Across Chesterfield, businesses are stepping up to support vital causes and breathe new life into community initiatives.

Whether it’s backing essential fundraising efforts, repurposing resources for social good, or creating welcoming spaces for those in need, our latest roundup of news stories reflect a shared commitment to making a difference in our town.

Banner Jones backs Ashgate Hospice’s 10th Sparkle Night Walk as medal sponsors

Chesterfield-based law firm Banner Jones has reaffirmed its commitment to the local community by not only taking part in Ashgate Hospice’s flagship fundraising event – the Sparkle Night Walk – but also becoming the official medal sponsor for 2025.

Taking place on Saturday 28th June, this year’s walk marks the 10th anniversary of the much-loved event, which sees thousands of people take to the streets of Chesterfield in glitter and pink to raise funds for end-of-life care across North Derbyshire.

Fourteen members of the Banner Jones team will be among the walkers this year – making it the fifth year the firm has participated in the event. Last year, staff raised over £1,500 for Ashgate Hospice.

In addition to donning their face glitter once again, the firm has taken its support a step further by becoming one of the 2025 Sparkle Night Walk sponsors, helping to fund the event and increase awareness of the hospice’s vital services.

Ashgate Hospice provides free, compassionate care for adults in North Derbyshire living with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer and neurological diseases. Its specialist teams offer palliative and end of life care, helping people to stay comfortable and well-supported. Support also extends to those important to the person being cared for, offering both practical help and emotional support.

Lynne Pope, Marketing Manager at Banner Jones, said: “We are proud to support Ashgate Hospice by sponsoring the Sparkle Night Walk medals. It’s a cause that means a lot to many of us, and it’s inspiring to see the community come together to support the incredible work done by Ashgate Hospice.

“Having visited the hospice, I’ve seen firsthand the compassion and care given to patients and their families. We’re proud to be part of something that truly makes a difference.”

Anna Jinks, Partnerships Development Officer at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Banner Jones for not only signing up but also sponsoring our Sparkle Night Walk this year.

“The team’s incredible generosity will help fund care for the people who will need us now and in the future.

“We’re looking forward to bringing all our amazing supporters together and doing something amazing to raise funds towards vital palliative and end of life care in our region!”

Up to 3,500 walkers will take on the Sparkle Night Walk this year to remember someone important to them and help fund vital palliative and end of life care for people in North Derbyshire.

Participants can sign up for the event, which starts at Chesterfield Football Club, for £20 per person.

Find out more about the Sparkle Night Walk and how you can get involved or sign up. To find out more email events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or call 01246 567250.

Market stalls get a new lease of life

Chesterfield’s old market stalls have been given a new lease of life after being donated to a local community group.

Chesterfield Borough Council donated the old timber used in the market stalls to local community group Grassmoor & Hasland Men in Sheds who have been using the wood to create items like coat hooks, bottle openers and other home items.

They will be bringing a selection of their products to sell at Chesterfield Market on Monday 5 May, with funds raised being invested back into the community group to allow them to continue to provide opportunities for local people to meet, learn new skills and make friends.

Rob Whitehead, Secretary at Grassmoor & Hasland Men in Sheds, said: “We are creating a specific range of products made from the stall wood kindly donated by Chesterfield Borough Council. And thank you to Mark at Finney’s Wood Finishes for his expert advice on maintaining the original character of the wood with a sympathetic colour match which retains the history of the wood finish.

“The majority of things we make to sell are made from recycled or reclaimed timber, but they are all top-quality handmade products. We meet twice a week to share skills, create items and it’s a great way to make new friends.”

Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where people can enjoy practical hobbies. They’re about making friends, learning and sharing skills and are a place where everyone is welcome.

Grassmoor & Hasland Men in Sheds meet twice a week to learn new skills and share their passion for making things. The group is open to everyone and includes both male and female members.  They work with several local charities and community groups on a wide range of projects.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining Grassmoor & Hasland Men in Sheds contact Rob by emailing: robuk@ymail.com

Northern Tea Merchants gives away 4000 tea bags for VE Day 80th Anniversary celebrations

In a generous gesture to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the 8 May 2025, Northern Tea Merchants is giving away 4,000 tea bags to community groups throughout Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The Chatsworth Road-based tea blender and coffee roaster hopes that their high-quality tea will play a significant morale-boosting role in the celebrations, just as it did during World War II.

Community groups participating in the VE Day celebrations can receive a share of the tea bags by simply getting in touch with Northern Tea Merchants.

This generous donation supports the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) ‘The Great British Tea Party,’ which encourages volunteers to celebrate over tea while fundraising for the UK’s largest Armed Forces charity. The RBL provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, including financial assistance, rehabilitation, and advocacy.

James Pogson, Director of Northern Tea Merchants, explained: “It’s wonderful that we are able to support such a momentous date in world history with our tea. It is very apt. During World War II, tea became a symbol of national unity and a source of comfort and morale for British people, both on the front lines and at home. I hope, that with our donation, we can help this be the case 80 years later across Chesterfield and Derbyshire.”

Tea played a crucial role during WWII, with mobile tea canteens following troops and tea being a welcome reminder of home. Recognising its importance, one historian summarised tea as ‘Britain’s secret weapon’ in the war, and Winston Churchill famously called tea more important than ammunition, ensuring all sailors had unlimited tea.

