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Chesterfield’s Still Blooming with sunflower competition launched by council

20th May 2020

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:

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).
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).
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.

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

Funding for part of Chesterfield Station Masterplan approved

20th May 2020

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, has approved a £3.8m grant towards the construction of the Hollis Lane Link Road in Chesterfield.

The £7.42m project will form a critical part of the Chesterfield Station Masterplan, bringing forward wholescale regeneration and supporting sustainable economic growth in the centre of Chesterfield. This regeneration will include new commercial development, as well as significantly improved connectivity.

D2N2 will be funding the development through its Local Growth Fund allocation, an investment programme to support projects that benefit the regional economy.

The funding for the Hollis Lane Link Road follows similar awards for infrastructure projects that benefit Chesterfield residents including the A61 Corridor, HS2-related development, and the Chesterfield Higher Level Skills Centre worth a combined £10.57m.

The new Hollis Lane Link Road will extend from the junction of Hollis Lane and Spa Lane and will terminate at the southern extent of the Chesterfield Station car park, providing direct access to the railway station from the south.

Furthermore, the Hollis Lane Link Road will unlock 0.92 hectares of early development plots within the Chesterfield Station Masterplan area which it is hoped will lead to over 500 jobs being created by businesses moving into the new development.

Remedial works are due to begin in September 2020 with work expected to be completed by late 2021.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “Our investment into the construction of the Hollis Lane Link Road will be another important milestone for Chesterfield’s regeneration ambitions, bringing significant growth and investment opportunities whilst creating more homes, jobs, and learning places.”

“D2N2 is pleased to support investment in our town centres to stimulate economic growth which will be central to supporting the region’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer, said: “The Hollis Lane Link is a great example of the ambitious work now being undertaken by the Joint Growth Board.”

“It is a key part of the Chesterfield Masterplan which will bring a range of economic benefits to the town and surrounding area.”

The Joint Growth Board is body set up between Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council tasked with delivering key regeneration projects which will aid the borough’s growth strategy.

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, said: “The Hollis Lane Link road adds value to the work we are already doing on the emerging station masterplan, which is a significant project for Chesterfield and northern Derbyshire’s economy.”

“We are in the process of finalising the station master plan and will be undertaking public consultation later this year.”

“The station masterplan will define our aspirations for the economic future of the area and we continue to work closely with partner agencies to maximise this huge opportunity for Chesterfield Borough and beyond.”

Click here to find out more about HS2 and the Chesterfield Station Masterplan

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Nominations for the Peak FM Awards 2020 are now open

19th May 2020

Peak FM are urging residents of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to submit their nominations for the Peak FM Awards 2020, which will be taking place virtually in June.

Peak FM is once again looking to recognise the amazing achievements of people from across the Chesterfield area; those who have made a difference to their community, shown courage or helped make the lives of others that little bit better.

In the interests of safety and maintaining social distance, the Peak FM Awards will for the first time be held as a virtual ceremony. The awards ceremony will take place throughout the day on Friday 5th June through Peak FM’s digital platforms and via their daytime shows.

Award recipients will be selected from Peak FM listener nominations and local news stories by a Peak FM judging panel who will consider every nomination received.

Nominations are now open for the following award categories:

Carer of the Year
Family of the Year
Child or Teenager of Courage
NHS Hero
Home Grown Talent
Act of Kindness
Fundraiser of the Year

Anyone can be nominated for a Peak FM award and they can be nominated under more than one category.

The Peak FM judging panel will make sure the nominations are considered for all relevant awards. Peak FM will choose the appropriate winner based on content of the nominations rather than amount of nominations.

Nominations close on May 28th at 12 noon.

Click here to nominate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Grants available for Derbyshire Visitor Economy Businesses

18th May 2020

Visitor economy businesses in Derbyshire are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to rebuild their business and develop valuable digital assets in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is offering business grants to support a range of activities such as website development, new photography, the creation of virtual tours and the implementation of cashless payment systems to help businesses bounce back and drive the recovery of the sector.

