Hogg Norton, a North Derbyshire producer of fruit liqueurs has won Silver at this year’s Great British Food Awards for its Passion Fruit Liqueur product.
The latest accolade is Hogg Norton’s 3rd Great British Food Award, which sits alongside 10 Great Taste Awards the business has won since it was founded. Find out more about Hogg Norton’s latest Great Taste Award win.
Explaining his delight at being recognised once again, Mike Norton, co-founder of Hogg Norton commented: “The Great British Food Awards provides us with the opportunity to have our food and drink tasted by some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs, critics and influencers.
“This is why it is so important as we are judged by experts in their fields and we are proud that we have achieved 3 of these awards which shows we produce our liqueurs to a consistently high standard.
“Winning this award shows that our products are recognised throughout the country. All produced in Chesterfield and made with no artificial colours or preservatives. Our liqueurs are great on their own, with Prosecco, added to tonic or a lemonade for a long drink or can flavour Gins, Vodkas, Whiskeys or Rums or even poured over desserts and ice cream.”
Speaking about how Chesterfield is the ideal location for the producer, Mike added: “Being based in the Chesterfield gives us inspiration, as we have the best of both worlds – being on the edge of the Peak District and close to all the amenities of the town.”
Hogg Norton supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Mike Norton displaying Hogg Norton products at Chatsworth Country Fair 2023 – Image by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.
A new play space for youngsters has opened at The Glass Yard in Chesterfield, one of the town’s newest developments.
Sugar Snap Play is a unique space which offers access to high end toys for children, to encourage their learning and progression. The centre, which is suitable for babies and children under 5 years old offers three stay and play sessions per day.
In addition, the centre boasts several facilities to boost child development. They include:
Sensory Table – children can discover mini-beasts, nature building, small worlds, sensory play and so much more.
Craft Table – each sensory session, children will have the opportunity to feel inspired and get creative with play dough and other craft items.
A Montessori-inspired block play shelf, with access to high quality vibrant building blocks, wooden animals and plenty of resources to ignite your child’s imagination.
Sensory Space – A special dark room filled with different calming areas, bean bags, soft seating, bubble lamps and fibre optic lights
A home corner which includes a beautiful wooden Montessori-style shopping market, baby role play, kitchen and dining set and a dressing up rail
A modern luxury soft play, set up with ball pit, ride on cars and hoppers for extra fun
The Baby Space – Perfect for newborns right up to wobbly walkers. You can expect to find soft seating with frosted windows for extra privacy, soft luxury tumble mats with access to sensory toys, ball pit and soft play perfectly safe for babies.
Speaking on the company’s investment at The Glass Yard, business owner Alysha Rushton commented: “From the moment we viewed the space, we fell in love with it and knew it would be a perfect space to create our dream business.
“We particularly liked how central it was in Chesterfield, meaning it was easy for people to access. The two hours free parking that The Glass Yard offers for our customers is a great bonus. We love working with the businesses around us and we have already started to work with The Batch House for our Parties and Meet Your Miracle for our Mummy to be Events!”
“The Chesterfield community have already been nothing but supportive of our new business since we opened and every week we are so excited to welcome new and returning customers through our doors for more fun!
“Sugar Snap Play is not only a play space, but each area has been thought through thoroughly to provide excellent learning and communication opportunities to help children get a head start towards preschool and their progression later in life.”
Chesterfield’s businesses, organisations and community groups are working hard to support residents affected by flooding in recent days caused by Storm Babet.
Some residents and businesses had to evacuate their homes and premises due to the rising water levels on Friday.
Read more about some of the support and community fundrainsing efforts taking place across the town in our roundup below:
East Midlands Chamber offers support for affected businesses
The chamber of commerce’s information team, which can be contacted by calling 0333 320 0333, can provide advice to businesses – whether or not they are Chamber members – on what they can do and where support is available in their local area.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Major floods like we’ve seen during Storm Babet can cause huge anguish for business owners, but it’s important they know they aren’t alone and support is available.
