideas.

“We hope with the experience,  enthusiasm, and work ethics we possess we can bring something truly fantastic to the people of this great market town.”

Louise added: “We believe it’s time to remind the people of chesterfield how great we can be and bring back that community spirit through hard work and determination! Already having a proven track record over the last 18 years with peacock coffee lounge we believe this will give us a winning formula to replicate with CIBO.”

A number of special dishes will be on offer at CIBO, as Louise outlined: “Our signature dishes are fantastic for couples and family sharing options based on 2 or 4 people which include British classic for the summer ploughman’s platter, antipasto platter with mixes meats, olives and dipping breads or opt to try our homemade chilli either beef or chickpea with tasty nachos topped with smashed avocado, jalapeños all served with side salads and a selection of fresh breads.

“To finish are specially selected cakes and desserts such as Belgian waffles with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit, Eton mess and luxury ice cream milkshakes.”

The team at CIBO are also looking to become a big part of the community in Chesterfield, and look forward to supporting fellow local businesses and residents in the town.

Louise said: “The past few years have been extremely tough for everyone with covid and lockdowns, however we have taken the brave decision to launch our new venture. We hope with the support of the people of chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!”

“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people.  We hope the kind people of chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”

To find out more about CIBO, head over to their Facebook page, or for a guide to eating out in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/

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Events and activities to take place across Chesterfield to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Communities in Chesterfield are being encouraged to come together to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – with a number of exciting events planned across the town to help mark this historic milestone.

Chesterfield Borough Council is calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a great opportunity for local communities to come together and celebrate our Queen’s historic reign and we’d love to see the people of Chesterfield getting involved.

“To celebrate this anniversary, national events and initiatives will be taking place throughout the year and we’re really excited to join in the celebrations. We’ve also got plenty planned in the town centre over the bank holiday and throughout the year that the whole family will be able to join in with.”

Royal Chesterfield Exhibition

Although Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for a multimillion-pound refurbishment, local residents will still be able to take a look down memory lane as a pop-up ‘Royal Chesterfield Exhibition’ will take place at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, between Monday 30 May and Sunday 5 June 2022, visitors will be able to explore past royal visits and celebrations in Chesterfield, showing how local people marked Royal milestones. The exhibition is free to attend and features items from the collection relating to previous jubilees, going back to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Fun in the park

From Thursday 2 June to Monday 6 June, a fun-fair will be located in Queen’s Park with rides and entertainment on offer for the whole family.

A trip to the theatre

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, a unique documentary film on Her Majesty the Queen will be screening at the Pomegranate Theatre. Elizabeth – A Portrait in Parts, is a nostalgic, uplifting and fresh modern chronicle of the extraordinary 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen.

On Friday 3 June at 2pm, there will also be a feel-good performance at the Pomegranate Theatre. Starring comedy legend Jimmy Cricket and Leah Bell, ‘A right Royal Knees up’ is a feel-good performance with show-stopping scenes, sing-a-long memories and spectacular footage as we take a nostalgic journey through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Further information on both events, including details of how to book tickets, can be found at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/jubilee

Platinum Jubilee Tea Dance

The Mayor of Chesterfield is set to join local residents to celebrate the Jubilee in style by attending a special tea dance in the Ballroom at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 1 June from 3pm.

The Ashby “Little” Big Band with eight musicians and a singer will play a mix of ballroom and sequence in the beautiful ballroom at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk  or by calling the box office on 01246 345222.

More information about what’s on

For further information Jubilee events, including details of how to join in with national initiatives, residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the council’s social media channels and www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee

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Residents encouraged to complete survey on high streets and town centres in the Chesterfield borough

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to complete a consumer survey to help us to learn more about how you use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick survey will ask you to tell us about markets you have visited, which high streets you visit regularly, eating out and your choice of entertainment.

Please spend a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 12 May 2022.

At the end of the questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see the ‘Crooked Spire Medieval, Murder-Mystery Musical’ on its opening night at the Pomegranate Theatre on Thursday 19 May 2022.

Complete the survey. 

You can find out more about what’s on offer across our local high streets in Chesterfield by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Newborns highlight Rare Breeds success at Chatsworth

While visitors have been enjoying the sights and sounds of its latest newborns this spring, Chatsworth Farmyard has been particularly celebrating the latest additions to its breeding programme for rare and sometimes critically endangered animals.

Two Albion calves, Bronte and Queenie, have been born in the past ten days. Originally called the ‘Bakewell Blues’ because of their origins in Derbyshire, Albions are listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) as the most rare ‘priority’ breed.

Meanwhile, Eugenie, Chatsworth’s Suffolk Punch mare is expecting another foal in the next couple of weeks, having successfully delivered visitor favourite ‘Huxley’ last year. The RBST considers the Suffolk Punch to be critically endangered with fewer than 500 purebred horses registered in the UK. Eugenie is one of only 72 female Suffolk Punches, making them more endangered than the Giant Panda.

Bagot goat kids and Gloucester Old Spot piglets are due soon and are listed as ‘at risk’ breeds while the farmyard is also hoping for some rare breed chicks from its Derbyshire Redcap chickens.

The Farmyard has been welcoming plenty of newborns this spring, though not all are rare breeds.  A Donkey foal, lambs, goat kids and piglets are all expected additions in the next few weeks.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar and Derbyshire Redcap chickens, as well as British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

“We are delighted to welcome our two beautiful Albion calves. They’re incredibly rare and I have always wanted to have some of these wonderful cows here. Given their local heritage it feels like the perfect fit at Chatsworth Farmyard,” said Farmyard Manager, Melissa Underwood.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) awarded RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard last year, recognising its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. Chatsworth Farmyard is now part of the 25-strong network of RBST accredited farm parks which take part in crucial conservation programmes, manage special breeding groups, and support education about rare breeds and why they matter.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground is open daily to visitors (www.chatsworth.org).

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Vegan Market launches

Chesterfield will host a regular Vegan Market in 2022 that adds to the line up of specialist Sunday markets held in the town.

The Vegan Market is run by Rainbow Monkey Events Ltd and the first one will be held on Sunday 8 May from 10am to 4pm in New Square. There will be a wide selection of vegan traders both from Derbyshire and from further afield.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The specialist Sunday markets are proving really popular amongst both visitors and residents. It’s great that we’re working with another partner to increase the variety of Sunday markets.”

Chesterfield Vegan Market will offer an amazing range of vegan products including cakes, chocolate, dog treats, fudge, jewellery, household goods, clothing, pies, pizza, plastic free and zero waste solutions and a selection of hot food.

There will also be animal charities and rescue centres promoting the services they offer and a selection of vegan artists and creatives selling their artwork. Everyone is welcome at the market whether they are vegan or not and visitors are also able to bring along their canine companions.

Sam Brundish, founder of Rainbow Monkey Events, said: “We have chosen to run some of our ethical vegan events in Chesterfield as I have a long connection with the town – I attended Chesterfield College for my Foundation Degree and I’ve been eating at Elliott’s since I first went vegan 20 years ago! And, having previously traded at the vegan markets which were run in 2019, we are keen to bring a regular vegan market to the folks of Chesterfield and beyond!

“We have already booked in a number of exciting stalls so whether you are new to veganism or interested in any aspect of it from the tasty food to the animal rescues which are local to you, we welcome you all to Chesterfield Vegan Markets starting in May 2022.”

Specialist Sunday markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

On 8 May the Chesterfield Vegan Market will take place in New Square whilst the Record Fair takes place in the main market.

Future dates for the Chesterfield Vegan Market are Sunday 10 July and Sunday 4 September. All taking place in New Square from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more about the market at www.rainbowmonkeyevents.co.uk and follow the company for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Adult Education Courses available in Derbyshire this summer

Bookings are now open for hundreds of daytime and evening courses and activities on offer providing opportunities for people to study for new qualifications or explore new hobbies and interests.

The summer term of activities hosted by Derbyshire County Council starts on Monday 25 April and residents can view the courses online or pick a brochure up from their local Adult Community Education Centre or Library.

Residents can book onto a course by calling, emailing, or visiting the centre where their chosen course is being held. Find an adult education centre

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “We have a range of online and face-to-face courses on offer this summer for residents wanting to learn at all levels.

“We are keen to offer adults the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications, so if adult education is something you’ve been considering, we’d encourage you to take the step and see what we have available.

“Our team is here to offer support and guidance to help you choose the right course or to help you onto a new career path so why not get in touch and see where a new course could take you?”

Courses include:

  • maths and English from entry level to GCSE
  • counselling skills
  • lip reading and signed communication
  • working with children
  • personal development such as dealing with stress and how to gain confidence
  • languages
  • digital skills such as using a computer for work.

There are also courses available for residents who are looking to explore new hobbies and interests.

Courses include:

  • pottery
  • sewing
  • tap dancing
  • recycling crafts
  • floristry and many more.

To find out more about upcoming local events and activities taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Queen’s Platinum Jubilee grants available for Derbyshire Community celebrations

All 64 of Derbyshire’s county councillors have been given an extra pot of money to help local groups in their area mark the Platinum Jubilee and people are being encouraged to get their applications in now.

Every year each county councillor in the county receives £3,860, called the Members Community Leadership Scheme, which local groups can apply for to go towards community causes, and this year an additional £1,500 Platinum Fund has been added which is available now.

Groups seeking funding should contact their local county councillor explaining the nature of their project, activity or event, the amount needed, what other funding may be available and how it will benefit the community.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Last year we doubled the amount councillors could spend in their areas to help and support communities with their efforts during the pandemic and this year we’ve added to their amounts again with the extra Platinum Fund.

“We see this as a really positive way of supporting all our councillors to help their communities and I’m sure local groups will have lots of ideas as to how they can put extra funding towards Jubilee celebrations and events in their area.”

Find out more about the Community Leadership Scheme and check the name of the local county councillor in your area.

During the 2021/22 financial year, a total of 500 applications were received by the County Council and approved which were aimed at supporting local organisations and activities through the pandemic.

Find information about Jubilee plans, events and initiatives, other grants that are available nationally and who to contact to apply for a road closure for a street party or other Jubilee event.

To keep up to date with the great local events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Chesterfield Young Persons’ Market to return this month

Young entrepreneurs in Chesterfield are being invited to set up shop and become a market trader for the day as the popular Young Persons’ Market returns to Chesterfield market.

The Young Persons’ Market is a national initiative being run across England, giving people aged between five and 25 the opportunity to increase their business skills and Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging local young people to get involved.

Young people are invited to open a stall in Chesterfield town centre and become a market trader for the day, selling second-hand products that they have created or bought.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The next generation of businesspeople are key to the future of Chesterfield’s economy, and the Young Persons’ Market is a great way of giving them a platform to develop their skills and passion for business.

“If you prefer buying instead of selling, you’re also welcome to come along and browse the stalls for new toys, books or clothes or grab a homemade gift for a loved one. You’re sure to find a bargain and you’ll be helping to support our young entrepreneurs.”

Chesterfield has successfully run a Young Persons’ Market for over five years. This year’s market is taking place on Sunday 24 April, Sunday 26 June, Sunday 28 August, and Sunday 30 October.

Each market takes place between 11am and 3pm. Market traders should be set up by 11am, as no cars are allowed in the marketplace during trading times.

Any children that are under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.

Stalls can be booked online at: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/doing-business-in-chesterfield/sites-and-premises/trading-on-chesterfield-market.aspx

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Registration open for Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2022

People are once again being invited to register for one of the biggest events in the Chesterfield calendar, with the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk set to return on Saturday, 9th July 2022, with early bird prices available until 18th April.

The charity event sees the local community, family and friends come together to remember loved ones and help fund the hospice’s vital care.

Those wanting to join the 10km walk through the streets of Chesterfield can now sign up via Ashgate’s website to get early bird entry for just £10.

Rachel Melland will be joining her sisters Helen, Hannah and Becky as they take part in the Sparkle Night Walk for the first time, in loving memory of their father Keith, who received end of life care at the hospice in 2021.

Rachel said: “The staff were just so attentive, compassionate and professional during the time Dad was in Ashgate’s care, I remember just days before he died, one of the wonderful Healthcare Assistants explained everything to me, not in a patronising way, but in a manner which I could understand.

“Their honesty and support was so comforting at such a difficult time, and I just knew his care was in the best hands it could have been.”

It’s because of this care that Rachel has chosen to take part in the Sparkle Night Walk to say thank you to the incredible individuals who went above and beyond for her family.

She adds: “Ashgate’s care relies so much on fundraising, and we want to do as much as we can to support Ashgate as it made our family feel as though we were at home from the moment we arrived.”

The early bird ticket includes a fundraising pack, a medal, a pink Sparkle T-shirt and a pair of bunny ears for walkers to look the part whilst raising vital funds.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We can’t wait to bring our Sparkle Night Walk to the streets of Chesterfield in July this summer!

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time.

“Our Sparkle Night Walk promises to be a fun and special occasion for everyone – and currently you can sign up for just a tenner!

“Make sure you’re quick though, as our early bird entry prices end on 18th April, so our prices will go up after that date.

“We hope to welcome you all back for the much-anticipated return of our Sparkle Night Walk in July – see you there!”

The hospice, which relies on its supporters to fund £7 million of its income every year, is hoping that thousands of people in the local community will once again come together to join this year’s Sparkle Night Walk, raising funds to help the hospice continue to be there for families when it matters most.

This year’s event is once again kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota.

To find out more about the Sparkle Night Walk 2022 sponsored by Vertu Toyota, and Ashgate Hospice, visit their website: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk/.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Vicar Lane Celebrates Its First Wedding

The first-ever wedding reception took place at Vicar Lane last week, with guests enjoying a fabulous celebration in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Bride and groom Sam and Drew Hutchinson tied the knot last Friday (8th) at Chesterfield Town Hall. They later went on to celebrate at The Vintage Tea Rooms with opulent cakes and bubbles for an unforgettable celebration with friends and family. The wedding party later had a further top-up from the newly opened Pizza Pi in St James’s Square as the celebrations continued.

Vicar Lane’s Sarah Bowler said: “We are thrilled that the happy couple celebrated their wedding at Vicar Lane in such an individual way.”

“We have a few hidden secrets at Vicar Lane – Vintage Tearooms has its own function room which can be hired for everything from a birthday to a baby-shower. We also now have a beautiful wedding dress shop, Precious Memories, so for any future weddings we’re able to offer an even more complete service. We’re looking forward to playing host to more weddings in the future.”

A number of fabulous wedding venues have been highlighted across Chesterfield recently, with the Peak Edge Hotel being awarded the ‘best wedding venue in Derbyshire’ at the Hitched Wedding Awards. Meanwhile, Dronfield Hall Barn was recognised as one of the top wedding venues by Lux Life magazine in 2021.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is home to a wide range of both quirky, independent shops and cafes, sitting alongside well-known national high-street retailers. Find out more about the shopping centre here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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