Fundraisers who would like to receive a share of Northern Tea Merchants’ tea bags for their VE Day celebration event, simply need to complete the form here or visit https://tinyurl.com/5hajn526, stating the event, date, location, and number of teabags required.

“We want to help as many community events fundraising for the Royal British Legion as possible, so please do get in touch,” urged James.

Choice Utility Launches ‘Super Projects’ Series to Spotlight Global Energy Innovations

Choice Utility, a leading independent energy consultancy, is set to launch a new media initiative titled Super Projects, aimed at showcasing major energy and infrastructure developments around the world. With a strong focus on transformative energy projects, the series seeks to highlight innovations that will play a significant role in shaping the future of global energy consumption.

“This is our passion project,” said Dan Molloy, Director of Choice Utility. “We want to shine a light on the incredible progress being made in the energy sector—not just in terms of scale, but in terms of sustainability and innovation. While energy projects will be the main focus, we’ll also feature construction efforts that hold significant public interest.”

The first two episodes of Super Projects will spotlight LNG Canada, a major liquefied natural gas project on the Canadian West Coast, and Hinkley Point C, the UK’s first new nuclear power station in over two decades. Both projects are expected to be pivotal in their respective regions’ energy strategies.

In addition to major international developments, Choice Utility is calling on local businesses involved in construction or redevelopment projects to get in touch—particularly those that have incorporated sustainable energy solutions like solar power, electric alternatives, or other low-energy innovations.

“We’re especially interested in stories that show how businesses are taking energy consumption seriously during the building process,” Molloy added. “This could be anything from switching to electric over gas, or integrating renewable technologies from the ground up.”

Local companies that wish to be featured or contribute to the Super Projects series are encouraged to reach out directly. Dan Molloy can be contacted by phone at 01246 903901 or via email at dan@choiceutility.co.uk

Veteran Community Hub at Vicar Lane receives new funding

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is delighted that funding has been provided by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust to support the Veteran Community Hub (VCH).

Thanks to funding secured through to March 2026, the VCH will continue to operate from its home at Vicar Lane, ensuring ongoing support and services for the community.

Since opening for a trial period from October 2024 until December 2024, the VCH proved to be very popular and was embraced by the Veteran community. Since opening the doors over 500 veterans and their family members have accessed the site.

The visits have ranged from just wanting a cuppa and a chat to referrals into more specialised treatments such as alcohol addiction, loneliness, and isolation to recovery activities. Support has also been provided including pension enquiries, welfare support, housing, signposting.

Veterans face an array of challenges from deployment to resettlement; the risk of injury, being away from loved ones and upon returning from serving, adjustment back into civilian life. Although thousands of veterans need assistance with the issues they may face, many do not receive treatment. If someone is struggling, then they should call in at the Veteran Community Hub.

Jane Lawther, Stand To Derbyshire Veteran Community Services said, “It’s fantastic that we have this opportunity to be in the town centre of Chesterfield and we are thrilled to be able to continue to help veterans.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We are delighted that we have been able to assist Stand To in having a high street location for the Stand To Veterans Hub here at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. This is something I am passionate about not only as a veteran but also as a member of the Board of Trustees for DAAS and Stand To. We hope that our local veterans will continue to come and visit; whether for a chat or specific support.”

United Cast Bar brings manufacturing to life at Chesterfield school

Year six pupils at Walton Holymoorside Primary school were recently treated to an engaging workshop from Chesterfield manufacturer, United Cast Bar.

Part of the school’s enrichment plan, the youngsters learnt about the workings of a foundry and had a go at smelting, pouring and casting their own stars.

These have been taken away for polishing and will be returned for each of the students that took part to keep.

Find out more about how Chesterfield manufacturers are supporting the next generation of skills and talent: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made-in-chesterfield/

Volunteers needed for 2025 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

The organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K are seeking volunteer marshals for this year’s event at Queen’s Park on May 11th. The annual running event continues its tradition of uniting the community while supporting local charities and promoting wellbeing.

Volunteer marshals play an important role in ensuring the event’s success, being stationed at various points around the course to assist and support participants, residents, and spectators.

John Timms, Event Director, said: “We are reaching out to our community for volunteers to support the runners, cheer them on, and ensure their safe journey around the course. The 10K truly is a community event, and volunteering is a great way to get involved without running the race itself.

“Whether you have family and friends participating or simply want to be part of this inspiring day, becoming a marshal offers an excellent opportunity to support charities that provide invaluable services to our community.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director at Redbrik, said: “Over the years, we’ve been proud to provide volunteers for this fantastic community event that continues to put Chesterfield on the map. Our volunteers always enjoy contributing to the event, and we’re excited to be part of it once again in May.”

Now in its fourth year, the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K will showcase Chesterfield’s landmarks, including the famous Crooked Spire, and will feature service and cheer stations along the route. Since 2017, more than £250,000 has been raised for various charities and good causes by the 10K races Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Interested volunteers must be 18 or older. For more information about volunteering opportunities, please contact the event organisers at info@chesterfield10k.com.

To sign up for the upcoming race in May, visit: https://www.myraceentries.co.uk/RC10K/EntryForm.aspx