The grant programme is part of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project, and has been recently updated to reflect new business needs that have emerged as a result of the current climate.

Alongside digitalisation, grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are also available in the following areas:

Accessibility – e.g. accessible equipment and facilities for people with disabilities.
Environmental – e.g. electric car charging points, e-bikes or a water system for use by visitors that replaces the need for plastic bottles.
Cycling – e.g. secure cycle storage and maintenance equipment for use by visitors.
Internationalisation – e.g. website translation or the implementation of online booking/cashless payment systems to encourage international visitors.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to offer this funding through our European Regional Development Fund project. Derbyshire’s tourism industry is incredibly important to the local economy and these grants will enable businesses to rebuild and bounce back stronger than ever.

Jo added: “Grants are available for things such as online booking systems and virtual tours, which are both key in the current climate and will help to enrich the area’s tourism offer and power our recovery plans. I would urge businesses to visit the website for more information and get your applications in as soon as possible.”

Businesses applying for the funding must meet the following criteria:

They must be part of the visitor economy and its supply chain, including sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
They must be located in Derbyshire.
They must have less than 250 employees.
They will need to demonstrate how the grant funding will help their business to become more competitive and support the area’s wider visitor economy.

Successful applicants will receive a 50% grant towards the cost of the overall project, with a minimum 50% grant contribution being £1,000 and the maximum £10,000.

A free webinar providing more details on the business grants programme is being held on Thursday 21 May.

Eligible businesses can register their interest for a grant now at https://business-grants-scheme.eventbrite.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

New name for Chesterfield FC stadium revealed

18th May 2020

Chesterfield FC’s home will now be known as the Technique Stadium following the announcement of an agreement with Technique Learning Solutions.

This new agreement further strengthens the association between the two organisations. In May 2019, Technique Learning were named as Chesterfield’s new shirt sponsor after agreeing a two-year contract.

With seven centres covering the UK and headquarters in Chesterfield, Technique Learning Solutions is a leading training company, offering courses in electrical, air conditioning & refrigeration and programmable logic controllers.

Mark Crook, Managing Director of Technique Learning Solutions, said: “As soon as we were aware of the chance to secure the stadium naming rights, we were keen to seize it as it will provide us with further opportunities to raise our profile and make people aware of what we do.”

Jim Brown, Spireites Commercial Manager, said: “I would like to thank Technique Learning Solutions for their valuable ongoing support, which is very much appreciated. We were delighted to welcome them as shirt sponsors last year and it is very pleasing to see their name also attached to the stadium.

Jim added: “As we welcome new sponsors of the stadium name, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Proact for their valued support over the last decade.”

Chesterfield supporters can take advantage of a special offer from Technique Learning Solutions. Anyone making a booking for any course (including online courses) should simply use the discount code ‘Spireites’ to receive a 10% discount. Please click here to visit their website (opens in new tab).

To view the launch video, please click here (opens in new tab).

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

CityGrab food delivery app to donate this weekend’s delivery fees to two Chesterfield charities

14th May 2020

CityGrab, a local food delivery app created by City Taxis, will donate all delivery fees from this weekend’s orders to two Chesterfield charities, Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity.

For each of the ‘31 Days in May’ you can order local food and products on the citygrab app, with each weekend dedicated to supporting a local charity. Friday 15th May to Monday 18th May will see funds raised for two local Chesterfield charities, Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Charity, to help support the fantastic work they are doing providing patient treatment and specialist end of life care under the most challenging circumstances.

Since its launch, local businesses including Afats Grill, Odyssey Greek, Qoozies, Pizza Pi, North Sea Fish Bar, Fat Pig BBQ, Tiffin & Casa Hotel now have food and products available to order through the app.

Russ Wilkinson, Manager of City Taxis said: “To say these are difficult times for our local charities is an understatement, as every penny counts for individuals, families and local businesses”.

He added: “I hope that by donating the citygrab delivery fees to our charity partners, reflects the gratitude we have for the support they give to the community of Chesterfield. I would like to add that these donations are made possible by the continued hard work of our drivers.”

