Love Chesterfield

Chesterfield Sales Assistant becomes influencer for New Look

Lauren Cosier, Sales Assistant at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s New Look store, has been chosen to represent the brand as part of the #NewLookers initiative.

The #NewLookers team are a group of employees working for the brand across its extensive network of stores, distribution centres and HQs, dedicated to delivering a daily dose of style inspiration to New Look’s local audiences via Instagram.

As well as insider info, behind-the-scenes action, and styling tips, followers can also expect to see snippets of their life working across all areas of New Look.

The initiative embodies the importance of the brand’s dedication to its local communities and its firm commitment to shopping centres and high streets throughout the UK.

Lauren Cosier said “I am so excited to be a #NewLooker! I completed the final stage of the application and received an email titled “congratulations” a few days later – I was having my nails done at the time and had to keep so calm! I still have to pinch myself when I think about it to be honest, it’s such an amazing opportunity that New Look has provided for us.’’

Lauren has been a sales assistant at the Vicar Lane’s New Look store for 7 years and you can follow her on instagram at @newlook_lauren.c

Head on down to Vicar Lane to shop at New Look and many other stores.

For inspiration about shopping in Chesterfield check out our Love Chesterfield page and the finalists of the Love Chesterfield Awards.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield

Top community contributors recognised in brand-new awards

Three of Chesterfield’s top community contributors have been named in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

CBE+ Group, Peak Pharmacy and The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire have all been shortlisted for the Community Contribution Award. The new category celebrates the kindness shown by organisations and their employees to local people and community projects in 2020 and 2021.

CBE+ Group has been involved in a number of activities, supporting the local community, from producing thousands of vital ventilator parts in a matter of weeks to sponsoring local football club New Tupton Ivanhoes Under 13’s team and Tupton RUFC.

Marie Cooper, CEO of CBE+ Group explained: “Community contribution is something we see as non-optional at CBE+. Our business and our people play a major part in the Chesterfield community. We therefore have an active engagement in supporting the local area and ensure its future growth and success are part of our mission.

“Whether its engaging young people into apprenticeships, offering regional employment opportunities on Kick Start schemes, or supporting our staff’s children’s sports teams, sponsoring their kits, we work together to achieve more. This is exactly what we want to bring to Chesterfield. It is an honour to be recognised for our efforts to date and we plan to continuously increase the support we give to the community as we grow.”

Supporting patients throughout the entirety of the pandemic, the team at Peak Pharmacy has continued to put their customers in front of themselves through extremely challenging conditions. Establishing a Covid-19 clinic in Chesterfield (at Casa Hotel) as well as at one of its pharmacies in Clay Cross, they’ve administered more than 30,000 vaccinations to the people of Chesterfield.

Joe Cattee, Director of Peak Pharmacy commented: “It’s a great honour for Peak Pharmacy to be shortlisted for the Community Contribution Award, we are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that all our colleagues have shown during the pandemic. They prioritised the communities we serve knowing the potential dangers they could expose themselves to and have gone about their tasks selflessly.”

During the pandemic, the team at The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire started a shopping service for the shielded and vulnerable. Over the last 18 months, the staff along with extra recruited volunteers, have dealt with over 3,000 referrals.

Dave Radford, Manager of the organisation said: “We’re really honoured to be shortlisted for this award – giving back to the community really is at the heart of what we do and it’s great to be recognised for that. We know how much the community appreciates what we do and that makes it so rewarding for us.”

Passionate about giving back to the community themselves, Van Dyk by Wildes has sponsored the Community Contribution Award. The luxury hotel and spa is also sponsoring this year’s Chesterfield Pride, which takes place on Sunday 22nd August at Stand Road Park.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of the new award: “In the past 18 months we have all witnessed the importance of having a strong community and the collective response throughout the pandemic to ensure that people and business communities remain connected has been phenomenal. I am delighted that we are able to recognise these efforts with the new Community Contribution Award.”