“Our information team has already provided key advice to some businesses in our region since the floods hit at the end of last week, and we would urge anyone who would benefit from speaking to a friendly voice to get in touch.”
Some local authorities, including Derby City Council, have also asked employers in the area to encourage employees to work from home where possible to minimise traffic while a clean-up operation is carried out.
Scott added: “During an emergency like this, we are all in it together and there are small steps businesses may be able to take to offer their support, such as through encouraging staff to work from home, where this is possible, for a temporary period.
“It’s also important that all parties – such as local authorities, emergency services, central Government and other local stakeholders – co-ordinate effectively during the clean-up to help everyone get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
Fundraiser launched for residents affected by floods
Lifehouse church, based in the Brampton area has launched the appeal in partnership with Toby Perkins MP and local charities, agencies and businesses.
Hundreds of people in Chesterfield have been affected by the flooding over the weekend. Homes were flooded and businesses were forced to close due to the conditions.
Having already raised more than £25,000 over the weekend, the church is hoping to be able to provide food, clothing, supplies and the necessary essentials for those in need. A dedicated pot from the Church charity will seek to directly support families and homes that have been affected.
Church Pastor, Paul Hollingworth commented in a video posted by the church: “We are right in the heart of the community here in Brampton. The floods swept through the whole heart of the town and has had a huge impact on many people’s lives, not just today but for the months ahead.
“We’ve decided to do as much as we practically can today, by setting up a funding page which is going to help people with some of life’s necessities.”
Paul’s wife Sarah, also a Pastor with the church, said: “What we really want people to do is not only give, but to share, because the more people share it the wider the reach is. We have a £50,000 target and I’m really confident that we can smash that.”
They have a double-width shop front on glumangate (our building was once two properties which we knocked through many years ago) and some offices on three floors, some of which are currently empty.
• They could possibly house part of a small business to sit along our normal office set up on their shop floor.
• They also have some empty space on the upper floors, with IT and telephone connectivity.
•Their shop front has digital displays, so we would be happy for business to use some of these to help with marketing!
Chesterfield, with its rich history and vibrant community, is not just a picturesque town with its unique Crooked Spire, but also a thriving hub undergoing a series of multi-million-pound regeneration projects.
Thanks to its strategic location in the centre of England alongside the M1 corridor with proximity to several major cities, Chesterfield has the ingredients that make it an enticing prospect for investors seeking growth and potential.
But don’t just take it from us, take it from the businesses which have invested here and call our town their home!
We think the responses below speak for themselves!
‘Tremendous support’
Emily Smith, Property Developer behind the highly anticipated Holywell Hotel by Voeberg said: “Chesterfield caught our attention initially due to its strategic location along the M1 and the opportunities for restoring and converting properties.
“The Council and local services have shown us tremendous support for our projects, which makes it an exciting place to be investing. Chesterfield’s unique local charm and welcoming community make it an ideal place to create something new to meet a growing market demand.
“It’s a town where you feel the warmth of support, and investing here has been a truly positive experience.”
‘Experienced workforce’
Roy Peters Estates have been active in Chesterfield since the early 1970s and have seen many changes in our Market Town during the last 50 years. The company offers a locally focused letting and management service.
Emma Gallagher, Director, Office Manager and Head of Commercial Operations has seen a marked increase in quality retail and office instructions over the last six months.
She said: “Chesterfield is centrally located and remains a busy market town with a good retail offering and access to an experienced workforce.”
Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), commented: “We have seen first hand the positive impact that our investment has had on Chesterfield.
“We’re passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work, improving its offering in line with nearby cities and enriching the lives of the local business community.
“Further investment is vital to ensuring the town continues to grow and develop in line with neighbouring cities, such as Sheffield and Nottingham, making Chesterfield a thriving business landscape for all.”