Karen Walker, Ward Sister at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Our patients need us more than ever before, but providing that care has never been so challenging. With the support of our community and local businesses like citygrab, we can be there for those who desperately need our care.”

Beverley Webster, Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity Chair, said: “On behalf of the Charity I would like to pass on our thanks and appreciations. It’s a challenging time for businesses, so this is an incredibly kind and generous gesture. The ‘31 days of May’ campaign that City Taxis are running through their citygrab app is a really innovative way to support local charities like ours. We have some really exciting plans that will make a real difference to patients in hospital – and to the staff who are working hard to provide exceptional care in unprecedented circumstances. Any donations we receive will be used wisely and for maximum benefit.”

To show your support, simply place an order on the citygrab app between 6pm on Friday 15^th May and 6am Monday 18^th May and your delivery fee will be automatically donated. The total amount raised will be split evenly between the charities.

Download the citygrab app here.

Click here to see a list local food & drink suppliers offering takeaways

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

Twist continues to publish virtual magazine

13th May 2020

Chesterfield glossy magazine, Twist, has published its May edition in a virtual format and is supporting regular advertisers by designing and including their messages completely free of charge.

Although most members of staff are furloughed and the company’s offices are closed, directors Mike and Helen Firth have managed to compile a 44-page publication from home.

The May edition features the regular monthly column by Chair of Destination Chesterfield, Peter Swallow and Destination Chesterfield Manager Dom Stevens explains about the town’s ‘Supporting Local’ campaign.

In addition, you can read how editor Mike was once called upon to help promote a Disney film in Chesterfield, learn how you can make use of Chesterfield Museum from your own home, find out about which bands made a local record shop proprietor’s top ten album selection and discover why there was a row over a drummer’s pedal when Bill Haley performed in Chesterfield! You can also read about the Brampton connection which is keeping a vital children’s home operating in desperate times in Ethiopia.

Editor Mike said: “The ongoing crisis means we can’t deliver our publication to the 15,500 Chesterfield letterboxes we usually reach each month. It would have been simpler to batten down the hatches and re-emerge once the worst of the crisis is over, but we felt we had an obligation to carry on supporting our regular readers and advertisers as best we can.”

“We hope people will appreciate our efforts and enjoy clicking their way through the pages of this online ‘Twist‘.”

The company has also expanded its online presence elsewhere and throughout the crisis has published a ‘Picture of the Day’ feature on its Facebook pages to remind local folk how fortunate we all are to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world.

‘Twist’, which is ten years old later this year, is one of five magazines published by one of the original Chesterfield Champions, Heron Publications Ltd. Mike and Helen have also been able to continue production of their other titles ‘Wings’, ‘Dronfield Eye’, ‘Active8’ and ‘My Kind of Town’.

Mike added: “We’re one of thousands of local businesses which have been forced to adapt what we do, but I believe this new-found flexibility will stand us all in good stead as the Chesterfield area begins to emerge from the crisis.”

To enjoy the May 2020 edition of Twist for free, click here.

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

Golf Courses to re-open across Chesterfield

12th May 2020

Golfers across North Derbyshire can get back onto the course tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13) making it one of the first sports residents can get involved in since the lockdown began.

Both Tapton and Stanedge Course Golf courses will reopen and are strictly adhering to government guidance, with policies and social distancing rules in place.

At Stanedge, all tee time bookings must be made online at https://stanedgegolfclub.co.uk/ or by calling 01246 590323.

At Tapton doors will be open to members and non-members alike, with the first round played in months set to be teed off at 12pm tomorrow.

Sheffield City Trust, who operate Tapton golf course along with a number of other venues in the Sheffield City region, has put in place several safety measures to allow golfers back onto the course.

Sheffield City Trust Chief Executive, Andrew Snelling, said:

“The health and safety of our members and colleagues always remains our top priority, and this means we’ve had to make some small changes to how the game is played.

