Visiting

Spireites to stage ‘Women at the Game’ event

The Spireites will stage a Women at the Game event at the fixture against Eastleigh on Saturday, March 9.

Women at the Game is a national initiative which looks to provide a supportive environment for females to get together and watch live football.

Chesterfield FC Associate Director Alison Richardson, who has organised the event, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to host this event and really looking forward to welcoming female supporters to the Proact.”

“It’s a great opportunity for women who may not have felt comfortable attending games on their own previously to come along and watch the game as part of a like-minded and supportive community. I hope the initiative will encourage a new group of Spireites.”

Jacqui Oatley MBE, the first female commentator on Match of the Day, has given her backing to the event, saying: “I would support any initiative aimed at attracting new supporters through the turnstiles who may not otherwise attend. Once they’re in, they may just be gripped and will hopefully come back again and again.”

Derbyshire-born Stephanie Hill, who was crowned Miss World Europe in 2017 and recently appeared on The Voice, has accepted an invitation to attend. Funds will be raised to support a cause chosen by Stephanie, the funding of a new science lab at her old place of learning – Lady Manners School – and encourage more girls to get involved in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The Chesterfield Mayoress, Anne Brittain, will also be in attendance, along with other prominent women in the community, including representatives from local female charities and Chesterfield Ladies FC.

Women who wish to attend can take advantage of a special ticket offer: £5 for adults and £1 for concessions, which includes refreshments in the HUB at the stadium. Places are limited so early booking is essential. Please email alisonrichardson@chesterfield-fc.co.uk to reserve tickets.

Chesterfield FC Proact

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Concentration of protective marks, biggest ever found in Britain, discovered at Creswell Crags

Hundreds of protective marks, also known as Witches’ Marks, have been discovered at Creswell Crags, a limestone gorge on the Derbyshire border with history dating back 60,000 years.

These Apotropaic marks, from the Greek apotrepein, meaning ‘to turn away’, have been discovered scribed into walls and ceilings of the caves, over dark holes and large crevices. This is another huge find for the world renowned, award-winning heritage site and is significant on a national scale for being, potentially, the biggest collection of apotropaic marks in one place in the whole of the UK.

The chance discovery was made by two keen-eyed enthusiasts, Hayley Clark and Ed Waters from the Subterranea Britannica group, during a cave tour at Creswell Crags, after they noticed the rare protection marks scribed onto the cave surface. John Charlesworth, Heritage Facilitator and the tour leader at the time of the discovery, says: “These witches’ marks were in plain sight all the time! Being present at the moment their true significance was revealed will stay with me forever. After 17-years at Creswell Crags it makes me wonder what else it has to surprise us. This remarkable place continues to give up its secrets.” These marks have always been noticed, but dismissed as graffiti from before the caves were barred.

Ritualistic protection marks are most commonly found in historic churches and houses, near the entrance points, particularly doorways, windows and fireplaces to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits. It was thought that the largest quantity of witches’ marks in British caves existed in Somerset, at 57 marks, but the number at Creswell Crags far exceeds that, numbering in the high hundreds in one cave alone. Marks have since been found in all caves at Creswell Crags.

Alison Fearn, of Leicester University, who studied her PHD on Protective marks, and has seen the marks at Creswell Crags, said: “I cannot emphasise how important this corpus of apotropaia is to graffiti research, I think off the top of my head, it is the largest number of examples found anywhere and in any context in the UK.”

The number and variety of witch mark designs is unprecedented. Among the most common found are the double VV engravings which are believed to make reference to Mary, Virgin of Virgins and similarly PM is Pace Maria. Others are believed to be devices for capturing or trapping ‘evil’ and these include diagonal lines, boxes and mazes. The marks appear to have been added to over time and may indicate a need to strengthen the protection in response to a period of unexpected sickness, death or poor crops. The caves were excavated by archaeologists during the 19th century and in the process, widened. This may account for why some surfaces feature no marks and might suggest that there were originally an even greater number.

Academic and TV presenter, Professor Ronald Hutton, an authority on folklore, said: “This discovery is significant because it looks like the largest assemblage of protective marks ever found in British caves, and possibly anywhere in Britain. This is a suddenly a large new area of research for historians and archaeologists, and so adds appreciatively to the importance of the Crags as a world resource. This is a hugely important and exciting find, in one of the main current growth areas of knowledge about the past. Creswell Crags has already amazed the twenty-first century with its revelations of Palaeolithic designs. Now it does so again with a fresh one of medieval and early modern ritual protection marks on a huge scale, making a very important contribution, at a stroke, to one of the most significant current areas of new scholarly research.”

Creswell Crags are now working with academics and experts from Historic England to better understand the full significance and extent of the discovery. Creswell Crags are protected as a scheduled monument and Historic England advises on its future management.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said of the discovery: “Creswell Crags is already of international importance for its Ice Age art and ancient remains. To find this huge number of protection marks from the more recent past adds a whole new layer of discovery. Even two hundred years ago, the English countryside was a very different place, death and disease were everyday companions and evil forces could readily be imagined in the dark. We can only speculate on what it was the people of Creswell feared might emerge from the underworld into these caves.”

Creswell Crags will be launching tours of the areas containing Witches Marks for the first time, from late February.

Paul Baker, Director of Creswell Crags said: “We’re all still coming to terms with the importance of the find. It’s strange to imagine that 11,000 years after our Ice Age ancestors made their art on our walls, that fear of the unknown may have prompted superstitious locals to return to the rock and make their mark.”

To find out more visit www.creswell-crags.org.uk

Witches Marks Q&A by Historic England

What are apotropaic marks?

Apotropaic comes from the Greek word for averting evil and the marks were usually carved on stone or woodwork near a building’s entrance points, particularly doorways, windows and fireplaces, to protect inhabitants and visitors from witches and evil spirits.

What do they look like?

The most common type of apotropaic mark is the daisy wheel, or hexafoil, which at its simplest is a six petal “flower” drawn with a pair of compasses. Daisy wheels comprise a single, endless line which supposedly confused and entrapped evil spirits.

Pentangles, which are five-pointed stars, were often used as ritual symbols and the letters AM for Ave Maria, PM for Pace Maria, simply M for Mary or VV for Virgin of Virgins are also a common type of apotropaic mark. These letters, scribed into the fabric of medieval walls, engraved onto wooden beams and etched onto plasterwork were thought to beseech the supreme protective power of the Virgin Mary.

Where are they?

As well as being found in caves, apotropaic marks can be found in medieval houses, dating from around 1550 to 1750. A few have been recorded recently at Shakespeare’s Birthplace for example, where they are carved near the door to the cellar, once the store for precious beer and they have been spotted in medieval barns like the Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn, where they were etched into the ancient timber to protect crops.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Walking Football European Nations Cup at the Proact

Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium will host the first walking football European Nations Cup this summer.

The Walking Football Association has structured a tournament featuring 160 players, representing eight different nations, involving Over 50s and Over 60s teams.

WFA chief executive Paul Carr explained why Chesterfield was chosen to host the tournament. He said: “Chesterfield is the home of walking football as John Croot, who is a WFA non-executive director, works here, lives here and created the game here so it’s the perfect place to host the first international tournament for walking football.”

Chesterfield player Laurence Maguire, who is an England C international and brother of England star Harry Maguire, was at the launch of the event. He said: “It’s fantastic for the walking football community to come together in Chesterfield at the Proact and they’re very welcome to hold the European Nations Cup here.”

“You see players now retiring from football at early ages so for people to come out and keep their fitness levels up in their older age is fantastic for the sport.”

“As the sport gets bigger and bigger, I’m sure there will be many more ex-professionals taking part in walking football when they finish.”

The tournament, which will include teams representing England, Wales, Italy, Holland, Spain and France, will be played on the weekend of June 8th and 9th, with a gala dinner also taking place at the stadium.

Walking football is credited with helping to stimulate mental and physical wellbeing for the older generation. The slower pace and less contact is perfect for people looking to keep active by playing the sport they love.

proact

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

ALTERIS announces plans to transform Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has unveiled plans to transform the centre following its acquisition earlier this year by ALTERIS.

Purpose-built in 2001 as an open-air scheme, with iconic views through to the famous crooked spire of Chesterfield’s Church of St. Mary and All Saints, the centre draws over 3 million visitors annually.

After five years in receivership, ALTERIS identified an opportunity to create a thriving retail-focused asset in a historic town centre, with one of the UK’s strongest retail heritages, based around the country’s largest open-air market.

ALTERIS is formulating a masterplan vision for Vicar Lane in conjunction with architects Leslie Jones which will see St. James Square become a much more animated focal point within the scheme and re-energise a key meeting point for shoppers within the town.

Bert Broadhead, Director at ALTERIS said: “We’ve identified huge potential in Vicar Lane as it sits in a prime position within a thriving market town. We see a great opportunity to re-imagine the scheme making it more of a centre of gravity for Chesterfield – with enhanced F&B and leisure to complement the existing retail. We also have plans to enhance the public realm to make Vicar Lane a more uplifting place to be.”

“There is much talk of High Streets being in decline at the moment, but this isn’t the case everywhere. We spotted an opportunity with Vicar Lane where we can build upon a positive local catchment, strong asset potential and the prospect of economic growth within Chesterfield – not least via the planned HS2 station a stone’s throw from the centre. After many years of inertia, the centre offers us a blank canvas on which we can build.”

“We will be aiming to work with both national and independent operators, harnessing the latest technologies as well as traditional retail practices to help create a retail experience for the modern age, right in the heart of historic Chesterfield.”

Bert Broadhead will be speaking more about the plans for Vicar Lane at the upcoming Celebrate Chesterfield event on the 20th March, where local businesses come together to celebrate the town and hear about local regeneration work.

Technology is also a key factor and ALTERIS is investing in cutting-edge services which will help make the customer experience more user-friendly and fulfilling.

Tenants at Vicar Lane, which is currently 94% leased, include TJ Hughes, H&M, River Island, JD Sports, New Look, Superdrug, Deichmann, Waterstones, CEX, O2, 3 Store and Holland & Barrett, as well as local brands Quoozies and Ministry.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield Studios celebrates 10th Anniversary with West Side Story

Chesterfield Studios is celebrating ten years of musical theatre with a production of Leonard Bernstein’s iconic musical, West Side Story. The tragic re-telling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, set in New York’s West Side, tells the story of Tony and Maria, two lovers caught in a battle between rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets.

Established in 2009, Chesterfield Studios leads the way in innovative performing arts training for young people. With over 250 people participating in their theatre school classes, they offer a broad range of classes, spread across all age ranges. All staff have trained at some of the country’s leading universities and colleges and many are working professionals, passionate about working with and engaging young people in the performing arts.

The biggest event of the year for Chesterfield Studios will be West Side Story, which will show at the Pomegranate on almost the very same date, that ten years ago, the company first opened their doors.

Bernstein’s driving score set to lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is as fresh today as it was when it first opened in London’s West End sixty years ago, and features the well known songs, America, I Feel Pretty and Tonight. Fourteen year old Lucy Johnson plays Maria, with Tony being played by seventeen year old Owen Jenkinson. The cast also features professional actor Rob Laughlin as Glad Hand, who first played the part when he was seventeen years old. It is directed by Becky Parker with choreography by Roseanna Sanderson and conducted by Jonathan Francis.

Born to Perform follows in June, showcasing the fantastic array of talent in the young people’s classes. The final major event of the year, will be a celebratory concert in July, combining our Seniors, Rose Choir, past students, special guests and our concert orchestra to perform music from all of the shows we’ve performed over the last ten years.

Showing from Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st February at the Pomegranate Theatre, find out more and how to book your tickets here.

West Side Story Chesterfield Studios Pomegranate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Brampton Brewery opens new pub in Chesterfield

Brampton Brewery has opened its latest pub in Chesterfield. The Glassworks is the brewery’s third pub and is located opposite the Proact Stadium on Sheffield Road.

The brewery now has 3 cask-ale pubs in Chesterfield – The Rose & Crown, The Tramway Tavern and the new Glassworks. In addition to these tied-houses Brampton Brewery serves a local free-trade area covering Sheffield to the north, through to Burton in the south.

Jon Leeming, Brewery Director at Brampton Brewery said:  “We have chosen to name the pub The Glassworks based on the glass industry that was located around Whittington Moor in Chesterfield”

To celebrate the opening of the pub, Brampton Brewery has produced a new beer ‘The Monocled Mutineer’ which is named after Percy Toplis, who was born on Sanforth Street, which the the pub sides onto. Toplis (aka The Monocled Mutineer) had an interesting history, which was serialised by the BBC in 1986.

Brampton Brewery was resurrected in October 2007 by a small group of local enthusiasts, bringing brewing back to Brampton for the first time in 52 years.

Led by Managing Director and Head Brewer Chris Radford, the brewery has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous awards for its range of meticulously brewed cask-ales. Situated on Chatsworth Road, Brampton Brewery is just a stone’s throw from the original brewery which operated successfully in the town for over 130 years.

Monocled Mutineer - Brampton Brewery

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

Keeping in touch just got easier – thanks to free Wi-Fi at Chesterfield Royal

Patients, relatives and visitors to Chesterfield Royal Hospital will find it even easier to keep in touch with their friends and family – thanks to free Wi-Fi that’s gone live today.

The service – available on all in-patient wards, in out-patient clinics, the Emergency Department and in public areas including cafes and coffee shops – is designed to improve patient experience.  With smart phones and tablets for social media, games, apps and internet browsing now part of most peoples’ lives, a trip or a stay in hospital now enables access to all of these.

The project, a partnership between the hospital, NHS Digital and service provider Hospedia, is part of a national initiative to make sure that all NHS sites have free Wi-Fi available.  Associate Director of ICT at the Royal, Ian Hazel comments: “We’re delighted to launch free Wi-Fi today.  It’s something the IT team has been working towards to improve the technology we can offer our patients and visitors on site.

“It’s reassuring to know that even whilst in hospital, you can send a message, check e-mails and see posts from friends and family on social media like Facebook or Instagram.  The ability to keep in touch means people feel less isolated and more relaxed, which in turn can support better recovery.  Being able to contact loved-ones about what to bring, what time to visit and arrangements for going home makes the whole experience far less stressful.”

Free Wi-Fi won’t allow users access to streaming services or make video calls – and some sites will be blocked to users. The Trust will also be asking patients to be mindful of others when they’re using their own device, with volumes kept low or headphones on.

Director of Nursing & Patient Care, Lynn Andrews is also supportive of the idea: “This is another example of how we’re improving the experience our patients have when they are with us.  We’ve just been rated GOOD overall by the Care Quality Commission and collectively, developments like this, will help us on our journey to get that all important OUTSTANDING award.

“For anyone used to using their phone or tablet every day, it will make a real difference to how they feel about a hospital visit or stay.  It will also mean we can use the Wi-Fi to improve how we get patients’ views, support children in hospital with their on-going education and show people where to go on-line for the best support and advice to help their recovery.  It’s a real asset all round.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

See the film – then visit the Peak District places linked with ‘Mary Queen of Scots’

Visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire can celebrate the launch of a fascinating new film about Mary Queen of Scots by following in the footsteps of the real Mary Stuart and her guardian Bess of Hardwick.

The UK release of the film last week offers the perfect excuse to book an early Easter break and stay in or visit places connected to the ill-fated queen and her formidable ‘minder’, together with the chance to visit famous film locations in the area.

Directed by Josie Rourke and filmed in England and Scotland – including at Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield and Haddon Hall near Bakewell – the film positions the Peak District and Derbyshire firmly in the spotlight as a place where visitors can step into the shoes of their favourite movie stars.

During her 15-year captivity, Mary Stuart (1542 – 1587) was under the guardianship of George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury and his Derbyshire-born wife Elizabeth, known as Bess of Hardwick, at various places in and around the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Mary was held at locations including Chatsworth, Wingfield Manor and the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton, England’s oldest hotel. Due to a mystery illness, Mary was permitted to ‘take the healing waters’ at Buxton and visited the Derbyshire spa town most years between 1573 and 1584. Copies of writing that Mary etched onto a window pane at the Old Hall Hotel can still be seen today.

The movie stars Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, David Tennant and Joe Alwyn.

Haddon Hall and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall were used in scenes representing Hampton Court Palace – with Haddon’s beautiful medieval Long Gallery used in shots with actress Margot Robbie (Queen Elizabeth I).

Private rooms at Haddon, including the Boot Room, were also used as the interior of Lord Darnley’s Chamber at Holyrood; the anteroom to the State bedroom was used as a servant prep room; and the entrance and lower courtyard were used as a makeshift camp.

At Hardwick, the hall and grounds were used as external shots of Hampton Court Palace, including a scene where actress Margot Robbie (Queen Elizabeth I) is standing on the roof of Hardwick Hall.

The Peak District and Derbyshire has inspired filmmakers for generations and has been the backdrop for many famous films and TV dramas including Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess, The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth, The Princess Bride and Jane Eyre.

As well as inspiring a visit to the local locations where the movie was filmed, the release of Mary Queen of Scots also coincides with the start of a second phase of a new exhibition highlighting modern women’s take on Bess of Hardwick’s compelling story at the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield.

Shrewd businesswoman Bess (1527 – 1608) was the second wealthiest woman in England and one of the most powerful women of her time. She built the first house on the Chatsworth Estate, together with her second husband Sir William Cavendish, and later constructed Hardwick Hall, ‘more glass than wall’. She also designed her own memorial in Derby Cathedral, where she was buried.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire has strong ties with both Mary Queen of Scots and her guardian Bess of Hardwick, so now is the perfect time for history lovers and film fans to book and look forward to staying in and visiting some of the places linked with this fascinating character from history,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“Many of our historic attractions, such as Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall, the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton and Derby Cathedral, are connected with the original story, while the new film and exhibition offer a modern take on both women’s fascinating lives, so there are plenty of amazing links to appeal to visitors of all ages.”

The Peak District and Derbyshire is one of the UK’s most interesting places to visit for film-inspired breaks.

Photograph by William Collinson

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik Chesterfield Half approaches fundraising milestone

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon have hailed the event’s success after it raised near to £100,000 for charities in its first two years.

The event saw more than 1,500 people register in 2018, many of whom raised funds for good causes including the event’s charity partners, Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, based in North Anston.

In 2018, the event included the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run, and 15 teams entered the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge.

The event also saw a new Redbrik Half record time of 1:14:58 set by Gary Gregory, with Nicola Holland the fastest female in a time of 1:26:26.

The 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half will take place on 20 October, starting at 9:30am from Queen’s Park in Chesterfield. The Early Bird entry price of £22 for the event is available until 31 January.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see how much has been raised by the event since its relaunch in 2017.”

“To have raised in the region of £100k in our first two years is remarkable, but we want to kick on and keep raising money for good causes.”

“If the event continues to grow at the rate it has done so far, with the help of the people of Chesterfield, the local community and event partners, we can continue to do something very special for some incredible causes.”

Mark Ross, Director at headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agents, said: “It’s been fantastic to be part of such a special event – the Redbrik Half Marathon has gone from strength-to-strength since it was revamped a couple of years ago.”

“To have got to where we are now in such a short space of time is a great achievement, but I think I speak for us all in saying that we want to take it even further.”

“Next, we’d love to get over 2,000 runners on the start line and double the amount we’ve raised so far for charity.”

For more information on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon click here.

Photo courtesy of Charles Whitton Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Local restaurant wins two prestigious awards

The Tickled Trout has won Restaurant of the Year and its Owner Chris Mapp has been awarded Chef of the Year in the Derbyshire Life and Countryside Food & Drink Awards 2018.

Hailing from the kitchens of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay, Chris returned home after working in London and Cornwall, and fate had it that his old local pub was up for sale. Since opening in summer 2014, Chris and his team have worked tirelessly to create an independent pub and restaurant that the village can feel proud of. The Tickled Trout’s reputation has grown and it is now regarded as one of the best places to eat in the Chesterfield area.

Chris and his dedicated team believe in using great fresh ingredients, sourced from local suppliers they know and trust. The award winning gastro pub serves fine wine, great local ales and combines a relaxing atmosphere with excellent customer service. The team welcomes families and has a private dining room for small functions and private or corporate hire.

The Derbyshire Life Food & Drink Awards are designed to recognise the best in the region’s food and drink industry – including local producers and suppliers, chefs, restaurants, pubs and individuals who work within the hospitality industry. The companies are nominated by readers of Derbyshire Life, and the winners have been voted for by people throughout Derbyshire.

Chris said: “I am extremely humbled to be awarded the Chef of the Year in Derbyshire Life, it was a great surprise to me but I am really pleased. However, winning the Restaurant of the Year also confirms that I have a fabulous team that helps me and each other achieve excellence in what we do. We are forever learning and evolving but this group I have are just amazing, these awards represent their hard work and they absolutely deserve the recognition.”

The Tickled Trout was also named the Best Out of Town venue at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards in October 2018, adding to numerous awards won by the restaurant since opening.

The Tickled Trout awards Derbyshire Life

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Christmas visiting times for Chesterfield Royal Hospital

As a busy acute hospital, Chesterfield Royal is ‘business as usual’ over the Christmas and New Year holidays – looking after people of all ages who need urgent medical and surgical care and of course, not forgetting new mums and their babies.

People who need to be in hospital at holiday time are usually the most poorly; and need plenty of rest to help them recover. When your loved-one is in hospital over the festive period though, they do appreciate that you’ll also want to see them.

The hospital has designated some open visiting days to help; and hope that visitors will appreciate the need to keep standard visiting hours in place at other times, to make sure patients are well-cared for and can be looked after safely and effectively.

General adult medical and surgical wards:

  • December 22nd 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 23rd 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • Christmas Eve – Normal visiting hours apply
  • Christmas Day – Open visiting 10am-8pm
  • Boxing Day – Open visiting 10am-8pm
  • December 27th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 28th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 29th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • December 30th 2018 – Normal visiting hours apply
  • New Year’s Eve – Normal visiting hours apply
  • New Year’s Day – Open visiting 10am-8pm

ITU, HDU, Maternity and children’s wards: Please speak to the ward for details about visiting options for partners, family and friends

If you have any queries about visiting, or are travelling some distance, the hospital has advised to call the ward and ask for advice, and that it will always try to accommodate visitors’ individual needs in difficult circumstances.

For visiting hours, contact numbers and parking or public transport, click here.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

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