‘Excellent location’
HBD’s successful Markham Vale scheme continues to be developed alongside Derbyshire County Council. The project, off J29a of the M1 has ensured new premises for dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs for local people.
Richard Hinds, Senior Development Manager at HBD, said: “Chesterfield is an excellent place to do business, demonstrated by the huge success of our Markham Vale scheme. The development is now home to more than 78 businesses and has created over 2,700 new jobs.
“Chesterfield not only benefits from an excellent location at the heart of the UK transport network, but offers a strong local labour market, supporting companies as they continue to grow.
“HBD is pleased to invest in Chesterfield and look forward to progressing the expansion of Markham Vale, providing more high-quality industrial and logistics space to meet occupier demand.”
‘Extremely welcoming’
Dalton Roofing provides residential and industrial roofing solutions to people and businesses across the area.
Speaking about locating his business in the town, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing said: “I moved my business to Chesterfield in 2018, after running my business from Sheffield for 28 years, as you can imagine, this was a big change for me.
“Not only did I move my business, but I also moved my family to live in Chesterfield and I can honestly say I have never looked back.
“The location is fabulous, being close to the M1 and the Peak district, we feel central to all the areas that we cover. The business community are extremely welcoming and offer great business support. Chesterfield is up and coming and full of future potential.”
‘Training for tomorrow’s workforce’
Lime Living is an estate agency which recently expanded into new premises at The Glassyard.
Jamie Wajs, owner of Lime Living commented: “Our town is the ideal location, with it being very placed for excellent access to the M1 network, direct train links to London and other nearby major cities.
“We also have Chesterfield College and the University of Derby Campus providing education and training for tomorrow’s workforce. Not only is our town able to train and retain a business’s workforce through exceptional facilities and resources, but it can attract employees too, through the welcoming community living our town offers.
“For me, it is a no brainer for businesses to invest in our town! There is an excellent access to a wide range of local support networks and we also have a wide variety of commercial property. This ranges from land & new build, warehouses & industrial, business parks to Grade A offices, meaning our town provides excellent opportunity, whether it be a new start up, expansion, relocation or modern hybrid working hubs.”
‘A refreshing level of cohesiveness’
Harworth Group has acquired a 133-acre stalled brownfield site in Staveley, and is now bringing forward exciting plans to deliver 600 new homes, extensive green space and other amenities.
Joanne Neville, Head of Regional Planning at Harworth commented: “We have found all local partners to be engaging and responsive as we work with adjacent landowners to develop this important site.
“We have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of the town, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating a refreshing level of cohesiveness between the public and private sector. Chesterfield is definitely open for business.”
‘Great proximity to major road networks’
Mascot Management has worked on several projects in Chesterfield recently, including The Glassyard and 33 new homes in Duckmanton. Jason Evans, Director at Mascot Management said: “I see the quality of life in Chesterfield as an important factor in attracting talent and investors.
Key factors like the lower cost of living, friendly residents and businesses, good access to cultural amenities, and the open countryside of the nearby Peak District make Chesterfield a great place.
“It has established industrial clusters, and business parks that benefit from being in the heart of the country with great proximity to all the major road networks, including the M1 motorway. This makes Chesterfield an attractive place for people to access, live and work”.
Hannah Rutter, Property Consultant at Redbrik commented: “The proximity to the Peaks make for a great living environment and offers ease of access to the countryside for their employees during their free time.
“Chesterfield is a fantastically efficient commuting hub for their business and staff with Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leeds and Leicester all being within a 90 minute journey. A wonderful town with a great blend of character and modern, from the Crooked Spire to Casa Hotel.”
Want to find out more about how Chesterfield can provide the perfect location for your business base? Head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.
Chesterfield Champions have shared uplifting stories throughout October on how they’re helping to support people in our area.
Organisations have been creating connections across the community to help strengthen local groups, improve accessibility, and even teaching people how to save a life.
Find out more in our latest roundup below:
Save a Life Scheme receives record sign ups at Chesterfield College
Local charity, the Community Save a Life Scheme (CSALS), visited Chesterfield College to celebrate the fantastic uptake from both staff and students with the programme.
Nick was astonished by the number of staff and students who have been involved saying, “The support and interest from the college has been incredible.”
Both staff and students told Nick that they have walked away feeling more confident due to completing the course. Nick adds, “A lot of people are fearful of the unknown and wouldn’t always step in to help in a difficult situation. Having the basic lifesaving skills that the course equips them with, gives them enough knowledge to save a life.
Support Dog’s successful visit to Chesterfield FC
A successful trial recently saw a support dog pay a visit to Chesterfield FC for a matchday experience.
When the Community Trust took over the running of Chesterfield FC, one of the stated aims was to make the stadium accessible for everyone.
The club recently received positive feedback following Pauline McAllister’s visit to the SMH Group Stadium with Gordon, a 22-month-old support dog, for the game against Oldham Athletic earlier this season.
Speaking about the experience, Pauline said: “We’re socialisers – not trainers. We’ve had lots of different experiences to get the dog used to it.
“We thought a football match would be really good to get used to the noise. We hadn’t got a clue on how to get in or how to get tickets but our experience was absolutely wonderful.
“I was quite nervous about going but we didn’t have any worries at all. The whole thing was lovely. I can’t thank everybody enough.”
Vicar Lane to host Pumpkin Patch this weekend
Vicar Lane is hosting a hauntingly good time for visitors this weekend, with a free Pumpkin Patch returning to the centre on Saturday 21st October.
From 10am – 3pm, a range of spooktacular activities will be on offer for all the family to enjoy. Visitors can take their pick of pumpkins from the patch while stocks last, and join in with lots of fang-tastic fun brewed up by the trio of witches.
Spellbinding makeovers will also be available from a themed face painter throughout the day, so visitors can transform into their favourite spine-chilling characters.
Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “We are so excited to welcome local families back to Vicar Lane to get involved in lots of exciting Halloween activities. It’s sure to be a great day out for all!”
Chatsworth Walk Connects Nursing Students and Carers
Led by Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield project the Chatsworth Walk took participants on a picturesque journey from Baslow to Chatsworth House in the Peak District, providing not just breathtaking scenery but also a platform for important conversations about the experiences of unpaid carers and their role in healthcare.
This partnership event with the University of Derby, and Derbyshire Carers Association on 27 September brought together future healthcare professionals and carers for a day of connection, mindfulness, and dialogue.
The Chatsworth Walk underscored the power of community, empathy, and the willingness to engage in conversations that matter. By bringing together unpaid carers, staff, and students, this event highlighted the importance of understanding the experiences of carers, ultimately leading to more compassionate, communicative, and effective healthcare.
Jennifer Raschbauer, Community Chesterfield Project Director commented: “It was a lovely day with some brilliant conversations. It was wonderful to hear some of the shared stories and to see people learning.”
Community Chesterfield, CSALS, Chesterfield College, Vicar Lane and Chesterfield FC support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
A Chesterfield Company specialising in roof building and maintenance has won a prestigious award for its work with apprentices in the area.
Dalton Roofing was awarded SME Employer of the Year at the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023.
The company has a strong reputation of taking on apprentices, helping them to learn new skills, and develop a career in the construction sector.
Honours at the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards were presented in 13 different categories, recognising the contributions that local apprentices make to the region’s businesses – and the people who help support them on their journey
Speaking on the firm’s award win, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing commented: “Words can’t explain how happy we are! We are ecstatic and extremely proud and grateful.
“A lot of time, effort, support and mentoring is put into our apprentices, they will work alongside some great roofers and also get the help and support from our Site Manager, Paul Stephenson.
Philip also commented on the importance of apprentices, in terms of securing the future workforce of his organisation: “Apprentices are our future; we really need to work hard and train our apprentices to keep up the succession and skills that our businesses require.
“Apprentices usually start with no experience of roofing, they will work alongside a mentor, be given training with our Site Manager Paul and training through college, this is how they will learn lifelong skills. It doesn’t stop here either, as they will continue to be given training and achieve more qualifications throughout their time with us at Dalton Roofing. We have just started three apprentices on their pathway.”
The company also raises awareness of skills in the sector as a member of Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group, which promotes development and regeneration across the town. Dalton Roofing will also take part in this year’s Made in Chesterfield initiative, which will see young people from Chesterfield schools visiting the business to gain valuable insight into careers in the sector.
Find out more about Apprentice Town, demonstrating Chesterfield’s commitment to developing apprentices and delivering skilled careers to help people and businesses grow.
Dalton Roofing supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Young people in Chesterfield are being invited to take part in a new programme designed to develop their entrepreneurial skills and confidence to help them kickstart their career.
After successfully receiving £6,000 in funding through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund, Young Enterprise – the national financial and enterprise education charity – is teaming up with Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School, inviting pupils to take part in its Company Programme.
The Company Programme aims to empower young people aged between 13 and 19 to set up and run a student company under the guidance of a volunteer from a local business.
Students will be responsible for making all the decisions about their business, including deciding on the company name, managing the company finances and selling to the public. Participants gain practical business experience and key skills.
Volunteers from local businesses are also being urged to get involved as mentors and provide the students with practical advice and guidance. Any businesses interested in taking part can contact the Educational Partnerships Manager: simon.paterson@y-e.org.uk .
As part of the annual programme of activities, Young Enterprise will also be running a launch and pitch event, where the young people will be able to pitch their business ideas to businesses in the area.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Brough Council, said: “We’re really pleased that our Community Grants Fund scheme can fund initiatives such as the Company Programme. When we first launched the scheme, we wanted to make sure that funding could be used to help people prepare to get in to work, and this project does just that.
“Our Skills Action Plan, which we unveiled earlier this year, is all about providing people not only with education, but also the experience of putting those skills into practice.
“Young Enterprise is giving young people the opportunity to improve their work readiness and work experience. It will help them to develop practical business experience and key skills including finance management and public speaking.
“We’re investing in Staveley through our Town Deal and I know many of the board members are keen to support this project and support young people to learn more about starting their own businesses. I am really looking forward to watching this project develop and seeing young people thrive.”
Ian Wingfield, headteacher at Springwell Community College, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project and I know our students are excited to get started. This is a great opportunity for them to develop a range of valuable skills at the same time as connecting further with their community.”
Sharon Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Young Enterprise, said: “We are delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School to launch Company Programme to their students. Company Programme provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people to the realities of the world of work. Previous participants have come up with innovative ideas for their companies, often with a strong socially-conscious theme, which have real potential to become businesses of the future. We are excited to see what the young people taking part in Chesterfield achieve and wish them the best of luck for their Company Programme journey.”
Helen McVicar, headteacher at Netherthorpe School, says that the project will enable pupils to develop real-life skills. She said: “The Young Enterprise Scheme is a fantastic initiative, and we are delighted to be involved. We pride ourselves on being connected with our community and this project will help us to further strengthen those ties whilst also testing the entrepreneurial skills of our young people, and developing important real-life skills.”
More information on Young Enterprise, including details on how other schools and young people can get involved in the Company Programme, can be found at: www.young-enterprise.org.uk
Funding for Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).
The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.
A new 54-bed mental health facility for adults is progressing in Chesterfield, providing acute adult care on the Royal Hospital site.
Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, has celebrated the ‘topping out’ of the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s new mental health facilities across Derbyshire.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Simon Corben, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England, and Geoff Neild, Programme Director for the Making Room for Dignity Programme attended an event held at Derby Kingsway Hospital alongside members of the project team.