The Community Contribution Award is one of 16 categories in the new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management. The new awards have combined Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards and also recognised the contribution of entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprentices and sustainability over the last 18 months.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards

Countdown begins to Chesterfield Pride

The countdown is on for the return of Chesterfield Pride on Sunday 22nd August at Stand Road Park.

Chesterfield Pride is one of the biggest and best attended Pride events in the region with 2019 seeing over 6000 attending the LGBTQ+ celebration.

This year’s event will see some amazing talent spread over 2 stages.

The Chesterfield Borough Council Main stage will welcome acts including Stooshe, Big Brovaz, Sonia, Booty Luv, Tina Cousins and Black Lace.

The Cabaret Stage will be headlined by Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Joe Black, who will be joined by amazing drag artists KY Kelly, Jackie Love and Donna Trump and a number of local artists including Rachael Webster, KYOTO and Andrew Warner.

There will also be fairground rides and a variety of stalls hosted by local organisations as part of the day’s line-up.

Those who want that special experience can reserve tickets for the VIP area which organisers have promised lots of surprises thanks to their sponsor Van Dyk Hotel.

Dan Walker, Chesterfield Pride organiser, said: “Chesterfield Pride has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2015″.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Stand Road Park on 22 August for what promises to be another fantastic Pride event.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of, Headline Sponsor, Chesterfield Borough Council said “Chesterfield Pride is a key event within our annual events programme and one which sends a very clear message – here in Chesterfield, we stand together as one community to celebrate the diversity of our borough with pride. This is an event for everyone to enjoy, and it promises to be a positive and fun-filled day.”

Organisers have worked with the council to ensure that all necessary Covid-19 safety measures are in place at the open-air venue, which will be a ticket-only event.

For more information about the event, or to buy tickets, please visit www.chesterfieldpride.co.uk or search ‘Chesterfield Pride’ on Facebook.

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

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket secured for next 5 years

The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket will continue for at least the next five years following a deal between Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council

The popular Festival, which has seen multiple sold-out matches at Queen’s Park, is a cornerstone of the Derbyshire summer and the new agreement builds on the Club’s long-standing relationship with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Queen’s Park has been a key venue in the history of the Club, since Derbyshire’s maiden first-class fixture at the picturesque tree-lined ground in 1898.

In recent years, the week-long Festival has played host to enthralling first-class matches, as well as the traditional Vitality Blast local derby with Yorkshire Vikings, and Derbyshire will continue to perform under the spire for the next five seasons.

This year, the Club, alongside Chesterfield Borough Council, has also moved to bring live music to the venue, with the hugely popular Evening of Queen event taking place earlier this month attracting a new audience to Queen’s Park.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chairman, Ian Morgan, said: “As a Club, we are committed to continuing our longstanding relationship with Queen’s Park and Chesterfield Borough Council.

“The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket always brings together a huge number of people from across the region and Queen’s Park is a much-loved and popular venue, making the fixtures a highlight of the season for supporters from across the county.

“After an extremely challenging time for the Club and its supporters, I was delighted to see Derbyshire return to Queen’s Park yesterday in front of our largest crowd of the summer and I look forward to seeing the Festival continue to progress over the coming seasons.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to agree a new deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club. It is great news for the town and borough that our residents will be able to see the stars of first-class county cricket perform at Queen’s Park cricket ground for another five years.

“The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is one of the standout weeks in our annual events calendar. We look forward to welcoming both home and away supporters to our town and to the economic boost that their attendance brings to our hoteliers, bars, restaurants, and retailers.

“The new five-year deal would not be possible without the close involvement of our friends at Chesterfield Cricket Club. I thank them for their support, and we look forward to working with both Clubs on the planned outreach programme with local primary and secondary schools. It is important that we use the Festival to also encourage local boys and girls to engage in a positive and fun way with the wonderful game of cricket”.