“These changes will ensure the safety of our members while allowing them to enjoy being back out on the course for the first time in months.

“As the health and wellbeing charity, we’re really excited to reopen Tapton and continue to support people to stay active.

“I want to thank all of our members for remaining patient and understanding throughout this time. I’m sure all of our members will join me in thanking our staff who have been working hard to make sure all of our courses are ready to open.”

Check out how you can support local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak

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

Chesterfield Museum offers online activities

10th May 2020

Chesterfield Museum has launched a range of free online activities to help educate and entertain you and your family, without having to leave the house.

The museum itself might be closed, but that doesn’t mean the creativity and learning has to stop as the team have put together a programme of activities for the whole family. From craft ideas and experiments you can do at home, to quizzes and poetry, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

For those wanting to find out more about Chesterfield’s past, or if history is on your home-schooling timetable, there’s a variety of online exhibitions available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

You can learn more about the history of the Crooked Spire, the black and white buildings of Chesterfield and take a look back into the brewing industry of our town. You can also find out more about life down the pit and the extraordinary women of Chesterfield’s past.

Keep an eye on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page too, as items from the museum will be showcased and you can learn more about the story behind them.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager at Destination Chesterfield said “It is great that this resource has been created by the Chesterfield Museum, so people can access the collections and activity during the Coronavirus Outbreak, another brilliant addition to our Supporting Local website.”

Discover more ideas for things to do at home with the family on the Destination Chesterfield Supporting Local Pages

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Summer, Visiting

Retailers optimistic about future of Chesterfield’s high street

9th May 2020

Chesterfield’s retailers are proving resilient in the face of adversity. While the Covid-19 pandemic has led to many retailers in Chesterfield town centre closing their doors, many remain operational, taking orders by phone, retailing online and offering free delivery to customers.

Some food retailers remain open in the town, including Ibbotsons fruit and veg stall which has been a fixture on the market since 1945. “We have had a lot of lovely feedback and comments of gratitude that we are still working and providing such high quality, fresh produce,” said Nick Ibbotson.

“We have reduced hours as the footfall in the town centre dramatically decreases in the afternoon. Everyone seems to come out in the morning. We have slightly reduced the items offered, selling a little less exotic produce as we do not have the passing trade.”

And while there is no chance of passing trade as people only venture out for essential shopping, Nick says: “There is a pleasant feel as everyone is very patient and friendly.”

Despite current trading conditions, Chesterfield town centre’s independent retailers which are currently closed, are optimistic about their future with some even welcoming the lockdown.

Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers in Chesterfield Shambles, explained: “We see lockdown as a warning or the ‘ghost of Christmas on high streets yet to come’. With empty highstreets during lockdown people have had a real chance to see what may happen if they choose not to shop on their local high street.

“With many people relying on local businesses through the lockdown period our feedback has been that people are immensely grateful they still have local shops. Rather than a threat to the high street we see lockdown as an opportunity for people to continue shopping locally and to ensure that Chesterfield maintains its excellent mix of independent and multiple retailers.”

Lisa Swift, owner of Shop Indie based in Chesterfield’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, echoed this, saying: “We believe that after the lockdown has ended and people are allowed to move freely that they will have a much better appreciation of local businesses they have been reliant on during lockdown. We are hopeful that they will continue to Shop Local once the restrictions are lifted and this may lead to a rejuvenation of the high street.”

The subsequent appreciation of the high street means that many businesses do not feel the need to offer discounts and reopening offers to entice shoppers back after lockdown. Rather they see themselves offering added value services, such as continuing to provide their products and services remotely in addition to their stores being physically open.

Albert Naso, owner of Geeks Headquarters explained: “Post lockdown I believe that there will still be a significant portion of the population that will still be unable to leave their homes. These people need to feel valued and connected so we will continue to offer delivery and shipping of items to their homes.”

Small businesses in particularly have been able to adapt quickly to the lockdown. The fact that Chesterfield’s town centre is characterised by a number of independent retailers enabled them to be agile in the response to the lockdown.