The pioneering new mental health facilities are delivered as part of the Trust’s ambitious £150 million Making Room for Dignity Programme – a project using a blend of central, regional and Trust funding to completely revamp the county’s mental health inpatient (hospital) facilities.
The works include the Derwent Unit, a 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and the Carsington Unit, another 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care as well as a 14-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Kingsway Hospital in Derby.
Every room across both Adult Acute Care facilities will be en-suite and temperature controlled, with the facilities also including a shared therapy suite, kitchen, indoor fitness room, online library resource room, arts room and access to a secured roof terrace and garden for wards on the first floor.
James Beardmore, Project Manager at IHP, said: “We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone for these important projects and the exemplary collaboration demonstrated by the project team. We look forward to delivering these adult acute care facilities for the Trust’s ambitious Making Room for Dignity Programme. Once completed, they will greatly improve mental healthcare services across the region.”
Geoff Neild, at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Derwent Unit at Chesterfield and Carsington Unit at Derby form the backbone of our dormitory eradication programme giving each service user their own en-suite bedroom.
“For those service users from Derbyshire requiring intensive psychiatric care there is currently no provision within the county and our service users are currently placed in out-of-area facilities. This has a huge impact on the ability of family and loved ones to provide support at a time when it is often most needed. Kingfisher House will provide a 14 bedded unit meeting the needs of male service users in Derbyshire. Along with the newly refurbished Audrey House the Trust can meet the majority of the needs of both male and female service users requiring high acuity facilities.
“I am delighted that these new facilities will give staff, service users, family and friends fantastic settings in which to deliver or receive therapeutic care and support.”
Transition Chesterfield has benefited from Chesterfield Borough Council’s community grant funding, enabling them to open an Eco Hub in the town.
Based on Low Pavement in Chesterfield, the Eco Hub is a pilot project that will work with residents to:
Improve their awareness of ‘Transition Chesterfield’ and the aims and objectives of the community group
Improve their awareness of climate action and the protection of the environment
Improve their understanding of net zero and a more sustainable Chesterfield
Access further learning and volunteer opportunities
Transition Chesterfield was one of the local organisations to benefit from the first round of funding, receiving £2,500 to open the new hub in the town centre.
The Eco Hub is initially open every Friday from 10am to 12.30pm until May 2024 and may open at other times if successful in recruiting enough volunteers.
The Hub at Low Pavement itself is open most days though for other community-based activities.
A total of £59,965 has been awarded to 16 local groups via the council’s new Community Grants Funding scheme so far, and applications for the second round of funding are now open.
The council is looking for grant applications from community groups and local voluntary organisations in Chesterfield and surrounding areas who have climate focused projects to deliver.
Karl Deakin, a volunteer with Transition Chesterfield, said: “We’re excited to win this funding which gives us a much-needed base for our activities. Our hub project will encourage interest and participation amongst residents to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s also a great opportunity for people to volunteer to help our environment and meet new people.”
Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning, and environment said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges humanity faces worldwide, and it needs us all to consider how we can make individual changes to our routines as well as how we can will make substantial changes in the borough of Chesterfield.
“Community groups can play a huge part in helping to educate and inform our communities so we would love to hear about any local project ideas that could benefit from the available grant funding.
“Chesterfield Borough Council has more than £118,000 available to eligible local groups in this financial year (2023/24) so we are encouraging as many people as possible to find out more about the scheme and submit an application.”
The funding allocated through the grant scheme will support local groups to deliver projects that will build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.
Funding can also be used by community projects to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.
Grants range from £500 to £6,000, and the deadline for applications for phase two is Friday 27 October.
Funding for Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).
The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.
The Bolsover Lantern Parade is set to return for its 30th year, and a new light show is coming to Bolsover Castle to mark the milestone this December.
Bright Winter Nights is an immersive light experience that will take place within the castle’s walls on Friday 1st December, the day before the lantern parade. Light projections, images and sounds from the last three decades will bring the castle walls to life, featuring the stories of local people and their lantern parade experiences.