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

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

Enjoy a picnic in Chesterfield with local food and drink

A picnic in Chesterfield doesn’t have to be ordinary – not with the range of local produce the town has on its doorstep. With great weather forecast and so many wonderful spots to enjoy a picnic in Chesterfield, this summer could be the tastiest yet.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or are a lover of savoury snacks, there’s something to fill every picnic hamper from Chesterfield’s independent food and drink producers. And we’ve selected a few products for you to sample.

What are you waiting for? Grab your favourite picnic blanket and enjoy some of this delicious produce which is available on your doorstep.

Crooked Pickle

Shortlisted in this year’s Food and Drink Producer category in the Love Chesterfield Awards, Crooked Pickle’s popular Bread and Butter pickles feature crunchy pickled cucumber and onion in a sweet and fragrant vinegar. It’s perfect with a cheese sandwich.

Former baker and beer brewer, Felix Mendelson established the business in 2018 after discovering a gap in the market for ‘inventive and tasty pickled vegetables’. He commented: “I’ve always dabbled in food. The business has gone from strength to strength and I am getting busier.”

Bread and Butter pickles – £4.95

Crooked Pickle products can be bought at Society Cafe and online at www.crookedpickle.co. Free local delivery is also available.

Teresa Lambarelli

Winner of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award three times, Teresa is hoping to make it a fourth win at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

During lockdown, Teresa has also developed a new line – Stir Naked, which incorporates collagen in its ingredients. She said: “I have developed a powdered form of my sauce with added collagen. You simply add water and it tastes just like one of my pasta sauces. It can also be enjoyed as a soup. It’s a meal working from within.”

Teresa’s range of salad dressings and pastes are perfect for a picnic. Stir her Pomodoro Sundried Tomato Paste into pasta and eat cold. Or simply enjoy with cheese and crackers.

Pomodoro Sundried Tomato Paste – £3.75

Available to order online at www.teresalambarelli.co.uk or instore at 7 Chatsworth Road.

Granny Mary’s

 A former winner of the Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award in 2015, Granny Mary’s is now stocked in 14 Co-op stores, Morrison’s in Chesterfield and a myriad of independent food stores.

Sales Director Craig Maxwell explained: “Given the current shortage of staff in the hospitality industry because of Covid, our range of pates and spreads are really popular with chefs. They know they are good quality products which they can buy in and serve quickly and easily to diners.”

Enjoy Granny Mary’s’ range of six flavours, which include Potted Beef, Beef and Tomato, Chicken Liver Pate, Duck and Orange, Chicken Garlic & Thyme, Ham Hock and Parsley, and Pulled Pork on crackers or crusty bread in a picnic.

Find out where to buy here: https://grannymarys.co.uk/where-to-buy/

Cup and Saucer

Cup and Saucer now has a place on the high street. The business opened its first shop in Clay Cross in January 2020 just two months before lockdown hit. Despite the setback, the business has gone from strength to strength. And It’s now teamed up with other local producers including Homemade by Haslemere, creating hampers and an online gift delivery service.

Gail Hannan, Owner of Cup & Saucer commented: “Lockdown was an opportunity for me to work with other local producers. The business went crazy and I was busier than I have ever been – it was full on.”

What picnic would be complete without a flask of tea – hot or cold. Try Cup and Saucer’s ‘The Pennine Picnic’, a tropical fruity flavoured tisane, served cold over ice for a refreshing cuppa on a hot day.

The Pennine Picnic – £2.85 for 30g.

Buy in store or online at https://www.cupandsauceronline.co.uk/shop

Homemade at Haslemere

A fig tree inspired former Parkside School Deputy Headteacher, Rachel Hammond to establish Homemade at Haslemere in 2018. She said: “I have a fig tree in my garden, which produces loads of figs and I didn’t know what to do with them, so I made jam and everyone loved it – the business went from there. Now most of the jams and chutneys I make are made from produce which comes from within five miles of where I live.”