Many communicated with customers directly via social media and made use of organisations like Destination Chesterfield to promote themselves and raise awareness of how they are continuing to operate.

Supporting the retail community, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield launched a new microsite during lockdown specifically designed to help Chesterfield’s independent retailers continue to operate and supply their services and products.

The website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that are continuing to operate by adapting their services to meet the needs of the community.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The mission for Destination Chesterfield has always been to encourage as many people as possible to support the town and celebrate its achievements.

“We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and continue supporting small independent businesses and service providers throughout lockdown. Every trader and service producer plays an important part in the local economy and we all need to work together to can ensure their survival beyond these extremely challenging times.”

Social media and websites have been a powerful tools for businesses to remain connected with customers during lockdown and generating footfall into their stores once they re-open.

Geeks Headquarters has taken its micro-community of gamers online, enabling them to continue enjoying their favourite tabletop games and tournaments as well as keeping each other company.

Laura Jo added: “In the same way as other successful businesses we have kept our conversation with our lovely customers during the lockdown period. Our ‘Friday Night Live’ on Facebook has given our customers the opportunity to win gift cards for our shops which they will be able to come and spend when the restrictions are eased.”

Lisa added: “As a smaller independent business, our bricks and mortar shop may be closed but we are still trading online and have also introduced a local delivery service via our website. Being able to adapt to meet social distancing requirements means that we can continue trading.”

Despite the challenging circumstances that the national high street finds itself operating under right now, Alberto, Laura Jo and Lisa are all optimistic about the future of Chesterfield’s high street, with Shop Indie even looking to expand the business post lockdown. They are also unanimous in their praise of the support they have received from Chesterfield Borough Council and central Government.

“The help provided by the government means that we can look forwards to being able to reopen our shop in Chesterfield in the coming months. Small businesses have been afforded a high level of support during this crisis and are arguably much better placed than larger chains.” explained Lisa.

Alberto added: “Chesterfield Borough Council is working with small, large, new or established businesses to keep the town alive. Everyone is doing all they can to help each other to keep our shopping as local as possible. This is the key to see Chesterfield and possibly the whole country rise again.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are aware that many local businesses and retailers in Chesterfield town centre will have been affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Rebuilding the local economy following the pandemic is a priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have therefore implemented a number of financial and support measures to help our local businesses in these challenging times.

“We will continue to support our local businesses and retailers as much as we can to ensure the long-term viability of the town centre as a place to visit, shop and socialise.”

Laura Jo added: “Fortunately Chesterfield has the ‘golden triangle’ of a successful market, independent shops and multiple retailers. We personally believe that it will be a slow and steady return to spending after lockdown ends as we begin to discover our new normal.”

To find out more about the new ‘Supporting Local’ site, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Mural celebrates NHS and key workers

5th May 2020

A mural to celebrate the work of the NHS and key workers during the coronavirus outbreak has been commissioned by a Chesterfield pub.

The team at the Spotted Frog, which is in Brampton, has worked with local artist, Pete Barber to create a colourful rainbow mural to thank everyone, who is supporting the community.

Co-owners & Directors, Trevor & Nicky said “As part of the wider community, we really wanted to do something to show our support and appreciation, but were unsure as to what, We had discussed, having some sort of mural on the wall previously, then it clicked. How fitting, appropriate, lasting and rather large this would, be.”

The Spotted Frog and The Butchers Arms in Brimington are asking people, who like the mural and their situation allows, to donate £1 to NHS Charities Together at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-us-support-the-nhs-key-workers.

The Spotted Frog has donated £250, which will be matched by with a further £250 from the Butchers Arms.

The campaign and mural were created with support from Pete Barber, Helen Rowan Photography and Just Cars Chesterfield.

For ideas for supporting local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the Destination Chesterfield Supporting Local Page.

For details of support available for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak visit the Destination Chesterfield Coronavirus Business Support Page.

Images: Helen Rowan Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting