Twiglet, a new addition at Matlock Farm Park, wasn’t expected to survive after being rejected by his mother, but is now happy and healthy thanks to round the clock care from the Matlock Farm Park team.

During lockdown, life has gone on as normal for the animals of Matlock Farm Park, with many wonderful new arrivals of lambs, chicks, bunnies and goat kids. Some however have provided the farm’s dedicated team with more drama than others, with one particular baby creating a little triumph over adversity.

Twiglet was born four weeks prematurely and sadly lost his sibling at birth. Twiglet’s mum was a first-time parent and it soon became evident to staff that she was rejecting her only surviving kid. Fortunately neighbouring farmer Eddie (pictured), who was checking on all the newborns late one night, noted how much heat little Twiglet was losing and took the weak kid home to try to save him.

Eddie made a small pen next to his log burner to keep Twiglet warm and the experienced farmer then bottle fed him throughout the night.

Eddie said: “I’ve seen many vulnerable newborns over the years and I really didn’t think this premature little one would make it.”

Twiglet was still very weak the following day, but with a few more days of dedicated care from Eddie, Twiglet gained more strength. Eddie then passed the reins to Matlock Farm Park worker Kate (below) who continued to care for him 24/7, bottle feeding him day and night and taking him to tag along beside her at the farm park.

Kate said: “It’s taken so much care to get Twiglet to where he is now and of course with us being closed, there are only a couple of voluntary staff to tend to around 150 animals every day, so it’s quite a task. But Twiglet is worth it – he’s such a character and he’s become a bit of a celebrity with our social media followers!”

Twiglet has now been introduced back in to the farm park and is happily making friends with ‘the other kids’, leaping off rocks and frolicking in the sunshine. Kate and Eddie continue to tend to Twiglet and all of the animals’ needs.

Kate added: “I think the animals are really missing their visitors and all the attention they get from them. We’re really looking forward to opening our doors again and welcoming people back to enjoy interacting with our animals in this beautiful wide-open setting”.

Until Government guidelines allow Matlock Farm Park to re-open, their team will continue to bring the farm park into people’s homes with an array of photos, videos and news across their social media platforms.

Click here to find out more about Matlock Farm Park

There are opportunities for local young footballers to join the new Chesterfield FC Youth Academy.

Following a re-structure, the academy will be operated by Chesterfield FC Community Trust and take part in a National League programme. Youngsters who join the academy will train and play in matches while receiving full-time education.

Academy Manager Neil Cluxton outlined the opportunities available for suitable players. He said: “We’re looking to build a squad of around 18 to 22 players for an Under-19 youth team. We are also looking to play in a regional Under-21 league with the scope also for some senior football on a Saturday.

He added: “We’re going to need quite a strong squad to fulfil these fixtures and to support the first team at the same time. We’re looking to recruit locally as much as we can, so I’d urge any local footballers who think they have got what it takes to get in touch.”

Cluxton explained that the youngsters will also be studying during their time with the academy to help them with their personal development: “Players will be in a full-time education programme so we’re working in partnership with a local training provider who are going to provide a flexible timetable that fits in and around the football training”.

Applications are invited from 18-year-old players who have been released from Football League clubs as well as local players of sufficient standard who would like the opportunity of a year’s full-time football training alongside a flexible education programme, giving them the chance of progression into a full-time football club.

To qualify, you will need to be under the age of 19 on September 1. For further information, please email neilcluxton@spireitestrust.org.uk or phone Neil on 07765 972348.

Active Derbyshire has launched a new survey to better understand how physical activity levels may have been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey, which is being launched across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, aims to get a further understanding of whether resident’s frequency of exercise has been affected positively or negatively, and to explore the possible reasons for this.

The survey will run until Friday 6 June and anyone who participates will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £50 in shopping vouchers.

Anyone can participate and is encouraged to share with as many friends and families as possible so more communities can be reached.

Stuart Batchelor, Active Derbyshire Director, said: “The Active Derbyshire team, our partners and our board are committed to our vision, and working hard to deliver our vision of making physical activity, including sport, the norm for people who live, study and work in our communities.”

He added: “Active Derbyshire are calling on all partners and stakeholders who share this purpose, to work together collaboratively to make physical activity the norm for people who live and work within our communities. By sharing this survey, you can help us to gather important information to better understand the physical activity landscape during this time – keep an eye on our social channels and newsletters where we’ll be sharing the survey also.”

To take part in the survey please visit: https://www.activederbyshire.org.uk/active-at-home#survey

Click here to find out more about Active Derbyshire

Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a new competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run until Wednesday 30 September 2020. Winners will be given a prize and special certificate and will also have the satisfaction of knowing they grew one of 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

Whilst growing your flowers, a great way of keeping children engaged is to start a plant diary to track the growth of the sunflower. The council will also be awarding prizes and special certificates for the most creative growth diaries. Please send pictures or copies of your growth diaries along with your entry to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “In Bloom is always a great event for Chesterfield because lots of residents, businesses and schoolchildren get involved and help brighten the town and borough.”

“It is such a shame that the event cancelled this year because of the Coronavirus crisis as the Chesterfield in Bloom Committee had been working harder than ever, with Chesterfield selected to represent the East Midlands in ‘Britain in Bloom’.”

“I think this Chesterfield’s Still Blooming is a great way of keeping support for ‘Chesterfield in Bloom’ alive until next year. I hope lots of residents will take this opportunity to grow sunflowers and learn more about the plants in their gardens.”

The council will announce the winners on social media and share some of the best pictures from the competition.

Find out more about the competition on the council’s website here.