All products are seasonal, so be quick. Once they’re gone, they’re gone until next year. You can, however order Afternoon tea for Two all year round, which is packed full of homemade sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Price: Afternoon Tea for Two – £25.00

Order at www.facebook.com/Homemade-at-Haslemere

Salute

Chesterfield’s Salute uses local distillery and soft drinks companies to create personalised drinks hampers. For a larger garden gathering, why not hire the Horsebox or Pop-Up Bar and let Salute serve you some summer sparkle!

Price: Hampers from £17.99

Visit www.salute-prosecco.com/hampers to purchase.

Northern Tea Merchants 

Northern Tea Merchants’ Hibiscus Flowers tea is a delightful infusion, served hot or cold. It is often common to serve this tea with a little sugar as some people can find it a little tart, similar to cranberry.

Or why not try the finest quality, small leaf ‘breakfast tea’, Gourmet Classic. Due to its excellent quality constituent teas, the Gourmet Classic has a delicious aroma, a bright and coppery liquor and excellent flavour.

Prices: from £2.19

Available to purchase online from https://www.northern-tea.com/shop/ or instore from Northern Tea Merchants on Chatsworth Road. Or give the shop a call on 01246 232 600 to arrange free local delivery.

The Cheese Factor 

What’s a picnic without a good quality, locally sourced cheeseboard? Pair these tasty cheeses with crackers and biscuits for the perfect way to finish your feast.

Price: Large cheeseboard (8 cheeses) – £16.00

Click and collect from the store next to the market hall: Cheeseboards – The Cheese Factor (cheese-factor.myshopify.com)

Derbyshire Distillery

Fancying a tipple with your picnic? Enjoy summer in a glass with this Passion Fruit Gin from Chesterfield’s very own Derbyshire Distillery.

Price: £29.95

Order online today: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/product/derbyshire-passion-fruit/

Liza Bakes

With a range of afternoon teas, cakes and bakes, you’re sure to find what you need at Liza Bakes. The Posh Ploughman’s lunch consists of Strong Cheddar finger, Red Leicester cheese finger, Scotch egg, bite size pork pie, rolled ham slice, quiche, home-made tear and share bread, pickle, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, celery and fruit skewer.

Price: £12.00

Delivery is available, 2 days’ notice required. Purchase online at https://lizabakes.co.uk/product-category/shop/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tickled Trout provides hundreds of lunches for students at Chesterfield summer school

North-Derbyshire restaurant, The Tickled Trout has provided 140 lunches for summer school pupils at Outwood Academy in Newbold.

The initiative is the latest in a line of kind community efforts from the Barlow-based gastro-pub, after staff provided doctors, nurses and carers at Chesterfield Royal Hospital with meals during the height of the covid-19 pandemic.

Chris Mapp, who owns and manages the restaurant said: “We just want to do our bit to help people in this really troubling time. I hope that by providing these lunches, it can help the students get a bit more out of the summer School.

“Having been in the academy, I am aware of the culinary talent of the students already there. It really is exceptional. Some of the dishes were brilliant, especially Mia’s dessert which I would quite happily serve in the restaurant. I am excited to work with the students more and see them progress.”

Chris also runs an education programme with the school through his restaurant, to help students improve their skills, and to identify students who could become future apprentices and embark on a career in the sector.

Rob Southern, Head of School at Outwood Academy Newbold, said: “We are delighted and grateful that Chris has stepped up to do this for us. Everyone is aware of how difficult it has been the last 18 months, and it really is a time for people to come together and work together.

“At Outwood, we believe in working with our community to the benefit of our students and this partnership is the perfect example of this. Working closely with someone as talented as Chris will be the opportunity of a lifetime for some of our students.”

The Tickled Trout supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield FC launches new radio station ahead of the new season

An exciting new online sports radio station – 1866 Sport – is being launched by the Spireites in time for the start of the new National League season!

Available to listen to online, via a smart speaker or an app, 1866 Sport will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing music, sports news/features and match coverage.

There will be exclusive commentary on all Chesterfield matches, with commentator Phil Tooley joined by expert summarisers. The unrivalled matchday coverage will also include pre-match and post-match interviews.

Commenting on the new station, Spireites chief executive John Croot said: “We are always looking at ways we can engage with our supporters and the launch of 1866 Sport will provide Spireites with free access to audio content.

“The station will also create a vital source of revenue for the club and a number of companies have already been signed up to provide valuable sponsorship and advertising.

“A lot of work has been put in to develop this innovative concept and with two senior management figures at the club, Bridget Ball and Nick Johnson, who both have many years’ experience in radio and broadcasting, we believe 1866 Sport has great potential.”

1866 Sport will launch on Saturday, August 21 when the Spireites kick-off the new season at Aldershot Town.

The club is also currently running ‘Camp Inspire,’ which is designed to help children and young people, many of whom are disadvantaged or vulnerable.

With funding from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, every child is provided with a free, hot, nutritious lunch.

Camp Inspire is this year based at Parkside Community School, running from Monday to Thursday (10am to 2pm), until Thursday, August 26.

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s head of education and wellbeing, said: “We received so much positive feedback following the inaugural Camp Inspire and we are determined to make a similar impact this year.

“With over 200 attending daily, I understand that we are going to be the largest HAF provider in the East Midlands, catering for the most vulnerable children in our community, which is fantastic.”

All the details about Camp Inspire can be found via www.spireitestrust.org.uk.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Step up for a selfie to help celebrate the people and places of Chesterfield

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to step up for a selfie – and become part of the town’s latest piece of public art – as part of an innovative project to celebrate the people and places of the borough.

More than a thousand local people are being offered the chance to have their face featured in a new ‘Love Chesterfield Mosaic’ which is being created by Chesterfield Borough Council to celebrate the growth and prosperity of the town.

The quirky project will create a striking piece of artwork to go on display in the town’s flagship Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – one of many significant developments currently underway as part of the borough’s £1 billion growth programme.

Working in partnership with Chesterfield-based digital marketing company, noonah, the council will run a virtual photo booth throughout August where people can submit their photographs or selfies online. They will be able to choose from a selection of local landmarks to feature as their background.

There will also be two in-person events where people can get their snaps taken in the noonah Virtual Photobooth, for inclusion in the artwork.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, the council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is a thriving borough with a lot to look forward to, and we want to celebrate our people and our places, as part of this creative project.

“We’re asking people to submit a photo online or join us at one of our events happening in the town centre to have a photo taken, for an opportunity to be part of our Love Chesterfield Mosaic.

“In total, 1,200 individual images will be combined to make a striking collage which will be displayed in the entrance of our new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.”

People are invited to take part in the in-person events on the days below, when they can have their photograph taken and printed out for them to place on the mosaic.

  • Tuesday 10 August – from 9am to 5pm in Market Square next to McDonalds
  • Saturday 14 August – from 9am to 5pm in New Square

Alternatively, people can visit the Love Chesterfield Mosaic Virtual Photo Booth to upload their own photo or scan a QR code which will be displayed in shop windows around the town centre.

Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The new Enterprise Centre is central to the council’s commitment to supporting local businesses to prosper and flourish and will help to bring more skills and jobs to the borough.

“It’s at the heart of our Northern Gateway project which also includes improvements to this route into the town centre, with work currently underway on Elder Way.

“Our Love Chesterfield Mosaic will really capture and celebrate the spirit of our borough, and we’re looking forward to seeing the end result!”

People must be over 18 or have the permission of a parent or guardian, to submit a photo for inclusion. Images will be moderated before they are used as part of the project, to ensure all content is appropriate. Images must be submitted by 31 August 2021.

See the Love Chesterfield Mosaic take shape at https://mosaic.virtual-tech.io/lovechesterfield/

The project is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign which is being run by the council and Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to celebrate all that is great about the borough. Find out more.

The new Enterprise Centre will include 32 high quality office suites in a range of sizes to accommodate new and growing businesses. For more information about the project visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/

Twitter - People

Twitter – People

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Junction Arts links up with Hardwick Hall to deliver ‘This Girl Codes Curiosity Academy’

Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts has linked up with the historic North Derbyshire landmark, Hardwick Hall to deliver a project aimed at inspiring and empowering local people.

‘This Girl Codes’ is a Junction Arts project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and The People’s Postcode Lottery. The project uniquely uses arts, science, technology and maths to give new interpretation and relevance to the rich heritage in and around Chesterfield.

This Girl Codes aims to empower and inspire people of all ages and genders through the stories of strong women in history such as Bess of Hardwick and Florence Nightingale. Taking inspiration from their work, lives and homes to inspire creative outcomes that build science, maths and technology skills in playful ways.

It is an aim of This Girl Codes to work with different heritage partners each year; in 2020 the project worked with English Heritage at Bolsover Castle. Junction Arts have built a good relationship with Hardwick Hall through working together on previous projects.

The partnership this year has drawn on the themes of light, data science and conservation. Hardwick Hall has a significant textiles collection to conserve including The Noble Women embroideries which are around 450 years old. Both organisations wanted to convey the importance of this work to the public and how The National Trust monitor and control light within a property locally known as ‘Hardwick Hall more glass than wall’.

During 2021 Junction Arts have worked with home educators, Tibshelf School, Rhubarb Farm, Forest schools, families and individuals collecting light data, creating ‘Data Selfies’ and more.

In July they held the first ‘Curiosity Academy’ at Hardwick Hall for participants to delve deeper into the history on site and explore steganography – the practice of concealing messages. Over three days they welcomed over 40 people to the Academy, from ages 6-83! Lead artist Cora Glasser and technologist Claire Garside guided participants through creative activities inspired by hidden messages in Tudor times right up to NASA’s Mars Rover landing.

The Curiosity Academy encouraged all ages to be inquisitive, think creatively and decode messages in historic and contemporary images. All participants experienced Hardwick Hall in new and exciting ways, learned about binary code and how to create images using UV light.

Participants said “The history is really playful, relevant and inspiring. The same code can be translated so many ways. The behind the scenes tour and insider information has made us want to plan another visit.”

The project has been working towards a co-created, collaborative art piece which will be designed and made by artist Cora Glasser using participant’s artwork. The piece will be exhibited at Hardwick Hall later this year.

Jemma Burton, Project Co-ordinator said: “We’re so pleased to be engaging a diverse range of ages and backgrounds with this fantastic heritage and bringing the stories to new audiences in exciting ways.”

This Girl Codes will continue into 2022 working with a new heritage partner and there will be another Curiosity Academy next summer. Anyone can get involved with the project including schools and community groups. If you are interested in hearing about the upcoming activities email info@junctionarts.org to be added to the mailing list or call 01246 209219.

Junction Arts’ work across Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield supports communities, improves well-being and provides access and opportunity in the arts for everyone.

The group also supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

All Systems Go for The Peak District Highland Games 2021

Matlock Farm Park has confirmed the return of the popular Strongman event, The Peak District Highland Games on Sunday, 29th August.

Now in its fifth year, this key Peak District event will see a team of some of the country’s strongest men take part in a schedule of six events throughout the day, including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, the Giant Stone Throw, Log Press and the Tossing of the Caber.

This year sees the introduction of women competing in their own Strongwoman event on the day.

Man Beast Strongman Events co-founder Andy Picken said: “It’s great for the guys to be back doing what they do best, bringing the strongman sport to audiences to witness some awesome feats of strength. With women competing this year too, they can demonstrate the same dedication to training and some amazing strength skills, as well as highlighting the diversity in rapidly growing strength sport.”

Abi Bradbury, General Manager of Matlock Farm Park, added: “We’re thrilled to once again be hosting this fantastic outdoor event, which has always been so popular with visitors of all ages. Along with watching the strongman and strongwoman events, and even having the chance to take part in a Tug of War, there’s so much else to do around the farm park, including small animal handling, wallaby encounters and children’s pony rides. We have great play areas and Kimmo the children’s entertainer is with us throughout the day too.”

The day will begin with a Scottish Piper band playing to lead the competitors into the arena, with representatives from the region’s official tourism board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire officially opening the event. On site there will also be food and craft stalls, Thornbridge beer tent and a gin garden.

The athletes themselves come from all over the country holding local, regional and even some world records, with a variety of work backgrounds from tradesmen to a train driver!

Andy Picken, who is also Master of Ceremonies on the big day, explained how the athletes feel about a return to competing: “It’s been such a hard time for the Nation and Lockdown has provided extra challenges to the athletes who have had limited home equipment to maintain strength. But with restrictions easing, they’ve been hitting the gym again with a renewed fire in the belly and they’re feeling very excited at the prospect of The Peak District Highland Games. Some have even got their own Caber to train with!

“With some new faces in the line-up, we have shaken up the competitors which gives some hungry fringe contenders a chance to shine and take on the established athletes. It’s certainly going to be a day to remember to those spectating!”

Tickets on sale now – Find out more about the event here.

Matlock Farm Park supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

People encouraged to have their say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Market traders, town centre retailers, residents and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on ambitious plans to revitalise Chesterfield Market by taking part in a public consultation which launches today (Monday 2 August).

Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking people’s views on plans to create a vibrant open-air shopping experience with new event space, seating, and landscaping – to help shape the council’s final proposals for Chesterfield Market.

The draft Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Vision Master Plan aims to ensure the market area remains a modern shopping destination, despite the challenges posed by a rise in online shopping and, more recently, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “We recognise the need to invest now to make sure Chesterfield town centre remains modern, vibrant, and relevant – and our market is a key part of that.

“As the heart and soul of our town centre, we must do all we can to make sure that Chesterfield Market continues to prosper in today’s world, as a destination of choice for traders, residents, and visitors.

“These ambitious plans lay down a new vision for Chesterfield Market and are based on what market traders, town centre retailers and residents told us they wanted to see when we asked for initial feedback on the project.

“We are now encouraging even more people to have their say on the plans in a public consultation, which runs for six weeks.”

The draft Master Plan proposals were approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 20 July and will be out for public consultation from today through 12 September 2021, with initial work set to begin on site early 2022.

Key proposals include:

  • The re-siting of market stalls currently located in New Square and on Low Pavement into a single market ground of 100 stalls in Market Square – creating a more defined and vibrant market area. The area will also include a flexible events space.
  • The re-modelling of New Square as a flexible events space – able to hold large-scale events, and accommodate temporary installations and active edges linked to local bars and restaurants
  • Upgrades to the paving to improve the quality while also making it more accessible for people dependent on wheelchairs, pushchairs, or mobility aids
  • The introduction of new seating areas and attractive landscaping to create spaces where people want to sit and chat whilst taking in what the town has to offer
  • The planting of more trees to increase biodiversity and improve the street scene
  • Brighter and more vibrant stall coverings and flexible stalls supplied with water, better lighting, and digital connectivity

The council’s plans have also been developed with due regard for the Conservation Area including giving greater prominence to the Market Hall and the town pump, which is currently obscured, by opening-up the public space in these areas.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We all treasure Chesterfield’s historic market and I know many people will have views on how they want to it to look and feel in the future, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take a look at the plans and tell us what they think. Their views will be used to shape the final proposals.”

Due to the ongoing uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, this second phase of consultation will be carried out via a virtual exhibition – available to view at https://market-consultation.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Exhibition documents will be available to view at Chesterfield Market Hall and interested parties can also obtain paper copies of the questionnaire from the council’s Customer Services Centre, just off New Square.

Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

The council has already secured £1.15m funding through the Derbyshire Business Rates Pilot and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Further funding for later phases is being sought as part of a bid that the council has recently submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Terms and conditions for the prize draw can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/terms-and-conditions

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

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