Visitors can also view a newly commissioned community film as part of the magical evening, which has been created using stories and memories from local people.
The event is being organised in partnership with local Bolsover-based charity, the Freedom Project and English Heritage.
There will be 750 tickets available, costing £2 per child and £3 for adults.
Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts said: “Bolsover is very close to our hearts and so we’re delighted to be bringing another exciting event to the town, to mark the 30th year of the lantern parade.
“Bright Winter Nights promises to shine a light on the amazing community spirit and creativity that exists in Bolsover, telling the story of the last three decades within the walls of the famous Bolsover Castle.”
Mark North, Freedom Founder and CEO said: “The Lantern Parade has been an important part of our community for the last 30 years. It has given us a sense of togetherness and excitement and we look forward to Bright Winter Nights and taking in the memories of other members of the Bolsover Community and beyond”.
A spokesperson for Bolsover Castle said: “We always love playing a part in the Lantern Parade so when Junction Arts asked us to work with them to celebrate its 30th anniversary, we jumped at the chance. We want the Castle to be at the centre of the community in Bolsover, for residents to really connect with their heritage and to use the space to celebrate the amazing talent we have in the town.
“It will be a night to remember as the Castle comes to life not only with our fantastic illuminations but the creativity and passion of the Bolsover community.”
The first Bolsover Lantern Parade took place on Saturday 26th November 1994 as part of the Bolsover Victorian Festival. Organised by Junction Arts in partnership with community partners, the event has become a cultural tradition for generations of people. Growing year-on-year, the Bolsover Lantern Parade is now one of the UK’s biggest and oldest light parades.
Bright Winter Nights, The Bolsover Christmas Market and the Bolsover Lantern Parade are all part of the NEW Bolsover Winter Festival – a weekend of festive fun that marks the start of the winter season. More information about all the events taking place can be found on the Visit Bolsover website: https://www.visitbolsover.co.uk/events/bwf/
Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
CarMats.co.uk, a business specialising in UK-manufactured tailored car mats to fit every make and model, has announced the grand opening of its 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility located on Chesterfield Trading Estate.
This new facility is set to play a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing expansion. The spacious facility grants the business the much-needed capacity to diversify its product offerings and creates job opportunities for local talent.
Ash Young, Founder of CarMats.co.uk, shared his thoughts on their new warehouse, the company’s growth journey, the significance of Chesterfield, and their commitment to local job creation.
He commented: “I launched CarMats.co.uk during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, I was also running a digital agency in Sheffield. I set an ambitious goal of achieving £1 million in revenue within the first year. I took the leap to document my progress on social media, and gained lots of followers interested in my journey with this start-up. We actually reached the £1 million mark just nine months after launching and, as of 2023, our revenue has reached £5 million.
“Our new warehouse on Chesterfield Trading Estate is a game-changer for us in terms of expanding our business. It brings our remote team together, enabling a more collaborative work environment. Having stock, order processing, customer support, and marketing all under one roof streamlines our operations. Plus, it provides the much-needed space to stock a wider range of products, which is essential for our growth.”
Speaking on how Chesterfield’s strategic location will benefit his business, Ash added: “Chesterfield is the perfect location for our growth plans. It’s got excellent transport connections across the country, which is essential for our distribution network.
“It also provides cost-effective warehouse space and access to a highly skilled local workforce. As we expand, we plan to create more job opportunities in the local area. We’re looking to add another five roles over the next year, with the first hire planned for November. We’re excited about contributing to local employment.
“Personally, this move is significant for me. It brings our team together in a physical location, which is great for collaboration, but as a Chesterfield resident, it also allows me to balance my work with family life. I still want to be able to do the school run every day!”
Looking to locate your business in an area with superb transport links and affordable premises? Look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about investment opportunities in the town.
CarMats.co.uk supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
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